RING, RING ... I'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

I eventually got home around eleven pm - Tomas had fallen asleep on the bed next to me and, leaving him in the ever watchful care of Marcel and Anthony I made my way back to my apartment next door.

I threw my bag and shoes onto the sofa and went to the kitchen to pour myself another large glass of wine, I'd had plenty already but what the hell!

Carrying the over-sized wine glass to the bedroom with me I gradually shed my clothes on the way leaving a fabric trail behind me.

I was down to my underwear, my Amanda, Oh! 'mystique' line when I heard my mobile phone ringing.

I went back to the living room and fished it from my handbag, collapsing into one of my leather armchairs before answering it.

'Amanda Gonzalez? Is that Amanda Gonzalez?' it was a mature female's voice with a strong Chinese accent.

'Who is this?' my reply was rather frosty, this was my personal mobile and only my nearest and dearest got to get the number.

'Ms Gonzalez, I am sorry to ring so late but I have been waiting for you to arrive home.'

WHAT! Arrive home? Was I speaking to a stalker?

'Look, who is this? Cassie if it's you putting on a Chinese accent I am so totally not amused!'

'My name is Madame Zhou,' came the reply, 'and I need to talk to you'.

'Listen Madame Zhou, or whatever your name is, it's late, I don't know how you got my number and I don't appreciate you calling me ... understand?

'Amanda, I hope you don't mind calling you that', he tone was soft and calming, 'I have been waiting a long time to speak to you, I have not relished the fact that one day I would have to interupt your life, but I am afraid that the time has come.'

I hung up.

God, there were some weird people out there, it was time to get a new number, I couldn't be doing with this.

Feeling a little shaken I downed my wine and went to get some more ... as I did the phone rang again.

I answered it, it was her...

'I am sorry to call again but it is important for us to meet.' her voice was measured, she spoke softly but clearly.

'Find someone else to bother, I'm turning this phone off.'

Before I could I heard her voice loud and clear.

'Amanda, I am worried for you. We must meet, you must see me ... if you don't I am very afraid that you may die ...'

I threw the phone against the wall, smashing it into little pieces.

Crazy bitch ... crazy f**king bitch.