Audrey was putting her earrings on as she walked over to Richard who was standing by the window looking out onto the grounds.

"What do you think darling?" She asked giving him a twirl.

She was wearing an olive green evening dress which showed of her curves. Curves Richard thought that had become slightly rounder in the past few weeks. Though he would never tell her that, he wasn't stupid and honestly he loved that she was a little more curvy. Not that he didn't love her figure before.

"Audrey you look...beautiful" he breathed

She grinned at his reaction standing in front of him she reached up to adjust his bow tie.

"Thank you Richard, you look very dashing in your tux"

"Have you thought anymore about what we're going to do" she asked running her hands along the lapels of his dinner jacket.

Richard rested his hands on her waist "Yes I have. This party tonight couldn't have come at a better time. Do you remember me introducing you to Brett and Danny last year?"

"Oh yes the Lord and the American, oh and that nice Judge Fulton was with them but what have they got to do with this"

"Well they have been known to look into things like this. The judge works with them, very nice chap, I think they might be able to help us"

"And they are going to be at the party tonight?"

Richard nodded

"Well it can't hurt to ask them"

They had barely entered the front door of house where the party was being held before Richard heard the booming voice of Judge Fulton.

"Richard my dear chap it's good to see you and Audrey you're looking beautiful my dear" Judge Fulton said shaking Richard's hand and kissing Audrey's.

"It's good to see you to judge, actually I was hoping to bump into you, I need your help" Richard explained

"Of course, is it something that might interest Brett and Danny?" The judge asked

Richard nodded "I think it would Judge"

"Well then let's adjourn to the study over there" he said pointing to a door on the far side of the hall.

Richard told the Judge, Brett and Danny all the details of what had happened over the last few days.

The judge rubbed his face "To tell you the truth Richard I have heard of the man you speak off. He's been involved in a lot of underworld dealings not someone you want to be associated with"

Audrey was taken aback "This man has been in our home Judge, are you saying he's dangerous?"

"Yes I'm afraid I am Audrey, which is why I think Brett and Danny here should look into this. You and Richard should not be involved in any way, leave it to us"

Richard looked to Audrey who nodded "If you're both sure then we would be extremely grateful"

Danny put his arm around Richard's shoulder "Of course Richard, you've been a good friend to us besides might be fun, perhaps Mademoiselle Dutoit will be open to a little American hospitality" Danny joked.

Brett stepped forward "Daniel I think someone such as Mademoiselle DuToit would be more interested with someone of British Reserve "

Danny laughed at Brett "Alright your lordship we'll just have to see won't we"

The Judge rolled his eyes at their antics "Brett you keep an eye on Mademoiselle Dutoit, Danny you look into Mr Martin and I'll pay a visit to this solicitor."

"Yes Judge, after we finish our drinks" Danny said

The Judge turned to Richard and Audrey "Now you two go enjoy the party. I'll contact you in a few days when we have news"

After an hour at the party Richard led Audrey outside into the garden. It was another hot night and the air inside the house was humid. They walked hand in hand across the lawn before coming to a stop in front of a beautiful fountain.

Richard reached into his jacket for a cigar and was about to light it when Audrey touched his hand "Don't light it darling, it makes my stomach queasy"

Richard brow creased in confusion she had never complained about him smoking before. He removed the cigar from his mouth "You've never said before darling, I'm sorry"

Audrey shook her head "It doesn't normally, it's just these past few days and besides it's bad for you Richard. Promise me you'll cut down"

Hearing the distress in his wife's voice he nodded "I promise I'll will Audrey"

She raised a hand to cup his cheek "Thank you darling"

Richard moved his face closer to hers, "I'd do anything for you darling, you know that don't you?" he murmered before taking her lips in a tender kiss.

As they drove back to the manor that night the conversation turned to Madeleine and Nicky.

Richard glanced at Audrey "We did the right thing asking the judge for help. I'm sure Brett and Danny will sort this all out"

"So am I...it's awfully hot again tonight" she said turning up the air conditioning in the car.

"I've got some fans coming in the next few days but until then we'll have to find another way to keep cool tonight"

Audrey rested her hand on his thigh "I'm sure you'll think of something darling"