章 41: Chapter 41: The perfect way to spend an evening

The two women said hello. Noel stared at the low-cut strapless freedom of her new acquaintance.

Marion lingered over Noel's name. 'Have we met before?'

Noel opened her mouth.

'Noel was at the accident scene when Alex Patton died,' William supplied.

Auburn eyebrows rose. 'You knew him? Why was he in Cairns? I never did find that out. You're involved in the company?'

'No, I work for William.'

'How did you know Alex then?'

William also seemed interested.

'I didn't,' Noel said. 'What was he like?'

'A toad, from what I hear.' The widow's dislike was distinct. 'Geoff couldn't stand him.'

'So you didn't know him either?'

'He wasn't around long enough, and I certainly didn't want to meet him after.'

Noel was beginning to wish William was elsewhere. 'After?'

'After Geoff died.' She didn't hide her hurt. 'I suppose you're tired of people saying what a coincidence it was.'

'I imagine condolences wear thin too.'