Chapter 2

Actor sat leaning on one arm of the chair, smoking his pipe. They had gone through several gowns already, but none had been what he was looking for. Chris, sitting on a chair beside him, was getting bored.

Terry stepped out from the dressing area with a small smile on her face. She was wearing a cream colored gown with cloth straps, a soft full bodice with deep 'V' neckline `that gathered under her breasts to meet a tight sheath over her ribs to the waist. From the waist down, the material fell in soft folds that barely met the fabric rationing of the time. The effect was an hourglass look that accentuated her breasts and tight waist and gave her the illusion of added height. She modeled it for the two.

Actor straightened with undisguised interest. He studied her critically and motioned for her to turn again. "Scheiße," he heard in a whisper from beside him. Actor nodded with an appreciative smile. "We will take this one," he told the saleswoman.

Terry smiled openly now. She went back into the dressing room. The sales tag was hanging from under her arm. She pulled it around, looked at the price and choked.

Christine looked at the Italian and said, "I have to admit, you do know how to dress her."

Actor gave her a crooked smile of amusement.

"Crystal? Conference." Terry's voice came from the dressing room.

Chris got up with a frown. Something was wrong. She got up and went to her sister. "What's the matter?"

Terry held the price tag out. Chris looked at it. Her eyes widened and she almost choked.

"Do you have that kind of money?"

Terry shook her head. "I'm flat on my ass broke. I paid for the hotel room with Craig's money. What's left might buy dinner and a couple drinks. You got any money?"

"Not that kind. Craig gave us a hundred extra. I've never seen a dress that cost that much." Chris turned the tag over and sputtered. "Jeez, Terry, it's a Christian Dior."

Terry swallowed hard. "Hasn't that man ever heard of Sears and Roebuck?"

"Obviously not." Chris looked at her sister. "What are you going to do?"

Terry looked longingly into the mirror and sighed. "Put it back and have a talk with Actor about finding something within our price range."

Chris and Terry stepped out from behind the curtain. Terry handed the gown to the saleslady. "Thank you, it's a lovely dress, but we can't take it."

Actor frowned, "Is something wrong with the dress?"

Terry was trying to figure out how to say this discretely. The saleslady looked between the young woman and the man who was obviously trying to turn her into his mistress and moved away.

"Oh, there's nothing wrong with the dress. I think it's wonderful. I just . . . uh . . ." She looked at Chris for help.

Chris was having difficulty also. Actor looked at her in noncomprehension. She gave a tight smile. "Um . . . it's obvious that you are used to moving in . . . um . . . different social circles than we are."

Actor suddenly saw the issue. "You looked at the price tag?"

Terry nodded. "Actor, our everyday clothes at home come from the general store in Springfield. Population one hundred, give or take, including cows. Our good clothes come from Sears or Monkey Ward."

Actor took in the slightly embarrassed expression on the girls' faces. Gently he said, "Teresa, it was never intended for you to pay for the gown. I am aware the Lieutenant does not have that financial backing. I, on the other hand, have a very comfortable income." He called to the saleswoman, "We will take the gown and the sandals and clutch."

The sisters exchanged looks of concern. They hated taking charity, but the gown was a necessity in the work Terry would be doing.

"Craig is going to have a small heifer over this one," Chris whispered.

"No," whispered Terry back, "Craig is going to have a full grown steer."

The ride back to the hotel was a quiet one. The sisters were feeling as though things were getting out of hand. Christine had never moved in the social circles that Actor obviously was used to. At least Terry had moved in the military circles of Washington and Virginia. Even that was not enough. Actor was a good deal younger than most of the war horse generals that Terry had to party with. Even Uncle was more than ten years older than the con man.

The two girls took the bags of clothing into the bedroom of the suite Actor had gotten. Chris didn't think she could take a whole evening of the tension that was there between her sister and the Italian.

"Terry, you feel safe if I leave you tonight?"

"Got a hot date?" asked her sister.

"I think I can get one with Tinker. I'll stay until you get more comfortable with him."

Terry looked at the younger girl with an unhappy grin. "That may be never."

Teresa?" called Actor.

Terry went to the door. She was dreading this. She looked at Actor with an unsmiling face. Actor had a feeling this was not going to be any easier than at the mansion. The girl looked more like she was getting ready for a firing squad than a few hours of practicing a pleasurable pastime. He held a hand out to her. She reluctantly moved forward. Christine stayed in the bedroom to use the phone.

Actor took Terry's hand in his and raised it up to kiss her knuckles. She watched him warily. His forefinger pushed the hair back behind her ear. She tensed up as he leaned down to place a light kiss on her forehead. At least she didn't bolt. He moved behind her, hands lightly on her upper arms, touching but not restraining. Bending his head again, he kissed her temple. She didn't move. He started working his way down her cheek to her jaw with soft nuzzling. Merde! He wished she would relax. She was making him feel tense.

Chris stepped silently into the room and watched Terry and Actor from behind. She could tell the con man was trying very hard to be patient. Chris had seen Craig standing at sharp attention be less stiff than her sister was. It was going to be a long evening.

Actor slipped a little more to Terry's side. He delicately supported her chin and moved in. His lips barely touched hers, and she jerked away. Actor closed his eyes and schooled his features to not reflect his frustration.

"What is it, Teresa?" he asked. "Do you not know how? Do you not like to kiss? Or do you just not like me?"

"I know how. I generally like it. And I don't dislike you." She shook her head. "I don't know why. . . I just can't."

Actor sighed and went to sit on the arm of the sofa. Terry's mouth pursed together and she looked at the floor. Christine looked from Actor's back to her sister's pursed lip face. "What the hell is the matter with you?" she hissed to her sister. "You are keeping me from my date. All you have to do is kiss him. What's so hard about that?"

"I don't know. I just can't," whispered Terry back. "It doesn't feel right."

"Oh for heaven's sake," said Chris in frustration. She turned her back and walked up to Actor, tapping him with a finger on the arm. He turned his head to look at her questioningly. She reached a hand up to his cheek and kissed him. He turned into her and kissed her back. Chris pulled back with raised eyebrows in appreciation. "Damn, my sister's an idiot."

Actor gave a short laugh in frustration. The older girl wouldn't touch him and the one who was too young had no qualms.

Christine went back to Terry. "See, piece of cake," she said quietly. "And is he ever a good kisser."

"Christine!"

Chris grabbed her sister's arm and jerked the older girl forward. Chris gave Terry a hard shove. "Will you just do it, so I can get out of here?"

Terry looked at Actor and shrugged. The Italian stayed sitting, hoping that by not towering over her he would not intimidate her so much. Terry swallowed and approached him. She rested both hands on his shoulders and with a slight hesitation, moved in to his kiss. She was still a little stiff and unresponsive. She pulled back, but did not remove her hands and looked at him speculatively. He eyed her back then moved in to kiss her again. This time she responded. The kiss lasted longer. When they separated, it was Terry's eyebrows that rose. "Damn, you are good."

"Thank you. I know."

Terry burst out laughing. Actor grinned. He applied a tiny bit of pressure to her back and she moved freely into his hug. "Okay, Little One, can we move on now?"

Terry pulled her head back and smiled at him. "Yes. Teach me."

"It's about time!" exclaimed Chris. She picked up her coat and purse and headed for the door. At the door she paused and looked back. "Have fun you two and don't wait up for me."

"Just make sure you're back in time to leave in the morning," admonished Terry.

She turned back to Actor. "Okay, now what?"

"Now you learn . . . how to kiss, how to move, how to act." He watched her. "You will probably be the mistress of a high ranking German officer, usually SS. I am usually a Major, Colonel or General. The Lieutenant is my aide. Sometimes, Casino is my aide. On rare occasions when there is difficulty with uniforms, Garrison is the officer and I am the aide."

"Does this mean at some point I have to kiss my brother?" asked Terry dubiously.

"I doubt it," assured Actor.

Actor spent the next hour trying to teach her to be comfortable touching and kissing. It was coming along, but some part of her was still holding back. He held off on the kissing and concentrated on the touch. He stroked her hair and her cheeks. Picking up her hand, he held the palm to his cheek and kissed it. After a bit, she was able to stroke his cheek, but it was stilted and not the touch of a lover. Actor called for a break and got a badly needed drink. Terry sat back on the couch and closed her eyes. Her mind drifted back to her teenage years in Italy and the lessons she had been taught.

Zia had started her education when she was fourteen. She had explained the basics of kissing, foreplay and sex. After that, she brought in Kat. Kat was an American about six years older than Craig. How she had become stranded in Italy and learned the things she had was always a mystery. Craig had been given to Kat when he was fifteen. Terry suspected his training was more physical than verbal. Kat had instructed Terry on the finer points. Terry had learned it was partly a game and partly an issue of control. Kat had also taught her the con as she had become better at it than Zia.

Terry sat up and looked at Actor. He was standing at the window, looking out, nursing a snifter of cognac. She realized she could do this. Slowly, she stood up. Her face changed and took on an aristocratic look similar to the one he wore during a con. She glided up behind him, sliding a hand to the middle of his back He was barely able to control his surprise and keep from freezing. His eyes watched her silently as she slipped around between him and the window. Her right hand delicately took the glass from his hand and she took a sip, watching his face intently. Terry set the glass on the window sill. Her free hand reached up to run the backs of her fingers in a caress down his cheek. Their eyes locked. The fingers moved behind his neck to play with the wavy dark hair at his nape before guiding his head down for a kiss. The kiss was like none they had shared so far. Dio, thought the Italian, she does know how to kiss. Terry broke away first. She looked at him with a tiny smile.

"Better?"

"Much better," he said softly. "But can you do it again?"

"Try me."

Actor cupped the back of her head and captured her mouth in a more passionate kiss. It lasted longer and she returned it without hesitation. "Much better," he repeated as they parted.

Her smile widened. She poked a finger in the center of his chest. "Good. I'm hungry. Take me somewhere and feed me."

She pulled away and walked toward the bedroom with a swing to her hips. Actor watched her, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

Dinner was a pleasant surprise. He took her to a rather fancy restaurant. She needed very little instruction. She was familiar with the wine glasses and the silverware. He ordered escargot. She loved escargot and was adept at eating them. Her knowledge of wine was rudimentary, but adequate. They conversed about the con game, Italy, and continued instruction on how to act like a lover without being blatant about it. He held her hand across the table while they waited for dessert. To his pleasant surprise, she slipped her hand out from under his and started caressing the back of his. He would have been chagrined if he had known what was going through her mind was what bore intravenous needle she could have inserted into the large veins on the back of his hand. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds when he split an éclair with her.

They went to a ballroom that Actor was familiar with. Terry was not wearing the new dress, but had on a pre-war shorter evening dress that clung to her curves and flared out from the hips to lie in soft folds. Her heels brought her up to a more manageable height on the con man.

He ordered a bottle of wine and they remained at the table, talking on a number of different subjects. Actor coaxed her into a kiss in public. After having gotten over her initial hesitation, Terry discovered she enjoyed sharing kisses with the Italian. They were both beginning to enjoy each other's company.

A young American air force soldier leaned on the bar and watched the table across the room. He was tall with dark hair, dark eyes and the high cheekbones that defined him as an American Indian. The longer Monty watched, the angrier he got. He had never seen his sister decked out as extravagantly as she was tonight. That didn't bother him as much as who she was with and what they were doing. The man was obviously a lady killer. Their heads were close together and they seemed to be sharing some amusing conversation. Terry laughed, stroked the man's hand, and leaned forward to accept a kiss, not on the cheek. That was the breaking point for Monty.

"Care to dance?"

Terry and Actor looked up at the air force soldier who was holding his hand out to Terry. Terry's expression never changed.

"Of course," she replied. "I do love a man in uniform."

She stood and walked behind Actor, trailing fingers across his shoulders, before accepting the pro-offered hand. Monty almost dragged her across the dance floor. He missed the dangerous glint in Actor's eyes. Monty took Terry in his arms and started dancing.

"Did Craig send you to spy on me?" asked Terry.

"No. I haven't talked to Craig. I'm on a 48 hour pass." He looked at his sister. "Maybe he should have sent someone to watch you. Who is that guy you're with? He's a little old for you, don't you think?"

Terry hid her amusement, "A little older than me, more mature, more knowledgeable, and very attentive, not to mention attractive."

"What's he want?"

"Nothing, he's a friend."

"What kind of friend?"

"Settle down. It's not what you think."

"Does Craig know what you're doing?"

Terry laughed, "Craig's paying for it."

Monty stopped dancing and grabbed her upper arm. "Just what the hell is going on?"

Terry had been keeping one eye on Actor. She saw him start to rise from his seat. "Monty, I suggest you dance with me or my friend is going to come over here and beat the crap out of you."

Monty pulled her into his arms again and they resumed dancing. Actor sat back down.

"Think of it as a game," said Terry. "He and Craig are trying to teach me how to act sophisticated, rich, and worldly."

"Right," said Monty in disbelief. "So where's Craig?"

"At the mansion."

"And he left you alone with that old lecher?"

Terry laughed at that one. "He's not an old lecher. And Chris was sent along to chaperone, but she got herself a hot date with Tinker. Don't worry about it. Everything is fine."

The song ended and Monty took Terry back to the table. The two men eyed each other with open hostility. Terry held her hand up to Monty for a continental kiss.

"I don't think so, Sister," said Monty.

Actor was on his feet in an instant. "Listen, Flyboy, I have had enough of your rudeness to the lady. I suggest you return to your little buddies and leave the lady alone."

Monty glared back at him, "And I suggest you take a flying . . ."

Terry saw Actor's hand ball into a fist and caught it in her hand. "Gentlemen, now let's not create a scene here. I believe introductions are in order. Victor Borghese. Montgomery Grey Fox Garrison."

Actor shot her a sharp look. "Garrison?"

"Garrison." She smiled. "When he calls me Sister it's because that's what I am . . . his sister. Actor meet Monty. Monty meet Actor."

"You mean he's one of Craig's . . .?" asked Monty incredulously.

"Um hm," smiled Terry. "It's all right, Mon," she assured her brother. "I hope you weren't planning on coming for a visit."

Monty bent down and whispered in her ear. "Craig have a mission?"

"Yes," whispered Terry back. "We leave tomorrow night."

Monty looked at her narrowly. "You going too?"

"That's what this is all about."

He straightened and frowned at her. "You be careful."

"I will," she smiled.

"We will all be watching out for her," said Actor, reassured now that the man was indeed her brother.

"You be careful too, Brother," said Terry seriously. "We aren't doing too good getting brothers out of POW camps."

Monty smiled sadly. "At least we aren't going as far away as the Russian Front." He eyed the beautiful woman he was used to seeing in jeans and a ponytail and wondered if she would ever fit in on the ranch again. She and the Italian con man made a good-looking couple. He turned to Actor. "You just make sure you take damn good care of her," he warned.

Actor gave a brief nod with a smile. Hearing the brotherly concern in the younger man's voice, kept him from taking any offence at the attitude.

After Monty returned to the bar, Terry looked apologetically at Actor. "We are a protective bunch," she said.

"That is a good thing," acknowledged the con man.

He poured her a little more wine and they went back to conversing. She asked him about cons and he asked her about Montana. After a bit, Terry noticed a blond woman at little older than herself, eyeing them. Terry watched in speculation as the dyed blonde approached Actor from behind and slipped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the mouth when he turned his head to see who it was.

"Actor, Darling, it's been so long since I've seen you. We are having a party at our table. Why don't you lose your little friend here and come join us?"

"Ah, Marilee, it is always a pleasure to see you. I'm afraid I will have to join you some other time. Maybe we can get together the next time I am in London."

The blond looked over the top of his head to give a look of contempt at Terry, who continued to smile politely.

"Well, Darling, if you change your mind you do know where to find me."

'Thank you, Darling. I will remember that."

Marilee sauntered away with a sashay of her hips. Terry and Actor both watched her.

"My apologies," said Actor to Terry.

"No problem," said Terry, feigning indifference.

She watched the woman stop at a filled table and then proceed to the ladies room. Terry smiled. "Will you excuse me for a minute? I need to powder my nose."

"Of course." Actor stood as Terry left the table.

She walked casually into the ladies room and up to the mirror to stand beside Marilee who was fluffing her hair. Both women took lipstick from their purses and began reapplying it.

"You know," said Terry conversationally, looking at the blond in the mirror, "I'm fairly new to your lovely country from the States. I don't know all your British customs yet. But where I'm from a woman does not try to take a date away from another woman. It's just poor taste."

"Excuse me, Child, but I have known Actor a long time and we have spent many pleasurable nights together."

"I'm sure you have and you probably will the next time he is in London. But for tonight he is mine. And if you come around again, I will rip your face off." Terry continued to smile. "I hope you understand." She left the angry blond and returned to her seat. The smile was still on her face.

Actor looked at her sensing something not right. Marilee stalked past, throwing a filthy look at Terry. Terry just continued to smile and inclined her head to the woman. Actor closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing, Caro." Actor looked sharply at her, surprised at the Italian term of endearment. Terry continued, "I'm sure the next time you are in town she will be happy to see you."

"Teresa?"

Terry dropped the façade and looked at Actor with a sigh. "I am also sure you must be finding it difficult to have to sit here trying to teach me to be like her. It was a good try, but if you want I can either catch a ride with Monty or go back to the mansion. You can join your friends."

Actor chewed on the inside of his cheek. He wasn't sure whether he was angry or amused. "We came here for a reason. And I am enjoying your company . . . Cara," he said pointedly. "I have no desire to join my friends, as you put it."

Terry took a sip of her drink. "We seem to be wasting some good music. We could dance, or you could take me back to the room. It's your preference . . . Caro."

Actor stood and held out his hand. "Would you care to dance, Cara?"

"Delighted, Caro," said Terry. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to take her to the dance floor.

They started out with a waltz, dancing modestly. The next was a slow dance. After a few turns, Actor pulled her in close. She placed her head resting on his chest next to his chin.

"My God, where have you been all my life?" she asked. Dancing with him was perfection.

He chuckled. "You waltz very well," he said.

"I know most of the ballroom dances as I am sure you do. I also jitterbug with the best of them. Though somehow I don't think that's your style."

"Hardly." He stifled a smile. "How well do you speak Italian?"

"As well as you speak English," she replied. "It's my second language."

"Where did you learn it?"

"In Roma as a child."

"You have lived in Rome?" he asked in surprise.

"Just for a few winters. Our mother is half French and half Italian. We still have relatives in Italy."

Actor filed that away for future reference. "What other languages do you speak?"

"I am fluent in French and German, a little Spanish, and fluent Sioux."

"I'm sorry?" questioned Actor at the last.

Sioux. American Indian." Terry explained, "Monty is full-blooded Sioux. All of us kids speak it."

"Interesting." Actor thought about it. "So you could converse with Chief?"

"Probably not," replied Terry. "Chief's Apache. Different tribe, different language."

Actor wished there was a dossier on this girl. Getting to know her was interesting, but like peeling the layers from an onion. In that way she was like her brother, Lt. Garrison.

Instead of retiring, they stayed on the dance floor until closing. They both considered they had found their perfect dance partner. Somewhere in that time of talking and dancing, the awkwardness between them vanished and the first buds of friendship started.

The next day, Chris rejoined them. She had spent the early morning hours at her flat, not wanting to wake up the two in the hotel. She was more than surprised at the change in the two. There seemed to be an easy friendship between them now with some tentative joking and teasing. She knew there had been no sexual activity as she had asked Terry at the first opportunity alone with the girl. It seemed Actor could be a perfect gentleman.

Chris was still surprised when they went to get into the car and Terry jumped into the front seat and scooted over to the middle. Actor just gave her a crooked grin. Crystal shrugged to herself and got in next to her sister. The two hour drive from London to the mansion seemed to go faster with the interesting and sometimes funny conversation.

They arrived at the mansion in the early afternoon. Chris nodded to her brother and bounded up the stairs, intent on taking a nice long nap. Actor and Terry followed her in.

"So how did it go?" asked Craig.

"Oh it was a wonderful night," said Terry. She leaned back against Actor. "He is so talented. Aren't you, Caro?"

"And you are such a quick study, Cara."

Terry tilted her head back with a lazy smile. She reached a hand up elegantly to guide his head down into a kiss. Craig and the other three men in the common room stared. Terry, having pity on her brother, cracked a white toothed grin. Craig shook his head.

"Can she do it?" he asked Actor seriously.

"I doubt there will be any problem. And her German is excellent. Even though it is Schwarz Wald," replied Actor.

"Yours isn't exactly Berlinisch," Terry shot back at him.

Great, thought Garrison. Not only did he have to listen to Casino and Goniff snipe at each other, now he had his sister and Actor doing it.

Later that afternoon, Garrison went up to Terry's bedroom to check on her. She was standing in front of the mirror inside the armoire door, studying the new clothes she was trying on.

Craig stared at his sister in the cream evening gown and above the elbow gloves. "And how much did this set me back?" he asked.

"Nothing," replied Terry. "He wouldn't let me pay for it."

"He stole it?" demanded Craig in shock.

"No," said Terry in exasperation. "He paid for it. The only thing you paid for was the room. He bought my clothes, paid for dinner and the drinks."

"And you let him?" Garrison was incredulous.

"Craig, I have yet to learn how to win an argument with him. Of course I let him. Besides, we couldn't afford it."

"How the heck much did that thing cost?" asked Craig.

Terry went to the night table and handed her brother the price tag she had removed from the garment. His eyes widened at the price. He looked up sharply at Terry's amused face. "You know how many horses . . ."

Terry grinned. "It would take two of my best string to pay for that thing. The man does have good taste."

"Scheiβe," said Garrison. "And he had the money to pay for this?"

Terry nodded. "He paid for it in cash."

"I think there are a few things missing from his dossier."

Terry grinned, "I think his dossier is one big con job."

"You're probably right."