"Believe it or not, Mick, you're doin' the right thing," said Billy. "After

this

is done, they'll prob'ly go an' 'ang a medal on you." "They'll be hanging

something, I have no doubt of that," said Blood sarcastically. "Oh, what the

hell. My father never wanted me to be a policeman, anyway." He got up and

went

over to where Jacqueline sat at the computer. "Let's get on with it."

Royce hesitated as she opened the arched door to the bedroom. They had

climbed

the spiral staircase up to the top floor of the keep because Terri had said

that

she wanted to go out on the parapets and take in the view in the moonlight.

But

now she had gone into one of the bedrooms with a coy "I wonder what's in

here?"

He remained by the door.

"Come on in and close the door," she said, looking directly into his eyes.

There

was no mistaking the invitation.

"I don't think this is a very good idea, Terri," Royce said, not coming in

and

leaving the door wide open.

"Why not? You don't like me?" she said, looking stricken. "I've done

something

to offend you, haven't I?"

"No, no, it isn't that at all. I think you're a very lovely girl."

"So what is it, then? I'm being too forward, is that it? I'm sorry, perhaps I

misunderstood, but I thought you were attracted to me."

"I am attracted to you, Terri, any man would be, but my dear girl, I've got

boots older than you are!"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everything," said Royce. "There's nothing more pathetic than an old fool

making

an ass of himself over a girl young enough to be his daughter. I am far too

old

and a bit too old-fashioned for a brief romantic fling, however tempting it

might be, and you are far too young for a serious relationship with someone

of

my age."

"That's a lot of nonsense," she said.

"It is not a lot of nonsense," Royce protested, determined to be strong about

it. "I'm very flattered, truly I am, but I have absolutely no intention of

catering to a young girl's father fixation. It wouldn't be healthy, not for

either one of us. It couldn't possibly last, and as I've already said, I have

no

interest in settling for anything less. Besides, I have my position to think