Dark Fate. CHARLOTTE LAMB

had told me his name was Alessandros, I’d have known who he was,’ he said, his face envious and faintly resentful. ‘I haven’t actually met him myself, but of course I’ve heard of him—he owns a number of hotels we use, his family own a hotel chain with hotels all over Italy; he must be one of the richest men in the country.’

      ‘Well, I’m relieved to find I was right to trust him!’ Jamie said cheerfully, drinking some of his red wine.

      ‘Good heavens, yes,’ said Terry, staring at him in a puzzled way. ‘You’re very lucky to be invited to his home! I can’t get over it. You say he just came over and introduced himself? It’s amazing. I tell you what, I’ll get down early tomorrow morning and see you off, just to check that it is him—I’d know his face anywhere; I’ve seen pictures of him in Italian papers a hundred times.’

      Saskia gave him a dry look. Now that he believed Jamie had really met Domenico, Terry was eager to scrape acquaintance too. She wasn’t surprised; she had met that attitude far too many times during the years she’d spent with Domenico. Money had that effect on people; it drew them like a magnet.

      Terry caught her cynical glance and went an ugly red. ‘Well, time to make my little talk to everyone,’ he said hurriedly, getting up. ‘I must get my notes for tomorrow, to check our itinerary. Excuse me.’

      When he had gone, Jamie grinned at her. ‘I think he’s jealous; he’d have liked to meet Mr Alessandros.’

      ‘I think you’re right,’ Saskia said, smiling back at him.