Yet something nagged at the back of his mind. A feeling of uncertainty. Somehow his instincts told him that the earlier encounter with the woman had been no more random than the directors share purchases that he'd so carefully monitored.

It just meant that a new game was afoot. He would bide his time and collect more data confident, as always, that he would be firmly in control by the end game.



He didn't have to wait long before his expectations were confirmed. It was only a few days before she again advanced across the grass towards him.



"Caught you out", her tone was mildly triumphant.

The computer printout was again spread out amid sandwiches and briefcase.

"If we keep meeting like this they'll start talking", he smiled, putting away his papers and rearranging his flask and sandwiches.

"People worry too much about that sort of thing", she said offhandedly.

"Anyway, our spouses are miles away and your staff don't know me from Adam - or should I say Eve. I've had a pig of a morning and want to forget it for a while. Let's break the rules again and have another real conversation."

"Better than that, why don't we go on the Serpentine lake for a row."

Peter pointed to the bobbing boats that scattered across the waters between the close trimmed grass of the park.

"There's hardly anyone out there, we wouldn't have to queue."

Sarah smiled brightly. "What a lovely idea. There's something so relaxing about floating on water – as long as I'm not doing the rowing."

They walked around the end of the Serpentine lake and Peter paid for half an hours hire. The boat was green, solid and sensible and he rowed out to the centre trying not to look as if he was getting out of breath. He found the sunnier side of one of the islands, shipped the oars and leaned back proudly against the back of his wooden seat.

Sarah, at the other end of the boat smiled her congratulations.

"A man of many skills!"

She had arranged herself demurely with her legs to the side, somehow retaining modesty against the best efforts of her beige tailored knee length skirt. She'd draped her fawn matching jacket casually across her shoulders revealing a white low cut blouse.

"I always used to think that it was the mark of a lady to be able to get into and out of a sports car with propriety", commented Peter. "Now I'll have to add sitting decorously in a rowing boat."

Sarah wrinkled up her nose.

"I hope I haven't disappointed you."

Peter didn't reply but felt his pulse quicken as their eyes briefly met.

Another boat crept round the island to the accompaniment of much excited chattering. There were three teenage girls and a young man. They had darkish complexions, possibly Arab students. The Rolex on his wrist flashed in the sun.