Diana

"Davis reiterated to Chris what he'd said decades earlier to Shelby and Diana: "You're getting nothing from me. That way, you won't be robbed of the pleasure of earning it yourself.""

"We started and it was a glorious sight as Diana sang the first numbers with a long red scarf blowing ten feet in back of her as the wind picked up. Then came the deluge—thankfully no lightning, but a downpour for the ages. Soaking in my light-beige suit, I clambered up onstage and whispered in Diana’s ear that we had to stop. She resisted and went on as the wind and rain pelted down and the mikes for the orchestra went dead, though hers was somehow still working. After I went up a few more times, she agreed, telling me, “Just let me get these people out of the park safely.” With the most magnificent artist’s instincts, she slow-talked almost a million people out of that park without a single injury. But my god, what a disaster."

"What I did not find were any of the morning kitchen staff who were supposed to be signing in to prepare the breakfast, nor any of the staff who had to prepare the restaurant for service. As the minutes ticked by, any hope of having workers to prepare and serve breakfast for up to 400 guests began to evaporate. I rushed back to my room and woke up Diana. “Round up as many wives and partners as you can. I am going to need every bit of help in the kitchen and dining room. Now!” I then called Sol. Shirley answered, and I explained the situation. I would be supervising in the kitchen. As my bleary-eyed crew of bookkeepers, housekeepers and wives slowly traipsed into the kitchen, I handed out the jobs. Adele Lucas, the effervescent public relations executive, was primed to handle the door, while Sol pressed oranges. Shirley boiled eggs while I orchestrated a simple breakfast buffet."

"frustrated working for a demanding and ill-tempered boss. One day, just over a year after I had taken control of the South African Sun International company, I received a phone call from Bacon. He was at his lowest ebb and could not take the abuse from Sol any longer. He wanted out, and he wondered if I would be interested in taking him on as deputy managing director in the South African company. He knew, of course, that Sol was a director of Sun International, but at least it would put distance between him and his soon-to-be ex-boss. I had no objection, but I had to consult Sol. He agreed in a flash. What he had in mind was to swap Bacon for me. He told me he was more confident that he would make international deals with me at his side. To me, however, the deal was not that attractive. I would have been happy to have the other Peter as my deputy and remain in South Africa, but I did not relish the idea of relinquishing my role and returning to the UK just as we had settled down. The thought of telling Diana that we would never move into the house in Bryanston that she had just finished furnishing was not one to relish. The poor woman had been through so many changes already, and she deserved a break. But to my surprise, my wife, the trooper that she was, somewhat reluctantly agreed. Once again, we were on the move."

"As I drove them back into the city, the chief’s son suddenly announced, to my surprise, that, after discussions with his father, the cabinet would sign the deal with me. The “key” money payment for the rights would be R1.9 million. If I could go to KwaNdebele the following week, the signing would take place. I was truly delighted but also surprised. “Why, may I ask,” I said, “have you agreed to sign now?” They explained that Diana had shown them my bed. “We have seen the bed you sleep in. In our society we have a saying, ‘You can never trust a man until you have seen the bed he sleeps in.’” “Good God,” I thought, “Sol didn’t need to take them all the way to Japan; he could have just taken them to Sun Manor.”"

"The first opportunity popped up before I had even packed my bags in Florida to return to the UK. “Change of plan,” said Sol from Ibstone. “Don’t come here now. I want you to go to Panama. They are looking for someone to buy their nationalised casinos. Might be worth looking at.” “Want to go to Panama?” I asked Diana as I ended the call. “I’ve got to go there tomorrow.” Diana smiled. “I thought we were going to London?” “Change of plan – temporarily.” “Here we go. We’re back on the roller-coaster. Yes, of course, I’ll come to Panama with you. It’s a place that we’ve never been to.” In the end, Panama came to nothing. Bribes would be involved in the deal, which was asking for trouble."

"“I just can’t do it,” I said as we finished our coffees. “It would not be fair on Diana. If I work for you, you will want me morning, noon and night. It would not be fair.” “Why don’t you ask her?” said Sol. “I understand your fears. But it will be different this time. Just ask her.” I went back to the London apartment and called my wife in Florida. “Guess who I just had lunch with?” I tried to sound upbeat and casual. “Sol Kerzner.” Diana did not hesitate. “How did you know?” I was completely taken aback. “I just felt it. He wants you to work for him again, doesn’t he? Well, before you say no, I want you to hear this. I have spoken about it often with the children. When you worked for Sol, the children and I had the most exciting and interesting lives. Yes, there were hardships, but we all agree that, if you ever get the chance to work for him again, you should jump at it. We will all support you.”"