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wasn’t wearing anything at all under that dressing-gown thing! He hadn’t realised before what good legs she had. She looked younger too, and even fluffier than usual. He had intended waiting on the doorstep whilst she fetched his things, but with the gale roaring into the house as it was, he really had no option but to go inside and close the door.
    Now, as he lay in a bath full of foaming scented oil, warm again, he felt enormously relaxed. There was something about coming to a house run by a woman that was curiously soothing. He supposed it was the feminine touch. He glanced around him at the lacy curtains, at the pink and white towels, at the pink knitted cover on the lavatory seat, and felt comforted and pampered. This is a good idea, he thought. Next, I must persuade Wendy to give me a lift to my Jag in her car, once she’s dried the gorilla suit.
    There was a knock at the door. ‘Er… hang on,’ Hector called, ‘… I’m still in the bath.’
    ‘It’s OK,’ Wendy’s voice said, ‘I’ve just brought you a cup of hot milk and honey. Don’t want you getting a chill. I’ll leave it out here, shall I?’
    ‘Oh… well, thanks. Yes.’ Whatever next! Hector thought, I suppose I can always throw it down the bog. Hot milk!
    However, once he was out, and dried, and had wrapped a bath towel firmly round his waist, he emerged and picked up the mug. He sipped it experimentally. It was delicious! He drank it all down, and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. Right, he thought, now I feel well and truly restored. Time to go!
    ‘Hector?’ Wendy called up the stairs. ‘Something awful’s happened…’
    ‘What?’ He went to the top of the stairs and looked down. Wendy was standing at the bottom, holding up something small and black.
    ‘I don’t know how to tell you this,’ Wendy began. ‘I thought it’d be OK, but it seems to have shrunk somehow in the dryer. I’m ever so sorry…’
    Hector clutched the towel with one hand, and the banisters with the other. Then he went down the stairs. He took the gorilla costume from her and held it up. It was now the size of a child’s romper suit; totally shrivelled.
    ‘But I can’t wear this!’ he exclaimed in horror. ‘It’s completely f…
ruined!
What in hell am I going to do now?’
    ‘I’m afraid I haven’t any clothes that would fit you,’ Wendy said. ‘You’ll just have to stay the night… Yes, that’s the answer. Then tomorrow, I’ll drive over to your place and get some of your proper clothes, and come back, and you can put them on and then I’ll take you to pick up your car!’
    ‘But I’ve got a busy day tomorrow,’ Hector said, looking agitated. ‘Couldn’t you go now?’
    ‘Oh I would, Hector. It’s just that I’m really exhausted… and I’ve had quite a bit to drink… and anyway, it’s Sunday tomorrow. You’re not working this weekend, are you?’
    ‘Well, no.’ Hector conceded reluctantly.
    ‘Don’t worry,’ Wendy went on eagerly, ‘we can get up really early. It’d be no bother.’ Hector fancied she was blushing and wondered why. She led him into the lounge and sat herself down on a settee.
    ‘Well…’
    ‘It’ll be fine, Hector. Don’t worry. Come and keep warm by the fire a minute,’ and she motioned him to sit down next to her.
    ‘Well, if you’re sure?’
    ‘Positive.’
    ‘Well, all right then.’ He sat down.
    ‘Actually, I’m rather pleased,’ Wendy said, leaning towards him. He became aware that she was wearing a very seductive scent, and that the dressing gown which she had been holding closed at the front had slipped and was now revealing rather a lot of cleavage.
    Good grief! Hector suddenly thought. Is this all leading where I think it is? Surely not?

Chapter 5
    The gale seemed to have worsened as Jess drove home from the fancy dress party. She had taken off the photograph-covered kaftan, and in its place had put on a heavy sweater and a scarf. She was grateful for their warmth. The