London Pass Part 3
Actor was still in the bedroom getting ready. Terry swore he primped more than she did. It afforded her time in the main room with Chief. She walked up to the young man with a concerned expression on her face. Her white-gloved hands reached up to straighten his collar and smooth his jacket lapels.
"Why don't you come with us?" offered Terry. "I don't like seeing you left by yourself."
"I'm fine," assured Chief. "You know I do better alone."
"Yes," acknowledged Terry, "but it isn't right. What are you going to do tonight?
Chief shrugged, "There's a pub a couple doors down. I figure I'll see how much I can win at darts before they quit playing against me."
"Well, if you get bored, you come to the ballroom, or whatever that is Actor's taking me to, and you join us. Okay?" She tried to give him a stern look.
The corners of his mouth twitched. "Okay."
"You promise," ordered Terry quietly.
Chief grinned, "Okay, I promise."
Terry motioned him closer. He bent his head, thinking she was going to whisper something to him. He was surprised when she kissed his cheek. He pulled back a little self-consciously. Terry smiled indulgently at him then gave a small grin
"Oops," she said. "Sorry. Lipstick." She held up her white-gloved hands. Chief wiped his cheek. Terry smiled, "You go have some fun. If Crystal shows up I'll sic her on you. She'll probably buy you a drink."
"I'll buy her one," he said quietly. He still looked self conscious when he said to Terry, "Lady, you are beautiful."
"Thank you," she smiled.
Actor came out of the bedroom. Chief nodded to him and left them alone.
"I worry about him," said Terry, watching him leave. "He's so young to be so alone."
"He is supposed to be two years older than you, My Dear," said Actor with amusement. "And he seems to prefer being alone. But I am sure with time, you will change that."
"More likely Chris will, if she would stick around."
"Yes, your sister does seem attracted to him and vice versa."
Terry finally turned around and had her first look at Actor. She stared. And she had thought he looked good in an SS uniform. Her eyes traveled slowly and appreciatively from the top of his head, past his amused countenance, across the broad shoulders and chest down to the tight waist encased in a cummerbund to the incredibly long legs atop shiny shoes. He made the tuxedo look good. She sucked in her cheeks and looked up into his hazel eyes. "I know I shouldn't say this, but you are the handsomest hunk of Italian male I have seen in a very long time."
"Only an Italian one, Cara," he teased.
Terry tilted her head and grinned. "All right, the handsomest any kind of male. I can see I will be lucky to get one dance with you tonight, Caro."
"Ah, but you forget," he said, taking her hand in his, "I am your husband tonight. All my dances are reserved for you. However, you are so beautiful I will be fighting all the men off."
Terry laughed. Oh the manure was getting deep here, she thought to herself. Actor bent down and they exchanged a chaste kiss. He tucked her hand inside his elbow.
"Shall we," he gestured to the door.
"Let's." she smiled back.
GGGGG
Terry was having a most wonderful evening. It would remain in her mind as a precious memory for the rest of her life. Not only did they waltz, but Actor surprised her with a tango. True to his word, he danced only with her. She turned down enough offers, that they finally quit coming.
When they weren't dancing they sat at the candlelit white-linened table and talked and sipped wine. He told her about life pulling cons on the Riviera and she told him about escorting her father to the high society parties in Washington. Their conversations swirled around between English, Italian and French. It had rapidly become natural for them to treat each other as though they were lovers. The con was beginning to become second nature to them both. Terry could relax because she knew Actor was always in control. With no brother or teammates around, they could keep up the pretense without worry.
They talked and danced and danced and talked. Terry was fascinated by the stories Actor told her of the many places he had been before prison and the war. He regaled her with the parties and people, careful to never mention any of the less prosperous times or anything about his childhood, and most certainly nothing about Rome.
Terry told him a little about growing up in Montana and then the parties with her father in Washington. She carefully avoided details about living in New York, except to compare notes about certain restaurants and museums. Not that she had been able to afford to frequent the restaurants Actor had.
GGGGG
Becoming bored with the atmosphere of the pub, Chief left his half-filled glass of ale on the bar and tossed some change for a tip beside it. His prowess at darts had quickly left him with no opponents. He had no idea where Casino and Goniff were by then, but they supposedly had 'dates.' Chief quietly made his way through the blackout curtains and stepped out the door into the darkness. Hands in pockets, he made his way through the chill dampness back to the hotel.
In the lobby, he paused. The suite would be empty. Terry had told him to find her and Actor in the ballroom if he got bored. He had to admit to himself after the initial uneasiness he had felt in the restaurant, he had really enjoyed the company of the two. Terry was becoming like a sister and Actor really wasn't so bad once you got to know him. Or at least know the part of him he allowed others to see. It wouldn't hurt to see what the two were doing.
Chief took the elevator to the lower level, stepped out into a hallway and moved across to the open double doorway to the ballroom. He paused inside the door and looked around. There were many round tables spaced throughout the room with enough distance between to give a bit of privacy for conversation. Many of the tables had couples in a variety of dress from evening gowns and tuxedos to formal uniforms and cocktail dresses. There was a huge dance floor on the far half of the room, behind which was the band. The swing beat of Tommy Dorsey bounced through the air. There were younger couples on the dance floor moving energetically to the rhythm.
The Indian's keen eyes scanned the tables. He knew he wouldn't find Actor out there dancing to swing. Finally, he spotted the two at a far corner and eased his way silently between tables in that direction. He stopped short and watched as Actor leaned forward and kissed Terry. The elegant con man must have said something witty because the young woman laughed. She laid a hand atop the Italian's and held it.
Chief decided it would be best if he didn't join them. They looked like they were very engrossed in each other and he didn't want to intrude. It was hard to tell if there was a romance going on there. They were very open with their affection, but everything seemed to be a part of the never-ending con they were pulling. Whatever the relationship was, it did not stop Actor from chasing skirts and Terry didn't seem at all bothered when he did. In fact, it seemed to amuse her.
The younger man eased his way back to the door and walked to the elevator, sure he had not been spotted by the two. Only now what? He didn't feel like going back to the pub. The bar upstairs was a little too fancy for his taste. That left the empty suite.
Entering the elevator, Chief pushed the button for the top floor. The elevator slowly rose to stop on the first floor. The doors opened and his eyes swept the room out of habit, but with disinterest . . . until he spotted a familiar figure and dark head of hair. Chris was standing, back to the elevator, at the registration desk, speaking with one of the staff. Chief's hand shot out to catch the closing elevator door and he pushed himself out. The young woman turned to leave.
"Crystal!" Chief called.
The younger Garrison girl paused like a doe and turned her head to look at him across the room. Her face broke into a welcoming smile. "Rainey!" she called back to him. They met in the middle of the lobby. "I didn't know where you were," she said. "I went up to the suite, but nobody was there."
"Terry and Actor are downstairs in the ballroom. I'm not sure where Casino and Goniff are." Chief eyed the young woman with approval. She was wearing a dark green cocktail dress with high heels that brought her up to a nice height.
"I'm glad you saw me," she said. She now eyed him with approval. He was looking very handsome.
"You want to go down and sit with Terry and Actor?" offered Chief. He was a little uneasy about taking her into a bar and sitting by themselves. Not good at small talk, he wasn't sure of what he would say to her. Certainly not the things he wanted to say, like how he wanted to hold and kiss her.
"Sure," Chris answered amiably. She didn't care where they went or what they did as long she was with him.
Chief tried to remember how the big Italian acted with a woman. He took the coat she was carrying and put it over his arm and then held his other elbow out to the young woman. Crystal smiled and placed her hand in the crook of his arm, allowing him to guide her back toward the elevator.
"Nice dress," said Chief. Oh, that was really smart, he thought in self-disgust.
"Thank you," replied Chris, hiding her amusement at his nervousness. "Nice suit."
"Thanks," he said.
They stepped into the empty elevator car and Chief pushed the button for the lower level. The two looked at each other and both laughed. It broke the ice and put Chief at ease. On the lower level, they exited the elevator and moved into the ballroom, Chief leading the way. Chris held his hand and followed him to the table. After sitting down, she scanned the dance floor. Actor was easy to spot with his height and bearing. "Where's Terry?" she asked and then stopped and stared as she realized the elegant woman in Actor's arms was her sister. "Is that Terry?" She had never seen her sister with her hair up before and arms in above the elbow white gloves.
Chief smiled, "Yup."
Chris grinned. "O-o-oh, Sister, you have come a long way from the ranch." She shot a glance at Chief. "They are good."
Chief grinned. "You ought to see them on a con."
"Apparently she got over her difficulties working with him."
"They just needed to get used to each other."
Chris saw Actor kiss Terry's forehead. "If they get any more used to each other, Craig's going to be busting heads."
Chief looked at her, puzzled at that remark. Chris was too busy watching her sister to notice.
GGGGG
It was not a waltz this time, but just a slow dance. Terry was held snugly against Actor's tall, firm body. Her left hand lightly rested on his muscular upper arm, her right in his left hand with fingers closed around his thumb. His right hand was splayed warmly across the middle of her back. Terry's head seemed to fit naturally on his chest where his chin could rest against her forehead. For some reason he just felt so right.
"I am very glad you came with us, Teresa," he whispered to her. "I hope you are enjoying this evening as much as I am."
"I'm very glad I came along too. And yes I am," she whispered back. She smiled as his lips brushed against her forehead.
The dance ended and they turned to go back to their table. Christine and Chief were sitting there watching them. The two stood up as Terry and Actor approached.
"I didn't even have to sic her on you," said Terry with a grin to Chief.
"Actually he found me," said Chris.
"All right if we join you?" asked Chief.
"Of course," said Actor.
Christine walked up to the Italian and gave him the continental greeting of a kiss on both cheeks. "My you are looking quite handsome tonight, Sir," she grinned at him.
"I already told him that," said Terry. "Careful, you'll give him a swelled head."
Chief held Terry's chair for her and Actor held Christine's. The men sat opposite each other. Actor signaled the waiter for another bottle of wine.
"Gee, Craig needs to go away more often," said Chris jokingly. "Where is he anyway?"
"He won't tell me," said Terry. She looked at Actor. "He tells you everything. Do you know?"
"No," Actor shook his head. "He is being very closed mouthed about this."
"The boy needs a woman," said Chris mischievously, knowing the men were not aware Craig had one.
"Don't we all," sighed Actor.
"Excuse me?"
Actor saw the amusement in Terry's green eyes. He patted her hand. "I am fully aware I am your husband tonight. Even though it is in name only."
"A marriage of convenience," Chief said to Chris.
Terry laughed, "Was that a joke, Chiefy?"
He tried to look at her indignantly. "I can come out with one once in awhile."
They sat at the table and drank wine for a while, talking about what Chief had been doing prior to arriving and where Chris had been. Terry was scheming the whole time. She reached under the table and poked Actor in the outside of his near leg. He leaned over and kissed her cheek, letting her get close to his ear.
"Next slow dance, invite Chris so I can teach Chief," whispered Terry.
Actor pulled back and gave her a smile of acquiesce. Terry leaned forward and kissed him teasingly. When they separated, Chief was looking at his glass of wine uncomfortably. Christine was eying her sister with a smile of amusement.
"Getting the hang of it now?" she asked. "Before we couldn't get you to kiss him."
"Quick study," said Actor drolly.
"Good teacher," said Terry with a grin.
"One of these days, Craig's going to ship you back to Washington if you aren't careful," warned Chris, half in jest.
"No he won't," said Terry, confidently. "I'm blackmailing him."
"With what?" asked Actor.
"Never you mind, Caro," smiled Terry slyly. Looking back at Chris she grinned, "I could always go home and send Cinder over."
The younger girl almost inhaled her wine. "Oh, could you imagine?"
The two girls looked at each other and said at the same time, "Casino!"
Terry was laughing hard. "She'd kill him in the first hour."
"Your sister, Cinder?" asked Actor. "You make her sound terrible."
Chris decided to explain. "Cinder is Craig's twin sister."
"The Warden has a twin?" asked Chief in surprise.
Terry nodded. "Put a wig and a dress on Craig and you've got Cinder. She's been prickly since the day they were born."
"Probably because he's better looking," chortled Chris. "Sorry," she said to the men. "We joke about her and tease her to her face, but we love her."
"We'll be good now," promised Terry settling down.
The conversation went back to mundane things. The band started with a slow dance. Actor stood up and went to Crystal, holding out his hand, "Would you care to dance?"
The girl looked up at the con man in surprise. "Thank you, I'd love to."
She took his hand and allowed her to escort her to the dance floor.
Terry grinned at Chief. "Come on, Geronimo, let's hit the dance floor."
"Oh, no," said Chief, allowing her to get away with the nickname. "You know I don't know how," he said embarrassed.
"That's why you're going with me. I'm gonna teach you."
Chief shook his head.
"Rainey, you want to be able to dance with Chris don't you?" He looked up at her and nodded. Terry smiled and said in a softer tone, "Then come on. I'll lead until you get the hang of it. It's easy."
Against his better judgment, the young man allowed Terry to take his hand and pull him onto the dance floor. To his surprise, she tucked herself up close to him. "Now don't think about it. Just feel the rhythm of the music." She guided him in the first steps. The man had an innate sense of rhythm that he didn't know he had. After a minute, Terry let him lead. "See?" she said softly. "You can do it."
The song was a long one. Christine had her head against Actor's shoulder. She wasn't sure why she was oft times a bit uncomfortable around the man. Right now she felt good. She almost envied Terry. The man was an excellent dancer. She spotted Terry dancing with Chief and her head popped up, almost jarring Actor's jaw. "She's got Chief dancing," she said in wonder.
"She said she was going to teach him," said Actor. He maneuvered them close to the other couple, swallowing a smile of amusement.
The two sisters exchanged looks. "Switch?" said Terry.
Chris looked up at the Italian, "Thank you, Actor."
Terry winked at Chief. The girls switched partners. Actor guided them away from the other couple. Terry tilted her head back and looked up at the Italian. "Thank you, Caro."
"You are very welcome, Tesoro," he replied.
Terry smiled at the new term of endearment. She would have to remember that one. With a contented smile she let him pull her in close as they glided slowly around the dance floor. Terry had a hard time stifling a laugh when the big hand splayed across the small of her back slipped lower and stayed there.
Actor was secretly pleased the girl did not object to the more intimate move. She had a delightful young body, soft and firm in all the right places. He gave himself a mental shake. Nothing could be done about tonight, but tomorrow night he must find himself some female companionship. The girl was becoming entirely too enticing.
In the meantime, Christine was tucked up against Chief, savoring the firm strong man she could almost feel beneath the suit. It was the first time since Nick Bradford's death that she found herself so attracted to a man. Something about the Indian seemed slightly mysterious and slightly familiar. He was so quiet and almost shy. It made her want to find out what was hiding behind the careful manner of the man.
"And you said you didn't know how to dance," she teased softly.
"'S easy when you have a good partner," he said back.
Chris tilted her head back to look at him. "I hope you don't mind I called you Rainey in the lobby. It seemed better than yelling Chief."
"You can call me Rainey," he said. "I don't think anybody besides Terry and the Warden know it's my name."
Chris tucked her head back under his chin. "Well, maybe I'll just call you that in private."
"What do you like to be called?" asked Chief curiously. "I've heard you called three different names."
"Chris, Christine, Crystal," replied the girl. "Anything but Chandelier."
"Who calls you that?" asked the Indian in surprise.
"Dirk," she answered. "He's one of the group I'm with."
"OSS?" whispered Chief.
Chris shook her head against him. "Not any more. Maquis, Free French, Resistance . . ."
"That's too dangerous for you," said Chief with an unexpected feeling of protectiveness.
"And what you're doing isn't," she asked him back.
"That's different," he answered. "We've been trained for it."
"From what I hear you didn't get much training before Craig got hold of you four. Let's just say mine was 'on the job'."
"Why do you do it?" asked Chief.
"It started out to avenge Nick's death. Then I saw what is going on in Europe and I wanted to help stop it." She looked up at him. "Nick was my boyfriend in New York. I was living with him while Terry was living with his brother, Jake. Does that disgust you?"
Chief tightened his arm around her. It should have bothered him, but it didn't. "No. You're not loose. I think you would be very loyal to someone you liked . . . or loved."
"I guess I am."
The dance ended and so did that line of conversation.
The two couples made their way back to the table, the men holding the chairs for the women. Actor had moved his chair closer to Terry's and casually draped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned minutely into him.
The conversation continued, as did the wine. Christine was watching her older sister. She almost lost the train of the conversation when Actor began absently running the back of a finger up and down Teresa's neck. The older girl did nothing to stop him.
"Um, Gentlemen, could you excuse me," said Chris. "I need to check my makeup." She sent a significant glance at Terry.
"I think I'll go with her," said Terry getting the message.
Chris was already headed toward the lady's room by the time Terry got out of her seat. With an amused smile, the auburn head bent close to the Italian ear.
"You're going to get me in trouble tonight, Caro."
Actor looked up at her questioningly. "I am innocent," he objected none to strenuously.
Terry laughed, "That is not a word I would associate with you."
"Your virtue is safe, Cara," Actor said in Italian.
"So is yours," she replied in the same language.
"That is what I am afraid of," he said mournfully in English.
This elicited a grin from Terry. She dipped her head and kissed his temple before following her sister.
Chief leaned back in his chair and studied the older man. "Ain't none of my business, Actor . . ."
"No, it is not," interrupted the con man a tad sharply. His voice mellowed. "It is a game. I am trying to build up her confidence again. I am sure she is fully aware of it."
"I don't think Chris is," remarked Chief. "They are a protective bunch aren't they?"
"Yes, they are," agreed Actor. An eyebrow cocked up. "Do I detect some interest between you and Christine?"
Chief nodded self-consciously. "I wondered if I could ask you something."
"Of course you may," said Actor now curious.
"That restaurant," Chief started. "I would like to take Chris out to dinner tomorrow. It's outta my price range isn't it?"
"Probably," agreed Actor. He had to be careful here. "However, there is still some of the Lieutenant's funds left. I have no need of it and I doubt Casino or Goniff do. There should be enough to cover dinner. Would you like me to make reservations for you in the morning?"
Chief nodded, still self-conscious about letting the con man in on his personal life.
"Reservations for Mr. Sands and friend?" The Indian looked at him sharply. Actor smiled kindly. "I have read your dossier." The corner of Actor's mouth twitched upward. "It has almost as many discrepancies in it as my own."
In the lady's room, Chris turned on her older sister. "What is with you two? You said there isn't anything between you two."
"There isn't," assured Terry as she applied more lipstick.
"Didn't look that way," shot back Chris, running a comb through her hair.
"He's trying to build my confidence back up. I know it, but I don't want him to know I know it."
Christine shook her head. "I know you, Sister. You can't tell me you aren't attracted to him."
"Of course I'm attracted to him," said Terry. "I'd have to be dead not to be." It was said in an off-handed manner. "What about you and Chief?"
"He's interesting," said Chris slowly.
"And interested," added Terry. "When we go back, you might move your chair a little closer. That boy might could use a little proddin'." Terry slipped back into a Montana ranch dialect.
Chris smiled. "I think I'll take your advice."
The two girls walked back to the table. Terry hid a grin when Chris moved her chair a little closer to Chief's before sitting. Actor's arm went quite naturally back around the older girl's shoulders. Chief glanced at Actor for guidance before cautiously slipping an arm around the younger sister's shoulders. Chris leaned a little into him and bent an arm up to hold the young man's fingers in the hope of keeping his arm there.
They all talked and danced for another hour before Christine reluctantly looked at her watch.
"I should be getting home," she said.
"You taking the tube?" Terry asked.
"No," Chris shook her head. "I'll catch a cab before they quit for the night."
As she rose from her seat, Chief stood also. "I'll go with you," he said, adding hurriedly, "Just to make sure you get home okay."
"Thank you," smiled Christine. "That's very nice of you." She turned to Actor and Terry. "Thank you for letting us join you. I enjoyed it."
"It has been a pleasure," replied Actor, standing.
"Nice to get to spend some time with you, Sister," added Terry. "You really need to get out to the mansion more often."
"I'll work on that," replied the girl with an impish smile.
GGGGG
Chief escorted Christine out of the hotel and flagged a cab. After giving the driver the address and getting settled in the back, Chris carefully placed her hand over Chief's on the seat between them. He turned his hand and entwined his fingers with hers.
"I'm glad you saw me, Rainey," said Chris almost shyly. "I've had a wonderful evening."
"I have too," said Chief. He hesitated a moment. "Uh, I was wondering if you'd like to go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?"
Chris turned her head and looked at him with a delighted smile on her face. "I would love to." She dug in her clutch to no avail. "I don't have a pencil or paper. Terry has my number. She'll give it to you."
"French okay?"
"French is fine."
"I'll get the reservations tomorrow and call you, if that's all right?" said Chief.
Chris nodded. They spent the rest of the ride in silence, but their hands remained clasp together. When they arrived at Christine's building, Chief got out and walked her to the door. They stopped and looked at each other, both a little awkward.
"I guess I better go," said Chief. "The meter's runnin'. I'll call you tomorrow."
"I'm looking forward to it," said Chris softly.
Chief was uncertain, but he took the chance and leaned over to give the girl a quick kiss on the cheek. The smile on her face reassured him. With a grin, he turned and bounded down the steps as she stepped through the door into the foyer.
She stood and watched out the window as he got back in the cab and then watched it until it turned the corner at the end of the block. The smile was still on her face as she walked up the stairs to her flat.
GGGGG
It wasn't long after the other two had departed Actor and Terry went back to the suite. In the main room, Terry slipped out of her high heels and stretched her feet. She watched Actor go to the telephone and dial a number. Curious, she watched. He spoke softly to someone in French and gave a laugh. After a short conversation, he hung up and turned to see her curious expression.
"I obtained reservations at the restaurant for Chief and Christine tomorrow night," he explained, though he was not obliged to explain to Teresa any phone calls he might make.
"Are they still open?" asked Terry.
"No," replied Actor, "but Henri is still there."
Terry didn't ask anything more. She wondered if Henri was a friend. Actor did not seem to have many friends, but he did have a lot of contacts. She peeled the long gloves off and headed for her bedroom. Actor was behind her on the way to his. She paused outside her door.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Actor," Teresa said. "You make a pretty good mio marito."
"I am glad you approve," he replied wryly. "It has been a most enjoyable evening," he tempered the tone.
He reached a hand out to tip her chin up. Terry was a little surprised when his lips descended on hers in a soft, sensuous kiss. She returned it, sorry when it ended. The con man turned and went to his room. Terry went into hers, a thoughtful look on her face.