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Her blue eyes flashed with fury, then almost immediately, she got herself under control. Leopold couldn’t help but admire Alison’s mastery of her emotions.
    “In that case, I’d better leave,” she said in a measured tone. Standing purposefully, she picked up her purse and the coat she’d tossed on the other sofa.
    “I’m sorry. I’ll take you home.”
    “That won’t be necessary, Leopold. You can just call me a taxi.”
    “Are you sure?” He felt guilty. The situation was unpleasant for both of them.
    “Don’t worry, dear, it won’t do me any harm to get some sleep as well. With this Fleetwood case, work has been exhausting lately.”
    “I’m glad you’re the kind of woman who’s able to understand these things,” said Leopold, contented, taking her hand and gallantly kissing it.
    Flattered by his comment, she felt a little less humiliated than she had a few seconds earlier. Leopold called the taxi, which soon arrived, and accompanied her to the main door of the building to see her off.
    Just as the car drove away, Cat appeared with Milo, or more to the point, Milo appeared, dragging Cat home. “Goodness! She’s leaving already? So soon? What happened? Did you have a row?” She gave him an inquisitive look.
    “I don’t know if you’re aware, Catalina, that you often come across as rather indiscreet,” he replied, annoyed by her tactlessness.
    “You’re right. My mother often tells me that, too.” She sighed dramatically, then repeated, “Come on, do tell. Did you quarrel?”
    “It’s none of your business!” Leopold shot back, riled.
    “In any case, I don’t think your stunning girlfriend was very pleased to meet me. Haven’t you told her that you think I’m an irritating busybody?” Her expression was full of mischief.
    He rolled his eyes. “You’ve got it wrong.”
    “About what you think of me?” Catalina continued to goad him.
    Leopold lost his temper. “No, about Alison considering you a threat,” he replied with some force. However, as soon as he said the words he regretted them. He was horrified by his bad manners; he had just been incredibly rude to Catalina. Confused by his strange behavior, he noticed that Cat had bent down to stroke Milo, her face hidden behind her long hair.
    “I am sorry,” he apologized stiffly, noting that his anger was increasing in conjunction with how awful she was making him feel. Catalina continued to stroke Milo as if she hadn’t heard him, and suddenly he noticed her shoulders trembling. Appalled, he crouched down beside her and gently put his hand on her back. “Catalina, please forgive me. I’m sorry if I’ve given you the impression that I think you’re irritating and interfering. I promise that’s not the case.”
    Cat brushed her long hair from her face with a trembling hand and turned toward him, her cheeks flushed with laughter. “I forgive you, Leo,” she declared, chuckling. “But for some reason, I don’t believe you!”
    All the rage building up inside him finally exploded. Leopold would not put up with an insignificant young woman like Catalina Stapleton making fun of him. “You behave like a snotty-nosed brat! You were right not to believe me; I do think you’re the most annoying, meddlesome, bad-mannered and—”
    Cat raised a hand and rested it against his rough cheek, at once making him fall silent. “I’m sorry, Leo. I just can’t resist the temptation to wind you up. You always seem to have everything completely under control, and the idea of driving you crazy is just too enticing. It makes you seem more human,” she confessed, giving him a friendly smile.
    He moved his face away as if her touch had burned him and slowly stood, trying to calm himself down. “I’m delighted you find me so funny. I’d better go now. Good night, Catalina.” With great dignity, he went through the door of their building and gently closed it behind him, resisting the urge to slam it.
    Cat sighed as she watched his tall,