The Mermaid in the Basement Read Free

glanced over at Kate and said, “Look at her toying with that poor young fool! Doesn’t he see that she’s nothing but a carnivore?”
    “I think the old saying that love is blind is true. In for a fall, that boy is!”

    Kate had let Clive into her dressing room. She changed clothes behind a screen, and when she came out wearing a gown of apricot-coloured silk with delicate lace a shade or two deeper, Clive went to her at once. “I have something for you.”
    “Really? A present for me? What is it, dear?”
    Clive reached into his pocket and brought out a small box. He opened it, and saw Kate’s eyes grow wide, and heard her catch her breath. “It’s . . . beautiful!” Kate took the ring, an emerald-cut diamond, and slipped it on her finger. “Why, I hardly know what to say, Clive!”
    “A little token of thanks would be appropriate.” Clive held his arms toward her, and she willingly walked into them. Her lips were soft and yielding under his, as was her body.He drew her closer, but then suddenly the door opened, and Kate quickly drew back. Clive turned to glare at the man who stepped inside. He knew him, of course—Sir William Dowding, the producer of the play. He was tall, and at the age of sixty-five had gained a little weight. Still, he made a powerful impression. He had grey hair and light blue eyes, and now his lips were twisted in a cynical grin. “Have I interrupted something, Kate?”
    “Oh, Sir William, come in. Look, Mr. Newton has given me a gift.”
    Dowding looked at the ring. His eyebrows lifted quizzically. “Well, that’s a beautiful stone. You must be quite a wealthy man, Mr. Newton.”
    Clive felt anger rushing through him, for he felt that Dowding was laughing at him. He knew, of course, that Dowding often took Kate out after the performance. He was a powerful figure in the world of drama, and had made his wealth in steel mills. He also had a wife and three grown children. It infuriated Clive that an old man, which is how he thought of him, would dominate Kate.
    “Let’s go, Kate. I’m hungry,” Clive said quickly.
    “Oh, I’m sorry, Clive, but Sir William came earlier. He wants to discuss my next play. It’s very exciting.”
    “But you promised—”
    “Oh, I know, dear, but he’s my employer. He has great plans for me, and I can’t offend him.”
    Sir William Dowding laughed. “Perhaps another time, dear fellow.
    Come along, Kate.”
    Clive was an amiable young man, but under the surface of that amiability lay a temper that sometimes escaped. It did so now as he stepped forward and ripped Kate’s hand away from where it rested on Dowding’s arm.“Miss Fairfield is dining with me!”
    Sir William Dowding was not a man who liked to be crossed. His eyes suddenly turned cold, and he said, “Who is this puppy, Katherine?”
    “Puppy! You call me a puppy!” A red curtain seemed to fall before Clive’s eyes, and he shouted something in anger. He doubled up his fists and started for Sir William, but Kate had come between them. She put her hands on his chest and said urgently, “Clive, I’ve told you how it is. This is business. You can come back after the performance tomorrow.We can go out then, but I have to talk to Mr. Dowding about my next play.”
    Kate took Dowding’s arm, and Dowding gave Clive a triumphant smile as the two walked out. Clive, still blinded with rage, followed them out shouting, “You think because you have money you’re something, but you’re not a man!”
    Kate turned, and her face was twisted with anger. “Clive, you’re making a spectacle of yourself. Now behave!” She turned, and Clive watched the two leave.
    Most of the cast had witnessed the scene; Ives Montgomery, who played Horatio in the production, was standing beside Dylan. He was a tall, slender young man with a deep tan and flashing white teeth. “Young Newton’s getting an education. It won’t kill him.” His expression turned sour, and he shook his head sadly. “Kate used