Things moved quickly after that.

The same evening, after he had returned to Hove, Dick managed to get through to Lakshmi at last. She told him that her father had died of a heart attack a week earlier. She sounded quite calm but Dick desperately wanted to be with her.

'Lakshmi, I'm so sorry. I feel helpless here. I want to be with you, to help you.'

'It's all right Dick. Please don't worry. My father was already dead inside. It may be better for him like this. Perhaps he is with my mother again. Don't worry about me. I can manage as long as I know you are there-'

'Did you get my letter Lakshmi? Will you marry me?'

'Yes, I did Dick. And I do want to marry you. Now my father is dead there is nothing to keep me here. But I'm still worried about your thoughts of revenge. How can you hurt that poor innocent woman? Or the son, John? They have done nothing to you. I want you to give up the idea. I don't think I could marry a man who would do that. Please think about it and tell me what you decide. I couldn't live with a man who did a thing like that.'

'But Lakshmi, I have Lennox where I want him. He's trapped. How can I give up now? He deserves it. And so do the Visvanathans. Can't you understand?'

'Dick, I can understand but I can't agree. I told you before, we should leave judgement to God. People like that are punished by what they become. Leave it at that, and don't make innocent people suffer. I'm sorry Dick - that's my last word. If you go ahead with this, I can't see you again.'

The line was suddenly cut. Dick was not sure whether it was the Indian telecommunications or whether Lakshmi had put down the telephone on him. He repeatedly tried to call again but every time the number rang with the engaged tone.

He went to bed in a confusion of doubt and uncertainty. How could she be so obstinate? Even her own father had been destroyed by these bastards. Couldn't she see that? But she obviously meant what she said. Yet how could he live without her now? He could not imagine a life which did not include her. It was three in the morning before he finally fell into an uneasy sleep. And when he woke, his mind was still confused about what to do.

* * *

The next morning he called Lennox.

'The answer's "no". I won't, hm, give in to blackmail.'

'OK. I gave you the choice. You know what the consequences will be. Good bye.'