My brow arched as he stands in the lift, "I... " as he comes to stand before me, my train of thought switches, "You were going to leave without telling me goodbye, mon conard? Not even a telegram to tell me we would always have 'orrible Cairo?" The look on my face must be crushed, but I can not help feeling a certain loss cutting through me. My eyes turn down towards his shoulders, somehow knowing that my face was giving me away this time.

His hand brushes across my cheek, "We will always have Cairo, Nettie." I frown as he lifts my face to his gaze, "I must go. Unavoidable, my dear." We kiss something real lingering between us as never before.

"Will I see you again, Cheri? Suddenly, the idea of being here without you leaves this dusty little place rather cold." His smile tares my heart from my chest and I am struck with the knowledge that I have gotten far too close to him. Tears well in my eyes but I can not turn my head, I am captured.

"Come with me, Nettie." He speaks insanity, "I am going to France... Let me take you away from this. We will share a villa and escape." He is so tempting, the sounds about us are getting louder, the Lotus will empty soon without its start preformer starting his act. "I havent anything prepared for a trip, Simon..."

The door to the lounge is opening, "Oui, now. I have my handbag I can send for the rest... I want to go with you, mon conard." His smile, the look in his eyes... suddenly his kiss melts me where I stand and my arms are locked about his neck. I do not know how we arrive at the lift, but we are laughing. Starting a journey together before anyone is the wiser.