RANSVESTIA

cabin and the driver jerked his thumb for Roxanne to follow.

Benny and the grey-haired man met them on the steps of a huge mansion. What was obviously a boisterous party was in full progress at the back of the house.

They grey-haired man nodded. "He'll do," he said, and Eddie saw Benny relax perceptibly. "Bring him in after he knows what to do," said the grey-hair.

Benny's relief was such that he forgot to sneer at Eddie. "There's a guy at this party," he said. "Carlos Montez. He likes your kind of life, or so it's been said. We're gonna put you in front of him, baby," the sneer had returned. "Like the first prize in a lottery. If he goes for you," he handed Eddie an address, "you'll take him to this address. Get him to perform in the bedroom. It's most important," he said, patting Eddie's rear, "to get him into the bedroom, O.K.?" He looked around quickly. "And remember, don't be a good girl, right?" his leer could have made milk curdle. Eddie-Roxanne fought down the waves of nausea in his stomach. His head was beginning to swim as Benny held his arm tightly and pulled him in among the partygoers. "Hi, Carlos!" he yelled into the din tapping a tall, broad-shouldered man on the arm. The tall, black-haired man turned. He was Mexican in looks but spoke impeccable English. His eyes lit up when he was introduced to Roxanne. Depositing the wrap on Benny, he quickly guided Eddie onto the dance floor, where he cuddled the auburn-haired girl in a slow waltz.

"Hey, you don't look well," he said, a touch of anxiety in his voice.

Eddie felt sure that he would actually be physically sick at any moment, "I'm fine," he said weakly.

"No, you're not. I'm terribly rude." Carlos put his arm about Roxanne's waist and steered her out of the crowd into the garden. "Fresh air and a drink," he intercepted two glasses of champagne from a waiter, "are what the doctor ordered. And I should know." He smiled, yet the concern was still there in his strong face. He took hold of Eddie's hand and began to stroll toward the fountain. "Tell me about yourself, Roxanne."

10