he asked with genuine concern in his voice. “Do I look it?” Catlin sniped sarcastically from her sprawled out position on the decking. “Here, let me help.” Normally, she’d have refused any assistance from a total stranger, adamant that she could manage fine on her own, but the steadying influence of the drink had worn off and, realising how close she had been to doing something mortally idiotic, Catlin’s legs were incapable of supporting her, and so she gladly took his hand when it was offered and allowed him to help her to an upright position. “Everything in one piece?” he asked with a barely concealed smile. Whether it was born of relief or humour Catlin could not tell, but she didn’t care much either way. “Everything bar my dignity. Thanks. For the hand up, I mean.” It was important to add that in for it dawned on her that he must have witnessed most, if not all, of her rooftop escapade, and the resulting shame left her feeling more than a bit self-conscious. “Yeah, I guessed what you meant.”
