Lingard111

103

CHAPTER TWELVE

"The last time," repeated Kevin.

"It's not because I don't want to see you," said Sadie. "You know
that^{I do}."

"So you're ready to give in to them?" Kevin's voic© had an edge
of bitterness.

"It's not a case of giving in."

"What is it then?" he demanded.

"I don't want you to get hurt again," she said simply. "That's all."

They were quiet for a moment before Kevin spoke. "I'm sorry, I
didn't mean to sound angry with you, Sadie. It's just that I hate the
idea of Brian Rafferty telling me what to do."

"It's not just Brian Rafferty is it? If it wasn't him it would
be somebody else. Every time I left you I'd be wondering if you
were going to be beaten up on the way home."

"^{They needn't know.} We could meet in secret."

"Where?"

Kevin sighed. He closed his eyes.

Mr Blake knocked before he came in^entered. He put his head round the door
and looked at them. Then he came in and shut the door. He sat
down.

"What's the matter? The two of you don't look very happy."

"We're not," said Kevin. "Sadie thinks we'll have to give up
seeing one another."

Mr Blake shook his head. He reached out to a pipe rack, took down