Are You Afraid Of The Dark   ::   Sheldon Sidney

An Asian brunette started down the runway: "… a satin wool jacket with edge top stitching and georgette pants and a white blouse…" A slim blonde undulated across the runway: "… is wearing a black cashmere turtleneck with white cotton cargo pants…" A redhead with an attitude appeared: "… a black leather jacket and black shantung pants with a white knit shirt…" A French model: "… a pink, three-button angora jacket, a pink cable-knit turtleneck and black cuffed pants…" A Swedish model: "… a navy satin wool jacket and pants and a lilac charmeuse blouse…" And then the moment everyone had been waiting for. The Swedish model had walked off and the runway was deserted. The voice over the loudspeaker said, "And now that the swimming season is here, we are pleased to display our new line of beachwear." There was a crescendo of anticipation, then Kelly Harris appeared at the peak of it. She was wearing a white bikini, a bra that barely covered her firm, young breasts and a figure-hugging bottom. As she floated sensuously down the runway, the effect was mesmerizing. There was a wave of applause.

Kelly gave a faint smile of acknowledgment, circled the runway, and disappeared.

Backstage, two men were waiting for her.

"Mrs. Harris, if I could have a moment-?" "I'm sorry," Kelly said apologetically. "I have to make a quick change." She started to walk away.

"Wait! Mrs. Harris! We are with the Police Judiciaire. I am Chief Inspector Dune and this is Inspector Steunou. We need to talk." Kelly stopped. "The police? Talk about what?" "You are Mrs. Mark Harris, yes?" "Yes." She was filled with sudden apprehension.

"Then I am sorry to inform you that-that your husband died last night." Kelly's mouth was dry. "My husband-? How-?" "Apparently, he committed suicide." There was a roar in Kelly's ears. She could barely make out what the chief inspector was saying: "…

Tour Eiffel… midnight… note… very regrettable… deepest sympathy." The words were not real. They were pieces of sound with no meaning.

"Madame-" This weekend, I want you to get all dressed up, darling. You're going to love where we're going.

"There is some-some mistake," Kelly said. "Mark wouldn't-" "I am sorry." The chief inspector was watching Kelly closely. "Are you all right, madame?" "Yes." Except that my life has just ended.

Pierre bustled over to Kelly, carrying a beautiful striped bikini. "Cherie, you must change quickly.

There is no time to waste." He thrust the bikini in her arms. "Vite! Vite!" Kelly slowly let it drop to the floor. "Pierre?" He was looking at her in surprise. "Yes?" "You wear it.