RANSVESTIA

"Alan-is that you?"

"Yes-who's that?"

"It's me-Keith. Look—something awful's happened—can I send a friend of mine round to see you-now-she'll explain-”

"She--"

"Yes. Her name's Karen-she'll be round in a few minutes-"

"But it's only half past four-"

"I know--but please Alan—I can't explain now but she'll tell you-I really do want your help-please-"

"Oh all right, but give me a few minutes to get organised before she comes."

"I'll tell the taxi to cruise about for a while before he delivers her. And thanks Alan-'bye."

My nice porter found me a taxi and I settled back to plan my moves. I had decided to appear to Alan as Karen for if I could fool him for any length of time I could surely fool other people too and this. might be an asset in the immediate future. The driver carried my case to the door and I rang the bell wondering what the next few minutes would bring. Would he take one look and demand to know what I was doing in women's clothes? Or would he take me for what I appeared to be? From every point of view I hoped the latter. the door swung

open.

"G-good morning-I'm Karen-Keith Davidson rang you about

me."

"Yes. You'd better come in."

"/

A cold voice, a slow withdrawal from the door to let me enter, no attempt to help me with my bag, a very reluctant acceptance of my presence. This was so unlike the Alan I knew that I was momentarily put off my stroke. I edged past him into the hall and then followed him through into his living room.

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