Free Rendezvous With Danger by Margaret Pemberton Page B

disinterested young man behind the bar who was immersed in a book and obviously resented my interruption, and sat in the corner, shielded by the high back and arm of the chair.
    I spread the map out in front of me and tried to concentrate. But superimposed on the roads, railways and towns of Germany, was Stephen Maitland’s face. Two dark brown eyes under their black brows stared up at me as I tried vainly to plot a route south. It was impossible. Time and time again I began tracing the bright red lines on the map with a pen, only to find I was sitting with my hand stationary and my thoughts in turmoil. In the end I gave up trying and drank my cognac, bravely interrupting the barman from his book to ask for another.
    â€˜Susan!’ Gunther ran down the steps, and in front of the slightly more interested barman took me in his arms.
    â€˜Thank God you’re all right! When Frau Schmidt told me you had gone I didn’t know what to think.’ He stepped away from me, holding me at arms’ length. ‘You’re trembling, Susan. Here, take your drink and sit down.’
    I sat down gratefully, and he joined me, removing one of my hands from the glass I held, taking it in his and holding it tightly.
    â€˜If you knew how worried I’ve been these last few hours, Susan.’
    â€˜And if you knew how scared I’ve been …’
    â€˜There’s no need to be scared any more. The police have arrested them.’
    â€˜All … of them?’
    He nodded grimly. ‘Maitland as well. You were quite right. He was in it up to his neck.’
    I concentrated very hard on not being sick. ‘And Christina?’ I asked faintly. ‘Do the police know who killed her?’
    â€˜The hit and run car was parked at the farm. There’s no need to worry about anything now. It’s all over.’
    I wanted to ask whose car it had been, but the words stuck in my throat.
    â€˜I’ve kept you out of this affair, at least as far as the police are concerned, Susan. You’re quite free to continue your holiday.’
    I squeezed his hand gratefully. ‘Gunther, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You’ve been marvellous.’
    â€˜Are you going to stay here a little longer? I would like it if you did.’ The blue eyes held mine. I shook my head.
    â€˜No, Gunther. I couldn’t. Not after what’s happened. I’d keep seeing her there.’
    â€˜And if I suggested that I come south with you?’
    I fingered the glass, trying to think of the right words to say.
    â€˜I see,’ he said. ‘Well, never mind, Susan. One cannot win all the time.’ White teeth flashed in a sudden smile. ‘But one thing you do owe me is your company for the rest of today. Why not settle for Augsburg? I could drive there with you, book you into a hotel, and then we could have dinner and spend the rest of the evening together. We’ll be there by seven. Naturally, I shall depart promptly at the stroke of twelve.’
    I laughed. ‘All right.’
    He rose from the table. ‘Then come along, there is no time to lose. It’s five o’clock already.’
    I picked up my things and followed him into the street.
    â€˜It might be a good idea if we telephoned from here and booked you a room,’ Gunther said. ‘ I know just the hotel.’
    I was quite happy to let him make all the arrangements, and leaned against the wall in the warmth of the late afternoon sun while he rang Augsburg from the telephone kiosk, trying desperately not to think of Stephen Maitland.
    Gunther emerged smiling. ‘Dinner for two tonight. Bed and breakfast for one. Where did you park your car?’
    â€˜Heavens, I’d nearly forgotten it! It’s round the back.’
    Gunther’s Mercedes straddled the street. I looked at it doubtfully.
    â€˜Will I be able to keep up with you?’
    â€˜Not for a minute. However, with willpower I shall be