Free Dr Casswell's Student by Sarah Fisher Page A

louts might have been tempted to follow the car; would they not want to find out more about her and Casswell; eager for a little more carnal pleasure? When she closed her eyes she could still see their eyes, as dark and beady as rats’ in the fetid gloom.
    She could hardly believe what she’d done, and struggled to regain some semblance of composure, forcing herself to breathe more slowly. How quiet the unruffled, perfumed surroundings of the powder room were; a stunning contrast to the shadowy intimacy of the barn where she had been just minutes earlier.
    Sarah leant heavily against the vanity unit and stared at her reflection in the mirror above the basins. Was there some chance she was dreaming after all? Would she close her eyes again and wake up back at home at her aunt’s house, or even in her room at Casswell Hall? The erotic images from Beatrice’s diary seemed to have effected every part of her life, why not her dreams?
    But Sarah knew this was no dream. A tiny flame of knowledge burned deep in her pupils, a little flare that she doubted anyone else would ever notice. Rigel Casswell had helped unleash a part of her nature she had never even suspected existed; a part that was set to change her life forever.
    She opened her handbag and, as she took out her hairbrush, noticed her hands were trembling. Although her hair was still in need of a groom and her cheeks had a healthy glow about them, there was very little other outward evidence to suggest the encounter with the two anonymous young men had ever occurred.
    She filled a basin with warm water and washed her face, wondering if there was any way she could wash the rest of her body. Doctor Casswell was expecting her to join him for lunch, and it wouldn’t do to keep him waiting too long, but she longed to rid herself of the raw animal scent of the barn.
    Sarah realised the elderly attendant was staring at her. She reddened under the old woman’s unfaltering gaze, and reapplied her make up and tidied her hair.
    ‘Is there something you want, dearie?’ the woman asked when Sarah had done, looking her up and down. ‘Something you need?’
    ‘No, not really,’ said Sarah, adding a final touch of lipstick, her eyes fixed on the other woman’s in the mirror. ‘I was just wondering if there was somewhere I could have a shower, or even just have a proper wash.’
    The woman grinned, revealing a mismatch of teeth. ‘I could find you somewhere nice and private if you want. You’ve been up to it, ain’t ya?’ she said with an obscene leer. ‘Have you finished for today, or are you getting yourself ready to turn another trick?’
    Sarah blushed furiously. ‘I beg your pardon?’ she protested indignantly. ‘I’m here having lunch with someone.’
    The woman grinned. ‘No need to play so prim and proper with me, dearie. I know a whore when I see one. Did your client send you in here to clean yourself up?’
    Utterly speechless, Sarah stared at the woman with growing incredulity.
    ‘Or is that how he likes you best?’ the hag continued, moving closer. ‘Sitting beside him in full view of everyone out there, and then when you’re eating maybe he’ll slip a finger up you – when he thinks no one’s looking.’ She cackled to herself. ‘Or maybe he prefers it when they are looking—’
    Sarah hastily sidestepped her and started backing towards the washroom door. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ she said weakly.
    ‘Oh really?’ the old woman sneered. ‘There’s no need to run away from me, my lamb. I’ve been there. I used to be a working girl myself. I certainly don’t mean you any harm. I’ve worked the hotels all my life. Seen it all, me. If you like I could lock the door so you can get yourself cleaned up.’ She pulled a key out of her overall pocket. ‘And if you’re short of a pound or two there’s a couple of guests staying at the moment who’d pay real well to watch you tidy yourself up. Maybe I could soap you