Alex sat down next to Alistair. 'I didn't think I could it!' She was hot, glistening with sweat and there were a couple of tears on her face. 'I know I shouldn't! But I was frightened that if I didn't then I'd have been next. Was I wrong?'

Alistair pulled her towards him. 'No! Sit on my knee!' She complied and cuddled in towards him with her head on his shoulder. She started to sob. 'Don't worry. It's only an act. He knew you couldn't hurt Anita!'

'But I could hear her wheezing and almost screaming deep in the chariot!' She cuddled in tighter.

'Look at her now!' Alistair pointed as Anita was driven past for inspection. 'You hardly left a mark!'

Copyright 2004 by Ewart Higgins