RANSVESTIA

was so well known that Eddie, still the youngest reporter on staff, was only mildly surprised when she stopped by his desk and put one of her well-manicured hands over his typewriter keys.

"You're working too hard," her voice was soft and kindly. "Mr. Merrick told the editor-in-chief that you and Roscoe had the greatest story this newspaper's had in a decade. He said your articles would sell a lot of newspapers." She smiled. "So you can relax. Your success is assured. Come and buy me a drink."

Eddie looked up at the pretty, shapely girl. Why not, he thought. I have to start living again. In the bar, he was fascinated by the return of the possessive male feelings when Lisa flirted with the barman and other of her passing male acquaintances. He accompanied her back to her flat, little expecting anything further. To his surprise, a trembling Lisa invited him in. Ah, he thought, she feels safe with me. His high spritis evaporated. Maybe she's right, he thought darkly, and if I don't even make a pass at her, it'll be all over the office tomorrow.

Eddie did not have to make a pass at Lisa, however. In the dim light of her own flat, she attacked Eddie tigerishly and with quaking lips. She almost tore off their clothes to get at him. She was more than passionate, she was aroused. In the grip of some fantasy Eddie did not at first comprehend, she induced Eddie into a bout of lovemaking that recalled Allison to his mind.

In a small break in their passion, she finally opened her eyes and whispered, "I heard that Roxanne could do a fabulous strip. Can't she do one just for me?" Feeling the quivering body beneath him, Eddie at last understood what it was that was turning Lisa on.

He sighed inwardly, but murmured, "Sure, baby, I'll go and get her."

Eddie McIntyre was jotting down a note about the check he had just cashed when he smelled a familiar aroma of Coty. He looked up. Two women were watching him across the check-writing counter. They both smiled at him.

"I don't think he recognizes us, Cissy," said the taller of the two.