When the Devil Drives

of reminiscent bitterness. 'Every time I met you socially, you used tolook at me as if I were the worst kind of dirt. You seemed to beencased in ice, always at a distance, even when you were a little girl.You were either away at school, or shut up in that big barracks of ahouse.' He paused, his mouth twisting slightly. 'Or riding round inyour father's car like a little princess.''I remember that well,' she said savagely. 'I remember those yobsthrowing stones at us, while you egged them on.'She'd been so frightened. She'd cowered in the back seat beside herfather, holding his arm, listening to the jeering and catcalls and thethudding of missiles against the side of the car.'Who are they, Daddy?' she'd wailed.'They're local scum, my pet, not worth your notice,' AnthonyChalfont had said scornfully. 'Sit up, Joanna, and show them you'renot afraid. Harris, hurry up and get us out of here.'She'd been scared half to death, but she'd obeyed him, lifting her chinand staring disdainfully at the gang of youths at the side of the road. Itwas then she'd seen him.He was taller than any of the others, and standing a little way apart.He was wearing the same anonymous jeans and sweater, yet therewas something about him that told her that he was different. That hewas the leader, and always would be.He was smiling, openly enjoying their discomfiture, as the chauffeur,cursing under his breath, edged the big car along the narrow street. Hesaw Joanna and laughed out loud, pointing at her, and calling outsomething to the others.Thick mud splattered the window beside her, and Joanna cried outand jerked away.