"Why are we stopping?"

"Because we're there, silly," he grinned.

He ran round and opened the door for her, taking arm to help her as she scrambled from the van. Debbie felt a strange glow of pride that he thought enough of her to act so considerately.

The house was in darkness and after three attempts at the door bell, Tony threw up his hands in defeat.

"Just our luck! They've gone out," he complained.

"Never mind," said Debby, trying to conceal her disappointment. "We could always try another time."

"We've got plenty of time," said Tony, once they were back in the van. "We could try waiting for few minutes - I know they won't have gone out for long, not with the pups being so young."

"I'm not sure..." began Debby, nervously.

"Still worried about being with me?" he asked.

Debby chewed her bottom lip for a moment.

"Suppose somebody sees me with you," she said worriedly.

Tony smiled reassuringly and reached behind him. The centre section of the bench seat folded down enabling him to scramble into the back of the van.

"Come on," he said, hand outstretched to her, "nobody will see us back here."

Debby hesitated for a brief moment and then allowed him to guide her over the folded seat, to the back of the van. She was surprised to find the seat in the rear was as long and wide as a couch. She sat nervously with her hands in her lap.

"This is so stupid," she said angrily, "hiding like a pair of criminals. What have we got to be ashamed of?"

"Nothing at all," he said, moving a little closer to her. "But it's just not worth the risk of you getting caught."

"Well it's not fair," she persisted, "I can't see what's so bad about us being friends,".

"Because I'm older and more experienced. Some people might think that I'd use my greater experience to influence you."

"People like my father, I suppose," admitted the youngster bitterly.

"Well, he probably has more right to an opinion than anybody else. And to be honest, if he disapproved of us being friends, he'd probably be right."

"I don't care what he says," said Debby with sudden defiance. "I'm old enough to know what I'm doing and it's none of his business who my friends are."

He smiled with quiet satisfaction. His plan was clearly working and Debby was now openly rebelling against her father. He knew that with every word he said in the man's defence, he was driving the wedge between father and daughter a little deeper.

"I'm sure he only wants what best for you, Debby."

"What do you mean? Are you agreeing with him?"

"Well, perhaps you should be with younger boys. The difference between us isn't just in years you know."

"What's that supposed to mean? Don't you want us to be friends anymore?" whispered the young girl fearfully.

"Of course I do," said Tony soothingly, "but I have to put your safety before my own feelings."

"Aren't I safe with you, then?"

He reached out, noting her almost imperceptible flinch as his hand neared her. She relaxed as his hand stroked her hair and brushed it gently from her worried face. He smiled gently at her, concealing his barely controlled lust for the innocent school girl.....(cont)