Page 25 of Cry Havoc

“I ordered you the Diamondback. It’s their signature cocktail.”

“Brilliant,” Allister said, raising his drink to touch her glass.

“A night to remember,” she said.

“With you, they all are.”

That was pretty smooth.

Named for the local aquatic turtle and official state reptile of Maryland, the potent drink consisted of rye whiskey, applejack, and yellow Chartreuse. The concoction was then shaken with ice, strained over ice, and served in a rocks glass. Allister particularly liked the mint garnish.

A nice touch.

“We can get you a fresh one,” Clara said. “My company is paying. I ordered it to keep the wolves at bay.”

“I am so sorry I was late. Emergency at work, you see.”

“They wouldn’t survive without you,” she said, never taking her eyes off his, making him feel like the only person in the room.

Her face was a study in symmetry with high cheekbones, fair skin, light blue almost gray eyes, thin nose, statuesque jawline, and exquisite chin. Allister whispered a silent prayer thanking the heavens that she was attracted to the world of computer programming and not modeling. He caught a glint of auburn in her normally dark brown hair. If she had applied any makeup, he couldn’t tell. She certainly didn’t need any.

“It is so good to see you, Des. I’ve missed you.”

That accent. Captivating.

“I’ve missed you too.”

“Do you have time for dinner tonight?” she asked.

Allister looked at his watch and shook his head.

“Have to get home? I understand,” she said. “This is America. In Europe, our women are much more relaxed and accepting of such things.There is a tacit understanding that relationships are open. We are sensual creatures. Having a mistress is natural and accepted in France.”

“Different than Germany?” he asked, taking another sip of the strong cocktail.

“Oh yes, much less stodgy. Dating begins with sex rather than the complicated rituals in most of the West. We get right down to it.” She smiled. “That way we know from the outset if dating is worth the investment of time.”

“Makes sense to me,” Allister said.

“A spouse is the person you share a home and children with while the mistress is who you share your passion with. One life. No regrets. An outlet for passion and sex means a man does not have to try and force carnal desires into a relationship at home. Life is all about expectations. It’s very natural if you think about it.”

Allister knew she was saying these things to assuage the guilt he felt over Brenda. If Clara didn’t feel guilty and it was normal in France, then why should he?

“To only one life,” he said, raising his drink and finishing it off, eager to get upstairs. “No regrets.”

“No regrets,” she repeated with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

Allister could hardly contain himself. The alcohol was having the desired effect.

“I brought you a present,” he said, tapping his briefcase at the base of his chair with his foot.

“I hope it’s not flowers or diamonds,” Clara said.

“It’s what you asked for. From my work.”

“Even sexier,” she replied, still keeping her eyes on his, not even glancing at the attaché case.

“Another drink?” she asked, noting his empty glass.