Aces High

AcesHi gh ByKa yHoope r ABa nt a mBook/ Apr i l1989 Ve r s i onhi s t or y: Ma r c h2005-s c a nne da ndpr oof e dbys ve t i c o

Aut hor ' sNot e Iwoul dl i ket ot ha nka l lt her e a de r swhowr ot et omewi t hc omme nt sa nds ugge s t i onsa boutmy" Ha ge nSt r i ke sAga i n" s e r i e s .Thel e ve lofr e a de ri nvol ve me ntwi t ht hes e r i e sf a re xc e e de da nyt hi ngI ' vee xpe r i e nc e dbe f or e .Thoughi twa sas ur pr i s e t ome ,i twa sc e r t a i n l yade l i ght f ulone .Be c a us eoft ha ti nvol ve me nt ,s e ve r a lc ha r a c t e r sa nde l e me nt spr e s e nti nt hi sf i na ls t or y owet he i re xi s t e n c et or e a de rr e que s t s . Somer e que s t s ,f oroner e a s onora not he r ,s i mpl yc oul dnotbewor ke di nt ot hi ss t or y;s omer e que s t st a l l i e dwi t hmyown pl a ns ;a nds omer e q ue s t swe r ea ne nj oya bl ec ha l l e nge .I nt e r e s t i ngl ye nough,i nt hel e t t e r sme nt i oni nghi m,myma i lwa s r unn i nga l mos tonehundr e dpe r c e nti nf a vorofar oma nc ef orHa ge n.Tha twa sha r dl ys ome t hi ngIha dpl a nne df ormys e mi c omi c a lvi l l a i n—butIdi dmybe s t . Ima ywe l ldoa not he rs e r i e soneda y,a ndi twou l dha vet obe gi nt hewa yt hi sonedi d—wi t hs e c onda r yc ha r a c t e r swa l ki ng ons t a gea ndf a i r l ys hout i ng," He y,wha ta boutmys t or y? "

Pr ol ogue Thec onve r s a t i onha dbe e ngoi ngonf ors omet i me ,a ndHa ge nwa sbe gi nni ngt ol os ewha tl i t t l epa t i e nc ehepos s e s s e d. Al t houghhegr i ppe dt hephonewi t hf i nge r st ha twe r et i ght e ni ngs l owl y,hema na ge dt oke e phi svoi c ee ve na ndc a l ma she s poke . " Wha ta boutSi r a n? " " Mi c ha e l ' suna va i l a bl e . "Thec oolvoi c ea tt heot he re ndoft hel i nebe l onge dt oDa ni e lSt ua r t ,di r e c t oroft heFBI ,a ndf r om hi st onei twa sobvi oushewa s n' ti nt hemoodt obehe l pf ul ." I ' vedones omer e s t r uc t ur i ng,youknow,Chi e f .Mi c ha e l ' she a di ng myol da ge nc y,a ndheha shi sha ndsf ul l . " Ha ge nf oundi tdi f f i c ul tt oc ont e mpl a t eDa ni e l ' sr e c e nta ppoi nt me ntwi t houtgr i t t i nghi st e e t hi nr a get ha thehi ms e l fha d be e npa s s e dove rf ort hedi r e c t or s hi p.Now her e l a xe dhi sj a wa ndt r i e dt obepol i t e ,nothi ss t r onge s tt r a i t ." Co ngr a t ul a t e Mi c ha e lf orme .Howa boutoneofyourbr i ghtboys ? " " Sor r y.Ca n' ts pa r ea nyoft he m. " Af t e rc ount i ngs i l e nt l yt ot e n,Ha ge ns a i d," Youpul l e dyourpe opl eof ft hes ur ve i l l a nc eIne e de dawhi l eba c ka ndne ve r ga vemeyourr e a s on sf ordoi ngs o.I st ha twhyI ' mha vi ngs uc haha r dt i menow,ora mIi ma gi ni ngt hi ngs ? " Da ni e ll a ughe ds hor t l y." It ol dyouwhyt he n.Iowet hos el a di e s ,a ndI ' l lbeda mne di fI ' l lhe l pyous na t c hJ os hLongf or oneofyourde vi ouspl ot s . " " I ' vea l t e r e dt ha tpl a n, "Ha ge na nnounc e d. " Goodf oryou. " Thi st i meHa ge nc ount e dt ot we nt y.I tdi dn' the l pmuc h;whe nhes pokehi svoi c ehe l dade f i ni t es na p." Idon' tgi veada mn a boutLongora nyoft ha tgr oup.Ine e donema n,Da ni e l ,j us tonegoodma n. " Da ni e l ' ss e c ondl a ughwa soneofge nui nea mu s e me nt ." We l l ,youknow,Chi e f ,yourr e put a t i on' sgr owi ng.Exc e ptf ora l oya lf e wt ha ty ou' v ema na ge dt ol os e ,mos toft hea ge nt swho' vewor ke df oryous we a rt he y' l lne ve rdoi ta ga i n.I ' mnots ur ei f t he y' r ea f r a i dofge t t i ngki l l e dorge t t i ngma r r i e d,butt he y' r equi t ede f i ni t ea bouta voi di ngyou. " Ha ge ngr oundhi st e e t h." I ' veonl yl os tt woa ge nt st oma r r i a ge :Ra ve na ndKe l s e y.Ther e s twe r eone t i mevol unt e e r s .And De r e k,ofc our s e ,butt ha twa s n' tmydoi ng.Sa r a hs t i l lwor ksf ormea ndMi c ha e lwa sa l wa ysyourma n. " " Ummm.St i l l ,yourna me ' sbe c omes ynonymouswi t hma t c hma ki ng.You' vea l s ogot t e nj us tabi tt oowe l lknownf oryour ha bi tofs e ndi nga ge nt si nt os i t ua t i onswi t hs ke t c hyorde l i be r a t e l yf a l s ei nf or ma t i on.Age nt sdon' tc a r ef ort ha t .Chi e f ,i tma ke s t he mne r vous . " " Da ni e l —" " Look,Idon' ts e eyourpr obl e m. "Da ni e l ' svoi c ewa ss a r doni c ." Si mpl ydr a f tyour s e l faf e wpe opl ewhoha ve n' the a r dof youye t .The r emus tbes omeoutt he r e . " Ha ge ndi dn' tbot he rt oc ount .Hewa sr e l uc t a ntt odi s c l os ee xa c t l ywhyhene e de da ne xpe r i e nc e dma ns i nc ehea l wa ys di s l i ke d—a ndge ne r a l l ya voi de d— s ha r i ngt hel i me l i ghtwi t ha nyone ,butt hi st i mehewa sdr i ve nt oi t ." Da ni e l ,Iha vegood r e a s ont obe l i e veIc a nf i na l l yc a pt ur eAdr i a n. " The r ewa samome ntofs i l e nc e ,a ndt he nDa ni e ls pokes l owl y." Youa l wa yswa nt e dhi m,di dn' tyou?Eve nt hought e r r or i s t s a r e n' t ,s t r i c t l ys pe a ki ng,yourf i e l d. " " Ime a nt oge thi mt hi st i me , "Ha ge ns a i df l a t l y. " Whe r e ? " " Da ni e l —" " Youwa ntoneofmyme n? " Ha ge ns wor e ." Gi gi ' spl a c e . " Da ni e ls e e me dt oc ons i de rt hema t t e r ." Tha t ' sahe l lofabi gpl a c e .Al otofpe opl ec oul dbehur t .Ma ybeIs houl d—" " I t ' smyt r a p, "Ha ge nt ol dhi m," a ndI ' l ls pr i ngi t .Ij us tne e doneofyourme n,Da ni e l . "

Da ni e la r gue d.I nf a c t ,hea r gue df oragoodt e nmi nut e s ,hot l ya tt i me s .Buthef i na l l yga vei n,s a yi ng," We l l ,Iha veone a ge ntwhoha s n' two r ke dwi t hyouye t . " " Agoodma n,Da ni e l . " " Oh,he ' sgood.Hes pe nts omet i mei nEur ope ,butI ' veha dhi mont hedome s t i cpa yr ol lf oraf e wye a r snow.Butyout r e a t hi ml i keapr o.Chi e f ,orhe ' l ll i ke l yputabul l e ti nyou. " " Idon' tne e daho t he a d. " " Hei s n' t . " " Al lr i ght ,t he n. "Wi t ha ne f f or tHa ge nke ptt het r i umphoutofhi svoi c e ." Se ndhi mt ome . " " He ' sonhi swa y. " Ha ge nhungupt hes pe c i a ls c r a mbl e rphonea nds a ta l onei nhi sof f i c e ,s mi l i ng.Butheundoubt e dl ywoul dha vel os tt he pl e a s e de xpr e s s i oni fhe ' dbe e npr i vi l e ge dt oove r he a rt hec onve r s a t i ongoi ngoni naWa s hi ngt on,D. C.of f i c e . *** " We l l ?Di dhet a ket heba i t ? " Da ni e ll e a ne dba c ki nhi sc ha i ra ndgr i nne da tt hema ns i t t i ngi nhi svi s i t or ' sc ha i r ." Hook,l i ne ,a nds i nke r . "

One Thewa t e rl e ve lwa sr i s i ng,a ndSkyePr e s c ot twa s n' tha ppya bouti t ;hewa sabi tf e l i nea boutwa t e ra nds t r ongl ydi s l i ke d t hec l a mmys e ns a t i onofwe tc l ot hi ng.St i l l ,hewa de douti nt ot hema nma del a goon,c ur s i ngunde rhi sbr e a t h.Hi se ye spr obe d t hes pa r kl i ngwa t e r ,s c a nni ngt hebl ue t i nt e df i be r gl a s sbot t om.I na nhourors ot hi st he mepa r kwoul dope nf ort heda y,a nd phonyl ogboa t swoul de nt e rt hel a goona f t e rama ni cde s c e ntdownac hut e ,s he e t i ngwa t e ri na l ldi r e c t i ons .Heha dhope dt o a voi dt hede e pe rwa t e ri nt hea r e aunde rt hec hut e ,buther e a l i z e dnowheha dnoc hoi c e .Re l uc t a nt l yhec i r c l e dc l os e rt ot he c hut e ,hi se ye ss t i l lf i xe dont hebot t om. Thewa t e rwa supt ohi skne e s ,a ndt hebot t omwa ss l i ppe r y;heha dl e f thi sr unni ngs hoe son,a ndt he ywe r e n' tge t t i nga goodpur c ha s eont hes l i c kf i be r gl a s sbot t om.Hi sj e a nswe r es oa ke da bovehi skne e sbyt het i meher e a c he dt hea r e ane a rt he e ndoft hec hut e .Asf a ra shec oul dt e l l ,t hewa t e rwa sc l e a r ,not hi nghi dde n,not hi ngs us pi c i ous .Howe ve r ,hec o ul dn' ts e e be ne a t ht hec hut e ;hegue s s e di twa st heda nge rpoi nt . Swe a r i ng,hes l owl ymove dt owa r di t .Hewa ss udde nl ya wa r eofnoi s ea sanumbe roft her i de sa nde xhi bi t si nt hepa r k we r er e a di e df o rvi s i t or s ,a ndt ha te vi de nc eofa c t i vi t ybr oughtane wc ur s et ohi sl i ps .I ft hi sr i dewe r es t a r t e dup,wa t e r pour i ngoutoft hec hut ewoul dma kei ti mpos s i bl et os e a r c ht hewa t e ra tt hef ootofi t . Skyer e a c he dt hee ndoft hec hut e ,a ndj us ta shebe ntt ohi st a s khe a r dt hes oundsofwa t e rr us hi ngt owa r dhi m.I ns t a nt l yhe move dba c k.Hewoul dn' tha vebe e nt ooc onc e r ne di fhi ss i ngl egl a nc eupwa r dha dn' tl e thi mknowt ha tal a r gebl unt e nde d f a ke l ogboa twa shur t l i ngdownt hec hut e . Hema na ge d,ba r e l y,t oge toutoft hewa y,a nda ss oona st heboa ts hoti nt ot hel a goonbe ga nmovi ngt owa r di twi t ha numbe rofbl i s t e r i ngwor dsl e a pi ngf r omhi st ongue .Butt hemome nthegotac l e a rl ooka tt heoc c upa ntoft heboa thewe nt ut t e r l ys t i l l ,t hec l a s hofe mot i onsi ns i dehi mc l os i nghi st hr oa ts ot ha tnowor dsc oul de s c a pe . Heha df or got t e nhowhe rl ongc ur l i ngha i rc a ug htt hes unl i ghti navi br a nte xpl os i onofr e d;heha df or got t e nt ha the rbi g e ye s ,s l a nt e dl i keac a t ' s ,we r es ounus ua las ha deofa mbe ra nds ot hi c kl yl a s he d;heha df or got t e nt ha ts heha dhi gh c he e kbone st ha tc oul dha vee a r ne dhe raf or t unea samode l ,a l ongwi t hape r f e c tnos e ,a ndamout hs ha pe df ork i s s e sa nd dr e a ms . Skyekne whewa sl yi ngt ohi ms e l f .Heha df or got t e nnot hi ng.I twa sj us tt ha theha dn' ta l l owe dhi ms e l ft or e me mbe r . " Ka t r i na , "hewhi s pe r e d. Shewa sa ss t i l la shewa s ,a ss hoc ke d.Di s ma ys howe dI nhe re ye s ,a ndol ds ha dowsofpa i n,a nds heha dgones owhi t e t ha tt het hr e ef r e c kl e sonhe rnos es t oodouts t a r kl y. " Skye . "He rf a i nt l yhus kyvoi c ewa sa l mos twi t houta c c e nt ." Wh a t...wha ta r eyoudoi nghe r e ? " Hef oundhi svoi c e ." Wha ta mIdoi nghe r e ?Wha ta r eyoudoi nghe r e ?Thel a s tt i me —"Hes t oppe da br upt l y,t he nf or c e d hi ms e l ft oc ont i nue . " Youwe r ei nGe r ma ny. " Shehe s i t a t e d,t he nqui c kl ys wunghe rl ongl e gsove rt hes i deoft hel a z i l yf l oa t i ngboa ta nds t oodupi nt hewa t e r .Wi t hout l ooki nga thi ms hebe ga nma ki nghe rwa yt owa r dt hes i deoft hel a goon." Iwor khe r enow, "s hemur mur e d. " Tha t ' si mpos s i bl e , "hes a i dt a ut l y." Unl e s s —" Aga i nhebr okeof f .Ic an' tgot hr ought hatagai n!het houghtwi t has a va ge ki ndofbi t t e r ne s s .Hef ol l owe dhe rs t i f f l ya nds t oodf a c i nghe rwhe nt he ybot hr e a c he dt hepa ve me nt ." Whoa r eyouwor ki ng f or ,Ka t r i na ? " Shewa ss i l e ntf oramome nt ,l ooki ngupa thi m— a nds hedi dn' tha vet ol ookupa tma nyme n,s i nc es hewa sf i vet e n wi t houts hoe s .He rs l e nde rbodywa sc l ot he df ors umme ri ngr e e ns hor t sa ndaye l l owt a nkt op.Shes l i dhe rha ndsi nt ot he poc ke t sofhe rs hor t sa ndr e pl i e df i na l l y," I ' mwor ki ngf orGi gi .He r ea tt hepa r k. " Hes t a r e da the r ,f e e l i ngas udde ns i c kt i ght ne s si nhi sc he s t ,c ons c i ousofhi she a r tt hr obbi ng.Ye tde s pi t ee ve r yt hi ng,he kne whes t i l lwa nt e dhe r .J us ta she ' dwa nt e dhe rf ors i xl ongye a r s —a ndha dha t e dhi ms e l ff ori t . " I ' vebe e nhe r ef o ra l mos tf i veye a r s , "s hea dde dqui e t l y. Skyet r i e dt ot hi nkc l e a r l y.Howmuc hdi ds heknowa boutGi giFa r ge a u,t hema na ge roft hi st he mepa r k?Di ds heknow t ha tt heol de rwoma nhe a de dabr a nc hofa ni nt e r na t i ona li nt e l l i ge nc ea ge nc yt ha twa sba s e dhe r ei nt hes out he r nUni t e d St a t e s ?Anddi dGi gi ,s hr e wda nde xpe r i e nc e da ss hewa si nt hei nt r i guega me ,knowwhoa ndwha tKa t r i nar e a l l ywa s ?Be f or e hec oul df r a mea nyoft hos eque s t i ons ,Ka t r i nas pokef l a t l y,s e e mi ngl yr e a di nghi smi nd. " Ide f e c t e d,Skye .Idon' twor kf ort he ma nyl onge r . " " Doyoue xpe c tmet obe l i e vet ha t ? "Wi t houthi svol i t i ont hebi t t e r ne s sheha dt houghtl onggonef l ungat a unta the r ." You we r egood,Ka t r i na ,t oogoodt oqui t .Unl e s syouwe r er unni ngf r oms ome t hi ng.Wa st ha ti t ?We r eyous l a t e df orpuni s hme nt

be c a us eofyourf a i l u r ewi t hme ? " Shedr e wade e pbr e a t h,a ndt hea mbe rs he e nofhe re ye shi dhe rt hought swe l l .Sof t l ys hes a i d," The r ewa snoa s s i gnme nt wi t hyou.None .Wh a tha ppe ne dbe t we e nus —" " Wa sami s t a keI ' l lr e gr e tf ort her e s tofmyl i f e . "het ol dhe rha r s hl y. Ka t r i nat ookas t e pba c kf r omhi m,a l mos ta si fheha ds t r uc khe r ,a ndf orabr i e fmome nthote mot i onl e a pe da thi moutof he re ye s .The ns hewa sc a l ma ga i n,butt het hr e ef r e c kl e sonhe rde l i c a t enos es t oodoute ve nmor ec l e a r l y." Iknowt ha t .You ma dei tpe r f e c t l yc l e a rbe f or eyoul e f tGe r ma ny. "He rvoi c ewa ss t e a dy. Hef e l tapa ng.knowi ngheha dhur the r ,a ndwa sf ur i ouswi t hhi ms e l fbe c a us ehec a r e d.Hes houl dn' tic a r e ,her e mi nde d hi ms e l f ,hes houl dn' tgi veas we e tda mnwhe t he rhehur the r . " As kGi gi .Sheknowsa l la boutme . "Ka t r i nas ounde dt i r e d,a nds hewa sga z i nga tt hepa ve me ntbe t we e nt he ma si fs he di dn' twa ntt ol ooka thi m. Skyedi dn' tmove .Si xye a r sbe f or e ,t hebi t t e ra gonyofhe rbe t r a ya lha dne a r l yde s t r oye dhi m;heha dbe e nal ongt i mei n he a l i ng,a ndhequi c kl yr e a l i z e dt ha tme r e l ys e e i nghe ra ga i nha dr e ope ne dt hos et e r r i bl ewounds .Hewa nt e dt ol a s houta the r nowa sheha dt he n,t ohur the ra ss heha dhur thi m.Buthewa sol de r ,wi s e r ,a ndt hepr of e s s i ona le xpe r i e nc eheha dga i ne d t he s el a s tye a r swa sna ggi nga thi m. The r ewa ss ome t hi ngwr onghe r e .Communi s ta ge nt sdi dnotde f e c tt obe c omea ge nt sf ort heot he rs i de ;buti fs hewa s he r e ,wor ki ngf orGi gi. . ." Doyouwor ki nt hepa r k? "hea s ke da br upt l y." J us ti nt hepa r k? " Ka t r i nal i f t e dhe rga z ea ndme thi se ye sc a l ml y." Iwor kf orGi gi . " " Youknowwha tI ' ma s ki ng. " Shenodde d." Iknow.AndI ' vea ns we r e d.Iwor kf orGi gi . " Hi st hought st umbl e d,c l a s hi ngt oge t he ra shet r i e dt oma kes e ns eofwha ts he ' ds a i d." Tha tI s n' tpos s i bl eunl e s ss hei s n' t wha ts he ' ss uppos e dt obe .Or —" " OrI ' mnot ? "Ka t r i na ' ss mi l ehe l dt hef i r s ts i gno fbi t t e r ne s she ' ds e e ni nhe r ." I fyouha dl i s t e ne dt omea l lt hos eye a r sa go, youwoul dha veha dt hea ns we rt he n.Butyoudi dn' t .Nowt ha ti tnol onge rma t t e r s ,doyouwa ntt hea ns we r ? " Skyehe l dhi svoi c es t e a dya ndma det hewor dsb l unt ." I ' mhe r et odoaj ob.Iha vet oknowi fyou' r eat hr e a t . " " Tha ta ns we ri ss i mpl e .No.J us ta sIwa snot h r e a tt oyous i xye a r sa go,noti nt e nt i ona l l y.Youj umpe dt oc onc l us i ons , Skye .Iunde r s t a nd,a ndIdi di nGe r ma ny;i nourbus i ne s s ,s ur vi va la l wa ysde pe ndsonbe i ngs us pi c i ousofe ve r yt hi nga nde ve r yone . "He rvoi c ewa ve r e dabi tont hel a s twor d,t he ns t e a di e da ss hec ont i nue d." Butyoune ve ra s ke dmei fwha tyouha d di s c ove r e dwa st het r ut h.Yoube l i e ve di ti ns t a nt l y.Unt i lt he nIha dt houghtyout r us t e dme . " " Ge tt ot hepoi nt , "hebi tout . " Ve r ywe l l .Yoube l i e ve dIwa sac ommuni s ta g e nt .Nots os ur pr i s i ng,t he ybe l i e ve di tt oo.The ywe r es uppos e dt obe l i e ve i t .ButIwa swor ki ngf ort heot he rs i de ,Skye .Yours i de .Iwa sadoubl ea ge nt . " " He l l o,yout wo! " Skyet ur ne ds t i f f l yt or e s pondt ot hegr e e t i ng,f e e l i ngc ur i o us l ynumb.Hec oul dn' tt hi nk,a ndhedi dn' tda r et r y." Gi gi , "he s a i di navoi c et ha ts ur pr i s e dhi mbe c a us ei ts ounde ds onor ma l . Asac hi l dGi giFa r ge a uha dc a r r i e dme s s a ge sf ort heFr e nc hRe s i s t a nc e .Byhe re a r l yt we nt i e ss heha dc omma nde das ma l l buthi ghl ye f f e c t i vei nt e l l i ge nc e ga t he r i ngor ga ni z a t i onope r a t i ngoutofhe rna t i vePa r i s .Att we nt ys i xs heha dma r r i e da n Ame r i c a nmi l i t a r yma nwhoha ds ur vi ve dKor e abutwhobe c a meoneoft hef i r s tU. S.c a s ua l t i e si nVi e t na m.Af t e r a c c o mpa nyi nghe rhus ba nd' sbodyt ohi shome l a nd,Gi giha dc hos e nt or e ma i ni nt heSt a t e s . Atadi s t a nc eofs e ve r a lf e e t ,t hepe t i t ewoma n,vi br a ntwi t he ne r gy,l ooke dt we nt yye a r syounge rt ha nt hef i f t ye i ghts he c he e r f ul l yc l a i me d,b utac l os e rs c r ut i nyr e ve a l e dt ha twhi l ehe rf a c ewa sa ss moot ha sagi r l ' s ,he rbl uee ye swe r eol da ndwi s e wi t he xpe r i e nc ea ndl os s .Sheha dbr onz eha i rwor ns hor ta ndbe a ut i f ul l yke ptha nds . " Youha veme t ? "s heI nqui r e dbr i s kl y,he rs ha r pga z emovi ngbe t we e nt het wos t a ndi ngbe f or ehe r . " Ye s , "Skyer e pl i e d,of f e r i ngnot hi nge l s e . OneofGi gi ' sde l i c a t ee ye br owsr os e ,a ndt houghs hewa sc l e a r l ya wa r eoft het e ns i oni nt hea i r ,s hec hos et oi gnor ei t . " Tr i na ,di dyouc he c kt heboa t s ? "s hea s ke d,he rvoi c ea l mos twi t houta c c e nta f t e rt we nt yye a r si nAme r i c a . Ka t r i nanodde d." The ywe r ec l e a n.Soi st het opoft hec hut e ;a nda l lt hec ont r ol swor kpr ope r l y. " " Andt hel a goon? "Gi gia s ke dSkye . " Not hi ng.I ' l lha v et oc he c kt hee nt i r el e ngt hoft hec hut e ,t hough.The r e ' snot i met oda y,butI ' l ll ooka ti tt omor r ow. " As e r i e sofl oudwhi s t l e se c hoe dt hr ought hepa r kt he n,a ndKa t r i nat ur ne da wa yf r omt heot he rt wo." Thega t e sope ni nt e n mi nut e s , "s hes a i d." Iha vewor kt odo. " Skyewa t c he dhe rwa l ka wa y,c ons c i ousofhi sbody' sr e s pons e ,a si fs i xbi t t e rye a r sha dn' tpa s s e da ndhewe r eba c ki n Ge r ma ny,wa t c hi nghe ra ndwa nt i nghe rwi t hade s i r et ha tha dbe e npowe r f ula ndgr e e dya ndt ot a l .Het ur ne dhi she a df i na l l y t odi s c ove rGi gil ooki ngs hr e wdl ya thi m. " She ' soneofyoura ge nt s ? "hea s ke di navoi c et ha twa ss t r a i ne dnowbe c a us ehi smi ndha dbe gunt owor ka g a i na ndt he c onc l us i onshewa sr e a c hi ngwe r el i kekni ve s . Gi ginodde d." Mybe s t .Eve nye a r sa go,whe ns hewa sl i t t l emor et ha nagi r l ,s heha dana t ur a lt a l e nt . " " Ye a r sa go? "Hi smout hwa sdr y. " I nGe r ma ny. "Gi gi ' svoi c ewa ss udde nl yde l i be r a t e ,he re ye ss t e a dyonhi s ." Ir e c r ui t e dhe r ,yous e e ,whi l es hewa ss t i l li n s c ho ol .Sheha da nunus ua lma t ur i t y,a nds heha dgr ownups t a r i nga tt hewa l ldi vi di nghe rc ount r y.Sheha t e di t ,ha t e dwha ti t r e pr e s e nt e d.Shewa smor et ha nwi l l i ngt oma ket hene c e s s a r ys a c r i f i c e s .Atl e a s tunt i l. . . " Skyewa i t e d,s t a r i nga the r . Gi gls mi l e dal i t t l es a dl y." Ayoungwoma noft we nt yt woma ybeve r yma t ur e ,ye ts t i l lboundt of ol l owhe rhe a r t .Tr i na f e l li nl ove ,a ndha dnowa yofknowi nghe rma nwa sa nAme r i c a na ge nt ;heha dn' tt ol dhe r ,yous e e ,j us ta ss heha dke pthe r owndoubl el i f eas e c r e tf r omhi m.I twa sat r a gi ct hi ng. " Skyec l e a r e dhi st hr oa t ." Tr a gi c ? "

" Howc oul di tnotbe ?Byt het i mes hedi s c ove r e dwha thewa s ,i twa st ool a t ef orhe r .Heha dl e f the r ,c onvi nc e dt he i r i nvol ve me ntwa sonl ya na s s i gnme ntt ohe ra ndnodoubthor r i f i e dhi ms e l fa tha vi ngl ove dawoma nwhoa c c or di ngt oa l lt he e vi de nc es houl dha vebe e nhi se ne my.Andt heKGB,whi c hha dbe l i e ve ds hewa soneoft he i r s ,c a pt ur e dhe rbe f or es hec oul d e s c a pe .The yt hr e whe ri nt oa nEa s tGe r ma npr i s on.I twa saye a rbe f or eIc oul da r r a nget oge the rout . " Skyef e l thi she a r ts t op." Aye a r ? " Gi gidi dn' ta ppe a rt onot i c ehi sr e a c t i on." Tr i nac oul dn' tr e t ur nt oWe s tGe r ma ny,ofc our s e .I twa sbe s tt obr i n ghe rhe r e . Shei ss t r ong,a ndh a sputt ha tot he rl i f ebe hi ndhe r .Shes mi l e snow.Oneda ys hewi l ll a ugh.The nt ha tot he rl i f ewi l lbe va nqui s he d. " Skyeha df or got t e nhi spr of e s s i ona lr e a s onsf orbe i nga tt hepa r k,a ndi twa sonl yt hes e c ondt i mei nhi sc a r e e rt ha theha d s ol a ps e d.Thef i r s tt i meha dbe e nwhe nheha dme tKa t r i na ." Whe r ei ss he ? "hea s ke dnow,notc a r i ngi fhewe r egi vi ng hi ms e l fa wa y. " Whe nt hepa r ki sope n, "Gi git ol dhi m," Tr i nawor ksi nt hehot e l ;s hema na ge si tf orme . " Wi t houta not he rwor dSkyet ur ne da ndhe a de ddownoneoft hepa ve dpa t hst ha tl e dt ot hehot e l .Heha dama poft hepa r k i nhi she a d,a ndkne wwhe r ehewa sgoi ng. Gi giga z e da f t e rhi mf oramome nt .Tohe r s e l fs h es a i d," Al mos t ,Ibe gi nt obe l i e vei nf a t e .Wha tas t r a ngewor l dt hi si s .So youwe r et heonewhol e f the r ,Skye .Andwha tnow,Iwonde r .Wha tnow? " *** Fa nt a s yl a ndwa sama j ort he mepa r ki nt heSou t he a s t ,s e tonhun dr e dsofa c r e sa nddi vi de di nt oanumbe rofI ndi vi dua l s e c t i onsde a l i ngwi t hpa r t i c ul a rf a nt a s yt he me s .The r ewa st heOl dWe s t .Se a f a r i ngDa ys ,t heSpa c eAge ,Wo nde r l a nd— boa s t i ngt hes ubhe a di ng,ForChi l dr e nofAl lAge s ,a ndc ont a i ni ngc ha r a c t e r sa nde xhi bi t sf r om f a i r yt a l e sa swe l la sf r om ot he rwe l l knowns t or i e sf orc hi l dr e n.The r ewa st heCi r c us ,ot he rmi nors e c t i ons ,a ndI nt hec e nt e roft hep a r ka l lt he t r a di t i ona lr i de s —r ol l e rc oa s t e r s ,t hel ogr i de ,ahugeFe r r i swhe e l ,ac a r ous e l .... The r ewa sal a r gea ndbe a ut i f ulhot e lf ort hos evi s i t or swi s hi ngt os pe ndmor et ha nada ya tt hepa r k,a swe l la sagol f c our s e ,s wi mmi ngpool s ,a ndt e nni sc our t s .Anout doort he a t e rpr ovi de da mpl es e a t i ngf ort heni ght l yc onc e r t sf e a t ur i ng na t i ona l l yknowns i n ge r sa ndgr oups . Skyewa l ke dpa s tt heva r i ouss i ght swi t houtagl a nc e ,hi sa t t e nt i onf oc us e dont hehot e lhewa sne a r i ng,va gue l ya wa r et ha t t hepa r kha dope ne da ndt ha tt hel e ve lofa c t i vi t yha di nc r e a s e ds ha r pl ya st hec r owdofvi s i t or sbe ga npour i ngi n. " Al lr i ght ? "al owvoi c ea s ke ds udde nl yf r omhi sl e f t . Skyeha l t e d,butdi dn' tt ur n.Hes t oodga z i nga tt hehot e l ,a wa r et ha tabi gma nde c ke douta sa na nt e be l l um r i ve r boa t ga mbl e rwa i t e df orar e s pons e ." No, "hea ns we r e df i na l l y. Thega mbl e rs t e ppe dc l os e r ,t houghher e ma i ne di nt hes ha dowsoft hede c or a t i ves hr ubbe r yt ha tl i ne dma nyoft hec onc r e t e pa t hs .Hi swi de br i mme dwhi t eha tke ptmos tofhi sf a c es ha de d,butbe ne a t hane a tbl a c kmus t a c hehi sf i r mmout hl ooke da bi tg r i m." Wha ti si t ? " Skyewa si nc r e a s i ngl yc ons c i ousoft hec r owdmovi ngi nt ot hea r e a ,a ndf e l ta swe l la ss a waf e wc ur i ousgl a nc e sdi r e c t e d a tt hega mbl e ra ndhi ms e l f .I twa sda nge r oust os t a ndt he r e ,a ndhekne wi t .Buthec oul dn' twa l ka wa yf r omt heque s t i on." A ghos toutoft hepa s t , "het ol dt heot he rma nf l a t l y. The r ewa samome ntofs i l e nc ebe t we e nt he m,a ndt he nt hega mbl e rs a i d," Ic a nt a keove r .Ha ge nwoul dn' tknow. "Hi s de e pvoi c ewa sve r ys of t . Skyes hookhi she a d." No.I . . .It hi nkIma deaba dmi s t a kei nGe r ma ny.Myi nf or ma t i onma yha vebe e nwr ong. " Bl unt l yt hega mbl e ra s ke d," Andi fi twa s n' t ?Coul dyougot hr ought ha ta ga i n? " Skyes hr ugge ds l i ght l yi naj e r kyr e s pons e ." You' dbe t t e rge tt ot heboa t , "het ol dt hega mbl e r ." Thec us t ome r swi l le xpe c t t obeda z z l e dbyyourc a r dpl a y.Se eyou. "Hewa l ke donwi t houtgi vi ngt heot he rma nac ha nc et os a ya nyt hi ngmor e . Thema ndr e s s e da saga mbl e rs t oodwhe r ehewa sf oraf e wmome nt s ,t he ns wor ei nal owvoi c ea ndt ur ne da wa y.Hewa s a l mos tt ot her i ve r boa tt ha twa st i e dupa tapi e ri nt hebe ndoft hema nma der i ve rr unni ngt hr ought hepa r kwhe nape t i t e bl ondwoma na ppr oa c he dhi m.Shewa si nac os t umeoft hes a mee r aa she .Dr e s s e ds c a nt i l ya sac hor usda nc e r ,s hewor ea br i ghtr e df e a t he ri nhe rups we ptgol de nha i r . " Ga r t e r s , "s hes a i dda r kl y,t a ki ngt hea r mheof f e r e da ndbe gi nni ngt os t r ol la l ongwi t hhi m." Youpi c ke dt hi sc os t umeout , di dn' tyou? " " Il i ket he m, "her e pl i e ds i mpl y,l ooki ngdownwi t hs omea mus e me nta tt hef r i l l yga r t e re nc i r c l i nghe rs ha pe l yl e gj us t a bovet hekne e ." Mo s te s pe c i a l l ywhe nyouwe a rt he m. " I nawonde r i ngvoi c es hes a i d," Whe nyout ol dmeyourl i f ewa sc ompl i c a t e d,Ine ve rr e a l i z e dyoume a ntt hi ngsl i ket hi s .I don' tha vet oda nc e ,doI ? " " No,you' l ls i tonmykne ewhi l eIpl a yc a r ds . " Shec huc kl e d,t he na s ke d," Ha veyous e e nSkye ? " " Ye s . " Al e r t e dbya nunde r t onei nhi svoi c e ,he rha ndt i g ht e ne donhi sa r m,a nds hea s ke dqui c kl y," Wha ti si t ? " " Some bodyt hr e wawi l dc a r di nt ot hega me . "Hes hookhi she a ds l i ght l ya the rpuz z l e dl ook." Idon' tknowmuc hye t . Skye ' ss hutmeout —f ort hemome nt ,a tl e a s t . " " Ha shee ve rdonet ha tbe f or e ? " " Onc e .Ye a r sa go. "Hes i ghe dr oughl y." The r e ' snot hi ngIc a ndoa bouti tnow.Youa ndIha vet oa s s umeourpl a c e s . Re a dy,l ove ? " Fol l owi nghi sl e a d,s hes mi l e da nds a i dmi s c hi e vous l y," Re a dyt owa t c hyoube c omear i ve r boa tga mbl e r ?Da r l i ng,Ic a n ha r dl ywa i t ! " Smi l i ng,hel e dh e rt owa r dt her i ve r boa t .

*** Ka t r i naKe l l e rpa us e dbr i e f l ya tt hede s ki nt hel obbyoft hehot e lt oma kec e r t a i nt he r ewa snoc r i s i sr e qui r i nghe r a t t e nt i on,t he nwe ntupt ohe rs ui t eont het opf l oor .Ne i t he rGi ginort heowne r soft het he mepa r ks t i nt e dwhe ni tc a met ot he c omf or toft he i re mpl oye e s ,s oKa t r i na ' sr oomswe r eve r yni c eI nde e d.A c or ne rs ui t ewi t hpl e nt yofwi ndowsa ndbr i ght , c omf or t a bl ef ur n i s hi ngs ,i twa ss pa c i ousa ndl ove l y. I twa sKa t r i na ' shome .Sheha dl i ve dt he r ef orne a r l yf i veye a r s ,e ve rs i nc eGi giha dma na ge dt oge the routofGe r ma ny. Ka t r i nanol onge rha dni ght ma r e sa boutt het hr e e byf i ve f ootc e l li nwhi c hs he ' dl i ve df oraye a r . Shet ookaqui c ks howe ra ndc ha nge di nt oapa l e gol ds i l kdr e s st ha twa sbot hbus i ne s s l i kea nda t t r a c t i ve ;s i nc es hede a l t wi t hgue s t sa sapa r tofhe rdut i e sa sma na ge r ,s het ookc a r et odr e s swe l ldur i nghe rwor ki nghour s .Shea l wa yswor ehe rha i r upwhe ns hewa swo r ki ng,a nds heputI tupnowi nabr a i de dc or one t ;I twa st heonl ys t yl es heha df oundt obene a t ,s i nc ehe r l ong,c ur l i ngha i rr e s i s t e dmos te f f or t st ot a mei t . Skyeha donc es a i d— Ka t r i nac a nc e l e dt het houghti ns t a nt l y,a ndt hef a c ei nt hemi r r orne ve rl os ti t sc a l me xpr e s s i on.Oneye a rofhe rl i f eha d t a ughthe rt heva l ueofc ont r ol ,a ndi twa sal e s s ont hei nt e r ve ni ngye a r sha ddonenot hi ngt odi mi ni s h.Gi giha dof t e nc a l l e di t s t r e ngt h,t hi sa b i l i t yofKa t r i na ' st of oc ushe rt hought sa nde mot i onswi t ht ot a lc l a r i t y,a ndKa t r i naha dne ve rof f e r e da not he r e xpl a na t i ont oh e rc l os e s tf r i e nd. Shec oul dha vee xpl a i ne d,buts hene ve rs pokeoft ha tt e r r i bl eye a r . He rmi ndbl a nk,Ka t r i nas l i ppe dhe rs ma l lf e e ti nt obl a c kpumpsa ndpi c ke duphe rwa t c hf r omt hedr e s s e r ,he a di ngt owa r d t hel i vi ngr oom whi l es hef a s t e ne di ta r oundhe rwr i s t .Thr e es t e psi nt ot her oom s heha l t e d,he rs e ns e swa r ni nghe re ve n be f or es hegl a nc e du pa nds a wSkyes t a ndi ngnotf i vef e e ta wa y. " Weha vet ot a l k, "hes a i di nal ow,hoa r s evoi c e . He ra bi l i t yt of oc usa ndc ont r olhe rt hought sa nde mot i onsha dne ve rbe e nputt ot het e s ti nhi spr e s e nc ebe f or e ,butKa t r i na wa s n' ts ur pr i s e dt of i ndt ha ta bi l i t ys t r a i ne dt ot hel i mi t .He re nt i r ebodyf e l ts t i f fwi t ht hee f f or tofke e pi ngc a l m,a ndi tha d ne ve rbe e ns odi f f i c ul tt oI gnor ehe rowne mot i ons .Looki nga thi mbr oughtt ooma nyf e e l i ngsa ndme mor i e st ot hes ur f a c e . Hea ppe a r e dmuc ht hes a mea ss her e me mbe r e dhi m,butt he r ewe r edi f f e r e nc e sbot hs ubt l ea ndobvi ous .Hewa ss t i l l s t r i ki ngl yha nds ome ,buthi sf a c ewa sl e a ne ra ndha r de r ,hi sbr i l l i a ntvi ol e te ye sr e ve a l i ngr e c kl e s s ne s st ha tha dnotbe e ns o vi s i bl es i xye a r sbe f or e .Al wa ysaphys i c a l l ypowe r f ulma n,t heye a r sha da dde de ve nmor es t r e ngt ht ohi sf r a mes ot ha thi s s houl de r swe r ebr oa de rnow,a ndbe ne a t ht hebl a c kTs hi r thewor es hec oul ds e eha r dmus c l e s . Heha dt ol dhe rhewa sat wi n,t ha thi sbr ot he rDa newa si de nt i c a l ,buts heha da l wa ysf oundi tha r dt obe l i e vet he r ec oul d bea not he rma nl i keSkye . Ka t r i nat or ehe rga z ea wa yf r omhi ma ndgl a nc e dt owa r dt hedoor ,whi c hs heha dl oc ke dbe hi ndhe rwhe ns he ' dc omei n. " St i l lgoodwi t hl oc ks ,Is e e , "s hes a i d,he rvoi c ec a l m. " Ka t r i na —" Shel ooke da thi m,ke e pi nghe rmi ndbl a nk,s hu t t i ngt hevi ol e nte mot i onsa wa yi nda r kr ooms ,whe r et he yc oul dn' tha r m he r ." I ' mondut y, "s het ol dhi m." Imus tgodowns t a i r s . " " Notye t .Pl e a s e ,Ka t r i na . " Sheha dne ve rhe a r dhi ms a ypl e a s ebe f or e ,notl i ket ha t ,a ndt hee f f e c tonhe rwa ss hoc ki ng.Theout wa r dc ont r olhe l d,but s hec oul df e e lac ha ngewi t hi nhe r ,a sI fs ome t hi ngs heha dt houghtt obede a ds udde nl ywokef r omade e ps l e e pa ndbe ga n s t i r r i ngr e s t l e s s l y.Wi t houti mme di a t e l ys pe a ki ng,s het ur ne da ndwe ntt ooneoft hewi dewi ndows ,ga z i ngt hr oug ht hegl a s s a nddownont ot hec ol or f ulpa r k. " Ikne wHa ge nwa ss e ndi nga na ge nt , "s hes a i df i na l l y,r e l i e ve dt ohe a rhe rvoi c ee me r ges t e a di l y." Gi git ol dmea l la bout i t .Doe sHa ge ni nde e dbe l i e vet ha tt hi si nt e r na t i ona lt e r r or i s t ,t hi sAdr i a n,wi l lma kea na t t e mptont hegove r nor ' sl i f ewhe nhe c ome she r ei nt wowe e ks ? " " Hebe l i e ve si t . "Skye ' svoi c ewa sc l os e rnow,a l mos tbe s i dehe r ." Ka t r i na —" " I fmypr e s e nc ehe r ei sof f e ns i vet oyou,Ic a na r r a nget ogoa wa yunt i li t ' sove r .OrIc a nr e ma i ni nt hehot e l —" " St opi t , "heor de r e dr oughl y. Shewa ss i l e nt . Skyedr e wa na udi bl ebr e a t h." Ic a n' tgoba c ka ndc ha ngewha tha ppe ne d, "hes a i d." Buti fIma deami s t a kea boutyou,i f t hei nf or ma t i onIr e c e i ve dwa swr ong. . . " " I f , "s hes a i dI nas of tt one ." Suc has ma l lwor dt oha ves ol a r geame a ni ng.Youc oul dne ve ra ga i nl ooka tmeors pe a kt o mewi t houtt ha twor dbe t we e nus . " " Wha twa sIs uppos e dt obe l i e ve ? "hede ma nde d." MyGod,Ka t r i na ,t hes t a t i onc hi e fi nHa mbur ghi tt her oofwhe nhe f oundoutwha tI ' ddone !Hec oul dn' twa i tt ot e l lmeyou' dbe e nma r ke da sac ommuni s ta ge ntf ormont hs ,a ndt ha tmyown l oya l t ywa shi ghl yd oubt f ula f t e rI ' d—" " Ma r r i e dme , "s hef i ni s he dqui e t l y.Be f or ehec oul dr e s pond,s hea dde di nt hes a met one ," Thes t a t i onc hi e fyous pe a kof wa sMue l l e r ,a nds i n c eIdi dn' twor kf orhi m,hec oul dn' tpos s i bl yha veknownwha tIr e a l l ywa s . "Shet ur ne ds udde nl yt of a c e hi m,s mi l i ngwr yl ya thi m." Butofc our s eImi ghtha veknownwhohewa se ve ni fIha dbe e nc ompl e t e l yont heot h e rs i de .We bot hknowt ha t .J us ta swebot hknowt he r ei snopr oofIc a nof f e ryout ha tIwa snotwha tyoube l i e ve d. " " Idi dn' twa ntt obe l i e vei t . "Hewa ss t a r i ngdowna the r ,hi sbr i l l i a nte ye sgl i t t e r i ng,a ndwhe nhewe nton,hi svoi c eha d t hi c ke ne d." Il e f tGe r ma nyi npi e c e s ,Ka t r i na ,s ot or nupi ns i deIt houghtI ' ddi ef r omt hepa i n.Ic oul dn' tf a c ea nyone ,note ve n myb r ot he r .I fheha dn' tt r a c ke dmedownac oupl eofmont hsl a t e r ,Ipr oba bl ywoul dha vema na ge dt oge tmys e l fki l l e d.God knowsIwa st r yi ngha r de nough. "Hel a ughe d,as t r a nge ,r oughs ound." Tha twa swhe nIwe ntba c kf oryou. " Sheha dgoneal i t t l epa l e ,a ndf oundi tdi f f i c ul tt os pe a kt hr ought hes udde nt i ght ne s sofhe rt hr oa t ." You—your e t ur ne dt o Ge r ma ny? "Andwhe nhenod de d,s hewhi s pe r e d," Why? " The r ewa sal ongmome ntoft e ns es i l e nc e ,ne i t he roft he mmovi ng,t het wof oots pa c ebe t we e nt he mc ont a i ni nga na l mos t

vi s i bl eba r r i e rt he ys e e me duna bl et oc r os s .The n,ha r s hl y,Skyea ns we r e dhe r . " Be c a us eIha dt oknow.Idi dn' twa ntt obe l i e vei t ,a ndIc oul dn' tl i vewi t ht hedoubt .It ol dmys e l fyou' ds t i l lbet he r ei nt he a pa r t me nt ,t ha ti twa sa l ls omehor r i bl emi s t a ke .Iwoul dha vebe l i e ve da nyt hi ngyout ol dme ,t he n.Ime a ntt oge tyououtof t hec ount r y,br i ngyouba c khe r e .Butyouwe r e n' tt he r e ,not hi ngwa st he r ee xc e ptc ove r e df ur ni t ur ea ndba r ewa l l s .And Mue l l e rt ol dmeyou ' dl e f ti nt heni ght ;heha de vi de nc eyou' dgonet hr ought hec he c kpoi nt sa ndi nt oEa s tGe r ma ny. " Ka t r i nadr e wabr e a t h,va gue l ya wa r et ha the rc o nt r olwa ss l i ppi ngf ur t he rs t i l l .Heha dgoneba c kf orhe r ?Shet r i e dt oke e p he rvoi c es t e a dy." Iha dgone ,butnotwi l l i ngl y.Is houl dha veknownt he ywoul dc omef orme .I —Iwa s n' tt hi nki ngve r y c l e a r l y. " Hehe s i t a t e d,t he ns a i d," Gi git ol dmeyouwe r ei mpr i s one d. " Ka t r i nanodde d,buts hedi dn' twa ntt ot a l ka boutt ha t ,nott he n,nott ohi m." Ye s .Idi dn' tknowunt i lGi gi ' sf r i e ndsgotme outt ha tyou—" " Tha tIha ddi vor c e dyou? "Hi svoi c ewa ss t i l lha r s h. Shenodde da ga i n,a nda not he rs i l e nc ef e l lbe t we e nt he m.I twa sKa t r i nawhobr okei tf i na l l y,t ur ni ngabl i ndga z eba c kt o t hewi ndowa nds pe a ki ngs of t l y.

" Youwe r er i ght —ne i t he rofusc a ngoba c ka ndc ha ngea nyt hi ng.Webot hf or gotf orawhi l et ha tweha dbe e nt r a i ne dt o mi s t r us ta nddi s be l i e ve .Webot hf or gotwha twewe r e .Wha tha ppe ne dbe t we e nuswa sami s t a ke ,a ndhowc a ne i t he rofus bl a met heot he r ? " " Doyoubl a meme ,Ka t r i na ? " Shef e l tt e ns i onc r e e pi nt ohe r ,f e l tar i s i nghe a tt ha twa sa c hi ngl yf a mi l i a rde s pi t ea l lt heye a r st ha tha dpa s s e ds i nc es he ' d l a s tf e l tI t .No.Ic an' tgot hr oug hi tagai n! " Doyou? "hede ma nde da ga i n. " No, "s hea ns we r e df i na l l y,r e f us i ngt ol ooka thi m." Idi df orawhi l e ,ofc our s e .ButIha dagr e a tde a loft i met ot hi nk,a nd Ibe ga nt ounde r s t a ndwha tyoumus tha vef e l t .Tobe l i e veyourwi f ewa sa ne ne mya ge nt . . .Atl e a s tIha dt hec on s ol a t i onof knowi ngwewe r ebot hont hes a mes i de . " " Wa si tac ons ol a t i on? " Ka t r i nat houghtoft hos ee ndl e s shour ss pe nts t a r i nga tf ourgr a ywa l l s ,e ve nwhe nhe re ye sha dbe e nc l os e d,t e r r ora nd a ngui s ht hr e a t e ni nghe rve r ys a ni t y.Shet r i e dt opus ht heme mor i e sa wa y,butt hi st i met he yc l ungs t ubbor nl y,a nds hec oul dn' t f i nda na ns we rf orhi m. " Ka t r i na. . . " " Imus tgot omyof f i c e .Iha vewor kt odo—" Het ouc he dhe rf ort hef i r s tt i me ,hi sha ndsr e a c hi ngoutt ogr a s phe rs houl de r sa ndt ur nhe rt owa r dhi m.Andt hes t r e ngt hi n t hos eha ndswa ss ome t hi ngs heha dne ve rbe e na bl et or e s i s t ,e ve nt houghheha dne ve rbe e na nyt hi ngbutge nt l ewi t hhe r .She ke pthe ra r msf ol de ds t i f f l ybe ne a t hhe rbr e a s t sa ndf i xe dhe re ye sont hepul s et hr obbi ngbe ne a t ht het a nne df l e s hofh i st hr oa t . " Wa si tac ons ol a t i on,Ka t r i na ?Te l lme . "Andwhe ns her e ma i ne ds i l e nt ,hes hookhe rs l i ght l y,hi sha ndst i ght e ni ngonhe r s houl de r s . " No, "s hea ns we r e df i na l l y,he a r i ngt hes t r a i ni nhe rvoi c e . " Looka tme . " Shewa st r yi ngde s pe r a t e l yt of oc ushe rmi nda nde mot i ons ,wa r yofme e t i nghi sga z e .Sheha dl onga gogi ve nu pa nyhope ofe v e rs e e i ngh i ma ga i n,a nds oha dnotpr e pa r e dhe r s e l ff ort hi sa t t a c kbyhe rme mor i e sa nds e ns e s ." Le tmego,Skye .I mus t —" Oneofhi sha ndsl e f the rs houl de rt ot ur nhe rf a c eup,hi st humbunde rhe rj a wa ndhi sl ongf i nge r swa r ma ndha r da ga i ns t he rne c k." Is a i dl ooka tme ! " Ka t r i nabl i nke da nda l mos tf l i nc he da tt hevi ol e nc es hehe a r di nhi svoi c e ,butf or c e dhe r s e l ft ome e thi si nt e ns ee ye s . " Doyouha t eme ? "hede ma nde d. Theque s t i ons ur pr i s e dhe r ,a nds hea ns we r e dhone s t l y." Idon' tknow.If e l ts omuc h—a ndt he ns ol i t t l e .Idon' tknow. "She t r i e dt ot hi nkc l e a r l y." I tdoe s n' tma t t e rnow. " " Ye s ,i tdoe s . " He rs t r onge s te mot i ona tt ha tmome ntwa sbe wi l de r me nt .Wha tdi dheme a n?Hes t i l ldoubt e dt ha ts heha dbe e nadoubl e a ge nt ;s hekne wt ha tbe c a us eheha dma denos e c r e tofi t .Thoughbot hoft he mha df or got t e nt he i rt r a i ni ngs i xye a r sa go,s he wa sc e r t a i nhe ,l i kehe r s e l f ,ha dne ve rf or got t e ni ts i nc e .The r ec oul dne ve ra ga i nbea ne a s yt r us ta ndl a c kofs us pi c i oni n e i t he roft he i rmi nds —a ndmos tc e r t a i nl ynotbe t we e nt he m. " Idon' tunde r s t a ndyou, "s hes a i da tl a s t . The r ewa sa nodd,t wi s t e ds mi l ec ur vi nghi sl i ps ,a ndhi se ye swe r eha r da ndbr i ghta ndr e c kl e s s ." Idi de ve r yt hi ngIc oul d t of or ge tyou, "het ol dhe r ,hi svoi c ec ur i ous l ydi s t a nt ." Eve r yt hi ng.Butnot hi ngwor ke d,a ndIha t e dmys e l ff ori t .You' vebe e n myownpe r s ona lde monf ors i xye a r s ,Ka t r i na ,l oc ke di ns i demet oode e pl yt obet or nout . " " I ' ms or r y, "s hewhi s pe r e d,he rbodygoi ngbot hhota ndc ol da tt hec ont r a s toft hel ove r l i kewor dsa ndhi sr e mot evoi c e . Shef e l ts udde nl yj us tal i t t l ea f r a i dofhi m. " Sor r yi s n' tgoode nough. " Ka t r i nabi the rl i pa nds a whi sga z edr opt of i xont heunc ons c i ousge s t ur e ,a ndpa ni cs we ptove rhe r .Re ve nge ?Wa st ha t wha thewa nt e d?Shedr e wabr e a t ha ndt r i e dt os pe a ke ve nl y." Iknowyouha t eme ,butIc a n' tc ha nget ha t . " " Ha t eyou? "Hes e e me dt oc ons i de rt hewor dsa shel ooke df r om he rmout ht ohe re ye s ,hi sc ont a i ni ngt hes a meha r d gl i t t e r .Hi sl i psc ur ve da ga i ni namoc ki ngs mi l e ." Ha t e ' sat a mewor df orwha tI ' mf e e l i ng,Tr i na . " Thes hor t e ne dve r s i onofhe rna meus e donl ybyhi ma ndGi gidi dnot hi ngt or e a s s ur ehe r .Shet r i e dt opul la wa y,buthi s powe r f ula r mwa ss udde nl ya r oundhe r ,hi sot he rha nds t i l lhol di nghe rf a c et i l t e dup.Shef oundhe r s e l fhe l dt i ght l ya ga i ns thi s t a utbody,a nde ve nt houghs hema na ge dt oge the rha ndsupt ohi sha r dc he s ts hec oul dn' tf or c ehi ma wa y. " Don' t !Skye —" Hei gnor e dt hede s pe r a t epr ot e s t ." Weha donl yaf e wwe e kst oge t he r .Ma ybet ha t ' swhyIc oul dn' tf or ge tyou. "Hi se ye s we r ehe a vyl i dde dn ow,t hegl i t t e rha l fhi dde n." Iha vet oknow. " Ka t r i naf or c e dhe r s e l ft obes t i l l ,a l lt ooa wa r et ha the rs e ns e sr e me mbe r e dhi ma ndwe r er e s pondi ngt ohi m de s pi t e e ve r yt hi ng.He rbodya c he dwi t has udde nwi l dne e d,a ndhe rhe a r ta c he dwi t ha ne ve nmor eda ma gi ngki ndofpa i n.Sheha d hur thi mba dl ys i xye a r sbe f or e ,a ndi tdi dn' ts e e mt oma t t e rt ohi mt ha ts heha dknownnomor eofhi ss e c r e tl i f et ha nheha d knownofhe r s ,t ha tn e i t he roft he mha dbe e nhone s t ;nowhewa nt e dr e ve nge . " Don' tdot hi s , "s hes a i duns t e a di l y. " Iha vet o.Wewe r ea l wa yss ogoodi nbe d,we r e n' twe ,Tr i na ?Fr omt heve r yf i r s tni ght .I twa ss t or mi ngt ha tni ght ,doyou r e me mbe r ?Andi twa spa s tda wnwhe nwef i na l l ys l e pt . " Sher e me mbe r e d.Sher e me mbe r e dhe a ta ndt e nde r ne s sa ndahu nge ri nt he mbot ht ha tha dr e f us e dt obes a t e d.Ahunge r s hec oul df e e lr i s i ngi ns i dehe rnow,e ve ns t r onge rt ha nbe f or e .Sheha dt houghtt hos epowe r f ulf e e l i ngsha dbe e nl os tt ohe r f or e v e ronc eheha dl e f the r ,a ndt her e a l i z a t i ont ha tt he yha donl yl a i ndor ma ntunt i lnowwa sbi t t e r s we e t ,be c a us ehi svoi c e wa sha r da ndr e mot e . Skyedi dn' ta ppe a rt onot i c ehe rs i l e nc e .Hemove da ga i ns the rs ubt l y,a ndhe rga s pma dehi ss mi l et ur ns a t i s f i e da ndut t e r l y

ma l e ." It houghts o.I ti s n' tde a dbe t we e nus .Andi tmus tbet hede monIc a n' tge tr i dof .Be c a us eIc a n' tpos s i bl ys t i l ll oveyou, c a nI ,mys we e tTr i na ? " Hi she a dbe nts os udde nl yt ha ts heha dnoc ha nc eofe va di nghi m,e ve ni fs hec oul dha vee s c a pe dt hef i r m gr a s pofhi s ha nd.Anda tt hef i r s tde ma ndi ngt ouc hofhi sl i ps ,s hef e l ts ome t hi nggi vewa yi ns i dehe rwi t havi ol e nc et ha ts e ntas hudde r t hr oughhe rbody,ada mbur s tofs e ns a t i onsa nde mot i onsba t t e r i nghe rf r omwi t hi n.Al lhe rha r dwonc ont r olva ni s he d,s he wa st we nt yt woa ga i na ndi nl ovebe yonda l lr e a s on. Bot hhi sa r mswe r ea r oundhe rnow,l oc ki nghe rbodyt ohi s ,a ndhi smout hwa sha r da ndr ough.Shes hutoutt hes i ghtof hi sh a nds ome ,i mpl a c a bl ef a c e ,a c c e pt i nghi sdr i ve npa s s i ona ndr e t ur ni ngi tbe c a us es hec oul dn' tdoa nyt hi nge l s e .She r e me mbe r e das t or m,a ndat e nde r ,pa s s i ona t ema nwhoha dl ove dhe r . Skyel i f t e dhi she a da tl a s t ,hi se ye svi ol e ntf oramome ntbe f or et he ywe r es hut t e r e dc l os e d." Al lt hei f sdon' ts e e mt o ma t t e r ,dot he y,s we e t ?Ic a ns t i l lma keyouwa ntme . " Ka t r i nac oul dn' tha ves poke ni fhe rl i f eha dde pe nde doni t ;s hec oul donl ys t a r eupa thi mmut e l y. Hel a ughe da nds udde nl yr e l e a s e dhe r ,s t e ppi ngba c k.Hi sf a c es e e me dabi tpa l e ,butt hemoc ki ngs mi l er e ma i ne dt ot a unt he r ." St i l ldon' tknowi fyouha t eme ? " Shef oundhe rvoi c ea tl a s t ,t houghi twa sl i t t l emor et ha nawhi s pe r ." Don' tdot hi s . " " Whynot ,s we e t ?Youwa ntme .I ' l lbeba c kwhe nyours hi f te nds .Anddon' tbot he rr unni nga wa y.I ' donl yf i ndy ou. " Ka t r i nawa sba r e l ya wa r eoft hedoorc l os i ngbe hi ndhi m.Shes t oods t a r i ngbl i n dl ya tt hes potwhe r eheha dbe e n,he rbody s t i l lhota ndt hr o bbi ng,he rmi ndnumb.Andt hes oundofhe rownvoi c ei nt hes i l e ntr ooms t a r t l e dhe r . " Iwon' tl e tyoude s t r oyme .Iwon' t . " *** Heha dt oputoutaha ndt ot hewa l lt os t e a dyhi ms e l fonc ea shewe ntdownt heha l lt ot hee l e va t or .I ts houl dha ve s ur pr i s e dhi m,butdi dn' t .Hef e l tdi z z ya nds i c k.Hec oul dn' tqui t ec a t c hhi sbr e a t h,a si fhe ' dr uns omedr e a df ulma r a t hon. The r ewa sa na wf ulpr e s s ur ei nhi sc he s t .Thei ns t a ntt hee l e va t ordoor ss l i dqui e t l ys hut ,Skyel e a ne da ga i ns tt hewa l la nd t hr us ts ha ki ngha ndsi nt ohi spoc ke t s ,s t a r i nga tt hei ndi c a t ort ha tt ol dhi mhewa sde s c e ndi ng. " Oh,God, "hewhi s pe r e dr a gge dl y. *** Ac r os st hepa r ka boa r daf ul l yde t a i l e dr i ve r boa t ,t hega mbl e rl ooke dupf r omhi sc a r ds ,t het r a nqui l i t yofhi se xpr e s s i on va ni s hi ngf orab r i e fmome nta shewe ntpa l e .Ne i t he rhi sf e l l owga mbl e r snort hec r owdoff a s c i na t e dvi s i t or snot i c e d,butt he bl onds i t t i ngde mur e l yont hea r mofhi sc ha i rs a wi t . Shes a i dnot hi ng,pa r t l ybe c a us eoft hec r owda r oundt he ma ndpa r t l ybe c a us es hekne wwha twa swr ong.I twa s ,he ' dt ol d he rwr yl y,bot ht hec ur s ea ndbl e s s i ngofi de nt i c a lt wi ns ,a tl e a s twhe r ehea ndhi sbr ot he rwe r ec onc e r ne d. Skyewa si nt r oubl e . Butnot ,s her e a l i z e d,i ndange r ,be c a us et hega mbl e r ' sha nds omef a c ea l mos ti ns t a nt l yr e ga i ne di t st r a nqui lc ont r ol ,a ndhi s f r e eha ndl i f t e dhe r st ohi sl i psbr i e f l ya shes mi l e dupa the r .Shea c c e pt e dt her e a s s ur a nc ea ndt r i e dt obepa t i e ntunt i lhec oul d t e l lh e rwha twa sgoi ngon.

Two " Ba l l oons ,s i r ?Ba l l oonsf oryourc hi l dr e n? " Af f r ont e d,Ha ge nba r e l ypa us e di nhi squi c ks t r i d et os e ndt heha ppyc l ownac ol dgl a r e .Ande ve nt hought hec l own' swi de s mi l ewa spa i nt e dons obr i ght l yt ha ts hec oul dha r dl yhe l pbutl ookde l i ght e dnoma t t e rwha t ,he rs t a r t l e dwi nc ewa svi s i bl e . " Sor r y,s i r ! "Sher e t r e a t e dha s t i l y,a nds t oodhol di nghe rba l l oonsa ndwa t c hi ngt hema ns t r i deonwhi l ea dmi t t i ngt ohe r s e l f hedi dn' tl ookt h es o r tofma nt oha vec hi l dr e n,muc hl e s sbuyba l l oons .Heha dagr e a tl e oni nehe a dwi t hac he r u b ' sf a c e ,a de c i de dl ypor t l yf i gur ec onf i ne dbyaba dl yf i t t i ngt hr e e pi e c es ui t ,a ndwor ebot hwi ngt i ps hoe sa ndaf e dor at ha tha ds e e n be t t e rda ys .As e e mi ngl yc omi c a lma n,butt he r eha dbe e nnot hi ngc omi c a li nhi sf r os t ygl a r e . As e c ondc l own,t hi sonet a l lwi t hawoe be gonee xpr e s s i onpa i nt e donhi sl e a nf a c e ,a ppe a r e ds udde nl ybe s i det heha ppy c l owna nds pokedi s pa s s i ona t e l y." You' dt hr owdyna mi t eonabonf i r e ,da r l i ng. " Ar i c hc huc kl ee s c a pe dt heha ppyc l own." It houghtImi ghta swe l lputi tt ot het e s t .He ' se a r l y. " " Ye s ,we ' dbe t t e ra l e r tt heot he r s .Goodt hi ngwede c i de dt opl a yourr ol e sf r omt hes t a r t .Andwes houl df i ndoutf r omGi gi i fheme a nst os t a yh e r ef ort wowe e ks . " Theha ppyc l ownl ooke dupa the rc ompa ni onwi t has mi l et ha twa s n' tpa i nt e don." Re gr e t t i ngt hec os t umes os oo n ? " " No. "Hegl a nc e dupa sagr oupofc hi l dr e nhu r r i e dt owa r dt he m,hi sr a t he rha r dbl uee ye st a ki ngonar a r eunc e r t a i n e xpr e s s i on." Is u ppo s ei t ' spr a c t i c eofaki nd. " Shegi ggl e da ndt ur ne dt owa r dt hea ppr oa c hi ngc hi l dr e n." Ave r yoddki nd. " " Don' tl a ugha tme ! "heor de r e d,s oundi ngbot hha r a s s e da nda mus e d. Shet hr e whi m al a ughi ng,t e nde rgl a nc eove rhe rs houl de r ,vi ol e te ye sbr i ght ,t he nt ur ne dhe ra t t e nt i ont ot h ec hi l dr e n c l a mor i ngf orba l l oons . Thewoe be gonec l owns t oodwa t c hi nghe r ,as mi l epl a yi nga bouthi sf i r ml i ps .Heha dpr ot e s t e dt hec os t ume ,ofc our s e ,a nd ha dve r ymuc he nj oye dbe i ngpe r s ua de dbyhe rt oa c c e pti t .St i l l ,hewa sc ons c i ousoft hea bs ur di t y;ne i t he roft he mf i tt he i r a s s i gne dr ol e s .Se ve r a loft heot he r sdi d,t hough.Buts heha dbe e nr i ghti nbe l i e vi ngt ha tHa ge ns t oodagr e a t e rc ha nc eof r e c ogni z i ngt het wooft he munl e s st he ywe r et ot a l l youtofc ha r a c t e r . He nc et hec l owns ui t s . Hewoul dha vebor neagr e a tde a lf orhe rs a ke ;t hi swa sc e r t a i nl yl i t t l ee nough.Andheha dhi sowna xt ogr i nd,ofc our s e , s i nc ehes t r ongl ydi s l i ke dHa ge n' sByz a nt i neha ndt hr us t i ngi nt ohi sl i f ewi t h outs omuc ha sabyyour l e a ve .

" Youdi dn' tpr a c t i c e , "s heobs e r ve ds e ve r e l ywhe nt hec hi l dr e n,ba l l oonsI nha nd,r a c e dof f . " Idi dn' twa ntyout ol a ugha tme , "her e t or t e d. Shes mi l e dupa thi m,t heme r r ys mi l eheha di ns t a nt l yf a l l e ni nl ovewi t h." Iwoul dn' t .You' r egoi ngt oma keawonde r f ul f a t he r ,da r l i ng. " Hi sbl uee ye ss of t e ne da ma z i ngl ya st he yr e s t e donhe rf a c e ." Il oveyou,youknow, "hes a i d. Somemome nt sl a t e ras ma l l ,c hi l di s hvoi c es a i di ndi gna nt l y," Cl ownsdon' tki s s !Andyou' vel e tgooft heba l l oo ns ! " *** " Ia magr e a tma n, "Ha ge ns a i ds i mpl y. Gi gi ,whowa st hes ol ea udi e nc et ot hi sgr a nds t a t e me nt ,a c c e pt e di twi t has ol e mni t ybe l l e dbyt hel a ught e rt ha tha dl e a pe d qui c kl yt ohe re y e s ." Oh,ofc our s e .Iha veof t e ns a i ds o. ". Comf or t a bl ys e a t e dont hec ouc hi nt hel i vi ngr o omofhe rs ui t e ,hes e nthe ra na ppr ovi ngl ook.Buthi svoi c ewa sabi tdr y whe nhes a i d," No,youha ve n' t ,myde a r . " " We l l ,notof t e n,pe r ha ps , "s hea dmi t t e d,s t i l ls ol e mn." ButIdor e c ogni z ei t ,Ipr omi s eyou.I ti sve r yobvi oust ome .You' r e l i keCha r l e ma gne . "Shepa us e df orr e f l e c t i on,t he na dde dmus i ngl y," OrHi t l e r . " Hei gnor e dt ha t . Spl e ndi dl y." Ha sPr e s c ot tdi s c ove r e da nyt hi ngye t ? " " Heha dn' tt hi smor ni ng, "s her e pl i e d." Iha ve n' ts e e nhi mi nhour s ,howe ve r .Ha ge n,whya r eyouhe r enow?Thegove r nor i s n' tduet oc omef ort wowe e ks . " " Why,Iwa nt e dt os e eyou,myde a r . " Shee ye dhi mwi t hagr e a tde a lofunde r s t a ndi nga ndnotal i t t l ea nnoya nc e ." Youma yha venoneofmya ge nt s , "s hes a i d. Ha ge nl ooke di nnoc e nt ." Myde a rGi gi —" " None ! " Hewor et hee xpr e s s i onofama ns a dl ymi s unde r s t ood." Iha dn' ts e e nyoui nmont hs ,a nd—" " Yous a wmet wowe e ksa goi nNe wYor k, "s hes a i dt a r t l y,e ve nmor ea nnoye dbyt hi sba s ea t t e mptt odi s a r mhe r . " We l l ,butt ha twa sbus i ne s s ,myde a r . " " Ha dyous ome t h i ngot he rt ha nbus i ne s si nmi ndf ort hi st r i p? "He rvoi c ewa swonde r f ul l ypol i t e . Hebe ga nt ol ookabi tune a s y." Gi gi ,i fyou' r es t i l la ngr ywi t hmebe c a us eoft ha tl i t t l ea r gume ntofour s —" " Li t t l ea r gume nt ?Li t t l ea r gume nt ? " Ha ge nc l e a r e dhi st hr oa tbuts a i ds t r ongl y," We ' r ebot hofuspa s tt hea gef ort he s es t upi dqua r r e l s ,myde a r . " I na nunyi e l di ngt ones hes a i d," Yourba gsha vebe e nt a ke nt ot hes ui t ea tt hee ndoft heha l l .Iha vemuc ht odo;wa st he r e a nyt hi ngf ur t he ryouwi s he dt odi s c us swi t hme ? " " Gi gi ! "Hes a wt ha the re xpr e s s i onwa sa sf i e r c ea she rvoi c eha dbe e n,a ndr e a l i z e ds ome wha tunha ppi l yt ha ts heha dn' t c ha nge dhe rmi nd.Heha dt houghts hewoul dha vebynow;i nf a c t ,heha dbe e ns ur eofi t .Buts hewa sadi f f i c ul twoma n,a nd i nt we nt yye a r sofkn owi nghe rheha dn' tma na ge das i ngl et i met os wa yhe ronc es heha dma deuphe rmi nd. Shewa shi sonl ype r s ona lf a i l ur e .Shel a ughe da thi ma ndmoc ke dhi ma ndmor et ha nonc ei nt hepa s tha dgr os s l yde c e i ve d hi mi nma t t e r sofbu s i ne s s .Shewe nthe rownwa ywi t haf i nedi s r e ga r df orhi sa dvi c eorwi s he s ,a ndheune a s i l ys us pe c t e ds he a l wa yswoul d. " Gooda f t e r noon,Ha ge n, "s hes a i dc ool l y,a ndr os et ogoove ra nds e a the r s e l fbe hi ndt hebi gde s kbyt hewi ndow.Wi t hout a not he rwor dorgl a nc es hebe c a mea bs or be di npa pe r wor k. Fi ndi nghi ms e l fi gnor e d—whi c hwa s n' ta ne xpe r i e nc ehewa sa ta l lf a mi l i a rwi t h—Ha ge nhe a ve dhi ms e l fupf r om t he c ouc ha ndwe ntgl oomi l yt owa r dt hedoor ." Di nne r ? "hea s ke dwi t hahope f ule xpr e s s i ont ha twoul dha vebe e ne f f e c t i vei fhe ' d l ooke dmor el i keas pa ni e la ndl e s sl i keas ul kyHe nr yVI I I . Shedi dn' tl ookup." You' l lf i ndame nui nyours ui t e . " Hes nor t e da ndl e f t ,s l a mmi ngt hedoor . Gi gi ' sl i pst wi t c he d. *** Ka t r i nadi dn' tr una wa y.Gi ve nac hoi c e ,a tl e a s tdur i ngt hee a r l ypa r toft heda y,s hemi ghtha ver un,buti tha ppe ne dt ha t s hewa st ome e tama nf ordi nne rt ha tni ght .Hewa sa na ge nt ,a ndt hei nf or ma t i onhewa st ogi vehe rwa st ooi mpor t a ntt obe mi s s e d.Si nc eKa t r i nas e r ve da sac ondui tt oGi gi ,s hec oul dha r dl ye s c a pet her e s pons i bi l i t y. I twa s n' tonl yt ha t ,howe ve r ,whi c hke ptKa t r i naa tt hehot e la ndma dehe re ndur et hepa s s i nghour swi t has ur f a c e a ppe a r a nc e ,a tl e a s t ,ofhe rnor ma lc a l m.He ri ns t a ntr e c ogni t i onoft heve r yr e a lpowe rSkyeha dove rhe rha dha r de ne d s ome wha ta ss heha dt houghta boutt hes i t ua t i on.Shewa st oohone s twi t hhe r s e l ft opr e t e nds hec oul df i ghthi mon c es hewa s i nhi sa r ms ,butt het we nt yt woye a r ol dgi r lwhoha dl ove ds ohe e dl e s s l yha dbe c omeawoma nwhoha dl e a r ne dt os ur vi ve , a ndt ha tha r dwona b i l i t ywa snotones hewoul dwi l l i ngl ygi veup. Heha dt ol dhe rt ha theha dl e f tGe r ma nyi npi e c e s ;s heha ds a i dl i t t l ea bouthe rownt or me nt .ButKa t r i nawoul df i ghthi m wi t he ve r ywe a pons hec oul df i ndt oa voi dt hepa i nheha dl e f the rwi t hbe f or e .Shebot hunde r s t oodhi sa c t i onswhe nheha d l e f the rs oa br upt l yi nGe r ma nya ndha dl onga gof or gi ve nhi mf ort he m,butt ha twa ss ome t hi ngs heha dnoi nt e n t i onof ma ki ngc l e a rt ohi m. Hewa sadi f f e r e ntma nnow,j us ta ss hewa sad i f f e r e ntwoma n,a nds het houghtt ha tt hi sma nwoul dt ur na nyknowl e dge a bouthe rs uf f e r i ngi nt oawe a pon.I twa sobvi oushewa soutf orr e ve ngenow,ora tt heve r yl e a s tde t e r mi ne dt opu r gehi ms e l f oft h ede s i r ehes t i l lf e l tf orhe r . Buti twa s n' ti nKa t r i na ,i nna t e l ypr ouda ndt ooa wa r eofbot ht hef r a gi l epe a c es heha df ounda ndt hewi l de mot i onshe c oul ds t i l lma kehe rf e e l ,t os ubmi tt a me l yt oa nyma n.I nhe rwa st hec e r t a i nt yt ha thec oul ds e duc er e a s on,t ha ts hewoul dnot bea bl et of i ghthi mphys i c a l l y,a ndt ha ts hewoul df i ghthi mone ve r yot he rl e ve l . Ands os hes pe ntt heda yi nhe rus ua lc a l m wa y,whi l ehe rmi ndwor ke dwi t ht hes ha r pne s sofde s pe r a t i onbe hi ndhe r

t r a nq ui le xpr e s s i on.Re f us i ngt oa c c e pte i t he rt hef ul lbl a mef orwha tha dha ppe ne dt ot he m orhi si mpl i c i tde ma nds ,s he r e a c he dde e pl yi nt ohe r s e l ft ot a pt hec or eofi mpl a c a bl ede t e r mi na t i ont ha tha dbe e nbor ni ns i deac e l li nEa s tGe r ma ny. " Tr i na ,doyouha vet hegue s tl i s t ? " Shel ooke dupf r ompa pe r wor ks hewa sgoi ngove ra ut oma t i c a l l y,a ndi mme di a t e l ypi c ke dupac omput e rpr i n t outa the r e l bow." He r ei ti s ,Gi gi . " He rf r i e ndl e a ne dahi pa ga i ns tt hede s ka ndbe ga ns c a nni ngt hepr i nt out ,s a yi ngdr yl y," Ha ge nha sa r r i ve d,a ndIwa nt e dt o c he c kt hel i s tbe f or ei toc c ur r e dt ohi mt odos o.Ah,good!The ya r ea l lont hes i xt hf l oor ,t he n? " Ka t r i nanodde d." Anda l lunde ra s s ume dna me s .The y' l lt a ket hef r e i ghte l e va t orupa nddowns oa st oa voi dt hel obby. " Shes t udi e dhe rf r i e ndc ur i ous l y." Whyi sHa ge ne a r l y? " Wi t hagr i ma c et ha twa sbot ha mus e da nde xa s pe r a t e d,Gi gir e pl i e d," Hewa nt st ome ndf e nc e s . " " Be t we e nyout wo? "Ka t r i naa s ke d,a wa r eofal onga ndde c i de dl ys t or myr e l a t i ons hi pt ha tf e wot he r skne wa bout . " Ye s . "He rf i nee ye ss pa r kl e di ns udde nt e mpe r ." Doyouknowt ha twhe nhea r r i ve dhel e f twor da tt hede s kt os e ndhi s ba gsupt omys ui t ewhe nt he ya r r i ve d?For t una t e l yIha dt hef or e t houghtt ol e a veot he ri ns t r uc t i ons .Tha tma n. " Ka t r i naf oughtba c kas mi l e .Bot hf a s c i na t e da nda ppa l l e dbyHa ge n—ac ommonr e a c t i on,Gi giha dt ol dhe r —s heha d obs e r ve dt her e l a t i ons hi pbe t we e nhi ma ndGi git he s el a s tye a r swi t hs ome t hi ngl i kewonde r .I nones e ns ei twa she a r t e ni ngt o wa t c hs oma nyt e mpe s t uouse mot i onsf l our i s hi ngbe t we e nama na ndwoma nwhowe r ebot hf a s ta ppr oa c hi ngs i xt y;i na not he r s e ns e ,wi t ht wos uc hc ont r a s t i ngpe r s ona l i t i e si twa sas ma l lmi r a c l et ha toneoft he mha dn' tki l l e dt heot he rbynow. " He ' sa s s umi ngt oomuc h? "Ka t r i nas a i d. Thes oundt ha te s c a pe dGi gimi ghtha vebe e nas nor ti na nyonel e s sl a dyl i kei na ppe a r a nc e ." Ent i r e l yt oomuc h.I fhet hi nks hec a nma ni pul a t emenow a shedoe se ve r yonee l s ehee nc ount e r s ,hewi l ls oonl e a r nhi smi s t a ke ! "Sher e f l e c t e df ora mome nt ,t he na dde di namuc hc a l me rt onea ndve r ydr yl y," Hewon' t ,howe ve r .Thewr e t c he dma nha sabl i nds p otwhe r e pe opl ea r ec onc e r ne d,pa r t i c ul a r l ywome n. " " Why—"Ka t r i nabr okeof fa br upt l y. Gi glgr i nne d,a nda ns we r e dt heque s t i onhe ryoungf r i e ndha ds oobvi ous l yde c i de dwa sanos yone ." We l l ,youmus ta dmi t hei s n' tbor i ng.I fIdon' tki l lhi m,Ima yma r r yhi m. " Ka t r i nabl i nke da ndl ooke da tGi gls ome wha twa r i l y.I nami l dt ones hes a i d," Don' tdoa nyt hi ngr a s h. " Ha ndi ngt hepr i nt outba c ka c r os st hede s k,Gi gll a ughe ds of t l y," Chi l d,Ima deupmymi nda bouthi mt we nt yye a r sa go. " Ka t r i nadi dn' tkn ow wha tt oma keoft ha t ,a ndde c i de dt oc ha nget hes ubj e c t ." Doyouha veame s s a gef orMa t t ?I ' m me e t i nghi mf ordi nne ri nac oupl eofhour s . " " No,nome s s a ge . "Gi gie ye dhe rf oramome nt ,t he na s ke dc a l ml y." Doe sSkyeknow? " " Knowwha t ? "Ka t r i nawa sc onc e nt r a t i ngbl i ndl yont hepa pe r sl yi ngbe f or ehe ront hede s k. " Tha tyoua r eha vi ngdi nne rwi t hMa t t he w? " Af t e ramome nt ,f ul l ya wa r et ha tGi giha dnoc o mpunc t i ona bouta s ki ngnos yque s t i ons ,Ka t r i nas i ghe da ndl e a ne dba c ki n he rc ha i r .Li f t i nghe rga z et ot ha tgr a vef a c e ,s hes a i d," Notunl e s syout e l lhi ma bouti t . " " Sha l lI ? " Ka t r i nahe s i t a t e d,buts hewa st oogooda na ge ntt ot a ket hec ha nc eofr ui ni nga ni mpor t a ntr e nde z vous ." Pe r h a psyou' d be t t e r . "Shema na ge das ma l ll a ugh. Gi glwa s n' tde c e i ve d,a nds a i dqui e t l y," Hei st hema nf r omGe r ma ny. " " Ye s . "Sheha dne ve rf oundi te a s yt oc onf i dei na nyone ,e ve nhe rbe s tf r i e nd,s ohe rr e s pons es t oppe dwi t ht ha t . Wi t has e a r c hi ngl ookGi gimur mur e d," Al r e a dyheha sc ha nge dyou,c he r i e .The r ei sal ooki nyoure ye sIha vene ve rs e e n be f or e .Thi swi l lbepa i nf ulf oryou. " Ka t r i nas hr ugge ds l i ght l ya ndf e l the rl i psc ur vei nas mi l e .Shewonde r e dwha the re xpr e s s i onl ooke dl i ket oma keGi gi ' s ga z ee ve nmor ei nt e nt ." I ' l ls ur vi vei t , "s hes a i df l a t l y. Af t e ramome ntGi gis t r a i ght e ne df r omt hede s k,he rf a c et r oubl e d." I ti sne ve rwi s et oI nt e r f e r e .Buti fyoune e dme ,Tr i na . . . " " Ye s .Tha nkyou,Gi gi . " " Iwi l lwa r nSkyea boutyourme e t i ngwi t hMa t t he w. "Shel e f tt heof f i c ewi t houts a yi nga nyt hi ngmor e . Ka t r i nawor ke ds t e a di l yf ora not he rhourunt i loneoft hea s s i s t a ntma na ge r sc a meondut yf ort hes e c onds hi f t .The ns he we ntupa ndgotr e a dyf ordi nne r . *** " Da nc ewi t hme . " Ka t r i naha l t e dt of a c et het a l lma ns t a ndi ngs qua r e l ybe f or ehe r ,ama nwhol ooke da l mos tunbe a r a bl yha nds omei nas t a r k bl a c kdi nne rj a c ke t .Hi sf a c ewa sma s kl i ke ,hi se ye ss oc ompl e t e l yve i l e dt ha ts hec oul dr e a dnot hi ngi nt he m.Hi sc omma nd wa sa na br upton e ,buts heha dt heoddf e e l i ngheha dn' tme a nti tt obe . Ma t t he wha dgonea l mos ta nhourbe f or e ;s heha dbe e ns ummone dt ode a lwi t hami norc r i s i si nt heki t c he n,a n dwa sonl y nowma ki nghe rwa yf r omoneoft hehot e l ' sf i ner e s t a ur a nt s . Thi sone ,unf or t una t e l yf orhe rpe a c eofmi nd,pr ovi de dmus i ca ndada nc ef l oor . Whe ns hedi dn' ta ns we r ,Skyet ookhe rha nda ndl e dhe rt owa r dt hec l e a r e ds pa c ewhe r es e ve r a lot he rc oupl e ss wa ye d t oge t he ri nt i met ot hes l ow,r oma nt i cmus i c .Ka t r i nadi dn' tr e s i s t ,nordi ds hea voi dhi ss hut t e r e dga z ewhe nhet ookhe rI nt o hi sa r msa ndhe l dhe rf a rt ooc l os e . Fors e ve r a lmi nu t e st he yda nc e dwi t houts pe a k i ng.The n,i nt ha ts a met a utvoi c e ,hes a i d," Sos i l e nt ? " " Di dyoue xpe c tas c e ne ? "s her e t ur ne d,he rownvoi c ea sc ol da ss hec oul dma kei t . " No,Is uppos enot . "Hi sl a ughwa sha r dl yabr e a t hofs ound." Youha ve n' tc ha nge d. " Ka t r i naf e l tunc e r t a i n,a nds e a r c he dhi sf a c ewi t ha nunc ons c i ousi nt e ns i t y.Hewa sdi f f e r e nt ,s her e a l i z e d,a nds he mi s t r us t e dt hec ha ngei nhi mbe c a us ei ts e e me ds os udde n.Heha dl e f the ronl yhour sbe f or e ,hi si mpl i c i tde ma ndsa ndr e mot e

voi c er i ngi ngi nhe re a r s ,ha vi nga sgooda st ol dhe rt he ywoul dbel ove r sa ga i n;ye tnowhewa sgua r de d,a nds hec oul df e e l hi ss t r a i n. " Ha ve n' tI ? "s hema na ge dt os a ya tl a s t . " Youwe r ea l wa yss or e s e r ve d, s oc a l m. Ine ve rkne whowmuc hyouf e l t . " " Youkne w, "s hes a i dbe f or es hec oul ds t ophe r s e l f ,a ndwi s he ds heha dl e f tt hewor dsuns a i d. Hi sf a c et i ght e ne d." No.Youwe r el ovi ng.Pa s s i ona t e .Buta l wa yse l us i ve . " Wonde r i ngwha thec oul dme a n,Ka t r i nawa ss i l e nt ,una bl et os a ya nyt hi ngbe t we e nhe rs ur pr i s ea ndt heune a s ys us pi c i on ofhi smot i ve s . " Thewa yyoua r enow, "hes a i da br upt l y." I st hi sgoi ngt obeyourde f e ns e ,Tr i na ? " Shec oul dn' tmi s unde r s t a ndt ha t ." I ' ma f r a i dyou' r ej umpi ngt oc onc l us i ons —a ga i n, "s hes a i dde l i be r a t e l y." I ' mde f e ndi ng not hi ng. "Shet hough tt ha themi ghtha vewi nc e d,buti fhedi d,t hee xpr e s s i onwa ss of l e e t i ngs hec oul dn' tbes ur e . Hi sa r mst i ght e ne da r oundhe r ,a ndwi t ht hef l ui dgr a c et ha twa ss oc ompe l l i nga bouthi m,hebe ga nt ur ni ngt heda nc ei nt o as ub t l es e duc t i on.Hi sbodywa sha r da ga i ns the r s ,hi smove me nt ss os e ns uoust ha the rownbodyr e s ponde di mme di a t e l y. " No? "hemut t e r e d. Thes oundoft hemus i cr e c e de da ss hef e l the a tf l owt hr oughhe r ,a ndhe rownhe a r t be a ts ounde dl i keadr umi nhe re a r s . Onl yhe rknowl e dgeofhi smot i ve se na bl e dhe rt oke e phe re xpr e s s i onpl a c i d.He rbodywa shi sf ort het a ki ng,a nds hekne w i t ,bu tt he r ewa smor ebi t t e rt ha ns we e ti nt ha tc e r t a i nt y. " No. "Sheme th i sga z es t e a di l y,una wa r eoft hec l e a rhone s t yi nt hedi r e c tl ook." I fyoume a nt ohur tmet hi swa y,Ic a n' t f i ghtyou.Webot hknowi t .ButIwon' tl e tyoude s t r oyme .Nott hi st i me . " " Coul dIhur tyou ? "hea s ke dr oughl y.Ka t r i nadi dn' the s i t a t e ." Pa s s i onwi t houtl ovei sa l wa yshur t f ul . " Hewa ss t a r i ngdowna the r ,amus c l ej e r ki ngi nhi sl e a nj a w,a ndhi se ye si nt e ns e .Hegl a nc e da r ounda si fs udde nl ya wa r e ofwhe r et he ywe r e ,t he ns wor ebe ne a t hhi sbr e a t ha ndl e dhe rs wi f t l yf r omt her e s t a ur a nt .Al onewi t hhe ri nt hee l e va t or ,he he l dhe rha ndt i ght l ya nds a i di nagr i mvoi c e ," Yous e e mt obr i ngoutt hewor s ti nme . " Shes t ol eagl a nc eupa thi spr of i l ea ndf e l tas t r a nget r e morwi t hi nhe r .The r ewa ss ome t hi ngi nhi sf a c es he ' dne ve rs e e n be f or e ,s ome t hi ngs hewa sa l mos ta f r a i dt ot r yt ode f i ne .Shec oul da l mos tha vebe l i e ve d. . .Buti twa s n' tpos s i bl e ,t he r ewa st oo muc hbi t t e r ne s sa ndpa i nbe t we e nt he m;i twa sonl yr e ve ngehewa nt e d. Hedi dn' tt a kehe rt ohe rs ui t ebutt ohi sownr oom ont hee i ght hf l oor ,a ndwhe nt hedoorha dc l os e dbe hi ndt he m he r e l e a s e dhe rha n da ndwe ntt ot hewi ndow,s t a ndi ngwi t hhi sba c kt ohe r ." Yoube l i e veIwa ntt ohur tyou, "hes a i df i na l l yi n t ha ts a mebl e a kt one . Ka t r i nac oul dha vel e f t ,buts ome t hi ngi nt hes t i f f ne s sofhi sbodyort hedul l ne s sofhi svoi c ehe l dhe rmot i onl e s sbyt he door ." Yout ol dme —"Shebr okeof fa shema deac ur i ous l yunc ont r ol l e dge s t ur ewi t honeha nd. " Iknowwha tIt ol dyou. "Het ur ne ds udde nl yb utdi dn' tmovef r omt hewi ndow." Is a i ds omeoft het hi ngsI ' vewa nt e dt o s a yt oyouf ors i xe ndl e s sye a r s ,a ndi ta l mos tki l l e dme . " Shes wa l l owe dha r d." Idon' tunde r s t a nd. "Wa sheonl yt oyi ngwi t hhe rnow,a t t a c ki ngf r om adi f f e r e ntdi r e c t i on?She ga z e da thi swhi t ef a c e —a ndc oul dn' tbe l i e vet hea ns we rwa sye s . Hes e e me dt ohe s i t a t e ,t he ns a i ds t e a di l y," Ca nwes t a r tove r ,Tr i na ?Orha veIma deyouha t eme ? " Ka t r i naf e l toddl ys us pe nde d;s heha dne r ve dhe r s e l ff oraba t t l e ,a l lhe rwi l lbe ntons ur vi vi ngi nt a c t ,a ndnows hedi dn' t knowwha te mot i onswe r ec hur n i ngi ns i d ehe r ." Wh a tdoyouwa ntf r omme ? "s hea s ke df i na l l y,hus ki l y. " Anot he rc ha nc e . " " Why? " Skyedr e w ade e pbr e a t h." Be c a us eI ' vene ve rbe e na bl et of or ge tyou.Eve nwhe nIwa nt e dt o.Be c a us eyous t i l lf e e l s ome t hi ngf orme ,e ve ni fi t ' sonl yde s i r e .Andbe c a us ewebot hha vet os e t t l ewi t ht hepa s t . " He rl e gsf e l ts ha ky,a nds hemove dt os i ti nac ha i rne a rt hef ootoft hebe d." No, "s hehe a r dhe r s e l fs a yi ng. Skyec a met owa r dhe rs l owl ya nds a tdownont hebe ds ot ha tonl yaf e wf e e ts e pa r a t e dt he m.Hedi dn' ts a ya ny t hi ngf ora l ongmome nt ,a ndwhe nhedi dhi svoi c ewa sl ow a nds ome wha tc ur t ." Idon' ts e e mt oha vemuc hpr i dewhe r eyou' r e c onc e r ne d.Note nough,a nywa y,t oa c c e ptyoura ns we r . " Shes hookhe rhe a ds l i ght l y." I t ' si mpos s i bl e .Youmus ts e ei ti ss o. " " Idon' t .Tr i na ,I ' ms or r yf orwha tha ppe ne di nGe r ma ny,a ndI ' ms or r yf ort hewa yI ' vea c t e dt oda y.It hought —he l l ,Idi dn' t t hi nka ta l l .Whe nIs a wyoua ga i nwi t houtwa r ni ng,Ikne wIs t i l lwa nt e dyou,t ha tI ' dne ve rs t oppe dwa nt i ngyou.Andwhe n youf e l ts ome t hi ngt oo...Butt ha ti s n' te nough,notf orus .The r e ' ss ome t hi ngmor ebe t we e nus ,e ve nnow. " " Wounds . " Hehe s i t a t e d,t he nnodde dj e r ki l y." Ic a n' tde nyt ha t .Butt he ywe r ewoundsc a us e dbyat e r r i bl emi s t a ke ,a ndweha vet ol e t t he mhe a l . " " Youwa nt e dr e ve nge , "s hes a i d,he rvoi c ea l mos ti na udi bl e ." Youwa nt e dt o—t ous eme . " " No. "Hema deamove me nta si fhewoul dha ver e a c he doutt ohe r ,butt he nhi sha ndf e l lba c kt oc l e nc ha ga i ns th i skne e ." I knowt ha t ' showi ts e e me dt oyou,howi ts ounde d,butIs we a rIne ve rwa nt e dt ha t .I t ' sj us t . . .Idon' tknowhowyouf e e l ,wha t you' r et hi nki ng.You' r es oda mne dc a l m,a ndI —I ' mnot .ButIr e a l i z e dIc oul ds t i l lma keyouwa ntme ,a ndt ha ts e e me dt obe t heonl ywa yIc oul dr e a c hyou. " " Wha tc ha nge dyourmi nd? "s hea s ke ds t e a di l y. " I thur tt oomuc h, "hes a i d,hi svoi c er a s pi ngove rt hes i mpl ewor ds .The nhec l e a r e dhi st hr oa ta nds a i d," IknowI ' vema de youha t eme ,butpl e a s e ,Tr i na ,gi vemeac ha nc et oc ha nget ha t . " Ka t r i nawa ss t r uggl i ng,f i ght i ngt hee f f e c tofhi svoi c e ,hi swor ds .Shet r i e dnott ol ooka thi ma ndye tc oul dn' tt e a rhe re ye s f r omhi spa l ef a c e ,s e e i ngi ni tagl i mps eofa ngui s hs hewoul dn' tha vebe l i e ve dpos s i bl e .Andt ha tf l e e t i nge mot i onde f e a t e d he ri nawa yhi se a r l i e rde ma ndsc oul dne ve rha ve . " Idon' tha t eyou. " Her e a c he doutqui c kl ya ndt ookbot hhe rha ndsi nhi s ,hol di ngt he mt i ght l y." The ngi vemea not he rc ha nc e . "

" Youc oul dne ve rf or ge tGe r ma ny, "s hepr ot e s t e d,a ndhi sr e pl ys ur pr i s e dhe r . " Idon' twa ntt o. " Shel ooke da thi mmut e l y,a ndhi sgr a s ponhe rha ndst i ght e ne d. " Tr i na ,wha tha p pe ne dwa smyf a ul t .Bot hofusha ds e c r e t s ,butI ' mt heonewhodi dn' tt r us te nought ogi veyo ua tl e a s ta c ha nc et oe xpl a i n.I ' l lr e gr e tt ha tf ort her e s tofmyl i f e . " Shehe s i t a t e d." Toda yyous t i l lha ddoubt sa boutme ,a nda boutwha tIr e a l l ywa si nGe r ma ny. " " Tha twa ss i xye a r sofbi t t e r ne s st a l ki ng. "Hes hookhi she a d,ar ue f uls mi l eonhi sl i ps ." I fI ' dbe e na bl et ot hi nka ta l l ,I woul dha veknownt het r ut hf r omt hemome ntIf i r s ts a wyout hi smor ni ng.I fyouha dn' tbe e noneofoura ge nt s ,oradoubl e a ge ntt he n,youc oul dn' tbehe r enow.Mue l l e rha dyouma r ke dac ommuni s ta ge nt ,whi c hme a nst heCI Awoul dha veknown t heda yyoue nt e r e dt hi sc ount r y.Foryout obel i vi nghe r e —a ndwor ki ngf orGi gi —i sc a s t i r onpr oofyouwe r ene ve ront he ot he rs i de . " Ka t r i naha dnowi s ht opl a yde vi l ' sa dvoc a t e ,buts heha dt obe c a us ehi sbe l i e fi nt het r ut hwa ss ovi t a l l yi mpor t a nt ." Unl e s s i twa sa l ls e tupt ha twa y, "s heof f e r e d,wa t c hi nghi mI nt e nt l y." Thee nt i r epoi ntc oul dha vebe e nt oge tmehe r e ,a ndi nGi gi ' s c onf i de nc e .Andt ha tc oul dha vebe e nwhyIma r r i e da nAme r i c a n. " Hewa ss t i l ls mi l i ng." No. " " Whynot ?I ti sc onc e i va bl e . " " Ce r t a i nl yi ti s , "hea gr e e dpr ompt l y." Andi t ' sj us tt hes or tofde vi ouspl a nt heKGBmi ghtha vec omeupwi t h.I nf a c t ,t he y ha vet r i e dva r i a t i onsofi tma nyt i me s .ButGi giha sa ni nf a l l i bl ei ns t i nc t ,a ndt he y' vene ve rye tbe e na bl et of oolhe rf ormor e t ha nada yors o.Fi v eye a r s ?Ande ve nbe f or e ,whe ns her e c r ui t e dyoui nGe r ma ny?No,youne ve rbe l onge dt ot heot he rs i de . " Ve r yc ons c i ousoft hewa r mt ha nds t r e ngt hofhi sha nds ,s het r i e dt odr a whe rowna wa y." St i l l —" Her e f us e dt ol e tgo." Tr i na .Wel i vec ompl i c a t e d,s us pi c i ousl i ve s ,youa ndI ,a ndi t ' sar a r et hi ngf ore i t he rofust ot r us t s ome onede e pl y.Iknowweha vet of i ndt ha tki ndoft r us ti ne a c hot he ra f t e rwha tha ppe ne di nGe r ma ny,a ndIknowi twon' t bee a s y.ButIc a n' twa l ka wa yf r omyouwi t houta tl e a s tt r y i ng.Nott hi st i me . " " Youra s s i gnme nthe r e —" " The r ewon' tbemuc hha ppe ni ngf ort hene xtwe e kors o;youknowt ha t .Iha vet oc he c koutt hepa r k,a l lt her i de sa nd e xhi bi t s ,j us ta sapr e c a ut i on. "Hehe s i t a t e d,t he na dde dt e nt a t i ve l y," Ic oul dus es omehe l p,i fGi gic a ns pa r eyouf r om t he hot e l . " Ka t r i naga z e da thi m,a nds udde nl yr e a l i z e dt ha thi se ye swe r enol onge rs hut t e r e dorha r dorr e c kl e s s ;t he ywe r emor el i ke t hee ye ss her e me mb e r e d,vi vi da ndf i l l e dwi t hl i f e .Ands hewa s n' ts ur pr i s e dt ohe a rhe r s e l fs a y," I ' l la s k. " Hel i f t e doneofhe rha ndsbr i e f l yt ohi sl i psa ndt he nr os e ,pul l i nghe rt ohe rf e e t ." Iwon' tpus hyoui nt oa nyt hi ngyou' r e notr e a dyf or ,Tr i na . " Sheha l fnodde da ndge nt l ypul l e dhe rha ndsa wa y." Iha vet ot a l kt oGi gia boutt hec ont a c tIme tt oni ght .SoI —I ' l ls e eyou i nt h emor ni ng. " Skyes t oods t a r i nga tt hec l os e ddoorf oral ongt i mebe f or ehef i na l l ymove d.Hes hr ugge dof fhi sj a c ke ta ndt os s e di tont o ac h a i r ,t he nl oos e ne dhi st i ewi t honeha nda shebe nta ndpul l e da na t t a c hec a s ef r om unde r ne a t ht hebe d.Thec a s ewa s l oc ke d,t houghnoc ombi na t i onl oc kwa svi s i bl e .Hes a tont hebe da ndpl a c e dt hec a s eoni t ss i de ,t he nt ouc he das e que nc eof pr e s s ur epoi nt st ha twe r ea l s oi nvi s i bl e .Thec a s eope ne de a s i l y. Hes t udi e dt hec ont e nt st hought f ul l yf oramome nt ,f r owni ngj us tal i t t l e .I nc us hi one dc ompa r t me nt s ,e a c hs e pa r a t ef r om t heot he r ,r e pos e das ma l lbundl eofhi ghe xpl os i ve ,as ophi s t i c a t e dt i mi ngde vi c e ,a nda ne qua l l ys ophi s t i c a t e dde t ona t or . Skyeha ds pe ntt hea f t e r noone xpl or i ngt hepa r kc a s ua l l y,a nde ve nt houghhi smi ndha dbe e na l mos tc ompl e t e l yf i xe don t hought sofKa t r i na ,t hepr of e s s i ona lpa r tofhi mha dbe e nt a ki ngs t oc kunc ons c i ou s l y.Andt ha ts a mepr of e s s i ona lpa r tofhi m nowc ons i de r e da nddi s c a r de dva r i ouspl a c e sher e me mbe r e d.Nott hel ogr i de ,het hought ,ort her ol l e rc oa s t e r ;bot hr i de s a l l owe df a rt oomuc hr a ndoma c c e s sbyvi s i t or st ot hepa r kt oa l l owf oras pe c i f i ct a r ge t —a ndt het a r ge twa sve r ys pe c i f i c . Thes l owe rr i de she l dbe t t e rpos s i bi l i t i e s ,butt he y,t oo,we r ea nnoyi ngl yuns ui t e dt ohi spur pos e . Howwoul di tbepos s i bl e ,hemus e d,t ot a r ge tonepe r s ona mongt het hous a ndsi nt hepa r ka ta nygi ve nt i mewhe nt he me t hodt obeus e dwa se xpl os i ve s ?I twoul dbeas i mpl ema t t e r ,ofc our s e ,t obl owupa ne nt i r ea r e a ,butAdr i a nha ds howns o muc hf i ne s s et he s el a s tf e wye a r s . St i l lf r owni ng,Skyec l os e dt hec a s ea ndr e t ur ne di tt oi t spl a c ebe ne a t ht hebe d.Heha dba r e l ys t r a i ght e ne da ga i nwhe na s of tknoc kc a mea tt hedoor .Her os ea ndc r os s e dt her oom s i l e nt l y,a nda f t e raqui c kgl a nc et hr ought hes e c ur i t ys pyhol e s t e ppe dba c ka ndope ne dt hedoor . " Wel ookoddt hr ought ha thol e , "hes a i d. Thega mbl e r ,mi nushi sc os t ume ,s e e me dt of i ndnot hi ngs t r a ngei nt her e ma r k." Dowe ?I ' vene ve rnot i c e d. "Hec a mei nt o t her ooma ndwa t c he dSkyes hutt hedoor . " Di s t or t e d. "Skyel ooke da thi mmus i ngl y." Es pe c i a l l yyou.Mus tbet hemus t a c he .Wha ta r eyoudoi ngonmyf l oor ,Da ne ? I fHa ge ns houl ds e eyou—" " Ha ge ni se nj oyi nghi sdi nne ri nl one l ys pl e ndora tt hemome nt .J os hha ss e ve r a lofhi spe opl eont hes t a f f ,s owe ' l lbe pr e t t ywe l la dvi s e do ft hegr e a tma n' smove me nt s . " Skyewe ntt ot hebe da ndma dehi ms e l fc omf or t a bl e ,l e a ni ngba c ka ga i ns tt hehe a dboa r d.I nt hes a mer e f l e c t i vet onehe s a i d," Iknowt hebus i ne s swor l dwoul ds uf f e r ,butJ os hr e a l l ys houl dputhi st a l e nt st obr oa de rus e .Be t we e nt h e m,hea nd Ra ve nc oul ds t r a i ght e noutt hepr obl e msi nt heUni t e dNa t i ons . " Da negr i nne dal i t t l ea shes a tont hef ootoft hebe d,butt he ns obe r e d." Ar eyoua l lr i ght ? " Skyel ooke da thi sbr ot he r ' sc onc e r ne df a c e ,i de nt i c a lt ohi sowne xc e ptf ort her e c e nta ddi t i onofane a tmus t a c he ,a nd s mi l e dabi twr yl y." Ye a h.Buti t ' sbe e nahe l lofada y. " " Igott ha tf e e l i ng.Theghos t ? " Af t e ras l i ghthe s i t a t i onSkyes a i d," Idi dma keami s t a kei nGe r ma ny.Shewa sadoubl ea ge nt ,Da ne ,wor ki ngf orour s i de . "

" Wha ta r eyougoi ngt odoa bouti t ? "Da nea s ke dqui e t l y. " Eve r yt hi ngIc a n. " " Gui l t yc ons c i e nc e ? " " Youknowbe t t e rt ha nt ha t . "Skyehe s i t a t e da ga i n,t he na dde dr oughl y," Di dIe ve rt ha nkyouf orke e pi ngmef r oms t a ndi ng i nf r ontofabul l e ta f t e rGe r ma ny? " Da nel ooke dgr a ve ,buthi se ye swe r es mi l i ng." We l l ,no.AsIr e me mbe r ,yout r i e dt oknoc kmedownt heni ghtIf ound you.I ' mpr oba bl ybe i ngva i ni nt hi nki ngyouwoul dn' tha vebe e na bl et odoi te ve ni fyouha dn' tbe e npi c kl e da tt het i me . " " Ve r yva i n! "Skyer e t or t e d,buthewa ss mi l i ng." I t ' sabi tl a t e ,butt ha nks . " " Don' tme nt i oni t , "Da ner e s ponde dpol i t e l y." Wea l wa yswonde r e d,t hough,wha tyouwe r edoi ngi nPa l e r mo. " Skyewa ss t a r t l e d." Wa st ha twhe r eyouf oundme ? "Heha dc e r t a i nl yne ve rbe l i e ve dt ha tpe r i odofhi sl i f ewa sa ta l l a mus i ng,a ndi nf a c thea ndDa neha dne ve rt a l ke da bouti tbe f or e ,butSkyebe ga nt or e a l i z eonl yt he nt ha tDa neha dve r y l i ke l yha dhi sha ndsf ul la ndde s e r ve dmuc hmor et ha nabe l a t e dt ha nks . " Youdon' tr e me mbe r ? " Be gi nni ngt ol a ugh,Skyes a i d," Al lIr e me mbe ri st ha tIwokeupons omegoda wf ulc a r gopl a nes ur r ounde dbyc r a t e sf ul l ofc hi c ke ns ,a ndt ha tyous wor ea tmeunt i lt heda mne dt hi ngl a nde di nSpa i n.I twa sSpa i n,wa s n' ti t ? " Da neha l fc l os e dhi se ye si nawi nc e ." Ye s .Youga vemet hes l i pha l fa nhoura f t e rwel a nde d,a ndi tt ookmes i xhour st o f i ndyoua ga i n.I twa s n' tt ha tha r d,a l lt hi ngsc ons i de r e d,be c a us ea l lIha dt odowa sa s kpe opl ei ft he y' ds e e nme .Igots ome oddl ooks ,t hough. "Hes i ghe d." Youwe r ea boutt oboa r dat r a mps t e a me rhe a de de a s t ,pr e s uma bl yt oge tba c kt oPa l e r mo. Whe nIt r i e dt ogr a byou,yous wunga tmea ndknoc ke ddownadoc kwor ke r .Hewa s n' ti nc l i ne dt obea mus e da boutt he ma t t e r ,a ndne i t he rwe r et heof f i c i a l sc a l l e di nt os t opt hebr a wl .Webot hs pe ntt heni ghti nj a i l ,a ndnotmuc hofaj a i la tt ha t . Whe nIwokeupyouwe r egone ,ha vi ngpi c ke dt hel oc ka nds ne a ke doutwhi l et hegua r dwa sa s l e e p. " " Idor e me mbe rt ha t , "Skyeof f e r e d,gr i nni ng. Da nee ye dhi m." Uhhuh.Doyoua l s or e me mbe rwhe r eIc a ughtupwi t hyouawe e kl a t e r ? " " Pa l e r mo? " " Ni c et r y.Ca s a bl a nc a . " I twa sSkye ' st ur nt owi nc e . Da nenodde df i r ml y." Ca s a bl a nc a .Iwoul dn' tha vebe e ns ur pr i s e dt of i ndyoul i s t e ni ngt os a ds ongs ,buti nf a c tyouwe r e s i t t i n gunde rat r e epl a yi ngpoke rwi t ht woBe doui nsa ndave r ys us pi c i ousTur k. " " Di dyoubr i ngmehomet he n? "Skyea s ke dhope f ul l y. Da ner e f us e dt ol a ugh." Youha dj us tbe te ve r yt h i ngi nyourpoc ke t s —a ndl os t .TheTur kwa s ,t oputi tmi l dl y,ups e tt of i nd yourpoc ke t se mpt y.Byt het i meIgothi mpl a c a t e d,mypoc ke t swe r ee mpt y,a ndIha donehe l lofat i mea r r a ngi ngt r a ns por t a t i onba c kt ot heSt a t e s . " Skyec l e a r e dhi st hr oa t ." Idi dn' tgi veyoua nymo r et r oubl e ,di dI ? " " Nonet os pe a kof . "Her e f l e c t e d,t he nde c i de dt os pe a k." Ofc our s e ,i twoul dha vebe e namor ec omf or t a bl et r i pi fyou ha dn' tbe e nhe l l be n tonge t t i nga wa yf r omme . " Skyewa ss mi l i ngal i t t l e ." Sor r y.Iwa s n' tt hi nki ngt ooc l e a r l ya tt het i me . " Da nenodde d." Iknow.Ikne wt he n,e ve nt houghyouwoul dn' tt a l ka bouti t .J us tdon' tputmet hr ought ha ta ga i n,wi l l you? " " God,Ihopeno t ! "Hel a ughe ds udde nl y." I twa s n' ta mus i nga tt het i me ,a ndI ' l lbe tyouf e l tl i kes hoot i ngme .Iha vet o a dmi ti ts oundsf unnynow,t hough.Ma ybeI ' l ll e tyout e l lKa t r i naa bouti toneda y. " Smi l i ng,Da negott ohi sf e e t ." Whe ndoJ e nnya n dIme e the r ? " " Gi vemeal i t t l et i met oge tt oknowhe ra ga i n.We ' r ebot hdi f f e r e nta f t e rs i xye a r s .Weha veal otofc a t c hi ngupt odo,a nd qui t eaf e wt hi ngst oputbe hi ndus . " " Doe ss heknowyou' r eat wi n? " Skyenodde d." Si nc eyouwe r e n' twor ki ngwi t hmei nGe r ma ny,It ol dhe r . " " I ' dwi s hyoul uc k, "Da nes a i dabi tdr yl y," butyoua l r e a dyha vemor eoft ha tt ha na nyma nIknow.Nowt ha tyouha ve a not he rc ha nc ewi t hKa t r i na ,ma ybeyou' l ls t opwa s t i ngyourl uc kbys t e ppi ngi nf r ontofs t r a ybul l e t sa nda ngr ybul l s . " Whe nhi sbr ot he rha dgone ,Skyer e ma i ne dwhe r ehewa sf orawhi l e ,t hi nki ng.Da ne ' sf i na lwor dss t uc ki nhi smi nd,a nd her e a l i z e dr ue f ul l yt ha thi sbr ot he rha dn' tbe e nde c e i ve ds i xye a r se a r l i e r —ori nt het i mes i nc e .I tdi dn' tr e a l l ys ur pr i s ehi m. Ti e sofbl ood,t i e sofl ove .Thebondwi t hhi sbr ot he rwoul dne ve rbebr oke n,a ndt hebondwi t hKa t r i naha dr e s i s t e da l lhi s wi l d,bi t t e r ,pa i nf ula t t e mpt st obr e a ki t . Nowi fhec oul donl yr e a c hhe r .. . .

Thr ee Ka t r i nawa supe a r l yt hene xtmor ni ng.I twa she rha bi tt owa kebe f or et hes un,a ndt hes t a f foft hehot e l ' ss ma l l e s t r e s t a ur a nta l wa ysha dc of f e ea ndf r ui tr e a dyf orhe rwhe ns hec a medownf r om he rs ui t e .Toda y,a sus ua l ,s hes a ti nhe r a c c u s t ome dboo t hne a rt hehugewi ndowsont hee a s ts i deoft hebui l di ng,dr i nki nghe rc of f e ea ndwa t c hi ngt hes u nr i s e .She ha df i ni s he dhe rbr e a kf a s t ,a ndt her e ma i nsha dbe e nt a ke na wa y. Twot hi ngss henol onge rt ookf orgr a nt e d:f r e s hf r ui ta nds unr i s e s . " Goodmor ni ng, "Skyes a i d." Ma yI ? " Abi ts t a r t l e dbyhi ss udde na ppe a r a nc e ,s hel ooke da thi ma ndnodde d,mur mur i ngagr e e t i ngwhi l ehes l i di nt ot heboot h a c r os sf r omhe r .He rr e s t l e s sni ghta ndt hee ve nt sofye s t e r da yha dl e f the rwa r ya ndunc e r t a i n,a nds hedi dn' tqui t eknowhow t or e a c tt ohi mt oda y. ButSkye ,hi se ye sbr i ghta nda ppa r e nt l yr e s t e dde s pi t et hee a r l yhour ,s e e me dpe r f e c t l yf r i e ndl y." Youus e dt os l e e pl a t e , " heobs e r ve di nal i gh tt one .

" Thi ngsc ha nge , "s heof f e r e dl a me l y. Hedi dn' tpr obe ." Tr ue .DoIha veac ompa ni onf ort heda y,orha sGi gic ha i ne dyout oyourde s k? " Hewa sgi vi nghe ra nout ,s her e a l i z e d,a nds hekne wt ha ti fs hec l a i me ds heha dt oomuc hwor kt odo,hewoul dn' tpr e s s he r .Ka t r i nahe s i t a t e d,t he ns mi l e d." Oneoft hea s s i s t a ntma na ge r swi l lc ove rf orme . " Henodde d,obvi ous l ypl e a s e d." I ' mgl a d. "The nbr i s kl yhea s ke d," Doyouha vea nyi de a sa st owhe r eAdr i a nmi ghtde c i de t oa mbus ht hego ve r norwhi l ehe ' she r e ? " Abi tr e l i e ve da tt hebus i ne s s l i ket opi c ,s hec ons i de r e dt hema t t e r ,r e t ur ni nghi sga z et hought f ul l ya shes i ppe dhi sc of f e e a ndwa i t e d." Anywhe r e ,i fhei s n' tpa r t i c ul a ra boutki l l i ngI nnoc e ntpe opl e . " " Buthei s , "Skyer e mi nde dhe r ." Or ,a tl e a s t ,heha sbe e nr e c e nt l y.He ' spul l e dof ft wohi t si nt hel a s tf e wmont hs ,bot h a ga i ns tve r ys pe c i f i ct a r ge t s .Tha ta mba s s a dori nNa pl e s ,a ndt hege ne r a li nTa ngi e r .I nbot hc a s e sonl yhi si nt e nde dvi c t i ms we r eki l l e d. " Shes hookhe rhe a d." Buti nac r owde dt he mepa r k?Howc oul dhehopet os i ngl eoutonet a r ge twhe nheme a nst ous e e xpl os i ve s ? " Skyel ooke dr e f l e c t i ve ." Thegove r norvi s i t se ve r yye a r ,doe s n' the ? " " Ye s . " " Doe sheha vea nyf a vor i t er i de sore xhi bi t s ? " Re me mbe r i ngs udde nl y,Ka t r i nanodde d." Se ve r a l .TheHa unt e dMa ns i on,t hepi r a t es hi p,t heCi r c us ,a ndt hebi gFe r r i s whe e l .Hene ve rmi s s e st hos e . " " The nwec onc e nt r a t et he r e . " " Butt hepr obl e mi st hes a me .The r ea r ea l wa ysl ot sofpe opl ea r ound.Doe si tha vet obee xpl os i ve s ? " " Tha twa st het hr e a t , "Skyes a i d." AndAdr i a nne ve rma ke se mpt yt hr e a t s .I ta mus e shi mt owa t c hhi si nt e nde dvi c t i mst a ke e ve r ypos s i bl epr e c a ut i onbe f or ehege t st he m. " Shegr i ma c e d." Ac ompl e t evi l l a i n. " " Hei s n' tani c eboy, "Skyea gr e e ddr yl y,t he ni mme di a t e l ywe nton." Thes un' sup,a ndweha veaf e whour sbe f or et hepa r k ope ns .Wa ntt oge ts t a r t e d? " Ka t r i nanodde da nds l i df r omt heboot h,s t r e t c hi nga bs e nt l yi nt hena t ur a la ndunc ons c i ousmove me ntofonee a r l yi nt he mor ni ng.The ns hes a wSkyel ooki nga the rwi t hs udde nl yda r ke ne de ye sa sher os e ,a nds heha s t i l ybe ga nmovi ngt owa r dt he door ." Whe r et of i r s t ? "s hea s ke d,di s t ur be da tt hebr e a t hl e s ss oundofhe rownvoi c e . " TheHa unt e dMa ns i oni sc l os e s t , "hes a i ds t e a di l y. " Ri ght . "Ve r yc ons c i ousofhi ma the rs houl de r ,ofhi ss i z ea ndt hec ur i ous l yf l ui dgr a c eofhi ss t r i de ,s hewa l ke dwi t hhi m outoft her e s t a ur a nt . Some t i medur i ngt heda r kpr e da wnhour sKa t r i naha df a c e dt hei ne s c a pa bl er e a l i z a t i ont ha ts hef e l tt oomuc hf ort hema n nowwa l ki ngs i l e nt l ybe s i dehe r .Unwi l l i ngt ode f i net hos ef e e l i ngs ,s hene ve r t he l e s skne wt he r ewa ss ome t hi ngpr i ma la bout t he m,s ome t hi ngf a rs t r onge rt ha nhe rme mor i e sofwha tha donc ee xi s t e dbe t we e nt he m.Be f or e ,s heha dbe e ne mot i ona l l y younga ndi nnoc e nti nma nywa ys ,s t i l lmor egi r lt ha nwoma n,a ndwi t hagi r l ' sr e c kl e s s ne s s .Thepa s s i onbe t we e nt he mha d be e na s t oni s hi ngl yp owe r f ul ,t hepl e a s ur es hef oundi nhi sa r msi nt e ns ebe yonda nyt hi ngs he ' de ve rI ma gi ne d,ye ts hekne w, l ooki ngba c k,t ha the rve r yyout ha ndi ne xpe r i e nc ec oupl e dwi t ht hebr i e ft i met he y' dha dt oge t he rha dpr ot e c t e dhe rhe a r t . Sheha dl ove d,butSkyeha dbe e nr i ghti nbe l i e vi ngt ha thow muc hs heha dl ove dc oul dbeque s t i one d.Knowi ngt he a ns we rnow,s h ef a c e di t .Sheha dl ove dhi m wi t hagi r l ' sunc ons c i ous ,una wa r es e l f i s hne s s ,a ndt hel os sofhi m,t hough a goni z i ng,ha dnotb e e nc r i ppl i ng.Sheha ds ur vi ve d. Butnow. . .The s ef e e l i ngsf r i ght e ne dhe r .The ywe r et oopowe r f ul ,t ooc ompe l l i ng.I twa sde s i r es hef e l t ,butmuc hmor e t ha nt ha t ,s ha r pe r ,mor epr i mi t i ve ,e s s e nt i a l .He rmi ndwa si nt ur moi l ,wa r ya ndc onf us e d,ye the rbodya ndi ns t i nc t sr e s ponde d t ohi monal e ve lde e pe rt ha na nyt hi ngs heha de ve rf e l t . Shewa snol onge ragi r l ,a nds hekne wwi t houtque s t i ont ha the rwoma n' she a r tc oul dnotbet ouc he donl yl i ght l y.Le s s ons i ns ur vi va lha dbui l tawa l la r oundhe rhe a r ta nds oul ,a ndI fs hel ove da ga i n,t ha twa l lwoul df a l li nt or ui ns .I fs hel ove dhi m a ga i n—i f ,i nt hee nd,hel e f the ra ga i n—t he r ewoul dbenos ur vi vi ngt ha tl os s . " Ka t r i na ? " Shel ooke dupa thi ma ndf e l tt hebr e a t hc a t c hi nhe rt hr oa t ,va gue l ya wa r et ha tt he yha dr e a c he dt heHa unt e dMa ns i on.I n s pi t eoft hes pa c es e pa r a t i ngt he ma st he ys t oodt he r e ,s hec oul df e e lt hehe a toihi sbi gbodya ndt hes he e rphys i c a lp owe rt ha t wa sl i keal i vi ngf or c ei ns i dehi m.Shes l i dhe rha ndsi nt ot hepoc ke t sofhe rj e a ns ,a ndf oughtde s pe r a t e l yt oi gnor et hef i e r c e pul lofc ompul s i vea t t r a c t i on. " Sor r y.Mymi ndwa s —mi l e sa wa y.Howdoyouwa ntt ogoa boutt hi s ? "He rvoi c es ounde dnor ma lt ohe r . Hes hookhi she a ds l i ght l y,a si ft hr owi ngof fs omet hought ,a nds a i d," Fi r s t ,t hewa yt hegove r norwoul d—a sapa r kvi s i t or goi ngonar i de . " " I ' l ls t a r ti tup, "s hes a i d,movi nga wa yf r omhi m. Skyer e ma i ne dwhe r ehewa s ,wa t c hi nghe rwa l kt owa r das i dedooroft hebi gVi c t or i a nma ns i on.Heha dt ol dhi ms e l fhe c oul dha ndl et hi s ,t ha thec oul dbewi t hhe rc ompa ni ona bl y,buthewa sf i ndi nghi scont r olwa sI nl i t t l ebe t t e rs ha pet ha nhi spr i de wa swhe r es hewa sc onc e r ne d.Fort hef i r s tt i mei nye a r shewi s he dheha dDa ne ' sc ont r ol ,butt he i rdi f f e r i ngpe r s ona l i t i e sa ndt a l e nt sma de t ha tahol l owwi s h.

Skyeha dl i t t l eofhi sbr ot he r ' spa t i e nc e ,vi r t ua l l ynoneofhi st r a nqui l i t y,a ndwhe r eDa newa sc a ut i ous ,Skyewa sa l lt oo of t e nr e c kl e s st ot hepoi ntofma dne s s . I tdi dnogooda ta l lf orSkyet ot e l lhi ms e l ft ha ti twoul dt a kec a r ea ndc a ut i ont hi st i met obui l dt hene c e s s a r yt r us t be t we e nhi ma ndKa t r i na .Andi twa sus e l e s st or e mi ndhi ms e l ft ha ti fhemove dt ooqui c kl yhec oul dl os ehe rf o r e ve r .Tha t wa swha thewa sa f r a i dof —l os i nghe r .Andbe c a us eoft ha tf e a ra l lhi si ns t i nc t sur ge dhi mt ogr a bhe ra ndhol dont i ght .Hi s ownna t ur ede ma nde ds wi f ta c t i on.I tqui t es i mpl ywa s n' ti nhi mt opl a yawa i t i ngga mef orve r yl ong;heha dt ooma ny i ns t i nc t soft hehunt e r .

J us ta shi sf i r s ts a va geI mpul s eha dbe e nt oma kehe rr e s pondt ohi mphys i c a l l y,hi sc ompul s i onnowwa st os e ebe ne a t h he rc ompos ur ea ndf i ndt hepr i mi t i vee mot i onshef e l thi ms e l f .Hekne w hec oul dr e a c hhe rt hr oughpa s s i on.Hekne wi t be c a us eheha ds e e na ndf e l the rr e s pons et ohi m.Andnoma t t e rhowr e a s ona bl yhi smi ndwa r ne doft heda nge r soff ol l owi ng t ha tpa t h,hewa sf i ght i ngal os i ngba t t l ewi t hhi ms e l f . Hemove df i na l l yt owa r dt hema i ndooroft hema ns i on,r e me mbe r i nghows heha dl ooke di nt her e s t a ur a nta ss heha d s t r e t c he dl a z i l y.Lor d,s hewa sbe a ut i f ul !He rf i e r yha i rwa sc onf i ne di nas i ngl ebr a i dha ngi ngdownhe rba c k;he rs l e nde r body,c l ot he di ns nu gj e a nsa ndakni tt op,wa ss e xi e rt ha na nyot he rwoma n' she ' de ve rs e e n.I twa sa l lhec oul ddot oma kehi s voi c ea ndwor dsc a s ua lwhe nhewa swi t hhe r ,a ndhekne whi ms e l ft oowe l lt obe l i e vehec oul dke e phi ms e l ff r omt ouc hi ng he rf ormuc hl onge r . Shec a meoutoft hes i dedoora ndwa l ke dt oj oi nhi ma tt hema i ne nt r a nc e ,c ompos e da sa l wa ys ." I ' vet ur ne dont he powe r , "s het ol dhi m." Thes wi t c hi si ns i debe s i det hef i r s tc a r .J us tge ti na ndt hr ow t hel e ve r ,a ndt hee nt i r es ys t e mi s a c t i va t e d. " " Comewi t hme , "hes a i d. Ka t r i naba c ke dupas t e p,t he ndr e whe r s e l fupr a t he rs t i f f l y." I ' dr a t he rnot , "s hes a i d." Thi si s n' ta . . .af a vor i t er i deof mi ne . " Her e a c he douta ndt ookhe rha ndf i r ml y,l e a di nghe rt hr ought hedoor wa yde s pi t ehe rs l i ghtr e s i s t a nc e ." Youc a ne xpl a i n t hes ys t e mwhi l ewegot hr oughi t , "hes a i dr e a s ona bl y." Thec a r sa r ede s i gne df ort woa nywa y, "hea dde da st he ys a wt hel i ne ofs i l e nt l ywa i t i ngve hi c l e spe r c he dont hedoubl et r a c kt ha twoundt hr ought hehous e . " Skye ,I ' dr a t he rnot , "s hes a i ds t e a di l y. I fheha dpa us e damome ntt ot hi nk,hewoul dha ver e a l i z e dwhys hewa sr e l uc t a nt ,buthe rhe s i t a t i ons e e me dt ohi mt obea de s i r et oa voi dbe i ngc l os et ohi m,a ndhi si mpul s i vet e mpe rwa si gni t e d." Ge ti n, "heor de r e dr oughl y. Shegl a nc e dupa thi sf a c ej us tonc e ,t he ns i l e nt l ygoti nt ot hec a ra nds a tont hepa dde ds e a t ,he rha ndsc l a s pe dt oge t he r t e ns e l yi nhe rl a p.Hej oi ne dhe ra ndr e a c he doutt ot hr owt hes wi t c ht ha ts e tt hec a ri nmot i on. Theha l f s he l l s ha pe dc a rj ol t e df or wa r d,ba ngi ngt hr oughas e tofs wi ngi ngdoor sa ndpl ungi ngi nt oda r kne s s .Skyehe a r da ga s pbe s i dehi m,a ndr e a l i z e dt he n,i nas t a r kI ns t a nt ,wha thewa sdoi ngt ohe r . Oh,God !Shehat e de nc l os e dpl ac e s ! Es pe c i a l l ywhe nt he ywe r eda r k. Swe a r i nga thi sowni ns e ns i t i vi t y,hes l i ppe da na r ma r oundhe ri nt hes ma l lc a ra ndhe l dhe rt i ght l yt ohi ss i de ,f e e l i nghe r s t i f f e ne ve nmor ea se e r i ehowl sa ndmoa nse r upt e df r omt heda r kne s sa l la r oundt he m.Thec a rwa s n' tmovi ngve r yf a s t ,but Skyedi dn' tknowwhe r et hene a r e s te xi twa sa nddoubt e dt ha tKa t r i nadi d;i twoul dn' tdi mi ni s hhe rf e a r sa ta l li ft h e yl e f tt he c a ra ndt r i e df e e l i ngt he i rwa ybl i ndl yt oa ne xi t . Sohec oul donl yhol dhe ra ndc ur s ehi ms e l f . Thec a rwoundj e r ki l yt hr ought hehugehous e ,movi ngf r om t ot a lda r kne s st hr oughava r i e t yofwe i r dl yl i ght e dr ooms whi l eva r i ousc r e a t ur e sl e a pe douta tt he ma ndke e ni ngs oundse c hoe dof ft hewa l l s .I ns omeoft her oomsdi or a ma swi t h me c ha ni c a lf i gur e sa c t e doutbi z a r r es c e ne s ,whi l ei not he r st hepr oj e c t e di ma ge sofghos t l yi nha bi t a nt sda nc e dora t es e r e ne me a l s . Skyet houghtt her i dewoul dne ve re nd,a ndt hemome ntt he i rc a rbumpe da ga i ns tt heot he r swa i t i ngpa t i e nt l yi nt hel i ght e d e nt r a nc eha l lhec l i mbe dout ,pul l i ngKa t r i nawi t hhi m—a nds t r a i ghti nt ohi sa r ms . " I ' ms or r y, "hes a i dt hi c kl y,hol di nghe rt e ns e ,s ha ki ngbodyha r da ga i ns thi sown." God,I ' ms os or r y. " " I t ' sa l lr i ght . "Sh et r i e dt opus hhe r s e l fba c ka wa yf r omhi m,buthewoul dn' tr e l e a s ehe r . " No,i ti s n' ta l lr i ght ,da mmi t !Tr i na ,Ij us tdi dn' ts t opt ot hi nk.Mybl oodyt e mpe r . . .Iwa nt e dyouwi t hme ,a ndI —"Heha d avi vi dme mor yf r omt he i rda yst oge t he rs i xye a r sa goofhe rt e r r orofc l os e t sa ndt i nyr ooms ,pa r t i c ul a r l yda r kon e s .Nowhe r e a l i z e dt ha tt hemont hss heha ds pe nti npr i s onha dve r ypr oba bl yma det hos ef e a r se ve ns t r onge r . Shel ooke dupa thi m,he ra mbe re ye sonl ybe gi nni ngt ol os et hel ookoft e r r or ." Is houl dha vegot t e nove ri tbynow,but . . . I twa st hec e l li nGe r ma nya ndt he yt ur ne doutt hel i ght ss oe a r l y. . .I ' vef i na l l ygot t e nus e dt oe l e va t or s —"Shec a ughthe r br e a t h,he rmout hf i r mi nga ss hes t oppe dt hedi s j oi nt e dwor dsa ndhe l dt hef e a ra tba y." I ' ma l lr i ghtnow, "s hef i ni s he di na muc hs t e a di e rvo i c e . Skyedi dn' tl e the rgo.Ha t i nghi ms e l ff orwha the ' dputhe rt hr ough,wha tl i t t l ec ont r olheha dma na ge dwa snowgone .Hi s bodywa sr e a c t i ngt ohe rc l os e ne s swi l dl y,a ndonl yt hea c hei nhi sj a wma dehi mr e a l i z et ha thi st e e t hwe r et i ght l yc l a mpe d t oge t he r .Hef or c e do utwor dst ha te me r ge dhoa r s e l y." I ' mat hought l e s sba s t a r d,s we e t he a r t ,butIne ve rme a ntt ohur tyou. " " Iknow. "Shes ounde dunc e r t a i ns udde nl y,ga z i ngupa thi mwi t hda wni nga wa r e ne s s . Thes of tpr e s s ur eofhe rbr e a s t sa ga i ns thi sc he s ti nf l a me dhi ss e ns e s ,a ndheha l fc l os e dhi se ye si napl e a s ur et ha twa s pa i n." Lor d,youf e e ls ogooda ga i ns tme .Tr i na. . . " Ka t r i nac oul dn' tmove .Theur ge nc yofhi svoi c ea ndwor dss e ntaf l a r eofhe a tt hr oughhe rbodyunt i lI ts e t t l e dde e pi nhe r be l l yt ot or me nthe r .Shef e l the rl owe rbodymoveofi t sownvol i t i on,s e e ki ng,pr e s s i nga ga i ns thi m,a ndaga s pt o r ef r omhe r t hr oa twhe nhi sbodyha r de ne di ns t a nt l y. Skyema dear oughs ounda ndbe nthi she a d,hi smout hf i ndi nghe r si naki s ss ode e pa ndf i l l e dwi t hne e di twa sa l mos tl i ke abl ow.Ka t r i nawou l dha vec ol l a ps e di fheha dn' tbe e nhol di nghe rs ot i ght l y,a l lhe rs e ns e ss pi nni ngi nadi z z yi ngr us h.He wa ss t a r vi ng,s hewa ss t a r vi ng,a ndt hebl oodr a nt hr oughhe rve i nsl i kef i r e . Sheha df or got t e nt hi s —orha di tbe e nl i ket hi sbe f or e ?Shedi dn' tknow,c oul dn' tr e me mbe r .Al ls hec oul ddowa sf e e l .The s t a r kpowe rofh i sbi g,ha r dbodyma dehe rs hoc ki ngl yf r a i l ,a ndt hehe a tofhi m bur ne dhe r .Wha tal i f ef or c ehehad.He r body,movi nga ga i ns thi sha r de ni ngl oi nsunc ons c i ous l y,r e c ogni z e donl yt her a wvi r i l i t yi tc r a ve ds ohe l pl e s s l y. Buts het r i e dt ot hi nk,t r i e dt or e me mbe rt hepr i c es hec oul dbec a l l e dupont opa yf ort hi she e dl e s spa s s i on,a n dwhe nhi s l i psl e f the r sf i na l l ys hema na ge dawhi s pe r e dpr ot e s t ." No.No,Skye ,i t ' st oos oon. " " I twa sa l mos tt o oda mne dl a t e , "hes a i dha r s hl ya ga i ns the rt hr oa t ,hi smout hmovi ngc a r e s s i ngl y,hi st onguet o uc hi ngt he pul s eha mme r i n gbe ne a t hhe rs of tf l e s h." Si xye a r s. . . "Hi sf i nge r sf oundt hee l a s t i cba ndhol di ngt hee ndofhe rbr a i da nd

pl uc ke di ta wa y,c a u s i nghe runr ul yha i rt os wi f t l yunwi ndi t s e l fa st houghi twe r ea l i ve . Ka t r i nac oul dn' tr e me mbe rs l i di nghe ra r msa r oundhi swa i s t ,buthe rha ndswe r es ome howpr obi ngt her i ppl i ngmus c l e sof hi sba c kt hr oughhi sbl a c kTs hi r t ,a ndwhe nhewi de ne dhi sl e gsa ndpr e s s e dha r de ra ga i ns the rs hef e l the rf i nge r sdi gi nt o hi m. " Iwa ntyou, "hes a i dgut t ur a l l y,l i f t i nghi she a d.Hi sbl a z i nge ye sc a ughthe rda z e ds t a r ea ndhi sa r mswe r el i kei r ona r ound he r . Shes hookhe rhe a d,una bl et ol ooka wa y." Ic a n' tt hi nk.Pl e a s e ,Skye ,don' tpus hme !Yous a i dyouwoul dn' t —" Hi smout ht wi s t e d." Iknowwha tIs a i d.Ie ve nme a nti t .Butt hi swa i t i ngi ski l l i ngme . " " Wa i t i ng?Weme ta ga i nl e s st ha nt we nt yf ourhour sa go, "s hepr ot e s t e d,a ndt het r ut hoft ha tma dehe rhus kyvoi c e hone s t l yI ndi gna nt . Skyec oul dn' the l pbutl a ugh." Iknow,Iknow. " Anot he rt r ut h—hewa sbe ntons we e pi nghe rof fhe rf e e tas e c ondt i me —ga veKa t r i nabot ht hes t r e ngt ha ndt hewi l lt o pus hhe r s e l fa wa yf r o mhi m.Shec oul dn' the l pr e a l i z i ng,t hough,t ha ts hee s c a pe dhi shol donl ybe c a us ehec hos et ol e the r . " Yout hi nki t ' sj us tama t t e roft i me ,don' tyou? "s hede ma nde d. " Webot hknowi ti s , "hes a i di nat a utvoi c e . " No,you' r ewr ong. "Shet houghtofgi vi ngwa yt ohi ma ndt ohe rownpa s s i on,a ndt hef e a roft ha tma dehe rvoi c es ha ke . " AmI ?Iknowwha tyouwe r ef e e l i ngamome nta go,Tr i na ,be c a us eIwa sf e e l i ngi tt oo. "Hi sha ndsc l e nc he di nt of i s t sa t hi ss i de s ,mus c l e sbul gi ngi nhi sa r ms . Ka t r i naf e l the rbr e a t hc a t c hI nhe rt hr oa t ,a ndahots hi ve rr i ppl e dt hr oughhe rbody.Sheha dn' tf oughtt hef e e l i ngsbe t we e n t he ms i xye a r sbe f or e ,a nds os heha dne ve rs e e nt hi ss i deofhi m.Hi sI nt e ns i t ywa sapa l pa bl ef or c e ,r e a c hi ngoutt ohe r , pul l i nga the r .Hewa si mpa t i e nt ,al i t t l er ough,a l mos tpr i mi t i ve .Hewa nt e dhe r ,a ndhewa s n' tpr e pa r e dt owa i tmuc hl onge r . Wa i t .Hekne wt he y' dbel ove r si nt hee nd.noma t t e rhowmuc hs hepr ot e s t e d. Shet r i e dt os pe a ke ve nl y." I ' mnotde nyi ngt ha t ,Skye .Ic a n' t .ButI ' mnot —noti mpul s i vea nymor e .Iha vet obes ur et hi s t i me . " Hi sj a wt i ght e ne ds udde nl y." Youwe r e n' tl a s tt i me ? " Ka t r i nahe s i t a t e d ." It houghtIwa s .Il ove dyou.ButIwa sve r yyoung,a ndweha ds ol i t t l et i met oge t he r .Si nc et he nI ' ve l e a r ne dhowi mpor t a nti ti st obes ur eofhowIf e e l . " " Youwa ntme , "hes t a t e dbl unt l y." Andi t ' sr e a l ,Tr i na . " " Ye s . "He rvoi c ewa ss of t ." Buti spa s s i ona l l ?I si ta l lwe ' r ebot hf e e l i ng?I fyouwa ntonl yt ha t —" " Wha t ? "Hi se ye swe r egl i t t e r i ngwi t haha r dl i ght ." You' l ls pr e a dyourl e gswi l l i ngl y,s we e t ?Thr owt hedogabones ohe ' l l s t opya ppi ngi nyoure a r s ? " Shes t e ppe dba c kj e r ki l y. I mme di a t e l ySky es a i d," Da mmi t ,Idi dn' tme a n—"Hebr okeof f ,f l us hi ng. Ka t r i nawa ss oa ngr ys hec oul dn' ts pe a kf oramome nt ,a ndwhe ns hef or c e dt hewor dsout ,he rvoi c ewa sde c e pt i ve l ymi l d. " I fyouwa ntt os e a r c ht hi shous ewi t ha l lt hel i ght son,t hes wi t c hi sove rt he r eont hewa l l .I ' l lgoc he c koutt hebi gFe r r i s whe e l . "Shet ur ne da ndwa l ke doutt hedoor . *** Da newa supunus ua l l ye a r l y,a ndhewa sa l r e a dywe a r i nghi sga mbl e r ' sc os t umea shewa nde r e dt hr ought hepa r k.He kne whi sr e s t l e s s ne s swa sduepa r t l yt oSkye ;de s pi t ehi sc a s ua la t t i t udet hepr e vi ousni ght ,Da neha dn' tbe e nde c e i ve di nt o be l i e vi ngt ha thi sbr ot he r ' st r oubl e swe r ea l lbe hi ndhi m.Thewoundsme na ndwome ni nf l i c tone a c hot he rr a r e l yhe a lqui c kl y, a ndSkye ' sowni mpa t i e nc ewhe ni tc a met oge t t i ngwha thewa nt e dwa sa ptt oma kehi ma c tbe f or et hi nki ng. Be c a us et hos ei ns i ght swe r emuc honhi smi nda shewa l ke d,Da ne ' sf i r s tgl i mps eoft hebe a ut i f ulwoma ns i t t i ngne a rt he Fe r r i swhe e lwa sa c c ompa ni e dbya na l mos ti ns t i nc t i ver e c ogni t i on. Kat r i na. Skyeha ds a i dl i t t l ea bouthe rs i nc et het r a ge dyofGe r ma ny,butDa ner e me mbe r e dhi sbr ot he r ' sl e t t e ra nnounc i nghi s ma r r i a gemor et ha ns i xye a r sbe f or e .Andheha dnodoubt ,a shewa l ke dt owa r dhe r ,t ha tt hi swoma nwi t ht hel ong,wi l dr e d c ur l sa nda mbe rc a t ' se ye swa sSkye ' se xwi f e . Shewa sma da she l l ,t oo,her e a l i z e d,not i ngt hes pa r ksi nt hos eye l l owe ye sa ndt hef i r ms e tofhe rl i ps .Hewonde r e dwha t s hewoul dma keofh i m,a ndc ur i os i t ya swe l la st hede s i r et ohe l phi sbr ot he ri fhec oul dma deuphi smi ndt ome e the rnow. Shel ooke dupa shene a r e d,he re ye swi de ni nga ndt he nna r r owi ngs wi f t l y,bot hs t a r t l e da nds pe c ul a t i ve .Andwhe ns he s poke ,he rf a i nt l yhus ky,s ur pr i s i ngl yge nt l evoi c ewa sa toddswi t ht hel i nge r i ngt e mpe ri nhe rga z e ." You' r eDa ne . " Hes mi l e d,s t oppi ngbe f or ehe r ." Ye s .Andyou' r eKa t r i na . " Shel ooke dhi mupa nddownwi t hat ot a ll a c kofs e l f c ons c i ous ne s s ." I de nt i c a l , "s hes a i dwr yl y." Ic oul dn' tbe l i e vei twhe n het ol dme . " " I ' mt ol di t ' sabi tha r dt oge tus e dt o, "heof f e r e d. I tha dt a ke nKa t r i naa l mos ta nhourt oc he c kt h es t r uc t ur ea nda l lt hec a r soft heFe r r i swhe e l ,a nds hewa ss t i l lf ur i ous whe ns heha df i na l l ys a tdownonabe nc hne a rt her i de .Now,l ooki ngupa tt hea l mos tmi r r or i ma geofSkye —t he r ewa sa mus t a c he ,buti tdi dn' tma keDa nel ookve r ydi f f e r e nt —s het r i e dt oc ont r olhe rs t i l lboi l i nga nge r ." He ' st ol dyoua boutme ,I s e e . " " Oh,ye s , "Da nea ns we r e dmi l dl y.Hi ss mi l ehe l das of t e rc ha r mt ha nSkye ' s ,a ndhi svoi c ewa sl a z i e r . Shes t udi e dhi mc ur i ous l y,s ur pr i s e dt of e e lI ns t a nt l yc omf or t a bl ewi t hhi m.The r ewa snoneoft hepr i c kl i nga wa r e ne s ss he f e l ta r oundSkye ,a nds ome t hi ngt ol dhe rt ha tt hi sbr ot he rha dagr e a tde a lmor epa t i e nc ea ndpe r ha psmor eki ndn e s si nhi m. " Youa ndSkyea r ev e r ydi f f e r e nt ,a r e n' tyou? " " Ve r y, "hea gr e e d,s t i l ls mi l i ngbutwi t has e r i ousgl e a mi nhi se ye .The n,s ympa t he t i c a l l y,hea dde d," Mybr ot he rc a nbea di f f i c ul tma na tt i me s .Idon' tme a nt obenos y,buts i nc eyou' r eobvi ous l yma da she l l ,Iga t he ryout woha veha daf i ght ? "

I twa s n' ti nKa t r i na ' sna t ur et oc onf i dee a s i l y,b uts hewa ss oa ngr yt ha tdi dn' ts e e mt oma t t e r .Re me mbe r i ngSkye ' sc r ude wor ds ,s hewi nc e d." Youc oul ds a yt ha t . "

" Heha sat ouc hyt e mpe r , "Da nes a i di naj udi c i oust one ," a ndhedoe s n' ta l wa yss t opt ot hi nkbe f or ehes pe a ks . "The n, qui e t l y,hes a i d," Es pe c i a l l ywhe nhi she a r ti si nvol ve d. " Ka t r i nal ooke da wa yf r omt hos ef or c e f ule ye s .I twa sa not he rdi f f e r e nc ebe t we e nt hebr ot he r s ,s her e a l i z e d.I nDa ne ,t ha t a ma z i ngl ys t r ongl i f ef or c ewa sc onf i ne di nhi se ye s ,buti nSkyei twa sdi f f us e dt hr oughouthi se nt i r epowe r f ulbody.Shet r i e d al a ught ha tdi dn' tqui t ec omeof f ." Heobvi ous l yha s n' tt ol dyoue ve r yt hi ngi fyoube l i e vehi she a r t ' si nvol ve d. " " Hedi dn' tha vet ot e l lme , "Da nes a i ds i mpl y. Tor nbe t we e nt hene e df orr e a s s ur a nc ea ndhe rwa r i ne s soft hes t r onge mot i onsSkyec oul da wa ke ni nhe r ,s hel ooke dba c k a tDa ne ' sgr a vef a c eunc e r t a i nl y. Af t e ramome ntDa nes a i d," Skye ' ss pe ntal otoft i mei nt heda r kt he s el a s tye a r s —i nmor ewa yst ha none .Heha s n' tl e t hi ms e l ff e e lve r ymuc hs i nc eGe r ma ny,butIbe l i e ves e e i ngyoua ga i nha sma des pl i nt e r soft hepr ot e c t i vewa l lhe ' dbui l t a r oundhi se mot i ons .I tmus tf e e ll i kebe i ngc a ughti nas udde ns t or mwi t houtwa r ni ng.Soi fhes e e msi mpa t i e ntore ve nr ough, ma ybeyous houl dr e me mbe rt ha tyouc a nhur thi me ve r ybi ta smuc ha shec a nhur tyou. " Ka t r i nas hookhe rhe a ds l i ght l ya ndf i xe dhe rga z eont hegr ound,unwi l l i ngt obe l i e vet ha t . Da nes i ghe d,a ndhi svoi c ewa sr ue f ul ." Ic a ns e eyou' r ea ss t ubbor na shei s .Is houl dn' tbes ur pr i s e d,Is uppos e .I t ' l lt a kea ha r dhe a de dwoma nt oma na gemybr ot he r . " He rha r dhe a dc a meupha s t i l y,a nds hes t a r e da thi m. " Hene e dsi t ,yous e e , "Da net ol dhe rs ol e mnl y." I t ' sbe e nmyj obof fa ndonf ort hebe t t e rpa r toft hi r t yf i veye a r s ,butI ha veawi f enow,a nds he ' ske e pi ngmet oobus yt ogi vememuc ht i met oc opewi t hSkye ' sr e c kl e s s ne s s . "Abi tmor es e r i ous l y hea dde d," Hen e e dsaba l a nc e ,ac e nt e r .Hene e dss ome onet oc a r ea bouthi m,s ohe ' l ls t opa ndt hi nkbe f or er i s ki nghi sne c k. " Sher e f us e dt obemove dbyt hewor ds ,i gnor i ngas udde npa ngne a rhe rhe a r t ." Idon' tt hi nkhene e dsa nyt hi ngora nyone , " s hes a i df l a t l y." He ' st oos t r ongt one e d. " OneofDa ne ' se y e br owsl i f t e da ndhi se ye sha r de ne d." I she ?Eve ns t r ongme nc a nbes ha t t e r e di ft hebl ow' sha r de nough a ndt hea i mi sgood.Hei s n' tma deofi r on,Ka t r i na . " Shef e l ta bs ur dl yi nt hewr ong." Iknow. " " Good.Convi nc ehi m,wi l lyou? "Da nes mi l e ds udde nl y,t hef l i nt yl ookgonef r omhi se ye s .Be f or es hec oul dr e s pond,he a dde dal i ght" Se eyou, "a ndmove dgr a c e f ul l ya wa y. Ka t r i nas t a r e da f t e rhi mf oraf e wmome nt s ,t he nf i xe dhe re ye sont hepa ve me nta ga i na ndt r i e dt oge the rt h ought sa nd e mot i onsunde rc ont r ol .Shef oundi tha r dt oa c c e ptt ha tSkyef e l ts ome t hi ngot he rt ha nde s i r ef orhe r ,t houghs heh a df e l tt ha t de s i r ea ndkne wonl yt oowe l lhowpowe r f uli twa s . Va gue l ya wa r eoff a i nts oundsa ndmove me nt sa st hepa r kwa sr e a di e df ort heda y' svi s i t or s ,s hes t r uggl e dt oc omet ot e r ms wi t hhe rownf e e l i ngs .Coul ds hea c c e ptt hepa s s i onbe t we e nhe ra ndSkyewi t houtl ooki ngf a r t he r ?No.Shekne whe r s e l ft oo we l l .I twa s n' tI nhe rt ogi vehe rbodywi t houtgi vi nghe rhe a r ta swe l l ,a nds hewa sa f r a i doft heve r yi de aofgi vi nghe rhe a r t t oSk ye . Ands hedi dn' tknowwha thewa nt e d.Anot he rc ha nc e ?Wha tdi dt ha tme a n?Be c aus eI ' v ene v e rbe e nabl et of or ge ty ou. Ev e nwhe nIwan t e dt o. Shewa sbe gi nni ngt or e a l i z e ,pa r t l yduet oDa ne ,t ha ts heha dne ve rr e a l l yknownSkye .Sheha dn' tl ooke dde e pl ye nough s i xye a r se a r l i e r .Hewa s n' tat e nde rma n,ore ve nage nt l ema n;hewa st oof or c e f ult obee i t he rf orve r yl ong,a nds henodoubt woul dha vedi s c ove r e dt ha tye a r sbe f or ei ft he y' dha dmor et i met oge t he r .Hewa sha r di nma nywa ys ,a ndhec oul dbec r ue l . Hi sl i f eha dt a u ghthi mt obes us pi c i ous ,a ndpr oba bl yt oe xpe c tt hewor s t .Hi st e mpe rwa sa squi c ka st her e mor s ehef e l t a f t e r wa r d,bot he xpr e s s e dha s t i l ya ndi nbl untwor ds . Buts heha dn' ts e e nt ha ts i xye a r se a r l i e r . St a r t l i nghe r s e l fbys pe a ki ngwr yl ya l oud,Ka t r i namur mur e d," Youf e l li nl ovewi t habe a ut i f ulf a c e . "Shes hookhe rhe a d, nol onge rs ur pr i s e dt ha tSkyeha dgot t e nhe rt ot a l l yof fba l a nc et hi st i me ,be c a us enow s hewa sl ooki ngunde r ne a t ht ha t be a ut i f ulf a c e ,a ndt h eune xpe c t e df or c eofhi mwa ss hoc ki ngi ni t si nt e ns i t y. Howc oul ds heha vebe e ns obl i nda l lt hos eye a r sbe f or e ?Sos ha l l owt ha ts heha dne ve re ve nt r i e dt ounde r s t a ndhi m? Eve nt hought he y' dha dl i t t l et i me ,s hes houl dha ves e e n. Andnow. . .Now s hewa sol de r ,a ndwi s e r ,a nda l wa yss t r ovet os e ebe ne a t ht hes ur f a c e .Shewa sawoma n,a ndt he i ns t i nc t st ha tha dne ve rs t i r r e da tt we nt yt wowe r et or t ur i nghe r . Hewa sc ompl e xa ndof t e nr ough,a ndhi si mpul s i vet e mpe rha da l r e a dyc uthe rmor et ha nonc e .Butt hes t r e ngt ha ndf or c e i nhi mt ugge da the rl i kenot hi ngs he ' de ve rf e l tbe f or e ,a ndt hes he e rpr i mi t i vepa s s i onhea r ous e di nhe rl e f the rwe a ka nd s ha k i ngi nhi sa r ms . Shedi dn' the a rhi mt he n,butl ooke dupa nywa ya sSkyea ppr oa c he dhe rr a pi dl y.Hi se xpr e s s i onwa ss t ony,a ndt he r ewa s s omuc hl e a s he dvi ol e nc ei nhi spa nt he r l i kes t r i det ha tf oramome nts hef e l tat hr i l loff e a r .Butt he nheya nke dhe rupf r omt he be nc ha ndi nt ohi sa r ms ,a ndhi smut t e r e dwor dsc ha s e dt hef e a ra wa y. " I ' ms or r y.Idi dn' tme a ni t ,Tr i na ,Is we a rIdi dn' t . "Hi she a dwa sbowe d,a ndher ubbe dhi sc he e ka ga i ns the rha i r ." God,I ke e ps a yi ngt ha tt oyou,don' tI ? " Shel i f t e dhe rf a c ef r omhi ss houl de ra nds mi l e d,wonde r i ngdi ml ywha tha dha ppe ne dt ohe ra nge r ." I t ' spr oba b l ygoodf or you, "s hes a i d. Hi se ye smove dr e s t l e s s l yove rhe rf a c ea ndhi smout ht wi s t e di ns e l f c ont e mpt ." Idon' tknowwha tI ' ms a yi ngha l ft het i me a r oundyou.Youma kemef e e ll i kes omehor nyt e e na ge rwi t hs we a t yha nds .Ike e phur t i ngyou. " " I ' l lke e pyourt e mpe ri nmi ndf r omnowon, "s hes a i dabi tr ue f ul l y." Butwha tyous a i ddi dn' thur tme ,i tma demema d. " He rc hi nc a meup." Youha dnor i ghtt os a yt ha t . " " Iknow. "Hehe s i t a t e d,t he na s ke d," Wi l lyout e l lmes ome t hi nghone s t l y,Tr i na ? " Shef e l twa r y,bu tnodde d.

" Ha st he r ebe e na nyones i nc eme ? " Ka t r i nac oul dn' tl ooka wa y,a nds hec oul dn' tl i et ohi m.Nota boutt hi s ." No. " " Onc ebur ne d? "hes ugge s t e di na nobvi ous l yf a l s el i ghtvoi c e . Shewa s n' tr e a dyt obet ha thone s t ." I ' vebe e nve r ybus y, "s hes a i de va s i ve l y,s t e ppi ngba c ka ndf e e l i ngbot hr e l i e fa nd di s a ppoi nt me ntwhe nhei ns t a nt l yr e l e a s e dhe r . Hi se ye sgl e a me d ." SoIs houl dn' ti ma gi neyou' vebe e ne a t i ngyourhe a r toutf ormea l lt he s eye a r s ,huh? " " Iwoul dn' ti fIwe r eyou, "s her e t ur ne ddr yl y,g r a t e f ult ha thewa st r e a t i ngt hi sc a s ua l l y.The nhes hookhe rupa ga i nby r e f us i ngt ol e tt hema t t e rdr op. " St i l l , "hes a i d,wa t c hi nghe rI nt e nt l y." Si xye a r si sal ongt i mef orabe a ut i f ulwoma nt obea l one . " " Fi ve , "s hes na ppe d." Youf or gotpr i s on. " Hi sf a i nts mi l edi e d." Ike e pt r yi ngt of or ge ti t ,butIc a n' t .Di dt he yhur tyou,Tr i na ? " " Notama r k, "s hes a i df l i ppa nt l y,ba c konba l a nc e . Hec a ughthe rha ndwhe ns hewoul dha vet ur ne da wa y." Iha vet oknow, "hes a i di naha r s hvoi c e . Shel ooke da thi mf oramome nt ,t he ns a i d," I nt e r r oga t i ont e c hni que sa r emor es ubt l et he s eda ys ,youknowt ha t .Dr ugs , s e ns or yde pr i va t i on.Andt he r ewa s n' tmuc hIc oul dt e l lt he m,a f t e ra l l .The ydi dn' tr e a l l ys us pe c tmeofbe i ngadoubl ea ge nt , t he yj us twa nt e dt oknowa boutyou.Ic a met hr oughi t . " " Yous houl dha t eme , "hes a i ds l owl y. " Be c a us eoft he m?Ikne wt her i s ks .Ine ve rbl a me dyouf ort ha t ,Skye ,be c a us ei twa s n' tyourf a ul t . "Shehe l dhe rvoi c e s t e a dywi t ha ne f f or t ." I st ha twhyyouwa nta not he rc ha nc e ?Be c a us eyouf e e lgui l t y? " " No.No,t ha ti s n' twhy. " " The nt he r e ' snot hi ngmor et os a ya bouti t .Di dy ouf i nda nyt hi ngi nt heHa unt e dMa ns i on? " " Ba c kt obus i ne s s ? " " It hi nkwe ' dbe t t e r . "Shec oul dhe a rt hes t r a i ni nhe rvoi c ea ndwa s n' ts ur pr i s e dbyi t .Shef e l tbuf f e t e dbyt hes t or m of e mot i onst ha tha ds we ptove rhe rdur i ngt hel a s tt we nt yf ourhour s ,a nddi dn' tknowhowmuc hmor es hec oul dt a ke . Skyemus tha vehe a r dt hes t r a i na swe l l ,be c a us ehi se xpr e s s i ons of t e ne da br upt l ya ndhec a r r i e dhe rha ndt ohi sl i psbe f or e r e l e a s i ngi t ." Al lr i ght , "hes a i dge nt l y." I ' l lt r yt os t oppus hi ng. "Shenodde d,wi s hi ngs hedi dn' tf e e ll i kec r yi ngwhe nhe s howe dhe rar a r egl i mps eofhi ss of t e rs i de ." Di dyouf i nda nyt hi ng? "s her e pe a t e d. " No.Howa boutyou? " " Not hi ng.Thepa r kwi l lope ni na nhour ;wedon ' tha vet i met ogoove rt hepi r a t es hi port hec i r c ust e ntt oda y. " " The r e ' snohur r y .Buts i nc eyou' vegott heda yof f ,whydon' tyous howmea r oundt hepa r k? " " You' ves e e ni t , "s heobj e c t e ds ome wha twe a kl y. " Notwi t hyou. "Hes mi l e d." Ipr omi s et obegood. "Ka t r i nawa s n' ts ur es het r us t e dhi ss mi l e ,buts hewa nt e dt obewi t hhi m a ndc oul dn' tde n yi te ve nt ohe r s e l f . *** Fort hene xtt hr e eda ysSkyeke pthi spr omi s e ,a ndKa t r i na ' swa r i ne s ss oone a s e d.Hedi dn' tbr i ngupt hepa s torpus hhe ri n a nywa y,a nds i nc ehewa sa ne xt r e me l yc ha r mi ngma nwhe nheputhi smi ndt oi t ,s hewa squi c kl ydi s a r me d—a ndwa sa wa r e oft h ee a s ewi t hwhi c hhe ' da c c ompl i s he di t . Sheha dr e f us e dt oa ba ndonhe rdut i e sf ormor et ha noneda y,t hough,a ndSkyeha dn' tpr ot e s t e d.I ns t e a d,het ur ne dupof t e n dur i ngt heda y,j oi ni nghe rf orme a l sa nds pe ndi ngaf e wmi nut e st a l ki ngt ohe ri nhe rof f i c e .Someoft het a l kwa sofbus i ne s s , butf ort hemos tpa r tt hec onve r s a t i onswe r ec a s ua la ndf r i e ndl y.Het ookhe rt odi nne re a c hni ght ,da nc e dwi t hhe r ,a ndl e f the r a the rdoorwi t hal i ghtki s s . " Bi di nghi st i me ,i s n' the ? "Gi gi ,a mus e d,a s ke da ss hepa s s e dKa t r i nai nt hel obbyonemor ni ngj us ta f t e rSky eha dbe e n t a l ki ngt ohe r . Ka t r i naha dt os mi l e ,be c a us eSkye ' sde t e r mi ne dpa t i e nc ewa ss oobvi ousi twa sa l mos tf unny.Buts hef e l tnoi mpul s et o l a ugh;s hewa sgr a t e f ult ohi mf orgi vi nghe rt i me ,e s pe c i a l l ywhe ns hec oul ds e ns et hes t r a i nl ur ki ngj us tunde rhi sc o mpos ur e . Andt ha ti twa sas t r a i nonhi ms hedi dn' tdoubt ;i twa sI nhi svoi c es ome t i me s ,a ndi nhi sf a c et he r ewa saf i ne l yhone d l ook.Hewa sa ni mpa t i e ntma nbyna t ur e ,s ot hef a c tt ha thewa sf or c i nghi ms e l ft obeunde ma ndi ngs a i dagr e a tde a la bouthi s de t e r mi na t i ont ode ve l opane wr e l a t i ons hi pwi t hhe r . Shea ppr e c i a t e dt ha tde e pl y,buti twa sas t r a i nonhe r ,t oo,be c a us es hewa snoc l os e rt os or t i ngouthe rownf e e l i ngs ,a nd t hepul lofphys i c a la t t r a c t i onwa sgr owi ngs t r onge rwi t he ve r ypa s s i ngda y.Shewa sa f r a i dt ha tde s i r ewa sc l oudi nghe r j udgme nt ,a nds h edi dn' tknowhowt oc opewi t hi t . Shec oul df e e lhi spr e s e nc et hei ns t a nthee nt e r e dar oom,e ve nI fhe rba c kwa st ohi m,a ndwhe nhewa swi t hhe rs hef ound i ta l mos ti mpos s i bl et ol ooka ta nyt hi ngbuthi m. Ont het hi r dda yI toc c ur r e dt ohe rwi t hde va s t a t i ngs i mpl i c i t yt ha ts hewa sf a l l i ngi nl ovewi t hhi m. Shewa ss i t t i nga the rde s k,c ons c i ousoft hef a i nts mi l et ha tSkyeha dl e f the rwi t hj us tmi nut e sbe f or e ,a ndwhe nt he r e a l i z a t i ondr oppe di nt ohe rmi ndI tdi ds owi t ht hec l a r i t yoft ot a lc e r t a i nt y. I ' mbe gi nni ngt ol ov ehi m. Sheputhe rpe ndownwi t hunna t ur a lc a r ea ndf ol de dhe rha ndsonhe rne a tde s kbl ot t e r ,c ons c i ousofhe rhe a r tbe a t i ngl i ke adr umi nhe re a r s .Shef e l tbot hhota ndc ol d,e a ge ra ndf e a r f ul ,de l i ght e da ndhur t i ng.Sheha dn' tme a ntt ol ovehi m.Heha d c r e ptI nt ohe rhe a r twi t hc ha r ma ndpa t i e nc e . Ands hec oul dn' tl e thi mknow,be c a us es hewa ss t i l la f r a i dofgi vi nghi mhe rhe a r t . De s pi t ehi sc a r e f ulpa t i e nc et he s el a s tda ys ,Ka t r i nakne wonl yt oowe l lt ha tt hepowe rofhi sde s i r ef orhe rwa sa na l l c ons umi ngt hi ng,s t a r ka ndpos s e s s i ve .Wha t e ve rh i sf e e l i ngsf orhe rnow,hewoul dn' tbec ont e ntwi t honl ya" l ovi nga nd pa s s i ona t e "woma ni nhi sbe d.Hewoul dde ma ndat ot a ls ur r e nde rt hi st i me ,dr i ve nbyhi sowndoubt sa boutt hede p t hsofhe r f e e l i ngsbe f or et obec e r t a i noft he mnow.

Be gi nni ngt ounde r s t a ndhi m,Ka t r i nakne wt ha thi sha r s hde ma ndsont ha tf i r s tni ghtha dnotbe e nut t e r e donl ywi t ht he de s i r et oe xa c tr e ve n gef orwha theha dgonet hr ougha f t e rGe r ma ny.The r eha dbe e nac e r t a i na mountoft r ut hi nhi sa vowe d i nt e nt i ont opur gehi ms e l fofhe r . Shewonde r e di fher e a l i z e dhi ms e l fwha thewa sa f t e rt hi st i me . Heha dgonet hr oughhe l la f t e rGe r ma ny;s hedi dn' tdoubtt ha t .I na l lt r ut h,heha dbe e nmor ede e pl yhur tt ha ns heha d, be c a us et hes ha l l owne s sofhe rowne mot i onsha dpr ot e c t e dhe rs ome wha t ,a ndbe c a us es h eha dknownt he r eha dbe e nno be t r a ya l .Fors i xye a r sSkyeha dr e me mbe r e dhe r ,hi sownf e e l i ngse a t i nga thi m.The nt he yha dme ta ga i n,a ga i ns ta l lodds , a ndhewa sbe ntona" s e c ondc ha nc e . " Ka t r i nac oul dn' the l pbutbe l i e vet ha twhe t he rornotSkyekne wi thi ms e l f ,wha thewa nt e dwa st oge the routofhi ss ys t e m onc ea ndf ora l l . Sos hec oul dn' tve r ywe l lt e l lhi ms hel ove dhi m. Shec oul dn' t .

Four Te ddySt e e l ebe ga nt opus hhe r s e l fi nt oas i t t i ngpos i t i onont hebe d,butt he nt ur ne ds ome wha tgr e e na ndha s t i l yf e l lba c k ont ot hepi l l ows .Theve r ypowe r f ula r mofhe rhus ba ndr e a c he doutwi t hpe r f e c tt i mi ng,a ndac r a c ke rwa spl a c e dbe t we e nhe r l i ps .Te ddydi dn' twa s t et i mewi t ht ha nks ,butmunc he dt hec r a c ke rwi t hhe re ye sc l os e d,wi l l i nghe rs t oma c ht os e t t l e . Za c hr a i s e dhi ms e l fona ne l bowa ndl ooke ddowna thi swi f e ' spa l ef a c ewi t hawor r i e df r own." Be t t e r ,hone y? " Oneofhe rbi gbr owne ye sope ne dc a ut i ous l y,t he nt heot he r ,a nds hes i ghe di nr e l i e fa she rs t oma c hbe ha ve d.Bl i nki ng a wa yt hemor ni ngdr yne s sofhe rc ont a c tl e ns e s ,s hea ns we r e d," Ye s ,buti t ' st hepi t s . " " Whydon' tyous l e e pi nt oda y? "hes ugge s t e dc a s ua l l y. Te ddye ye dhi mwi t hl ovi ngunde r s t a ndi ng,he rg a ml ne ' ss mi l equi r ki nghe rl i ps ." I ' mf i ne ,Za c h. "Sher e a c he dupaha ndt o hi sl e a nc he e k,s t r oki ngge nt l y." I ' mnotgoi ngt ol os et hi sone . " Za c hha dagr e a tde a loff a i t hi nhi svi va c i ouswi f e ' spe c ul i a rps yc hi cc e r t a i nt i e s ,butheha dt oomuc he xpe r i e nc ewi t ht he va ga r i e soff a t et os ha r ehe rc onf i de nc e .Hea l s or e me mbe r e df a rt oovi vi dl yTe ddy' smi s c a r r i a gemont hsbe f or e ,a ndt het e r r or he ' dgonet hr ougha ta l mos tl os i nghe r .Nota l lhe ra s s ur a nc e s —ort hos eoft hedoc t orwhowa ss t i l la s t oni s he dbyt hi ss e c ond c onc e pt i on—c oul da l l a yhi sf e a r s .Hec a ughthe rha nda ndhe l di tf i r ml yt ohi sf a c e ,hi sf r e eha ndmovi ngt opus ht hes he e t a s i dea ndc ove rhe rve r ys l i ght l yr ounde dbe l l y." Yous houl dha ves t a ye di nNe wYor k, "hes a i dabi tha r s hl y. " Wha t ,a ndmi s sourf i na lhur r a h? "s hes a i d,de l i be r a t e l yl i ght ." I ti s n' taj ungl et hi st i me ,r e me mbe r ?The r e ' snoda nge ra t a l l ,Za c h. " Hes hookhi she a ds l i ght l y." Hone y,t he r e ' sa l wa ysda nge ri nas c he mel i keour s .We ' vec ove r e da l lt heba s e s ,s ur e ,buti t ' s i mpos s i bl et opl a nf o rt heune xpe c t e de l e me nt .AndHa ge n' ss uc hawi l dc a r d.Godonl yknowswha tc oul dha ppe n. " " We l l ,you' r ewi t hme , "s hes a i ds e r e ne l y,he rf a i t hi nhe rbi gwa r r i ora bs ol ut e . Hi sl i pst wi s t e d,buthi sgr a ye ye sgl e a me dwi t hs udde nwr yhumor ,a nds hegr i nne da thi m.Za c hbe nthi she a dt oki s she r , hi sh a nds t i l lmo vi ngge nt l yove rhe rs t oma c h.Af t e raf e wmome nt shemut t e r e dhus ki l y," Wes houl dha vewa i t e d ,gi ve nyou mor et i met or e c ove r . " Te ddy,pe r f e c t l ya wa r et ha thi smi ndwa sne ve rl ongdi s t r a c t e df r omhe rune xpe c t e dpr e gna nc y,s l i dhe ra r msa r oundhi s ne c ka ndl a ughe ds of t l y." Af t e ryoua ndt heot he rguysc a meba c ki nt ot hec ount r yont ha tf l yi ngvi s i t ,Iwa ss oha p pyt os e e yout ha tbi r t hc o nt r olne ve rc r os s e dmymi nd.Oryour s ,f ort ha tma t t e r . " Re me mbe r i ngt heve r ypa s s i ona t er e uni onwi t hhi swi f e ,Za c hs i l e nt l ya dmi t t e dt ha thi sl i f e l ongc ont r olha dne ve rs t ood a ga i ns tTe ddy.Tha n khe a ve n.Al oud,hes a i d," Ar ewegoi ngt ot e l lhe rs hewa sc onc e i ve di naJ e e p? " Sol e mnl yTe ddys a i d," We l l ,i fI ' dknownne i t he rofusc oul dwa i tunt i lwegothome ,Iwoul dha vebor r owe dt hel i mot o pi c kyouupa tt hea i r por t .The ns hec oul dha vebe e nc onc e i ve di ns t yl e . " Hec huc kl e ds of t l y." AndIpr oba bl ywoul dn' tha vegi ve nada mna boutt hedr i ve re i t he r . "Hec a ughthi sbr e a t hs udde nl ya s he rha ndwa nde r e d,a nda dde ds ome wha tt hi c kl y," Di dn' tt hedoc t ors a ywes houl dbec a r e f ul ? " " Ipl a nt obee xt r e me l yc a r e f ul , "Te ddys a i d." Weha veac oupl eofhour sbe f or eweme e tt heot he r si nJ os ha ndRa ve n' s s ui t ef orbr e a kf a s t .Tha t ' sl onge nought obec a r e f ul ,don' tyout hi nk? " Za c h,nol onge runne r ve dbyhi si na bi l i t yt ot hi nka ta l lwhe r ehi swi f ewa sc onc e r ne d,gr owl e da ndpul l e dhe rpe t i t ebody i nt ohi sa r ms . *** Skyewa l ke dbr i s kl ya l ongt hepa ve dpa t hwa yl e a di ngt ot heOl dWe s ts e c t i onoft hepa r k.Thega t e sha dn' tope ne df ort he da y,buthec oul dhe a rt heus ua lmor ni ngnoi s e s ,a nde mpl oye e si nc os t ume swa nde r e da boutt a l ki nga ndl a ughi ng .Fr omt he s e c t i onSkyewa sne a r i ngc a meoc c a s i ona lgunf i r ea sva r i ousc ha r a c t e r spr a c t i c e dt het r i c kst he y' dbec a l l e dupont ope r f or m l a t e r . St oppi ngt owa t c ht woc os t ume dc ha r a c t e r spe r f e c t i ngt he i rs ha r ps hoot i ng,Skyewa i t e df orapa us ei nt hegunf i r ea ndt he n s a i ddr yl y," Fun nyh owma nyofyouha vema na ge dt oa c toutyourownpe r s ona lf a nt a s i e s . " Luc a sKe ndr i c k,i nt hegui s eofWi l dBi l lHi c kok,c huc kl e da sher e l oa de dhi sr i f l e ." Mye go' ss uf f e r i ng, "het ol dt heot he r ma n,a ndnodde da tt hes l i mbr une t t ea thi ss i dewhowor et hec os t umeofAnni eOa kl e y." She ' ss omuc hbe t t e rt ha nIa m. " Kyl e ' st ur quoi s ee ye sgl e a me dbr i e f l ya the rhus b a nd,a ndt he ns hel ooke da tSkye ." Some t hi ngup? " Hes hookhi she a d." Notr e a l l y.ButI ' ves e t t l e dont heFe r r i swhe e la st hemos tl i ke l ys pot . " Luc a st ur ne dt ol ooki nt hedi r e c t i onoft heFe r r i swhe e l ,hi ss ha r pbl uee ye sna r r owi nga shepi c ke doutt het a l ls t r uc t ur ei n t hedi s t a nc e ." Go od, "hemur mur e dt hought f ul l y." I t ' sf a i r l yc e nt r a l ,s owec a na l lge tt he r equi c kl y. " " Wi l lyout e l lt heot he r s ? "Kyl ea s ke dSkye . " Ye a h. "Skyel i s t e ne di nt e nt l ya st hes oundsofg unf i r ee c hoe d,a nda dde d," I fyout wos e eRa ve na ndJ os h,t e l lt he m,wi l l you?The y' r et heonl yone swhowa nde ra l love rt hepa r k,a ndIma ynots e et he ma nyt i mes oon. "

" Sur e . "Luc a sga z e da thi ms t e a di l y." Yous oundabi tj umpy. " Skyema na ge das hr ug." Mus tbet hegunf i r e .Se eyoul a t e r . "Hes t r odeof f . Luc a sl ooke da thi swi f ewi t hal i f t e dbr ow,a nds hes a i d," Ic a ughti tt oo.He ' sde f i ni t e l yone dge . " Gr i ma c i ngs l i ght l y,Luc a ss a i d," I ' venot i c e dDa ne ' ske e pi ngapr e t t yc l os ee yeonhi m,a ndhewoul dn' ti fhewe r e n' t wor r i e da bouthi sbr ot he r .I fHa ge ns e e st hos et wot oge t he r ,he ' sgoi ngt os t a r tt os me l lar at . " " The y' r ebot hpr os , "s heobs e r ve d. Henodde d,buts a i d," St i l l ,onet hr e a dt oot i ghta ndt hi swhol et hi ng' sgoi ngt ounr a ve l .Ma ybewe ' dbe t t e rt a l kt ot heot he r s t oni g ht . " Kyl enodde da gr e e a bl y,t he nt ooka i m wi t hhe rr i f l ea ndputye ta not he rne a thol et hr ought het a r ge ts omeya r dsa wa y. Luc a sga vehe rapa i ne dl ook,butl a ughe dwa r ml y. Me a nwhi l e ,Sky ef oundt heot he r shes oughtga t he r e da r oundt hes he r i f f sof f i c ei nt hedus t yma i ns t r e e toft heOl dWe s t t own.Thes he r i f f ,at a l l ,l e a nma nwi t hc oppe rha i ra ndt a wnye ye sa ndal a z ya i rt ha twa ss ome wha tde c e pt i ve ,s t r a i ght e ne d f r omhi sl oungi ngpos et oof f e rSkyeac he e r f ulhe l l o. Skyer e t ur ne dt hegr e e t i nga shel ooke da thi m,t he ne ye dt heot he rt hr e epe opl e .Bot ht hel a dl e swe r et i ny,a ndbot hwe r e r e dhe a ds ,butt h es he r i f f sl a dyha da ne xpr e s s i onofs e r e ni t yi nhe rs e a gr e e ne ye st ha tpe r f e c t l yma t c he dbot hhe rhus ba nd' s l a z yc a l ma ndhe rowndi gni f i e dc os t umeofs c hool t e a c he r .Theot he rr e dhe a de dl a dy,l e a ni ngba c ka ga i ns tt heguns l i nge rwho ha dbot ha r msa r oundhe r ,ha dbi g,wa i f l i kebr owne ye st ha twe r ebr i ghtwi t hi nt e r e s ta ndavi vi df a c et ha tma dehe ra se ye c a t c hi nga st hes c a nt ys a l oongi r lc os t umes hewor e . Looki ngf i na l l ya tt hepowe r f ulda r kma nwhowa spl a yi ngt her ol eofguns l i nge r ,ame na c i ngf i gur eduet oh i ss i z e ,t he f a i nts c a ronhi sl e a nc he e k,a ndt hea l l bl a c kc os t ume ,Skyes hookhi she a dr ue f ul l y." Youpe opl edi dn' tc hoos et hi spa r kj us t be c a us eofAdr i a n' st hr e a t , "hes a i dde f i ni t e l y." Youwa nt e dt hec ha nc et opl a ydr e s s up. " Te ddySt e e l egi ggl e de nga gi ngl y." No,be c a us et heguyswoul dha vewor nc omma ndoout f i t s .I tt ookmea l lofa nhourt o t a l kZa c hi nt obe i ngt hevi l l a i n. " Ade e pc huc kl er umbl e df r omt heguns l i nge r ,a ndhi spowe r f ula r mst i ght e ne dge nt l ya r oundhi swi f e ." Thi si s n' ts oba d, " hec omme nt e dt oSkyei na nune xpe c t e dl ys of tvoi c e ." ButIf e e lf orJ os h. " Ra f f e r t yLe wi sl a ughe da swe l l ,pus hi nghi swhi t eha tt ot heba c kofhi she a d." Fa c ei t ,we ' r ea l lha vi ngf unwi t ht hi s .Eve n J os h.Be t t e rt ha nav a c a t i on.Wha t ' sup,Skye ? " Skyer e pe a t e dhi sde c i s i ont os e t t l eont heFe ni swhe e la st hes i t eoft hegove r nor ' sa t t e mpt e da s s a s s i na t i on,l e a ni ngba c k a ga i ns tahi t c hi n gpo s ta shes poket ot he m.The i rr e a c t i onwa smuc ht hes a mea sLuc a s ' sa ndKyl e ' s . " Whe ndoe st heba l l oongoup? "Te ddya s ke d. " Awe e kf r omSa t ur da y,i fa l lgoe swe l l , "Skyea ns we r e d." Ri ghtons c he dul e . "Hef e l ta nunus ua l l ys t e a dyga z eonhi m, a ndl ooke da tt hes c h ool t e a c he r ,whos ee ye swe r ege nt l e . " Ar eyoua l lr i gh t ? "s hea s ke d. Hema na ge das mi l e ." Fi ne ,Sa r a h. "Hekne whi sc ont r olwa ss t r a i ne dt ot hebr e a ki ngpoi nt ,butunt i lheha dt a l ke dt oLuc a s a ndKyl ehe ' dbe l i e ve dhewa shi di ngi twe l l .Obvi ous l ynot .Be f or ea nybodye l s ec oul dme nt i oni t ,hes a i d," I ' l lt r yt ot ouc h ba s ewi t ht heot he r ss ome t i met oda y.Ha ge ns a i ds ome t hi nga bouts e e i ngt heWi l dWe s ts how,butI ' l lt r yt oke e phi mbus y. Be t t e rs t a ya l e r t ,t hough. " " Tha nksf ort hewa r ni ng, "Za c hs a i d. Skyes a l ut e dt he mc a s ua l l ya ndl e f t . The r ewa samome ntofs i l e nc ea f t e rhe ' dgone ,a ndt he nTe ddys a i dr e f l e c t i ve l y," Doe sa nybodyknow i fwe ' r e uni nt e nt i ona l l yma t c hma ki ng? " Sa r a hl ooke da the r ." I twa st ha tki ndoft e ns i on,wa s n' ti t ? " " I ' ds a ys o.And,a c c or di ngt oRa ve n,Skyei s n' tt het ypet oge tne r vouspr of e s s i ona l l y.Thi sope r a t i onha st obeapi e c eof c a ket ohi m.Sowha tot he rr e a s onc oul dt he r ebe ? " Ra f f e r t ys i ghe d." I fwe ' vel e a r ne da nyt hi ngbynow,i tha st obet ha twhe r eHa ge ni s ,r oma nc ei s .Aga i ns ta l lodds .I ti s n' t r e a l l ya nyofourbus i ne s s ,t hough, "hea dde dc a r e f ul l y. " No. "Za c h' sde e pvoi c ewa ss l owa ndt hought f u l ." Buti ft ha t ' st hec a us eofSkye ' st e ns i on,hei s n' tha ndl i ngI twe l l .And he ' st hel i nc hpi noft hee nt i r epl a n.Da nec oul ds t e pi n,Is uppos e ,i fi tc ome st ot ha t .Ma ybewe ' dbe t t e rf i ndoutwha t ' sgoi ng on. " Ra f f e r t ye ye dhi sl a r gef r i e nd." We l l ,youa s kSkye ,t he n.You' r ea boutt heonl yoneofusbi ge nought ot a kehi moni fhe doe s n' tl i ket heq ue s t i on. " " Ra ve n, "Sa r a hs a i di nhe rs of t ,s e r e nevoi c e ." Sh eknowshi mbe t t e rt ha nwedo.Le a vei tt ohe r . " Te ddynodde dqui c ka gr e e me nt ." Wec a nt a l kt ohe ra bouti tt oni ght . " Za c hl ooke da tRa f f e r t ya ndnodde da swe l l ." I tmi ghtbebe s t .Ands hema yknowwha t ' sgoi ngona l r e a dy. " The ya l lhe a r dt hel oudwhi s t l ea nnounc i ngt hei mmi ne ntope ni ngoft hepa r k' sga t e s ,a ndZa c ha dde dwi s t f ul l yt ot he s he r i f f ," Ca n' tIs hootyout oda y? " Ra f f e r t ypul l e dhi swhi t eha tf i r ml yba c kdowna nda dj us t e dt hegunonhi shi p." Don' tber i di c ul ous .I ' mt hegoo dguy. " " Shys t e r , "Za c hs a i dr ude l y,a ndt ookhi sgi ggl i ngwi f e ' sha ndt ol e a dhe rt owa r dt hes a l oon. *** Skyede c i de dt oke e pHa ge nbus yf ort heda yb yge t t i ngGi gi ' she l p,a nds hel i s t e ne dt ohi ss ugge s t i onwi t hl i f t e dbr ows a ndat i nys mi l e . " Andwhys houl dI ? "s hea s ke d. Gr i nni ngs udde n l y.Skyes a i d," Be c a us ehe ' swa nde r i nga r oundt hehot e ll i keabe a t e nhound,t ha t ' swhy.Ine ve rt houghtI c oul df e e ls or r yf orHa ge n,butIdo.You' r eac r ue lwoma n,Gi gi . " Shec huc kl e d." Hene e de dal e s s on.Howe ve r ,t ha t ' squi t ebe s i det hepoi nt .J us twha ta r eyougoi ngt obedoi ngwhi l eIke e p

Ha ge n' smi ndof fvi s i t i ngt hepa r k? " Skyec l e a r e dhi st hr oa t ." Doubl e c he c ki ngaf e wt hi ngs . "Andwhe ns hec ont i nue dt oga z ea thi mwi t hpe r c e pt i vee ye s ,he f or c e dhi ms e l ft os i ts t i l li nhe rvi s i t or ' sc ha i r . Ge nt l ys hes a i d," Toda yi she rus ua lda yof f .Di ds het e l lyou? " " No, "Skyes a i dabi tgr i ml y. I gnor i ngt het one ,Gi gie xpl a i ne d." Shewa nt e dt owor ks i nc es het ookt heot he rda yof f ,butIt houghtnot .No tqui t ehe r us ua lc a l ms e l f ,myTr i na ;Ior de r e dhe rt or e s t . " Skyer os ef r om hi sc ha i ra br upt l ybutt he npa us e d,l ooki nga c r os st hede s ka tt heol de rwoma n." Te l lmes ome t hi ng, "he s a i dabi tj e r ki l y." AmIba df orhe r ? " " Wha twoul dyoudoi fIs a i dye s ? " " Idon' tknow. " Af t e ramome ntGi gis a i ds e r i ous l y," Ic a n' ta ns we ryourque s t i on,Skye .Onl yTr i nac a n. " Hedi dn' ti nt e ndt oa s kKa t r i naa boutt ha t ,butwhe ns heope ne dhe rdoort ohi mt e nmi nut e sl a t e r ,i twa st heque s t i on uppe r mos ti nhi smi nd.Sheha dbe e nl e s swa r yt he s el a s tda ys ,buti ts e e me dt ohi mt ha twhe ne ve rhet r i e dt os t e pc l os e rs he move de l us i ve l ya wa yf r omhi m.Andbot hhi sde t e r mi ne dpa t i e nc ea ndhi sc ont r olove rhi sownde s i r e swe r ewe a r i n gt hi n. Hegr e e t e dhe ra br upt l y." Weha vet ot a l k. " Ca ut i onc r e pti nt ohe ra mbe re ye s ,buts hes t e ppe dba c kt oa l l owhi mt oc omei n.Shewa si nhe rus ua lof f dut yc l ot hi ng, j e a nsa ndac a s ua ls hi r t ,ba r e f oot e da ndwi t hhe rgl or i ousha i rf l owi ngl oos e l ydownhe rba c k.Hewa sr e mi nde da ga i noft he pa r a doxofhe r ,h e rI nna t ec ompos ur ewa r r i ngwi t ht heout wa r ds ugge s t i onofwi l dne s s . I thast obet he r e !het houghtwi t hmor et ha nahi ntoft hes a va ge r ys hea l wa ysi ns pi r e di nhi m.I tha ddr i ve nhi mha l fma d ye a r sbe f or e ,t ha tc onvi c t i onofhi st ha tl oc ke ds ome whe r ei ns i deKa t r i nawa sa ni nt e ns i t yt oma t c hhi sown,af i e r ys pi r i t c r yi n goutt obef r e e d.Andheha dt r i e dt ot ouc ht ha tpa r tofhe r .Buta l t houghs heha dr e s ponde dt ohi mwi t hl ovi ngpa s s i on, heha dbe e nuna bl et of i ndt hevi t a lwoma nhes e ns e dbe ne a t ht hec a l m,s mi l i nge ye s . Hewa snoc l os e rnow,a ndi twa ss t i l ldr i vi nghi mma d.Thede s i r ebe t we e nt he mwa ss ha r pe rt ha ne ve rbe f or e ,buthewa s a l lt ooa wa r et h a tKa t r i nawa shol di nghe r s e l fa l ooff r omhi m.Hel ooke da tt hewa r i ne s si nhe re ye sa st he ymov e di nt ohe r de n,a ndhewa n t e dt ode ma nd.Whe r edoyougowhe ny ouhi def r omme ?Whyc an' tIf i ndy ou? " I ss ome t hi ngwr ong? "s hea s ke d. Hef or c e dal a ugh." We l l ,s i nc eI ' veha ds e ve r a lpe opl ewhoba r e l yknowmepoi ntoutt ha tI ' mj i t t e r ya she l l ,Is uppos eI c a n' tde nyi t . " " I ' ms or r y, "s hes a i dunc e r t a i nl y.He ra r msmove di nwha ts e e me dac ondi t i one dr e s pons e ,f ol di ngove rhe rbr e a s t s . Skyei gnor e dt hebodyl a ngua ge ,r e f us i ngt ob ewa r ne dof f .Het ookt woqui c ks t e pst os t a ndbe f or ehe r ,pul l i nghe r a br upt l yi nt ohi sa r ms ." Ic a n' tt a kemuc hmor eoft hi s , "hes a i dI navoi c et ha tgr a t e d." I ' vet r i e d,Tr i na ,Is we a rIha ve . " He ra r msha dmove dbyi ns t i nc ta r oundhi swa i s t ,a ndKa t r i naga s pe dwhe nt hehe a tofhi sbodypr e s s e da ga i ns the r s . " You—yous a i dweha dt ot a l k, "s hema na ge dt os a yuns t e a di l y. " Il i e d. "Hi se ye swe r ef i xe donhe r si naha r d,s e a r c hi ngs t a r e ,a ndamus c l et i ght e ne di nhi sj a w." We ' vet a l ke d,a ndi t ha s n ' the l pe d.I ' vet a ke nc ol ds howe r s ,a ndi tha s n' the l pe d.Fort hes e c ondt i meI ' vef or got t e nI ' m apr of e s s i ona l ,a ndi t ' s be c a us eofyou.Aga i n. " " Skye —" Hes hi f t e doneha ndt ohe rf a c e ,hol di nghe ra si ft oke e phe rs t i l le ve nt houghs heha dn' tmove d." Whyc a n' tIf i ndi t ? "he mut t e r e da l mos tt oh i ms e l f . " Wha t ? "Shewa sbe wi l de r e d. Wi t houta ns we r i ng,hebe nthi she a da ndf i t t e dhi smout ht ohe r si nave r yde l i be r a t emove me nt .Hi sha nds l i da r oundt ot he ba c kofhe rhe a d ,l ongf i nge r st a ngl i ngi nhe rha i ra shet ookhe rmout hwi t hut t e rc onf i de nc e . Ka t r i nar e c ogni z e dt ha tma l ec e r t a i nt yi nhi m,buts hec oul dn' tde nyi tbe c a us eheha de ve r yr e a s ont obes ur eofhe r r e s pons e .Shewa sc omi nga pa r ti ns i de ,me l t i ngi nt hes t a r khe a tofhe rne e da ndhi s ,a ndi nt hene wf ounda wa r e n e s sofhe r ownl ovea nove r whe l mi ngde s i r ef orhi mj ol t e dt hr oughhe rl i kepur ef l a me .He rf i nge r sdugi nt ot heha r dmus c l e sofhi sba c k, he rbodya r c he di nt ohi si nadr i ve nne e dt obec l os e r ,a ndas oundl i keapr i mi t i vewa l lofde s pe r a t i onknot t e di nt heba c kof he rt hr oa t . I tha dne ve rbe e nl i ket hi sbe f or e ,a nds hes ur r e nde r e dt oi t ,a ndhi m,be c a us et he r ewa snoc hoi c el e f tt ohe r .Wi t ha n e a ge r ne s ss hec oul dn' tf i ghtorhi de ,he rmout hc a mewi l dl ya l i vebe ne a t hhi s ,he ra r mst i ght e ne da r oundhi m,a ndt hes of t c ont our sofhe rb odymol de dt he ms e l ve st ohi sha r dl e ngt h. Skyel i f t e dhi she a da br upt l y,hi se ye sbl a z i ngI nawa ys he ' dne ve rs e e nbe f or e ." Ikne wi t , "hes a i dt hi c kl y,s a t i s f a c t i on a nda ne mot i ons hec oul dn' tna mer i ngi ngi nhi svoi c e . Ka t r i r i awa st ooda z e dt os a ya nyt hi nga ta l l ,a nds hec oul donl yga s pwhe nhel i f t e dhe re a s i l yi nt ohi sa r msa ndc a r r i e dhe r i nt ohe rbe dr oom.Shewa sbur ni ng,outofc ont r ol ,a nda tt ha tmome nts henol onge rc a r e dwhyhewa nt e dhe rorhowl onghe woul dwa nthe r ;hewa nt e dhe rnow,a ndt ha twa se nough. Hel owe r e dhe rt ohe rf e e tbe s i det hebe d,hi sha ndsgoi ngi ns t a nt l yt ot hehe mofhe rs hi r ta ndpul l i ngi tqui c kl yupa nd ove rhe rhe a d.Thes hi r twa st os s e dc a r e l e s s l ya s i de ,a ndKa t r i naf e l the rbr af a l la wa ybe f or ehi swa r m,ha r dha ndss ur r ounde d he rna ke dbr e a s t s .He rf i nge r sc l ut c he da thi smus c l e da r ms ,a nds hes wa ye dt owa r dhi m,as of tmoa nbr e a ki ngf r omhe rl i psa s he rbodyr e s ponde dvi ol e nt l yt ohi st ouc h. Skyema dear oughs ounda ndki s s e dhe r ,hi smout hhotwi t hde ma nda shi sha ndss l i ddownt oc opef e ve r i s hl ywi t ht he s na pofhe rj e a n s .Thehe a vyde ni m wa spus he ddownove rhe rhi ps ,f ol l owe dqui c kl ybyhe rwi s pypa nt i e s ,a ndKa t r i na a ut oma t i c a l l ys t e ppe df r e eoft hema t e r i a lt ha tpool e da r oundhe rf e e t . Asdr i ve na shewa s ,s het ugge da thi sTs hi r t ,he l pi nghi mt ope e li tof fove rhi she a d,a nds heba r e l yha dhi sj e a ns unf a s t e ne dwhe nhes hove dt he m downa ndki c ke dt he m vi ol e nt l ya s i de .I twa sKa t r i nawhos t e ppe dba c ka ndf e l lont ot he be d,pul l i nghi m wi t hhe ra ndunc onc e r ne dt ha thi swe i ghtc oul dha vehur the r .ButSkyec a ughtmos tofhi swe i ghtonhi s

e l bows ,s t i l lki s s i nghe rvi ol e nt l y.The r ewa snot i mef orge nt l e ne s s ,a ndnode s i r ef ori ti ne i t he roft he m.Andt he r ewa sno ne e df orpr e l i mi na r i e s ,be c a us eKa t r i nawa sr e a dyf orhi m,de s pe r a t ef orhi m,a nds hec oul dn' twa i t .Shewa nt e dhi mnow,r i ght now,t hei mpe r a t i vec r a vi ngf orhi spos s e s s i onove r powe r i nga ndt or me nt i ng.Sher e t ur ne dhi ski s s e swi t ht hes a mes e a r i ng hunge rhedi s pl a ye d,a ndhe rl e gswe r ea l r e a dya pa r t ,wr a ppi nga r oundhi m,he rbodywr i t hi ngbe ne a t hhi m. Shec r i e doutwi l dl ya shee nt e r e dhe rwi t hapowe r f ult hr us t ,t hes e ns a t i onbr i e f l yunf a mi l i a ra nds hoc ki ng.I tha dbe e na l ongt i mef orhe r ,a n dhewa sabi gma ni ne ve r ywa y,buthe rbodya dj us t e dqui c kl yi ni t sownhe a t e dne e d,a nds hemoa ne da s s hef e l thi mt hr obbi ngi ns i dehe r .Thr ought hemi s t sofhe rur ge nc ys hes a whi sf a c e ,t a uta nda l mos ts a va ge ,a ndt he nt hef i r e i nhe rwa sbur ni ngoutofc ont r ola nds hewa smovi ngwi t hhi m,ma t c hi nghi sr a wf or c e ,ha r dl ya wa r eoft hes oundst e a r i ng f r omhe rt hr oa t . I twa squi c ka ndha r da ndpr i mi t i ve ,a ndwhe nr e l e a s ec a mei tl e f tt he ms hudde r i nga nds out t e r l ydr a i ne dt ha tne i t he rof t he mc oul dmovef o ral ongt i me .Whe nhedi dmove ,Skyes i mpl yr ol l e ds ot ha ts hel a yont opofhi m,a ndl i ket ha t ,t he i r bodi e sc ool i nga nds t i l le nt a ngl e d,t he ybot hs l e ptde e pl y. *** Ka t r i nawokes l owl ybuts hema denoe f f or tt omove .Shel i s t e ne dt ohi she a r tbe a ts t e a di l y,a wa r eofhi spowe r f ula r ms wr a ppe df i r ml ya r oundhe ra ndoft hes l owr i s ea ndf a l lofhi sc he s tbe ne a t hhe rc he e k.Hi sbi g,ha r dbodywa sas ur pr i s i ngl y c omf or t a bl ebe d,a nds hene ve rwa nt e dt omove . Buthe rmi ndr e f us e dt of l oa tl a z i l yf orl ong,a ndwhe ns her e me mbe r e dhe rownpa s s i on,s hoc kmi ngl e dwi t h a s t oni s hme nt .Ha dt ha tbe e ns he ?Tha twi l dwoma ns ode s pe r a t ewi t hne e ds heha dpr a c t i c a l l yr i ppe dhi sc l ot he sof f ?He ha dn' te ve nha dt ode ma ndt het ot a ls ur r e nde rbe c a us es he ' dof f e r e di tmi ndl e s s l y. Andwha tnow?Shef e l tac hi l loff e a r ,wonde r i ngI fhewoul dl e a vehe r .Wonde r i ngi ft ha tf i e r y,pr i mi t i vej o i ni ngha d pur g e dhi m ofhe ronc ea ndf ora l l .Shebi the rl i pa ndunc ons c i ous l yr ubbe dhe rc he e ka ga i ns tt hes of tpe l tofbl a c kha i r be ne a t hi t ,a c hi n gI ns i de . Buts hewoul dn' tl e thi ms e et ha ta c he .Shewa sapr oudwoma n,as ur vi vor ,a nds hewoul dde a lwi t ht hea ngui s hofl os i ng hi ma ss heha da l wa ysde a l twi t hpa i na ndl os s .Al one .Al r e a dy,s hewa sc a l l i ngont hes t r e ngt ht ha tha ds e e nhe rt h r ought he l a s ts i xye a r s ,hol di ngt i ght l yt oe ve r ys hr e dofdi gni t y. Skyemove dt he n,a nds hef oundhe r s e l fonhe rba c kga z i ngupa thi ma shel e a ne dona ne l bowa bovehe r .Thef a i nts mi l e c ur vi nghi sl i psma dehe rhe a r tc a t c hbe c a us ei the l ds uc hut t e rs a t i s f a c t i on,a ndhe re ye ss ki t t e r e da wa yf r omhi s ,bo t hs hya nd gua r de d.Woul dhes a yi tnow? " Looka tme , "heor de r e ds of t l y. Shedi d,wa t c hi nghi ss mi l edi ea ndt ha tha r d,s e a r c hi nggl i t t e rr e t ur nt ohi se ye s .I tbe wi l de r e dhe r . " Don' thi def r omme . "Hi svoi c ewa ss udde nl ygut t ur a l ,a n daf r owndr e whi sbr owst oge t he r ." Iwon' tl e tyou.Notnow. " " Idon' tknowwha tyoume a n, "s hewhi s pe r e d. Hes t a r e da the rf oramome nt ,t he nbe nthi she a da ndki s s e dhe rs ode e pl ys hewa ss ha ki ngwhe ni tf i na l l ye nde d." Tha t ' s be t t e r , "hes a i d,hi sl i psmovi ngove rhe rt hr oa t . Ka t r i nadi dn' tknowwha thewa st a l ki nga bout ,butt hos es e a r c hi ngl i pswe r et r a i l i ngf i r ewhe r e ve rt he yt ouc he d,a ndt he e mbe r si ns i dehe rwe r ebe gi nni ngt ogl ow wi t hr e ne we dhe a t .I tc oul dn' tbei mpor t a nta nywa y,s het hought ,he rf i nge r s c ompul s i ve l ypr obi nghi ss houl de r sa ndba c k.Asl onga shewa s n' tgoi ngt ol e a vehe rr i ghta wa y,not hi nge l s ewa si mpor t a nt . Hi sl i pswe r emovi ngove rhe rbr e a s t bonenow,a ndhi sbi gha nds l i dupove rhe rqui ve r i ngs t oma c ha nds l o wl yc l os e d a r oundones we l l i ngmound.Shega s pe d,bl i nki nga tt hes udde nwa veofdi z z i ne s sa ndhe a t ,f or ge t t i nge ve r yt hi ngbutt he s e ns a t i onshewa sa r ous i ngi nhe rbody. Skye ' she a dl i f t e dbr i e f l y,hi se ye ss t a bbi ngi nt ohe r s ,a ndhemut t e r e dt hi c kl y," Muc hbe t t e r , "be f or el owe r i nghi sl i pst o he rbr e a s ta ga i n .Shewa s n' thi di ngf r om hi m now,he ra mbe re ye sf l i c ke r i ngwi t hs mol de r i ngi nt e ns i t y,he rl ove l yf a c e a wa k e ni ng,gr owi nga bs or be di npa s s i o n,a ndhewa sde t e r mi ne dt oma kec e r t a i ns hec oul dn' ts l i pe l us i ve l ya wa yf r om hi m a ga i n. Tha tr e t r e a tha dc uthi ml i keakni f e ,e s pe c i a l l ya f t e rt hewi l dl ove ma ki ngt he y' ds ha r e d,a ndheha dbe e nc ons c i ousoft he f i e r c ede s i r et odr i vehe rc r a z ywi t hwa nt i nghi m,j us ta shewa sc r a z ywi t hwa nt i nghe r .Onl yt hes ha r pe s te dgeofh i sne e dha d be e nbl unt e d,a ndheme a ntt ol ovehe rs l owl yt hi st i mea ndge tr e a c qua i nt e dwi t hhe rbody. Lor d,s hewa sbe a ut i f ul !Sheha da l lt hes l e nde r ne s sofamode l ,ye the rs l i mbodywa sc ur ve di na l lt her i ghtpl a c e s .He r br e a s t sf i thi sha ndspe r f e c t l y,t hec or a lni ppl e ss os e ns i t i vet ohi st ouc ht ha tamoa nj e r ke df r omhe rl i pswhe nhet ugge da t t he mge nt l y.Hewa t c he dt hos er e s pons i vebudst i ght e ni nt oha r dpoi nt sa shes t r oke dt he mwi t hhi st humbs ,a ndhi sownbody t a ut e ne da ndpul s e dhe a vi l ya shea r ous e dhe r . " Skye , "s hemur mur e dt hr oa t i l y,a r c hi ngupt of i the rbr e a s t smor ef i r ml yi nt ohi sc a r e s s i ngha nds . " Te l lmeyouwa ntme , "heor de r e dI nar a s pi ngvoi c e ,be ndi nghi she a dt ot e a s eas t i f f e ne dni ppl ewi t hhi sl i ps . He rna i l sdugi nt ohi ss houl de r sa ndhe re ye swe r ea l i ghtnow,l i keac a t ' si nt heda r k,f i e r c ea ndunt a me d." Iwa ntyou, "s he whi s pe r e dr a gge dl y. Hec ont i nue dt ot e a s e ,hi st onguef l i c ki nghe rs e ns i t i vef l e s h,hi sf i nge r skne a di ngi nas l ow,l a z ymot i on.Butas t r a ngl e d, i mpa s s i one ds ou ndf r om he rs na ppe dat hr e a dofhi sc ont r ol ,a ndhi smout hc l os e dhot l yove rhe rni ppl e .Hec oul df e e lhe r s ha k i ng,a ndhe rde e pmoa nofpl e a s ur ema dehi she a r tha mme rvi ol e nt l ya ga i ns thi sr i bs .Oneofhi sha ndss l i ddownove rhe r wr i t hi ngbody,a ndt hes of t ne s soft her e dc ur l shef ounda tt heba s eofhe rbe l l yya nke dagr oa nf r omde e pi nhi sc he s t . " Now? "hede ma nde dur ge nt l y,r a i s i nghi she a ds ohec oul dga z ei nt ohe rwi l de ye s .Hec oul df e e lhe rr e a di ne s s ,hi sf i nge r s pr ob i nghe rs l i c khe a t ,a ndt hepowe rofhi sownne e dwa ss na ppi ngt her e ma i ni ngt hr e a dsofhi sc ont r ol . Shet ugge da thi ss houl de r smut e l y,a l mos ts obbi ngwhe nhes pr e a dhe rl e gsa ndmove dbe t we e nt he m.Hegr i t t e dhi st e e t h, f i ght i nge ve r yi n s t i nc tur gi nghi mt obur yhi ms e l fi nhe rbe c a us et hes he e rpl e a s ur eofs l owl ye nt e r i nghe rbodywa sdr i vi ng hi mt ot hee dgeofma dne s s .Andwhe nhes e t t l e df i na l l ya ga i ns the r ,de e pl yi ns i dehe r ,s hehe l dhi mi nahot ,ve l ve t yc l a s pt ha t s e nts hudde r sofe c s t a s yr i ppl i ngt hr oughhi m.

He rl i psc ur ve di nas l ow,mys t e r i ousf e ma l es mi l et ha the l dnot hi ngofr e s e r veorc ompos ur e ,a ndhe ra r mst i ght e ne d a r oundhi mi nunc ons c i ouspos s e s s i on,he rhi psl i f t i ngi ns t i nc t i ve l yt ot a kea l lofhi m.Het a ngl e dhi sf i nge r si nhe rf i e r yha i r a ndki s s e dhe ra ga i na nda ga i n,c a t c hi ngt hes of twhi mpe r st ha te s c a pe dhe ra shebe ga nmovi ng,a tf i r s ts l owl ya ndt he nwi t h ga t he r i ngs pe e da ndf or c e . Skyewa soutofc ont r ola ga i n,a nds omedi mpa r tofhi mr e c ogni z e dt ha thea l wa yswoul dbewi t hhe r ,t ha thi sne e df orhe r wa st oopr i ma lt oa l l owc ons t r a i nt s .I tbur ne di ns i dehi m,s e a r e da l lhi ss e ns e s ,f r a nt i ca nds a va ge ,a ndt hehoa r s es oundst ha t t or et he i rwa yo utofhi st i ghtt hr oa twe r ea l mos ts obs .Hepul l e dhe rl e gshi ghe ra r oundhi ma nddr ovede e pe ri nt ohe r we l c omi nghe a t ,bl i ndt oe ve r yt hi ngbuthi sownc r i t i c a lne c e s s i t ya ndt hewoma nwhoma t c he dhi sde ma ndwi t ha ne qua l , pa s s i ona t ene e dofhe rown. The ns hes t i f f e ne dwi t ha ni nc ohe r e ntc r y,a ndt hes t r ongi nne rc ont r a c t i onsofhe rpl e a s ur ec a ughthi mi nami ndnumbi ng c a r e s s .Hegr oa ne dr a gge dl y,hi ss e ns e se xpl odi ngwi t havi ol e nc et ha twa sl i kedyi ng,a ndl os thi ms e l fi nhe r . *** Whe nhec oul dbr e a t hea ga i n,Skyer a i s e dhi ms e l fs l owl yonhi se l bows ,c onc e r ne dt ha thewa st oohe a vyf orhe r .Buts he woul dn' tl e thi ml e a vehe r ,he rs l e nde rl e gst i ght e ni nga r oundhi ma ndamumbl e dpr ot e s te s c a pi nghe r .Hef r a me dhe rf a c ei n hi sh a nds ,hi st humbss moot hi ngt hef l us he d,s a t i nys ki n,a ndhec oul df e e lhe rf i nge r smovi ngl a z i l yi nhi sha i r .He re ye s ope ne ds l owl y,da r ke ne dnow,a ndhes e a r c he dt he mwi t ha ne a ge r ne s st ha twa sa l mos tpa i nf ul . She ' ss t i l lwi t hme .Shei s n' thi di ng. Heki s s e dt hes wol l e nc ur veofhe rl i ps ,t he nt het i pofhe rnos ewhe r et het hr e ef r e c kl e sbe c kone d." I t ' sagoodt hi ngyou ha vet heda yof f , "hes a i d. Shebl i nke d,a ndt hee bbi ngf l us hofpa s s i onwe l l e dba c kupi nhe rc he e ksf ora not he rr e a s on.I na nunc e r t a i nvoi c es he s a i d," Wec a n' ts t a yhe r ea l lda y. " " Whynot ? "Hepus he dal oc koff i e r yha i rba c kof fhe rda mpf or e he a d,s mi l i ngj us tal i t t l e .Buthi se ye swe r ewa t c hf ul . Ka t r i nawa st ooc ons c i ousoft hes t a r kl yi nt i ma t ewe i ghtofhi sha r d,he a vybodyc ove r i nghe rownt obea bl et or e s ur r e c t he rwa r i ne s s ,a nda f t e rwha tt he yha ds ha r e donhe rbe ds hewa st oohone s tt opr e t e nds hyne s s .He rl ovewo u l dr e ma i n uns poke n,buti ft hi spowe r f ul ,r e l e nt l e s spa s s i onc oul dke e phi m wi t hhe rawhi l el onge r ,s hewa sboundbyt ha tl ovet o c he r i s he ve r ymome nt . Shel i f t e dhe rhe a df r om t hepi l l owa ndki s s e dhi m,he rt ongueda nc i ng,t e a s i ng,a ndwhe nhec a ughthi sbr e a t ha ndhi s a r mswr a ppe da r oundhe r ,s hef e l tas t a bofpl e a s ur eI nt heknowl e dget ha ts hec oul de xc i t ehi ms oi ns t a nt l y." Whynot ? "s he a gr e e dhus ki l ya ga i ns thi smout h. Hel a ughe d,ar oughs ound,a ndhi st e e t hni ppe dhe rbot t oml i pge nt l y." Al lda y—a nda l lni ght .I nf a c t ,s we e t he a r t ,i t ' dt a ke ade t e r mi ne da r myt oke e pmeoutofyourbe dnow. " Ka t r i nae r e c t e do nl yoneba r r i e ri nhe rmi nd,hi di n gbe hi ndt ha tonl yhe rl ovea ndi ne vi t a bl epa i nf ult hought sa boutaf ut ur e wi t houthi m.Smi l i ngupa thi sI nt e ntf a c e ,s hes a i d," Idon' tt hi nkIc oul dmovea nywa y. "Ands hepr ot e s t e dwor dl e s s l ywhe n hemove di ns t e a dt os l owl ywi t hdr a wf r omhe r . He rdi s a ppoi nt me ntwa sbr i e f ,howe ve r ,be c a us ehei mme di a t e l yga t he r e dhe ri nt ohi sa r msa ndc a r r i e dhe ri nt ot hebr i ght , s pa c i ousba t hr oom.Heha dne ve rc a r r i e dhe rs i xye a r sbe f or e ,a nds hewa sbot hs ur pr i s e da ndmove dbyt hec ur i ouse mot i ons hi se a s ys t r e ngt ha wokei nhe r ;s hef e l ts ma l la ndf r a gi l e ,a ndoddl yc a r e df ore ve nt houghhewa s n' te s pe c i a l l yge nt l ewi t hhe r . Ands hewa s n' t ,t hi st i me ,s ur pr i s e dbyt hei ne xor a bl ebui l di ngofhe a tt ha tha dl i t t l et odowi t ht hehotwa t e rs t r e a mi ngove r t he ma st he ys t oodi nt hegl a s s e di ns howe rs t a l l .Shedi df i ndamome ntt oma r ve la thi sa ppa r e nt l yl i mi t l e s se ne r g y,butt he s oa p yha ndsmovi ngs l owl yove rhe rwe tbodyve r ys oons t ol ehe ra bi l i t yt ot hi nka ta l l . St a ndi ngs oc l os et ohi m,na ke dl yvul ne r a bl e ,s hewa sa ga i nc ons c i ousofhi si mme ns ephys i c a ls t r e ngt h.Hec oul dbr e a k he rs oe a s i l y,s h er e a l i z e dva gue l y,he rt r e mbl i ngf i nge r sc ompul s i ve l ys t r oki ngove rt het hi c k,we tpe l tofbl a c kha i ronhi s c he s t ,hi sr i bs ,a ndha r d,f l a ts t oma c h.Heha dana t ur a l ,a l mos tpr i ma lf or c et ha tf e wme nc oul dboa s tof ,t heki ndt ha twoul d r e qui r eac ons c i ousa ndi r onwi l lt ot e mpe r . Andt houghhewa s n' tge nt l ewi t hhe r ,henone t he l e s sr e i ne dt ha tvi t a ls t r e ngt h.Heha ndl e dhe rbodywi t hhunge r ,ye t de s p i t et ha ts t a r kl ys a va gene e dheha dnotonc ehur the r . Heha dwa s he dhe rha i r ,s oa pi nga ndr i ns i ng,hi sl ongf i nge r ss opl e a s ur a bl es hea l mos tpur r e da l oud.The n,l umi nouse ye s i nt e nt ,ut t e r l ys i l e nt ,hebe ga ns t r oki nghe rbodys l owl y.Le a ni ngba c ka ga i ns thi m,he re ye sc l os e d,Ka t r i naf e l tt hes l i ppe r y c a r e s sofhi sha n dsa st he yl i nge r i ngl ys oa pe dhe rs we l l i ng,a c hi ngbr e a s t s ,a ndhots hi ve r sc our s e dt hr oughhe r . He rha ndswe ntba c kbyr e f l e xt obr a c ehe r s e l f ,a ndhe rf i nge r sc l os e dove rt heha r dmus c l e sofhi st hi ghs ,c l e nc hi ngwhe n hi sc a r e s s e smove ddownove rhe rr i bsa nds t oma c h.Thepul s i nga c hebe t we e nhe rl e gswa sas we e tt or me nt ,a ndwhe nhi s pa l mc ove r e dhe rs hea l mos tc ol l a ps e d,moa ni ng. Skyemut t e r e ds o me t hi ng,l owa ndr ough,a nda br upt l yt ur ne dhe ra r oundt of a c ehi m.Hepul l e dhe rha r da ga i ns thi m,hi s ha ndss l i di ngdownhe rba c kt ohe rbut t oc ks ,l i f t i nghe r .Ka t r i naf e l tt hec oolt i l ewa l la ga i ns the rba c k,a ndhe rbodyr e s ponde di ns t a nt l y,a sa l wa ys ,t ohi spot e ntur ge nc y.He rl e gspa r t e df orhi mj e r ki l y,a ndhe rs t r a ngl e dc r yl os tI t s e l fi nhi s mout ha shet hr us tvi ol e nt l yi nt ohe r . Shec l ungt ohi m,ha l fs obbi nga tt hea l mos tpuni s hi ngf or c ehe rbodya c c e pt e da ndc r a ve dmor eof .Ande ve na st hehot f r i c t i onoft he i rpa s s i onpus he dt he mr a pi dl yt ot hebr i nka ndove r ,s hef a c e dt hes t a r kt r ut ht ha twha ts hef e l tf orhi mwa smor e t ha nl ove ,f a rmo r eba s i ct ha nde s i r e .Hewa she rma t c h,he rma t e ,s hebe l onge dt ohi mbodya nds pi r i t ,a ndhe rwo ma n' sbody ha dknownt ha twi t ht hei ns t a nt ,s oul de e ps hoc kofr e c ogni t i on. Hec oul dde s t r oyhe r . *** Al mos tt wohour sl a t e rKa t r i nas l i ppe df r omt hewi l dl ymus s e dbe da ndf oundat e r r yr obei nhe rc l os e t ,be i nga squi e ta s pos s i bl es os hewou l dn' twa keSkye .Hewa ss l e e pi ngde e pl y,hi sl e a nf a c er e l a xe da ndvul ne r a bl e ,a nds hepa us e dt ol ooka t

hi mf oral ongmome ntbe f or el e a vi ngt hebe dr ooma nde a s i ngt hedoorc l os e dbe hi ndhe r . Agl a nc ea tt hewa l lc l oc ki nhe rki t c he ne t t et ol dhe ri twa smi da f t e r noon,a ndapa ngf r omhe rs t oma c ht ol dhe rs hewa s hungr y.He rc upboa r d,howe ve r ,wa ss ome wha tba r es i nc ei twa se a s i e rf orhe rt oe a tmos tofhe rme a l si nt hehot e l ' s r e s t a ur a nt s .Sher e t ur ne dt ot hede na ndc a l l e dr ooms e r vi c e ,or de r i ngc of f e ea ndf ood.Pl e nt yofi t . Skyewa ss t i l la s l e e pwhe nt heor de ra r r i ve d,buthec a meoutoft hebe dr oomaf e wmi nut e sl a t e r ,we a r i ngonl yhi sj e a ns ,t o f i ndKa t r i nac ur l e duponac or ne roft hec ouc hs i ppi ngc of f e e . Hel e a ne dove rt heba c koft hec ouc ha ndt i ppe dhe rf a c eupwi t honeha nd,ki s s i nghe r ." He l l o, "hes a i d." Yout a s t eof c of f e e ,s we e t he a r t . " Shel i f t e dhe rc upi nas ma l ls a l ut e ,s mi l i ng." Ior de r e ds omef ood.Wemi s s e dl unc h. " " Tha t , "hes a i d," i sama t t e rofopi ni on.ButIa mhungr y.Ha veyoue a t e nye t ? " " No.Iwa i t e df oryou. "Shewa t c he dhi mmoveove rt ot hec a r thol di ngc ove r e ddi s he s ,a ndapa ngs ha r pe rt ha na nys he ' d e ve rknownma dehe rc a t c hhe rbr e a t hi ns i l e nta ngui s h. Wha twa si tDa neha ds a i d?Tha thi sbr ot he rne e de ds ome onet oc a r ef orhi ms ot ha the ' ds t opa ndt hi nkbe f or er i s ki nghi s ne c k?He rl ovef orhi mwe ntt hr oughhe rl i keakni f e ,a nds hegr i t t e dhe rt e e t ht ohol dba c kt hewi l dc r y. Ic ar e !

Fi ve " Ar eyougoi ngt oi nvi t emet omovei nhe r ewi t hyou? "hea s ke dbl unt l yawhi l el a t e ra st he ymove da wa yf r omt hes ma l l t a bl ei nhe rki t c he n. Ka t r i naha dhe rba c kt ohi m,a nds hewa sgl a doft ha t .Shewe ntt ooneoft hewi dewi ndowsa nds t oodga z i ngoutont he hugepa r ks pr e a doutbe l ow.Af t e ramome nt ,i nf us i nghe rvoi c ewi t hdr yne s s ,s hes a i d," Ar eyougoi ngt owa i tf ora n i nvi t a t i on? " " No. " " Idi dn' tt hi nks o. " " Youdon' tha vet ot e l lmemyma nne r sa r er ot t e n. "The r ewa sapa us e ,a ndt he nhemove dupbe hi ndhe ra nds l i dhi sa r ms a r oundhe r ,pul l i ngh e rba c ka ga i ns thi m.Andhi svoi c ewa snol onge ra mus e dwhe nhes a i d," As kmet os t a y,Tr i na . " Shewonde r e dva gue l yi ft he r ewoul de ve rc omeat i mewhe ns hedi dn' tgowe a ka thi ss i mpl e s tt ouc h,a ndkne wt he a ns we r .Somel a s tv e s t i geofpr i dema dehe rvoi c el i ght ." Is uppos ei twoul dbes t upi dt oke e pyourr oomwhe ni ti s n' tne e de d. AndHa ge nwon' tbes ur pr i s e d;Ihe a rhe ' sc omet oe xpe c thi sa ge nt st oge ti nvol ve dwi t hwome n. " " Da mnHa ge n. "Skyet ur ne dhe ra r ound,hi sha ndsha r donhe rs houl de r s ." Ar eyous a yi ngyoudon' twa ntmehe r e ? " Shega z e dupi nt ohi si nt e ns evi ol e te ye s ,a ga i nba f f l e dbyt hes e a r c hi ngl ookt he yc ont a i ne d.St i l lc l i ngi ngt ohe rs hr e dof di gni t y,s hema na ge dal a ugh." Youknowt het r ut hoft ha t ,a ndwhys houl dIde nyi t ?Don' twor r y,t hough,Skye .Th i spa s s i on ofour si st oopo we r f ult ol a s tve r yl ong.I t ' l lbur ni t s e l foutqui t es oon,Ie xpe c t . " Hi smout ht i ght e ne d." Doyou? " Ka t r i nas mi l e de a s i l y,t heout wa r dc a l mhi di nghe rde s pe r a t ei nne rs t r uggl et ohol dont os ome t hi ngs hec oul dbel e f twi t h whe nhewa sgone .Eve ni fi twoul donl ybepr i de ." Na t ur a l l y.Anyf i r edi e sonc et hef ue li sgone .Wi t houtl ove ,pa s s i on doe s n' tl a s t . "Shewi nc e dwhe nhi sha ndst i ght e ne d. " Sowi s e , "hemoc ke dhe rha r s hl y." Expe r i e nc e ,Tr i na ? " Ka t r i naf e l taf l i c ke rofpa i ne ve nt houghs hewa st oof a mi l i a rbynowwi t hhi ss us pi c i ousna t ur et obemuc hhur tbyi t ." I t ol dyout he r eha s n' tbe e na nyonee l s e . " " AndIbe l i e ve dyou.Iwonde ri fIs houl dha ve . " Shega z e da thi ms t e a di l y." Tha t ' supt oyou. " Hi sha ndsl i f t e dt ohe rf a c ea st he ys oof t e ndi d,hol di nghe rs t i l lf orhi ss e a r c hi ngs c r ut i nya si fs hewe r et r yi n gt oe s c a pe hi m." Whe r edoyougo? "hemut t e r e d. Shebl i nke d,butc oul dn' ta ns we rt heque s t i one v e ni fs he ' dunde r s t oodi t .Heki s s e dhe rbe f or es hec oul ds pe a k ,hi smout h hota ndde ma ndi ng.Ka t r i naha dbe e nc ons c i ousofal a ngui dphys i c a lwe a r i ne s sunt i lt he n,buta tt hef i r s tt ouc hofhi sl i ps s ha r pener gywe ntt hr oughhe rl i keaj ol tofe l e c t r i c i t ya ndhe rbodyc a mea l i ve .Shef e l ti ta l love r ,he rbr e a s t ss we l l i ng,ni ppl e st i ght e ni ng,a bur s tofhe a tde e pi nhe rbe l l y,a ndhe rl e gswe ntwe a ka ndbe ga nt r e mbl i ng.

I na na br uptmove me ntSkyee nde dt heki s s ,r a i s i nghi she a da nds t a r i ngdowna the r .Hi snos t r i l swe r ef l a r i ngi nal ook t ha twa sa l mos ts a va ge ,a ndwhe nher e l e a s e dhe ra nds t e ppe dba c k,hi svi vi de ye sr a ke dhe rbodyi naha r da ppr a i s a l . Ka t r i nakne wt h a the rt hi nt e r r yr obehi dl i t t l e ,t ha the rbody' sr e s pons et ohi m wa sobvi ous .Sheputoutaha ndt ot he wi ndowf r a met os t e a dyhe r s e l f ,l ooki nga thi mwi t hhe l pl e s sl ongi ng.Di dhi sha r df a c es of t e n?Shec oul dn' tbes ur e . " Nowa s kmet os t a y, "heor de r e di nada r ka ndve l ve t yvoi c e . " St a y. "I twa sl e s saque s t i ont ha napl e a ,a ndhe rvoi c ewa sa l mos ti na udi bl e ,s ha ki ng.Hec oul d,s het houghtdi ml y,ha ve t het r i umphI fhewa nt e di t . Skyel i f t e doneha nda ndc uppe dhe rc he e kbr i e f l y." I ' l lgoa ndge tmyt hi ngs . "Het ur ne da wa yf r om he ra nd,wi t hout bot he r i ngt oputons hoe soras hi r t ,l e f the rs ui t e . Shes t oodwhe r es hewa sf oral ongmome nt .I twa sodd,s het hought ,butheha dn' ts e e me dt r i umpha nta the rt ot a lI na bi l i t y t owi t hs t a ndhi m.Sa t i s f i e d,ye s .butmi xe dwi t ht ha tve r yma l ec ompl a c e nc yha dbe e ns ome t hi nge l s e ,s ome t hi ngs hec oul dn' t I de nt i f y.Hur t ?Butt ha tdi dn' tma kes e ns e...unl e s shewa sbe gi nni ngt oc a r ef orhe r . Ka t r i naf e l the rhe a r ta l mos ts t op.Wa si tpos s i bl e ?Hewa st ooc ompl e xt or e a de a s i l y;de s pi t ehi squi c kt e mpe ra nd s e e mi ngl yvol a t i l emoods wi ngs ,s hekne wt ha tmuc hofSkyel a ybe ne a t hhi sc ompe l l i ngs ur f a c e .Si xye a r sbe f or eheha dbe e n qui c kt ovoi c ehi sl o ve ,e ve ni mpe t uousi nhi swor dsa nda c t i ons ,s we e pi nghe ra l ongona ni r r e s i s t i bl et i de .Butt hi sol de r , mor ec ompl i c a t e dma n,s het hought ,wa sf a rmor egua r de da ndwa r yt ha nheha dbe e nt he n.Sheha dhur thi mba dl yonc e ,a nd e ve ni fs heha ds ome howma na ge dt ot ouc hhi she a r tt hi st i me ,hewoul dn' tbequi c kt oa dmi ti t .

Ther e a l i z a t i onga veKa t r i naas ur geofhope ,unt i ls her e me mbe r e dwha theha ds a i dt ohe ronl yda ysbe f or e . Idi de v e r y t hi ngIc oul dt of or ge ty ou.Ev e r y t hi n g.Butnot hi ngwor k e d,andIhat e dmy s e l ff ort hat .You' v ebe e nmyown pe r s onalde monf ors i xy e ar s ,Kat r i na,l oc k e di ns i demet oode e pl yt obet or nout . He rhopef a de d.Heha dt a l ke dofobs e s s i on,s het hought ,notl ove .Andheha dnots a i dordonea nyt hi ngs i nc et h e nt oma ke t hos ewor dsme a ni ngl e s s .Heha da s ke df oras e c ondc ha nc e ,ye s ,a ndha dbi de dhi st i mewi t hunus ua lpa t i e nc e .Andhewa s c l e a r l yde t e r mi ne dt oma kec e r t a i ns hec oul dn' tI gnor ehe rownne e df orhi m.Butnowor dofc a r i ngha dpa s s e dhi sl i ps ,a ndhe ha dne i t he rma depr omi s e snora s ke df ora ny. Ihat e dmy s e l ff ort hat . Coul ds hee ve rbea nyt hi ngt ohi me xc e pta nobs e s s i vene e dhewa sbe ntonr i ddi nghi ms e l fof ? Ka t r i nas hookof ft hepa i nf ulque s t i ona ndwe nts l owl yi nt ohe rbe dr oom.Sher e ma det hebe dwi t hf r e s hl i ne nsa ndpi c ke d upt hec l ot hi ngs t i l ll yi ngha pha z a r dl yont hef l oor .Hi ss hi r ts me l l e dofhi m,f a i nt l ymus kya nds hewa nt e dt obur yhe rf a c ei n i t . I di ot .Thei nne rs c or nwa sunr e a l ,a n ds hekne wi t .Shef e l tgr e e dyi nhe rl ove ,de s pe r a t et ot a kee ve r yt hi ngs hec oul d,t o s t or eme mor i e si nhe rmi nda ndhe a r t .Gr i ml ys hehungont ot het hr e a dofpr i de ,de t e r mi ne dt os ur vi vet hi si fs hec o u l d. . Shec ha nge di nt os hor t sa ndat hi nbl ous e ,t he nc a l l e ddownt oha vet her ooms e r vi c ec a r tt a ke na wa y.I twa samome nt a r y t e mpt a t i ont oa s kt oha vehe rki t c he ns t oc ke d,al uxur ypr ovi de dbyt hehot e lt ha ts heha dr a r e l yt a ke na dva nt a geo f ,butt he me nt a lI ma ge st ha te voke dma dehe rr e s i s t .Shea ndSkyewe r e n' tl i vi ngt oge t he r ,s her e mi nde dhe r s e l ff i e r c e l y.The ywe r e n' t ma r r i e d.Hewa sj us ts t a yi ngI nhe rs ui t ef ort hedur a t i onofhi sa s s i gnme nt .Pe r i od.Ands her e f us e dt obec oy,t opa i nta ni l l us i onofdome s t i c i t yb ypa nde r i ngt oal l t t l e wor na ni nt he kl t c he ni ma ge . As udde nme mor ybr oughthe rs e ns eofhumort ot her e s c uebe f or es hec oul dge tbogge ddowni ns e l f pi t y.Sh ewoul dn' t ha vebe e ni nt heki t c he na nywa y.Unl e s sheha df or got t e nmor ei ns i xye a r st ha ns heha dl e a r ne d,Skyewa samuc hbe t t e rc ook t ha ns hewa s . Shewa nde r e da r oundr e s t l e s s l yf orawhi l ea f t e rt her oom s e r vi c ewa i t e rl e f t .The na na br uptt houghts e nthe rt ot he t e l e phone ,a nds hec a l l e dt hehot e l ' ss wi t c hboa r d." Me ga n,i ft he r ea r ea nyc a l l sf orMr .Pr e s c ot t ,putt he mt hr ought ot hi s numbe r ,wi l lyou? " " Sur e ,Ka t r i na . "Me ga ngi ggl e ds udde nl y." Asama t t e roff a c t ,hea l r e a dyc a l l e dmea boutt ha t .Somewome nh a vea l lt he l uc k! " Ka t r i na ,whoha dke pthe rvoi c ec a l ma nddi gni f i e d,c l e a r e dhe rt hr oa ta nds a i d," We l l ,t ha nks ,Me ga n, "a ndqui c kl yhung up.Shes a ts t a r i nga tt hephone ,unc e r t a i ni fs hewa sa mus e dora nnoye dbySkye ' ss wi f ta c t i on.Pos s e s s i on,s hewo n de r e d,or pr of e s s i ona l i s m?Ha dhebe e nde t e r mi ne dt oa l e r tt hee nt i r ehot e lvi at het a l ka t i ves wi t c hboa r dope r a t ort ha theha dmove di n, orha dhet a ke nt ha ts t e ps i mpl youtofagooda ge nt ' spr e c a ut i on? Te nmi nut e sl a t e r ,wa t c hi nga sheme t hodi c a l l yunpa c ke dI nhe rbe dr oom,s heha dt oknow." It houghtHa ge nmi ghtt r yt o c a l lyou,s oIphone dt hes wi t c hboa r d.I ts e e msyouha dt hes a met hought .Me ga na l lbutc ongr a t ul a t e dme . " Hes t r a i ght e ne dwi t hhi ss ha vi ngki ti nhi sha nda ndt ur ne dt owa r dt heba t hr oom,s a yi ng," You' r eaf a l l e nwoma nnow. " Ka t r i nas t a r e da f t e rhi m,i r r i t a t e dbyt hes a t i s f a c t i oni nhi sc a l mvoi c e .Shewe ntt ohe rdr e s s e ra ndbe ga ns hi f t i ngs omeof he rc l ot hi ngt oma ker oomf orhi s ." Youdi dn' tha vet os houti tt ot hewhol epl a c e , "s hemut t e r e d. Comi ngba c ki nt ot hebe dr oom,hepa t t e dhe ront hef a nnya shepa s s e d." No? " Shegl a r e da thi sr e f l e c t i oni nt hemi r r orf oramome nt ,buthi squi c ks mi l edi s a r me dhe r .Hewa si nabe t t e rmoodt ha nhe ha dbe e n,s her e a l i z e d,a ndwonde r e di fs he ' de ve rf a t homhi m." No, "s her e t ur ne d,buti nami l de rvoi c e ." I tma yi nt e r e s tyou t oknowt ha ti t ' sawe l l knownf a c tIdon' ts l e e pwi t hgue s t s ,muc hl e s swhe nt he yha ve n' tbe e nhe r eawe e k. " Hes hr ugge d,buthewa ss t i l ls mi l i ng." Be t sha vebe e nonf ort woda ysnow.Ij us tt houghts ome bodys houl dwi nt heki t t y. " Thi st i meKa t r i nat ur ne da r oundt os t a r ea thi mr a t he rt ha na thi sr e f l e c t i on." Wha t ? " " Sur e . "Hi se ye swe r egl e a mi ngwi t ha mus e me nt ." Iwa s n' ts uppos e dt oknow,butDa net ol dmea bouti tye s t e r da y.Oneof t her oom s e r vi c ewa i t e r ss a whi m pr a c t i c i ngac r ooke dde a la nda s ke di fhel i ke dbe t t i ngpool s .Byt hewa y,t heoddswe r e r unn i ngs t r ongl yi nmyf a vor . " Shedi dn' tknowwhe t he rt os we a rorl a ugh." Ar eyout e l l i ngmet ha tt hes t a f fha sbe e nbe t t i ngonyourc ha nc e sofge t t i ng mei nt obe d? " " Ye s .Andt he ymus tha ves e e ns ome t hi ngIdi dn' t ;unt i lt hi smor ni ng,Iwa sa l mos tr e a dyt obe ta ga i ns tme . " Ka t r i nabi the rl i p,s t a r i nga thi m,t he ns udde nl yl a ughe d." Woul dyoul i ket owa ge rt ha tGi gidi dn' ts t a r ti t ? " Skyewa sl ooki nga the ri nt e nt l y,adi f f e r e nt ,s of t e rs mi l epl a yi nga r oundhi sf i r ml i ps ." No.Da net a ughtmel onga gone ve r t obe ta ga i ns tas ur et hi ng. " Wi t houtha vi ngnot i c e de i t he rhe rownl a ughorhi sr e a c t i ont oi t ,s hes hookhe rhe a da nds t e ppe dove rt opi c kupapi l eof hi ss hi r t sl yi ngo nt hebe d." I ' l lha vet oa s kGi giwhowon, "s hes a i ddr yl y." I ts houl dbei nt e r e s t i ng. " Hewa t c he dhe rpl a c et hes hi r t si nadr a we r ,c ons c i ousofade e ps ur geofs a t i s f a c t i on.Hi ss hi r t sl yi ngbe s i deas t a c kofhe r Ts h i r t s ,hi ss ha vi ngge a rs e tf i r ml ya monghe rpe r f ume sa ndba t hs oa ps .Heha df or c e dhe rt oa c c e pthi spr e s e nc ehe r e ,a ndhe da mne dwe l lme a ntt oputdownr oot sa ndma kes ur es her e a l i z e di t .I fheha dt os ha kehe rl oos ef r omt ha ts e c r e tpl a c ei ns i de he rhe a dadoz e nt i me sada y,he ' ddoi t . Andi twa s n' tj us tpa s s i ont ha tma dehe runa bl et ohi def r om hi m,t hought ha twa sas ur e f i r eme t hoda ndonehewa s pr e pa r e dt ous er ut hl e s s l y.Te mpe rdi di ta swe l l .Sheha dbe e na nnoye dbyhi spr e s umpt uousor de rt oha vehi sc a l l sr out e dt o he rnumbe r ;he rl ove l ye ye sha df l i c ke r e dwi t hi r r i t a t i ona ndt he r eha dbe e nade f i ni t es na pi nhe rvoi c e .Sheha dl a ughe d,t oo, r e l uc t a nt l ya mus e dbyt heknowl e dget ha tt hehot e l ' ss t a f fha dpl a c e dbe t sont hes t a t eofhe rvi r t ue . Shehadl a ughe d. Skyer e a c he douts udde nl ya ndpul l e dhe rI nt ohi sa r ms ,s mi l i ngdowna the rwhe nhe ra r mswe nti ns t a nt l ya r oundhi sne c k. " Whydi dyouge tdr e s s e d? "hea s ke d. Ka t r i naf l us he ds l i ght l ya ndc l e a r e dhe rt hr oa t ." We l l ,If e l tabi tr i di c ul ouswe a r i ngmyr obei nt hemi d dl eoft he a f t e r noon, "s hee xpl a i ne d.

" Is houl dhopeyo uwoul d. "Hebe ga ne xpl or i ngt hes of tf l e s hofhe rt hr oa t ." You' dbe t t e rwe a rnot h i nga ta l l . " Shec a ughthe rbr e a t h." I st ha ta nor de r ? " " Ye s , "hes a i d,unbut t oni nghe rbl ous ewi t hde l i be r a t i on. Ka t r i nat houghtva gue l ya boutt e l l i nghi mhec ou l dn' tor de rhe ra r ound,buti tdi dn' ts e e mve r yi mpor t a nt .Andwhe nhi sbi g ha ndss l i di ns i dehe rope ne dbl ous e ,s hef or gott ot hi nka ta l l . *** I twa sa f t e rmi dni ghtwhe nSkyee a s e df r omt hebe da nddr e s s e ds i l e nt l ywi t houtt ur ni ngont hel i ght s .Hewa sr e l uc t a ntt o l e a veKa t r i nae v e nf orac oupl eofhour s ,buta f t e rs pe ndi nga l lda ya ndha l ft heni ghtwi t hhe r ,hi spr of e s s i ona lr e s p o ns i bi l i t i e s we r ebe gi nni ngt ona ga thi m. Heha dde c i de dont heFe r r i swhe e l :i twa st i met os e tt hes t a gea ndpr e pa r ei tf orHa ge n' si ns pe c t i on. Heha dl e f thi sbr i e f c a s ebyt hedoor ,a ndpi c k e di tuponhi swa yout .Thehot e lwa spe a c e f ul ,t hought he r ewe r es t i l l pe opl es t i r r i ngi nt h el obby,a ndhet ookc a r et oma kehi se xi tunobt r us i ve .Dr e s s e di nt heda r kc l ot hi nghewor eha bi t ua l l y, e ve nwhe nhewa s n' ts kul ki nga tni ght ,Skyemove da wa yf r omt hehot e lbui l di ng,a voi di ngl i ght e dpa t hs .The r ewa sal oc ke d ga t ebe t we e nt hehot e lgr oundsa ndt hepa r ke nt r a nc e ;heha dake ya ndus e di ts wi f t l y. Fi f t e e nmi nut e sl a t e rhewa skne e l i ngbe s i det hel owe s tc a roft heFe r r i swhe e l .Thel a c kofbr i ghtl i ghtdi dn' thi nde rhi m s i nc eheha de xc e l l e ntni ghtvi s i on,a ndhequi c kl ygothi sbr i e f c a s eope ne d.Hes t a r t e dt or e a c hi nt ot hec a s ea ndt he nf r oz e ,a l l hi ss e ns e sf l a r i ng.Heha dhe a r dnot hi ng,but — Her e l a xe ds udde nl y.I nal owvoi c ehes a i d," Wh a t ' r eyoudoi ngouthe r e ? " " Ca met of i ndyou,ofc our s e .Ikne wyou' dbeouthe r et oni ght ,s i nc eyou' ds e t t l e dont heFe r r i swhe e l . "Da nema t e r i a l i z e d outoft heda r kn e s sa nda ppr oa c he dhi sbr ot he r .I twa sr a t he rs t a r t l i ngt ha theha dbe e npr a c t i c a l l yi nvi s i bl eunt i lc hoos i ngt o s howhi ms e l f ,be c a u s ehewa swe a r i ngl i ght c ol or e ds l a c ksa ndawhi t es hi r tt ha ts houl dha vema dehi mha r dt omi s s .ButSkye wa s n' ts ur pr i s e dbyt hes e e mi ngwi z a r dr y. Heha dhi ms e l fa dopt e dda r kc ol or sl a r ge l ybe c a us ehel a c ke dhi sbr ot he r ' spe c ul i a ra bi l i t yt os e e mt ova ni s hi nt ot he da r kne s sort hewoodwor kwhe nhec hos e .Da neha de xpl a i ne dt hepuz z l ebyt a l ki nga boutt hedi f f e r e nc ebe t we e nt he m. " You' r el i k ene on,andi ft he r e ' sanof fs wi t c h,y ouhav e n' tf oundi t . " Af t e rSkyeha dc ont r a s t e dhi sbr ot he r ' sut t e r l yt r a nqui ls ur f a c ewi t hhi sowni mpa t i e nc ea ndr e s t l e s s ne s s ,hea dmi t t e dt o hi ms e l ft ha tDa newa spr oba bl yr i ght .Ye a r sofdi s c i pl i neha dgi ve nDa net hea bi l i t yt oc l oa khi sownna t ur e ,butSkyeha d ne ve rgot t e nt hekna c koft ha ta nddoubt e dhee ve rwoul d. Now,a shi sbr ot he rkne l tbe s i dehi m,Skyer e a c he di nt ot hebr i e f c a s ea ndwi t hdr e wane a ts qua r eofma l l e a bl ema t e r i a l . " Whywe r eyoul ooki ngf orme ? "hea s ke d. " Ar eyous ur et ha ts t uf f ' si ne r t ? "Da nec ount e r e d,wa t c hi ngwi t hawa r yga z ea sSkye ' sl ongf i nge r sbe ga ns ha pi ngt he ma t e r i a l . Skyes e nthi mabr i e fs mi l e ." Mode l i ngc l a y,buti tl ooksl i ket her e a lt hi ng.I fHa ge ndoe s n' tt a kei ti nt ohi she a dt oge ta n a na l ys i s ,i t ' l lpa s smus t e r .Youdi dn' ta ns we rme . " " Ummm.Youwe r eabi tone dget hi smor ni ng. " Skyes wor es of t l y." It houghts o. " " The yha veave s t e di nt e r e s ti nt hi sc a pe r , "Da nepoi nt e doutdr yl y." Mor et ha ne i t he rofus ,a sama t t e roff a c t .Our a c qua i nt a nc ewi t hHa ge ni sf a i r l yr e c e nt ,buthe ' sbe e nme ddl i ngi nt he i rl i ve sf orac oupl eofye a r snow.Ra ve nj us ta s ke di fI ' d f i ndoutwha twa sbot he r i ngyou. " Skyes e tt hec l a ya s i dea ndr e a c he di nt ohi spoc ke tf oraSwi s sAr mykni f e .Hedr e woutt hes c r e wdr i ve rbl a dea ndbe ga n l oos e ni ngame t a lpa ne lunde rt hes e a tofac a r . " Noa ns we r ? "Da nea s ke dqui e t l y. " Youknowt hea ns we r . "Skye ' svoi c ewa sc ur t ." Andt a l ki nga boutI twon' tc ha ngea nyt hi ng. " " Cuti tout , "Da n eor de r e di nat onet ha tma t c he dhi sbr ot he r ' s ." Il e tyouge ta wa ywi t hs i l e nc es i xye a r sa gobe c a us eI ha dn' tbe e ni nl o vemys e l fa nddi dn' tunde r s t a nd.I nr e t r os pe c t ,i twa sas t upi dde c i s i ononmypa r t .Youc a nt e l lmet ogot o he l li fyouwa nt ,butI ' l lbeda mne di fI ' l ls t a ndbyt hi st i mea ndwa t c hyout e a ryour s e l fa pa r t . " " Tha twon' tha ppe na ga i n. "Skyes a tba c konhi she e l ss udde nl y,hi sha ndsgoi ngs t i l l ,a ndt her a gge de dgeofs t r a i ns howe d i nh i svoi c e ." Atl e a s tIhope —da mmi t ,Idon' tknow.Ij us tdon' tknow. "Hel a ughe ds hor t l y." Imove di nt ohe rs ui t et hi s a f t e r noon. " " I st ha ta spr omi s i nga si ts ounds ? " " No.Imor eorl e s sf or c e dhe ri nt oi t . " Re me mbe r i ngt het e mpe rheha ds e e ni nhe rf l a s hi nga mb e re ye s ,Da nes a i ds l owl y," Iwoul dn' tha vet houghtt ha tl a dy c oul dbepus he dve r yf a ra ga i ns the rwi l l . " " You' veme the r ? "Skyes a i d,notmuc hs ur pr i s e d. " Bya c c i de nt ,t heot he rda y.Shes a i dt ha tyoua n dIwe r eve r ydi f f e r e nt ,a ndi twa s n' taque s t i on. " Skyel a ughe da ga i n,a nda ga i nt hes oundhe l dnohumor . Da nehe s i t a t e d,t he ns a i d," I fyou' vebe e ndoi ngyourt a l e nt e di mpe r s ona t i onofabundl eofdyna mi t e ,i t ' snowonde rt he l a dy' sabi twa r y . "Whe nhi sbr ot he rs a i dnot hi ng,Da nes hookhi she a d." Ar eyougi vi nghe rr oomt obr e a t he ,Skye ? " Skyebe ga nwor ki ngont heFe r r i swhe e lc a ra ga i n,hi she a dbe nt ." I ' mt r yi ng. " Themumbl e da ns we rma deDa ne ' smout ht wi s ti nwr yunde r s t a ndi ng.Skyewa sofc our s ebe i nghi sus ua li mpa t i e nt , ove r powe r i ngs e l f ,a ndDa nekne whi sbr ot he r ' sna t ur et oowe l lt ot r yt oc ha ngei ta tt hi sl a t eda t e ." Sc a r sf r omt hepa s tge t t i ng i nt h ewa y? "hea s ke di ns t e a d. " Shes a yss hedoe s n' tbl a memef orwha tha ppe n e di nGe r ma ny. "Skyer e mo ve dt hel a s ts c r e wf r omt heme t a lpa ne l ,t he n c a r e f ul l yr e move dt hepa ne la ndunc ove r e das ma l le mpt yc ompa r t me ntbe ne a t ht hec a r ' ss e a t . " Doyoube l i e vet ha t ? "

" Idon' tknow.Idi dn' tt r us the rt he n,notwhe ni tc ount e d,a nds hedoe s n' tt r us tmenow. " Da newa ss i l e ntf oraf e wmome nt s ,wa t c hi nga shi sbr ot he rc ont i nue ds e t t i ngt hes t a gef ora na t t e mpt e da s s a s s i n a t i on.The da r kne s swa snomo r eahi ndr a nc et oSkye ' squi c k,e c onomi c a lmove me nt st ha ni twa st oDa ne ' sobs e r va t i onofh i sbr ot he r ' s c l os e df a c e ;t he ybot hpos s e s s e dc a t l i keni ghtvi s i on. " Doe s n' tt r us tyouhow? "Da nea s ke df i na l l y,r e f l e c t i ngs i l e nt l yt ha tt hi swa sl i k epul l i ngt e e t h." She ' sa f r a i dyou' l lbe l i e ve t hewor s tofhe ra ga i n? " " No.She ' sa f r a i dI ' l lhur the r .Ic a ns e ei ti nhe re ye s . "Skyer e a c he di nt ot heope nc ompa r t me ntbe ne a t ht hec a r ' ss e a ta nd be ga nmol di ngt hec l a yi nt oonec or ne r . Da ne ,whoha db e e nf or c e dt oc opewi t hs ome t hi ngs i mi l a ri nhi sownc our t s hi p,kne wt he r ewa snos i mpl ea ns we rf ort ha t one ." Sowha t ' r eyougoi ngt odoa bouti t ? " " Convi nc ehe rs he ' swr ong,i fIc a n. "Abr upt l ySkyea dde d," I fi tc ome st ot ha t ,ma ybes hei s n' twr ong.I ' vea l r e a dyhur t he r ,a ndIwi l la ga i n.GodknowsIdon' tme a nt o,butwhe nha st ha te ve rs t oppe dme . " " I fyou' donl yt hi nkf i r s t , "Da nes a i d,a ndi the l dt hes oundofa nol dr e f r a i n. " Te a c hmet ha t ,wi l lyou? "Skyer e que s t e dwi t hat hr e a dofhumori nhi svoi c e . " Ma ybeKa t r i nac a n;Iga veupal ongt i mea go. " Skyel a ughe d,a n dde t e r mi ne dl yc ha nge dt hes ubj e c t ." Gi ve nt hes e t up,i ts houl dbear e mot e c ont r ol l e dde t ona t i onr a t he r t ha nat i me r ,don' tyout hi nk? " " I ' ds a ys o.Whe r ewi l loura s s a s s i nbel ur ki ng? " Hi sha ndswe r eonc emor ebus ypr e pa r i ngt hel umpof" e xpl os i ve "f orar e mot ede t ona t i on,butSkyenodde dt owa r dt he ne a r e s tbui l di ng,whi c hwa sa ne l a bor a t ef unhous e ." I ' mgoi ngt os ugge s tt her oofoft hef unhous e .The r e ' sapa r t i a l l yc onc e a l e dl a dde rf oraq ui c ke xi ta ndac l e a rf i e l dofvi s i on. " Da newa sf r owni ng." Ma ke ss e ns e .Now,howdoyoupr opos et oha ndl et hef a c t orofr a ndomc ha nc e ? " " Youme a nma ki ngc e r t a i nt hegove r nori ss e a t e di nt hi spa r t i c ul a rc a r ? "Skyec huc kl e d." I ' m goi ngt ol e tHa ge nwor r y a boutt ha tone .I t ' l loc c upyhi smi nd. " " I st he r eas ol ut i on? "Da nea s ke dpol i t e l y. " Godknows . " Da nec oul dn' the l pbutl a ugh." Ana c c ompl i c e ? "hes ugge s t e d. " Af t e rhel os thi st e r r or i s tgr oup,Adr i a nbe c a meal one r , "Skyer e mi nde dhi sbr ot he r ." We ' l ll e tr a ndomc ha nc ebeapuz z l e f orHa ge n.I two n' tgoa sf a ra sge t t i ngt hegove r noront her i dea nywa y.I fourc hor e ogr a ph yi sbyt henumbe r s ,oura s s a s s i n wi l lbes t a ndi ngha ndc uf f e di nf r ontofHa ge nl ongbe f or et hec r uc i a lmome nt . "Hewa sbus yr e pl a c i ngt heme t a lc ove r . Af e wmi nut e sl a t e rDa negott ohi sf e e ta sSkyec l os e dt hebr i e f c a s ea ndr os e .Her e s pe c t e dhi sbr ot he r ' spr i va c y,a ndwa s pe r f e c t l ya wa r et ha tSkye ' se dgi ne s se a r l i e ri nt heda yha dbe e nl a r ge l yaphys i c a ls t r a i nduet ohi se nf or c e dpa t i e nc e .St i l l , Skyewa sha r dl yr e l a xe dnow,a ndDa nekne whewa st i e di nt oe mot i ona lknot sbe c a us eofKa t r i na . So,a st he ywa l ke dba c kt owa r dt hehot e l ,hebr oughtt hes ubj e c tuponel a s tt i me ." Gi vehe rt i me ,Skye , "hea dvi s e ds of t l y. " Youc a meba c ki nt ohe rl i f el e s st ha nawe e ka go;l e the rge tus e dt ot hei de a . "Hes e nthi sbr ot he ras udde ngr i n." Iknow you' r ec onvi nc e dyouc oul dmovet hee a r t hwi t hal e ve ra nds ome pl a c et os t a nd,buti tt a ke st wot obui l dabond. " *** Skyet houghta bo utt ha tl a t e ra shes l i ppe di nt oKa t r i na ' ss ui t ea ndma dehi swa yt ot hebe dr oom.I nt heda r ks i l e nc eoft he r oomhec oul dhe a rhe rs of tbr e a t hi ng,de e pa nde ve ni ns l e e p.Asa l wa ys ,hec oul df e e lhi sbodyr e s pondt ohe rne a r ne s sa nd t het houghtofhe rwi t hi ns t a nthe a ta ndne e d.The s ee xpl os i vee mot i onsc a ughta thi sbr e a t ha ndhi she a r t ,c l oudi n ghi smi nd unt i lhewa sa wa r eo fnot hi ngbuthi sowndr i ve nur ge nc y. Hes t r i ppe da wa yhi sc l ot hi ngr a pi dl ya nds l i dbe ne a t ht hec ove r sbe s i dehe r .Shewa suna wa r eofhi mi ns l e e p,a ndhe c oul dn' ts t a ndt ha t ;hewa nt e dhe ra wa r eofhi ma l lt het i me ,j us ta shewa sa l wa ysa wa r eofhe r .I tt ookt wot obui l dabond, Da neha ds a i d,a ndt heonl yc e r t a i nt ySkyeha dwa st ha tt hede s i r ebe t we e nhi ma ndKa t r i nawa sabond.Sheha dt ol dhi mwi t h as t e a dyvoi c ea ndwa r ye ye st ha twha twa sbe t we e nt he mwoul ds oonbur ni t s e l fout ;heme a ntt opr ovet ohe rhowwr ongs he wa sa boutt ha t . Hedr e whe rs l e nde r ,na ke dbodyi nt ohi sa r msa ndki s s e dhe rs l i ght l ypa r t e dl i ps ,t hes we e tt a s t eofhe rgoi ngt oh i she a d l i ker a wbr a ndy .Sh ewa swa r ma ndpl i a nt ,he rf l e s hs a t i nbe ne a t ht hes e a r c hi ngt ouc hofhi sha nds .Shepur r e ds l e e pi l ya nd c uddl e dc l os e r ,a ndt ha tunc ons c i oust r us tya nke dal o wgr oa nf r omhi sve r yde pt hs . De a rLor d,hewa nt e dhe r !Hewa nt e dt oma kehi ms e l fapa r tofhe runt i ls hec oul dne ve re s c a pehi me ve ni nhe rmos t de e pl ybur i e dt houg ht s ,unt i ls hec oul dne ve rhi def r om hi ma ga i n." Tr i na , "hemut t e r e d,onl yha l fc ons c i ousoft hej a gge d ne e di nhi sownvoi c e . He re ye sf l ut t e r e dope na ndhe ra r msl i f t e dl a z i l yt ohi sne c ka sher os ea bovehe r ." Aga i n? "He rvoi c ewa st hr oa t ya nd wonde r i ng,a ndqui c k,pa s s i ona t ee xc i t e me ntf l i c ke r e di nhe rbe a ut i f ula mbe re ye s . " Aga i n, "hewhi s pe r e d,wa t c hi nghe rf a c ea shee a s e di nt ohe rs l owl y.He rbodya c c e pt e dhi mi ns t a nt l y,c ompl e t e l y,a ndhe s hudde r e di ns t a r kpl e a s ur ea she rt i ghthe a ts ur r ounde dhi m.Bur yi nghi sf a c ei nt hewi l ds i l kofhe rha i r ,heut t e r e dt hi c kl y, " Aga i n. . .a nda ga i n. . . " Hec oul dn' tmoves l owl ynow,hi sbodyr e s pond i ngt ohe rs e ns uousgr a s pwi t hl i ght ni ngi nt e ns i t ya ndoutofhi sc ont r ol . Thehunge rhef e l twa sr a ve nous ,c ons umi ng,a si fhi sve r ys ur vi va lde pe nde dont hi sc ompul s i vej oi ni ng. Ka t r i nahe l dont ohi mhe l pl e s s l y,nol onge rs ur pr i s e dbyhe rbody' sI ns t a nt a ne ousde s i r ef orhi m.Eve nj us tba r e l ya wa ke s hewa sonf i r ef orhi m,t e ns i onbui l di ngi nhe rwi t ht hef or c eofas t or mt r a ppe dunde rgl a s s .Hewa smovi ngI ns i dehe rwi t h c ompe l l i ngpowe r ,hi sbi gbodya bovehe rl i ket heva s ts ha dowofs omebi r dofpr e y,hol di nghe rt r a ppe di nas us pe ns i on gr e a t e rt ha nt e r r or , Il ov ey ou.He rl i p smove dt os ha pet hewor dss het houghthewoul dn' twa ntt ohe a r ,he rha ndsgr i ppi nghi ss houl de r sa she r bodywi l dl yr e t ur ne dt hes l a mmi ngf or c eofhi s .I twa sI ns a ni t y,wha thema dehe rf e e l ,as we e tma dne s ss heha dnohopeof

c ont r ol l i ng.Al ls hec oul ddowa sgi vewa yt ot hedomi na t i onofi t .Fr omhe rt hr oa tc a mewi ngi ngs oundsl i ket hes ha r pc r i e sof s omepr i mi t i vec r e a t ur e ,a nds hewa suna wa r eoft hehott e a r se s c a pi ngf r omhe rc l os e de ye s . Shewa sbl i nda ndde a ft oe ve r yt hi nge xc e ptt hes udde ne xpl os i onofe c s t a s yt ha ts ha t t e r e dhe rs e ns e s ,a nds hec oul donl y hol dhi mwi t hwha ts t r e ngt hwa sl e f tt ohe ra shi spowe r f ulbodys hudde r e di navi ol e ntr e l e a s e . Ka t r i nar e t ur ne dt oe a r t hgr a dua l l y,a wa r ef i r s toft hewe i ghtofhi sbody.Shedi dn' twa nthi mt omove ,a nds omedi m i ns t i nc tt ol dhe rI twa sbe c a us e ,i nt he s el i nge r i ng,pe a c e f ulmome nt sa f t e rl ove ma ki ng,hewa sa svul ne r a bl ea ss hewa s ,a s t r a pp e da ss hewa s . Skyer a i s e dhi ms e l fs l owl yonhi se l bows ,t hemus c l e sofhi sa r msqui ve r i ngs l i ght l y.Eve ni nt heda r kne s ss hec oul ds e e t hel umi nousf or c eofhi se ye sa ndt her oughc ha r mofhi sc r ooke ds mi l e .The nt hes mi l edi e da shi st humbbr us h e dt hewe t s ki nne a rhe rt e mpl e . " Te a r s ? "Hi svoi c ewa sl ow." Di dIhur tyou? " " No, "s hes a i d. " Idon' twa ntt ohur tyou,s we e t he a r t . "Hehe s i t a t e d,t he ns a i dhus ki l y," Il os ec ont r olwhe nI ' mwi t hyou.Buti fI ' vehur t you,t e l lme . " Shel i f t e dhe rhe a df r omt hepi l l owa ndki s s e dhi sha r ds houl de r ." Youha ve n' t . "Andbe f or ehec oul dpr obet od i s c ove rt he s our c eofhe rt e a r s ,s hes a c r i f i c e dabi tofpr i det oobs e r vewr yl y," Iha ve n' te xa c t l ybe e npa s s i vemys e l f . " " No,youha ve n' t . "Heki s s e dhe rwi t hunus ua lge nt l e ne s s ,a si fher e a l i z e dt hec os toft ha ta dmi s s i on." It houghtyouha d f i r eye a r sa go,butIc oul dne ve rf i ndi t .I tdr ovemeha l fc r a z y.Is houl dha ver e a l i z e dyouwe r et ooyoungt he n. " Ka t r i nawa s n' ta boutt ot e l lhi mt ha ti twa s n' tawoma n' sbodybutawoma n' sl ovet ha tha ds pa r ke dt ha tf i r e .Sher e s i s t e dt he ur get opr ot e s twhe nhi swe i ghtl e f the r ,a ndc uddl e dc l os ewhe nhedr e whe rf i r ml yi nt ohi sa r ms .I tha dgi ve nhe rat i ngeof hopea tf i r s t ,t hi sha bi theha dofhol di nghe re ve na f t e rs l e e pc l a i me dhi m.Butt he ns heha dr e mi nde dhe r s e l ft ha thewa sa n e xt r e me l ys e ns ua lma n,a ndt ha ti twa snodoubthi spr a c t i c ewi t ha l lhi sbe dma t e s . I thur t . Hel os tc ont r olwi t hhe r ,ye s ,buts heha dhowa yofknowi ngi ft ha twa sunus ua lf orhi m.Thes t oi cvoi c ei nhe rhe a d r e mi nde dhe rt h a thewa sbyna t ur ei mpa t i e nta ndi mpe t uous ;gi ve nt hee nor mousl i f ef or c ehi sbi gbodyhe l d,s he ' dbeaf ool nott obe l i e vet h a ts e xha da l wa ysbe e nar e l e a s eofs he e re ne r gyf orhi m. Hi sa r mst i ght e ne da r oundhe rs udde nl y." Wha ti si t ? " Shewonde r e di fhewa sbe gi nni ngt or e a dhe rmi nd,ori fs heha dma des omes oundofpa i n." Not hi ng.Iwa sj us t wonde r i ng—"Shebr okeof f ,f i ght i ngt heur get oa s khi m. " Wonde r i ngwha t ? " " I tdoe s n' tma t t e r , " " Te l lme . " Ka t r i nac a s tt hea ns we ra r oundi nhe rmi nd." Oh,j us ta boutyoua ndDa ne .Yous a i dye a r sa got ha thewa syourpa r t ne r , a ndhe ' she r enow.SoIwa swon de r i nga boutt ha t . " Skyewa ss i l e ntf oramome nt ,a ndt he nhes hi f t e dpos i t i on,r e movi ngonea r mf r oma r oundhe ra ndpr oppi nghi she a don hi sha nds ot ha thec oul dl ookdowna the r .Sher e a l i z e dva gue l yt ha thea l wa ysdi dt ha t ,wa t c he dhe rwhi l ehet a l ke dt ohe ra s i fhewe r el ooki ngf ors ome t hi ng.Ands heha dnodoubthec oul ds e ehe rmor ec l e a r l yt ha ns hec oul ds e ehi m;s hec oul dn' t hi def r omhi svi vi de ye si nt heda r kne s s . " We ' vebe e npa r t ne r sf ort e nye a r s , "het ol dhe r . Ka t r i na ,at r a i ne da ge nt ,c oul ds e et hepos s i bi l i t i e s ." Di dyouus eyour . . .youruni que ne s s ? " Henodde ds l i ght l y." I twa sa l wa ysoure dge .Wewor ke da l love rt hewor l da tf i r s t ,buta f t e rGe r ma ny. . . " " Ir ui ne di tf oryou, "s hes a i di nal owvoi c e . Thea r ma c r os she rwa i s tt i ght e ne d." Notr e a l l y, "het ol dhe ri nac ons i de r i ngt one ." I ' dbe e nus i ngmyr e a lna me ,butt he y di dn' tha veaphot ogr a phofme .Thec ha nc e swe r egoodt ha tIc oul dha ver e ma i ne de f f e c t i vei nEur ope .ButDa nea ndIwe r e a ppr oa c he dbyama nwhohe a de dadome s t i ci nt e l l i ge nc eope r a t i on,a ndt heof f e rwa sagoodone .Wewe r er e a dyf ora c ha nge . " " Andnoonekne wyouwe r et wi ns ? " " J us tDa ni e l .Da n eha da l r e a dyde ve l ope da ni nt e r na t i ona lr e put a t i ona saga mbl e r ,s owema dehi st hepubl i cpe r s ona . " Shes a whi smout ht wi s ts udde nl y,a ndf e l tapa n ga ss hebe ga nt ounde r s t a nd." Youwe r et heonei nt hes ha dows ? " " Ye s . "Hi svoi c er oughe ne d." I t ' swhe r eIwa nt e dt obe ,hi di ngi nt heda r k. " Li keawounde da ni ma l ,s het hought ,a ndt hepa ngwa ss ha r pe rt hi st i me .Shema dehe r s e l fl i equi e t l ye ve nt houghs he wa nt e dt ot hr owhe ra r msa r oundhi sne c k,t oc omf or thi ms ome howe ve nt houghs hef oundi tha r dt obe l i e vet ha ta nyt hi ng c oul dha vedonet ha tt ohi m." Be c a us e . . .ofGe r ma ny? " " Doe st ha ts ur pr i s eyou? "Hewa sve r ys t i l l ,hi sga z ef i xe di nt e nt l yonhe rf a c e . Ka t r i nac oul dn' tbe gi nt or e a dhi se xpr e s s i oni nt heda r kne s s ,a ndhi ss t e a dyvoi c ega vehe rnoc l uet ohi st hought sor f e e l i ngs ." Ye s , "s hes a i df i na l l y,hone s t l y. " Why? "her a ppe dout . " You' r es os t r ong, "s hes a i ds i mpl y. Af t e ramome ntSkyee a s e dba c kdowna the rs i dea ndus e dbot ha r mst opul lhe rc l os e r ." AmI ? "hea s ke di na noddt one , t he nga vet heghos tofal a ugh." We ' dbe t t e rge ts omes l e e p. " Ka t r i nadi dn' tkn owwha tt oma keoft hos ewor ds .But ,a ss hedr i f t e dof ft os l e e p,t hes t a r kt houghti nhe rmi ndwa st ha tI f s heh a dhur thi mt ha tba dl y,hewoul dne ve rbea bl et ol ovehe ra ga i n. *** Skyewokebe f or eda wn.I ns t a nt l ya wa r eKa t r i nawa s n' twi t hhi m.Her e a c he douta ndt ur ne dont hel a mponhe rni ght s t a nd j us ta st heba t hr oomdoorope ne da nds hec a meoutf ul l ydr e s s e d.Hes a tups l owl y,l ooki nga the r .Shewa sr e a dyf o rwor k,he r

r oya lbl ues i l kd r e s se l e ga nt ,he rf i e r yha i rt a me di nabr a i de dc or one t .Shel ooke dbe a ut i f ula ndc ont r ol l e da nda l oof . " I ' ms or r y,Idi dn' tme a nt owa keyou, "s hes a i d. Eve nhe rvoi c ewa sdi s t a nt ,het hought ,a ndhe l daha ndoutt ohe r .Shehe s i t a t e d,t he nc a met ot hebe da nddi dn' tr e s i s t whe nhepul l e dhe rdowns ot ha ts hewa ss i t t i ngont hee dgeoft hebe dne a rhi shi ps .Heki s s e dhe r ,hol di nghe rt i ght l yi nhi s a r msunt i lt hef a i nts t i f f ne s sl e f the ra nds heme l t e da ga i ns thi mwi t has mot he r e dl i t t l es ound.Andwhe nher a i s e dhi she a da t l a s t ,he re ye sf l i c ke r e da ndhe rl i pswe r epa r t e d,s of t e ne da nds l i ght l ys wol l e n. " Goodmor ni ng, "hes a i d. Ka t r i nabl i nke da thi m.Shef e l tal i t t l ewi l df oramome nt ,t hi nki ngt ha tagr e e t i ngl i kehi sc oul de a s i l yma keawoma n us e l e s sf ort her e s toft heda y.The ns hec l e a r e dhe rt hr oa t ." Goodmor ni ng.It houghtyous houl dr e s t . " Hi sl i psqui r ke d,a ndqui c kl a ught e rgl e a me di nhi se ye ." Oh?Di dIgi veyout ha tI mpr e s s i on? " Re a l i z i nghowt ha tha ds ounde d,Ka t r i naf l us he da ndgotde t e r mi ne dl yt ohe rf e e t ." No, "s hea dmi t t e d,he rmout hgoi ngdr y whe nhec a s tof ft hec ove r sa nds l i df r omt hebe d.Noma t t e rhowma nyt i me ss hes a whi smus c l e dbody,s hea l wa ysf e l ta n i ns t a nts e ns eofs ur p r i s ea ndwonde ra tt hes t a r kma l ebe a ut yofhi m. " Idon' ts e e mt obeve r yt i r e d, "hede c i de d. He rga z el i f t e dha s t i l yt ome e thi s ,a nds hec l e a r e dhe rt hr oa ta ga i n." No, "s hea gr e e d. Het i ppe dhe rc hi nupa ndki s s e dhe ra ga i n,t hi st i mel i ght l y." Youus ua l l yha vebr e a kf a s ti nt her e s t a ur a nt ,don' tyou?Wa l t f orme ,a ndI ' l lg odo wnwi t hyou. " Ka t r i nadi dn' tbot he rt ovoi c ea na gr e e me nt ,kno wi nghe ' dt a kei tf orgr a nt e d.Shewa nde r e douti nt ot hede nt owa i twhi l e hes h owe r e da nds ha ve d,t r yi ngt opi e c eba c kt oge t he rt hec ont r olheha ds ha t t e r e ds oe a s i l y. Soe a s i l y. . .

Si x " Thehuma ne l e me nt , "Ha ge ns a i di ndi s gus t ,pa c i ngt her ooma ndwor ki nghi ms e l fi nt oaf i nes t a t e . Gi gi ,wa t c hi ngwi t ha ne l bowpr oppe donhe rde s ka ndhe rde l i c a t ec hi nr e s t i ngi nhe rc uppe dpa l m,s a i ds ympa t he t i c a l l y, " I ti smos tdi s he a r t e ni ng,I ' ms ur e . " Di s r e ga r di ngt hei nt e r pol a t i on,Ha ge nc ont i nue dt opa c ema gni f i c e nt l y." Ikne wi tt hemome nthec a ughts i ghtofhe ri nt he l obby.We ' r eont hepoi ntofc a pt ur i nga na s s a s s i na ndt e r r or i s twhoha ss uc c e s s f ul l ye l ude dt hec ombi ne dl a we nf or c e me nta nd i nt e l l i ge nc ea ge nc i e soft hewor l df orye a r s ,a ndSkyePr e s c ot tt a ke sonel ooka tawoma na ndgoe st opi e c e s .A t r a i ne d, e xpe r i e nc e da ge nt ,mi ndyou,a ndama nIwoul dha ves a i dc oul dha vedi s pa t c he dAdr i a nwi t hhi sba r eha nds . " I nar e f l e c t i vea nds ome wha tdi s s a t i s f i e dt one ,Gi glof f e r e d," Nott opi e c e s ,notqui t et ha t . "Shes i ghe dbe f or ea t t e mpt i ngt o r e di r e c tHa ge n' st ho ught s ." Yous a i dSkyeha df oundt hee xpl os i ve spl a c e dbyAdr i a n,s ohei sobvi ous l yt hi nki ngofwhyyou br ou ghthi mhe r e . " Ha ge nwa s n' tmol l i f i e d." Hewa s n' tt hi nki nga ta l lonc ehec a ughts i ghtofyourKa t r i na .Se ndhe ra wa y,Gi gi ! " " No. " Hes t oppe dpa c i ng,s e t t i nghi spa l msonhe rde s ka ndl e a ni ngt owa r dhe r .I navoi c eofa wf ula ut hor i t yhes a i d," Youmus t s e ndhe ra wa y. " Uni mpr e s s e da nde ve nal i t t l ea mus e d,Gi gir e t or t e d," I twoul dbebe t t e rf oryourbl oodpr e s s ur e ,Ha ge n,i fyouc oul dbr i ng your s e l ft or e a l i z et h a tyoudonotc omma ndme .Iwi l lnots e ndKa t r i naa wa y.Andi fyouwe r ea swi s ea bouthuma nna t ur ea s youc l a i mt obea boutvi r t ua l l ye ve r yt hi nge l s e ,youwoul dknowt ha tSkyewoul dn' tbemuc hgoodt oyoui fIdi d. " Ha ge ns t a r e da the rf oramome nt ,hi sbl uee ye ss t e e l y.The nhemove dt ohe rvi s i t or ' sc ha i ra nds a tdown,he a vi ngagus t y s i gh." Is uppos enot , "hes a i dune xpe c t e dl y. Gi gibl i nke d,t he ns mi l e d. Se e i nghe re xpr e s s i on,hes a i dt e s t i l y," Ia mnots uc haf oola syous e e mt obe l i e ve ! " " Iha vene ve rt houghtyouaf ool , "s hes a i dde f i ni t e l y." Egot i s t i c a l ,s e l f i s h,ma ni pul a t i ve ,a r r oga nt ,s e c r e t i ve ,a nda l wa ys r ut hl e s s —butne ve raf ool . " Thi sme a s ur e da ndma s t e r l yde s c r i pt i onofhi sc ha r a c t e rbr oughtagl e a mt oHa ge n' se ye s ." AndI ' vene ve rt houghtyoua f ool , myde a r . " " No, "s hea gr e e d,a ddi ngs we e t l y," me r e l yal umpofc l a ya wa i t i ngamol di ngha nd. " Hewi nc e d." I fIe ve rbe l i e ve dt ha t , "hemut t e r e d ," your i dmeoft henot i onye a r sa go. " " Notc ompl e t e l y. "He rvoi c ewa sdr y." Youc ont i nuet obe ha ve ,i nt hef a c eofa l le vi de nc et ot hec ont r a r y,a si fyouc a n be ndmet oyourwi l l . " Ha ge ne ye dhe rs pe c ul a t i ve l y." I ' vene ve rbe e na bl et odot ha t ,ha veI ,myde a r ? " " No.Andyoun e ve rs ha l l . "Shewa t c he dhi sf a c ea ndbe l i e ve dt ha tf ort hef i r s tt i meheha da c c e pt e dt het r ut h.Shes a w s ome t hi nge l s ea swe l l ,t houghnohi ntoft ha tknowl e dges howe donhe rf a c e .Skye ,s het hought ,wa snott heonl yha r da nd c a pa bl ea ge ntwhoh a da l l owe dawoma nt odi s t r a c thi mf r ompr of e s s i ona lt hought s . Ha ge nha df or got t e na l la boutAdr i a n. *** Thec l ownsofFa nt a s yl a ndt e nde dt owa nde ra l love rt hepa r k,s oi twa s n' tve r ys ur pr i s i ngt ha toneoft he ms t oodne a ra doc ke dr i ve r boa ti nt hes e c t i onc a l l e dSe a f a r i ngDa ysa ndt a l ke dt oa na nt e be l l umga mbl e r .Butmor et ha nonepa s s i ngvi s i t or s t i f l e dal a ugh,mos t l ybe c a us et heha ppyc l ownwa sbus yc ons umi ng,unde rt hef a s c i na t e de yeoft hega mbl e r ,af oot l onghot dogt ha ts e e me dt oha vee v e r y t hi ngoni t . " Wa ntabi t e ? "s hei nvi t e dc he e r f ul l y. Da newi nc e d." Tha nkyou,butno.Mymi ndba l k s ,t os a ynot hi ngofmys t oma c h.I st ha tbl a c ks t uf fc a vi a r ? " " Uhhuh. "

" Onahotdog? " Af a i nt l ys t a r t l e dl ookr e f us e dt obehi dde nbe ne a t hhe rha ppyc l own' sma ke up." Tha ti ss t r a nge ,i s n' ti t ?I ' vebe e nput t i ngi t one ve r yt hi ngl a t e l y. " Da ne ' sf i r mmout ht wi t c he d." Ave r ye xt r a va ga ntc r a vi ng, "henot e dpol i t e l y. He re ye sgl e a me da thi m." You' vegott ol e a r nho wt obea ni ndul ge nthus ba nd.Af t e rIor de r e daj a rf r omr ooms e r vi c ea nd puts omeonwa f f l e s ,J os hj us tboughtac a s eoft hes t uf fa ndputi ti nt her e f r i ge r a t ori nourr oom.Il e f thi mt he r eal i t t l ewhi l e a got a ki ngc a r eofs omebus i ne s sc a l l s ,a ndhedi dn' ts a yawor dwhe nIgotaj a routa ndputi ti nmymone ybe l t . "She i ndi c a t e dt hebe l tme a ntt ohol dt hepr oc e e dsf r om he rba l l oons a l e s ,e xpl a i ni ng," Ikne wt hehotdogve ndorwoul dn' tha ve c a vi a r . " Hewa t c he dhe rf i ni s ht hehotdogwi t hundi mi ni s he de nj oyme nt ,s ha ki nghi she a d,t he ns a i d," Ihopeyou' l lpa r donmy i ne xpe r i e nc ei nt he s ema t t e r s ,buts houl dyoubeouthe r ei nt hi she a t ? " Ra ve nc r umpl e duphe rna pki na ndt os s e di ta c c ur a t e l yi nt oane a r byt r a s hc a n.Dr yl ys het ol dhi m," Theda ysofl a di e si n i nt e r e s t i ngc ondi t i onsbe i ngwa i t e donha nda ndf oota r el ongpa s t ,pa l —t houghJ os hwoul d,i fI ' dl e thi m.I ' mf i ne ,be l i e veme . As i def r ommyoddc r a vi ngs ,t ha ti s . " " I fyous a ys o. " Hes e e me dabi tdoubt f ul ,a ndRa ve nc oul dn' the l pgr i nni ng.Sheha dne ve ri nhe rl i f ebe e nt r e a t e dl i keaf r a i lf l owe r ,e ve n byJ os h,whoope nl ya dor e dhe r ;pr e gna nc yc l e a r l yc ha nge da l lt ha t ,a ndi tf a s c i na t e dhe r .Thi s" I nt e r e s t i ngc ondi t i on"ofhe r s wa sgi vi nghe rawh ol ene wpe r s pe c t i veont hemys t e r i ousI ns t i nc t soft hema l e ,a nds hewa se nj oyi ngi t .Be i ngRa ve n,s he e xpl or e dt hema t t e rc ur i ous l y. " Ir e a l i z et ha ti mpe ndi ngf a t he r hoodmus tbea sunne r vi nga si mpe ndi ngmot he r hood, "s hes a i dt oDa ne ," butwha ti si tt ha t ma ke syoume ngoa l lt opi e c e sa bouti t ?J os hwa sf i newhe nwef i r s tf oundout ,butt hene xtmor ni nga tbr e a kf a s thes udde nl y we ntwhi t ea sas he e t .Hes a i di tha dj us thi thi m. " Da nee ye dhe rt hought f ul l y." Ic a n' ts pe a kf r om e xpe r i e nc e ,butIt hi nkt ha tunne r v i n gi st hewr ongwor d.Te r r i f y i ngi s pr ob a bl yc l os e rt ot hema r k. " Ra ve nc ons i de r e dt ha t ." We l l ,I ' l la dmi tt ha tpa r e nt hoodi sas c a r ypr opos i t i on.Butyoume n—a l lofyou,notj us tmy da r l i nghus ba nd—l ooka tapr e gna ntwome nwi t ht hemos ta ma z i ngf a s c i na t i on. " " Wec a n' tdoi t ,yous e e , "Da nee xpl a i ne dgr a ve l y. St a r i nga thi m,s hes a i dbe mus e dl y," Youknow,Ine ve rr e a l l yt houghta bouti ti nqui t et ha twa y.Butwome nha vebe e n ha vi ngba bi e sf ort womi l l i onye a r s ; I ' dha vet houghtyoume nwoul dha vegot t e nus e dt oi tbynow.Es pe c i a l l ys i nc es c i e nc ea ndLa ma z ec l a s s e sha vepr e t t y muc hr obbe dpr e gna nc yofi t smys t e r i e s . " Thought f ul l yDa nes a i d," II ma gi nee ve r yma nge t sas hoc kwhe nt hema t t e rbe c ome sape r s ona lone .Be s i de s ,youwome n a r ebi ol ogi c a l l yde s i gne dt oc ope .The r ea r e n' ta nyphys i c a lc ha nge sorhor mona li nf l ue nc e sonama n' se mot i onswhe nhe ' s a boutt obe c omeaf a t he r .He ' se xa c t l yt hes a mea shewa sbe f or e .It hi nkmos tofuswoul dc hoos et os ha r et hee mot i onsofour wi ve s ,butt hes i mp l ef a c ti st ha twec a n' tf e e lt hes a me ,notr e a l l y.Wedon' tknowwha tt heki c kofaba byf e e l sl i kef r om i ns i de ,a ndweha venot hi ngt oc ompa r ei tt o.Wha twedof e e li sf a s c i na t i on,be c a us et hepr oc e s si ss oa l i e nt ousde s pi t ea l l t heknowl e dgea va i l a bl et ous .Pr e gna nc yi ss oa ma z i ng."Hel a ughe ds udde nl y." Andi fJ e nnye ve ra s ksmet hes a me que s t i on,I ' l lpr oba bl ybet ot a l l yi nc ohe r e ntwhe nIt r yt oa ns we r . " Ra ve nwa ss mi l i ng." J os hwa s .Andhene ve ri s ,youknow. "Shes hookhe rhe a di nbe mus e me nt ,t he na s ke da br upt l y, " How' sSkye ? " " Idi dn' tt hi nkyouc a meouthe r ej us tt os ha r eyo url unc h, "Da nes a i d. " I ti s n' ts i mpl epr of e s s i ona li nt e r e s t . "Shel ooke da thi ms e r i ous l y." Onc ehec a meoutoft heda r ka nds t oppe dbe i ngyou,I c oul ds e et hes ha dowss t i l lhol di ngont ohi m.Ands ha dowsl i kehi sme a npa i n.Youdon' tha vet ot e l lmet ha tt het woofyou a r ea sdi f f e r e nta sni ghta ndda y,butyou' r ebot hna t ur a la c t or s ,ve r ya de pta thi di ngyourf e e l i ngs ,a ndSkye ' sme t ho di sas he l l a sha r da sgr a ni t e . " " Note nt i r e t yas h e l l . "Da nes a i dr e l uc t a nt l y. Ra ve nnodde d." Ye s ,t ha t ' swhyIdi dn' tgot ohi m di r e c t l y.He ' l la l wa ysbedi f f i c ul tonl ys omeoft het i me .Andhe ' s pr ob a bl y, "s hea dde di nat hought f ult one ," a sobs t i na t ea samul e . " Da negr i nne d." Woma n' si nt ui t i on? " Shee ye dhi m da r kl y." No.Me r e l ype r c e pt i onbor nofe xpe r i e nc ewi t hac e r t a i nbr e e dofme n.Te ddyc a l l st he m dr a gon s l a ye r s ,a ndi t ' sa sgo odawor da sa ny.You' r eoneyour s e l f ,a nddon' tt r yt ode nyi t .Mos toft he mhi des t e e lc or e sunde ral a ye r ofde c e pt i ve l ys of t e rma t e r i a l .J os hi sc ha r mi ng;Ra f f e r t yi sl a z y;Za c hi ss of t s poke na ndmi l d—t houghhedoe s n' thi det he s t e e lve r ywe l l ;Luci sc ha r mi ng;Ke l s e yi sof t e na bs ur d;De r e ki sc a l m.Andyou,pa l ,a r et hemos tt r a nqui lma nI ' vee ve rme t . Youhi det hes t e e lbe s tofa l l .Buti t ' st he r e . " " AndSkye ? "Da nea s ke dc ur i ous l y. Ra ve ns mi l e df a i nt l y." Hedoe s n' te ve nt r yt ohi dei t .Skyei sha r da ndt ough,i mpa t i e nta ndr e c kl e s s ,a nds oi nt e ns ehe ' s pr e t t ywe l lboundt ogoof ft hede e pe ndnoma t t e rwha te mot i onhe ' sc opi ngwi t h.I ' dgue s she ' sa bouta se a s i l ypus he da sa mount a i na nda boutt ha te a s yt ol e a d,a ndi fhee ve rl ove sawoma nhe ' l lbeput t yi nhe rha nds . " Da ne ' se ye sgl e a me d." Yououghtt obebur ne da tt hes t a ke , "heobs e r ve d. Shel ooke dmode s t ." J us tana t ur a lt a l e nt . "The ns hes obe r e da nds a i d," Butt ha tdoe s n' tr e a l l yhe l pmei nknowi ngi fhe ' sa l l r i ght .Ka t r i nai sas t r a nge rt ome ,s oIc a n' tbe gi nt ogue s shows he ' sc opi ngwi t ht heki ndofi nt e ns i t yt ha twoul dunne r vemos t wome nf r omt e nf e e ta wa y. " Da newa s n' ts ur pr i s e dRa ve nkne wKa t r i na ' sna me ,e ve nt houghheha dn' tt ol dhe r .Sheha da nunc a nnyk na c koff i ndi ng outt hi ngswhe ne ve rhe rc ur i os i t ywa sa r ous e d.Andhewa s n' tve r ys ur pr i s e dbyhe rpe r c e pt i vea na l ys i sofSkye ' sc ha r a c t e r ; s heha dknownSkyea sl onga ss he ' dknownhi m,a ndhedi dn' tdoubtt ha tonc et he i rs e c r e tha dbe e ndi s c l os e d,s heha dve r y a c c u r a t e l ypi npoi nt e dt hos eoc c a s i onsdur i ngt hepa s tye a r swhe nDa neha da c t ua l l ybe e nSkye .

" Howi ss hec opi ng? "s hea s ke dhi mbl unt l y. Da nef r owne d" Iha ve n' ts e e ne noughofhe rt okn ow.Idon' tt hi nkSkye ' ss ur ee i t he r . " Ra ve ns t a r e da thi mf oramome nt ." Sha dows .Pa i n.Ada r ka nds t or mypa s t ? " Hewa ss t a r t l e dbyt ha t ." Youa r eawi t c h! " " No.Butdr a gons l a ye r st e ndt ol oveonl yonc e ,a ndber a t he rvi ol e nta bouti t .Iwa t c he dSkyewi t hHa ge na tt heFe r r i s whe e lal i t t l ewhi l ea go,a ndt hepa i nwa ss t i l lt he r e .Si nc eKa t r i naha s n' tc ur e dhi m ofi t ,s hemus tha vec a us e di t .Ma ke s s e ns e . " " The ygotas e c ondc ha nc e , "Da nes a i d,t a c i t l yc onf i r mi nghe rgue s s . " Ihopet he yma kei tt hi st i me , "s a i dRa ve n,whokne wwhe nt os t oppr yi ng.The n,dr yl y,s hea dde d," Is uppos ewes houl d ha veknownt ha ta nyc a pe ri nvol vi ngHa ge nwoul ds pa wnar oma nc e .Youmi ghtwa ntt ot e l lSkyet ha ts of a r ,ouri na dve r t e nt c upi di sba t t i ngat hous a nd. " " I ' l lt e l lhi m. "Da nec huc kl e ds udde nl y." Al t hough,a c c or di ngt oSkye ,t he r ema yve r ywe l lbeas e c ondr oma nc ei nt he of f i ng. " " Oh?Whos e ? " " Ha ge n' s . " Ra ve nbl i nke d." You' r eki ddi ng. " " Nope .I ta ppe a r st ha tHa ge na ndGi gia r e n' tqui t et hebi t t e re ne mi e sr umorha si tt he ya r e .Al ls ounda ndaf ur yt ha ti s n' t a nge r ,i fyouge twh a tIme a n.AndIha ppe nt oknowt ha tt hes t a f foft hehot e lha st wobe t t i ngpool sgoi ng.Onec onc e r ne d Skyea ndKa t r i n a ;t hes e c ond,Ihe a r ,ha sbe e ngoi ngons i nc et hef i r s tt i meHa ge nvi s i t e dGi gihe r eye a r sa go.Andt heodds ha ves hor t e ne d. Asoft hi smor ni ng,ove rha l ft hehot e ls t a f fbe l i e ve st ha tGi giwi l lge thi mt ot hea l t a r —t hi st i me . " As mi l eofunhol ya mus e me nts l owl yma t c he dt hec l own' sgr i nonRa ve n' sf a c e ." Hoi s t e dbyhi sownpe t a r d!Ohhh!I t ' s pr i c e l e s s !Wa i tunt i lJ os hhe a r s . " Enj oyi nghe rde l i ght ,Da nenone t he l e s sc a ut i one d," I ti s n' tas ur et hi ng,youknow.The y' veknowne a c hot he rf ort we nt y ye a r s ,a ndt hes t a f fs e e mst ot hi nkGi gi ' sbe e nt r yi ngt oc a t c hhi mf ort hel a s tt e n. " Ra ve n' ss mi l er e ma i ne d,butt hel i ghti nhe re ye sbe c a mes pe c ul a t i ve ." Iwonde r. . . " Da newa sape r c e pt i vema na nd,mor e ove r ,ha ds omee xpe r i e nc ewi t hRa ve n' ss hr e wd,i nt e l l i ge ntmi nd.Sohef e l tt or n be t we e na mus e me nta ndf a s c i na t i ona shewa t c he dhe rbr i ghte ye sa ndr e a l i z e da ni de awa sf or mi ngi nhe rbr i l l i a ntmi nd. " Wha t ' r eyouupt o? "hede ma nde d. " It hi nkI ' l lc a l lSe r e na , "Ra ve na ns we r e d. " Who? " " J os h' ss i s t e r .Sheha sawonde r f ul l yde vi ousmi nda ndgr e a ti ns t i nc t sa boutpe opl e . " Af t e ramome ntDa nes a i d." Ar ewes t i l lt a l ki nga boutHa ge n? " " Ye s .Andhi st r i pt ot hea l t a r . " Da newoul dha vebe e nt hef i r s tt oa dmi tt ha tRa ve nkne whe re xbos sf a rbe t t e rt ha nhedi d,buthea l s okne wHa ge n' s r e put a t i on." Iwoul dn' tha vet houghthec oul dbea nymor ee a s i l yl e a dt ha nSkyec a n, "heve nt ur e d. Ani r r e pr e s s i bl egi ggl ee s c a pe dRa ve n." Oh,he ' sve r ye a s i l yl e d,onc eyouknowhowt odoi t .J us twi t ne s sourpr e s e nt c a pe r .And,i nl a ngu a geyouofa l lpe opl ewi l lunde r s t a nd,wec a n' tpos s i bl yl os et hi sga me .Ac e sa r ewi l d—a ndwe ' r ehol di ng a l loft he m. " Ashewa t c he dhe rs t r ol la wa y,Da ner e f l e c t e dt ha ts hewa squi t er i ght .Be t we e nt he m,Ra ve na ndhe rf r i e ndsha ds t a c ke d t hede c kve r yne a t l yf ort hi sunus ua lpoke rma t c h. Ha ge n,ma s t e rga me s ma nt houghhewa s ,wa sa boutt ol os et oaha ndf ul lofa c e s . *** Ka t r i nas houl dha ver e a l i z e d,a f t e rt hepr e vi ousda y,t ha tSkyewa s n' tama nwhoa l l owe dl i t t l et hi ngsl i kes c he dul e st o i nt e r f e r ewi t hhi spl e a s ur e s .I tha dn' toc c ur r e dt ohe r ,f i r s tbe c a us es hewa ss oa c c us t ome dt oha vi ngaj obwi t hf i xe dhour s ,a nd s e c ondbe c a us eheha da ppe a r e dbot ht oa c c e pta ndr e s pe c the rdut i e si nt hehot e l ,t ha twa s ,unt i lFr i da y. Sheha dma na ge dt or e c ons t r uc the rc ont r ola f t e rhe ' ds ha t t e r e di tt hi smor ni ng,a ndwa swor ki ngs t e a di l ya the rde s kwhe n hec a mei nt ohe rof f i c ej us tbe f or el unc h.Thec omput e rs c r e e nbe f or ehe rf l i c ke r e dwi t ht hes wi f t l ymovi ngda t aoft hehot e l ' s a c c o unt s ,a nds hewa sc onc e nt r a t i ngf i xe dl y. Somepa r tofhe rf e l thi mc omei n,buts hewa sa bl et oke e pmos tofhe rmi ndont hewor k,a ndt ha twa ss ome t hi ngofa r e l i e f .Wi t houtl ooki ngups hes a i d," Di dyous howi tt oHa ge n? "Heha dt ol dhe rwha the ' ddonet hi smor ni nga tbr e a kf a s ta nd t ha thei nt e nde dt ot a keHa ge noutt he r e . " Ye s .Heha dme' di s a r m' i tbutl e a vei tt he r e .He ' snowbus yt r yi ngt oout t hi nkAdr i a nont hema t t e rofr a ndomc ha nc e . " Skyemove da r oundt hede s kunt i lhewa sbe s i dehe ra ndbe ntt oki s st heba r ena peofhe rne c k. Ka t r i nac ont r ol l e das hi ve ra ndgl a r e da tt hec omput e r ' sI nof f e ns i ves c r e e n." J us ta syout hought .Wha tdoyoume a nt odo now? " " Ta keyouups t a i r s , "hes a i d,e xpl or i ngt hes c e nt e df l e s hbe ne a t hhe rr i ghte a r . Sheha da ut oma t i c a l l yhi tt heke yt ha ts t oppe dt hepr ogr a ms hewa sr unni ng,butma na ge dt ohol dhe rbodys t i f f ." Skye ,I ha vet odot he s ea c c ount s .I t ' st hee ndoft hemont h,a ndt he yha vet obedonet oda y. " " La t e r , "hedi s mi s s e dhe ri mpa t i e nt l y. " I t ' l lt a kea l lda y,e ve nwi t ht hec omput e r .I ' mnote ve npl a nni ngonbr e a ki ngf orl unc h. " Hes udde nl yya nke dhe rupf r omt hec ha i ra ndpul l e dhe ri nt ohi sa r ms ." The nqui tt heda mne dj ob, "hes a i di navoi c et ha t wa sl i t t l emor et ha nagr owl . Skyekne wi twa sami s t a ket hemome ntt hewor dsl e f thi m.Heha ds poke nwi t houtt hi nki nga sus ua l ,a nda sus ua li twa s be c a us es hewa shi di ngf r om hi m.He rc ool ,e l e ga ntf i gur ebe hi ndt hede s ki nf l a me dhi m be c a us es hel ooke ds oda mne d unt ouc ha bl e ,a ndhe rf a i nt l ya bs e ntt onema dei twor s e .Hec oul dba r e l yt hi nkwhe ns hewa sne a r by;i nf a c t ,heha de nr a ge d

Ha ge nbyl os i ngt het hr e a dofc onve r s a t i ona shewa t c he dhe rwa l kt hr ought hel obbyove ra nhourbe f or e . Andhi sownl os sofc ont r olwa sdoubl yga l l i ngbe c a us ehe rc ont r ola ppe a r e ds os ol i d.Shel os ti ti npa s s i on,a ndi na nge r , buti tne ve rde s e r t e dhe rf orl ong.Anda sf a ra shec oul dt e l l ,ac a s ua lgl a nc eort ouc hf r omhi mne ve rs omuc ha sr i ppl e dt he s mo ot hs ur f a c eofhe rs e r e ni t y.Shewa sa l oofe xc e ptwhe ns hewa si nhi sa r ms .Asc oola nde l us i vea smoonl i ght ,a shota nd br i ghta ss unl i gh t ;t hepa r a doxofhe rma dde ne dhi m. Heha dt houghtt ha tf i ndi ngt hef i r eI nhe rwoul dbee nough,butheha ddi s c ove r e di twa s n' t .Hewa nt e dhe rt obur nf or hi m,a l wa ys ,t hewa yhebur ne df orhe ra l wa ys .Heha t e de ve r yt hi ngt ha tt ookhe ra t t e nt i ona wa yf r omhi mf ore ve na nI ns t a nt , a ndknowi nghi sf e r oc i t ys t e mme df r omhi sowni ns e c ur i t ya bouthe rf e e l i ngsf orhi mdi dnot hi ngt oc ha ngeI t . " Wha t ? "s hega s pe dnow,s t a r i ngupa thi m. Hega z e da the rl ove l yf a c e ,a ndwha thewa nt e dt os a ywa sI ' mgoi ngc r az ywi t hwant i ngy ou;don' ts hutmeout !But , i nc ur a bl ygr a c e l e s swhe ne ve rs t r onge mot i onsgr i ppe dhi m,heofc our s es a i dt hel a s tt hi nghes houl dha ve . " Is a i dqui tt heda mne dj ob, "her e pe a t e di mpa t i e nt l y,a ndr a pi dl yma deba dwor s e ." Youdon' tne e dt owor k.I ' l lt a kec a r e ofyou. " Ka t r i nas hove dhi ma wa ywi t hune xpe c t e ds t r e ngt h,he ra mbe re ye ss na ppi ng." Tha nks ,butnot ha nks , "s hes a i dt i ght l y." I ma ybeaf a l l e nwoma n,a syous oa pt l yputi t ,butI ' l lbedamne di fI ' make ptone ! " Shewa s n' tc ompos e dnow,butSkyewa sbe l a t e dl ya wa r et ha tt hi ski ndoff i r ewa sl i ke l yt obur nmor et ha nhi sha nds .He ha dne ve rbe f or es e e nhe rt hi sa ngr y,a nde ve nwhi l ehewa sbus yc ur s i nghi ms e l fhec oul dn' the l pbutbef a s c i na t e d." Oh,he l l , Idi dn' tme a n—I ' ms or r y,Tr i na —God,you' r ebe a ut i f ul , "hei nt e r r upt e dhi ms e l ft os a yI nt e ns e l y. Thei mpul s i vec omme ntdi dn' tmol l i f yhe ri nt hel e a s t .I nf a c t .I fs he ' dbe e na ngr ybe f or e ,s hewa sf ur i ousnow." Youma y t hi nkmyj obi snot h i ng,a ni nc onve ni e nc ei nyours e xl i f e ,butyouc a nt hi nka ga i n, "s hes na ppe d." Iwon' tdr ope ve r yt hi ng whe nyouwhi s t l e ,a ndIs ur ea she l lwon' tbet umbl e di nt obe dbe c a us eyou' r ei nt hemoodf oraqui c ki e ! " Hel a ughe d,una bl et ohe l phi ms e l f ,a she ri nna t e l yge nt l evoi c es ha pe dt hebl untwor ds .I fheha dc ons i de r e di t ,hewoul d ha vebe e ns ur pr i s e dt ha the rbur s tofr a gedi dnot hi ngt os pa r khi sownr e a dyt e mpe r ;oddl ye nough,hef e l tnoa nge ra ta l l ,but onl yas he e pi s hde s i r et oma kea me nds . " Don' tl a ugha tme ! "s hepr a c t i c a l l ys hout e d. " I ' mnot , "hea s s ur e dhe rha s t i l y,r e a c hi ngoutf o rhe ra ndbe i nghe l dof fwhe ns hes hove dt hec ha i rbe t we e nt he m." Tr i na ,I di dn' tme a ni tt h ewa yi ts ounde d—" " Idon' tc a r ehowyoume a nti t , "s hes na r l e d. " Pl e a s e ,s we e t he a r t —" " Ge toutofmyof f i c e , "s heor de r e dwi t has udde na ndf i e r ydi gni t y.Shepus he dt hec ha i ra wa ya ndbe ga ns hovi nghi m t owa r dt hedoor . Some wha tt ohi ss ur pr i s e ,hef oundhi ms e l fgoi ng." Tr i na ,f orhe a ve n' ss a ke ! " " Thi shot e li sf i l l e dwi t hwome n, "s het ol dhi mf i e r c e l y." Tr ywhi s t l i ngt ooneoft he m. " " ButIdon' twa ntoneoft he m, "hepr ot e s t e d,a ndwi nc e dwhe nt hedoorwa ss l a mme di nhi sf a c e .Hes t oods t a r i nga tt he unyi e l di ngwoode nba r r i e r ,r e s i s t i ngas udde nur get oki c kt het hi nga shehe a r dt heme t a l l i cc l i c koft hel oc k. " Da mn. "Het ur ne da r ound,a ndf e l taf l us hc l i mbi nt ohi sf a c ea shes a wGi gi . Shewa ss t a ndi ngwi t hhe ra r msf ol de d,he rf a c es ol e mnbutade monofl a ught e ri nhe re ye s .I nadi s pa s s i ona t et ones he s a i d," Anyonewhoc oul dr ous eTr i nat oadi s pl a yoft ha tma gni t udemus tbeave r i t a bl ef i e nd. " " You' r eal otofhe l p, "hes a i dI nadi s gr unt l e dvoi c e . " Youha ve n' ta s ke df ormyhe l p, "s het ol dhi mpol i t e l y. Hes t a r e da the rf oramome nt ." He l p. " Wi t haf a i nts mi l es hes a i di ns t a nt l y," Youha veac e r t a i na mountofc ha r m,e ve nI fi ti sabi tr us t yf r omdi s us e .Andt hough youa r e n' tage nt l ema n,t he r ei sagr e a tde a lt obes a i df orbe i ngage nt l e ma n. " Skyes t oods t i l lf oramome nta f t e rs hes t r ol l e da wa y,t he nt ur ne da ndhe a de dpur pos e f ul l yf ort hel obby.Oneoft hede s k c l e r ksgi ggl e da shepa s s e d,a nda not he rga vehi m as ome wha ta we dl ook,bot hr e a c t i onst e l l i nghi mt ha ta tl e a s tpa r tof Ka t r i na ' sout bur s tha dbe e nove r he a r d. Andt ha t ,her e f l e c t e dr ue f ul l y,j us tmi ghts i nkhi ss hi pf ors ur e . *** Foraf ul lt e nmi nut e sa f t e rs he ' ds l a mme da ndl oc ke dt hedoor ,Ka t r i nawa ss oa ngr ys hec oul dba r e l yt hi nk.Gr a dua l l y, howe ve r ,t heI ne vi t a bl el e t downove r c a mehe r ,a nds hes a nki nt ohe rc ha i rt os t a r ea tt hec omput e r .He rhe a dwa spoundi ng, a nds hef e l tbot hami l da s t oni s hme nta the ra nge ra ndas e ns eofba f f l e me nta tSkye ' swor ds . Hi sde ma ndt ha ts hequi the rj obs e e me d,ont hes ur f a c ea tl e a s t ,t oha ves pr ungf r oms he e rs e xua ldomi na t i on,a n dt ha twa s wha tha ds pa r ke dh e rr a ge .Sheha dbe e nf ur i ous ,a ndmi xe dwi t ht ha tha dna t ur a l l ybe e nhe rowns e ns eofhur tt ha the a ppa r e nt l yt houghts ol i t t l eofhe rwor kt ha thewoul dor de rhe rt oa ba ndoni twi t houthe s i t a t i on. Butac e r t a i na mountofbi t t e re xpe r i e nc er e mi nde dhe rnowt ha theof t e ns pokewi t houts t oppi ngt oc ons i de rt hepr oba bl e i mpa c tofhi swor ds ,a ndt ha thi sI nna t eI mpa t i e nc ema dehi mqui c kt ode ma ndwha thewa nt e d.Andwha tha dhewa nt e di n t hos ef i r s tmome nt sa f t e rhe ' dc omei nt ohe rof f i c e ? He r . Heha dn' tt houghta bouthe rwor ka ta l l ,e xc e pta ss ome t hi ngs t a ndi ngbe t we e nt het wooft he m.And,i nt ol e r a nta sa l wa ys , heha ds i mpl yt a ke nt hequi c ke s ta ndmos tdi r e c tr out et oge t t i ngwha thewa nt e d.He rj obwa si nt hewa y—s ohewa nt e di t s hove dt oones i de .I twa s n' ti mpor t a nt ,a ndt hea dde dc omme nta boutt a ki ngc a r eofhe rha dj us tbe e nanI mpa t i e nt ,pur e l y e xpe di e ntr i de ra l ongt hel i ne sof" Ne ve rmi nd.I ' l lt a kec a r eofi t . " " Ar r oga nts oa nds o, "s het ol dt hec omput e r . Hewa sa r r oga nt . . .buts hewa s n' ts ur pr i s e dbyi t ,a ndc oul dn' ts e e mt oge ta ngr ya bouti t .Shemi ghtj us ta swe l lge ta ngr ya t ac ome tf orf ol l owi ngi t sna t ur a lpa t h.Heha dn' tme a ntt ohur torups e the r ,a ndi tha dpr oba bl yne ve roc c ur r e dt ohi mt ha the

woul d.And,t odohi mj us t i c e ,heha dI ns t a nt l yt r i e dt oa pol ogi z e . I twa sodd,s her e a l i z e d,butheha dn' tgot t e na ngr yi nr e t ur n.Heha dbe e nc l e a r l yI nt r i gue dbyhe rt e mpe r ,a ndheha d l a ughe da the r —No.Notathe r ,buta twha ts heha ds a i d.Thi nki nga boutwha ts heha ds a i d,s heha dt oa dmi ti ts ounde d a mus i ngi nr e t r os pe c t . Aknoc ka tt hedoorI nt e r r upt e dhe rt hought s ,a nds hewe ntt ounl oc ki t .The ns hes t e ppe dba c k,s t a r t l e d,a soneoft he be l l me nc a r r i e di nade l i c a t ec r ys t a lva s ehol di nga ne nor mousbouque tofl ongs t e mme dr e dr os e s . " Doe s n' twa s t emuc ht i me ,doe she ? "t hebe l l ma nobs e r ve dc he e r f ul l ya shes e tt heva s eonhe rde s k. Twor e a l i z a t i onss t r uc kKa t r i nat he n.One ,t ha ts hel i ve di nagol df i s hbowla nd,t wo,t ha tSkye ' si mpa t i e nc ea ndt e mpe r we r e n' tt heonl ye xt r a va ga ntt hi ngsa bouthi m.I nt hemos tdi gni f i e dt ones hec oul dma na ge ,s hes a i d," Tha nkyou,De nni s . " " The r e ' sac a r d, "De nni ss a i dwi t hawi nk,a ndt he ne s c a pe dbe f or es hec oul dt hr ows ome t hi nga thi m. Ka t r i nae ye dt heof f e r i ngf oramome nt ,t he npl uc ke dt hec a r df r oma mongt hebl oomsa ndr e t r e a t e dbe hi ndhe rde s k.She s a tdowna ndope ne dt hel i t t l ee nve l opec a ut i ous l y,note nt i r e l yc e r t a i nwha tt oe xpe c t . I ' v ef or got t e nhowt owhi s t l e ,buti tdoe s n' tmat t e r .Iwantonl yy ou.Ic an' tmak epr e t t ys pe e c he sabouti t ;as t ar v i ngman doe s n' tas k —hej us tgr abs .Idi dn' tme ant ohur ty ou. Tha nkhe a ve nhewr ot ei thi ms e l f ,s het houghtv a gue l y,ne ve rdoubt i ngt ha tt hede c i s i ve ,bol ds t r oke soft hepe nwe r ehi s . Andwha tc oul dawoma ndowi t hama nl i keSkye ?Ar ougha pol ogy,bl unta ndwi t houtgr a c e . . .a ndut t e r l ydi s a r mi ng. " Da mnyou, "s hemur mur e d. Ka t r i nas a tf oral ongt i me ,he rga z ea l mos tbl i n d.The ns het ur ne dof fhe rc omput e ra ndl e f the rof f i c e .Shed i dn' tt hi nk a boutwhe r es hewa sgoi ngorwha tt ol dhe rhe ' dbewa i t i ngf orhe r ,buts hewa s n' tmuc hs ur pr i s e dt of i ndhe r s e l fope ni ngt he doorofhe rs ui t ea ndgoi ngi n.Hewa s n' ti nt hede n,buts hewe ntoni nt ot hebe dr oom.Andhewa st he r e . Shehe l dt hec a r dupbr i e f l ybe f or eput t i ngi tont hedr e s s e r ." Youkne wI ' dc ome , "s hea c c us e d. " No. "We a r i ngonl yapa i rofda r ks we a tpa nt sa ndl ooki ngvi br a nt l yma l ehec a met owa r dhe rs l owl y," Iho pe d.ButI wa s n' ts ur e . " " Da mmi t ,yougotmeuphe r ea nywa y! " Hes mi l e dj us tal i t t l e ,ac r ooke ds mi l e ,a ndhi se ye swe r el umi nous ." The ys a yi fyouwi s hha r de nough,youc a nma ket he wi s hc omet r ue . " Ka t r i nac l e a r e dhe rt hr oa t ,f e e l i ngt hehe a tofhi spowe r f ulbodya shes t oodbe f or ehe ra nds t i ngi ngl ya wa r et ha the rbody wa sr e s pondi ngi ns t a nt l y,a si fheha dr e a c he douta nde nve l ope di ti nhi sowni nt e ns i t y." I st ha twha tyoudi d? "s hema na ge d t oa s khus ki l y. " Ye s . "Her e a c he dups l owl ya ndbe ga nunwi ndi nghe rbr a i d,t os s i ngt hepi nsc a r e l e s s l ya s i dea ndwa t c hi ngI nt e nt l ya sf i r e f l i c ke r e di nt hea ubur ns t r a ndst ha tf e l love rhe rs houl de r sa ndc ur l e dwi l dl y. " You—youha dnor i ghtt oma ket ha tde ma ndofme , "s hema na ge dt os a y." Nor i ghta ta l l . " " Iknow. "Thoughhi svoi c ec ont a i ne dahus kyunde r t one ,i twa squi e ta nds t e a dy.Hes l i ppe da r oundbe hi ndhe r ,hi sha nds s mo ot hi ngt hes i l kt h a tc ove r e dhe ruppe ra r ms ,r ubb i ngs l owl yi namove me ntt ha twa sl a z ya nds oot hi ng. " Myj obi si mpor t a ntt ome , "s hewhi s pe r e d,f e e l i nghe rbone sbe gi ndi s s ol vi ng.Hege nt l ypus he dhe rt hi c kha i ra s i des o t ha ti tf e l lf or wa r dove rones houl de r ,a nds hebowe dhe rhe a di ns t i nc t i ve l ywhe nhi swa r ml i pst ouc he dt hee xpos e dna peof he rne c k. " Ofc our s ei ti s , "hewhi s pe r e da ga i ns the rne c k,hi sf i nge r sde a l i ngwi t ht hel ongr owofbut t onsdownhe rba c k." Iknow t ha t .You' r eat r a i ne d,e xpe r i e nc e da ge nt .You' r ea l s oahot e lma na ge rwi t hr e s pons i bi l i t i e s .Ic oul dne ve ra s kyout ogi veup a nypa r tofwha tyoua r e . " Ka t r i nac a ughth e rbr e a t ha st hes i l kdr e s ss l i dd ownhe rbodya ndpool e di nagl i mme r i ngc i r c l eofbl uea r oundhe rf e e t . Hi sha ndswe r ea the rwa i s tnow,pul l i nghe rge nt l yba c ka ga i ns thi m,a nds hewa st r yi ngt ot hi nkl onge nought oge tt hi s ma t t e runde r s t oodbe t we e nt he m." The nwhydi dyou? " " Iwa nt e dyou, "hes a i dde e pl y.Oneofhi sha nd sl a yonhe rs t oma c h,f i nge r ss pr e a dwi deove rt hebl ues i l kofhe rt e ddy, a ndhi sot he rha nds l i ds l owl ydownhe rs i det ohe rt hi gha ndbe ga nt oyi ngwi t ht hega r t e rhol di nguphe rs t oc ki ng." Is a wyou wa l ka c r os st hel obby,a ndIc oul dn' tt hi nkofa nyt hi nge l s e .Youl ooke ds oc oola ndbe a ut i f ul ,a si fyou' dne ve rgonec r a z yi n mya r ms .Iwa nt e dyout ogoc r a z ya ga i n,t of or ge te ve r yt hi ngbutmea ndwa nt i ngme . " Hi smout hwa smovi ngove rhe rne c ka nds houl de r ,t r a i l i ngf i r e .Wi t hhe rhe a ds t i l lbowe d,s hel ooke dda z e dl ya thi s powe r f ulha ndc ove r i nghe rmi ddl e ,be a ut i f ula nds t a r kl yma l e ,a ndwa t c he dt hel ongf i nge r sofhi sot he rha nde xpe r t l y unf a s t e ni ngt hes na pshol di nghe rs t oc ki ng.Shec oul df e e lhi sbodyha r de ni nga ga i ns the r ,hi she a ta l mos ts c or c hi nghe r .He r e ye sf e l the a vy,t hel i dsha l fc l os i ng,a nds hewa sonl yva gue l ya wa r et ha theha dunf a s t e ne dt heot he rs t oc ki nga n dt he nt he ga r t e rbe l t . Shes wa ye d,a ndhe rha ndc a meoutt obr a c ehe r s e l fonhi ss houl de ra shekne l tbe s i dehe r .Hewa ss moot hi ngt hes t oc ki ngs downhe rl e gs ,r e movi nghe rs hoe sa ndt hegos s a me rhos e .Whe nhes t oodupa ga i n,s het ur ne dna t ur a l l yt ohi ma ndwoul d ha vegonee a ge r l yi nt ohi sa r msi fhe ' dl e the r . ButSkyehe l dhe ra wa yf r om hi m,hi sha ndsgr a s pi nghe ruppe ra r msf i r ml y.Hi sbr i l l i a nte ye smove ds l owl yove rhe r body,t he nl i f t e dt ohe rf a c e ." I fI ' dknownyouwe r ewe a r i ngt hi ss e xyt hi ngunde r ne a t hyourdr e s s , "hes a i dt hi c kl y." Iwoul d ha vel oc ke dt hedoorofyourof f i c ea ndt a ke nyour i ghtt he r e . " Shega s pe dwhe nhepul l e dhe rs l owl yt ohi m,hi swor dsa ndt hebur ni ngs t r e ngt hofhi sbodyma ki nghe rf e e lna ke dde s pi t e t het e ddy.He rmout hope ne dbr a z e nl yunde rt hea l mos tbr ui s i ngf or c eofhi sl i ps ,a nds hec l ungt ohi ma shel i f t e dhe ri nhi s a r msa ndc a r r i e dhe rt ot hebe d. Shewa nt e dhi m.. . . Thede s i r eheki ndl e di nhe rmi nda ndbodywa ss uc hava s t .ove r powe r i ng,a l l c ons umi ngt hi ngt ha tKa t r i nane ve rwa nt e d ge nt l e ne s sf r omhi m,orpa t i e nc e ,ore ve nt e nde r ne s s .Shej us twa nt e dhi m.Shedi dn' tt hi nki nhi sa r ms ;s hec oul donl yf e e l wi t ht hes i mpl e ,s t unni ngpl e a s ur eoft ot a l l ya wa ke ne ds e ns e s .Shebe c a meawi l dt hi ng,c r a z ywi t ht hede s pe r a t ene e df orhi m,

a ndnoma t t e rhowpr i mi t i vea ndf or c e f ulhi spa s s i onwa s ,s hegl or i e di ni t . Theknowl e dget ha thel os tc ont r olwi t hhe r ,t ha ts hee xc i t e dhi ma spot e nt l ya shee xc i t e dhe r ,f r e e dhe rt oe xpe r i e nc ef ul l y t heu ne xpe c t e dde pt hsofhe rownpa s s i ons .Shemi ghtha vet r i e dt ohol dba c k,e ve ni nbe dwi t hhi m,buthi shunge ra nd f i e r c e ne s sc ombi ne dwi t hhe rownl oves ha t t e r e dhe rc ont r ols oc ompl e t e l ys hec oul dn' tha ve . I twa s n' te ve nama t t e rofgi vi nghe r s e l f ,buts i mpl yama t t e rofapos s e s s i ont ha twa smut ua l . He rownbl i ndf e r vordr ovehi sde s i r ehi ghe r ;s hekne wt ha tbe c a us ehema denos e c r e tofi t .I fhec oul dn' tma kepr e t t y s pe e c he sa bouthi sne e d,hec ha r me di nadi f f e r e nt ,r oughe rwa y,hi shoa r s evoi c eut t e r i ngr a wwor dsofs t a r kne c e s s i t yt ha t s e a r e dhe rt ohe rbone s .Andhi sha ndsonhe r ,hi sbe a ut i f ulha ndst ha twe r eha r dwi t houthur t i ng,br oughthe rbodyt ol i f ei na wa ys heha dne ve rt h oughtpos s i bl e . Ka t r i nal os the r s e l fs out t e r l yi nt hehe a ta ndf r a nt i cur ge nc yofhi spa s s i ont ha ts het houghts he ' dne ve rf i ndhe r s e l fa ga i n. Ands omedi mi ns t i nc tt ol dhe rheha dma r ke dhe rf or e ve r ,i ns i dewhe r ei twa s n' tvi s i bl et ot hena ke de ye .De e pi ns i dehe r , whe r ei tbur ne dl i keabr a ndonhe rs oul . *** Thebe dr oom ha dbe e npe a c e f ulf ors omet i mewhe nKa t r i nabe c a mea wa r eofagui l t yme mor y.Thea c c ou nt s .I twa s a l r e a dyt hemi ddl eoft hea f t e r noon;s hedi dn' ts t a ndac ha nc eoff i ni s hi ngupbyt hee ndoft heda ye ve ni fs hewe ntba c kt o wor ki mme di a t e l y.Shewa sde ba t i ngwi t hhe r s e l fa st owhe t he rSkyewoul dpr ot e s the rl e a vi nghi m,whe nt hes udde n s ummonsoft hepho neonhe rni ght s t a ndma det hema t t e ra c a de mi c . " Ohda mn, "Sky emut t e r e di ndi s gus t ,r e movi n gonea r mf r om a r oundhe rt or e a c hf ort hepe s kyi nt r ude r ." Wha t ? "he gr owl e di nt ot her e c e i ve r . AndKa t r i na ,he l dc l os e l ybe s i dehi m,di dn' tne e dt hea br upts t i f f e ni ngofhi sbodyt oa l e r the r ,be c a us es hehe a r dt heha r d voi c eoft hec a l l e ra l mos ta sc l e a r l ya shedi d. " Skye ?He ' sl oos e . "

Seven " Howt hehe l ldi dt ha tha ppe n? "Skyebi tout ,r e l e a s i ngKa t r i naa nds i t t i ngbol tupr i ght .Hi se xpr e s s i onwa sgr i m. Shes a tups l owl ybe s i dehi m,s t i l lhe a r i ngt hec a l l e r ' svoi c ec l e a r l ybe c a us ei twa ss opowe r f ul ,s odi s t i nc t . " Idon' tknowye t ,butIme a nt of i ndout , "t hec a l l e rpr omi s e dda r kl y." Ij us tgotac a l lf r omoneoft hea ge nt s ;t heot he r ' si n ba ds ha pea ndne e dst obet a ke nt oahos pi t a l .I tha ppe ne dha l fa nhoura go.Adr i a ndi dn' tt r yt ot a ket hec a r ,hes i mpl y va ni s he di nt ot hehi l l s .It ol dThomps ont oge thi spa r t ne rt oadoc t ora ndke e phi smout hs hut .I nt e nmi nut e sIc a nbea i r bor ne wi t has qua dofma r s ha l s . " " Wec a n' tha veama nhuntoutt he r e ,orwe ' l lt i pourha ndf ors ur e , "Skyes a i df l a t l y. ' " I ti s n' taga mea nymor e ,Skye , "Da ni e lSt ua r t ,di r e c t oroft heFBI ,s a i di nas ha r pe ne dt one . " Youowet he s epe opl e . "Skye ' svoi c ewa sha r d." Andyouga veyourwor d,Da ni e l . " " Ic a n' tha veAdr i a nr unni ngl oos edownt he r e ! " " Hewon' tbef orl ong. "Skyet hr e wba c kt hes he e tc ove r i nghi sna ke dbodya nds wunghi sl e gsof ft hebe d." I ' l lge thi m. " " Al one ?Skye ,a r eyououtofyourmi nd? " " I ' mnota l one .The r e ' sas ma l la r myhe r e ,oneyou' dl ovet oge tyourha ndsona nyt i me ,a ndt he yha veave s t e di nt e r e s ti n c a pt ur i ngAdr i a n. " The r ewa sapa us e ,a ndt he nDa ni e ls wor evi o l e nt l y." Idon' tl i kei t —" " Youdi dn' tl i kei twhe nt he yma dei tpos s i bl ef ormet oc a t c hhi mt hef i r s tt i me .For ge tyourma r s ha l s ,Da ni e l .Br i ngonl y e noughme nt ohol dont ohi m.Se eyout he r e . "Andhehungupt hephonede c i s i ve l y. Ka t r i nakne wt ha tAdr i a nha dbe e nhe l di nar e mot ehous enomor et ha nt e nmi l e sf r omt hepa r k,a ndt het hou ghtoft ha t ki l l e rl oos eona nun s us pe c t i ngc ount r ys i def r i ght e ne dhe r .Buts ome t hi nge l s ef r i ght e n e dhe rmor e ,s e ndi ngi c et hr oughhe r ve i nsa ndt i ght e ni nghe rt hr oa tunt i ls hec oul dha r dl ys pe a k. Al mos ti na udl bl ys hes a i d," Youwon' tge tt heot he r s ,wi l lyou? " Skyer os ef r omt hebe da ndbe ga ndr e s s i ng." The r e ' snone e d.Adr i a nc a n' tge tf a r ,notonf oot .I ' l lbea bl et omov ef a s t e ri fI goa l one . "Her e t r i e ve dhi sgunf r om t het ops he l fofhe rc l os e t ,whe r eheha dputi tt heda ybe f or e ,a nds hr ugg e di nt ot he s houl de rha r ne s s . " I ' m goi ngwi t hyou. "Ka t r i nas a i d,t hr owi ngof ft hec ove r sa nds l i di ngf r om t hebe d.Shewe ntt ot hedr e s s e ra ndbe ga n ha ul i ngoutc l ot hi ng . " No,youa r e n' t , "hes a i df l a t l y,s l i di nghi sba r ef e e ti nt omoc c a s i nsa ndr e a c hi ngi nt ot hec l os e tf orat hi nWi ndbr e a ke r . " Skye ! " " Ka t r i na ,youa r e n' ta ne xpe r i e nc e df i e l da ge ntt r a i ne dt oha ndl et hi ski ndoft hi ng. "Hec a met os t a ndbe f or ehe rs udde nl y, oneha ndl i f t i ngt of r a mehe rf a c e .Hi se ye swe r es hut t e r e d,hi svoi c es t i l lha r s h." You' donl yge ti nmywa y.Be l i e veme ,I knowwha tI ' mdoi ng . " Shes t a r e dupa thi m,hol di ngt hes t i l l f ol de dc l ot he st ohe rna ke dbr e a s t s .I nawonde r i ngt ones hes a i d," Da newa sr i ght . Youdot hi nkyou' r ema deofi r on,don' tyou? " Hega z e da the rl ove l y,s t i l lf a c e ,a wa r et ha the rc a t l i kea mbe re ye she l ds hoc k,t ha the rs l e nde rbodywa sr i gi d.I ns pi t eof t heur ge ntne e df orhi mt oge tmovi ng,hewa sf i ght i ngt heur get odi s c ove rwhys hewa sl ooki nga thi mwi t ht ha te xpr e s s i onof s t r a nges ur pr i s e .Hedi dn' tunde r s t a ndi t .Hi sowna c t i onsma depe r f e c ts e ns et ohi m;Adr i a nha de s c a pe d,a ndhewa sgoi ng a f t e rhi m. " Iha vet ogo, "hes a i d,i gnor i nghe rque s t i ona ndhe a r i ngt her e l uc t a nc ei nhi sownvoi c e . Shedr oppe dt hec l ot he ss hewa shol di nga ndgr a bbe dha ndf ul sofhi sj a c ke t ." Ans we rme ! "s hede ma nde d. Skyewa st r yi ngt oke e phi sa t t e nt i onof fhe rna ke dbody,a ndha vi ngl i t t l el uc k.Thel a t ea f t e r noons unl i ghtf i l t e r e dt hr ough

t hes he e rc ur t a i nsoft hewi ndow,pa i nt i nghe rbodygol da ndl i ght i nghe rwi l dha i rwi t hf i r e .Heha t e dl e a vi nghe r !" Ofc our s e Idon ' tt hi nkI ' mma deofi r on, "hes a i df i na l l y,i r r i t a bl ebe c a us et heque s t i onwa suni mpor t a nt . " The nwhya r ey ougoi nga l one ? "He rvoi c ewa sf i e r c e ,he re ye sbur ni ng." Ge tDa ne !Ge ts ome one ! " Hef or c e dpa t i e nc ei nt ohi svoi c e ." It ol dyou—I ' l lmovef a s t e ra l one .I ' vet r a c ke dAdr i a nbe f or e ,a ndIknowho whi smi nd wor ks . "Hebe nthi she a da ndki s s e dhe rf i r ml y,t he npul l e dhe rha ndsl oos ef r omhi sj a c ke ta nds t e ppe dba c k. " Don' t , "s hes a i d. Skyet ur ne da wa yf r omhe r ,s ur pr i s e da tt hee f f o r tI tt ook.Andi twa s n' t ,her e a l i z e d,j us tbe c a us ehec oul dha r dl ys t a ndt o beo utofhe rpr e s e nc et he s eda ys .I twa ss ome t hi nge l s e ,s ome t hi ngonade e pe rl e ve l —awr e nc hi ngt ugI ns i dehi m,a si fs ome vi t a lpa r tofhi ms e l fwe r ei r r e voc a bl yc onne c t e dt ohe ra ndr e s i s t e dhi sl e a vi nghe r .Heha dne ve rf e l ta nyt hi ngl i ket ha tbe f or e , a ndi tdi s t ur be dhi m." I ' l lbeba c k, "hemut t e r e d,a ndkne whi spr omi s ewa sunva r ni s he dt r ut h. He ' da l wa ysr e t ur nt ohe r ,noma t t e rwha ts t oodi nhi swa y. *** Ka t r i nadr e s s e di nde s pe r a t eha s t e ,s of t l yc ur s i nghe rt r e mbl i ngf i nge r s ,t r yi ngt oma kehe rmi ndwor k.Da ne ,ofc our s e .He kne whi sbr ot he rbe s t ,hekne wwha ts heha donl yj us ts e e nc l e a r l yf orhe r s e l f .Heha dt r i e dt owa r nhe r ,buts heha dn' tl i s t e ne d, ha dn' tbe l i e ve dt ha tama nwi t hSkye ' ss t r e ngt hc oul de ve rne e da nyonee l s ef ora nyr e a s on. Hene e dss ome onet oc ar eabouthi m,s ohe ' l ls t o pt ot hi nkbe f or er i s k i nghi sne c k . Sheha ds e e ni tf ort hef i r s tt i me ,t ha tunc ons c i ou s ,he e dl e s si na bi l i t yi nhi mt or e c ogni z et hef a c tt ha thewa sma deoff l e s h a ndbl ood.I tha ds hoc ke dhe r ,be c a us eunt i lt he ns heha dn' tknownwha tDa ne ' swa r ni ngha dme a nt .Buts hekne wnow.She kne wt ha tSkye ' sve r ys t r e ngt h,t hebur ni ngl i f ef or c ei ns i dehi m,ma dehi mc ompl e t e l y,unc ons c i ous l y,r e c kl e s swh e ni tc a me t ohi sowns ur vi va l . Ka t r i naha df oughtf orhe rs ur vi va l ,gr i ml ya ndwi t ha l lt hewi l ls hec oul dc omma nd.Sheha ds t oi c a l l ye ndur e d I nt e r r oga t i ont e c hni que se xpr e s s l yde s i gne dt obr e a kt hehuma nmi nda nds pi r i t ,a ndha dr e f us e dt obebr oke n.Sheha df a c e d he rc hi l dhoodt e r r orofs ma l lr oomsa ndc l os epl a c e s ,r e j e c t i ngt hemi nds ha t t e r i nghor r orofani ght ma r ec omet ol i f ea ss he ha ds t a r e da tf ou rba r egr a ywa l l si nat hr e e byf i ve f ootc e l l .Ands heha de me r ge dwi t has ur egr i ponhe rs a ni t yt or e bui l dhe r l i f e . Shekne whowpr e c i ousl i f ewa s ,a ndhowvul ne r a bl et ha tl i f ewa st ot heva ga r i e soff a t e . ButSkye. . .Hedi dn' tknow.Na t ur eha dgi ve nhi m ana t ur a lI mpa t i e nc ea ndr e c kl e s s ne s s ,a ndt he nha da dde dbot ha n unus ua lphys i c a ls t r e ngt ha nda ni nne rf i r et ha tbur ne dwi t ha l lt hei nvi nc i bl ehe a tofac r uc i bl e . Wha tha dhes a i da boutDa nef i ndi nghi mmont hsa f t e rheha dl e f tGe r ma ny?Ipr obabl ywoul dhav emanage dt oge tmy s e l f k i l l e d.Godk nowsIwast r y i nghar de nough. Hi sownl i f edi dn' tma t t e rve r ymuc ht ohi m.Andi twa s n' tade f e a t e s tt hi ng,buts i mpl yac a r e l e s sone ;hene ve rt hought a bouti t .Hewoul da l wa ysbel a r ge l yi ndi f f e r e ntt ohi sownf a t e ,s hekne wnow.Buthi sgr e a ts t r e ngt ha ndI nc r e di bl el i f ef or c e ha dpr ovi de daki ndofa ur a ,ar a r ec l oa kofs he e rl uc k,a ndheha ds ur vi ve dde s pi t ehi sownhe l l be ntr e c kl e s s ne s s . Butl uc kwa sac a pr i c i oust hi ng. Wha tSkyene e d e dwa s ,a sDa neha dwa r ne d,s o me onewhoc a r e da bouthi m.Hene e de ds ome onet ol ovehi ms out t e r l y t ha thebe c a meapa r toft ha tot he rl i f ea nd,s o,l i nke dt oi t .Ca r e l e s swi t hhi sowne xi s t e nc e ,hewoul dne ve rbec a r e l e s swi t h a not he r ' s ,pa r t i c ul a r l yi fhel ove da swe l l . Da neha dbe e nhi sba l a nc e ,Ka t r i nar e a l i z e d,r e me mbe r i ngt het r ut hi nwha theha ds ol i ght l ys a i d.Heha dbe e nSkye ' s c e nt e r ,hi sa nc ho r .Themor epa t i e nta ndc a ut i ousbr ot he rha dhe l df i r ml yt ot hebondbe t we e nt he m,r e f us i ngt oa l l owSkyet o f l i nghi sl i f ea wa ywi t houtat hought .ButDa newa sma r r i e d,hi sownhe a r tc l a i me dbyt hewoma nhel ove d,a ndt hought he r e wa s n' tl e s sbe t we e nt hebr ot he r s ,t he r ewa sadi f f e r e nc e .Skyewa smor ea l one ,l e s sc onne c t e d. And,a ss her a c e df r omt hehot e la ndt hr ought hepa r k,Ka t r i napr omi s e dhe r s e l ff i e r c e l yt ha ts hewoul df or get hebondhe ne e de d.Sheha dbe e na f r a i dt oof f e rhe rl ove ,butt he r ewa snor oomi nhe rnowf ors uc hi ns e c ur i t y.Skye ' sl i f eme a ntmor et o he rt ha nhe rown,a nds hewa spr e pa r e dt of i ghtwi t ha l lt her e l e nt l e s swi l ls hec oul dc omma ndt oma kec e r t a i nhekne wi t . Hemi ghtnotbea bl et ol ovehe r ,buthewoul dne ve ra ga i nbea bl et odoubtt ha thewa sl ove d. Shedr e wup,br e a t hl e s s ,af e wya r dsf r omt hedo c ke dr i ve r boa t .Da newa st he r e ,a l ongwi t hal ove l ybl ondewhoha dt obe hi swi f e ,a swe l la st woot he rme n,De r e ka ndKe l s e y,whomKa t r i naha dme te a r l i e rwhi l et hi sope r a t i onwa si nt hepl a nni ng s t a ge s .Al lf ourwe r ei nc a s ua lc l ot he s ,ha vi ngobvi ous l yc ha nge df r omt he i rc os t ume sa tt hee ndoft he i rs hi f t . Andbe f or es hec oul de ve nf i ndt hebr e a t ht os pe a k,Da newa sa l e r ta nda wa r e .Fort hef i r s tt i me ,s hef e l tt hef or c et ha the s ha r e dwi t hhi sbr ot he r ,s a wi tl e a pi nga the routofhi se ye sa shei ns t i nc t i ve l ypr obe d. Shef oundhe rvoi c e ." Adr i a n' se s c a pe d.Skye ' sgonea f t e rhi m. " " Whe n? "Da ner a ppe dout . " J us ta sf e wmi nut e sa go.Da ni e lSt ua r tc a l l e d.Oneoft hea ge nt swa sba dl yhur ta ndt heot he ronet ookhi mt ot hehos pi t a l . Adr i a ndoe s n' tha veac a r ;he ' sonf oots ome whe r ei nt hehi l l s .Skyewoul dn' tl e tDa ni e lbr i ngi nma r s ha l s ;hes a i dt ha ta l lof youc oul dr e c a pt ur eAdr i a n.Butheme a ntt ogoa l one ,a ndhedi d. " Sof t l yDe r e ks a i d." Weha veac hoppe ront her oofoft hehot e l .Woul dSkye —? " Da nes hookhi she a d." As ki l lne i t he rofusha s .Hemus tha vet a ke nhi sc a r . " " De r e k' sapi l ot , "Ke l s e yof f e r e d,hi spl e a s a ntf a c egr i m." Wi t hal i t t l el uc kSkyewon' tbemor et ha naf e wmi n ut e sa he a d ofus . " " He ' spr oba bl yt h e r ea l r e a dy. "Da nemut t e r e d,be c a us eonet r a i tt h ebr ot he r ss ha r e dwa sal oveoff a s tc a r s .Hel o oke ddown a thi swi f e ,s e e i nghe rpa l l ora ndwor r i e de ye s ." J e nny— " " Iknow, "s hes a i dqui c kl y,ma na gi ngar e a s s ur i ngs mi l e ." J us tbec a r e f ul . "Shel ooke da tDe r e ka nds a i d," I ' l lt e l lSha nnon a ndt heot he r s . " Henodde dhi st ha nks .Al loft he m we r ec ons c i ousoft hepa s s i ngmome nt s ,a ndt he r ewa snot i met os t opa nd.pl a n.No mor et ha nac oupl eofmi nut e sa f t e rKa t r i naha df oundt he m,s hewa shur r yi ngba c ka c r os st hepa r kwi t ht het hr e eme n.

" I ' mc omi ngwi t hyou, "s het ol dt he mf i e r c e l y. Ke l s e yope ne dhi smout h,butDa nes hookhi she a ds l i ght l ya tt heot he rma na nds a i d," Good"t ohe r . " The r ea r eaf e wgunss t owe di ns i det hec hoppe r , "Ke l s e ys a i di ns t e a d." Enoughf orus . " Ka t r i nawa ss t i l lc ol dl ya f r a i df orSkye ,butt het hr e eme ns hewa swi t hs ol i dl yi ns pi r e dc onf i de nc e .The ywe r ea l lbi gme n, a ndt houghe a c hwo ul dbef or mi da bl ea l one ,i nagr oupt he ywe r eI mpr e s s i vea she l l ,s het hought .Shet r us t e dDa nes i mpl y be c a us ehel ove dSkye ,t oo,a ndbe c a us ehes ha r e dwi t hhi sbr ot he rt ha tr a r e ,e nor mouss t r e ngt h.De r e k,bl onda ndwi t h s e r e ne l ye xpr e s s i onl e s sda r ke ye si naha r d,ha nds omef a c e ,wa ss oc a l ma ndc a s ua l l ygr a c e f ult ha tKa t r i nadi dn' tdoubthe kne whi sowns t r e ngt ht ot hel a s tounc e .Andt he nt he r ewa sKe l s e y,whos epl e a s a ntf a c ea ndgr a ye ye sc onc e a l e d,s het hought , t heki ndofda nge rt ha tc a mef r omave r yr oughl i f e . Shet r us t e dt he ma l l ,a ndt he yi ns pi r e dc onf i de nc e .ButSkyewa soutt he r ea l one ,t r a i l i ngas oul l e s ski l l e r ,a n dhedi dn' t knowt ha ta not he rhe a r twa si ne xt r i c a bl yc onne c t e dt ohi sown. Buc kl i nghe rs e a tbe l ti nt hehe l i c opt e r ,s hel e a ne df or wa r dt os pe a kt oDa newhi l eDe r e kwa sc he c ki ngove rt hec r a f t ' s I ns t r ume nt s ." Yout r i e dt owa r nme , "s hes a i dj e r ki l y," butIdi dn' tunde r s t a nd.I fIha d,ma ybeIc oul dha ves t oppe dhi m.I ' m s or r y . " Da neha l ft ur ne di nt hef r onts e a tt ol ookba c ka the r ,a ndt houghhi sf a c ewa sdr a wn,hewa ss mi l i ngf a i nt l y." Don' tbl a me your s e l f ,Ka t r i n a .Ic e r t a i nl ydon' t .Andyoupr oba bl yc oul dn' tha ves t oppe dhi ma nywa y.I tma yt a keal i t t l epr a c t i c ebe f or e you' r ea bl et odot ha t . " " Ca nyou? "s hea s ke dhi m. " No.Ic a n' ts t ophi m.Butyouwi l lbea bl et o. " Ther oa roft hehe l i c opt e ra sDe r e ks t a r t e di tputa ne ndt ot hec onve r s a t i on,a ndKa t r i nas a tba c k,c ons c i ousofhope s ur gi ngI ns i dehe r .Ha dDa neme a ntwha ts het hought ?Sheha l fc l os e dhe re ye sa st hehe l i c opt e rl i f t e df r omt her oofoft he hot e l ,pr a yi ngs he ' dge tac ha nc et of i ndout . *** Skyel e f thi sc a ri nt hewoodsne a rt hes pr a wl i ngf a r mhous ea nda ppr oa c he donf oot ,s wi f tbutwi t ht hei ns t i nc t i vec a ut i on ofawi l da ni ma l .Hedoubt e dt ha tAdr i a nha dr e t ur ne dt ot hehous eonc ehe ' de s c a pe d,butheha dhunt e dt heki l l e rbe f or ea nd kne whewa sc a pa bl eofj us ta bouta nyt hi ng. Nomor et ha nami nut es e r ve dt oc onvi nc ehi mt hehous ewa sde s e r t e d,a ndhes l i ppe di ns i det ot a keaqui c kl o oka r ound. Thepl a c ewa spe a c e f ula nds i l e nt ,butove r t ur ne da nds ma s he df ur ni t ur ea ndapa t c hofbl ooddr yi ngont hel i vi ngr oomc a r pe t t ol dofr e c e ntvi o l e nc e .Skyewa sa boutt ol e a ve ,whe nhec a ughts i ghtofac r umpl e dma pont hef l oorbe s i det hec ouc h,a ndhe be ntt opi c ki tup.Ama poft hea r e a ,her e a l i z e d;heha ds e e nas i mi l a rma pwhe nhea ndDa ni e lha dde c i de dont hi spl a c ea s t hebe s ta va i l a bl es poti nwhi c ht ohol dAdr i a nc a pt i ve . Ha dt heki l l e rs e e nt hema p?Skyeha dt oa s s umeheha d.Andt ha tAdr i a nha dc a nni l ys pe nthi st wowe e ksofi nc a r c e r a t i on t r yi ngt of i ndouta l lhec oul da boutt hea r e a .Da ni e l ' sa ge nt swe r e n' ts t upi dme n,ofc our s e ,butSkyekne wonl yt o owe l lt he bor e domt ha ti ne vi t a bl yl e dt ogua r dsr e l a xi nga f t e ra nune ve nt f ulpa s s a geoft i me . Spr e a di ngt hema poutont heki t c he nt a bl e ,Sk yes t udi e di tc a r e f ul l y,s t i l lhol di nghi sgun.Te nmi l e sofwi l de r ne s sa l l a r oundt hehous e ,bu t...The r ewa sal onga ba ndone dc oa lmi nene a r by,c l e a r l yma r ke dont hema p.I tha dbe e napr os pe r ous s ha f ti nt hepa s t ,butwhe ne xpl os i ve sha dbr oke ni nt oana t ur a la r t e s i a nwe l l ,wa t e r sunde rpr e s s ur eha df l oode dha l ft hes ha f t . And,Skyer e me mbe r e ds udde nl y,t ha tpr ope r t yha dr e c e nt l ybe e ns ur ve ye da ga i n.Da ni e lha dme nt i one di twhi l et he yha d goneove rt hema ps . Skyema r ke dt hel oc a t i onoft hemi nei nhi sme mor ya ndl e f tt hehous e ,movi ngs wi f t l y.Her e t ur ne dt ohi sc a rbr i e f l yt oge t af l a s hl i ghtf r omt hegl ovec ompa r t me nt .The nhes e touti nt hedi r e c t i onoft hemi ne ,a ndwi t hi nf i f t yya r dsf ounds i gnst ha t a not he rma nha da l s oc hos e nt hi swa y.AndSkyekne wwhy. Adr i a nwa shopi ngt of i nde xpl os i ve s ,e i t he rl e f tt he r ewhe nt hes ha f twa sa ba ndone dorbr oughtmor er e c e nt l ybe c a us et he mi newa sduet obewor ke da ga i n.Eve ni fa r me d—a ndSkyeha dt oa s s umehewa s —t hei nt e r na t i ona lt e r r or i s ta nda s s a s s i nf e l t na ke dwi t houte x pl os i ve s .I twa shi ss i ngl ewe a kne s s .t a c t i c a l l ys pe a ki ng,a ndSkyeha de xpl oi t e dt ha tonc ebe f or e . Hewoul da ga i n. *** Le s st ha nt e nmi nut e sl a t e rDe r e kc a meoutoft hef a r mhous ehol di ngal a r gema p." Thi swa sont heki t c he nt a bl e , "he e xpl a i ne dt ot heot he r s ." Some onewa sl ooki nga ti t . " Da newa sf r owni ngs l i ght l y,a ndt he nhet ur ne ds udde nl ya nds t a r e dof ft ot hewe s t ." Themi ne .Da ni e ls a i dt he r ewa sa mi nene a r by. " Aboutami l ea wa y, "Ke l s e ys a i d,s t udyi ngt hema p." Butwhyi nGod' sna mewoul dAdr i a ngof ori t ?I fheh e a dsc r os s c ount r y,he ' l lhi tat owns oone rorl a t e r ,e ve ni fhedoe s n' tknowt hea r e a .Hec oul dge ts omewhe e l sa ndpr e t t ymuc hdi s a ppe a r . I fhehe a dsf ort hemi ne ,he ' sgotal otofhe l l i s ht e r r a i na ndnoc ha nc ea ta l lofma ki nga nyt i me . " " Expl os i ve s , "Da nes a i df l a t l y. " Buthemus tbea r me d, "Ka t r i naobj e c t e di navoi c es het r i e dha r dt ohol ds t e a dy." Andi fhehe a r dt hehe l i c opt e r ,woul dn' t hej us tr un? " De r e kl ooke da the r ,hi sha r de ye ss of t e ni nga st he yt ooki nhe rpa l e ,t a utf e a t ur e s ." Idoubte i t he roft he mhe a r dt hebi r d, " het ol dhe rqui e t l y." Wec a mei nf r om t hee a s t ,a ndbe t we e nt hede ns ef or e s ta nda l lt he s ehi l l s ,t hes oundwa spr oba bl y muf f l e d. " " AndAdr i a nha sawe a kne s swhe ni tc ome st oe xpl os i ve s , "Da nes a i d." He ' sne ve rl ongwi t houtt he m.I fhekn owsa bout t hemi ne ,hemi ghtha vede c i de dt ot a ket hec ha nc e . " Shega z e da thi mbl i ndl y,t he nt ookaf i r me rgr i pont hea ut oma t i ci nhe rha nda nds a i de ve nl y," The nwe ' dbe t t e rt r yt he mi ne .Anybodybr i ngaf l a s hl i ght ? "

Ke l s e ywa sa l r e a dys t r i di ngt owa r dt hes i l e nthe l l c opt e rt he yha ds e tdownne a rt hehous e .Hec a ughtupwi t ht he mwhe n t he ywe r ea boutt we nt yya r dsf r omt hehous e ,c a r r yi ngabi gf i ve c e l lf l a s hl i ght .Hes a i d," I fweha vet ogoi nt ot ha tmi ne ,we ' l l ha vet obec a r e f u lwi t ht hel i ght ;a nybodyhol di ngonei sat a r ge t . " Nooneof f e r e dac omme nt . Da nef oundt het r a c ksl e f tbyhi sbr ot he ra ndAdr i a na boutt hi r t yya r dsf a r t he ra l ong,a ndwi t ht he i rgue s sc onf i r me dt he y we r ea bl et omovef a s t e r .Noneoft he mwa sdr e s s e df orhi ki ng,buta l t hought hea r e awa st hi c kl yf or e s t e d,t heunde r br us hwa s s pa r s ea ndt hef oot i ngwa sf a i r .AsKe l s e yha dobs e r ve d,t het e r r a i nwa she l l i s h,butt he ya l lma na ge dt omoveve r ys wi f t l y. I tt ooka l mos tha l fa nhourf ort he mt or e a c ht heda r k,t i mbe r s hor e dope ni ngi nt hes i deofade c e pt i ve l ys ma l lhi l l .Ka t r i na woul dha vei ns t a nt l ygonef or wa r da ndi nt ot hee a r t hl yma wwi t houtat hought ,butDa nec a ughthe rha ndf i r ml ya ndl ooke da t t heot he rt wome n. " Wha tdoyout hi nk? "hea s ke ds of t l y. The yha da ppr oa c he dt hemi neobl i que l y,a ndnows t oodaf e wya r dsa wa ybe hi ndt hec ove rofar i ot ousc l umpofbus he s . Eye i ngat r i c kl eofwa t e rt ha te s c a pe dana r r owve nt i l a t i ons ha f tl owont hes i deoft hehi l la ndha dwor nade e pt r e nc h, Ke l s e ys a i dwi t has i gh," Al lIt hi nki st ha ti fwegoi nt he r e ,we ' r egoi ngt oge tourf e e twe t . " " The ywe nti n, "De r e kobs e r ve d." Youc a ns e epr i nt sne a rt hee nt r a nc e .Anyi de ahowde e pt hes ha f ti s ? "hea s ke dDa ne . " No,buti twa swor ke df orye a r s .Mygue s si st ha tt he r ea r edoz e nsofs e pa r a t et unne l s ,a tl e a s tha l foft he mf l oode d. " Af t e ramome ntDe r e ks a i d," Inot i c e ds ome t hi ngba c ki nt hehous e .The r ewa sabi ghur r i c a nel a nt e r nont hema nt e li nt he l i vi ngr oom,f i l l e dwi t hke r os e ne .Mos toft he s er e mot ehous e ske e pt ha tki ndoft hi nga r oundi nc a s et hepowe rgoe s . " " Ma ke ss e ns e , "Da nes a i d,a ndt he n,hi se ye ss ha r pe ni ng,a dde d," The r es houl dha vebe e nt wooft he m? " De r e knodde d." Ic he c ke d,be c a us et hema nt e ll ooke dunba l a nc e d.Thepl a c ewa sabi tdus t y,butt he r ewa sac l e a rc i r c l ea t t heot he re ndoft hema nt e l ,a ndi tma t c he dt heba s eoft hel a mp. " Ke l s e ywa ss t a r i ngt owa r dt hemi ne ." Sowhi c he ve roft he mha st hel a mpha st hee dge . . .orj us tma ypr e s e ntani c e ,c l e a r t a r ge t . " " Weha vet ogoi n, "Ka t r i nas a i di mpa t i e nt l y. " Ea s y, "Da nes a i dt os oot hehe r ." Wewi l l .Butweha vet obec a r e f ulhowwedoi t .Skyemi ghts t i l lbel ooki ngf orAdr i a n s ome whe r ei noneoft hos et unne l s . " " Hemi ghtbehur t . "Shec hoke d. " Hei s n' t . "Da ne ' svoi c ewa sc a l ma ndc e r t a i n." Notye t ,a nywa y. " Ke l s e ye ye dhi m." I t ' sl i ket ha twi t hyout wo? " " Ye s .Abl e s s i nga tt hemome nt ,butr e mi ndmet ot e l lyoua boutt het i meSkyedr oppe de ve r yt hi nga ndf l e wt wot hous a nd mi l e st oge thomebe c a us eI ' dbr oke naf i nge r . "Be f or ea nyonec oul dc omme nt ,hes a i d," We ' l lha vet os t a yt oge t h e ra ndt a ke c a r ewi t ht hel i ght .Onc ewe ' r ei nt he r e ,wema yhe a rs ome t hi ng.Wedon' te ve nknowi fAdr i a n' sa wa r ehe ' sbe e nf o l l owe d,s o wec a n' tma kea n ynoi s et oa l e r thi m. " The ymove df or wa r dc a ut i ous l y,s l i ppi nga r oundt hes pl i nt e r i ngt i mbe r sbr a c i ngt heope ni nga ndr e ma i ni ngc l os et ot he wa l l .The ywe n tagoodt we nt yf e e ti nt ot het unne lbe f or eKe l s e yt ur ne dont hef l a s hl i ghta ndna r r owe dt hebe a m wi t hhi s f i nge r s ,di r e c t i ngi td ownwa r ds ot ha ti tpr ovi de donl ye noughf a i ntl i ghtt opr e ve ntt he mf r omt r i ppi ngove rf a l l e nt i mbe r sa nd r ubb l e . Andt heda r k,mus t ye a r t hs wa l l owe dt he m. Ka t r i nawa sonl yva gue l ya wa r et ha tDa nes t i l lhe l dhe rha ndf i r ml y,a nds hedi dn' tt hi nkmuc ha boutt heda r kne s sorc l os e wa l l s .Shedi dn' tf e e ls mot he r e dorpa ni c ke d.Shewoul dn' tr e a l i z eunt i lmuc hl a t e rt ha tt hemos tpowe r f ula ndpa r a l yz i ngf e a r ofhe rl i f ewa sg one ,dr i ve noutf or e ve rbyagr e a t e rf e a r . Al lhe rs e ns e swe r er e a c hi ng,pr obi ngt heda r kne s si na ni nt e ns e ,de s pe r a t ene e d.Shec oul dhe a ronl yt hehol l ow,i nc e s s a nt dr i ppi ngofwa t e r ;s h ewa sa wa r eoft hec l a mmy,c hi l l ys e ns a t i onofda mp;andt heda r k,mus kys me l loft hebur i e de a r t hf i l l e dhe r nos e .Li ket heot he r se xc e ptf orDe r e k,whowa sa ppa r e nt l yuna r me d,s hehe l dhe rgunr e a dy.

The yf oundt hef i r s tbr a nc hi ngi nt hes ha f ta boutf i f t yf e e ti ns i de ,butt he i rs i l e nte xpl or a t i one nde dqui c kl ywhe nt het unne l l e di nt oapoolofbl a c kwa t e r .The yr e t r a c e dt he i rs t e psa ndwe nton.Thes e c ondof f s hootc ur ve dge nt l yf ort hi r t yf e e ta nd e nde dba c ki nt hema i ns ha f t .At hi r da ndf our t ht unne lwe r ee a c hbl oc ke d,onebyac a ve i na ndt heot he rbywa t e r . Thef oot i ngbe ne a t ht he mwa si nc r e a s i ngl yda mp,buti twa sobvi oust ha tt hewa t e rt ha tha donc ef l oode dt hema i ns ha f t ha dwa s he da wa yt her ubbl et ha tl i t t e r e dt hef l oorc l os e rt ot hee nt r a nc e .The yha dl e s swor r yoff a l l i ngove rs ome t hi ng,buti t be c a memor ea ndmor edi f f i c ul tt owa l kwi t houts l i ppi ng,a ndt hewa l l ss we a t e d. Anoc c a s i ona lc r e a ki nggr oa ns ha t t e r e dt hequi e tf r omt i met ot i mea st hee a r t hs e t t l e dont hes houl de r sofa nc i e ntt i mbe r s . Thehol l owpl unkofdr i ppi ngwa t e rwa sl oude rnow,a ndt he ygr a dua l l ybe c a mec ons c i ousofar us hi ngs ound,a l mos tbe ne a t h t hel e ve lofa wa r e ne s sa tf i r s t .I twa sl i ket hes oundhe a r dwhe nonehol dsabi gs e a s he l lt ot hee a r :t heghos t l ye c hoe sofa pha nt omoc e a nt r a ppe df ore ons . Da ne ,whowa sl e a di ngt hewa y,s t oppe ds udde nl ya nds t i f f e ne d.I ns t i nc t i ve l yKa t r i nat r i e dt ope ne t r a t et heda r kne s sa nd s e eh i sf a c e ,be c a us es heha dhe a r dnot hi ngt ha tmi ghtha vea l e r t e dhi ma nds hewa st e r r i f i e dt ha theha df e l ts ome t hi ng.Hi s ha ndt i ght e ne da r oundhe r sbr i e f l y,a ndt he nhewa smovi ngs wi f t l yf or wa r da ga i n,s a c r i f i c i ngc a ut i onf ors pe e d. The yha dn' tgoneaha l fdoz e ns t e psbe f or et hes ha r pr e por t sofgunf i r ebounc e dof ft hewa l l s .Al mos ta sq ui c kl y,t he s oundss t oppe dwi t hc hi l l i nga br upt ne s s . Ka t r i nac a ughtt h es oundofac ur s ef r omKe l s e y,nol oude rt ha nabr e a t h,a ndt he nDa newa ss l owi ng,movi ngc a ut i ous l y onc ea ga i n.Themi nes ha f tc ur ve dt ot hel e f t ,a nda st he ywe nta not he rf e wf e e tt he yc oul ds e eadi mgl owa he a doft he m;i t br i ght e ne ds l i ght l yunt i lKe l s e yc oul dt ur nof ft hef l a s hl i ghthec a r r i e d.Da nes l owe de ve nmor e ,movi ngwi t ha bs ol ut es i l e nc e . The nhes t oppe d. Theot he r sa l le a s e dt owa r dhi m,pe e r i nga r oundhi mt os e ewha tha ds t oppe dhi m. I twa sac a ve r nf ul l yf i f t yf e e ta c r os sa ndpos s i bl ymor e ;t hel i ghtf r om ahur r i c a nel a nt e r npe r c he dpr e c a r i ous l yona boul de rr e a c he donl yt ha tf a r .Thi swa swi t houtadoubtt hes our c eoft hemi ne ' sf a i l ur e .I twa sobvi oust ha twa t e rha dbe e ni n

t hi spl a c eal ongt i me ,a ndi ts t i l lmove ds l uggi s hl ywi t hwhi s pe r i ngs ounds ,pe r ha pss t i l lf e dbya nunde r gr oundr i ve r . The r ewe r eanumbe rofboul de r s ,pos s i bl yf r e e dbyt hee xpl os i ont ha tha dr i ppe da nope ni ngi nt ot hec a ve r n,a ndt hewa t e r l e ve lha dr e c e de da tl e a s tt hi r t yf e e tf r omt hedoor wa y.Be t we e nt hedoor wa ya ndt hewa t e rt hef l oorgl i s t e ne dwe t l y,a ndi t wa sc l e a rt oe a c hoft hef ourt ha ti swa sve r ys l i ppe r y. Thet wome ns t r uggl i ngt we nt yf e e ta wa yc oul dha r dl yke e pt ot he i rf e e t . Ka t r i nawa nt e dt or a c ef or wa r d,t odos ome t hi ng,any t hi nge xc e pts t a ndt he r ewi t hhe rhe a r ti nhe rt hr oa ta ndf e a rf orSkye c l a wi nghe rmi n d.ButDa ne ' swhi s pe r ,i na udi bl ef r omaf oota wa y,he l dhe rmot i onl e s s . " Ar eyouagoode noughs hot ? "hea s ke dhe r ." I ' mnot . "Hel ooke da tKe l s e y,whoi ns t a nt l ys hookhi she a de ve nt hought he bi ga ut oma t i ci nhi sha ndwa sl e ve l e da ndr e a dy;hewa s n' twi l l i ngt ot r yi te i t he r ,a sl onga sheha dac hoi c e . I nt hef l i c ke r i ngl i ghtoft hel a mpt he yc oul ds e et hevi ol e nc eoft hes t r uggl e ,bot hme nt wi s t i nga nds t r i vi ngt oove r powe r t heo t he r .The r ewa snoc l e a rt a r ge t ,noc ha nc eofge t t i ngAdr i a nwi t houthi t t i ngSkyea swe l l .AndKa t r i nakne wwhyt he y c oul dn' tj us tr us hi nt ohe l pSkye .Hi sf a c ewa st a utwi t hut t e rc onc e nt r a t i on,a ndi fhewe r edi s t r a c t e dbya nyt hi nga ta l l ,i twa s l i ke l yt ha tAdr i a nwoul dbea bl et os t a bhi mwi t ht hel ong,wi c ke dkni f et ha twa spoi s e dj us ti nc he sf r omSkye ' sc he s t . Ne i t he rma nwa sma ki ngas ound,a ndt he i rt ot a ls i l e nc ewa smor ehor r i f yi ngt ha na nyc ur s e st he yc oul dha vevoi c e d.I t wa sagr i m,de a d l ys t r uggl e ,aba t t l eofs he e rbr ut es t r e ngt h,a ndI twa sobvi oust ha tt het wowe r ee ve nl yma t c he d. Thekni f eha dbl oodoni t .Ka t r i nas a wt hebl ood,a nds hec hoke dba c kac r yofpa i na ndf e a rwhe ns hes a wmor ebl oodon Skye .Heha dt a k e nof fhi sj a c ke ta ts omepoi nt ,a nds hec oul ds e et ha ts ome whe r ebe ne a t hhi sc onc e a l i ngbl a c kTs hi r thewa s wounde d,be c a u s et he r ewa sbl oodonhi sl e f ta r m,t oomuc hbl ood. Andt ha t ,s her e a l i z e dnumbl y,wa swhyt hebi gme nwe r ee ve nl yma t c he d.Skyeha dl os tagr e a tde a lofbl ood,s ome how Adr i a nha dwounde dhi m,a ndhi ss t r e ngt hwa sdr a i ni nga wa y,hi sl uc kde s e r t i nghi m.Adr i a n,uni nj ur e da nda si c i l ys oul l e s s a sSkyewa sf i e r i l ya l i ve ,f oc us e da l lhi sma dma n' ss t r e ngt hi nt hei mpl a c a bl ei nt e nt i onofde s t r oyi nghi se ne my. ButSkye ' sl uc kha dn' te nt i r e l yde s e r t e dhi m.Adr i a n,t r yi ngt obr a c ehi sf e e tt oge tmor el e ve r a gef orhi ss t r a i ni nga r ms , wa sj us tunba l a nc e de noughs ot ha twhe nhi ss hoec a medownona ne s pe c i a l l ys l i ppe r ypl a c ehebe ga nf a l l i ng.AndSkye i ns t a nt l yf e l l ,wi t hh i m,l a ndi ngonhi mha r d. Wi t ht hekni f ebe t we e nt he m. Tha twa swhe nDa ner e l e a s e dKa t r i na ' sha nda ndr a nf or wa r di nt ot hec a ve r n.Al loft he mr a nbe c a us et het wome nha d f a l l e nbe hi ndaboul de r ,a ndt he yc oul dn' ts e ewha tha dha ppe ne d. . . . *** Skyedi dn' tf e e la nypa i n.Heha da tf i r s t ,whe nt hekni f eha dgonei nt ohi m,ahota gonyt ha tha dt a ke nhi sbr e a t h.Butt he n t hes t r uggl ewi t hAdr i a nha dde ma nde da l lhi sc onc e nt r a t i on,a ndheha dn' tha dt i met of e e lt hepa i n.Somedi s t a n t ,de t a c he d pa r tofhi smi ndha dwa r ne dt ha thewa sl os i ngbl oodf a s t ,a ndt hee a s ys t r e ngt ht ha tha dne ve rbe e nac ons c i oust hi ngha d gr a dua l l yr e qui r e dhi sf i e r c ewi l lt ohol ds t e a dy.Hi smus c l e sha dqui ve r e da ndt hebr e a t hha dr a s pe di nhi st hr oa t ,a nde xha us t i onha dba t t e r e da thi ma sr e l e nt l e s s l ya shi se ne mydi d. Fur i ousa tt hee b bi ngofhi ss t r e ngt h,heha df oughtt hebl a c kwa vet hr e a t e ni ngt owa s hove rhi ma ndf or c e dhi st r e mbl i ng mus c l e st oof f e rt he i rl a s tounc eofpowe r .Andt he nheha df e l thi ms e l ff a l l i ng,a ndhet houghtheha dwr e nc he dt hekni f ea s i de a tt hel a s tmome nt ,buthewa s n' ts ur ebe c a us ee ve r yt h i ngwa ss out t e r l yda r ka nds i l e nt . Hewa sve r yt i r e d,a ndnotmuc hi nt e r e s t e di ndoi nga nyt hi nga boutt heda r kne s s .Hewoul dha vel e ti tc a r r yhi mpe a c e f ul l y a wa y ,e xc e ptt ha ts ome t hi ngt ugge da thi m,r e s i s t i ng.And,gr a dua l l y,hef e l tas ur geofi mpa t i e nc ea tt heda r kne s s .I thi dt hi ngs f r omhi m,a ndhedi d n' tl i ket hi ngshi dde n. Hef e l tt het uga ga i n,a ndobe ye di tt hi st i me ,i gn or i ngt hes e duc t i veda r kne s sa shebe ga nf i ght i nghi swa yt owa r dt hel i ght . Hewa sa wa r eofmove me ntf i r s t ,a ndt hes e ns a t i onofc ol dne s s ,a ndhehe a r da na nnoyi ngr oa rt ha twa st ool oudbe c a us e s ome onewa ss a yi ngs ome t hi ngt ohi ma ndhec oul dn' the a ri t . Buthewa swa r me rnow,a ndt heda r kne s swa sl e s si nt e ns e ,a ndwha t e ve rha dpul l e dhi mt hi sf a rwa shol di ngont i ght . The r ewa ss ome t hi ngf a mi l i a ra boutt ha t ,a ndhec ons i de r e dt hema t t e ri dl y.I twa s . . .ac onne c t i on. . .t os ome one .Al i nk.Tha t wa si t .Buti twa s n' tt hel i nkher e me mbe r e d,i twa sane wc onne c t i on,adi f f e r e nta nds t r onge rone ,a ndhet houghthewa s n' t a c c u s t ome dt oi tye t .I twa sdi s t ur bi ng,butheha dt henot i ont ha ti twa ss ome t hi ngheha dwa nt e dt e r r i bl y. Hedi dn' tf e e la l onea nymor e . Hewa sa wa r eofade e ps ur geofs a t i s f a c t i on.He ' dgot t e nI t ,f i na l l y.Hewa s n' te nt i r e l ys ur ewha ti tme a nt ,e xc e pti tma de hi mha ppi e rt ha nhec oul de ve rr e me mbe rbe i ng.The r ewa ss ome onehewa sc onne c t e dt o,s ome onewhoc oul dn' thi def r om hi ma nymor e .

Ei ght Skyewa sl uc ky,buthewa sa l s ohuma n.Heha dbe e ni nj ur e dbe f or ei nt hel i neofdut y.Gi ve nhi sr e c kl e s s ne s s ,i fheha d e s c a pe di nj ur yi nt e nye a r si twoul dn' tha vebe e nr e ma r ka bl e ,i twoul dha vebe e nami r a c l e .ButDa neha dn' tbe e nwr ongi n s a yi nghi sbr ot he rbe l i e ve dhewa sma deofi r on.I twa s n' tac ons c i oust hi ng,butl i kea l lme ngi f t e dwi t he xt r a or di na r yl uc k, Skyewa sa l wa yss ur pr i s e dwhe ni tde s e r t e dhi m.Andhewa ss hoc ke d,ons omede e pl e ve lofhi ms e l f ,t of i ndhi ms e l f vul ne r a bl e . Sowhe nhef oughthi swa yt oc ons c i ous ne s swi t honl yava gueme mor yofwha tha dha ppe ne d,hi sf i r s ta nds t r onge s t e mot i onwa ss he e ra nnoya nc e ." Da mn, "hemut t e r e dhoa r s e l y,f or c i nghi se ye st oope n.Ma t c hi nge ye swe r el ooki n gdowna t hi m,a nda na l mos t ma t c hi ngf a c ewe a r i ngamus t a c hel ooke dgr i ml ya mus e dbyt hec ur s e . " Don' tt r yt omove , "Da newa r ne d,t he ns i ghe da sSkyeofc our s edi da ndbi tba c kagr oa n." I nc a s eyou' vef or got t e n, Adr i a ns t uc kakni f ei nt oyou.Youl os tahe l lofal otofbl ood.Now,f orGod' ss a ke ,bes t i l l . " Skyec l os e dhi se ye sunt i lt hewa veofs i c kdi z z i ne s spa s s e d.Hef e l ta ppa l l i ngl ywe a k,a ndt hepa i ni nt her e gi onofhi sl e f t s houl de rt hr obbe da si fs ome onewe r es t i l ls t a bbi nghi m,a ga i na nda ga i n.Het houghthe ' dbe e na l mos tc ons c i ousaf e wt i me s

be f or et hi s ,buthewa s n' ts ur e ;hi sf uz z ymi ndhe l donl yt hedi mr e c ol l e c t i onofvoi c e sa ndt ouc he sa ndpa i n.I na n yc a s e .he wa sf ul l ya wa kenow.Andt hepa i nwa sac ons t a ntt hi ng.Af t e raf e wmome nt sheope ne dhi se ye sc a ut i ous l ya ndi g nor e dt he pa i n.Hewa si nbe d,her e a l i z e d.I nKa t r i na ' sbe d." Whe r e ' sTr i na ? "hea s ke dhi sbr ot he r . Da nenodde dt owa r dt hec l os e ddoorl e a di ngt ot hede n." Ta l ki ngt ot hedoc t or .It ol dhe ryouwe r et oome a nt odi eonhe r , a ndonc et hedoc t orc onf i r me dt het r ut hofwha tIs a i d,It hi nks hema deuphe rmi ndt ok i l lyouhe r s e l f . " Skyef r owne d,t r yi ngt oma kes e ns eoft ha t .Ka t r i naha dbe e na ngr y,her e me mbe r e d,butt ha tha dha ppe ne dl ongbe f or e he ' dl e f tt hepa r k ,a ndheha dbe e nc e r t a i nhe ' dma na ge dt owi nhe rf or gi ve ne s s ." She ' sma da tme ? " Le a ni ngba c ki nt hea r mc ha i rt ha tha dbe e npl a c e dbyt hebe d,Da nes ur ve ye dhi st wi nwi t hr ue f ula mus e me nt ." Is uppos ei t ne ve roc c ur r e dt oyout ha ts hewoul dbe ? " " No. "Skyewa sba f f l e d." Ikne ws hewa sal i t t l eups e t ,buts hedi dn' ts e e mt obema dwhe nIl e f t . " " Mymi s t a ke ,Is uppos e , "Da nes a i d. Af t e rs t a r i nga thi mf oramome nt ,Skyes a i d," Howdi dIge tba c khe r e ?Adr i a n—" " I sba c ka tt heho us e ,wi t hDa ni e la ndac oupl eofhi sma r s ha l ss t a ndi nggua r d.Heha sac onc us s i onbe c a us ehehi thi she a d onar oc kwhe nyoubot hwe ntdown.Andyougotba c khe r et hr oughnodoi ngofyourown. " De s pi t et hec ur veoff i r ml i pst ha tmos tpe opl ewoul dha vet a ke nt obeas mi l e ,Skyewa s n' tde c e i ve d.Ta ki ngn ot eofa nd c or r e c t l yr e a di ngt hes t e e l yl i ghti nt hee ye ss ol i kehi sown,hepr ude nt l yr e ma i ne ds i l e ntwhi l eheha s t i l yc ons i de r e dhi sopt i ons .Heha ds e e nDa net r ul ye nr a ge ds or a r e l yt ha thec oul dha vec ount e dt heoc c a s i onsont hef i nge r sofoneha nde ve na f t e r t hi r t yf i veye a r s ;butma s s i vee a r t hqua ke s ,Skyeha dde c i de d,s e l domr oc ke dt hes a mes e c t i onofr e a le s t a t emor et h a nonc ei n ac e n t ur y. Da ne ' st e mpe rwa sl i kea ne a r t hqua ke ,a ndt houghSkyewa sa l lt ooa ptt owa ver e df l a gsa tbul l sofa l lva r i e t i e s ,het e nde d t oa voi da nge r i n ghi sbr ot he r .Thi st i me ,howe ve r ,i twa sobvi oust ha theha dout donehi ms e l f . " I ' mawounde dma n, "Skyeof f e r e d,e ye i ngDa newa r i l y. " Ir e a l i z et ha t . "Da ne ' svoi c ewa sde c e pt i ve l ypol i t e ." Ic oul dha r dl yhe l pbutr e a l i z ei t ,s i nc eha ul i ngyourc a r c a s soutof t ha tmi nes ha f ti sde s t i ne dt obeoneofmymor ee ndur i ngme mor i e s . " Skyewi nc e d." Sor r y, "hes a i d,a ndt he r ewa sr e a lr e mor s ei nhi svoi c e .Hec oul di ma gi newha tDa neha dgonet hr ough. Da newa s n' tqui t er e a dyt of or gi ve ." Be t we e nt r yi ngt os t opyoubl e e di ngt ode a t ha nda tt hes a met i met oge tyououtof t ha thol ei nt hegr ounda squi c kl ya spos s i bl e ,Ka t r i na ,De r e k,a ndIha dourha ndsf ul l .Ke l s e yj us ts l ungAdr i a nove rone s houl de rs i nc eh ewa soutc ol d,butweha dt obeabi tmor ec a r e f ulwi t hyou. " " Ka t r i na ? "Skyes t a r e da thi m,f or c i nghi ss l uggi s hmi ndt obe gi nwor ki nga ga i n." Shewa st he r e ?Wa i tami nut e .Thi s doe s n' tma kes e ns e . " " You' r et e l l i ngme . " Oddl ye nough,Skyeha dne ve rl os thi sownt e mpe rwi t hhi sbr ot he r ,a nddi dn' tnow." Da ne ,wha tha ppe ne d? " Af t e ramome ntDa nes a i d," Ka t r i nac a mes t r a i ghtt omea f t e ryou' dl e f t .Iwa souti nt hepa r k,wi t hDe r e ka ndKe l s e y.We de c i de dt ot a ket hehe l i c opt e rJ os hha ds t a ndi ngbyi nc a s ei twa sne e de d.Ka t r i nas a i ds hewa sc omi ngwi t hus ,a ndIha d be t t e rs e ns et ha nt oa r guewi t hhe r .Whe nwegott ot hehous e ,wef oundt hema p,a ndIr e me mbe r e dt hemi ne .Af t e rt ha ti twa s j us tama t t e rofge t t i ngt he r ea ndi ns i de ,a ndt r yi ngt of i ndyou.Wewe r ec l os ewhe nwehe a r dt hegunf i r e ,butbyt h et i mewe r e a c he dt hec a ve r n,i twa si mpos s i bl et oge tas hota tAdr i a nwi t houthi t t i ngyoua swe l l .Weha dt owa i t . " Skyewa ss t a r i nga tt hec e i l i ng,hi se ye shol di ngas t r a nge ,vi br a ntl i ght .Abs e nt l yhes a i d," Theba s t a r dmus th a veknown s ome onewa sf o l l owi nghi m,t houghI ' l ls we a rIne ve rma deas oundt oa l e r thi m.He ' dhi dde ni nt hec a ve r nwi t hhi sl a mpona boul de ra ndt hef l a met ur ne ddownl ow.Whe nIc a mei n,het hr e wakni f ea tme .Gotme ,t oo,da mnhi m.Whi l eIwa spul l i ng t hekni f eout , het ur ne dupt hel a mpa nds t a r t e ds hoot i ng. " Da newa swa t c hi nghi mi nt e nt l y." Thes hot sdi dn' tl a s tl ong, "henot e d. " No. "Skye ' sl i pst wi s t e d." I twoul dha vebe e nf unnyi fheha dn' tbe e nt r yi ngt oki l lme .Webot hs l i ppe d.Ca nyoube a t t ha t ?Pr of e s s i on a l ss l i di ngl i kec l ownsi nt hemud,a ndourgunsgoi ngf l yi ng.Thegunsl a nde di nt hewa t e r ,whe r eI ' dt hr own t hekni f e .Idi dn' tf i ndoutAdr i a nha das e c ondkni f eunt i lhec ha r ge dmewi t hi t .It hi nkhegotmeac oupl emor et i me s ,butnot s e r i ous l y. " " Tha tf i r s tt i medi dt heda ma ge , "Da net ol dhi m." Ni c ke da na r t e r y.Tha t ' swhyyouwe r el os i ngbl oods of a s t . " Skyenodde d,t he ngr i ma c e da st hemot i ons e ntaj ol tofpa i nt hr oughhi sbody." The r es e e me dt obeal otofi t ,butIdi dn' t ha vet i met ot r yt os t opi t .Idon' tr e me mbe rmuc hmor ebe f or eIbl a c ke dout ,e xc e ptt ha tIwa st r yi ngt oge tt ha tda mne dkni f e a wa yf r omhi m.Di dI ? " " Mor eorl e s s .Youma na ge dnott os t a byour s e l fwi t hi twhe nyouf e l lonhi m.Youc r a c ke dt hr e eofhi sr i bs ,byt hewa y. " " It hi nkhec r a c ke dac oupl eofmi ne , "Skyenot e d,s udde nl yc ons c i ousofac ons t r i c t i onl owe rt ha nt hehe a vyba nda ge son hi sl e f ts houl de ra nduppe rc he s t . " Hedi d. "Da nes i ghe d." Onc ewegotyouba c kt ot hehe l i c opt e r ,wec a mes t r a i ghtba c khe r e .Thec l os e s tdoc t orwa st he oneJ os hha ds t a s he dhe r ej us ti nc a s e .Wea l e r t e dJ os hbyr a di o,a ndt hedoc t orwa swa i t i ngf orus .Hepumpe daf e wpi nt sof bl oodi nt oyou—" " Nota l lf r omyou, "Skyeobj e c t e d. " No.Luc ki l yf oryou,De r e k,Ra f f e r t y,a ndJ os hha vet hes a mebl oodt ype ,a ndt he yvol unt e e r e d.Anywa y,t hed ocpa t c he d youupa nds t r a ppe dyourr i bs .Hes a ysyouc a n' tge tupf orawe e k. "Smi l i ngal i t t l e ,Da newa t c he dt ha ts i nki n." Sol e ti tbea l e s s ont oyou, "hea dde ddr yl y. Skyewa sf r owni ng." I ' l lbeupbyt omor r ow. " " No,youwon' t , "s a i dKa t r i nac a l ml yf r omt hedoor wa y. Tur ni nghi she a dc a ut i ous l yt ol ooka the r ,Skye ' se ye sl i ta ga i nwi t ht ha ts t r a nge ,vi vi dgl e a m." Tomor r ow, "her e pe a t e di n as i l kyt one . Shewa sal i t t l epa l e ,buthe rl ove l yf a c ewa sc ompos e da ndhe ra mbe re ye swe r ega z i ngs t e a di l ya thi m." I fyout r yt oge t upbe f or ene xtFr i da y, "s hes a i di nage nt l evoi c ewi t ha l lt hef l e xi bi l i t yoft e mpe r e ds t e e l ," I ' l ls hootyoumys e l f . "

Da net ur ne das udde nl a ughi nt oac ough. Be f or eSkyec oul dr e s pondt ohe rt hr e a t ,s hea dde d," Dr .Ra nda l ls a ysyouc a nha ves omes oupi fyouwa nt .Ar eyou hungr y? " " Ye s .Butnots oup. "Skye ' se ye swe r eve i l e d,butt hr ought hel ongl a s he st he yl ooke dbr i ght e rt ha ne ve r . Shei gnor e dt ha t ." I ' l lc a l lr ooms e r vi c e . "St e ppi n gba c kouti nt ot hede n,s hepul l e dt hedoors huta ga i n. Da newa t c he dhi sbr ot he rc ur i ous l y,t a ki ngnot eoft hel ongf i nge r s ,movi ngr e s t l e s s l yont hec ove r s .Eve nhi sl e f tha ndwa s f i dge t y,a ndhes houl dn' tha vebe e na bl et omovei ta ta l l ;t ha ta r mwa si nas l i ngt oke e pt hes houl de ri mmobi l e . Af t e ramome ntDa nes a i dqui e t l y," She ' sbe e nwi t hyout hewhol et i me .Mor et ha nt we nt yf ourhour s . "Hedi dn' ta ddt ha t Ka t r i na ,hol l owe ye da ndf i e r c e ,ha dr e f us e da l lhe l pbutt hedoc t or ' si nt a ki ngc a r eofSkye . Skyel ooke da thi m,amus c l ei nhi sj a wt i ght e n i ng." Yo us a i ds he —we nti nt ot ha tmi ne ? " " Idi dn' tt r yt os t ophe r , "Da nea dmi t t e d." Coul dn' tha ve .Shewa she l l be ntongoi ngi na f t e ryou. " Ar oughbr e a t he s c a pe dSkye ." Da ne ,e ve rs i nc es hewa sac hi l d,Tr i na ' sbe e nc l a us t r ophobi c . " Da ner e t ur ne dt h a ti nt e ns ega z e ,t he ns mi l e dal i t t l e ." Idon' tt hi nks hee ve nnot i c e d. "Her os et ohi sf e e t ,a ndc ha nge dt he s ubj e c t ." Doyouwa ntt oe a tl yi ngf l a tonyourba c k,orwoul dyoul i ket ot r ys i t t i ngupabi t ? " Thepr oc e s sofbe i ngr a i s e da ndpr oppe dupa ga i ns ts e ve r a lpi l l owsbr oughtaf i l mofs we a tt oSkye ' spa l ef a c e ,butwi t h Da ne ' sde f the l pi twa s n' ta spa i nf ula si tmi ghtha vebe e n." Tha nks , "hemut t e r e d,a ndl i f t e dhi sr i ghtha ndt ohi sf a c e e xpe r i me nt a l l y;i ts hookabi t ,a ndhi sa r mf e l tl e a de n,buta tl e a s thec oul dmove ." Ine e das ha ve , "her e a l i z e d. " Youl ookl i kehe l l , "hi st wi nt ol dhi mf r a nkl y. Thec omme ntr e a s s ur e dSkyes ome wha t ,be c a us eheha dn' tbe e ns ur ei fhi sbr ot he rwa ss t i l lf ur i ouswi t hhi m.Heha dno doubtt ha tDa newoul ds we a ra thi ml a t e r ,butf ornowhes e e me dt oha vec a l me ddowna boutt hes i t ua t i on. Br e a t hi ngc a r e f ul l yt oa voi dj a r r i nghi sc r a c ke dr i bs ,Skyes a i d." Wha ta boutHa ge n? " " Nopr obl e m. "Da net ouc he donef i nge rt ot hene a tmus t a c hea dor ni nghi suppe rl i p." I ' l lge tr i doft hi sa ndbor r ows omeof yourc l ot he s ;hewon' tknowt hedi f f e r e nc e .The r e ' snot hi ngmuc hdoi ngunt i lSa t ur da ya nywa y.J os hwa she r ee a r l i e r ,a ndI t ol dhi mt he r ewa snor e a s ont oc a nc e lt hec a pe r . " " Ofc our s et he r ei s n' t , "Skyes a i d." AndI ' l lbeba c konmyf e e ti nada yort wo. " Da nes hookhi she a ds l i ght l y,buts a i d," I ' l lgoa ndt e l lt heot he r syou' r ef i r ml yba c ka mongt hel i vi ng. " " I twa st ha tc l os e ? "Skyewa ss t a r t l e d. " Tooc l os e . "Da ne ' svoi c ewa sgr i m. Skyes a i dr oughl y," I ' ms or r y. " Da nekne wSkyewa s n' ts or r yf orha vi ngr i s ke dhi sl i f e .Gi ve nt hes a mes i t ua t i on,Skyewoul da c te xa c t l yt hes a mewa y a ga i n.Hewa ss o r r yonl yt ha tot he r sha dbe e nwor r i e d.Hec oul dn' tknow,Da net hought ,t ha tt he y' dbe e ns c a r e dha l ft ode a t h. Si gh i ng,Da nes a i d," Oneoft he s eda ys. . . " Skyes mi l e ds udd e nl y,t hec r ooke ds mi l et ha twa sa sr a r ea ndune xpe c t e da si twa sdi s a r mi ng." Ye a h,Iknow. " Da newe ntt ot hedoora ndope ne di t ,s t e ppi ngba c kt oa l l owKa t r i nat oc a r r yi nat r a y.Addr e s s i nghe r ,hes a i d," I fyoune e d a nyhe l pke e pi ngt ha tr e ne ga dewhe r ehe ' ss uppos e dt obe ,l e tmeknow.I ' l lc omea nds i tonhi m. " " Don' twor r y," s her e pl i e ds e r e ne l y. Skyel ooke da the rabi tunc e r t a i nl ya shi sc huc kl i ngbr ot he rl e f ta ndKa t r i naa ppr oa c he dt hebe d.Heha ds e a r c he dhe rf a c e e a ge r l yt hemome ntheha df i r s ts e e nhe r ,buta l t houghwha tDa neha dt ol dhi ms e e me dt oi ndi c a t et ha ts hef e l tagr e a tde a l mor ef orhi mt ha nj u s tde s i r e ,heha dn' tbe e na bl et of i nda nye vi de nc eofi ti nhe rc a l me xpr e s s i onors t e a dye ye s . Shewa s n' thi di ngf r omhi me xa c t l y,a nds hewa s n' ta l oof ,butheha dne ve rs e e nhe rs out t e r l yt r a nqui l .He rve r yc a l mwa s l i keaba r r i e r ,r o c ks t e a dy.Andhe ' dne ve rs e e nhe re ye ss oda r ka nds t i l l .I tpuz z l e dhi ma ndma dehi mune a s y,a n dhec oul d f e e lhi she a r tc l e nc hi ns i dehi sc he s ta shewonde r e di fs heha ds ome howputhe r s e l ft ot a l l ybe yondhi sr e a c h.Hewa nt e dt oa s k butwa sa f r a i dt o. Ka t r i nal e a ne dove rt os e tt hebe dt r a ya c r os shi sl a p,t he ns t r a i ght e ne d." Idon' ts uppos eyou' l ll e tmef e e dyou, "s hes a i d s ome wha tdr yl y. " Ofc our s enot . "Hes t a r e da tt het r a y,a ndwor r yma dehi mi r r i t a bl e ." Iha t es oup. " " Tooba d. "s hes a i d,s i t t i ngdowni nt hec ha i rbyt hebe d." Thedoc t ors a ysyoue a ts oup,t he nyoue a ts oup. " Sheme thi sbr oodi ngl ooks t e a di l y,a nda f t e ramome nthepi c ke dupas poonwi t hhi sr i ghtha nda ndbe ga ne a t i ng.Ha r dl y c ons c i ousofhe rowne xha us t i on,Ka t r i nas a tqui e t l yi nt hec ha i ra ndwa t c he dhi m,r e s i s t i ngt heur get or e a c hove ra ndpus h t het umbl e dbl a c kha i rof fhi sbr ow.Hewa spa l ea ndc l e a r l ya nnoye dbyhi sphys i c a lwe a kne s s ,a nds het hou g hthewa s pr ob a bl ydi s gus t e dbyt heI nj ur i e st ha tr e mi nde dhi mhewa svul ne r a bl e . Shewoul dn' ts oonf or ge the rownt e r r ora tt ha tr e mi nde r .Eve nt houghs heha dknowhec oul dbehur t ,t he r eha dbe e ns ome pa r tofhe rt ha tha dt r us t e di nhi sa ma z i ngi nne rf i r e .Butheha dl a i nI nt hi sbe d,ut t e r l ys t i l lf ort hef i r s tt i mei nhe rme mor y, a ndt hevi br a ntl i f ef or c ei ns i dehi m ha ddwi ndl e dt oonl yaf l i c ke r i ngs pa r k.Hi ss ki nha dbe e nc oolt ohe rt ouc h;t hos e i nc r e di bl ee ye sc l os e da ga i ns the r .... Nota l lt her e a s s ur a nc e sofDa neort hedoc t orha dc onvi nc e dhe rt ha thewoul dn' tdi e ,notdur i ngt hos ef i r s tl onghour s whe ns heha ds a t ,he re ye sf i xe donhi sf a c e ,e ve r yt hi ngi ns i dehe rwi l l i nghi mnott ol e a vehe r .The n,gr a dua l l y,s heha ds e e n t hec ha ngei nhi m,a si ft hei ndomi t a bl es pi r i thehe l dwi t hs uc hc a r e l e s si ndi f f e r e nc ewi t hi nhi mha dbe gunr e bui l di ngt hef i r e . Hi spul s eha ds t e a di e da nds t r e ngt he ne d,a ndhi ss ki nha dwa r me ds l owl y. Thedoc t orha ds us pe c t e daf e ve ra tf i r s t ,a ndha dbe e ns ur pr i s e d." Odd, "he ' ds a i dt oKa t r i na ." Hi st e mpe r a t ur e ' snor ma l , buthi ss ki n—" " Tha t ' snor ma lt oo, "Ka t r i naha dmur mur e d,s owe a kwi t hr e l i e fs heha df e l tf a i nt ." Forhi m. " " Mus tha veahi g hme t a bol i cr a t e , "Dr .Ra nda l lha dmut t e r e dt ohi ms e l f . Af t e rt ha ts heha dbe l i e ve dSkyewoul dma kei t .I nana t ur a lr e a c t i ons heha dbe e nf i e r c e l ya ngr yt he nt ha theha dda r e dt o r i s kge t t i ngki l l e d.Da neha dbe e ns ympa t he t i c ,l i s t e ni ngs i l e nt l ya ndwi t ht wi t c hi ngl i pst ohe rmut t e r e da nds ome wha t i nc ohe r e ntt hr e a t sa ga i ns thi sc ur r e nt l yde f e ns e l e s st wi n.Heha ds ugge s t e dt ha ts het a kear e l a xi ngs howe r ,s i nc et he r ewa sno

l onge rane e df ors ome onet obec ons t a nt l ywi t hSkye ,a ndhe rs udde nr e a l i z a t i onoft hedr i e dbl oodonhe rc l ot he sha ds e nthe r s c ur r yi ngt ot heba t hr oom. Now,mor et ha nt we nt yf ourhour sa f t e rSkye ' si nj ur y,Ka t r i nawa si nas t r a nges t a t eoft r a nqui l i t y.Shef e l tl i mp,a l mos t numb,a ndc ur i ous l ype a c e f ul .Shel ooke da thi ma sher e l uc t a nt l yf i ni s he dt heha t e ds oup,a nds hef e l tawa veofl ovewa s h ove rhe rwi t hs u c hf or c et ha ts hec oul donl ye ndur ei ts i l e nt l y. Hewa sc ompl e xa ndt e mpe r a me nt a l ,s ome t i me st hought l e s sa ndof t e ngr a c e l e s s ,a ndheha dat e r r i f yi ngha bi tofr i s ki nghi s ne c kwi t houthe s i t a t i on.Be c omi ngapa r tofhi sl i f ewoul dbel i kes a i l i ngof ft owa r dt hee ndsoft hee a r t ht of i ndouti fdr a gons l i ve dt he r e :ada nge r ous ,pot e nt i a l l yhe a r t br e a ki nga nda l t oge t he rs pe c t a c ul a ra dve nt ur e . Ka t r i nawa s n' twor r i e d.Shec oul ds wi m.Whe t he rhel i ke di tornot ,s hei nt e nde dt os a i lof fwi t hhi m.Hemi ghtwe l lf e e l not hi ngbutde s i r ef orhe r —buthedi df e e lt ha t .I twa ss ome t hi ngt obui l don.a nds hewa s n' ta f r a i da nymor e . " Don' tl ooka tmel i ket ha t , "hes a i ds udde nl y. Shel ooke da tt hes oupbowlI ns t e a da nd,s e e i ngt ha theha df i ni s he d,gotupt ot a ket het r a yba c ki nt ot hede n.Hec a ught he rwr i s t sa ss hel e a ne dove rt hebe d,hi sha ndwa r ma ndha r d. " Idi dn' tme a nt ha t , "hes a i di navoi c et ha twa sl owa ndr a pi d." Iwa ntyout ol ooka tme .Butyou' vene ve rl ooke da tme l i ket ha tbe f or e ,a ndIdon' tknowwha ti tme a ns . "Her e l e a s e dhe rwr i s ta ss hegr a s pe dt het r a ya nds t r a i ght e ne d. Ka t r i nal ooke ddowna thi mf oramome nt ,l ovi n ghi ms omuc hs hec oul dha r dl ybe a ri t .Sof t l ys hes a i d," I tme a nsIhope youha ve n' tgot t e nr i doft ha tde monye t . " Hef r owne da nd,i nat ot a l l ybl a nkvoi c e ,s a i d ," De mon? " Shet ur ne da wa yf r omt hebe da ndc a r r i e dt het r a yba c ki nt ot hede n.Hes hout e dhe rna met wi c ebe f or es hec oul dr e t ur n, a nds hec a meba c ki nt ot hebe dr oomt of i ndhi mgr i ma c i ng,hi sr i ghtha ndc l a mpe dt ohi sl e f ts houl de r .Heha dpr o b a bl yt r i e d t oge tup.Sher e a l i z e d,a ndbe f or es hec oul ds a ya nyt hi nga bouthi ss t ubbor nne s s ,hewa shol di ngt ha tunr e s t r a i ne dha ndout c omma ndi ngl y. " Comehe r e , "heor de r e d,hi se ye sf i e r c e . Ka t r i nac a met ot hebe da nds a nkdownc a r e f ul l yont hee dgea shec a ughthe rwr i s ta ndt ugge d." You' l ls t a r tt ob l e e da ga i n i fyo uke e pmovi ng, "s hes a i dwor r i e dl y. Hes hookhi she a di mpa t i e nt l y." Wha tt hehe l li sa l lt hi sa boutde mons ? "hede ma nde d. Shec oul dn' the l pbuts mi l e ,r e a l i z i ngt ha theha dnome mor yofwha the ' ss a i dt ohe r .Ent i r e l yt ypi c a l ,ofc our s e ,t ha the di dn' tr e me mbe rha r s hwor ds .Fi ght i ngas ur geofhope ,s hes a i d," I t ' swha tyous a i dt ha tf i r s tda y.Tha twha tyou—wha tyou f e l tf ormewa sl i keade monyouc oul dn' tge tr i dof .Ij us thopeyouha ve n' tgot t e nr i dofi t ,t ha t ' sa l l . " Hewa ss t i l lf r owni ng,buthi sga z ehe l dt ha tha r d ,s e a r c hi ngl ook." Why? "hea s ke dt e r s e l y. Ka t r i nadr e wabr e a t ha nda ns we r e d," Be c a us eIl oveyou. "Thes udde nbl a z i ngf e r oc i t yi nhi se ye ss hookhe r ,a nds he a dde duns t e a di l y," Iknowyouc a n' tl oveme ,butI ' l ls t a ywi t hyoua sl onga syouwa ntme —" Theha ndhol di nghe rwr i s tya nke dhe ra br upt l ydownt ohi ma ndhi sa r mwa sl i kei r ona r oundhe r ." Il oveyous omuc hI ' m i ns a newi t hi t . "hegr owl e d,l oc ki nghi sf i nge r si nhe rha i rt ohol dhe rf i r ml ywhi l eheki s s e dhe r . Sheha dhe rha ndsbr a c e done i t he rs i deofhi m,a wa r e ,e ve ni nhe rbur s t i ngha ppi ne s s ,ofhi si nj ur i e sa ndt r yi ngnott ogi ve i nt ot hei ns i s t e ntpr e s s ur eofhi sa r m.I twa sha r dt ot hi nka ta l l .a nde ve nha r de rt os pe a kwhe nhef i na l l yl e the rdr a wba c k j us tal i t t l e . " Skye ,yourr i b s . . .yours houl de r. . . " Hewa s n' tl i s t e ni ng.The r ewa sa ne xpr e s s i ononhi sl e a n,be a ut i f ulf a c es he ' dne ve rs e e nbe f or e ,a ndt hel i ghti nhi se ye s wa ss obr i ghti twa sl i kes uns hi ne ." It houghtIwa sgoi ngt ol os eyoua ga i n, "hes a i dt hi c kl y." Youke pthi di ngf r om.me ,a ndI wa sgoi ngc r a z yt r yi ngt ohol dont oyou. " Shel i f t e doneha nda ndt ouc he dhi sc he e k,he rhe a r tc a t c hi ngwhe nhet ur ne dhi she a dt opr e s shi sl i psi nt ohe rpa l m." I —I t houghti twa sj us tp a s s i on, "s hewhi s pe r e d. " Youwe r et heonl yone .Eve nHa ge nkne wt hei ns t a nthes a wmel ooki nga tyou.Lor d,Tr i na ,Ine ve rs t oppe dl ovi ngyou. Whe nIf oundyouhe r e ,t heonl yt hi ngIc oul dt hi nkofwa st oma kes ur eIwoul dn' tl os eyoua ga i n.Ikne wIc oul dma keyou wa ntme ,a ndi ts e e me dl i ket heonl yhopeIha d. " " Iwa sa f r a i d, "s hec onf e s s e ds i mpl y." You—t he r e ' ss omuc hI nt e ns i t yi nyou,s omuc hf or c e .Anda f t e rt ha tf i r s tda y,Iwa s c onvi nc e dyouwe r ej us tt r yi ngt o—t oge tr i doft ha tde mon. " " Ic oul dn' tha ves a i dt ha t , "hepr ot e s t e d. " Youdi d. " Hewa ss mi l i ng." Ma ybe .He a ve nknowsIdon' tknowwha tI ' ms a yi ngha l ft het i mea r oundyou.Ikne wIwa spus hi ng,but Ic oul dn' ts t opmys e l f . " " Inot i c e d, "s hes a i d. Hi ss mi l e dt ooko nas e ns ua lhe a ta ndhi sha nds l i ppe dunde rt het a i lofhe rs hi r tt of i ndt hes moot hs ki nofhe rba c k." Ca nI he l pI tI fIc a n' tke e pmyha ndsof fyou? " " Appa r e nt l ynot . "Sheke pthe rf a c es t r a i ghtwi t ha ne f f or t ,c a t c hi nghi sha nda ndr e movi ngi tf i r ml y." Yous houl dr e s t .I t ' s a f t e rmi dni ght ,a nd—" " Idon' twa ntt or e s t . " Fi ght i ngt oi gnor et hehungr ygl i t t e ri nhi se ye s ,s hes a i d," Iwon' tl e tyoude l a yyourr e c ove r yj us tbe c a us e —" " Te l lmeyoul oveme , "heor de r e d. Fe e l i nghe r s e l fwe a ke n,s hee va de dhi sr e a c hi ngha nda nds t oodup." Il oveyou,Skye ! "Ha s t i l ys hebe ntt opr e ve nthi m f r omf l i ngi ngba c kt h ec ove r s ." Da mmi t ,you' r egoi ngt os t a r tbl e e di nga ga i n! " " Sowha t ? "Hewa swor ki nghi sl e f ta r moutoft hes l i ng.I gnor i ngt hepr ot e s tofhi ss houl de r ." J us tl e tmege tr i doft hi s da mne dt hi ng—" " No! "Shec a ughtbot hhi sha ndst i ght l y." Skye ,ber e a s ona bl e .You' vebe e nhur t . " " Not hi ngI mpor t a ntwa shur t , "hedr a wl e d.

Ka t r i nac oul dn' the l pbutgl a nc ea thi sl owe rbody,f e e l i nghe a tr us ht hr oughhe ra tt hec l e a re vi de nc eofhi sa r ous a l ,buts he ma na ge dagl a r ea thi mwhe nhec huc kl e d. " Cl i mbi nhe r ewi t hme , "hei nvi t e d. " I ' l ls l e e pont hec ouc h. " Ani mpl a c a bl ed e t e r mi na t i onf l a s he di nhi se ye s .Sof t l yhes a i d," Tr yt ha t ,s we e t he a r t ,a ndI ' l lbeont hec ouc hwi t hyou. Fr omnowonyoua r e n' ts l e e pi nga nywhe r ee xc e ptwi t hme . " Wr yl ya wa r et ha tDa neha dbe e nr i ghtwhe nhe ' ds a i ds hemi ghtha vet opr a c t i c eabi tbe f or ebe i nga bl et os t opSkyeonc e he ' ds e thi smi ndondoi ngs ome t hi ngr e c kl e s s ,s hes i ghe da ndt r i e dac ompr omi s e ." I fIs t a yhe r e ,wi l lyoupr omi s et or e s t ?I f youdon' t ,Is we a rI ' l lc a l lDr .Ra nda l la ndha vehi mgi veyouas hot . " " Hi ma ndwha ta r my? " Ka t r i nagl a r e da thi ma ndwa i t e d. Fi na l l ySkyes a i d," He l l .Al lr i ght .Ipr omi s e . " The nmi nut e sl a t e r ,a f t e rpr ude nt l yundr e s s i ngi nt heba t hr ooma ndc ha ngi ngi nt oa nove r l a r ge ,but t onups l e e ps hi r tt ha t wa sga i l ys t r i pe di nye l l owa ndwa s n' tve r ys e xy,Ka t r i nabe ntove rSkyet or e movet hepi l l owspr oppi nghi mupa n de a s ehi m ba c kf l a ta ga i n. He rs hi r tga pe da wa yf r omhe rbr e a s t sa ss hebe ntove rhi m,a ndSkyeha l fc l os e dhi se ye sa ndgr oa ne ds of t l y." Le tmet a ke ba c kt hepr omi s e . "Hi sr i ghtha ndwa sa l r e a dyr e a c hi ngf orhe rwhe ns hes t r a i ght e ne da br upt l y. Shes t a r e ddowna thi m." Wha ta mIgoi ngt odowi t hyou? " Hewa squi t ewi l l i ngt ot e l lhe r ,butheha daf e e l i ngs he ' ds l e e pont hec ouc hi fhedi d.And,s t ubbor nwor dsa s i de ,hekne w da mne dwe l lhe ' df a l lf l a tonhi sf a c ei fhet r i e dt oge toutoft hebe d.Hea l s okne wt ha thec oul dn' tma kel ovet ohe rye t ,no ma t t e rhowba dl yhewa nt e dt oa ndnoma t t e rhowmuc ht het hr obbi ngf ul l ne s sofhi sl oi nsi ns i s t e d. Hede c i de dhe ' dbe t t e rhe a lf a s t . " J us tl e tmehol dyou, "hes a i df i na l l y. He re ye ss of t e ne dwi t ht ha twa r m,s t e a dygl owt ha tha dba f f l e dhi me a r l i e r .Shet ur ne dof ft hel a mpont heni g ht s t a ndon hi ss i deoft heb e d,t he nwe nta r ounda ndc a ut i ous l ys l i ppe dbe ne a t ht hec ove r sonhi sr i ght .Themome nts het ur ne dof ft he l a mpont ha tni ght s t a nd,her e a c he douta ndpul l e dhe rf i r ml ya ga i ns thi ss i de . " Idon' twa ntt ohur tyou, "s hewhi s pe r e d. Skyec r a dl e dhe rc l os e ,dr a wi nghe rhe a ddownt or e s tonhi suni nj ur e ds houl de ra nds moot hi nghe rwi l d,s i l kyc ur l s ." You a r e n' t , "het ol dh e rge nt l y,i gnor i ngt hepa i n.Heha dne ve rf e l ta nypa i ns os t r ongt ha ti twoul dha veke pthi mf r omhol di nghe r , a ndhedoubt e dhee v e rwoul d. Wi t hi nmi nut e ss hewa sa s l e e p,c ur l e dupbe s i dehi m bone l e s sa sac a t .Shewa se xha us t e d,hekne w,wor noutf r om wa t c hi ngove rhi ma l lt hos ehour s .Skyehe l dhe rc l os ea nds t a r e di nt ot heda r kne s sf oral ongt i me ,r e me mbe r i nghow e ve r yt hi ngi ns i dehi mha ds pl i nt e r e dwhe ns heha dt ol dhi ms hel ove dhi m.Hes t i l lf e l tt ha twa y,s ha ke na nds t un ne d,ha r dl y da r i ngt obe l i e vet ha thewoul dn' tl os ehe ra ga i n. Fors i xye a r ss heha dne ve rbe e noutofhi smi nd,a ndnoma t t e rhowma yt i me sheha dt ol dhi ms e l fs a va ge l yt of or ge the r , j us tagl i mps eofwi l d,c ur l i ngr e dha i rha dha dt hepowe rt os t ophi she a r t .Heha dn' tt ol dhe r ,butheha dr e t ur ne dt oGe r ma ny t hr e et i me sdur i n gt h el a s tye a r s ,i gnor i ngDa ni e lSt ua r t ' swa r ni ngst ha ti tc oul dbeda nge r ous .Heha dgoneba c ka nds e a r c he d f orhe r ,r e t ur ni nga l wa yst ot hea pa r t me ntwhe r es ome onee l s el i ve da ndt e a r i nghi ms e l ft opi e c e sbe c a us ehec oul dn' tf i ndhe r . Hi sa r mt i ght e ne da r oundhe ra sher e me mbe r e dt ha tpa i n,butt hel a s te c hoe sf a de da wa ya ss hemumbl e di nhe rs l e e pa nd c uddl e dc l os e . Heha df oundhe rnow,a ndhe ' dne ve rl e the rgo. *** Skyewokee a r l yi nt hemor ni ng,f e e l i ngmuc hs t r onge rt ha nheha dt heni ghtbe f or e .Ka t r i nawa ss t i l lde e pl ya s l e e p, mi s s i ngt heda wnf ort hef i r s tt i mes i nc et he y' dbe e nt oge t he ra ga i n.Hes hi f t e de xpe r i me nt a l l ya ndwi nc e dwhe nbot hhi s s houl de ra ndhi sr i bspr ot e s t e d.Buthewa sde t e r mi ne dt ha tKa t r i nawoul dn' tha vet owa i tonhi mha nda ndf ootf ort hene xt f e wda ysa nd,be s i de s ,t he r ewe r es omet hi ngsama npr e f e r r e dt odof orhi ms e l f . Sohec l a mpe dhi st e e t ht oge t he rha r da ndc a r e f ul l ymove dhi sa r mf r oma r oundKa t r i nas ohec oul ds i tup.Hi she a ds wa m di z z i l yf oraf e wmo me nt s ,a ndhi sr i bsga vehi mme r r yhe l l ,e s pe c i a l l ywhe nhes wunghi sl e gsof ft hebe d.Hef e l the rs t i r be hi ndhi m,butt he ns hes i ghe da ndwe nts t i l la ga i n. Whe nt her ooms t oppe ds pi nni ng,heus e dhi sgooda r mt ol e ve rhi ms e l fupa ndont ohi sf e e t .Andi fheha dn' tt a ke naha s t y s t e pa ndgr a bbe dt heba c koft hehi ghba c ke dvi s i t or ' sc ha i r ,hewoul dha vef a l l e nf l a tonhi sf a c e .Da mn!Hewa sa swe a ka sa s i c kc a t ,a nde ve r ymus c l ewa ss os or e .I tf e l ta sI fs ome oneha dbe e nbe a t i nghi mwi t has t i c k.Ac ol ds we a tpoppe douta l l ove rhi m,a ndheha dt ous et hes uppor toft hec ha i rf orl ongmi nut e swi t hhi se ye sc l os e d. Hewa sf i na l l ya bl et omove ,t he nwor ke dhi swa yc a ut i ous l ya l ongt hewa l lt ot heba t hr oom door .Ma ki ngi t ,hee a s e d i ns i dea ndpus he dt hedoors of t l yc l os e d.The r ewe r epl e nt yoft hi ngst ohol dont oi nt he r e ,a ndhewa sgr a t e f ul .Bu theha da he l lofat i mes ha vi ngbe c a us ehene e de dhi sgoodha nda ndc oul dn' tus et heot he rt obr a c ehi ms e l f . I dl yhede c i de dt ha tKa t r i nawa sgoi ngt obema da she l l .Butt ha twa sa l lr i ght .Nowt ha thekne ws hel ov e dhi m,he woul dn' tmi ndwhe ns hegotma da thi m.Ands hewa sboundt of r omt i met ot i me .Het houghtt he r ewoul dpr oba bl ybes ome gl or i ousf i ght sbe t we e nt he mbe c a us eheha dat hought l e s st e mpe ra ndt ha tr e dha i rofhe r swa s n' ta ta l la sde c e pt i vea she ' d onc ebe l i e ve d. Shewa sj us ts t i r r i nga wa kea shebr a c e dhi ms e l fi nt hedoor wa yoft heba t hr oom,a ndhe rl ove l ye ye sbl i nke da thi m s l e e pi l ywhe ns h es a tup.The n,s udde nl y,s hewa sf ul l ya wa ke .Ambe rf i r el i the re ye s ,a nds hef l ungba c kt hec ove r s . He rs l e e ps hi r tha dr i dde nupt ot het opsofhe rt hi ghs ,a ndhef e l thi swe a ke ne dbodyha r de nwi t ha nI ns t a nts ur g eofde s i r e . Apr i ma ls oundhewa suna wa r eofma ki ngr umbl e dupf r omt hede pt hsofhi sc he s ta ss her e a c he dhi m,a ndhef or g o tt obr a c e hi ms e l fbe c a us ehi sgoodha ndwa ss l i di ngdownhe rs i det os ha pef i r m,r ounde df l e s h.

" Wha ta r eyoudoi ng? "s hega s pe d,s l i ppi nghe rs houl de runde rhi sgooda r mf ors uppor t . " Lor d,youf e e lg ood, "hemut t e r e d. Mut t e r i nghe r s e l f ,Ka t r i nar e move dhi sha ndf r omhe rbot t oma ndpl a c e di tf i r ml yonhe rs houl de r ." Youha vet oge tba c k i nt obe d, "s het ol dhi m,he ra r msa r oundhi ma ss het r i e dt obr a c ehi mwi t houthur t i nghi m. Skyekne whe ' dbe e nonhi sf e e tt ool ong,a ndc ur s e dhi st r e mbl i ngmus c l e sa shel e the rhe l phi m.Het ol dhi ms e l fhes t i l l l a c ke dt hes t r e ngt ht obeal ove r ,butt her e mi nde rdi dnot hi ngt or e duc ehi sa c hi ngne e df orhe r .Hel ove dhe r ,a ndhewa nt e d t ohe a rhe rs a ys hel ove dhi mwhi l es hewa swr i t hi ngI nhi sa r ms ,whi l epa s s i one xpl ode di nt he mbot h.... " Yous ha ve d! "s hea c c us e dhi m. Thepr os a i ce xc l a ma t i ondr ovet hehe a t e di ma ge sf r omhi smi nd,a ndSkyes e t t l e dba c kont ohi spi l l owswi t ht heghos tofa l a ugh.Looki nga the ra ss hebe ntt opul lt hec ove r sove rhi m,hec oul dn' tr e s i s ts a yi ng," Is a i dI ' dbeonmyf e e tt oda y. " " AndIs a i dI ' ds h ootyou! "s hes na ppe d. Hedi dn' tmi ndhe rt e mpe r ,buthedi dn' tl i kehe rt obewor r i e da bouthi m." Swe e t he a r t ,Iknowwha tI ' mdoi ng.I fIs t a ye d he r ef orawe e k,I ' db eus e l e s sf ora not he rone .I ' vebe e nt hr ought hi sbe f or e ,a nd—"Hebr okeof f ,s or r yt ha the ' ds a i dt ha t . Shes a nkdownont hee dgeoft hebe d,s t a r i nga thi m.He rbot t oml i pqui ve r e ds udde nl y." Youdon' tha vea nys c a r s , "s he whi s pe r e d. Het ookhe rha nda ndc a r r i e di tt ohi sl i psbr i e f l y." No.Idon' ts c a r .I naf e wmont hsyouwon' tbea bl et of i nda nys i gnof t hi swounde i t he r . "Tr yi ngt oge the rmi ndof fpa s ti nj ur i e s ,hewe nton." Iwon' tdot oomuc h,Ipr omi s e .I ' l lge tpl e n t yofr e s t . ButIha vet oge tupa ndmovea r ounds ome . " Ka t r i nac oul df e e lhe rr e s ol vewe a ke ni ng.Ha l fa ngr i l ys hes a i d," I ' mgoi ngt oc a l lDr .Ra nda l la nds e ewha thes a ys . " " Fi ne , "Skyer e t u r ne dpr ompt l y. Shewa sal i t t l es us pi c i ousofhi squi c ka gr e e me nt ,butwhe nt hedoc t ore xa mi ne dSkyeac oupl eofhour sl a t e r ,he c onf i r me dwha tSkyeha ds a i d. " We l l ,you' r ehe a l i ngf a s t e rt ha nIe xpe c t e d, "het ol dSkyedr yl y." I fyouf e e lwe l le nought obeupa nda bout ,goa he a d. J us tt a kei ts l ow. " . Ka t r i nas t a r e da thi mr e pr oa c hf ul l y,a ndSkyehe l doneha ndove rhi sboundr i bswhi l ehel a ughe da the r . La t e ri nt heda yDa net ol dhe rt ha the ' de xpe c t e di t ." Onc ehe ' sc ons c i ous , "het ol dhe r ," Skyehe a l sf a s t .Andhe ' dt oo i mpa t i e ntt os t a yi nbe d.I fhebr okee ve r ybonei nhi sbodya ndt he yputhi mi nac a s the a dt ot oe ,he ' dpr oba bl ywe a rr ol l e r s ka t e st oge ta r o und. " Skye ,whowa ss i t t i ngont hec ouc hi nt hede nwe a r i ngonl yapa i rofs we a tpa nt s ,gr i nne da the r .Ka t r i name nt a l l yt hr e wup he rha ndsi ns ur r e nd e r ,buti r r i t a bl yt ol dDa ne ," You' r eal otofhe l p! " " Sor r y. "Hes mi l e da the r .Wi t houthi smus t a c he ,a nddr e s s e di nt hec a s ua lda r kc l ot hi ngSkyeus ua l l ywor e ,h ewa st he i ma geofhi sbr ot he r .Heha de ve ni mpe r c e pt i bl ya l t e r e dhi swa yofmovi ng,a ndhi snor ma l l yl a z ydr a wlhe l dt hemor ec l i ppe d a ndr a pi dc a de nc eofSkye ' ss pe e c h. Ka t r i naha dobs e r ve dt hos el a s tt r a i t swhe ns heha de a r l i e rgonet ogi veGi giapr ogr e s sr e por tonSkye .Da neha dbe e n t he r ewi t hHa ge n,a ndKa t r i naha dma deapl a us i bl ee xc us et odr a whe rf r i e ndoutoft heof f i c e .Shec oul dn' tha veve r ywe l l t ol dGi gia boutSkye ' sr e c ove r ywhe nHa ge nha dbe l i e ve dt hema nt obes t a ndi ngr i ghtbe s i dehi m. " You' l lpr oba bl ybeha vi ngot he rvi s i t or st oda y, "Da net ol dhi sbr ot he rnow,notwi t houtac e r t a i ne nj oyme nt ." Eve r ybody wa nt st oc omea nds we a ra tyou.It ol dt he myouwe r eupt oi t . " " Tha nks , "Skyes a i ddr yl y. Ot he r sdi dc ome ,a l loft he ma ts omet i meorot he rdur i ngt heda y.Andi ft he ydi dn' ts we a ra tSkye ,t he ynone t h e l e s sma de i tc l e a rt ha tt hene xtt i mehewa si nvol ve di nat e a me f f or ta ndde c i de dt opl a yt heLoneRa nge r ,t he r ewoul dbea na bunda nc e ofpe opl es t a ndi ngi nl i net oe xpr e s st he i rdi s pl e a s ur e . Me e kne s swa sha r dl yoneofSkye ' sc ha r a c t e rt r a i t s ,butbyt hee ndoft heda yhewa sabi ts ubdue d.Notbe c a u s eofwha t he ' ddone ,ofc our s e ,butbyt her e a c t i onst oi t .Heha dne ve rbe e nmuc hofat e a m pl a ye r ;hi spr of e s s i ona lpa r t ne r s hi pwi t h Da nes t r e t c he dba c kove rt e nye a r s ,butt ha twa sf a rmor eabl oodbondt ha noneofc ol l a bor a t i on.Hewa suna c c us t ome dt o pe opl ewor r yi nga bouthi m,a ndmor et ha nal i t t l es ur pr i s e dbyi t . " Ihopeyoua r e n' tgoi ngt oye l la tme , "het ol dKa t r i nawi t hs omef e e l i ngt ha tni ght . " The ydi dn' tye l l . "Shewa ss t a ndi ngbyt hedr e s s e rbr us hi nghe rha i r ,a nds e nthi ma na mus e dl ookove rhe rs houl de r ." But whe t he ryoul i kei tornot ,t he yc a r ea boutyou.Al loft he m.Andt he ywe r er i ght . " Skyeha ds pe ntt heda yve r yde t e r mi ne dl yga i ni ngs t r e ngt h,a nda shewa t c he dhe rnowhef e l tf a mi l i a rs t i r r i ngs .Hef or got a boutpe opl eye l l i nga thi m." Tr i na , "hes a i d. Shel ooke da thi ma ga i n,t hi st i mewi t hi ns t a nta wa r e ne s sa ndac e r t a i na mountofhe l pl e s s ne s s .He rkne e sf e l twe a ka l lofa s udde n,a nds hewa sha r dl ya wa r eofput t i ngt hebr us hdowna ndt ur n i ngt owa r dt hebe d." Youne e dt or e s t , "s hepr ot e s t e d. " Ine e dyou, "hes a i d,a ndt hes t a r kt r ut hoft ha tma dehi svoi c er a gge d. Ka t r i nac a met ot hebe ds l owl y,he rhe a r tpoundi ng.Shef e l thota ndwe a k,a nda l r e a dyc ons c i ousoft het hr obbi ng e mpt i ne s sonl yhec oul df i l l .Skyet hr e wt hec ove r sba c ka ss her e a c he dhi m,t he npul l e dhe rdownont hebe dbe s i dehi m. Shega s pe d." Yourr i bs . " " Tohe l lwi t hmyr i bs . "Hewa sunbut t oni nghe rs l e e ps hi r twi t ht hef i nge r sofoneha nd,buti twa s n' tqui c ke noughf orhi m, a ndhepul l e dhi sl e f ta r mf r omt hes l i ngs ohec oul dus et ha tha nda swe l l .Ka t r t namoa ne dawor dl e s spr ot e s t ,butwhe ns he me thi se ye sa nds a wt hef i e r yhunge rt he r e ,s hes t oppe dt r yi ngt oma kehi mr e me mbe rhi si nj ur i e s .Tha tl ookt ol dhe rpl a i nl y t ha thedi dn' tgi v eada mnwhe t he rhehur thi ms e l f ,be c a us ehewa nt e dhe rr i ghtt ha tmi nut ea ndhewa s n' tgoi ngt owa i t .She ha ds e e ne noughofh i sr e l e nt l e s swi l lbynowt oknowwhe nt os t opf i ght i ngi t . Shehe l pe dhi mge tr i doft hes l e e ps hi r t ,a ndwhe nhi shot ,ha r dha ndss ur r ounde dhe rbr e a s t ss hea l mos tc r i e doutwi t h pl e a s ur e .He rbodywa ss oa t t une dt ohi m,s or e s pons i vet ohi sur ge nc y,s hewa sI ns t a nt l youtofc ont r ol .Buts omef i na ls hr e d ofr e a s onma dehe rt r yt oke e phi mf r ommovi nga nymor et ha nne c e s s a r y.Andi twa sane wpl e a s ur et ol ovehi ma sheha ds o of t e nl ove dhe r ,t ot ouc ha ndki s shi spowe r f ulbodywi t hahunge rofhe rownunt i lhegr oa ne da nds hudde r e d.

Skyee ndur e dt hes we e tt or me ntofhe rt ouc hf ora sl onga shec oul d,buthi sc ont r olqui c kl ys ha t t e r e d,a ndhel i f t e dhe r bodi l ya bovehi m,aha l f wi l dc r yt e a r i ngf r omhi st hr oa t .Shes e t t l e dove rhi mwi t hal i t hegr a c e ,he rc a t ' se ye sgl e a mi ngdown a thi m,a ndwhe nhe rt i ghthe a ts ur r ounde dhi m,het houghthe ' dgooutofhi smi ndwi t ht hes e a r i ngpl e a s ur eofi t . " Te l lme , "heor d e r e di navoi c et ha twa sa l mos tgone ,hi sha r dha ndsonhe rhi psgui di nghe rs l owmove me nt s . " Il oveyou, "s hes a i dhus ki l y,s t a r i ngi nt ohi sna r r owe d,f i e r c e l yI nt e nte ye s .Thet e ns i onc oi l i ngi ns i dehe rwa sa na gony ofs us pe ns i on,a nds hea l mos tmoa ne doutt hewor dsa ga i na nda ga i n,whi mpe r i ngwhe nhequi c ke ne dt hepa c ea nds ur ge dbe ne a t hhe rwi t hnoa wa r e ne s sofhi si nj ur i e sora nyc ons c i ous ne s sofpa i ne xc e ptt hepa i nofhotde s i r e . And,a sa l wa ys ,t he r ewa snos l owa s c e ntf ore i t he roft he m,butr a t he ras wi f t ,r e l e nt l e s s ,s ha t t e r i ngc l i mbt ha thur l e dt he m wi l dl yove rt hebr i nk.Shec ol l a ps e donhi sc he s twi t hawor dl e s sc r y,f e e l i nghi ms hudde ra ndhol dhe rha r da sagut t ur a lgr oa n wa swr e nc he df r omhi m. Ka t r i nac oul dn' tmovef oral ongt i me ;e ve nt hea wa r e ne s sofhi sba nda ge sbe ne a t hhe rc he e ka ndani ggl i ngwor r ya bout hi si nj ur i e sl a c ke dt h epowe rt oma kehe rmove . " Il oveyou,Tr i na , "hes a i d. Shel i f t e dhe rhe a da ndl ooke da thi m,a ndt hel ovegl owi ngi nhi se ye sne a r l ys t oppe dhe rhe a r t ." Il oveyout oo, "s he whi s pe r e d,s hi f t i ngj us tf a re noughs os hec oul dki s shi m.The n,wor r i e d,s hes a i d," Yourr i bs —" Ar mst i ght e ni nga r oundhe r ,Skyes a i d," Tohe l lwi t hmyr i bs . "

Ni ne Ra ve nope ne dt hedoort ol e tDa nei nt ot hes ui t e ,t he nl e dt hewa yi nt ot hes i t t i ngr oomwhe r eJ os hwa sj us tha ngi ngupt he phone .Looki nga tt he i rvi s i t or .J os hs a i d," Eve r yt hi ngs e tf ort omor r owmor ni ng? " Da nenodde da nds a tdowni nac ha i rwhi l eRa ve nj oi ne dhe rhus ba ndont hec ouc h." Nopr obl e ms ,f a ra sIc a ns e e .The gove r nor ' sduet oa r r i vej us ta f t e rt hepa r kope ns ,s ot hec r owdwon' tbet ool a r ge .Si nc ea l lofyouandt heot he rpe opl eyou' ve pl a nt e da r oundt hep a r kwi l lbene a rt heFe r r i swhe e l ,wes houl dn' ta t t r a c tmuc hmor et ha nmi l di nt e r e s t . " J os hnodde ds l i ght l y." Eve r yone ' sbe e nbr i e f e d.The y' l lha veac ove rs t or yi fa nyvi s i t or sha veque s t i ons . " Li f t i ngonee ye br ow,Da nes a i d," Ac ove rs t or y? " " We ' r ema ki ngamovi e , "Ra ve ni nt e r j e c t e d.Shenodde dt owa r davi de oc a me r al yi ngne a r byonat a bl e ." J us ts ome pr e l i mi na r ys hot s ,yo uunde r s t a nd. " Da negr i nne d." Ne a t . " Shes mi l e di nr e t ur n,t he ns a i d," How' sSkye ?Idr oppe dbyKa t r i na ' ss ui t eac oupl eofda ysa gobutdi dn' ts t a yl ong.Igot t hef e e l i ngt he ywa nt e dt obea l one . " Chuc kl i ng,Da nes a i d." Skye ' sf i ne .Hec oul dha vegoneba c kt obe i nghi ms e l ft hr e eda ysa go,butwhe nIt ol dhi mt os t a y put ,hedi dn' ta r gue .Gi gis a yss he ' l lha vet of i nda not he rma na ge rf orhe rhot e l . "' " Spe a ki ngofGi gi , "Ra ve ns a i d," how' ss hedoi ng ? " Da nee ye dhe r ." Don' tyoume a nhow' syourot he rl i t t l epl otpr ogr e s s i ng? "hea s ke dge nt l y. J os hs mi l e d,butRa ve nl ooke di nnoc e nt ." Pl ot ?Why,Idon' tknowwha tyoume a n. " Da nema dear udes ound. Ra ve ndi dn' tl os ehe ri nnoc e nte xpr e s s i on,buthe re ye sgl e a me dme r r i l y.Bl a ndl ys hes a i d," Ca nIhe l pi ti fGi gi ' save r y a t t r a c t i vewoma n?Andi fDa ni e lSt ua r t ' save r yha nds omema n? " Da neha dt ol a ugh." No,a nddon' tt r yt ot e l lmet ha tbot hoft he ma r e n' ti noni t .Da ni e l ' sj us tha vi ngt oomuc hf un,a nd Gi gi ' sa l mos tpur r i ng. " " Wha ta boutHa g e n? "J os ha s ke d,gr i nni ng. " St e a me d, "Da nea ns we r e d." Fi r s tDa ni e lgott h edi r e c t or s hi pHa ge nha de a r ma r ke df orhi ms e l f ,a ndnowhe ' sa f t e rGi gi . She ' spl a yi ngi tpe r f e c t l y,al otofdi gni t ybutde f i ni t eI nt e r e s t ;a ndDa ni e l ' ss howi nga l lt hes i gnsofl os i nghi she a r t .Ha ge nc a n ha r dl ys t a ndt obeI nt hes a mer oomwi t hDa ni e l ,a ndhe ' ss t a r t e dwa t c hi ngove rGi gll i keaha wk. " Ra ve npur s e dhe rl i pst hought f ul l y." I st hema e s t r oj us tma d,ori shewor r i e d? " Da nel ooke dt hought f ul ,hi se ye sa bs t r a c t e da shewa t c he dJ os hl i ghtac i ga r e t t e .Sl owl yhea ns we r e d," I ' ds a yt ha ta tf i r s ti t wa ss he e rr a ge .Butwhe nGi gis t a r t e dt o—uh—e nc our a geDa ni e l ,i ts hookHa ge nup.Heha s n' tha dhi smi ndonbus i ne s st he l a s tc oupl eofda ys . "Cl e a r i nghi st hr oa t .Da nea dde d," Iha ppe ne dt or e ma r kt ohi mt hi smor ni ngt ha tc a t c hi nga na s s a s s i n woul dc e r t a i nl yma k eDa ni e lma d,s i nc ehe ' sbe e na f t e rAdr i a na sl onga sHa ge nha s .Hepe r ke dr i ghtup. " Ra ve ngi ggl e d." Andyous a yI ' mde vi ous . " " We l l ,It houghti t ' dbeas ha mei ft hef i na la c toft hi sl i t t l ec a pe rf e l la pa r tbe c a us eHa ge nha dl os tI nt e r e s t . " " Ni c egoi ng, "J o s ht ol dhi m. " Tha nkyou. "Da newa spol i t e . " Iwonde ri fhene e dsa not he rpus h, "Ra ve ns a i dt hought f ul l y. Da nega z e da the rf oramome nt ,t he ns a i d," You' r er ut hl e s s . " Shewi de ne dhe re ye sa thi m." Why?AsSe r e nat ol dme ,youj us ta r r a nget hec i r c ums t a nc e st oa c hi e veade s i r e de f f e c ta nd poi ntyourpl a ye r si nt her i ghtdi r e c t i on.Wha tha ppe nsi spur e l yama t t e roff r e e wi l l . " J os hc huc kl e da sDa nega vehi maf a i nt l yhor r i f i e dl ook." Iknow,i ts oundss c a r ya she l l .Buts i nc eIgr e wupwi t hSe r e na , i tdoe s n' ts ha kemeupa nymor e .Idi dn' tknowRa ve nha dt het a l e ntwhe nIma r r i e dhe r ,butImus ta dmi ts heke e psmeonmy t oe s . " Ra ve nl ooke da te a c hoft heme nwi t hpi t yi nge ye s ." Ij us tde c i de dt ha tHa ge nha dbe e nt a ki ngGi gif orgr a nt e d,a nds he a gr e e dwi t hme .Tha t ' save r ys t upi dt hi ngt odo,t a ki ngawoma nf orgr a nt e d,e ve na f t e rt we nt yye a r s . " " I l lke e pt ha ti nmi nd, "J os hmur mur e d. " Sowi l lI , "Da nee c hoe d,t hi nki ngofhi sJ e nny,s heoft heI t a l i a nhe r i t a gea ndf i e r yt e mpe r . Ra ve ngr i nne da tt he m.I twa sgoodt or e mi ndama noft he s et hi ngs ,s her e f l e c t e d.

*** Ha ge nha dha de nough.Hi st e mpe rwa sunc e r t a i na tt hebe s toft i me s ,t houghge ne r a l l ywi e l de dwi t hf i nedr a ma t i ct i mi ng, a ndi twa sne ve rmo r el i ke l yt oe xpl odet ha nwhe nhi si nne rvi s i onofhi ms e l fa somni s c i e ntwa sc ha l l e nge d.Heha t e ds ur pr i s e s whe nt he ywe r edi r e c t e dathi mr a t he rt ha nor c he s t r a t e dbyhi m,a ndGi giha ds ur pr i s e dhi m. Heha dne ve rbe e nqui t ec e r t a i not he r —s ome t hi n gheha da dmi t t e dt ohi ms e l fonl yr e c e nt l y—butheha dne ve re x pe c t e dhe r t ol o oka ta not he rma nwi t hapur e l ype r s ona lI nt e r e s ti nhe rf i nee ye s .Andt ha ti tha dt obeDa ni e l .Dani e l ! Sowhe nHa ge ns t or me di nt oGi gi ' ss ui t ewi t houtknoc ki ngl a t eFr i da ya f t e r noon,hewa si nt hemoodt opi c kaq ua r r e lwi t h a na nge l . Nobodyha de ve ra c c us e dGi giofbe i nga na nge l . Abooki nha nd,s heha dbe e nr e l a xi ngi nac or n e roft hel ongc ouc h,butr os ei ns t a nt l yt ohe rf e e t ,gl a r i nga thi m." How da r eyou! " Ha ge nc a s tonet hunde r ousl ooka r oundt hes ui t e ,a ndt houghhewa sr e l i e ve dnott of i ndDa ni e lt he r e ,i tdi dn' ts howonhi s f a c e ." Iwon' tha vei t ,Gi gi ! "her oa r e d. Gi giwa sal i t t l ewoma n,butt he r ewa snot hi ngs ma l la bouthe rt e mpe r .Dr a wi nghe r s e l fupt ohe rf ul ldi mi nut i vehe i ght , he re ye ss na ppi ng,s hes a i d," Iha vea l r e a dyt ol dyou,Ha ge n,youdonotc omma ndme .Myl i f ei smyown,a ndyouha veno r i ghtt oI nt e r f e r ei ni t . " Tohi sowna s t oni s hme nt ,Ha ge nf e l thi st owe r i ngr a gede s c e ndwi t hal ur c hi nt os ha ke nunc e r t a i nt y." Butwh a ta r eyou doi ng? "heve r yne a r l ymoa ne d." Andwi t hDani e l . You' ves t a bbe dmei nt heba c k,a nda f t e ra l lt he s eye a r s ! " Shes t a r e da thi m,unr e l e nt i ng. Ha ge nhe a r dwor dst umbl i ngout ,a ndc oul dn' tbe l i e vet he ywe r ec omi ngf r om hi m." You' dha t eWa s hi ngt on,youknow youwoul d!Andt he r e ' st hepa r k— yourope r a t i onhe r e —" " I ' mgoi ngt or e t i r e , "s hes a i dc a l ml y." Iha vebe guns hut t i ngdownt heope r a t i ona l r e a dy.Is ha l lmovei nt ot hec ount r ya nd r a i s er a c e hor s e s . " Hebl i nke d." Wha t ? " Gi gike pthe rf a c es t r a i ghtwi t ha ne f f or t ." Ce r t a i nl y.I twi l lbea mus i ng.Ands i nc eIdonotwi s ht ol i vea l on e ,It hi nkI s ha l lma r r y. " Hebl a nc he d." NotDa ni e l ! " " Andwhynot ?Hei saha nds ome ,di s t i ngui s he dma n,a ndac ompl e t ege nt l e ma n.Hewoul dne ve rt a keawoma nf or gr a nt e d. " " Gi gi —" I ne xor a bl ys hec ont i nue d." Hei snota r r oga nt ,orma ni pul a t i ve ,ore got i s t i c ,orde c e i t f ul .Her e s pe c t smywi l l ,a ndwoul d ne ve rt r yt oma kede c i s i onsf orme .Hewoul dne ve rr a nta ndr a vea tme .Hewoul dnotde vi ous l yt r yt oa r r a ngemyl i f et he mome ntmyba c ki st ur ne d. " Ha ge ns t a r e da the rf oramome nt ,a ndt he nhi sc upi d' smout hc ur ve ds udde nl yi na nune xpe c t e dl yhumor ouss mi l e ." He ' d bor eyous i l l y,myde a r . " He rl i pst wi t c he dr e s pons l ve l ybe f or es hec oul ds t opt he m.Re c ove r i ng,s hes na ppe d," Andhel ove sme ! " " Butyoul oveme , "Ha ge ns a i d. Wi t hpe r f e c tc a l ms her e pl i e d," Af t e rt we nt yye a r sIf i ndt ha tt ol ovei snote nough.Iwi s ht obel ove d. " Ha ge nc r os s e dt hes pa c ebe t we e nt he m wi t hs t a r t l i nggr a c ea nds pe e df orama nf orhi sbul k,a ndt he r ewa sas ur pr i s i ng s t r e ngt hi nt hea r mst ha tc l os e da bouthe r ." Da mnl i t ,youknowIl oveyou, "hes a i da l mos ti r r i t a bl y. Gi gi ' ss l i mf or ma da pt e di t s e l fe a s i l yt ohi sgi r t h,buthe rl ove l yf a c er e ma i ne dunmove d." Idonotknowt ha ta ta l l , "s he t ol dhi m. Hegl a r e da the r ." I ' mt e l l i ngyou.Il oveyou.I ' vel ove dyouf ort we nt yye a r s .Whywoul dIke e pc omi nga r ounda nd dodgi ngt ha tda mne ds ha r pt ongueofyour si fIdi dn' tl oveyou? " " Be c a us enobodye l s es t a ndsupt oyou! "s her e t or t e dwi t hs pi r i t . Hec huc kl e ds udde nl y." Tr ue .You' r eadi f f i c ul twoma n,myde a r ,a ndi nt we nt yye a r syou' vene ve rbor e dme . "Hes i ghe d, t he ns a i dr e f l e c t i ve l y," Is uppos er a i s i ngr a c e hor s e swoul dn' tbes oba d.The r e ' sac e r t a i nc ha l l e ngei nt ha t . " " Idon' tr e c a l li nvi t i ngyou," s hes a i ds we e t l y. Ba c konba l a nc ea ga i n,Ha ge nga vehe ra ni ndul ge ntl ook." Ofc our s eyoudi d,Gi gi .Thi sl i t t l ega meyou' vebe e npl a yi ng wi t hDa ni e lwa st heI nvi t a t i on. " Shee ye dhi mr ue f ul l y." Da mnyou. " Hel a ughe da ga i n,butwi t hr a r egr a c ea dmi t t e d," We l l ,i twor ke d.Sc a r e dt hehe l loutofmewhe nIt houghtIwa sl os i ng you.We ' l lge tma r r i e da ss oona spos s i bl e . " Asi fa ddr e s s i ngs omet hi r dpa r t y,Gi gis a i d," Is h oul dha veknowhewoul dt e l lr a t he rt ha na s k. " Ha ge nope ne dhi se ye swi de ." I fyoudi dn' tme a nt oma r r yme ,myde a r ,I ' dl i ket oknowwha tki ndofga mey ou' vebe e n pl a yi ngwi t hmef ort we nt yye a r s . " Gi glmi ghtha ves put t e r e da tt hi sunf a i rs t a t e me n t ,buthedi dn' tgi ve rhe rt hec ha nc e .Nott ha ts hemi nde d. *** Ka t r i naha dbe e nal i t t l ewor r i e dt ha tSkyemi ghtnott r us ti nhe rl ovet hi st i me ,buta st heda yspa s s e di tbe c a meobvi ous t ha twha t e ve rheha dne e de dt oma kehi mc e r t a i nheha df ound.Theha r d,s e a r c hi ngl ookva ni s he df r omhi se ye s ,a ndt hough hewoul dne ve rbeat r a nqui lma n,hewa sc l e a r l yl e s sr e s t l e s sa ndf a rmor ea tpe a c ewi t hhi ms e l f . Ha vi ngonc ega i ne dhi sf e e t ,hehe a l e dwi t ha s t oni s hi ngs pe e d,a ndbyt het hi r dda y,We dne s da y,ha da ba ndone dt hee l a s t i c ba nda geove rhi sr i bs ;heha da l s ot a l ke dt hedoc t ori nt or e duc i nghi sot he rba nda ge s ,s a yi ngt ha tt hi swoundswou l dhe a lf a r mor equi c kl yi ft he ywe r e n' ts mot he r e dbyga uz e .

Ka t r i na ,wi t hgl or i ousme mor i e sofhi sl ove ma ki ngi nhe rmi nd,c oul dn' tf i ndt hewi l lt opr ot e s t .Exc e ptf ort ha tf i r s tni ght , heha dn' tma deas i ngl ec onc e s s i ont ohi sI nj ur i e s .Ands i nc et hea dmi s s i onofl ovebe t we e nt he mha di nt e ns i f i e da na l r e a dy ove r powe r i ngde s i r e ,Ka t r i nawa sa l lt ooa wa r et ha tSkye ' ss t r e ngt hha dr e t ur ne df ul lf or c e . St i l l ,a ss hewa t c he dhi ms hr uggi nge a s i l yi nt ohi ss houl de rha r ne s se a r l ySa t ur da ymor ni ng,s hef e l tapa ngofwor r y.I t wa s n' ts uppos e dt obeda nge r o us ,ofc our s e ,butt he n,Adr i a ns houl dn' tha vee s c a pe de i t he r . " Skye ,Iwa ntt obet he r e . " Af t e rpul l i ngonal i ghtWi ndbr e a ke r ,hec a met ohe ra ndpul l e dhe ri nt ohi sa r ms ,s mi l i ngdowna the r ." Thegu n' sj us tf or s how. "her e mi nde dhe r ." Ha ge nwoul dt hi nkIwa sc r a z yi fIwe r e n' ta r me d. " " Iknowt ha t . " Hi ss mi l e dwi de ne d." Il oveyout oo. " Ka t r i nas i ghe dal i t t l e ." You' r ej us ts or e c kl e s s .Ca nIhe l pi ti fIwor r ya boutyou? " " Mmmm.Ma ybewe ' dbe t t e rt a l ka boutt ha t .Ido n' te xa c t l yha vear i s kf r e ej ob,s we e t he a r t . " Shef or c e dhe rvo i c et or e ma i ns t e a dy." Iknow. " Hewa i t e d,gr a ve l ywa t c hi nghe r . Al i t t l ef i e r c e l ys hes a i d," Idon' tha vea nyr i ghtt oa s kyou. " Skye ' se ye sna r r o we d." The nI ' l la s kyou.Idon' tmi ndmywi f ebe i ngahot e lma na ge r ,butIs ur ea she l ldon' twa nthe rt obe a na ge nt . " " I ' mnotyourwi f e , "s hes a i di nas ma l lvoi c e . " Oh,butyoua r e ,s we e t he a r t . " Ka t r i nas t a r e da thi m." Youdi vor c e dme . " Hel ooke dabi ts he e pi s h,buthi se ye swe r ea l i ght ." We l l ,no.Is e tt hel e ga lwhe e l si nmot i on,butIne ve rwe ntt hr oughwi t h i t .We ' r es t i l lma r r i e d . " Shet r i e dt opus hhi ma wa y." Andyoune ve rt ol dmea l lt hi st i me ? " Heki s s e dhe runt i ls hedi dn' tha vet hebr e a t ht or a i la thi m,t he ns a i d," Il oveyou.Il ove dyout oomuc ht he nt oc utt hel a s t t i ebe t we e nus .AndIwa ntt oma r r yyoua ga i n,Tr i na . "Hi sf a c es of t e ne d." Wi l lyouma r r yme ,s we e t he a r t ? " " Ye s . "Af e wmome nt sl a t e rs hea dde dunc e r t a i nl y," Yous houl dha vet ol dme ,t hough.Iwa s n' ts ur ei fyouwa nt e daf ut ur e wi t hme . " " Iwa ntal onga nds e t t l e df ut ur ewi t hyou, "het o l dhe rI nade f i ni t evoi c e ." SoI ' l lr e t i r ea sa na ge nti fyouwi l l . " Ka t r i nas e a r c he dhi se ye s ." Ar eyous ur e ,Skye ?I fyouga veups ome t hi ngyoul ove dbe c a us eofme —" Hes hookhi she a d,s mi l i ng." Te nye a r si sal ongt i me ,a ndI ' mt i r e doft heda r k.Da nea ndIa r ebot hr e a dyt oqui t ,It hi nk. " Shes wa l l owe dh a r d." Wha twoul dyoudo? " " The r e ' sar a nc hi nMont a naI ' veha dmye yeon.I t ' sawi l dpl a c e ;i t ' l lne e dal otofwor k. "Skyewa swa t c hi nghe ri nt e nt l y. Ka t r i napul l e dhi she a ddowns os hec oul dki s shi m." I ts oundswonde r f ul .Il oveyou.. . . " Hi sa r mt i ght e ne da r oundhe r ,a ndhi se ye swe r el umi nous .Abi tr oughl yhes a i d," I ' l lpr oba bl ybeahe l lofahus ba nd, s we e t he a r t ,butt he y' l lputmei nt hegr oundbe f or eIs t opl ovi ngyou.Don' te ve rf or ge tt ha t . " Chuc kl i ng,s hes a i d," I fI ' vel e a r ne da nyt hi ng,i t ' st ha tIs houl da l wa yswa i taf e whour sa f t e ryou' ves a i ds ome t hi ngi na t e mpe r ,a ndt he na s kyoui fyoume a nti t . " Heha dt ol a ugh." We l l ,I ' mgl a dyou' vel e a r ne dt ha t . " Thes udde npe a loft het e l e phonema deKa t r i nas a y," Ha ge n,wonde r i ngwhe r eyoua r e . " " Ye s . "Skyer e l e a s e dhe rr e l uc t a nt l y." I t ' st i met obr i ngdownt hec ur t a i n. " *** Ha ge nwa sf e e l i ngma r ve l ous l ypl e a s e dwi t hhi ms e l f .Heha dn' tbe e na bl et or e s i s tpr e e ni ngabi twhe nhet ol dDa ni e lt ha t Gi giwa sgoi ngt oma r r yhi m,a ndt ha tr i va l ' sc r e s t f a l l e ne xpr e s s i onha dbe e na na mpl er e wa r d.I tne ve roc c ur r e dt ohi m,of c our s e ,t ha tDa n i e lha dbe e npl a yi ngt hes a mega met ha tGi giha d.Hei nvi t e dDa ni e lt oobs e r vet hec a pt ur eofAdr i a n,a ndwa s e ve nmor epl e a s e dwhe nGi gide c i de dt owa t c ha swe l l . Hee nj oye da na dmi r i nga udi e nc ewhe nhewa sb e i ngpa r t i c ul a r l ygr e a t . Andt heope r a t i onwe ntof fj us ta she ' dpl a nne d.Re a l l y,het hought ,SkyePr e s c ot twa sat ot a lpr of e s s i ona l ;t houghhi s Ka t r i naha da c c ompa ni e dhi mt ot hepa r k,s hewa i t e dwi t hGi gi ,a ndPr e s c ot twa sc a l ma ndc ool .Heha dl i s t e ne dt oHa ge n' s i ns t r uc t i ongr a ve l y,a ndha da c c e pt e dt he mwi t hr e s pe c t . Ha ge nwonde r e di fpe r ha psheha dbe e nt ooha s t yi nde c i di ngt or a i s er a c e hor s e s .I fhec oul dma na get oe nt i c ePr e s c ot t a wa yf r om Da ni e l ,a ndwi t ht ha tpr omi s i ngbe gi nni ngr e bui l dhi sor ga ni z a t i oni nt owha ti tha dbe e n. . .I twoul dn' thur t ,he de c i de d,t ot e s tt hewa t e r swi t hPr e s c ot t .Onene ve rkne w,a f t e ra l l . Ha ge ns t oodne a rt heFe r r i swhe e l ,buta ts uc ha na ngl et ha thewoul dn' tbevi s i bl et oawa t c he ront hef unhous er oof .He l ooke da r ound,a bs e nt l yt a ki ngnot eoft hec os t ume de mpl oye e s ;t he r es e e me dt obemor eoft he mt ha nus ua l ,a ndh et hought i ndul ge nt l yt ha tt he ynodoubtwa nt e dagl i mps eo ft hegove r nor .Hec ons ul t e dhi spoc ke twa t c h,hi sc upi d' sl i pspur s i ng s l i ght l y,t he nl ooke da tt heFe r r i swhe e l . The r eha dt obea na c c ompl i c e ,ofc our s e ,ore l s ehowc oul dAdr i a nbec e r t a i nt hegove r norwoul dbes e a t e di nt hec or r e c t c a r .Hee ye dt heope r a t orna r r owl y.Ayoungma nwhol ooke dc he e r f ula ndnoti nt hel e a s tda nge r ous .Butt he n,howma nyof t he mr e a l l yl ooke dda nge r ous ? Pr e s c ot tha da l r e a dydi s a ppe a r e da r oundt hef unhous e ,a ndHa ge nc he c ke dhi swa t c ha ga i n.Thegove r nor ,hede c i de d, s houl dbec omi ngi nt ot hepa r ka boutnow.Hel ooke dI nt her i ghtdi r e c t i ona nd,wi t hi nmi nut e s ,s a wama ni nada r ks ui t s ur r o unde dbyunobt r us i vebodygua r ds ;t hec r owdmi l l i nga boutha r dl ynot i c e d. Ha ge nl ooke dba c ka thi swa t c hunt i lt hes we e pha ndt ouc he danumbe r ,t he ns na ppe di tc l os e da ndr e t ur ne di tt ot hepoc ke t ofhi sve s t .And,r i ghtons c he dul e ,hes a wPr e s c ot tc omi ngba c ka r oundt hef unhous ewi t honeha ndont hes houl de roft he ma ni nf r ontofh i m. Thema n' sha ndswe r ebe hi ndhi sba c k,a ndhel ooke ds ubdue d.

St r ol l i ngt owa r dt he m,Ha ge ns t udi e dAdr i a nc ur i ous l y.So,het hought ,t hes ke t c he sha dbe e nr i ght .Abi gma n,ove rs i x f e e t ,wi t hpr e ma t ur e l ys i l ve rha i r .Ave r ybi gma n,i nf a c t ,a sl a r gea sPr e s c ot t .I nf a c t —Ha ge ns t oppe da br upt l ya st het wome n a ppr oa c he d,a ndheha dt heunc e r t a i ns e ns a t i onoft hee a r t hs hi f t i ngbe ne a t hhi sf e e t . Butt ha twa snons e ns e .Fi r ml yhes a i d," Lut he rAdr i a n,Ihe r e bya r r e s tyouf ort hec r i me sofi nt e r na t i ona lt e r r or i s m. "He bl i nk e d,s t a r i nga thi sc a pt ur e dki l l e r .I nat ot a l l ydi f f e r e ntvoi c ehes a i d." Wha tt hehe l l —" " Her e a l l ydoe s n' tl ookmuc hl i keAdr i a n, "ac he e r f ulvoi c es a i df r om of ft ot her i ght ." I t ' sj us tawi g,youknow,a nd ma ke up. " Ha ge nt ur ne dhi she a ds l owl ya nds t a r e d.The r ewe r et woc l ownswi t hunpa i nt e df a c e s .Hekne wt hos ef a c e s .J os hLong he l dawhi r r i ngvi de oc a me r aonones houl de r ,a ndRa ve nha ds poke n.St i l lc ompl e t e l ybl a nk,Ha ge nl ooke dba c ka thi s c a pt ur e dki l l e r .SkyePr e s c ot twa ss t a ndi ngbe s i dehi mwi t hhi sa r msf ol de da ndas mi l eofunhol ya mus e me ntonh i sf a c e — a ndt heki l l e r ,whos eha ndswe r ec l e a r l yunbound,wa st a ki ngof fhi ss i l ve rha i r .Theki l l e r ,Ha ge nr e a l i z e d,l ooke da na wf ull ot l i keSkyePr e s c o t t . " Thi sda mne dwi gi t c he sl i kehe l l , "hec ompl a i ne d.Hes ounde dl i kePr e s c ot t ,t oo,buthedr a wl e d.Hel ooke da tHa ge na nd s a i dhe l pf ul l y," I ' mn otAdr i a n. " Ha ge nf oundbr e a t h." Thegove r nor —" " Thegove r nori s n' the r ee i t he r , "J os hLongt ol dhi m,vi de oc a me r as t i l lwhi r l i ng." Thege nt l e ma nyout ookt obet he gove r nori soneoft hehot e lwa i t e r s .Hi sbodygua r dswe r ebus boys . " " Thebomb—"Ha ge nt r i e da ga i n. " Mode l i ngc l a y, "SkyePr e s c ot tt ol dhi mge nt l y." Yous houl dha vegot t e na na na l ys i s ,Ha ge n.Tha twa sc a r e l e s sofyou. " Ra ve ns t r ol l e dt owa r dhi m,s mi l i ng." Wha tyoudon' ts e e mt ounde r s t a nd,ma e s t r o,i st ha tyou' vebe e nr oya l l yc onne d. Lut he rAdr i a nwa sne ve rhe r e .I nf a c t ,ac oupl eofDa ni e l ' sme nha vehi mi nc us t odys omemi l e sf r omhe r e .Wi t hal i t t l ehe l p f r omus ,Skyet r a c ke dhi mdownwe e ksa go. " Ha ge nha dt ot a l l yl os tc omma ndoft hes i t ua t i on,buthewa s n' ta boutt oa c c e pti t .Wi t haf i nes howofr a ge ,her oa r e d, " Howda r eyoup e opl ei nt e r f e r ewi t haf e de r a lope r a t i on. " " Pr e t t ywhe nhe ' sa ngr y,i s n' the ? "ane wvoi c ec o mme nt e dwi t hs a t i s f a c t i on. Ha ge nt ur ne dhi she a ds l owl y.The ywe r ea l lt he r e ,her e a l i z e d.Al loft he m.The yha dbe e npr a c t i c a l l yunde rhi snos ef or t wowe e ks ,a l lwe a r i ngc os t ume s .The r ewa sRa f f e r t yLe wi s ,a ndZa c hSt e e l e ,t heonewhoha dj us ts poke n,a ndLuc a s Ke ndr i c k—a l la c c ompa ni e dbyt he i rs mi l i ngwi ve s .The r ewa sKe l s e y.AndDe r e kRos s ,wi t hape t i t ebr une t t ewhowa sc l e a r l y hi swi f e .Ha ge nl ooke dba c ka tt het wos t a nd i ngbe f o r ehi m,a ndt hebogusAdr i a ns poke . " Twi ns , "hemur mur e d." I nf a c t ,you' vebe e nc a l l i ngmeSkyef ort hepa s twe e k.ButI ' mDa ne . "Hes l i ppe da na r ma r ound t hegi ggl i ngbl ondedr e s s e da sac hor usda nc e rwhoha dc omeoutofnowhe r et oj oi nhi m." Thi si sJ e nny.Mywi f e . " " Ihopeyout woa r equi t t i ng, "Da ni e ls a i ds e ve r e l ya she ,Gi gi ,a ndKa t r i naj oi ne dt hegr oup." You' vebl ownyou rc ove r . " Skyepul l e dKa t r i nai nt ohi sa r ms ." Wea r e . "Hel ooke da tHa ge nwi t hbr i ghte ye s ." YouknowKa t r i na ,ofc our s e , "hes a i d. " She ' smywi f e . " Gi gigr i nne d." I ss he ?Imus ta dmi t ,Iwonde r e da boutt ha t . " Ha ge ngl a r e da the r ." Youk ne wa boutt hi s ? " " Ofc our s eIdi d, "Gi glt ol dhi mc a l ml y. Ha ge nt e nde dt or e s pe c tde vi ous ne s s ,buthes t i l lwa s n' tpr e pa r e dt ogodownwi t houtaf i ght ." You' ves t a bbe dmei nt he ba c k, "her a ge da the r . " Youha veus e dt ha tl i nebe f or e , "s heobs e r ve dmus i ngl y. Wha tHa ge nmi ghtha ves a i dt ot ha t ,t he ywe r ed e s t i ne dne ve rt oknow.As udde na wa r e ne s sma dehi mt ur nhi sh e a ds l owl y a nds t a r ea tJ os hLong." You' r et a pi ngt hi s . "hes a i di nahol l owvoi c eofr e a l i z a t i on. " Na t ur a l l y. "Ra ve nwa i t e dunt i lhe rhus ba ndha dt ur ne dof ft hec a me r aa ndl owe r e di tt ohi ss i de ,t he ns a i dt oHa ge n," I r e a ds ome whe r et ha taf or me rdi r e c t oroft heFBIke pts e c r e tt a pe sa ndf i l e si nc a s ehene e de dwe a ponsa ga i ns tpos s i bl e e ne mi e s . "Shes mi l e d." Da ni e li s n' tt ha tr ut hl e s s .Sowe ' l lhol dt het a pe ,j us tt oma kes ur eyous t opus i ngpe opl el i kepa wns . " Fort hef i r s tt i me ,Ha ge nr e a l i z e dt ha tRa ve nkne wwha theha dpl a nne dt odo.Hec l e a r e dhi st hr oa ta nds hota na c c us i ng l ooka tDa ni e l ,butt ha tdi s t i ngui s he dge nt l e ma ns hookhi she a d. " No,t he ydi dn' tf i ndoutf r omme .Onc et he ykne w,Ij us tc onf i r me di t .Youwe ntt oof a rwhe nyout r i e dt oki dna pLongt o t r yt ope r s ua dehi sf r i e ndst of i ndAdr i a nf oryou. " " Muc h,muc ht oof a r , "Ra ve ns a i ds we e t l y." Tr ya nyt hi ngl i ket ha ta ga i n,a ndwe ' l lhe a rofi t .Youknowwewi l l .Andwe ' l l r e l e a s eourt a pet ot h eme di a . " " Bl a c kma i l ! "Ha ge ns a i dbi t t e r l y. J os hl ooke da thi swi f ewi t ha ne xpr e s s i onofmi l ds ur pr i s e ." Howa boutt ha t ?Heunde r s t a ndst hec onc e pt . " Ha ge ndr e wt hes hr e dsofhi sdi gni t ya r oundhi ma ndt ookha l fadoz e ns t e psa wa yf r omt he m.The nhes t oppe da ndt ur ne d ba c ka r ound,s t a r i nga tGi gi ." We l l ? "hes na ppe d. Shewa ss t a ndi ngwi t hhe rha ndsl i nke dbe f or ehe r ,he re xpr e s s i ons e r e ne ." We l lwha t ,J ohn? "s hea s ke dge nt l y. " Ar eyouc omi ngwi t hme ? " Shes i ghe ds oul f ul l y." Yous t i l lwa ntme ? " Hi se ye sna r r owe d." Gi gi , "hebe ga na wf ul l y. Gi gic huc kl e da ndwe ntt ohi m.Sl i ppi nghe rha ndI nt ot hec r ookofhi sa r m,s hes a i dc ons ol i ngl y," Ne ve rmi nd.We ' l lr a i s e hor s e s ,a ndyous ha l le nj oyyour s e l fpl a nni ngs t r a t e gyf ort her a c e s . " Hel e dhe ra wa y,a ndi twa sonl ywhe nt he ywe r eoutofe a r s hott ha thes a i dj udi c i ous l y," The ydi dt ha tve r ywe l l .I t ' sapi t y t he yha ves oma nys c r upl e s . " Shes mi l e da thi m." Ye s ,J ohn.I tc e r t a i nl yi s . " ***

Ra ve nl ooke dupa the rhus ba nd." J ohn? " " I tdoe ss e e mapr os a i cna mef ors ome onel i keHa ge n, "J os ha gr e e ddr yl y. Agl e a me nt e r e dRa ve n' se ye s ." Ands pe a ki ngofna me s . "Shet ookhi sha nda ndt he yj oi ne dt heot he r s ,whowe r ega t he r e d i nal oos egr oupne a rt hef unhous e ." Ke l s e y? " Ke l s e yt ookonel ooka thi se xpa r t ne ra ndde c i de dhedi dn' tl i ket hee xpr e s s i oni nhe re ye s ." Wha t ? "hes a i dwa r i l y. " Yourot he rna me , "s hes a i dge nt l y. Hegl a nc e da r oundt of i nde ve r yonewa t c hi nga ndwa i t i ng,c ur i os i t yone ve r yf a c e .Looki ngba c ka tRa ve n,heha l fc l os e d hi se ye sa ndmut t e r e d," Is uppos ei fIdon' tt e l lyou, t ha thi ghha nde dhus ba ndofyour swi l ld i goutmybi r t hc e r t i f i c a t e . " " We ' vebe e nve r ypa t i e nt , "J os ht ol dhi m. Ke l s e y,r e a l i z i ngt he r ewa snoe s c a pe ,dr e wade e pbr e a t ha nds a i di mpl or i ngl y," Look,El i z a be t hdi dn' te ve nknows he ' dbe Mr s .Ke l s e yunt i lwes i gne dt hec e r t i f i c a t e ! " Ra ve n' se xpr e s s i onwa ss t e r n." Gi ve ! " Ke l s e y,whowa swe a r i ngt hega r bofaMi s s i s s i ppir i ve r boa tc a pt a i n,s hove dhi sha tba c konhi sr us t yc ol or e dha i ra nd gl a r e da the r .But ,a f t e ramome nt ,hes a i de xpl os i ve l y," I t ' sTr i s t a n! " Los i ngc ont r olofhe re xpr e s s i on.Ra ve ne xc l a i me d," Tr i s t a n. . . " Some wha tde s pe r a t e l yKe l s e ys a i d," Hewa sakn i ghta tKi ngAr t hur ' sRoundTa bl e . " Theot he r sl os tc ont r olt he n,buti twa sTe ddywhof oundt hepe r f e c tc omme nt .De l i ght e dl ys hee xc l a i me d," A dr a gon s l a ye r ! "

Epi l ogue J us tove raye a rl a t e r ,Ra ve nLongs t ooda tt hebe dr oomwi ndowofas e c l ude dc ount r yhous ei nNe wYor kSt a t ea ndga z e d outont hemoonl i tni ght .Shewa swa i t i ngf orhe rhus ba nd,whowa sdownt heha l lpe r s ua di ngt he i rf i ve mont hol ds oni twa s t i met os l e e p.I twa sani ght l yr i t ua l ,a ndJ os hwa sc onvi nc e dt ha ti twa sbe c a us et he i rbl a c kha i r e d,br i ght e ye ds onha d s ome howdi s c ove r e dt ha thi sna me —De vl i n—me a nt" f i e r c eva l or . " Ke l s e yha ds ugg e s t e dt ha tt hec hi l dwa sj us tmi s he a r i nghi sna me ,t ha twa sa l l .Hehe a r d" de vi l . "Ra ve nha dt ol dhi mhe wa saf i neonet ot a l kofna me s ,a ndKe l s e yha dgr i nne da the r . Ra ve nwa sf e e l i ngc ont e nt .Sheha dn' tr e a l l yknownc ont e nt me ntunt i ls heha dme tJ os h,butt he s el a s tf e w ye a r sha d c onvi nc e dhe ri twa s n' ta ni l l us i on.Shewa she rhus ba nd' spa r t ne ra ndbe s tf r i e nda swe l la swi f ea ndl ove r ,a ndhe rl i f ewa s wonde r f ul l yc ompl e t e . " He ' l lr ul et hewor l doneda y, "J os hs a i ds udde n l ya shec a meupbe hi ndhe ra nds l i ppe dhi sa r msa r oundhe r ." AndGod he l pt hewor l d. " Shel a ughe d." Andyouwa nta not he rone , "s het e a s e d. Some wha twi s t f ul l yJ os hs a i d," I ' dl i keagi r l . " Ra ve nt ur ne di nhi se mbr a c et os mi l eupa thi m." Ye s ,Iknow.I fMa ggi ea ndRe be c c awe r et heda ught e r sofa nyonebut Za c h,youpr oba bl ywoul dha veki dna ppe dt he m. " " Ma ybei t ' sj us ts ome t hi nga boutt wi ns , "hemus e d. Ra ve nl a ughe da ga i n." Doyour e a l i z ewe ' r ei nt hemi ddl eofourownba byboom?The r emus tha vebe e nawe i r da l i gnme nt oft h epl a ne t sors ome t hi ng. " " Ors ome t hi ng, "J os hs a i dwi t hagr i n. " Thi nka bouti t , "s hei ns i s t e d." Ra f f e r t ya ndSa r a ha l r e a dyha dPa t r i c k,buti nt hel a s tye a r ,e ve r yoneofusha sbe c ome pa r e nt s .Ke l s e ya ndEl i z a be t hha dSt e ve nj us taf e wwe e ksa f t e rwegotr e ve ngeont hema e s t r o.The nTe ddyha dt h et wi ns ,we ha dDe vl i n,a ndnotamont hl a t e rLuca ndKyl eha dVi c t or i a .De r e ka ndSha nnonha dAma ndat womont hsa go—" " Andt hr e ewe e ksa go, "J os hf i ni s he d," J e nnya n dKa t r i nabot hga vebi r t hwi t hi na nhourofe a c hot he r . " Ra ve ngi ggl e d." I ' l lbe tt hehos pi t a lwa sgoi ngnut s .I fSkyea ndKa t r i naha dn' tbe e nvi s i t i ngBe l l eRe t ourbe c a us et he i r hous ewa si nas ha mbl e sf r om t her e mode l i ng. . .Youha vet oa dmi t ,t het i mi ngwa spe r f e c t .Theodde s tt hi ngofa l li st ha t a l t houghDa nea ndJ e nnyha dpl a nne dNi c hol a s ,Ka t r i nas we a r ss hewa sont hepi l lwhe nAda m wa sc onc e i ve d.Shes a ysi t wa sj us tl i k eSkyet oge the rpr e gna ntde s pi t emode r ns c i e nc e . " " Re mi ndsmeoft heol dj oke , "J os hs a i d. " Aboutt heba bybe i ngbor nwi t has mi l eonhi sf a c ea ndapi l lc l ut c he di noneha nd? "Ra ve ns mi l e da thi m,t he nc l e a r e d he rt hr oa t ." Spe a ki ngofwhi c h—ourge ne sa ppe a rt opr oduc ede t e r mi ne dof f s pr i ng,da r l i ng.We ' dbe t t e rna met hi sone Al e xa ndr a ;s hec a nd e f e ndt hewor l df r omhe rbr ot he r . " J os hbl i nke d.Af t e ramome nthes a i dc a ut i ous l y," Ca vi a ra ga i n? " " No. "Ra ve nl ooke dbe mus e d." Li c or i c e . " *** Somet i mel a t e r ,ha vi ngbe e nc a r r i e dt obe dbyhe ra dor e da nda dor i nghus ba nd.Ra ve ns a i dt hought f ul l y," De f i ni t e l ya we i r da l i gnme ntoft hepl a ne t s . " " Ors ome t hi ng, "J os ha gr e e dt e nde r l y,hol di nghi swi f ec l os e .