Studs and Stilettos

Lesson 26 - never give in to blackmail.

The doorbell drones again.

This time I wrench the door open.

'Christ alive! Can't a girl have a crap in peace! What is it? Some sort of emergency?'

Derek, close to, is older than I imagined. His dark hair is streaked with silver lines but he's got a good bone structure with firm muscles. Some might say a strong face.

His eyebrows shoot up – I've obviously startled him with my tactic. Hopefully, a good sign. I like to wrong foot people where possible – it usually gives me an advantage.

He opens his mouth but I'm in there first.

'I'm not buying anything. I don't buy from strangers at the door – if I want rubbishy tea towels I get them in the Pound Shop - and my insurance policies are all up to date. The car's insured with a red phone and the flat contents with that annoying bulldog with a Yorkshire accent.'

Derek smiles and shakes his head. He's dressed in a black polo neck sweater , black chinos and a tan suede jacket which must have been funded from his lottery win. His shoes are so shiny I can almost see up my dress in them.

'Miss Niccus?' his voice is husky; I could imagine why gals may fall at his feet. It's the sort of voice that I go for.

'Who wants to know?'

'I'm Derek....'

'I didn't order a Derek. What do you want? I'm very busy...I'm just clearing up after a long and arduous dinner party...'

'I keep trying to tell you and if you listen, you may find out.'

Better let him say something or we'll be in this chilly doorway all night.

'I'm Derek Bicks... you replaced me at St Euclids. I'm so sorry to disturb you and I can assure you this won't take long.' the voice is pure gravelly maple syrup... in fact it's getting too sickly sweet. 'May I come in?'

'Hmmm. I suppose so. But make it quick. My flat mates will be back soon and I need to get this washing up done - and there's a pile of books to cover in ticks.'

Derek saunters in to the living room looking around as if he's a potential buyer come for a viewing.

'Dinner for four?' he says hoping I will applaud his powers of observation. 'How very nice. I'm glad I didn't come earlier and disturb you all.'

'No you've come later and just disturbed me instead.' I give him my steeliest glare and make a point of not offering him a seat or a glass of wine whilst I take a big swig out of the nearest glass.

Derek puts his knuckles on the table and stares directly into my eyes.

'I believe you know my wife?'

'I wouldn't say that. I've met her – once.'

'So you haven't mentioned your little deal with Anneliese to her?'

'The little deal being....?'

Derek rubs his palms together as if trying to sort out the right words.

'You retrieved some... items for me; from the Chemistry lab...'

'Under the duress of blackmail.'

'I wouldn't t use such a strong term.'

'I would.'

'Well: what does it matter?' Derek turns, takes two paces, turns and stops.

'Stop beating around the bush Derek and get to the point. You must want something. I've never met you before and yet suddenly, here you are, turning up at ten o'clock at night pussy footing around...what's your problem?'