tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83781455027380299882024-03-04T23:58:17.921-08:00Mary Hughes's Side TripsMary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-26587537496431055432020-03-20T11:47:00.000-07:002020-03-22T09:29:14.453-07:00New Orleans's Nobody<br />
<i>Enjoy this condensed first chapter (and part of the second) from Vampire Vignette </i>New Orleans's Nobody<i>.</i><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a nobody. I fade into the background at parties, nobody
remembers my name when we’re introduced because I’m quiet, and bullies pick on
me as their preferred prey because I don’t like to cause trouble and rarely
fight back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It makes me the butt of a lot of April Fools jokes. I don’t
mind. People like to play pranks. Some can be mean, and it’s better they be
mean to me, who can take it, than some poor soul who can’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, I should have been more wary about that particular
note, found on March 31.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Meet me at the minimart at midnight. It’s a matter of
life or death. ~Shawna.</i> In my defense, it was her loopy handwriting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I slipped out of my home, a two-vamp household, at eleven
forty-five and walked briskly to the meet. The minimart was halfway between my
household and Shawna’s. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trying to exude confidence, I strode along. Hoping any rogue
vamps would think I had a protector vampire shadowing me. Jacksonville’s
grandmaster has patrols out from dusk to dawn, but rogue vampires still hunt
for easy blood, with us humans as prey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, life or death, right? That wasn’t an overstatement.
My best friend, Shawna Rice, was in the dangerous process of proving her
household master vampire was…overtapping the veins, if you know what I mean.
We’d meet at strange places at strange times, to avoid preternatural ears
eavesdropping. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Shawna’s corrupt master got any hint of what she was
doing before she had a solid case to bring before the Jacksonville grandmaster,
she was dead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The minimart was dark when I got there, the lot empty. No
Shawna. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead a paper fluttered, taped to the glass door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that point my subconscious knocked on my brain (“Hello?
Anyone home?”) and I got a bad feeling. Maureen “Mo” Gaffney, mistress of the
obvious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I trotted toward the store, foreboding making my hand shake
as I plucked the note off the door and read it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Gotcha! April Fools, Mo! </i>~<i>Jerkface</i>. Not
his name, but it should’ve been.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
April Fools, right. I was the April Fool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was when the rogues melted out of the night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vampires circled me. I scanned them, using my peripheral
vision. You don’t want to meet their hypnotic red eyes. One, two, three…French
fry me. A dozen or more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two were big goons who looked like they used soda straws
made of hollow bones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three were pale and skeletal, which meant they hadn’t drunk
blood lately. They’d be especially savage attacking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There I was, a human alone in the night. The paper rattling
in my trembling hand wasn’t a particularly good weapon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart pounded, but I stood my ground. Never run from a
vamp. It excites them. And anyway, where would I go? The minimart, which had
been a twenty-four/seven before the Great Unmasking—when we found out vampires
weren’t fictitious and definitely did not sparkle—the minimart now shut up
tight by sunset. No protection there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was a little light on weapons because I’d sneaked out of
the house. The paper in my hand wouldn’t do squat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the big goons broke away from the pack, stalking
toward me with murder in his eyes.Eyes met mine, glowing red in a pale face. A tongue
darted out to lick fangs. Thirsty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, I tried to tough it out. “I know it looks like I’m
helpless…but I’m not.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You look pretty helpless to me.” The vampire grinned,
horrid with the fangs. “Unless you’re going to papercut
my head off.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jerkface’s paper rattled in my hand, no danger to anyone
except my ego. I did have one thing up my sleeve—or rather, in the open
pocket of my cross-body day bag.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a chef in training, with plenty of good, professional
knives. Before heading out, I’d slipped a ten-inch chef’s knife and a small
meat cleaver into cardboard sheaths, and they now nestled against my ribs in
the bag’s pocket. The knives aren’t good for throwing, but for close-in
defense? Brand-new and expensive, if anything could slice vampire hide, these
knives could.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whipping out the meat cleaver with my free hand, I chopped
the arm of the sucker holding me. I managed to cut deep enough into sinew and
meat to make him let go without slicing myself. Well, <i>all right</i>. Those
hours of dicing practice, chopping until my arm screamed, had finally paid off.
He shrieked and jumped back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The adrenaline pumping through my veins spun me from the
vamp at twice my normal speed—which was about half the speed of the remaining
rogues, six of whom flickered into place before me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faces now masked in horrifying armor, slavering at me with
fangs the size of drywall nails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swallowing bile, I randomly swished the air in front of me
with the cleaver, the sheen of vamp
blood on it black in the phosphorescent light. Armor was bad news. I had a feeling I was only pushing out the inevitable TOD. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My thoughts swirled like a life replay as I tried to come up
with a defense. I remembered a time my mother had been teaching me to cook,
fresh buttermilk biscuits in our warm kitchen. Me, piping, “There’s no baking
powder! It’s ruined!” Her soothing alto voice. “If you don’t have baking
powder, Moberry, just improvise. Use baking soda and cream of tartar instead.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Improvise. Dropping the paper, I drew my chef’s knife.
Cleaver in one hand, knife in the other, I started spinning, arms extended. As
I spun, I randomly swiped up and down with my blades. It’s a fair strategy for
Asteroids or any other video game where enemies come at you randomly from all
directions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One sucker lunged for me. Surprisingly, my Asteroids
strategy worked. He was young enough that I actually got in a few debilitating
slices. He jumped back in surprise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His cuts sealed up before my eyes. Unless you cut off their
heads or hack out their hearts, a vamp will only laugh, heal up, and come back
twice as hungry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cold truth splashed through me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only a matter of time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sheer cussedness kept me spinning. I’d make them work for
their supper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mid-revolution, something dark and massive wavered behind
the rogues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was getting dizzy. Seeing things. My panting didn’t help.
I was also seeing spots. I kept spinning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My next time around, the shadow had shifted closer—and swept
talons the size of kitchen knives through a rogue’s neck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I slowed, almost afraid to complete this revolution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rogue stood there—shorter by ten inches of head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ground to a halt, my feet suddenly bricks of ice, staring
as the headless sucker crumpled to the ground. My arms drooped in bewilderment.
I nearly cut my thighs open before I remembered to turn the blades flat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the shadow—or should I say death machine?—methodically
worked through the rest of the rogues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Broad shoulders. The flash of muscle. Another swipe of
powerful talons took off another sucker’s head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gulped. The vampire was huge and cutting through the
suckers as if they were butter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bending over, I gulped air like I’d run the fastest race of
my life. Beyond me, the thuds and thumps of fighting had stilled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Silence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then something…someone…took my knives from my hands, leaving
me utterly defenseless. Then a large, warm hand settled on my shoulder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I froze hard, not even breathing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re safe now.” The voice was deep, sure, and touched
with an unidentifiable but liquid accent. “We can put these away.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My cross-body bag dragged down. He’d put the knives in the
pocket, returning them neatly to their sheaths. Considerate and tidy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re safe,” he repeated, his vowels fluid and warm.
“Breathe.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since it was obey him or pass out, I managed a couple
shallow breaths and a swallow. My throat felt like sandpaper. I still hadn’t
looked at him. “Th-thanks?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re welcome.” He rubbed my shoulder soothingly. “Relax.
Take a deep breath. It will slow your heart rate down.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yikes. He was listening to my heart? A heartbeat was the
vamp equivalent of the sizzle and snap of frying bacon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why?” I yelped. “Is it beating <i>Eat At Mo’s</i>?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He chuckled. He had a nice laugh. “No, no. I’m quite content
at the moment. Stress isn’t good for you, though. Your name is Mo?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes…” Curious, I dared look up at the creature who had
wiped out a dozen vamps like bugs, but had a nice chuckle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My breath stopped again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was…handsome is too tame a term. Beautiful is too
restricted. Humans are handsome or beautiful. Vampires, thanks to their predator
genes, swing a couple branches above that. This guy? He wasn’t simply
stunningly handsome or exquisitely beautiful or jaw-droppingly attractive or
wrenchingly virile. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was <i>magnetic,</i> as in, I wanted to plaster my body
against his and do whatever he wanted, <i>give </i>him whatever he wanted,
just to see that smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I <i>was </i>stunned, and my jaw <i>did </i>drop, and
my insides wrenched with a need so exquisite I shook with it. But more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">My heart broke,
knowing little human me would never be more intimate with him than this, having
his hand on my shoulder and his momentary smile filling my eyes.</span><br />
<br />
99¢ through release week. See more at this <a href="https://books2read.com/NewOrleanssNobody" target="_blank">universal link.</a> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.</span>Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-89085907920896210412018-09-20T08:57:00.000-07:002018-09-20T08:57:27.982-07:00Night's Kiss deleted sceneBONUS! Here's a deleted scene from upcoming <i>Night's Kiss</i> (The Ancients series, book 2). This is a flashback to Kat's first meeting with Enkidu/Ryker (we meet Enkidu in <i>Downbeat</i>). Kat is Liese Steel's half-sister, adopted by the Kean family along with older sister Rey. Kat is in Meiers Corners to meet her birth parents. She's a vampire hunter. Enkidu/Ryker is an ancient vampire. Kat, when she meets him, doesn't know he's Enkidu/Ryker. She only thinks of him as the vampire king.<br />
<br />
Note: This scene is deleted, and therefore both unedited and not canon.<br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
<br />
I’d met the vampire king the night I’d nearly died.<br />
<br />
It was maybe five years ago, in Dallas. Late at night, in a commercial area with nobody around. I’d been hunting monsters for quite some time at that point. Max, my mentor, had been killed only a year before, but I was used to hunting alone.<br />
<br />
At least, that’s what I told myself.<br />
<br />
I’d been taking more and more risks, telling myself I was pushing my limits, but in truth, I missed Max.<br />
<br />
A rogue jumped me. I easily took off his head with my practiced slice. Three more appeared. I shifted onto my toes, ready for their attack. Three was tough; I was tougher. I’d live, and I’d win.<br />
<br />
Then four more joined them. I swallowed hard. My confidence wavered.<br />
<br />
A dozen more rogues appeared behind them.<br />
<br />
Nearly twenty bloodsuckers started floating toward me. <br />
<br />
Sweat broke out under my leathers. My thudding heart sent fear-electrified blood singing through my veins. I grasped the hilts of my blades, the whooshing in my ears drowning out the footfalls of the oncoming vampire mob.<br />
<br />
<i>Is tonight the night?</i> <br />
<br />
I could’ve defended myself, blocking with Joyce and using Shredder’s curved blade for long cuts. It might’ve kept me alive longer.<br />
<br />
I chose to go out in a fury of pure attack.<br />
<br />
“It’s a good night to die!” Screaming my defiance, I raised both blades and hit the mob’s edge like a blender, stabbing with Joyce, slashing with Shredder. I struck down one, two, three rogues.<br />
<br />
Revealing four times as many—waiting, now. Grinning. Too many, too sure of themselves.<br />
<br />
They were going to play with me before they killed me.<br />
<br />
Fear juiced my veins. <i>Tonight’s the night.</i> The question wasn’t whether I’d die, or even how painfully. The question was how small they’d carve me before I did.<br />
<br />
Panting, I swung my swords threateningly.<br />
<br />
A brute of a vamp butted in front, bald and heavily muscled, the kind who probably crocheted steel cables for fun. He licked his lips. “You’re a tasty morsel.” <br />
<br />
<i>This is how it ends</i>. He reached for me… <br />
<br />
“<i>Halba!</i>”<br />
<br />
The bull roar came out of nowhere, so potent and hair-raising my legs turned to numb pegs. <i>Halba </i>must’ve meant halt, because the thunderous bellow not only froze me, it turned the encroaching gang of vamps to statues, including Baldie and his reaching hand. <br />
<br />
Breath rasping in my throat, I raised my eyes. <br />
<br />
From the shadows a couple blocks beyond the ravening gang, a giant emerged, a vampire who dwarfed even Baldie. <br />
<br />
The giant flickered—and he stood at the far corner of the next block. Flickered. Appeared mid-block. <br />
Flickered again, and loomed right behind the mob.<br />
<br />
The hairs on my nape stood straight up.<br />
<br />
I swallowed a long, cold shaft of terror. Holy halberds, that was one enormous vampire.<br />
<br />
He made the once-terrifying predators of the gang seem like toothpicks. Even Baldie cowered at the sight of him.<br />
<br />
Black karate pants circled lean, muscled hips. An unbuttoned dark shirt revealed a slit of bronzed, shockingly strong-looking torso. Black hair framed blood-red eyes set in a face that…shish-kebab me.<br />
<br />
Most vampires’ skin hardened in battle, flat and thick like red-leather armor plates. <br />
<br />
This monster? Not leather or anything half so friendly. No, his face was a steel mask, brandishing spikes for extra fear. A Samurai’s <i>somen</i> face plate. If the guy had been Darth Vader he couldn’t have been scarier.<br />
<br />
I would never forget that mask, so primally terrifying it was almost beautiful. He was the Alpha vampire, with a capital A.<br />
<br />
Or the king of all vampires.<br />
<br />
His eyes met mine, and my stomach dropped out my legs. Next I’d feel the brunt of his will, aimed to turn my brain to mush. I braced myself. I was immune to vampire compulsion—though with him, I got the feeling mere immunity might not cut it.<br />
<br />
Strangely, his red eyes cooled to a red-black, gleaming with intelligence and awareness. Almost as if he was trying to reassure me.<br />
<br />
That actually freaked me worse. <br />
<br />
Baldie growled, reclaiming my attention. <i>Fight the vampire in front of you</i>. That was Max’s advice on battling mobs. It was enough to unlock my muscles, slow my panting breath from bellows to accordion, and let my arms and brain engage.<br />
<br />
I launched my whole body to spear Joyce through the musclebound vampire’s heart. <br />
<br />
He sucked in a shocked breath that burbled a bit as I twisted the blade, blendering his respiratory system. One-handed, I chopped Shredder into the monster’s thick neck. <br />
<br />
I hadn’t used enough backswing. My talwar cut halfway and hit his spine with an impact that jarred my whole body.<br />
<br />
I breathed through the ringing ache, chafing at every second lost. Even if I managed to down Baldie, there was still the rest of the gang. <br />
<br />
Plus King Vamp. <br />
<br />
<i>One fight at a time</i>. I withdrew Joyce and swung her at the other side of his neck. Between the two swords, I managed to scissor off Baldie’s head. <br />
<br />
Next. I looked up, expecting dozens of monsters slavering to take me.<br />
<br />
At least half had been mown flat by King Vamp. He slashed his way through the rest as if he was batting cobwebs with talons like machetes. <br />
<br />
Coming toward me.<br />
<br />
My whole body went struck-by-lightning haywire. I couldn’t move a muscle.<br />
<br />
The king was terrifyingly efficient. His monstrous claws scythed through three necks at a time. He followed up with his other hand, scooping hearts from rib cages like a truck spade digs out a tree.<br />
<br />
He was surprisingly graceful, despite the carnage. Gliding fluidly from vamp to vamp, he dealt slaughter in a deadly ballet, his open black shirt billowing around him as he spun and twirled. Bronzed skin and an intriguing ripple of muscles flashed in the opening.<br />
<br />
Liquid heat stirred in my pelvis, shocking the hell out of me.<br />
<br />
<i>Not intriguing. Scary. Remember scary</i>.<br />
<br />
I managed to chop one more head while he plowed through the rest of the gang. Then his dance came to a standstill.<br />
<br />
Before me. <br />
<br />
I swallowed a lump of dry ice. Up close, he was huge. His arms looked as strong as my whole body, his hands powerful as mallets. He stood utterly still, his swinging shirt the only remnant of his violent dance. <br />
<br />
His burning gaze locked onto mine. <br />
<br />
My insides erupted in bright terror. He’d gone through the gang of bloodsuckers like a pizza cutter. I’d be butter. <br />
<br />
<i>Fight, damn it</i>.<br />
<br />
I tried to lift Joyce or Shredder, but my limbs were too weak and shaky. No last-minute inspiration rose in my brain to save me. I panted through a dry throat, my breath scraping painfully. I could only stand there, trembling.<br />
<br />
He opened his mouth to speak.<br />
<br />
<i>Hey tasty morsel. Let me reward you with my kiss of death</i>. In a way, it would be a relief to get cheesy lines. He felt different from the usual monster, and I didn’t understand or like that.<br />
<br />
And he said…<br />
<br />
“Hello.” <br />
<br />
His voice, when he wasn’t bellowing, was as smooth and golden as basswood honey. That single word flowed, warm and teasing, through my flesh and straight into my muscles. A shiver, hot and cold both, turned me inside out. My limbs started trembling for a new reason.<br />
<br />
My brain tumbled into free fall. <i>What the hell does that mean, hello? Why isn’t he attacking?</i> I managed a stuttered, “You’re a vampire…aren’t you?” I nearly choked on my own idiocy. Of course he was. That terrifying facial mask wasn’t tied on. <br />
<br />
His lips tipped up in a slight smile, hot-damn edible despite the mask.<br />
<br />
My insides jumbled again, harder, steamier. <br />
<br />
In contrast to my panting, he was barely breathing hard. Each lift of his chest parted his shirt to reveal a hint of his pectorals’ deep valley and a march of truly spectacular abdominals. <br />
<br />
This was one powerful monster.<br />
<br />
My heart, already hammering, kicked into overdrive, and I shivered—with lust. <br />
<br />
Daggers and damn. My sister sometimes wondered if I was attracted to death, but this was ridiculous. <i>What is wrong with me?</i> <br />
<br />
“I’m a vampire hunter.” I snarled it at myself as much as at him. “My life’s work is to kill bloodsucking monsters. Like you.” Snapping Shredder into his scabbard, I reared back with Joyce alone. Ingrained muscle memory took over. <br />
<br />
Putting my whole body behind it, so much that I lifted from the ground, I impaled his heart—or tried to. <br />
<br />
With King Vamp, it didn’t go like practice at all. <br />
<br />
First, he was too tall. Instead of nailing him in the sternum and piercing his heart, I hit him somewhere north of his navel. <br />
<br />
Hit, not pierced. Because <i>his skin resisted my blade</i>. <br />
<br />
Shock electrified my nerves. My blade was a plasma-cut hollow grind Damascus-like steel with cementite nanowires and carbon nanotubes and…basically, she was immensely tough, resistant to shattering, and honed to a sharp, resilient edge with a ribbon of silver behind to slice clean. She’d bested hundreds of rogues, cutting through any vampire, no matter the plating.<br />
<br />
Yet King Vamp’s hide resisted.<br />
<br />
He laughed, a low, dark chuckle that rippled over my skin and said how unimpressive he found me. “You’re different. I like that.”<br />
<br />
Freaked, I pushed harder on the sword. Not a good idea. Joyce quivered with the pressure. Much more of this, and she’d snap. <br />
<br />
And still his flesh stayed alarmingly whole. <br />
<br />
His honeyed voice dropped into my stunned brain. “What qualifies as a bloodsucking monster?” His tone was merely conversational.<br />
<br />
Acid reality flushed through me. <i>I can’t destroy him</i>. I couldn’t even hurt him. Now he’d kill me with a slash of claws, and there wasn’t a damned thing I could do about it.<br />
<br />
In a final defiance, I glared up at him. “What qualifies? <i>Bloodsucker</i>,” I spat. “It’s all there in the name. Drinks helpless people dry.”<br />
<br />
“Ah. You hate vampires who abuse humans.” His lips pursed, thin and mobile within the mask. “So do I.”<br />
<br />
Suddenly, his flesh dissolved around the blade, and Joyce sank in.<br />
<br />
I was already off-balance mentally, and now I was thrown physically as well. For the first time, my rigorous training didn’t save me.<br />
<br />
I sank with her toward him. <br />
<br />
In that moment, he could have simply stepped back, and I would’ve fallen. Flat on the ground, I’d be helpless to whatever he wanted to do to me. He could’ve stripped me of my clothes and my choices, as those vampires did to my sister, all those years ago. Or wound up like a snake and struck, piercing my throat with his fangs, drinking me to death, as the monsters had done to my parents.<br />
<br />
All he did was put his hand over mine on the hilt.<br />
<br />
Hot skin seared mine. My shocked gaze fell to our joined hands. His long fingers wrapped easily around my fist, his talons like a wreath of thorns. The heat of his skin raised my internal temperature to broil. I glanced up.<br />
<br />
He smiled faintly.<br />
<br />
That slight curve of lips, dusky rose in his bronzed, hardened skin, was worthy of a da Vinci oil painting. His enigmatic smile shot electric darts into my every weak point, my throat, my belly, my knees. My quivering legs buckled.<br />
<br />
He caught me by the shoulder, one-handed. Maybe to steady me, yet it was as if his hand was a live wire.<br />
<br />
Wild heat ignited inside me, ripping through my arm and breasts to burst in my chest as an excited heartbeat. Insanely, it lifted me and my whole body toward that glorious mouth. Wanting desperately to plaster mine to his.<br />
<br />
His smile turned triumphant.<br />
<br />
Sweet swords of insanity. He was a <i>vampire</i>. I’d made a promise to myself after the fateful night that took my parents—as long as I wasn’t dead, I’d continue to fight.<br />
<br />
I twisted my sword in his belly. Or tried to. <br />
<br />
Joyce wouldn’t move.<br />
<br />
I glanced down at where she was embedded in his body. He’d hardened his flesh around her. Absolutely no blood welled around the blade.<br />
<br />
An intriguing feathering of black hair led down from it, though.<br />
<br />
“Fuck me,” I muttered. I was an idiot. <br />
<br />
He released my arm. His hand rose toward my neck. <br />
<br />
Panic choked me. He’d peel away my neck guard. Hold me with his enormous strength and bite, fangs thrusting, into my juicy, exposed throat…<br />
<br />
<i>Get away, get away, get away</i>.<br />
<br />
My feet wouldn’t respond.<br />
<br />
His fingers touched my chin, whisper soft. He tilted my face up. His own was close and getting closer…<br />
<br />
My racing blood thudded in my ears, my brain a raging thunderstorm, so much wild energy pulsing through me that my short hairs seemed to rise from the overload. <br />
<br />
His mouth touched mine. <br />
<br />
Not a kiss. Skin barely brushed skin.<br />
<br />
Yet all the adrenaline zinging inside me exploded. My whole body short-circuited, like a hundred forked bolts striking the entire grid at once. I must have been deranged because I reached for his head—but not to shove him away. <br />
<br />
To pull him closer.<br />
<br />
The warmth of his breath heated my lips for another beat—and then with a low, almost inaudible growl, his body blew into smoke. <br />
<br />
My blade dropped from my unnerved hand to clatter against the concrete as his mist streamed away.<br />
<br />
I stood there, panting, wondering what the hell had just happened.<br />
<br />
<br />
First pass edits are turned in on this! I'll update you as soon as I hear more.Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-87291593719528513842017-12-28T14:54:00.000-08:002017-12-28T14:54:11.578-08:00Falling For the Billionaire<i>Falling <strike>On</strike> For the Billionaire</i><br />
Copyright © 2013, 2016 by Mary Hughes<br />
<br />
<i>Enjoy the following first chapter from </i>Falling <strike>On</strike> For the Billionaire:<br />
<br />
Vicky Brooks was at her kitchen table, peacefully grading papers, when international model Ronnie Rivers phoned to drop the bombshell on her.<br />
<br />
“This weekend, sister dearest,” Ronnie said. “CommuniCon. I’m going—and so are you.” <br />
<br />
“I am?” Uh-oh. Vicky laid her pen carefully atop the papers. She was a successful junior college teacher, but somehow her twin’s schemes always managed to land her in trouble, starting when they were seven and Ronnie’s “looking beautiful” ended up with Vicky caked in their mother’s expensive lipstick and eye shadow when the spanks got handed out. <br />
<br />
Vicky loved her sister and knew Ronnie’s plans weren’t malicious. She was just overly efficient about getting other people to meet her needs. <br />
<br />
“CommuniCon. The communications convention in Kansas City?” Vicky stifled her stampede reflex in order to hear her twin out. Besides, she was already registered—where could she stampede to? “I just saw you last week when I visited you in Los Angeles. Much as I’d love to see you again, why do you want me to go?” <br />
<br />
“Because I’m going, silly,” Ronnie said brightly. “We’ll be seen by the beautiful people and shop for hours and have such fun!” <br />
<br />
“Says the woman who flosses her behind in the name of fashion. Can you make ‘fun’ sound any less like ‘root canal’?” <br />
<br />
“They’re called thongs, Vicky, and they give the glutes definition while avoiding embarrassing panty lines. What’s wrong with being seen?” <br />
<br />
“Nothing, except you know what happens when I’m seen. I’ll photo-bomb without even trying.” <br />
<br />
“It’s not your fault you’re not photogenic.” <br />
<br />
And that was why Vicky put up with all her sister’s machinations. Ronnie always defended her in her own way.<br />
<br />
“Besides, that’s my job,” Ronnie continued breezily. “Looking good.” <br />
<br />
“Looking great, Ms. Supermodel. Your job to be seen, my job to think.” <br />
<br />
“You can think while we’re shopping. C’mon, Vicky, it’s not healthy for you to stay home reading all the time.” <br />
<br />
“Reading is perfectly normal. I’m perfectly normal.” Sometimes Vicky wished she didn’t have to defend herself. <br />
<br />
“Of course you are,” Ronnie said quickly. “I’m sorry. I just want to see you happy. I love you.” <br />
<br />
“I love you too.” Vicky smiled and shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else. How is your acting going?” <br />
<br />
“I’m working my way up,” Ronnie enthused. “I’ve got a role in Crime Scenes: LA. A dead body, but Dead Body #1, which means I have two scenes, one where I get discovered and one where the stars have a big discussion over me. Lots of screen time.” <br />
<br />
“Soon you’ll be getting lines yourself.” Vicky tucked the phone under her chin, picked up her pen, and started correcting the next paper. <br />
<br />
“That’s why I’m going to CommuniCon, for the classes on emotional presentation. They’ll help my acting.” <br />
<br />
Vicky paused in her grading. She’d learned to listen to what wasn’t said as much as to what was. “And…?” <br />
<br />
“No other reason.” <br />
<br />
“Veronica Lynn Brooks. You’re lying so badly, if Mom catches you, you won’t sit down for a week.” <br />
<br />
There was an embarrassed pause. “Damn. How do you do that?” <br />
<br />
“That’s my profession.” <br />
<br />
“Well, if you must know…Alex will be there. I think he wants to get back together.” <br />
<br />
Vicky flinched, dropping her pen. “Dr. Sinclair?” <br />
<br />
Alexander Sinclair, PhD and billionaire rock star communications expert, had shot straight to international fame and fortune while still gathering professional kudos. Dating him, being seen in his Lambo, had thrust Ronnie’s career into overdrive. They’d since broken up—amicably—as he only dated anyone a couple months. <br />
<br />
Vicky knew Sinclair would be at the convention. She’d heard he’d signed up last minute. Here might be the reason why. “Ronnie. You think Zan Sinclair wants to date you again, or he told you?” <br />
<br />
“His friends call him Alex.” <br />
<br />
Vicky shook her head impatiently. Of all the things for her to pick up on…though her sister was wrong. Ronnie might have dated him, but Vicky knew more about Dr. Alexander Sinclair, far too much. Sinclair’s friends called him Zan, not Alex. “You’re avoiding the question. Did Sinclair tell you or not?” <br />
<br />
“He texted me about the acting classes at CommuniCon. And he’s going. What else could that mean? Vicky, please. You have to help me land him again.” <br />
<br />
“I do? Why?” More importantly, how? Vicky was a middle-class academic, while Sinclair was a billionaire genius. She tended to get a touch tongue-tied around handsome men. And rich men. And brilliant men. Sinclair was all three. <br />
<br />
Worse, she’d crushed on him for years—from afar, all safe and secure that she’d never actually have to talk to him. <br />
<br />
Now Ronnie wanted her to cruise directly into his path? Meeting him for real, Vicky would trip over her lolling tongue, bad enough. With her sister’s schemes, how many ways could that go really wrong? <br />
<br />
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but it didn’t work. She bleated, “Ronnie, I can’t.” <br />
<br />
“You have to. He’s the best boyfriend I ever had. Please? Pretty please?” <br />
<br />
Vicky’s heart pounded harder. She was fighting a losing battle. “Why him? Because he’s rich and handsome?” <br />
<br />
“All the men I date are rich and handsome,” Ronnie retorted. “But Alex is smart. So smart, he could practically read my mind.” <br />
<br />
“Yeah.” Being a nonverbal communications genius would do that. She speared a hand through her hair. Helping her sister land this particular big fish was the last thing she wanted to do. But they were sisters—Veronica and Victoria Brooks forever. Although her sister had shed her twin name for Ronnie Rivers, short and snappy, great for a sound bite or a head shot. <br />
<br />
Didn’t change the fact that her twin needed her. <br />
<br />
Still, she tried one last time. “Ronnie, that convention was sold out months ago. You can’t register—” <br />
<br />
“I pulled some strings. I managed two spots, although it was hard to pay for you, since I’m a bit short on funds right now. The acting is costing more than I expected, and the time eats into my modeling…” <br />
<br />
Vicky clenched her eyes against the inevitable. “Get your money back. I’m already registered.” <br />
<br />
“Awe-some. I’ll see you Thursday.” In the endearing singsong she’d perfected in childhood, Ronnie rang off with “Love you! Buh-bye.” <br />
<br />
* * * <br />
<br />
Thursday at the convention, Vicky wandered the hotel, searching for the best place to wait for her sister. CommuniCon packed a whirlwind of sessions into four days, and events, vendors, and goodies were crammed into every nook and cranny of the hotel. She finally decided the conference registration area, in the atrium off the lobby, was the best place to meet up with friends. <br />
<br />
She stationed herself beside a marble-clad pillar near the tables and people-watched for half an hour before she heard, “Yoo-hoo, Vicky! Darling, here I am.” <br />
<br />
Her sister waved enthusiastically in the big arch between lobby and atrium. Ronnie’s blonde hair was covered with a silk scarf, and her eyes were shielded with big smoky glasses in best vintage Hollywood style. <br />
<br />
Smiling in return, Vicky started toward the registration tables, but Ronnie headed straight for a little coffee cart parked near a pillar on the opposite side of the room. Vicky closed her eyes briefly; she’d already cruised by and noted the prices. She loved coffee but didn’t love paying ten dollars a cup. Dutifully, she pushed through the crowd to join her sister, hoping Ronnie didn’t expect her to buy, but knowing her sister probably hadn’t thought that far ahead. <br />
<br />
Sometimes being the smart, sensible one sucked. <br />
<br />
“This convention is bigger than I thought it would be.” Ronnie whipped off her glasses, revealing eyes as green as emeralds—she’d apparently taken to wearing contacts as well as dying her brown hair blonde. “For it not being in Los Angeles.” <br />
<br />
Vicky suppressed a smile. Ronnie’s idea of geography was Google shopping. “Kansas City isn’t one of the big three, but it’s a central hub for the United States. It’s a real city, Ronnie.” <br />
<br />
“So I see.” She waved at someone. “Otherwise the Dragons wouldn’t be here.” <br />
<br />
Vicky followed her gaze. Two women sat just inside a fashionable storefront cafe. One was slender and smart in a tweed skirt set, her short, shining silver bob the only clue to her age. She returned Ronnie’s wave. The other, with aggressively styled red hair, masses of chunky jewelry, and an ensemble that screamed trendy, pointedly ignored them. <br />
<br />
“Who are the Dragons?” Vicky asked. <br />
<br />
“Style mavens. Gatekeepers for the Right Set, or at least the set Alex belongs to. Leda Loper is the Greater Dragon. She’s the one who waved. She’s a huge stickler for good manners and good taste.” <br />
<br />
Ronnie held up two fingers to the coffee vendor. “Two skinny mocha lattes. The Lesser Dragon is Lolly Darling. We call her Lady LaLa, though not to her face. Oopsies, forgot my cash.” With a sweet smile at the vendor, she waved Vicky forward. <br />
<br />
Vicky sighed and pulled out her wallet. “They’re in communications?” <br />
<br />
“No, of course not. They’re probably here because of Alex. Speaking of…you’re going to be my wingman, right?” <br />
<br />
Joy and rapture. A front row seat to watch Ronnie land Zan Sinclair was a special circle of hell. Vicky wanted to sob in frustration, despite not having a snowball’s chance with sizzling-hot bachelor Sinclair herself. She was shy and liked to read. He was the biggest name in communications. She lectured to half-empty rooms of bored freshmen. He’d catapulted to fame when his show <i>Revealing Secrets </i>was the sleeper hit of the year, and he entertained millions. He was rich, a billionaire at least. She wouldn’t even know a Prada if it bit her. <br />
<br />
“Vicky? My wingman, right?” Ronnie prodded her with a long, lacquered nail. <br />
<br />
“I would, but…” She paid and put her wallet away. Sinclair was handsome and articulate, and she could almost see the disaster. He’d smile and say a simple “Hi,” and she’d stutter and melt into a puddle of goo. “Are you sure you weren’t misreading his text? What about his three-date limit?” <br />
<br />
When it was over between them the first time, Vicky felt bad for Ronnie. But she’d also felt rather sorry for Sinclair. All those supermodels, starlets, and rich daughters—how had he not found a single person to share his life with? <br />
<br />
“Maybe it’s just three consecutive dates.” Ronnie shrugged elegant shoulders. “Or maybe I’m the exception.” <br />
<br />
“Ladies?” The coffee vendor held out two cardboard-wrapped, capped cups. “Your lattes.” <br />
<br />
Ronnie snagged hers. “Come on. I want to see the goodies room.” <br />
<br />
Vicky barely snared her own cup before Ronnie latched on to her elbow and dragged her away. The last thing Vicky saw of the registration table was three people hanging a ten-foot poster of Dr. Sinclair. She sighed. He was so handsome, his dark eyes gleaming with intelligence. Just seeing his picture made her want to swoon like a Victorian heroine. <br />
<br />
She sighed. She’d been crushing on him too long. Mega-rich media star versus poorly paid junior college lecturer? They were from different worlds. <br />
<br />
But Ronnie was from his world. If she could make him happy, if he made her happy, who was Vicky to stop them? In fact, wasn’t it her job to do everything she could to facilitate them? However personally painful it was? <br />
<br />
She sighed and accepted the inevitable. “Wingman.” <br />
<br />
“Great!” Ronnie happily dragged Vicky into the vendor display room, also known as the goodies room. “I’m hoping he’ll introduce me to his producer.” <br />
<br />
“Who?” <br />
<br />
“Alex’s producer is a real name in the business.” Ronnie stopped at a booth filled with high-resolution webcams. <br />
<br />
Vicky picked up a brochure. The tool helped students read expressions and identify emotions. She touched a webcam. Her finger sprang up, two feet tall, on a flat-panel monitor. She jerked back. “Why do you want to meet a producer?” Stuffing the brochure into her convention bag, she picked up the software’s accompanying manual and flipped through it. <br />
<br />
Ronnie pulled Vicky tight, so fast Vicky dropped the manual. She whispered in Vicky’s ear, “I’m nearly thirty. I know that doesn’t mean much to you, but modeling’s a young woman’s game. And it’s cutthroat. I won’t last forever.” <br />
<br />
“But…but you’re sought after worldwide. You’re at the peak of your career.” <br />
<br />
“The peak, yeah. You know what that means.” Ronnie bent over the webcam. Her left nostril filled the whole screen, along with the barest shadow of a wrinkle. “No direction to go but down.” <br />
<br />
Vicky blinked, suddenly understanding. “That’s why you’re trying to break into television.” <br />
<br />
“Which means meeting Alex’s producer. Which means getting back in Alex’s good graces.” <br />
<br />
This was about more than Ronnie’s love life. It weighed on her whole future.<br />
<br />
“All right, sister,” Vicky said. “I’ll not only be your wingman—I’ll be the best darned wingman you’ve ever had.” <br />
<br />
* * * <br />
<br />
Alexander Sinclair slid from the presenters’ greenroom near the CommuniCon registration desk, twitching straight the sleeves of his Kiton K50 suit while he scanned the masses of people in the atrium. He searched for two particular heads, one silver-blonde and one plain brown. As he was taller than most of the people here, he quickly saw the pair he sought weren’t in the room. <br />
<br />
Zan wasn’t disappointed. Half of doing any job well was not letting extraneous emotions get in the way. It was ninety-nine percent of doing his job well. Effective communications relied on clear channels, free of clogging feelings. He had a plan, and he executed it efficiently. Moving into the hallway he made his way to the next room. <br />
<br />
The pair wasn’t in that room either, but he simply proceeded to the next, and the next. His careful planning and patience was rewarded when, in the swag room, he saw the toned blonde. <br />
<br />
At first he didn’t see the blonde’s sister and nearly panicked. But no, Veronica, in her platform heels, was simply half a head taller than her twin. There. The slender brunette stood nearby, reading a manual. <br />
<br />
Dr. Victoria Brooks. <br />
<br />
A zing of pleasure shot through him, quickly suppressed but not ignored. Though he didn’t indulge in his emotions, he did have them. He especially had them around her. <br />
<br />
Strange to feel so strongly about a person he’d never actually met. <br />
<br />
But if things went the way he hoped they might, he’d remedy that soon enough. Ronnie would introduce them. She might even think it was her idea. <br />
<br />
“Dr. Sinclair?” <br />
<br />
Nearby, a woman waved at him. He didn’t know her, but she knew him. That happened a lot these days, a part of the fame gig. He smiled as she rushed up, offering an open convention booklet and pen. He signed his name, chatting easily with her while she stood with a slightly dazed smile. Finishing with a flourish, he pressed her booklet and pen into her hands, nodded goodbye, and strode toward the sisters. <br />
<br />
They were close in conversation, looking as different as fraternal twins possibly could. He hadn’t a clue they were sisters when he’d first seen Dr. Brooks in a series of homemade teaching videos on the Internet. He’d immediately been struck by her. She looked smart, sweet, and genuine. In her most recent video, posted three weeks ago, she’d invited students to connect with her at CommuniCon. Lonely, he’d planned on trying to meet her here. <br />
<br />
The conference organizer, Josiah Johnson, had been most helpful when Zan called to arrange a late berth. Almost too helpful—he’d wanted to ax the keynote speaker for Zan. Zan had explained that he’d rather attend for pleasure—and had gotten assigned as a speaker anyway. <br />
<br />
He’d discovered only after it was too late that Vicky Brooks was related to one of his ex-girlfriends. <br />
<br />
He remembered Ronnie Rivers. Fun, a touch self-centered—not that unusual for models—and easy to please. <br />
<br />
But also easy to anger. <br />
<br />
The problem was, if this didn’t happen in exactly the right way, Ronnie might get jealous. Not a problem if she only got angry with him. But she might lash out against Vicky. So he’d pretend to be surprised when Ronnie introduced him to her sister. He’d ask if the two of them were hungry—a few minutes after noon, it was highly probable. He’d take them both to lunch. Talk with both of them equally. Make plans for dinner, with both. Take them shopping; Ronnie liked shopping. <br />
<br />
He wondered briefly if Vicky liked shopping, too. Soon, now, he’d find out. Another thrill of excitement rushed through him at the thought. <br />
<br />
With his height and build, he cut easily through the crowd. Now that he was out from between the pillars, several people recognized him—well, nearly everybody did, but most only smiled or nodded. He smiled back but kept cleaving through. A few people tried to stop him for his autograph, but he had slips on hand for just this purpose—head-of-the-line passes for his autograph sessions during the convention. He kept his focus on the sisters and kept moving. <br />
<br />
About halfway across the room, Ronnie saw him. She waved, just as the crowd thickened with people clamoring for autograph slips, and blocked his view. <br />
<br />
He tamped down his frustration and slid from the grasping fingers. <br />
<br />
Then a tug on his back suit coat flap—a tug down—turned him. <br />
<br />
A child of maybe eight stood there, eyes hopeful, autograph book extended. <br />
<br />
Touched, he stopped to sign her open book and handed it back with a smile, touched even more when she whooped and trotted happily away with it. <br />
<br />
His attention had been off the sisters for only a few moments, but when he resumed plowing through the last of the crowd to where they’d been, only Ronnie’s silver-blonde head was there. <br />
<br />
“Alex, darling. So good to see you.” She offered her cheek. <br />
<br />
He gave her the expected double air buss, using the mimed pecks to search for Vicky. He couldn’t quite believe that she was gone. <br />
<br />
“Who are you looking for?” A faint double line appeared between the model’s big green eyes, the only sign she allowed herself of a frown. A blatant warning to a man like him. <br />
<br />
He straightened. As casually as possible, he said, “I thought I saw you with someone.” <br />
<br />
Ronnie’s eyes narrowed. <br />
<br />
<i>Red alert</i>. He recognized that expression. Not jealousy, but its prickly precursor. Think fast, Sinclair. His brain worked like lightning. “I only mention it because…my friend Nate Winters was talking about getting some lunch. I saw the two of you and thought we could make it a foursome.” <br />
<br />
“Oh.” Ronnie slid her manicured hands over his. “Are you hungry? I’m starving. My sister is off listening to some boring presentation. Let’s ditch your friend Winters and go somewhere nice.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-87205639081409469412017-02-16T11:54:00.000-08:002017-02-16T11:54:43.708-08:00Love of Sharing -- the gift of great readsI love to share the gift of great reads. Even better is when those books are by friends or recommended by fans! From time to time I'll be offering giveaways where the prize is a pick from the ebook bag o' awesomeness. Here, for my information, are some titles.<br />
<br />
-Masked Attraction (Mary Hughes) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00THFRBJC">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00THFRBJC</a> <br />
-Getting Wilde (Jenn Stark) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V6BUJK">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V6BUJK</a><br />
-Crescent Moon (Lori Handeland) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NG5CN9M/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NG5CN9M/</a><br />
-Down on the Farm (Charles Stross) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003V4B4IO/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003V4B4IO/</a><br />
-The Burning Men (Christopher Farnsworth) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IEF0CZ6/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IEF0CZ6/</a><br />
-Unwanted (Jennifer Estep) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017I22EHY/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017I22EHY/</a><br />
-The Golden Apple (Michelle Diener) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7GI1A4/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7GI1A4/</a><br />
-Truth About Love & Murder (Edie Ramer) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YCS0CSG">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YCS0CSG</a><br />
-Bottled Up (Roxy Mews) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CF5X7E8">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CF5X7E8</a><br />
-Feels So Right (SL Carpenter & Sahara Kelly) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0117WATS2">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0117WATS2</a><br />
-Double Dare (Jodi Redford) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTQO8V6">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTQO8V6</a><br />
-Must Love Menage (Kayleigh Malcolm) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CYL2W3K">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CYL2W3K</a><br />
-SEALs of Honor: Mason (Dale Mayer) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B5ADAAU">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B5ADAAU</a><br />
-Hot Chips and Sand (Mary Hughes) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1CP2MP">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1CP2MP</a> <br />
-Surprise for Three (Remi Bond) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVZT8MI">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVZT8MI</a><br />
-Grayslake: More than Mated: PAWS & Surrender <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GEUUHNE">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GEUUHNE</a><br />
-Grayslake: More than Mated: Sunday Bear-becue (Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYTDZOY">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYTDZOY</a> <br />
-Romance Super Bundle (various) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFS338I/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFS338I/</a><br />
-He's the Boss (various) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019JE11DM">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019JE11DM</a><br />
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-48335470558090938402016-10-19T13:00:00.000-07:002016-12-01T13:02:36.106-08:00Treat Yourself Right This Holidays 2016We run ourselves ragged making the holidays perfect for everyone else. I'm sending a little holiday love back your way!<br />
<br />
I'm at a variety of events this holidays where my prize will be a pick from a big, heavy, exciting ebook grab bag!<br />
<br />
What events? See my <a href="http://maryhughesbooks.com/news.htm" target="_blank">news page here</a>.<br />
<br />
And while you're checking out the grab bag, remember this awesome box sets:<br />
<a href="http://happilyeveralpha.com/" target="_blank">Happily Ever Alpha</a>Preorder my latest romantic adventure for only 99 cents!<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1CP2MP" target="_blank">Hot Chips and Sand</a><br />
<br />
<b>Grab bag items</b> <br />
<br />
-Bite My Fire (Mary Hughes) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R2OF4G">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R2OF4G</a><br />
-Masked Attraction (Mary Hughes) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00THFRBJC">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00THFRBJC</a> <br />
-Getting Wilde (Jenn Stark) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V6BUJK">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V6BUJK</a><br />
-Crescent Moon (Lori Handeland) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NG5CN9M/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NG5CN9M/</a><br />
-Down on the Farm (Charles Stross) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003V4B4IO/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003V4B4IO/</a><br />
-The Burning Men (Christopher Farnsworth) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IEF0CZ6/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IEF0CZ6/</a><br />
-Unwanted (Jennifer Estep) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017I22EHY/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017I22EHY/</a><br />
-The Golden Apple (Michelle Diener) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7GI1A4/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7GI1A4/</a><br />
-Truth About Love & Murder (Edie Ramer) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YCS0CSG">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YCS0CSG</a><br />
-Bottled Up (Roxy Mews) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CF5X7E8">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CF5X7E8</a><br />
-Feels So Right (SL Carpenter & Sahara Kelly) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0117WATS2">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0117WATS2</a><br />
-Double Dare (Jodi Redford) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTQO8V6">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTQO8V6</a><br />
-Must Love Menage (Kayleigh Malcolm) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CYL2W3K">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CYL2W3K</a><br />
-Surprise for Three (Remi Bond) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVZT8MI">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVZT8MI</a><br />
-Grayslake: More than Mated: PAWS & Surrender <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GEUUHNE">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GEUUHNE</a><br />
-Grayslake: More than Mated: Sunday Bear-becue (Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYTDZOY">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYTDZOY</a> <br />
-Romance Super Bundle (various) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFS338I/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFS338I/</a><br />
-He's the Boss (various) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019JE11DM">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019JE11DM</a><br />
<br />
<br />Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-33094996984921626972016-09-14T12:43:00.002-07:002016-09-14T12:43:45.358-07:00Cin Wikkid: April Fools for Love<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><br />Cin Wikkid<br />Copyright © 2016 by Mary Hughes</div>
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Enjoy the following excerpts from Cin Wikkid:</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cin has been
chatting online with tutor Rafe for about a month.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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An odd delay made her frown before another text bubbled up
from him. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>—I have a picture, too.—</em> </div>
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<br /></div>
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The single line looked strangely vulnerable.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<em>—Cool.—</em> She wondered what he had for her. Another
picture of Snoopy? An image of a sleek coupe?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or a video?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Her heart beat harder in memory. Last week he’d shared a
clip, proudly showing her he could do twenty-five push ups in one minute. She
had to take his word for it; she hadn’t been counting, hadn’t even been <em>able
</em>to count, after the video started.</div>
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The shot zoomed in on Rafe’s back from above. His muscles
bunched and released under his thin tank shirt as he strained to pump out reps.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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She’d replayed that clip several times in private, thinking
all sorts of hot, sweaty thoughts. The ripple of strength as he bobbed up and
down…her breath steamed in puffs on the air and her thighs heated just from the
memory.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But after another odd lag, the image that popped up in her
feed wasn’t Rafe’s back. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It was his face.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Oh!” She nearly clapped in delight. She’d been hoping for a
better picture of him. His chat head was mostly grin, his eyes scrunched to
moonlike slivers, his head turned and tilted at such an angle that she’d had to
imagine what he might really look like. </div>
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Now she could see.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Tousled black hair, jet brows sharp as ink slashes. Eyes a
brilliant blue, so gorgeous they cut into her soul. She drank in his masculine
beauty, including the tops of compelling cheekbones.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The rest of his features, though, were round, boy-next-door
average.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And one other thing. His right cheek was a mass of puckers,
as if his skin was a darned sock or made out of bubblewrap.</div>
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<br /></div>
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No text with it. No snarky <em>I really am ruggedly handsome</em>
or <em>I’m Ironman.</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just the single picture, hanging there at the bottom of the
message stream, almost as if it was holding its breath.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is that you?” She began to type the words, but hesitated
pressing send.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While she wavered, a bubble popped up. <em>—It’s me. I’m
scarred. Pretty badly.—</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’d gotten used to his almost-mind-reading and erased her
text then quickly typed, <em>—Can you tell me what happened? Does it hurt?—</em>
She pressed send.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regretted it immediately. What if she’d said the wrong
thing?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The screen froze, and for a moment, her breath froze with
it. Was this something that pained him to talk about? If she’d hurt him by
asking, she’d feel terrible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A reply finally popped up. <em>—Doesn’t hurt any more.
Stupid accident involving too much testosterone. But thanks for asking.—</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her breath unfroze, her body warming. Maybe he didn’t often
talk about it, but he had with her. <em>—Thank you for sharing this with me.—</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He responded with a sticker, a purring cat with a heart over
it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’d posted <em>a heart</em>. Longing, sweet and thrilling,
threaded her body like candy syrup. She shuddered with it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>Dial it down, Cin. You’re overreacting.</em> It was
simply a cute little sticker. Didn’t mean he loved her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, it was nice, and she liked it. She was about to
search for a sticker to reply with when a line of alert appeared below. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>Rafe is typing.</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She waited, breathless for what he’d share next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The message bubble, when it popped up, contained a single
line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>—Can we meet?—</em></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Rafe and Cin meet for the first time.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
Rafe watched her over the rim of his coffee mug,
cobalt eyes twinkling. </div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
Hesitantly, Cinderella told him about the mock
hearing. “Is that something you can teach me?”</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
“Ye-es. Probably.” He frowned, thoughtfully. “How
long do we have?”</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
“Until the beginning of April.”</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
“Then definitely yes. Though, it will take some
pretty intense work one-on-one.” One black brow raised, a challenge. “Are you
up for it?”</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
“I’m not afraid of hard work. Are <i>you </i>up
for it?” Daringly, she raised both brows in return challenge.</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
The right corner of his mouth went up, on the
scarred side, crinkling his skin and giving his grin a rakish, devil-may-care
look. “Hours of intense work, one-on-one, with you? Oh, yeah. I’m up for it.”</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
The way he purred “<i>up </i>for it” implied
things beyond study. Physical things. Cin’s stomach swooped and her heart
pattered rapidly in response.</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
Then his eyes dropped to her mouth and heated. </div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
Her whole body went <i>boom</i>.</div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
She trembled, her heart pounding, her breath
sawing in and out, on the cusp of bright truth. Her stepsiblings’ hatred had
taught her to cover herself in bad makeup and baggy clothes and work, the
contemporary version of sacks and ashes. But Rafe, looking at her like that…as
if he not only was attracted to her but was on <i>fire</i>…God. She wanted to
tear off her rags and <i>shine.</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterBodyText">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span><br />
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-12717050038640150862015-11-12T10:28:00.001-08:002015-11-20T10:24:21.452-08:00Twelve Days of Sales--COMING DECEMBER 1-12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyvzELcdMxezKepofeYuCe7H07eX2UY-wDe6FHsXOVTjkaBAX8uvObX6XDU2J8QpUEwSBAa1BPZVW2fDIWW43u-HKonCsvWZBdIX1lLkt8Ji2zZunma5lL8wIv-2sOkaViQObpLtSpJqq/s1600/Beauty+Bites+Promo4_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyvzELcdMxezKepofeYuCe7H07eX2UY-wDe6FHsXOVTjkaBAX8uvObX6XDU2J8QpUEwSBAa1BPZVW2fDIWW43u-HKonCsvWZBdIX1lLkt8Ji2zZunma5lL8wIv-2sOkaViQObpLtSpJqq/s320/Beauty+Bites+Promo4_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Making the holidays romantic and sexy are New York Times bestselling author Jayne Rylon, New York Times bestselling author Izzy Szyn, bestselling author Jodi Redford, and the awesome Roxy Mews.<br />
<a href="http://jaynerylon.com/" target="_blank">Jayne Rylon</a> (Report For Booty)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IHG0HK2/<br />
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/report-for-booty-jayne-rylon/1118631851?ean=2940148288503<br />
<a href="http://izzyszyn.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Izzy Szyn</a> (Fang-Filled Weekend)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171ZO2BE/<br />
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fang-filled-weekend-izzy-szyn/1122844190?ean=2940151189965<br />
<a href="http://jodiredford.com/" target="_blank">Jodi Redford</a> (Double Dare)<br />
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTQO8V6/<br />
<a href="http://www.roxyrocksme.com/" target="_blank">Roxy Mews</a> (When the Lights Go Out)<br />
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VGOPCUM/<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRpH2s9qwtezNrk4JuwQyVjK0DuRj8vD9eqAMbTFilGLohzJ67dGmraE3yhWiucP5_7J3Bo_gyhof6PMbFk8xEb513fZ_IANEuF5nHxu-YEtyXRfyrdi5IqQEkJEoaAib4ROecquZ2mj8/s1600/Beauty+Bites+Promo6_green_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRpH2s9qwtezNrk4JuwQyVjK0DuRj8vD9eqAMbTFilGLohzJ67dGmraE3yhWiucP5_7J3Bo_gyhof6PMbFk8xEb513fZ_IANEuF5nHxu-YEtyXRfyrdi5IqQEkJEoaAib4ROecquZ2mj8/s320/Beauty+Bites+Promo6_green_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Making the holidays heartwarming are USA Today bestselling author Edie Ramer, USA Today bestselling author Dale Mayer, and Amazon bestselling author Leigh Morgan.<br />
<a href="http://edieramer.com/" target="_blank">Edie Ramer</a> (Christmas at Angel Lake)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG92FOE/<br />
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-at-angel-lake-edie-ramer/1116993588?ean=2940148588412<br />
<a href="http://dalemayer.com/" target="_blank">Dale Mayer</a> (Skin)<br />
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJOFLEU/<br />
<a href="http://www.bardintraining.com/" target="_blank">Leigh Morgan</a> (Second Chances)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0059JGESO/<br />
BN www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chances-leigh-morgan/1104360742?ean=2940011392726<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNLNz1o1z2yW-stXxFG2Zfi0NBsbGrvls2DgYChO6xhPEI69Jiloj8Ekv6Rop_vUP55-a__NLA4fUBGQTKoh-KeBpXXq2mESBVEaNv_XJEZM-TTgA_vZg52giJcR6_4iT8pi_FawEtKq8/s1600/Beauty+Bites+Promo3_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNLNz1o1z2yW-stXxFG2Zfi0NBsbGrvls2DgYChO6xhPEI69Jiloj8Ekv6Rop_vUP55-a__NLA4fUBGQTKoh-KeBpXXq2mESBVEaNv_XJEZM-TTgA_vZg52giJcR6_4iT8pi_FawEtKq8/s320/Beauty+Bites+Promo3_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Making the holidays fun are bestselling author Zoe Dawson, me, and the always-hilarious SL Carpenter.<br />
<a href="http://zoedawson.com/" target="_blank">Zoe Dawson</a> (Hounded)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DFA9H4C/<br />
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hounded-zoe-dawson/1115674091?ean=2940016477251<br />
<a href="http://maryhughesbooks.com/" target="_blank">Mary Hughes</a> (Beauty Bites)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUB24P0/<br />
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beauty-bites-mary-hughes/1116010903?ean=9781619215818<br />
<a href="http://www.slcarpenter.net/index1.html" target="_blank">SL Carpenter</a> (SL Carpenter's Big Book of Lust)<br />
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0173PRPZC/<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg103FdZw7XIja59p7E0WR1aB7TmPQsEqsF094ot-HNT_3QbMrwI1tAA0YkerNyPaYqq4D4GChtlqHaV9MwUllq_chmDINJS6XE4yXzJQPsc5CKTGubcSIUBEWnvhNNhDdxgbI9GM4LgokD/s1600/Beauty+Bites+Promo5_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg103FdZw7XIja59p7E0WR1aB7TmPQsEqsF094ot-HNT_3QbMrwI1tAA0YkerNyPaYqq4D4GChtlqHaV9MwUllq_chmDINJS6XE4yXzJQPsc5CKTGubcSIUBEWnvhNNhDdxgbI9GM4LgokD/s320/Beauty+Bites+Promo5_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Making the holidays magical are international bestselling author Michelle Diener, and the wonderful Elle J Rossi and S.C. Mitchell.<br />
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<a href="http://www.michellediener.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Diener</a> (The Golden Apple)<br />
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7GI1A4/<br />
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-golden-apple-michelle-diener/1118956538?ean=9780987417688<br />
<a href="http://www.ellejrossi.com/" target="_blank">Elle J Rossi</a> (Indigo Dawn)<br />
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZWIP5IM/<br />
<a href="http://scmitchellauthor.com/" target="_blank">S.C. Mitchell</a> (There's No Such Thing as Werewolves)<br />
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAE45A/<br />
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Prebash GIVEAWAY:<br />
<ul>
<li>Jayne Rylon--winner's choice of any one of Jayne's 99c ebooks</li>
<li>Izzy Szyn--winner's choice of any one of: The Anniversary Present, Sexual Chemistry and Sexual Chemistry too</li>
<li>Dale Mayer--Skin</li>
<li>Edie Ramer--one of: Truth About Love & Murder or Rules of Love & Murder (3 copies of Truth About Love & Murder and 2 copies of Rules of Love & Murder available) (both are stand-alone)</li>
<li>Zoe Dawson--Hounded</li>
<li>Michelle Diener--one of: Mistress of the Wind or Dark Horse (3 copies of Mistress of the Wind and 2 copies of Dark Horse available)</li>
<li>Leigh Morgan--winner's choice of any one of Leigh's backlist</li>
<li>Jodi Redford--The Naughty List</li>
<li>Roxy Mews--one of: Hart Clan Hybrids 1, 2, 3; DM 1, 2 (1 each of A Love Worth Biting For, Love's a Witch, Three's a Clan, Coral-600, Interlocking Hearts available)</li>
<li>Mary Hughes--Biting Holiday Honeymoons</li>
<li>SL Carpenter--winner's choice of one of any of SL's 99c ebooks</li>
<li>Elle J Rossi--winner's choice of one of: Indigo Dawn, The Luminary, or The Soother.</li>
<li>SC Mitchell--Son of Thunder</li>
</ul>
<br />
Schedule:<br />
<br />
November 23-30 Free ebook giveaway, $50 Rafflecopter starts.<br />
December 1-3 "You make the holidays a warm family time." (Gift of emotional books.)<br />
Edie, Dale, Leigh <br />
December 4-7 "You make the holidays romantic." (Gift of sexy-hot books.)<br />
Roxy, Izzy, Jodi, Jayne <br />
December 8-9 "You make the holidays fun." (Gift of humorous books.)<br />
S.L., Zoe <br />
December 10-12 "You make the holidays magical." (Gift of PNR/fantasy/scifi books.)<br />
Michelle, Elle, S.C. Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-46987090238723476442015-11-12T08:22:00.000-08:002015-11-12T08:22:09.289-08:00His brother, her sister...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHznPPZAP86WemqtIogXW9-zPymiqR0dP1ZmdlSj-nzX8EbOo3VeCncbrjkBhD806XVjtJ3xLsV8HDyG9Kg6Rg24JqCVT3OXtbjkWUyOBb_YNquP3mC6YEBY-L3k1i0Dyj-ogGS9AcKmB/s1600/Beauty+Bites+Promo2_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHznPPZAP86WemqtIogXW9-zPymiqR0dP1ZmdlSj-nzX8EbOo3VeCncbrjkBhD806XVjtJ3xLsV8HDyG9Kg6Rg24JqCVT3OXtbjkWUyOBb_YNquP3mC6YEBY-L3k1i0Dyj-ogGS9AcKmB/s640/Beauty+Bites+Promo2_.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Ad by <a href="http://www.ejrdigitalart.com/" target="_blank">EJR Digital Art</a>.<br />
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<i>Passion Bites</i> Warning: This book contains a hot doctor and a hotter vampire messing up sterile surfaces. The usual rogue shenanigans, but this time covering deeper motives. Hang on to your stethoscopes at what’s revealed!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014W0GGRY"><img align="left" alt="A" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindle-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/passion-bites-mary-hughes/1122629505?ean=9781619230149"><img align="left" alt="B" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/nook-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5657/passion-bites"><img align="left" alt="S" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/SP-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/passion-bites"><img align="left" alt="K" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kobo-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-passionbites-1885814-340.html"><img align="left" alt="ARE" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/allromance-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Hughes_Passion_Bites?id=Nq1_CgAAQBAJ"><img align="left" alt="G" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/googleplay-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a>
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/passion-bites/id1037217033?mt=11"><img align="left" alt="Apple" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/ibook-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014W0GGRY"><img align="left" alt="AUK" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindleuk-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/passion-bites-by-mary-hughes/9781619230149"><img align="left" alt="NUK" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/nookuk-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><br />
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<i>Beauty Bites</i> Warning: Contains a doctor with a bod for sin, an ad exec with a chip on his shoulder, sarcasm, sex, and a cabin full of annoying friends. Secrets are revealed. One heart-stopping, horrific moment leads to the ultimate of happily-ever-afters.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUB24P0/"><img align="left" alt="A" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindle-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beauty-bites-mary-hughes/1116010903?ean=9781619215818"><img align="left" alt="B" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/nook-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a>
<a href="http://store.samhainpublishing.com/beauty-bites-p-72899.html"><img align="left" alt="S" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/SP-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/beauty-bites"><img align="left" alt="K" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kobo-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-beautybites-1271492-140.html"><img align="left" alt="ARE" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/allromance-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Hughes_Beauty_Bites?id=k9aNCivkj4UC"><img align="left" alt="G" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/googleplay-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a>
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/beauty-bites/id672343370?mt=11"><img align="left" alt="Apple" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/ibook-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DUB24P0/"><img align="left" alt="AUK" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindleuk-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/beauty-bites-by-mary-hughes/9781619215818"><img align="left" alt="NUK" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/nookuk-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><br />
<small><small><small><big><big style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/assassins-bite/id903313246?mt=11"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></a></big></big></small></small></small><br />
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<i>Biting Me Softly</i> Warning: contains explicit vampire sex involving absurdly large male equipment (hey, they're monsters), unbelievable stamina (just how long can he stay underwater in a hot tub?), hide-your-eyes violence and horrendously bad puns. And, just when you think it can't get any worse, a computer geekette trying to play Mata Hari.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038AUZ40"><img align="left" alt="A" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindle-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/biting-me-softly-mary-hughes/1100402293?ean=9781605049748&itm=1&usri=mary+hughes"><img align="left" alt="B" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/nook-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a> <a href="https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/3048/biting-me-softly"><img align="left" alt="S" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/SP-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/biting-me-softly"><img align="left" alt="K" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kobo-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bitingmesoftly-426558-139.html"><img align="left" alt="ARE" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/allromance-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Hughes_Biting_Me_Softly?id=iQbU_v2Jis8C"><img align="left" alt="G" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/googleplay-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/biting-me-softly/id416658392?mt=11"><img align="left" alt="Apple" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/ibook-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0038AUZ40"><img align="left" alt="AUK" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindleuk-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a><a href="http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/heart-mates-by-mary-hughes/9781619225220"><img align="left" alt="NUK" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/nookuk-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 48px; width: 48px;" /></a></div>
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-46717098976594197832015-11-12T07:53:00.003-08:002015-11-12T07:53:53.604-08:00Squee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh2aKE1S_csZxfa3_sDoDBfPEq8jLrksh4j8ZTPZVxo2cpU2rZ2xHUHLAl4N-Buz5__zrEMS5NSYWLN51mfTVbKU8OkN_V0_i7UHUgmCF_6vFoEuxf7-r3kYrf0WkKMJNGRaV15m-1TXs/s1600/Beauty+Bites+Promo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh2aKE1S_csZxfa3_sDoDBfPEq8jLrksh4j8ZTPZVxo2cpU2rZ2xHUHLAl4N-Buz5__zrEMS5NSYWLN51mfTVbKU8OkN_V0_i7UHUgmCF_6vFoEuxf7-r3kYrf0WkKMJNGRaV15m-1TXs/s640/Beauty+Bites+Promo1.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Look what I have!<br />
<br />
Ad by <a href="http://www.ejrdigitalart.com/" target="_blank">EJR Digital Art</a>.Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-30524382142928364772015-11-10T12:40:00.002-08:002015-11-11T08:54:20.204-08:00You work hard during the holidays...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://magicalmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3062713643_27e90f3ae8.jpg" href="http://magicalmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3062713643_27e90f3ae8.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo credit: Thanksgiving via photopin (license)" class="size-medium wp-image-27275" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-src="http://magicalmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3062713643_27e90f3ae8-500x372.jpg" src="http://magicalmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3062713643_27e90f3ae8-500x372.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38315261@N00/3062713643">Thanksgiving</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're like me, this is an insanely busy season. Those hams and turkeys
don't baste themselves. The gifts don't magically wrap each other, and
it is a sad truth that the Decorator Elves exist only in fairy tales.<br />
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<i>You</i> do all that. You work hard during the holidays, making November and December a magical, romantic, fun, and warm family time.<br />
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But who makes the holidays magical for you?<br />
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We'd like to help. Starting the end of November, a dozen authors are banding together to give away <b>60 ebooks</b>. Then from December 1-12 we're hosting a bash with <b>12 Days of 99c Ebooks</b>--with a grand prize <b>$50</b> Amazon/BN egift cerificate! <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/922830194475376/" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/922830194475376/" target="_blank">Treat yourself right this holidays</a>.<br />
<br />
Making
the holidays romantic and sexy are New York Times bestselling author Jayne
Rylon, New York Times bestselling author Izzy Szyn, bestselling author
Jodi Redford, and the awesome Roxy Mews.<br />
<br />
Making
the holidays heartwarming are USA Today bestselling author Edie Ramer,
USA Today bestselling author Dale Mayer, and Amazon bestselling author Leigh Morgan.<br />
<br />
Making
the holidays magical are international bestselling author Michelle
Diener, and the wonderful Elle J Rossi and S.C. Mitchell.<br />
<br />
<br />Making the holidays fun are bestselling author Zoe Dawson, me, and the always-hilarious SL Carpenter.<br />
<br />
Hope you'll join us for your gift of a little extra warmth and sparkle this holiday!Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-40005266130381908672015-09-17T13:44:00.000-07:002015-09-17T13:44:16.701-07:00Biting Love/Passion Bites Celebration coming...December 1-11I've got a whole lot of fun planned around the release of <i>Passion Bites</i>. And BIG NEWS about a sale at the same time, which I'll tell you more about as soon as I can.<br />
<br />
Who likes 99c ebooks? I'm inviting many authors to share their 99c ebooks, to augment the <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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fun.<br />
<br />
That may have something to do with the BIG SALE going on Dec 1-11 ;) <br />
<br />
I'm also excited to let you know I've made arrangements with my friend Elle J Rossi of EJR Digital to create banners for the celebration. She's done excellent work for mutual friend Edie Ramer.Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-56269556951562224252015-08-07T13:45:00.000-07:002015-08-07T13:45:12.399-07:00Passion Bites coming DECEMBER 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivdWhQjDUksqwcv8P8K3EfzmdoCsc9bZsN4RzpZsuJi2nU16fldLRjyMNxcmOJelUqEinndyFJzupCEQTRY-rCH7KMnnWL3vbj9eYOdmc3f5KRXQEzmSrilwhZmW24Njgn-12zGE5eLss/s1600/ComingSoon_72LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivdWhQjDUksqwcv8P8K3EfzmdoCsc9bZsN4RzpZsuJi2nU16fldLRjyMNxcmOJelUqEinndyFJzupCEQTRY-rCH7KMnnWL3vbj9eYOdmc3f5KRXQEzmSrilwhZmW24Njgn-12zGE5eLss/s320/ComingSoon_72LG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Date update! Release has been moved up for <i>Passion Bites</i> (Biting Love Book 9) to December 8! If you're buying holiday gifts, why not indulge yourself a little too? :)<br />
<br />
More info as it comes.Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-84228348229178423632015-07-14T10:53:00.000-07:002015-07-14T10:53:45.271-07:00Passion Bites and MORE coming in December<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUStnichbjqMdBgUKV2EjUlVgq9qT7io5YHOLKjHlmOQM6q-yh19o2oU2mN46ytJZRa7Tr9rpFtjhGUINWtUOO1eFyDrIlqv-2F5rnW3xz6NvP-K8i9dk2wW0yxHYd_SqBXurCZIsTrcIG/s1600/ComingSoon_72LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUStnichbjqMdBgUKV2EjUlVgq9qT7io5YHOLKjHlmOQM6q-yh19o2oU2mN46ytJZRa7Tr9rpFtjhGUINWtUOO1eFyDrIlqv-2F5rnW3xz6NvP-K8i9dk2wW0yxHYd_SqBXurCZIsTrcIG/s320/ComingSoon_72LG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<i>Passion Bites</i>, Luke and Alexis's story, is coming December 29. I'm so excited for this one. But I'm thrilled to be planning a bunch of fun events around this holiday-time release.<br />
<br />
More information soon!Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-13282151497526284962015-06-01T07:47:00.002-07:002015-06-01T07:47:41.071-07:00Little Blue Riding Hood and the Big Bad WolfI was asked to write my own little fable as part of the <a href="http://darkfaerietales.com/fantastic-fables-heart-mates-mary-hughes.html" target="_blank">2015 Fantastic Fables</a> at Dark Faerie Tales, and I was really tickled with the results. Here's the story again, featuring Noah and Sophia from Heart Mates.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/HuntingWolf.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HuntingWolf" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-43722" height="300" src="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/HuntingWolf-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/79338773@N06/6959406990">Colour your dream</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once upon a time, witch princess Sophia
Blue skipped along a path through the big forest, her heavenly blue
cloak floating like a cape. She carried a basket of goodies to her
little old grandma who lived in a cottage deep in the woods.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Well, not quite. At twenty-six, Sophia didn’t skip so much as
powerwalk. And her cloak was really a banker-chic navy pantsuit. And her
little old relative was her Aunt Linda, herself a witch.<br />
<br />
But those are simply details, interchangeable scarves and belts on the little black dress of our Fantastic Fable.<br />
<br />
As Sophia powerwalked along the wooded path, she swung her basket,
thinking of how her dear aunt would enjoy the gooey chocolate chip
cookies inside, baked fresh that morning—in the bank where Sophia
worked. As penance for a terrible mistake, Sophia had given up her magic
and embraced the life of a mundane.<br />
<br />
So Sophia didn’t see the dark shape filtering between trees, following her.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Alpha wolf shifter Noah glided after the beguiling female, following
her exotic scent like a dog on the trail of kibbles. Or rather, as an
alpha wolf scenting a possible mate. He didn’t know who the female was,
but as he ran to get ahead of her, he was stunned motionless by the most
amazing eyes. Star-shot blue, like the moon sparkling on a warm sea
dazzled him over a strong nose, pure skin, kissable lips…she’d passed
him again.<br />
<br />
The woman lifted the basket and did a little spin. “I just know Aunt Linda will love these cookies.”<br />
Noah had heard of Linda Blue—she was a witch. He didn’t trust
witches. Witches had killed his mother and nearly killed him. But he was
desperate to meet the beguiling young woman, so he shifted to wolf, an
alpha’s easy morph with his clothes shifting inside with his human, and
ran ahead to Blue’s little cottage in the woods.<br />
<br />
Nestled deep in the forest was a snug bungalow. At the round little door, Noah shifted back and raised his hand to knock.<br />
<br />
The door flung open in his face. A kindly apple-cheeked woman peered
up at him. Blue eyes opened wide and the little old woman gasped.<br />
<br />
Scared? Noah winced. His big black wolf must still be bleeding
through his human form. He’d never scare a woman, so he scrunched his
eyes in concentration, willing the powerful beast to fade…<br />
<br />
“Oh, aren’t you a good-looking wolf?”<br />
<br />
His eyes flew open.<br />
<br />
Linda Blue wasn’t scared. She was <em>grinning</em> in delight.<br />
<br />
A plump, beringed hand grabbed his arm. “Well, what are you waiting for. Come in, come in.”<br />
<br />
She yanked him inside—by tooth and claw, the woman was
strong—continuing to natter. “You’re the new alpha, aren’t you? Unmated
to boot! And guess who’s coming here? My little niece Sophia, a princess
and unmarried too. You should go on a date!”<br />
<br />
“Ms. Blue, I’m not here for a blind date—although I do want to meet your niece.”<br />
<br />
“Oh, yes of course. We can do that” She smiled cherubically as she dragged him into a smaller room. “Just climb into bed.”<br />
<br />
“<em>What?</em>” He blinked from a raised old-fashioned four-poster back to Blue.<br />
<br />
The little old witch’s cheeks pinked and she finally let go. “Well, how else can nature take its course?”<br />
<br />
“Ms. Blue, that’s totally inappropriate.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair.<br />
<br />
“Not if a mommy and a daddy love each other very much—”<br />
<br />
“Ms. Blue!”<br />
<br />
“Hmm.” She tapped a plump finger against her lips, costume jewelry
clacking. “You’ll apparently need a bit of ‘convincing’. Okay. One for
the money, two for the show.”<br />
<br />
“Aunt Linda?” Sophia called through the cottage front door in her lovely alto. “I have cookies!”<br />
<br />
Noah closed his eyes and a smile drifted onto his lips. He could listen to that voice forever…<br />
<br />
“Three to get ready—”<br />
<br />
So he didn’t see the witch’s wind up, and only felt her wallop him with a spell. “And four to go!”<br />
Magic hit him like a blast of electricity, shocking him numb, then burrowing into every cell in his body. “<em>What</em> was that…?”<br />
<br />
Something fluttered against his bare feet. His eyes snapped open, and he glanced down.<br />
<br />
He was wearing a sack-like ruffled nightgown. His hand rose to his head…an equally ruffled dust cap was on his head.<br />
<br />
<em>Damn witches. </em>Never<em> trust a witch.</em><br />
<br />
“Oops.” Linda tittered. “That wasn’t quite the spell I meant, but
it’ll do. You’d better get under the covers.” She hooked a foot behind
his knee and shoved him until he stumbled and fell onto the bed.<br />
She <em>shooped</em> underneath.<br />
<br />
“Auntie, where are you?” The beautiful Sophia came into the bedroom. Seeing Noah, her star-shot eyes widened.<br />
<br />
<em>They really are the most beguiling blue…</em><br />
<br />
“Aunt Linda? Um, what big ears you have.”<br />
<br />
“Huh?” was all Noah could think to say. His voice came out half
growl, and he saw for the first time that the hands atop the nightgown
were covered in a large amount of black hair.<br />
<br />
By his fangs and claws. He was partially shifted.<br />
<br />
A fist punched him from under the mattress.<br />
<br />
“Um, all the better to hear you with?” He gazed at Sophia’s lovely skin and lips…he felt a stupid grin float onto his face.<br />
<br />
She startled. Swallowed hard. “What big <em>teeth</em> you have.”<br />
<br />
He snapped his snout shut. Damn, what part of half-shifted had he forgotten?<br />
<br />
Another poke of the mattress made him growl. Enough was enough,
accident prone spell caster or no. He rolled over the edge of the bed
and snarled under it, “I am not saying ‘All the better to eat you with.’
That’s just spouting a line from a bad porno. Change me back.”<br />
<br />
“I can’t.” In the dark under the bed, Blue twiddled her fingers and grinned innocently.<br />
<br />
“Fine. I’ll have to do it the natural way.” He leaped to his hairy
feet and tried to shift. He was an alpha and normally could do it almost
instantly, but the spell had screwed something up. He couldn’t shift
human so he tried wolf. He closed his eyes and rearranged, his black
hair running down his body like rapidly laying overlapping roof
shingles, his limbs flowing forward and down, his face extending, ears
sliding up.<br />
<br />
In less time than it took to think it, a huge black wolf stood in his place.<br />
<br />
Sophia gasped, eyes wide in both fear and wonder.<br />
<br />
He’d <em>never</em> scare a woman, much less one who might be his mate. He clamped eyes and practically forced his cells to shift human.<br />
<br />
Again the spell interfered. Normally his clothes shifted out with his human form.<br />
<br />
This time, when he opened his eyes, he’d shifted back naked.<br />
<br />
Sophia’s jaw dropped. Then she swallowed hard and licked her luscious lips. “You’re…quite muscled.”<br />
<br />
Shifters weren’t body conscious and he preened. “Thanks. You’re quite beautiful.”<br />
<br />
“Oh. Um, thanks.”<br />
<br />
“I’d like to get to know you better.”<br />
<br />
“So would I.” She set the cookies down by the bed. A plump, beringed
hand snaked out and snared them. “But you have to get dressed.”<br />
<br />
“I can do that.”<br />
<br />
After he dressed, they walked out, hand in hand, Linda beaming behind them.<br />
<br />
And they all lived happily ever after.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>The End</em></div>
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-2798734039239755792015-03-30T06:34:00.001-07:002015-03-30T06:40:50.133-07:00Serendipity Bites excerpt--a non-piratical R<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8qgrcgGoYqVT8wO1IYx82nEJdbGmlZYUM-_IpzTn_i8JkkoavEHkCOKju94mWXV9t4WVGyNHHV3PLkH6dgM0A362-i4kptbe7cf4uTWHl9FKVdCCWG9cBgM6d2UXag0w2t7SNcBfcIPq/s1600/BitingSerendipity3x4.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8qgrcgGoYqVT8wO1IYx82nEJdbGmlZYUM-_IpzTn_i8JkkoavEHkCOKju94mWXV9t4WVGyNHHV3PLkH6dgM0A362-i4kptbe7cf4uTWHl9FKVdCCWG9cBgM6d2UXag0w2t7SNcBfcIPq/s1600/BitingSerendipity3x4.5.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Serendipity Bites<br />
Part of the April Fools For Love collection<br />
Biting Love Short Bites, Book 4<br />
<br />
<i>Best April Fools joke ever—falling in love.</i><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VDRUE14"><img align="middle" alt="Amazon" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindle-sq.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 42px; width: 42px;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VDRUE14"><img align="middle" alt="B&N" src="http://www.maryhughesbooks.com/images/titles/kindleuk-sq.png" hspace="2" style="border: 0px solid; height: 42px; width: 42px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://maryhughesbooks.com/ShortBites.html#SerendipityBitesAnchor" target="_blank">Coming soon to more vendors!</a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
Serendipity “Sera” Braun wears glasses and a bun to teach during the day, but at night, she adds a breast-plumping vest and dirndl for her job hoisting beer steins at Nieman’s. The big, leather-vest-and-earringed Viking bouncer? He’s bedsheets waiting to get sweaty, but all he does is scowl at her. She’s trying to keep her geriatric stripper of a granny from breaking a hip, but it’s hard when she keeps getting distracted by that sexy, smoky baritone.<br />
<br />
Thorvald Thorsson is bitingly lonely—every vampire around him is mating. But his ex-fiancée rejected him as a killjoy (her exact words were he ate rules and s*** misery), so it’s high time Fun Thor comes out to play. No way he’d pair up with the cute but too-serious little schoolmarm who waits tables at the bar.<br />
<br />
Sera bridles the wicked, delicious things she’d like to do with the muscular Viking, suppressing herself until she’s a volcano about to blow. Then they are thrown together in a prank war, and all his potent masculinity is focused on her. He makes her burn to let loose, but how can she and still be responsible for Granny and set a good example?<br />
<br />
Warning: A terribly lonely vampire, a conflicted schoolmarm with a caged wild side, nosy roommates and the female version of a bromance, not to mention scorching sex, swearing with the **** filled in, a whole town full of busybodies—and the best April Fools joke ever.<br />
<br />
This story contains material intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion advised. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Biting Serendipity</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />© 2015 Mary Hughes</span></span></span></h6>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enjoy the following
excerpt for</i> Biting Serendipity:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My boss Camille leaned
against the open door of the women’s restroom, tapping one impatient foot.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hustled into the
narrow, tiled room smelling of pine disinfectant and lime-and-coconut foaming
soap. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shutting the door, she came
right to the point. “Our motto is Sexy And Fun. In the spirit of Fun, I’ve
entered Nieman’s into the annual citywide April Fools’ Day competition.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“That’s nice,” Thor said
in a tone of voice that I’d use for snaking hair-clogged drains.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Nice,” I echoed feebly. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">April First in Meiers
Corners was like New Years Eve in the rest of the world. Tons of people went out,
did things they’d never do the rest of the year, and made utter asses out of
themselves. The more sober townsfolk cringed at the antics and stayed home. But
enough pranksters would be out, trying to get their video into the haloed
winner’s circle, that I’d planned to call in sick to work and lock myself in my
bedroom with a good book until it was all over.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “I’m so glad you think it’s nice, because I’ve
entered the you two.” She jabbed an index finger at me and Thor.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">That finger could have
been an icicle, jabbing me in the gut. “No. No way. That competition is for the
most outrageous prankster. That’s not me.” Me, outrageous? These days, I
colored so much within the lines, I felt weird smudging my eyeliner.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Not me, either.” Thor flashed
palms like stop signs. “Camille, I tried before and…let’s just say it didn’t
work out.” Somehow, he made “Didn’t-work-out” sound like “Ti-tan-ic”.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The finger came out again,
jab-jab. “Look, Not-Me and Not-Me-Either. I hired extra help to grow my
customer base. The winning prank gets played at the award ceremony and covered
in the paper—basically, free citywide advertising. So we win, we grow. We <i>don’t</i> win, we don’t grow, and I don’t
need help. <i>Capiche?</i>”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“But why us?” I exchanged
another baffled glance with Thor, getting the same combination of zing and
reassurance.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Because you both need to
loosen up and show more <i>Sexy And Fun</i>.
Besides, no one else is available. Consider this incentive to prove to me that
you have the right va-voom to be at Nieman’s. Win the April Fools’ Day competition—or
you’re fired.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My insides iced. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camille sailed out,
leaving Thor and me riveted in place, staring after her, shocked like we’d just
had cattle prod enemas. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was a disaster. Me,
play a joke? And not just any trick, but a winning prank in a city of master
pranksters? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thor groaned. “It’s March
twenty-ninth. How does she expect me to come up with a gag in three days?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We don’t stand a chance.”
Now I groaned too. Maybe I could’ve done it when I was a kid, but, like Scrooge
visited by the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, I’d had a change of
heart—although in my case, I’d been visited by the Kangaroo of Karma.
Monkeyshines were no longer part of my life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“We?” Thor said.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slowly, he and I turned to
face each other. I use the phrase “face each other” loosely. With me in my
barmaid flats and him in his boots, he stood nearly a foot above me.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">But his expression…it
wasn’t the usual faint disapproval, but a stunned disbelief—strangely tinged
with what almost looked like yearning.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">He actually wanted to do
this?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then he gave a sharp shake
of the head. “Ridiculous. She couldn’t have designed worse partners.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">That stung. “Hey.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I didn’t mean…” His mouth
tightened. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I jumped in before he
could pound in yet again what a killjoy I was for a little old lady just trying
to have some fun. “My mistake. No we about it. Camille only said we had to do
this, she didn’t say we had to work together.” My chin jutted.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Don’t.” Thor growled, low
in his throat. “We can work together. All I meant was neither one of us is into
pranks.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Right.” I heard killjoy. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Look, I’m just saying
I’ve entered this contest before, and I didn’t stand a chance even when I had a
<i>fun </i>partner.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“A <i>fun </i>partner?” What was I, chopped obligation? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“All I mean is that it
takes a sort of daredevil mentality to win. It’s not like either of us has a
single adventurous bone in our bodies.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Keep talking.” The night
had turned sour. “Reinforces just how much you don’t want to work with me.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">He looked away. “I want to
work with you.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">His mouth said yes but
every other stunning body part underlined no. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Right. And all the
sniping we do has <i>nothing </i>to do with
our mutual dislike.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I knew it was a mistake
the moment it left my lips.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">His gaze swung back. “<i>Mutual dislike?</i>” His eyes were like
arctic storms. Angry?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or hurt?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You know what I mean.
You’re always on my case about Granny.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Just because I don’t
agree with how you treat Ms. Butt doesn’t mean…fuck. Doesn’t matter. Camille
ordered us to do this, so we do this.” He jerked one shoulder in a shrug.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sleeveless T-shirt and
leather vest meant what shrugged was bronzed, naked skin, muscles jerking,
especially luscious triple-scoop deltoids that I wanted to lick.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wanted to lick so bad, to
keep myself from doing it, I had to run my tongue over my suddenly throbbing
lips instead.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">His gaze dropped to my
mouth and darkened, stormy this time like a steamy tropical squall. “What are
you doing?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“M-me?” Nerves prompted me
to lick again. “Just…nothing.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">He leaned closer, his hair
swaying forward to frame his chiseled, handsome face. “Nothing?” His pupils dilated
to pools of black.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My heart shot into
overdrive. Air seemed to have left the small room; contrarily, what there was
of it smelled, not of lime and coconut, but leather and male.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Searching my gaze, he reached
out and gently cupped my chin. His fingers, warm and slightly rough on my skin,
thrilled me down to my toes. His face was so near mine now I could feel the heat
of his breath on my skin.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>He’s going to kiss me.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My lips parted on
quickened breaths. My desire must have shone in my eyes because the saucers of his
pupils lit with a red flame. Blood pounded in my ears. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The vampire was staring at
me.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Insanely, that turned me
on. I tightened toes in my ballerina flats and lifted toward him. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The moment crystallized
between us. His red gaze was tethered to mine, the hand that so gently held my
face was crowned by a hint of talon, and when his lips parted, fang tips were revealed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vampire, human. I was prey.
Yet I was also something precious. My lids slid shut in anticipation.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">His mouth captured mine.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></h6>
<br />
<h6>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h6>
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-4001287859454539262014-11-12T07:07:00.001-08:002014-11-12T07:07:50.040-08:00Special PARTY ONLY excerpt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Assassins Bite (Biting Love, Book 8)<br />Only her light can burn away his shadows.<br /><br />On her first night as a police officer, Sunny Ruffles takes down three felons…only to be attacked by a gang of vampires who are a whole new level of hurt.<br /><br />Then a mysterious shadow man intervenes, saving Sunny before he disappears. She runs after him, telling herself her pursuit has nothing to do with his sharp, stubbled jaw, his powerful shoulders, or his sexy-as-hell, kissable lips.<br /><br />Rescuing the humans makes Aiden Blackthorne late for a critical meeting with the vampire Nosferatu’s daughter. Yet clompy, bumbling Sunny draws him back like wild honey. He kisses her, and he’s almost got her down to her underwear when a bomb meant for him explodes.<br /><br />The last thing Aiden wants is to drag Sunny into his hellish conflict with Nosferatu. But Aiden’s a loner whose only friend has mysteriously disappeared, and the woman who smells and tastes like his mate is the only backup he has left. He’ll need her, everything he is, everything he was—and everything he might have been—to defeat his evil master and claim the love he never dared hope to have.<br /><br />Warning: This book contains shadowy assassins shooping off vampire heads, cops bumbling in at the worst of times, and opposites attracting, colliding, and exploding in lust—a.k.a., explicit fighting, humor, and sex.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">* * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I had less than
an hour to clean myself up before Captain Titus arrived. That wasn’t quite
enough time to go home and come back—at least, not if Mom was awake and
talking—so I went to the restroom. I’d been at the MCPD before so I knew where
they were. I put on my jacket and shirt to walk there. I wasn’t shy or
particularly modest, but I didn’t like offending anyone else’s sense of
propriety.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I regretted that
decision. The cut blouse was no protection and each step rubbed scratchy wool
against my poor skin. By the time I got to the restroom I was biting back
whimpers, my eyes stinging with tears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The first floor
ladies was three stalls, scarred wood countertop, sink and mirror. Various
sticky notes decorated the mirror, including a couple that read “Glock For
Sale. Retired officer, rarely used. Contact Blatzky”. I stood in front of the
mirror, peering at what showed of my pale, round face as I opened the buttons
and peeled off wool and cotton. I set the shirt and jacket on the sink.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">My chest was red
and raw. Smeared blood streaked my skin. No wonder it hurt so much.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Nasty.” Behind
me, a shadow separated from the gunmetal-gray stall doors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Crap!” I spun.
Aiden Blackthorne was right on top of me, his eyes burning. I swallowed hard.
Inanely, I said, “Can I help you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The corners of his
lips turned up, making me want to grab him by the ears and scuba dive. He said,
“I want to help you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">My experience
with people trying to help was my mother baking brownies for my GirlGroup
Troop, treats which sent us all running for the bathroom because she’d
substituted sauerkraut for sugar because they both began with S. Not that I was
doing so well on my own, but the pain made me whiny and he got the brunt of it.
“Nobody can help me. Have you paid your parking ticket?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">“I have ten
days.” His head tilted as he considered me. “Let me treat your wounds.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I coughed. “No
thanks. You’re not supposed to use ointment for burns—”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Not ointment.
This.” He seized my wrists. I was so surprised I let him lift my arms up and
away from my body, exposing my chest to whatever he wanted to do. Which was to
drop his head, open his mouth…and lick me, one broad swipe across the length of
my collarbones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">My pain…lifted.
Just along that swatch, so I knew it wasn’t coincidence. My belly fluttered. He
had a magic tongue?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He licked again,
and though his hot, rasping tongue should have been excruciating, it was
lovely, exhilarating. As he continued licking, my pain melted away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Gradually I
became aware of how intimate this was. His rough tongue, the heat and moisture
of his mouth, excited me—and he was heading lower. In a few more swipes he’d be
tonguing the tops of my breasts. My belly thrilled at the thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">So when he
released my wrists, I slid my fingers into his black hair, thick and strong yet
silky warm, and urged him to go lower. Faster. “More.” I moaned it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">With a satisfied
growl, he complied, swiping heat into the valley between my breasts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I sighed in
pleasure and lifted my breasts, encouraging him to do more, again. My flesh
tightened in anticipation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">But he raised his
head and looked me in the eye, an unspoken question in his. How far did I want
him to go?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">In response I
smiled. As far as you want.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He made a small,
choked noise and dashed to the bathroom door. Before I could panic, he flipped
a shiny-new thumb lock with an urgent click and stood before me again almost
instantly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">That revved me
hotter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Cupping my chin,
he asked another question with eyes gone velvety black. Are you sure?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I didn’t know
what this hot attraction between us meant, or if it was more than physical—after
all, how permanent could an assassin get with a cop?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">But for now? I
nodded and smiled again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">With a sigh, he
reached around and unhooked my bra with one quick flip. His eyes flicked over
my revealed breasts as he tossed the bra onto the counter. Before I could
wonder how interesting he’d find my small, tight body, his gaze went nova.
“You’re perfect.” He bent, grasped my breasts, one in each hand, and lifted
them to his mouth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">It was hard, hot
and fast. As if he wanted to devour them both at once, he kissed and licked and
sucked nipples in quick turn. Whichever breast he wasn’t lavishing with
attention he stimulated with his thumb.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I gasped. His
kisses were hot; his suckling was incendiary. His fingers were extraordinarily
strong and clever. I’d been with older boys—these were a man’s hands fondling
me, strong and sure. I closed my eyes and savored.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He finally
settled on my left breast and suckled the nipple until it was diamond-hard with
longing. My fingers threaded into his hair again and tightened in response to
each tug, until I was practically pulling his hair out by the roots. All he did
was make a tiny sound, half-pain, half-bliss.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He kept suckling.
Each draw on my nipple yanked a silken cord of need deep inside. The sensations
came closer together, hotter, deeper, until I was churning with them. My belly
was heavy, my lips swollen, my legs yielding and my skin screaming to shed the
rest of my clothes. All that, just from suckling.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">My mouth ached
with the need to suck on him in return. My fingers were still tight in his hair
so I wrenched on his head, trying to lift him from my breast, to get my hands
under his shirt and peel it off over his head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He made another
small sound, an uh-uh of undeniable not slowing, and continued to suckle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">With the last of
my willpower I reached over his bent head, grabbed his sleeveless T-shirt as
far back as I could and started winching it toward his neck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I’d made about
two inches of headway, barely enough to expose the small of his back, when the
suckling drove me completely insane. I gave a throttled shriek and tried to rip
the shirt off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He chuckled. With
a see-you-soon lick to my ripe nipple, he straightened and finished what I’d
inadequately started, stripping himself of the shirt even faster than last
time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">My eyes drank
their fill. If he was a vampire it didn’t show in his skin, a sun-drenched
bronze. His nipples were tight and dark. His chest was smooth and hairless. I
reached for it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He tossed his
shirt on top of my bra and reached for me at the same time. As I palmed his
pectorals, he crushed me to him. My breasts and palms flattened against male
flesh, its warm scent filling my every quickened breath. He grabbed my mouth in
a searing kiss and his taste filled me. I basked in him, touch, scent and
taste, meeting his mouth and clutching his chest and rippling against him with
the need for even more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Opening his hands
on my back, he went exploring, gliding along my skin until he met the thick
wool of my trousers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">If I thought that
would stop him, I didn’t know him very well. His hands continued to glide down,
rubbing the cloth over my buttocks, then grasping me and pulling me into him.
My hips met a large, firm and growing bulge. He backed off on the kiss, his
tongue flicking and teasing. Now he was trying to go slower, but I wasn’t
having any of that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I stood on
tiptoes and went after his mouth, thrusting my tongue between his lips and
rubbing my hands over him, feeling the pinpricks of his nipples roll under my
palms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He huffed, and
his teasing tongue got serious, diving back into my mouth to claim me. I thrust
my tongue in return, finding much more of him to deal with. Lips that were thin
but sexy when viewed were exquisite acres when tasting and licking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He pushed a hand
between us and for a moment I thought he was still trying to slow things down
and moaned my protest. But a couple wags of those clever fingers managed to
undo my belt and pants. The uniform slacks slid languidly open for him and
coyly slipped off my hips.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">With a satisfied
purr, he opened one hand on the base of my spine to hold me in place—and thrust
the other down the front of my panties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I gasped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">His fingers
unerringly found my clitoris, the bud already rising to meet them. I groaned.
He stroked. His purr became more pronounced. He stroked again, and again,
setting up a good hard rhythm. I whimpered. His purr became a rumble that shook
my ribs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I wrapped my arms
around his neck and kissed him like I was going to mate his mouth. My naked
breasts rubbed against his torso as he beat fingers against me. His hips rocked
hungrily in the same rhythm. I dropped a hand to try to open his pants too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He raised his
mouth from mine. “Not yet. Don’t touch me, I’m too aroused. You first.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">It took my breath
away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He lifted me by
the waist and swung me toward the wall. I thought maybe he was going to smash
me against it but he set me on the broad tiled ledge under the window. He
pulled my pants off over my cop black shoes and socks. Not very alluring—until
he stepped between my legs. He looked damned good between my thighs.</span></div>
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Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M3XTPUI/">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M3XTPUI/</a><br />Nook: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/assassins-bite-mary-hughes/1120006609?ean=9781619222540">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/assassins-bite-mary-hughes/1120006609?ean=9781619222540</a><br />Samhain: <a href="https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5201/assassins-bite">https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5201/assassins-bite</a><br />Kobo:<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/assassins-bite"> http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/assassins-bite</a><br />iBooks: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/assassins-bite/id903313246?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/assassins-bite/id903313246?mt=11</a><br />UK Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M3XTPUI/">http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M3XTPUI/</a><br />UK Nook: <a href="http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/assassins-bite-by-mary-hughes/9781619222540">http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/assassins-bite-by-mary-hughes/9781619222540</a><br />Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-38704225764433958072014-08-19T04:00:00.000-07:002014-08-19T04:00:00.883-07:00Blog Tour Perfect Chemistry by Jodi Redford<div dir="ltr">
<img alt="btJodir.jpg" height="231" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GvDExVOSHTOT6HWzK72DotjknPHps2mJ6WHZANd19VIaztnZtC6zpsIqcplepS3XrQi0Loln8c5u4QHWQHUCR8XterS4YpgLHmTQOcO1Mzqeqz67qEQ_-0CVnWr1cfvgyQ" width="624" />
</div>
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Synopsis:
</div>
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When it comes to sexy geeks, Leo Martinez and Devlin Hawke are as hot as they get. But falling for the wrong guy has always been Sidney Chase's forte.
She's not about to submit to her inner bad girl by giving in to her secret fantasies about her sex-on-a-stick bosses. When she's accidentally exposed to
the supercharged aphrodisiac in their lab, Sidney tosses aside her inhibitions and unknowingly provides her bosses with an eye-popping display of self
lovin' courtesy of the office security cameras.
</div>
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Despite their mutual craving for Sidney, Leo and Devlin made a pact long ago to keep her off limits. The last thing they'd wanted was to scare off their
best PA by overwhelming her with their kinky tendencies. Witnessing the arousing effects of their aphrodisiac elixir on Sidney changes everything. Not only
is she the answer they've been looking for in regards to fine-tuning their formula, she's the perfect woman for them. And with a little help from one
helluva sinful science experiment, they'll prove that love is far more potent than anything manufactured in a bottle.
</div>
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Warning: This red hot office romance contains 3 parts sizzling m/f/m menage, 2 parts sexy and sweet geeks, one part wicked bondage and sex toys, and a
whole lot of combustible chemistry. Safety glasses required.
</div>
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Add to Goodreads:
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22888584-perfect-chemistry?from_search=true">
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22888584-perfect-chemistry?from_search=true
</a>
</div>
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Buy Link:
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPerfect-Chemistry-Jodi-Redford-ebook%2Fdp%2FB00MIH3P0U&h=YAQHyinLi">
http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Chemistry-Jodi-Redford-ebook/dp/B00MIH3P0U
</a>
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
<img alt="Perfect-Chemistry03.jpg" height="999" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/8JyfGZkrNgksGK8AtlhODe9Szu59TQLwZPMU3ksoZ9acjfZ1syG1rqJK9PvDmyXmur9RuP-PrmaGvpHDXrwa5Kxj12V-5GJzqlWJar9c6rY1V6eqVp1WEvia6tITBfDC3g" width="624" />
</div>
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Excerpt (NSFW)
</div>
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Devlin grabbed his coffee mug and crossed over to his office. He powered on his tablet and scrolled through his emails. Nothing much exciting beyond a few
tech newsletters he subscribed to and an ad for penis enlargement. He deleted that one and settled in to peruse the article on 3-D printing. Halfway
through his read he was hit with the odd certainty that something was off about the placement of his paperclip dispenser. Frowning, he leaned back in his
chair. "Hey, were you messing with my stuff?"
</div>
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A grunt came from the other side of the wall. "Yes, because clearly I have nothing better to do than drive your OCD ass crazy."
</div>
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"Well, you are a maniacal motherfucker." Devlin made a point of loudly plopping the dispenser back into its proper position. "And it's not OCD. I use the
stapler more often, so it should be front and center, not the paperclips."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
"Admitting you have a problem is the first step in recovery."
</div>
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"Asshole." Chuckling, Devlin finished up his coffee and returned to the kitchenette for a refill. He was waylaid on the round trip to his office with Leo's
request to fetch his reading glasses from the lab. After tossing out a few teasing digs about his partner becoming an old man, Devlin made tracks down the
hall and fished his badge from his pants pocket.
</div>
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The moment he stepped into the lab he was struck once again with the peculiar sensation that something wasn't quite right. As much time as he spent in the
space, it was practically his second home. So with that said, if his Spidey-sense was telling him that a detail wasn't as it should be, he was damn well
going to listen up.
</div>
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Rubbing his chin, he surveyed the room, mentally checking off boxes as he cataloged each detail individually. Trash can in corner—normal. Lab coats on
their proper hooks? Yep. Workstations prepped and ready for—
</div>
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His mental inspection skidding to a halt, he stared at the empty test tube holder resting on the station across from him. The vial had most definitely been
there when he and Leo locked up yesterday.
</div>
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So where the hell did it go?
</div>
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Determined to get to the bottom of that mystery, he retraced his steps to Leo's office. "Did you do something with one of the vials from batch 39?"
</div>
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Leo tore his focus from his monitor, his brow furrowed. "No. Why?"
</div>
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"It's missing."
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"What?"
</div>
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Well aware of where Leo's thoughts were jumping, Devlin shot up his hand. "Don't burst your coronary. We don't know that this is a repeat of Texon." But
after having one of their prized formula's ripped off by a competitor several years ago, the fear was there of it happening again. Even with all the
precautions they'd taken to prevent a reoccurrence, the threat was always present. There was only so much they could do.
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
Leo vaulted from his chair and rushed from his office. Devlin stayed hot on his heels. Once inside the lab, Leo confirmed Devlin's suspicions with a string
of colorful obscenities. Raking his fingers through his hair, he shot a narrow squint at the panel obscuring the security camera in the corner. "Let's pray
they were too sloppy to cover their ass."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
What were the chances someone would be foolish enough to stroll in here and steal Xtacy without disguising their identity? Wisely deciding to keep that
woeful dose of reality to himself, he followed Leo back to his office. With a quick click of his mouse Leo pulled up the link to the security system and
located the time stamp for last night. He fast-forwarded through an hour or so of uneventful footage before a blip of motion flashed across the screen.
</div>
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Leo's features hardened. "Got the son of a bitch." He rewound a few frames and pressed play.
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
On the footage, the lab lights flickered on and a woman stepped into view. Devlin blinked. "Wait a minute. Isn't that—?"
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
"Sidney." Her name fell from Leo with the same amount of bemusement that plagued Devlin. They both leaned closer to the computer as she sashayed to the
workstation and picked up the test tube.
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Devlin shook his head. "I don't believe it. Not of Sidney. No fucking way."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
"Then what the hell are we looking at?" Leo demanded, his tone flatter than a desert highway. Despite the lack of inflection in his voice, Devlin knew his
friend was hiding a world of hurt while he processed the visual evidence of Sidney's potentially traitorous activity.
</div>
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"I don't know, but let's not jump to conclusions yet." Come on, Sid. What are you doing? His heart knocking, he waited for the moment she'd put the vial
back and scurry out of there, completely unaware of the real criminal lurking in the shadows about to abscond with the Xtacy formula. The wish was a
desperate shot in the dark on his part, but he refused to give up hope. No matter how thin it was. When the test tube went flying out of Sidney's grasp and
smashed onto the floor, he straightened with a jolt, renewed optimism crashing over him. "She dropped it. That's why it's missing."
</div>
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A fraction of the doubt lifted from Leo's gaze but his shoulders remained tense. "It still doesn't explain what in the devil she's doing in the lab."
</div>
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"Who knows? Maybe she was just curious—" Devlin broke off abruptly when Sidney ripped off her blouse and wrenched down her bra. All coherent thought
beating a hasty retreat from his head, he stared at the sheer magnificence of her breasts. She cupped their bountiful weight and tweaked her nipples. The
real estate in Devlin's briefs suddenly became a lot more cramped. Gripping the edge of the desk, he risked a quick peek in Leo's direction and noticed his
friend was equally enamored with the unexpected show.
</div>
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Leo swallowed hard, his Adam's Apple bobbing. "We probably shouldn't watch any more of this."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
"Yeah, we shouldn't."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
They both kept their attention fused to the screen. Sidney's hand crept inside her panties. He and Leo adjusted their flies simultaneously. She bit her
lip, her head falling back against the side of the workstation as her hips moved in rhythm to the motion of her fingers. Even with that miniscule scrap of
fabric concealing the view, the sight playing out in front of them was tantalizing as fuck. She was completely uninhibited in her wild chase to the Big O
finish line. The continued reel of her gasps and moans sizzled along Devlin's nerve endings, but it was his and Leo's names screamed at the top of her
lungs when she ultimately came that sucker punched him like a two by four.
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
Holy shit. Jerking his gaze to Leo, Devlin discovered he wasn't the only one sledge hammered by that startling last part of her self lovin' session. "Uh,
she just came while thinking about us." There was no denying the obvious. A person didn't just randomly scream someone's name at the height of passion.
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
Leo scrubbed a hand over his mouth, his wide-eyed stare still glued to his computer. "Fuck me."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
"Uh, dude? Pretty sure that's precisely what she's saying."
</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
Author Links:
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Website <a href="http://jodiredford.com/">http://jodiredford.com/</a>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Page where Perfect Chemistry is listed <a href="http://jodiredford.com/Coming_Soon.html">http://jodiredford.com/Coming_Soon.html</a>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Blog <a href="http://jodiredford.blogspot.com/">http://jodiredford.blogspot.com</a>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Group Blog <a href="http://www.lustwithalaugh.com/">http://www.lustwithalaugh.com</a>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Amazon Author page <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Redford/e/B002YUEZ0U">http://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Redford/e/B002YUEZ0U</a>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Facebook profile <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jodi.redford.3">https://www.facebook.com/jodi.redford.3</a>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jodiredford">https://twitter.com/jodiredford</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-57818016513572231892013-08-16T03:00:00.000-07:002013-08-16T03:00:01.970-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 231-235 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chapter <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">15</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42">Fifteen</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
sat contentedly in the big, soft chair, watching Cliff feed the baby. As usual,
he was getting more on himself than in Angela. Their five‑year‑old was coloring
at the table, and their oldest, the twelve‑year‑old, was patiently <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0943; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">disembowling</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">disemboweling</span></ins></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> an obsolete HCC300<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0944; mso-comment-reference: M_2;">. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie</span></ins></span> </a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">let out a soft sigh of satisfaction. It hadn’t all
been easy. But <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">they</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">she and Cliff</span></ins></span>
had, side by side, built the white picket fence around Cliff’s house, making it
their home, and side by side had built Hawkesclyffe Computers into one of the
four leading computer companies in the world. They’d had a lot of help, of
course. John had proven himself invaluable in selecting and nurturing the
business ventures they’d chosen. Hannah had helped raise Matt, then when Kate
came along, it turned out she had not only seven sons but a few daughters too,
and one of them was always here helping with Kate or, now, Angela. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
baby finished her bottle and Cliff expertly sat her up and burped her. After a
very large belch from a very small child, he settled her back in his arms and
rocked her, humming softly. The baby smiled at her father, cooed a bit, then
settled off to sleep. After a while Cliff caught Vickie’s eye, looked
heavenward as if to say <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">‘</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>at last<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">,’</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">,”</span></ins></span>
and slowly rose with his precious bundle. She heard him carefully climbing the
stairs to the nursery. Vickie chuckled to herself. Angela was a wonderful baby,
but not a very good sleeper. It was just as possible Cliff would return with
Angela as without her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Triumphantly
Cliff appeared in the doorway. Vickie put down <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">Kate’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">the
five-year-old’s</span></ins></span> blue jeans, which <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">she had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">she’d</span></ins></span>
been patching again, and applauded silently. He came <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">over </span></del></span>to
her and kissed her gently on the lips<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0945; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="color: red;">before returning to his chair and a
hardware magazine he had been reading</span></a></del></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Oh,
yuck,” the twelve‑year‑old said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“You
won’t be saying that in another year or so,” his father admonished him<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">, returning to his
chair and a hardware magazine he’d been reading.</span></ins></span> “And what about
that little brunette in your science class?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Aw,
Dad. Judy’s just a friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Uh‑huh.
Speaking of class, have you finished your homework?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Matt
experienced sudden hearing loss, something Vickie had found endemic to children
of all ages. “Matthew,” she said sternly. “You know homework is important,
especially if you’re going to keep skipping grades<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0945; mso-comment-reference: M_4;"><span style="color: red;">like this</span></a></del></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_4" id="_anchor_4" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_4" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')">[M4]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">.” </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.”</span></ins></span> He was
already in high school, and showed every promise of finishing that in three
years. Vickie hadn’t been sure it was good for him, but Cliff had reassured her.
“I skipped several grades, and look how well I turned out.” She had, of course,
teased him unmercifully about that. Who could turn down such a perfect straight
line? But, in her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">secret opinion,</span></del></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0946; mso-comment-reference: M_5;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">heart of hearts she
thought</span></ins></span> </a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_5" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')">[M5]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cliff <i>had</i> turned out marvelously well, so she
had stopped worrying about Matt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I’m
done with my trig and biology, Dad. I just have my English comp assignment
left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Well,
what’s stopping you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I
don’t know what to write about. I’m supposed to do a three‑page paper about
some family story, you know, like ‘Our Summer Vacation’ or ‘The Day the Cat
Nearly Got Broiled’ or something like that. But our family is so boring. We
don’t have any interesting stories<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0946; mso-comment-reference: M_6;"><span style="color: red;">to write about</span></a></del></span><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 6;">.”</span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_6" id="_anchor_6" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_6" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_6')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_6','_com_6')">[M6]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cliff
raised an eyebrow at Vickie. “What about how I met your mother?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0946; mso-comment-reference: M_7;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">looked
at Cliff in surprise. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">raised her eyebrows</span></ins></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_7" id="_anchor_7" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_7" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_7')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_7','_com_7')">[M7]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> After <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">they had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">they’d</span></ins></span>
returned from the <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0948; mso-comment-reference: M_8;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">she
had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">she’d</span></ins></span> </a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_8" id="_anchor_8" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_8" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_8')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_8','_com_8')">[M8]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">told the story several times to all their closest
friends, and then to whoever would sit still long enough; but Cliff had never
mentioned it. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">She’d</span></ins></span>
always <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">had </span></del></span>wondered about it from his
perspective. “This should be good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“It
had better be,” the twelve‑year‑old muttered, but he dutifully got out his
notebook computer. Cliff had <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">agreed to supply</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">supplied</span></ins></span>
the school with <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">these tiny, mighty computers, to encourage use of
computers in routine life</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">them</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Well,” began Cliff, “once upon a time<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">…”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42">—”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Hey,
is this going to be a fairy tale? If it is, I just may barf.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“In
a way<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">,” said</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.”</span></ins></span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0948; mso-comment-reference: M_9;">Cliff <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">dreamily</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">smiled</span></ins></span>.</a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_9" id="_anchor_9" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_9" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_9')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_9','_com_9')">[M9]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Matt
made a face, but his father ignored him, continuing his story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Once
upon a time, there was a man who was unfulfilled. Oh, he had money, and he had
his health, and friends, and the start of a good career, but there was
something missing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Kids,”
interjected Matt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0949; mso-comment-reference: M_10;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 10;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Definitely not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“There’s an adventure</span></ins></span>,”
</span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_10" id="_anchor_10" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_10" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_10')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_10','_com_10')">[M10]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cliff said
pointedly. Matt shrugged, not taking the bait. “The man was what one might call
a late bloomer, so he hadn’t always had all these things. There <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">had
been</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">was</span></ins></span> a time in his life when the only
thing he’d had to survive was his brain. So once he got all the things that
were supposed to make him happy<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">…”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42">—”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Like
money?” Matt asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Don’t interrupt. Oh, okay, yes. Like money, career,
friends<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">…”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42">—”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“A
great body,” Vickie murmured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I
heard that. No more comments from the peanut gallery, either of you<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any rate, he</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“Yeah,”
Matt said. “Whatever that means. Besides, yuck.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“If I
may continue?” Cliff said. “The man</span></ins></span> tried to fill in the void in
his life by doing good things. One day, he was scheming the downfall of a
particularly nasty bad guy who showed every sign of trying to take over a
country from a good guy, when the man found out the bad guy had done something…well,
bad. ‘The bad guy has kidnapped a computer specialist from your country,’ some
fellow in power told him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Dad,
this is getting a little confusing. There’s a man, a good guy, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">and </span></del></span>a
bad guy, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">and </span></del></span>a computer specialist and some
fellow in power? Is the man the good guy or the bad guy? And the fellow in
power is a computer specialist? Could we have names here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cliff
rolled his eyes. “Adolescents. Oh, okay. So The Chief says to Sir Nigel—that’s
the man who’s unfulfilled—he says, ‘We think Col. Azaz has kidnapped and
brought the computer specialist, Mr. Johns, into this country. Could you be on
the lookout for him, Sir Nigel?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Help
me Obi‑Wan, you’re my only hope<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">,”</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.”</span></ins></span> Matt
nodded eagerly. He was a big fan of old classics. “Okay, so then what
happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So then </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>Sir
Nigel keeps it in the back of his mind. He has other fish to fry, you see. He
has just whisked the rightful ruler of the country to safety, and he has
evidence that the Colonel is holed up in <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">this</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">a</span></ins></span>
disreputable hotel in a disreputable part of town. So he goes there, and gets a
room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Well,
no sooner does he get himself settled in, and starts preparing for the night’s
investigation when he hears running. And where there’s running, there’s usually
trouble.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Especially
in disreputable hotels,” Matt agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Sir
Nigel hears a <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">particularly </span></del></span>light set of footsteps in
the hall outside his door. He hears a doorknob rattle, not his. He hears other,
heavier steps thunder up the stairs. He prepares to go out and do battle, when
suddenly the door flies open and into his room floats the most beautiful
creature he has ever seen. Her hair is like golden silk, her perfect body is
clothed in <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">the lightest</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">a gossamer</span></ins></span>
fairy gown. She stares at him, and he wants to say, ‘Do not be afraid of me,
lovely creature, I will not harm you,’ but the sound of the thugs in the hall
kicks his gonads out of his brain and he starts to think again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Sir
Nigel realizes this probably is ‘Mr.’ Johns, the kidnapped computer specialist.
Also, knowing Col. Azaz’s penchant for <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">red‑heads</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">redheads</span></ins></span>,
he understands immediately the reason for her being here. He doesn’t know if
her pursuers pack firearms or not, and he has only seconds to think of a plan. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">He’s</span></ins></span> about
to panic when inspiration strikes. ‘Kiss her, dummy,’ a voice says to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“‘What?’
he responds, for <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">he is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">he’s</span></ins></span> thinking
a bit slowly tonight. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“‘</span></ins></span>Get
her on the bed and kiss her. They won’t see her if you’re in the way.’ <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“‘</span></ins></span>Oh<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">,”</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">,’</span></ins></span>
he says, suddenly seeing the light. He lifts her onto the bed, wishing he could
find some way of telling her his plan, and kisses her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Sir
Nigel does not mean to kiss her for real but her lips are like spun sugar and
her skin like creamy velvet. The men come in, unarmed, but he could care less
now. He just wishes they would go away. He says something to them which is the
equivalent of a gorilla thumping <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">on </span></del></span>his
chest, and they do at last go away. Sir Nigel is about to return to the land of
milk and honey when inspiration strikes him again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“‘Get
her out of here,’ the voice says, startling him into leaping away from the
beautiful woman. He is grateful for the voice only later. He cools down a bit,
then looks back at the woman. She is about to go into shock, probably from his
brutish kiss, he thinks ruefully. He attempts to get her some warm clothing,
but the only thing he has <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">around </span></del></span>are his own coarse shirts. So
he offers her one, but she will have nothing to do with it. He does not blame
her, after all, she is obviously used to only <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">fine clothes</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">the
finest silk</span></ins></span> next to her satiny skin, and his clothes are rough and
plain. He attempts to joke about it, and gets the surprise of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“The
beautiful creature looks him straight in the eye and jokes back. Sir Nigel is
flabbergasted. What kind of woman is this? ‘The woman you have been looking for
all your life,’ the voice tells him, but this is obvious. He gives her another
shirt to hide her magnificent hair, arms himself, and, instead of going out the
door, gives himself an excuse to touch her again by using the window as an
exit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Now
Sir Nigel and the beautiful computer specialist race among the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">roof
tops</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">rooftops</span></ins></span>, trying to lose their
pursuers. The lovely woman’s presence is distracting Sir Nigel more and more,
so at his first opportunity he puts her down, forgetting about her fragile
build and delicate skin. She valiantly attempts to follow the lout, but falls
and hurts herself. Sir Nigel hears her cries of pain, and returns to her,
terribly angry with himself. Unfortunately the bad men have heard her also. Sir
Nigel had planned to cross between <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">this building and the
next</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">buildings</span></ins></span> by rope, because the gap is
too far for him to jump, but now <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">there is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">there’s</span></ins></span>
no time. He is even angrier with himself. He picks the lady up, and foolishly
attempts the jump anyway. It is only because of her goodness (“Or good luck,”
Vickie inserted) that they make it. It is certainly not because of Sir Nigel’s
brain. Even with the lady’s goodness, however, they almost <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">do not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">don’t</span></ins></span>
make it. As Sir Nigel’s hand is slipping, he calls out to her for help. Amazingly,
she manages, even in her hurt state, to climb onto his back, freeing his other
hand. They pull up to safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“The
pursuers have also managed to get to the top of this building. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">Finding</span></ins></span> they
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">do
not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">don’t</span></ins></span> have guns, Sir Nigel allows
himself to vent some of his anger on these hoodlums. That the beautiful woman
is watching and may be impressed <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">does not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">doesn’t</span></ins></span>
hurt. He takes care of all but one of the men, who <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">has escaped</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">escapes</span></ins></span>
to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">find</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">get</span></ins></span> reinforcements.
Sir Nigel turns to the beautiful woman. Her eyes are shining, her lips are
glossy, and he realizes she still has her wits about her. He has one of two
alternatives. He can either take her to a boat he knows waits in harbor, which
will take her to safety, or he can try to seduce her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“He
is leaning toward seduction when inspiration hits him over the head again. ‘Don’t
be more of a fool than you can help,’ the voice tells him. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">(“Or a similar but more
direct term,” Vickie inserted) (“Peanut gallery,” Cliff <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tsked</i>)</span></ins></span> ‘If you’re going to seduce this one, do it
right.’ <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“‘</span></ins></span>But
how is that,’ I ask. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“‘</span></ins></span>You
know who she is. Let her get back to the States, and then court her. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">It’ll</span></ins></span> be
more comfortable than a <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">roof top</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">rooftop</span></ins></span>,
and besides, if you screw up, which you’re likely to do, you’ll have another
chance. Here, you’ll just get shot.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I
had to acknowledge that the voice was <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">probably </span></del></span>right<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">
again</span></ins></span>, so I picked up the lovely woman and took her straight to
the boat. And immediately left her there, too, lest my treacherous libido get the
better of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Hey,
Dad, I thought this was about Sir Nigel. How come you keep saying ‘I’?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cliff
chuckled. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could
have used</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">“Sir Nigel is of course</span></ins></span> Sir Humphrey. That’s
how I met your mother, Matt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Matt
stared fish‑eyed at his father. “You’re kidding. Really? That’s great! It’s
better than a fairy tale, because it’s got sex in it, too!” And he began to
intently type.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0950; mso-comment-reference: M_11;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cliff <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">rolled
his eyes again. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">sighed</span></ins></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_11" id="_anchor_11" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_11" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_11')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_11','_com_11')">[M11]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
“Adolescents. Is that all they think about, sex?” He looked at his wife of
thirteen years. “When do they grow out of it, do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
smiled patiently. “About never, I think.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">He
smiled back. “Thank goodness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After
the kids had gone to bed, Cliff and Vickie were sitting alone in the room. Vickie
had finished her patching and was working a crossword puzzle. Cliff was sitting
on the floor, trying to put the HCC300 <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">Matt had been working
on </span></ins></span>back together and failing miserably. Finally he gave up,
sighing. “I used to know how this thing worked.” Then he looked more closely at
it. “Now how’d that kid…I wouldn’t have thought of that.” He tinkered some
more, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">now </span></del></span>smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
put down her puzzle and joined him on the floor, hugging his still‑massive
shoulders. He kissed her lightly, then leaned back. “Do you miss it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Miss
what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“The
excitement. Evading kidnappers. Getting drunk. Staying out until one in the
morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“We
stayed out until one last Saturday when Tess and John got a sitter for the kids
and took us out for our anniversary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“You
know what I mean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
laughed. “Yes, I know what you mean. And sure, I miss it. It was part of the life
we had together, then. It was fun, then. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0950; mso-comment-reference: M_12;">And <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">secure, too</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">looks
golden in retrospect</span></ins></span>, because it <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">will never change. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">turned
out okay</span></ins></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_12" id="_anchor_12" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_12" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_12')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_12','_com_12')">[M12]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
It’s sort of archived, just waiting for retrieval, and it always has a happy
ending.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">He
kissed her collarbone, murmuring, “Not like now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
suppressed a giggle. “Now is always changing. You used to call it the bleeding
edge. We never know if <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: red;">it will</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-08-06T09:42"><span style="color: teal;">it’ll</span></ins></span> have
a happy ending, so I guess that’s why it never seems as good.” She swatted at
his hand, which was wandering under her sweater. “But it is as good. Better. Because
you know why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“What
kind of grammar is that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“My
kind. Just answer the question.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Because
I love you, Victoria Lynn Hawkesclyffe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
smiled, relaxing under his caressing hand. “Because the bottom line is that we
love each other. We have all the past, all the present, and all the future. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130806T0954; mso-comment-reference: M_13;">We have our
family, our friends, our career, and each other.”</a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_13" id="_anchor_13" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_13" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_13')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_13','_com_13')">[M13]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Phew.
Sounds like a lot of work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Phew,”
she mimicked him. “Sounds like it’s worth it. Hey,” she swatted at his hand
again. “Stop that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">But
he didn’t stop, not for a long, long time.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">On
occasion, spell checker is worth its weight in gold :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We
know it's Vickie but by the rules, the last name is Angela and the last noun is
the 12 yo. Best to be clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_3" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This
was too much stuff between the kiss and the 12yo's reaction. While it's not
difficult to look back on a book page, it's much more likely this would be a
new page on an ereader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_4" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_4">[M4]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
used to write a lot of superfluous words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_5" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_5">[M5]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Secret
opinion is rational. This is more emotional than that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_6" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_6')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_6','_com_6')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_6">[M6]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">wordy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_7" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_7')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_7','_com_7')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_7">[M7]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tell
vs show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_8" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_8')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_8','_com_8')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_8">[M8]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">contractions
are closer POV--an omniscient/distant authority might write do not, she had; in
my head I'm thinking dono't and she'd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_9" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_9')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_9','_com_9')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_9">[M9]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This
struck me as out of character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_10">[M10]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Since
they started a family, kids was one of the things he was missing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've since found out that r</span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_11">[M11]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">olling the eyes
indicates a level of disdain I didn't think was appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_12">[M12]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This
seemed unclear to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_13" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_13')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_13','_com_13')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_13">[M13]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can
women have it all? was one of the questions we asked ourselves when I first
wrote this. Interestingly, it's a question that is being asked again now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-15037218110183639682013-08-09T03:00:00.000-07:002013-08-09T03:00:00.324-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 226-230 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
came back down at a dead run, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">feet thundering on the stairs behind him, John</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">John</span></ins></span>
dangling limply in his arms. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Feet thundered on the stairs behind him.</span></ins></span>
“Come on!” </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1310; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">somehow
freed up one hand which he used to grab</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">herded</span></ins></span> her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">with, dragging
her along by</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">out</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">wrist. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">door.</span></ins></span></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bullets sang</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Fresh air hit
her face—and bullets started flying</span></ins></span> past her head<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> immediately
upon hitting the fresh air. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> Cliff <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">reacted</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">shoved her to
the ground and covered her and John with his big body. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Stop! They’re
on our side.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Tess, Vickie realized
about the same time she realized she couldn’t breathe, her breath knocked out
of her. She gasped ineffectively</span></ins></span> like <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">lightning, throwing her and John
to the pavement and covering them both with his huge body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop,” she heard a voice scream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re on our side!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tess, she realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breath had been knocked out of her </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">a fish. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff made a
shocked noise and his hands were under her arms </span></ins></span>and she was being
hauled <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">up
and trying to gasp at the same time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">to her feet. She’d just sucked
in her first breath when</span></ins></span> she was thrown to the side as Fahrrad’s
men ran out of the building<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, into the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Only
Cliff’s sure arms kept her from falling. They wrapped around her as if they
would never let go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1312; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fahrrad’s
men in the meantime were cornered</span></del></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Stop! Throw down your weapons.”
Kulinahr’s forces filled the street, bristling rifles.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">The first men stopped,
confused.</span></ins></span> More were still pouring out, so they <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">could not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">couldn’t</span></ins></span>
retreat. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in front of them were a hundred of
Kulinahr’s best, rifles trained on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">One</span></ins></span> of Fahrrad’s men <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">stopped, </span></del></span>smiled
weakly, threw down his gun<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span> and raised his arms<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> in
surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. One by one,</span></ins></span>
the rest<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">
had</span></del></span> followed suit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Tess ran to
John, dropped to her knees and cradled him against her chest. Her cheeks ran
with tears. <o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“I’m fine,”
John croaked. “Or I will be. Field tourniquet?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Cliff let
Vickie go to grab the nearest goon, yank his belt off and cinch it around
John’s arm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">John’s eyes
wandered. </span></ins></span>“Where’s Fahrrad?” <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tess looked up from nursing John, who had
regained consciousness. </del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff spun on
his knees..</span></ins></span> No more men were coming out of the hotel.<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cliff was still holding Vickie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> He said</span></ins></span> grimly<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span>
“He must still be inside.” <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She felt</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie saw</span></ins></span>
his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">muscles
tighten. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">intent in his blazing blue eyes.</span></ins></span> “No<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">!” she cried. “</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">! </span></ins></span>You
can’t go back in there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“One
person stands a better chance. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">John.</span></ins></span> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1314; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Give me the gun</span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, John.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">.” </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“It’s out of
bullets. Take one of Kulinahr’s men’s rifles.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Good idea.”
Cliff stood and reached out. Three rifles were thrust into his hand. He took
one, slung it over his shoulder, and turned toward the alleyway. <o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“No.” </span></ins></span>Vickie
<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">intercepted
him and </span></ins></span>grabbed onto his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">wrist with both hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the only part of him not too </span></del></span>thick
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">to hold
on to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">biceps. “</span></ins></span>I don’t
care about your damned sense of responsibility. You’re not going in there alone
to get yourself killed. I didn’t risk my neck just to lose you again!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">That
stopped him. He looked deeply into her eyes, then smiled <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">for the first time in
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why Vickie, you’ve been working
out!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook the wrist she held just a
little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">slowly. “You </span></ins></span>worked
your tail off for me, and risked your neck for me. Any other body parts you
care to contribute?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She had far too</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Too</span></ins></span>
little sleep and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">far </span></del></span>too much <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said what was on her mind, straight and
true. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">adrenalin shot out her mouth as the truth.</span></ins></span>
“Yes, you big <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">muscle</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">muscled</span></ins></span> mass<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>without the m.</span></ins></span> I’ve lost my heart
to you too.” <i>And apparently my mind</i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, she thought to herself</span></del></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">His
smile broadened. “I love you too, Victoria Lynn Johnston. Do you want to get
married, or live together in sin?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">swatted his
sassy backside, blinking</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">blinked</span></ins></span> back tears<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span> and was about to
retort when John <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">interrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Fahrrad’s on</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">said, “Fahrrad. On</span></ins></span> the roof.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Cliff
sprang into action. Vickie, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">however, had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">with</span></ins></span> a death‑grip
on his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">wrist,
and he</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">biceps, was</span></ins></span> pulled <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">her unintentionally </span></del></span>along.
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vickie,” he began</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">He stopped</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Take me along, Cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Before he could say anything she
blurted, “</span></ins></span>Don’t leave me again. I couldn’t bear <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the guilt</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">it</span></ins></span>
if something happened to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
swore under his breath. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“For
goodness sake, just take her Cliff,” John called. “It’s because of her you’re
even alive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>I’m
light.” She smiled at him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
closed his eyes, then opened them and smiled back. “Well, start talking<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,” he said.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Whatever for…?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Talk? Why should I…?” <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
slung her across his broad back in mid‑sentence. She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">held onto</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">clung to</span></ins></span>
his beloved shoulders as he <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">raced around the corner, </span></ins></span>jumped for
the fire escape <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">and </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">of the building across from the
hotel, </span></ins></span>caught it easily, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">then</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">and</span></ins></span> raced up the
stairs<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fahrrad was raining bullets in front of the
hotel from the roof</span></del></span>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">The rat-a-tat
of gunfire dug her fingers into his skin. But the cracks echoed. Fahrrad wasn’t
shooting at them. He was raining bullets on Kulinahr’s men, from the front of
the hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Cliff set her
down, lay the rifle on the edge of the building and took careful aim.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Just as he
shot, Fahrrad moved. The shot missed. Cliff squeezed off another…and swore.
“Empty.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Fahrrad turned
toward them just as Cliff yanked her down and ducked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">A battery of
shot erupted. Vickie said, “Kulinahr’s troops?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Laying down
cover fire.” Cliff edged his head over. “Fahrrad’s</span></ins></span> distracted<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,” Cliff noted
thoughtfully.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“You
don’t have <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">a gun,” she observed.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">any
ammunition.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">smiled
secretively at</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">gave</span></ins></span> her<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, reaching</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> a small,
secret smile and reached</span></ins></span> into his pants pocket. “They searched me
fairly thoroughly. Of course, they didn’t find that little sharp‑edge. They
found this, but they didn’t think it was important.”<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amazingly, he</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> He</span></ins></span>
drew out a rubber band and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">what looked like </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">a square of </span></ins></span>chewing
gum. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She eyed it.</span></ins></span>
“You’re going to take him with your sawed‑off rubber band?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This,” he</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">He</span></ins></span>
held up the chewing gum gingerly<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, “</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. “This </span></ins></span>is a highly
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">unstable
impact</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">powerful</span></ins></span> explosive. I brought it along
on the off‑chance I might get to blow up the HCC300 or the console. I didn’t
have much time to pack<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,” he said ruefully.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m just grateful</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Did</span></ins></span>
you <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">were
able</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">have time</span></ins></span> to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">leave</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">pack a
detonator?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Don’t need
one. It’s extremely stable until I activate it with a twist. It’s my own
design.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Lovely. Now
how do you plan on getting it onto</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">clue on </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">next roof
over? Since that must be a good ten feet.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Ooh, I can’t
wait to show you my three inches. That’s thirty feet, at least. And how?” He
held up </span></ins></span>the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">chip prototype</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">rubber band. “This</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“What? Ten
yards on a rubber band? Unless you designed that thing out of space age
superball polymers, you’ll never make it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Oh ye of
little faith. I was rubber band shooting champion of my public school (*five*)
years in a row.” </span></ins></span>He fitted the explosive to the rubber band, and
drew it back. “If I can just get this to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">go</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">stretch</span></ins></span>
far enough…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">released it
with a twang. It </span></ins></span>shot<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> it</span></del></span> up into the air, at <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">an incredible</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">exactly
forty-five degrees, the best</span></ins></span> trajectory<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>possible.</span></ins></span> It arched way, way up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“It’ll
never make it,” Vickie breathed. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh ye of
little faith</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Faith</span></ins></span>,”
he retorted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Not
</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1315; mso-comment-reference: M_4;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">even <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">June</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Belva</span></ins></span>
could </span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_4" id="_anchor_4" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_4" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">make a shot that far,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He
smiled. “Who do you think taught <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">June</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Belva</span></ins></span> to shoot
rubber bands?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> blinked and</span></ins></span>
lost sight of the rubber band and its little payload<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> on the way down. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
She waited. Nothing. “Cliff, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">are you sure</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">I don’t think</span></ins></span> that
was <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">explos…”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">explosiv—”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
front side of the hotel burst into a cloud of dust. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mo ments</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Moments</span></ins></span> later the
waves of heat <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">impacted</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">hit</span></ins></span> her. Cliff
hugged her in his protective arms.<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1316; mso-comment-reference: M_5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Times New Roman;">On the
opposite roof, Fahrrad reeled around, arms waving like a drunken mime.
Kulinahr’s men flooded into the building and moments later burst onto the roof.
They took Fahrrad captive without a struggle.</span></ins></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_5" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M5]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff murmured
into her hair,</span></ins></span> “You should really learn to trust me<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> more,” he
murmured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.” <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">merely</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">just</span></ins></span>
nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Or
maybe he used the romance hero's "third hand".<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M2]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">This
statement makes a conclusion. While it works, it's one step removed. Showing
the bad guys boxed in has a better impact.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">A
few paragraphs later she says "You don't have a gun." And to use the
upcoming explosive, he had to not have a gun. I had to play a round of
solitaire to figure out how to work it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_4"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I
replaced the name so it didn't get confused with the calendar month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M5]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">So
I realized it might have seemed like Cliff blew up the bad guy. I try not to do
that in romantic comedies any more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span>Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-8273100300513925172013-08-02T03:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T03:00:00.594-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 221-225 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>Cliff,
it’s <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">me,
</span></del></span>Vickie<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,” she
whispered sharply. “</span></ins></span>Nod if <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">you can hear me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one fearful second, she thought they had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">you’re awake.”
<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">His head
wobbled slightly. Fear iced her. If he was</span></ins></span> drugged<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, she’d never
rescue</span></ins></span> him <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">as</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">before Fahrrad got here. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1307; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Then</span></ins></span>
he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">slogged</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">lifted</span></ins></span>
his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">head
slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">chin and</span></ins></span>
she saw the rope was <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">even </span></del></span>wrapped around his neck<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, inhibiting
his movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could never untie</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. Good news,
he wasn’t drugged. Bad news, he was trussed like a rodeo calf. She’d never free</span></ins></span>
him in time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
she saw him try</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">He tried</span></ins></span> to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">thrust</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">nod again. Had
no more success. His face contorted around the gag, his jaw elongating. She
blinked. He was trying to tell her something…<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">He was pointing</span></ins></span> his chin at his chest.
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was attempting to tell her something!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was wearing another
of those </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">At his </span></ins></span>black T<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">‑shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The T‑shirts with the hidden pockets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quickly she pulled the shirt out of his pants
and </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">-shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She </span></ins></span>snaked her arm <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">up the </span></del></span>inside<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ignored the tingly feeling she got when
her skin contacted the firm muscles of his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thrust her hand into</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> his shirt,
grabbed</span></ins></span> the hidden pocket<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> and pulled it back fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was something sharp in there.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">—and cut herself. She jerked. </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>More carefully she <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">pulled the
flat </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">tried again. A small </span></ins></span>handleless <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">knife out of</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">blade lay flat
in</span></ins></span> the<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> inner</span></del></span> pocket<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. She worked it out</span></ins></span>
and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">gleefully
began slashing</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">slashed the rope at</span></ins></span> his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">bonds. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">neck.</span></ins></span>
As soon as <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">they</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">the rope</span></ins></span> loosened he
pulled against <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">them</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">it</span></ins></span>, ripping <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">then
apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">it away. She’d</span></ins></span>
forgotten how strong he really was. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he tore
the gag</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She started working on the gag. She’d barely frayed
it before he tore it off, then ripped the blindfold</span></ins></span> from his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">mouth and
finally the blindfold from his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stared at her, disbelieving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached
out </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">His blue eyes blazed into hers. She </span></ins></span>hesitantly
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">to touch</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">touched</span></ins></span>
his face. Would he ever forgive her<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> for not trusting him</span></ins></span>?</span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Oh,
Vickie<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,”
he gasped hoarsely,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.” Her name was a hoarse gasp but his arms were
sure</span></ins></span> and <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">strong as he </span></ins></span>folded her into his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">embrace.</span></ins></span> He hugged
her desperately<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> for a moment, then moved back. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
“How long do we have?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A lifetime</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1308; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span style="color: red;">she wanted to
answer, but knew his question was about Fahrrad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></a></del></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">“About</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. “Maybe</span></ins></span> fifteen
seconds.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">nodded</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">released her</span></ins></span>
and got stiffly to his feet. After shaking his muscles loose, he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">moved forward
into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fahrrad and company are
on the second floor,” Vickie noted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where’s
the computer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s gone after it.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">started for
the door. “Where’s Fahrrad?” </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A glint shown in Cliff’s eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hid it in that sculpture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be the first place John would
check, so let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She followed him as he sprang into
action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But why</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Second floor.
Where’s the computer?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“The lobby.”
He headed for the stairwell. “Anyone here with you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“John. Tess</span></ins></span>
is <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">Fahrrad</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">outside.
Kulinahr’s </span></ins></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">his way.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“You’ve been
busy.” He threw open </span></ins></span>the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">second floor, then?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their feet rang</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">door.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“I wish we
could’ve been here sooner. I didn’t understand the clue you left</span></ins></span>
on the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">stairwell.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">chip—”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1308; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;">“The only television in the whole place is
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He probably wants to watch the
destruction of</span></a></del></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Not a last minute rescue? Where the hell’s the fun
in that?” He took her hand and ran with her down the stairs. “Whether</span></ins></span>
the palace<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And when it doesn’t blow?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> blows or not, we</span></ins></span>
probably have half a minute of confusion time to get out<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No,” he corrected</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">…damn.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1309; mso-comment-reference: M_4;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Angry shouts
vibrated the air</span></ins></span> as they passed the second floor landing<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> and heard the
angry shouts</span></del></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_4" id="_anchor_4" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_4" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, “we have no time at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go on, Vickie!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. “Go on.” Cliff </span></ins></span>shoved
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">her</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie</span></ins></span>
ahead of him and turned<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span> like a big bull<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span> to block the
landing door. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">couldn’t leave</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">hesitated.
Leave</span></ins></span> him<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, with rescue
so close? <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
door swept open and the first man made it two steps before Cliff decked him.
“Vickie! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go get John</i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">!”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That made more sense, seeing as John</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Who</span></ins></span> had the gun. She
<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">spun and
</span></ins></span>raced down the stairs<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, then froze as shots</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Gunshots</span></ins></span>
rang out <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">from
</span></ins></span>above<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, freezing her.</span></ins></span> “John!”
she screamed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John’s
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">handsome
</span></del></span>face appeared below, questioning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaped over the remaining steps and
grabbed his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>“Come <i>on</i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,” she urged
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.” She nearly yanked her arm out
gesturing him to follow. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Another
shot exploded in the stairwell. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She</span></ins></span>
raced back up the stairs, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">Vickie fighting icy</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">not waiting for John. Ice filled
Vickie’s chest,</span></ins></span> fear for Cliff. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">fear
evaporated as the </span></del></span>first of Fahrrad’s men<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> came</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span>
tumbling down the stairs<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, nearly took her out at the ankles</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">had to
jump past</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">leaped at the last minute, then jumped another</span></ins></span>
two <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">more
</span></del></span>unconscious <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">obstacles</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">men</span></ins></span> on her way up. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">On the narrow
landing</span></ins></span> she <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">saw</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">beheld</span></ins></span> Cliff, even
more graceful than ever with the economy of motion imposed by <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the narrow
landing. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">small space.</span></ins></span> He was picking them off
one by one as they came through the doorway<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> with a single punch to the face</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“What
a tactician,” John breathed<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from behind her. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
felt laughter bubbling up inside. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>What
an idiot<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,’
she thought, as she tugged his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just
</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. Why not just </span></ins></span>shoot them<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,” she urged.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">?” </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s too</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Too</span></ins></span>
confined. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">A stray</span></ins></span> bullet
might hit one of us.” <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
pocketed the gun and ran up the rest of the stairs to offer Cliff whatever help
he might need.</del></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“They don’t
seem to care.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“They’re the
idiots.” John edged her out of the way and stood behind Cliff. “Hey. Let me
have some.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">counted</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">mentally
tallied</span></ins></span> the unconscious bodies. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three here, and three more down the
stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That still left </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Six, which left
Fahrrad </span></ins></span>well over a dozen. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Fahrrad’s men </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">And he might
decide at any time that safety wasn’t worth it and order his men to shoot
wholesale. Even so, with a dozen to one, it was only a matter of time before
the goons </span></ins></span>broke <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">past the doorway bottleneck</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">out. The
instant they did</span></ins></span>, the three of them were as good as dead. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she had a brainstorm.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">If only they
could lock the door, even for a moment…</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">An idea juiced
her brain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
ran <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">quickly
back </span></del></span>down <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">the stairs </span></ins></span>to the lobby<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, where she
collected</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. Next to</span></ins></span> the<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> waist-high</span></ins></span> triangle
sculpture<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> lay the</span></ins></span> first
HCC300 console<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> lay next to it</span></del></span>, smashed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Poor thing</i></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1310; mso-comment-reference: M_5;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, Vickie,
only </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She shook her head and wrapped her arms around the
sculpture. Only </span></ins></span>a computer geek <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">like you </span></del></span>would
lament the passing of a machine</span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_5" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M5]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">. She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">sighed and lugged</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">dragged</span></ins></span> the heavy
sculpture <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">across
the floor and </span></ins></span>up the stairs. After the first flight she paused,
breathing hard. This would have been impossible without the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">weights, she realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she heard</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">weight
training. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">A gunshot.</span></ins></span>
John <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">cry</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">cried</span></ins></span>
out<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Adrenalin
rushed her blood</span></ins></span> and she <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">quickly </span></del></span>picked the thing up<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> again</span></del></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">got to</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">dragged the
sculpture onto</span></ins></span> the landing just <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">as two </span></ins></span>of Fahrrad’s
men <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">battled</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">shoved</span></ins></span>
John,<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">
who was</span></del></span> bleeding heavily from a nasty gash on the arm<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, out of the
doorway.</span></ins></span> Cliff <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">had just cut one down when another</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">knocked one’s
face in but</span></ins></span> two <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">more </span></ins></span>rushed through<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cliff!” she cried.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">. </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Cliff,” she
cried. “Some help!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">saw the
sculpture</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">spun. His eyes widened. He spun back</span></ins></span>
and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">caught
on immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cracking</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">cracked</span></ins></span>
the heads of two <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">of Fahrrad’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">the</span></ins></span> men together<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. Then</span></ins></span>
he put his immense shoulder to the door and slowly, excruciatingly pushed it
shut. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">brought
over</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">dragged</span></ins></span> the sculpture <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">and</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">to</span></ins></span>
Cliff<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,
who</span></ins></span> wedged it under the doorknob. Then he turned and cut John’s <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">last </span></ins></span>opponent
down with a swift kick. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go,”
he said, grabbing</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">He grabbed</span></ins></span> Vickie’s arm<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and dragged her down the stairs.</span></ins></span> John<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> held onto</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, holding</span></ins></span>
his <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">wound</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">arm</span></ins></span>
with one hand<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> and</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span> followed<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vickie and Cliff had gotten to</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, tottering. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">In</span></ins></span>
the lobby<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">
when they realized</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, Vickie turned. No</span></ins></span> John<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> wasn’t with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He must have</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“He</span></ins></span>
fainted<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,”
Vickie cried out, and </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">?”</span></ins></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520087;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-from: yes;">Cliff
rushed back up the stairs.</del></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">“Stay here.” </ins></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520087;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-to: yes;">Cliff rushed back up the stairs.</ins></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">This
whole bit was talking around the action with all the details rather than
showing the high points in clear, strong words.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M2]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Yikes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Already
taken care of with two earlier inserted words, it's his "command
center".<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_4"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Example
of editing out a filter word (heard).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M5]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
did a lot of talking to herself. This is a more modern way of handling that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span>Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-78472496056498916742013-07-26T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-26T03:00:00.489-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 216-220 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Chapter <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">14</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">Fourteen</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1255; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;">The car pulled up a block away from the
hotel, according to John’s plan</span></a></del></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>The
officer </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1255; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;">went into a
nearby building to phone for reinforcements </span></del></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M2]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1256; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">dropped Vickie, John and Tess around the corner from
the hotel. They leaped out and </span></ins></span>while <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">Cliff’s three friends used his
last quarter hour to attempt a rescue. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">John took a quick survey of
their surroundings</span></ins></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span> Vickie turbaned the black T‑shirt
around her tell‑tale hair<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. John nodded</span></ins></span> and <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie </span></ins></span>led <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the others</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">her friends</span></ins></span>
to a building across <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">the alley </span></ins></span>from the hotel, one with a
fire escape. John leaped, caught the bottom of the escape, and scrambled <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">up </span></del></span>onto
it. He lowered the ladder so Vickie and Tess could climb up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“I
wish we had one of Cliff’s ropes</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1257; mso-comment-reference: M_4;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;">,” Vickie said when they got to</span></del></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_4" id="_anchor_4" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_4" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.” On</span></ins></span> the roof, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">eyeing</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie eyed</span></ins></span>
the distance between buildings. “Somehow it looks a lot farther away during the
day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
simply grinned. “I think I can jump it. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">You two go back down.</span></ins></span>
I’ll go over and subdue <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the natives</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Fahrrad’s goons</span></ins></span>,
then let you <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">guys </span></del></span>in to disconnect the computer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vickie felt her </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“All alone?” Vickie’s
</span></ins></span>spine <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">stiffen. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">stiffened.</span></ins></span> “No. Cliff
might need me. I’ll jump, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Well
I’m not<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.”
</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jumping.”</span></ins></span>
Tess spoke firmly. “John is in prime condition, and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">Vickie, </span></del></span>he’s made
you into another muscle maniac. But I can’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1259; mso-comment-reference: M_5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s okay, Tess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>I <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">understand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">hear </span></ins></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_5" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M5]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">you. There’s</span></ins></span> no way <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">she’d</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">I’d</span></ins></span>
attempt this jump if Cliff’s life weren’t in grave danger<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,” Vickie
said.</span></ins></span> “Meet us at the front. You know the signal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Good luck.” </span></ins></span>Tess
ran back down the fire escape as John <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">contemplated</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">eyed</span></ins></span> the distance. Then
he backed up, ran a few steps and flew across the narrow alley, hitting the
roof of the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
compressed her fear down into her body, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">where </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">\</span></ins></span>the
roiling sensation <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">gave</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">making</span></ins></span> her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the extra
strength she needed. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">legs feel like springs.</span></ins></span> She didn’t
pause, just ran, hit the edge and jumped.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Her
legs were more powerful than she remembered. She sailed across the open space,
not looking down, not thinking of anything but the man she hadn’t trusted
enough. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1300; mso-comment-reference: M_6;"><span style="color: red;">Then she was landing on the other side and </span></a></del></span><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 6;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She hit the roof hard, pain jarring her bones and
making her stumble.</span></ins></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_6" id="_anchor_6" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_6" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_6')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_6','_com_6')">[M6]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520083;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-from: yes;">John grabbed her
shoulders. </del></span></span></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520084;"></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520084;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-from: yes;">“Good going! </del></span></span></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520085;"></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520085;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-from: yes;">Let’s find Cliff.”</del></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520083;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-to: yes;">John grabbed her shoulders. </ins></span></span></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520084;"></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520084;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-to: yes;">“Good going! </ins></span></span></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520085;"></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520085;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-to: yes;">Let’s find Cliff.”</ins></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie shook
off her pain and followed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">They
found the hatch to the fourth floor, removed it and dropped into the dimly‑lit
corridor. Vickie had <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">seen </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">run terrified down </span></ins></span>these
corridors <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">over
and over </span></ins></span>in her worst nightmares<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, but</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. But</span></ins></span>
always at the end<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span> strong arms <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">had </span></del></span>plucked her
from them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">No
strong arms <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">but her own </span></del></span>this time. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1301; mso-comment-reference: M_7;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">banished</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">pushed</span></ins></span>
the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">thought.
</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">acid sting of fear away</span></ins></span></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_7" id="_anchor_7" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_7" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_7')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_7','_com_7')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M7]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> Time enough for <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">fear</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">that</span></ins></span>
later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
and Vickie ran<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, leapfrogging</span></ins></span> from door to door,
listening. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As John
expected, this floor was </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Empty. Empty. All </span></ins></span>empty. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John had explained</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Not unexpected
but not to their advantage. It meant</span></ins></span> that the whole hotel had <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">probably </span></del></span>been
taken over by Fahrrad and his personal guard, which <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the ambassadors had </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">John </span></ins></span>estimated
to be a couple dozen strong. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">It was
possible</span></ins></span> this had <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">probably </span></del></span>been Fahrrad’s retreat all
along, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">a</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">the</span></ins></span>
hotel <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">just
as </span></del></span>a cover. Fahrrad <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">would not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">must</span></ins></span> be <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">expecting
anyone to crack his hide‑out, as </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">pretty ballsy to use it again
after Vickie’s escape, but </span></ins></span>he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">did</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">might</span></ins></span>
not know about Cliff’s previous visit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52">John checked
his watch, held up both hands, then nodded toward the stairwell door.</ins></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-to: move362520086;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-to: yes;"> Ten minutes to go. </ins></span></span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They went</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie
followed John</span></ins></span> cautiously down the first flight of stairs. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She realized this
</span></ins></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130725T1252; mso-move-from: move362520086;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52" style="mso-move-from: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten minutes to go. </del></span></span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This </del></span></span>was the floor Cliff’s room
had been on<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stick to
the </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and nearly
bolted out of the stairwell to check the room. But they had a </span></ins></span>plan<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, Vickie. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and she roped in her surge of adrenalin.</span></ins></span>
They went down another two flights, to the ground floor, pausing at every turn
of the stairs to listen for Fahrrad’s men. Nothing. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1302; mso-comment-reference: M_8;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie felt her stomach sink<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if she was wrong?</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"> the farther
they went from Cliff’s old room. </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 8;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">What if it her gut feeling was right? What if she
was doing the wrong thing, ignoring it? They had so little time. Once the
explosion went off Fahrrad would have no reason to keep Cliff alive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 8;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The stairway <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">doorknob rattled. Vickie jumped.
John yanked her under the stairs. The </span></ins></span>door slammed open<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, followed by
a</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. A</span></ins></span> long, loud string of Arabic curses<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accompanied feet tramping up the stairs.</span></ins></span>
Vickie and John pressed themselves into the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">shadow of the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">shadows. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 8;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Then a voice spoke in English, one Vickie
remembered well. “Once the palace is rubble, kill him.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 8;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie froze.<span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"> It was Fahrrad, confirming her
worst fears.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 8;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 8;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
of Fahrrad’s men started up the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">The feet went up one </span></ins></span>flight, then <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">came </span></ins></span>the shuttered
sound of a door opening and closing<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five
minutes to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Third floor—she had </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, while one
set of tread went up another. Fahrrad and his guard going to their command
center on the second floor no doubt, while Cliff’s guard—his executioner—went
to the third. She’d </span></ins></span>been right. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, when</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">When</span></ins></span> would she
learn to trust her instincts?<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> </span></ins></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_8" id="_anchor_8" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_8" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_8')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_8','_com_8')">[M8]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The deposed colonel and his guard
went upstairs,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">John held up one hand. Five minutes</span></ins></span> to
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the
second floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">go. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">When
<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">would
she learn to trust her instincts? Now.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">wheeled
out onto the stairs and </span></ins></span>started <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">after them,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">up.</span></ins></span>
John <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">hissed
and </span></ins></span>grabbed <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">for her.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">But her gut
was screaming </span></ins></span>at her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">hand, to stop her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Irrationally, she evaded him and </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">so loudly it even drowned out
her heart whooshing in her ears. She ignored John and </span></ins></span>ran lightly
up the stairs. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">After hundreds of flights on the stair machine, it
was easy.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
got to the <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">second floor </span></ins></span>landing <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">and saw</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">as just</span></ins></span>
the door <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">just
swinging </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">swung </span></ins></span>shut. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now John called softly after her, but she ran
for all she was worth up the remaining </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Men tramped down the corridor,
Fahrrad’s big hat prominent among them. The sight goosed her around the turn
and into the next </span></ins></span>flight. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after hundreds of flights on the stair
machine, she was worth quite a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">When she </span></ins></span>reached
the third floor<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> before John even started</span></del></span>, her heart <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">pounding. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">pounded but
with anticipation, not strain. She paused.</span></ins></span> Which room? She
listened <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">carefully,
</span></del></span>but <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">could hear nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">no noises, shouts or even quiet swearing gave
anything away. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">How
long now? <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Did
she have time to try every yellowed knob down the ratty corridor?<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Did she have a
choice?</span></ins></span> She turned to the left, her hand pausing over the glass
knob. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No. </del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Her gut
wrenched her away. It had been right before.</span></ins></span> She <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">followed it
and </span></ins></span>swung to the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">right,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">room he’d occupied before</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1304; mso-comment-reference: M_9;"><span style="color: teal;">. She</span></a></ins></span><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"> grabbed the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">yellowed doorknob </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">knob, twisted </span></ins></span>and
slammed the old wood <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">door </span></del></span>open<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She heard a groan as she caught the guard on
the arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in one motion.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie rushed into the room and stopped
abruptly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The last time she had seen him here <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">he</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff</span></ins></span>
had commanded the room. Now he lay in the corner, blindfolded, gagged and
trussed up tighter than Houdini. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The guard lay on the bed, smoking a cigarette and
reading a magazine. He rolled to his feet the moment he saw her, flinging
magazine and stub away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie’s horror <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">caused</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">froze</span></ins></span>
her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">to
wait </span></del></span>too long. The guard <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">had recovered and was coming at</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">reached for</span></ins></span>
her. She stared<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"> at him, unable to move</span></del></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 9;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
her overwhelming anger came to her rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></del></span>Her powerful, wonderful man, the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">one</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">man</span></ins></span>
she loved<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span>
lay helpless on the floor. <i>How dare they?</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took one
</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Fahrrad’s face floated over the guard’s and she
took a </span></ins></span>swing at the bastard<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, seeing Fahrrad’s face, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">—and </span></ins></span>connected<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, and slammed
him to the floor</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. The blow rang </span></ins></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_9" id="_anchor_9" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_9" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_9')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_9','_com_9')">[M9]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">up her arm bones. She yelped. The guard wavered on
his feet, eyes glazing</span></ins></span>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
ran in<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">
just then, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">, wound up, and </span></ins></span>took <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">the guy down
with </span></ins></span>a <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">quick look, and smiled, shaking his</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">roundhouse to
the</span></ins></span> head. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s out
cold,” he whispered. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">He raised and eyebrow at Vickie.</span></ins></span> “Maybe
you train faster than Cliff.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vickie checked her watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have two </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She gave him a quick grin. “How
long?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">“Two </span></ins></span>minutes<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">, John.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Right. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
I’ll take care of Cliff, you try to find the console and stop the destruct
sequence<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">. Wait.” John grabbed</span></ins></span>
a <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">pistol
on</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">gun off</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">terrorist’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">guard’s</span></ins></span>
body and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">was
about to give</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">held</span></ins></span> it <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">out </span></ins></span>to her<span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"> when she</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">She</span></ins></span>
waved her hand no. “I’ve only used a rifle once, a handgun never. Look, there’s
no time to be elegant about this. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">I’ll take care
of Cliff. You go</span></ins></span> find the console and smash it. Hopefully it will
stop the explosion—but if not, the palace has been evacuated<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll look after Cliff.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John nodded and left.</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">.”</span></ins></span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Right.” John
nodded and left. <o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130725T1305; mso-comment-reference: M_10;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">walked over</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">skidded</span></ins></span>
</span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_10" id="_anchor_10" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_10" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_10')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_10','_com_10')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M10]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">the prone man
in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to untie the
blindfold, but </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">her knees next to Cliff. She wrenched </span></ins></span>her
fingers <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">got
caught in</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">on</span></ins></span> the<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"> blindfold’s</span></ins></span> knot. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was no good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>She <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">searched</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">tossed a
glance around</span></ins></span> the room <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">quickly for a</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">but no</span></ins></span> knife or
scissors<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">,
but found nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even looked in
Cliff’s </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stood out. She
turned back to Cliff and delicately searched his </span></ins></span>waistband, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">blushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">her blush automatic. Time was
ticking. There couldn’t be more than a </span></ins></span>minute to go<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wondered how long it would take </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Fahrrad’s goons were on the floor below.
Now would be a good time for the Mounties to show up, or whatever </span></ins></span>Kulinahr’s
reinforcements <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;">to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once the minute was up, Fahrrad would almost certainly come to see if
Cliff’s sentence had been carried out</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">were called</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-25T12:52"><span style="color: teal;">Then she realized Cliff hadn’t
made a sound or movement beyond breathing. She might have a bigger problem.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">This
is backwards. Cause (John's plan) should come before effect (parking a block
from the hotel). I also had to change the rest of the paragraph so I cut it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M2]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Cell
phones have significantly changed the way we do things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Very
apparent in this chapter that I've changed as a writer. I've chopped swathes of
description for short snappy action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_4"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">It's
very rare that both the "said" tag and the action tag aren't
redundant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M5]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
only way this would make sense would be if Vickie were an unreliable narrator,
which she's not. If she says it, she means it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_6"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M6]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Again,
the difference between "telling" what's going on and showing it.
Bonus, it reminded me that a jump that far will have an impact. Much more real.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_7"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M7]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Told.
Now shows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_8"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M8]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I've
been editing this over the better part of a year and frankly, I don't remember
if I set the character up with an inability to trust her instincts. But I like
it :) So I expanded on it here and left myself a note to add it in the
beginning if it doesn't exist (and if it works with the story overall).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_9"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M9]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
impact here is Vickie's reaction to seeing Cliff trussed and helpless. That's
romance. But the rest of the scene has a sort of haze over it. Where's the
guard? Where is Cliff? Not every detail needs to be painted but the important
ones definitely need to be clear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_10"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M10]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Huge
example of how the right strong verb is so much better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span>Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-81603970418197415222013-07-19T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-19T03:00:04.224-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 211-215 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Any
T‑shirts?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Another
uniformed man was dispatched, and quickly came back with several of the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">familiar </span></del></span>big
black T‑shirts Cliff favored. Vickie took them one at a time, feeling the
hidden inner pockets. Empty. Empty. Jackpot!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
practically ripped the shirt pulling the hard, flat square from its hiding
place. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">She
held it up with a grin.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“What
is it?” the ambassador asked. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled
to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s the</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“The HCC300</span></ins></span>
prototype <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">for
the HCC300 </span></del></span>chip.” She waved it at the <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">lead </span></ins></span>computer
expert. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We should be able to install it in one of the</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1637; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="color: teal;">Have any HCC</span></a></ins></span><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 1;"> boxes </span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">already built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are a few </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">been </span></ins></span>produced<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">, aren’t there?”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"> yet? We can install
this in one.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
man <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">indicated</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">waved at</span></ins></span>
an HCC300 computer sitting in the corner of the room. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was one</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“One</span></ins></span> of the first
things I tried<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was booting that thing. </span></ins></span>But
there’s no software on it, not even an operating system.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“Maybe not on the factory box.
But </span></ins></span>Cliff might have <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">left</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">put</span></ins></span> something in
the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">chip
</span></del></span>prototype’s memory. If we can install it in that box, maybe we can
access it. I can download the operating system from the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">palace</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">secure virtual
private</span></ins></span> network <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">if I have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can break in that far</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">at the Hawkesclyffe home offices</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You can break into</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">They opened</span></ins></span>
the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">operating
system?” Tess exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then why can’t
you stop</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">box, popped off</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">explosion?”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can read</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">factory-fresh
chip from</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">operating system, not change it.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The government expert spoke as he worked
at installing</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">motherboard and fitted</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">chip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you can read</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">prototype chip
in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>its place. Vicky nodded and</span></ins></span>
the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">palace
security operating system, then maybe you can trace it back to where Fahrrad is
holing up.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I only wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one of</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">expert hit</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">Hawkesclyffe
hardware gurus designed the device hookups specifically so you wouldn’t have to
worry about location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do know,
however, that they’re not using a modem to dial in, and they’re not </span></del></span>on
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">the
premises.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29">button.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How do you know that?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">As it booted, </span></ins></span>Vickie
pulled the keyboard <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">of the HCC300 over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Because I can see their ID on the system, and it’s not one of the modem
connections, and it’s not on the local network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now let’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">onto her lap. “Let’s</span></ins></span> see if we can get
this chip to speak to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
worked tensely for about ten minutes, then shook her head and offered the
keyboard to the government expert. He tried a few commands, then returned the
keyboard to her and pried the back off the box. After switching a few
connections, they tried again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Still
nothing. Vickie said something to the expert, and began downloading the HCC
operating system from the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">palace network. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">home office. Vickie glanced at
her phone.</span></ins></span> An hour and a half left.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
expert reconnected the chip. Now the terminal flared to life, and Vickie hacked
away at it for half an hour. Then she turned, brushed a drop of moisture from
her temple and shook her head. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
ambassador’s face fell, and he lifted the receiver of a red phone in the room. “Your
highness. I’m sorry we have nothing for you here. How goes the search?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vickie anxiously watched the
ambassador’s face, but found no comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></del></span>Kulinahr had sent soldiers to sweep every corner of the
country<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">,
but</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1639; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie’s fingers rose to her throat and she searched the
ambassador’s face, but the man’s tightly drawn lips were no comfort. She
clenched her fist against her chest</span></a></ins></span><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;">, small though <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">it</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Middle Yemen</span></ins></span> wa</span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">s, it would be impossible to find Cliff in the short
time <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">they
had </span></ins></span>left<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">. Not</span></ins></span> without <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">some</i> clue.<span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fahrrad and
his guard knew the area well; they could be anywhere.</del></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">And with</span></ins></span>
less than one hour left, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">barely enough </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">it was </span></ins></span>time to
evacuate the palace. The computer expert extracted the DALE chip prototype and
gave it to Vickie. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those
awful</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">She stared at it in her palm, wondering where to
put it. Just tuck it back where it had been? She switched her gaze to the pile
of rumpled black. Those</span></ins></span> black T‑shirts. She picked one up and
hugged it to her, fighting the tears. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doubted
Cliff would be allowed to live once he was no longer needed.</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Less than one
hour.</span></ins></span> Fahrrad would kill <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">him</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff</span></ins></span> after the
palace was rubble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The uniformed
men ushered everyone out. Vickie’s feet felt like they were coated in molasses.
John had to pull her the final steps. How could she leave Cliff…before the end?<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“He’d want you
to be safe,” John said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29">She came then.</ins></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130710T1629; mso-move-to: move361237070;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29" style="mso-move-to: yes;"> She had not cried. </ins></span></span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of Kulinahr’s people drove</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Tears would
come later.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">A black
military limo carried</span></ins></span> John, Tess and Vickie back to the airport. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vickie had wanted to stay to the end, but John
had pulled her away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He wouldn’t want
you to be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d want you at least
to be safe.” </del></span><span style="mso-move-author: Mary; mso-move-date: 20130710T1629; mso-move-from: move361237070;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29" style="mso-move-from: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had not cried. </del></span></span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bitter tears would come later.<o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></del></span>The Middle Yemeni
officer who drove <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">them to the airport</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">it</span></ins></span> had taken
driver’s ed from someone in Hades, but Vickie didn’t even pay attention. In the
back seat, she turned the chip prototype over idly in her hands. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
wasn’t really looking at it, but something<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"> about it </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">…a flash in
the wrong place or a slight irregularity in the feel…something </span></ins></span>caught
her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s why it hadn’t worked, she thought. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">attention. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">She looked
closer.</span></ins></span> Someone had defaced <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">it</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">one side of
the chip</span></ins></span>, putting several long scratches in it. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">So that was why
it hadn’t worked.</span></ins></span> Probably Fahrrad, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">she thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">because</span></ins></span> Cliff had <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">left</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">tried to leave</span></ins></span>
a clue in the memory<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">, so Fahrrad had tried to destroy the chip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">. They’d</span></ins></span> never know<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span>
now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
gazed blankly at the chip, her mind a thousand miles away. Cliff<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He</span></del></span> had been <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">behind</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">helping</span></ins></span>
Kulinahr all along, only wanting her to trust him. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a fool she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Her throat thickened and her
heart beat a heavy recrimination. She’d</span></ins></span> had <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">had it all</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">happiness</span></ins></span>,
and had thrown it away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And if she had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">If she’d</span></ins></span>
come <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">with
him </span></del></span>to Middle Yemen<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">, who knows if he </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with him, </span></ins></span>would <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">he </span></ins></span>have
been captured? <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he
wouldn’t </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Without the distraction of her rejection, could he </span></ins></span>have
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">been
distracted. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">escaped Fahrrad’s machinations? Well, of course he
could.</span></ins></span> She remembered the ease with which he had escaped with her
that night over four months ago. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">He’d</span></ins></span>
be free right now, laughing with her about some shared joke. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oh, great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All she needed now was to feel guilty about
his death.<o:p></o:p></span></span></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The word shocked her out of her
reverie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he couldn’t </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Instead of
about to </span></ins></span>die.<span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">How could he
die? Why</span></ins></span> now,<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"> not</span></del></span> when they’d had so little time
together<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must stop the car, she must run out and
find him before it was too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she
had only a half an hour.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29">? </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
stared at the chip again. If only Fahrrad hadn’t defaced it. If only…she looked
closer at the scratches. They weren’t on the circuit side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">weren’t</span>
on the circuit side</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. So whoever had
made them had either not known much about chips, or had intentionally made them
on the side where they wouldn’t do any damage. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that, coupled with where it was found,
might mean Cliff was attempting to leave a message.</del></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">A message from Cliff?<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">brought the
chip to her nose and </span></ins></span>examined the scratches. Three of them, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">look ing kind
of like </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">arranged in </span></ins></span>a weird triangle<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, where had she </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that she’d </i></span></ins></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seen </i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">that symbol</span></del></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">somewhere</span></ins></span> before</i><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">. But where</span></ins></span>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She couldn’t
remember. She slapped the chip onto her thigh and stared out the window, trying
to beat the answer out of her brain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
triangle was the mathematical symbol for change. Was he trying to indicate they
were changing locales constantly? No, besides making no sense, Kulinahr’s air
units would have tracked them, then. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Triangle.
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warped triangle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>It looked familiar.<span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"> Warped
triangle.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">And
then it clicked. The bizarre sculpture in the hotel where she’d been held
prisoner. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She yelled out in her excitement.</del></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hot damn</i>.” She turned to Tess.<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“It’s
okay, Vickie,” Tess <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">saw the wild‑eyed look in her friend’s face,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">grabbed her
flailing hands and squeezed.</span></ins></span> “We understand. Go ahead and let it all
out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“No!”
She practically shouted. “Stop the car<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">. We have to</span></ins></span>
go back<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">
to the city</span></del></span>!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Vickie,”
John started patiently. “We’ve been over this already. We can’t do any more
good here, and Cliff<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">…”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29">—”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“…</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“—</span></ins></span>is being held in
the same building I was <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">four months ago! </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">when I was abducted.</span></ins></span>
Look at this chip John<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">,” she</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">.” She</span></ins></span> shoved it
under his nose. “See the scratches? They form <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">a sort</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">the shape</span></ins></span>
of <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">curled‑up
triangle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ex actly the same as </span></del></span>a
sculpture in the lobby of the hotel <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">where </span></ins></span>I was held. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s unforgettable because it</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">It</span></ins></span>
sticks out like a sore thumb<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"> in that squalid decor. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
Cliff stayed at the same hotel; <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">he would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">he’d</span></ins></span> have seen it
too, and known it was memorable.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But where is that hotel?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1641; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“He couldn’t
have done this, </span></ins></span>Vickie<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"> suddenly deflated. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">.” John spoke
gently. “He couldn’t have known where they were taking him before they actually
abducted him..”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Sure he could have. He’d know their hideouts. He
might have heard where they were taking him and either had enough warning or
escaped long enough to scratch a quick message. Oh, John, it doesn’t matter if
I’m wrong. This is our only chance!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">“But Vickie,” Tess said. “Where is the hotel?”</span></ins></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">It hit her
like a spear shaft to the heart.</span></ins></span> She had no idea. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff might know, no, obviously did know, but
she</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">She</span></ins></span> hadn’t seen her arrival or her
departure route. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Then
the Middle Yemeni officer spoke up. “I know the hotel<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His English was obviously limited but that
was all they needed to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three
urged him to drive immediately to the location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you’re
speaking of.” <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie wanted
to hug him. “Then let’s go!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
officer wanted to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">call</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">wait</span></ins></span> for
reinforcements, but Vickie <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">quickly vetoed that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s no</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">said, “No</span></ins></span> time. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have less</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">Less</span></ins></span> than a half
hour to get there, break in, find Cliff and the computer and unlock the
destruct sequence. Go now!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
officer drove even more maniacally now. Vickie held onto the door, narrowly
avoiding getting crushed in a particularly quick turn. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Well, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">If they didn’t get to </span></ins></span>Cliff<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">, if we can’t
find you</span></del></span> in time, it <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">won’t</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">wouldn’t</span></ins></span> be for
this guy’s lack of enthusiasm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>John <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">broke into her thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">held grimly to the door handle. “We</span></ins></span>
need to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">have</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">make</span></ins></span>
a plan<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">
before we get there. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> There’s no time to look the place
over first. Tell me about the hotel, Vickie.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
told him as much as she could remember, including how Cliff had rescued her,
skipping only the kiss that had started it all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Okay<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: red;">,” he said,
slamming</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:29"><span style="color: teal;">.” His body slammed</span></ins></span> into the door on
another tight turn. As they bumped their way down the main drag, dodging cars
and people and animals, John explained what they needed to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
<hr align="left" class="msocomoff" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_1" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_1"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I'll
have to revisit this. I updated much of the technology but it could stand some
more. Boxes are going away. We're in the tablet and smartphone age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_2" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_2"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M2]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Again,
it's important to not just show the action, but the POV character's reaction to
high points.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_3" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_3"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Plot
holes are much easier to see from the vantage point of time away from the story
:)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span>Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-65226225503294585412013-07-12T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-12T03:00:08.584-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 206-210 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Well,
I’d better call the embassy, and find out what’s going on.” John moved again
toward the door, Tess following.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“No,
wait,” Vickie exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">They
stopped. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“I’ve
got to go. I’ve got to see if there’s anything I can do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
shook his head. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vickie, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>I
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">know</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">understand</span></ins></span>
how you feel<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">, but there’s
nothing </span></ins></span>you <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">can’t</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">can</span></ins></span> do <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">anything</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">that</span></ins></span>
Cliff can’t do for himself. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
better off</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Stay</span></ins></span> here, out of the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>‘</span></del></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I can love him</i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,’ Vickie thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘</span></del></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. </span></ins></span>He can’t do that
for </i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">him
self.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out loud </span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28">himself</ins></span></i><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28">. But </ins></span></span>she <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">only </span></ins></span>said,
“<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">You’re
probably right. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Fine.</span></ins></span> Do me a favor, though<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, would you? </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
Call the embassy from here, so I can know what’s going on<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span> too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1630; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Got it.” </span></ins></span>John
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">complied,</span></del></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> getting</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">produced</span></ins></span> the<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> embassy’s</span></ins></span>
number from some magical place all secretaries keep obscure information<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. <o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">She
listened anxiously to his end of the conversation<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hello, this is Sir Humphrey
Hawkesclyffe’s personal assistant</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> and was shocked when he
connected straight with the ambassador herself. Or, knowing</span></ins></span> John<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> Gaites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">, maybe just surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>What
exactly is going on over there Mrs. Ambassador<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uh‑huh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Uh‑huh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">?” </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1631; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span style="color: teal;">Silence as
John’s frown deepened. </span></a></ins></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>No, I don’t know anything about it. But
the project leader is here with me, maybe I can ask…well, I don’t know.” He
covered the mouthpiece<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> and spoke softly to Vicky</span></ins></span>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They say Fahrrad has </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Fahrrad’s </span></ins></span>threatened
to blow up the palace<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, that he’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What</i>?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“He’s</span></ins></span>
in <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">hiding
but still has </span></ins></span>control of the palace defense<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> grid. Of</span></ins></span> the
HCC300. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Team Kulinahr</span></ins></span> can’t
break into the network<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, and they can’t </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or </span></ins></span>find Fahrrad. And Fahrrad
kidnapped the only person who could break in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vickie’s eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So that <i>is</i> why he took Cliff.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie</span></ins></span> started
pacing. Whirling, she stopped suddenly. “We’ve got to go <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">there, John. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">to Middle
Yemen.</span></ins></span> I know more about that system than anybody except for Cliff.”
She choked up a second, bit it back and continued. “Maybe I can break in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“I don’t like
it but…I can’t think of anything better.” John </span></ins></span>relayed that to the
ambassador. Then he turned back to Vickie. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s one</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“One</span></ins></span> more thing. Fahrrad
has set the palace to blow twenty‑four hours from now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vickie came alive, planning, giving
directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then we</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Damn. We</span></ins></span>
don’t have much time. Tell the ambassador that we’re coming. I’ll leave right
now for the airport. Have the company jet waiting for me. You and Tess can
follow on a charter.” She was out the door.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1632; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See you in
Middle Yemen!”</span></del></span></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Twelve
hours later, she was <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">again swearing, this time half a world away.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1633; mso-comment-reference: M_4;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">She, Tess and
John were at Kulinahr’s palace, </span></ins></span>sitting <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">in front of</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">at</span></ins></span>
a <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">palace</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">secure</span></ins></span>
terminal, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">John
and Tess sitting with her</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">a dozen computer experts at similar terminals
nearby</span></ins></span>, the American and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">English</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">British</span></ins></span> ambassadors
pacing behind. She pushed the keyboard away</span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_4" id="_anchor_4" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_4" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s all I can do. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“I can’t touch
it.</span></ins></span> The computer is locked from the console<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">—</span></ins></span>the
master terminal<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, and it</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. It</span></ins></span> must be in
Fahrrad’s possession. Tell me again exactly what happened.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
American ambassador cleared her throat<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, then spoke. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>before speaking.</span></ins></span> “As you know,
our government was friendly to Prince Kulinahr, but as long as Col. Fahrrad had
the token backing of the Parliamentary Council<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span> and official
control, we could do nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff</span></ins></span></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> had done something, but </span></ins></span>Vickie kept
her opinions to herself. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Cliff</i>
had done some thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></del></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
ambassador <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">did not see Vickie’s face. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">continued.</span></ins></span>
“Mr. Hawkesclyffe <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">was working on his own but kept
his contacts in the state department abreast of his actions. He’d</span></ins></span> infiltrated
the palace to disconnect the palace security system and reconnect Kulinahr’s
loyal militia.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1634; mso-comment-reference: M_5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John spoke
up. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“When </span></ins></span>Cliff
contacted the <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Middle Yemeni </span></ins></span>militia, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">and </span></del></span>an
overwhelming majority was still loyal to the Prince. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">The</span></ins></span> citizens of the
country were secretly joining in droves<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">The British ambassador nodded. “Sir Humphrey</span></ins></span>
was able not only to communicate with <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">them, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">both militia and citizens, </span></ins></span>but
to open channels <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">among the resistance, </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">between them, </span></ins></span>to
help initiate the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">counter‑coup</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">countercoup</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">American </span></ins></span>ambassador cleared her throat<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">,
uncomfortably. Vicky smiled.</span></ins></span> Perhaps John <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">was not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">and the
British ambassador weren’t</span></ins></span> supposed to know <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">more about this matter than</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">as much as</span></ins></span>
the <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">U.S.
</span></ins></span>government<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, Vickie thought, smiling wickedly to herself. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. The
ambassador said,</span></ins></span> “Well, apparently Fahrrad got wind of what <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">your friend
Cliff</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Mr. Hawkesclyffe</span></ins></span> was doing, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">and although
Cliff was able to disconnect the</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">disconnecting the original</span></ins></span>
palace security system<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> he had to </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">, and made him </span></ins></span>install
the new one.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">John shrugged. “The bad guys have informants,
too, Mrs. Ambassador.”</span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_5" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')">[M5]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Perhaps,”
she said stiffly. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Though </span></ins></span>Mr.
Hawkesclyffe <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">installed the new system he </span></ins></span>was <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">apparently </span></ins></span>able
to disrupt <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">the new security system</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">in long</span></ins></span>
enough for Kulinahr’s militia to break<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> through, at any rate. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. But somehow</span></ins></span>
Fahrrad got away with his personal guard, <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">this…console, as you call it, </span></ins></span>and
<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">worst of
all, </span></ins></span>Mr. Hawkesclyffe<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> himself</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
held up her hand. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever
disrupting Cliff did wasn’t for the whole system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Look, I know we’ll have to
rehash what went wrong, but can we do it later? The self-</span></ins></span>destruct
mechanism is still active<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">, and the HCC300 is fully in control. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
We have two hours<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> to wrest control from the HCC300</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
American ambassador sighed, <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">and she scrubbed her face with one hand, </span></ins></span>her
hard‑nosed <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">professional </span></del></span>image cracking a little. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And now you tell me</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Are you sure
the only way in is this damned computer that</span></ins></span> Fahrrad took<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> this damned
security system, too.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28">?”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
shook his head. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Fahrrad
didn’t take</span></ins></span> the HCC300 itself<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">, just</span></ins></span> the master
terminal<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,
the console.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The computer is probably
locked away in some secret location. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> But the console
is deadly enough, because right now, it’s the only thing the HCC300 will listen
to.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A man who had been working</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie said, “The
computer itself is probably locked away</span></ins></span> in <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">some secret location. Without a
clue as to where, I’d rather not waste time looking for it.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">One of </span></ins></span>the
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">background
stepped</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">other computer experts stood and came</span></ins></span> forward.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Ambassador, but the system is absolutely <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">locked down </span></ins></span>tight. I
don’t know who designed this, but it might as well have been Sir Humphrey
Hawkesclyffe himself<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">!”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28">.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>‘</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>It <i>was</i>
Hawkesclyffe<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,’</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.”</span></ins></span> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130710T1635; mso-comment-reference: M_6;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And only</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">slumped in her chair.</span></ins></span></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_6" id="_anchor_6" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_6" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_6')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_6','_com_6')"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M6]</span></a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Cliff held the entire master plan in his <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">big </span></ins></span>brain<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> and not</span></ins></span> even the
government’s top computer experts could crack it. What <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">had </span></del></span>made her think
she could?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Somehow,
we have to locate either the computer or this master terminal, but then what? Could
you stop the explosion, Ms. Johnston?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie forced herself to
straighten. “</span></ins></span>Cliff and I wrote that <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">particular </span></del></span>device
driver<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Together</i>. She squeezed her eyes against
exhausted tears. “Probably.</span></ins></span> I just wish I <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">could find</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">knew</span></ins></span>
a back door around it<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> that I could activate from here</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John interrupted. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">John’s head
was shaking.</span></ins></span> “I don’t think that would be a good idea. Once
Fahrrad found out the device had been disconnected, he wouldn’t have any
further use for Cliff.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“I
hadn’t thought of that.” <span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28">Her joints ached and she dropped her head into her
palms.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">John said, </span></ins></span>“I
think our best bet is to find Cliff. The console and Fahrrad won’t be far
away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">struggled
hard against tears of exhaustion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
hadn’t been sleeping well for two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She hadn’t slept at all since the beginning of this crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“John, you</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">gave herself one more moment,
then with a deep breath, straightened. “You</span></ins></span> know Cliff better than
any of us. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">Would</span></ins></span>
he have <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">done</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">given us a
clue somehow</span></ins></span>?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
considered a minute. “He hadn’t been really acting like himself since he left,
but I think even instinct would have prompted him to try<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> to leave us a</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. A</span></ins></span>
clue as to where he was going<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span> or how to break the system. Did you
find anything in the code?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Nothing
obvious. I can look again but—”<o:p></o:p></span></span></ins></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“No,
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe </span></del></span>he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">didn’t</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">wouldn’t</span></ins></span>
have <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">the</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">had</span></ins></span>
time<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m sure </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to be subtle. Maybe </span></ins></span>Fahrrad
wouldn’t let him near the console.”<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then what about</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"> John snapped
his fingers. “Where are</span></ins></span> his personal effects?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">The U.S. ambassador motioned to
a </span></ins></span>uniformed man<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> brought forward a </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. A </span></ins></span>handful of
things<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were brought forward.</span></ins></span> “This is
all that we could find in his room, other than the usual clothes and toiletries.”
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">John
picked the handful over, selecting a small piece of paper and a copper button
shaped like a mushroom for a second look.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s a list of </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“There are </span></ins></span>words
on this paper. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">A list.</span></ins></span> ‘Chip, factory, power.’ And a
symbol. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘>=‘. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">‘>=‘.</span></ins></span> Maybe this
is a coded message.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Vickie
looked over his shoulder. “Well, that last thing is greater than or equal to.” <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">She couldn’t stop a tear from
trickling down </span></ins></span>her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">eyes did glisten</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">cheek</span></ins></span>, remembering
the one <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">coding
</span></ins></span>mistake <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">she had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">she’d</span></ins></span> caught him at.
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But the others</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“The other
words</span></ins></span> are just the topics from his last memo. Remember? Chip
production here is about to start. Factory is complete, except for backup power
source.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Did
you memorize that?” <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">John asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he caught the look on</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">John’s eyebrow raised. She felt</span></ins></span>
her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">face,
though, he didn’t press her. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">cheeks heating.</span></ins></span> Truth
to tell, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">she
had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">in the last few weeks she’d</span></ins></span> found
herself reading <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">and rereading </span></ins></span>anything that came from
Cliff<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"> in
the last few weeks several times </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. John grabbed her hand for </span></ins></span>a
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">brief squeeze. “Never mind. </span></ins></span>Okay,
so <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">it’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">the list is</span></ins></span>
probably <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">not</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">just</span></ins></span>
a <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">message</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">list</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
ambassador peered over John’s shoulder, and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">selected an item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But this </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">poked the </span></ins></span>button. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">“Mr. Hawkesclyffe</span></ins></span>
is an electronics genius<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">. Could</span></ins></span> he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">could </span></del></span>have
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">build</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">built</span></ins></span>
a radio controller or something in here<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28">?”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Tess
took the button from <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: red;">the ambassador. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-07-10T16:28"><span style="color: teal;">John.</span></ins></span> She turned it
over several times, then took a clip from her hair and attacked it. The
ambassador grabbed at her wrist, but not before she flipped the back of the
button off. It was empty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
<hr align="left" class="msocomoff" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_1" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_1"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M1]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Excessive
words. I show John complying, getting the number and calling. Don't need to
say, then show the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_2" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_2"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M2]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I've
learned that it isn't always enough to show the action. You should show the
character's reaction to the action too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_3" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_3"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M3]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Total
mood breaker.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_4" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_4"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_4"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M4]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The
reader will picture things in the order you show them. Originally I had Vickie
doing something, then John and Tess coming in a sentence later. The poor reader
will have a picture of Vickie alone (because John & Tess were coming later
on the charter), then have to pop John & Tess into her mental picture.
Better to just put them all there to start. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_5" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_5"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A bit mushy. </span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_5">[M5]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Straightening
out and clarifying who did and said what. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="mso-element: comment;">
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</span><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_6" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_6')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_6','_com_6')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_6"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></span><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_6"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">[M6]</span></a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Again,
it's not enough to show her thoughts. We need to see her reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span>Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-73952003152919296732013-07-05T03:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T03:00:01.319-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 200-205 Draft Comparison <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chapter <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">13</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">Thirteen</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130703T1650; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Saturday
rained</span></ins></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. </span></ins></span>Vickie <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">packed, then </span></ins></span>wandered
around her apartment<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"> that rainy Saturday</span></del></span>, putting the
finishing touches on the generic furnishings. Without her things around, it
looked like a hotel suite, blank and without character. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>‘</i></span></del></span><i>Tabula rasa,</i> <span style="color: red;"><i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">’</del></span></i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">
thought Vickie, ‘</del></span></span>just like <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">my</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">her</span></ins></span>
future. A clean slate, ready to be rewritten.<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">’ </span></del></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She changed into her robe and slippers,
feeling <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">like a</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">as</span></ins></span> frumpy <span style="color: red;"><i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">hausfrau</del></span></i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </del></span></span><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">as the</ins></span></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"> </ins></span></span>dreary
day outside<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"> complemented her mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Tea usually makes me feel better,’ she
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘I’ll nuke some water</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. She
unpacked her teapot</span></ins></span> and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">watch the news, fall
asleep in front of the tube and feel better in the morning.’<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">She </span></del></span>had
just put the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">honey back in the cabinet and was</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">kettle</span></ins></span>
on <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">her way to sit </span></del></span>when the doorbell rang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
opened the door. John and Tess stood outside in the rain, looking awkward,
sheepish and concerned. “May we come in?” asked John. “It’s a little on the
humid side out here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130703T1652; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Sure<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">,
guys, what’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. What’s</span></ins></span> up? Want some tea? Let me
turn down the babble box.”<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“Thanks, Vickie, I’d
like some,” said John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And stop</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Stop</span></ins></span>
acting like we’re company, It’s only us, remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“John and I have been
talking about, well, you know, Cliff and you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We understand why you’re upset, and want you to know that’s okay with
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Your breaking up with
Cliff doesn’t bother us,” Tess added.</span></ins></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“You
love me anyway, huh,” Vickie attempted to smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“I</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">John
nodded. “Although we</span></ins></span> think you’re both acting like fools.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now
Vickie did smile. “Don’t beat around the bush, John. Why don’t you come out and
say what you really mean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">John
crossed his arms over his chest. “For smart <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">management</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">executives</span></ins></span>,
neither of you is being too smart <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">about your personal
life. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">personally.</span></ins></span> Why don’t you <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">wait
for him to come back, Vickie, so you can</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">want</span></ins></span> talk
this thing out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
sighed. “I don’t think <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
think </span></del></span>it would change anything.” <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The telephone</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie’s phone</span></ins></span>
rang.<span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tess
answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll </del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Aren’t
you going to </span></ins></span>get <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vickie,
it’s for you.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">that?”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“I
rather doubt it would be for anyone else, unless you’ve been followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my apartment, after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least for a while.”Vickie</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“I
suppose.” She</span></ins></span> took <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">the phone. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">her
phone from her jeans pocket and hit connect.</span></ins></span> “Hello, Vickie
Johnston.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130703T1654; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">As
Vickie took the phone, John spoke quietly to Tess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s not gone, yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she can come up with a cracks like that,
she’s still in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope we can get
her out in time.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Vickie leaned against
the wall, wondering who would be call ing her today, of all days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello?”</span></del></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Ms.
Johnston, this is Hannah, Cliff’s cook. We’ve never met, but Cliff has <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">told
me</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">talked</span></ins></span> a lot about you. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">A lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Her
cheeks heated. She wondered what Cliff had said.<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“</span></ins></span>John
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">the
other day, and he </span></del></span>tells me you’re planning to leave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Yes,
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">uh</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">um</span></ins></span>,
Hannah.” How bizarre. Was even Cliff’s cook ganging up on her? “I’m done with
the project, after all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Look,
Ms. Johnston, I don’t want to look like I’m interfering. And I <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">know
that what I</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">really don’t</span></ins></span> want to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">tell
you will sound like I’m trying to take advantage of you. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">come
off as manipulative.</span></ins></span> But <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">you should know—</span></ins></span>Cliff
hasn’t done this since his dad, Colonel Hawkesclyffe, was killed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“Done
what, Hannah?”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“Well,
the night before</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Vickie’s forehead hurt. “I don’t understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Before</span></ins></span>
he left<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;"> for the Middle East</span></ins></span>, Cliff <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">took
dinner in his room, </span></del></span>didn’t come down to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">the kitchen like he
usually does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I brought </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">eat. I
took </span></ins></span>up a tray and left it by the door<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">, knocking and telling
him it was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, when</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. But</span></ins></span>
I went up to bed, the tray was still there, untouched. And you know how <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Cliff</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">he</span></ins></span>
eats.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“Oh,
maybe</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Was</span></ins></span> he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">was just a little
ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">sick?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“No.”
Hannah’s voice went flat with emotion. “He was crying.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“I…</span></ins></span>I’m
sorry<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"> for him.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">, what?”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“That’s
not all, Ms. Johnston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I went past,
I heard him crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what he </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“He </span></ins></span>hasn’t
done <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">that </span></ins></span>for over twenty years<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">, ma’am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Johnston?”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">.”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Vickie
started out of her thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>Cliff,
that big bucket of testosterone, crying? <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“I
think you know why. He was miserable you two fought. Which is why I think you
need to stay, until he gets back. Hear him out.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Did <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">he</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff</span></ins></span>
care about her that much? <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, um,
well, I don’t know what to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uh,
thanks for the information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Well.
Thanks for calling to tell me.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“You’ll
stay?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Put
pointblank like that, did she have a choice? “</span></ins></span>Yes. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">All right</span></ins></span>,
I’ll <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">wait</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">stay at least</span></ins></span>
to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">see</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">hear</span></ins></span> him<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good‑bye</span></del></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Who
was that, Vickie?” asked Tess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Hannah,
Cliff’s cook. As if you didn’t know. Okay, if everyone’s going to gang up on
me, I’ll wait until Cliff comes back to make my final decision.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">John
and Tess looked at each other<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and some tension went out of their stances.
John said,</span></ins></span> “Thanks. But <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">you should also know
that </span></del></span>we’re not <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">all </span></del></span>ganging up on you. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Yes, we</span></ins></span>
talked to Hannah, but <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">her </span></del></span>calling was her own idea<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">, not
ours. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> Tess, maybe we should go now, and
let Vickie think<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">. Or rest. Or, whatever</span></del></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130703T1655; mso-comment-reference: M_4;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">had
already retreated into her own mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, no, this just makes it worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why couldn’t he just be a black‑hearted
pirate all</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">was staring at</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">time instead of the
wonderful guy he is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_4" id="_anchor_4" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_4" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')">[M4]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Why did he have to be only almost perfect?’<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Vickie’s</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">tube,
but her thoughts were turned inward. Her</span></ins></span> eyes <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">focused on</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">barely
registered</span></ins></span> the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The </span></del></span>talking head<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"> was saying something
and</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span> a map <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">was </span></del></span>over
his shoulder. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something </del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Then
something </span></ins></span>about the outline caught Vickie’s attention<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"> and
she dug a little into her memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That
looks </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. It looked </span></ins></span>like<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">— “That’s</span></ins></span> Middle
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Yemen</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a minute, guys, don’t go yet.” </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Tess,
John. Wait.”</span></ins></span> Vickie increased the volume as John and Tess looked
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“…are
still unclear, but it appears that the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">counter‑coup</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">countercoup</span></ins></span>
was successful<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">, and that</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> Prince
Kulinahr has been confirmed as the legitimate leader of Middle Yemen by <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">the</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">its</span></ins></span>
Parliamentary Council<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in a unanimous vote.</span></ins></span> The
whereabouts of Colonel Hafez Fahrrad are still unknown.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
let out a whoop of joy, and almost missed what came next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“In
a related story, Sir Humphrey Hawkesclyffe, founder and owner of Hawkesclyffe
Computers, has been reported missing in the street fighting and confusion in
Middle Yemen. Sir Hawkesclyffe was apparently <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">involved in some
business </span></del></span>in the country <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">and may have been
caught up in the fighting. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">for business.</span></ins></span>
The government of Middle Yemen has assured both the British and American
ambassadors that Sir Hawkesclyffe’s safe return is a top priority.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
stared at the television, stunned. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Oh, shit. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Crap.</span></ins></span> He’s
gone and put Kulinahr back in power<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what he was doing</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">?”
Was</span></ins></span> that <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">was</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">what he’d been</span></ins></span>
so <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">secret.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“John,
Tess, do</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">secretive about? “Do</span></ins></span> you realize what
this means?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Yeah<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">, it</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">,”
John said. “It</span></ins></span> means he’s missing. I’ll get in touch with our <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Washington</st1:state></st1:place> people right
now.” <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John moved</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">He
started</span></ins></span> toward the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“No,
no not that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff’s gone and </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff
had </span></ins></span>put Kulinahr back in power<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. </span></ins></span>He <i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">was</span></ins></span></i>
perfect. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">And perfect</span></ins></span>
for <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">me.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
too much of a coincidence that he’s there just when Kulinahr throws a counter‑coup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look, you </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">her. “You </span></ins></span>guys
can call me the biggest fool in history. And thanks for talking me into staying.
Otherwise I wouldn’t be here for this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“For
what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vickie, you’re not making any
sense,” John said cautiously.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130703T1657; mso-comment-reference: M_5;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">In
her excitement, Vickie totally missed the change in John’s tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cliff had some big secret when he left for Middle Yemen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something he wouldn’t tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he ends up missing in Middle Yemen just
after a coup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that too much to ask
of coincidence?”</span></del></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_5" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')">[M5]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">John </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“We
don’t know that,” Tess said. “We don’t know he’s behind the countercoup.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Actually,
we do.” John </span></ins></span>turned the tube down. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vickie, I’m going</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Time</span></ins></span> to
come clean. Cliff and I <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">were planning</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">planned</span></ins></span>
this <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">all along, </span></del></span>since Fahrrad <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">overtook</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">took</span></ins></span>
the country.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“You
<i>knew</i>! You rat, John<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
have</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">!” She could’ve</span></ins></span> missed a heck of a lot
of heartache if <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">you had told me before this.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">he’d
trusted her with the information.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“Calm
down, Vickie.” </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“I couldn’t tell you.”</span></ins></span> John ran his
hand back through his hair. “Cliff <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">would have</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">would’ve</span></ins></span>
killed me if I’d gotten you involved. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Fahrrad’s</span></ins></span>
dangerous<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"> business, at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And now it looks like Fahrrad has</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">. He</span></ins></span>
kidnapped <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Cliff, and it’s become deadly.”</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">you,
remember?”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">That
set</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“That’s right.” Tess snapped her fingers. “And now
Cliff is missing. Do you think he’s kidnapped Cliff?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Both</span></ins></span>
Vickie and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">Tess both back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How do you figure, </span></del></span>John<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tess asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stared at
her. John groaned. “Damn. You could be right.”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130703T1657; mso-comment-reference: M_6;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">was
speechless.</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49">said, “Why would Fahrrad kidnap Cliff? Ransom?”</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 6;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">“In</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“No.
Only Fahrrad has the codes to the new defense system. But in</span></ins></span> order
to get Kulinahr back in the country, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">the new defense system </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff
</span></ins></span>had to <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">be overridden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only people who could do that are Fahrrad and Cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff knows the </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">override
it. He went in through a </span></ins></span>back door <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">to</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">in</span></ins></span>
the system<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the
fact that Cliff has come up missing </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">, one he’d left
himself.”</span></ins></span></span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_6" id="_anchor_6" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_6" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_6')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_6','_com_6')">[M6]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“He
gave himself away?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">“Yes,
but worse. He’d be the only one who </span></ins></span>can <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">only mean that</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">fix
it. Even if</span></ins></span> Fahrrad <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">has him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t mistake, Fahrrad’s </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">hasn’t
figured that out, </span></ins></span>clever<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;"> and</span></ins></span>
desperate. The world is changing around him; he hasn’t many places to go. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know that he’s going to</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">He’ll</span></ins></span>
try to use Cliff as insurance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">Tess
clutched John’s hand. “He caught Cliff as a hostage?”<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“But
Cliff has never been caught before,” Vickie said in a small voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Cliff
has never <i>let</i> himself get caught before,” John <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">mused</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">said</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">did
not voice her fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, maybe he </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">felt
like she’d swallowed ice. Maybe Cliff </span></ins></span>hadn’t wanted to escape. After
the way she had treated him, after <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">he had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">he’d</span></ins></span>
trusted her, <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">kissed her…more…maybe </span></ins></span>he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;">could
have </span></del></span>wanted to get caught. Or <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: teal;">maybe he just </span></ins></span>didn’t
care. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary%20Hughes" datetime="2013-07-03T16:49"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span></del></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, dear God, please let him be okay</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
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<hr align="left" class="msocomoff" size="1" width="33%" />
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_1" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_1"></a><!--[endif]--></span>
<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Putting
the time first, especially at the start of the chapter, serves to ground the
reader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_2" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_2"></a><!--[endif]--></span>
<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dialog
must sound realistic but shouldn't be everyday stuff. Cut out the pleasantries
and get to the meat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_3" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">A
lot of expressly saying things that can be much better shown by a few deft
actions or words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_4" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_4')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_4','_com_4')">
<!--[endif]--><span style="mso-comment-author: Mary;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_msocom_4"></a><!--[endif]--></span>
<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_4">[M4]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yeah
yeah, wonderful guy--we've heard this only a couple dozen times before. Get on
with the story, already :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_5" language="JavaScript" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_5')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_5','_com_5')">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_5">[M5]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
say the same thing maybe three times. Sometimes I write <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">around</i> the idea instead of writing the idea itself. That's fine in
draft, but editing is for finding and writing the real nugget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: comment;">
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<div class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_6">[M6]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This
may change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378145502738029988.post-82604795432927212652013-06-28T03:00:00.000-07:002013-06-28T03:00:01.424-07:00Hot Chips and Sand 196-200 Draft Comparison<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hot Chips and Sand</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Copyright © 2013 Mary Hughes</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All rights reserved</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
returned from lunch irritable. She tried to work, but couldn’t keep her mind on
the simplest task. So she got up and went to the gym.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Which</span></ins></span> reminded her
of Cliff, but at least it wasn’t the men’s locker room. That would have been
intolerable. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">She’d</span></ins></span>
brought some old baggy sweats from her apartment, and climbed onto the stair
machine. She was slogging away on her second climb when John entered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Thought
I might find you here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Why?”
she puffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Cliff
does the same thing when he gets worked up. He works out. Hey, you’re doing
that wrong, you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
threw him a look that, if she had been any less tired, would have wilted him. “Really?
I didn’t think you <i>could</i> do this wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Oh,
sure. You have to stand straight, otherwise you’re not getting the maximum
benefit out of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
straightened her posture, found herself worn out in five minutes, and stopped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">John,
who had been warming up on the cycle, came over. “Great. Now, what weights do
you do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
shrugged. “Oh, you know, the manly ones. Two hundred pound <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">bar‑bells</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">barbells</span></ins></span>,
and the like.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Okay,
since this is your first time, let’s start over here at the machines. Free
weights are more effective, but you need to have some strength built up first,
or you might hurt yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Thanks,
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Arnold</st1:city></st1:place>. What
else?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Hey,
I built Cliff’s body, I can do yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I
don’t want a body like Cliff’s.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes, I
do</i>, said her libido. She shushed the traitorous thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“What
was that?” John looked over his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I
said, what is that thing there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“This
is the first machine I want you to try. We’ll start with twenty pounds. It’s
for your back muscles<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">, this set here, feel them? </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
Okay, now pull smoothly, and don’t let the weights fall on the way back. Good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While
she worked out, John kept up a steady stream of conversation<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. Tess had sicced him on her</span></ins></span>,
to distract her from <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">the pain</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Cliff</span></ins></span>, Vickie
thought acidly. But, turnabout was fair play, so as long as he was talking, she
asked him casually about <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">he and </span></del></span>Tess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">“So </span></ins></span>I <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">understand</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">heard</span></ins></span>
you <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">and
Tess dined at Deliano’s </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">had a romantic dinner </span></ins></span>last night. Did
they burn the crust <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">at Deliano’s </span></ins></span>again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">John
just grinned. “I wouldn’t have noticed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130614T1522; mso-comment-reference: M_1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hooboy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">“Wow. You have </span></ins></span>it
bad<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I didn’t</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">.” To</span></ins></span>
think<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">
either of you were making footprints on the floor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tess was</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">, Vickie had been</span></ins></span>
floating around<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vickie just wished she could join them up in the clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like Tess a few short weeks ago.</span></ins></span></span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
started pushing the weights savagely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Hey,
take it easy. You don’t build strength that way<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">, you tear muscles</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">John
took her through machines for her biceps, triceps, pectorals, gluteus maximus
and muscles she couldn’t even find, much less remember the names of. When John
finally called it quits, she felt like a colander full of spaghetti, she was
trembling so hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130614T1523; mso-comment-reference: M_2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I think
you’ll do just fine. Remember, don’t <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">work out tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do some aerobic sorts of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then the next day you can </span></del></span>do <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">the </span></del></span>weights <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">again</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">tomorrow</span></ins></span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I’ll remember.” <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span></del></span>Every time <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">I sit</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">she sat</span></ins></span>
down <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">I’ll</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">she’d</span></ins></span>
remember. Or try to stand. Or lift something. Or do <i>anything</i>.<span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12">’</del></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
was sore, but felt </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">But </span></ins></span>her mood <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">lighten</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">had lightened</span></ins></span>
for the first time since Cliff had gone. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though just a short while ago, it felt like
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>She laughed, a
little rusty<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">, but mirth nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sudden twinge made </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. The next
day, when </span></ins></span>her <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">grimace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
John training her, her body would make it feel like years, too.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
same thing happened the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally her irritation led her</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">black mood hit she went faster</span></ins></span>
to the gym<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">,
where she hit the stair machine, did a </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. A </span></ins></span>mile running<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">,</span></del></span>
and <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">lay </span></del></span>a
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">while</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">few minutes</span></ins></span>
in the sauna<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Refreshed,
she was able</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;"> refreshed her enough</span></ins></span> to finish her
day’s work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
day after that, when </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Three days later, John told her </span></ins></span>she <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">gave in to her
mood a little faster, John was waiting for her in the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He coached her through the weights, which
were somewhat easier this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except
then he expected her to do them all again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus she was unhappily introduced to the concept of sets as it applied
to physical training.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two
days later it was the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
a little harder today because she hadn’t slept well the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she made it through with John’s help, and
slept</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">was doing</span></ins></span> better<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day she did over one hundred flights
of stairs on the machine, and ran another half mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day after that she did three rounds of
weights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John smiled, pleased.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re
coming along well, Vickie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. “</span></ins></span>Your
stamina has improved<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> significantly. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> That means your
cardiovascular system is stronger.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then
why is it my arms hurt?” </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">“I’m even getting muscles.”</span></ins></span> She flexed
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">one </span></del></span>biceps,
rather proud <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">she’d gotten rid </span></ins></span>of the <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">small knot
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least it wasn’t </span></del></span>flab.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“All
your muscles are getting a work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
your body is responding well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should
be seeing some real results next week.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m looking forward to decking you.”<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_2" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He ignored her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>“The only person I’ve had
respond faster is Cliff.” <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">John</span></ins></span>
wiped his hands on a towel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems to beat</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">“Yeah, he beats</span></ins></span>
me in everything. No, wait. There is one thing. I probably have more hair on my
chest.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20130614T1525; mso-comment-reference: M_3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">John
laughed, and Vickie left for the sauna. <span style="color: red;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a relaxing treat after a hard work‑out,
and Vickie had come to rely on the few moments she had to herself before going
back to the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it was
winding down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By next week, not only
would she see real results in her workout, but in the project as well. Her
part, at least, would be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she
would send a copy of the system to Cliff, along with</del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">A week later, Vickie was finally packing</span></ins></span>
the HCC300 prototype<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">, all its software loaded up,</span></ins></span> for beta
testing in Middle Yemen. The chip factory there <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">should be</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">was</span></ins></span>
almost done<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">, and ready for</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. When everything was set, the
HCC300 would go into</span></ins></span> mass production<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> of the HCC300.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The computers would then be shipped back here
for software bundling and sales</span></del></span>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie hated her own part in it, but at least
she <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">wasn’t
involved in </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">hadn’t worked on </span></ins></span>Fahrrad’s national
defense net. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff had
taken the reins on that when he got to Middle Yemen</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">That was all Cliff</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
communications were handled through John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She hadn’t talked to Cliff, nor had he asked for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although she knew he was aware she hadn’t
left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw many hardware and defense
net requisitions and specifications coming through the office, but nothing on
the HCC300 general software or development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She didn’t think he’d just forgotten it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John must have told </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Yet she could only seem to
remember </span></ins></span>him <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">she was still there.<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
a way, that was more painful than if he had yanked the project away from
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still trusted her with his
company, his people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or he didn’t
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or he was so certain of his
charisma, he knew she would do her best job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why was it so easy to find less flattering reasons?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why did the most hopeful reason occur to
her first?<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-comment-continuation: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
avoided her thoughts most of the time, but on some days, she couldn’t help
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like today, when the HCC300
prototype and all its software loaded up was packaged and ready for shipping to
Middle Yemen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how often she
flogged herself with her own gullibility, with Ron, with Fahrrad, Cliff rose in
her memory </span></del></span>the way he had been at the park, and the zoo. Just a
little boy, who had found a friend at last.</span></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomanchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_3" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_3')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_3','_com_3')">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
sighed. If she kept this up, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">she would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">she’d</span></ins></span> not only be
here when he came back, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">but she would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">she’d</span></ins></span> be
apologizing to <i>him</i>. She had finished all but some very small details,
which Tess and John had promised they’d take care of. Tess, of course, was
staying. Vickie was packing up this weekend. She didn’t have to be back at <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">work</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Fitzwater</span></ins></span>
until Wednesday, but she was planning on taking a few days off when she got
home to relax. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘</span></del></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Two days</i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> ‘til Saturday,’ she
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Then</span></del></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span> I’ll pack up and go home, and Sir
Humphrey Hawkesclyffe in all his radiant glory will fade from my mind like a
bad dream.</i> Sure he <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">will.’</span></del></span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12">would.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She okayed the shipment and watched as the
special couriers carefully lifted the large freight box and carried it away. She
turned from them before they could see her eyes glistening. Even if she managed
to rout Cliff from her mind, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">every day she would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">she’d still</span></ins></span> see
reminders of him<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>every day.</span></ins></span> The company appeared
daily in the stock <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">column</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">market columns of the news</span></ins></span>,
the man himself was often quoted in the trades. With the arrival of the new
computer and DALE chip<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> on the market, she was sure</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">,</span></ins></span>
the exposure would only increase. Maybe she should find a new profession. Like
stunt pilot. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe the
armed</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Armed</span></ins></span> forces<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">?</span></ins></span>
She laughed ruefully. The way John had trained her, they’d snap her right up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She’d
been standing there too long. Some of the employees walking past were staring
at her strangely. Well, she felt like a stranger now, too. She shook her head,
remembering it was less than three months ago, her first month here, when she
felt like she was home at last. Ironic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vickie
walked slowly to the gym for a workout. There was really nothing much more for
her to do. She avoided John and Tess, feeling like a wet blanket around them. She
couldn’t even face a sundae any more. After she worked out, she returned to her
office and buried herself in detail. She worked until 9:00, went home, slept
poorly, and did it all over again the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally
it was Friday. She said good‑bye to all her people, then all of his. Tess and
John were cleaning up some detail <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">off‑site</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">offsite</span></ins></span>, so she was
spared the hardest good byes of all. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she
would</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">Besides, she’d</span></ins></span> see <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">John and Tess off and on, after
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">them around—though</span></ins></span> it
would never be the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She
dragged herself home<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘No, my</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">…no, to her</span></ins></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">apartment</i><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">, she corrected herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. Her</span></ins></span> flat <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">was her</span></ins></span>
home.<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">’ </span></del></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
started packing, but found herself too tired. As she got ready for bed, an
abbreviated version of her normal routine, she promised herself she would get
up early tomorrow to do it. Tomorrow she would pack. Tomorrow she would go home.
Good‑bye, Tess. Good‑bye, John. Good‑bye, Cliff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑<o:p></o:p></span></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">* * * * *<o:p></o:p></span></ins></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
man at the desk waited tensely. If the phone did not ring today, he would have
to call some of his most highly‑placed contacts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">just wasn’t
usual</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">was highly unusual</span></ins></span> not to hear <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">at least </span></del></span><i>something</i>.
The man knew the other’s disposition had been sour when <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">he had</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">he’d</span></ins></span>
gone, but now he wondered just how <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">much</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">sour</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">At
eleven p.m<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">.</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">., worried,</span></ins></span>
he packed his things up to go home. <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very
worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></del></span>He hesitated, just
a little while longer. Maybe the phone would still ring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It
did. The man grabbed it immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Where
the hell have you been? <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">What’s</span></ins></span>
going on over there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">There
was static from the line. Then the other man’s voice came, flat and weary. “The
old system is gone. I had to install the new one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
man’s tirade died immediately. “Then it’s hopeless. Why did you do that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“He
was paranoid<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> enough to pick</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">. He picked</span></ins></span> up <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">some </span></del></span>traces
<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">from</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">of </span></ins></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my hacking<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"> with the old system. </span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">.</span></ins></span>
But there’s still a chance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“How?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I
only connected the local system. And I know how to break it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
man was even more concerned. “You said you’d get out as soon as everything was
ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Crackling
obscured part of the reply. “…finish this myself.” Then the line went dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oh, God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">The man stared at the handset.
He hoped</span></ins></span> it <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">isn’t</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">wasn’t</span></ins></span> as bad <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: red;">as I think it
is</span></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><span style="color: teal;">he thought</span></ins></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:Mary" datetime="2013-06-14T15:12"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></del></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_1">[M1]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
idea of the humor was here but it didn't click. I took most of it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_2">[M2]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
left the first training session in but the rest made it into a fitness book.
Research and knowledge are good, but it's a novel. The emphasis is on
character, motivation and conflict, not their workout routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a class="msocomoff" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8378145502738029988#_msoanchor_3">[M3]</a><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This
is a great example of how event hopping can get confusing. She's reflecting on
two weeks from now, then two weeks ago, then she IS two weeks from now...I
cleaned out considerable clutter. Which will make it easier to see dust and
damage in the next edit pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05577819467071687389noreply@blogger.com0