Unknown by Unknown Page B

Templeton that I don’t want to see her again. Do you know, she even suggested I went back on the stage?’ Her laugh was harsh, brittle. 'I don’t want pity—and that’s all I’d get if I displayed myself in public!’
    Laura bit her lip so hard she drew blood, yet was scarcely aware of the pain. So Helen had been lying after all! What a convincing performance she had put on. Laura had really thought she wanted to be friends, yet listening to the venom in her voice now she knew that it had all been play-acting. That she had despised the thought of Laura seeing her.
    She waited breathlessly for Brad’s reply, but it was soft and inaudible, so Laura chose that moment to knock, not wishing to be caught eavesdropping. How true it was that a listener never hears any good of oneself, she thought as she opened the door.
    Her employer had his back to her, looking ostensibly through the uncurtained window at the star-spangled sky. Helen was in a chair beside him, but she too avoided looking at Laura, examining her impeccably manicured nails as though they were of the utmost importance.
    Laura stood awkwardly in the centre of the room wondering why she had been summoned, and wishing one of them would speak instead of ignoring her as though she were an intruder.
    At length Brad turned. He looked from Laura to Helen, his eyes softening slightly as they rested on the shining curls. Helen was too intent scrutinising her hands to notice the look he gave her.
    ‘I went to see a specialist while I was away .' His voice was gently persuasive. ‘He thinks he may be able to do something for you.’
    Helen’s head shot up, her eyes ablaze. 'I've had enough of doctors and hospitals! Why on earth do you have to interfere? I won t have anyone else look at me as though I were some prize specimen in a zoo!'
    He dropped to his knees beside her. ‘Look, Helen,' he cajoled. ‘He’s very good, the best in his field. He has a private clinic in London, You’ll have your own room. It will practically be like living at home.’
    ‘No, I refuse! I don’t care how good he is, I’m not going!’ Her face was contorted with fury and she banged her fists against Brad’s chest.
    He caught her hands, trying to still her rage, but Helen snatched free and this time her wrath was directed at Laura. She pointed a red-tipped finger. ‘And why did you insist upon her being present when you told me?’
    Laura too was mystified. The whole conversation was personal. She could not imagine why he had sent for her.
    ‘I had my reasons,’ said Brad, 'but if you turn down my suggestion there’s no point in discussing the matter any more.’ He looked across at his secretary. ‘I’m sorry to have dragged you up here for nothing.’
    Helen’s attitude completely stunned Laura. She could not believe that this was the same charming, friendly person, but as she turned to go Helen’s voice halted her.
    ‘Wait. Now you’ve gone this far, Brad, you may as well tell us how Laura fits into the picture.’ Her expression suggested that she thought little of the idea of involving the other girl.
    Brad’s tones were low but firm. ‘No. I was wrong to want to discuss this matter without haying told you first.’ His eyes were troubled as he looked at Laura. ‘If you wouldn’t mind?’
    ‘Of course.' Laura closed the door gently, deeply disturbed by the scene that had taken place. It was incredible that Helen should have such an unpleasant side to her nature, or was that the true person, and the delightful girl of yesterday a front for her benefit? Slowly she went downstairs, confused and unable to decide which was the real person. It must be a family trait, she said to herself ironically, for both Brad and his sister to have dual personalities.
    Back in the lounge she no longer felt like knitting. Helen’s reaction worried her. Surely the possibility of a cure should produce excitement? Anything would be better than the prospect of spending the rest of her life