Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 35: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE was directly connected with Ginger, Connie couldn’t have that. Not for a while, yet. Until she had accomplished her ambition for Larry, she had to have Philip’s support. CHAPTER NINE “N°: Mr, Hathaway is not at home, Miss Carter. Furthermore, he gave me instructions, in the event you called, to extend his regrets that he will be unable to attend the recital tonight.” This calm but significant speech was delivered by Burkins early the following afternoon when Connie telephoned Philip about the bill he had failed to pay at O’Brien’s saloon last night, Connie was speechless with surprise for a moment. “Where can I reach him?” she demanded ominously. “At his office I presume,” Connie hung up. She sat by the phone a minute, her lips compressed and her eyes flashing fire. Ginger Doss had been at work again! Sternly Connie dialed Philip’s office number, “May I speak to him please,’ she said when his secretary answered. “This is Miss Carter calling.” “Sorry, Miss Carter, but he said to tell you that he was in a conference.’ “When will he be finished?” “He said he’d be busy all the rest of the day,” “Get him on the phone,’ Connie ordered, her patience at an end, “Mr. Hathaway’s instructions were rather emphatic, Miss Carter. I’m sorry, but he’s not to be disturbed,” Connie banged down the receiver. Viciously she kicked a Slipper aside as she stood up. It was evident to her now that she was going to be inconvenienced. She was going to have to take time out to get Philip back on the beam, He would choose a time like this to act up! She called Yvonne and told her to get out a tight-fitting dark dress, a pair of dark hose and a necklace of pearls. While Yvonne prepared her apparel Connie took a quick shower. 68 . CROSSROADS OF DESIRE _ Afterward she sprayed herself liberally with cologne, gave care- ful attention to her make-up and got into her clothes. : Half an hour later she was on her way to the financial district in a taxi. There had been several things she had wished to do this afternoon but she had to defer them for this, of all things! ilip was a nuisance, albeit a necessary one. “ae ome was on the top floor of a building on Chureh Street. When Philip’s secretary tried to impede her progress into his private office, Connie withered her with a glance and marched right on into the oak-panelled room. Philip’s jaw dropped when w her. ie “em might just as well have it out right now, Philip, she said, sitting down in a chair beside his desk and crossing her silken knees. “Youve been giving me the runaround and I *t like it one bit!” ; ae recovered from his astonishment. “Frankly, Connie, that’s exactly how I feel about you.” “What right have you to say that?” ji “You've been making a play for that Larry Brooks. : “Tye been working on-a ballet with him. One that will get even more customers into your show. That’s what I’ve been ing!” she said evenly. EN Ae ae that, aprile. When it comes to work you've never been one to avoid it. I admire you greatly for that. ight then—” eat doesn’t mean,” he cut in, “that you haven't at the same time found him attractive. You have and I know it. ; Their eyes locked. His words were too assured for Connie to believe otherwise. Philip’s deduction was correct and she wouldn’t fool him trying to hide it. Rather than lose the initiative she seized upon the first thing to come to her mind. “And I don’t think I’m too far wrong in saying that you’ve fotind Ginger Doss rather interesting.” Philip’s eyes showed guilt for a fraction of a second but that was long enough for Connie to learn that the initiative was still in her hands. He moved slightly in his chair. “She offered me companionship,” he said. “Twice in a row you've left me alone for her. Let’s get this straight right now, Philip. If you prefer her to me, say SO. i want to know where I stand and I want to find out this minute. 69 COMIIGIOOKSAGO im