On Thursday morning, after breakfast, an indescribable rush broke out in the villa. Everyone was packing, suitcases and bags were lying around everywhere, and everyone was scurrying around excitedly, anxious not to forget anything. Jill and Mandy were also clearing out their closets, and while Mandy was chattering away happily, Jill was trying to figure out how to approach Joel about a private photo shoot. So far, no suitable opportunity had arisen, and she couldn't just walk into his room and say, "Hey, here I am, wouldn't you like to take some nude pictures of me?" Around noon, while they were waiting for the bus, the first was due to appear in half an hour, a favorable moment seemed to have come. Jill was sitting in the living room and noticed that Joel was sitting alone on the patio sorting his photo supplies. The girls were scattered all over the house, and there was no sign of Harriet or the rest of the crew, so Jill sauntered outside and sat next to him.

Jill and Craig spent the night in front of the fireplace, hugging, stroking, making love. In contrast to his otherwise rather irrepressible and demanding nature, he was very careful and tender. For all his passion, he was careful not to hurt her injuries unnecessarily, and she enjoyed having him so close and feeling him. After a quick shower, they went to breakfast the next morning and then immediately disappeared back into his bungalow. As before, they snuggled up in front of the fireplace, watched a few of the pay movies on offer, slept and made love in between. Something had changed. Although they hardly spoke to each other, instead dedicating themselves extensively to their lovemaking, they were as close as they had ever been. It was almost as if their bodies were speaking a language far more intense and clear than words could ever have been. In Craig's arms, Jill forgot everything. Forgotten were Grace, Lindsay, Mick, Joel and everything that had to do w

Jill had Tom record her statement and then drove home in a trance. She was barely able to think straight, too many things were running through her head. Thank God Mrs. Atkins appeared to be busy or not at home, and she reached her flat unseen. Completely distraught, she collapsed onto the couch and sat motionless, thinking about what Walter had told her. So Craig was innocent, fortunately. She was immensely relieved, the thought that he might be involved in this sordid business had hurt her a lot. Still, a bitter aftertaste lingered, she thought of his face when he turned back at the door to the hall last night. He'd been hurt, hurt that she'd thought he'd worked things out with Harriet. She would probably have been just as disappointed if she had been in his place, but what else was she supposed to believe? It had all fitted together too well, and Harriet's phrase about Craig holding her had seemed so unequivocal. Jill still couldn't unders