Chapter 3

Simon arrived at 10.00 a.m. promptly. He had hired a Mercedes SL-class roadster for the duration of his holiday. Alice was already waiting for him and was immediately impressed by the car as it pulled up the drive. It was much classier than her normal mode of transport – a scruffy Leopard's Den jeep! Simon was taken aback by how stunning she looked in her fuschia pink summer dress and matching sandals. Her thick, dark brown hair cascaded down her back. She smiled at him, her glacier blue eyes shinning brightly and he knew at that moment that he would have to have her, whatever the cost.

Alice was unaware of the impact she was having on Simon. All she could think about was the extravagance of having the day off. Simon had offered to take her shopping in Jo'burg. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been to the city just for the pleasure of it. Danny's idea of shopping was buying veterinary supplies or replacement parts for Leopard's Den's antiquated generator!

They spent the rest of the morning browsing in all the designer shops. Simon was extremely attentive and complementary as she tried on a wide range of clothes, none of which she had any intention of buying. She laughed to herself, trying to imagine Danny in Simon's place. It would never happen!

At lunch-time, Simon took Alice to the restaurant in the Grace Hotel, one of Jo'burg's finest hotels. The dining room was out of this world in terms of opulence: huge black crystal chandeliers, vast swathes of red velvet, hand-printed wallpaper and 22ct gold-leaf embossed cornices. The menu was in French and there weren't any prices. Simon ignored Alice's protests, insisting it was his treat, and ordered two lobster salads and a bottle of Cristal champagne (2250 Rand a bottle, about £250!). The experience was unlike anything she'd ever had before or would ever have again.

In the afternoon, they walked leisurely around the Botanical Gardens. Simon had linked his arms in hers and she hadn't protested, much to his delight. They discussed how their lives had changed in the past twelve years. Alice talked in depth about Charlotte, moving to South Africa, being a vet and Leopard's Den, but it was her reluctance to talk about Danny that Simon fixed on. By now, they were both a little tired, so they sat on a two-seater bench by the lake for a rest.

They sat quietly for a couple of minutes, then without warning, Simon asked his loaded question.

"Are you happy, Alice?"

Alice stared at him wide-eyed.

"It's just that you seemed so angry yesterday," he continued insincerely, "I don't want to interfere, but your husband, he…..he doesn't seem to appreciate or respect you."

Initially, Alice was shocked by Simon's directness, then she was taken aback by the fact his perception of the current state of her and Danny's relationship was entirely accurate.

"Danny's not normally like this," she said trying to hide the emotion in her voice, "It's…it's… just that we've both been working too hard and we've not had much 'us' time recently."

Simon continued, disingenuously, milking the opportunity for all it was worth. "The man's a fool! If I was your husband, I would treat you like a queen. I would be bending over backwards to spend time with you."

A single tear fell from her eyes, quickly followed by a second, then a third. It was yet another opportunity for Simon to wheedle his way further into Alice's affections. He wrapped his arms protectively around her to console her and whispered words of comfort into her ears.

Danny was sat drinking an ice-cold beer on the veranda, as the sport's car drew up the drive. He watched as Simon helped his wife get out of the car, she looked absolutely gorgeous. He noticed the playful pat Simon gave her on the bottom. He saw the broad beaming smile that Alice flashed back at him in return. Danny felt an emotion he hadn't experienced for a very long time - he felt jealous, very jealous.