第 23 页

'Will you take that photograph to the window and look at it in a good light as long as it takes to count a pulse?'

'Yes, of course, if you want me to. But why?'

'Never mind why. You just do it to~ please me. I'll time you.'

She took up the portrait and moved into the light of the window.

He watched the second-hand of his watch.

He gave her forty-five seconds and then said: 'Well?' And as there was no immediate answer he said again:

'Well?'

'Funny,' she said. 'When you look at it for a little it's really quite a nice face, isn't it?'

Also of interest . . .

SIMISOLA

Ruth Rendell

Only eighteen black people live in Kingsmarkham. One is Wexford's new Doctor, Raymond Akande. When the doctor's daughter, Melanie, goes missing, the Chief Inspector takes more than just a professional interest in the case.

Melanie, just down from university but unable to find a job, disappeared somewhere between the Benefit Office and the bus stop. Or at least no one saw her get on the bus when it came.

According to her parents, Melanie was happy at home. She had recently broken up with her boyfriend but, until now, there had been no cause to worry about her. And no one liked to voice the suspicion that something might have happened, that Melanie might be dead...

'Impressive and courageous. . . Rendell's psychological and social insights are so absorbing, it's easy to forget what a superb plotter she is. As a mystery story, Simisola is exceptional . . . pace, surprise, tension and a climax of stunning unexpectedness'

The Times

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