When the Devil Drives

'Not yours to that extent. Simon, are you crazy?''I had to do something. Fiona was miserable, and needed a break. Shehad her heart set on St Lucia. She's never known what it is to be shortof cash—she doesn't understand.'Joanna closed her eyes for a moment, trying to visualise Fiona'sreaction to the news that her husband had made them bankrupt andhomeless. But her imagination balked at the very idea.'Go on,' she said, with infinite weariness. 'So you embezzled moneyfrom the Craft Company to take Fiona on an expensive holiday.''I did not embezzle it!' Simon's face was flushed now with anger. 'Iborrowed it.''With Philip's knowledge and permission?''I didn't think it was necessary to mention it to him. After all, it wasonly a couple of thousand or so on temporary loan. I fully intended topay it back. One damned good win at blackjack was all I needed.''But you didn't win.''No, I started losing really badly. I kept telling myself my luck wouldchange, but it didn't. It just kept getting worse.''Then why on earth didn't you stop?''I couldn't,' he said simply. 'I had to go on trying to win.'Joanna ran the tip of her tongue round her dry lips. 'Did you borrowany more money?' she asked carefully.'Some,' he muttered. 'I'd have been all right—I know I would—ifbloody Blackstone hadn't barred me from the casino. How the hell