Shadows in the Limelight Read online

  ‘Black’s fine,’ the other woman answered. She was staring at the crumpled wads of paper littering Catherine’s desk. Catherine felt slightly embarrassed. Kent’s secretary looked very capable and undoubtedly wouldn’t need several tries at filling in the forms necessary to running a business before she got them right.

  ‘Now, for the reason Mr. Latimer asked me to call on you,’ Miss Hamilton said pleasantly as Catherine took her seat. For an awful moment Catherine wondered if he had sent her to take over the office work so she couldn’t use it as an excuse for avoiding certain dates any longer, but dismissed the idea as the older woman opened her bag and withdrew a slip of paper. ‘Mr. Latimer wants you to have a new wardrobe,’ the older woman said briskly. 'Here’s a list of the things he thinks you need, as well as the stores where he has accounts so that you can charge them to him. He also asked me to give you his bank card, so if you find something you like somewhere else, it won’t be a problem.’ She handed Catherine the paper.

  Catherine had been listening to the secretary with dawning horror, and as she read through the list, her colour mounted to a crimson: evening gowns, day dresses, riding wear, shoes and handbags, lingerie! She looked up at the woman incredulously. After his remarks last night, she wasn’t altogether surprised that he wanted her to do something about her clothes. Yet it had never crossed her mind that he had really intended to buy her a complete new wardrobe. Catherine glanced up to see the woman watching her, her face burning with anger and embarrassment. Although the secretary’s face was impassive, Catherine could imagine what she was thinking—that she was Kent’s mistress. How could he be so insensitive as to put her in this position?

  ‘He...’ Catherine had to stop to clear her throat. ‘He wants me to have these things?’

  Miss Hamilton smiled matter-of-factly, causing Catherine to wonder just how many times she had been called upon to perform such a mission. ‘Mr. Latimer understands how busy you are but would like you to get started with the shopping as soon as possible.’

  Catherine saw the loophole and dived through it like a rabbit down a bolthole. ‘Well, this list is quite long, I can’t possibly take any time off for shopping. I’m just too busy with my store.’

  Miss Hamilton’s reaction to this statement was a chuckle. ‘Oh, he knows you quite well, doesn’t he?’ She beamed at Catherine indulgently. ‘That’s exactly what he said you’d say. That’s why he sent me down here. I’m to catch up on your paperwork so you’ll have time to shop.’

  I was right! Catherine thought, gaping at the older woman. Before she could find her tongue to say anything though Miss Hamilton said quickly, ‘You needn’t look so worried. I’m quite familiar with this type of work. Before Mr. Latimer employed me, I did freelance bookkeeping for several retail businesses. I won’t have any trouble setting this to rights.’ She looked at the desk, a confident expression lighting her rather plain features.

  ‘I don’t think...’ Before Catherine could even start telling the woman what she didn’t think, Miss Hamilton was sorting through the rubbish on the desk and Catherine was standing outside her shop, a hard plastic bank card bearing Kent Latimer’s name in one hand and the list of items he considered essential additions to her wardrobe in the other.

  Her fist clenched around the piece of paper, crumpling it, as she turned to march through the lobby and over to the elevator that would take her up to Kent’s office. She took a step, then stopped and looked down at the credit card. So Kent Latimer thought she wore cheap clothes, did he? Well, maybe she should just let him see how expensive her tastes could be when she was in the mood! Buoyed up on a heady tide of revenge, she turned on her heel and strode quickly out of the building.

  After slipping on her dress that evening, Catherine inspected her appearance in the full-length mirror. Cut from a shimmery teal-blue jersey, the gown fell from the strapless bodice into a delightful swirl at her feet. On the way, it clung lovingly to her curves, emphasising her firm bust and narrow waist. But the best part of all was that its price could easily have been mistaken for that of a good used car.

  If ever a dress was made for diamonds, this one was it, she decided. Going to her jewellery box, Catherine took out her diamond set. The earrings were dainty tear-drops that matched the two-carat pendant that hung from a platinum chain. She slipped the matching bracelet on her wrist, a narrow band of platinum set with diamonds. Her hair was wound into a knot at the nape of her neck and as she tilted her head, the diamonds on her ears sparkled in the reflection.

  The doorbell rang and, gathering up the white velvet cape she had bought that afternoon, she went to answer it. She opened the door to find Kent waiting for her, looking devastatingly handsome in a formal dinner jacket with a white ruffled shirt.

  He didn’t bat an eyelid when she handed him the receipts from her day’s shopping, and disappointment put her in an aggressive mood.

  ‘Well, do I meet with your approval?’ asked Catherine shortly.

  His mouth firmed as he reacted to the enmity in her tone, and he continued to study her. She saw his chin set at a belligerent angle, his eyes were glacial as he ran them over the dress. Finally he said in a flat voice, ‘You look lovely.’

  ‘I’m glad you approve,’ Catherine accepted the compliment, her voice laced with sarcasm. ‘I’d like to think you’re getting your money’s worth out of our deal.’ She saw him flinch and knew she had touched a nerve. Taunting him, she lifted her chin. Maybe he hadn’t been as unaffected by those bills as she had thought.

  He continued studying her for a moment, then asked, ‘Why do you always wear your hair up like that?’

  ‘I like it this way,’ Catherine said with icy rudeness.

  She saw the muscles of his jaw tense as he gritted his teeth in an attempt to control his temper. She was being deliberately antagonistic, but she didn’t care. Her eyes glinted up at him challengingly. For a moment she thought he wasn’t going to react, but when a slight smile of satisfaction started to form on her lips, he said abruptly, ‘I don’t. Wear it loose.’

  She ignored the order, haughtily turning her back to him, and he took a step forward. ‘Don’t turn your back on me. Cat,’ he ordered harshly. His hand snaked out and grasped her wrist, his other hand going to the back of her head and he began pulling out the hairpins that secured her hair. When Catherine tried to struggle away from him, he used her arm to lever her closer to him, forcing her body against him.

  The intimate contact drove the air from her lungs in a gasp. She averted her head, aware that he was looking down at her and noting the colour inching up her cheeks. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest and when he shifted his stance slightly to slide his leg between hers, she capitulated. ‘I—I’ll take it down,’ she choked out, and he released her immediately. Unable to bear the mocking amusement in his eyes a moment longer, she stalked into her bedroom, pulling out the few pins that still remained. Angrily, she tugged a brush through her long auburn tresses, wincing when a tangle caught in the brush and pulled her scalp. At that, she forced herself to calm down, though she was still fuming when she returned to the living-room.

  ‘That’s better,’ Kent nodded. His eyes rested on the diamond pendant nestled against the creamy flesh of her neck. His fingers brushed against her skin as he lifted it to study it. The diamond glittered against the bronze tan of his hand, breaking the light into rainbows. ‘Is this real?’

  ‘Of course—but don’t worry. You didn’t pay for it. I’ve owned it for several years.’ And even though she hated herself for bragging childishly, she added, ‘I have a lot of nice jewellery and most of it’s real, including the pearls.’ As she stepped away from him, the diamond dropped back against her throat. ‘Are you ready to leave?’

  He took her cape, and she turned away from him so she could place it on her shoulders. His hands lingered on the cool flesh of her nape as he lifted her hair free from the wrap. ‘Cat, are you saying those pearls and the other jewellery I’ve seen you wear aren’t imitation?�
�� he asked half-angrily, turning her to face him.

  ‘What of it?’ Catherine retorted.

  ‘I see,’ he said tightly. His mouth was set in a harsh line, his eyes cold.

  ‘Just exactly what are you getting at?’

  ‘Never mind. It’s time we were leaving.’

  ‘Not until you answer me,’ Catherine dug her heels in as the implication of his remark sunk in. ‘You think some man bought them for me, don’t you?’

  ‘Of course not. I didn’t say that. Let’s just drop the subject, shall we?’ He went to the door and opened it, then turned back to her. ‘Are you coming?’

  ‘No. You have a mind like a sewer, Kent, and I’m not going out with you.’ She crossed her arms in front of her, glaring at him.

  ‘Yes, you are.’ He stalked over to her, his hand taking her wrist in a hard grip. ‘You’re the one who said we had a business deal, and now I’m holding you to it. I’ve bought your company tonight with that dress you’re wearing, my part of the deal.’ He jerked her arm, pulling her to the door with him.

  ‘Turn me loose, I’m not going anywhere with you!’ Catherine struggled against him, twisting her arm to free herself. His grip was cruel, biting into the soft flesh of her wrist with bruising force.

  At the door, he stopped suddenly. ‘You are coming with me, and what’s more, you’ll behave yourself. Let me put it in language you’ll understand. It’s costing me a lot of money setting you up as Cat Devlin. We made a deal, and you’re going to stick to it.’

  ‘And just how do you think you’re going to make me?’

  He smiled then, an ugly twist of his lips that made her grow cold. ‘Have you ever wondered why my law office is in the Grace Building? Let me tell you. It’s because I happen to be one of the owners. Now I’m sure if we had a tenant I wasn’t too happy with, I would have little problem getting them out. Have you got my meaning?’

  ‘I have a lease.’ Catherine glared at him defiantly.

  ‘And I’m a lawyer and know all about breaking leases.’

  Catherine opened her mouth, then snapped it shut. Regardless of his opinion of her, she knew she would have to go with him. She had built her whole life around that shop, she didn’t want to lose it. ‘I’ll come,’ she whispered. Kent dropped her wrist, and her hand tingled as the circulation returned. Already, a purple bruise was forming where his fingers had gripped her.

  ‘I knew you’d see things my way,’ he said imperiously, taking her elbow to lead her down the hall.

  The cream Mercedes came to a halt in front of the luxury apartment building. Kent got out and walked around the bonnet to open the door for Catherine. He helped her out, and pocketing his car keys, escorted her into the lobby.

  The drive had been accomplished in total silence and much of Catherine’s anger with Kent had dissipated under a feeling of sick apprehension. As they crossed the marble-tiled lobby, her stomach muscles contracted into a hard knot, making it difficult even to breathe. Until now, she had avoided thinking about being introduced to a room full of people as Cat Devlin, but in only a few seconds that was exactly what would happen.

  ‘Stop it, Cat,’ Kent enjoined as the doors to the elevator that would carry them to the penthouse whispered shut. His eyes moved over her, suddenly growing puzzled. ‘What’s the matter? You look like you’re about to pass out.’

  ‘I’m fine,’ Catherine choked out, hiding her trembling hands in the folds of her cape. How could she explain that the idea of meeting all those people as Cat Devlin left her sick with fear? What if they had heard rumours, what if they asked her about Casey? She couldn’t afford to make one mistake, one slip.

  Kent stood facing her, frowning deeply as he noted the pallor of her cheeks, the wide, hunted look in her eyes. ‘I’m sorry I upset you earlier. I wasn’t trying to imply anything when I remarked on your jewellery. I knew you’d bought it yourself.’

  Catherine eyed him questioningly. ‘Then what did you mean?’

  ‘It’s just that when I realised it was genuine, it struck me what a waste it was when you gave up your career. Do you realise how many people can only dream of ever achieving the kind of success you walked away from? What’s that old saying—a broken heart for every light on Broadway? You had everything and you turned your back on it.’

  ‘Money and success aren’t everything, Kent.’

  ‘I know they aren’t, but you must have wanted them in the beginning or you’d never have got as far as you did.’

  ‘Well, I don’t want them any more,’ Catherine retorted. ‘All I want is to be left alone, allowed to have my shop and run my life the way I want without interference from you.’

  ‘Even when it’s for your own good?’

  ‘Oh, you really worry about my “good”, don’t you? Five minutes ago you were threatening to take away my business!’

  Kent sighed impatiently. ‘I didn’t mean that, Cat. I lost my temper. You were spoiling for a fight from the moment I walked into your apartment. I shouldn’t have let you bait me, but...’ He picked up her hand and gave it a little shake. ‘Can’t we stop arguing? I’m not going to take your shop away. I’m going to help you with your business.’

  Catherine tugged her hand free, her mouth set. ‘I wish you'd just leave me alone. I didn’t want to come here tonight.’

  ‘You’re going to enjoy it, so stop looking like you’re going to your execution. If you’re acting like this because I’m going to introduce you as Cat Devlin, then stop it. At least give my friends credit for enough sophistication not to act like a bunch of groupies at a rock concert just because you used to be a singer.’ When her expression remained unchanged, he suddenly pulled her to him and planted a brief, hard kiss on her lips.

  Struggling free, Catherine swore at him. ‘Damn you, you promised you wouldn’t touch me!’

  Kent laughed lightly, smiling with satisfaction. ‘At least I got some colour in your cheeks—now smile,’ he coaxed, ‘we’re here.’ The elevator doors opened, and seething with frustration, Catherine followed him out. Reaching the door of the penthouse, Kent rang the bell, glancing down at her. ‘I said, smile.’

  She stared up at him mutinously, but when he stepped towards her, she quickly pasted a smile on her face. The door opened: the ordeal had begun.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  ‘You can’t imagine how pleased I was when I heard you were going to be here tonight.’ The woman stepped slightly closer to Catherine, enveloping her in a cloud of rather sickly sweet floral perfume. Automatically, Catherine edged away, only to find herself backed against the black onyx fireplace. She was a great believer in personal space and nothing made her more uncomfortable than having someone intrude on it, especially a stranger.

  Her eyes searched the living-room, looking for Kent. When they had arrived earlier, Catherine had been surprised by their host’s apartment. A penthouse suite on False Creek, it was furnished in a unique, avant-garde style. The chairs and sofas scattered over the bright yellow carpet seemed more like weird leather and wood sculptures than places to sit. The end tables were fashioned from chrome and glass, their surfaces at present littered with glasses and overflowing ashtrays. Modern abstract paintings, highlighted by discreet hidden lights, provided splashes of colour on the stark white walls.

  She finally spotted Kent standing several feet away, deep in conversation with another man. Though she managed to catch his eye, he merely smiled across at her before returning his attention to the other man. No hope of rescue in that quarter, she thought bitterly. He was probably delighted that she was trapped by this old bat.

  ‘These parties are usually so dull,’ the woman standing next to her confided. ‘The men always go off in some corner and talk sports or politics, leaving us wives to our own devices.’ She was an older woman, long past fifty, her matronly figure swathed in heavy brocade. She laid one beringed hand on Catherine’s arm, and Catherine tried not to flinch away. ‘I’m so delighted that someone interesting has finally been invited. I always admir
ed you and your brother so much. You were such sweet children, it’s just tragic the way your career ended. But then I can understand how you must have felt about continuing after your brother was killed. I was wondering

  ‘I’m sorry, I don’t discuss my career,’ Catherine interrupted abruptly. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, please?’ The woman looked taken aback as she pushed past her and hurriedly crossed the room to Kent’s side.

  She reached Kent and he slipped an arm around her waist, glancing down at her. His eyes moved over to the woman she had been talking to, a frown line forming between them as he noticed the woman’s flushed, slightly indignant face. He turned back to the man he had been talking to and said, ‘Why don’t we continue this later? I’m going to take Cat around and make sure she’s met everyone.’

  He moved away, taking Catherine with him. But instead of joining another group, he drew her into a quiet corner behind a large potted fig tree. ‘What did you say to Mrs. Gault?’ he whispered in an undertone. ‘She looks like you insulted her.’

  ‘Well ... maybe I did. I just ... I couldn’t talk to her any more.’ Catherine’s hand was shaking as she raised it to brush away a stray lock of hair from her cheek. She felt overwrought and totally unfit to have an argument with Kent right now.

  ‘Look, Cat, I know she can be a tiresome old biddy, but can’t you make an effort to get along with her? Her husband is a very important man, and you aren’t helping me any by snubbing her.’

  Catherine looked at him helplessly. She knew Kent was making an effort to control his impatience with her, but she simply didn’t know how to explain that she couldn’t cope with the woman’s prying questions any longer. Before she could even begin to frame some sort of defence for her action, someone chuckled behind her, ‘So this is where you two got to!’