fool me again! Old tricks won't work this time."He half-growled at her. She knew what he meant as images of the boiler room, a hot furnace and a string of sasauges came to mind. She bit her lip to stop herself from bursting out laughing. But she saw that she was losing her game and thought fast. She pretended to look hurt as he turned away from her.

"So, you're not going to help me find one of my best friends? She was your greatest admirer, you know. Would I have come all the way out here if it wasn't so urgent? I needed to find you, I knew that only you had the brain and the streetwise to help  me find her." He was considering it. She wondered if she should take the risk, and finally she cleared her throat and said-

"Besides, if you agree , I might reward you afterwards...." There was a slight pause as Steele tried to understand her, and then it dawned on him and his mouth slowly spread into a sly smile.

"I never thought you'd be that type of person," Neither did I, she thought to herself." but you have to expect surprises in life. You've certainly changed the outlook of it all." He began to stroll away, still grinning to himself.

"I might consider your offer, Jenna. But be warned, don't send me on a wild goose chase- when double-crossed I'm not a very....patient guy." Her heart was in her mouth as she watched his tall figure stride down the street and away round the corner. As soon as he was out of sight there was a plop and a splash- as Jenna dived into the water trough.

When she was sure every little trace of Steele had been washed clean off her fur, she emerged from the cool water and shook herself dry. She couldn't stop thinking about the terrible deal into which she had got herself.

It was an awful bargain, but she was prepared to risk everything, to risk her life..............to save Dixie's.

TO BE CONTINUED....