«Yes.»

Eason's immediate response died in his throat. He glanced at Althaea who was looking at Mullen with an expression of surprise and wonder.

«Why?» she asked timidly. «Why did you come?»

«I wanted . . .» He glanced round at Eason and Tiarella, panic-stricken.

«Go on,» Tiarella said gently. «The truth never hurts in the long run.» She smiled encouragement.

Mullen took a nervous breath. «I wanted to see you again,» he blurted to Althaea.

«Me?»

«Uh-huh.»

Her delicate face betrayed a universe of delight. Then it crumpled to guilt, and she looked at Eason, almost fearful.

His own emotions were almost as confused. What a ridiculous romantic the lad was. Small wonder Althaea was flattered. However, right now he was not prepared to tolerate a rival.

«Eason,» Tiarella said sharply. «You and I have to talk. Right now.»

«We do, yes, but now is not the time.» He said it politely, making an effort to keep his temper in check.

«I insist. Althaea.»

«Yes, Mother?»

«I want you to treat Mullen's hands. You know where the first aid kit is. Do it in the kitchen, I expect he'll want something to eat after that voyage.» She patted the surprised lad's head. «Silly boy. Welcome back.»

• • •

Eason closed the study door, cutting off the sound of Althaea and Mullen chattering in the kitchen. When he faced Tiarella he knew that somehow she'd undermined him. Mullen's arrival had changed everything. Yet he didn't see how that was possible.

«Just what the fuck is going on?» he asked.

Tiarella's expression was glacial. «I warned you. I told you your time was up, but you wouldn't listen.»

«My time is just beginning.»

«No it isn't. And as from now, you're not to sleep with Althaea again. I mean that, Eason. And I will enforce it if you make me. Solange is quite capable of dealing with you, and that's just the creature you know about.»

«You're bluffing.»

«Am I? Then it's your call.» She opened a drawer in the desk and pulled out a finger-length cylinder with wires trailing from one end. «This is out of the fluxpump. I visited your chalet yesterday evening, just in case.»

«You would seriously set that snake on me for loving your daughter?»

«I would now, yes. Force is all you know, Eason. It's what you'll use if you think Mullen threatens you. I won't tolerate any violence against him.»

«Oh, come on! You honestly think she's going to choose that boy-child over me?»

«She chose him before she was born.»

«This is your cards shit again, isn't it?»

«Far from it.» She walked round the desk and pointed up at the big family print. «Who is this?» A finger tapped impatiently on Vanstone.

He gave an exasperated sigh. Crazy bitch. Then he looked, really looked at the man's features. All the confidence, all the anger inside him started to chill. «It's . . . But it can't be.»

«Yes, it is,» she said wistfully. «It's Mullen. About ten years older than he is now.»