"Then so will I," said Anna as I drove into Parsons Green Lane, and began searching for number 49.

"It's about a hundred yards down, on the left," she said.

I drew up and parked outside her front door.

"Don't let's bother with the theater this time," said Anna. "Come at about eight, and I'll cook you some supper." She leant over and kissed me on the cheek before turning back to open the car door. I jumped out and walked quickly round to her side of the car as she stepped onto the pavement.

"So, I'll see you around eight tomorrow evening," she said.

"I'll look forward to that." I hesitated, and then took her in my arms. "Goodnight, Anna."

"Goodnight, Michael," she said as I released her. "And thank you for buying my ticket, not to mention dinner. I'm glad my other three would-be suitors only made it as far as the car pound."

I smiled as she pushed the key into the lock of her front door.

She turned back. "By the way, Michael, was that the restaurant with the missing waiter, the four-and-a-half-fingered chef, or the crooked bartender?"

"The crooked bartender," I replied with a smile.

She closed the door behind her as the clock on a nearby church struck one.

ALSO BY JEFFREY ARCHER.

NOVELS.

False Impression.

Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less.

Shall We Tell the President?

Sons of Fortune.

Kane & Abel

The Prodigal Daughter

First Among Equals

A Matter of Honor

As the Crow Flies

Honor Among Thieves

The Fourth Estate

The Eleventh Commandment

SHORT STORIES.

A Quiver Full of Arrows

A Twist in the Tale

Twelve Red Herrings

To Cut a Long Story Short

PLAYS.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt.

Exclusive.

The Accused.

PRISON DIARIES.

Volume I: Hell.

Volume II: Purgatory.

Volume III: Heaven.