8.9

Certain this time that Rita was actually asleep, Max slid quietly out of bed.

He looked down at her perfect body, saying a silent goodbye, then walked quietly over to the desk and began writing –

“Dear Rita,”

He hated the thought of stealing away like a coward in the night. But there seemed no alternative. She had become, frankly, unbearable.

“It was great to meet you and I’m terribly sorry to disappoint you but frankly, I’m not even sure what I’m doing here myself.”

He read it back. It seemed a strange place to begin but he decided to press on. He didn’t have time to write draft after draft.

Save that for the novel.

“All I can say is that there are certain things at certain times…”

Perhaps this note isn’t such a good idea.

“When a man just has to do what a man has to do.”

Mate…

Fancy copping out on a tired old cliché like that!

In a swirl of activity that sent a chill through him, Rita groaned and rolled over.

But it will have to do.

“Love, Max.”

As he closed the door behind him, apart from relief, Max felt a strange and most unpleasant surge of shame. He’d never done a runner before. No matter what, he’d always at least had the guts to say goodbye.

8.10

On top of Haji Malang – Shard thrilled with relief as he watched Max finally tip-toe down the stairs, sneak past the sleeping guard, and walk out of the Hotel into the first strains of the Mumbai sunrise.

Shard closed his eyes and lay back exhausted –

That’s enough old man… it’s been a long day.