Illusion of Paradise [antikvár]

CHAPTER ONE Charlie glanced at her watch, then stared anxiously up the road. Damn! Why weren't there ever any taxis around when you needed one? Then she spotted one turning the corner. Letting out a huge sigh of relief, she shot out into the middle of the road, forcing the taxi to screech to a halt a couple of yards in front of her. The driver stuck his head out of the window and glared at her. 'You certainly like living dangerously, lady!' Charlie shoved a piece of paper under his nose. 'I've got to be at this address by eleven o'clock. Can you get me there on time?' 'I'm off duty. You'll have to find another taxi.' She flashed him her most dazzling smile, the one that made her face look all huge eyes and delectable mouth. 'But I'm going for an interview for a job. It really is very important.' The taxi driver stared at her for a couple more seconds, then visibly melted. A moment later, he flicked on the 'For Hire' sign. 'All right, in you get.' Charlie promptly scrambled into the back. 'Will we be there by eleven? I mustn't be late.' 'Don't panic, we'll make it with time to spare,' he told her, his tone much more good-natured now. 'What kind of job are you going for?' 'It's secretarial work. The job's only temporary, but I really need to get it.' 'Money's short?' sympathised the taxi driver.