Read Counterpoint for Free Online Page A

will
tell you all you need to know.”
    Max retorted “That will be a
first.”
    The massive pair of entrance doors,
made with sturdy hardwood frames, glazed centres and brass fittings
were set in a red brick arch in the centre of the facade. They
opened easily into a 4m square hall. The floor was of polished
flagstones and in the centre, a richly coloured deep pile silk rug.
The walls were of red clay brick with niches and feature lighting.
The white domed ceiling reflected light down into the room and
contrasted with the dark, curved timber frames rising up from the
corners of the room, meeting in the centre of the dome. The
sparsely furnished room, had antiques around the walls and a
centrepiece of a substantial, carved, dark wood table. The room
smelled faintly of polish and hardwood. The whole effect was
stunning in its simplicity, choice of materials and lighting.
    Placing her bag and keys on the table,
she walked through into the lounge, turned briefly to see Max was
following and sat down.
    “Take a seat,” She said, as Max looked
around, stunned again at the beautifully appointed, yet welcoming
room. Settling down in a large armchair opposite her, he looked
stern, focusing on her eyes, looking for the telltale eye movement
down to the right when a lie is uttered.
    Carla spoke. “I was given this place,
two years ago by an incredible seventy-eight year old man called
the Duke. He is not actually a Duke, but he has all the airs and
graces of one. All those who have the privilege of knowing him,
love him. I don’t know exactly how he made all his money, but he
practically owns the town. Six years ago his wife died tragically
when her car plunged over the side of Angel Pass, near here. He was
emotionally destroyed at her loss.
    I met him in London a few months later,
and thought he might be my ticket to an easy life. I was living on
the streets, taking drugs and into thievery and prostitution. I
followed him back to his Hotel, found out his name, and after
cleaning myself up, got his attention the following day.
    I am too ashamed of what I did, to tell
you, but he fell for it, and he was hooked. At least I thought he
was at the time, but he was no fool. Anyway, he took me under his
wing so to speak, and bought me a flat here, in the village.
    I think he fell in love with me, and
although we were never intimate, he educated me, took me with him
everywhere, including significant social occasions, and helped me
to reach my potential.
    He built this place as his private
retreat away from prying eyes for his private business meetings. He
owns the whole building, four streets of shops forming a
quadrangle. The backs of the shops formed the walls of this atrium.
The owners of the shops are trusted friends and their families, so
although they know of its existence, I doubt if any of them have
been in here, apart from the cleaner and maintenance man. The
people who built it were brought in from abroad.
    When he went into semi-retirement a
year ago, he gave it to me, just as you see it, as a reward for my
kindness and loyalty. More than I deserve you may think, but I did
bring him back from the depths of despair, and the cost of this
place to him, was but coins thrown to a beggar.”
    Max believed her explanation; he could
detect no trace of a lie in her expression. He could imagine how
easy it would be to fall in love with this girl. A tinge of
jealousy ran through him, when he thought more about the Duke’s
closeness to her. Wealth like that would make any man attractive to
some girls he thought, regardless of the man’s age.
    Carla fell silent for a moment, then
slowly getting up she said. “I am tired and going to bed, I will
show you your room.”
    Walking away, she offered no
opportunity for further discussion, so he followed without
speaking.
    His room was extremely luxurious,
small, but with every convenience including French doors to a
balcony overlooking the garden. The lighting was now subdued, the
backlit plants