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Dark Lover
A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
By
J.R. Ward
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Fie
Chapter Six
Chapter Seen
Chapter !i"ht
Chapter #ine
Chapter Ten
Chapter !leen
Chapter Twele
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fi$teen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seenteen
Chapter !i"hteen
Chapter #ineteen
Chapter Twent%
Chapter Twent%-one
Chapter Twent%-two
Chapter Twent%-three
Chapter Twent%-$our
Chapter Twent%-$ie
Chapter Twent%-&ix
Chapter Twent%-&een
Chapter Twent%-ei"ht
Chapter Twent%-nine
Chapter Thirt%
Chapter Thirt%-one
Chapter Thirt%-two
Chapter Thirt%-three
Chapter Thirt%-$our
Chapter Thirt%-$ie
Chapter Thirt%-&ix
Chapter Thirt%-&een
Chapter Thirt%-ei"ht
Chapter Thirt%-nine
Chapter Fort%
Chapter Fort%-one
Chapter Fort%-two
Chapter Fort%-three
Chapter Fort%-$our
Chapter Fort%-$ie
Chapter Fort%-&ix
Chapter Fort%-&een
Chapter Fort%-ei"ht
Chapter Fort%-nine
Chapter Fi$t%
Chapter Fi$t%-one
Chapter Fi$t%-two
Chapter Fi$t%-three
Chapter Fi$t%-$our
Chapter Fi$t%-$ie
!pilo"ue
A dangerous passion
'rath wal(e) into the hall* $eelin" parti+ularl% $ero+iou&, -an* .eth ha) /etter /e
alie an) well, Or 0o) help whoeer ha) hurt her,
1n) i$ &he2) )e+i)e) to aoi) hi34 That )i)n2t 3atter, 5er /o)% wa& a/out to nee)
&o3ethin" onl% he +oul) proi)e her, So &ooner or later &he woul) +o3e aroun), Or
&he woul) )ie,
5e thou"ht o$ the &o$t &(in o$ her ne+(, Felt the &en&ation o$ hi& ton"ue &tro(in" oer
the ein that ran up $ro3 her heart,
5i& $an"& elon"ate) a& i$ &he were /e$ore hi3, 1& i$ he +oul) &in( hi& teeth into her
an) )rin(,
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e& a& hi& /o)% /e"an to &ha(e, 5i& &to3a+h* $ull with $oo)* turne)
into a /otto3le&&* a+h% pit,
5e trie) to re3e3/er the la&t ti3e he2) $e), 6t ha& /een a while* /ut &urel% not that
lon" a"o4
5e $or+e) hi3&el$ to +al3 )own, 0et +ontrol, 6t wa& li(e tr%in" to &low )own a train
with a han) /ra(e* /ut eentuall% a +oolin" &trea3 o$ &anit% repla+e) the wha+(e)-
out* /loo)-lu&t &pin&,
1& he +a3e /a+( to realit% he $elt unea&%* hi& in&tin+t& +r%in" out $or airti3e,
That $e3ale wa& )an"erou& to hi3, 6$ &he +oul) a$$e+t hi3 li(e thi& without een
/ein" in the )a3n roo3* &he 3i"ht 7u&t /e hi& pyrocant8
Praise for Dark Lover
91n awe&o3e* in&tantl% a))i+tie )e/ut noel, 6t2& a 3i)ni"ht whirlwin) o$ )an"erou&
+hara+ter& an) 3e&3erizin" eroti+ ro3an+e, The .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo) own& 3e
now, :ar( $anta&% loer&* %ou 7u&t "ot &ere),9
;<%nn =iehl* author o$ If Angels Burn
9>, ?, 'ar) ha& +reate) a won)er$ul +a&t o$ +hara+ter&* with a &ex%* tor3ente)* to-)ie-
$or hero an) the &pirite) wo3an who proe& hi& &oul 3ate, 'hat a $a/ulou& treat $or
ro3an+e rea)er&@9
;#i+ole >or)an* New York Times /e&t&ellin" author o$ Wicked Fantasy

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AC.<6S5!?2S #OT!
Thi& i& a wor( o$ $i+tion, #a3e&* +hara+ter&* pla+e&* an) in+i)ent& either are the
pro)u+t o$ the author2& i3a"ination or are u&e) $i+titiou&l%* an) an% re&e3/lan+e to
a+tual per&on&* liin" or )ea)* /u&ine&& e&ta/li&h3ent&* eent&* or lo+ale& i& entirel%
+oin+i)ental, The pu/li&her )oe& not hae an% +ontrol oer an) )oe& not a&&u3e an%
re&pon&i/ilit% $or author or thir)-part% 'e/ &ite& or their +ontent,

:e)i+ate) toG
You* with awe an) loe,
Than( %ou $or +o3in" an) $in)in" 3e,
1n) $or &howin" 3e the wa%,
6t wa& the ri)e o$ a li$eti3e* the /e&t 62e eer ha),
Acknowledgments
Than( %ou &o er% 3u+hG Jaren Sole3* Jara Ce&are* Claire Fion* Jara 'el&h* ?o&e
5illiar),
To 3% !xe+utie Co33itteeG Sue 0ra$ton* :r, >e&&i+a 1n)er&en* .et&e% =au"han,
.urnin" up the 6nternet* the phone line&* an) the 5ut+hin& an) Sene+a Aar( rin"-
aroun)& with %ou ha& (ept 3e $o+u&e)* &ane* an) &3ilin",
'ith loe to 3% $a3il%,

Glossary of Terms and Proper Nouns
Black Dagger Brotherhood Bpr, n,D 5i"hl% traine) a3pire warrior& who prote+t their
&pe+ie& a"ain&t the <e&&enin" So+iet%, 1& a re&ult o$ &ele+tie /ree)in" within the
ra+e* /rother& po&&e&& i33en&e ph%&i+al an) 3ental &tren"th a& well a& rapi) healin"
+apa/ilitie&, The% are not &i/lin"& $or the 3o&t part* an) are in)u+te) into the
/rotherhoo) upon no3ination /% the /rother&, 1""re&&ie* &el$-reliant* an) &e+retie
/% nature* the% exi&t apart $ro3 +iilian&* hain" little +onta+t with 3e3/er& o$ the
other +la&&e& ex+ept when the% nee) to $ee), The% are the &u/7e+t& o$ le"en) an) the
o/7e+t& o$ reeren+e within the a3pire worl), The% 3a% /e (ille) onl% /% the 3o&t
&eriou& o$ woun)&* e,",* a "un&hot or &ta/ to the heart* et+,
blood slave Bn,D -ale or $e3ale a3pire who ha& /een &u/7u"ate) to &ere the /loo)
nee)& o$ another, The pra+ti+e o$ (eepin" /loo) &lae& ha& lar"el% /een )i&+ontinue)*
thou"h it ha& not /een outlawe),
the Chosen Bn,D Fe3ale a3pire& who hae /een /re) to &ere the S+ri/e =ir"in,
The% are +on&i)ere) 3e3/er& o$ the ari&to+ra+%* thou"h the% are &pirituall% rather
than te3porall% $o+u&e), The% hae little or no intera+tion with 3ale&* /ut +an /e
3ate) to warrior& at the S+ri/e =ir"in2& )ire+tion to propa"ate their +la&&, The% hae
the a/ilit% to pro"no&ti+ate, 6n the pa&t* the% were u&e) to 3eet the /loo) nee)& o$
un3ate) 3e3/er& o$ the /rotherhoo)* /ut that pra+ti+e ha& /een a/an)one) /% the
/rother&,
doggen Bn,D -e3/er o$ the &erant +la&& within the a3pire worl), Doggens hae ol)*
+on&eratie tra)ition& a/out &eri+e to their &uperior&* $ollowin" a $or3al +o)e o$
)re&& an) /ehaior, The% are a/le to "o out )urin" the )a%* /ut the% a"e relatiel%
Kui+(l%, <i$e expe+tan+% i& approxi3atel% $ie hun)re) %ear&,
the Fade Bpr, n,D #onte3poral real3 where the )ea) reunite with their loe) one& an)
pa&& eternit%,
Frst Famly Bpr, n,D The (in" an) Kueen o$ the a3pire&* an) an% +hil)ren the% 3a%
hae,
hellren Bn,D -ale a3pire who ha& /een 3ate) to a $e3ale, -ale& 3a% ta(e 3ore
than one $e3ale a& 3ate,
leelan Bn,D 1 ter3 o$ en)ear3ent loo&el% tran&late) a& 9)eare&t one,9
!essenng "ocety Bpr, n,D Or)er o$ &la%er& +onene) /% the O3e"a $or the purpo&e o$
era)i+atin" the a3pire &pe+ie&,
lesser Bn,D :e-&oule) hu3an who tar"et& a3pire& $or exter3ination a& a 3e3/er o$
the <e&&enin" So+iet%, Lessers 3u&t /e &ta//e) throu"h the +he&t in or)er to /e (ille)L
otherwi&e the% are a"ele&&, The% )o not eat or )rin( an) are i3potent, Oer ti3e* their
hair* &(in* an) iri&e& lo&e pi"3entation until the% are /lon)* /lu&hle&&* an) pale-e%e),
The% &3ell li(e /a/% pow)er, 6n)u+te) into the &o+iet% /% the O3e"a* the% retain a
+era3i+ 7ar therea$ter into whi+h their heart wa& pla+e) a$ter it wa& re3oe),
needng perod Bn,D Fe3ale a3pire2& ti3e o$ $ertilit%* "enerall% la&tin" $or two )a%&
an) a++o3panie) /% inten&e &exual +rain"&, O++ur& approxi3atel% $ie %ear& a$ter a
$e3ale2& tran&ition an) then on+e a )e+a)e therea$ter, 1ll 3ale& re&pon) to &o3e
)e"ree i$ the% are aroun) a $e3ale in her nee), 6t +an /e a )an"erou& ti3e* with
+on$li+t& an) $i"ht& /rea(in" out /etween +o3petin" 3ale&* parti+ularl% i$ the $e3ale
i& not 3ate),
the #mega Bpr, n,D -aleolent* 3%&ti+al $i"ure who ha& tar"ete) the a3pire& $or
extin+tion out o$ re&ent3ent )ire+te) towar) the S+ri/e =ir"in, !xi&t& in a
nonte3poral real3 an) ha& exten&ie power&* thou"h not the power o$ +reation,
prnceps Bn,D 5i"he&t leel o$ the a3pire ari&to+ra+%* &e+on) onl% to 3e3/er& o$ the
Fir&t Fa3il% or the S+ri/e =ir"in2& Cho&en, -u&t /e /orn to the titleL it 3a% not /e
+on$erre),
pyrocant Bn,D ?e$er& to a +riti+al wea(ne&& in an in)ii)ual, The wea(ne&& +an /e
internal* &u+h a& an a))i+tion* or external* &u+h a& a loer,
rythe Bn,D ?itual 3anner o$ a&&ua"in" honor "rante) /% one who ha& o$$en)e)
another, 6$ a++epte)* the o$$en)e) +hoo&e& a weapon an) &tri(e& the o$$en)er who
pre&ent& hi3 or her&el$ without )e$en&e&,
the "crbe $rgn Bpr, n,D -%&ti+al $or+e who i& +oun&elor to the (in" a& well a& the
(eeper o$ a3pire ar+hie& an) the )i&pen&er o$ priile"e&, !xi&t& in a nonte3poral
real3 an) ha& exten&ie power&, Capa/le o$ a &in"le a+t o$ +reation* whi+h &he
expen)e) to /rin" the a3pire& into exi&ten+e,
shellan Bn,D Fe3ale a3pire who ha& /een 3ate) to a 3ale, Fe3ale& "enerall% )o not
ta(e 3ore than one 3ate )ue to the hi"hl% territorial nature o$ /on)e) 3ale&,
the Tomb Bpr, n,D Sa+re) ault o$ the .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo), C&e) a& a
+ere3onial &ite a& well a& a &tora"e $a+ilit% $or the 7ar& o$ lessers, Cere3onie&
per$or3e) there in+lu)e in)u+tion&* $uneral&* an) )i&+iplinar% a+tion& a"ain&t /rother&,
#o one 3a% enter ex+ept $or 3e3/er& o$ the /rotherhoo)* the S+ri/e =ir"in* or
+an)i)ate& $or in)u+tion,
transton Bn,D Criti+al 3o3ent in a a3pire2& li$e when he or &he tran&$or3& into an
a)ult, Therea$ter* the% 3u&t )rin( the /loo) o$ the oppo&ite &ex to &urie an) are
una/le to with&tan) &unli"ht, O++ur& "enerall% in the 3i)-twentie&, So3e a3pire& )o
not &urie their tran&ition&* 3ale& in par-ti+ular, Arior to their tran&ition&* a3pire&
are ph%&i+all% wea(* &exuall% unaware an) unre&pon&ie* an) una/le to )e-
3aterialize,
vampre Bn,D -e3/er o$ a &pe+ie& &eparate $ro3 that o$ 5o3o &apien&, =a3pire&
3u&t )rin( the /loo) o$ the oppo&ite &ex to &urie, 5u3an /loo) will (eep the3
alie* thou"h the &tren"th )oe& not la&t lon", Followin" their tran&ition&* whi+h o++ur
in their 3i)-twentie&* the% are una/le to "o out into &unli"ht an) 3u&t $ee) $ro3 the
ein re"ularl%, =a3pire& 3a% not 9+onert9 hu3an& throu"h a /ite or tran&$er o$
/loo)* thou"h the% are in rare +a&e& a/le to /ree) with the other &pe+ie&, =a3pire& +an
)e3aterialize at will* thou"h the% 3u&t /e a/le to +al3 the3&ele& an) +on+entrate to
)o &o an) 3a% not +arr% an%thin" hea% with the3, The% are a/le to &trip the
3e3orie& o$ hu3an&* proi)e) &u+h 3e3orie& are &hort-ter3, So3e a3pire& are
a/le to rea) 3in)&, <i$e expe+tan+% i& upwar)& o$ a thou&an) %ear&* or in &o3e +a&e&*
een lon"er,
Chapter One
:ariu& loo(e) aroun) the +lu/* ta(in" in the tee3in"* hal$-na(e) /o)ie& on the )an+e
$loor, S+rea3er2& wa& pa+(e) toni"ht* $ull o$ wo3en wearin" leather an) 3en who
loo(e) li(e the% ha) a)an+e) )e"ree& in iolent +ri3e,
:ariu& an) hi& +o3panion $it ri"ht in,
!x+ept the% a+tuall% were (iller&,
9So %ou2re reall% "oin" to )o thi&49 Tohr3ent a&(e) hi3,
:ariu& "lan+e) a+ro&& the &hallow ta/le, The other a3pire2& e%e& 3et hi& own,
9Eeah, 6 a3,9
Tohr3ent nur&e) hi& S+ot+h an) &3ile) "ri3l%, Onl% the er% tip& o$ hi& $an"&
&howe), 9Eou2re +raz%* :,9
9Eou &houl) (now,9
Tohr3ent tilte) hi& "la&& in )e$eren+e, 9.ut %ou2re rai&in" the /ar, Eou want to ta(e
an inno+ent "irl* who ha& no i)ea what the hell &he2& "ettin" into* an) put her
tran&ition in the han)& o$ &o3eone li(e 'rath, That2& wha+(e),9
95e i&n2t eil, 6n &pite o$ the wa% he loo(&,9 :ariu& $ini&he) hi& /eer, 91n) &how a
little re&pe+t,9
96 re&pe+t the hell out o$ hi3, .ut it2& a /a) i)ea,9
96 nee) hi3,9
9Eou &ure a/out that49
1 wo3an wearin" a 3i+ro3ini* thi"h-hi"h /oot&* an) a /u&tier 3a)e o$ +hain& trolle)
/% their ta/le, 5er e%e& "littere) $ro3 /ehin) two poun)& o$ 3a&+ara* an) &he wor(e)
her wal( a& i$ her hip& were )ou/le-7ointe),
:ariu& "ae her a pa&&, Sex wa& not on hi& 3in) toni"ht,
9She2& 3% daughter* Tohr,9
9She2& a hal$-/ree)* D, 1n) %ou (now how he $eel& a/out hu3an&,9 Tohr3ent &hoo(
hi& hea), 9-% "reat-"reat-"ran)3other wa& one* an) %ou )on2t &ee 3e %a((in" that up
aroun) hi3,9
:ariu& li$te) hi& han) to +at+h their waitre&&2& e%e an) pointe) at hi& e3pt% /ottle an)
Tohr3ent2& nearl% )r% "la&&, 9623 not "oin" to let another one o$ 3% +hil)ren )ie, #ot
i$ there2& a po&&i/ilit% 6 +an &ae her, 1n) an%wa%* there2& no tellin" whether &he2ll
een "o throu"h the +han"e, She +oul) en) up liin" a happ% li$e* neer (nowin"
a/out 3% &i)e, 6t2& happene) /e$ore,9
1n) he hope) hi& )au"hter woul) /e &pare), .e+au&e i$ &he went throu"h her
tran&ition* i$ &he +a3e out alie on the other &i)e a& a a3pire* &he wa& "oin" to /e
hunte) a& the% all were,
9:ariu&* i$ he )oe& it at all* he2ll )o it /e+au&e he owe& %ou, #ot /e+au&e he want& to,9
962ll ta(e hi3 an% wa% 6 +an "et hi3,9
9.ut what are %ou "iin" her4 5e2& a/out a& nurturin" a& a &awe)-o$$* an) that $ir&t
ti3e +an /e rou"h* een i$ %ou2e /een prepare), 'hi+h &he ha&n2t,9
9623 "oin" to tal( to her,9
91n) how2& that "oin" to "o4 Eou2re 7u&t "oin" to wal( up to her an) &a%* 25e%* 6
(now %ou2e neer &een 3e /e$ore* /ut 623 %our )a), Oh* an) "ue&& what4 Eou2e
won the eolutionar% lotter%G Eou2re a a3pire, <et2& "o to :i&ne%lan)@2 9
96 hate %ou ri"ht now,9
Tohr3ent leane) $orwar)* hi& thi+( &houl)er& &hi$tin" un)er /la+( leather, 9Eou (now
6 "ot %our /a+(, 623 7u&t thin(in" %ou &houl) re+on&i)er,9 There wa& a hea% pau&e,
9-a%/e 6 +oul) )o it,9
:ariu& &hot hi3 a )r% loo(, 9Eou want to tr% an) "et /a+( into %our hou&e a$ter the
$a+t4 'ell&ie will &ta(e %ou throu"h the heart an) leae %ou $or the &un* 3% $rien),9
Tohr3ent win+e), 90oo) point,9
91n) then &he2ll +o3e loo(in" $or 3e,9
.oth 3ale& &hu))ere),
9.e&i)e&89 :ariu& leane) /a+( a& the waitre&& put their )rin(& )own, 5e waite) until
&he le$t* een thou"h har)-+ore rap wa& pu3pin" all aroun) the3, 9.e&i)e&* we2re
liin" in )an"erou& ti3e&, 6$ &o3ethin" happen& to 3e;9
9Ill ta(e +are o$ her,9
:ariu& +lappe) hi& $rien) on the &houl)er, 96 (now %ou will,9
9.ut 'rath i& /etter,9 There wa& no 7ealou&% in the re3ar(, 6t wa& a &tate3ent o$ $a+t,
9There2& no one li(e hi3,9
91n) than( 0o) $or that*9 Tohr3ent &ai) with a hal$ &3ile,
Their /an) o$ /rother&* a ti"ht +ir+le o$ &tron"-/a+(e) warrior& who tra)e)
in$or3ation an) $ou"ht to"ether* were o$ the &a3e opinion, 'rath wa& o$$ the +hain
when it +a3e to the /u&ine&& o$ en"ean+e* an) he hunte) their ene3ie& with a &in"le-
3in)e) purpo&e that /or)ere) on the in&ane, 5e wa& the la&t o$ hi& line* the onl%
pure/re) a3pire le$t on the planet* an) thou"h hi& ra+e reere) hi3 a& it& (in"* he
)e&pi&e) hi& &tatu&,
6t wa& al3o&t tra"i+ that he wa& the /e&t /et :ariu&2& hal$-/ree) )au"hter ha) o$
&uriin", 'rath2& /loo)* &o &tron"* &o untainte)* woul) in+rea&e the +han+e& o$ her
"ettin" throu"h the tran&ition i$ it hit her, .ut Tohr3ent wa&n2t o$$ the 3ar(, 6t wa&
li(e turnin" a ir"in oer to a thu",
'ith a &u))en ru&h* the +row) &hi$te)* people /a+(in" into ea+h other, The% were
3a(in" wa% $or &o3eone, Or &o3ethin",
9Shit, 5ere he +o3e&*9 Tohr3ent 3uttere), 5e to&&e) /a+( hi& S+ot+h* &wallowin" it
whole, 9#o o$$en&e* /ut 623 outtie, Thi& i& not a +oner&ation 6 nee) to /e a part o$,9
:ariu& wat+he) the &ea o$ hu3an& &plit a& the% &teere) +lear o$ an i3po&in"* )ar(
&ha)ow that towere) oer the3, The $li"ht re&pon&e wa& a "oo) &urial re$lex,
'rath wa& &ix $eet* &ix in+he& o$ pure terror )re&&e) in leather, 5i& hair wa& lon" an)
/la+(* $allin" &trai"ht $ro3 a wi)ow2& pea(, 'raparoun) &un"la&&e& hi) e%e& that no
one ha) eer &een reeale), Shoul)er& were twi+e the &ize o$ 3o&t 3ale&2, 'ith a $a+e
that wa& /oth ari&to+rati+ an) /rutal* he loo(e) li(e the (in" he wa& /% /irthri"ht an)
the &oli)er he2) /e+o3e /% )e&tin%,
1n) that wae o$ 3ena+e rollin" ahea) o$ hi3 wa& one hell o$ a +allin" +ar),
1& the +ool haire) hit :ariu&* he tilte) hi& $re&h /eer /a+( an) )ran( )eepl%,
5e hope) to 0o) he wa& )oin" the ri"ht thin",
.eth ?an)all loo(e) up a& her e)itor leane) hi& hip on her )e&(, 5i& e%e& went
&trai"ht to the ee o$ her &hirt,
9'or(in" late a"ain*9 he 3ur3ure),
95e%* :i+(,9
!houldnt you "e getting home to your wife and two kids4 &he 3entall% a))e),
9'hat are %ou )oin"49
9!)itin" a pie+e $or Ton%,9
9Eou (now* there are other wa%& o$ i3pre&&in" 3e,9
Eeah* &he +oul) 7u&t i3a"ine,
9:i) %ou rea) 3% e-3ail* :i+(4 6 went )own to the poli+e &tation thi& a$ternoon an)
tal(e) with >o&e an) ?i+(%, The% &wear a "un )ealer2& 3oe) into town, The%2e
$oun) two 3o)i$ie) -a"nu3& on )ru" )ealer&,9
:i+( rea+he) out to pat her &houl)er* &tro(in" it a& he too( hi& han) /a+(, 9Eou 7u&t
(eep wor(in" the /lotter, <et the /i" /o%& worr% a/out the iolent +ri3e&, 'e
woul)n2t want an%thin" to happen to that prett% $a+e o$ %our&,9
5e &3ile)* e%e& "rowin" hoo)e) a& hi& "aze lin"ere) on her lip&,
That &tare routine ha) "otten ol) three %ear& a"o* &he thou"ht, ?i"ht a$ter &he2) &tarte)
wor(in" $or hi3,
1 paper /a", 'hat &he nee)e) wa& a paper /a" to pull oer her hea) wheneer &he
tal(e) with hi3, -a%/e with a pi+ture o$ -r&, :i+( tape) to the $ront,
9'oul) %ou li(e 3e to "ie %ou a ri)e ho3e49 he a&(e),
#nly if it were raining thum"tacks and hairpins$ you letch%
9#o* than(&,9 .eth turne) /a+( to her +o3puter &+reen an) hope) he2) ta(e the hint,
!entuall% he wan)ere) o$$* pro/a/l% hea)in" $or the /ar a+ro&& the &treet that 3o&t
o$ the reporter& hit /e$ore "oin" ho3e, Cal)well* #ew Eor(* wa&n2t exa+tl% a hot/e)
o$ opportunit% $or an% 7ournali&t* /ut :i+(2& /i" /o%& &ure li(e) (eepin" up the
appearan+e o$ +arr%in" a hea% &o+ial /ur)en, The% reli&he) +oz%in" up to the /ar at
Charlie2& an) tal(in" a/out the )a%& when the%2) wor(e) at /i""er* 3ore i3portant
paper&, For the 3o&t part the% were 7u&t li(e :i+(G 3i))le-a"e)* 3i))le-o$-the-roa)
3en who were +o3petent* /ut not extraor)inar% at what the% )i), Cal)well wa& /i"
enou"h an) +lo&e enou"h to #ew Eor( Cit% to hae the na&t% /u&ine&& o$ iolent
+ri3e&* )ru" /u&t&* an) pro&titution* &o the% were (ept /u&%, .ut the &aldwell &ourier
'ournal wa& not the Times* an) none o$ the3 wa& eer "oin" to win a Aulitzer,
6t wa& rather &a),
Yeah$ well$ look in the mirror* .eth thou"ht, She wa& 7u&t a /eat reporter, She2) neer
een wor(e) at a national-leel paper, So when &he wa& in her $i$tie&* unle&& thin"&
+han"e)* &he2) hae to /e at a $ree pre&& poli&hin" +la&&i$ie)& to hae a &hot at
re$le+te) "lor% $ro3 her &&' )a%&,
She rea+he) $or the /a" o$ -M-2& &he2) /een nur&in", The )a3n thin" wa& e3pt%,
1"ain,
She &houl) pro/a/l% 7u&t "o ho3e, 1n) pi+( up &o3e Chine&e )own the &treet,
On her wa% out o$ the new&roo3* whi+h wa& an open &pa+e +ut up into +u/i+le& /%
$li3&% "ra% partition&* &he hit her /u))% Ton%2& &ta&h o$ Twin(ie&, Ton% ate all the
ti3e, For hi3* there wa& no /rea($a&t* lun+h* an) )innerG Con&u3ption wa& a /inar%
propo&ition, 6$ he wa& awa(e* &o3ethin" wa& "oin" into hi& 3outh* an) to (eep
hi3&el$ &upplie)* hi& )e&( wa& a trea&ure troe o$ +alori+ )eprait%,
She peele) o$$ the +ellophane an) +oul)n2t /eliee &he wa& /itin" into the arti$i+ial
&will a& &he hit the li"ht& an) wal(e) )own the &tairwell to Tra)e Street, Out&i)e* the
heat o$ >ul% wa& a ph%&i+al /arrier /etween her an) her apart3ent, Twele &trai"ht
/lo+(& o$ hot an) hu3i), Fortunatel%* the Chine&e re&taurant wa& hal$wa% ho3e an)
heail% air-+on)itione), 'ith an% lu+( the%2) /e /u&% toni"ht* &o &he2) "et to wait a
while in the +oolne&&,
'hen &he wa& $ini&he) with the Twin(ie* &he $lippe) open her phone* hit &pee) )ial*
an) put in an or)er $or /ee$ with /ro++oli, 1& &he wal(e) alon"* &he loo(e) at the
$a3iliar* "ri3 lan)3ar(&, 1lon" thi& &tret+h o$ Tra)e Street* there were onl% /ar&*
&trip +lu/&* an) the o++a&ional tattoo parlor, The Chine&e $oo) pla+e an) the Tex--ex
/u$$et were the onl% two re&taurant&, The re&t o$ the /uil)in"&* whi+h ha) /een u&e)
a& o$$i+e& in the twentie&* when )owntown ha) /een thriin"* were a+ant, She (new
eer% +ra+( in the &i)ewal(L &he +oul) ti3e the tra$$i+ li"ht&, 1n) the patoi& o$ &oun)&
)ri$tin" out o$ open )oor& an) win)ow& o$$ere) no &urpri&e& either,
-+0ri)er2& .ar wa& pla%in" /lue&L Fero Su3 ha) /leatin" te+hno +o3in" out o$ it&
"la&& entran+eL an) the (arao(e 3a+hine& were $ire) up at ?u/en2&, -o&t o$ the pla+e&
were reputa/le enou"h* /ut there were a +ouple &he &ta%e) awa% $ro3 on prin+iple,
S+rea3er2& in parti+ular +atere) to a &+ar%-a&& +lientele, That wa& one )oor &he
woul)n2t "o throu"h without a poli+e e&+ort,
1& &he 3ea&ure) the )i&tan+e to the Chine&e re&taurant* a wae o$ $ati"ue hit her,
0o)* it wa& hu3i), The air wa& &o hea% &he $elt a& i$ &he were /reathin" water,
She ha) a $eelin" the exhau&tion wa&n2t 7u&t a/out the weather, She2) /een poope) $or
wee(&* an) &u&pe+te) &he wa& )an+in" with )epre&&ion, 5er 7o/ wa& "oin" nowhere,
She wa& liin" in a pla+e &he )i)n2t +are a/out, She ha) $ew $rien)&* no loer* an) no
ro3anti+ pro&pe+t&, 6$ &he loo(e) ahea) ten %ear& an) pi+ture) her&el$ &ta%in" put in
Cal)well with :i+( an) the /i" /o%&* &he onl% &aw 3ore o$ the &a3e routineG "ettin"
up* "oin" to wor(* tr%in" to 3a(e a )i$$eren+e* $ailin"* "oin" ho3e alone,
-a%/e &he 7u&t nee)e) out, Out o$ Cal)well, Out o$ the &&', Out o$ the ele+troni+
$a3il% o$ her alar3 +lo+( an) the phone on her )e&( an) the T= that (ept her )rea3&
awa% while &he &lept,
0o) (new there wa& nothin" (eepin" her in town /ut ha/it, She ha)n2t &po(en to an%
o$ her $o&ter parent& $or %ear&* &o the% woul)n2t 3i&& her, 1n) the $ew $rien)& &he ha)
were /u&% with their own $a3ilie&,
'hen &he hear) a leerin" whi&tle /ehin) her* &he rolle) her e%e&, That wa& the
pro/le3 with wor(in" near the /ar&, On o++a&ion %ou pi+(e) up "aw(er&,
The +at+all& +a3e next* an) then* &ure enou"h* two "u%& +ro&&e) the &treet at a 7o" an)
+a3e a$ter her, She loo(e) aroun), She wa& hea)in" awa% $ro3 the /ar& an) into the
lon" &tret+h o$ a+ant /uil)in"& /e$ore the re&taurant&, The ni"ht wa& thi+( an) )ar(*
/ut at lea&t there were &treetli"ht& an) the o++a&ional +ar pa&&in",
96 li(e %our /la+( hair*9 the /i" one &ai) a& he $ell into &tep /e&i)e her, 9-in) i$ 6
tou+h it49
.eth (new /etter than to &top, The% loo(e) li(e +olle"e $rat /o%& out $or the &u33er*
whi+h 3eant the% were 7u&t "oin" to /e anno%in"* /ut &he )i)n2t want to ta(e an%
+han+e&, .e&i)e&* the Chine&e pla+e wa& onl% $ie /lo+(& up,
She rea+he) into her pur&e an%wa%* &ear+hin" $or her pepper &pra%,
9Eou nee) a ri)e &o3ewhere49 the /i" "u% a&(e), 9-% +ar2& not $ar, Seriou&l%* how
2/out %ou +o3e with u&4 'e +oul) "o $or a little ri)e,9
5e "rinne) an) win(e) at hi& /u))%* a& i$ the &3ooth rap wa& )e$initel% "oin" to "et
hi3 lai), The +ron% lau"he) an) +ir+le) her* hi& thin /lon) hair $loppin" a& he
&(ippe),
9<et2& ri)e her@9 the /lon) &ai),
:a3n it* where wa& her &pra%4
The /i" one rea+he) out* tou+hin" her hair* an) &he loo(e) at hi3 "oo) an) har),
'ith hi& polo &hirt an) hi& (ha(i &hort&* he wa& .-OC han)&o3e, ?eal ail-13eri+an
3aterial,
'hen he &3ile) at her* &he &pe) up* $o+u&in" on the )i3 neon "low o$ the Chine&e
pla+e2& &i"n, She wa& pra%in" &o3eone el&e woul) wal( /%* /ut heat ha) )rien the
pe)e&trian tra$$i+ in)oor&, There wa& no one aroun),
9Eou want to tell 3e %our na3e49 ail-13eri+an a&(e),
5er heart &tarte) /an"in" in her +he&t, The &pra% wa& in her other /a",
Four 3ore /lo+(&,
9-a%/e 62ll 7u&t pi+( a na3e $or %ou, <et 3e thin(8 5ow2& pu&&%+at &oun)49
The /lon) "i""le),
She &wallowe) an) too( out her +ell phone* 7u&t in +a&e &he nee)e) to +all 911,
!tay calm% (eep it together%
She pi+ture) how "oo) the ru&h o$ air-+on)itionin" in the re&taurant wa& "oin" to $eel
a& &he went in&i)e, -a%/e &he2) wait an) +all a +a/* 7u&t to 3a(e &ure &he "ot ho3e
without /ein" $urther hara&&e) /% the3,
9Co3e on* pu&&%+at*9 ail-13eri+an +ooe), 96 (now %ou2re "oin" to li(e 3e,9
Onl% three 3ore /lo+(&8
>u&t a& &he &teppe) o$$ the +ur/ to +ro&& Tenth Street* he "ra//e) her aroun) the wai&t,
5er $eet poppe) o$$ the "roun)* an) a& he )ra""e) her /a+(war)* he +oere) her
3outh with a hea% pal3, She $ou"ht li(e a 3a)wo3an* (i+(in" an) pun+hin"* an)
when &he rea+he) /ehin) an) /elte) hi3 in the e%e* hi& "rip &lippe), She lun"e) awa%
$ro3 hi3* le"& )riin" her heel& har) into the pae3ent* /reath trappe) in her throat,
1 +ar went /% out on Tra)e Street* an) &he %elle) a& it& hea)li"ht& $lare),
.ut then he "ot her a"ain,
9Eou2re "oin" to /e" $or it* /it+h*9 ail-13eri+an &ai) in her ear a& he put her in a
+ho(e hol), 5e wren+he) her ne+( aroun) until &he thou"ht it wa& "oin" to &nap an)
pulle) her )eeper into the &ha)ow&, She +oul) &3ell hi& &weat an) the +olle"e-/o%
+olo"ne he wore* +oul) hear the hi"h-pit+he) lau"hter o$ hi& $rien),
1n alle%, The% were ta(in" her into an alle%,
5er &to3a+h heae)* /ile &tin"in" her throat* an) &he 7er(e) her /o)% aroun)
$uriou&l%* tr%in" to "et $ree, Aani+ 3a)e her &tron", .ut he wa& &tron"er,
5e pu&he) her /ehin) a :u3p&ter an) pre&&e) hi& /o)% into her&, She )roe her
el/ow into hi& ri/& an) (i+(e) &o3e 3ore,
90o))a3n it* "et her ar3&@9
She "ot in one "oo) heel pun+h to the /lon)2& &hin& /e$ore he +au"ht her wri&t& an)
hel) the3 oer her hea),
9Co3e on* /it+h* %ou2re "oin" to li(e thi&*9 all-13eri+an "rowle)* tr%in" to "et hi&
(nee /etween her le"&,
5e "roun) her /a+( a"ain&t the /uil)in"2& /ri+( wall* hol)in" her in pla+e /% the
throat, 5e ha) to u&e hi& other han) to rip open her &hirt* an) a& &oon a& her 3outh
wa& $ree* &he &+rea3e), 5e &lappe) her har)* an) &he $elt her lip &plit open, .loo)
ru&he) onto her ton"ue* pain &tunnin" her,
9Eou )o that a"ain an) 623 +uttin" %our ton"ue out,9 1ll-13eri+an2& e%e& /oile) with
hate an) lu&t a& he &hoe) up the white la+e o$ her /ra an) expo&e) her /rea&t&, 95ell*
6 thin( 62ll )o that an%wa%,9
95e%* are tho&e real49 the /lon) a&(e)* a& i$ &he woul) an&wer hi3,
5i& /u))% "ra//e) one o$ her nipple& an) pulle), She win+e)* tear& 3a(in" her i&ion
&wi3, Or 3a%/e her e%e&i"ht wa& "oin" /e+au&e &he wa& h%perentilatin",
1il-13eri+an lau"he), 96 thin( &he2& natural, .ut %ou +an $in) out $or %our&el$ when
623 $ini&he),9
1& the /lon) "i""le)* &o3e )eep part o$ her /rain (i+(e) into "ear an) re$u&e) to let
thi& happen, She $or+e) her&el$ to &top $i"htin" an) rea+he) /a+( to her &el$-)e$en&e
trainin", !x+ept $or her hea% /reathin"* her /o)% went &till* an) it too( ail-13eri+an
a 3inute to noti+e,
9Eou want to pla% ni+e49 he &ai)* e%ein" her with &u&pi+ion,
She no))e) &lowl%,
90oo),9 5e leane) in* hi& /reath $illin" her no&e, She $ou"ht not to +rin"e at the ran(
&3ell o$ &tale +i"arette& an) /eer, 9.ut i$ %ou &+rea3 a"ain* 623 "oin" to &ta/ %ou, :o
%ou un)er&tan) 3e49
She no))e) on+e 3ore,
9<et her "o,9
The /lon) )roppe) her wri&t& an) "i""le)* 3oin" aroun) the3 a& i$ he were loo(in"
$or the /e&t an"le,
1ll-13eri+an2& han)& were rou"h on her &(in a& he $on)le) her* an) &he hel) Ton%2&
Twin(ie )own /% $or+e o$ will* her "a" re$lex pu3pin" her throat, !en thou"h &he
loathe) the &en&ation o$ the pal3& pu&hin" into her /rea&t&* &he rea+he) $or the $l% o$
hi& pant&, 5e wa& &till hol)in" her /% the ne+(* an) &he wa& hain" trou/le /reathin"*
/ut the 3o3ent &he tou+he) hi& priate&* he 3oane) an) hi& "rip loo&ene),
'ith a har) 7a3 o$ her han)* &he "ra//e) hi& /all&* twi&te) a& har) a& &he +oul)* an)
(nee) hi3 in the no&e a& he +ru3/le), 1)renaline &hot throu"h her* an) $or a &plit
&e+on) &he wi&he) hi& /u))% woul) +o3e at her in&tea) o$ &tarin" at her &tupi)l%,
9Fuck you@9 &he &+rea3e) at the3 /oth,
.eth /olte) out o$ the alle%* hol)in" her &hirt to"ether a& &he ran* an) &he )i)n2t &top
until &he wa& at the )oor to her apart3ent /uil)in", 5er han)& were &ha(in" &o /a)l%
&he +oul) /arel% "et her (e% in the lo+(&, 1n) it wa&n2t until &he &too) in $ront o$ her
3irror in the /athroo3 that &he realize) tear& were pourin" )own her $a+e,
N N N
.ut+h O2#eal loo(e) up when the poli+e ra)io un)er the )a&h o$ hi& un3ar(e) patrol
+ar went o$$, There wa& a 3ale i+ti3* )own /ut /reathin"* in an alle% not &o $ar
awa%,
.ut+h +he+(e) hi& wat+h, 1 little a$ter ten o2+lo+(* whi+h 3eant the $un wa& 7u&t
"ettin" &tarte), 6t wa& a Fri)a% ni"ht in the earl% part o$ >ul%* &o the +olle"e tur(& were
&till $re&h out o$ &+hool an) a+hin" to +o3pete in the Stupi) Ol%3pi+&, 5e $i"ure) the
"u% ha) either /een 3u""e) or tau"ht a le&&on,
5e hope) it wa& the latter,
.ut+h "ra//e) the han)&et an) tol) :i&pat+h he2) hea) oer een thou"h he wa& a
ho3i+i)e )ete+tie* not a /eat +op, 5e ha) two +a&e& he wa& wor(in" ri"ht now* one
$loater in the 5u)&on ?ier an) a hit-an)-run* /ut there wa& alwa%& roo3 $or
&o3ethin" el&e, 1& $ar a& he wa& +on+erne)* the 3ore ti3e awa% $ro3 ho3e* the
/etter, The )irt% )i&he& in hi& &in( an) the wrin(le) &heet& on hi& /e) were not "oin"
to 3i&& hi3,
5e hit the &iren an) the "a& an) thou"ht* Lets hear it for the "oys of summer,
Chapter To
'al(in" throu"h S+rea3er2&* 'rath &neere) a& the +row) trippe) oer it&el$ to "et out
o$ hi& wa%, Fear an) a 3or/i)* lu&t% +urio&it% wa$te) out o$ their pore&, 5e /reathe)
in the ran( o)or,
Cattle, 1ll o$ the3,
Fro3 /ehin) hi& )ar( "la&&e&* hi& e%e& &traine) a"ain&t the )i3 li"ht&* an) he &hut hi&
li)&, 5i& i&ion wa& &o /a) that he wa& 7u&t a& +o3$orta/le with total /lin)ne&&,
Fo+u&in" on hi& hearin"* he &orte) throu"h the /eat& o$ the 3u&i+* i&olatin" the
&hu$$lin" o$ $eet* the whi&per o$ wor)&* the &oun) o$ another "la&& hittin" the $loor, 6$
he ran into &o3ethin"* he )i)n2t +are, 'hether it wa& a +hair* a ta/le* a hu3an* he2)
7u&t wal( oer the )a3n thin",
5e &en&e) :ariu& +learl% /e+au&e hi& wa& the onl% /o)% in the pla+e that wa&n2t
ree(in" o$ pani+,
1lthou"h een the warrior wa& on e)"e toni"ht,
'rath opene) hi& e%e& when he &too) in $ront o$ the other a3pire, :ariu& wa& a
/lurr% &hape* hi& )ar( +olorin" an) /la+( +lothe& the onl% in$or3ation 'rath2& i&ion
"ae hi3,
9'here2) Tohr3ent "o49 he a&(e) a& he +au"ht a whi$$ o$ S+ot+h,
95e2& ta(in" a /reather, Than(& $or +o3in",9
'rath lowere) hi3&el$ into a +hair, 5e &tare) &trai"ht ahea) an) wat+he) the +row)
"ra)uall% &wallow up the path he2) 3a)e,
5e waite),
The poun)in" /eat o$ <u)a+ri& $a)e) into ol)-&+hool C%pre&& 5ill,
Thi& wa& "oin" to /e "oo), :ariu& wa& a real &trai"ht &hooter who (new 'rath
+oul)n2t &tan) hain" hi& ti3e wa&te), 6$ there wa& &ilen+e* &o3ethin" wa& up,
:ariu& tippe) /a+( hi& /eer* then let out a )eep /reath, 9-% lor);9
96$ %ou want &o3ethin" $ro3 3e* )on2t lea) with that*9 'rath )rawle)* &en&in" a
waitre&& approa+h the3, 5e ha) the i3pre&&ion o$ /i" /rea&t& an) a &trip o$ $le&h
/etween her ti"ht &hirt an) her &hort &(irt,
9Eou nee) a )rin(49 &he a&(e) &lowl%,
5e wa& te3pte) to &u""e&t &he la% her&el$ on the ta/le an) let hi3 "o to wor( on her
+aroti), 5u3an /loo) woul)n2t (eep hi3 alie $or lon"* /ut it &ure a& hell ta&te) /etter
than watere)-)own al+ohol,
9#ot ri"ht now*9 he &ai), 5i& ti"ht &3ile &pi(e) her anxiet% an) "ae her a &hot o$ lu&t
at the &a3e ti3e, 5e too( her &+ent into hi& lun"&,
Not interested* he thou"ht,
The waitre&& no))e)* /ut )i)n2t 3oe awa%, She (ept &tarin" at hi3* her &hort /lon)
hair a halo in the )ar(ne&& aroun) her $a+e, Spell/oun)* &he &ee3e) to hae $or"otten
her own na3e* 3u+h le&& her 7o/,
1n) how anno%in" wa& that,
:ariu& &hi$te) i3patientl%,
9That2& all*9 he 3uttere), 9'e2re "oo),9
1& &he /a+(e) up* "ettin" lo&t in the +row)* 'rath hear) :ariu& +lear hi& throat,
9Than(& $or +o3in",9
9Eou alrea)% &ai) that,9
9Eeah, ?i"ht, 1h* %ou an) 6 "o wa% /a+(,9
9'e )o,9
9'e2e $ou"ht &o3e )a3n "oo) $i"ht& to"ether, Cut )own a lot o$ lessers,9
'rath no))e), The .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo) ha) /een prote+tin" the ra+e a"ain&t
the <e&&enin" So+iet% $or "eneration&, There wa& :ariu&, Tohr3ent, The $our other&,
The /rother& were a&tl% outnu3/ere) /% lessers* )e-&oule) hu3an& who &ere) a
na&t%-a&& 3a&ter* the O3e"a, .ut 'rath an) hi& warrior& 3ana"e) to hol) their own,
1n) then &o3e,
:ariu& +leare) hi& throat, 91$ter all the&e %ear&;9
9:* %ou2e "ot to +ut to the point, -ari&&a nee)& to )o a little /u&ine&& toni"ht,9
9:o %ou want to u&e %our roo3 at 3% pla+e a"ain4 Eou (now 6 )on2t let an%one el&e
&ta% there,9 :ariu& let out an aw(war) lau"h, 9#o )ou/t her /rother woul) pre$er %ou
not &how up at hi& hou&e,9
'rath +ro&&e) hi& ar3& oer hi& +he&t* pu&hin" the ta/le out with hi& /oot to "ie
hi3&el$ a little 3ore roo3,
5e )i)n2t "ie a +rap that -ari&&a2& /rother ha) )eli+ate &en&i/ilitie& an) wa& o$$en)e)
/% the li$e 'rath lie), 5aer& wa& a &no/ an) a )ilettante who ha) hi& hea) up hi&
a&&, 5e wa& totall% in+apa/le o$ un)er&tan)in" the (in) o$ ene3ie& the ra+e ha) an)
what it too( to )e$en) the population,
1n) 7u&t /e+au&e the )ear /o% wa& o$$en)e)* 'rath wa&n2t "oin" to pla% )an)% while
+iilian& were "ettin" &lau"htere), 5e nee)e) to /e in the $iel) with hi& warrior&* not
ta(in" up &pa+e on &o3e throne, So 5aer& +oul) &hoe it,
1lthou"h -ari&&a &houl)n2t hae to )eal with her /rother2& attitu)e,
96 7u&t 3i"ht ta(e %ou up on that o$$er,9
90oo),9
9#ow tal(,9
96 hae a )au"hter,9
'rath &lowl% turne) hi& hea), 9Sin+e when49
91 while,9
9'ho2& the 3other49
9Eou )on2t (now her, 1n) &he8 ah* &he )ie),9
:ariu&2& &orrow ro&e up aroun) hi3* the a+ri) &3ell o$ ol) pain +uttin" throu"h the
&ten+h o$ hu3an &weat* al+ohol* an) &ex in the +lu/,
95ow ol) i& &he49 'rath )e3an)e), 5e ha) a $eelin" where thi& 3i"ht /e hea)e),
9Twent%-$ie,9
'rath +ur&e) un)er hi& /reath, 9:on2t a&( 3e* :ariu&, :on2t a&( 3e to )o it,9
96 hae to, -% lor)* %our /loo) i&;9
9Call 3e that a"ain an) 62ll +lo&e %our 3outh $or %ou, Aer3anentl%,9
9Eou )on2t un)er&tan), She2&;9
'rath &tarte) to "et up, :ariu&2& han) "ra&pe) hi& $orear3 an) then wa& Kui+(l%
re3oe),
9She2& hal$-hu3an,9
9>e&u& &hrist;9
9So &he 3i"ht not &urie the tran&ition i$ &he "oe& throu"h it, <oo(* i$ %ou help her*
at lea&t &he ha& a +han+e o$ liin", Eour /loo) i& &o &tron"* it woul) in+rea&e the
li(elihoo) o$ her 3a(in" it throu"h the +han"e a& a hal$-/ree), 623 not a&(in" %ou to
ta(e her on a& a shellan, Or to prote+t her* /e+au&e 6 +an )o that, 623 7u&t tr%in" to8
)lease, -% other &on& are )ea), She2& all that +oul) /e le$t o$ 3e, 1n) 68 5er 3other
i& one 6 loe),9
6$ it ha) /een an%one el&e* 'rath woul) hae u&e) hi& $aorite pair o$ wor)&G fuck an)
off, 1& $ar a& he wa& +on+erne)* there were onl% two "oo) po&ition& $or a hu3an, 1
$e3ale on her /a+(, 1n) a 3ale $a+e)own an) not /reathin",
.ut :ariu& wa& al3o&t a $rien), Or woul) hae /een one* i$ 'rath ha) let hi3 "et
+lo&e,
1& 'rath &too) up* he +lo&e) hi& e%e&, 5atre) wa&he) throu"h hi3* )ire+te) into the
+enter o$ hi& own +he&t, 5e )e&pi&e) hi3&el$ $or wal(in" awa%* /ut he 7u&t wa&n2t the
(in) o$ 3ale who +oul) help &o3e poor hal$-/ree) throu"h &u+h a pain$ul an)
)an"erou& ti3e, 0entlene&& an) 3er+% were not in hi& 3a(eup,
96 +an2t )o it, #ot een $or %ou,9
:ariu&2& a"on% hit hi3 in a "reat &well* an) 'rath a+tuall% &wa%e) un)er the
e3otion2& $or+e, 5e &Kueeze) the a3pire2& &houl)er,
96$ %ou reall% loe her* )o her a $aor, 1&( &o3eone el&e,9
'rath turne) an) &tal(e) out o$ the /ar, On hi& wa% to the )oor he wipe) the 3e3or%
o$ hi3&el$ $ro3 eer% hu3an +ere/ral +ortex in the pla+e, The &tron" one& woul)
thin( the% ha) )rea3e) hi3, The wea( one& woul)n2t re3e3/er hi3 at all,
Out on the &treet* he hea)e) $or a )ar( +orner /ehin) S+rea3er2& &o that he +oul)
)e3aterialize, 5e pa&&e) a wo3an )eep throatin" &o3e "u% in the &ha)ow&* a /u3
who2) +ollap&e) in a &tupor* a )ru" )ealer ar"uin" on a +ell phone a/out the "oin"
pri+e $or +ra+(,
'rath (new the 3o3ent he wa& $ollowe), 1n) who it wa&, The &weet &3ell o$ /a/%
pow)er wa& a )ea) "ieawa%,
5e &3ile) wi)el%* opene) hi& leather 7a+(et* an) too( out one o$ hi& hira shuriken,
The &tainle&&-&teel throwin" &tar $elt +o3$orta/le in hi& pal3, Three oun+e& o$ )eath
rea)% to hit the airwae&,
'ith the weapon in hi& han)* 'rath )i)n2t +han"e hi& &tri)e* een thou"h he wante)
to ru&h into the &ha)ow&, 5e wa& &poilin" $or a $i"ht a$ter &huttin" )own :ariu&* an)
the <e&&enin" So+iet% 3e3/er /ehin) hi3 ha) per$e+t $u+(in" ti3in",
Jillin" the &oulle&& hu3an wa& 7u&t what he nee)e) to ta(e the e)"e o$$,
1& he )rew the lesser into the )en&e )ar(ne&&* 'rath2& /o)% pri3e) $or the $i"ht* hi&
heart pu3pin" &tea)il%* the 3u&+le& in hi& ar3& an) thi"h& twit+hin" in anti+ipation,
5i& ear& pi+(e) up the &oun) o$ a "un /ein" +o+(e)* an) he trian"ulate) the weapon2&
ai3, 6t wa& pointe) at the /a+( o$ hi& hea),
6n a $lui) 3otion* he wheele) aroun) 7u&t a& the /ullet explo)e) out o$ the 3uzzle, 5e
)u+(e) an) threw the &tar* whi+h $la&he) &iler an) twirle) in a )ea)l% ar+, 6t +au"ht
the lesser ri"ht in the ne+(* &plittin" hi& throat open /e$ore +ontinuin" on it& path into
the )ar(ne&&, The "un )roppe) to the "roun)* +latterin" a+ro&& the a&phalt,
The lesser "ra//e) hi& ne+( with /oth han)& an) $ell to hi& (nee&,
'rath wal(e) oer an) went throu"h it& po+(et&, 5e too( the wallet an) the +ell
phone he $oun) an) put the3 into hi& 7a+(et,
1n) then he with)rew a lon"* /la+(-/la)e) (ni$e $ro3 hi& +he&t hol&ter, 5e wa&
)i&appointe) the $i"ht ha)n2t la&te) lon"er* /ut "oin" /% the )ar(* +url% hair an)
relatiel% inept atta+(* thi& wa& a new re+ruit, 'ith a Kui+( thru&t* he pu&he) the
lesser onto it& /a+(* $lippe) the weapon in the air* an) +au"ht the han)le with a &wipe
o$ hi& pal3, The /la)e plun"e) into $le&h* +ut throu"h /one* rea+he) the /la+( oi)
where the heart ha) /een,
'ith a &tran"le) &oun)* the lesser )i&inte"rate) in a $la&h o$ li"ht,
'rath wipe) the /la)e o$$ on hi& leather pant&* &lippe) it /a+( where it /elon"e)* an)
&too) up, 5e loo(e) aroun), 1n) then )e3aterialize) hi3&el$,
:ariu& ha) a thir) /eer, 1 +ouple o$ 0oth loelie& )roppe) /%* loo(in" $or a +han+e to
help hi3 $or"et hi& trou/le&, 5e pa&&e) on the inite&,
5e le$t the /ar an) wal(e) oer to hi& .-' 650i* whi+h wa& par(e) ille"all% in the
alle% /ehin) the +lu/, <i(e an% a3pire worth hi& &alt* he +oul) )e3aterialize at will
an) trael oer a&t )i&tan+e&* /ut that wa& a har) tri+( to pull o$$ i$ %ou ha) to +arr%
an%thin" hea%, 1n) not &o3ethin" %ou wante) to )o in pu/li+,
.e&i)e&* a $ine +ar wa& a 7o% to /ehol),
:ariu& "ot into the .ee3er an) &hut the )oor, Fro3 out o$ the &(% rain &tarte) to $all*
)applin" the win)&hiel) with $at tear&,
5e wa&n2t out o$ option&, The tal( o$ -ari&&a2& /rother ha) "otten hi3 thin(in",
5aer& wa& a ph%&i+ian* a )e)i+ate) healer o$ the ra+e, -a%/e he +oul) help, 6t wa&
+ertainl% worth a tr%,
:i&tra+te) with plan&* :ariu& put the (e% in the i"nition an) twi&te), The &tarter
wheeze), 5e turne) the (e% a"ain an) then ha) a terri/le pre3onition a& he hear) a
rh%th3i+ +li+(in",
The /o3/* whi+h ha) /een atta+he) to the un)er+arria"e o$ the +ar an) har)wire) into
the ele+tri+al &%&te3* went o$$,
1& hi& /o)% wa& in+inerate) /% a /la&t o$ white heat* hi& la&t thou"ht wa& o$ the
)au"hter who ha) %et to 3eet hi3, 1n) now neer woul),
Chapter Three
.eth too( a $ort%-$ie-3inute &hower* u&e) hal$ a /ottle o$ /o)% wa&h* an) nearl%
3elte) the +heap wallpaper o$$ the /athroo3 wall& /e+au&e &he (ept the water &o hot,
She )rie) o$$* threw on her /athro/e* an) trie) not to +at+h another &hot o$ her
re$le+tion in the 3irror, 5er lip wa& a 3e&&,
She &teppe) out into her +ra3pe) &tu)io apart3ent, The air +on)itioner ha) )ie) a
+ouple o$ wee(& a"o* &o the roo3 wa& nearl% a& &3otherin" a& the /athroo3, She e%e)
her two win)ow& an) the &li)in" )oor that le) out to a wilte) +ourt%ar), She wante) to
open the3 all* /ut +he+(e) the lo+(& in&tea),
!en thou"h her nere& were &hot* at lea&t her /o)% wa& re/oun)in" $a&t, 5er appetite
ha) returne) with a en"ean+e* a& i$ it were pi&&e) at the )ier&ion o$ )inner* an) &he
went aroun) to her "alle% (it+hen, The +hi+(en le$toer& $ro3 $our ni"ht& a"o een
&ee3e) initin"* /ut when &he +ra+(e) the $oil pa+(a"e* &he +au"ht a whi$$ o$ &weat
&o+(&, She pit+he) the loa) an) to&&e) a <ean Cui&ine into the 3i+rowae, She ate the
3a+aroni an) +hee&e &tan)in" up* hol)in" the little pla&ti+ tra% in her pal3 with a pot
hol)er, 6t wa&n2t enou"h* )i)n2t een 3a(e a )ent in her hun"er* &o &he ha) another
one,
The i)ea o$ puttin" on twent% poun)& in one ni"ht wa& )a3ne) appealin"L it reall%
wa&, She +oul)n2t help the wa% her $a+e loo(e)* /ut &he wa& willin" to /et that
#ean)erthal 3i&o"%ni&t atta+(er o$ her& pre$erre) hi& i+ti3& with a ti"ht a&&,
She /lin(e) her e%e&* tr%in" to "et hi& $a+e out o$ her 3in),
0o)* &he +oul) &till $eel hi& han)&* tho&e aw$ul* hea% pal3& /rui&in" her /rea&t&,
She nee)e) to $ile a report, She &houl) "o )own to the &tation,
!x+ept &he )i)n2t want to leae her apart3ent, 1t lea&t not until 3ornin",
She went oer to the $uton &he u&e) a& a +ou+h an) a /e) an) +urle) her le"& in ti"ht
to her /o)%, 5er &to3a+h wa& )oin" a &low +hurn 7o/ on the 3a+ an) +hee&e* wae&
o$ nau&ea $ollowe) /% 3ar+hin" row& o$ &hier& pa&&in" oer her &(in,
1 &o$t 3eow /rou"ht her hea) up,
95e%* .oo*9 &he &ai)* wi""lin" her $in"er& li&tle&&l%, The poor "u% ha) run $or +oer
when &he2) +o3e throu"h the )oor tearin" her +lothe& o$$ an) throwin" the3 a+ro&&
the roo3,
-eowin" a"ain* the /la+( +at pa))e) oer, 5i& wi)e "reen e%e& loo(e) worrie) a& he
leape) into her lap with "ra+e,
9Sorr% a/out the )ra3a*9 &he 3ur3ure)* 3a(in" roo3 $or hi3,
5e ru//e) hi& hea) a"ain&t her &houl)er* purrin", 5i& /o)% wa& war3* hi& wei"ht
"roun)in", She )i)n2t (now how lon" &he &at there &tro(in" hi& $ine* &o$t $ur* /ut
when the phone ran"* &he 7u3pe),
1& &he rea+he) $or the re+eier* &he 3ana"e) to (eep pa+e with the pettin", Eear& o$
liin" with .oo ha) hone) her +atIphone +oor)ination &(ill& to per$e+tion,
95ello49 &he &ai)* thin(in" it wa& pa&t 3i)ni"ht* whi+h rule) out tele3ar(eter& an)
&u""e&te) either wor( or &o3e &i+(o +ran(-+allin" her,
9Eo* .-la)%, 0et %our )an+in" &hoe& on, So3e "u%2& +ar /lew up out&i)e o$
S+rea3er2&, 'ith hi3 in it,9
.eth +lo&e) her e%e& an) wante) to weep, >o&e )e la Cruz wa& one o$ the +it%2& poli+e
)ete+tie&* /ut he wa& al&o a $rien) o$ &ort&,
1& were 3o&t o$ the 3en an) wo3en in /lue* +o3e to thin( o$ it, .e+au&e &he &pent
&o 3u+h ti3e at the &tation* &he2) "otten to (now the3 all prett% well* althou"h >o&e
wa& one o$ her $aorite&
95e%* %ou there49
Tell him% Tell him what happened% 'ust open your mouth%
Sha3e an) re3e3/ere) horror ti"htene) her o+al +or)&,
9623 here* >o&e,9 She pu&he) her )ar( hair out o$ her $a+e an) +leare) her throat, 96
+an2t +o3e toni"ht,9
9Eeah* ri"ht, 'hen %ou eer turn )own a "oo) tip49 5e lau"he) ea&il%, 9Oh* /ut ta(e
it &3ooth, 5ar)-a&& i& on the +a&e,9
5ar)-a&& wa& 5o3i+i)e :ete+tie .rian O2#eal* /etter (nown a& .ut+h, Or 7u&t plain
sir,
96 reall% +an2t8 3a(e it toni"ht,9
9Eou "ettin" /u&% with &o3eone49 Curio&it% &pi(e) hi& oi+e, >o&e wa& 3arrie),
5appil%, .ut &he (new )own at the &tation that the% all &pe+ulate) a/out her, 1
wo3an who loo(e) li(e her without a 3an4 So3ethin" ha) to /e up, 9'ell* are %ou49
90o)* no, #o,9
There wa& a &tret+h o$ &ilen+e a& her $rien)2& +op ra)ar o/iou&l% (i+(e) in, 9'hat2&
up49
9623 $ine, >u&t tire), 62ll +o3e to the &tation to3orrow,9
She2) $ile the report then, To3orrow &he2) /e &tron" enou"h to "o throu"h what ha)
happene) without /rea(in" )own,
9:o 6 nee) to )o a )rie-/%49
9#o* /ut than(&, 623 o(a%,9
She hun" up,
Fi$teen 3inute& later &he wa& in a pair o$ $re&hl% laun)ere) 7ean& an) a $lopp% &hirt
that +oere) her /utt an) then &o3e, She +alle) $or a +a/, .e$ore &he le$t &he
ru33a"e) throu"h her +lo&et until &he $oun) her other pur&e, She "ra//e) the pepper
&pra% an) hel) it har) in her han) a& &he &teppe) out o$ her apart3ent,
6n the two 3ile& /etween her $ront )oor an) the /o3/ &+ene* &he wa& "oin" to $in) her
oi+e, 1n) &he wa& "oin" to tell >o&e eer%thin",
1& 3u+h a& &he hate) the i)ea o$ reliin" the atta+(* &he wa&n2t "oin" to let that
a&&hole wal( $ree an) )o the &a3e thin" to &o3eone el&e, 1n) een i$ he wa& neer
+au"ht* at lea&t &he woul) hae )one her part to tr% to nail hi3,
'rath 3aterialize) in the )rawin" roo3 o$ :ariu&2& hou&e, :a3n* he2) $or"otten how
well the a3pire lie),
!en thou"h : wa& a warrior* he ha) the ta&te& o$ an ari&to+rat an) it 3a)e &en&e,
5e2) &tarte) li$e a& a hi"h/orn princeps* an) $ine liin" wa& &till o$ alue to hi3, 5i&
nineteenth-+entur% 3an&ion wa& well +are) $or* $ille) with antiKue& an) wor(& o$ art,
6t wa& al&o &e+ure a& a /an( ault,
.ut the )rawin" roo32& &o$t %ellow wall& hurt 'rath2& e%e&,
9'hat a plea&ant &urpri&e* 3% lor),9
Fritz* the /utler* +a3e in $ro3 the $ront hall an) /owe) )eepl% while &huttin" o$$ the
li"ht& to ea&e 'rath2& &Kuint, 1& u&ual* the ol) 3ale wa& )re&&e) in /la+( lier%, 5e2)
/een with :ariu& $or a/out a hun)re) or &o %ear& an) wa& a doggen* whi+h 3eant he
+oul) "o out in the )a% /ut a"e) $a&ter than a3pire& )i), 5i& &u/&pe+ie& ha) /een
&erin" ari&to+rat& an) warrior& $or 3illennia,
9'ill %ou /e with u& $or lon"* 3% lor)49
'rath &hoo( hi& hea), #ot i$ he +oul) help it, 95our* top&,9
9Eour roo3 i& rea)%, Shoul) %ou nee) 3e* 6 a3 here,9 Fritz /ent at the wai&t a"ain
an) wal(e) /a+(war) out o$ the roo3* +lo&in" the )ou/le )oor& /ehin) hi3,
'rath went oer to a &een-$oot-tall portrait o$ what he2) /een tol) wa& a Fren+h
(in", 5e put hi& han) on the ri"ht &i)e o$ the hea% "ol) $ra3e* an) the +ana&
piote) to reeal a )ar( &tone hall lit with "a& la3p&,
Steppin" in&i)e* he too( a &et o$ &tair& )eep into the earth, 1t the /otto3 lan)in" there
were two )oor&, One went to :ar-iu&2& &u3ptuou& Kuarter&, The other opene) to what
'rath &uppo&e) wa& a ho3e awa% $ro3 ho3e $or hi3, -o&t )a%& he &lept in a
warehou&e in #ew Eor( Cit%* in an interior roo3 3a)e out o$ &teel with a lo+( &%&te3
alon" the line& o$ Fort Jnox2&,
.ut he woul) neer inite -ari&&a there, Or een an% o$ the /rother&, 5i& pria+% wa&
pre+iou&,
1& he &teppe) in&i)e* +an)le& 3ounte) into the wall& $lare) aroun) the roo3 at hi&
will, Their "ol)en "low /arel% 3a)e hea)wa% a"ain&t the )ar(ne&&, 6n )e$eren+e to
'rath2& e%e&i"ht* :ariu& ha) painte) the wall& an) twent%-$oot-hi"h +eilin" /la+(, 6n
one +orner there wa& a 3a&&ie /e) with /la+( &atin &heet& an) a thi+(et o$ pillow&,
1+ro&& the wa% wa& a leather +ou+h* a wi)e-&+reen T=* an) a )oor that opene) into a
/la+( 3ar/le /athroo3, There wa& al&o a +lo&et $ull o$ weapon& an) +lothe&,
For &o3e rea&on* :ariu& wa& alwa%& /u""in" hi3 to &ta% at the 3an&ion, 6t wa& a
"o))a3ne) 3%&ter%, There wa&n2t a )e$en&e i&&ue* /e+au&e :ariu& +oul) han)le
hi3&el$, 1n) the i)ea that a a3pire li(e : woul) /e lonel% wa& lu)i+rou&,
'rath &en&e) -ari&&a /e$ore &he +a3e into the roo3, The &+ent o$ the o+ean* a +lean
/reeze* pre+e)e) her,
Lets get this o*er with* he thou"ht, 5e wa& it+hin" to "et /a+( to the &treet&, 5e2) ha)
onl% a ta&te o$ /attle* an) toni"ht he wante) to "or"e hi3&el$,
5e turne) aroun),
1& -ari&&a /owe) her &li"ht /o)% to hi3* he &en&e) )eotion an) unea&ine&& weain"
to"ether in the air aroun) her,
9-% lor)*9 &he &ai),
Fro3 what little he +oul) &ee* &he wa& wearin" &o3e (in) o$ $lowin" white +hi$$on
thin"* an) her lon" /lon) hair +a&+a)e) oer her &houl)er& an) )own her /a+(, 5e
(new &he )re&&e) to tr% to plea&e hi3* an) he wi&he) li(e hell &he woul)n2t 3a(e the
e$$ort,
5e too( o$$ hi& leather 7a+(et an) the +he&t hol&ter he +arrie) hi& )a""er& in,
:a3n hi& parent&, 'h% ha) the% "ien hi3 a $e3ale li(e her4 So8 $ra"ile,
Then a"ain* +on&i)erin" the &hape he2) /een in /e$ore hi& tran&ition* 3a%/e the%2)
worrie) an%one &tur)ier woul) hae hurt hi3,
'rath $lexe) hi& ar3&* hi& /i+ep& +urlin" up thi+(* one &houl)er +ra+(in" $ro3 the
$or+e,
6$ the% +oul) onl% &ee hi3 now, Their little /o% ha) turne) into a ri"hteou&* +ol)
(iller,
)ro"a"ly "etter they were dead* he thou"ht, The% woul)n2t hae approe) o$ what
he2) /e+o3e,
Then a"ain* i$ the%2) /een allowe) to lie into ol) a"e* he woul) hae /een )i$$erent,
-ari&&a &hi$te) nerou&l%, 9623 &orr% to )i&tur/ %ou, .ut 6 +annot wait an% lon"er,9
'rath hea)e) $or the /athroo3, 9Eou nee) 3e* 6 +o3e,9
5e turne) on the water an) rolle) up the &leee& o$ hi& /la+( &hirt, 'ith &tea3 ri&in"
$ro3 the ru&h o$ the $au+et* he +leane) the "ri3e* &weat* an) )eath $ro3 hi& han)&,
Then he wor(e) the /ar o$ &oap up hi& ar3&* +oerin" with &u)& the rituali&ti+ tattoo&
that ran )own the in&i)e& o$ hi& $orear3&, 5e rin&e)* )rie) hi3&el$* an) wal(e) oer to
the +ou+h, 5e &at an) waite)* "rin)in" hi& teeth,
The%2) /een )oin" thi& $or how lon"4 Centurie&, .ut eer% ti3e it too( -ari&&a a
while /e$ore &he +oul) approa+h hi3, 6$ it ha) /een an%one el&e* hi& patien+e woul)
hae &nappe) within 3o3ent&* /ut he +ut her &o3e &la+(,
Truth wa&* he $elt &orr% $or her /e+au&e &he2) /een $or+e) to /e+o3e hi& shellan, 5e2)
tol) her ti3e an) a"ain that he2) relea&e her o$ their +oenant* $ree her to $in) a true
3ate* one who woul) not onl% (ill an%thin" that threatene) her* /ut woul) loe her*
too,
Funn% thin" wa&* -ari&&a woul)n2t "ie up on hi3* a& $ra"ile a& &he 3i"ht /e, 5e
$i"ure) &he pro/a/l% $eare) no other $e3ale woul) hae hi3* that none woul) $ee)
the /ea&t when he nee)e) it an) then their ra+e woul) lo&e their &tron"e&t line, Their
(in", Their lea)er who wa&n2t willin" to lea),
Eeah* he wa& one hell o$ a +at+h, 5e &ta%e) awa% $ro3 her unle&& he ha) to )rin(*
whi+h wa&n2t o$ten /e+au&e o$ hi& linea"e, She neer (new where he wa& or what he
wa& )oin", She pa&&e) the lon" )a%& alone in her /rother2& hou&e* &a+ri$i+in" her li$e
to (eep alie the la&t pure/re) a3pire* the onl% one with not a &in"le )rop o$ hu3an
/loo) in hi3,
Fran(l%* he )i)n2t (now how &he &too) it;or hi3,
1/ruptl%* he $elt li(e +ur&in", Toni"ht wa& &ta+(in" up to /e a real part% $or hi& e"o,
:ariu&, #ow her,
'rath2& e%e& $ollowe) her a& &he 3oe) aroun) the roo3* +ir+lin" hi3* "ettin" +lo&er,
5e $or+e) hi& $a+e to relax* (ept hi& /reathin" een* 3a)e hi& /o)% &till, Thi& wa& the
har)e&t part o$ /ein" with her, 5e pani+(e) at not /ein" $ree to 3oe* an) he (new
when &he &tarte) to $ee)* the +ho(in" &en&ation woul) "et wor&e,
9Eou hae /een /u&%* 3% lor)49 &he &ai) &o$tl%,
5e no))e)* thin(in" that i$ he wa& lu+(%* he wa& "oin" to "et een /u&ier /e$ore )awn
+a3e,
-ari&&a $inall% &too) /e$ore hi3* an) he +oul) $eel her hun"er +uttin" throu"h her
unea&ine&&, 5e &en&e) her )e&ire,
too, She wante) hi3* /ut he /lo+(e) out that parti+ular e3otion o$ her&,
There wa& no wa% he wa& "oin" to hae &ex with her, 5e +oul)n2t i3a"ine puttin"
-ari&&a throu"h the thin"& he2) )one to other $e3ale /o)ie&, 1n) he2) neer wante)
her that wa%, #ot een in the /e"innin",
9Co3e here*9 he &ai)* "e&turin" with hi& han), 5e )roppe) hi& $orear3 on hi& thi"h*
wri&t up, 9Eou2re &tarin", Eou &houl)n2t wait &o lon" to +all on 3e,9
-ari&&a lowere) her&el$ to the $loor at hi& (nee&* her "own poolin" aroun) her /o)%
an) hi& $eet, 5er $in"er& were war3 on hi& &(in a& &he &o$tl% ran her han) oer hi&
tattoo&* &tro(in" the /la+( +hara+ter& that )etaile) hi& linea"e in the ol) lan"ua"e, She
wa& +lo&e enou"h &o he +au"ht the 3oe3ent o$ her 3outh openin"* her $an"&
$la&hin" white /e$ore &he &an( the3 into hi& ein,
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e&* la%in" hi& hea) /a+( a& &he )ran(, The pani+ +a3e on hi3 $a&t
an) har), 5e +urle) hi& $ree ar3 aroun) the e)"e o$ the +ou+h* hi& 3u&+le& &trainin"
a& he "rippe) the +orner to (eep hi& /o)% in pla+e, Cal3* he nee)e) to &ta% +al3, 6t
wa& "oin" to /e oer &oon* an) then he2) /e $ree,
'hen -ari&&a li$te) her hea) ten 3inute& later* he /olte) upri"ht an) wal(e) o$$ the
anxiet%* $eelin" a &i+( relie$ that he +oul) now 3oe aroun), 1& &oon a& he ha) hi&
&hit to"ether* he went oer to her, She wa& replete* a/&or/in" the &tren"th that +a3e to
her a& their /loo) 3ixe), 5e )i)n2t li(e the loo( o$ her l%in" on the $loor* &o he pi+(e)
her up an) wa& thin(in" a/out +allin" Fritz to ta(e her /a+( to her /rother2& hou&e
when there wa& a rh%th3i+ (no+( on the )oor,
'rath "lare) a+ro&& the roo3* +arrie) her to the /e)* an) lai) her )own,
9Than( %ou* 3% lor)*9 &he 3ur3ure), 96 will ta(e 3%&el$ ho3e,9
5e pau&e), 1n) then pulle) a &heet oer her le"& /e$ore wal(in" oer an) +ra+(in"
open the )oor,
Fritz wa& all 7azze) up a/out &o3ethin",
'rath &li) out&i)e* +lo&in" the )oor ti"ht, 5e wa& a/out to a&( what the hell woul)
warrant the )i&ruption when the /utler2& &+ent per3eate) hi& irritation,
5e (new without a&(in" that )eath ha) pai) another i&it,
1n) :ariu& wa& "one,
9-a&ter;9
95ow49 he "rowle), The pain he woul) )eal with later, Fir&t he nee)e) )etail&,
91h* the +ar89 Clearl% the /utler wa& hain" trou/le hol)in" it to"ether* hi& oi+e
ree)% an) thin a& hi& ol) /o)%, 91 /o3/* 3% lor), The +ar, Out&i)e o$ the +lu/,
Tohr3ent +alle), 5e &aw it happen,9
'rath thou"ht o$ the lesser he2) ta(en )own, 5e wi&he) he (new whether it ha) /een
the one who2) )one the )ee),
The /a&tar)& ha) no honor an%3ore, 1t lea&t their pre+ur&or&* "oin" /a+( $or
+enturie&* ha) $ou"ht li(e warrior&, Thi& new /ree) were +owar)& who hi) /ehin)
te+hnolo"%,
9Call the /rotherhoo)*9 he "roun) out, 9Tell the3 to +o3e now,9
9Ee&* o$ +our&e, 1n) 3a&ter4 :ariu& a&(e) 3e to "ie thi& to %ou9;the /utler hel)
&o3ethin" out;9i$ %ou were not with hi3 when he )ie),9
'rath too( the enelope an) went /a+( into the +ha3/er* hain" no +o3pa&&ion to
o$$er Fritz or an%one el&e, -ari&&a wa& "one* whi+h wa& "oo) $or her,
5e tu+(e) :ariu&2& la&t 3i&&ie into the wai&t/an) o$ hi& leather pant&,
1n) let hi& ra"e out,
The +an)le& explo)e) an) $ell to the $loor a& a whirlwin) o$ i+iou&ne&& &wirle)
aroun) hi3* "rowin" ti"hter* $a&ter* )ar(er until the $urniture $lippe) o$$ the $loor an)
traele) in a +ir+le aroun) hi3, 5e leane) /a+( hi& hea) an) roare),
Chapter !our
.% the ti3e .eth2& +a/ )roppe) her o$$ out&i)e o$ S+rea3er2&* the +ri3e &+ene wa&
alie, <i"ht& $la&he) /lue an) white $ro3 the &Kua) +ar& that /lo+(e) o$$ a++e&& to the
alle%, The /o3/ &Kua)2& /ox%* ar3ore) ehi+le ha) &hown up, Cop& 3ille) aroun)*
/oth uni$or3e) an) plain+lothe), 1n) the reKui&ite +row) o$ )run(en (i/itzer& ha) &et
up &hop at the a+tion2& peripher%* &3o(in" an) tal(in",
6n her ti3e a& a reporter* &he2) $oun) that 3ur)er wa& a +o33unit% eent in Cal)well,
'ell* +ertainl% $or eer%one ex+ept the 3an or wo3an who2) a+tuall% )one the )%in",
For the i+ti3* &he ha) to i3a"ine )eath wa& an alone (in) o$ thin"* een i$ he or &he
were &tarin" into the $a+e o$ the (iller, So3e /ri)"e& %ou +ro&&e) on %our own* no
3atter who )roe %ou to the e)"e,
.eth /rou"ht her &leee up to her 3outh, The &3ell o$ /urne) 3etal* a tan"% +he3i+al
&tin"* $ille) her no&e,
95e%* .eth@9 One o$ the +op& 3otione) her oer, 96$ %ou want a +lo&er loo(* "o
throu"h S+rea3er2& to the /a+(, There2& a +orri)or;9
91+tuall%* 623 here to &ee >o&e, 6& he aroun)49
The +op +rane) hi& ne+(* &ear+hin" the +row), 95e wa& here a 3inute a"o, -a%/e he
hea)e) /a+( to the &tation, ?i+(%@ Eou &ee >o&e949
.ut+h O2#eal &teppe) in $ront o$ her* &ilen+in" the other +op with a )ar( loo(, 96&n2t
thi& a &urpri&e,9
.eth &teppe) /a+(, 5ar)-a&& wa& a lot o$ 3an, .i" /o)%* )eep oi+e* attitu)e to &pare,
She &uppo&e) a lot o$ wo3en 3u&t /e attra+te) to hi3* /e+au&e 0o) (new he wa& a
loo(er in that rou"h* tou"h (in) o$ wa%, .ut .eth ha) neer $elt a &par(,
#ot that &he eer )i) when it +a3e to 3en,
9So* ?an)all* what2& )oin"49 5e poppe) a pie+e o$ "u3 in hi& 3outh* wa))in" up the
$oil into a ti"ht little /all, 5i& 7aw went to wor( li(e he wa& $ru&trate)* not &o 3u+h
+hewin" a& "rin)in",
9623 here $or >o&e, #ot $or the &+ene,9
9Sure %ou are,9 5i& "aze narrowe) on her $a+e, 'ith hi& )ar( /row& an) )eep-&et
e%e&* he alwa%& loo(e) a little an"r%* /ut a/ruptl% hi& expre&&ion "ot wor&e, 9'oul)
%ou +o3e with 3e $or a &e+49
96 reall% want >o&e;9
5er ar3 wa& ta(en in a ti"ht "rip,
9>u&t +o3e oer here,9 .ut+h /a+(e) her into a &e+lu)e) +orner o$ the alle%* awa%
$ro3 the +o33otion, 9'hat the hell happene) to %our $a+e49
She put her han) up an) +oere) her &plit lip, She 3u&t &till /e in &ho+(* /e+au&e &he2)
$or"otten all a/out it,
9<et 3e repeat the Kue&tion*9 he &ai), 9'hat the hell happene) to %ou49
96* ah89 5er throat +lo&e) up, 96 wa&89
She wa& not "oin" to +r%, #ot in $ront o$ 5ar)-a&&,
96 want >o&e9,9
95e2& not here* &o %ou +an2t hae hi3, #ow tal(,9 .ut+h /ra+e) hi& ar3& on either &i)e
o$ her /o)%* a& i$ he &en&e) &he 3i"ht run, 5e wa& onl% a +ouple o$ in+he& taller than
&he wa&* /ut he ha) at lea&t &eent% poun)& o$ 3u&+le on her,
Fear (i+(e) in li(e an i+e pi+( pun+hin" throu"h her +he&t* /ut &he2) ha) Kuite enou"h
o$ /ein" ph%&i+all% /ullie) toni"ht,
9.a+( o$$* O2#eal,9 She put her pal3& &Kuarel% on hi& +he&t an) pu&he), 5e 3oe), 1
little,
9.eth* tell;9
96$ %ou )on2t let 3e "o9;her e%e& hel) hi&;9623 "oin" to )o an expo&e on %our
interro"ation te+hniKue&, Eou (now* the one& that reKuire O ra%& an) +a&t& a$ter %ou2re
throu"h49
5i& e%e& narrowe) a"ain, 1n) then he pulle) hi& ar3& awa% $ro3 her /o)%* hol)in"
hi& han)& up a& i$ he were &urren)erin",
9Fine,9 5e le$t her an) went /a+( into the $ra%,
She +ollap&e) a"ain&t the /uil)in"* $eelin" a& i$ her le"& were neer "oin" to wor(
ri"ht a"ain, She loo(e) )own* tr%in" to "ather her &tren"th* an) &Kuinte) at &o3ethin"
3etal, She /ent her (nee&* "ettin" )own on her haun+he&, 6t wa& a 3artial-art&
throwin" &tar,
95e%* ?i+(%@9 &he +alle) out, The +op +a3e lopin" oer* an) &he pointe) to the
"roun), 9!i)en+e,9
She le$t hi3 to )o hi& 7o/ an) hurrie) out to Tra)e Street to +at+h a +a/, She 7u&t
+oul)n2t (eep it to"ether an% lon"er,
To3orrow &he woul) $ile an o$$i+ial report with >o&e, Fir&t thin" in the 3ornin",
'hen 'rath reappeare) in the )rawin" roo3* he wa& /a+( in +ontrol, 5i& weapon&
were &trappe) on* an) hi& 7a+(et wa& hea% in hi& han)* $ille) with the throwin" &tar&
an) (nie& he li(e) to u&e,
Tohr3ent wa& the $ir&t o$ the /rotherhoo) to arrie, 5i& e%e& were all $ire) up* pain
an) en"ean+e 3a(in" the )ar( /lue "low &o ii)l% een 'rath +au"ht the $la&h o$
+olor,
1& Tohr &ettle) /a+( a"ain&t one o$ :ariu&2& %ellow wall&* =i&hou& +a3e into the
roo3, The "oatee he2) re+entl% "rown 3a)e hi3 &ee3 een 3ore &ini&ter than u&ual*
althou"h the tattoo aroun) hi& le$t e%e wa& what reall% put hi3 into o3inou& territor%,
Toni"ht hi& ?e) Sox hat wa& pulle) )own ti"ht &o the +o3plex 3ar(in"& on hi&
te3ple /arel% &howe), 1& alwa%&* hi& /la+( )riin" "loe* u&e) to (eep hi& le$t han)
$ro3 ina)ertentl% 3a(in" +onta+t with an%one* wa& in pla+e,
'hi+h wa& a "oo) thin", 1 "o))a3ne) pu/li+ &eri+e,
?ha"e $ollowe)* hi& +o+(% attitu)e )iale) )own in )e$eren+e to what ha) /rou"ht the
/rother& to"ether, ?ha"e wa& a towerin" 3ale* /i"* power$ul* &tron"er than all the
other warrior&, 5e wa& al&o a &ex le"en) in the a3pire worl)* 5oll%woo) /eauti$ul
with the )rie to rial a /arn$ul o$ &tallion&, Fe3ale&* a3pire an) hu3an ali(e*
woul) tra3ple their own %oun" to "et at hi3,
1t lea&t until the% "ot a pee( at hi& )ar( &i)e, 'hen
?ha"e2& /ea&t +a3e out* eer%one* the /rother& in+lu)e)* loo(e) $or &helter an) too(
up pra%in",
Ahur% wa& the la&t* wal(in" throu"h the $ront )oor with hi& li3p /arel% noti+ea/le,
5i& pro&theti+ lower le" ha) re+entl% /een up)ate)* an) he wa& &portin" a &tate-o$-the-
art titaniu3-an)-+ar/on +o3po&ite nu3/er now, The +o3/ination o$ ro)&* 7oint&* an)
/olt& wa& &+rewe) into the /a&e o$ hi& ri"ht &hit-(i+(er,
'ith hi& $anta&ti+ 3ane o$ 3ulti+olore) hair* Ahur% &houl) hae /een in 5oll%woo)2&
lea"ue with the la)ie&* /ut he2) &tu+( &oli) to hi& ow o$ +eli/a+%, There wa& roo3 $or
one an) onl% one loe in hi& li$e* an) it ha) /een &lowl% (illin" hi3 $or %ear&,
9'here2& %our twin* 3an49 'rath a&(e),
9F2& on hi& wa%,9
That F&a)i&t wa& late wa& no /i" &urpri&e, F wa& one "iant* iolent $u+(-%ou to the
worl), 1 wal(in"* &o3eti3e& tal(in"* u&uall% +ur&in" SO. who too( hatre)*
e&pe+iall% towar) $e3ale&* to new leel&, Fortunatel%* /etween hi& &+arre) $a+e an)
hi& &(ull-tri33e) hair* he loo(e) a& &+ar% a& he wa&* &o $ol(& ten)e) to "et out o$ hi&
wa%,
Stolen $ro3 hi& $a3il% a& an in$ant* he2) en)e) up a /loo) &lae* an) hi& a/u&e at the
han)& o$ hi& 3i&tre&& ha) /een /rutal on eer% leel, 6t ha) ta(en Ahur% al3o&t a
+entur% to $in) hi& twin* an) F ha) /een torture) to within an in+h o$ )eath /e$ore the
re&+ue,
1 $all into the &alt% o+ean ha) &eale) F&a)i&t2& woun)& into hi& &(in* an) in a))ition to
the 3aze o$ &+ar&* he &till /ore the tattoo& o$ a &lae, 1& well a& ariou& pier+in"& he2)
a))e) hi3&el$,
>u&t /e+au&e he li(e) the $eel o$ pain,
5an)& )own* F wa& the 3o&t )an"erou& o$ the /rother&, 1$ter what he2) /een put
throu"h* he )i)n2t "ie a &hit a/out an%thin" or an%one, 6n+lu)in" hi& twin,
!en 'rath wat+he) hi& /a+( aroun) that warrior,
Eeah* the .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo) wa& a hell o$ a "roup, 1ll that &too) /etween the
+iilian a3pire population an) the lessers,
Cro&&in" hi& ar3&* 'rath loo(e) aroun) the roo3* ta(in" ea+h one o$ the3 in* &eein"
their &tren"th& /ut 3o&tl% their +ur&e&,
'ith :ariu&2& )eath* he wa& re3in)e) that thou"h hi& warrior& were hittin" the
&o+iet%2& le"ion& o$ &la%er& har)* there were &o $ew o$ the /rother& "oin" a"ain&t an
inexhau&ti/le* &el$-"eneratin" pool o$ lessers,
.e+au&e 0o) (new there were plent% o$ hu3an& with an intere&t an) aptitu)e $or
3ur)er,
The nu3/er& were &i3pl% not in the ra+e2& $aor, 5e +oul)n2t e&+ape the $a+t that
a3pire& )i)n2t lie $oreer an) that /rother& +oul) /e (ille) an) that the /alan+e
+oul) /e thrown o$$ in an in&tant, 6n $aor o$ the ra+e2& ene3ie&,
5ell* the &hi$t ha) happene) alrea)%, !er &in+e the O3e"a ha) +reate) the <e&&enin"
So+iet% aeon& a"o* a3pire nu3/er& ha) &hrun( until now there were onl% a $ew
en+lae& o$ population le$t, Their (in) wa& $lirtin" with extin+tion, !en thou"h the
/rother& were )ea)l% $ine at what the% )i),
6$ 'rath ha) /een a )i$$erent (in) o$ (in"* one li(e hi& $ather* who wante) to /e the
a)ore)* reere) pater$a3ilia& to the &pe+ie&* 3a%/e the $uture woul) hae &ee3e)
3ore pro3i&in", .ut the &on wa&n2t a& the $ather ha) /een, 'rath wa& a $i"hter* not a
lea)er* /etter on hi& $eet with a )a""er in hi& han) than &ittin" aroun) /ein" a)ore),
5e re$o+u&e) on the /rother&, 1& the warrior& &tare) /a+( at hi3* the% were loo(in" to
hi3 $or )ire+tion, 1n) their )e$eren+e 3a)e hi3 e)"%,
9623 ta(in" :ariu&2& )eath a& a per&onal atta+(*9 he &ai),
There wa& a low "runt o$ approal $ro3 the /rother&,
'rath too( out the wallet an) +ell phone he2) li/erate) $ro3 the <e&&enin" So+iet%
3e3/er he2) (ille), 96 too( the&e o$$ a lesser earlier toni"ht /ehin) S+rea3er2&, So3e
o$ %ou 3in) )oin" the honor&49
5e to&&e) the3 into the air, Ahur% +au"ht /oth an) pa&&e) the phone to =i&hou&,
'rath &tarte) pa+in", 9'e nee) to "o rai)in" a"ain,9
9:a3n &trai"ht*9 ?ha"e "rowle), There wa& a 3etalli+ &hi$tin" an) then the &oun) o$
a (ni$e /ein" )rien into a ta/le, 9'e nee) to "et the3 where the% train, 'here the%
li*e,9
'hi+h 3eant the /rother& were "oin" to hae to )o &o3e re+on, -e3/er& o$ the
<e&&enin" So+iet% weren2t &tupi), The% +han"e) their +enter& o$ operation re"ularl%*
+on&tantl% 3oin" their re+ruitin" an) trainin" $a+ilitie& $ro3 pla+e to pla+e, .e+au&e
o$ thi&* the a3pire warrior& t%pi+all% $oun) it 3ore e$$i+ient to 3a(e the3&ele&
tar"et& an) $i"ht what +a3e a$ter the3,
O++a&ionall% the /rotherhoo) ha) "one on rai)& /e$ore* (illin" )ozen& o$ lessers in
one eenin" a& a pa+(, That (in) o$ o$$en&ie ta+ti+ wa& rare* howeer, Full-&+ale
atta+(& were e$$i+ient* /ut the% were al&o a tri+(% propo&ition, .i" /attle& ten)e) to
attra+t the attention o$ hu3an poli+e* an) (eepin" a low pro$ile wa& in eer%one2&
intere&t,
9There2& a )rier2& li+en&e*9 Ahur% 3uttere), 962ll &+ope the a))re&&, 6t2& lo+al,9
9'hat2& the na3e49 'rath )e3an)e),
9?o/ert Strau&&,9
=i&hou& +ur&e) a& he exa3ine) the phone, 9There2& not 3u+h here, So3e &hit in the
+all lo"* &o3e &pee) )ial&, 62ll hit the +o3puter an) $in) out who2& /een +allin" an)
what2& /een )iale),9
'rath "ritte) hi& teeth, 63patien+e an) ra"e were a hell o$ a +o+(tail to &wallow, 96
)on2t nee) to tell %ou to wor( $a&t, There2& no wa% to (now whether the lesser 6 pi+(e)
o$$ toni"ht wa& the one who )i) it* &o 623 thin(in" we nee) to )o a +lean &weep o$ thi&
whole area, Jill the3 all no 3atter how 3e&&% it "et&,9
The $ront )oor &wun" open* an) F&a)i&t &tro)e into the hou&e,
'rath "lare), 9#i+e o$ %ou to &how up* F, .u&% toni"ht with the $e3ale&49
95ow a/out %ou "et o$$ 3% )i+(49 F&a)i&t went oer to the +orner* &ta%in" awa% $ro3
the re&t,
9'here %ou "oin" to /e* 3% lor)49 Tohr3ent a&(e) &3oothl%,
0oo) ol) Tohr, 1lwa%& tr%in" to (eep the pea+e* whether /% )i&tra+tion* interention*
or $lat-out /ull%in",
95ere, 623 "oin" to &ta% here, 6$ the lesser who naile) :ariu& i& alie an) intere&te) in
pla%in" &o3e 3ore* 6 want to /e aaila/le an) ea&% to $in),9
1$ter the warrior& le$t* 'rath pulle) on hi& 7a+(et, 6n the pro+e&& :ariu&2& enelope
po(e) hi3 in the &i)e* an) he too( it $ro3 hi& wai&t/an), There wa& a &trip o$ in( on
the $ront* whi+h he a&&u3e) wa& hi& na3e, 5e +ra+(e) open the $lap, 1& he )rew out
a +rea3% pie+e o$ paper* a photo"raph $luttere) to the "roun), 5e pi+(e) it up an) ha)
the a"ue i3pre&&ion o$ lon" )ar( hair, 1 $e3ale,
'rath &tare) at the paper, The writin" ran to"ether* a 3eanin"le&&* /lurr% &+rawl he
ha) no hope o$ )e+ipherin" no 3atter how har) he &Kuinte),
9Fritz@9 he +alle) out,
The /utler +a3e ru&hin" in,
9?ea) thi&,9
Fritz too( the &heet an) /ent hi& hea)* $allin" into &ilen+e,
91lou)*9 'rath /it out,
9Oh, -% apolo"ie&* 3a&ter,9 Fritz +leare) hi& throat, 9 26$ 6 haen2t &po(en to %ou
alrea)%* a&( Tohr3ent $or )etail&, !leen ei"ht%-ei"ht ?e)) 1enue* apart3ent one-
., 5er na3e i& !liza/eth ?an)all, A,S, The hou&e an) Fritz are %our& i$ &he )oe&n2t
&urie to a)ulthoo), Sorr% it ha) to en) &o &oon, :,29
9Son o$ a /it+h*9 'rath 3uttere),
Chapter !ive
.eth ha) +han"e) into her no+turnal war)ro/e o$ /oxer& an) a T-&hirt* an) wa&
pullin" the $uton out $lat when .oo /e"an to 3eow at the &li)in" "la&& )oor, The +at
pa+e) in a ti"ht +ir+le* e%e& traine) on &o3ethin" out&i)e,
91re %ou tr%in" to "et at -r&, :i 0io2& ta//% a"ain4 'e )i) that on+e an) it )i)n2t "o
well* re3e3/er49
1 poun)in" on her $ront )oor /rou"ht her hea) aroun) an) (i+(-&tarte) her heart,
She wal(e) oer an) put her e%e to the peephole, 'hen &he &aw who it wa&* &he
rolle) oer an) pre&&e) her /a+( a"ain&t the +heap woo) panel&,
The poun)in" &tarte) a"ain,
96 (now %ou2re in there*9 5ar)-a&& &ai), 91n) 623 "oin" to (eep thi& up,9
She $lippe) the lo+(& an) threw open the )oor, .e$ore &he +oul) tell hi3 to "o to hell*
he /ar"e) pa&t her,
.oo li$te) hi& /a+( an) hi&&e),
9Alea&e) to 3eet %ou* too* Aanther .o%,9 .ut+h2& )eep )rawl &ee3e) totall% out o$
pla+e in her apart3ent,
95ow )i) %ou "et into the lo//%49 &he &ai) a& &he &hut the )oor,
96 pi+(e) the lo+(,9
9'a& there an% parti+ular rea&on %ou +ho&e thi& /uil)in" to /rea( into* :ete+tie49
5e &hru""e) an) &at )own in her tattere) win" +hair, 9Thou"ht 62) i&it a $rien),9
9So wh% are %ou /otherin" 3e49
9#i+e pla+e %ou "ot*9 he &ai)* loo(in" at her &tu$$,
9Eou2re &u+h a liar,9
95e%* at lea&t it2& all +lean, 'hi+h i& 3ore than 6 +an &a% a/out 3% own hoel,9 5i&
)ar(* hazel e%e& went to her $a+e an) &ta%e) there, 9#ow* let2& tal( a/out what
happene) when %ou le$t wor( toni"ht* &hall we49
She +ro&&e) her ar3& oer her +he&t,
5e +hu+(le) &o$tl%, 9-an* what2& >o&e "ot that 6 )on2t49
9Eou want a pen an) &o3e paper4 6t2& Kuite a li&t,9
9Ou+h, Eou2re +ol)* %ou (now that49 5i& tone wa& a3u&e), 9Tell 3e* )o %ou onl% li(e
the unaaila/le one&49
9<oo(* 623 exhau&te);9
9Eeah* %ou le$t wor( late, #ine $ort%-$ie-i&h, 6 tal(e) to %our /o&&, :i+( &ai) %ou
were &till at %our )e&( when he went to Charlie2&, Eou wal(e) ho3e* )i)n2t %ou4
:own Tra)e Street, >u&t li(e 62ll /et %ou )o eer% ni"ht, 1n) %ou were alone, For a
while,9
.eth &wallowe) a& a &o$t &oun) /rou"ht her e%e& to the &li)in" "la&& )oor, .oo wa&
/a+( to hi& pa+in" an) 3eowin"* hi& e%e& rea+hin" out into the )ar(ne&&,
9#ow* are %ou "oin" to tell 3e what happene) when %ou hit the inter&e+tion o$ Tra)e
an) Tenth49 5i& e%e& &o$tene),
95ow )o %ou (now;9
9>u&t tal( to 3e, 1n) 6 pro3i&e* 62ll 3a(e &ure that 3other$u+(er "et& it ri"ht "oo),9
'rath &too) in the &till ni"ht* &tarin" at the &hape o$ :ariu&2& )au"hter, She wa& tall
$or a hu3an $e3ale* an) her hair wa& /la+(* /ut that wa& all hi& e%e& +oul) tell hi3,
5e /reathe) in* /ut he +oul)n2t +at+h her &+ent, 5er )oor& an) win)ow& were &hut* an)
the win) /lowin" $ro3 the we&t +arrie) the $ruit% )e+a% o$ tra&h,
5e +oul) hear the )rone o$ her oi+e throu"h the +lo&e) )oor* howeer, She wa&
tal(in" to &o3eone, 1 3an who3 &he apparentl% )i)n2t tru&t or )i)n2t li(e* /e+au&e
her wor)& were +lippe) &hort,
962ll 3a(e thi& a& ea&% on %ou a& 6 +an*9 the "u% wa& &a%in",
'rath wat+he) a& &he wal(e) oer an) loo(e) out&i)e throu"h the "la&& )oor, She
wa& &tarin" ri"ht at hi3* /ut he (new &he +oul)n2t &ee hi3, 5e wa& )eep in the
&ha)ow&,
She opene) the )oor an) put her hea) out* /lo+(in" a +at2& exit with her $oot,
'rath $elt hi& /reath +at+h a& her &+ent +a3e to hi3, She &3elle) po&itiel% /eauti$ul,
<i(e a ri+h $lower, #i"ht-/loo3in" ro&e&* 3a%/e, 5e )ra""e) 3ore air into hi& lun"&
an) +lo&e) hi& e%e& a& hi& /o)% rea+te)* hi& /loo) &tirrin", :ariu& ha) /een ri"htL &he
wa& nearin" her tran&ition, 5e +oul) &3ell it on her, 5al$-/ree) or not* &he wa& "oin"
to "o throu"h the +han"e,
She &li) the &+reen in pla+e an) turne) /a+( to the 3an, 5er oi+e wa& 3u+h +learer
with the )oor open* an) 'rath li(e) the hu&(% &oun) o$ it,
9The% +a3e at 3e $ro3 a+ro&& the &treet, There were two o$ the3, The taller one
pulle) 3e into the alle% an)89
'rath &nappe) to attention,
96 trie) to $i"ht hi3 o$$, 6 reall% )i), .ut he wa& /i""er than 3e* an) then hi& $rien)
pinne) 3% ar3&,9 5er /reath hi++uppe), 95e tol) 3e he2) +ut out 3% ton"ue i$ 6
&+rea3e)* an) 6 thou"ht he wa& "oin" to (ill 3e* 6 reall% )i), Then he rippe) open 3%
&hirt an) pu&he) up 3% /ra, 6 +a3e &o +lo&e to /ein"8 .ut 6 "ot $ree an) ran, 5e ha)
/lue e%e&* /rown hair* an) an earrin"* a &Kuare +ut )ia3on)* in hi& le$t ear, 5e wa&
wearin" a )ar( /lue polo &hirt an) (ha(i &hort&, 6 )i)n2t "et a "oo) loo( at hi& &hoe&,
5i& $rien) wa& /lon)* &hort hair* no earrin"&* )re&&e) in a white T-&hirt that ha) the
na3e o$ that lo+al /an)* To3ato !ater* on it,9
The 3an "ot up an) went to her, 5e put hi& ar3 aroun) her an) trie) to hu" her
a"ain&t hi& +he&t* /ut &he pulle) awa% an) put )i&tan+e /etween the3,
9:o %ou reall% thin( %ou2ll /e a/le to "et hi349 &he &ai),
The 3an no))e), 9Eeah, 6 )o,9
.ut+h le$t .eth ?an)all2& apart3ent in a $oul 3oo),
Seein" a wo3an who2) /een +lo+(e) in the $a+e wa& not a part o$ hi& 7o/ he li(e),
1n) in .eth2& +a&e he $oun) it parti+ularl% )i&tur/in"* /e+au&e he2) (nown her $or a
while an) he wa& (in) o$ attra+te) to her, The $a+t that &he wa& an unu&uall% /eauti$ul
wo3an )i)n2t 3a(e it an% 3ore e"re"iou&, .ut her &wollen lip an) the /rui&e& aroun)
her throat were "larin" )e$e+t& within the otherwi&e per$e+tion o$ her $eature&,
.eth ?an)all wa& $lat-out* han)&-)own "or"eou&, She ha) lon"* thi+( /la+( hair*
i3po&&i/l% /ri"ht /lue e%e&* &(in li(e pale +rea3* a 3outh 7u&t 3a)e $or a 3an2& (i&&,
1n) &he wa& /uilt, <on" le"&* &3all wai&t* per$e+tl% proportione) /rea&t&,
The 3en at the &tation were all in loe with her* an) .ut+h ha) to "ie her prop&G She
neer u&e) her attra+tiene&& to "et in&i)e in$or3ation $ro3 the /o%&, 1n) &he (ept
eer%thin" pro$e&&ional, She neer )ate) an% o$ the3* een thou"h 3o&t woul) hae
"ien their le$t nut 7u&t to hol) her han),
One thin" wa& $or &ureG 5er atta+(er ha) 3a)e a hell o$ a 3i&ta(e when he2) pi+(e)
her, The entire poli+e $or+e wa& "oin" to /e "unnin" $or that $ool when the% $oun) out
who he wa&,
1n) .ut+h ha) a /i" 3outh,
5e "ot into hi& un3ar(e) +ar an) )roe to the St, Fran+i& 5o&pital +o3plex a+ro&&
town, 5e par(e) at the +ur/ in $ront o$ the e3er"en+% roo3 an) went in&i)e,
The "uar) at the reolin" )oor &3ile) at hi3, 9Eou hea)in" $or the 3or"ue*
:ete+tie49
9#aw, >u&t i&itin" a $rien),9
The 3an no))e) hi3 throu"h,
.ut+h wal(e) pa&t the !?2& waitin" roo3 with it& pla&ti+ plant&* )o"-eare) 3a"azine&*
an) anxiou& people, Au&hin" open a &et o$ )ou/le )oor&* he hea)e) into the &terile*
white* +lini+al eniron3ent, 5e no))e) to the nur&e& an) )o+& he (new a& he went to
the tria"e )e&(,
95e%* :ou"* %ou (now that "u% we /rou"ht in with the /u&te) no&e49
The atten)in" loo(e) up $ro3 a +hart he wa& rea)in", 9Eeah* he2& a/out to /e
relea&e), 5e2& in the /a+(* roo3 twent%-ei"ht,9 The interni&t let out a little lau"h, 96
tell %a* that no&e o$ hi& wa& the lea&t o$ hi& pro/le3&, 5e2& not "oin" to /e &in"in" low
note& $or a while,9
9Than(&* /u))%, .% the wa%* how2& the wi$e49
90oo), She2& )ue in a wee(,9
9<et 3e (now how it "oe&,9
.ut+h hea)e) $or the /a+(, .e$ore wal(in" into roo3 twent%-ei"ht* he loo(e) up an)
)own the hall, 6t wa& Kuiet, There were no 3e)i+al per&onnel aroun)* no i&itor&* no
patient&,
5e opene) the )oor an) put hi& hea) in&i)e,
.ill% ?i))le loo(e) up $ro3 the /e), There wa& a white /an)a"e runnin" un)er hi&
no&e li(e the thin" wa& hol)in" hi& /rain& in, 9'hat2& up* O$$i+er4 Eou $in) the "u%
who "ot 3e4 623 a/out to /e relea&e) an) 62) $eel /etter (nowin" %ou ha) hi3 in
+u&to)%,9
.ut+h &hut the )oor an) Kuietl% $lippe) it& lo+(,
5e wa& &3ilin" a& he +ro&&e) the roo3 e%ein" the &Kuare +ut &par(ler in the "u%2& le$t
lo/e, 95ow2& the no&e* .ill% /o%49
90oo), 1n) the nur&e wa& a pie+e o$ a&&;9
.ut+h "ra//e) the $ront o$ the pun(2& /lue polo &hirt an) %an(e) hi3 to hi& $eet, Then
he &la33e) .eth2& atta+(er a"ain&t the wall &o har) the 3a+hiner% /ehin) the /e)
wo//le),
.ut+h put hi& $a+e &o +lo&e the% +oul) hae (i&&e), 9:i) %ou hae $un toni"ht49
'i)e /lue e%e& 3et hi&, 9'hat are %ou tal(in";9
.ut+h &la33e) hi3 a"ain, 962e "ot a po&itie 6: on %ou, Fro3 the wo3an who %ou
trie) to rape,9
9That wa&n2t 3e@9
9The hell it wa&n2t, 1n) "ien %our little threat a/out her ton"ue an) %our (ni$e* 6
3i"ht een hae enou"h to &en) %ou to :anne3ora, Eou eer hae a /o%$rien)
/e$ore* .ill%4 6 /et %ou2re "oin" to /e popular, #i+e white /o% li(e %ou,9
The "u% went pale a& the wall&, 96 )i)n2t tou+h her@9
9Tell %ou what* .ill%, 6$ %ou2re hone&t with 3e* an) i$ %ou tell 3e where %our /u))%
i&* %ou 3i"ht a+tuall% wal( out o$ here, Otherwi&e 623 "oin" to ta(e %ou )own to the
&tation on a &tret+her,9
.ill% &ee3e) to +on&i)er the )eal $or a 3o3ent, 1n) then the wor)& +a3e out o$ hi&
3outh $a&t, 9She wante) it@ She wa& /e""in" 3e;9
.ut+h /rou"ht up hi& (nee an) pre&&e) it into .ill%2& +rot+h, 1 hi"h-pit+he) %elp +ut
throu"h the air, 96& that wh% %ou2re "oin" to hae to pi&& &ittin" )own $or the next
wee(49
1& the pun( &tarte) /a//lin"* .ut+h )roppe) hi3 an) wat+he) hi3 &li)e )own onto
the $loor, 'hen .ill% &aw the han)+u$$& +o3e out* the whinin" "ot lou)er,
.ut+h $lippe) hi3 oer rou"hl% an) wa& none too "entle a& he pulle) the "u%2& wri&t&
to"ether, 5e +lippe) the +u$$& in pla+e, 9Eou2re un)er arre&t, 1n%thin" %ou &a% +an
an) will /e u&e) a"ain&t %ou in a +ourt o$ law, Eou hae the ri"ht to an attorne%;9
9:o %ou hae an% i)ea who 3% $ather i&@9 .ill% %elle)* a& i$ he2) "otten a &e+on)
win), 95e2& "oin" to hae %our /a)"e@9
96$ %ou +an2t a$$or) one* one will /e proi)e) $or %ou, :o %ou un)er&tan) the&e ri"ht&
a& 62e &tate) the349
9Fu+( %ou@9
.ut+h pal3e) the /a+( o$ the "u%2& hea) an) pre&&e) that /u&te) no&e into the
linoleu3, 9:o %ou un)er&tan) the&e ri"ht& a& 62e &tate) the349
.ill% 3oane) an) no))e)* leain" a &3ear o$ $re&h /loo) on the $loor,
90oo), #ow let2& "et %our paperwor( )one, 62) hate not to $ollow proper poli+e
pro+e)ure,9
Chapter "i#
.oo@ 'oul) %ou +ut that out49 .eth pun+he) her pillow an) rolle) oer &o &he $a+e)
the +at,
5e loo(e) at her an) 3eowe), 6n the "low $ro3 the (it+hen li"ht &he2) le$t on* &he
&aw hi3 paw at the "la&& )oor,
9#ot li(el%* .oo-3an, Eou2re a hou&e +at, 5ou&e, Cat, Tru&t 3e* the /i" out)oor& i&n2t
a& "ran) a& it &ee3&,9
She +lo&e) her e%e&* an) when the next plaintie 3eow +a3e* &he +ur&e) an) threw
o$$ her &heet, She went to the )oor an) &tare) out&i)e,
That wa& when &he &aw the 3an, 5e wa& &tan)in" a"ain&t the /a+( wall o$ the
+ourt%ar)* a )ar( &hape 3u+h lar"er than the other* $a3iliar &ha)ow& +a&t /% the tra&h
/in& an) the 3o&&-+oere) pi+ni+ ta/le,
'ith &ha(in" han)& &he +he+(e) the lo+( on the )oor an) then went to her win)ow&,
.oth were lo+(e) a& well, She pulle) the &ha)e& )own* "ra//e) her porta/le phone*
an) went /a+( to &tan) oer .oo,
The 3an ha) 3oe),
!hit+
5e wa& +o3in" towar) her, She +he+(e) the lo+( on the )oor a"ain an) /a+(e) awa%*
+at+hin" the e)"e o$ the $uton with her $oot, 1& &he tu3/le) into &pa+e* the phone $ell
out o$ her han) an) /oun+e) awa%, She hit the 3attre&& har)* hea) /o//in" on her
ne+( $ro3 the i3pa+t,
63po&&i/l%* the )oor &li) open a& i$ the lo+( ha) neer /een turne)* a& i$ &he2) neer
+li+(e) it into pla+e,
Still $lat on her /a+(* &he pu3pe) her le"& wil)l%* (nottin" the &heet& a& &he pu&he)
her /o)% awa% $ro3 hi3, 5e wa& tre3en)ou&* hi& &houl)er& wi)e a& 6 /ea3&* hi& le"&
a& thi+( a& her tor&o, She +oul)n2t &ee hi& $a+e* /ut the 3ena+e +o3in" o$$ hi3 wa&
li(e a "un ai3e) at her +he&t,
She whi3pere) a& &he rolle) oer on to the $loor an) +rawle) awa% $ro3 hi3* her
(nee& an) pal3& &Kuea(in" a"ain&t the har)woo), 5i& $oot&tep& /ehin) her lan)e)
li(e thun)er* "ettin" lou)er, Cowerin" li(e an ani3al* /lin)e) /% $ear* &he (no+(e)
into her hall ta/le an) $elt no pain at all,
Tear& &trea3e) )own her +hee(& a& &he /e""e) $or 3er+% an) rea+he) $or the $ront
)oor;
.eth wo(e up* 3outh open* a terri/le noi&e &hatterin" the )awn2& &ilen+e,
6t wa& her, She wa& &+rea3in" at the top o$ her lun"&,
She +la3pe) her lip& to"ether* an) &ure enou"h her ear& &toppe) hurtin", Shu$$lin"
out o$ /e)* &he went to the &li)in" )oor an) "reete) the &un2& $ir&t ra%& with a relie$ &o
&weet &he "ot li"ht-hea)e), 1& her heart &lowe)* &he too( a )eep /reath an) +he+(e)
the )oor,
The lo+( wa& in pla+e, The +ourt%ar) wa& e3pt%, !er%thin" wa& nor3al,
She lau"he) ti"htl%, O$ +our&e &he2) hae a /a) )rea3 a$ter what ha) happene) la&t
ni"ht, She wa& pro/a/l% "oin" to hae the hee/ie-7ee/ie& $or a while,
She turne) an) hea)e) $or the &hower, She $elt hal$-)ea)* /ut the la&t pla+e &he
wante) to /e wa& alone in her apart3ent, She +rae) the /u&tle o$ the new&roo3*
wante) to /e aroun) all o$ it& people* an) phone&* an) paper&, She2) $eel &a$er there,
She wa& a/out to &tep into the /athroo3 when a li+( o$ pain &hot throu"h her $oot, She
+o+(e) her (nee an) pi+(e) a pie+e o$ potter% out o$ the tou"h &(in o$ her heel,
.en)in" )own* &he $oun) the /owl &he (ept on the hall ta/le in pie+e& on the $loor,
Frownin"* &he +leane) up the 3e&&,
She 3u&t hae (no+(e) the thin" o$$ when &he2) $ir&t +o3e ho3e a$ter the atta+(,
1& 'rath wal(e) )own into the earth un)er :ariu&2& 3an-&ion* exhau&tion $ollowe),
5e +lo&e) an) lo+(e) the )oor /ehin) hi3* )i&ar3e)* an) )rew out a /attere) trun(
$ro3 the +lo&et, Flippin" the li) /a+(* he "runte) a& he li$te) up a &la/ o$ /la+(
3ar/le, 6t wa& $our $eet &Kuare an) $our in+he& thi+(* an) he put it )own in the 3i))le
o$ the roo3, 5e went /a+( to the trun(* pi+(e) up a elet /a"* an) to&&e) it on the
/e),
Strippin" )own* he &howere) an) &hae)* then wal(e) /a+( into the roo3 na(e), 5e
"ra//e) the /a"* untie) the &atin ri//on at it& ne+(* an) poure) out the rou"h-+ut*
pe//le-&ize) )ia3on)& onto the &la/, The e3pt% &at+hel $ell $ro3 hi& han) an) $loate)
)own to the $loor,
'rath /owe) hi& hea) an) &po(e the wor)& o$ hi& 3other ton"ue* the &%lla/le& ri&in"
an) $allin" with hi& /reath a& he pai) tri/ute to hi& )ea), 'hen he $ini&he) &pea(in"*
he (nelt )own onto the &la/* $eelin" the &tone& +ut into hi& $le&h, 5e &ettle) hi& wei"ht
/a+( on hi& heel&* pla+e) hi& pal3& on hi& thi"h&* an) +lo&e) hi& e%e&,
The )eath ritual reKuire) hi3 to pa&& the )a% without 3oin"* to /ear the pain* to
/lee) in 3e3or% o$ hi& $rien),
6n hi& 3in) he &aw :ariu&2& )au"hter,
5e &houl)n2t hae "one in&i)e o$ her ho3e li(e that, 5e2) &+are) her hal$ to )eath*
when all he2) wante) to )o wa& intro)u+e hi3&el$ an) explain wh% &he wa& "oin" to
nee) hi3 &oon, 5e2) al&o planne) to tell her he wa& "oin" a$ter that hu3an 3ale
who2) $u+(e) with her,
Eeah* he2) han)le) it /eauti$ull%, S3ooth a& "rael,
The 3o3ent he2) +o3e in&i)e* &he2) /olte) in terror an) he2) ha) to &trip her
3e3orie& an) put her in a li"ht tran+e to +al3 her )own, 1$ter he2) lai) her out on her
/e)* he2) 3eant to leae ri"ht awa%* /ut he ha)n2t /een a/le to, 5e2) &too) oer her*
3ea&urin" the /lurr% +ontra&t /etween her /la+( hair an) her white pillow+a&e*
/reathin" in her &+ent,
Feelin" a &exual &tirrin" in hi& "ut,
.e$ore he2) le$t* he2) 3a)e &ure her )oor& an) win)ow& were lo+(e), 1n) then he2)
loo(e) /a+( at her one 3ore ti3e, 5e2) thou"ht o$ her $ather,
'rath $o+u&e) on the a+he that wa& alrea)% &ettin" up &hop in hi& thi"h&,
1& hi& /loo) turne) the 3ar/le re), he &aw hi& )ea) warrior2& $a+e an) $elt the tie
the%2) &hare) in li$e,
5e ha) to honor hi& /rother2& la&t reKue&t, 5e owe) the 3ale at lea&t that $or all the
%ear& the%2) &ere) the ra+e to"ether,
5al$-hu3an or not* :ariu&2& )au"hter wa& neer "oin" to wal( the ni"ht unprote+te)
a"ain, 1n) &he wa&n2t "oin" to "o throu"h her tran&ition alone,
0o) help her,
.ut+h $ini&he) pro+e&&in" .ill% ?i))le aroun) &ix 1,-, The "u% wa& o$$en)e) /% the
+la&& o$ )ru" )ealer& an) thu"& he2) /een put into the hol)in" +ell with* &o .ut+h wa&
+are$ul to 3a(e a& 3an% t%po"raphi+al error& a& po&&i/le on hi& report&, 1n) what
woul) %ou (now* Central Aro+e&&in" (ept "ettin" +on$u&e) a/out exa+tl% whi+h $or3&
nee)e) to /e $ille) out,
1n) then the printer& ha) "one on the $ritz, 1ll twent%-three o$ the3,
Still* ?i))le wa&n2t lon" $or the &tation hou&e, 5i& $ather wa& in)ee) a power$ul 3an*
a C,S, &enator, So &o3e $an+% law%er wa& "oin" to "et .ill% &prun" Kui+(er than &hit
throu"h a "oo&e, Aro/a/l% in the next hour,
2Cau&e that wa& the +ri3inal 7u&ti+e &%&te3 $or %ou, -one% tal(e)* an) +reep& wal(e),
#ot that .ut+h wa& /itter or an%thin",
1& he wal(e) out to the lo//%* he ran into one o$ their re"ular oerni"ht "ue&t&,
Cherr% Aie ha) ei)entl% 7u&t /een relea&e) $ro3 the wo3en2& &i)e, 5er real na3e wa&
-ar% -ul+ah%* an) $ro3 what .ut+h ha) hear)* &he2) /een wor(in" the &treet& $or
a/out two %ear&,
95e%* there* :ete+tie*9 &he purre), 5er re) lip&ti+( ha) poole) into the +orner& o$ her
3outh* an) her /la+( e%eliner wa& &3u)"e), She woul) hae /een prett%* he thou"ht*
i$ &he put the +ra+( pipe )own an) &lept $or a/out a 3onth &trai"ht, 9Eou "oin" ho3e
alone49
91& alwa%&,9 5e hel) the )oor open $or her a& the% went out&i)e,
9:on2t %our le$t han) "et tire) a$ter a while49
.ut+h lau"he) a& the% /oth pau&e) an) loo(e) up at the &(%,
9So how %ou /een* Cherr%49
9623 alwa%& "oo),9
She put a +i"arette /etween her teeth an) lit it while e%ein" hi3,
9Eou (now* %our pal3& eer "et too hair%* %ou +oul) +all 3e, 62) )o %ou $or $ree*
2+au&e %ou &ure are a han)&o3e SO., .ut )on2t tell .i" :a))% 6 &ai) &o,9
She /lew out a +lou) o$ &3o(e an) a/&entl% $in"ere) her ra""e) le$t ear, The top hal$
wa& 3i&&in",
-an* that pi3p o$ her& wa& a ra/i) )o",
The% &tarte) )own the +on+rete &tep&,
9Eou +he+( out that pro"ra3 6 tol) %ou a/out49 .ut+h a&(e) a& the% rea+he) the
&i)ewal(, 5e wa& helpin" a $rien) &tart up a pro&titute &upport "roup that woul)
en+oura"e wo3en to "et $ree o$ the pi3p& an) out o$ the li$e,
9Oh* %eah* &ure, 0oo) &tu$$,9 She $la&he) hi3 a &3ile, 962ll &ee %ou later,9
9Ta(e +are o$ %our&el$,9
She turne) awa% an) &lappe) her ri"ht /utt +hee( with her pal3, 9>u&t thin(* thi&
+oul) /e %our&,9
.ut+h wat+he) her &a&ha% )own the &treet $or a little while, 1n) then he "ot into an
un3ar(e) +ar an)* on i3pul&e* )roe a+ro&& town* /a+( to the S+rea3er2&
nei"h/orhoo), 5e pulle) up in $ront o$ -+0ri)er2&, 1/out $i$teen 3inute& later a
wo3an in a ti"ht pair o$ /lue 7ean& an) a /la+( /ell% &hirt +a3e out o$ the 7oint, She
/lin(e) 3%opi+all% at the /ri"htenin" li"ht,
'hen &he +au"ht &i"ht o$ hi& +ar* &he $lu$$e) her au/urn hair an) wal(e) oer to hi3,
5e put the win)ow )own an) &he leane) in* (i&&in" hi3 on the lip&,
96 haen2t &een %ou $or a while, Eou lonel%* .ut+h49 &he &ai) a"ain&t hi& 3outh,
She &3elle) li(e )rie) /eer an) 3ara&+hino +herrie&* eer% /arten)er2& per$u3e at the
en) o$ a lon" ni"ht,
90et in*9 he &ai),
She went aroun) the $ront o$ the +ar an) &li) /e&i)e hi3, The% tal(e) a/out how her
ni"ht ha) /een a& he )roe out to the rier, She wa& )i&appointe) that the tip& ha)
/een li"ht a"ain, 1n) her $eet were (illin" her $ro3 runnin" /a+( an) $orth /ehin) the
/ar,
5e par(e) un)er the &pan /ri)"e that +ro&&e) the 5u)&on ?ier an) lin(e) Cal)well2&
two hale&, 5e 3a)e &ure the% were $ar enou"h awa% $ro3 the ho3ele&& 3en l%in" in
/e)& o$ ra"&, There wa& no rea&on to hae an au)ien+e,
1n) he ha) to "ie 1//% +re)itG She wa& $a&t, She ha) hi& pant& un)one an) wa&
wor(in" hi& ere+tion with a "oo) &tro(e /e$ore he een ha) the en"ine o$$, 1& he
pu&he) the &eat /a+(* &he &tra))le) hi3 an) nuzzle) hi& ne+(, 5e loo(e) pa&t her
(in(%* per3e) hair an) out to the water,
The &unli"ht wa& &o /eauti$ul* he thou"ht* a& it )apple) oer the &ur$a+e o$ the rier,
9:o %ou loe 3e* /a/%49 &he whi&pere) in hi& ear,
9Eeah* &ure,9 5e &3oothe) her hair /a+( an) loo(e) into her e%e&, The% were a+ant,
5e +oul) hae /een an% 3an* an) that wa& wh% their relation&hip wor(e),
5i& heart wa& a& e3pt% a& her &tare,
Chapter "even
1& -r, O +ro&&e) the par(in" lot an) hea)e) $or the Cal)well -artial 1rt& 1+a)e3%*
he +au"ht a whi$$ o$ the :un(in2 :onut& a+ro&& the &treet, That &3ell* that "or"eou&*
thi+( &3ell o$ $lour an) &u"ar an) hot oil* wa& hea% in the 3ornin" air, 5e loo(e)
oer hi& &houl)er* wat+hin" a& a 3an e3er"e) with two white-an)-pin( /oxe& un)er
hi& ar3 an) a hu"e trael 3u" o$ +o$$ee in hi& other han),
That would "e a nice way to start the morning* -r, O thou"ht,
-r, O &teppe) up onto the &i)ewal( that ran /eneath the a+a)e3%2& re)-an)-"ol)
awnin", 5e pau&e)* rea+hin" )own an) pi+(in" up a &tra% pla&ti+ +up, 6t& preiou&
owner ha) /een +are$ul to (eep an in+h o$ &o)a in the /otto3 &o hi& or her +i"arette
/utt& +oul) en7o% $loatin" aroun) while the% waite) $or &o3eone el&e to throw the3
awa%, 5e pit+he) the na&t% &will in the tra&h an) unlo+(e) the )oor& to the a+a)e3%,
The <e&&enin" So+iet% ha) turne) a +orner in the war la&t ni"ht* an) he wa& the one
who ha) )one the )ee), :ariu& ha) /een a powerhou&e o$ a a3pire* a 3e3/er o$ the
.la+( :a""er .rotherhoo), One hell o$ a troph%,
6t wa& a )a3n &ha3e there wa& nothin" le$t o$ the +orp&e to 3ount on a wall* /ut -r,
O2& /o3/ ha) per$or3e) a)eKuatel% an) then &o3e, 5e2) /een at ho3e* li&tenin" to
hi& poli+e &+anner* when the report ha) +o3e in, The op wa& eer%thin" he ha)
planne) it to /e* per$e+tl% exe+ute)* per$e+tl% anon%3ou&,
Aer$e+tl% )ea)l%,
5e trie) to re+all the la&t ti3e a 3e3/er o$ the /rotherhoo) ha) /een ta(en out, 'ell
/e$ore he2) 7oine) the &o+iet% )e+a)e& a"o* +ertainl%, 1n) he2) expe+te) to "et a $ew
pat& on the /a+(* not that &u+h a++ola)e& 3otiate) hi3, 5e2) $i"ure) he 3i"ht een
"et a /onu& out o$ it* 3a%/e an expan&ion o$ hi& &phere o$ in$luen+e* 3a%/e a "reater
"eo"raphi+ ra)iu& in whi+h to wor(,
.ut the rewar)8 the rewar) wa& 3ore than he2) expe+te),
The O3e"a ha) pai) hi3 a i&it an hour /e$ore )awn, 1n) +on$erre) upon hi3 all the
ri"ht& an) priile"e& o$ Fore,lesser,
<ea)er o$ the <e&&enin" So+iet%,
6t wa& an awe&o3e re&pon&i/ilit%, 1n) exa+tl% what -r, O ha) /een an"lin" $or,
Aower "rante) wa& the onl% $or3 o$ prai&e he wa& intere&te) in,
'al(in" with lon" &tri)e&* he hea)e) $or hi& o$$i+e, The $ir&t +la&&e& woul) &tart at
nine* an) there wa& plent% o$ ti3e $or hi3 to la% )own &o3e o$ the new rule& $or hi&
&u/or)inate& in the &o+iet%,
5i& $ir&t in&tin+t a$ter the O3e"a ha) le$t wa& to &en) an announ+e3ent out* /ut that
woul) hae /een unwi&e, 1 lea)er "athere) hi& thou"ht& /e$ore he &po(eL he )i) not
ru&h to the po)iu3 to /e a)ore), !"o* a$ter all* wa& the root o$ eil,
So in&tea) o$ +rowin" li(e a $ool* he2) "one out&i)e an) &at )own in a lawn +hair*
loo(in" oer the 3ea)ow /ehin) hi& hou&e, 6n the )awn2& na&+ent "low* he2) reiewe)
the &tren"th& an) wea(ne&&e& o$ hi& or"anization an) allowe) hi& in&tin+t& to &how
hi3 the wa% to 3ana"e /oth, Fro3 the tan"le o$ i3a"e& an) thou"ht&* pattern& ha)
e3er"e)* the $uture /e+o3in" +lear,
Sittin" /ehin) hi& )e&( now* he &i"ne) on to the &o+iet%2& &e+ure) 'e/ &ite an) 3a)e
it +lear that a +han"e in lea)er&hip ha) o++urre), 5e or)ere) all lessers to +o3e to the
a+a)e3% at $our A,-, that a$ternoon* (nowin" that &o3e woul) hae to trael* /ut
none wa& $arther awa% than an ei"ht-hour +ar ri)e, 1n%one who )i) not &how up
woul) /e ex+i&e) $ro3 the &o+iet% an) hunte) )own li(e a )o",
0atherin" the lessers to"ether in one pla+e wa& rare, 1t thi& ti3e their nu3/er&
hoere) in the $i$t% to &ixt% ran"e* )epen)in" on the nu3/er o$ (ill& the /rotherhoo)
"ot in on an% "ien ni"ht an) the nu3/er o$ new re+ruit& that were /rou"ht into
&eri+e, The &o+iet%2& 3e3/er& were all in an) aroun) #ew !n"lan), Thi&
+on+entration in the northea&tern Cnite) State& wa& )i+tate) /% the prealen+e o$
a3pire& in the area, 6$ that population 3oe)* &o woul) the &o+iet%,
1& ha) /een the wa% throu"hout the "eneration& o$ the war,
-r, O wa& aware that "ettin" the lessers to Cal)well $or an au)ien+e wa& +riti+al,
1lthou"h he (new 3o&t o$ the3* an) &o3e o$ the3 rather well* he nee)e) $or the3 to
&ee hi3 an) hear hi3 an) 3ea&ure hi3, !&pe+iall% a& he re)ire+te) their $o+u&,
Callin" the 3eetin" in the )a%li"ht wa& al&o i3portant* a& it woul) en&ure the% weren2t
a3/u&he) /% the /rotherhoo), 1n) he +oul) ea&il% pa&& it o$$ to the a+a)e3%2& hu3an
e3plo%ee& a& a &e3inar on 3artial-art& te+hniKue, The% woul) hol) the "atherin" in
the lar"e +on$eren+e roo3 in the /a&e3ent an) lo+( the )oor& &o the% woul)n2t /e
intru)e) upon,
.e$ore he &i"ne) o$$* he po&te) an a++ount o$ hi& eli3ination o$ :ariu&* /e+au&e he
wante) the &la%er& to hae it in writin", 5e )etaile) the (in) o$ /o3/ he2) u&e)* the
wa% to 3anu$a+ture one $ro3 &+rat+h* an) the 3etho) $or har)wirin" the )etonator
into a +ar2& i"nition &%&te3, 6t wa& &o ea&% on+e the thin" wa& &et, 1ll %ou nee)e) to
)o wa& ar3 it* an) then the next ti3e the en"ine wa& &tarte)* an%one in the +ar wa&
turne) to a&h,
For that &plit &e+on) o$ pa%o$$* he2) tra+(e) the warrior :ariu& $or a %ear* wat+hin"
hi3* learnin" the rh%th3& o$ hi& li$e, 1n) then two )a%& a"o* -r, O ha) /ro(en into
the 0reene .rother& .-' )ealer&hip when the a3pire ha) &ent hi& 6-&erie& in $or
&eri+e, The /o3/ ha) /een &et* an) then la&t ni"ht -r, O ha) wal(e) /% the +ar an)
a+tiate) the )etonator with a ra)io tran&3itter without 3i&&in" a &tep,
The lon"* +on+entrate) e$$ort to &et up the eli3ination wa& not &o3ethin" he &hare),
5e wante) hi& lessers to /eliee he wa& a/le to exe+ute &u+h a $lawle&& 3oe on a
whi3, 63a"e an) per+eption pla%e) i3portant role& in the +reation o$ a power /a&e*
an) he wante) to &tart /uil)in" hi& +o33an) +re)i/ilit% ri"ht awa%,
1$ter &i"nin" o$$* he leane) /a+( in hi& +hair* &teeplin" hi& $in"er&, !er &in+e he2)
7oine) the &o+iet%* the $o+u& ha) /een on re)u+in" the a3pire population throu"h
+iilian eli3ination&, Thi& woul) re3ain hi& oerall "oal* o$ +our&e* /ut hi& $ir&t
)e+ree woul) /e a +han"e in &trate"%, The (e% to winnin" the war wa& ta(in" out the
/rotherhoo), 'ithout tho&e &ix warrior&* the +iilian& woul) /e na(e) a"ain&t the
lessers* un)e$en)e),
The ta+ti+ wa& not a new one, 6t ha) /een atte3pte) in "eneration& pa&t an) )i&+ar)e)
nu3erou& ti3e& when the /rother& ha) proen either too a""re&&ie or too elu&ie to
/e ta(en out, .ut with :ariu&2& )eath* the &o+iet% ha) 3o3entu3,
1n) the% ha) to )o &o3ethin" )i$$erentl%, 1& it &too) now* the /rotherhoo) wa&
+uttin" )own hun)re)& o$ lessers eer% %ear* reKuirin" the ran(& to /e $e) with new*
inexperien+e) &la%er&, ?e+ruit& were trou/le, The% were har) to $in)* har) to in)u+t
into the &o+iet%* an) not a& e$$e+tie a& &ea&one) 3e3/er& o$ the &o+iet%,
Thi& +on&tant nee) to /rin" in new 3en le) to a +riti+al wea(ne&& $or the &o+iet%,
Trainin" +enter& li(e the Cal)well -artial 1rt& 1+a)e3% &ere) an i3portant purpo&e
in i)enti$%in" an) enli&tin" hu3an& to 7oin the ran(&* /ut the% were al&o point& o$
expo&ure, 1oi)in" inter$eren+e /% the hu3an poli+e;an) prote+tin" a"ain&t a &ie"e
/% the /rotherhoo);reKuire) +on&tant i"ilan+e an) $reKuent relo+ation, The 3oin"
aroun) $ro3 pla+e to pla+e wa& )i&ruptie* /ut how el&e +oul) the &o+iet% &ta% &to+(e)
an) %et the +enter& o$ operation not /e a3/u&he)4
-r, O &hoo( hi& hea), 1t &o3e point he wa& "oin" to nee) a &e+on) in +o33an)*
thou"h he woul)n2t /rin" one on $or a while,
Fortunatel%* nothin" he wa& "oin" to )o wa& parti+ularl% +o3plex, 6t wa& all /a&i+
3ilitar% &trate"%, -ar&hal %our $or+e&, Coor)inate the3, 1+Kuire in$or3ation on the
ene3%, 1)an+e in a lo"i+al* )i&+ipline) 3anner,
5e wa& 3ar&halin" hi& $or+e& thi& a$ternoon,
1& $or +oor)ination* he wa& "oin" to arran"e the3 into &Kua)ron&, 1n) he wa& "oin"
to in&i&t the &la%er& &tart 3eetin" with hi3 re"ularl% in &3all "roup&,
1& $or in$or3ation4 6$ the% were "oin" to ta(e out the /rotherhoo)* the% nee)e) to
(now where to $in) the /rother&, Thi& woul) /e )i$$i+ult* thou"h not i3po&&i/le,
Tho&e warrior& were a +a"e%* &u&pi+iou& lot who (ept to the3&ele&* /ut the +iilian
a3pire population )i) hae &o3e +onta+t with the3, 1$ter all* the /rother& ha) to
$ee)* an) it +oul)n2t /e o$$ one another, The% reKuire) $e3ale /loo),
1n) $e3ale&* een i$ 3o&t o$ the3 were &heltere) li(e pre+iou& art* ha) /rother& an)
$ather& who +oul) /e per&ua)e) to tal(, 'ith the proper in+entie* the 3ale& woul)
reeal where their wo3en$ol( went an) who the% &aw, 1n) then the /rotherhoo)
woul) /e reeale),
Thi& wa& the (e% to hi& oerall &trate"%G 1 +oor)inate) pro"ra3 o$ +apture an)
3otiation* $o+u&e) on +iilian 3ale& an) the rare $e3ale who wa& out an) a/out*
woul) eentuall% lea) to the /rother&, 6t ha) to, !ither /e+au&e the /rother& /e+a3e
in+en&e) that the +iilian& were /ein" u&e) &o rou"hl% an) +a3e out with all )a""er&
$la&hin", Or /e+au&e &o3eone tal(e) an) their lo+ation& were )iul"e),
The /e&t out+o3e woul) /e to $in) out where the warrior& &pent their )a%&, Ta(in"
the3 )own while the &un wa& &hinin"* when the% were at their 3o&t ulnera/le* wa&
the +our&e o$ a+tion with the hi"he&t pro/a/ilit% o$ &u++e&& an) the lowe&t li(elihoo)
o$ &o+iet% $atalitie&,
1ll thin"& +on&i)ere)* (illin" +iilian a3pire& wa& onl% &li"htl% 3ore )i$$i+ult than
(no+(in" out %our aera"e hu3an, The% /le) i$ %ou +ut the3* an) their heart& &toppe)
/eatin" i$ %ou &hot the3* an) i$ %ou "ot the3 into the &unli"ht the% /urne) up,
Jillin" a 3e3/er o$ the /rotherhoo) wa& a er% )i$$erent propo&ition, The% were
3on&trou&l% &tron"* hi"hl% traine)* an) the% heale) up $a&t* a &u/&pe+ie& all their own,
Eou ha) one &hot with a warrior, 6$ %ou )i)n2t 3a(e it 3ortal* %ou were not 3a(in" it
ho3e,
-r, O &too) up $ro3 the )e&(* ta(in" a 3o3ent to &tu)% hi& re$le+tion in the o$$i+e2&
win)ow, Aale hair* pale &(in* pale e%e&, .e$ore he2) 7oine) the &o+iet% he2) /een a
re)hea), #ow he +oul)n2t re3e3/er what he2) loo(e) li(e an%3ore,
.ut he wa& er% +lear a/out hi& $uture, 1n) the &o+iet%2&,
5e lo+(e) the )oor /ehin) hi3 an) went )own the tile) hall to the 3ain arena*
waitin" /% the entran+e* no))in" at the &tu)ent& a& the% +a3e in&i)e $or their 7u7it&u
le&&on, Thi& wa& hi& $aorite +la&&* a "roup o$ %oun" 3en* a"e& ei"hteen to twent%-
$our* who &howe) a lot o$ pro3i&e, 1& the $leet o$ "u%& in white* /elte) 7u7it&u gis
/owe) their hea)& to hi3 an) a))re&&e) hi3 a& &en&ei* -r, O 3ea&ure) ea+h one*
noti+in" the wa% their e%e& 3oe)* the wa% the% +arrie) their /o)ie&* how their 3oo)&
&ee3e),
'ith hi& &tu)ent& line) up an) prepare) to &par* he +ontinue) to loo( the3 oer*
alwa%& (eepin" an e%e out $or potential re+ruit& to the &o+iet%, 5e wa& &ear+hin" $or
7u&t the ri"ht +o3/ination o$ ph%&i+al &tren"th* 3ental a+uit%* an) un+han-nele)
hatre),
'hen he2) /een approa+he) to 7oin the <e&&enin" So+iet% in the 1950&* he2) /een a
&eenteen-%ear-ol) "rea&er in a 7uenile )elinKuent pro"ra3, The %ear /e$ore he2)
&ta//e) hi& $ather in the +he&t a$ter the /a&tar) ha) (no+(e) hi3 one too 3an% ti3e&
in the hea) with a /eer /ottle, 5e2) hope) to (ill the 3an* /ut un$ortunatel% hi& $ather
ha) &urie) an) lie) lon" enou"h to "o ho3e an) (ill -r, O2& 3other,
.ut at lea&t )ear ol) :a) ha) ha) the &en&e to /low hi& own hea) all oer the wall
with a &hot"un a$terwar), -r, O ha) $oun) the /o)% on a i&it ho3e* ri"ht /e$ore he2)
/een +au"ht an) thrown into the &%&te3,
On that )a%* a& he2) &too) oer hi& $ather2& +orp&e* -r, O ha) learne) that &+rea3in"
at the )ea) wa&n2t een re3otel% &ati&$%in", There wa&* a$ter all* nothin" to /e ta(en
$ro3 &o3eone who wa& alrea)% "one,
Con&i)erin" who2) &ire) hi3* it wa& no a++i)ent that iolen+e an) hatre) were thi+( in
-r, O2& /loo), 1n) (illin" a3pire& wa& one o$ the $ew &o+iall% a++epta/le outlet& $or
a 3ur)er &trea( li(e hi&, The 3ilitar% wa& a /ore, Too 3an% rule&* an) %ou ha) to wait
until an ene3% wa& )e+lare) /e$ore %ou +oul) "et to wor(, 1n) &erial (illin" wa& too
&3all-&+ale,
The &o+iet% wa& )i$$erent, 5e ha) eer%thin" he2) eer wante), Cnli3ite) $un)&, The
+han+e to (ill eer% ti3e the &un went )own, 1n)* o$ +our&e* there wa& that all-
i3portant opportunit% to 3ol) the next "eneration,
So he2) ha) to &ell hi& &oul to "et in, That wa& not a pro/le3, 1$ter what hi& $ather ha)
)one to hi3* there ha)n2t /een 3u+h o$ it le$t an%wa%,
6n hi& 3in)* he2) )e$initel% +o3e out on the 3one% &i)e o$ the tra)e, 5e wa&
"uarantee) to /e %oun" an) in per$e+t health until the )a% he )ie), 1n) hi& )eath
woul) /e pre)i+ate) not on &o3e /iolo"i+al $ailure* li(e +an+er or heart )i&ea&e* /ut
on hi& own a/ilit% to (eep hi3&el$ in one pie+e,
Than(& to the O3e"a* he wa& ph%&i+all% &uperior to hu3an&* hi& e%e&i"ht wa& per$e+t*
an) he "ot to )o what he li(e) /e&t, The i3poten+e ha) /othere) hi3 a little at the
/e"innin"* /ut he2) "otten u&e) to that, 1n) the not eatin" or )rin(in"8 well* it
wa&n2t a& i$ he2) /een a "our3an) an%wa%,
.e&i)e&* 3a(in" /loo) run wa& /etter than $oo) or &ex an% )a%,
'hen the )oor to the arena opene) a/ruptl%* he &hot a "lare oer hi& &houl)er, 6t wa&
.ill% ?i))le* an) the "u% ha) two /la+( e%e& an) a /an)a"e) no&e,
-r, O +o+(e) an e%e/row, 9Eou &ittin" out to)a%* ?i))le49
9Ee&* &en&ei,9 .ill% /owe) hi& hea), 9.ut 6 wante) to +o3e an%wa%,9
90oo) 3an,9 -r, O put hi& ar3 aroun) ?i))le2& &houl)er&, 96 li(e %our +o33it3ent,
Tell %ou what;%ou want to put the3 throu"h their pa+e& )urin" the war3-up49
.ill% /owe) )eepl%* hi& /roa) /a+( "oin" nearl% parallel to the $loor, 9Sen&ei,9
90o to it,9 5e +lappe) the "u% on the &houl)er, 91n) )on2t ta(e it ea&% on the3,9
.ill% loo(e) up* hi& e%e& $la&hin",
-r, O no))e), 90la) to &ee %ou "et the point* &on,9
'hen .eth wal(e) out o$ her /uil)in"* &he $rowne) at the un3ar(e) poli+e +ar
par(e) a+ro&& the &treet, >o&e "ot out an) 7o""e) oer to her,
96 hear) what happene),9 5i& e%e& lin"ere) on her 3outh, 95ow %ou $eelin2 49
9.etter,9
9Co3e on* 623 "iin" %ou a ri)e to wor(,9
9Than(&* /ut 6 want to wal(,9 >o&e2& 7aw &et li(e he wante) to ar"ue* &o &he rea+he)
out an) tou+he) hi& $orear3, 96 won2t let thi& &+are 3e &o /a)l% that 6 +an2t lie 3%
li$e, 62e "ot to wal( /% that alle% at &o3e point* an) 62) rather )o it $or the $ir&t ti3e in
the 3ornin"* when there2& plent% o$ li"ht,9
5e no))e), 9Fine, .ut %ou2re "oin" to +all a +a/ at ni"ht or %ou2re "oin" to "et one o$
u& to pi+( %ou up,9
9>o&e;9
90la) %ou &ee it our wa%,9 5e wal(e) /a+( a+ro&& the &treet, 9Oh* an) 6 )on2t &uppo&e
%ou2e hear) what .ut+h O2#eal )i) la&t ni"ht49
She al3o&t )i)n2t want to a&(, 9'hat49
95e pai) a little i&it to that pun(, 6 un)er&tan) the "u% ha) to "et hi& no&e &et a"ain
a$ter our "oo) )ete+tie wa& $ini&he) with hi3,9 >o&e opene) the +ar )oor an)
)roppe) )own into the &eat, 9#ow* are we "onna /e &eein" %ou to)a%49
9Eeah* 6 want to (now 3ore a/out that +ar /o3/,9
9Thou"ht &o, See %ou in a $ew,9 5e wae) an) peele) awa% $ro3 the +ur/,
.ut /% three in the a$ternoon* &he &till ha)n2t 3a)e it to the poli+e &tation, !er%one in
the o$$i+e ha) wante) to hear a/out her or)eal* an) then Ton% ha) in&i&te) the% "o out
$or a /i" lun+h, 1$ter rollin" her&el$ /a+( into her +u/i+le* &he2) &pent the a$ternoon
+hewin" on Turn& an) )all%in" with her e-3ail,
She (new &he ha) wor( &he nee)e) to /e )oin"* /ut $ini&hin" up the arti+le &he wa&
)ra$tin" on tho&e han)"un& the +op& ha) $oun) wa& 7u&t not happenin", #ot that &he
wa& un)er an% (in) o$ )ea)line, 6t wa&n2t a& i$ :i+( wa& in a /i" hurr% to "ie her
$ront-pa"e &pa+e in the -etro &e+tion,
#o* what he "ae her wa& e)itorial wor(, The two late&t pie+e& he2) )roppe) on her
)e&( ha) /oth /een )ra$te) /% the /i" /o%&* an) :i+( wante) her to $a+t-+he+( the3,
1)herin" to the &tan)ar)& he2) "otten $a3iliar with at the New York Times /% /ein" a
&ti+(ler $or a++ura+% wa& a+tuall% one o$ hi& &tren"th&, .ut it wa& a &ha3e he )i)n2t
+are a/out &weat eKuit%, #o 3atter how 3an% re) 3ar(& &he 3a)e* &he ha) %et to "et
a &hare) /%line on a /i" /o% arti+le,
6t wa& nearl% &ix when &he $ini&he) e)itin" the arti+le&* an) a& &he )roppe) the3 in
:i+(2& in /ox* &he thou"ht a/out &(ippin" the trip to the poli+e &tation alto"ether,
.ut+h ha) ta(en her &tate3ent la&t ni"ht* an) there wa& nothin" 3ore &he nee)e) to )o
a/out her +a&e, -ore to the point* &he wa& un+o3$orta/le with the i)ea o$ /ein" un)er
the &a3e roo$ with her atta+(er* een i$ he wa& in a hol)in" +ell,
Alu& &he wa& exhau&te),
9.eth@9
She win+e) at the &oun) o$ :i+(2& oi+e,
9Can2t tal(* 623 "oin" to the &tation*9 &he +alle) out oer her &houl)er* thin(in" the
aoi)an+e &trate"% woul)n2t put hi3 o$$ $or lon"* /ut at lea&t &he woul)n2t hae to )eal
with the "u% toni"ht,
1n) &he )i) want to (now 3ore a/out that /o3/,
She /olte) $ro3 the o$$i+e an) wal(e) &ix /lo+(& to the ea&t, The &tation hou&e wa&
t%pi+al o$ 1960&-era 3uni-ar+hite+ture, Two &torie&* ra3/lin"* 3o)ern $or it& ti3e*
with plent% o$ pale "ra% +e3ent an) lot& o$ narrow win)ow&, 6t wa& a"in" with no
"ra+e what&oeer, .la+( &trea(& ran )own it& $lan(& a& i$ it were /lee)in" $ro3 a
woun) in the roo$* an) the in&i)e loo(e) ter3inal a& well, #othin" /ut na&t%* +hal(%
"reen linoleu3* $a(e-woo)-panele) wall&* an) +hippe) /rown tri3, 1$ter $ort% %ear&
o$ +leanin"* the heartie&t o$ )irt ha) 3oe) into eer% +ra+( an) $i&&ure* an) the "ri3e
wa&n2t +o3in" out without a &pra% "un or &o3e tooth/ru&h a+tion,
1n) 3a%/e a a+ate or)er $ro3 the +ourt,
The +op& were reall% "oo) to her when &he arrie), 1& &oon a& &he &et $oot in the
/uil)in"* the% &tarte) $u&&in" oer her, 1$ter tal(in" the3 )own o$$ the wall& while
tr%in" not to "et tear% e%e)* &he went to )i&pat+h an) +hatte) with a +ouple o$ the /o%&
/ehin) the +ounter, The%2) ha) a $ew $ol(& /rou"ht in $or &oli+itin" or )ealin"* /ut
otherwi&e it ha) /een a Kuiet )a%, She wa& a/out to leae when .ut+h +a3e throu"h
the /a+( )oor,
5e wa& )re&&e) in a pair o$ 7ean& an) a /utton-)own an) ha) a re) win)/rea(er in hi&
han), 5er e%e& lin"ere) on the wa% hi& hol&ter +ro&&e) oer hi& wi)e &houl)er&* the
/la+( /utt o$ hi& "un $la&hin" a& hi& ar3& &wun" with hi& "ait, 5i& )ar( hair wa&
)a3p* a& i$ he were 7u&t &tartin" hi& )a%,
'hi+h* +on&i)erin" how /u&% he2) /een the ni"ht /e$ore* wa& pro/a/l% the truth,
5e +a3e ri"ht up to her, 9Eou "ot ti3e to tal(49
She no))e), 9Eeah* 6 )o,9
The% wal(e) into one o$ the interro"ation roo3&,
9>u&t &o %ou (now* the +a3era& an) the 3i(e& are o$$*9 he &ai),
96&n2t that how %ou u&uall% wor(49
5e &3ile) an) &at )own at the ta/le, <in(e) hi& han)& to"ether, 9Thou"ht %ou &houl)
(now that .ill% ?i))le i& out on /ail, 5e wa& &prun" earl% thi& 3ornin",9
She too( a &eat, 95i& na3e2& .ill% ?i))le4 Eou2re (i))in" 3e,9
.ut+h &hoo( hi& hea), 95e2& ei"hteen, #o prior& a& an a)ult* /ut 6 ha+(e) into hi& 7uie
$ile an) he2& /een a /u&% /o%, Sexual a&&ault* &tal(in"* &o3e pett% the$t, 5i& )a)2& a
/i" &hot* &o the "u%2& "ot one hell o$ a law%er* /ut 6 tal(e) to the :1, She2& "oin" to
tr% to plea hi3 har) &o %ou won2t hae to te&ti$%,9
962ll ta(e the &tan) i$ 6 hae to,9
90oo) "irl,9 .ut+h +leare) hi& throat, 9So how %ou )oin"49
9623 $ine,9 She wa&n2t a/out to hae 5ar)-a&& pla% :r, Ahil on her, There wa&
&o3ethin" a/out the ra)iant tou"hne&& o$ .ut+h O2#eal that 3a)e her want to appear
&tron", 9#ow* a/out that +ar /o3/, 6 hear it wa& pro/a/l% pla&ti+&* an) the )etonatin"
3e+hani&3 wa& /lown &(%-hi"h, Soun)& li(e a pro$e&&ional hit,9
9Eou eat %et toni"ht49
She $rowne), 9#o,9
1n) +on&i)erin" what &he2) pulle) )own at lun+h* &he &houl) /e &(ippin" /rea($a&t
to3orrow 3ornin"* too,
.ut+h "ot to hi& $eet, 90oo), 6 wa& 7u&t "oin" to hit Tul-lah2&,9
5e wal(e) oer to the )oor an) hel) it open $or her,
She &ta%e) put, 9623 not hain" )inner with %ou,9
9Suit %our&el$, 0ue&& %ou )on2t want to hear a/out what we $oun) a+ro&& the alle%
$ro3 that +ar* then,9
The )oor &lowl% ea&e) &hut /ehin) hi3,
She wa& not "oin" to $all $or thi&, She wa& not "oin" to;
.eth leape) out o$ the +hair an) went a$ter hi3,
Chapter $ight
Stan)in" in her pri&tine +rea3-an)-white /e)roo3* -ari&&a wa& un&ure o$ her&el$,
1& 'rath2& shellan* &he +oul) $eel hi& pain an) (new /% it& &tren"th that he 3u&t hae
lo&t another o$ hi& warrior /rother&,
6$ the%2) ha) a nor3al relation&hip* there woul) /e no Kue&tion, She woul) "o to hi3
an) tr% to ea&e hi& &u$$erin", She woul) tal( with hi3 or hol) hi3 or +r% with hi3,
'ar3 hi3 with her /o)%,
.e+au&e that wa& what shellans )i) $or their 3ate&, 'hat the% "ot in return* too,
She "lan+e) at the Ti$$an% +lo+( on her /e)&i)e ta/le,
5e2) /e hea)in" o$$ into the ni"ht &oon, 6$ &he wante) to +at+h hi3 &he2) /etter )o it
now,
-ari&&a he&itate)* not willin" to $ool her&el$, She wa&n2t "oin" to /e wel+o3e,
She wi&he) it were ea&ier to &upport hi3* wi&he) &he (new what he nee)e) $ro3 her,
On+e* a lon" ti3e a"o* &he2) &po(en with hi& /rother Tohr3ent2& shellan* hopin"
'ell&ie +oul) o$$er &o3e hint a& to what to )o, 5ow to /ehae, 5ow to 3a(e 'rath
&ee her a& worth% o$ hi3,
1$ter all* 'ell&ie ha) what -ari&&a wante), 1 true 3ate, 1 3ale who +a3e ho3e to
her, 'ho lau"he) an) +rie) an) &hare) hi& li$e with her, 'ho hel) her,
1 3ale who &ta%e) with her )urin" tho&e torturou&* 3er+i$ull% rare ti3e& when &he
wa& $ertile, 'ho ea&e) her terri/le +rain"& with hi& /o)% $or a& lon" a& the nee)in"
perio) la&te),
'rath )i) none o$ that $or or with her, !&pe+iall% not the la&t part, 1& it wa&* -ari&&a
ha) to "o to her /rother $or relie$ o$ her nee)in", 5aer& woul) put her out +ol)*
tranKuilizin" her until the ur"e& pa&&e), The pra+ti+e e3/arra&&e) the3 /oth,
She2) &o hope) that 'ell&ie +oul) help* /ut the +oner&ation ha) /een a )i&a&ter, The
other $e3ale2& paine) loo(& an) +are$ull% +ou+he) replie& ha) /urne) the3 /oth*
pointin" out eer%thin" -ari&&a )i)n2t hae,
0o)* &he wa& &o alone,
She +lo&e) her e%e&* $eelin" 'rath2& pain a"ain,
She ha) to tr% to rea+h hi3, .e+au&e he wa& hurtin", 1n) /e+au&e what el&e wa& there
to her li$e other than hi34
She &en&e) that he wa& in :ariu&2& 3an&ion, Ta(in" a )eep /reath* &he )e3aterialize),
'rath &lowl% ea&e) o$$ hi& (nee& an) &too) up* hearin" hi& erte/rae +ra+( /a+( into
pla+e, 5e /ru&he) the )ia3on)& o$$ hi& &hin&,
There wa& a (no+( on the )oor* an) he allowe) it to open* thin(in" it wa& Fritz,
'hen he &3elle) the o+ean* he ti"htene) hi& lip&,
9'hat /rin"& %ou here* -ari&&a49 he &ai) without turnin" to her, 5e went to the
/athroo3 an) +oere) hi3&el$ with a towel,
9<et 3e wa&h %ou* 3% lor)*9 &he 3ur3ure), 962ll ta(e +are o$ %our &(in, 6 +an;9
9623 $ine,9
5e wa& a $a&t healer, .% the en) o$ the ni"ht the +ut& woul) /arel% /e )i&+erni/le,
'rath wal(e) oer to the +lo&et an) loo(e) throu"h the +lothe&, 5e too( out a /la+(
lon"-&leee) &hirt* a pair o$ leather pant&* an);7eez* what wa& thi&4 Oh* not $u+(in"
li(el%, 5e wa& not "oin" to $i"ht in .=:&, 5e2) "o +o33an)o /e$ore he "ot +au"ht
)ea) in tho&e thin"&,
The $ir&t thin" he ha) to )o wa& 3a(e +onta+t with :ariu&2& )au"hter, 5e (new he wa&
al3o&t out o$ ti3e* /e+au&e her tran&ition wa& +o3in" Kui+(, 1n) then he ha) to lin(
up with =i&hou& an) Ahur% to $in) out what wa& up with that )ea) lessers le$toer&,
5e wa& a/out to )rop the towel to "et rea)% to roll* when it o++urre) to hi3 -ari&&a
wa& &till in the roo3,
5e loo(e) oer at her,
90o ho3e* -ari&&a*9 he &ai),
5er hea) )roppe), 9-% lor)* 6 +an $eel %our p;9
9623 per$e+tl% $ine,9
She he&itate) a 3o3ent, 1n) then Kuietl% )i&appeare),
Ten 3inute& later he +a3e up to the )rawin" roo3,
9Fritz49 he +alle) out,
9Ee&* 3a&ter49 The /utler &ee3e) plea&e) to hae /een &u33one),
9:o %ou hae &o3e re) &3o(e& on han)49
9O$ +our&e,9
Fritz went a+ro&& to an antiKue 3aho"an% /ox, 5e /rou"ht the thin" oer* openin" the
li) an) an"lin" the +ontent& outwar),
'rath too( a +ouple o$ the han)-rolle) +i"arillo&,
96$ %ou hae a ta&te $or the3* 62ll "et 3ore,9
9:on2t /other, Thi& i& enou"h,9 'rath wa&n2t into )ru""in"* /ut he wa& willin" to put
the &3o(e& to "oo) u&e toni"ht,
9'ill %ou /e nee)in" &o3ethin" to eat /e$ore %ou "o out49
'rath &hoo( hi& hea),
9Aerhap& when %ou return49 Fritz2& oi+e "rew &3all a& he +lo&e) the li),
'rath wa& a/out to &hut the ol) 3ale )own when he thou"ht o$ :ariu&, : woul) hae
treate) Fritz /etter, 9O(a%, Eeah, Than(&,9
The /utler2& &houl)er& &Kuare) o$$ with purpo&e,
0oo) 0o)* he &ee3e) to /e &3ilin"* 'rath thou"ht,
96 &hall 3a(e %ou la3/* 3a&ter, 5ow )o %ou li(e %our 3eat +oo(e)49
9?are,9
91n) 62ll wa&h %our other +lothe&, Shall 6 al&o or)er %ou a new &et o$ leather&49
9:on2t;9 'rath &hut hi& 3outh, 9Sure, That2) /e "reat, 1n)* ah* +oul) %ou "et 3e
&o3e /oxer&4 .la+(4 OO<49
9'ith plea&ure,9
'rath turne) awa% an) hea)e) $or the )oor,
5ow the hell ha) he $oun) hi3&el$ with a &erant4
9-a&ter49
9Eeah49 he "rowle),
9Ta(e +are o$ %our&el$ out there,9
'rath pau&e) an) loo(e) oer hi& &houl)er, Fritz &ee3e) to /e +ra)lin" the /ox
a"ain&t hi& +he&t,
6t wa& "o))a3ne) weir) hain" &o3eone waitin" $or hi3 to +o3e ho3e* 'rath
thou"ht,
5e le$t the 3an&ion an) wal(e) )own the lon" )rie to the tree-line) &treet, <i"htnin"
&trea(e) a+ro&& the &(%* a pro3i&e o$ the &tor3 that he +oul) &3ell /rewin" to the
&outh,
'here the hell wa& :ariu&2& )au"hter ri"ht now4
5e2) tr% her apart3ent $ir&t,
1$ter 'rath 3aterialize) in the +ourt%ar) /ehin) her pla+e* he loo(e) into her
win)ow& an) returne) her +at2& purr o$ wel+o3e with one o$ hi& own, She wa&n2t
in&i)e* &o 'rath too( a &eat on the pi+ni+ ta/le, 5e2) "ie her an hour or &o* an) then
he wa& "oin" to hae to $in) the /rother&, 5e +oul) alwa%& +o3e /a+( at the en) o$
the ni"ht* althou"h "ien how thin"& ha) "one the $ir&t ti3e he2) +o3e into her pla+e*
he $i"ure) wa(in" her up at $our 1,-, wa&n2t the &3arte&t 3oe,
5e too( o$$ hi& &un"la&&e& an) ru//e) the /ri)"e o$ hi& no&e,
5ow wa& he "oin" to explain what wa& a/out to happen to her4 1n) what &he2) hae
to )o to lie throu"h the +han"e4
5e ha) a $eelin" &he wa&n2t "oin" to /e too happ% a/out the new& $la&he&,
'rath thou"ht /a+( to hi& own tran&ition, 'hat a "o))a3ne) 3e&& that ha) /een, 5e
ha)n2t /een prepare) either* /e+au&e hi& parent& ha) alwa%& wante) to &helter hi3* an)
the%2) )ie) /e$ore the%2) tol) hi3 what to expe+t,
5i& 3e3orie& +a3e /a+( with a terri/le +larit%,
<on)on in the late &eenteenth +entur% ha) /een a /rutal pla+e* e&pe+iall% $or
&o3eone who wa& all alone in the worl), 5i& parent& ha) /een &lau"htere) in $ront o$
hi3 two %ear& /e$ore* an) he2) run $ro3 hi& &pe+ie&* thin(in" hi& +owar)i+e on that
aw$ul ni"ht wa& a &ha3e onl% he &houl) /ear,
'herea& in a3pire &o+iet% he2) /een nurture) an) prote+te) a& the $uture (in"* he2)
$oun) the worl) o$ hu3an& to /e /a&e) lar"el% on a ph%&i+al 3erito+ra+%, For
&o3eone /uilt a& he2) /een /e$ore he went throu"h hi& +han"e* that ha) 3eant he2)
/een on the /otto3 o$ the &o+ial run", 5e2) /een whip-thin then* &+rawn% an) wea(*
an) ea&% pre% $or hu3an /o%& loo(in" $or $un, Oer the +our&e o$ hi& ti3e in
<on)on2& &lu3&* he2) /een /eaten &o 3an% ti3e& he2) "rown u&e) to part& o$ hi3 not
wor(in" ri"ht, 6t wa& nothin" new to hae a le" that woul)n2t /en) /e+au&e the
(nee+ap ha) /een &tone), Or to hae an ar3 that wa& u&ele&& /e+au&e it2) /een poppe)
out o$ hi& &houl)er a& he2) /een )ra""e) /ehin) a hor&e,
5e2) /een liin" o$$ "ar/a"e* &Kuea(in" /% on the e)"e o$ &taration* when he2)
$inall% $oun) wor( a& a &erant in a 3er+hant2& &ta/le, 'rath ha) +leane) &hoe& an)
&a))le& an) /ri)le& until the &(in on hi& han)& ha) +ra+(e)* /ut at lea&t he2) /een $e),
5i& pallet ha) /een in the &ta/le&* on the &e+on)-$loor ha%lo$t, 6t wa& &o$ter than the
"roun) he2) "rown u&e) to* /ut he2) neer (nown when he2) /e wo(en up with a (i+(
to the ri/& /e+au&e &o3e &ta/le /o% wante) to /e) )own a 3ai) or two,
.a+( then he2) &till /een a/le to /e out in the &un&hine* an) the )awn wa& the onl%
thin" in hi& piti$ul exi&ten+e that he loo(e) $orwar) to, To $eel the war3th on hi& $a+e*
to )raw the &weet 3i&t into hi& lun"&* to reli&h the li"ht;the&e plea&ure& were the
onl% one& he ha)* an) the% were )ear to hi3, 5i& e%e&i"ht* i3paire) $ro3 /irth* ha)
/een poor /a+( then /ut $ar* $ar /etter than it wa& now, 5e +oul) &till re3e3/er with
a+hin" +larit% what the &un ha) loo(e) li(e,
5e2) /een at the 3er+hant2& $or nearl% a %ear when eer%thin" ha) /een turne) up&i)e
)own,
The ni"ht the +han"e ha) +o3e upon hi3* he2) $allen into hi& ne&t o$ ha%* utterl%
exhau&te), 5e2) /een $eelin" &i+(l% latel%* &tru""lin" throu"h hi& wor(* /ut that wa&
nothin" new,
The pain* when it hit* ha) ra+(e) hi& wea( /o)%* &tartin" in hi& a/)o3en an) ra)iatin"
outwar) until the tip& o$ hi& $in"er&* hi& toe&* the en)& o$ eer% pie+e o$ hair on hi&
hea) ha) &+rea3e), #o /ro(en /one* no +on+u&&ion* no $eer or /eatin" ha) een
+o3e +lo&e, 5e2) +urle) into a /all* e%e& &trainin" a"ain&t the a"on%* /reath +o3in" in
/ur&t&, 5e2) /een +onin+e) he wa& "oin" to )ie* an) he2) pra%e) $or the )ar(ne&&,
5e2) onl% wante) &o3e pea+e* an en) to the &u$$erin",
1n) then a /eauti$ul /lon) wai$ ha) appeare) /e$ore hi3,
She wa& an an"el &ent to +arr% hi3 to the other &i)e, 5e2) /een +onin+e) o$ it,
<i(e the patheti+ wret+h he wa&* he2) /e""e) her $or 3er+%, 5e2) rea+he) out to the
apparition* an) when he2) $elt her tou+h* he (new the en) wa& near, 1& &he2) +alle)
hi3 /% na3e* he2) trie) to &3ile at her in "ratitu)e* /ut hi& lip& ha)n2t /een wor(in",
She2) tol) hi3 &he wa& the one who ha) /een pro3i&e) to hi3* who ha) ta(en a &ip o$
hi& /loo) when he wa& a &3all /o% &o &he woul) alwa%& (now where to $in) hi3
when the tran&ition hit, She2) &ai) &he wa& there to &ae hi3,
1n) then -ari&&a ha) &+ore) her wri&t with her own $an"& an) hel) the woun) to hi&
3outh,
5e2) )run( )e&peratel%* /ut the pain ha)n2t &toppe), 6t onl% +han"e), 5e2) $elt hi&
7oint& poppin" out o$ &hape* hi& /one& &hi$tin" in horri/le wae& o$ &nappin", 5i&
3u&+le& ha) &traine) an) then &plit open* an) hi& &(ull ha) $elt a& i$ it were "oin" to
/ur&t, 1& hi& e%e& ha) /ul"e)* hi& &i"ht ha) re+e)e)* an) then all he2) ha) wa& hi&
hearin",
5i& ra&pin"* "uttural /reath ha) hurt hi& throat a& he2) trie) to han" on, 5e2) /la+(e)
out at &o3e point* $inall%* onl% to wa(e up to a $re&h a"on%, The &unli"ht he2) loe)
&o 3u+h wa& &trea3in" throu"h the "ap& in the /arn2& +lap/oar)&* pale &ha$t& o$ "ol),
1 &trip ha) lan)e) on hi& ar3* an) the &3ell o$ /urnin" $le&h wa& terri$%in", 5e2)
&nappe) hi& ar3 /a+( an) loo(e) aroun) hi3&el$ in a pani+, 5e ha)n2t /een a/le to
&ee an%thin" /ut a"ue &hape&, .lin)e) in the li"ht* he2) lur+he) to hi& $eet* onl% to
$in) hi3&el$ $allin" $a+e)own in the ha%, 5i& /o)% ha)n2t a+te) at all li(e hi& own* an)
it ha) ta(en hi3 two trie& /e$ore he +oul) &tan)* wo//lin" on hi& le"& li(e a $oal,
5e2) (nown that he nee)e) to $in) &helter $ro3 the )a%li"ht* an) he2) )ra""e) hi3&el$
to where the lo$t2& la))er &houl) hae /een, 5e2) 3i&+al+ulate)* howeer* an) ha)
plun"e) )own the ha% &ha$t, <%in" in a )aze* he2) $i"ure) he 3i"ht /e a/le to 3a(e it
to the "rain +ellar, 6$ he went )own there* he2) /e in )ar(ne&&,
5e2) $laile) aroun) the /arn* /an"in" into &tall& an) trippin" oer ta+(* tr%in" to &ta%
out o$ the &unli"ht while +ontrollin" hi& unrul% ar3& an) le"&, 1& he2) hea)e) $or the
/a+( o$ the /arn* hi& hea) ha) &tru+( a /ea3 he2) alwa%& ea&il% wal(e) un)er, .loo)
ha) run into hi& e%e&,
?i"ht a$ter that* one o$ the &ta/le han)& ha) +o3e in* )e3an)in" to (now who 'rath
wa&, 'rath ha) turne) to the $a3iliar oi+e* thin(in" 3a%/e he +oul) "et help, 5e2)
rea+he) out an) &tarte) to &pea(* /ut hi& oi+e ha)n2t &oun)e) li(e hi& own,
1n) then he2) hear) a pit+h$or( +o3in" throu"h the air at hi3 in a i+iou& &ta/, 5e2)
3eant onl% to )e$le+t the /low* /ut when he2) "ra//e) the han)le an) pu&he) at it*
he2) &ent the &ta/le han) &3a&hin" into a &tall )oor, The 3an ha) let out a &+ree+h o$
$ear an) run o$$* no )ou/t loo(in" $or rein$or+e3ent&,
'rath ha) $inall% $oun) the +ellar, 5e2) ta(en out two hu"e /a"& o$ oat& an) put the3
next to the )oor &o no one woul) hae to +o3e in )urin" the )a%, !xhau&te)* hurtin"*
/loo) )rippin" o$$ hi& +hin* he2) +rawle) in&i)e an) &ettle) hi& /are /a+( a"ain&t the
earthen wall, 5e2) )rawn hi& (nee& up to hi& +he&t* aware that hi& thi"h& were $our
ti3e& the &ize the%2) /een the )a% /e$ore, Clo&in" hi& e%e&* he2) re&te) hi& +hee( on
hi& $orear3& an) &hiere)* $i"htin" not to )i&"ra+e hi3&el$ /% +r%in", 5e2) &ta%e)
awa(e all )a% lon"* li&tenin" to the $oot&tep& a/oe hi3* the &ta3pin" o$ the hor&e&*
the patter o$ tal(, 5e2) /een terri$ie) &o3eone woul) open the )ou/le )oor& an)
expo&e hi3, 1n) "la) that -ari&&a ha) "one &o &he wa&n2t expo&e) to the threat $ro3
hu3an&,
Co3in" /a+( to the pre&ent* 'rath hear) :ariu&2& )au"hter wal( into her apart3ent,
1 li"ht +a3e on,
.eth to&&e) her (e%& )own on the hall ta/le, The Kui+( 3eal with 5ar)-a&& ha) /een
&urpri&in"l% ea&%, 1n) he2) "ien her &o3e other )etail& a/out the /o3/in", The%2)
$oun) one o$ tho&e 3o)i$ie) -a"nu3& in the alle%, 1n) .ut+h ha) 3entione) the
3artial-art& throwin" &tar &he2) pointe) out to ?i+(%, The CS6 $ol(& were wor(in" on
the weapon&* tr%in" to "et an% print& or $i/er& or other ei)en+e o$$ the3, The "un
)i)n2t appear to o$$er 3u+h* /ut the &tar* not &urpri&in"l%* ha) /loo) on it* whi+h the%
were puttin" throu"h :#1 anal%&i&, 1& $or the /o3/* the poli+e were thin(in" it wa&
a )ru"-relate) hit, The .-' ha) /een &i"hte) /e$ore* par(e) in the &a3e &pot /ehin)
the +lu/, 1n) S+rea3er2& wa& a hot/e) $or )ealer& who were er% parti+ular a/out
their territorie&,
She &tret+he) an) +han"e) into a pair o$ /oxer&, 6t wa& another hot ni"ht* an) a& &he
pulle) out the $uton* &he reall% wi&he) the air +on)itioner were &till wor(in", She
turne) the /ox $an on an) $e) .oo* who* a& &oon a& he2) poli&he) o$$ hi& Fan+% Fea&t*
too( up pa+in" in $ront o$ the &li)in" )oor,
9'e2re not "oin" to /e )oin" thi& a"ain* are we49
<i"htnin" $la&he)* an) &he went oer an) &li) /a+( the "la&& )oor* 3oin" the &+reen
into pla+e an) lo+(in" it, She2) leae the thin" open $or onl% a little /it;the ni"ht air
&3elle) "oo) $or on+e, #ot a whi$$ o$ "ar/a"e,
.ut 3an* it wa& hot,
She )u+(e) into the /athroo3, 1$ter ta(in" out her +onta+t&* /ru&hin" her teeth* an)
&+ru//in" her $a+e* &he ran a wa&h+loth un)er &o3e +ol) water an) ru//e) the /a+( o$
her ne+(, Cool riulet& ran )own her &(in* an) &he wel+o3e) the &hier& a& &he
wal(e) /a+( out,
She $rowne), There wa& the &tran"e&t &+ent in the air, So3ethin" ri+h an) &pi+%8
She went oer to the &+reen an) &ni$$e) a +ouple o$ ti3e&, 1& &he /reathe) in* &he $elt
the ten&ion in her &houl)er& ea&e,
1n) then &he &aw that .oo ha) &at )own on hi& haun+he& an) wa& purrin" a& i$ he
were wel+o3in" &o3eone he (new,
What the-
The 3an $ro3 her )rea3 wa& on the other &i)e o$ the &+reen,
.eth leape) /a+( an) )roppe) the wa&h+loth* )i3l% hearin" the $le&h% $lop when it hit
the $loor,
The &+reen &li) open, 6n &pite o$ the $a+t that &he2) lo+(e) it,
1n) that won)er$ul &3ell "ot thi+(er a& he &teppe) into her ho3e,
She pani+(e)* /ut $oun) &he +oul)n2t 3oe,
Oh* 3an* he wa& +olo&&al, 6$ her apart3ent wa& &3all to /e"in with* he turne) it into a
&hoe /ox, 1n) all that /la+( leather 7u&t &ee3e) to 3a(e hi3 /i""er, 5e ha) to /e &ix-
$eet-&ix* two &eent%-$ie at lea&t,
Wait a minute%
'hat wa& &he )oin"* 3ea&urin" hi3 $or a &uit4 ?unnin"* &he &houl) /e runnin", She
&houl) /e 3a(in" a /rea( $or the other )oor* runnin" li(e hell,
.ut all &he +oul) )o wa& &tare at hi3,
5e wa& wearin" a /i(er 7a+(et in &pite o$ the heat* an) hi& lon" le"& were +oere) in
leather a& well, 5e ha) &teel-toe) &hit(i+(er /oot& on* an) he 3oe) li(e a pre)ator,
.eth +rane) her ne+( to loo( up at hi& $a+e,
0o)* he wa& gorgeous,
5i& 7aw wa& a &trai"ht &hot o$ /one* hi& lip& $ull* the hollow& un)er hi& +hee(& +a&tin"
hea% &ha)ow&, 5i& hair wa& &trai"ht an) /la+(* $allin" to hi& &houl)er& $ro3 a
wi)ow2& pea(* an) he ha) the &ha)ow o$ a )ar( /ear), The /la+( &un"la&&e& he wore*
wraparoun)& that $it hi& +are) $a+e per$e+tl%* 3a)e hi3 loo( li(e a hit 3an,
1& i$ all that 3ena+e woul)n2t hae "ien hi3 awa% a& a (iller,
5e wa& &3o(in" &o3e (in) o$ thin* re))i&h +i"ar* an) he too( a lon" )ra"* the en)
$larin" /ri"ht oran"e, 5e /lew out a +lou) o$ that $ra"rant &3o(e* an) a& it hit her
no&tril&* her /o)% loo&ene) een $urther,
5e 3u&t /e +o3in" to (ill her* &he thou"ht, She )i)n2t (now what &he2) )one to
)e&ere a hit* /ut a& he /reathe) out another )ra" o$ whateer he wa& &3o(in"* &he
+oul) /arel% re3e3/er where &he wa&,
5er /o)% &wa%e) a& he +lo&e) the )i&tan+e /etween the3, She wa& terri$ie) o$ what
wa& "oin" to happen when he rea+he) her* /ut noti+e)* a/&ur)l%* that .oo wa& purrin"
an) wrappin" hi3&el$ in an) aroun) the 3an2& an(le&,
That +at wa& a traitor, 1n) i$ /% &o3e 3ira+le &he lie) throu"h the ni"ht* he wa&
"ettin" )own"ra)e) to Ten)er =it-tle&,
.eth2& ne+( 7a+(e) /a+( up a& &he 3et the 3an2& &tea)%* $eral "aze, She +oul)n2t &ee
the +olor o$ hi& e%e& throu"h the "la&&e&* /ut hi& &tare /urne),
1n) then the extraor)inar% happene), 1& he &toppe) in $ront o$ her* &he $elt a /la&t o$
pure* una)ulterate) lu&t, For the $ir&t ti3e in her li$e her /o)% "ot wi+(e)l% hot, 5ot
an) wet,
5er +ore /loo3e) $or hi3,
6t wa& +he3i&tr%* &he thou"ht nu3/l%, Aure* raw* ani3al +he3i&tr%,
'hateer he ha)* &he wante),
96 thou"ht we2) tr% thi& a"ain*9 he &ai),
5i& oi+e wa& low* a )eep ru3/le in hi& &oli) +he&t, 5e ha) the &lier o$ an a++ent*
/ut &he +oul)n2t pla+e it,
9'ho are %ou49 &he /reathe) in a whi&per,
9623 here $or %ou,9
:izzine&& 3a)e her rea+h out $or the wall,
9For 3e4 'here;9 Con$u&ion +lo&e) her 3outh, 9'here are %ou "oin" to ta(e 3e49
To the /ri)"e4 'here he2) to&& her /o)% into the rier4
5i& han) +ro&&e) the )i&tan+e /etween their /o)ie&* an) he too( her +hin /etween hi&
$ore$in"er an) thu3/, 5e tilte) her $a+e to one &i)e,
91re %ou "oin" to (ill 3e $a&t49 &he 3u3/le), 9Or &low49
9#o (illin", Arote+tion,9
1& hi& hea) /ent )own* &he tol) her&el$ &he &houl) $i"ht hi3 o$$ in &pite o$ hi& wor)&,
She nee)e) to "et tho&e ar3& o$ her& wor(in"* her le"&* too, Trou/le wa&* &he )i)n2t
reall% want to pu&h hi3 awa%, She too( a )eep /reath,
0oo) heaen&* he &3elle) $anta&ti+, Fre&h* +lean &weat, 1 )ar(* 3a&+uline 3u&(, That
&3o(e,
5i& lip& tou+he) her ne+(* an) &he hear) hi3 inhale, The leather o$ hi& 7a+(et +rea(e)
a& hi& lun"& were $ille) an) hi& +he&t expan)e),
9Eou2re al3o&t rea)%*9 he &ai) &o$tl%, 91n) it2& +o3in" $a&t,9
6$ the it he wa& re$errin" to ha) an%thin" to )o with their "ettin" na(e)* &he wa&
totall% on /oar) with the plan, -% 0o)* thi& ha) to /e what people tal(e) a/out when
the% waxe) poeti+ a/out &ex, She )i)n2t Kue&tion the nee) to hae hi3 in&i)e o$ her,
She onl% (new that &he wa& "oin" to )ie i$ he )i)n2t ta(e hi& pant& o$$, #ow,
.eth rea+he) out* +uriou& to tou+h hi3* /ut when &he let "o o$ the wall &he &tarte) to
$all, 6n what &ee3e) li(e one 3otion* he put the +i"arillo /etween tho&e +ruel lip& o$
hi& an) +au"ht her ea&il%, 1& he &wept her o$$ the $loor* &he leane) into hi3* not een
/otherin" to put up a preten&e o$ $i"htin", 5e han)le) her a& i$ &he were wei"htle&&*
+ro&&in" the roo3 in two &tri)e&,
'hen he lai) her )own on the $uton hi& hair $ell $orwar)* an) &he li$te) her han)*
tou+hin" the /la+( wae&, The% were thi+(* &o$t, She put her pal3 on hi& $a+e* an)
thou"h he &ee3e) &urpri&e)* he )i)n2t pull /a+(,
0o)* eer%thin" a/out hi3 ra)iate) &ex* $ro3 the &tren"th in hi& /o)% to the wa% he
3oe) to the &3ell o$ hi& &(in, 5e wa& li(e no 3an &he2) eer +o3e a+ro&& /e$ore,
1n) her /o)% (new it 7u&t a& +learl% a& her 3in) )i),
9Ji&& 3e*9 &he &ai),
5e hoere) a/oe her* a &ilent 3ena+e,
On i3pul&e her han)& went to the lapel& o$ hi& 7a+(et* an) &he trie) to pull hi3 )own
to her 3outh,
5e +apture) /oth her wri&t& in one o$ hi& han)&, 9!a&%,9
!a&%4 She )i)n2t want ea&%, !a&% wa& not part o$ the plan,
She &tru""le) a"ain&t hi& hol)* an) when &he +oul)n2t "et $ree &he ar+he) her /a+(,
5er /rea&t& &traine) a"ain&t her T-&hirt* an) &he ru//e) her thi"h& to"ether*
anti+ipatin" what it woul) $eel li(e to hae hi3 /etween the3,
6$ he2) onl% put hi& han)&;
9Sweet >e&u&*9 he 3uttere),
She &3ile) up at hi3* reli&hin" the &u))en hun"er in hi& $a+e, 9Tou+h 3e,9
The &tran"er &tarte) &ha(in" hi& hea), 1& i$ he were tr%in" to +lear it,
She opene) her lip& an) 3oane) in $ru&tration,
9Aull up 3% &hirt,9 She ar+he) a"ain* o$$erin" her /o)% to hi3* )%in" to (now i$ there
wa& &o3ethin" een hotter in&i)e o$ her* &o3ethin" he +oul) /rin" out with hi& han)&,
9:o it,9
5e too( the +i"arillo $ro3 hi& 3outh, 5i& e%e/row& were )rawn ti"ht* an) &he ha)
&o3e a"ue thou"ht that &he &houl) /e terri$ie), 6n&tea)* &he /rou"ht her (nee& up an)
li$te) her hip& o$$ the $uton, She i3a"ine) hi3 (i&&in" the in&i)e& o$ her thi"h&*
$in)in" her &ex with hi& 3outh, <i+(in" her,
1nother 3oan /oile) out o$ her 3outh,
'rath wa& )u3/$oun)e),
1n) he wa&n2t a a3pire who "ot &tru+( &tupi) er% o$ten,
.oly shit%
Thi& hal$-hu3an wa& the hotte&t thin" he2) eer "otten an%where near, 1n) he2)
+ozie) up to a li"htnin" &tri(e on+e or twi+e /e$ore,
6t wa& the re) &3o(e, That ha) to /e it, 1n) the &tu$$ 3u&t /e "ettin" to hi3* too*
/e+au&e he wa& 3ore than rea)% to ta(e her,
5e e%e) the +i"arillo,
Well$ thats some damn good rationali/ing* he thou"ht, Too /a) the &hit wa& a
relaxant* not an aphro)i&ia+,
She "roane) a"ain* her /o)% un)ulatin" in a &ex% wae* her le"& openin" wi)e, The
&+ent o$ her arou&al hit hi3 har) a& a /o)% &hot, 0o)* he woul) hae /een &ent to hi&
(nee& i$ he ha)n2t alrea)% /een &ittin" )own,
9Tou+h 3e*9 &he 3oane),
'rath2& /loo) pu3pe) a& i$ he were in a $lat-out run* hi& ere+tion thro//in" li(e it ha)
it& own heart/eat,
9That2& not what 623 here $or*9 he &ai),
9Tou+h 3e an%wa%,9
5e (new he &houl) &a% no, Thi& wa&n2t $air to her, 1n) the% nee)e) to tal(,
-a%/e he &houl) +o3e /a+( later in the ni"ht,
She ar+he) up* pu&hin" a"ain&t the han) he2) +la3pe) aroun) her wri&t&, 1& her
/rea&t& &traine) a"ain&t her T-&hirt* he ha) to +lo&e hi& e%e&,
Ti3e to "o, 6t wa& reall% ti3e to;
!x+ept he +oul)n2t leae without at lea&t hain" a ta&te,
Eeah* /ut he wa& a &el$i&h /a&tar) i$ he lai) one $in"er on her, 1 na&t% &el$i&h /a&tar)
to ta(e an% o$ what &he wa& o$$erin" in the haze o$ &3o(e,
'ith a +ur&e* 'rath opene) hi& e%e&,
-an* he wa& &o +ol), Col) )own to hi& 3arrow, 1n) &he wa& hot, 5ot enou"h to
3a(e that i+e "o awa%* at lea&t $or a little while,
1n) it ha) /een &o lon" $or hi3,
5e wille) the li"ht& in the roo3 o$$, Then he u&e) hi& 3in) to +lo&e the /a+( )oor*
u&her the +at into the /athroo3* an) &li)e ho3e eer% lo+( in the apart3ent,
5e +are$ull% /alan+e) the +i"arillo on the e)"e o$ the ta/le next to the3 an) let her
wri&t& "o, 5er han)& "ra//e) hi& 7a+(et* tr%in" to pu&h it /a+( $ro3 hi& &houl)er&, 5e
wren+he) the thin" o$$* an) a& it hit the $loor with a thu)* &he lau"he) with
&ati&$a+tion, 5i& hol&ter o$ )a""er& $ollowe)* /ut he (ept that within rea+h o$ the
$uton,
'rath /ent )own oer her, 5er /reath wa& &weet an) 3int% a& he +apture) her lip&
with hi& 3outh, 'hen he $elt her $lin+h* he pulle) /a+( i33e)iatel%, Frownin"* he
tou+he) the &i)e o$ her 3outh,
9For"et it*9 &he tol) hi3* pullin" at hi& &houl)er&,
The hell he woul), 0o) help that hu3an who2) hurt her, 'rath wa& "oin" to rip the
"u%2& li3/& o$$ an) leae hi3 to /lee) out in the &treet,
5e )roppe) a &o$t (i&& to the healin" /rui&e an) then )rew hi& ton"ue )own her ne+(,
Thi& ti3e when &he thru&t her /rea&t& out* he &li) hi& han) un)er her thin &hirt an)
onto her &3ooth* war3 &(in, 5er /ell% wa& $lat* an) he &panne) it with hi& han)*
$illin" the &pa+e /etween her hip /one&, 0ree)% to (now the re&t o$ her* he peele) her
&hirt o$$ an) to&&e) it a&i)e, 5er /ra wa& pale in +olor* an) he tra+e) the e)"e& o$ it
with hi& $in"ertip& /e$ore +uppin" the +rea3% &well& with hi& han)&, 5er /rea&t& $ille)
hi& pal3&* her nipple& ti"ht /u)& un)erneath the &o$t &atin,
'rath2& +ontrol &nappe),
5e /are) hi& $an"&* let out a hi&&* an) /it throu"h the /ra2& $ront +lo&ure, The thin"
&nappe) /a+(* an) he lat+he) onto one o$ her nipple& with hi& lip&* )rawin" it into hi&
3outh, 1& he &u+(le)* he &hi$te) hi& /o)% an) &tret+he) out on top o$ her* $allin" in
/etween her le"&, She a/&or/e) hi& wei"ht with a throat% &i"h,
5er han)& +a3e /etween the3 a& &he rea+he) $or the $ront o$ hi& &hirt* /ut he )i)n2t
hae the patien+e to let her un)re&& hi3, 5e li$te) up an) rippe) the 3aterial o$$ hi&
/o)%* poppin" /utton& an) &en)in" the3 &+atterin" a+ro&& the $loor, 'hen he +a3e
/a+( )own* her /rea&t& hit the wall o$ hi& +he&t an) her /o)% &ur"e) un)er hi&,
5e wante) to (i&& her 3outh a"ain* /ut he wa& wa% pa&t an%thin" &o$t an) "entle* &o
he wor&hipe) her /rea&t& with hi& ton"ue an) then 3oe) )own to her /ell%, 'hen he
"ot to the wai&t/an) o$ her /oxer&* he )rew the3 o$$ her lon"* &3ooth le"&,
'rath $elt &o3ethin" in hi& hea) pop a& her &+ent rea+he) hi3 in a $re&h wae, 5e
wa& perilou&l% +lo&e to or"a&3 alrea)%* hi& relea&e poi&e) in hi& &ha$t* hi& /o)%
&ha(in" with the nee) to ta(e her, 5e put hi& han) /etween her thi"h&, She wa& &o wet
an) hot that he "rowle),
Craze) thou"h he wa&* he ha) to ta&te her /e$ore he ina)e) her,
:rawin" o$$ hi& &un"la&&e&* he put the3 next to the +i"a-rillo /e$ore pre&&in" (i&&e&
oer her hip& an) a+ro&& the top& o$ her thi"h&, 5er han)& tan"le) in hi& hair a& &he
ur"e) hi3 exa+tl% where he wa& hea)e),
5e (i&&e) her &o$te&t &(in* )rawin" her +ore into hi& 3outh* an) &he +a3e oer an)
oer a"ain $or hi3 until he +oul)n2t $i"ht hi& own nee) an% lon"er, 5e pulle) /a+(*
&hru""e) out o$ hi& pant&* an) +oere) her with hi& /o)% on+e 3ore,
She wrappe) her le"& aroun) hi& hip&* an) he hi&&e) a& her heat /urne) hi& ere+tion,
5e u&e) what wa& le$t o$ hi& &tren"th to pull /a+( an) loo( )own into her $a+e,
9:on2t &top*9 &he /reathe), 96 want to $eel %ou in&i)e 3e,9
'rath )roppe) hi& hea) into the $ra"rant hollow o$ her ne+(, 1n) &lowl% )rew hi&
hip& /a+(, The tip o$ hi& ere+tion &li) into pla+e /eauti$ull%* an) he &heathe) hi3&el$
in her /o)% with one power$ul &tro(e,
5e let out a /ellow o$ e+&ta&%,
5eaen, #ow he (new what heaen wa& li(e,
Chapter %ine
6n hi& /e)roo3* -r, O +han"e) into /la+( +ar"o pant& an) pulle) on a /la+( n%lon
&hirt, 5e wa& &ati&$ie) /% the wa% the 3eetin" with the &o+iet% ha) "one thi&
a$ternoon, !er% &in"le lesser ha) &hown up, -o&t o$ the3 ha) $allen into line well
enou"h, 1 $ew were "oin" to /e trou/le, 1n) a &3all nu3/er o$ the3 ha) trie)
&u+(in" up,
'hi+h ha) "otten the3 nowhere,
1t the +on+lu&ion o$ the &e&&ion* he2) +ho&en twent%-ei"ht 3ore to &ta% in the
Cal)well area* /a&e) on what he (new a/out their reputation& an) the i3pre&&ion& he
ha) o$ the3 up +lo&e, Twele o$ thi& "roup were on the er% top o$ their "a3e* an)
tho&e he2) &plit eKuall% into two pri3e &Kua)ron&, The other &ixteen he2) +ut into $our
"roup& o$ &e+on)arie&,
#one o$ the3 li(e) the arran"e3ent, The% were u&e) to wor(in" on their own* an)
the pri3e& in parti+ular re&ente) /ein" tie) )own, Tou"h, The a)anta"e to the
&Kua)ron orientation wa& that he +oul) a&&i"n )i$$erent part& o$ the +it% to the3*
e&ta/li&h Kuota&* an) 3onitor per$or3an+e 3ore +lo&el%,
The re&t he2) &ent /a+( to their outpo&t&,
#ow that he ha) hi& troop& ali"ne) an) a&&i"ne)* he wa& "oin" to $o+u& on the
in$or3ation-"atherin" pro+e)ure, 5e ha) an i)ea a& to how to 3a(e it wor(* one he
wa& "oin" to /eta te&t thi& eenin",
.e$ore he hea)e) out $or the ni"ht* he to&&e) hi& pit /ull& two poun)& o$ raw
ha3/ur"er apie+e, 5e li(e) to (eep the3 hun"r%* &o the% were $e) eer% other )a%,
5e2) ha) the )o"&* /oth 3ale&* $or a/out $ie %ear&* an) he +haine) the3 on oppo&ite
&i)e& o$ hi& hou&e* one in $ront* one in /a+(, 6t wa& a lo"i+al arran"e3ent $ro3 a
)e$en&e per&pe+tie* /ut there wa& al&o the 3atter o$ expe)ien+%, 5e2) tie) the3 up
to"ether on+e an) the%2) "one $or ea+h other2& throat&,
5e pi+(e) up hi& /a"* lo+(e) the hou&e* an) wal(e) a+ro&& hi& lawn, The ran+h wa&
an earl%-&eentie& ni"ht3are o$ $a(e-/ri+( &i)in" an) he2) purpo&el% (ept the out&i)e
u"l%, 5e nee)e) to $it in* an) the rural nei"h/orhoo)2& pri+e point wa&n2t /rea(in" a
hun)re) thou&an) an%ti3e &oon,
.e&i)e&* the hou&e wa& i33aterial, The lan) wa& what 3attere), Ten a+re&* &o he ha)
pria+%, Alu& there wa& an ol) /arn in /a+( that wa& &urroun)e) /% tree&, 5e2) turne)
that into hi& wor(&hop* an) the /u$$er o$ oa(& an) 3aple& wa& "oin" to /e i3portant,
1$ter all* &+rea3& +oul) +arr%,
5e $in"ere) hi& rin" o$ (e%& until he "ot to the ri"ht one, .e+au&e he wa& "oin" to /e
wor(in" toni"ht* he wa& leain" hi& onl% extraa"an+e* a /la+( 5u33er* in the
"ara"e, The $our-%ear-ol) Chr%&ler Town M Countr% 3inian wa& 3u+h /etter +oer*
an) it too( hi3 ten 3inute& to )rie the AOS )owntown,
Cal)well2& 'hore =alle% wa& a &tret+h o$ three )i3l% lit* tra&h-&trewn /lo+(& oer /%
the &u&pen&ion /ri)"e, Tra$$i+ wa& hea% toni"ht )own the +orri)or o$ iniKuit%* an) he
pulle) oer to wat+h the a+tion un)er a /ro(en li"ht, Car& 3ean)ere) the )ar( &treet*
/ra(e li"ht& $larin" a& )rier& in&pe+te) what wa& wor(in" the pae3ent, 6n the thi+(
&u33er heat* the "irl& were out in a /i" wa%* totterin" in their 3ile-hi"h &hoe&* their
/rea&t& an) a&&e& /arel% +oere) /% ea&%-a++e&& +lothin",
-r, O zippe) open hi& /a"* ta(in" out a h%po)er3i+ nee)le $ille) with heroin an) a
huntin" (ni$e, 5e hi) /oth in the )oor an) put the pa&&en"er-&i)e win)ow )own
/e$ore ea&in" into the $low o$ +ar&,
.e was 0ust one of many* he thou"ht, 1nother &+h3o* tr%in" to "et a little,
9Eou loo(in2 $or a )ate49 he hear) one o$ the whore& +all out,
9'anna ri)e49 another &ai)* &ha(in" her a&& li(e it wa& a +an o$ paint,
On the &e+on) pa&&* he $oun) what he wa& loo(in" $or* a /lon)e with lon" le"& an) a
/i" ra+(,
>u&t the (in) o$ whore he woul) hae /ou"ht $or hi3&el$ i$ he2) &till ha) an
operational phallu&,
5e wa& "oin" to en7o% thi&* -r, O thou"ht a& he hit the /ra(e&, Jillin" what he
+oul)n2t hae an%3ore +arrie) it& own &pe+ial &ati&$a+tion,
95e%* &u"ar*9 &he &ai)* +o3in" oer, She put her $orear3& on the )oor an) leane) in
throu"h the win)ow, She &3elle) li(e +inna3on "u3 an) &weat% per$u3e, 95ow %ou
)oin2 toni"ht49
96 +oul) /e /etter, 'hat2& it "oin" to +o&t 3e to /u% a &3ile49
She e%e) the in&i)e o$ the +ar* hi& +lothe&, 9Fi$t% will "et %ou o$$ "oo), 1n% wa% %ou
li(e,9
9That2& too 3u+h,9 .ut he wa& 7u&t pla%in", She wa& the one he wante),
9Fort%49
9<et 3e &ee %our tit&,9
She $la&he) hi3,
5e &3ile)* unlo+(in" the )oor&, 9'hat2& %our na3e49
9Cherr% Aie, .ut %ou +an +all 3e an%thin" %ou li(e,9
-r, O )roe the3 aroun) the +orner to a &e+lu)e) &pot un)er the /ri)"e,
5e to&&e) the 3one% )own on the $loor at her $eet* an) when &he /ent oer to pi+( it
up* he )roe the nee)le into the /a+( o$ her ne+( an) pu&he) the plun"er ho3e,
-o3ent& later &he &lu3pe) li(e a ra" )oll,
-r, O &3ile) an) 3oe) her /a+( a"ain&t the &eat &o &he wa& &ittin" up, Then he
to&&e) the nee)le out the win)ow* where it 7oine) a/out a )ozen other&* an) put the
an in )rie,
6n hi& un)er"roun) +lini+* 5aer& loo(e) up $ro3 hi& 3i+ro&+ope* &tartle) out o$ hi&
+on+entration, The "ran)$ather +lo+( wa& +hi3in" in the +orner o$ hi& la/* tellin" hi3
it wa& ti3e $or the eenin" repa&t* /ut he )i)n2t want to &top wor(in", 5e put hi& e%e
/a+( to the &+ope* won)erin" i$ he2) i3a"ine) what he &aw, 1$ter all* )e&peration
+oul) /e a$$e+tin" hi& o/7e+tiit%,
.ut no* the /loo) +ell& were liin",
.reath le$t hi& lun"& on a &hu))er,
5i& ra+e wa& al3o&t $ree,
5e wa& al3o&t $ree,
Finall%* &tore) /loo) that wa& &till ia/le,
1& a ph%&i+ian* hi& han)& ha) alwa%& /een tie) when it +a3e to treatin" patient&
&ur"i+all% an) a))re&&in" +ertain la/or an) )elier% +o3pli+ation&, ?eal-ti3e
tran&$u&ion& $ro3 a3pire to a3pire were po&&i/le* /ut a& their ra+e wa& &+attere)
an) their nu3/er& &3all* it +oul) /e har) to $in) )onor& in a ti3el% 3anner,
For +enturie& he2) wante) to e&ta/li&h a /loo) /an(, The trou/le wa&* a3pire /loo)
wa& hi"hl% un&ta/le* an) &tora"e o$ it out&i)e the /o)% ha) alwa%& /een i3po&&i/le,
1ir* that li$e-&u&tainin"* ini&i/le +urtain /lan(etin" the earth* wa& one +au&e o$ the
pro/le3* an) it )i)n2t ta(e a lot o$ tho&e 3ole+ule& to +onta3inate a &a3ple, >u&t one
or two an) the pla&3a )i&inte"rate)* leain" the re) an) white /loo) +ell& to $en) $or
the3&ele&, 'hi+h* o$ +our&e* the% +oul)n2t )o,
1t $ir&t it )i)n2t 3a(e &en&e to hi3, There wa& ox%"en in /loo), That wa& wh% it wa&
re) a$ter leain" the lun"&, The )i&+repan+% ha) le) hi3 to &o3e $a&+inatin"
)i&+oerie& a/out a3pire pul3onar% $un+tion* /ut ha) ulti3atel% "otten hi3 no
+lo&er to hi& o/7e+tie,
5e2) trie) )rawin" the /loo) an) +hannelin" it i33e)iatel% into an airti"ht +ontainer,
Thi& 3o&t o/iou& &olution )i)n2t wor(, The )i&inte"ration o++urre) an%wa%* 7u&t at a
)e+elerate) pa+e, Thi& ha) &u""e&te) there wa& another $a+tor at wor(* &o3ethin"
inherent in the +orporal eniron3ent that wa& 3i&&in" when the /loo) wa& re3oe)
$ro3 the /o)%, 5e2) trie) i&olatin" &a3ple& in war3th* in +ol), 6n &u&pen&ion& o$
&aline or hu3an pla&3a,
Fru&tration ha) (ept hi& 3in) /urnin" throu"h the per3utation& o$ hi& experi3ent&,
5e ran 3ore te&t& an) trie) )i$$erent approa+he&, ?etrie), 'al(e) awa% $ro3 the
pro7e+t, Ca3e /a+( to it,
:e+a)e& pa&&e), 1n) 3ore )e+a)e&,
1n) then per&onal tra"e)% "ae hi3 a er% inti3ate rea&on to &ole the pro/le3,
Followin" the )eath& in +hil)/irth o$ hi& shellan an) in$ant &on a little oer two %ear&
a"o* he2) /e+o3e o/&e&&e) an) ha) &tarte) $ro3 &+rat+h,
5i& own nee) to $ee) wa& the )rier,
5e u&uall% nee)e) to )rin( onl% eer% &ix 3onth&* /e+au&e hi& /loo)line wa& &tron",
1$ter hi& /eauti$ul !an"aline2& )eath* he2) waite) a& lon" a& he +oul)* until he ha)
ta(en to hi& /e) with the pain o$ the hun"er, 'hen he2) $inall% a&(e) $or help* he2)
hate) the $a+t that he wante) to lie /a)l% enou"h to )rin( $ro3 another $e3ale, 1n)
he2) allowe) hi3&el$ to +on&i)er the $ee)in" onl% /e+au&e he2) /een +onin+e) that it
woul)n2t /e a& it ha) /een with !an"aline, Surel% he woul)n2t /etra% her 3e3or% /%
ta(in" plea&ure in &o3eone el&e2& /loo),
There were &o 3an% who3 he ha) helpe) that it wa&n2t har) to $in) a $e3ale willin"
to o$$er her&el$, 5e2) +ho&en a $rien) who wa& un3ate) an) ha) hope) he2) /e a/le to
(eep hi& &a)ne&& an) hu3iliation to hi3&el$,
6t ha) turne) out to /e a ni"ht3are, 5e2) hel) /a+( $or &o lon" that a& &oon a& he2)
&3elle) /loo)* the pre)ator in hi3 ha) +o3e out, 5e2) atta+(e) hi& $rien) an) )run(
&o har)* he2) ha) to &tit+h up her wri&t a$terwar),
5e2) nearl% /itten her han) o$$,
5i& a+tion& $lew in the $a+e o$ hi& notion& o$ hi3&el$, 5e2) alwa%& /een a "entle3an* a
&+holar* a healer, 1 3ale not &u/7e+t to the /a&e )e&ire& o$ hi& ra+e,
.ut then* he2) alwa%& /een well $e),
1n) the terri/le truth wa&* he2) reli&he) the ta&te o$ that /loo), The &3ooth* war3
$low )own hi& throat* the roarin" &tren"th that +a3e a$terwar),
5e2) $elt plea&ure, 1n) he2) onl% wante) 3ore,
The &ha3e ha) 3a)e hi3 ret+h, 1n) he2) owe) neer to )rin( o$ another2& ein
a"ain,
6t wa& a pro3i&e he2) (ept* thou"h a& a re&ult he2) "rown wea(* &o wea( that $o+u&in"
hi& 3in) wa& li(e her)in" a $o" /an(, 5i& &taration wa& a +on&tant a+he in hi& /ell%,
1n) hi& /o)%* +rain" &u&tenan+e that $oo) +oul)n2t "ie it* ha) +anni/alize) it&el$ to
(eep hi3 alie, 5e2) lo&t &o 3u+h wei"ht hi& +lothe& hun" o$$ o$ hi3 li(e /a"&* hi&
$a+e turnin" ha""ar) an) "ra%,
.ut the &tate he wa& in ha) &hown hi3 the wa%,
The &olution wa& o/iou&,
Eou ha) to $ee) that whi+h wa& hun"r%,
1n airti"ht pro+e&& +ouple) with a &u$$i+ient Kuantit% o$ hu3an /loo) an) he ha) hi&
liin" +ell&,
Cn)er the 3i+ro&+ope* he wat+he) a& the a3pire +ell&* lar"er an) 3ore irre"ularl%
&hape) +o3pare) to the hu3an one&* &lowl% +on&u3e) what he ha) "ien the3, The
hu3an +ount wa& )e+rea&in" in the &a3ple* an) when it wa& extin"ui&he) he wa&
willin" to /et the ia/ilit% o$ the a3pire +o3ponent woul) )win)le )own to nothin",
1ll he ha) to )o wa& +on)u+t a +lini+al trial, 5e woul) extra+t a pint $ro3 a $e3ale*
3ix with it an appropriate proportion o$ hu3an /loo)* an) then tran&$u&e hi3&el$,
6$ eer%thin" went well* he woul) &et up a )onor an) &tora"e pro"ra3, Aatient& woul)
/e &ae), 1n) tho&e who +ho&e to $or"o the inti3a+% o$ )rin(in" +oul) lie their lie&
in pea+e,
5aer& loo(e) up $ro3 the 3i+ro&+ope* &u))enl% aware that he2) /een &tarin" at the
+ell& $or twent% 3inute&, The &ala) +our&e $or lun+heon woul) /e waitin" on the ta/le
up&tair& $or hi3,
5e re3oe) hi& white +oat an) wal(e) throu"h the +lini+* pau&in" to tal( to &o3e o$
hi& nur&in" &ta$$ an) a +ouple o$ patient&, The $a+ilit% too( up a/out &ix thou&an)
&Kuare $eet an) wa& hi))en )eep in the earth /eneath hi& 3an&ion, There were three
O?&* a $leet o$ re+oer% an) exa3ination roo3&* the la/* hi& o$$i+e* an) a waitin" area
with a &eparate a++e&& to the &treet, 5e &aw a/out a thou&an) patient& a %ear* an) 3a)e
hou&e +all& $or /irthin" an) other e3er"en+ie& a& nee)e),
1lthou"h a& the population ha) )win)le)* &o ha) hi& pra+ti+e,
Co3pare) to hu3an&* a3pire& ha) tre3en)ou& a)anta"e& when it +a3e to health,
Their /o)ie& heale) $a&t, The% were not &u/7e+t to )i&ea&e& &u+h a& +an+er* )ia/ete&*
or 56=, .ut lor) help %ou i$ %ou ha) an a++i)ent at hi"h noon, #o one +oul) "et to
%ou, =a3pire& al&o )ie) )urin" their tran&ition& or ri"ht a$terwar), 1n) $ertilit% wa&
another tre3en)ou& pro/le3, !en i$ +on+eption wa& &u++e&&$ul* $e3ale& $reKuentl%
)i) not &urie +hil)/irth* either $ro3 /loo) lo&& or &oarin" pree+la3p&ia, Still/orn&
were +o33on* an) in$ant 3ortalit% wa& throu"h the roo$,
For the &i+(* in7ure)* or )%in"* hu3an )o+tor& were not a "oo) option* een thou"h
the two &pe+ie& &hare) 3u+h o$ the &a3e anato3%, 6$ a hu3an ph%&i+ian or)ere) a
C.C on &o3e /loo) $ro3 a a3pire* the% woul) $in) all &ort& o$ ano3alie& an)
i3a"ine the% ha) &o3ethin" worth% o$ the New 1ngland 'ournal of 2edicine, 6t wa&
/e&t to aoi) that (in) o$ attention,
On o++a&ion* howeer* a patient woul) en) up at a hu3an ho&pital* a pro/le3 that
wa& on the ri&e &in+e the a)ent o$ 911 an) $a&t-re&pon&e a3/ulan+e&, 6$ a a3pire
wa& hurt /a)l% enou"h to lo&e +on&+iou&ne&& awa% $ro3 ho3e* he wa& in )an"er o$
/ein" pi+(e) up an) ta(en in to a hu3an !?, 0ettin" hi3 out o$ a $a+ilit% a"ain&t
3e)i+al a)i+e wa& alwa%& a &tru""le,
5aer& wa&n2t arro"ant* /ut he (new he wa& the /e&t )o+tor hi& &pe+ie& ha), 5e2) "one
throu"h 5arar) -e)i+al S+hool twi+e* on+e in the late 1800& an) then a"ain in the
1980&, 5e2) &tate) on hi& appli+ation in /oth in&tan+e& that he wa& )i&a/le)* an) 5-S
ha) per3itte) hi3 &pe+ial allowan+e&, 5e ha)n2t /een a/le to atten) the le+ture&
/e+au&e the%2) ta(en pla+e )urin" the )a%* /ut hi& doggen ha) /een allowe) to ta(e
note& an) han) in hi& exa3ination&, 5aer& ha) rea) all the text&* +orre&pon)e) with
the pro$e&&or&* an) een atten)e) &e3inar& an) tal(& that were &+he)ule) at ni"ht,
5e2) alwa%& loe) &+hool,
'hen he "ot up&tair&* he wa&n2t &urpri&e) to &ee that -ari&&a ha) not +o3e )own to
the )inin" roo3, !en thou"h lun+heon wa& &ere) at one 1,-, eer% ni"ht,
5e went to her roo3&,
9-ari&&a49 he &ai) at the )oor, 5e (no+(e) on+e, 9-ari&&a* it2& ti3e to eat,9
5aer& &tu+( hi& hea) in&i)e, <i"ht $ro3 the +han)elier in the hall )ri$te) in* +uttin" a
"ol)en &li+e throu"h the /la+(ne&&, The )raperie& were &till )own a+ro&& the win)ow&*
an) &he ha)n2t turne) an% o$ the la3p& on,
9-ari&&a* )arlin"49
9623 not hun"r%,9
5aer& &teppe) throu"h the )oor, 5e +oul) 3a(e out her +anop% /e) an) the &3all
&well o$ her /o)% un)er the +oer&,
9.ut %ou 3i&&e) lun+heon la&t ni"ht, 1& well a& )inner,9
962ll +o3e )own later,9
5e &hut hi& e%e&* +on+lu)in" that &he2) /een to $ee) the ni"ht /e$ore, !er% ti3e &he
&aw 'rath* &he woul) retreat into her&el$ $or )a%& a$terwar),
5e thou"ht o$ the liin" +ell& )own in hi& la/,
'rath 3i"ht /e their ra+e2& (in" /% /irth* an) he 3i"ht hae the pure&t /loo) o$ the3
all* /ut the warrior wa& a /a&tar), 5e &ee3e) totall% un+on+erne) with what he wa&
)oin" to -ari&&a, Or perhap& he )i)n2t een (now how 3u+h hi& +ruelt% a$$e+te) her,
6t wa& har) to )e+i)e whi+h wa& the wor&e +ri3e,
962e 3a)e &o3e i3portant pro"re&&*9 5aer& &ai)* "oin" oer to the /e) an) &ittin"
)own, 9623 "oin" to &et %ou $ree,9
9Fro3 what49
9That8 a&&a&&in,9
9:on2t tal( a/out hi3 li(e that,9
5e "ritte) hi& teeth, 9-ari&&a;9
96 )on2t want to /e $ree o$ hi3,9
95ow +an %ou &a% that4 5e treat& %ou with no re&pe+t, 6 hate the i)ea o$ that /rute
$ee)in" o$$ %ou in &o3e /a+( alle%;9
9'e "o to :ariu&2&, 5e ha& a roo3 there,9
The i)ea that &he wa& /ein" expo&e) to another o$ tho&e warrior& )i)n2t 3a(e hi3 an%
happier, The% were all $ri"htenin"* an) a $ew were )ownri"ht horri$i+,
5e (new the .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo) wa& a ne+e&&ar% eil to )e$en) the ra+e* an)
he (new he &houl) /e "rate$ul $or their prote+tion, !x+ept he +oul)n2t $eel an%thin"
&ae )rea) at their exi&ten+e, The $a+t that the worl) wa& )an"erou& enou"h* the ra+e2&
ene3ie& power$ul enou"h* &o a& to 3an)ate the li(e& o$ tho&e warrior& wa& tra"i+,
9Eou )on2t hae to )o thi& to %our&el$,9
-ari&&a rolle) oer* turnin" her /a+( to hi3, 9<eae 3e,9
5aer& plante) hi& han)& on hi& (nee& an) pu&he) hi3&el$ to hi& $eet, 5i& 3e3orie& o$
-ari&&a /e$ore &he2) /e"un to &eri+e their )rea)$ul (in" were &o er% )i3, 5e +oul)
re+all onl% /it& an) pie+e& o$ the wa% &he2) /een* an) he $eare) the 7o%ou&* &3ilin"
%oun" $e3ale wa& $oreer lo&t now,
1n) what wa& in her pla+e4 1 &o3/er* &u/)ue) &ha)ow who $loate) aroun) hi&
hou&e* pinin" $or a 3ale who treate) her with no re"ar) what&oeer,
96 hope %ou will re+on&i)er lun+heon*9 5aer& &ai) &o$tl%, 96 woul) loe to hae %our
+o3pan%,9
5e &hut the )oor Kuietl% an) went )own the ornate* +urin" &tair+a&e, The )inin"
roo3 ta/le wa& &et a& he li(e) it* with a $ull +o3ple3ent o$ +hina* "la&&ware* an)
&iler, 5e &at )own at the hea) o$ the "lo&&% ta/le* an) one o$ hi& doggen +a3e in to
&ere hi3 &o3e wine,
<oo(in" )own at the plate o$ .i// lettu+e /e$ore hi3* he $or+e) a &3ile, 9Jarol%n*
thi& &ala) i& loel%,9
Jarol%n /owe) her hea)* e%e& "lowin" $ro3 hi& prai&e, 96 went to a $ar3 &tan) to)a%
7u&t to $in) the ri"ht leae& $or %ou,9
9'ell* 6 3o&t +ertainl% appre+iate the e$$ort,9 5aer& +ut into the )eli+ate "reen& a&
&he le$t hi3 alone in the /eauti$ul roo3,
5e thou"ht o$ hi& &i&ter* +urle) up in her /e),
5aer& wa& a healer /% nature an) pro$e&&ion* a 3ale who ha) 3ar(e) hi& entire li$e
in &eri+e to other&, .ut i$ 'rath were eer in7ure) enou"h to +o3e an) &ee hi3*
5aer& woul) /e te3pte) to let that 3on&ter /lee) out,
Or (ill hi3 on the O? ta/le with a &lip o$ the &+alpel,
Chapter Ten
.eth ea&e) into +on&+iou&ne&& &lowl%, 6t wa& li(e &ur$a+in" $ro3 a per$e+tl%
per$or3e) &wan )ie, There wa& a "low in her /o)%* a &ati&$a+tion a& &he e3er"e)
$ro3 the /u$$ere) worl) o$ &leep,
So3ethin" wa& on her $orehea),
5er e%eli)& $lippe) open, <on" 3ale $in"er& were 3oin" )own the /ri)"e o$ her
no&e, The% )ri$te) a+ro&& her +hee( an) then oer to her 7aw,
There wa& enou"h a3/ient li"ht +o3in" $ro3 the (it+hen that &he +oul) )i3l% 3a(e
out the 3an l%in" with her,
5i& +on+entration wa& $ier+e a& he explore) her $a+e, 5i& e%e& were +lo&e)* ar+hin"
/row& )rawn )own* thi+( la&he& a"ain&t hi& hi"h* re"al +hee(/one&, 5e wa& on hi&
&i)e* hi& &houl)er& a 3ountain /lo+(in" her iew to the "la&& )oor,
0oo) lor)* he wa& hu"e, 1n) &ta+(e),
5i& upper ar3& were the &ize o$ her thi"h&, 5i& a/)o3en wa& ri//e) a& i$ he were
&3u""lin" paint roller& un)er hi& &(in, 5i& le"& were thi+( an) +or)e), 1n) hi& &ex
wa& a& /i" an) 3a"ni$i+ent a& the re&t o$ hi3,
'hen he2) $ir&t +o3e up a"ain&t her na(e) an) &he2) ha) a +han+e to tou+h hi3* &he2)
/een &ho+(e), 5e ha) no hair on hi& tor&o or ar3& an) le"& at all, >u&t &3ooth &(in
oer har) 3u&+le,
She won)ere) wh% he &hae) all oer* een )own there, -a%/e he wa& &o3e (in) o$
/o)%/uil)er,
1lthou"h wh% he2) "o the Full -ont% with a razor wa& a 3%&ter%,
5er 3e3orie& o$ what ha) happene) /etween the3 were $uzz%, She +oul)n2t Kuite
re+all how he2) +o3e into her apart3ent, Or what he2) &ai) to her, .ut eer%thin"
the%2) )one horizontall% wa& ii) a& hell,
'hi+h 3a)e &en&e* &in+e he2) "ien her the Fir&t or"a&3& &he2) eer ha),
The $in"ertip& roun)e) her +hin an) +a3e up to her lip&, 5e /ru&he) her lower one
with hi& thu3/,
9Eou are /eauti$ul*9 he whi&pere), 5i& &u/tle a++ent 3a)e hi3 roll the 3 oer hi&
ton"ue* al3o&t a& i$ he were purrin",
Well$ that stands to reason* &he thou"ht, 'hen he tou+he) her* &he $elt /eauti$ul,
5i& 3outh +a3e )own on her&* /ut he wa&n2t loo(in" $or an%thin", The (i&& wa& not a
)e3an), 6t wa& +lo&er to a than(-%ou,
So3ewhere in the roo3* a +ell phone went o$$, The rin" wa&n2t her&,
5e 3oe) &o $a&t &he 7u3pe), One 3o3ent he wa& /% her &i)eL the next he wa& at hi&
7a+(et, 5e $lippe) open the phone,
9Eeah49 The oi+e that ha) tol) her &he wa& /eauti$ul wa& "one, #ow he "rowle),
She pulle) a &heet aroun) her +he&t,
9'e2ll 3eet at :2&, 0ie 3e ten,9
5e hun" up the phone* put it /a+( in the 7a+(et* an) pi+(e) up the pant& he2) /een
wearin", The threat o$ re-)re&&in" /rou"ht /a+( &o3e realit%,
0o)* ha) &he reall% 7u&t ha) &ex;reall%* reall% "oo)* 3in)-/lowin" &ex;with a
+o3plete &tran"er4
9'hat2& %our na3e49 &he a&(e),
1& he pulle) /la+( leather up hi& thi"h&* &he +au"ht a terri$i+ &hot o$ hi& a&&,
9'rath,9- 5e went oer to the ta/le an) "ot hi& &un"la&&e&, 'hen he &at )own next to
her* the% were in pla+e, 962e "ot to "o, 6 3i"ht not "et /a+( toni"ht* /ut 62ll tr%,9
She )i)n2t want hi3 to leae, She li(e) the $eel o$ hi& /o)% ta(in" up 3ore than it&
$air &hare o$ her $uton,
She rea+he) up to hi3* /ut too( her han) /a+(, She )i)n2t want to &ee3 nee)%,
9#o* tou+h 3e*9 he &ai)* /en)in" hi& /o)% )own* "iin" her all the a++e&& &he +oul)
a&( $or,
She put her pal3 on hi& +he&t, 5i& &(in wa& war3* hi& heart &ur"in" in an een pu3p,
She noti+e) he ha) a +ir+ular-&hape) &+ar on hi& le$t pe+toral,
96 nee) to (now &o3ethin"* 'rath,9 5i& na3e $elt "oo) on her ton"ue een i$ it wa&
an o)) one, 9'hat the hell are %ou )oin" here49
5e &3ile) a little* a& i$ he li(e) her &u&pi+ion, 9623 here to ta(e +are o$ %ou*
!liza/eth,9
'ell* he +ertainl% ha),
9.eth, 6 "o /% .eth,9
5e in+line) hi& hea), 9.eth,9
5e &too) up an) rea+he) $or hi& &hirt, 5e ran hi& han)& )own the $ront o$ it* a& i$
$eelin" $or /utton&,
5e wa&n2t "oin" to $in) 3an%* &he thou"ht, -o&t o$ the3 were on her $loor,
9Eou "ot a wa&tepaper /a&(et aroun) here49 he a&(e)* a& i$ realizin" the &a3e thin",
9Oer there, 6n the +orner,9
9'here49
She &too) up* (eepin" the &heet aroun) her* an) too( the &hirt, Throwin" it out
&ee3e) li(e a lo&t opportunit%,
'hen &he loo(e) at hi3 a"ain* he2) pulle) a /la+( hol&ter on oer hi& na(e) &(in,
Two )a""er& +ri&&+ro&&e) in the 3i))le o$ hi& +he&t* han)le& )own,
O))l%* a& &he loo(e) at hi& weapon&* the% +al3e) her, The i)ea that there wa& a
lo"i+al explanation to hi& appearan+e wa& a relie$,
9'a& it .ut+h49
9.ut+h49
9'ho put %ou up to "uar) )ut%,9
5e pulle) on hi& 7a+(et* the he$t o$ it wi)enin" hi& &houl)er& een 3ore, The leather
wa& a& )ar( a& hi& hair* one lapel e3/o&&e) with an intri+ate )e&i"n in /la+( threa),
9The 3an who atta+(e) %ou la&t ni"ht*9 he &ai), 95e wa& a &tran"er49
9Ee&,9 She /rou"ht her ar3& aroun) her&el$,
9'ere the poli+e "oo) to %ou49
9The%2re alwa%& "oo) to 3e,9
95ae the% tol) %ou hi& na3e49
She no))e), 9Eeah* 6 +oul)n2t /eliee it either, 'hen
.ut+h tol) 3e 6 thou"ht he wa& 7o(in", .ill% ?i))le &oun)& 3ore li(e a Se&a3e Street
+hara+ter than a rapi&t* /ut he +learl% ha) an -O an) &o3e pra+ti+e;9
She &toppe), 'rath2& $a+e ha) "one &o i+iou&* &he &teppe) /a+(,
>e&u&* i$ .ut+h wa& tou"h on perp&* thi& "u% wa& a/out two $eet ahea) o$ )ea)l%* &he
thou"ht,
.ut then hi& expre&&ion +han"e)* a& i$ he2) /urie) hi& e3otion& /e+au&e he (new the%
&+are) her a little, 5e wal(e) oer to the /athroo3 an) opene) the )oor, .oo leape)
up into hi& ar3&* an) a low* rh%th3i+ purrin" &oun) +ut throu"h the hea% air,
!x+ept that &ure wa&n2t her +at,
The throat% reer/eration wa& +o3in" out o$ the 3an a& he hel) her pet in hi& ar3&,
.oo ate up the attention* ru//in" hi& hea) into the wi)e pal3 that wa& &tro(in" hi3,
9623 "oin" to "ie %ou 3% +ell phone nu3/er* .eth, Eou nee) to +all 3e i$ %ou $eel
threatene) in an% wa%,9 5e put the +at )own an) re+ite) a /un+h o$ )i"it&, -a)e her
repeat the3 until &he ha) the3 3e3orize), 96$ 6 )on2t &ee %ou toni"ht* 6 want %ou to
+o3e to ei"ht &ixteen 'alla+e 1enue to3orrow 3ornin", 62ll explain eer%thin",9
1n) then he 7u&t loo(e) at her,
9Co3e here*9 he &ai),
5er /o)% o/e%e) /e$ore her 3in) +he+(e) in with a +o33an) to 3oe,
1& &he "ot +lo&e to hi3* he put one ar3 aroun) her wai&t an) pulle) her a"ain&t hi&
har) /o)%, 5i& lip& +a3e )own hot an) hun"r% on her& a& he /urie) hi& other han) in
her hair, Throu"h hi& leather pant&* &he +oul) $eel he wa& rea)% $or &ex a"ain,
1n) &he wa& rea)% to hae hi3,
'hen he li$te) hi& hea)* he ran hi& han) lei&urel% oer her +ollar/one, 9Thi& wa&n2t
&uppo&e) to /e part o$ it,9
96& 'rath %our $ir&t or la&t na3e49
9.oth,9 5e put a (i&& on the &i)e o$ her ne+(* &u+(in" at her &(in, She let her hea) $all
/a+(* an) hi& ton"ue traele) up the &3ooth +olu3n, 9.eth49
953349
9:on2t worr% a/out .ill% ?i))le, 5e2& "oin" to "et what2& +o3in" to hi3,9
5e (i&&e) her Kui+(l% an) then wal(e) out throu"h the &li)in" "la&& )oor,
She put her han) up to her ne+( where he2) li+(e) her, The &(in tin"le),
.eth hurrie) to the win)ow an) pulle) up the &ha)e,
5e wa& alrea)% "one,
'rath 3aterialize) in :ariu&2& )rawin" roo3,
5e ha)n2t expe+te) the eenin" to ta(e hi3 where it ha)* an) the extra la%er o$
+o3pli+ation wa&n2t "oin" to help the &ituation,
She wa& :ariu&2& )au"hter, She wa& a/out to hae her whole worl) turne) up&i)e
)own, 1n) wor&e* &he2) /een the i+ti3 o$ a &exual a&&ault the ni"ht /e$ore* $or
Chri&t2& &a(e,
6$ he2) /een a "entle3an* he2) hae le$t her alone,
Eeah* an) when wa& the la&t ti3e he2) lie) up to hi& pe)i"ree4
?ha"e appeare) in $ront o$ hi3, The a3pire wa& wearin" a lon" /la+( tren+h +oat
oer hi& leather&* an) the +ontra&t with hi& $air-haire) /eaut% wa& no )ou/t a &tunner,
6t wa& well-(nown that the /rother u&e) hi& loo(& a"ain&t the oppo&ite &ex 3er+ile&&l%*
an) that a$ter a ni"ht o$ $i"htin"* hi& $aorite wa% to win) )own wa& with a $e3ale, Or
two,
6$ &ex were $oo)* ?ha"e woul) hae /een 3or/i)l% o/e&e,
.ut he wa&n2t 7u&t a prett% $a+e, The warrior wa& the /e&t $i"hter the /rotherhoo) ha)*
the &tron"e&t* the Kui+(e&t* the &ure&t, .orn with an oerloa) o$ ph%&i+al power* he
pre$erre) to 3eet lessers /are-han)e)* &ain" the )a""er& onl% $or the en),
-aintaine) that it wa& the onl% wa% to "et an% 7o/ &ati&$a+tion, Otherwi&e* the $i"ht&
)i)n2t la&t lon" enou"h,
O$ all the /rother&* 5oll%woo) wa& the one the %oun" 3ale& in the &pe+ie& tal(e)
a/out* wor&hipe)* wante) to /e, !x+ept that wa& /e+au&e hi& $an +lu/ onl% &aw the
"lo&&% &ur$a+e an) the &3ooth 3oe&,
?ha"e wa& +ur&e), <iterall%, 5e2) "otten hi3&el$ in &o3e &eriou& trou/le ri"ht a$ter
hi& tran&ition, 1n) the S+ri/e =ir"in* that 3%&ti+al $or+e o$ nature who oer&aw the
&pe+ie& $ro3 the Fa)e* ha) "ien hi3 one hell o$ a puni&h3ent, Two hun)re) %ear& o$
aer&ion therap% that (i+(e) in wheneer he )i)n2t (eep hi3&el$ +al3,
Eou ha) to $eel &orr% $or the poor /a&tar),
95ow we )oin" toni"ht49 ?ha"e a&(e),
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e& /rie$l%, 1 /lurr% i3a"e o$ .eth2& /o)% ar+hin"* +au"ht a& he2)
loo(e) up $ro3 /etween her le"&* &li+e) throu"h hi3, 1& he pi+ture) hi3&el$ ta&tin"
her a"ain* hi& han)& +urle) into $i&t&* hi& (nu+(le& +ra+(in",
Im hungry* he thou"ht,
9623 "oo) to "o*9 he &ai),
95ol) up, 'hat2& that49 ?ha"e )e3an)e),
9'hat2& what49
9That expre&&ion on %our $a+e, 1n) Chri&t* where2& %our &hirt49
9Shut up,9
9'hat the8 62ll /e )a3ne),9 ?ha"e lau"he), 9Eou "ot &o3e "rin) toni"ht* )i)n2t
%ou49
.eth wa& not a "rin), #o wa%* an) not onl% /e+au&e &he wa& :ariu&2& )au"hter,
9Fip it* ?ha"e, 623 not in the 3oo),9
95e%* 623 the la&t one to +riti+ize, .ut 6 "otta a&(* wa& &he an% "oo)4 .e+au&e %ou
)on2t loo( parti+ularl% relaxe)* 3% /rother, -a%/e 6 nee) to tea+h her a $ew thin"&
an) then hae her "ie %ou a tr% a"ain;9
'rath +al3l% intro)u+e) ?ha"e2& /a+( to the wall* al3o&t ta(in" out a 3irror with the
3ale2& &houl)er&, 9Eou will &hut the &hut up or %ou will /e &ix in+he& &horter, Eour
pi+(* 5oll%woo),9
5i& /rother wa& 7u&t pla%in"* /ut there wa& &o3ethin" unhol% a/out ta(in" that
experien+e with .eth an) "ettin" it an%where near ?ha"e2& &ex li$e,
1n) 3a%/e 'rath wa& $eelin" 7u&t a little po&&e&&ie,
95ae we 3a)e our +hoi+e49 he )rawle),
9623 $eelin" %ou,9 The other a3pire "rinne)* hi& teeth a $la&h o$ white in hi& &tri(in"
$a+e, 9.ut +o3e on* li"hten up, Eou )on2t u&uall% wa&te ti3e with the $e3ale&* an)
623 7u&t "la) to (now %ou "ot o$$* that2& all,9
'rath let "o,
91lthou"h >e&u&* &he +oul)n2t hae /een all that;9
'rath un&heathe) a )a""er an) /urie) the thin" into the wall an in+h $ro3 ?ha"e2&
&(ull, The &oun) o$ &teel pun+hin" throu"h pla&ter ha) a ni+e rin" to it* he thou"ht,
9Eou )o not pu&h 3e on thi& one, 0ot it49
The /rother no))e) &lowl% a& the )a""er han)le i/rate) next to hi& ear, 91h* %eah,
623 thin(in" we2re +lear on that,9
Tohr3ent2& oi+e +ut throu"h the ten&ion, 9'hoa@ ?ha"e* %ou /een poppin2 &hit
a"ain49
'rath &ta%e) &till $or one 3ore 3o3ent* 7u&t to 3a(e &ure the 3e&&a"e ha) "otten
throu"h, Then he %an(e) the (ni$e out o$ the wall an) &teppe) /a+(* prowlin" aroun)
the roo3 a& the other /rother& arrie),
'hen =i&hou& +a3e in* 'rath too( the warrior a&i)e, 96 want %ou to )o 3e a $aor,9
9#a3e it,9
95u3an 3ale, .ill% ?i))le, 6 want %ou to wor( %our +o3puter 3a"i+, 6 nee) to (now
where he lie&,9
= &tro(e) hi& "oatee, 95e in town49
96 thin( &o,9
9Con&i)er it )one* 3% lor),9
'hen the% were all there* een F&a)i&t* who2) "ra+e) the3 with /ein" on ti3e* 'rath
"ot the /all rollin",
9'hat )o we hae $ro3 Strau&&2& phone* =49
=i&hou& whippe) o$$ hi& Sox +ap an) )ra""e) a han) throu"h hi& )ar( hair, 5e &po(e
a& he repo&itione) the hat, 9Our /o% li(e) to han" with 3u&+lehea)&* 3ilitar%
wanna/e&* an) >a+(ie Chan $an&, 'e2e "ot +all& to 0ol)2& 0%3* a paint-/all arena*
two 3artial-art& pla+e&, Oh* an) he li(e) +ar&, There wa& a 3e+hani+& &hop in the lo"*
too,9
91n% per&onal&49
9Couple, One to a lan)line that wa& )i&+onne+te) two )a%& a"o, The other& were
+ellular* untra+ea/le* not lo+al, 6 trie) the3 all repeate)l% an) no one pi+(e) up, 1in2t
+aller 6: a /it+h49
9Eou +he+( hi& prior& online49
9Eeah, T%pi+al 7uie &hit with a iolent e)"e, 5e $it& the lesser pro$ile per$e+tl%,9
9'hat a/out hi& ho3e49 'rath loo(e) oer hi& &houl)er at the twin&,
Ahur% "lan+e) at hi& /rother an) then )i) all the tal(in", 9Three-roo3 apart3ent oer
the rier, <ie) alone, :i)n2t hae a lot o$ &hit, Couple o$ "un& un)er the /e), So3e
&iler a33o, Jelar e&t, Aorn +olle+tion he o/iou&l% wa&n2t u&in" an%3ore,9
9:i) %ou "ra/ hi& 7ar49
9Eeah, 6t2& /a+( at 3% pla+e, 62ll ta(e it to the to3/ later toni"ht,9
90oo),9 'rath re"ar)e) the "roup, 9'e &plit up, Ca&e the /u&ine&&e&, 6 want to "et
in&i)e tho&e /uil)in"&, 'e2re loo(in" $or their +enter o$ op& in thi& area,9
5e paire) up the /rother&* ta(in" =i&hou& with hi3, 5e tol) the twin& to "o to 0ol)2&
an) the paint/all arena, 0ae Tohr an) ?ha"e the 3artial-art& 7oint&, 5e an) =i&hou&
were "oin" to &+ope out the 3e+hani+& &hop* an) he hope) the%2) "et lu+(%,
.e+au&e i$ &o3eone were "oin" to wire a /o3/ to a +ar* woul)n2t a h%)rauli+ li$t /e
han)%4
.e$ore the% all le$t* 5oll%woo) +a3e oer* loo(in" un+hara+teri&ti+all% &eriou&,
9'rath* 3an* %ou (now 6 +an /e an a&&hole*9 ?ha"e &ai), 9:i)n2t 3ean to o$$en), #ot
"oin" there a"ain,9
'rath &3ile), The thin" with ?ha"e wa&* he ha) pi&&-poor i3pul&e +ontrol, 'hi+h
explaine) /oth hi& $l% 3outh an) hi& &ex a))i+tion,
1n) the pro/le3 wa& /a) enou"h when he wa& hi3&el$, For"et a/out the 3inute the
+ur&e $lippe) hi& p&%+ho &wit+h an) the /ea&t +a3e roarin" to li$e,
9623 &eriou&* 3an*9 the a3pire &ai),
'rath +lappe) hi& /rother on the &houl)er, On the whole* thou"h* the SO. wa& a total
(eeper, 9For"ien* $or"otten,9
9Feel $ree to ha33er 3e an%ti3e,9
9.eliee 3e* 6 )o,9
-r, O )roe to an alle% )owntown that wa& unlit an) open to &treet& at /oth en)&,
1$ter par(in" the 3inian $a+e out /ehin) a :u3p&ter* he threw Cherr% Aie oer hi&
&houl)er an) wal(e) twent% %ar)& awa% $ro3 the +ar, She 3oane) a little a& &he
/oun+e) on hi& /a+(* a& i$ &he )i)n2t want her hi"h )i&tur/e) /% 3oe3ent,
5e lai) her out on the "roun)* an) &he )i)n2t $i"ht hi3 a& he &lit her throat, 5e
wat+he) $or a 3o3ent a& her "lo&&% /loo) &eepe) $ro3 her ne+(, 6n the )ar(ne&& it
loo(e) li(e Pua(er State 3otor oil, 5e put hi& $in"er )own* "ettin" &o3e on the tip,
5i& no&e )ete+te) all 3anner o$ )i&ea&e* an) he won)ere) i$ &he2) (nown &he ha) an
a)an+e) +a&e o$ hep C, 5e $i"ure) he wa& )oin" her a $aor* &parin" her an
unplea&ant* +reepin" )eath,
#ot that (illin" her woul) hae /othere) hi3 ha) &he /een per$e+tl% health%,
5e wipe) hi& $in"er on the e)"e o$ her &(irt an) then 3oe) awa% to a pile o$ )e/ri&,
1n ol) 3attre&& wa& 7u&t the ti+(et, Aroppin" it up a"ain&t the /ri+(* he &ettle) into the
7un+ture* un/othere) /% the &tin(%* &weat% &3ell o$ the thin", 5e too( out hi& )art "un
an) waite),
Fre&h /loo) /rou"ht out +iilian a3pire& li(e +row& to roa)(ill,
1n) &ure enou"h* not lon" therea$ter a $i"ure appeare) at the en) o$ the alle%, 6t
loo(e) le$t an) ri"ht an) then ru&he) $orwar), -r, O (new that what approa+he) ha)
to /e who he wa& a$ter, Cherr% wa& well +on+eale) in the )ar(ne&&, There wa& nothin"
to )raw an%one in her )ire+tion ex+ept $or the &u/tle &+ent o$ her /loo)* &o3ethin"
hu3an no&e& +oul) neer hae pi+(e) up,
The %oun" 3ale wa& "ree)% in hi& thir&t* an) he $ell upon Cherr% li(e &o3eone ha)
lai) out a /u$$et $or hi3, .u&% )rin(in"* he wa& ta(en /% &urpri&e when the $ir&t )art
poppe) out o$ the "un an) went into hi& &houl)er, 5i& i33e)iate in&tin+t wa& to
prote+t hi& $oo)* &o he haule) Cherr%2& /o)% /ehin) &o3e 3an"le) tra&h +an&,
'hen the &e+on) )art hit hi3* he wheele) aroun) an) leape) up* e%e& traine) on the
3attre&&,
-r, O ten&e)* /ut the 3ale +a3e $orwar) with 3ore a""re&&ion than +o3peten+e, 5i&
/o)% wa& )i&or"anize) in it& 3oe3ent&* &u""e&tin" he wa& &till learnin" how to
+ontrol hi& li3/& a$ter hi& tran&ition,
Two 3ore )art& )i)n2t &low hi3 )own, Clearl% the :e3o&e)an* a hor&e tranKuilizer*
wa&n2t enou"h to )o the 7o/, For+e) to en"a"e the 3ale in a $i"ht* -r, O &tunne) hi3
ea&il% /% (i+(in" hi3 in the hea), The 3ale let out a howl o$ pain a& he went )own to
the )irt% a&phalt,
The +o33otion attra+te) attention,
Fortunatel%* it wa& onl% two lessers* not +uriou& hu3an& or* een 3ore anno%in"* the
poli+e, The lessers &toppe) at the en) o$ the alle% an)* a$ter Kui+( +on&ultation* 3oe)
in to ine&ti"ate,
-r, O +ur&e), 5e wa& not prepare) to reeal hi3&el$ or what he wa& )oin", 5e nee)e)
to wor( the (in(& out o$ the in$or3ation-"atherin" &trate"% /e$ore he +a3e $orwar)
with it an) a&&i"ne) hi& lessers role&, 1$ter all* a lea)er &houl) neer )ele"ate that
whi+h he ha) not )one /e$ore an) )one well,
There wa& al&o a 3atter o$ &el$-intere&t, There wa& no tellin" who a3on" the &la%er&
3i"ht tr% to "o aroun) hi3 to the O3e"a* either +oppin" the i)ea a& hi& own or
/it+hin" a/out preli3inar% $ailure&, 0o) (new the O3e"a wa& alwa%& re+eptie to
initiatie an) new )ire+tion&, 1n) woul) hae /ene$ite) $ro3 &o3e ?italin when it
+a3e to lo%alt%,
!en 3ore to the point* the O3e"a2& er&ion o$ a pin( &lip wa& Kui+( an) horri$i+, 1&
-r, O2& $or3er &uperior ha) learne) three ni"ht& a"o,
-r, O plu+(e) out the )art& $ro3 the /o)%, 5e woul) hae pre$erre) (illin" the
a3pire* /ut there wa&n2t enou"h ti3e, <eain" the 3ale &till 3oanin" on the "roun)*
-r, O &printe) )own the alle%* &ti+(in" to the wall, 5e (ept the 3inian2& hea)li"ht&
o$$ until he2) &li) into tra$$i+,
Chapter $&even
.eth2& alar3 +lo+( went o$$* an) &he &lappe) it into &ilen+e, The /uzzin" wa&
re)un)ant, She2) /een up $or at lea&t an hour* her 3in) hu33in" li(e a lawn 3ower,
'ith the )awn2& arrial the hot ni"ht2& 3%&ter% ha) $a)e)* an) &he wa& $or+e) to $a+e
what &he ha) )one,
Cnprote+te) &ex with a total &tran"er wa& one hell o$ a wa(e-up +all,
'hat ha) &he /een thin(in"4 She2) neer )one that /e$ore, She2) alwa%& /een &a$e,
Than( 0o) &he wa& on the pill to re"ulate her &pora)i+ perio)&* /ut a& $or the other
i3pli+ation&* her &to3a+h rolle),
'hen &he &aw hi3 a"ain &he2) a&( hi3 i$ he wa& +lean* an) pra% the an&wer wa& the
one &he wante) to hear, 1& well a& hone&t,
-a%/e i$ &he2) ha) 3ore )atin" pra+ti+e* &he woul) hae ha) &o3e prote+tion rea)%,
.ut when wa& the la&t ti3e &he2) &lept with an%one4 1 lon" ti3e, <on"er than the
&hel$ li$e o$ a /ox o$ +on)o3&,
The exten)e) )r% &pell in her &ex li$e wa& a& 3u+h $ro3 la+( o$ intere&t a& an% (in) o$
3oral& thin", -en 7u&t weren2t that hi"h on her li&t o$ prioritie&, The% ran(e)
&o3ewhere )own aroun) "ettin" her teeth +leane) an) hain" her +ar &eri+e), 1n)
&he )i)n2t hae a +ar an%3ore,
She2) o$ten won)ere) i$ there wa& &o3ethin" wron" with her* e&pe+iall% a& &he
wat+he) +ouple& wal( /% on the &treet han) in han), -o&t people her a"e were )atin"
wil)l%* tr%in" to $in) altar 3aterial, #ot her, She 7u&t ha)n2t ha) an% /urn-in" )e&ire to
/e with a 3an* an) ha) een +on&i)ere) the po&&i/ilit% that &he wa& a le&/ian, Trou/le
wa&* &he wa&n2t attra+te) to wo3en,
So la&t ni"ht ha) /een a reelation,
She &tret+he)* a )eli+iou& ti"htne&& +oile) in her thi"h&, Clo&in" her e%e&* &he $elt hi3
in&i)e o$ her* hi& thi+(ne&& &ur"in" an) retreatin" until that $inal 3o3ent when hi&
/o)% ha) +onul&e) into her& with a power$ul ru&h* hi& ar3& +ru&hin" her a"ain&t hi3,
5er /o)% ar+he) inoluntaril%* the $anta&% &tron" enou"h to hae her thro//in"
/etween her le"&, !+hoe& o$ tho&e or"a&3& 3a)e her /ite her lip,
'ith a "roan &he "ot to her $eet an) hea)e) $or the /athroo3, 'hen &he &aw the &hirt
he2) rippe) o$$ hi& +he&t in the wa&te/a&(et* &he pi+(e) it up an) hel) it to her no&e,
The /la+( $a/ri+ &3elle) li(e hi3,
The thro//in" "ot wor&e,
5ow )i) he an) .ut+h (now ea+h other4
'a& he on the $or+e4 She2) neer &een hi3 /e$ore* /ut there were a nu3/er o$ the3
&he )i)n2t (now,
=i+e* &he thou"ht, 5e 3u&t /e a i+e +op, Or 3a%/e a S'1T tea3 lea)er,
.e+au&e he wa& )e$initel% the (in) o$ 3an who loo(e) $or trou/le an) &ere) a&&e& up
on a plate when he $oun) it,
Feelin" a& i$ &he were &ixteen* &he &hoe) the &hirt un)er her pillow, 1n) then &aw the
/ra he2) ta(en o$$ her on the $loor, 0oo) lor)* the $ront ha) /een +ut apart* &li+e) /%
&o3ethin" &harp,
Weird%
1$ter a Kui+( &hower* an) a $a&ter /rea($a&t o$ two oat3eal +oo(ie&* a han)$ul o$
Aepperi)"e Far3 "ol)$i&h* an) a 7ui+e /ox* &he wal(e) )own to the o$$i+e, She2) /een
in her +u/e &tarin" at her &+reen &aer $or a hal$ hour when her phone ran", 6t wa&
>o&e,
9'e ha) another /u&% ni"ht*9 he &ai)* %awnin",
9.o3/49
9#ope, :ea) /o)%, Aro&titute wa& $oun) with her throat +ut oer on Thir) an) Tra)e,
6$ %ou +o3e )own to the &tation %ou +an &ee the pi+ture&* rea) the report&, O$$ the
re+or)* o$ +our&e,9
She wa& out on the &treet two 3inute& a$ter &he2) hun" up the phone, She $i"ure) &he2)
hit the &tation $ir&t an) then hea) oer to the 'alla+e 1enue a))re&&,
She +oul)n2t preten) &he wa&n2t a+hin" to &ee her 3i)ni"ht i&itor a"ain,
1& &he wal(e) to the pre+in+t hou&e* the 3ornin" &un wa& un3er+i$ull% /ri"ht* an)
&he )u" into her pur&e $or her &ha)e&, 'hen the% weren2t enou"h to +ut the &tin"* &he
&hiel)e) her e%e& with her han), 6t wa& a relie$ to "et in&i)e the +ool* )i3 poli+e
&tation,
>o&e wa&n2t in hi& o$$i+e* /ut &he $oun) .ut+h +o3in" out o$ hi&,
5e &3ile) at her )r%l%* the +orner& o$ hi& hazel e%e& wrin(lin", 9'e hae to &top
3eetin" li(e thi&,9
95ear) %ou hae a new +a&e,9
9623 &ure %ou hae,9
9Care to +o33ent* :ete+tie49
9'e i&&ue) a &tate3ent thi& 3ornin",9
9'hi+h no )ou/t &ai) a/&olutel% nothin", Co3e on* +an2t %ou &pare a $ew wor)& $or
3e49
9#ot i$ we2re on the re+or),9
95ow a/out o$$49
5e too( a pie+e o$ "u3 out o$ hi& po+(et an) 3etho)i+all% unwrappe) it* $ol)in" the
pale &li+e into hi& 3outh an) /itin" )own, She &ee3e) to re3e3/er hi3 &3o(in" at
&o3e point* /ut ha)n2t &een hi3 li"htin" up re+entl%, 'hi+h pro/a/l% explaine) all
that 'ri"le%2&,
9O$$ the re+or)* O2#eal*9 &he pro3pte), 96 &wear,9
5e no))e) hi& hea) oer hi& &houl)er, 9'e nee) a +lo&e) )oor then,9
5i& o$$i+e wa& a/out the &ize o$ her +u/i+le at the paper* /ut at lea&t it ha) a )oor an)
a win)ow, 5i& $urniture wa& not a& "oo) a& her&* thou"h, 5i& )e&( wa& an ol) woo)en
one that loo(e) a& i$ it ha) /een u&e) a& a +arpenter2& wor(/en+h, There were hun(&
out o$ the top* an) the arni&h wa& &o &+rat+he) it a/&or/e) the $luore&+ent li"ht a& i$
thir&t%,
5e to&&e) a $ile at her /e$ore &ittin" )own, 9She wa& $oun) /ehin) a /un+h o$ tra&h
+an&, -o&t o$ her /loo) en)e) up in the &ewer* /ut the +oroner thin(& he $oun) tra+e&
o$ heroin in her &%&te3, She2) ha) &ex that eenin"* /ut that2& not exa+tl% new&,9
9Oh* 3% 0o)* thi& i& -ar%*9 .eth &ai)* loo(in" at a "rue&o3e pi+ture an) &in(in" into
a +hair,
9Twent%-one %ear& ol),9 .ut+h +ur&e) un)er hi& /reath, 9'hat a $u+(in" wa&te,9
96 (now her,9
9Fro3 the &tation49
90rowin" up, 'e were in the &a3e $o&ter ho3e $or a little while, 1$terwar)* 62) run
into her &o3eti3e&, C&uall% here,9
-ar% -ul+ah% ha) /een a /eauti$ul little "irl, She2) /een in the ho3e with .eth $or
onl% a/out a %ear /e$ore &he2) /een &ent /a+( to her /irth 3other, Two %ear& later &he
wa& /a+( in &tate +u&to)% a$ter hain" /een le$t alone $or a wee( at the a"e o$ &een,
She2) &ai) &he2) lie) on raw $lour a$ter the re&t o$ the $oo) ha) run out,
962) hear) %ou2) /een in the &%&te3*9 .ut+h &ai)* "ettin" thou"ht$ul a& he loo(e) at
her, 9-in) i$ 6 a&( wh%49
9'h% )o %ou thin(4 #o parent&,9 She +lo&e) the $ile an) &li) it onto the )e&(, 9:i)
%ou $in) a weapon49
5i& e%e& narrowe)* /ut not un(in)l%, 5e &ee3e) to /e )e/atin" whether to ta(e her
lea) an) let the &u/7e+t )rop,
9'eapon49 &he pro3pte),
91nother throwin" &tar, 5a) tra+e& o$ /loo) on it* /ut not her&, 'e al&o $oun) &o3e
pow)ere) re&i)ue in two )i$$erent pla+e&* a& i$ &o3eone ha) lit o$$ $lare& an) put the3
on the "roun), 5ar) to i3a"ine the (iller2) want to )raw attention to the /o)%*
thou"h,9
9Eou thin( what happene) to -ar% an) the +ar /o3/ are relate)49
5e &hru""e)* a +arele&& li$t o$ hi& /roa) &houl)er&, 9-a%/e, .ut i$ &o3eone wa& reall%
)oin" a pa%/a+( on .i" :a))%* the%2) hae hit hi"her up the $oo) +hain than her,
The%2) hae "one a$ter the pi3p hi3&el$,9
.eth +lo&e) her e%e&* eni&ionin" -ar% a& a $ie-%ear-ol)* a hea)le&& .ar/ie )oll in a
tattere) )re&& tu+(e) un)er her ar3,
9Then a"ain*9 .ut+h &ai)* 93a%/e thi& i& 7u&t "ettin" &tarte),9
She hear) hi& +hair 3oe an) loo(e) up a& he +a3e aroun) the )e&( to her,
9Eou "ot an% plan& $or )inner toni"ht49 he a&(e),
9:inner49
9Eeah, Eou an) 3e,9
5ar)-a&& wa& a&(in" her out4 1"ain4
.eth &too)* wantin" to /e on an eKual $ootin" with hi3, 91h* %e&;no* 6 3ean*
than(&* /ut no,9
!en i$ the% )i)n2t hae a pro$e&&ional relation&hip o$ &ort&* &he ha) other thin"& in
3in), 63a"ine that, Jeepin" her +alen)ar open 7u&t in +a&e the 3an in leather wante)
to &ee her toni"ht a& well a& thi& 3ornin",
:a3n* one "oo) la% an) &he thou"ht the% ha) a thin" "oin"4 She nee)e) to "et real,
.ut+h &3ile) +%ni+all%, 9So3e)a% 623 "oin" to $i"ure out wh% %ou )on2t li(e 3e,9
96 )o li(e %ou, Eou )on2t ta(e &hit $ro3 an%one* an) een thou"h 6 )on2t approe o$
%our 3etho)&* 6 +an2t preten) 6 )i)n2t li(e the $a+t that %ou /ro(e .ill% ?i))le2& no&e
a"ain,9
The har&h plane& o$ .ut+h2& $a+e &o$tene), 1& hi& e%e& /ore) into her&* &he thou"ht
&he 3u&t /e +raz% $or not /ein" attra+te) to hi3,
91n) than(& $or &en)in" %our $rien) oer la&t ni"ht*9 &he &ai)* puttin" her /a" up on
her &houl)er, 91lthou"h 6 hae to a)3it* he &+are) the hell out o$ 3e at $ir&t,9
?i"ht /e$ore the 3an ha) &howe) her exa+tl% what the hi"he&t an) /e&t u&e $or the
hu3an /o)% wa&,
.ut+h $rowne), 9Frien)49
9Eou (now, The one who loo(& li(e &o3e (in) o$ 0oth ni"ht3are, Tell 3e* he2& i+e*
i&n2t he49
9'hat the hell are %ou tal(in" a/out4 6 )i)n2t &en) an%one oer to %our pla+e,9
1ll the /loo) )raine) out o$ her hea),
1n) the "rowin" &u&pi+ion an) alar3 on .ut+h2& $a+e (ept her $ro3 tr%in" to 7o" hi&
3e3or%,
She hea)e) $or the )oor, 9-% 3i&ta(e,9
.ut+h "ra//e) her ar3, 9'ho the hell wa& at %our apart3ent la&t ni"ht49
She wi&he) &he (new,
9#o one, <i(e 6 &ai)* 3% 3i&ta(e, 62ll &ee %ou later,9
She ru&he) throu"h the lo//%* her heart /eatin" triple ti3e, 1& &he /ur&t out&i)e* &he
win+e) when the &un hit her $a+e,
One thin" wa& +learG There wa& no wa% &he wa& "oin" to 3eet that 3an thi& 3ornin"*
een thou"h 816 'alla+e 1enue wa& in the /e&t part o$ the +it% an) it wa& /roa)
)a%li"ht,
.% $our that a$ternoon* 'rath wa& a/out to explo)e,
5e ha)n2t /een a/le to "et /a+( to .eth2& the ni"ht /e$ore,
1n) &he ha)n2t &hown thi& 3ornin",
5er $ailure to +o3e to hi3 3eant one o$ two thin"&G So3ethin" ha) happene) to her
or &he wa& /lowin" hi3 o$$,
5e +he+(e) the /raille +lo+( with hi& $in"ertip&, Sun)own wa& &till hour& awa%,
0o))a3ne) &u33er )a%&, Too lon", 'a% too lon",
5e &tal(e) to the /athroo3* &pla&he) hi& $a+e with water* an) /ra+e) hi& ar3& on the
3ar/le +ounter, 6n the "low $ro3 the +an)le &et next to the &in(* he &tare) at hi3&el$*
&eein" nothin" 3ore than an in)i&tin+t ru&h o$ /la+( hair* two &3u)"% e%e/row&* an)
the outline o$ hi& $a+e,
5e wa& exhau&te), 5e ha)n2t &lept all )a%* an) the ni"ht /e$ore ha) /een a train
wre+(,
!x+ept $or the part with .eth, That ha) /een8
5e +ur&e) an) towele) o$$,
0o)* what the hell wa& wron" with hi34 .ein" in&i)e o$ that $e3ale wa& the wor&t o$
all the &hit that ha) "one )own la&t ni"ht, Courte&% o$ that &tunnin" little interlu)e* hi&
3in) wa& wan)erin"* hi& /o)% wa& in a perpetual &tate o$ arou&al* an) hi& 3oo) wa&
in the +rapper,
1t lea&t the latter wa& SOA $or hi3,
-an* la&t ni"ht ha) /een a total )i&a&ter,
1$ter leain" the /rother&* he an) =i&hou& ha) "one a+ro&& town to +he+( out the
3e+hani+& &hop, 6t wa& +lo&e) up ti"ht a& a ti+(* an) a$ter &+opin" the out&i)e an)
/rea(in" in* the%2) )eter3ine) it wa&n2t u&e) a& a +enter, The )e+repit /uil)in" wa&
too &3all a/oe "roun) $or one thin"* an) there wa& no hi))en /a&e3ent that the%
+oul) $in), 1l&o* the nei"h/orhoo) wa&n2t pri3e, There were a +ouple o$ all-ni"ht
)iner& aroun)* one o$ whi+h wa& $reKuente) /% the +op&, Too 3u+h expo&ure,
5e an) =i&hou& were hea)in" /a+( to :ariu&2&* ia a Kui+( )etour throu"h S+rea3er2&
to &ati&$% =2& +rain" $or 0re% 0oo&e* when the% wal(e) into a pro/le3,
That wa& when thin"& ha) "one $ro3 /a) into the FC.1? zip +o)e,
6n an alle%* a +iilian a3pire wa& "rael% woun)e)* with two lessers a/out to $ini&h
the 7o/ on hi3, Jillin" the lessers ha) ta(en &o3e ti3e /e+au&e the% were /oth well
experien+e)* an) the other a3pire wa& )ea) when the $i"htin" wa& oer,
The %oun" 3ale ha) /een to%e) with +ruell%* hi& /o)% a pin+u&hion o$ &hallow &ta/&,
0oin" /% the raw pat+he& on hi& (nee& an) the "rael in hi& pal3&* he2) trie) to )ra"
hi3&el$ awa% a nu3/er o$ ti3e&, There2) /een $re&h hu3an /loo) aroun) hi& 3outh
an) the &3ell o$ it in the air* too* /ut the% +oul)n2t &ti+( aroun) to +he+( out the
$e3ale he2) /itten,
Co3pan% ha) /een +o3in",
?i"ht a$ter the lessers ha) poo$e) to their ro%al rewar)* the &oun) o$ +op &iren& ha)
/ro(en out* an a+ou&ti+ ra&h that 3eant &o3eone ha) +alle) 911 a$ter hain" hear) the
$i"htin" or &een the $la&he& o$ li"ht, The%2) /arel% ha) ti3e to "et "one with the
+orp&e in =i&hou&2& !&+ala)e,
.a+( at :ariu&2&* = ha) &ear+he) the /o)%, 6n the 3ale2& wallet there ha) /een a &lip
o$ paper with the ol) lan"ua"e2& +hara+ter& on it, #a3e* a))re&&* a"e, 5e2) /een &ix
3onth& out $ro3 hi& tran&ition, So )a3n %oun",
1n hour /e$ore )awn* the%2) ta(en the /o)% to the er% e)"e o$ town* to a "oo)-
loo(in" hou&e &et wa% /a+( in the woo)&, 1n ol)er +iilian +ouple ha) an&were) the
)oor* an) their terror at $in)in" two warrior& on the other &i)e ha) &3elle) li(e
/urnin" "ar/a"e to 'rath, 'hen the%2) +on$ir3e) that the% ha) a &on* =i&hou& ha)
"one /a+( to the +ar an) pi+(e) up the re3ain&, The $ather ha) /ur&t $ro3 the
)oorwa%* "oin" $or hi& /o%* ta(in" hi3 $ro3 =i&hou&2& ar3&, 'rath ha) +au"ht the
3other a& &he2) +ru3ple),
The $a+t that the )eath ha) /een aen"e) ha) +al3e) the $ather a little, .ut it ha)n2t
$elt li(e enou"h, #ot to 'rath,
5e woul) &ee all lessers )ea) /e$ore he +oul) re&t,
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e&* li&tenin" to the /eat o$ >a%-F2& The Black Al"um* tr%in" to let
"o o$ the ni"ht /e$ore,
1 rh%th3i+ (no+(in" /ro(e throu"h the 3u&i+* an) he wille) the )oor open, 9'hat2&
up* Fritz49
The /utler +a3e in +arr%in" a &iler tra%, 96 too( the li/ert% o$ preparin" a repa&t $or
%ou* 3a&ter,9
Fritz put the $oo) )own on the low ta/le in $ront o$ the +ou+h, 1& he li$te) the top o$$
a +oere) )i&h* 'rath +au"ht a whi$$ o$ her/e) +hi+(en,
Co3e to thin( o$ it* he wa& hun"r%,
5e went oer an) &at )own* pi+(in" up a hea% &iler $or(, 5e e%e) the $latware,
9-an* :ariu& li(e) expen&ie &hit* )i)n2t he49
9Oh* %e&* 3a&ter, Onl% the /e&t $or 3% princeps,9
The /utler hoere) a& 'rath $o+u&e) on "ettin" &o3e o$ the 3eat o$$ the /one with
the uten&il&, Fine 3otor &(ill& were 7u&t not hi& /a"* an) he en)e) up pi+(in" the le"
o$$ the plate,
9:o %ou li(e the +hi+(en* 3a&ter49
'rath no))e) a& he +hewe), 9Eou2re )a3ne) han)% with the &toe,9
9623 &o "la) %ou2e )e+i)e) to &ta% here,9
9#ot $or lon", .ut )on2t worr%* %ou2ll hae &o3eone to loo( a$ter,9 'rath pu&he) the
$or( into what loo(e) li(e 3a&he) potatoe&, 6t wa& ri+e* an) the &tu$$ &+attere), 5e
+ur&e) an) trie) to 3ar&hal &o3e on the tine& with hi& $ore$in"er, 91n) &he2ll /e a hell
o$ a lot ea&ier to lie with than 6 a3,9
96 rather li(e loo(in" a$ter %ou, 1n) 3a&ter* 6 won2t prepare the ri+e a"ain, 62ll al&o
3a(e &ure %our 3eat i& +ut up, 6 )i)n2t thin(,9
'rath wipe) hi& 3outh with a linen nap(in, 9Fritz* )on2t wa&te %our ti3e tr%in" to
plea&e 3e,9
There wa& a &o$t lau"h, 9:ariu& wa& &o er% ri"ht a/out %ou* 3a&ter,9
9That 623 a 3i&era/le &on o$ a /it+h4 Eeah* he wa& a per+eptie one* all ri"ht,9 'rath
+ha&e) a pie+e o$ /ro++oli aroun) with the $or(, :a3n it* he hate) eatin"* e&pe+iall% i$
&o3eone wa& wat+hin" hi3, 9#eer +oul) $i"ure out wh% he wante) 3e to +o3e &ta%
here &o /a)l%, #o one +oul) /e that &tare) $or +o3pan%,9
96t wa& $or %ou,9
'rath narrowe) hi& e%e& /ehin) hi& &un"la&&e&, 9?eall%,9
95e worrie) that %ou were &o alone, <iin" /% %our&el$, #o real shellan* no doggen,
5e u&e) to &a% that %our i&olation wa& a &el$-i3po&e) puni&h3ent,9
9'ell* it2& not,9 'rath2& oi+e &li+e) throu"h the /utler2& "entle tone, 91n) i$ %ou want
to &ta% here* %ou2ll (eep the p&%+h theorie& to %our&el$* "ot it49
Fritz 7er(e) a& i$ he2) /een hit, 5e /ent at the wai&t an) &tarte) /a+(in" out o$ the
roo3, 9-% apolo"ie&* 3a&ter, 6t wa& "ro&&l% inappropriate o$ 3e to a))re&& %ou a& 6
)i),9
The )oor +lo&e) Kuietl%,
'rath leane) /a+( a"ain&t the &o$a* :ariu&2& $or( "rippe) in hi& han),
Ah$ &hrist, That )a3n doggen wa& enou"h to )rie a &aint +raz%,
1n) he wa& not lonel%, #eer ha) /een,
=en"ean+e wa& one hell o$ a roo33ate,
-r, O e%e) the two &tu)ent& &parrin" with ea+h other, The% were well 3at+he) in
&ize* /oth ei"hteen %ear& ol) an) /uilt &tron"* /ut he (new whi+h one wa& "oin" to
win,
Sure enou"h* a &i)e (i+( +a3e out $a&t an) har)* puttin" the re+eier on hi& /a+(,
-r, O +alle) an en) to the 3at+h an) &ai) nothin" 3ore a& the i+tor rea+he) out an)
helpe) the lo&er &tru""le to hi& $eet, The &how o$ +ourte&% wa& irritatin"* an) he $elt
li(e puni&hin" the3 /oth,
The $ir&t +o)e o$ the &o+iet% wa& +learG That whi+h %ou put on the "roun)* %ou (i+(e)
until it +ea&e) to 3oe, 6t wa& 7u&t that &i3ple,
Still* thi& wa& +la&&* not the real worl), 1n) the parent& who were lettin" their &on&
)a//le in iolen+e woul) hae ha) &o3ethin" to &a% i$ their pre+iou& +hil)ren +a3e
ho3e $it to /e /urie),
1& the two &tu)ent& /owe) to hi3* the lo&er2& $a+e wa& /rilliant re)* an) not 7u&t $ro3
exertion, -r, O let the +la&& &tare* (nowin" that &ha3e an) e3/arra&&3ent were
i3portant part& o$ the +orre+tie pro+e&&,
5e no))e) at the i+tor,
9Fine 7o/, #ext ti3e %ou /rin" hi3 )own $a&ter thou"h,
ri"ht4 5e turne) to the lo&er, 5e pa&&e) hi& e%e& $ro3 the "u%2& hea) to hi& $eet*
notin" the heain" /reath&* the tre3/le in the le"&, 9Eou (now where to "o,9
The lo&er /lin(e) rapi)l% a& he wal(e) oer to the "la&& wall that loo(e) out to the
lo//%, 1& reKuire)* he &too) $a+in" the +lear panel&* hea) up hi"h &o eer%one who
entere) the /uil)in" +oul) &ee hi& $a+e, 6$ he /ru&he) the tear& o$$ hi& +hee(&* he
woul) hae to repeat the )i&+ipline )urin" the next &e&&ion,
-r, O &eparate) the +la&& an) /e"an to put the3 throu"h their exer+i&e&, 5e wat+he)
the3* +orre+tin" &tan+e& an) ar3 po&ition&* /ut hi& 3in) wa& on other thin"&,
<a&t ni"ht ha) /een le&& than per$e+t, Far le&&,
.a+( ho3e* hi& poli+e &+anner ha) in$or3e) hi3 when the pro&titute2& /o)% ha) /een
$oun) &o3eti3e a$ter three 1,-, There ha) /een no 3ention o$ the a3pire, Aerhap&
the lessers ha) ta(en the +iilian awa% to to% with hi3,
6t wa& a &ha3e thin"& ha)n2t "one the wa% he2) hope)* an) he wante) to "et /a+( out
into the $iel), C&in" a newl% &lain hu3an $e3ale a& /ait wa& "oin" to wor( $ine, .ut
the tranKuilizer )art& nee)e) to /e +ali/rate) /etter, 5e2) &tarte) with a relatiel% low
)o&e* +on+erne) a/out (illin" the +iilian /e$ore he +oul) wor( hi3 oer, Clearl% the
&tren"th o$ the )ru" nee)e) to /e in+rea&e),
Toni"ht wa& a /u&t* thou"h,
-r, O e%e) the lo&er,
Thi& eenin" wa& all a/out re+ruitin", The ran(& nee)e) to /e $ille) out a little
$ollowin" the )i&inte"ration o$ that new re+ruit two ni"ht& a"o,
.a+( +enturie& a"o* when there were 3an% 3ore a3pire&* the &o+iet% ha) ha)
hun)re)& o$ 3e3/er&* &prea) $ar an) wi)e oer the !uropean +ontinent a& well a& in
the $le)"lin" &ettle3ent& in #orth 13eri+a, #ow that the a3pire population ha)
)win)le)* howeer* &o ha) the ran(& o$ the &o+iet%, 6t wa& a 3atter o$ pra+ti+alit%, 1
/ore)* ina+tie lesser wa& a /a) thin", Cho&en &pe+i$i+all% $or their +apa+it% $or
iolen+e* their 3ur)erou& i3pul&e& +oul)n2t /e put on i+e 7u&t /e+au&e there weren2t
enou"h tar"et& to "o aroun), Puite a nu3/er o$ the3 ha) ha) to /e put )own $or
(illin" other lessers in +o3petition $or &uperiorit% in the ran(&* an a""re&-&ie
re&pon&e 3ore li(el% to o++ur i$ there wa& too little wor(, Or 7u&t a& /a)* the%2) &tarte)
ta(in" out hu3an& $or &port,
The $or3er wa& a )i&"ra+e an) an in+onenien+e, The latter wa& una++epta/le, 6t
wa&n2t that the O3e"a wa& +on+erne) with hu3an $atalitie&, Puite the +ontrar%, .ut
u&in" )i&+retion* 3oin" in the &ha)ow&* (illin" &wi$tl% an) returnin" to the )ar(ne&&*
the&e were the tenet& o$ &la%er&, 5u3an attention wa& /a) new&* an) nothin" "ot the
5o3o &apien& &tirre) up 3ore than a /un+h o$ )ea) people,
'hi+h wa& another rea&on wh% new re+ruit& were tri+(%, The% ten)e) to hae 3ore
hatre) than $o+u&, Sea&onin" wa& +riti+al &o that the &e+ret nature o$ the aeon&-ol) war
/etween a3pire& an) the &o+iet% +oul) /e pre&ere),
Still* their ran(& nee)e) to /e $ille),
5e e%e) the lo&er an) &3ile)* loo(in" $orwar) to the eenin",
Shortl% /e$ore &een o2+lo+(* -r, O )roe out to the &u/ur/&* ea&il% lo+atin" 3461
Aillar Street, 5e put the 5u33er in par( an) waite)* pa&&in" the ti3e /% 3e3orizin"
the &plit-leel2& )etail&, 6t wa& t%pi+al -i))le 13eri+a, Twent%-$our hun)re) &Kuare
$eet* &ittin" &3a+(-)a/ in the +enter o$ a tin% lot with one /i" tree, #ei"h/or& were
+lo&e enou"h to /e a/le to rea) the writin" on the (i)&2 +ereal /oxe& in the 3ornin"
an) the la/el& on the a)ult&2 )o3e&ti+ /eer +an& at ni"ht,
5app%* +lean liin", 1t lea&t $ro3 the out&i)e,
The &+reen )oor &wun" open* an) the lo&er $ro3 thi& a$ternoon2& +la&& /oun)e) out a&
i$ he were "ettin" $ree o$ a &in(in" &hip, -o3 $ollowe)* lin"erin" on the $ront &tep
an) re"ar)in" the SC= in $ront o$ her hou&e a& thou"h it were a /o3/ rea)% to "o o$$,
-r, O put )own the win)ow an) wae), She returne) the "reetin" a$ter a 3o3ent,
<o&er leape) into the 5u33er* e%e& &hinin" with "ree) a& he loo(e) oer the leather
&eat& an) the )ial& on the )a&h/oar),
9!enin"*9 -r, O &ai) a& he hit the "a&,
The (i) $u3/le) to "et hi& han)& up an) /ow hi& hea), 9Sen&ei,9
-r, O &3ile), 90la) %ou +oul) 3a(e %our&el$ aaila/le,9
9Eeah* well* 3% 3other i& a pain in 3% a&&,9 <o&er wa& tr%in" to /e +ool* pun+hin"
the +ur&e wor)& har),
9Eou &houl)n2t tal( a/out her li(e that,9
<o&er ha) a 3o3ent2& +on$u&ion a& he wa& $or+e) to re+ali/rate hi& tou"h-"u% a+t,
91h* &he want& 3e ho3e /% eleen, 6t2& a wee(ni"ht* an) 6 "otta "o to wor( in the
3ornin",9
9'e2ll 3a(e &ure %ou2re /a+( /% then,9
9'here are we "oin"49
9To the other &i)e o$ town, There2& &o3eone 6 want %ou to 3eet,9
1 little later -r, O pulle) into a lon"* +urin" )riewa% that woun) a3on" &potlit
&pe+i3en tree& an) an+ient-loo(in" 3ar/le &+ulpture&, There were /oxwoo) topiarie&
on the "roun)&* too* &tan)in" li(e )e+oration& on a "reen 3arzipan +a(e, 1 +a3el* an
elephant* a /ear, The +lippin" ha) /een )one /% an expert* &o there wa& no Kue&tion a&
to what ea+h one wa&,
Talk a"out upkeep* -r, O thou"ht,
9'ow,9 <o&er "ae hi& ne+( a wor(out loo(in" le$t an) ri"ht, 9'hat2& thi&4 1 par(4
<oo(* at that@ 6t2& a lion, Eou (now* 6 thin( 6 want to /e a et, 6 thin( that woul) /e
+ool, Eou (now* &ain" ani3al&,9
<o&er ha) /een in the +ar $or le&& than twent% 3inute&* an) -r, O wa& rea)% to &ee the
la&t o$ hi3, The "u% wa& li(e lint in $oo)G an irritation that 3a)e %ou want to &pit,
1n) not onl% /e+au&e he &ai) you know +on&tantl%,
The% +a3e aroun) a turn* an) a "reat /ri+( 3an&ion wa& reeale),
.ill% ?i))le wa& out $ront* leanin" a"ain&t a white +olu3n, 5i& /lue 7ean& hun" low
on hi& hip&* $la&hin" the wai&t/an) o$ hi& un)erwear* an) he wa& wor(in" a &et o$ (e%&
in hi& han)* whippin" the3 aroun) on a &trin", 5e &trai"htene) when he +au"ht &i"ht
o$ the 5u33er* a &3ile pullin" at the /an)a"e on hi& no&e,
<o&er &hi$te) in the &eat li(e he2) /een &et up,
.ill% hea)e) $or the $ront pa&&en"er )oor* 3oin" hi& 3u&+ular /o)% with ea&e, 'hen
he &aw <o&er &ittin" there* he "lowere)* nailin" the other "u% with a i+iou& &tare,
<o&er un)ippe) the &eat /elt an) rea+he) $or the han)le,
9#o*9 -r, O &ai), 9.ill% will &it /ehin) %ou,9
<o&er &ettle) /a+( a"ain&t the &eat* pi+(in" hi& lip,
'hen <o&er )i)n2t a+ate &hot"un* .ill% %an(e) open the rear )oor an) &li) in, 5e
3et -r, O2& e%e& in the 3irror* an) the ho&tilit% +han"e) to re&pe+t,
9Sen&ei,9
9.ill%* how are %ou thi& eenin"49
90oo),9
9Fine* $ine, :o 3e a $aor an) pull %our pant& up,9
.ill% 7a+(e) hi& wai&t/an) a& hi& e%e& &hi$te) to the /a+( o$ <o&er2& hea), 5e loo(e)
a& i$ he wante) to )rill a hole in it* an) "oin" /% <o&er2& twit+h% $in"er&* the other "u%
(new it,
-r, O &3ile),
&hemistry is e*erything* he thou"ht,
Chapter Te&ve
.eth leane) /a+( in her +hair* &tret+hin" her ar3& out, 5er +o3puter &+reen "lowe),
.o%* the 6nternet wa& han)%,
1++or)in" to the title &ear+h &he2) per$or3e) online* 816 'alla+e 1enue wa& owne)
/% a 3an na3e) Fritz Aerl3utter, 5e2) /ou"ht the propert% in 1978 $or a little oer
Q200*000, 'hen &he2) 0oo"le) the Aerl3utter na3e* &he2) $oun) a nu3/er o$ people
with F a& a $ir&t initial* /ut none o$ the3 lie) in Cal)well, 1$ter +he+(in" &o3e o$
the "oern3ent )ata/a&e& an) +o3in" up with nothin" worth a )a3n* &he ha) Ton%
)o &o3e ha+(in",
6t turne) out Fritz wa& a +lean-liin"* law-a/i)in" (in) o$ "u%, 5i& +re)it report
&par(le), 5e2) neer ha) an% trou/le with the 6?S or the poli+e, #eer /een 3arrie)*
either, 1n) he wa& a 3e3/er o$ the priate +lient "roup o$ the lo+al /an(* whi+h
3eant he ha) plent% o$ 3one%, .ut that wa& a/out all Ton% +oul) $in),
:oin" the 3ath* &he $i"ure) the $ine an) up&tan)in" -r, Aerl3utter 3u&t /e in hi&
&eentie&,
'h% the hell woul) &o3eone li(e hi3 han" out with her 3i)ni"ht 3arau)er4
-a%/e the a))re&& wa&n2t le"it,
#ow there2) /e a &ho+(er, 0u% )re&&e) in /la+( leather an) )rippin" with weapon&
"iin" out $al&e in$o4 Eou )on2t &a%,
Still* 816 'alla+e an) Fritz Aerl3utter wa& all &he ha) to "o on,
0oin" throu"h the &aldwell &ourier 'ournals ar+hie&* &he2) $oun) a +ouple o$
arti+le& on the hou&e, The 3an&ion wa& on the #ational ?e"i&ter o$ 5i&tori+ Ala+e&* a&
a $anta&ti+ exa3ple o$ the Fe)eral &t%le* an) there were &o3e &torie& an) op-e)& a/out
the wor( that ha) /een )one on it i33e)iatel% a$ter -r, Aerl3utter ha) ta(en
po&&e&&ion, !i)entl% the lo+al hi&tori+al a&&o+iation ha) /een )%in" to "et in&i)e the
hou&e $or %ear& to &ee what ha) +han"e)* /ut -r, Aerl3utter ha) )e+line) all reKue&t&,
6n the letter& to the e)itor* the &i33erin" $ru&tration o$ the hi&tor% /u$$& ha) /een
3ixe) with "ru)"in" approal at the a++ura+% o$ the exterior re&toration&,
1& &he rerea) an op-e)* .eth poppe) a Turn& in her 3outh an) +run+he) it into a
pow)er that $ille) the +rea&e& in her 3olar&, 5er &to3a+h wa& &our a"ain, 1n) &he
wa& hun"r%, 0reat +o3/ination,
-a%/e it wa& $ru&tration, !&&entiall%* &he (new nothin" 3ore than &he ha) when &he
&tarte),
1n) the +ell phone nu3/er the 3an ha) "ien her4 C,n-tra+ea/le,
6n the in$or3ation a+uu3* &he wa& een 3ore )eter3ine) to &ta% awa% $ro3 'alla+e
1enue, 1n) $eelin" the e+ho o$ a nee) to "o to +on$e&&ion,
She +he+(e) the ti3e, 1l3o&t &een o2+lo+(,
0ien her hun"er* &he )e+i)e) to "o eat, .etter to &(ip Our <a)% an) ta(e
nouri&h3ent o$ the ph%&i+al ariet%,
<eanin" to one &i)e* &he loo(e) aroun) the wall o$ her +u/i+le, Ton% wa& alrea)%
"one,
She reall% )i)n2t want to /e alone,
On a +raz% i3pul&e &he pi+(e) up the phone an) )iale) the &tation, 9?i+(%4 6t2& .eth,
6& :ete+tie O2#eal aroun)4 O(a%* than(&, #o* no 3e&&a"e, #o* 6;Alea&e )on2t pa"e
hi3, 6t2& nothin" i3portant,9
>u&t a& well, 5ar)-a&& wa& not reall% the un+o3pli+ate) +o3pan% &he wa& loo(in" $or,
She &tare) )own at her wat+h* "ettin" lo&t in the &e+on) han)2& +rawl aroun) the )ial,
The eenin" hour& &tret+he) ahea) o$ her li(e an o/&ta+le +our&e* the hour& to /e
)o)"e) an) &ur3ounte),
5ope$ull% with &pee),
-a%/e &he2) "ra/ &o3e $oo) an) "o &ee a 3oie a$terwar), 1n%thin" to )ela% "oin"
/a+( to her apart3ent, Co3e to thin( o$ it* &he &houl) pro/a/l% &ta% at a 3otel
&o3ewhere,
6n the eent that 3an +a3e loo(in" $or her a"ain,
She2) 7u&t lo""e) o$$ her +o3puter when her phone ran", She pi+(e) it up on the
&e+on) rin",
95ear) %ou were loo(in" $or 3e,9
.ut+h O2#eal2& oi+e wa& a "rael pit* &he thou"ht, 6n a "oo) wa%,
9Crn, Eeah,9 She pu&he) her hair /a+( oer her &houl)er, 9Eou &till $ree $or )inner49
5i& lau"h wa& a low ru3/le, 962ll /e in $ront o$ the paper in $i$teen,9
5e hun" up /e$ore &he +oul) &li)e in a properl% non+halant* thi&-i&-7u&t-a/out-$oo)
+o33ent,
1$ter &un)own 'rath wal(e) into the (it+hen* +arr%in" the &iler tra% with the
re3nant& o$ hi& 3eal on it, T%pi+al o$ :ariu&* eer%thin" wa& the /e&t o$ the /e&t here*
too, 6n)u&trial &tainle&&-&teel applian+e&, Alent% o$ +up/oar)& an) "ranite +ounter
&pa+e, <ot& o$ win)ow&,
Too 3an% li"ht&,
Fritz wa& at the &in(* &+ru//in" at &o3ethin", 5e loo(e) oer hi& &houl)er, 9-a&ter*
%ou )i)n2t nee) to /rin" that /a+(,9
9Eeah* 6 )i),9 'rath put the tra% )own on a +ounter an) leane) into hi& ar3&,
Fritz &hut o$$ the water, 9'a& there &o3ethin" %ou nee)e)49
'ell* $or &tarter&* he2) li(e to not /e &u+h a )i+(hea),
9Fritz* %our 7o/ here i& &oli), >u&t wante) %ou to (now that,9
9Than( %ou* 3a&ter,9 The /utler2& oi+e wa& er% Kuiet, 96 )on2t (now what 6 woul)
)o i$ 6 )i)n2t hae &o3eone to ta(e +are o$, 1n) 6 thin( o$ thi& a& 3% ho3e,9
96t i&, For a& lon" a& %ou want it to /e,9
'rath turne) an) hea)e) $or the )oor, 5e wa& al3o&t out o$ the roo3 when Fritz
&po(e up,
9Thi& i& %our ho3e* too* 3a&ter,9
5e &hoo( hi& hea), 91lrea)% "ot a pla+e to &leep, :on2t nee) another,9
'rath wal(e) into the hall* $eelin" parti+ularl% $ero+iou&, -an* .eth ha) /etter /e
alie an) well, Or 0o) help whoeer ha) hurt her,
1n) i$ &he2) )e+i)e) to aoi) hi34 That )i)n2t 3atter, 5er /o)% wa& a/out to nee)
&o3ethin" onl% he +oul) proi)e her, So &ooner or later &he woul) +o3e aroun), Or
&he woul) )ie,
5e thou"ht o$ the &o$t &(in o$ her ne+(, Felt the &en&ation o$ hi& ton"ue &tro(in" oer
the ein that ran up $ro3 her heart,
5i& $an"& elon"ate) a& i$ &he were /e$ore hi3, 1& i$ he +oul) &in( hi& teeth into her
an) )rin(,
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e& a& hi& /o)% /e"an to &ha(e, 5i& &to3a+h* $ull with $oo)* turne)
into a /otto3le&&* a+h% pit,
5e trie) to re3e3/er the la&t ti3e he2) $e), 6t ha) /een a while* /ut &urel% not that
lon" a"o4
5e $or+e) hi3&el$ to +al3 )own, 0et +ontrol, 6t wa& li(e tr%in" to &low )own a train
with a han) /ra(e* /ut eentuall% a +oolin" &trea3 o$ &anit% repla+e) the wha+(e)-
out* /loo)-lu&t &pin&,
1& he +a3e /a+( to realit% he $elt unea&%* hi& in&tin+t& +r%in" out $or airti3e,
That $e3ale wa& )an"erou& to hi3, 6$ &he +oul) a$$e+t hi3 li(e thi& without een
/ein" in the )a3n roo3* &he 3i"ht 7u&t /e hi& pyrocant,
5i& )etonator* &o to &pea(, The expre&&-lane !F Aa&& to hi& &el$-)e&tru+tion,
'rath )ra""e) a han) throu"h hi& hair, 5ow "o))a3ne) ironi+ that he wante) her
li(e no other $e3ale,
.ut 3a%/e it wa&n2t iron%, -a%/e that wa& pre+i&el% how the pyrocant &%&te3
wor(e), The ur"e to +oz% up to what +oul) annihilate %ou en&ure) the )a3n thin" "ot
a +han+e to "o to wor( on %our a&&,
1$ter all* what (in) o$ $un woul) it /e i$ %ou +oul) ea&il% aoi) %our inner han)
"rena)e4
Damn hi3, 5e nee)e) to "et .eth o$$ hi& plate o$ re&pon&i/ilitie&, Fa&t, 1& &oon a&
&he wa& throu"h her tran&ition* he wa& "oin" to put her in the han)& o$ an appropriate
3ale, 1 +iilian,
6n "or% $la&h/a+(* he pi+ture) that %oun" 3ale2& /loo)%* /eaten /o)%,
5ow the hell woul) a +iilian (eep her &a$e4
5e )i)n2t (now the an&wer to that one, .ut what other option wa& there4 5e wa&n2t
"oin" to (eep her,
-a%/e he +oul) "ie her to one o$ hi& /rother&,
Eeah* an) who woul) he pi+( out o$ that /un+h4 ?ha"e4 'ho2) 7u&t a)) her to hi&
$u+( pool* or wor&e* eat her /% 3i&ta(e4 = with all hi& pro/le3&4
4sadist5
1n) )i) he reall% thin( he +oul) han)le (nowin" one o$ hi& warrior& wa& )oin" her4
#ot $u+(in" li(el%,
0o)* he wa& tire),
=i&hou& 3aterialize) in $ront o$ hi3, The a3pire wa& runnin" without hi& /a&e/all
+ap toni"ht* an) 'rath +oul) )i3l% 3a(e out the +o3plex 3ar(in"& aroun) hi& le$t
e%e,
9Foun) .ill% ?i))le,9 = lit up one o$ hi& han)-rolle) +i"arette&* hi& "loe) $in"er&
&tea)%, 'hen he exhale)* the $ra"ran+e o$ Tur(i&h to/a++o per$u3e) the air, 95e wa&
arre&te) $or &exual a&&ault $ort%-ei"ht hour& a"o, <ie& with hi& )a))%* who happen&
to /e a C,S, &enator,9
95i"h-pro$ile /a+("roun),9
95ar) to "et hi"her, 1n) 6 too( the li/ert% o$ )oin" &o3e re&ear+h, .ill% /o%2& /een in
an) out o$ trou/le a& a 7uenile, =iolent &tu$$, Sexual &hit, 0ot to i3a"ine )a))%2&
+a3pai"n 3ana"er loe& the $a+t that the "u%2& hit ei"hteen, !er%thin" .ill% pull&
now i& pu/li+ re+or),9
9Eou nail a &treet a))re&&49
9Eeah,9 =i&hou& "rinne), 9Eou "onna put a hurt on the "u%49
9<i(e %ou rea) a/out,9
9So let2& "o,9
'rath &hoo( hi& hea), 962ll 3eet %ou an) the re&t o$ the /rother& /a+( here later
toni"ht, 62e "ot to "o &o3ewhere $ir&t,9
5e +oul) $eel =2& e%e& &harpen* the a3pire2& $ier+e intelle+t +hurnin" oer the
&ituation, 13on" the /rother&* =i&hou& ha) the 3o&t raw /rainpower* /ut he pai) $or
the priile"e,
-an* 'rath &ure ha) hi& own )e3on&* an) the% were no wal( in the par(* /ut he
woul)n2t hae wante) =i&hou&2& +ro&& to /ear, Seein" what ha) %et to +o3e wa& a
terri/le /ur)en,
= )rew on the han)-rolle) an) exhale) &lowl%, 96 )rea3e) o$ %ou la&t ni"ht,9
'rath &ti$$ene), 5e2) /een (in) o$ waitin" $or thi&, 96 )on2t want to (now* /rother, 6
reall% )on2t,9
The a3pire no))e), 9>u&t re3e3/er &o3ethin"* o(a%49
9Shoot,9
9Two "uar)& torture) will happil% $i"ht ea+h other,9
Chapter Thirteen
:inner wa& "reat*9 .eth &ai) a& .ut+h pulle) up in $ront o$ her /uil)in",
5e thorou"hl% a"ree), She wa& &3art an) $unn% an) &it-$orwar)-in-%our-+hair
/eauti$ul, 1n) i$ he &teppe) out o$ line* &he neer $aile) to (no+( hi3 /a+( where he
&houl) /e,
So &he wa& al&o in+re)i/l% &ex%,
5e put the +ar in par(* /ut )i)n2t turn the en"ine o$$, 5e $i"ure) (illin" the i"nition
woul) 3a(e it loo( li(e he wante) to /e inite) in,
'hi+h he )i)* o$ +our&e, .ut he )i)n2t want her to $eel aw(war) i$ that wa&n2t where
&he &aw thin"& hea)in",
'ell* wa&n2t he turnin" into a ni+e "u%,
9Eou &oun) &urpri&e) %ou en7o%e) %our&el$*9 he &ai),
96 a3* a little,9
.ut+h ran hi& e%e& oer her* &tartin" with her (nee& that were 7u&t /arel% &howin"
un)er the he3 o$ her &(irt, Fro3 the )a&h/oar)2& "low* he +oul) 3a(e out the loel%
line& o$ her /o)%* her lon"* exKui&ite ne+(* her per$e+t* per$e+t lip&, 5e wante) to (i&&
her* here in thi& )i3 li"ht* in the $ront &eat o$ hi& un3ar(e)* 7u&t li(e the% were
teena"er&,
Then he wante) to "o in&i)e her apart3ent with her, 1n) not +o3e out a"ain until
3ornin",
9So than(&*9 &he &ai)* $la&hin" hi3 a &3ile an) rea+hin" $or the )oor,
9'ait,9
5e 3oe) Kui+(l%* &o that &he woul)n2t hae ti3e to thin( an) neither woul) he, 5e
too( her $a+e in hi& han)& an) put hi& 3outh on her&,
'rath 3aterialize) in the +ourt%ar) /ehin) .eth2& apart3ent an) $elt a pri+(lin"
a+ro&& hi& &(in,
She wa& +lo&e /%, .ut there were no li"ht& on in her pla+e,
Followin" a hun+h* he wal(e) aroun) the &i)e o$ the /uil)in", There wa& a
non)e&+ript 13eri+an &e)an par(e) in $ront, She wa& in&i)e o$ it,
'rath went )own to the &i)ewal( an)* a& i$ he were 7u&t ta(in" a &troll in the
&ha)ow&* pa&&e) /% the +ar,
5e &toppe) )ea),
5i& u&ele&& e%e& wor(e) well enou"h to tell hi3 that &o3e "u% wa& all oer her, 1& i$
the potent &exual +rain" o$ the 3ale hu3an woul)n2t hae tippe) hi3 o$$,
For 0o)2& &a(e* he +oul) &3ell the /a&tar)2& lu&t throu"h the &e)an2& "la&& an) &teel,
'rath lun"e) $orwar), 5i& $ir&t in&tin+t wa& to rip the +ar )oor o$$ an) (ill whoeer
ha) hi& han)& on her, >u&t pull the "u% out an) tear hi& throat open,
.ut at the la&t &e+on) he &pun awa% an) $or+e) hi3&el$ /a+( into the )ar(ne&&,
!on of a "itch, 5e wa& literall% &eein" re)* he wa& &o wor(e) up,
That &o3e other 3ale wa& (i&&in" tho&e lip&* $eelin" that /o)% un)er hi& han)&8
1 low "rowl i/rate) throu"h hi& +he&t an) out hi& 3outh,
!hes mine%
5e +ur&e), Eeah* an) in what parallel unier&e wa& he liin" in4 She wa& hi&
te3porar% re&pon&i/ilit%* not hi& shellan, She +oul) /e with who3eer &he wi&he),
'hereer, 'heneer,
.ut 0o)* the i)ea that &he 3i"ht a+tuall% li(e what the "u% wa& )oin" to her* that &he
3i"ht pre$er the ta&te o$ the hu3an2& (i&&* wa& enou"h to 3a(e 'rath2& te3ple&
poun),
Welcome to the wonderful world of 0ealousy* he thou"ht, For the price of admission$
you get a splitting headache$ a nearly irresisti"le urge to commit murder$ and an
inferiority comple6,
Yippee%
-an* he +oul)n2t wait to "et hi& li$e /a+(, The &e+on) &he wa& throu"h her tran&ition*
he wa& "oin" to "et the hell out o$ town, 1n) preten) he2) neer* eer 3et :ariu&2&
)au"hter,
.ut+h O2#eal wa& one hell o$ a (i&&er,
5i& lip& were $ir3* /ut )eli+iou&l% &o$t, #ot +o3in" on too &tron"* /ut lettin" her
(now he wa& prepare) to ta(e her to /e) an) &how her he 3eant /u&ine&&,
1n) he &3elle) "oo) up +lo&e* a 3ix o$ a$ter&hae an) $re&h laun)r%, She rea+he) up
with her han)&, 5i& &houl)er& were wi)e an) &tron" un)er her pal3&* hi& /o)% )rawn
in a ti"ht ar+h towar) her&, 5e wa& all +oile) power* an) in that 3o3ent &he wante)
to /e attra+te) to hi3, She hone&tl% )i),
!x+ept &he 7u&t )i)n2t $eel that &weet ru&h o$ )e&peration* that wil) hun"er, #ot li(e
&he ha) the ni"ht /e$ore with8
#ow wa& a hell o$ a ti3e to /e thin(in" a/out that other 3an,
'hen .ut+h pulle) /a+(* hi& e%e& were hoo)e), 9623 not )oin" it $or %ou* a3 649
She lau"he) &o$tl%, <eae it to 5ar)-a&&, .lunt a& alwa%&,
9Eou (now how to (i&&* O2#eal* 62ll "ie %ou that, So it2& not $or la+( o$ te+hniKue,9
5e returne) to hi& &i)e o$ the &eat an) &hoo( hi& hea), 9Than(& a hell o$ a lot,9
.ut he )i)n2t &ee3 terri/l% hurt,
1n) now that &he wa& thin(in" 3ore +learl%* &he wa& "la) there wa& no &par( on her
en), 6$ &he ha) li(e) hi3* i$ &he ha) wante) to /e with hi3* he woul) hae /ro(en her
heart, She wa& &ure o$ it, 6n ten %ear&* i$ he 3a)e it that lon"* he wa& "oin" to i3plo)e
$ro3 the &tre&&* the u"line&&* the &orrow o$ hi& 7o/, 6t wa& eatin" hi3 alie alrea)%,
!er% %ear he wa& woun) a little ti"hter* an) no one* /ut no one* wa& "oin" to pull
hi3 out o$ that tail&pin,
9Care$ul there* ?an)all*9 he &ai), 96t2& /a) enou"h (nowin" 6 )on2t turn %ou on, .ut
that pit% on %our $a+e i& a real a&& /urner,9
9Sorr%,9 She &3ile) at hi3,
9-in) i$ 6 a&( %ou &o3ethin"49
9Sure,9
9'hat2& up with %ou an) 3en4 :o %ou* ah* )o %ou li(e the34 C&* 6 3ean49
She lau"he)* thin(in" o$ what &he2) )one la&t ni"ht with that &tran"er, The Kue&tion o$
her &exual orientation ha) +ertainl% /een lai) to re&t, .urie) "oo) an) har),
9Eeah* 6 li(e 3en,9
9:i) &o3eone )o a nu3/er on %ou4 Eou (now* hurt %ou49
.eth &hoo( her hea), 96 7u&t li(e to (eep to 3%&el$,9
5e loo(e) )own at the &teerin" wheel* runnin" hi& han) aroun) the +ir+u3$eren+e,
9That2& a )a3n &ha3e, .e+au&e %ou2re terri$i+, Eou reall% are,9 5e +leare) hi& throat
a& i$ he2) 3a)e hi3&el$ $eel un+o3$orta/le,
Sheepi&h, 0oo) lor)* 5ar)-a&& wa& a+tuall% &heepi&h,
On i3pul&e* &he leane) oer an) (i&&e) hi3 on the +hee(, 9Eou2re prett% $anta&ti+
%our&el$,9
9Eeah, 6 (now,9 5e &hot her hi& tra)e3ar( 3o+(in" "rin, 9#ow "et %our /utt in&i)e
that /uil)in", 6t2& late,9
.ut+h wat+he) a& .eth +ro&&e) in $ront o$ hi& hea)li"ht&* her hair $lowin" oer her
&houl)er&,
She wa& the real )eal* he thou"ht, 1 "enuinel% "oo) wo3an,
1n) 3an* &he (new exa+tl% what hi& )rill wa&, That loo( o$ &a)ne&& in her e%e& 7u&t
now 3eant &he &aw the earl% "rae that wa& waitin" $or hi3,
So it wa& 7u&t a& well there wa& no +he3i&tr% $or her, Otherwi&e he 3i"ht tr% to tal(
her into $allin" in loe with hi3 7u&t &o he )i)n2t "o to hell all /% hi& lone&o3e,
5e put the +ar in "ear* /ut (ept hi& $oot on the /ra(e a& &he went up the &tep& to the
$ront lo//%, She ha) her han) on the )oor an) wa& &hootin" hi3 a wae when
&o3ethin" 3oe) in the &ha)ow& /e&i)e the /uil)in",
5e $lippe) the en"ine /a+( into par(,
There wa& a 3an )re&&e) in /la+( hea)in" aroun) to the rear,
.ut+h "ot out o$ the +ar an) 7o""e) &ilentl% a+ro&& the &i)e lawn,
Chapter !ourteen
'rath2& &ole $o+u& wa& "ettin" to .eth, So it wa&n2t until he wa& hal$wa% a+ro&& the
+ourt%ar) that he hear) the hu3an /ehin) hi3,
9Aoli+e@ 5alt@9
1n) then there wa& that all-too-$a3iliar &oun) o$ a "un /ein" +o+(e) at hi3,
9<et 3e &ee %our han)&@9
'rath +au"ht the 3an2& &+ent an) &3ile), <u&t ha) /een repla+e) with a""re&&ion* an)
the $i"htin" ur"e wa& a& &tron" a& the &exual one ha) /een, The "u% wa& $ull o$ 7ui+e
toni"ht,
96 &ai)* halt an) han)&@9
'rath &toppe) an) rea+he) into hi& 7a+(et $or one o$ the &tar&, Cop or not* he wa&
"oin" to )rop the hu3an* put a ni+e little &li+e throu"h hi& arter%,
.ut then .eth threw open the &li)er,
5e &3elle) her in&tantl%* an) woul)n2t %ou (now it* he "ot a har)-on,
95an)&@9
9'hat2& "oin" on49 .eth )e3an)e),
90et /a+( in the hou&e*9 the hu3an /ar(e), 95an)&* a&&hole@ Or 62ll put a win)ow in
the /a+( o$ %our &(ull,9
.% thi& ti3e the +op wa& no 3ore than ten $eet awa% an) +lo&in" $a&t, 'rath li$te) hi&
pal3&, 5e wa&n2t a/out to (ill in $ront o$ .eth, .e&i)e&* that "un wa& "oin" to /e at
point-/lan( ran"e in another three &e+on)&, 1n) not een he +oul) &urie a hit that
ti"ht,
9O2#eal;9
.eth* "et the fuck out o$ here@
1 hea% han) +la3pe) )own on 'rath2& &houl)er, 5e let the +op pu&h hi3 a"ain&t the
/uil)in",
9Eou want to tell 3e what %ou2re )oin" waltzin" aroun) thi& pla+e49 the hu3an
or)ere),
9Out $or a wal(*9 'rath &ai), 91n) %ou49
The +op "ra//e) one an) then the other o$ 'rath2& ar3& an) pulle) the3 /a+(, The
+u$$& went on Kui+(l%, The "u% wa& an ol) pro with the 3etal,
'rath loo(e) oer at .eth, Fro3 what he +oul) tell* &he ha) her ar3& lin(e) ti"htl%
a+ro&& her +he&t, Fear thi+(ene) the air aroun) her* turnin" it into a /lan(et that
+oere) her $ro3 hea) to $oot,
Isnt this going well* he thou"ht, She wa& &+are) to )eath o$ hi3 a"ain,
9:o not loo( at her*9 the +op &ai)* pu&hin" 'rath2& $a+e towar) the wall, 9'hat2& %our
na3e49
9'rath*9 .eth an&were), 95e tol) 3e it wa& 'rath,9
The hu3an a+tuall% &narle) at her, 9:o %ou hae a hearin" pro/le3* &weetheart4 0et
out o$ here,9
96 want to (now who he i&* too,9
962ll phone in a $u+(in" report to3orrow 3ornin"* how2& that49
'rath "rowle), 5e +oul)n2t )en% that "ettin" her in&i)e wa& a )a3n "oo) i)ea, .ut he
)i) not appre+iate the wa% the +op wa& tal(in" to her,
The hu3an rea+he) in&i)e 'rath2& 7a+(et an) &tarte) pullin" out weapon&, Three
throwin" &tar&* a &wit+h/la)e* a han)"un* a len"th o$ +hain,
9>e&u& Chri&t*9 the +op 3uttere) a& he )roppe) the &teel lin(& on the "roun) with the
re&t o$ the loa), 9Eou "ot &o3e 6:4 Or wa&n2t there enou"h roo3 in here $or a wallet*
+on&i)erin" %ou2re +arr%in" a/out thirt% poun)& o$ +on+eale) weapon&49
'hen the +op $oun) a thi+( wa) o$ +a&h* he +ur&e) a"ain, 913 6 "oin" to $in) )ru"&*
too* or hae %ou &ol) out $or toni"ht49
'rath allowe) hi3&el$ to /e &pun aroun) an) &la33e) /a+( a"ain&t the /ri+(&, 'hile
hi& two )a""er& were &trippe) $ro3 their hol&ter* he &tare) )own at the +op* thin(in"
how 3u+h he wa& "oin" to en7o% rippin" that thi+( throat open with hi& teeth, 5e
leane) $orwar)* lea)in" with hi& hea), 5e +oul)n2t help it,
9O2#eal* /e +are$ul@9 .eth &ai)* a& i$ &he2) rea) hi& 3in),
The +op pre&&e) hi& "un 3uzzle into 'rath2& ne+(, 9So how a/out a na3e49
91re %ou arre&tin" 3e49
9Eeah, 6 a3,9
9For what49
9<et 3e thin(, Tre&pa&&in", Con+eale) weapon&, :o %ou hae a per3it $or that
han)"un4 623 /ettin" no, Oh* an) than(& to all the&e throwin" &tar&* 623 thin(in"
3ur)er* too, Eeah* that &houl) )o it,9
9-ur)er49 .eth whi&pere),
9Eour na3e49 the +op )e3an)e)* "larin" up at hi3,
'rath &3ile) ti"htl%, 9Eou 3u&t /e +lairo%ant,9
92S+u&e 3e49
91/out the 3ur)er +har"e,9 'rath lau"he) &o$tl% an) )roppe) hi& oi+e, 9Eou eer
/een in&i)e a /o)% /a"* O$$i+er49
?a"e* pure an) i/rant* +a3e out o$ the 3an2& pore&, 9:on2t threaten 3e,9
9623 not,9
The le$t hoo( +a3e throu"h the air $a&t a& a /a&e/all* an) 'rath )i) nothin" to aoi)
it, The +op2& 3eat% $i&t +au"ht the &i)e o$ hi& 7aw an) (i+(e) hi& hea) /a+(, 1
&un/ur&t o$ pain explo)e) in hi& $a+e,
9.ut+h@ Stop it@9
.eth ran $orwar)* a& i$ &he inten)e) to put her&el$ /etween the3* /ut the +op hel) her
o$$* &tron"-ar3in" her,
9>e&u&* %ou2re a pain in the a&&@ Eou want to "et hurt49 the hu3an &ai)* pu&hin" her
awa%,
'rath &pat out /loo), 95e2& ri"ht, 0o in&i)e,9
2Cau&e thi& wa& "oin" to "et u"l%,
Than(& to +at+hin" a /lurr% e%e$ul o$ that 3a(eout &e&&ion* he )i)n2t li(e the +op to
/e"in with, .ut i$ the "u% a))re&&e) .eth one 3ore ti3e in that tone o$ oi+e* 'rath
wa& "oin" to &how the 3an2& $ront teeth the 7o% o$ li/eration, 1n) then he wa& "oin"
to (ill the &on o$ a /it+h,
90o on* .eth*9 he &ai),
9Shut up@9 the +op %elle) at hi3,
9Eou "oin" to hit 3e a"ain i$ 6 )on2t49
The +op +rawle) up into hi& $a+e, 9#o* 623 "oin" to &hoot %ou,9
9Fine with 3e, 6 li(e /ullet woun)&,9 'rath lowere) hi& oi+e, 9>u&t not in $ront o$
her,9
9Fu+( %ou,9
.ut the +op +oere) the weapon& an) +a&h /% throwin" hi& +oat oer the3, Then he
"ra//e) 'rath2& ar3 an) &tarte) wal(in",
.eth $elt a& thou"h &he were "oin" to /e &i+( a& .ut+h le) 'rath awa%,
1""re&&ion wa& $lowin" /etween the 3en li(e /atter% a+i)* an) een thou"h 'rath
wa& han)+u$$e) an) /ein" hel) at "unpoint* &he wa&n2t exa+tl% &ure .ut+h wa& &a$e,
She ha) a $eelin" that 'rath wa& lettin" hi3&el$ "et ta(en into +u&to)%,
But Butch must know that* &he thou"ht, Otherwi&e he woul) hae hol&tere) hi&
weapon in&tea) o$ hain" it& 3uzzle pre&&e) up a"ain&t that te3ple,
She (new .ut+h wa& tou"h on +ri3inal&* /ut wa& he +raz% enou"h to (ill one4
0oin" /% the )ea)l% expre&&ion on hi& $a+e* &he ha) to thin( that wa& a /i" yes, 1n)
he 3i"ht 7u&t "et awa% with it, =iolent en)& +a3e to tho&e who lie) har) lie&* an)
'rath wa& +learl% not a white-+ollar law a/i)er, 6$ he turne) up with a /ullet in hi&
hea) in &o3e /a+( alle%* or $loatin" $a+e)own in the rier* who woul) /e &urpri&e)4
0iin" in to a &hrill in&tin+t* &he ran aroun) the &i)e o$ the /uil)in",
.ut+h wa& 3ar+hin" towar) hi& +ar a& i$ he were +arr%in" an un&ta/le loa)* an) &he
ru&he) to +at+h up with the3,
9'ait, 6 nee) to a&( hi3 a Kue&tion,9
9Eou want to (now hi& &hoe &ize or &o3ethin"49 .ut+h &nappe),
9Fourteen*9 'rath )rawle),
962ll re3e3/er that at Chri&t3a&* a&&hole,9
.eth leape) in $ront o$ the3 &o /oth 3en ha) to &top or run her oer, She &tare) up
into 'rath2& $a+e, 9'h% )i) %ou +o3e to $in) 3e49
She +oul) hae &worn that hi& "aze &o$tene) /ehin) hi& &un"la&&e&, 96 )on2t want it to
+o3e out li(e thi&,9
.ut+h &hoe) her awa% with a hea% han), 96 hae an i)ea, 'h% )on2t %ou let 3e )o
3% 7o/49
9Dont touch her*9 'rath &narle),
9Eeah* 623 "oin" to li&ten to %ou,9 .ut+h %an(e) the other 3an $orwar),
'hen the% "ot to the +ar* .ut+h wren+he) open the rear )oor an) pu&he) 'rath2&
towerin" wei"ht )own,
9'ho are %ou@9 &he %elle),
'rath loo(e) at her* hi& /o)% /e+o3in" per$e+tl% &till in &pite o$ the $a+t that .ut+h
wa& all oer hi3,
9Eour $ather &ent 3e*9 he &ai) )i&tin+tl%, 1n) then he "ot into the /a+(&eat,
.eth &toppe) /reathin",
She wa& )i3l% aware o$ .ut+h &la33in" the )oor an) runnin" aroun) to the )rier2&
&i)e,
9'ait@9 &he +alle) out,
.ut the +ar wa& alrea)% in "ear* tire& leain" &trip& o$ ru//er on the a&phalt,
Chapter !ifteen
.ut+h pi+(e) up hi& han)&et an) a&(e) :i&pat+h to "et &o3eone oer to the +ourt%ar)
i33e)iatel% to pi+( up the weapon& an) +a&h that were un)er hi& +oat, 1& he )roe*
he (ept one e%e on the roa) an) the other in the reariew 3irror, The &u&pe+t &tare)
/a+(* a &li"ht &3ile on hi& eil-loo(in" $a+e,
>e&u&* the "u% wa& hu"e, 5e too( up 3o&t o$ the /a+(&eat* hi& hea) /ent at an an"le &o
it )i)n2t &3a+( the roo$ a& the% &pe) oer pothole&,
.ut+h +oul)n2t wait to "et hi3 out o$ the )a3n +ar,
<e&& than $ie 3inute& later* he pulle) o$$ Tra)e Street an) into the par(in" lot o$ the
&tation* )riin" up a& +lo&e to the /a+( entran+e a& po&&i/le, 5e "ot out an) opene) the
rear )oor,
9<et2& pla% ni+e* &hall we49 he &ai) a& he "ra//e) the "u%2& ar3,
The 3an ro&e to hi& $eet, .ut+h "ae hi3 a %an(,
.ut the &u&pe+t &teppe) /a+(war)* awa% $ro3 the &tation,
9'ron" wa%,9 .ut+h threw hi& an+hor out* )i""in" hi& heel& into the pae3ent an)
pullin" har),
The &u&pe+t wa& inexora/le, 5e 7u&t (ept /a+(in" up* )ra""in" .ut+h alon" with hi3,
9Eou thin( 6 won2t &hoot %ou49 .ut+h )e3an)e) a& he rea+he) $or hi& "un,
1n) then it wa& all oer,
.ut+h ha) neer &een an%one 3oe that $a&t, One &e+on) the "u% ha) hi& ar3& /ehin)
hi& /a+(L the next* the han)+u$$& were on the "roun),
1n) with total e+ono3% o$ 3oe3ent* .ut+h wa& )i&ar3e)* put in a /li&terin" +ho(e
hol)* an) haule) into the &ha)ow&,
The )ar(ne&& &wallowe) the3, 1& .ut+h $ou"ht /a+(* he realize) he wa& in the thin
alle% /etween the &tation an) the o$$i+e /uil)in" next )oor, 6t wa& onl% a/out $ie $eet
wi)e* /ut &o3e &ixt% $eet lon", 1n) it wa& unlit, 'ith no win)ow&,
'hen .ut+h wa& &pun aroun) an) &la33e) into the /ri+(&* what little /reath he2)
/een a/le to &teal "ot (i+(e) out o$ hi& lun"& in a ru&h, 6n+on+eia/l%* he wa& li$te)
o$$ the "roun)* the 3an hol)in" hi3 /% the ne+( with onl% one han),
9Eou &houl) hae &ta%e) out o$ it* O$$i+er*9 the 3an &ai) in a )eep* a++ente) "rowl,
9Eou &houl) hae "one alon" on %our wa% an) let her +o3e to 3e,9
.ut+h +lawe) at the iron hol), The 3a&&ie han) lo+(e) aroun) hi& throat wa&
&Kueezin" the li$e ri"ht out o$ hi3, 5e "a""e)* )e&perate $or air, 5i& i&ion went
+he+(er/oar)* +on&+iou&ne&& &lippin" out o$ hi& "ra&p,
5e (new without a )ou/t that there2) /e no wal(in" awa% $ro3 thi& one, 5e wa&
"oin" to /e +arrie) out o$ the alle% in&i)e o$ a /a", >u&t li(e the 3an ha) pro3i&e),
1 3inute later he &toppe) re&i&tin" alto"ether* hi& ar3& )roppin" an) han"in" loo&e,
5e wante) to $i"ht, 5e ha) the will to $i"ht, .ut no lon"er the &tren"th,
1n) a& $or )eath4 5e wa& o(a% with it, 5e wa& "oin" to )ie in the line o$ )ut%* al/eit
li(e an i)iot* /e+au&e he ha)n2t a&(e) $or /a+(up, Still* it wa& /etter an) Kui+(er than
en)in" up in a ho&pital /e) with &o3e na&t%* &low "rowin" )i&ea&e, 1n) 3ore
honora/le than &hootin" hi3&el$, 'hi+h wa& &o3ethin" .ut+h ha) +onte3plate) on+e
or twi+e /e$ore,
'ith hi& la&t li+( o$ li$e* he $or+e) hi& e%e& to $o+u& on the 3an2& $a+e, The expre&&ion
&tarin" /a+( at hi3 wa& one o$ total +ontrol,
The guys done this "efore* .ut+h thou"ht, And hes *ery comforta"le with murder,
7od$ Beth%
'hat the hell woul) a 3an li(e thi& )o to .eth4
'rath $elt the +op2& /o)% "o li3p, 5e wa& &till alie* /ut /arel%,
The hu3an2& total la+( o$ $ear wa& re3ar(a/le, The +op ha) /een pi&&e) to "et
7u3pe)* an) he2) $ou"ht /a+( a)3ira/l%* /ut he2) neer /een &+are), 1n) now that the
Fa)e wa& upon hi3* he wa& re&i"ne) to hi& )eath, -a%/e al3o&t reliee) /% it,
Damn, 'rath +oul) i3a"ine $eelin" the &a3e wa%,
1n) it wa& a &ha3e to (ill &o3eone who wa& a/le to )ie a& a warrior woul), 'ithout
$ear or he&itation, Su+h 3ale& were $ew an) $ar /etween* /e the% a3pire& or hu3an&,
The +op2& 3outh &tarte) 3oin", 5e wa& tr%in" to &pea(, 'rath leane) )own,
9:on2t8 hurt8 her,9
'rath $oun) hi3&el$ an&werin"* 9623 here to &ae her,9
9#o@9 1 oi+e ran" out )own the alle%,
'rath turne) hi& hea), .eth wa& runnin" towar) the3
9<et hi3 "o@9
5e loo&ene) hi& "rip on the +op2& throat, 5e wa&n2t "oin" to (ill the "u% in $ront o$
her, 5e nee)e) her to tru&t hi3 3ore than he wante) to help the +op 3eet hi& 3a(er,
1& .eth &(i))e) to a halt* 'rath )roppe) hi& han)* an) the hu3an $ell to the "roun),
Torture) "a&pin" &oun)& an) hoar&e "a""in" ran" out in the &ha)ow&,
.eth (nelt oer the heain" poli+e3an* "larin" upwar), 9Eou al3o&t (ille) hi3@9
'rath +ur&e)* (nowin" he ha) to "et the hell out o$ there, Other +op& were /oun) to
&how up,
5e loo(e) )own to the other en) o$ the alle%,
9'here )o %ou thin( %ou2re "oin"@9 5er oi+e wa& &+i&&or-&harp with an"er,
9Eou want 3e to &ti+( aroun) &o 6 +an "et arre&te) a"ain49
9Eou )e&ere to "et thrown in 7ail@9
'ith a lur+h the +op trie) to &tan) up* /ut hi& le"& /u+(le), Still* he pu&he) .eth2&
han)& awa% when &he rea+he) $or hi3,
'rath nee)e) to $in) a )ar( +orner &o he +oul) )e3ateri-alize, 6$ nearl% (illin"
&o3eone ha) &ha(en .eth* pullin" the )i&appearin" a+t in $ront o$ her woul) onl% &eal
the )eal on $rea(in" her out,
5e turne) awa%, .e"an to &tri)e o$$, 5e )i)n2t li(e the i)ea o$ leain" her* /ut what
el&e +oul) he )o4 6$ he "ot hi& a&& &hot an) (ille)* who woul) loo( a$ter her4 1n) he
+oul)n2t let hi3&el$ "et thrown in 7ail, Tho&e +ell& ha) &teel /ar&* whi+h 3eant when
)awn +a3e* he +oul)n2t )e3aterialize to &a$et%, Fa+e) with tho&e two out+o3e&* i$ a
/un+h o$ +op& trie) to apprehen) hi3 ri"ht now* he2) hae to &lau"hter the3 all,
1n) then what woul) &he thin( o$ hi34
9Stop ri"ht there@9 &he %elle),
5e (ept "oin"* an) her $oot$all& &oun)e) out a& &he +a3e runnin",
96 &ai)* &top@9 She "ra//e) onto hi& ar3 an) pulle) har),
5e "lare) at her* $ru&trate) /% the wa% thin"& ha) "one )own, Courte&% o$ hi& &on"
an) )an+e with her /u))%* &he wa& terri$ie) o$ hi3* an) that wa& "oin" to 3a(e ta(in"
+are o$ her a /it+h, 5e )ou/te) he ha) ti3e to /rin" her aroun) a"ain &o &he woul)
willin"l% "o an%where with hi3, 'hi+h 3eant he 3i"ht een hae to re&ort to ta(in"
her a"ain&t her will when her tran&ition hit, 1n) that wa&n2t "oin" to /e $un $or either
one o$ the3,
1& her &+ent )ri$te) up into hi& no&e* he (new &he wa& perilou&l% +lo&e to the +han"e,
-a%/e he nee)e) to ta(e her with hi3 now,
'rath "lan+e) aroun), 5e +oul)n2t er% well throw her oer hi& &houl)er here* 7u&t
$i$teen %ar)& $ro3 the /a+( o$ the poli+e &tation, #ot in $ull iew o$ that )a3ne) +op,
#o* he wa& "oin" to hae to +o3e ri"ht /e$ore )awn an) a/)u+t her, 1n) then he2)
+hain her in :ariu&2& +ha3/er i$ he ha) to* /e+au&e it wa& either that or &he wa& "oin"
to )ie,
9'h% the hell )i) %ou lie@9 &he %elle), 9Eou )i)n2t (now 3% $ather,9
9Ee&* 6 )i),9
9<iar*9 &he &pat, 9Eou2re a (iller an) a liar,9
91t lea&t %ou "ot the $ir&t part ri"ht,9
5er e%e& wi)ene)* horror )awnin" on her $a+e, 9Tho&e throwin" &tar&8 in %our
po+(et&, Eou 3ur)ere) -ar%, :i)n2t %ou49
5e $rowne), 96 haen2t (ille) an% wo3en,9
9So 623 ri"ht a/out the &e+on) part* too,9
'rath e%e) the +op* who wa& &till )own $or the +ount* /ut "ainin" "roun),
Damn it* he thou"ht, 'hat i$ .eth )i)n2t hae until )awn4 'hat i$ &he too( o$$ an) he
+oul)n2t $in) her4
5e lowere) hi& oi+e, 9Eou2e /een reall% hun"r% latel%* haen2t %ou49
She 7er(e) /a+(, 9'hat49
95un"r%* /ut not "ainin" an% wei"ht, 1n) tire), So er% tire), Eour e%e& hae /een
&tin"in"* too* e&pe+iall% in the )a%ti3e* ri"ht49 5e leane) $orwar), 9Eou2re loo(in" at
raw 3eat an) won)erin" what it ta&te& li(e, Eour teeth* the upper one& in $ront* hae
/een &ore, Eour 7oint& a+he* an) %our &(in $eel& ti"ht, 1n) it2& "ettin" ti"hter,9
She /lin(e)* 3outh $allin" open,
.ehin) her the +op lur+he) to hi& $eet* wo//le)* an) )i) an a&& plant /a+( on the
"roun), 'rath &po(e $a&ter,
9Eou $eel li(e %ou )on2t /elon"* )on2t %ou4 <i(e eer%one el&e i& 3oin" at a
)i$$erent* &lower &pee), Eou thin( %ou2re a/nor3al* &eparate* apart, ?e&tle&&, Eou
&en&e that &o3ethin" i& +o3in"* &o3ethin" 3onu3ental* /ut %ou )on2t (now what it i&
or how to &top it, Eou lie awa(e* a$rai) o$ %our )rea3&* lo&t in $a3iliar &urroun)in"&,9
5e pau&e), 9Eou2e ha) little or no &ex )rie what&oeer* /ut 3en $in) %ou in+re)i/l%
attra+tie, Tho&e or"a&3& 6 "ae %ou la&t ni"ht were the $ir&t one& %ou2e eer ha),9
6t wa& all the thin"& he +oul) re3e3/er a/out exi&tin" in the hu3an worl) /e$ore hi&
tran&ition,
She &tare) at hi3, :u3/$oun)e),
96$ %ou want to (now what the hell2& happenin" to %ou* %ou nee) to +o3e with 3e
now, Eou2re a/out to "et &i+(* .eth, 1n) 623 the onl% one who +an help %ou,9
She too( a &tep /a+(war), <oo(e) at the +op* who &ee3e) to /e +on&i)erin" the
3erit& o$ l%in" )own,
'rath hel) up hi& han)&, 9623 not "oin" to hurt %ou, 6 pro3i&e, 6$ 6 were "oin" to (ill
%ou* 6 +oul) hae )one it la&t ni"ht in ten )i$$erent wa%&* ri"ht49
5er hea) turne) /a+( to hi3* an) he +lo&e) hi& e%e& a& he &en&e) her re3e3/erin"
exa+tl% what he ha) )one to her, 5er )e&ire wa& a &weet &aturation in hi& no&tril&
/e$ore the &+ent wa& Kui+(l% +ut o$$,
9Eou were "oin" to (ill .ut+h 7u&t now,9
1+tuall%* he wa&n2t &o &ure a/out that, 1 "oo) opponent wa& har) to $in),
96 )i)n2t,9
9Eou +oul) hae,9
9:oe& it reall% 3atter4 5e2& &till /reathin",9
9Onl% /e+au&e 6 +a3e,9
'rath "rowle)* pla%in" the /e&t +ar) he ha), 962ll ta(e %ou to %our $ather2& hou&e,9
5er e%e& poppe) an) then narrowe) with &u&pi+ion,
She "lan+e) oer at the +op a"ain, #ow he wa& /a+( up on hi& $eet* one han) /ra+e)
a"ain&t the wall* hea) han"in" a& i$ it were too hea% $or hi& ne+(,
9-% $ather* huh49 5er oi+e wa& )rippin" with )i&/elie$, 1n) 7u&t enou"h +urio&it% &o
that he (new he ha) her,
9'e2re out o$ ti3e here* .eth,9
There wa& a lon" &ilen+e,
The +op li$te) hi& hea) an) loo(e) )own the alle%,
6n another 3inute or two the "u% wa& "oin" to tr% to 3a(e another arre&t, 5i&
)eter3ination wa& palpa/le,
9623 leain" now*9 'rath &ai), 9Co3e with 3e,9
5er "rip ti"htene) on her pur&e, 9>u&t &o we2re +lear* 6 )o not tru&t %ou,9
5e no))e), 9'h% woul) %ou49
91n) tho&e or"a&3& weren2t 3% $ir&t,9
9Then wh% were %ou &o &urpri&e) to /e hain" the349 he &ai) &o$tl%,
95urr%*9 &he 3uttere)* turnin" awa% $ro3 the o$$i+er, 9'e +an "et a taxi out on
Tra)e, 6 )i)n2t a&( the one that "ot 3e here to wait,9
Chapter "i#teen
1& &he &pe) )own the alle%* .eth (new &he wa& "a3/lin" with her li$e, There wa& a
&eriou& +han+e &he wa& /ein" pla%e), .% a (iller,
!x+ept how )i) he (now all tho&e thin"& &he wa& $eelin"4
.e$ore &he turne) the +orner* &he loo(e) /a+( at .ut+h, 5e wa& rea+hin" out to her*
one han) exten)e), She +oul)n2t &ee hi& $a+e $or the &ha)ow&* /ut hi& )e&perate
%earnin" +ro&&e) the )i&tan+e /etween the3, She he&itate)* lo&in" the rh%th3 o$ her
&tep&,
'rath too( her ar3, 9.eth, Co3e on,9
5eaen help her* &he &tarte) runnin" a"ain,
The 3inute the% "ot out to Tra)e* &he haile) a pa&&in" +a/, Than( 0o)* it &toppe) on
a )i3e, The% 7u3pe) in* an) 'rath "ae out an a))re&& a +ouple /lo+(& oer $ro3 the
one he2) tol) her on 'alla+e 1enue, O/iou&l% a& an ea&ion te+hniKue,
.e must ha*e a lot of those* &he thou"ht,
1& the +a/ too( o$$* &he $elt hi3 loo( a+ro&& the &eat at her,
9That +op*9 he &ai), 9:oe& he 3ean &o3ethin" to %ou49
She "ra//e) her +ell phone $ro3 her pur&e an) )iale) the $ront )e&( )own at the
&tation,
96 a&(e) %ou a Kue&tion,9 'rath2& tone wa& &harp,
90o to hell,9 'hen ?i+(%2& oi+e +a3e throu"h* &he too( a )eep /reath, 96& >o&e
there49
6t )i)n2t ta(e 3ore than a 3inute $or the other )ete+tie to /e $oun)* an) he wa&
alrea)% out the )oor to $in) .ut+h a& &he en)e) the +all, >o&e ha)n2t a&(e) 3an%
Kue&tion&* /ut &he (new the% were "oin" to +o3e later, 1n) 7u&t how wa& &he "oin" to
explain to hi3 wh% &he2) run o$$ with a &u&pe+t4
That 3a)e her an a++o3pli+e $or ai)in" an) a/ettin"* )i)n2t it4
.eth put her phone /a+( in her pur&e, 5er han)& were &ha(in"* an) &he $elt li"ht-
hea)e), She 7u&t +oul)n2t +at+h her /reath either* een thou"h the +a/ wa& air-
+on)itione) an) /li&&$ull% +ool, She +ra+(e) the win)ow, The /reeze wa& hot an)
)a3p a& it /lew throu"h her hair,
'hat ha) &he )one4 To her /o)% la&t ni"ht, To her li$e ri"ht now,
'hat wa& next4 Settin" her apart3ent on $ire4
She hate) that 'rath ha) )an"le) the one +arrot &he +oul)n2t re&i&t in $ront o$ her,
That he wa& o/iou&l% a +ri3inal, That he terri$ie) her* /ut &he &till "ot hot thin(in"
a/out how he2) (i&&e) her,
1n) &he )e&pi&e) the $a+t that he (new tho&e were her $ir&t or"a&3&,
9:rop u& o$$ here*9 'rath tol) the )rier ten 3inute& later,
.eth pai) with a twent%-)ollar /ill* thin(in" the% were lu+(% &he ha) the +a&h on her,
'rath2& 3one%* that /i" /an( roll o$ the &tu$$* wa& on the "roun) in her /a+(%ar), So
it wa&n2t li(e he +oul) +oer the $are,
'a& &he reall% "oin" ho3e with thi& 3an4
The taxi le$t* an) the% wal(e) )own a per$e+tl% (ept &i)ewal( in a well-3aintaine)*
ritz% nei"h/orhoo), 6t wa& an a/&ur) &wit+h in &+ener%, Fro3 the iolen+e in that /a+(
alle%* to rollin" lawn& an) $lower /e)&,
She wa& willin" to /et the people who lie) in the&e hou&e& ha) neer run $ro3 the
poli+e,
She "lan+e) /a+( at 'rath* who wa& &li"htl% /ehin) her, 5e wa& &+annin" aroun)
the3 a& i$ he were loo(in" to "et 7u3pe)* althou"h how he +oul) &ee an%thin" with
tho&e /la+( "la&&e& on* &he ha) no i)ea, She 7u&t )i)n2t "et wh% he wore the3, 1&i)e
$ro3 +o3pro3i&in" hi& i&ion* tho&e $la&h% len&e& were a &eriou& i)enti$%in" $eature,
6$ an%one +lappe) their e%e& on hi3* the%2) /e a/le to )e&+ri/e hi3 a++uratel% in a
heart/eat,
#ot that the lon" /la+( hair an) the &heer &ize o$ hi3 woul)n2t hae )one the 7o/ well
enou"h,
She turne) her hea) awa, The &oun) o$ hi& /oot& hittin" the +on+rete /ehin) her wa&
li(e $i&t& thu))in" on a &oli) )oor,
9So the +op,9 'rath2& oi+e wa& +lo&e* )eep, 96& he %our loer49
.eth al3o&t lau"he), 0o)* he &oun)e) 7ealou&,
9623 not "oin" to an&wer that,9
9'h%49
9.e+au&e 6 )on2t hae to, 6 )on2t (now %ou* 6 )on2t owe %ou,9
9Eou "ot to (now 3e prett% )a3n well la&t ni"ht*9 he &ai) in a low "rowl, 91n) 6 "ot
to (now %ou *ery well,9
Lets not go there* &he thou"ht* "ettin" in&tantl% wet /etween her le"&, 0o)* the thin"&
that 3an +oul) )o with hi& ton"ue,
She +ro&&e) her ar3& oer her +he&t an) &tare) at a well-(ept Colonial, <i"ht& "lowe)
in ariou& win)ow&* 3a(in" it loo( initin" an) &o3ehow $a3iliar, Aro/a/l% /e+au&e
ho3e%-loo(in" pla+e& were unier&al, 1n) unier&all% appealin",
She +oul) u&e a wee( in one ri"ht a/out now,
9<a&t ni"ht wa& a 3i&ta(e*9 &he &ai),
9:i)n2t $eel that wa% to 3e,9
9Then %ou $elt wron", Eou $elt all wron",9
5e rea+he) $or her /e$ore &he een &en&e) he2) 3oe), She wa& wal(in" alon" an)
then &he wa& in hi& ar3&, One o$ hi& han)& +la3pe) onto the /a&e o$ her ne+(, The
other pulle) her hip& ti"ht a"ain&t hi3, 5i& ere+tion wa& a thi+( rope on her /ell%,
She +lo&e) her e%e&, !er% in+h o$ her &(in +a3e alie* her te3perature &oarin", She
hate) the rea+tion to hi3* /ut li(e the 3an* &he ha) no +ontrol oer it,
She waite) $or hi& 3outh to +o3e )own on her&* ex+ept he )i)n2t (i&& her, 5e /ent hi&
lip& to her ear in&tea),
9:on2t tru&t 3e, :on2t li(e 3e, 6 +oul) "ie a &hit, .ut )on2t %ou e*er lie to 3e,9 5e
too( a )eep /reath* a& i$ he were )rawin" her into hi3, 96 +an &3ell the &ex +o3in"
o$$ %ou ri"ht now, 6 +oul) ta(e %ou )own on thi& &i)ewal( an) /e up that &(irt o$
%our& in a heart/eat, 1n) %ou woul)n2t $i"ht 3e* woul) %ou49
#o* &he pro/a/l% woul)n2t,
.e+au&e &he wa& an idiot, 'ho ei)entl% ha) a )eath wi&h,
5i& lip& /ru&he) the &i)e o$ her ne+(, 1n) then hi& ton"ue li+(e) her &(in li"htl%,
9#ow* we +an /e +iilize) an) wait until we "et ho3e, Or we +an "et )own to it ri"ht
here, !ither wa%* 623 )%in" to +o3e in&i)e o$ %ou a"ain* an) %ou2re not "oin" to &a%
no,9
.eth "rippe) hi& &houl)er& throu"h hi& leather 7a+(et, She wa& &uppo&e) to pu&h hi3
awa%* /ut &he )i)n2t, She /rou"ht hi3 +lo&er* ar+hin" her /rea&t& to hi& +he&t,
1 &oun) o$ 3ale )e&peration /ro(e $ree o$ hi3* hal$wa% /etween a "roan o$
&ati&$a+tion an) a )ar( plea,
.a* &he thou"ht* re"ainin" &o3e power,
She /ro(e their +onta+t with "ri3 &ati&$a+tion, 9The onl% thin" that 3a(e& thi& "o)-
aw$ul &ituation re3otel% /eara/le i& the $a+t that %ou want 3e 3ore,9
She (i+(e) her +hin up an) &tarte) wal(in", She +oul) a+tuall% $eel hi& e%e& on her
/o)% a& he $ollowe)* a& i$ he were tou+hin" her with hi& han)&,
9Eou2re ri"ht*9 he &ai), 96 woul) (ill to hae %ou,9
.eth wheele) aroun)* pointin" a $in"er at hi3, 9So that wa& it, Eou &aw .ut+h an) 3e
(i&&in" in the +ar, :i)n2t %ou49
'rath +o+(e) an e%e/row at her, S3ile) ti"htl%, :i)n2t an&wer,
96& that wh% %ou atta+(e) hi349
96 wa& 3erel% re&i&tin" arre&t,9
9Eeah* that2& what it loo(e) li(e*9 &he 3uttere), 9So )i) %ou4 :i) %ou &ee hi3 (i&&
3e49
'rath +lo&e) the &pa+e /etween their /o)ie&* 3ena+e $lowin" out o$ hi3, 9Eeah* 6
&aw, 1n) 6 hated that he wa& tou+hin" %ou, :oe& (nowin" that "et %ou o$$4 :o %ou
want to nail 3e a "oo) one an) tell 3e he2& a /etter loer than 6 a34 6t woul) /e a lie*
/ut it woul) &till hurt li(e hell,9
9'h% )o %ou +are &o 3u+h49 &he )e3an)e), 9Eou an) 6 &pent one ni"ht to"ether, #ot
een@ 6t wa& a +ouple o$ hour&,9
5e +la3pe) hi& 7aw &hut, She (new hi& teeth were "rin)in" /% the wa% the hollow&
un)er hi& +hee(/one& 3oe), 1n) &he wa& "la) he wa& wearin" the &un"la&&e&, She
ha) a $eelin" hi& e%e& woul) hae &+are) the hell out o$ her,
'hen a +ar pa&&e) /% on the &treet* &he re3e3/ere) he wa& a $u"itie $ro3 the poli+e*
an) te+hni+all% &o wa& &he,
'hat the hell were the% )oin"* ar"uin" on the &i)ewal(8 li(e loer&4
9<oo(* 'rath* 6 )on2t want to /e arre&te) toni"ht,9 <i(e &he2) eer thou"ht tho&e
wor)& woul) +o3e out o$ her 3outh4 9<et2& 7u&t (eep "oin", .e$ore &o3eone $in)&
u&,9
She turne)* /ut he too( her ar3 in a &ure "rip,
9Eou )on2t (now thi& %et*9 he &ai) "ri3l%, 9.ut %ou are mine,9
For a &plit &e+on)* &he &wa%e) towar) hi3,
.ut then &he &hoo( her hea), She put her han)& up to her $a+e* tr%in" to &hut hi3 out,
She $elt 3ar(e)* an) the +raz% thin" wa&* &he )i)n2t reall% 3in), .e+au&e &he wante)
hi3* too,
'hi+h wa& not "oin" to win her an% prize& in the 3ental health )epart3ent,
0o)* &he nee)e) to ta(e another &hot at the la&t +ouple o$ )a%&, 6$ &he +oul) onl% "o
/a+( $ort%-ei"ht hour&* /a+( to when &he wa& &ittin" at her )e&( with :i+( )oin" hi&
leerin"-/o&& routine,
She2) )o two thin"& )i$$erentl%, She2) or)er a +a/ in&tea) o$ wal(in" ho3e* &o &he
neer 3et up with .ill% ?i))le, 1n) the in&tant &he went into her apart3ent* &he2)
pa+( &o3e +lothe& an) "o to a 3otel, So when thi& leather-+la)* )ru"-lor) lothario
+a3e loo(in" $or her &he woul)n2t hae /een $oun),
She 7u&t wante) her patheti+* /orin" li$e /a+(, 1n) how ri)i+ulou& wa& that4
Con&i)erin" &he2) thou"ht that "ettin" out o$ it wa& the onl% wa% to &ae her&el$ onl%
a little while a"o,
9.eth,9 5i& oi+e ha) lo&t 3o&t o$ it& e)"e, 9<oo( at 3e,9
She &hoo( her hea)* onl% to hae her han)& peele) /a+( $ro3 her e%e&,
9Eou2re "oin" to /e o(a%,9
9Eeah* ri"ht, There2& pro/a/l% a warrant /ein" i&&ue) $or 3% arre&t at thi& er%
3o3ent, 623 runnin" aroun) in the )ar( with the li(e& o$ %ou, 1n) thi& i& all
happenin" /e+au&e 623 &o )e&perate to (now 3% )ea) parent&* 623 willin" to put 3%
li$e in )an"er on the remote +han+e 6 +oul) learn &o3ethin" a/out the3, 623 tellin"
%ou* it2& one hell o$ trip $ro3 where 6 a3 to 2o(a,29
5i& $in"ertip &tro(e) )own her +hee(, 9623 not "oin" to hurt %ou, 623 not "oin" to let
an%thin" hurt %ou,9
She ru//e) her $orehea)* won)erin" whether &he wa& eer "oin" to $eel nor3al a"ain,
90o)* 6 wi&h %ou2) neer &hown-up at 3% /a+( )oor, 6 wi&h 62) neer &een %our $a+e,9
5e )roppe) hi& han),
9'e2re al3o&t there*9 he &ai) ter&el%,
.ut+h "ae up tr%in" to &tan) an) &an( to the "roun),
5e &at there $or a while* 7u&t /reathin" in an) out, 5e +oul)n2t &ee3 to 3oe,
6t wa&n2t /e+au&e hi& hea) hurt* althou"h it )i), 1n) it wa&n2t /e+au&e hi& le"& $elt
wea(* althou"h the% )i),
5e wa& a&ha3e),
0ettin" /eaten /% a /i""er 3an wa&n2t the pro/le3* althou"h hi& e"o ha) +ertainl%
ta(en one on the +hin,
#o* it wa& the (nowle)"e that he2) &+rewe) up an) en)an"ere) a %oun" wo3an2& li$e,
'hen he2) +alle) a/out the weapon& pi+(up* he &houl) hae ha) two o$$i+er& waitin"
$or hi3 at the )oor to the &tation, 5e2) (nown that &u&pe+t wa& e&pe+iall% )an"erou&*
/ut he2) /een &ure he +oul) han)le it hi3&el$,
Eeah* well* he2) han)le) 7a+( &hit, 5e2) ha) hi& a&& (i+(e), 1n) now .eth wa& in the
+o3pan% o$ a (iller,
0o) onl% (new what woul) /e+o3e o$ her,
.ut+h +lo&e) hi& e%e& an) put hi& +hin )own on hi& (nee, 5i& throat wa& (illin" hi3*
/ut it wa& hi& hea) that he wa& reall% worrie) a/out, The )a3n thin" wa&n2t wor(in"
ri"ht, 5i& thou"ht& were in+oherent* hi& +o"nitie pro+e&&e& &hot to hell, -a%/e he2)
"one without ox%"en lon" enou"h to "et /rain-$r%,
5e trie) to pull it to"ether* /ut onl% 3ana"e) to &in( )eeper into the $o",
1n) then* /e+au&e hi& 3a&o+hi&ti+ &i)e ha) terri$i+ ti3in"* the pa&t reare) it& thorn%
&(ull,
Out o$ the 3e&&% 7u3/le o$ i3a"e& +lan"in" aroun) hi& 3in)* one poppe) $orwar)
that /rou"ht tear& to hi& e%e&, 1 %oun" "irl* no 3ore than $i$teen, 0ettin" into an
un$a3iliar +ar, 'ain" at hi3 $ro3 the win)ow a& &he )i&appeare) )own their &treet,
5i& ol)er &i&ter, >anie,
5er /o)% ha) /een $oun) in the woo)& /ehin) the lo+al /a&e/all $iel) the $ollowin"
3ornin", She2) /een rape)* /eaten* an) &tran"le), #ot in that or)er,
1$ter &he2) /een a/)u+te)* .ut+h ha) &toppe) &leepin" throu"h the ni"ht, Two
)e+a)e& later* he &till ha)n2t pi+(e) up the ha/it a"ain,
5e thou"ht o$ .eth* loo(in" oer her &houl)er a& &he2) run awa% with the &u&pe+t, The
$a+t &he2) )i&appeare) with that (iller wa& the onl% thin" that "ot .ut+h to plant hi&
$eet on the "roun) an) )ra" hi& /o)% towar) the &tation,
9Eo@ O2#eal@9 >o&e +a3e poun)in" )own the alle%, 9'hat happene) to %ou49
9'e nee) to "et out an 1A.,9 'a& that hi& oi+e4 6t &oun)e) hoar&e* li(e he2) /een to
a $oot/all "a3e an) &+rea3e) $or two hour&, 9'hite 3ale* &ix-&ix* two &eent%,
:re&&e) in /la+( leather* wearin" &un"la&&e&* &houl)er-len"th )ar( hair,9 .ut+h threw
out a han)* &tea)%in" hi3&el$ a"ain&t the /uil)in", 9Su&pe+t not ar3e), Onl% /e+au&e
6 &trippe) hi3, 5e2ll /e re&to+(e) within the hour* no )ou/t,9
'hen he &teppe) $orwar)* he &wa%e),
9>e&u&,9 >o&e "ra//e) hi& ar3* hol)in" hi3 up,
.ut+h trie) not to lean on the "u%* /ut he nee)e) the help, 5e +oul)n2t 3a(e hi& le"&
3oe ri"ht,
91n) a white $e3ale,9 5i& oi+e +ra+(e), 9Fie-nine* lon" /la+( hair, 'earin" a /lue
&(irt an) a white /utton-)own,9 5e pau&e), 9.eth,9
96 (now, She +alle),9 >o&e2& $a+e ti"htene), 96 )i)n2t a&( $or )etail&, Fro3 the &oun) o$
her oi+e* &he wa&n2t a/out to "ie 3e an%,9
.ut+h2& (nee& wo//le),
9'hoa* :ete+tie,9 >o&e hoi&te) hi3 up, 9'e2re "oin" to ta(e thi& &low,9
The in&tant the% +a3e throu"h the &tation2& /a+( )oor* .ut+h weae), 96 nee) to "o
loo( $or her,9
9<et2& 7u&t +hill on thi& /en+h,9
9#o89
>o&e loo&ene) hi& hol)* an) .ut+h went )own li(e a piano,
>u&t a& hal$ the $rea(in" pre+in+t +a3e up in a ru&h, The $leet o$ +on+erne) "u%& in
)ar( /lue an) /a)"e& 3a)e hi3 $eel patheti+,
9623 $ine*9 he &nappe), Then he ha) to put hi& hea) /etween hi& (nee&,
5ow +oul) he hae let thi& happen4
6$ .eth turne) up )ea) in the 3ornin"8
9:ete+tie49 >o&e "ot )own on hi& haun+he&* puttin" hi& $a+e in .ut+h2& line o$ &i"ht,
9'e2e +alle) an a3/ulan+e,9
9:on2t nee) one, 6& the 1A. out49
9Eeah* ?i+(%2& )oin" it ri"ht now,9
.ut+h /rou"ht hi& hea) up, Slowl%,
9-an* what happene) to %our ne+(49 >o&e /reathe),
96t wa& u&e) to hol) 3% /o)% o$$ the "roun),9 5e &wallowe) a +ouple o$ ti3e&, 9:i)
the weapon& "et pi+(e) up $ro3 the a))re&& 6 +alle) in49
9Eeah, 'e "ot 2e3 an) the +a&h, 'ho the hell i& thi& "u%49
96 hae no $u+(in" +lue,9
Chapter "eventeen
'rath wal(e) up the $ront &tep& o$ :ariu&2& hou&e, The )oor &wun" open /e$ore he
+oul) rea+h the /ra&& han)le,
Fritz wa& on the other &i)e, 9-a&ter* 6 )i)n2t (now %ou were;9
The doggen $roze a& he &aw .eth,
Yeah$ you know who she is* 'rath thou"ht, But lets "e cool,
She wa& 7u3p% enou"h a& it wa&,
9Fritz* 62) li(e %ou to 3eet .eth ?an)all,9 The /utler (ept &tarin", 9Eou "oin" to let u&
in49
Fritz /ent )own low an) /owe) hi& hea), 9O$ +our&e* 3a&ter, -&, ?an)all* it i& an
honor to $inall% 3eet %ou in per&on,9
.eth &ee3e) ta(en a/a+(* /ut 3ana"e) a &3ile a& the doggen &trai"htene) an) 3oe)
$ro3 the )oorwa%,
'hen &he &tu+( her han) out* Fritz "a&pe) an) loo(e) to 'rath $or per3i&&ion,
90o ahea)*9 'rath 3uttere) a& he &hut the $ront )oor, 5e neer +oul) un)er&tan) the
&tri+t tra)ition& o$ the doggens,
Fritz rea+he) out reerentl%* +la&pin" her pal3 in /oth o$ hi& an) )roppin" hi&
$orehea) to their 7oine) han)&, 'or)& in the ol) lan"ua"e were &po(en in a Kuiet ru&h,
.eth wa& +learl% a&toni&he), .ut then &he ha) no wa% o$ (nowin" that /% o$$erin" her
han) to hi3* &he ha) pai) hi3 the hi"he&t honor o$ hi& &pe+ie&, 1& the )au"hter o$ a
princeps* &he wa& a hi"h-/re) ari&to+rat in their worl),
Fritz wa& "oin" to /e "lowin" $or )a%&,
9'e2ll /e in 3% +ha3/er*9 'rath &ai) when the +onta+t wa& /ro(en,
The doggen he&itate), 9-a&ter* ?ha"e i& here, 5e ha) a8 little a++i)ent,9
'rath +ur&e), 9'here i& he49
96n the )own&tair& /athroo3,9
9#ee)le an) threa)49
9in there with hi3,9
9'ho2& ?ha"e49 .eth a&(e) a& the% &tarte) )own the hall,
'rath pau&e) /% the )rawin" roo3, 9Eou wait here,9
.ut &he $ollowe) when he wal(e) on,
5e turne) aroun)* pointin" oer her &houl)er, 9That wa&n2t a reKue&t,9
91n) 623 not waitin" an%where,9
9:a3n it* )o a& 6 &a%,9
9#o,9 The wor) wa& &po(en without heat, She )e$ie) hi3 with total +al3ne&& an)
&tren"th o$ purpo&e,
1& i$ he were no 3ore an o/&ta+le in her path than a throw ru",
9>e&u& &hrist, Fine* lo&e %our )inner,9
1& he &tal(e) )own to the /athroo3* he +oul) &3ell the /loo) all the wa% out in the
hall, Thi& wa& a na&t% one* an) he reall% wi&he) .eth weren2t &o hell-/ent on &eein"
$or her&el$,
5e pu&he) the )oor open* an) ?ha"e loo(e) up, The a3pire2& ar3 wa& han"in" oer
the &in(, There wa& /loo) eer%where* a )ar( pool on the $loor* a little pon) on the
+ounter,
9?ha"e* 3an* what2& up49
9Sli+e) an) )i+e), Lesser "ot 3e a "oo) one* ri"ht throu"h a ein* )own to the /one,
623 lea(in" li(e a &iee,9
6n a /lurr% +o3po&ite, 'rath +au"ht the 3oe3ent o$ ?ha"e2& han) "oin" )own to hi&
&houl)er an) up into the air, :own to hi& &houl)er* up into the air,
9:i) %ou "et hi349
95ell* %eah,9
9Oh8 3%8 0o)*9 .eth &ai), 9Oh* )ear 0o), 6& he &tit+hin";9
95e%* who2& the +utie49 ?ha"e &ai)* pau&in" on the up&tro(e,
There wa& a &tran"le) &oun)* an) 'rath 3oe)* /lo+(in" .eth2& iew with hi& /o),
9#ee) help49 he a&(e)* een thou"h /oth he an) hi& /rother (new he ha) nothin" to
o$$er, 5e +oul)n2t &ee well enou"h to +lo&e hi& own woun)&* 3u+h le&& &o3eone
el&e2&, The $a+t that he ha) to rel% on hi& /rother& or Fritz to ten) to hi3 wa& a
wea(ne&& he )e&pi&e),
9#o* than(&,9 ?ha"e lau"he), 9623 a "oo) little &ewer* a& %ou (now $ir&than), #ow
who2& %our $rien)49
9.eth ?an)all* thi& i& ?ha"e, 1n a&&o+iate o$ 3ine, ?ha"e* thi& i& .eth* an) &he
)oe&n2t )o 3oie &tar&* "ot it49
9<ou) an) +lear,9 ?ha"e leane) to one &i)e* tr%in" to &ee aroun) 'rath, 9#i+e to 3eet
%ou* .eth,9
91re %ou &ure %ou )on2t want to "o to a ho&pital49 &he &ai) wea(l%,
9#ah, Thi& one2& 7u&t 3e&&%, 'hen %ou +an u&e %our lar"e inte&tine a& a /elt loop*
that2& when %ou hit the pro&,9
1 +roa(in" &oun) +a3e out o$ .eth2& 3outh,
9623 "oin" to ta(e her )own&tair&*9 'rath &ai),
9Oh* %e&* plea&e*9 &he 3ur3ure), 962) reall% li(e to "o )own8 &tair&,9
5e put hi& ar3 aroun) her* an) he (new how a$$e+te) &he wa& /% the wa% &he 3elte)
into hi& /o)%, 6t $elt &o "oo) to hae her rel%in" on hi3 $or &tren"th,
Too "oo)* a+tuall%,
9Eou +ool49 'rath &ai) to hi& /rother,
9:a3n &trai"ht, 623 leain" a& &oon a& thi& i& )one, 0ot three 7ar& to +olle+t,9
9#i+e tall%,9
9'oul) hae /een 3ore i$ thi& little "i$t ha)n2t +o3e /% air 3ail, #o won)er %ou li(e
tho&e &tar& &o 3u+h,9 ?ha"e 3oe) hi& han) aroun)* a& i$ he were t%in" a (not, 9Eou
&houl) (now Tohr an) the twin& are9;he "ra//e) a pair o$ &+i&&or& o$$ the +ounter
an) &nippe) the threa);9+ontinuin" our wor( $ro3 la&t ni"ht, The% &houl) /e /a+( in
a +ouple hour& to report in* 7u&t a& %ou a&(e),9
9Tell the3 to (no+( $ir&t,9
?ha"e no))e) an) ha) the &en&e not to $ollow up with an% +o33entar%,
1& 'rath le) .eth )own the hall* he $oun) hi3&el$ &tro(in" her &houl)er, 5er /a+(,
Then he +urle) hi& han) aroun) her wai&t* hi& $in"er& &in(in" into her &o$t $le&h, She
$it well a"ain&t hi3* her hea) +o3in" up to hi& +he&t* re&tin" on hi& pe+toral a& the%
3oe) to"ether,
Too +o3$orta/le, Too $a3iliar* he thou"ht, 'a% too "oo),
5e hel) on to her an%wa%,
1n) een a& he )i)* he wi&he) he +oul) ta(e /a+( what he2) &ai) to her on that
&i)ewal(, 1/out her /ein" hi&,
.e+au&e that wa&n2t true, 5e )i)n2t want to ta(e her a& hi& shellan, 5e2) /een wor(e)
up* 7ealou&, Ai+turin" that +op2& han)& all oer her, Ai&&e) o$$ that he ha)n2t (ille) the
hu3an a$ter all, The wor)& ha) &lippe) out,
Ah$ hell, The $e3ale )i) &o3ethin" to hi& /rain, So3ehow 3ana"e) to unplu" hi&
well-)eelope) &el$-+ontrol an) put hi3 in tou+h with hi& inner $ri+(in" p&%+ho,
6t wa& a +onne+tion he wante) to aoi),
1$ter all* $it& o$ in&anit% were ?ha"e2& &pe+ialt%,
1n) the /rother& )i)n2t nee) another hair-tri""er loo&e +annon in the "roup,
.eth +lo&e) her e%e& an) leane) a"ain&t 'rath* tr%in" to &hut out the pi+ture o$ that
"apin" woun), The e$$ort wa& li(e /lo+(in" &unli"ht with her han)&G Aart& o$ the
i3a"e (ept &eepin" throu"h, 1ll that /ri"ht re)* &hin% /loo)* the raw* )ar( pin(
3u&+le* the &ho+(in" white o$ /one, 1n) that nee)le, Aun+turin" the &(in* pullin" the
$le&h out to a point* /rea(in" throu"h with the /la+( threa);
She opene) her e%e&,
Open wa& /etter,
#o 3atter what the 3an &ai)* that wa& no little &+rape he wa& )ealin" with, 5e nee)e)
to "o to the ho&pital, 1n) &he woul) hae ar"ue) the point 3ore &trenuou&l%* ex+ept
&he2) /een a little /u&% tr%in" to +onin+e her pa) thai to &ta% put,
.e&i)e&* that "u% &ee3e) prett% )arne) +o3petent at $ixin" hi3&el$ up,
5e wa& al&o one hell o$ a loo(er, !en thou"h the "ore wa& )i&tra+tin"* &he +oul)n2t
help /ut noti+e hi& )azzlin" $a+e an) /o)%, Short /lon) hair* iri)e&+ent /lue e%e&* a
$a+e that /elon"e) on the /i" &+reen, 5e2) /een )re&&e) a& 'rath wa&* in /la+( leather
pant& an) &hit(i+(er&* /ut hi& &hirt ha) /een +a&t a&i)e, The 3u&+le& o$ hi& upper tor&o
ha) &too) out in &harp relie$ /eneath the oerhea) li"ht* an i3pre&&ie )i&pla% o$
&tren"th, 1n) the 3ulti+olore) tattoo o$ a )ra"on that +oere) hi& whole /a+( wa& a
total &tunner,
.ut then* it wa&n2t a& i$ 'rath were "oin" to han" out with &o3e &+rawn% tax
a++ountant-loo(in" nan+%,
:ru" )ealer&, The% were +learl% )ru" )ealer&, 0un&* weapon&* hu"e a3ount& o$ +a&h,
1n) who el&e "ot into a (ni$e $i"ht an) pla%e) )o+tor on the3&ele&4
She re+alle) that the 3an ha) /orne the &a3e +ir+ular-&hape) &+ar on hi& +he&t that
'rath )i),
The% 3u&t /e in a "an"* &he thou"ht, Or the 3o/,
She &u))enl% nee)e) &o3e &pa+e* an) 'rath let her "o a& the% wal(e) into a le3on-
+olore) roo3, 5er $eet &lowe), The pla+e loo(e) li(e a 3u&eu3 or &o3ethin" &he2)
expe+t to &ee in Architectural Digest, Thi+(* pale )raper% $ra3e) wi)e win)ow&* ri+h
oil paintin"& "lea3e) $ro3 the wall&* o/7et& )2art were ta&te$ull% arran"e), She
"lan+e) )own at the +arpet, The thin" wa& pro/a/l% worth 3ore than her apart3ent,
-a%/e the% )i)n2t 7u&t )eal in +ra+(* O* an) heroin* &he thou"ht, -a%/e the% wor(e)
the antiKue& /la+( 3ar(et a& well,
#ow there wa& a +o3/o %ou )i)n2t run a+ro&& er% o$ten,
9Thi& i& ni+e*9 &he 3ur3ure)* $in"erin" an antiKue /ox, 9=er% ni+e,9
She e%e) 'rath when &he "ot no re&pon&e, 5e wa& &tan)in" 7u&t in&i)e the roo3*
ar3& $ol)e) a+ro&& hi& pe+&* at the rea)% een thou"h he wa& ho3e,
.ut then* when )i) he eer relax4 &he thou"ht,
95ae %ou alwa%& /een a +olle+tor49 &he a&(e)* tr%in" to /u% &o3e ti3e &o her nere&
+oul) &ettle, She wal(e) oer to a 5u)&on ?ier S+hool paintin", 0oo) lor)* it wa& a
Tho3a& Cole, Aro/a/l% worth hun)re)& o$ thou&an)&, 9Thi& i& /eauti$ul,9
She "lan+e) oer her &houl)er, 5e wa& $o+u&e) on her* pa%in" no attention to the
paintin", 1n) there wa& no expre&&ion o$ pri)e or owner&hip on hi& $a+e,
'hi+h wa& not the wa% &o3eone loo(e) when their thin"& were a)3ire),
9Thi& i& not %our hou&e*9 &he &ai),
9Eour $ather lie) here,9
Yeah$ sure%
.ut what the hell, She2) +o3e thi& $ar, She 3i"ht a& well pla% alon",
9Then he o/iou&l% ha) plent% o$ 3one%, 'hat )i) he )o $or a liin"49
'rath wal(e) a+ro&& the roo3* towar) an exKui&ite* $ull-len"th portrait o$ what
loo(e) li(e a (in",
9Co3e with 3e,9
9'hat4 Eou want 3e to wal( throu"h that wall;9
5e pu&he) one &i)e o$ the paintin"* an) it &wiele) outwar) to reeal a )ar( +orri)or,
9Oh*9 &he &ai),
5e "e&ture) with hi& ar3, 91$ter %ou,9
.eth approa+he) +are$ull%, The "low o$ "a& lantern& $li+(ere) oer /la+( &tone, She
leane) in* &eein" a &et o$ &tair& that )i&appeare) aroun) a turn $ar /elow,
9'hat2& )own there49
91 pla+e where we +an tal(,9
9'h% )on2t we &ta% up here49
9.e+au&e %ou2re "oin" to want to )o thi& priatel%, 1n) 3% /rother& are li(el% to
&how up &oon,9
9Eour /rother&49
9Ee&,9
95ow 3an% o$ the3 are there49
9Fie* now, 1n) %ou2re &tallin", 0o on, #othin" will hurt %ou )own there* 6 pro3i&e,9
8h,huh% !ure%
.ut &he put her $oot oer the "il)e) e)"e o$ the $ra3e, 1n) &teppe) into the )ar(ne&&,
Chapter $ighteen
.eth too( a )eep /reath an) he&itantl% put her han)& out to the &tone wall&, The air
wa&n2t 3u&t%L there wa& no +reep% +oatin" o$ 3oi&ture on an%thin"L it wa& 7u&t er%*
er% )ar(, She went )own the &tair& &lowl%* $eelin" her wa%, The lantern& were 3ore
li(e $ire$lie&* li"ht& unto the3&ele& rather than illu3ination $or &o3eone u&in" the
&tairwell,
1n) then &he rea+he) the /otto3, To the ri"ht there wa& an open )oor* an) &he +au"ht
the war3 "low o$ +an)leli"ht,
The roo3 wa& 7u&t li(e the pa&&a"ewa%G /la+( walle)* )i3l% lit* /ut +lean, The
+an)le& were &oothin" a& the% $li+(ere) at their po&t&, 'hile &he put her pur&e )own
on the +o$$ee ta/le* &he won)ere) i$ 'rath &lept here,
0o) (new the /e) wa& /i" enou"h $or hi3,
1n) were tho&e /la+( &atin &heet&4
She $i"ure) he2) ta(en a lot o$ wo3en )own to thi& lair o$ hi&, 1n) it )i)n2t ta(e a
"eniu& to $i"ure out what happene) on+e he +lo&e) the )oor,
1 lo+( +li+(e) into pla+e* an) her heart &eize) up,
9So a/out 3% $ather*9 &he &ai) /ri&(l%,
'rath wal(e) pa&t her* ta(in" o$$ hi& 7a+(et, 5e wa& wearin" a 3u&+le &hirt un)er it*
an) &he +oul)n2t i"nore the raw power o$ hi& ar3&* hi& /i+ep& an) tri+ep& ripplin" a&
he put the leather a&i)e, The tattoo& runnin" )own hi& inner $orear3& $la&he) a& he
peele) the e3pt% hol&ter $ro3 hi& &houl)er&,
5e went into the /athroo3 an) &he hear) water &pla&hin", 'hen he +a3e /a+( out* he
wa& )r%in" hi& $a+e with a towel, 5e put hi& &un"la&&e& on /e$ore loo(in" at her,
9Eou2re $ather* :ariu&* wa& a worth% 3ale,9 'rath +a&uall% to&&e) the towel /a+( into
the /athroo3 an) wal(e) oer to the +ou+h, 5e &at $orwar)* el/ow& on hi& (nee&, 95e
wa& an ari&to+rat $ro3 the ol) +ountr% /e$ore he /e+a3e a warrior, 5e2&8 he was 3%
$rien), -% /rother in the wor( 6 )o,9
.rother, 5e (ept u&in" that wor),
The% were in the -a$ia, :e$initel%,
'rath &3ile) a little* a& i$ re3e3/erin" &o3ethin" that plea&e) hi3, 9: ha) &(ill&, 5e
wa& $a&t on hi& $eet* &3art a& hell* "oo) with a (ni$e, .ut he wa& +ulture), 1
"entle3an, 5e &po(e ei"ht lan"ua"e&, Stu)ie) eer%thin" $ro3 worl) reli"ion& to art
hi&tor% to philo&oph%, 5e +oul) tal( %our ear o$$ a/out 'all Street an) then tell %ou
wh% the Si&tine Chapel +eilin" i& a+tuall% a -anneri&t wor(* not $ro3 the
?enai&&an+e,9
'rath leane) /a+(* runnin" a he$t% ar3 a+ro&& the top o$ the &o$a, 5i& (nee& $ell out
to the &i)e&* hi& thi"h& &prea)in",
5e loo(e) )a3n +o3$orta/le a& he pu&he) hi& lon" /la+( hair /a+(,
Sex% a& hell,
9:ariu& neer lo&t hi& te3per* no 3atter how na&t% thin"& "ot, 5e 7u&t &tu+( to the 7o/
at han) until it wa& $ini&he), 5e )ie) with the $ull re&pe+t o$ hi& /rother&,9
'rath a+tuall% &ee3e) to 3i&& her $ather, Or whateer 3an he wa& +hannelin" $or the
purpo&e o$8
'hat exa+tl% wa& he tr%in" to pull here4 &he won)ere), 'here )i) it "et hi3 to throw
out thi& +rap4
'ell* &he wa& in hi& /e)roo3* wa&n2t &he4
91n) Fritz tell& 3e he loe) %ou er% )eepl%,9
.eth pur&e) her lip&, 91&&u3in" 6 een /u% an% o$ thi&* 62e "ot to won)er, 6$ 3%
$ather +are) &o 3u+h* wh% )i)n2t he /other to intro)u+e hi3&el$ to 3e49
96t2& +o3pli+ate),9
9Eeah* it2& reall% har) to wal( up to %our )au"hter* &ti+( %our han) out* an) &a% %our
na3e, ?eal tou"h &tu$$,9 She wal(e) a+ro&& the roo3* onl% to $in) her&el$ next to the
/e), She Kui+(l% pa+e) el&ewhere, 91n) what2& up with the warrior rhetori+4 'a& he
in the 3o/* too49
9-o/4 'e2re not the 3o/* .eth,9
9So %ou2re 7u&t $reelan+e (iller& a& well a& )ru" )ealer&4
53338 Co3e to thin( o$ it* )ier&i$i+ation i& pro/a/l% a "oo) /u&ine&& &trate"%,
1n) %ou nee) a lot o$ +a&h to (eep up a hou&e li(e thi&, 1& well a& $ill it $ull o$ art that
/elon"& in the -et,9
9:ariu& inherite) hi& 3one% an) he wa& er% "oo) at ta(in" +are o$ it,9 'rath leane)
hi& hea) /a+(* a& i$ he were loo(in" up at the hou&e, 91& hi& )au"hter* all o$ thi& i&
%our& now,9
She narrowe) her e%e&, 9Oh* reall%,9
5e no))e),
What a crock* &he thou"ht,
9So where2& the will4 'here2& &o3e exe+utor rea)% to pa&& paper&4 'ait* let 3e
"ue&&* the e&tate2& /een in pro/ate, For the la&t thirt% %ear&,9 She ru//e) her a+hin"
e%e&, 9Eou (now* 'rath* %ou )on2t hae to lie to "et 3e in /e), 1& 3u+h a& 623
a&ha3e) o$ 3%&el$* all %ou hae to )o i& a&(,9
She too( a )eep* &a) /reath, Cntil now &he ha)n2t realize) that a &3all part o$ her ha)
/eliee) &he2) "et &o3e an&wer&, Finall%,
Then a"ain* )e&peration +oul) 3a(e a $ool out o$ an%one,
9<oo(* 623 "oin" to ta(e o$$, Thi& wa& 7u&t;9
'rath wa& in $ront o$ her $a&ter than &he +oul) /lin(, 96 +an2t let %ou "o,9
Fear li+(e) her heart* /ut &he put up a "oo) $ront, 9Eou +an2t make 3e &ta%,9
5i& han)& li$te) to her $a+e, She 7er(e) /a+(* /ut he woul)n2t let "o,
The pa) o$ hi& thu3/ &tro(e) her +hee(, 'heneer he "ot too +lo&e* &he /e+a3e
&pell/oun) an) it happene) a"ain, She $elt her /o)% &wa%in" towar) hi&,
9623 not l%in" to %ou*9 he &ai), 9Eour $ather &ent 3e to %ou /e+au&e %ou2re "oin" to
nee) 3% help, Tru&t 3e,9
She %an(e) awa%, 96 )on2t want to hear that wor) on %our lip&,9
5ere he wa&* a +ri3inal who2) al3o&t (ille) a +op in $ront o$ her* an) he wa&
expe+tin" her to /u% a line o$ /ull that &he (new wa& $al&e,
'hile he wa& &tro(in" her $a+e li(e a loer,
5e 3u&t thin( &he wa& a 3oron,
9<oo(* 62e &een 3% re+or)&,9 5er oi+e )i)n2t waer, 9-% /irth +erti$i+ate li&t& 3%
$ather a& un(nown* /ut there wa& a note in the $ile, -% 3other tol) a nur&e in the
)elier% roo3 that he2) pa&&e) awa%, She wa& una/le to )i&+lo&e a na3e /e+au&e &he
went into &ho+( $ro3 /loo) lo&& therea$ter an) )ie) her&el$,9
9623 &orr%* /ut that2& 7u&t not what happene),9
9Eou2re &orr%, Eeah* 6 /et %ou are,9
9623 not pla%in" "a3e&;9
9The hell %ou aren2t@ 0o)* to thin( $or een a 3o3ent that 6 3i"ht (now one o$ the3*
een &e+on)han)89 She &tare) at hi3 with )i&"u&t, 9Eou are so +ruel,9
5e &wore* a na&t%* $ru&trate) &oun), 96 )on2t (now how to "et %ou to /eliee 3e,9
9:on2t /other tr%in", Eou hae no +re)i/ilit%,9 She "ra//e) her pur&e, 95ell* it2&
pro/a/l% /etter thi& wa%, 6 woul) al3o&t rather he2) )ie) than (now that he wa& a
+ri3inal, Or that we2) lie) in the &a3e town all 3% li$e /ut he neer +a3e to &ee 3e*
wa&n2t een +uriou& enou"h to (now what 6 loo(e) li(e,9
95e (new,9 'rath2& oi+e wa& er% near a"ain, 95e (new %ou,9
She &pun aroun), 5e wa& &o +lo&e he oerwhel3e) her with hi& &ize,
.eth leape) awa%, 9Stop thi& ri"ht now,9
95e (new %ou,9
9Stop &a%in" that@9
9Your father knew you*9 'rath &houte),
9Then wh% )i)n2t he want 3e49 &he %elle) /a+(,
'rath win+e), 95e )i), 5e wat+he) oer %ou, 1ll %our li$e he wa& neer $ar awa%,9
She +lo&e) her e%e&* wrappin" her ar3& aroun) her&el$, She +oul)n2t /eliee &he wa&
te3pte) to $all un)er hi& &pell a"ain,
9.eth* loo( at 3e, Alea&e,9
She li$te) her li)&,
90ie 3e %our han)*9 he &ai), 90ie it to 3e,9
'hen &he )i)n2t re&pon)* he pla+e) her pal3 on hi& +he&t* oer hi& heart,
9On 3% honor, 6 hae not lie) to %ou,9
5e /e+a3e utterl% &till* a& i$ "iin" her a +han+e to rea) eer% nuan+e o$ hi& $a+e an)
hi& /o)%,
Coul) thi& /e the truth4 &he won)ere),
95e loe) %ou* .eth,9
Dont "elie*e this% Dont "elie*e this% Dont;
9Then wh% )i)n2t he +o3e $or 3e49 &he whi&pere),
95e hope) %ou woul)n2t hae to (now hi3, That %ou2) /e &pare) the (in) o$ li$e he
lie),9 'rath &tare) )own at her, 91n) he ran out o$ ti3e,9
There wa& a lon" &ilen+e,
9'ho wa& 3% $ather49 &he /reathe),
95e wa& a& 6 a3,9
1n) then 'rath opene) hi& 3outh,
Fan"&, 5e ha) $an"&,
5er &(in &hran( in horror, She &hoe) hi3 awa%, 9Eou /a&tar)@9
9.eth* li&ten to 3e;9
9So %ou +an tell 3e %ou2re a $u+(in" *ampire49 She lun"e) at hi3* pun+hin" hi& +he&t
with her han)&, 9Eou &i+( /a&tar)@ Eou &i+(8 "astard@ 6$ %ou want to role-pla% %our
$anta&ie&* )o it with &o3eone el&e,9
9Eour $ather;9
She &lappe) hi3* har), ?i"ht a+ro&& the $a+e,
9:o not "o there, :on2t een tr% it,9 5er han) &tun"* an) &he tu+(e) it in a"ain&t her
/ell%, She wante) to +r%, .e+au&e &he wa& hurtin", .e+au&e &he2) trie) to hurt hi3
/a+( an) he &ee3e) utterl% una$$e+te) /% the $a+t that &he2) hit hi3,
90o)* %ou al3o&t ha) 3e* %ou reall% )i)*9 &he 3oane), 9.ut then %ou ha) to ta(e it
one &tep too $ar an) $la&h tho&e $a(e teeth,9
9The%2re real, <oo( +lo&el%,9
-ore +an)le& +a3e on in the roo3* lit /% no one,
5er /reath le$t her in a ru&h, 1/ruptl%* &he ha) the &en&e that nothin" wa& a& it
&ee3e), The rule& were o$$, ?ealit% wa& &li)in" into a )i$$erent real3,
She ra+e) a+ro&& the roo3,
5e 3et her at the )oor an) &he +rou+he)* a& i$ &he ha) a pra%er o$ (eepin" hi3 awa%
$ro3 her,
9:on2t +o3e near 3e,9 She "ra//e) $or the han)le, Threw her whole /o)% into it, The
thin" woul)n2t /u)"e,
Aani+ ran li(e "a&oline throu"h her ein&,
9.eth;9
9<et 3e "o@9 The )oor han)le +ut into the &(in o$ her pal3& a& &he wren+he) it,
'hen hi& han) +a3e )own on her &houl)er* &he &+rea3e), 9:on2t tou+h 3e@9
She leape) awa% $ro3 hi3, Careene) aroun) the roo3, 5e tra+(e) her* +o3in" at her
&lowl%* inexora/l%,
9623 "oin" to help %ou,9
9<eae 3e alone@9
She )a&he) aroun) hi3 an) )oe $or the )oor, Thi& ti3e it opene) /e$ore &he een "ot
to the han)le,
1& i$ he2) wille) it &o,
She loo(e) /a+( at hi3 in horror, 9Thi& i&n2t real,9
She /olte) up the &tair&* trippin" onl% on+e, 'hen &he trie) to wor( the lat+h on the
paintin"* &he /ro(e a nail* /ut eentuall% "ot it open, She ran throu"h the )rawin"
roo3, .ur&t out o$ the hou&e an);
'rath wa& there* &tan)in" on the $ront lawn,
.eth &(i))e) to a halt,
Terror $loo)e) her /o)%* $ri"ht an) )i&/elie$ &eizin" her heart in a $i&t, 5er 3in)
&lippe) into 3a)ne&&,
9No@9 She too( o$$* runnin" in an% )ire+tion a& lon" a& it wa& awa% $ro3 hi3,
She $elt hi3 $ollowin" her* an) &he threw her le"& out har)er an) $a&ter, She ran until
&he +oul)n2t /reathe* until &he wa& /lin)e) /% exhau&tion an) her thi"h& were
&+rea3in", She ran $lat-out an) &till he $ollowe),
She $ell )own onto "ra&&* &o//in",
Curlin" into a /all* a& i$ to &hiel) her&el$ $ro3 /low&* &he wept,
'hen he pi+(e) her up &he )i)n2t $i"ht hi3,
'hat wa& the u&e4 6$ thi& wa& a )rea3* &he woul) wa(e up eentuall%, 1n) i$ it wa&
the truth8
She wa& "oin" to nee) hi3 to explain a hell o$ a lot 3ore than 7u&t her $ather2& li$e,
1& 'rath +arrie) .eth /a+( )own to the +ha3/er* $ear an) +on$u&ion poure) out o$
her in wae& o$ )i&tre&&, 5e lai) her )own on the /e) an) %an(e) the top &heet $ree &o
he +oul) wrap her up, Then he went to the +ou+h an) &at )own* thin(in" &he2)
appre+iate the &pa+e,
!entuall% &he &hi$te) aroun)* an) he $elt her e%e& on hi3,
9623 waitin" to wa(e up, To hae the alar3 "o o$$*9 &he &ai) hoar&el%, 9.ut it2& not
"oin" to* i& it49
5e &hoo( hi& hea),
95ow i& thi& po&&i/le4 5ow89 She +leare) her throat, 9=a3pire&49
9'e2re 7u&t a )i$$erent &pe+ie&,9
9.loo)&u+(er&, Jiller&,9
9Tr% per&e+ute) 3inorit%, 'hi+h wa& wh% %our $ather wa& hopin" %ou woul)n2t "o
throu"h the +han"e,9
9Chan"e49
5e no))e) "ri3l%,
9Oh* 0o),9 She +la3pe) her han) oer her 3outh a& i$ &he were "oin" to /e &i+(,
9:on2t tell 3e 623 "oin" to89
1 &ho+( wae o$ pani+ +a3e out o$ her* +reatin" a /reeze throu"h the roo3 that
rea+he) hi3 in a +ool ru&h, 5e +oul)n2t /ear her an"ui&h an) wante) to )o &o3ethin"
to ea&e her, !x+ept +o3pa&&ion wa&n2t a3on" hi& &tren"th&,
6$ onl% there were &o3ethin" he +oul) $i"ht $or her,
Eeah* well* there wa& nothin" at the 3o3ent, #othin", The truth wa&n2t a tar"et he
+oul) eli3inate, 1n) it wa&n2t her ene3%* een thou"h it hurt her, 6t 7u&t8 wa&,
5e &too) up an) approa+he) the /e), 'hen &he )i)n2t &hrin( awa% $ro3 hi3* he &at
)own, The tear& &he &he) &3elle) li(e &prin" rain,
9'hat2& "oin" to happen to 3e49 &he 3ur3ure),
The )e&peration in her oi+e &u""e&te) &he wa& tal(in" to 0o)* not hi3, .ut he
an&were) an%wa%,
9Eour +han"e i& +o3in" $a&t, 6t hit& all o$ u& &o3eti3e aroun) our twent%-$i$th
/irth)a%, 62ll tea+h %ou how to ta(e +are o$ %our&el$, 62ll &how %ou what to )o,9
90oo) 0o)89
91$ter %ou "o throu"h it* %ou2re "oin" to nee) to )rin(,9
She +ho(e) an) 7er(e) upri"ht, 9623 not killing an%one@9
96t2& not li(e that, Eou nee) the /loo) o$ a 3ale a3pire, That2& all,9
9That2& all*9 &he repeate) in a )ea) tone,
9'e )on2t pre% on hu3an&, That2& an ol) wie&2 tale,9
9Eou2e neer ta(en a8 hu3an49
9#ot to )rin( $ro3 the3*9 he he)"e), 9There are &o3e a3pire& who )o* /ut the
&tren"th )oe&n2t la&t lon", To thrie* we nee) to $ee) o$$ our own ra+e,9
9Eou 3a(e it all &oun) &o nor3al,9
96t i&,9
She $ell &ilent, 1n) then* a& i$ it 7u&t )awne) on her* 9Eou2re "oin" to let 3e;9
9Eou2re "oin" to )rin( $ro3 3e, 'hen it2& ti3e,9
She let out a &tran"le) &oun)* li(e &he2) wante) to +r% out* /ut her "a" re$lex ha)
(i+(e) in,
9.eth* 6 (now thi& i& har);9
9Eou )o not,9
9;/e+au&e 6 ha) to "o throu"h it* too,9
She loo(e) at hi3, 9:i) %ou learn %ou were one out o$ the /lue al&o49
6t wa&n2t a +hallen"e, -ore li(e &he wa& hopin" &he ha) +o33on "roun) with
&o3eone, 1n%one,
96 (new who 3% parent& were*9 he &ai)* 9/ut the% were )ea) /% the ti3e 3% tran&ition
hit, 6 wa& alone, 6 )i)n2t (now what to expe+t, So 6 (now what the +on$u&ion $eel&
li(e,9
5er /o)% $ell /a+( a"ain&t the pillow&, 9'a& 3% 3other one* too49
9She wa& hu3an* $ro3 what :ariu& tol) 3e, =a3pire& hae /een (nown to /ree)
with the3* althou"h it2& rare $or the in$ant& to &urie,9
9Can 6 &top the +han"e4 Can 6 &top thi& $ro3 happenin"49
5e &hoo( hi& hea),
9:oe& it hurt49
9Eou2re "oin" to $eel;9
9#ot 3e, 'ill 6 hurt %ou49
'rath &wallowe) hi& &urpri&e, #o one worrie) a/out hi3, =a3pire& an) hu3an& ali(e
$eare) hi3, 5i& ra+e wor&hipe) hi3, .ut none were eer +on+erne) $or hi3, 5e )i)n2t
(now how to han)le the &enti3ent,
9#o, 6t won2t hurt 3e,9
9Coul) 6 (ill %ou49
96 won2t let %ou,9
9Aro3i&e49 &he &ai) ur"entl%* &ittin" up an) "rippin" hi& $orear3,
5e +oul)n2t /eliee he wa& ta(in" a ow to prote+t hi3&el$, 1t her reKue&t,
96 pro3i&e %ou,9 5e rea+he) hi& han) out to +oer her&* /ut &toppe) /e$ore he 3a)e
+onta+t,
9'hen will it happen49
96 +an2t tell %ou that $or &ure, .ut &oon,9
She let "o* &ettlin" a"ain&t the pillow&, Then &he +urle) on her &i)e awa% $ro3 hi3,
9-a%/e 62ll wa(e up*9 &he 3ur3ure), 9-a%/e 62ll &till wa(e up,9
Chapter %ineteen
.ut+h )ran( hi& $ir&t S+ot+h in one &wallow, .i" 3i&ta(e, 5i& throat wa& raw* an) it
$elt li(e he2) Fren+h-(i&&e) a /lowtor+h, 1& &oon a& he &toppe) +ou"hin"* he or)ere)
another $ro3 1//%,
9'e2re "oin" to $in) her*9 >o&e &ai)* puttin" hi& /eer )own,
The other )ete+tie wa& &ti+(in" to the li"ht &tu$$* /ut then >o&e ha) to "o ho3e to hi&
$a3il%, .ut+h* on the other han)* wa& $ree to /ehae a& /a)l% a& he wi&he),
>o&e pla%e) with hi& 3u"* twi&tin" it aroun) in +ir+le& on the /ar, 9Eou &houl)n2t
/la3e %our&el$* :ete+tie,9
.ut+h lau"he) an) threw /a+( S+ot+h nu3/er two, 9Eeah* there2& a hu"e li&t o$
people who were in 3% +ar with that &u&pe+t,9 5e li$te) hi& $in"er to "et 1//%2&
attention, 9623 )r% a"ain,9
9#ot $or lon",9 She 7i""le) ri"ht oer with the &in"le-3alt* &3ilin" at hi3 while &he
tippe) the /ottle into hi& "la&&,
>o&e &hi$te) in hi& /ar &tool a& i$ he )i)n2t approe o$ .ut+h2& S+ot+h elo+it% an) the
e$$ort o$ (eepin" hi& lip zippe) wa& 3a(in" hi3 &Kuir3,
1& 1//% went oer to another +u&to3er* .ut+h "lan+e) at >o&e,
9623 "oin" to "et u"l% wa&te) toni"ht, Eou &houl)n2t &ti+( aroun),9
>o&e9 poppe) &o3e peanut& into hi& 3outh, 9623 not leain" %ou here,9
962ll +a/ it ho3e,9
9#aw, 62ll han" until %ou2re throu"h, Then 62ll )ra" %ou /a+( to %our apart3ent, 'at+h
%ou throw up $or an hour, Au&h %ou into /e), .e$ore 6 leae 62ll "et the +o$$ee 3a+hine
&et up, 1&pirin will /e ri"ht next to the &u"ar /owl,9
96 )on2t hae a &u"ar /owl,9
9So it2ll /e next to the /a",9
.ut+h &3ile), 9Eou2) hae 3a)e a "reat wi$e* >o&e,9
9That2& what 3ine tell& 3e,9
The% were &ilent until 1//% poure) nu3/er $our,
9The throwin" &tar& 6 peele) o$$ that &u&pe+t*9 .ut+h &ai), 9'here )o we &tan) with
the349
9Sa3e a& the one& we $oun) at the +ar /o3/ an) aroun) Cherr%2& /o)%, T%phoon&,
Three-point-one oun+e& o$ $our-$ort% &tainle&& &teel, Four-in+h )ia3eter, ?e3oa/le
+enter wei"ht, Eou +an "et 2e3 o$$ the 6nternet $or a/out twele /u+(& a pop or /u%
the3 throu"h 3artial-art& a+a)e3ie&, 1n) no* there were no print&,9
9The other weapon&49
9Fla&h% &et o$ (nie&, The /o%& in the la/ "ot a real har)-on $or the3, Co3po&ite
3etal* )ia3on) har)* /eauti$ull% 3a)e /% han), #o i)enti$%in" 3anu$a+turer, 0un
wa& %our &tan)ar) nine-3illi3eter .eretta* 3o)el 920-S:, ?eal well +are) $or* an)
naturall% the &erial nu3/er ha) /een et+he) o$$, The $rea(% thin" wa& the /ullet&,
#eer &een an%thin" li(e 2e3, 5ollow* $ille) with &o3e (in) o$ liKui), The /o%& thin(
it2& 7u&t water, .ut wh% woul) &o3eone )o that49
9Eou "otta /e (i))in" 3e,9
9Ch-huh,9
91n) no print&,9
9#ope,9
9On an%thin",9
9#ope,9 >o&e $ini&he) the /owl o$ peanut& an) trolle) hi& han) to "et 1//%2& e%e $or
3ore, 9That &u&pe+t2& &li+(, #eat a& a pin, 1 real pro$e&&ional, 'anna /et he2& 3oe)
up north $ro3 the .i" 1pple4 5e )oe&n2t &oun) Cal)well ho3e"rown,9
9Tell 3e that while 6 wa& wa&tin" ti3e with tho&e )a3n !-T& we +he+(e) with the
#EA:,9
1//% +a3e oer with 3ore nut& an) 3ore S+ot+h,
9'e2re )oin" /alli&ti+& on the "un* 7u&t to &ee i$ there are an% unu&ual +hara+teri&ti+&*9
>o&e &ai) eenl%, 9Che+(in" the 3one% to &ee i$ it2& hot, Fir&t thin" in the 3ornin"
we2ll "ie the #ew Eor( /o%& eer%thin" we "ot* /ut it2& not "oin" to /e 3u+h,9
.ut+h +ur&e) a& he wat+he) the /owl "et re$ille),
96$ an%thin" happen& to .eth89 5e )i)n2t $ini&h the &enten+e,
9'e2ll $in) the3,9 >o&e pau&e), 91n) 0o) help hi3 i$ he hurt& her,9
Eeah* .ut+h woul) per&onall% "o a$ter the "u%,
90o) help hi3*9 he owe)* 3a(in" roo3 in hi& "la&& $or another &hot,
'rath wa& exhau&te) a& he &at on the +ou+h an) waite) $or .eth to &pea( a"ain, 5i&
/o)% $elt a& thou"h it were &in(in" in on it&el$* hi& /one& wea(enin" un)er their
/ur)en o$ $le&h an) 3u&+le,
1& he repla%e) the &+ene in the &tation hou&e2& alle%* he realize) he ha)n2t &trippe) the
+op o$ hi& 3e3or%, 'hi+h 3eant the poli+e were "oin" to /e loo(in" $or hi3 with an
a++urate )e&+ription,
Damn it, 5e2) /een &o +au"ht up in the $ri+(in" )ra3a* he2) $or"otten to prote+t
hi3&el$,
5e wa& "ettin" &lopp%, 1n) &lopp% wa& )an"erou&,
95ow )i) %ou (now a/out the or"a&3&49 .eth a&(e) a/ruptl%,
5e &ti$$ene), 1n) &o )i) hi& +o+(* 7u&t at hearin" the wor) leae her lip&,
-oin" hi& /o)% aroun) to 3a(e &o3e roo3 in hi& pant&* he won)ere) i$ he +oul)
aoi) an&werin" her, 5e )i)n2t want to tal( ri"ht now a/out the &ex the%2) ha), #ot
with her l%in" in that /e), -ere $eet awa% $ro3 hi3,
5e thou"ht o$ her &(in, So$t, S3ooth, 'ar3,
95ow )i) %ou (now49 &he pro3pte),
96t2& the truth* i&n2t it49
9Ee&*9 &he whi&pere), 9'a& it )i$$erent with %ou /e+au&e %ou2re not8 %ou2re a8
5ell* 6 +an2t een &a% the wor),9
9-a%/e,9 5e /rou"ht hi& pal3& to"ether* lin(in" hi& $in"er& ti"ht, 96 )on2t (now,9
.e+au&e it ha) /een )i$$erent $or hi3* too* een thou"h te+hni+all% &he wa& &till a
hu3an,
95e2& not 3% loer, .ut+h, The +op, 5e2& not,9
'rath $elt hi& /reath ea&e out o$ hi3, 9623 "la),9
9So i$ %ou &ee hi3 a"ain* )on2t (ill hi3,9
9O(a%,9
There wa& a lon" pau&e* an) then he hear) her &hi$tin" aroun) on the /e), The &atin
&heet& 3a)e a &o$t &oun) a& &he 3oe),
5e pi+ture) her thi"h& ru//in" a"ain&t ea+h other an) then &aw hi3&el$ openin" the3
with hi& han)&, #u)"in" the3 $arther apart with hi& hea), Ji&&in" a path )own to
where he &o )e&peratel% wante) to /e,
5e &wallowe)* hi& &(in turnin" into &hrin(-wrap,
9'rath49
9Eeah,9
9Eou reall% )i)n2t 3ean to &leep with 3e la&t ni"ht* )i) %ou49
5az% i3a"e& o$ her ha) hi3 +lo&in" hi& e%e&, 9#o* 6 )i)n2t,9
9So wh% )i) %ou49
.ow could he not ha*e4 he thou"ht* 7aw +len+hin", 5e2) /een powerle&& to leae her
alone,
9'rath49
9.e+au&e 6 ha) to*9 he replie)* &tret+hin" hi& ar3&* tr%in" to $in) &o3e ea&e, 5i& heart
thun)ere) in hi& +he&t* hi& in&tin+t& +o3in" alie* a& i$ he were in /attle, 5e +oul)
hear the /reath leae her lip&* her heart a& it pu3pe)* her /loo) a& it $lowe),
9'h%49 &he whi&pere),
5e &houl) "o, 5e &houl) leae her alone,
9Tell 3e wh%,9
9Eou 3a)e 3e realize how +ol) 6 a3,9
-ore &hi$tin" on the /e),
96 li(e) war3in" %ou*9 &he &ai) hu&(il%, 96 li(e) the $eel o$ %ou,9
:ar( hun"er +urle) in hi& "ut* +ra3pin" up hi& &to3a+h,
'rath &toppe) /reathin", 'aite) to &ee i$ it woul) pa&&, The "nawin" &en&ation "rew
&tron"er,
Shit* that &in$ul nee) wa&n2t 7u&t a/out &ex, 6t wa& a/out /loo),
5er&,
5e &too) up Kui+(l% an) put 3ore &pa+e /etween the3, 5e )e$initel% nee)e) to "et
out o$ here, 5it the &treet&, Fin) a $i"ht,
1n) he nee)e) to $ee),
9<oo(* 62e "ot to ta(e o$$, .ut 6 want %ou to +ra&h here,9
9:on2t "o,9
96 hae to,9
9'h%49
5i& 3outh opene)* hi& $an"& thro//in" a& the% elon"ate),
1n) hi& teeth weren2t the onl% thin" )e3an)in" to /e u&e), 5i& ere+tion wa& a pain$ul*
ri"i) len"th &trainin" a"ain&t hi& $l%, 5e $elt hi3&el$ "et &tret+he) /etween the two
nee)&, Sex, .loo),
.oth her&,
91re %ou runnin" awa%49 &he whi&pere), 6t wa& 3o&tl% a Kue&tion, Onl% a little /it o$
a taunt,
9.e +are$ul* .eth,9
9'h%49
9623 a/out to +ra+( oer here,9
She "ot o$$ the /e) an) +a3e to hi3, 5er han) lan)e) &Kuarel% on hi& +he&t* ri"ht
a/oe hi& heart, 1n) then her other one wrappe) aroun) hi& wai&t,
5e hi&&e) a& &he &teppe) into hi& /o)%,
.ut at lea&t the &exual nee) +ut throu"h hi& other hun"er,
91re %ou "oin" to tell 3e no49 &he a&(e),
96 )on2t want to ta(e a)anta"e o$ %ou*9 he &ai) throu"h "ritte) teeth, 9Eou2e /een
throu"h enou"h toni"ht,9
She "rippe) hi& &houl)er&, 9623 an"r%, S+are), Con$u&e), 6 want %ou to 3a(e loe to
3e until 6 )on2t $eel* until 623 nu3/, 6$ an%thin"* 62) /e u&in" %ou,9 She loo(e) )own,
90o) that &oun)& aw$ul,9
The hell it )i), 5e wa& 3ore than willin" to /e u&e) li(e that /% her,
5e tilte) her +hin up with hi& $ore$in"er, !en thou"h her ri+h &+ent tol) hi3 exa+tl%
what her /o)% nee)e) $ro3 hi3* he wi&he) he +oul) &ee her $a+e +learl%,
9:on2t leae*9 &he whi&pere),
5e )i)n2t want to* /ut hi& /loo)lu&t put her in )an"er, She nee)e) to /e &tron" $or her
+han"e, 1n) he wa& thir&t% enou"h to )rain her )r%,
5er han) le$t hi& wai&t, 1n) $oun) hi& ere+tion,
5i& /o)% 7er(e) wil)l%* /reath &la33in" into hi& lun"&, 5i& "a&p &hattere) the &ilen+e
in the roo3,
9Eou want 3e*9 &he &ai), 91n) 6 want %ou to ta(e 3e,9
She ru//e) her pal3 oer hi& len"th* the $ri+tion pa&&in" with a+hin" +larit% throu"h
the &e+on) &(in o$ hi& leather&,
>u&t &ex, 5e +oul) )o it, 5e +oul) hol) /a+( the other nee), 5e +oul),
.ut wa& he willin" to /et her li$e on hi& +ontrol4
9:on2t &a% no* 'rath,9
1n) then &he li$te) up onto her tiptoe& an) put her lip& to hi&,
7ame o*er* he thou"ht* +ru&hin" her to hi3,
5e thru&t hi& ton"ue into her 3outh a& he "ra//e) her hip& an) "roun) hi3&el$ into
her han), 5er 3oan o$ &ati&$a+tion +ran(e) hi3 een hi"her* an) a& her nail& /it into
hi& /a+(* he loe) the little /ur&t& o$ pain he $elt /e+au&e the% 3eant &he wa& a&
hun"r% a& he wa&,
5e ha) her on the /e) an) un)er hi3 in a $la&h o$ 3oe3ent* an) he pu&he) up her
&(irt an) tore o$$ her pantie& with i+iou& i3patien+e, 5e )i)n2t treat her /lou&e or /ra
an% /etter, There woul) /e ti3e to &aor later, #ow wa& all a/out raw &ex,
'hile he wor(e) her /rea&t& with hi& 3outh* her han)& were rou"h a& &he pulle) hi&
&hirt $ro3 hi& +he&t, 5e le$t her onl% lon" enou"h to un)o hi& pant& an) &prin" hi&
ere+tion, Then he lin(e) hi& $orear3 /ehin) one o$ her (nee&* &tret+he) her le" up*
an) plun"e) hi3&el$ into her /o)%,
5e hear) her "a&p at hi& power$ul entr%* an) her &li+( heat "ra//e) onto hi3*
pul&atin" a& &he +a3e, 5e $roze in pla+e* a/&or/in" the &en&ation o$ her relea&e*
$eelin" her +ore &tro(e hi3,
1n oerwhel3in"* po&&e&&ie in&tin+t $la&he) throu"h hi3,
'ith )rea)* he realize) he wante) to 3ar( her, -ar( her a& hi&, 5e wante) that
&pe+ial &+ent all oer her &o no other 3ale woul) +o3e near her So that the% woul)
(now who3 &he /elon"e) to, So that the% woul) $ear the reper+u&&ion& o$ wantin" to
po&&e&& her $or the3&ele&,
!x+ept he (new he ha) no ri"ht to )o that, She wa&n2t hi&,
5e $elt her /o)% "o &till un)erneath hi3* an) he loo(e) )own,
9'rath49 &he whi&pere), 9'rath* what2& wron"49
5e 3a)e a 3oe to pull out o$ her* /ut &he +au"ht hi& $a+e in her han)&,
91re %ou all ri"ht49
The +on+ern $or hi3 in her oi+e wa& what )i) it,
'ith an awe&o3e &ur"e* hi& /o)% leape) out o$ rea+h o$ hi& 3in), .e$ore he +oul)
thin( an% $urther* /e$ore he +oul) &top* he proppe) hi3&el$ up on hi& ar3& an)
poun)e) into her* ta(in" her har)* )rillin" her, The /e)2& hea)/oar) /an"e) a"ain&t
the wall to the /eat o$ hi& thru&t&* an) &he "ra//e) onto hi& &trainin" wri&t&* tr%in" to
hol) her&el$ in pla+e,
1 low &oun) &hot throu"h the roo3* "rowin" lou)er an) lou)er* until he realize) the
"rowl wa& +o3in" $ro3 hi3, 1& a $eere) heat /ro(e out all oer hi& &(in* hi& no&e
re"i&tere) that )ar( $ra"ran+e o$ po&&e&&ion,
5e wa& powerle&& to &top hi3&el$,
5i& lip& peele) o$$ hi& teeth a& hi& 3u&+le& +hurne) an) hi& hip& thra&he) a"ain&t her,
:ren+he) in &weat* hea) &pinnin"* 3in)le&&* /reathle&&* he too( eer%thin" &he wa&
o$$erin" hi3, Too( it an) )e3an)e) 3ore* /e+o3in" an ani3al a& &he /e+a3e one*
too* until the% were nothin" /ut wil)ne&&,
5e +a3e iolentl%* $illin" her up* pu3pin" into her* hi& or"a&3 "oin" on an) on an)
on* until he realize) &he wa& +li3axin" ri"ht alon" with hi3* the two o$ the3 hol)in"
on to ea+h other $or )ear li$e a"ain&t &hatterin" wae& o$ pa&&ion,
6t wa& the 3o&t per$e+t union he2) eer (nown,
1n) then eer%thin" turne) into a ni"ht3are,
1& the la&t &hu))er le$t hi& /o)% an) went into her&* at that 3o3ent when he wa&
$inall% &pent* the /alan+e o$ hi& )e&ire& wa& thrown, 5i& /loo)lu&t &ur"e) $orwar) in a
wi+(e)* +on&u3in" ru&h* a& power$ul a& the lu&t ha) /een,
5e /are) hi& teeth an) went $or her ne+(* $or the ein )e-li+iou&l% +lo&e to the &ur$a+e
o$ her pale &(in, 5i& $an"& were a/out to &in( )eep* hi& throat )r% with thir&t $or her*
hi& "ut &pa&3in" with a &taration that +ut to hi& &oul* when he pulle) hi3&el$ up
&hort* horri$ie) /% what he wa& a/out to )o,
5e pu&he) hi3&el$ awa% $ro3 her* &+ra3/lin" a+ro&& the /e) until he $ell to the $loor*
lan)in" on hi& a&&,
9'rath49 6n alar3 &he &tarte) $or hi3,
9#o@9
The hun"er $or her /loo) wa& too &tron"* the in&tin+t un)enia/le, 6$ &he "ot too
+lo&e8
5e 3oane)* tr%in" to &wallow, 5i& throat wa& li(e &an)paper, Sweat /ro(e out all
oer hi3 a"ain* /ut thi& ti3e it wa& in a &i+(enin" $lu&h,
9'hat happene)4 'hat )i) 6 )o49
'rath +rawle) /a+(war)* hi& /o)% a+hin"* hi& &(in on $ire, The &3ell o$ her &ex on
hi3 wa& li(e a whip a"ain&t hi& &el$-+ontrol,
9.eth* leae 3e, 62e "ot to89
.ut &he wa& &till +o3in" at hi3, 5i& /o)% &la33e) into the +ou+h,
90et the $u+( /a+(@9 5e /are) hi& $an"& an) hi&&e) lou)l%, 9Eou "et an% +lo&er an)
623 "oin" to /ite %ou* "ot it49
She &toppe) i33e)iatel%, Terror +lou)e) the air /etween the3* /ut then &he &hoo(
her hea),
9Eou woul)n2t hurt 3e*9 &he &ai) with a +oni+tion that &tru+( hi3 a& )an"erou&l%
naie,
5e &tru""le) to &pea(, 90et )re&&e), 0o up&tair&, 1&( Fritz to ta(e %ou ho3e, 62ll &en)
&o3eone to wat+h oer %ou,9
5e wa& pantin" now* the pain rippin" throu"h hi& &to3a+h* al3o&t a& /a) a& it ha)
/een that $ir&t ni"ht o$ hi& tran&ition, 5e2) neer nee)e) -ari&&a li(e thi&,
'esus, 'hat wa& happenin" to hi34
96 )on2t want to leae,9
9Eou hae to, 62ll &en) &o3eone to (eep %ou &a$e until 6 +an "et /a+( to %ou,9
5i& thi"h& &hoo(* the 3u&+le& &trainin" a"ain&t the hol) he2) +la3pe) )own on hi&
/o)%, 5i& 3in) an) hi& ph%&i+al nee)& ha) )e+lare) war* ha) 3ar+he) onto the
/attle$iel) with &wor)& )rawn, 1n) he (new whi+h one wa& "oin" to win i$ &he )i)n2t
"et awa $ro3 hi3,
9.eth* please, 6t hurt&, 1n) 6 )on2t (now how lon" 6 +an hol) 3%&el$ /a+(,9
She he&itate), 1n) then %an(e) her +lothe& on, She went to the )oor an) loo(e) /a+(
at hi3, 97o,9 1n) &he )i),
Chapter Tenty
6t wa& a little a$ter nine when -r, O hit the )rie-throu"h at -+:onal)2&, 9623 "la)
%ou /oth li(e) the 3oie, 1n) 6 hae in 3in) &o3ethin" el&e toni"ht* althou"h we2ll
hae to /e Kui+( a/out it, One o$ %ou nee)& to /e ho3e /% eleen,9
.ill% +ur&e) un)er hi& /reath a& the% pulle) up in $ront o$ the lit 3enu, 5e or)ere)
twi+e a& 3u+h a& <o&er )i), <o&er o$$ere) to pa% $or hi& &hare,
9That2& all ri"ht, -% treat*9 -r, O &ai), 9>u&t )on2t &pill an%thin",9
'hile .ill% ate an) <o&er pla%e) with hi& $oo)* -r, O )roe the3 oer to the 'ar
Fone, The la&er-ta" pla+e wa& pi+(up +entral $or the un)er-ei"hteen +row)* it& )i3
interior per$e+t $or o/&+urin" /oth a+ne a& well a& patheti+ a)ole&+ent %earnin", The
&prawlin" one-&tor% wa& hoppin" toni"ht* $ille) with twit+h% teena"e /o%& an) the
/ore)* oer)re&&e) "irl& the% were tr%in" to i3pre&&,
-r, O "ot three "un& an) tar"et halter&* pa&&in" one to ea+h o$ the "u%&, .ill% wa&
rea)% to "o in un)er a 3inute* hi& weapon re&tin" in hi& han)& ea&il% a& i$ it were an
exten&ion o$ hi& ar3&,
-r, O e%e) <o&er* who wa& &till tr%in" to "et the halter &trap& to $it hi& &houl)er&, The
"u% loo(e) 3i&era/le* hi& lower lip &la+( a& hi& $in"er& wor(e) the pla&ti+ +at+he&,
.ill% wat+he) hi3* too, 1& i$ <o&er were $oo),
9So 6 thou"ht we2) hae a little $rien)l% +o3petition*9 -r, O &ai) when the% $inall%
&teppe) throu"h the turn&tile&, 9See whi+h one o$ %ou +an hit the other the 3o&t,9
1& the% entere) the $i"htin" arena* -r, O2& e%e& Kui+(l% a)7u&te) to the elet
/la+(ne&& an) the neon $la&he& $ro3 other pla%er&, The &pa+e wa& lar"e enou"h $or the
thirt% or &o who were )an+in" aroun) the o/&ta+le&* lau"hin" an) &houtin" a& the%
$ire) /ea3& o$ li"ht,
9<et2& &plit up*9 -r, O &ai),
'hile <o&er /lin(e) 3%opi+all%* .ill% too( o$$* 3oin" with the &wi$tne&& o$ an
ani3al, 1 3o3ent later the &en&or in the 3i))le o$ <o&er2& +he&t went o$$, The "u%
loo(e) )own at it a& i$ he )i)n2t (now what ha) happene),
.ill% retreate) into the )ar(ne&&,
9.etter ta(e +oer* &on*9 -r, O 3ur3ure),
-r, O &ta%e) out o$ their wa% while wat+hin" eer%thin" the% )i), .ill% hit <o&er
oer an) oer a"ain $ro3 +ountle&& an"le&* &hi$tin" in an) out o$ the o/&ta+le&*
+o3in" $a&t* now &low* then &hootin" $ro3 $ar awa%, <o&er2& +on$u&ion an) anxiet%
rat+hete) up eer% ti3e the li"ht on hi& +he&t $la&he)* an) )e&peration 3a)e hi3 3oe
with +hil)li(e un-+oor)ination, 5e )roppe) hi& "un, Trippe) oer hi& own $eet,
Jno+(e) hi& &houl)er into a /arrier,
.ill% wa& re&plen)ent, Thou"h hi& tar"et wa& $ailin"* wea(enin"* he &howe) no
3er+%, !en when <o&er )roppe) hi& "un to hi& &i)e an) leane) up a"ain&t a wall with
exhau&tion* .ill% hit hi3 a"ain,
1n) then too( o$$ into the &ha)ow&,
Thi& ti3e -r, O $ollowe) .ill%* tra+(in" the "u%2& 3oe3ent& with a purpo&e other
than 3ea&urin" per$or3an+e, ?i))le wa& $a&t* &hi$tin" aroun) the $oa3 o/&ta+le&*
)ou/lin" /a+( to where <o&er wa& &o he +oul) a3/u&h $ro3 /ehin),
-r, O anti+ipate) where .ill% wa& hea)e), 'ith a Kui+( &hi$t to the ri"ht* he put
hi3&el$ in ?i))le2& path,
1n) &hot .ill% at point-/lan( ran"e,
.ill% loo(e) )own in &ho+( at hi& +he&t, 6t wa& the $ir&t ti3e hi& re+eptor ha) "one o$$,
9Arett% "oo) 7o/ toni"ht* 9 -r, O &ai), 9Eou pla%e) the "a3e well* &on, Cntil 7u&t
now,9
.ill%2& e%e& li$te)* hi& han) +o3in" to re&t oer the /lin(in" tar"et, Oer hi& heart,
9Sen&ei,9 The wor) wa& &po(en li(e a loer* with a loer2& awe an) a)oration,
.eth wa&n2t a/out to a&( the /utler $or a ri)e* /e+au&e &he wa& too &ha(en to +arr% on a
polite +oner&ation with an%one, 1& &he wal(e) )own to the &treet* &he too( out her
+ell phone to +all a +a/, She wa& )ialin" when the purr o$ a +ar en"ine /rou"ht her
hea) up,
The /utler "ot out o$ the -er+e)e& an) /owe) hi& hea), 9-a&ter +alle) 3e, 5e woul)
li(e 3e to ta(e %ou ho3e* 3i&tre&&, 1n) 68 6 woul) li(e to )rie %ou,9
5e wa& &o earne&t* al3o&t hope$ul* a& i$ &he2) /e )oin" hi3 a $aor i$ &he let hi3 ta(e
+are o$ her, .ut &he nee)e) &o3e &pa+e, 1$ter eer%thin" that ha) happene)* &he wa&
rattlin" aroun) in her own hea),
9Than( %ou* /ut no,9 She $or+e) a &3ile, 9623 7u&t "oin" to89
The 3an2& $a+e $ell, 5e loo(e) li(e a )o" who2) /een whippe),
'here "oo) 3anner& $aile) her* "uilt &teppe) up to the plate,
91h* o(a%,9
.e$ore he +oul) +o3e aroun) the +ar* &he opene) the pa&&en"er-&i)e )oor an) &li)
into the $ront &eat, The /utler &ee3e) $lu&tere) at her initiatie* /ut re+oere) Kui+(l%*
that /ea3in" &3ile /a+( on hi& wrin(le) $a+e,
1& he "ot /ehin) the wheel an) put the en"ine in "ear* &he &ai)* 96 lie at;9
9Oh* 6 (now where %ou lie, 'e2e alwa%& (nown where %ou were, Fir&t at St, Fran+i&
5o&pital in the neonatal inten&ie-+are unit, Then %ou went ho3e with the nur&e, 'e
ha) hope) &he woul) (eep %ou* /ut the ho&pital 3a)e her "ie %ou /a+(, Then %ou
went into the &%&te3, 'e )i)n2t li(e that, Fir&t %ou were a&&i"ne) to the
-+'illia3&e& on !l3woo) 1enue* /ut %ou /e+a3e ill an) went /a+( into the
ho&pital with pneu3onia,9
5e put the /lin(er on an) turne) le$t at a &top &i"n,
She +oul) /arel% /reathe* &he wa& li&tenin" &o har),
91$ter that %ou were &ent to the ?%an&* /ut there were too 3an% +hil)ren, 1n) then
%ou went to the 0ol)ri+h&* who lie) in that &plit-leel o$$ ?alei"h Street, 'e thou"ht
the 0ol)ri+h& were "oin" to (eep %ou* /ut then &he "ot pre"nant, Finall% to that
orphana"e, 'e hate) when %ou were there* /e+au&e the% )i)n2t let %ou out to pla%
enou"h,9
9Eou (eep &a%in" 2we2*9 &he whi&pere)* a$rai) to /eliee, 'antin" to,
9Ee&, Eour $ather an) 6,9
.eth +oere) her 3outh with the /a+( o$ her han)* her e%e& +apturin" the /utler2&
pro$ile a& i$ it were &o3ethin" &he +oul) (eep,
95e (new 3e49
9Oh* %e&* 3i&tre&&, 1ll alon", Jin)er"arten an) ele3entar% &+hool an) hi"h &+hool,9
5i& e%e& 3et her&, 9'e were &o prou) o$ %ou when %ou went to +olle"e on that
a+a)e3i+ &+holar&hip, 6 wa& there when %ou "ra)uate), 6 too( pi+ture& &o %our $ather
+oul) &ee,9
95e (new 3e,9 She trie) the wor)& out* $eelin" li(e &he 3u&t /e tal(in" a/out
&o3eone el&e2& parent,
The /utler loo(e) a+ro&& the &eat an) &3ile), 9'e hae eer% +olu3n %ou2e eer
written, !en the one& %ou wrote in hi"h &+hool an) +olle"e, 'hen %ou &tarte) at the
&aldwell &ourier 'ournal* %our $ather re$u&e) to "o to &leep in the 3ornin" until a$ter
6 /rou"ht the paper to hi3, #o 3atter how har) hi& ni"ht ha) /een* he woul)n2t re&t
until he rea) what %ou wrote, 5e wa& &o prou) o$ %ou,9
She $u3/le) throu"h her /a"* tr%in" to $in) a Jleenex,
95ere*9 the /utler &ai)* han)in" her a &3all pa+(a"e o$ ti&&ue&,
.eth /lew her no&e a& )eli+atel% a& &he +oul),
9-i&tre&&* %ou 3u&t un)er&tan) how har) it wa& $or hi3 to &ta% awa% $ro3 %ou, 6t wa&
7u&t that he (new it woul) /e )an"erou& to "et too +lo&e, Fa3ilie& o$ warrior& nee) to
/e "uar)e) +are$ull%* an) %ou were unprote+te) /e+au&e %ou were rai&e) hu3an, 5e2)
al&o hope) %ou2) /e &pare) the tran&ition,9
9:i) %ou (now 3% 3other49
9#ot well, The% weren2t to"ether lon", She )i&appeare) &hortl% a$ter the% &tarte)
&eein" ea+h other /e+au&e &he $oun) out he wa& not a hu3an, She )i)n2t tell hi3 &he
wa& pre"nant* an) it wa&n2t until &he wa& a/out to "ie /irth that &he rea+he) out to
hi3, 6 thin( &he wa& &+are) o$ what &he wa& /rin"in" into the worl), Cn$ortunatel%
&he went into la/or an) wa& ta(en to a hu3an ho&pital /e$ore we +oul) "et to her, .ut
%ou &houl) (now that he loe) her, =er% )eepl%,9
.eth a/&or/e) the in$or3ation* her 3in) &oa(in" it up* $illin" in hole&,
9-% $ather an) 'rath* the% were +lo&e49
The /utler he&itate), 9Eour $ather loe) 'rath, 'e all )o, 5e i& our lor), Our (in",
That i& wh% %our $ather &ent hi3 to %ou, 1n) %ou 3u&tn2t $ear hi3, 5e will not hurt
%ou,9
96 (now that,9
'hen her apart3ent /uil)in" +a3e into iew* &he wi&he) &he ha) 3ore ti3e with the
/utler,
91n) here we are*9 he &ai), 9!leen ei"ht%-ei"ht ?e)) 1enue* apart3ent one-.,
1lthou"h 6 hae to &a%* neither %our $ather nor 6 approe) o$ the $a+t that %ou2re liin"
in a "roun)-$loor unit,9
The +ar +a3e to a &top, She )i)n2t want to "et out,
9-a% 6 a&( %ou 3ore4 <ater49 &he &ai),
9Oh* 3i&tre&&* %e&, Alea&e, There i& &o 3u+h 6 want to tell %ou,9 5e "ot out o$ the +ar*
/ut &he wa& alrea)% &huttin" her )oor /% the ti3e he +a3e aroun) to her,
She thou"ht a/out puttin" out her han) an) than(in" hi3 $or3all%,
6n&tea) &he threw her ar3& aroun) the little ol) 3an an) hu""e) hi3,
1$ter .eth le$t the +ha3/er* 'rath2& thir&t +alle) out $or her an) then &tun" hi3 har)*
a& i$ it (new he wa& the one who ha) &ent her awa%,
5e pulle) up hi& pant& an) )ra""e) hi3&el$ to the phone* +allin" Fritz* then Tohr3ent,
5i& oi+e (ept +ra+(in"* an) he ha) to repeat hi3&el$ to /e un)er&too),
1& &oon a& he hun" up with Tohr* the )r% heae& &tarte), 5e &ta""ere) to the
/athroo3* +allin" out $or -ari&&a with hi& 3in), 5e lur+he) oer the toilet* /ut there
wa& nothin" 3u+h in hi& &to3a+h,
5e2) waite) too lon"* he thou"ht, 6"nore) the &i"nal& hi& /o)% ha) /een "iin" hi3
$or Kuite &o3e ti3e, 1n) then
.eth ha) +o3e alon"* an) hi& internal +he3i&tr% ha) ta(en another &erie& o$ hit&, #o
won)er he wa& +raze),
-ari&&a2& &+ent )ri$te) in $ro3 the +ha3/er,
9-% lor)49 &he +alle) out,
96 nee)89
Beth* he thou"ht* hallu+inatin", 5e &aw her in $ront o$ hi3* hear) her oi+e in hi&
hea), 5e put hi& han) out, Tou+he) nothin",
9-% lor)4 Shall 6 +o3e to %ou49 -ari&&a a&(e) $ro3 the other roo3,
'rath wipe) the &weat $ro3 hi& $a+e an) +a3e out* weain" li(e a )run(, 5e rea+he)
/lin)l% into the air* pit+hin" $orwar),
9'rath@9 -ari&&a ru&he) to hi3,
5e let hi3&el$ $all onto the /e)* ta(in" her )own with hi3, 5er /o)% +a3e up a"ain&t
hi&,
5e $elt .eth2&,
1n) hi& $a+e lan)e) in &heet& that were 3ar(e) with .eth2& &+ent, 1& he too( a )eep
/reath to tr% to &ta/ilize hi3&el$* all he &3elle) wa& .eth,
9-% lor)* %ou nee) to $ee),9 -ari&&a2& oi+e +a3e $ro3 $ar awa%* a& i$ &he were out
in the &tairwa%,
5e loo(e) to the &oun) an) &aw nothin", 5e wa& totall% /lin) now,
-ari&&a2& oi+e "rew +uriou&l% &tron", 9-% lor)* here, Ta(e 3% wri&t, #ow,9
'ar3 &(in wa& in hi& pal3, 5e opene) hi& 3outh* /ut +oul)n2t "et hi& ar3& to wor(
properl%, 5e rea+he) out* tou+he) a &houl)er* a +ollar/one* the +ure o$ a ne+(,
Beth%
The hun"er too( oer* an) he reare) up a+ro&& the $e3ale /o)%, 'ith a roar he &an(
hi& teeth into the &o$t $le&h a/oe an arter%, 5e )ran( )eep an) har)* &eein" i&ion& o$
the )ar(-haire) wo3an who wa& hi&* pi+turin" her "iin" her&el$ to hi3* i3a"inin" it
wa& her in hi& ar3&,
-ari&&a "a&pe),
'rath2& ar3& were nearl% &nappin" her in hal$* hi& 3a&&ie /o)% a +a"e aroun) her&
a& he )ran(, For the $ir&t ti3e &he $elt eer% har) line o$ hi3,
6n+lu)in" what &he realize) 3u&t /e an ere+tion* &o3ethin" &he2) neer /een
an%where near /e$ore,
The po&&i/ilitie& were ex+itin", 1n) terri$%in",
She went li3p an) trie) to /reathe, Thi& wa& what &he2) alwa%& wante) $ro3 hi3*
thou"h hi& pa&&ion wa& &ho+(in", .ut what +oul) &he expe+t4 5e wa& a $ull-/loo)e)
3ale, 1 warrior,
1n) he2) $inall% realize) he nee)e) her,
Sati&$a+tion too( the pla+e o$ an% )i&+o3$ort* an) &he tentatiel% ran her han)& oer
hi& wi)e* /are &houl)er&* a li/ert% &he2) neer ta(en /e$ore, 5e 3a)e a &oun) )eep in
hi& throat* a& i$ he wante) her to )o 3ore, 'ith )eli+iou& plea&ure &he &an( her han)&
into hi& hair, 6t wa& &o &o$t, 'ho +oul) hae "ue&&e)4 Su+h a har) 3ale* /ut oh* how
&o$t the )ar( wae& were, <i(e her &atin )re&&e&,
-ari&&a wante) to &ee into hi& 3in)* an ina&ion &he2) neer ri&(e) $or $ear o$ hi&
ta(in" o$$en&e, .ut now eer%thin" wa& )i$$erent, -a%/e he woul) een (i&& her a$ter
he $ini&he), -a(e loe to her, -a%/e &he +oul) &ta% with hi3 now, She woul) li(e to
lie at :ariu&2& with hi3, Or whereer, 6t )i)n2t 3atter,
She +lo&e) her e%e& an) rea+he) out to hi& thou"ht&,
Onl% to &ee the $e3ale he wa& reall% thin(in" o$, The human $e3ale,
6t wa& a )ar(-haire) /eaut% with her e%e& hal$-+lo&e), She wa& on her /a+(* /rea&t&
expo&e), 5i& $in"er& were +are&&in" her ti"ht* pin( nipple& a& he (i&&e) the &(in o$ her
&to3a+h* 3oin" )ownwar),
-ari&&a )roppe) the i3a"e a& i$ it were /ro(en "la&&,
'rath wa&n2t here with her now, 6t wa&n2t her ne+( he wa& )rin(in" $ro3, 6t wa&n2t her
/o)% he wa& )rawin" har) into hi&,
1n) that ere+tion wa&n2t /e+au&e o$ her,
'a&n2t $or her,
1& he &u+(e) at her ne+(* hi& thi+( ar3& +ru&hin" her a"ain&t hi3* -ari&&a +rie) out at
the un$airne&&,
O$ her hope&, O$ her loe, O$ hi3,
5ow $ittin" that he wa& )rainin" her, 1n) how &he wi&he) he woul) $ini&h the 7o/,
:rin( her )r%, <et her )ie,
6t ha) ta(en her %ear& an) %ear&* aeon&* to realize the truth,
5e neer ha) /een her&, 5e neer woul) /e,
0o)* &he ha) nothin" now that the $anta&% wa& "one,
Chapter Tenty'one
.eth put her pur&e )own on the hall ta/le* &ai) hello to .oo* an) went into the
/athroo3, She e%e) the &hower* /ut )e+i)e) a"ain&t hain" one, !en thou"h her &ti$$
/o)% +oul) hae u&e) &o3e ti3e un)er a hot &pra%* &he loe) the lin"erin" &3ell o$
'rath on her &(in, 6t wa& a won)er$ul* eroti+ per$u3e* a )ar( &pi+e, <i(e nothin"
&he2) eer +o3e a+ro&& /e$ore* nothin" &he +oul) po&&i/l% $or"et,
Turnin" on the &in(* &he +leane) up* exKui&itel% &en&itie an) 3ore than a little ten)er
/etween her le"&, #ot that &he +are) a/out the a+he, 'rath +oul) )o that to her
an%ti3e he wante),
5e wa&8
#o wor)& +a3e to 3in), >u&t an i3a"e o$ hi3 relea&in" into her* hi& 3a&&ie* &weat-
+oere) &houl)er& an) +he&t &eizin" up a& he "ae hi3&el$ to her, 1& he /ran)e) her
a& hi&,
'hi+h wa& what it ha) &ee3e) li(e, She $elt a& thou"h &he2) /een )o3inate) an)
i3printe) /% a 3an, Ta(en,
1n) &he wante) that a"ain, 'ante) hi3 now,
.ut &he &hoo( her hea)* thin(in" that the unprote+te) &ex ha) to &top, .a) enou"h it
ha) /een twi+e, #ext ti3e the% were "oin" to /e &a$e,
On her wa% out o$ the /ath* &he +au"ht her re$le+tion in the 3irror an) &toppe)
3oin", She /ent at the wai&t* /rin"in" her $a+e +lo&er to the "la&&,
She &till loo(e) exa+tl% a& &he ha) thi& 3ornin", .ut &he $elt li(e a &tran"er,
Openin" her 3outh* &he exa3ine) her teeth, 'hen &he pro/e) the two +anine& in
$ront* &ure enou"h* the% were &ore,
:ear 0o)* who wa& &he4 What wa& &he4
She thou"ht a/out 'rath* a$ter the%2) /een to"ether, Au&hin" hi3&el$ awa% $ro3 her*
hi& hal$-na(e) /o)% &trainin"* hi& 3u&+le& loo(in" a& i$ the% were "oin" to /rea(
throu"h hi& &(in, 'hen he2) /are) hi& teeth* hi& $an"& ha) /een lon"er than when
&he2) $ir&t &een the3, 1& i$ the%2) "rown,
5i& /eauti$ul $a+e ha) /een +ontorte) with a"on%,
'a& that what &he wa& in $or4
1 rappin" noi&e +a3e $ro3 the other roo3* a& thou"h &o3eone wa& (no+(in" on a
win)ow, She hear) .oo 3eow in wel+o3e,
.eth put her hea) +autiou&l% aroun) the )oor7a3/,
There wa& &o3eone at the &li)er, So3eone /i",
9'rath49 She ru&he) oer an) opene) the )oor /e$ore &he reall% loo(e),
'hen &he &aw what wa& on the other &i)e* &he wi&he) &he2) +he+(e) 3ore +are$ull%
$ir&t,
6t wa&n2t 'rath* althou"h the 3an loo(e) a little li(e hi3, .la+( hair wa& +ut &hort,
5ar&h $a+e, 6nten&e )ar( /lue e%e&, 1 whole lot o$ leather,
5i& no&tril& $lare) an) he $rowne)* &tarin" at her har), .ut then he &ee3e) to +at+h
hi3&el$,
9.eth49 5i& oi+e wa& )eep* /ut $rien)l%, 1n) a& the 3an &3ile)* $an"& were
reeale),
She )i)n2t een 7u3p,
:a3n* &he wa& "ettin" u&e) to the weir)ne&& alrea)%,
9623 Tohr3ent* a $rien) o$ 'rath2&,9 The "u% &tu+( hi& han) out, 9Eou +an +all 3e
Tohr,9
She &hoo( it* not &ure what to &a%,
9623 here to han" $or a while, 62ll 7u&t /e out&i)e i$ %ou nee) an%thin",9
The 3an8 a3pire;&hit* whateer he wa&;turne) awa% an) hea)e) $or the pi+ni+
ta/le,
9'ait*9 &he &ai), 9'h% )on2t %ou8 Alea&e +o3e in,9
5e &hru""e), 9O(a%,9
1& he &teppe) throu"h the )oor* .oo 3eowe) lou)l% an) pawe) at the 3an2&
&hit(i+(er&, The two "reete) ea+h other li(e lon"-lo&t $rien)&* an) when the a3pire
&trai"htene)* hi& leather 7a+(et $ell open, :a""er&, >u&t li(e 'rath2&, 1n) &he ha) a
$eelin" that the (in) o$ weapon& .ut+h ha) peele) o$$ 'rath were hi)in" in thi& 3an2&
po+(et&* too,
9'oul) %ou li(e &o3ethin" to )rin(49 She win+e), Not "lood% )lease dont say "lood,
5e "rinne) at her* a& i$ he (new what &he wa& thin(in", 9Eou "ot an% /eer49
.eer4 5e )ran( /eer4
91h* %eah, 1+tuall%* 6 thin( 6 )o,9 She )i&appeare) into the (it+hen, .rou"ht /a+( two
Sa3 1)a3&e&, She nee)e) a /elt ri"ht a/out now* too,
1$ter all* &he wa& pla%in" ho&te&& to a a3pire, 5er $ather ha) /een a a3pire,
5er loer was a a3pire,
She tilte) the /eer /a+( an) )ran( har),
Tohr3ent lau"he) &o$tl%, 9<on" ni"ht49
9Eou hae no i)ea*9 &he replie)* wipin" her 3outh,
9Oh* 6 3i"ht,9 The a3pire &at )own in her win" +hair* hi& /i" /o)% oer$lowin" the
ar3& an) )war$in" the hi"h /a+(, 9623 "la) 6 $inall% 3et %ou, Eour $ather tal(e) a/out
%ou a lot,9
95e )i)49
95e wa& &o )a3n prou) o$ %ou, 1n) %ou2e "ot to (now;he &ta%e) awa% to prote+t
%ou* not /e+au&e he )i)n2t loe %ou,9
9That2& what Fritz &ai), 'rath* too,9
95ow2re %ou "ettin" alon" with hi349
9'rath49
9Eeah,9
She $elt a /lu&h hit her +hee(& an) hea)e) to the (it+hen &o he )i)n2t +at+h her
rea+tion, She "ra//e) a /a" o$ +oo(ie& $ro3 the top o$ the $ri)"e an) put &o3e on a
plate,
95e2&8 he2&8 5ow )o 6 put it49 She trie) to thin( o$ a "oo) an&wer,
91+tuall%* 6 thin( 6 (now,9
She +a3e /a+( an) hel) out the plate, 9'oul) %ou li(e &o3e49
9Oat3eal rai&in*9 he &ai)* ta(in" three, 9-% $aorite,9
9Eou (now* 6 thou"ht a3pire& onl% )ran( /loo),9
9#ah, #e+e&&ar% nutrient& in it, /ut we nee) $oo)* too,9
95ow a/out "arli+49
9.rin" it on,9 5e leane) /a+( in the +hair* 3un+hin" happil%, 96 loe the &tu$$ roa&te)
with a little olie oil,9
'ee/, The "u% wa& al3o&t ea&%"oin"* &he thou"ht,
#o* that wa&n2t ri"ht, 5i& &harp e%e& (ept &+annin" the win)ow& an) the "la&& )oor* a&
i$ he were 3onitorin" the peripher%, She (new without a )ou/t that i$ he )i)n2t li(e
&o3ethin" he &aw* he wa& "oin" to /e out o$ that +hair in a heart/eat, 1n) it woul)n2t
/e to +he+( lo+(&, 6t2) /e to atta+(,
5e put another +oo(ie in hi& 3outh,
.ut at lea&t he wa& relaxin" to /e aroun), ?elatiel% &pea(in",
9Eou2re not li(e 'rath*9 &he /lurte),
9#o one2& li(e 'rath,9
9Eeah,9 She /it into her own +oo(ie an) &at )own on the $uton,
95e2& a $or+e o$ nature*9 Tohr &ai)* tiltin" /a+( hi& /eer, 91n) he2& )ea)l%* no
3i&ta(in" that, .ut there2& no one who will ta(e /etter +are o$ %ou* a&&u3in" he
+hoo&e& to )o &o, 'hi+h he ha& with %ou,9
95ow )o %ou (now49 &he whi&pere)* won)erin" what 'rath ha) tol) hi3,
Tohr +leare) hi& throat* a $lu&h hittin" hi& +hee(&, 95e2& 3ar(e) %ou,9
She $rowne)* loo(in" )own at her&el$,
96 +an &3ell it*9 Tohr &ai), 9The warnin"2& all oer %ou,9
9'arnin"49
91& i$ %ou were hi& shellan,9
95i& what49
95i& 3ate, That &+ent on %our &(in &en)& a power$ul 3e&&a"e to other 3ale&,9
So &he2) /een ri"ht, 1/out the &ex the%2) ha) an) what it 3eant,
That really shouldnt please me as much as it does* &he thou"ht,
9Eou )on2t 3in) it* )o %ou49 Tohr &ai), 9.ein" hi&,9
She )i)n2t want to an&wer that, On one leel &he wante) to /e 'rath2&, On another*
&he $elt 3u+h &a$er /ein" a& &he ha) alwa%& /een, On her own,
9:o %ou hae one49 &he a&(e), 91 3ate49
The a3pire2& $a+e lit with )eotion, 95er na3e2& 'ell&ie, 'e were pro3i&e) to ea+h
other /e$ore our tran&ition&, 6t wa& )u3/ lu+( that we $ell in loe, Truth i&* i$ 62) 3et
her on the &treet* 6 woul) hae +ho&en her, 5ow2& that $or $ate49
9O++a&ionall% it wor(& $or u&*9 &he 3ur3ure),
9Eeah, So3e 3ale& ta(e 3ore than one shellan* /ut 6 +an2t i3a"ine eer /ein" with
another $e3ale, 'hi+h i& ei)entl% wh% 'rath +alle) 3e,9
She +o+(e) an e%e/row at hi3, 9Sorr%49
9The other /rother&* the% hae $e3ale& the% )rin( $ro3* /ut the% )on2t hae an%
e3otional tie&, There2) /e nothin" to preent the3;9 5e &toppe) an) /it into another
+oo(ie, 9'ell* "ien that %ou2re89
9623 what49 She $elt a& thou"h &he har)l% (new her&el$, 1n) &he wa& willin" to een
ta(e hint& $ro3 &tran"er& at thi& point,
9.eauti$ul, 'rath woul)n2t hae wante) to put %ou in an% o$ the other&2 +are* /e+au&e
i$ the%2) /een te3pte) to 3a(e a 3oe on %ou* there woul) /e &eriou& trou/le,9 Tohr
&hru""e), 9'ell* an) a +ouple o$ the /rother& are 7u&t $lat-out )an"erou&, Eou
woul)n2t want to leae an% $e3ale alone with the3* at lea&t not one %ou +are) a/out,9
She wa&n2t &ure &he wante) to 3eet an% o$ the /rother&,
Wait a minute* &he thou"ht,
9:oe& 'rath hae a shellan alrea)%49 &he a&(e),
Tohr $ini&he) hi& /eer, 96 thin( %ou2) /etter tal( to hi3 a/out that,9
'hi+h wa& not a no,
1 &i+( $eelin" o$ )i&appoint3ent &et up &hop in the 3i))le o$ her +he&t* an) &he went
/a+( into the (it+hen,
Damn, She wa& "ettin" e3otional oer 'rath, The%2) ha) &ex twi+e* an) alrea)% her
hea) wa& a 3e&&,
This one is going to hurt* &he thou"ht a& &he +ra+(e) open another /eer, 'hen thin"&
went &our /etween the3* it wa& "oin" to hurt li(e hell,
#otwith&tan)in" the whole turnin"-into-a-a3pire thin",
#h$ 7od%
9-ore 3un+hie&49 &he +alle) out,
9That woul) /e "reat,9
9.eer49
9#aw, 623 "oo),9
She /rou"ht the /a" in $ro3 the (it+hen* an) the% were &ilent a& the% poli&he) o$$ the
+oo(ie&, !en the /ro(en one& at the /otto3,
9Eou "ot an%thin" el&e aroun) here to eat49 he a&(e),
She &too)* $eelin" pe+(i&h her&el$, 962ll &ee what 6 +an )i" up,9
9Eou hae +a/le49 5e no))e) towar) her T=,
She to&&e) hi3 the +li+(er, 9Sure )o, 1n) i$ 6 re3e3/er* there2& a 0o)zilla 3arathon
on T.S toni"ht,9
9!weet*9 the a3pire &ai)* (i+(in" hi& le"& out, 96 alwa%& root $or the 3on&ter,9
She &3ile) at hi3, 9-e* too,9
Chapter Tenty'to
.ut+h wo(e up /e+au&e &o3eone wa& )riin" a "utter &pi(e into hi& hea),
5e +ra+(e) open one e%e,
#o* that wa& the phone rin"in",
5e pi+(e) up the re+eier an) put it in the i+init% o$ hi& ear, 9Eeah49
90oo) 3ornin"* &un&hine,9 >o&e2& oi+e /rou"ht /a+( the &pi(e,
9Ti3e49 he +roa(e),
9!leen o2+lo+(, Thou"ht %ou2) want to (now that .eth 7u&t +alle) here loo(in" $or
%ou, She &oun)e) o(a%,9
.ut+h2& /o)% went li3p with relie$, 90u%49
9:i)n2t 3ention hi3, .ut &he )i) &a% &he wante) to tal( with %ou &o3eti3e to)a%, 6
+an+ele) the 1A. on her /e+au&e &he wa& +allin" $ro3 ho3e,9
.ut+h &at up,
1n) then la% ri"ht /a+( )own,
5e wa&n2t "oin" an%where $or a while,
9#ot $eelin" too "oo)*9 he 3uttere),
96 $i"ure) that, 'hi+h i& wh% 6 tol) her %ou2) /e tie) up until thi& a$ternoon, >u&t &o
%ou (now* 6 le$t %our pla+e at &een thi& 3ornin",9
Ah$ &hrist%
.ut+h trie) the whole erti+al thin" a"ain* $or+in" hi3&el$ to &ta% upri"ht, The roo3
&wa3, 5e wa& &till )run( a& &hit, 1n) he ha) a han"oer,
Tal( a/out 3ultita&(in",
9Coinin" in now,9
96 woul)n2t )o that, The +aptain2& "unnin" $or %our a&&, 6nternal 1$$air& &howe) up
here a&(in" a/out %ou an) .ill% ?i))le,9
9?i))le4 'h%49
9Co3e on* :ete+tie,9
Eeah* he (new wh%,
9<i&ten* %ou2re in no +on)ition to run into the +aptain,9 >o&h2& oi+e wa& een*
pra"3ati+, 9Eou nee) to &o/er up, 0et %our &hit to"ether, Co3e in later, 62ll +oer $or
%ou,9
9Than(&,9
91n) 6 le$t the a&pirin next to the phone with a tall "la&& o$ water, Fi"ure) %ou weren2t
"oin" to /e a/le to 3a(e it to the +o$$eepot, Ta(e three* turn %our rin"er o$$* an)
&leep, 6$ an%thin" ex+itin" happen&* 62ll +o3e an) "et %ou,9
96 loe %ou* hone%,9
9So /u% 3e a 3in( an) a ni+e pair o$ earrin"& $or our annier&ar%,9
9Eou "ot it,9
5e hun" up the phone a$ter two trie& an) +lo&e) hi& e%e&, >u&t a little 3ore &leep, 1n)
then he 3i"ht $eel li(e a hu3an a"ain,
.eth &+ri//le) her la&t e)it on a pie+e a/out a ra&h o$ i)entit% the$t&, The arti+le
loo(e) li(e it wa& /lee)in"* it ha) &o 3an% +orre+tion& an) &he &aw a tren) &ettin" in,
:i+(2& /i" /o%& were "ettin" &loppier an) &loppier a& the% relie) on her, 1n) it wa&n2t
7u&t /a+("roun) 3i&ta(e&L now the% were 3a(in" "ra33ati+al an) &tru+tural error&,
1& i$ the%2) neer hear) o$ the &hicago 2anual of !tyle,
She )i)n2t 3in) line e)itin" when &he wa& +olla/oratin", 1& lon" a& the per&on who2)
)ra$te) the arti+le ha) )one een a 3o)e&t a3ount o$ proo$rea)in",
.eth put the arti+le in her out /ox an) $o+u&e) on her +o3puter &+reen, She +alle) up
a $ile &he2) /een in an) out o$ all )a% lon",
O(a%* what el&e )i) &he want to (now4
She reiewe) her li&t o$ Kue&tion&,
Will I "e a"le to go outside during the day5 .ow often will I ha*e to feed5 .ow long
will I li*e5
5er $in"er& $lew oer the (e%/oar),
Who are you fighting5
1n) then* Do you ha*e a,
'hat wa& that wor)4 !hellan4
She t%pe) wife in&tea),
0o)* &he +rin"e) at what 'rath2& an&wer 3i"ht /e, 1n) een i$ he )i)n2t hae one*
who )i) he $ee) $ro34
1n) what woul) that $eel li(e4 To hae hi3 unlea&h hi& hun"er on her4
She (new in&tin+tiel% it woul) /e the &a3e a& the &ex, 5al$-&aa"e, 1ll-+on&u3in",
Aro/a/l% leain" her /rui&e) an) wea(,
1& well a& in a &tate o$ total /li&&,
95ar) at wor(* ?an)all49 :i+( )rawle),
She +han"e) &+reen& &o her e-3ail a++ount &howe), 91lwa%&,9
9Eou (now* 6 hear) a ru3or a/out %ou,9
9?eall%49
9Eeah, 5ear) %ou went out with that ho3i+i)e )ete+tie* O2#eal, Twi+e,9
9So49
:i+( leane) oer her )e&(, She wa& wearin" a loo&e +rew-ne+( &hirt* &o there wa&
little $or hi3 to &ee, 5e &trai"htene),
9So "oo) 7o/, 'or( a little 3a"i+ on hi3, See what %ou +an "et, 'e +oul) )o a +oer
&tor% on poli+e /rutalit% with hi3 a& the po&ter +hil), Jeep thi& up* ?an)all* an) 6
3i"ht /e per&ua)e) to pro3ote %ou,9
:i+( &auntere) o$$* o/iou&l% en7o%in" hi& role a& )i&pen&er o$ patrona"e,
What an ass%
5er phone ran"* an) &he /ar(e) her na3e into the re+eier,
There wa& a pau&e, 9-i&tre&&4 1re %ou all ri"ht49
The /utler,
9Sorr%;an) %e&* 623 $ine,9 She put her hea) )own on her $ree han), 1$ter )ealin"
with the li(e& o$ 'rath an) Tohr* :i+(2& pa&t% er&ion o$ 3ale arro"an+e &ee3e)
a/&ur),
96$ there2& an%thin" 6 +an )o89
9#o* no* 623 o(a%,9 She lau"he), 96t2& nothin" 6 haen2t )ealt with /e$ore,9
9'ell* 6 pro/a/l% &houl)n2t /e +allin"9;Fritz2& oi+e )roppe) to a whi&per;9/ut 6
)i)n2t want %ou to /e unprepare), -a&ter ha& reKue&te) a &pe+ial )inner toni"ht, For
%ou an) he* alone, 6 thou"ht perhap& 6 woul) pi+( %ou up an) we woul) $in) %ou a
)re&&,9
91 )re&&49
For a )ate (in) o$ thin" with 'rath4
The i)ea &tru+( her a& a terri$i+ one* /ut then &he re3in)e) her&el$ to /e +are$ul a/out
rea)in" ro3an+e into thin"&, She )i)n2t reall% (now the la% o$ the lan)&+ape,
Or who el&e he wa& la%in"* a& it were,
9-i&tre&&* 6 (now thi& i& pre&u3ptuou& o$ 3e, 5e2& "oin" to +all %ou hi3&el$;9
1t that 3o3ent the &e+on) line on her phone &tarte) to rin",
96 7u&t wante) %ou to /e rea)% $or toni"ht,9
Caller 6: $la&he) the nu3/er 'rath ha) 3a)e her 3e3orize, She "rinne) li(e an
i)iot,
96 woul) loe to "et a )re&&, 6 woul) a/&olutel% loe to,9
90oo), 'e &hall "o to the 0alleria, The% hae a .roo(& .rother& there a& well,
-a&ter ha& put in a reKue&t $or +lothin", 6 /eliee he want& to loo( hi& /e&t $or %ou a&
well,9
1& &he hun" up* that &tupi) &3ile &tu+( to her $a+e li(e "lue,
'rath le$t a 3e&&a"e on .eth2& oi+e 3ail an) rolle) oer in /e)* rea+hin" out $or the
/raille +lo+(, Three in the a$ternoon, 5e2) &lept $or a/out &ix hour&* whi+h wa& 3ore
than u&ual* /ut what hi& /o)% t%pi+all% nee)e) a$ter a $ee)in",
0o)* he wi&he) &he were with hi3,
Tohr ha) +alle) at )awn with a report, The two o$ the3 ha) &ta%e) up all ni"ht
wat+hin" 0o)zilla 3oie&* an) /% the &oun) o$ the 3ale2& oi+e* he wa& hal$ in loe
with her,
'hi+h 'rath &i3ultaneou&l% un)er&too) an) re&ente) the hell out o$,
.ut 3an* he2) 3a)e the ri"ht +all &en)in" Tohr oer, ?ha"e )e$initel% woul) hae
+o3e on to her* an) then 'rath woul) hae ha) to /rea( &o3ethin" o$ the /rother2&,
1n ar3* 3a%/e a le", -a%/e /oth, 1n) =i&hou&* while he )i)n2t hae 5oll%woo)2&
outra"eou& "oo) loo(&* ha) plent% o$ pi3p 7ui+e, Ahur%2& ow o$ +eli/a+% wa& &tron"*
/ut wh% put hi3 in the path o$ te3ptation4
F&a)i&t4
5e ha)n2t een +on&i)ere) that option, The &+ar )own that /rother2& $a+e woul) hae
&+are) the &hit out o$ her, 5ell* een 'rath +oul) &ee the )a3n thin", 1n) 3ortal
terror in a $e3ale wa& F2& $aorite turn-on, 5e "ot o$$ on it li(e 3o&t 3ale& $aore)
+rap $ro3 =i+toria2& Se+ret,
#o* Tohr woul) /e on &entr% )ut% i$ the nee) eer aro&e a"ain,
'rath &tret+he), Feelin" the &atin &heet& a"ain&t hi& na(e) &(in 3a)e hi3 %earn $or
.eth, #ow that he2) $e)* hi& /o)% $elt &tron"er than eer* a& thou"h hi& /one& were
&ha$t& o$ +ar/on an) hi& 3u&+le& were &teel +a/le&, 5e wa& /a+( to hi3&el$ a"ain* an)
the whole lot o$ hi3 wa& it+hin" to /e u&e) har),
!x+ept he /itterl% re"rette) what ha) happene) with -ari&&a,
5e thou"ht /a+( to the ni"ht, 1& &oon a& he2) li$te) hi& hea) $ro3 her ne+(* he (new
he2) nearl% (ille) her, 1n) not $ro3 )rin(in" too 3u+h,
She2) pu&he) her&el$ awa%* her /o)% &ha(in" $ro3 3i&er% a& &he2) $loun)ere) o$$ the
/e),
9-ari&&a;9
9-% lor)* 6 relea&e %ou, Fro3 the +oenant, Eou are $ree o$ 3e,9
5e2) +ur&e)* $eelin" li(e hell $or what he2) )one to her,
96 )on2t un)er&tan) %our an"er*9 &he2) &ai) wea(l%, 9Thi& i& what %ou hae alwa%&
wante)* an) 6 "rant it to %ou now,9
96 neer wante);9
9-e*9 &he2) whi&pere), 96 (now,9
9-ari&&a;9
9Alea&e )on2t &a% the wor)&, 6 +oul)n2t /ear to hear the truth $ro3 %our lip&* een
thou"h 6 (now it well, Eou hae alwa%& /een a&ha3e) to /e tie) to 3e,9
9'hat the hell are %ou tal(in" a/out49
96 )i&"u&t %ou,9
9What59
9:o %ou thin( 6 haen2t noti+e)4 Eou +an2t wait to /e $ree o$ 3e, 6 )rin( an) then %ou
/olt up* a& i$ %ou2e ha) to $or+e %our&el$ to en)ure 3% pre&en+e,9 She2) &tarte) to &o/
then, 962e alwa%& trie) to /e +lean when 6 +o3e to %ou, 6 &pen) hour& &oa(in" in the
tu/* wa&hin" 3%&el$, .ut 6 +annot $in) the )irt that %ou &ee,9
9-ari&&a* &top, >u&t &top, 6t i&n2t a/out %ou,9
9Ee&* 6 (now, 6 &aw the $e3ale, 6n %our 3in),9 She2) let out a &hu))er,
9623 &orr%*9 he2) &ai), 91n) %ou hae neer )i&"u&te) 3e, Eou2re /eauti$ul;9
9:on2t &a% that, #ot now,9 -ari&&a2& oi+e ha) har)ene) then, 96$ an%thin"* 7u&t /e
&orr% that it too( thi& lon" $or 3e to &ee what ha& alwa%& /een true,9
96 will &till prote+t %ou*9 he2) owe),
9#o* %ou won2t, 623 no lon"er %our +on+ern, #ot that 62e eer /een,9
1n) then &he2) le$t* the $re&h &+ent o$ the o+ean lin"erin" a 3o3ent /e$ore
)i&&ipatin",
'rath ru//e) hi& e%e&, 5e wa& )eter3ine) to 3a(e it up to her &o3ehow, 5e wa&n2t
&ure exa+tl% how he2) pull that o$$* +on&i)erin" the hell &he2) /een put throu"h, .ut he
wa&n2t prepare) to hae her )ri$t o$$ into the ether thin(in" that &he2) /een utterl%
nothin" to hi3, Or that he2) $oun) her in &o3e wa% un+lean,
5e2) neer loe) her* true, .ut he ha)n2t wante) to hurt her* whi+h wa& wh% he2) tol)
her to leae hi3 &o o$ten, 6$ &he pulle) out* i$ &he 3a)e it +lear &he )i)n2t want hi3*
&he woul) &till /e a/le to hol) her hea) up in the +att% ari&to+rati+ +ir+le &he wa& $ro3,
6n her +la&&* a shellan who wa& re7e+te) /% her 3ate wa& per+eie) a& )a3a"e) "oo)&,
#ow that &he ha) le$t hi3* &he2) /e &pare) an% i"no3in%, 1n) he ha) a $eelin" that
when wor) "ot out* no one woul) /e &urpri&e),
Funn%* he2) neer reall% +on&i)ere) how he an) -ari&&a woul) part* perhap& /e+au&e
a$ter all the&e +enturie&* he2) a&&u3e) the% neer woul), .ut he2) +ertainl% neer
expe+te) it to /e /e+au&e he wa& $or3in" &o3e (in) o$ atta+h3ent to another $e3ale,
1n) that wa& what wa& happenin", 'ith .eth, 1$ter 3ar(in" her la&t ni"ht a& he ha)*
he +oul)n2t preten) he wa&n2t "ettin" e3otionall% tie) to her,
5e +ur&e) out lou)* (nowin" enou"h a/out 3ale a3pire /ehaior an) p&%+holo"% to
realize he wa& in trou/le, 5ell* the% were /oth in trou/le now,
1 /on)e) 3ale wa& a )an"erou& thin",
!&pe+iall% when he wa& "oin" to hae to leae hi& $e3ale,
1n) "ie her into the (eepin" o$ another,
Tr%in" to pu&h the i3pli+ation& out o$ hi& 3in)* 'rath rea+he) $or the phone an)
)iale) up&tair&* thin(in" he nee)e) &o3ethin" to eat, 'hen there wa& no an&wer* he
a&&u3e) Fritz 3u&t hae "one to the &tore to /u% $oo),
0oo) thin", 'rath ha) a&(e) the /rother& to +o3e later in the eenin"* an) the% li(e)
to eat /i", 6t wa& ti3e to re+on-noiter* +at+h up with their ine&ti"ation&,
The nee) to aen"e :ariu& /urne),
1n) the +lo&er 'rath "ot to .eth* the hotter the $ire,
Chapter Tenty'three
.ut+h wal(e) out o$ the +aptain2& o$$i+e, 5i& hol&ter $elt too li"ht without hi& "un in it,
'allet wa& too $lat without hi& /a)"e, 6t wa& li(e /ein" na(e),
9'hat happene)49 >o&e a&(e),
9623 ta(in" a a+ation,9
9'hat the hell )oe& that 3ean49
.ut+h &tarte) )own the hall, 9:i) the #EA: hae an%thin" on that &u&pe+t49
>o&e "ra//e) hi& ar3 an) pulle) hi3 into an interro"ation roo3, 9'hat happene)49
9623 &u&pen)e) without pa%* pen)in" the +on+lu&ion o$ an internal ine&ti"ation,
'hi+h we /oth (now i& "oin" to $in) that 6 a+te) with inappropriate $or+e,9
>o&e /urie) a han) in hi& hair, 96 tol) %ou to /a+( o$$ tho&e &u&pe+t&* 3an,9
9That ?i))le "u% )e&ere) wor&e,9
9#ot the point,9
9Funn%* that2& what the +aptain &ai),9
.ut+h wal(e) oer to the two-wa% 3irror an) loo(e) at hi3&el$, 0o)* he wa& "ettin"
ol), Or 3a%/e he wa& 7u&t tire) o$ the onl% 7o/ he2) eer wante) to )o,
Aoli+e /rutalit%, S+rew that, 5e wa& a prote+tor o$ the inno+ent* not &o3e &el$-
i3pre&&e) &(ull-+ra+(er who "ot o$$ on /ein" a tou"h "u%, The trou/le wa&* there
were 7u&t too 3an% rule& $aorin" +ri3inal&, The i+ti3& who&e lie& were &hattere)
/% iolen+e &houl) /e hal$ &o lu+(%,
96 )on2t /elon" here an%wa%*9 he &ai) &o$tl%,
9'hat49
There wa& 7u&t no pla+e $or 3en li(e hi3 in the worl) an%3ore* he thou"ht,
.ut+h turne) aroun), 9So, The #EA:, 'hat )i) we $in) out49
>o&e &tare) at hi3 $or a lon" ti3e, 9Su&pen)e) $ro3 the $or+e* huh49
91t lea&t until the% o$$i+iall% +an 3e,9
>o&e put hi& han)& on hi& hip& an) loo(e) )own* &ha(in" hi& hea) a& i$ he were
re3on&tratin" with hi& &hoe&, .ut he an&were),
9Nada, 6t2& li(e he +a3e out o$ nowhere,9
.ut+h +ur&e), 9Tho&e &tar&, 6 (now %ou +an "et the3 on the 'e/* /ut the% +an /e
/ou"ht lo+all%* ri"ht49
9Eeah* throu"h 3artial-art& a+a)e3ie&,9
9'e2e "ot a +ouple o$ tho&e in town,9
>o&e no))e) &lowl%,
.ut+h too( hi& (e%& out o$ hi& po+(et, 962ll &ee %a,9
95ol) up;we alrea)% &ent &o3eone out to a&( aroun), .oth a+a)e3ie& &ai) the%
)on2t re3e3/er an%one /u%in" the3 who $it the &u&pe+t2& )e&+ription,9
9Than(& $or the tip,9 .ut+h &tarte) $or the )oor,
9:ete+tie, Eo* #Neal,9 >o&e "ra//e) .ut+h2& $orear3, 9:a3n it* will %ou &top $or a
3inute49
.ut+h "lare) oer hi& &houl)er, 96& thi& where %ou warn 3e to &ta% out o$ poli+e
/u&ine&&4 2Cau&e %ou 3i"ht a& well &ae the &pee+h,9
9Chri&t* .ut+h* 623 not %our ene3%,9 >o&e2& )ar( /rown e%e& were penetratin", 9The
/o%& an) 6 are /ehin) %ou, 1& $ar a& we2re +on+erne)* %ou )o what %ou nee) to )o*
an) %ou2e neer /een wron", 1n%one %ou2e (no+(e) aroun) ha& )e&ere) it, .ut
3a%/e %ou2e 7u&t /een lu+(%* %ou (now4 'hat i$ %ou2) hurt &o3eone who wa&n2t;9
9Cut the prea+her routine, 623 not intere&te),9 5e +la3pe) hi& han) on the )oor(no/,
>o&e &Kueeze) har), 9Eou2re o$$ the $or+e* O2#eal, 1n) "oin" hal$-+o+(e) into an
ine&ti"ation %ou2e /een re3oe) $ro3 won2t /rin" >anie /a+(,9
.ut+h expelle) hi& /reath li(e he2) /een pun+he), 9Eou want to (i+( 3e in the nut&
now* too49
>o&e re3oe) hi& han)* loo(in" a& i$ he were throwin" in the towel, 9623 &orr%, .ut
%ou "otta (now that "ettin" )eeper in the wee)& i& onl% "oin" to &+rew %ou, 6t2& not
"oin" to help %our &i&ter, 6t2& neer helpe) her,9
.ut+h &lowl% &hoo( hi& hea), 9Shit, 6 (now that,9
9Eou &ure49
Eeah* he wa&, 5e2) reall% li(e) hurtin" .ill% ?i))le* an) that wa& a/out en"ean+e
$or what ha) /een )one to .eth, 6t ha) nothin" to )o with /rin"in" hi& &i&ter /a+( to
li$e, >anie wa& "one, 1n) &he2) /een "one $or a lon"* lon" ti3e,
Still* >o&h2& &a) e%e& 3a)e hi3 $eel li(e he ha) a ter3inal illne&&,
96t2& "onna /e $ine*9 he $oun) hi3&el$ &a%in", 1lthou"h he )i)n2t reall% /eliee it,
9>u&t )on2t8 )on2t pu&h %our lu+( out there* :ete+tie,9
.ut+h threw open the )oor, 9Au&hin"2& all 6 (now how to )o* >o&e,9
-r, O leane) /a+( in hi& o$$i+e +hair* thin(in" a/out the ni"ht ahea), 5e wa& rea)% to
tr% a"ain* een thou"h the )owntown area wa& hot ri"ht now* what with the +ar
/o3/in" an) the )i&+oer% o$ the whore2& /o)%, Trollin" $or a3pire& in the i+init%
o$ S+rea3er2& wa& "oin" to /e ri&(%* /ut the ri&( o$ /ein" +au"ht a))e) to the
+hallen"e,
!en 3ore to the point* howeer* i$ %ou wante) to +at+h a &har(* %ou )i)n2t $i&h in
$re&hwater, 5e ha) to "o to where the a3pire& were,
1nti+ipation &hot throu"h hi3,
5e2) /een /ru&hin" up on hi& torture te+hniKue&, 1n) thi& 3ornin"* /e$ore leain" $or
the a+a)e3%* he2) i&ite) the wor(&pa+e he2) &et up in hi& /arn, 5i& tool& were
"athere) an) "lea3in"G a )enti&t2& )rill &etL (nie& o$ ariou& &ize&L a /all-peen
ha33er an) a +hi&elL a Sawzall,
1 3elon /ailer, For the e%e&,
The tri+( wa&* o$ +our&e* wal(in" that $ine line /etween pain an) )eath, Aain %ou
+oul) &tret+h out $or hour&* )a%&, :eath wa& the ulti3ate o$$ &wit+h,
There wa& a (no+( at the )oor,
9!nter*9 he &ai),
6t wa& the re+eptioni&t* the 7a+(e) wo3an who ha) ar3& /i" a& a 3an2& an) no /rea&t&
to &pea( o$, 5er +ontra)i+tion& neer +ea&e) to a3aze hi3, 6n &pite o$ the $a+t that a
ra"in" +a&e o$ peni& en% +au&e) her to ta(e &teroi)& an) pu3p iron li(e a "orilla* &he
in&i&te) on wearin" 3a(eup, 1n) )oin" her hair, 6n her +roppe) T-&hirt an) le""in"&*
&he loo(e) li(e a /a) )ra" Kueen,
She )i&"u&te) hi3,
You should always know who you are* he thou"ht, And who you arent,
91 "u%2& here to &pea( with %ou,9 5er oi+e wa& a/out an o+tae an) a hal$ too low,
9O2#eal* 6 thin( that2& the na3e, 1+t& li(e a +op* /ut )i)n2t pop a /a)"e,9
9Tell hi3 62ll /e ri"ht out,9 You freak of nature* he a))e) to hi3&el$,
Still* -r, O ha) to lau"h a& the )oor &hut /ehin) her, 5i3, 'hateer,
5ere he wa&* a 3an with no &oul who (ille) a3pire&* an) he wa& +allin" her a $rea(4
Eeah* well* at lea&t he ha) a purpo&e, 1n) a plan,
She wa& 7u&t "oin" to 0ol)2& 0%3 a"ain toni"ht, ?i"ht a$ter &he "ot ri) o$ her $ie-
o2+lo+( &ha)ow,
6t wa& a little /e$ore &ix when .ut+h pulle) the un3ar(e) up in $ront o$ .eth2&
/uil)in", 5e2) hae to return the ehi+le eentuall%* /ut &u&pen)e) wa&n2t $ire), The
+aptain wa& "oin" to hae to a&( $or the )a3n +ar /a+(,
5e2) "one to /oth 3artial-art& a+a)e3ie& an) tal(e) with the )ire+tor&, One "u% ha)
/een o/noxiou&, Eour t%pi+al a&&-(i&&-+rain"* &el$-)e$en&e lunati+ who2) +onin+e)
hi3&el$ he wa& a+tuall% 1&ian, 6n &pite o$ the $a+t that he wa& a& white a& .ut+h wa&,
The other 3an ha) /een 7u&t plain weir), 5e2) loo(e) li(e a 1950& 3il(3an* with
/lon) hair that ha) o/iou&l% /een hit with &o3e po3a)e an) a /ri"ht* anno%in"
&3ile that ha) 3i&&e) it& Aep&o)ent a) /% nearl% hal$ a +entur%, The "u% ha) /ent
oer to /e help$ul* /ut &o3ethin" wa& o$$, .ut+h2& /ull&hit )ete+tor ha) &pi(e) a
&eriou& woo)% the 3inute -r, -a%-/err% ha) opene) hi& 3outh,
1n) the "u% ha) &3elle) li(e a &i&&%* /e&i)e&,
.ut+h leape) up .eth2& $ront &tep& an) ran" her /uzzer,
5e2) le$t her a oi+e 3ail at wor( an) at ho3e tellin" her he wa& +o3in" oer, 5e wa&
a/out to hit the /utton a"ain when he &aw her throu"h the "la&& )oor* +o3in" into the
lo//%,
7oddamn%
She ha) on a wraparoun) /la+( )re&& that 7u&t a/out /rou"ht hi& hea)a+he /a+(* it wa&
&o per$e+t $or her, The ee in $ront )ippe) )own an) &howe) a little o$ her /rea&t&,
The ti"ht wai&t &et o$$ her &li3 hip& /eauti$ull%, 1n) the &lit up one &i)e &howe) a
$la&h o$ thi"h with eer% &tep &he too(, 5er heel& were tall* 3a(in" her an(le& loo(
$ra"ile an) loel%,
She loo(e) up $ro3 the pur&e &he2) /een ru33a"in" aroun) in an) &ee3e) &urpri&e)
to &ee hi3,
5er hair wa& up, 5e thou"ht a/out what it woul) /e li(e to ta(e it )own,
She opene) the )oor, 9.ut+h,9
95i,9 5e $elt ton"ue-tie) a& a (i),
96 "ot %our 3e&&a"e&*9 &he &ai) &o$tl%,
5e &teppe) /a+( &o &he +oul) +o3e out&i)e, 9Eou "ot ti3e to tal(49
!en thou"h he (new what her an&wer wa& "oin" to /e,
91h* not ri"ht now,9
9'here are %ou "oin"49
96 hae a )ate,9
9'ith who349
She 3et hi& e%e& with &u+h )eli/erate +al3ne&&* he (new the next thin" &he &ai) wa&
"oin" to /e a lie,
9#o one &pe+ial,9
Yeah$ right%
9'hat happene) to the 3an la&t ni"ht* .eth4 'here i& he49
96 )on2t (now,9
9Eou2re l%in",9
5er e%e& neer waere) $ro3 hi&, 96$ %ou2ll ex+u&e 3e;9
5e "rippe) her ar3, 9:o not "o to hi3,9
The low &oun) o$ an en"ine $ille) the &ilen+e /etween the3, 1 lar"e /la+( -er+e)e&
with tinte) win)ow& pulle) up, ?eal )ru"-lor) ti3e,
91h* $u+(* .eth,9 5e &Kueeze) her ar3* )e&perate to "et her attention, 9:on2t )o thi&,
Eou2re ai)in" an) a/ettin" a &u&pe+t,9
9<et "o o$ 3e* .ut+h,9
95e2& dangerous,9
91n) %ou aren2t49
5e )roppe) hi& hol),
9To3orrow*9 &he &ai)* &teppin" /a+(, 9'e2ll tal( to3orrow, -eet 3e here a$ter
wor(,9
0ettin" $ranti+* he put hi& /o)% in her path, 9.eth* 6 +an2t let %ou;9
91re %ou "oin" to arre&t 3e49
#ot a& a +op* he +oul)n2t, #ot unle&& he wa& rein&tate) to the $or+e,
9#o, 6 won2t ta(e %ou in,9
9Than( %ou,9
9623 not )oin" it a& a $aor*9 he &ai) /itterl% a& &he wal(e) aroun) hi3, 9.eth*
please,9
She pau&e), 9#othin" i& a& it &ee3&,9
96 )on2t (now, 62e "ot a prett% $u+(in" +lear pi+ture, Eou2re prote+tin" a (iller* an)
there2& a &eriou& +han+e %ou2re "oin" to "et &tu$$e) into a pine /ox, :o %ou un)er&tan)
what thi& "u% i&4 62e &een hi& $a+e up +lo&e, 'hen hi& han) wa& aroun) 3% ne+( an)
he wa& &Kueezin" the li$e ri"ht out o$ 3e, 1 3an li(e that ha& 3ur)er in hi& /loo), 6t2&
hi& nature, 5ow +an %ou "o to hi34 5ell* how +an %ou let hi3 wal( the &treet&49
95e2& not li(e that,9
.ut the wor)& were phra&e) a& a Kue&tion,
The +ar )oor opene)* an) a little ol) 3an in a tuxe)o "ot out,
9-i&tre&&* i& there a )i$$i+ult%49 the 3an a&(e) her &oli+itou&l%* while at the &a3e ti3e
&hootin" .ut+h the eil e%e,
9#o* Fritz, #o pro/le3,9 She &3ile)* /ut it wa& a &ha(% one, 9To3orrow* .ut+h,9
96$ %ou lie that lon",9
She pale)* /ut ru&he) )own the &tair&* &li)in" into the +ar,
1$ter a 3o3ent .ut+h "ot into hi&, 1n) traile) the3,
'hen 5aer& hear) $oot&tep& +o3in" towar) the )inin" roo3* he loo(e) up $ro3 hi&
plate with a $rown, 5e2) /een hopin" to 3a(e it throu"h hi& 3eal without an
interruption,
.ut it wa&n2t one or the doggen +o3in" in with new& that a patient ha) arrie) to /e
treate),
9-ari&&a@9 5e ro&e $ro3 hi& +hair,
She 3ar&hale) a &3ile $or hi3, 96 thou"ht 6 woul) +o3e )own, 623 tire) o$ &pen)in"
&o 3u+h ti3e in 3% roo3,9
9623 er% plea&e) to hae %our +o3pan%,9
1& &he +a3e up to the ta/le* he pulle) out her +hair, 5e wa& happ% that he2) in&i&te)
her pla+e wa& alwa%& &et* een a$ter he2) lo&t hope &he woul) 7oin hi3, 1n) toni"ht it
&ee3e) a& thou"h &he wa& 3a(in" an e$$ort with 3ore than 7u&t +o3in" to eat, She
wa& wearin" a /eauti$ul )re&& 3a)e o$ /la+( &il( that ha) a 7a+(et with a &ti$$* &tan)-
up +ollar, 5er hair wa& )own aroun) her &houl)er&* $la&hin" &pun "ol) in the
+an)leli"ht, She loo(e) loel%* an) he $elt a $lu&h o$ ani3o&it%, 6t wa& a total in&ult
that 'rath +oul)n2t appre+iate all &he ha) to o$$er* that thi& exKui&ite $e3ale o$ no/le
/loo) wa& not "oo) enou"h $or hi3,
Other than $or u&e a& a $ee)in" trou"h,
95ow i& %our wor(49 &he a&(e) a& &he wa& &ere) wine /% one doggen, 1 plate o$
$oo) wa& &et in $ront o$ her /% another, 9Than( %ou* Ahillip, Jarol%n* thi& loo(&
won)er$ul,9
She pi+(e) up a $or( an) "entl% pro))e) the roa&t /ee$,
7ood hea*ens* 5aer& thou"ht, Thi& wa& al3o&t nor3al,
9-% wor(4 Fine, 1+tuall% /etter than $ine, 1& 6 3entione)* 62e ha) a /it o$ a
/rea(throu"h, Fee)in" 3a% &oon /e a thin" o$ the pa&t,9 5e li$te) hi& "la&& an) )ran(,
The /ur"un)% &houl) hae /een a per$e+t a++o3pani3ent to the /ee$* /ut it ta&te) o$$
to hi3, !er%thin" on hi& plate wa& &our on hi& ton"ue a& well, 96 tran&$u&e) 3%&el$
with &tore) /loo) thi& a$ternoon* an) 6 $eel $ine,9
1+tuall%* that wa& a /it o$ an oer&tate3ent, 5e )i)n2t $eel &i+(* /ut &o3ethin" wa&n2t
ri"ht, That nor3al ru&h o$ &tren"th ha) %et to hit hi3,
9Oh* 5aer&*9 &he &ai) &o$tl%, 9Eou &till 3i&& !an"aline* )on2t %ou49
9Aain$ull%, 1n) the )rin(in" i& &i3pl% not8 a"reea/le to 3e,9
#o* he woul) no lon"er &ta% alie the ol)-$a&hione) wa%, Fro3 now on it woul) /e
+lini+al, 1 &terilize) nee)le in hi& ar3* hoo(in" hi3 up to a /a",
623 &o er% &orr%* -ari&&a &ai),
5aer& rea+he) out* la%in" hi& pal3 $a+eup on the ta/le, 9Than( %ou,9
She put her han) in hi&, 91n) 623 &orr% that 62e /een &o8 preo++upie), .ut it will /e
/etter now,9
9Ee&*9 he &ai) ur"entl%, 'rath wa& 7u&t the (in) o$ /ar/arian who woul) want to
+ontinue to )rin( $ro3 the ein* /ut at lea&t -ari&&a +oul) /e &pare) the in)i"nit%,
9Eou +oul) tr% the tran&$u&ion a& well, 6t will $ree %ou* too,9
She too( her han) /a+( an) rea+he) $or her wine"la&&, 1& &he li$te) the /ur"un)% to
her 3outh* &he &pille) &o3e on her 7a+(et,
9Oh* /other*9 &he 3uttere)* /ru&hin" the wine o$$ the &il(, 9623 terri/l% un+oor)inate)*
aren2t 649
She re3oe) the 7a+(et an) lai) it on the e3pt% +hair next to her,
9Eou (now* 5aer&* 6 woul) li(e to tr% it, :rin(in" i& no lon"er palata/le to 3e*
either,9
1 )eli+iou& relie$* a $eelin" o$ po&&i/ilit%* oertoo( hi3, The &en&ation &ee3e) wholl%
un$a3iliar /e+au&e he ha)n2t $elt it in &o er% lon", The i)ea that &o3ethin" 3i"ht
+han"e $or the /etter ha) /e+o3e a $orei"n +on+ept to hi3,
9Trul%49 he whi&pere),
She no))e)* pu&hin" her hair oer her &houl)er an) pi+(in" up her $or(, 9Ee&* trul%,9
1n) then he &aw the 3ar(& on her ne+(,
Two in$la3e) pun+ture woun)&, 1 re) /laze where &he ha) /een &u+(e), Aurple
+ontu&ion& on the &(in o$ her +ollar/one where &he2) /een "rippe) /% a hea% han),
5orror +ur)le) hi& appetite* /lurre) hi& i&ion,
95ow +oul) he hae treate) %ou &o rou"hl%49 5aer& /reathe),
-ari&&a2& han) went to her ne+( /e$ore &he Kui+(l% pulle) &o3e hair $orwar), 96t2&
nothin", Trul%* it2& not8 an%thin",9
5i& e%e& &ta%e) in pla+e a& he +ontinue) to &ee +learl% what &he ha) hi))en,
95aer&* plea&e, <et2& 7u&t eat,9 She pi+(e) up her $or( a"ain* a& i$ &he were prepare)
to )e3on&trate exa+tl% how one )i) that, 9Co3e now, !at with 3e,9
95ow +an 649 5e threw )own hi& &ilerware,
9.e+au&e it2& oer,9
9'hat i&49
96 hae /ro(en the +oenant with 'rath, 6 a3 no lon"er hi& shellan, 6 will &ee hi3 no
3ore,9
5aer& +oul) onl% &tare $or a 3o3ent, 9'h%4 'hat ha& +han"e)49
95e ha& $oun) a $e3ale he want&,9
1n"er +on"eale) in 5aer&2& ein&, 91n) 7u&t who )oe& he pre$er to %ou49
9Eou )o not (now her,9
96 (now all $e3ale& o$ our +la&&, 'ho i& it49 he )e3an)e),
9She i& not o$ our +la&&,9
9She i& one o$ the S+ri/e =ir"in2& Cho&en* then49 6n the a3pire &o+ial hierar+h%* the%
were the onl% one& a/oe a $e3ale o$ the ari&to+ra+%,
9#o, She i& hu3an, Or at lea&t hal$-hu3an* $ro3 what 6 +oul) tell $ro3 hi& thou"ht&
a/out her,9
5aer& turne) to &tone in hi& +hair, 5u3an, 1 human4
-ari&&a ha) /een $or&a(en $or a8 5o3o &apien&4
95a& the S+ri/e =ir"in /een +onta+te)49 he a&(e) in a /rittle oi+e,
9That i& hi& )ut%* not 3ine, .ut 3a(e no 3i&ta(e* he will "o to her, 6t i&8 oer,9
-ari&&a too( a &3all pie+e o$ /ee$ an) put it /etween her lip&, She +hewe) +are$ull%*
a& i$ &he2) $or"otten how, Or perhap& the hu3iliation &he wa& o/iou&l% $eelin" 3a)e
it )i$$i+ult to &wallow,
5aer& "rippe) the ar3& o$ hi& +hair, 5i& &i&ter* hi& /eauti$ul* pure &i&ter* ha) /een
i"nore), C&e), .rutalize) a& well,
1n) all that wa& le$t o$ her 3atin" with their (in" wa& the &ha3e o$ /ein" +a&t a&i)e
$or a hu3an,
5er loe ha) neer 3eant an%thin" to 'rath, #either ha) her /o)% or her i3pe++a/le
/loo)line&,
1n) now the warrior ha) )one awa% with her honor,
The hell it wa& oer,
Chapter Tenty'four
'rath pulle) on the .roo(& .rother& 7a+(et, 6t wa& ti"ht in the &houl)er&* /ut he wa&
har) to $it* an) he2) "ien Fritz no noti+e,
Then a"ain* the thin" +oul) hae /een +u&to3-tailore) an) he woul) &till hae $elt
&ha+(le), 5e wa& 3u+h 3ore +o3$orta/le in leather an) weapon& than thi& wor&te)-
wool +rap,
5e wal(e) into the /athroo3 an) &Kuinte) at hi3&el$, The &uit wa& /la+(, So wa& the
&hirt, That wa& all he +oul) reall% &ee,
0oo) 0o)* he pro/a/l% loo(e) li(e a law%er,
5e &trippe) o$$ the 7a+(et an) put it on the 3ar/le +ounter, Aullin" hi& hair /a+( with
i3patient han)&* he tie) the len"th with a &trap o$ leather,
'here wa& Fritz4 The doggen ha) le$t to "et .eth nearl% an hour a"o, The two o$
the3 &houl) /e /a+( /% now* /ut the hou&e a/oe &till $elt e3pt%,
Ah$ hell, !en i$ the /utler ha) /een "one $or onl% a 3inute an) a hal$* 'rath woul)
hae /een re&tle&&, 5e wa& pu3pe) to &ee .eth* it+h% an) )i&tra+te), 1ll he +oul)
thin( a/out wa& /ur%in" hi& $a+e in her hair a& he )roe the har)e&t part o$ hi3&el$
)eep in&i)e her /o)%,
0o)* tho&e &oun)& &he 3a)e when &he +a3e $or hi3,
5e "lan+e) at hi& re$le+tion, Aut the 7a+(et /a+( on,
.ut &ex wa&n2t eer%thin", 5e wante) to treat her with re&pe+t* not 7u&t throw her on
her /a+(, 5e wante) to &low )own, !at with her, Tal( with her, 5ell* he wante) to
"ie her what $e3ale& li(e)G a little T<C,
5e trie) out a &3ile, 'i)ene) it, 5i& +hee(& $elt li(e the% were "oin" to +ra+(,
Eeah* o(a%* &o he wa&n2t exa+tl% 5all3ar(-+ar) 3aterial, .ut he +oul) pull o$$ &o3e
ro3an+e, Coul)n2t he4
5e ru//e) hi& 7aw, 'hat the hell )i) he (now a/out ro3an+e4
1/ruptl%* he $elt li(e a $ool,
#o* it wa& wor&e than that, The $an+% new &uit expo&e) hi3* an) the truth he &aw wa&
a na&t% &urpri&e,
5e wa& +han"in" hi3&el$ $or a $e3ale, For no other rea&on than to tr% to plea&e her,
Thi& wa& /on)in" at wor(* he thou"ht, Thi& wa& pre+i&el% wh% he neer &houl) hae
3ar(e) her* wh% he neer* eer &houl) hae let hi3&el$ "et that +lo&e,
5e re3in)e) hi3&el$ %et a"ain that when &he wa& throu"h her tran&ition* he wa&
$ini&he) with her, 5e woul) "o /a+( to hi& li$e, 1n) &he woul)8
0o)* wh% )i) he $eel li(e he2) /een &hot throu"h the +he&t4
9'rath* 3an49 Tohr3ent2& oi+e /oo3e) throu"h the +ha3/er,
The &oun) o$ hi& /rother2& /aritone wa& a relie$* /rin"in" 'rath /a+( to +enter,
5e &teppe) out into the /e)roo3 an) &+owle) when he hear) hi& /rother2& low
whi&tle,
9<oo( at %ou*9 Tohr &ai)* 3oin" aroun) hi3,
9.ite 3e,9
9#o* than(&, 6 pre$er the $e3ale&,9 The /rother lau"he), 91lthou"h 6 hae to &a% %ou
+lean up ni+e,9
'rath +ro&&e) hi& ar3& oer hi& +he&t* /ut the 7a+(et pulle) &o ti"htl% he worrie) he
wa& "oin" to &plit the &ea3 in the /a+(, 5e )roppe) hi& han)&,
9Eou2re here wh%49
96 +alle) %our +ell an) %ou )i)n2t an&wer, Eou &ai) %ou wante) u& all to 3eet here
toni"ht, 'hen49
9623 /u&% until one,9
9One49 Tohr )rawle),
'rath plante) hi& han)& on hi& hip&, 1 $eelin" o$ )eep unea&ine&&* li(e &o3eone ha)
/ro(en into hi& ho3e* &nea(e) up on hi3,
Thi& wa& &o wron"* he thou"ht, The )ate, 'ith .eth,
.ut it wa& too )a3n late to +an+el,
9-a(e that 3i)ni"ht*9 he &ai),
962ll tell the /rother& to /e rea)% then,9
5e ha) a $eelin" Tohr wa& &portin" a little "rin* /ut the a3pire2& oi+e wa& &tea)%,
There wa& a pau&e,
9Eo* 'rath49
9'hat,9
9She2& a& /eauti$ul a& %ou thin( &he i&, >u&t thou"ht %ou2) want to (now,9
6$ an% other 3ale ha) &ai) that* 'rath woul) hae "ien the i)iot a no&e 7o/, 1n)
een thou"h it wa& Tohr* hi& te3perature &till ro&e, 5e )i)n2t li(e /ein" re3in)e) how
irre&i&ti/le &he wa&, 6t 3a)e hi3 thin( a/out the 3ale &he2) en) up with $or li$e,
9Eou "ot a point or are %ou 7u&t &hootin" %our lip o$$49
6t wa&n2t an initation to ela/orate* /ut Tohr 3ar+he) ri"ht throu"h the openin"
an%wa%, 9Eou2re wa% into her,9
5e &houl) hae &tu+( with 9Fu+( %ou9 a& a re&pon&e* 'rath thou"ht,
91n) 6 thin( &he $eel& the &a3e wa%*9 Tohr ta+(e) on,
#h$ great, That 3a)e hi3 $eel /etter, <i(e he 3i"ht en) up /rea(in" her heart or
&o3ethin",
-an* thi& )ate thin" wa& a really /a) i)ea, >u&t where )i) he thin( he wa& ta(in" the3
with all the heart&-an)-$lower& &hit4
'rath /are) hi& $an"&, 9623 onl% han"in" in until &he "oe& throu"h the +han"e, That2&
it,9
9Eeah* &ure,9 'hen 'rath "rowle) )eep in hi& throat* the other a3pire &hru""e),
962e neer &een %ou )re&& $or a $e3ale /e$ore,9
9She2& :ariu&2& )au"hter, Eou want 3e to /e li(e F&a)i&t with one o$ hi& whore&49
9:ear 0o)* no, 1n) )a3n* 6 wi&h he2) &top that, .ut 6 li(e what 623 &eein" with %ou
an) .eth, Eou2e /een alone $or too lon",9
9That2& %our opinion,9
91n) other&2,9
Sweat /ro(e out a+ro&& 'rath2& $orehea),
Tohr2& hone&t% 3a)e hi3 $eel trappe), 1& )i) the $a+t that he wa& onl% &uppo&e) to /e
prote+tin" .eth* /ut in&tea) wa& /u&% tr%in" to 3a(e her $eel a& i$ &he were 3ore
&pe+ial to hi3 than &he reall% wa&,
9:on2t %ou hae &o3ewhere %ou nee) to /e49 he )e3an)e),
9#ope,9
9>u&t 3% lu+(,9
:e&perate to 3oe aroun)* he wal(e) oer to the +ou+h an) pi+(e) up hi& /i(er
7a+(et, 5e nee)e) to re&to+( it with weapon&* an) &in+e Tohr )i)n2t &ee3 in a /i"
hurr% to "et hi& a&& in "ear* the )i&tra+tion wa& /etter than &+rea3in",
9The ni"ht :ariu& )ie)*9 Tohr &ai)* 9he tol) 3e %ou2) turne) hi3 )own when he
a&(e) %ou to ta(e +are o$ her,9
'rath opene) the +lo&et an) rea+he) into a &tora"e /in $ull o$ throwin" &tar&* )a""er&*
an) +hain&, 5e 3a)e hi& &ele+tion& with rou"h han)&, 9So49
9'hat +han"e) %our 3in)49
'rath +lappe) hi& 3olar& to"ether* /itin" )own har)* a /reath awa% $ro3 la&hin" out,
95e2& )ea), 6 owe hi3,9
9Eou owe) hi3 when he wa& alie* too,9
'rath whirle) aroun), 9:o %ou hae an% other /u&ine&& with 3e4 6$ not* "et the hell
out o$ here,9
Tohr li$te) hi& han)&, 9!a&%* /rother,9
9Fu+( ea&%, 623 not tal(in" a/out her with %ou or an%one el&e, 0ot it4 1n) (eep %our
3outh &hut with the /rother&* too,9
9O(a%* o(a%,9 Tohr /a+(e) oer to the )oor, 9.ut )o %our&el$ a $aor, Cop to what2&
"oin" on with that $e3ale, 1n una+(nowle)"e) wea(ne&& i& )ea)l%,9
'rath "rowle) an) leane) into hi& atta+( po&e* upper /o)% 7uttin" $orwar) on hi&
hip&, 9'ea(ne&&4 Thi& +o3in" $ro3 a 3ale who2& )u3/ enou"h to loe hi& shellanl
Eou "otta /e (i))in" 3e,9
There wa& a lon" &ilen+e,
1n) then Tohr &ai) &o$tl%* 9623 lu+(% to hae $oun) loe, 6 than( the S+ri/e =ir"in
eer% )a% that 'ell&ie i& in 3% li$e,9
'rath2& te3per &ur"e)* &et o$$ /% &o3ethin" he +oul)n2t put hi& $in"er on, 9Eou2re
pathetic%9
Tohr hi&&e), 91n) %ou2e /een )ea) $or hun)re)& o$ %ear&, Eou2re 7u&t too 3ean to
$in) a "rae an) lie )own,9
'rath threw the leather 7a+(et to the $loor, 91t lea&t 623 not pu&&%-whippe),9
9#i+e, Fu+(in", Suit,9
'rath +ro&&e) the )i&tan+e /etween the3 in two &tri)e&* an) the other a3pire 3et
the approa+h hea)-on, Tohr3ent wa& a /i" 3ale* with thi+( &houl)er& an) lon"*
power$ul ar3&, -ena+e pul&ate) /etween the3,
'rath "rinne) +ol)l%* hi& $an"& len"thenin", 96$ %ou &pent hal$ the a3ount o$ ti3e
)e$en)in" our ra+e that %ou )o +ha&in" a$ter that $e3ale o$ %our&* we 3i"ht not hae
lo&t :ariu&, !er thin( o$ that49
1n"ui&h +a3e out o$ the /rother li(e /loo) $ro3 a +he&t woun)* an) the a3pire2&
white-hot a"on% thi+(ene) the air, 'rath )rew in the &+ent* ta(in" the /urn o$ 3i&er%
)own )eep into hi& lun"&* into hi& er% &oul, The (nowle)"e that he2) lai) out a 3ale
o$ honor an) +oura"e with &u+h a low /low $ille) hi3 with &el$-loathin", 1n) while
he waite) $or Tohr to atta+(* he wel+o3e) the inner hatre) a& an ol) $rien),
96 +an2t /eliee %ou &ai) that,9 Tohr2& oi+e thro//e), 9Eou nee) to;9
96 )on2t want an% o$ %our worthle&& a)i+e,9
9Fuck you,9 Tohr (no+(e) hi3 a "oo) one in the &houl)er, 9Eou2re "onna "et it
an%wa%, Eou2) /etter learn who %our ene3ie& reall% are* %ou arro"ant a&&hole, .e$ore
%ou2re &tan)in" alone,9
'rath /arel% hear) the )oor &la3 &hut, The oi+e &+rea3in" in hi& hea) that he wa& a
worthle&& pie+e o$ &hit oerro)e 7u&t a/out eer%thin" el&e,
5e )rew in a "reat /reath an) e3ptie) hi& lun"& with a i+iou& %ell, The &oun)
i/rate) aroun) the roo3* rattlin" the )oor&* the loo&e weapon&* the 3irror in the
/athroo3, Can)le& $lare) wil)l% in re&pon&e* their $la3e& li+(in" up the wall&* "ree)%
to "et $ree o$ their wi+(& an) )e&tro% what the% +oul), 5e roare) until hi& throat $elt a&
i$ it were "oin" to tear apart* until hi& +he&t /urne),
'hen he $inall% +lo&e) hi& 3outh* he $elt no relie$, >u&t re3or&e,
5e 3ar+he) oer to the +lo&et an) too( out a nine-3illi3eter .eretta, 1$ter he loa)e)
it* he tu+(e) the "un into the wai&t/an) o$ hi& &la+(& at the &3all o$ hi& /a+(, Then he
hea)e) $or the )oor an) too( the &tair& two at ti3e* hi& thi"h& eatin" up the )i&tan+e to
the $ir&t $loor,
Steppin" into the )rawin" roo3* he li&tene), The &ilen+e wa& pro/a/l% a "oo) thin"
$or eer%/o)%, 5e nee)e) to "et ahol) o$ hi3&el$,
Arowlin" aroun) the hou&e* he &toppe) at the )inin" roo3 ta/le, 6t ha) /een &et a&
he2) a&(e), Two pla+e& at one en), Cr%&tal an) &iler, Can)le&,
1n) he2) +alle) hi& /rother patheti+4
6$ it ha)n2t /een all :ariu&2& pri+ele&& +rap* he2) hae &wept the ta/le +lean with hi&
ar3, 5i& han) &hot out* a& i$ it were rea)% to $ollow throu"h on the i3pul&e an%wa%*
/ut the 7a+(et +on$ine) hi3, 5e "rippe) the lapel&* prepare) to rip the thin" o$$ hi&
/a+( an) /urn it* /ut the $ront )oor opene), 5e wheele) aroun),
There &he wa&, Co3in" a+ro&& the thre&hol), 'al(in" into the hall,
'rath2& han)& )roppe) to hi& &i)e&,
She wa& )re&&e) in /la+(, 5er hair wa& up, She &3elle)8 li(e ni"ht-/loo3in" ro&e&,
5e /reathe) in throu"h hi& no&e* hi& /o)% har)enin"* hi& in&tin+t& )e3an)in" that he
"et her un)er hi3,
.ut then her e3otion& hit hi3, She wa& war%* nerou&, 5e +oul) &en&e her 3i&tru&t
with +larit%* an) he too( perer&e &ati&$a+tion a& &he he&itate) to loo( at hi3,
5i& te3per returne)* ni+e an) &harp,
Fritz wa& /u&% +lo&in" the )oor* /ut the doggens happine&& wa& o/iou& in the air
aroun) hi3* &hi33erin" li(e &un&hine, 962e put out &o3e wine in the )rawin" roo3,
62ll &ere the $ir&t +our&e in a/out thirt% 3inute&* &hall 649
9#o*9 'rath +o33an)e), 9'e2ll &it )own now,9
Fritz &ee3e) +on$u&e)* /ut then +learl% +au"ht the )ri$t o$ 'rath2& e3otion&,
91& %ou wi&h* 3a&ter, ?i"ht awa%,9 The /utler )i&appeare) a& thou"h &o3ethin" were
on $ire in the (it+hen,
'rath &tare) at .eth,
She too( a &tep /a+(, Aro/a/l% /e+au&e he wa& "larin",
9Eou loo(8 )i$$erent*9 &he &ai), 96n tho&e +lothe&,9
96$ %ou thin( the%2e +iilize) 3e* )on2t /e $oole),9
9623 not,9
90oo), #ow let2& "et thi& oer with,9
'rath went into the )inin" roo3* thin(in" &he ) $ollow i$ &he wante), 1n) i$ &he
+ho&e not to* hell* it wa& pro/a/l% $or the /etter, 5e wa&n2t in a /i" hurr% to "et
trappe) at the ta/le an%wa%,
Chapter Tenty'five
.eth wat+he) 'rath &aunter awa% a& i$ he )i)n2t "ie a rat2& a&& whether or not &he ate
with hi3,
6$ &he ha)n2t /een hain" &e+on) thou"ht& her&el$* &he woul) hae /een totall%
in&ulte), 5e2) inite) her to )inner, So wh% wa& he all /ent out o$ 7oint when &he
&howe) up4 She wa& te3pte) to hi"htail it ri"ht /a+( out the $ront )oor,
!x+ept &he $ollowe) /e+au&e &he $elt li(e &he ha) no +hoi+e, There were &o 3an%
thin"& &he wante) to (now* thin"& onl% he +oul) explain,
1lthou"h a& 0o) wa& her witne&&* i$ there were an% wa% to "et the in$or3ation $ro3
&o3eone el&e* &he woul) hae,
1& he wal(e) in $ront o$ her* &he &hot a "lare at the /a+( o$ hi& hea) an) trie) to
i"nore hi& power$ul &tri)e, The latter wa& an a/7e+t $ailure, 5e 7u&t 3oe) too
&uper/l%, 'ith ea+h &harp i3pa+t o$ hi& heel* hi& &houl)er& &hi$te) un)er the
expen&ie 7a+(et* +ounter/alan+in" the thru&t o$ hi& le"&, 1& hi& ar3& &wun" loo&el%*
&he (new that hi& thi"h& were +len+hin" an) relea&in" with eer% &tep, She pi+ture)
hi3 na(e)* hi& 3u&+le& $lexin" un)er hi& &(in,
.ut+h2& oi+e /oun+e) aroun) in her hea), A man like that has murder in his "lood%
Its his nature,
1n) %et 'rath ha) &ent her awa% la&t ni"ht when he2) /een a )an"er to her,
She tol) her&el$ to $or"et atte3ptin" to re+on+ile the +ontra)i+tion&, She wa& 7u&t
tr%in" to rea) tea leae& with all the 3ental aero/i+&, She nee)e) to "o with her "ut*
an) her "ut &ai) 'rath wa& the onl% help &he ha),
1& &he &teppe) into the )inin" roo3* the /eauti$ul ta/le that ha) /een &et $or the3 wa&
a &urpri&e, There were $lower& in the +enter* tu/ero&e& an) or+hi)&, 1n) ior% +an)le&,
1n) "lea3in" +hina an) &iler,
'rath went aroun) an) pulle) out a +hair* waitin" $or her to &it in it, <oo3in" oer
the thin",
0o)* he loo(e) $anta&ti+ in the &uit, 1n) the open +ollar o$ hi& &hirt &howe) o$$ hi&
throat* the /la+( &il( 3a(in" hi& &(in loo( tanne), Too /a) he wa& $lat-out pi&&e), 5i&
$a+e wa& a& har&h a& hi& te3per* an) with hi& hair pulle) /a+(* the a""re&&ie thru&t o$
hi& 7aw wa& een 3ore pro3inent,
So3ethin" ha) &et hi3 o$$, .i"-ti3e,
)erfect date material* &he thou"ht, 1 a3pire with the &o+ial eKuialent o$ roa) ra"e,
She approa+he) +autiou&l%, 1& he &li) the &eat un)er her* &he +oul) hae &worn he
/ent )own to her hair an) inhale) )eepl%,
9'h% were %ou &o late49 he )e3an)e) while &ittin" at the hea) o$ the ta/le, 'hen &he
)i)n2t an&wer* he +o+(e) an e%e/row at her* the )ar( ar+h ri&in" oer the ri3 o$ hi&
/la+( &un"la&&e&, 9:i) Fritz hae to tal( %ou into +o3in"49
To "ie her&el$ &o3ethin" to )o* &he too( her nap(in an) un$ol)e) it in her lap, 96t
wa& nothin" li(e that,9
9So tell 3e what it wa&,9
9.ut+h $ollowe) u&, 'e ha) to wait until we "ot $ree o$ hi3,9
She &en&e) the &pa+e aroun) 'rath )ar(enin" a& i$ hi& an"er &u+(e) the li"ht ri"ht out
o$ the air,
Fritz +a3e in with two &3all plate& o$ &ala), 5e put the3 )own,
9'ine49 he a&(e),
'rath no))e),
1$ter the,/utler ha) $ini&he) pourin" an) le$t* &he pi+(e) up a hea% &iler $or( an)
$or+e) her&el$ to eat,
9'h% are %ou a$rai) o$ 3e now49 'rath2& oi+e wa& &ar)oni+* a& i$ he were /ore) /%
her $ear,
She 7a//e) at the "reen&, 95333, Coul) it /e /e+au&e %ou loo( li(e %ou want to
&tran"le &o3eone49
9Eou wal(e) into thi& hou&e &+are) o$ 3e a"ain, .e$ore %ou een &aw 3e* %ou were
$ri"htene), 6 want to (now wh%,9
She (ept her e%e& on her plate, 9-a%/e 6 wa& re3in)e) that la&t ni"ht %ou al3o&t
(ille) a $rien) o$ 3ine,9
9Chri&t* not that a"ain,9
9Eou a&(e)*9 &he &hot /a+(, 9:on2t "et 3a) i$ %ou )on2t li(e 3% an&wer,9
'rath wipe) hi& 3outh i3patientl%, 96 )i)n2t (ill hi3* )i) 649
9Onl% /e+au&e 6 &toppe) %ou,9
91n) that /other& %ou4 -o&t people li(e to /e heroe&,9
She put her $or( )own, 9Eou (now what4 6 )on2t want to /e here with %ou ri"ht now,9
5e (ept eatin", 9So wh% )i) %ou +o3e49
9.e+au&e %ou a&(e) 3e to@9
9.eliee 3e* 6 +an han)le the re7e+tion,9 1& i$ &he were o$ no +on+ern to hi3
what&oeer,
9Thi& wa& a 3i&ta(e,9 She put her nap(in )own next to her plate an) &too),
5e +ur&e), 9Sit )own,9
9:on2t tell 3e what to )o,9
9<et 3e a3en) that, Sit )own an) &hut up,9
She "ape) at hi3, 9Eou arro"ant a&&;9
9So3eone2& alrea)% +alle) 3e that toni"ht* than( %ou er% 3u+h,9
Fritz pi+(e) that 3o3ent to /reeze in with &o3e war3 roll&,
She "lare) at 'rath an) preten)e) &he wa& onl% rea+hin" a+ro&& the ta/le $or the wine
/ottle, She wa&n2t a/out to 3ar+h o$$ in $ront o$ Fritz, 1n) /e&i)e&* &he &u))enl% $elt
li(e &ti+(in" aroun),
So &he +oul) %ell at 'rath a little lon"er,
'hen the% were alone a"ain* &he hi&&e)* 9'here )o %ou "et o$$ tal(in" to 3e li(e
that49
5e too( a $inal /ite o$ &ala)* pla+e) hi& $or( on the e)"e o$ hi& plate* an) )a//e) the
+orner& o$ hi& 3outh with hi& nap(in, <i(e he2) /een traine) /% !3il% Ao&t her&el$,
9<et2& "et one thin" &trai"ht*9 he &ai), 9Eou nee) 3e, So "et oer %our han"up& a/out
what 6 might hae )one to that +op, Eour "oo) /u))% .ut+h i& &till a/oe "roun)*
ri"ht4 So what2& the pro/le349
.eth &tare) at hi3* tr%in" to rea) throu"h hi& &un"la&&e&* &ear+hin" $or &o3e &o$tne&&*
&o3ethin" &he +oul) +onne+t to, .ut the )ar( len&e& &hut her out o$ hi& e%e&
+o3pletel%* an) the ti"ht line& o$ hi& $a+e "ae her nothin" to "o on,
95ow +an li$e 3ean &o little to %ou49 &he won)ere) alou),
The &3ile he "ae her wa& +ol), 95ow +an )eath 3ean &o 3u+h :oyou49
.eth &an( /a+( in her +hair, Crin"e) $ro3 hi3* wa& 3ore li(e it, She +oul)n2t /eliee
&he2) 3a)e loe;no* ha) &ex;with hi3, 5e wa& utterl% +allou&,
1/ruptl%* her heart hurt, #ot /e+au&e he wa& /ein" har) on her* /ut /e+au&e &he wa&
)i&appointe), She2) reall% wante) hi3 to /e )i$$erent than he appeare), She2) wante)
to /eliee the $la&he& o$ war3th he2) &hown her were a& /i" a part o$ hi3 a& tho&e
har) e)"e&,
She ru//e) the raw pat+h at her &ternu3, 962) reall% li(e to "o* i$ %ou )on2t 3in),9
There wa& a lon" pau&e,
91h* hell89 he 3uttere)* lettin" out hi& /reath, 9Thi& i&n2t ri"ht,9
9#o* it i&n2t,9
96 thou"ht that %ou )e&ere)8 6 )on2t (now, 1 )ate, Or &o3ethin", So3ethin"
nor3al,9 5e lau"he) har&hl% a& &he loo(e) at hi3 with &urpri&e, 9:u3/ i)ea* 6 (now,
6 &houl) &ti+( to what 623 "oo) at, 62) /e /etter o$$ tea+hin" %ou how to (ill,9
Cn)erneath hi& thi+( pri)e* &he &en&e) a (ernel o$ &o3ethin" el&e, 6n&e+urit%4 #o* that
wa&n2t it, #aturall% with hi3* it woul) /e 3ore inten&e,
Sel$-hatre),
Fritz +a3e in* pi+(e) up their &ala) plate&* an) reappeare) with &oup, 6t wa& +ol)
i+h%&&oi&e, Interesting* &he thou"ht a/&entl%, C&uall% it wa& &oup $ir&t* then &ala)*
wa&n2t it4 .ut then* &he ha) to i3a"ine a3pire& ha) lot& o$ )i$$erent &o+ial tra)ition&,
<i(e the 3en hain" 3ore than one wo3an,
5er &to3a+h lur+he), She wa&n2t "oin" to thin( o$ that, She &i3pl% re$u&e) to,
9<oo(* 7u&t &o %ou (now*9 'rath &ai) a& he pi+(e) up hi& &poon* 96 $i"ht to prote+t*
not /e+au&e 62e "ot a 7one& $or 3ur)er, .ut 62e (ille) thou&an)&, Thou&an)&* .eth,
:o %ou un)er&tan)4 So i$ %ou want 3e to preten) 623 not +o3$orta/le with )eath* 6
+an2t )o that $or %ou, 6 7u&t +an2t,9
9Thou&an)&49 &he 3u3/le)* oerwhel3e),
5e no))e),
9'ho in 0o)2& na3e are %ou $i"htin"49
9.a&tar)& who woul) (ill %ou a& &oon a& %ou "o throu"h the tran&ition,9
9=a3pire hunter&49
9Lessers, 5u3an& who hae tra)e) their &oul& to the O3e"a in return $or a $ree rei"n
o$ terror,9
9'ho;or what;i& the O3e"a49 1& &he &po(e the wor)* the +an)le& $li+(ere)
wil)l%* a& i$ tor3ente) /% ini&i/le han)&,
'rath he&itate), 5e a+tuall% &ee3e) un+o3$orta/le with the &u/7e+t, 5e* who wa&n2t
a$rai) o$ an%thin",
9Eou 3ean the )eil49 &he pro3pte),
9'or&e, Eou +an2t +o3pare the3, One2& 7u&t a 3etaphor, The other2& er%* er% real,
Fortunatel%* the O3e"a ha& a +ounterpart* the S+ri/e =ir"in,9 5e &3ile) wr%l%,
9'ell* 3a%/e fortunately i& too &tron" a wor), .ut there i& a /alan+e,9
90o) an) <u+i$er,9
9-a%/e a++or)in" to %our lexi+on, Our le"en) ha& it that a3pire& were +reate) /%
the S+ri/e =ir"in a& her one an) onl% le"a+%* a& her +ho&en +hil)ren, The O3e"a
re&ente) her a/ilit% to "enerate li$e* an) he )e&pi&e) the &pe+ial power& &he "ae to the
&pe+ie&, The <e&&enin" So+iet% wa& hi& )e$en&ie re&pon&e, 5e u&e& hu3an& /e+au&e
he i& in+apa/le o$ +reation an) /e+au&e the% are a rea)il% aaila/le &our+e o$
a""re&&ion,9
This is 0ust too strange* &he thou"ht, Tra)in" &oul&, The un)ea), The &tu$$ 7u&t )i)n2t
exi&t in the real worl),
Then a"ain* &he wa& hain" )inner with a a3pire, So wa& an%thin" reall% all that
i3po&&i/le4
She thou"ht o$ the "or"eou& /lon) 3an who2) &tit+he) hi3&el$ up,
9Eou hae other& who $i"ht with %ou* ri"ht49
9-% /rother&,9 5e too( a )rin( $ro3 hi& wine"la&&, 91& &oon a& the a3pire&
re+o"nize) the% were un)er &ie"e* the &tron"e&t an) 3o&t power$ul 3ale& were
wee)e) out, Traine) to $i"ht, Turne) loo&e a"ain&t the lessers, Tho&e warrior& were
then /re) to the &tron"e&t $e3ale& oer "eneration& until a &eparate &u/&pe+ie& o$
a3pire& e3er"e), The 3o&t power$ul o$ thi& +la&& were in)o+trinate) into the .la+(
:a""er .rotherhoo),9
91re %ou /rother& /% /loo)49
5e &3ile) ti"htl%, 96n a 3atter o$ &pea(in",9
5i& $a+e &huttere)* a& i$ the 3atter were priate, She ha) the &en&e that he woul) &a%
no 3ore a/out the /rotherhoo)* /ut &he wa& &till +uriou& a/out the war he wa&
$i"htin",
!&pe+iall% /e+au&e &he wa& a/out to turn into one o$ tho&e he prote+te),
9So it2& hu3an& %ou (ill,9
9Ee&* althou"h the%2re /a&i+all% )ea) alrea)%, 6n or)er to "ie hi& $i"hter& the
lon"eit% an) &tren"th the% woul) nee) to $i"ht u&* the O3e"a ha) to &trip the3 o$
their &oul&,9 :i&ta&te $li+(ere) a+ro&& hi& har&h $eature&, 9#ot that hain" a &oul eer
preente) a hu3an $ro3 +o3in" a$ter u&,9
9Eou )on2t li(e8 u&* )o %ou49
9Fir&t o$ all* hal$ o$ what2& in %our ein& i& $ro3 %our $ather2& &i)e, 1n) &e+on)l%* wh%
woul) 6 li(e hu3an&4 The% /eat the +rap out o$ 3e /e$ore 3% tran&ition* an) the onl%
rea&on the% )on2t $u+( with 3e now i& /e+au&e 6 &+are the hell out o$ the3, 1n) i$ it
"ot wi)el% (nown that a3pire& exi&te)4 The%2) +o3e a$ter u& een i$ the% weren2t in
the &o+iet%, 5u3an& are threatene) /% an%thin" )i$$erent* an) their re&pon&e i& to
$i"ht, The%2re /ullie&* pi+(in" on the wea(* +owerin" $ro3 the &tron",9 'rath &hoo(
hi& hea), 9.e&i)e&* the% irritate 3e, <oo( at how their $ol(lore portra%& our &pe+ie&,
There2& :ra+ula* $or Chri&t2& &a(e* an eil /loo)&u+(er who pre%& on the )e$en&ele&&,
There2& pi&&-poor . 3oie& an) porn, 1n) )on2t "et 3e &tarte) on the whole
5alloween thin", Ala&ti+ $an"&, .la+( +ape&, The onl% thin"& the i)iot& "ot ri"ht are
that we )rin( /loo) an) that we +an2t "o out in the )a%li"ht, The re&t i& /ull&hit*
$a/ri+ate) to alienate u& an) &ti3ulate $ear in the 3a&&e&, Or 7u&t a& o$$en&ie* the
$i+tion i& u&e) to +reate &o3e (in) o$ 3%&tiKue $or /ore) hu3an& who thin( the )ar(
&i)e i& a $un pla+e to i&it,9
9.ut %ou )on2t reall% hunt u&* ri"ht49
9:on2t u&e that wor), 6t2& them* .eth, #ot us, Eou are not wholl% hu3an ri"ht now*
an) &oon %ou won2t /e hu3an at all,9 5e pau&e), 91n) no* 6 )on2t hunt the3, .ut i$
the% "et in 3% wa%* the%2e "ot a &eriou& pro/le3,9
She +on&i)ere) what he2) &ai)* tr%in" to i"nore the pani+ that ro&e eer% ti3e &he
thou"ht a/out the tran&ition &he wa& &uppo&e)l% a/out to "o throu"h,
9'hen %ou went a$ter .ut+h li(e that8 Surel% he2& not a8 whateer* a lesser,9
95e trie) to (eep 3e $ro3 %ou,9 'rath2& 7aw +len+he), 96 will leel an%one an)
an%thin" /e$ore 62) let that happen, 1n) whether he2& %our loer or not* i$ he )oe& it
a"ain;9
9Eou pro3i&e) 3e %ou woul)n2t (ill hi3,9
96 won2t ta(e hi3 out, .ut 623 not "oin" to "o ea&% on hi3,9
So3ethin" worth "iin" 5ar)-a&& a hea)&-up on* &he thou"ht,
9'h% aren2t %ou eatin"49 'rath )e3an)e), 9Eou nee) $oo),9
She loo(e) )own, Foo)4 5er li$e wa& &u))enl% a Stephen Jin" noel an) he wa&
worrie) a/out her )iet4
9!at,9 5e no))e) at her /owl, 9Eou want to /e a& &tron" a& po&&i/le $or the +han"e,9
.eth pi+(e) up her &poon* 7u&t to "et hi3 o$$ her /a+(, The &oup ta&te) li(e !l3er2&
"lue een thou"h &he i3a"ine) it wa& per$e+tl% 3a)e* per$e+tl% &ea&one),
9Eou2re ar3e) ri"ht now* aren2t %ou49 &he a&(e),
9Ee&* 6 a3,9
9:o %ou eer put )own %our weapon&49
9#o,9
9.ut when we were89 She &hut her 3outh /e$ore the wor)& making lo*e poppe) out,
5e leane) $orwar), 9There2& alwa%& &o3ethin" within 3% rea+h, !en when 6 ta(e
%ou,9
.eth &wallowe), 5ot thou"ht& warre) with the horri/le realization that he wa& either
paranoi) or eil wa& trul% alwa%& +lo&e,
And damn* &he thou"ht, 'rath wa& a lot o$ thin"&, .ut he &ure wa&n2t the h%&teri+al
t%pe,
There wa& a lon" &ilen+e /etween the3* until Fritz +leare) the &oup /owl& an)
/rou"ht in plate& o$ la3/, She noti+e) that
'rath2& 3eat ha) /een +ut up $or hi3 into /ite-&ize) pie+e&, #dd* &he thou"ht,
96 hae &o3ethin" 6 want to &how %ou a$ter )inner,9 5e pi+(e) up hi& $or(* an) it too(
hi3 two trie& to &pear &o3e 3eat with the tine&,
1n) that wa& when &he realize) he wa&n2t een /otherin" to loo( at hi& plate, 5i& "aze
wa& $o+u&e) )own the ta/le,
1 +hill went throu"h her, So3ethin" wa& er% o$$,
She loo(e) +are$ull% at the &un"la&&e& he wore,
She re3e3/ere) hi& $in"ertip& &ear+hin" her $a+e that $ir&t ni"ht the% were to"ether*
a& i$ he2) /een tr%in" to &ee her throu"h tou+h, 1n) then thou"ht o$ the $a+t that he
alwa%& wore tho&e len&e&* a& i$ he weren2t 7u&t /lo+(in" out li"ht* /ut +oerin" hi&
e%e&,
9'rath49 &he &ai) &o$tl%,
5e rea+he) out $or hi& wine"la&&* hi& han) not +lo&in" aroun) it until the +r%&tal hit
hi& pal3,
9'hat49 5e /rou"ht the "la&& to hi& lip&* /ut put it /a+( )own, 9Fritz4 'e nee) re),9
9?i"ht here* 3a&ter,9 Fritz +a3e in with another /ottle, 9-i&tre&&49
91h* %e&* than( %ou,9
'hen the )oor to the (it+hen $lappe) &hut* 'rath &ai)* 9Eou hae &o3ethin" el&e to
a&( 3e49
She +leare) her throat, She ha) to /e rea)in" into thin"&, :e&perate to $in) a wea(ne&&
in hi3* &he wa& now tr%in" to +onin+e her&el$ that he wa& /lin),
6$ &he were &3art* an) that wa& &eriou&l% )e/ata/le* &he2) Kui+(l% run throu"h her li&t
o$ Kue&tion&, 1n) then "o ho3e,
9.eth49
9Eeah8 ah* &o it2& true %ou +an2t "o out )urin" the )a%49
9=a3pire& )o not )o &unli"ht,9
9'hat happen&49
9Se+on)- to thir)-)e"ree /urn& will i33e)iatel% pop up upon expo&ure, 6n+ineration
o++ur& not lon" a$terwar), The &un i& not &o3ethin" %ou want to &+rew with,9
9.ut 6 +an "o out&i)e now,9
9Eou haen2t "one throu"h the +han"e, 1lthou"h who (now&4 1$terwar) %ou 3i"ht
&till /e a/le to tolerate it, 6t2& )i$$erent $or people who hae a hu3an parent, =a3pire
+har-a+teri&ti+& +an /e )ilute),9 5e too( a )rin( $ro3 hi& "la&&* li+(in" hi& lip&, 9Then
a"ain* %ou2re "oin" to "o throu"h the tran&ition* &o :ariu&2& /loo) i& &tron" in %our
ein&,9
95ow o$ten will 6 hae to8 $ee)49
96n the /e"innin"* $airl% $reKuentl%, -a%/e twi+e* three ti3e& a 3onth, 1lthou"h
a"ain* there2& no wa% o$ (nowin",9
91$ter %ou help 3e throu"h the $ir&t ti3e* how will 6 /e a/le to $in) a 3an who 6 +an
)rin(;9
'rath2& "rowl &toppe) her, 'hen &he loo(e) up* &he &hran( into the +hair, 5e wa&
/a+( to /ein" pi&&e),
962ll ta(e +are o$ $in)in" %ou &o3eone*9 he &ai)* hi& a++ent thi+(er than u&ual, 9Cntil
then* %ou will u&e 3e,9
95ope$ull% that won2t /e $or lon"*9 &he 3uttere)* thin(in" that he )i)n2t loo( happ%
a/out "ettin" &tu+( with her,
5i& 3outh +urle) a& he loo(e) her wa%, 9So ea"er $or &o3eone el&e49
9#o* 6 7u&t thou"ht that89
9'hat4 Eou thou"ht what49 5i& tone wa& har)* har) a& the &tare &hootin" out $ro3
/ehin) the &un"la&&e&,
The $a+t that he +learl% )i)n2t want to /e tie) to her wa& )i$$i+ult to put into wor)&,
The re7e+tion hurt een thou"h &he2) no )ou/t /e /etter o$$ without hi3,
968 ah* Tohr &ai) %ou were the (in" o$ the a3pire&, 6 (in) o$ $i"ure that woul)
3a(e %ou /u&%,9
9-% /o%2& "ot to learn to zip it,9
96& it true4 That %ou2re the (in"49
9#o*9 he &nappe),
'ell* i$ that wa&n2t a )oor "ettin" &la33e) in her $a+e,
91re %ou 3arrie)4 6 3ean* )o %ou hae a 3ate4 Or two49 &he &ai) Kui+(l%* $i"urin"
&he 3i"ht a& well let it all $l%, 5i& 3oo) wa& alrea)% /a+( in /la+(, 6t wa&n2t li(e &he
+oul) 3a(e it wor&e,
9Chri&t, #o,9
'ell* that wa& a relie$ o$ &ort&, 1lthou"h it wa& +lear what he thou"ht o$ relation&hip&,
She too( a &ip o$ wine, 9:o %ou hae a wo3an in %our li$e at all49
9#o,9
9So who )o %ou $ee) $ro349
<on" &ilen+e, #ot an en+oura"in" one,
6 here wa& &o3eone,
9'a&49
9'a&,9
9Sin+e when49
9?e+entl%,9 5e &hru""e), 9'e were neer +lo&e, 6t wa& a /a) 3at+h,9
9'ho )o %ou "o to now49
90o)* %ou reall% are a reporter* aren2t %ou49
9'ho49 &he pu&he),
5e loo(e) at her $or a lon" ti3e, 1n) then hi& $a+e +han"e)* the a""re&&ion &ee3in"
to /lee) out o$ hi3, 5i& $or( +a3e "entl% )own to hi& plate an) hi& other han) wa&
pla+e) pal3 up on the ta/le, 91h* hell,9
6n &pite o$ hi& +ur&e* the air &u))enl% &ee3e) &o$ter,
She )i)n2t tru&t the +han"e in hi& 3oo) at $ir&t* /ut then he whippe) o$$ hi& &un"la&&e&
an) ru//e) hi& e%e&, 'hen he put the len&e& /a+( in pla+e* &he wat+he) hi& +he&t
expan)* a& i$ he were +olle+tin" hi3&el$,
90o)* .eth* 6 thin( 6 wante) it to /e %ou, 6n &pite o$ the $a+t that 623 not "oin" to /e
aroun) $or lon" a$ter %our +han"e,9 5e &hoo( hi& hea), 9-an* 6 a3 one &tupi) SO.,9
.eth /lin(e)* $eelin" a (in) o$ &exual heat that he woul) )rin( her /loo) to &urie,
9.ut )on2t worr%*9 he &ai), 9That2& not "oin" to happen, 1n) 62ll $in) %ou another 3ale
$a&t,9
5e pu&he) hi& plate awa%* $oo) le$t hal$-eaten on the +hina,
9'hen wa& the la&t ti3e %ou $e)49 &he a&(e)* thin(in" o$ the power$ul +rain" &he2)
wat+he) hi3 /attle,
9<a&t ni"ht,9
Are&&ure in her +he&t 3a)e her $eel a& i$ her lun"& were +lo""e), 9.ut %ou )i)n2t /ite
3e,9
96t wa& a$ter %ou le$t,9
She pi+ture) hi3 with another wo3an in hi& ar3&, 'hen &he rea+he) $or her
wine"la&&* her han) &hoo(,
Wow, 5er e3otion& were /rea(in" all (in)& o$ lan) &pee) re+or)& toni"ht, She2) /een
terri$ie)* pi&&e) o$$* in&anel% 7ealou&,
She ha) to won)er what wa& next,
5appine&&* &he ha) a $eelin"* pro/a/l% wa&n2t it,
Chapter Tenty'si#
.eth put the wine"la&& /a+( )own* wi&hin" &he ha) 3ore +ontrol oer her&el$,
9Eou )on2t li(e that* )o %ou49 'rath &ai) in a low oi+e,
9'hat49
9-e )rin(in" $ro3 another $e3ale,9
She lau"he) )ar(l%* )e&pi&in" her&el$, 5i3, The whole &ituation, 9Eou want to ru/
3% no&e in it49
9#o,9 5e pau&e), 9The i)ea %ou will &o3e)a% &+ore another 3ale2& &(in with %our
teeth an) ta(e hi& /loo) in&i)e o$ %ou 3a(e& 3e want to &ta/ &o3ethin",9
.eth &tare) at hi3,
!o why dont you stay with me4 &he thou"ht,
'rath &hoo( hi& hea), 9.ut 6 +an2t let 3%&el$ thin( li(e that,9
9'h% not49
9.e+au&e %ou +annot /e 3ine, #o 3atter what 6 &ai) /e$ore,9
Fritz +a3e in* +leare)* an) then &ere) )e&&ert, 'hole &traw/errie& on a "ol)-ri33e)
plate, So3e +ho+olate &au+e on the &i)e to )ip the3 in, 1 little +oo(ie,
#or3all%* .eth woul) hae poli&he) the lot o$ it o$$ in hi"h "ear* /ut &he wa& too
&ha(en to eat,
9Eou )on2t li(e &traw/errie&49 'rath a&(e) a& he put one into hi& 3outh, 5i& /ri"ht
white teeth /it throu"h the re) $le&h,
She &hru""e)* $or+in" her&el$ to loo( awa% $ro3 hi3, 96 )o,9
95ere,9 5e pi+(e) a /err% o$$ hi& plate an) leane) towar) her, 9<et 3e $ee) %ou,9
5i& lon" $in"er& hel) the &te3 $ir3l%* hi& ar3 poi&e) in the air,
She wante) to ta(e what he o$$ere), 96 +an $ee) 3%&el$,9
9Ee&* %ou +an*9 he &ai) &o$tl%, 9.ut that2& not the point,9
9:i) %ou hae &ex with her49 &he a&(e),
5i& e%e/row& $li+(ere), 9<a&t ni"ht49
She no))e), 9'hen %ou $ee)* )o %ou 3a(e loe to her49
9#o, 1n) let 3e an&wer %our next Kue&tion, 623 not &leepin" with an%one /ut %ou
ri"ht now,9
3ight now* &he thou"ht,
.eth loo(e) )own at her han)&* $eelin" &tupi)l% hurt,
9<et 3e $ee) %ou*9 he 3ur3ure), 9Alea&e,9
#h$ grow up* &he tol) her&el$, The% were a)ult&, The% were tre3en)ou& in /e)
to"ether* an) that wa& 3ore than &he2) eer ha) $ro3 a 3an /e$ore, 'a& &he reall%
"oin" to wal( awa% 7u&t /e+au&e &he wa& "oin" to lo&e hi34
.e&i)e&* een i$ he pro3i&e) her a ro&% $uture* a 3an li(e hi3 wa&n2t "oin" to &ti+(
aroun), 5e wa& a $i"hter who ran with a pa+( o$ "u%& 7u&t li(e hi3&el$, 5o3e-an)-
hearth &tu$$ woul) /e /orin" a& hell to hi3,
She ha) hi3 now, She wante) hi3 now,
.eth tilte) $orwar) in her +hair* opene) her 3outh* an) put her lip& aroun) the
&traw/err%* ta(in" it whole, 'rath2& no&tril& $lare) a& he wat+he) her /ite )own,
'hen &o3e o$ the &weet 7ui+e e&+ape) an) )rippe) onto her +hin* he hi&&e),
96 want to li+( that o$$*9 he 3uttere) un)er hi& /reath, 5e rea+he) $orwar) an) too(
hol) o$ her 7aw, <i$te) hi& nap(in,
She put her han) on hi&, 9C&e %our 3outh,9
1 low &oun)* $ro3 )eep in&i)e hi& +he&t* +ut throu"h the roo3,
'rath leane) towar) her* tiltin" hi& hea), She +au"ht a $la&h o$ hi& $an"& a& hi& lip&
opene) an) hi& ton"ue +a3e out, 5e &tro(e) the 7ui+e $ro3 her &(in an) then pulle)
awa%,
5e &tare) at her, She loo(e) /a+( at hi3, The +an)le& $li+(ere),
9Co3e with 3e*9 he &ai)* hol)in" out hi& han),
.eth )i)n2t he&itate, She put her pal3 a"ain&t hi& an) let her&el$ "et )rawn up $ro3 the
ta/le, 5e too( her into the )rawin" roo3* oer to the pi+ture an) throu"h the wall,
:own the &tone &tair+a&e the% went* hi& pre&en+e i33en&e in the )ar(ne&&,
'hen the% "ot to the /otto3 lan)in"* he le) her into hi& +ha3/er* an) &he loo(e) at
the /e), 6t ha) /een 3a)e* the pillow& neatl% line) up a"ain&t the hea)/oar)* the &atin
&heet& &3ooth a& &till water, 5er /o)% $lu&he) a& &he re3e3/ere) what it ha) $elt li(e
to hae hi3 on top o$ her* 3oin" in&i)e o$ her,
The% were hea)e) there a"ain* &he thou"ht, 1n) &he +oul)n2t wait,
1 )eep "rowl 3a)e her loo( oer her &houl)er, 'rath2& "aze wa& leele) on her a& i$
&he were a tar"et,
5e2) rea) her thou"ht&, 5e (new what &he wante), 1n) he wa& prepare) to )elier,
5e wal(e) up to her* an) &he hear) the )oor &hut an) lo+(, She loo(e) aroun)*
won)erin" i$ there wa& &o3eone el&e in the roo3, There wa&n2t,
5i& han) went to her ne+(* an) he an"le) her hea) /a+( with hi& thu3/, 962e wante)
to (i&& %ou all ni"ht lon",9
She /ra+e) her&el$ $or a har) one* rea)% $or all he +oul) "ie her* ex+ept that when hi&
lip& +a3e )own on her& the% were lan"uorou&, She +oul) $eel the pa&&ion in the taut
line& o$ hi& /o)%* /ut he +learl% re$u&e) to /e hurrie), 'hen he li$te) hi& hea)* he
&3ile) at her,
She wa& totall% u&e) to the $an"&* &he thou"ht,
9'e2re "oin" to ta(e thi& &low toni"ht*9 he &ai),
.ut &he &toppe) hi3 /e$ore he (i&&e) her a"ain, 9'ait, 6 hae &o3ethin" 6 hae to8
:o %ou hae an% +on)o3&49
5e $rowne), 9#o, 'h%49
9'h%4 !er hear o$ &a$e &ex49
96 )on2t +arr% tho&e (in)& o$ )i&ea&e&* an) %ou +an2t "ie 3e an%thin",9
95ow )o %ou (now49
9=a3pire& are not &u&+epti/le to hu3an iru&e&,9
9So %ou +an hae &ex all %ou want4 'ithout worr%in" a/out an%thin"49
'hen he no))e)* &he $oun) her&el$ $eelin" a little ill, 0o)* how 3an% wo3en he 3u&t
hae;
91n) %ou2re not $ertile*9 he &ai),
95ow )o %ou (now that49
9Tru&t 3e, 'e2) /oth (now i$ %ou were, .e&i)e&* %ou won2t hae %our $ir&t nee)in"
$or another $ie %ear& or &o a$ter the +han"e, 1n) een when %ou2re in it* +on+eption
i&n2t "uarantee) /e+au&e;9
95ol) on, 'hat2& thi& nee)in" thin"49
9Fe3ale& are $ertile onl% eer% ten %ear& or &o, 'hi+h i& a /le&&in",9
9'h%49
5e +leare) hi& throat, 1+tuall% &ee3e) a little e3/arra&&e), 96t2& a )an"erou& ti3e, 1ll
3ale& re&pon) on &o3e leel i$ the%2re in the i+init% o$ a $e3ale in her nee), The%
+an2t help the3&ele&, Fi"ht& +an /rea( out, 1n) the $e3ale* &he* ah8 the +rain"&
are inten&e, Or &o 62e hear),9
9Eou )on2t hae +hil)ren49
5e &hoo( hi& hea), Then $rowne), 90o),9
9'hat49
9To thin( o$ %ou "oin" throu"h the nee)in",9 5i& /o)% &wa%e)* a& i$ he2) +lo&e) hi&
e%e&, 9To /e the one %ou u&e),9
Sexual heat +a3e out o$ hi3 in a ru&h, She +oul) a+tuall% $eel a hot "u&t 3oe the air,
95ow lon" )oe& it la&t49 &he a&(e) in a hu&(% oi+e,
9Two )a%&, 6$ the $e3ale i&8 &eri+e) well an) $e) properl%* &he re/oun)& Kui+(l%,9
91n) the 3an49
9The 3ale2& totall% u&e) up when it2& oer, -il(e) )r%, :raine) o$ /loo)* too, 6t ta(e&
lon"er $or hi3 to re+oer* /ut 62e neer hear) one +o3plain, !er,9 There wa& a
pau&e, 962) loe to /e the one who reliee& %ou,9
1/ruptl%* he &teppe) /a+(, She $elt a +ol) )ra$t a& hi& 3oo) +han"e) an) the &hi$tin"
heat )i&&ipate),
9.ut that will /e &o3e other 3ale2& )ut%, 1n) priile"e,9
5i& +ell phone &tarte) rin"in",
1& he tore it out o$ hi& inner po+(et with a &narl* &he $elt $or whoeer it wa&,
9What49 There wa& a pau&e,
She hea)e) $or the /athroo3 to "ie hi3 &o3e pria+%, 1n) /e+au&e &he nee)e) a
little her&el$, The i3a"e& in her hea) were enou"h to 3a(e her )izz%, Two )a%&, O$
nothin" /ut hi34
'hen &he +a3e /a+( out, 'rath wa& &ittin" on the +ou+h* el/ow& on hi& (nee&*
/roo)in", 5e2) ta(en o$$ hi& 7a+(et* an) hi& &houl)er& loo(e) er% wi)e in that /la+(
&hirt, 1& &he approa+he)* &he +au"ht a "li3p&e o$ a han)"un un)er the +oat an)
&hiere) a little,
5e loo(e) up a& &he &at /e&i)e hi3, She wi&he) &he +oul) rea) hi3 /etter an) /la3e)
the )ar( len&e&, ?ea+hin" out to hi& $a+e* &he &tro(e) the har&h +ut o$ hi& +hee(* the
&tron" len"th o$ hi& 7aw, 5i& 3outh opene) &li"htl%* a& i$ her tou+h 3a)e hi3 &hort o$
/reath,
96 want to &ee %our e%e&*9 &he &ai),
5e pulle) /a+( a little, 9#o,9
9'h% not49
9'h% )o %ou +are what the% loo( li(e49
She $rowne), 9Eou +an /e har) to rea) with tho&e "la&&e& on, 1n) ri"ht now 6
woul)n2t 3in) (nowin" what %ou2re thin(in",9
#r feeling$ e*en more important%
Finall%* he &hru""e), 9Suit %our&el$,9
'hen he 3a)e no 3oe to ta(e o$$ the len&e&* &he rea+he) up to the te3ple pie+e& an)
&li) the &un"la&&e& $ro3 hi& $a+e, 5i& e%eli)& were )own* hi& la&he& )ar( a"ain&t hi&
&(in, 5e )i)n2t open hi& e%e&,
9'on2t %ou &how 3e49
5i& 7aw ti"htene),
She loo(e) at the "la&&e&, 'hen &he li$te) the3 to the +an)leli"ht* &he +oul) /arel%
&ee throu"h the3 at all* the% were &o )ar(,
9Eou2re /lin)* aren2t %ou49 &he &ai) &o$tl%,
5i& lip& +urle) /a+(* /ut not in a &3ile, 9'orrie) that 6 +an2t ta(e +are o$ %ou now49
She wa&n2t &urpri&e) /% the ho&tilit%, She i3a"ine) a 3an li(e hi3 woul) hate an%
wea(ne&& he ha),
9#o* 623 not worrie) a/out that at all, .ut 6 woul) &till li(e to &ee %our e%e&,9
'ith a $la&h o$ 3oe3ent* 'rath )ra""e) her a+ro&& hi& lap* hol)in" her o$$ /alan+e
&o it wa& onl% the &tren"th o$ hi& ar3& that (ept her $ro3 hittin" the $loor, 5i& 3outh
wa& &et in a "ri3 line,
Slowl%* he li$te) hi& li)&,
.eth "a&pe),
5i& iri&e& were the 3o&t extraor)inar% +olor, 1 lu3ine&+ent pale "reen* &o pale the%
were al3o&t white, Fra3e) /% hi& thi+(* )ar( la&he&* &et )eepl% /eneath hi& /row&* hi&
e%e& "lea3e) li(e the% were lit $ro3 in&i)e hi& &(ull* all /ut poppin" out o$ hi& $a+e
li(e li"ht/ul/&,
Then &he noti+e) hi& pupil&, The% were all wron", Tin%* un$o+u&e) pinpri+(& o$ /la+(,
She +are&&e) hi& $a+e, 9Eour e%e& are /eauti$ul,9
9C&ele&&,9
9Beautiful%9
She wat+he) a& he &+anne) her $a+e, 5e wa& &trainin"* a& i$ tr%in" to "et hi& i&ion to
wor(,
95ae the% alwa%& /een li(e thi&49 &he whi&pere),
96 wa& /orn i&uall% i3paire), -% &i"ht "ot wor&e a$ter 3% tran&ition an) will
pro/a/l% )e"enerate een 3ore a& 6 a"e,9
9So %ou +an &ee &o3ethin"49
9Eeah,9 5i& han) li$te) to her hair, 'hen wae& o$ it lan)e) on her &houl)er* &he
realize) he wa& pi+(in" the pin& out o$ her +hi"non, 96 (now 6 li(e %our hair )own* $or
in&tan+e, 1n) 6 (now %ou are er% /eauti$ul,9
5i& $in"er& tra+e) the +ontour& o$ her $a+e* then /ru&he) li"htl% )own her ne+( to her
+ollar/one, The% (ept "oin"* 3ar(in" a path /etween her /rea&t&,
5er heart poun)e), 5er thou"ht& &lowe) )own, The worl) re+e)e) until there wa&
onl% 'rath,
9Si"ht i& &eriou&l% oerrate)* thou"h*9 he 3ur3ure)* $lattenin" hi& pal3 oer her
&ternu3, The wei"ht wa& hea%, 'ar3, 1 $oreta&te o$ what hi& /o)% woul) $eel li(e
pre&&in" her& )own into the 3attre&&, 9Tou+h* ta&te* &3ell* hearin", The other $our
&en&e& are 7u&t a& i3portant,9
5e leane) $orwar)* nuzzle) her ne+(* an) &he $elt a &o$t &+rat+hin", .is fangs* &he
thou"ht, ?unnin" up her throat,
She wante) hi3 to /ite her,
'rath /reathe) in )eepl%, 9Eou hae a per$u3e to %our &(in that 3a(e& 3e har),
6n&tantl%, 1ll 6 hae to )o i& &3ell %ou,9
She ar+he) in hi& ar3&* ru//in" her&el$ a"ain&t hi& thi"h&* thru&tin" her /rea&t& up,
5er hea) $ell /a+(* an) &he let out a little 3oan,
90o)* 6 loe that &oun)*9 he &ai)* 3oin" hi& han) up to the /a&e o$ her throat, 9-a(e
it $or 3e a"ain* .eth,9
5e &u+(e) her ne+(, She o/li"e),
9That2& it*9 he "roane), 9Sweet heaen* that i& so it,9
5i& $in"er& &tarte) traelin" a"ain* thi& ti3e oer to the tie on her )re&&, 5e loo&ene)
the /ow,
96 woul)n2t let Fritz +han"e the &heet&,9
9'hat49 &he 3u3/le),
9On the /e), 1$ter %ou le$t, 6 wante) to &3ell %ou when 6 la% )own in the3,9
The $ront o$ her )re&& &li) open* an) +ool air hit her &(in a& hi& han) )ri$te) up her ri/
+a"e, 'hen he "ot to her /ra* he )rew a +ir+le aroun) the e)"e& o$ one la+e +up*
"ra)uall% wor(in" hi& wa% inwar) until he /ru&he) a"ain&t her nipple,
5er /o)% 7er(e)* an) &he "ra//e) onto hi& &houl)er, 5i& 3u&+le& were ro+( &oli) $ro3
hol)in" her o$$ /alan+e, She loo(e) up into hi& $ear&o3e* 3a"ni$i+ent $a+e,
5i& e%e& literall% "lowe)* the iri&e& throwin" o$$ li"ht that +a&t her /rea&t& in &ha)ow&,
The pro3i&e o$ raw* poun)in" &ex an) hi& $ero+iou& hun"er $or her were o/iou& in
the "rin)in" o$ hi& 7aw, The heat +o3in" o$$ hi& tre3en)ou& /o)%, The ten&ion in hi&
le"& an) +he&t,
.ut he wa& utterl% in +ontrol o$ hi3&el$, 1n) her,
9Eou (now* 62e /een too "ree)% with %ou*9 he &ai)* /rin"in" hi& hea) )own to her
+ollar/one, 5e /it her li"htl%* not /rea(in" her &(in, Then hi& ton"ue li+(e) oer the
&pot* &tro(in"* &atin &3ooth, 5e 3oe) lower* to her /rea&t/one, 96 reall% haen2t
ta(en %ou properl% %et,9
9623 not &o &ure a/out that*9 &he &ai) rou"hl%,
5e lau"he) with a )eep ru3/le* hi& /reath war3 an) 3oi&t oer her &(in, 5e (i&&e)
up the top o$ her /rea&t* an) then he too( her nipple into hi& 3outh* throu"h the la+e,
She ar+he) a"ain* $eelin" li(e a )a3 ha) /ro(en /etween her le"&,
5i& hea) li$te)* a &3ile o$ anti+ipation pullin" at hi& 3outh,
5e "entl% &li) the /ra &trap )own an) peele) the la+e awa%, 5er nipple pu+(ere) een
3ore $or hi3* an) &he wat+he) a& hi& )ar( hea) went )own to her pale &(in, 5i&
ton"ue* "lo&&% an) pin(* +a3e out o$ hi& 3outh an) li+(e) her,
1& her thi"h& parte) without an% )e3an) $ro3 hi3* he lau"he) a"ain* a thi+(* 3ale
&oun) o$ &ati&$a+tion,
5i& han) &lippe) in /etween the $ol)& o$ her )re&&* /ru&hin" a"ain&t her hip* 3oin"
&lowl% oer to her lower /ell%, 5e $oun) the e)"e o$ her pantie& an) &li) hi&
$ore$in"er un)erneath the la+e, >u&t a little,
5e 3oe) that $in"ertip /a+( an) $orth* a &en&uou& ti+(le in+he& $ro3 where &he
wante) it to /e, #ee)e) it to /e,
9-ore*9 &he )e3an)e), 96 want 3ore,9
91n) %ou2ll "et it,9 5i& whole han) )i&appeare) un)er the /la+( la+e, She +rie) out a&
he +a3e into +onta+t with her hot* wet +ore, 9.ut .eth49
She wa& /arel% +on&+iou&, Co3pletel% +on&u3e) /% hi& tou+h, 9C3349
9:o %ou want to (now what %ou ta&te li(e49 he &ai) a"ain&t her /rea&t,
One lon" $in"er )ippe) into her /o)%, 1& i$ he wante) her to (now he wa&n2t tal(in"
a/out her 3outh,
She "rippe) hi& /a+( throu"h hi& &il( &hirt* &+orin" hi3 with her nail&,
9Aea+he&*9 he &ai)* &hi$tin" her /o)%* 3oin" )ownwar) with hi& 3outh* (i&&in" the
&(in o$ her &to3a+h, 9<i(e eatin" pea+he&, Sil(% $le&h on 3% lip& an) ton"ue a& 6
&u+(, S3ooth an) &weet )own the /a+( o$ 3% throat when 6 &wallow,9
She 3oane)* +lo&e to or"a&3 an) $ar* $ar awa% $ro3 &anit%,
'ith a Kui+( 3otion* he &+oope) her up an) +arrie) her oer to the /e), 1& he lai) her
)own* he parte) her le"& with hi& hea) an) put hi& 3outh oer the /la+( la+e /etween
her thi"h&,
She "a&pe) an) pu&he) her han)& into hi& hair* onl% to "et tan"le) up, 5e %an(e)
awa% the leather tie, .la+( wae& $ell )own a+ro&& her /ell%* li(e the $lutter o$ a
haw(2& win"&,
9>u&t li(e pea+he&*9 he &ai)* &trippin" o$$ her pantie&, 91n) 6 loe pea+he&,9
That eerie* /eauti$ul illu3ination $ro3 hi& e%e& wa&he) oer her /o)%, 1n) then he
lowere) hi& hea) a"ain,
Chapter Tenty'seven
5aer& went )own into hi& la/ an) pa+e) aroun)* loa$er& &lappin" a"ain&t the white
linoleu3 tile, 1$ter two trip& aroun) the roo3* he +a3e to re&t in $ront o$ hi&
wor(&tation, 5e &tro(e) the "ra+e$ul ena3ele) ne+( o$ hi& 3i+ro&+ope, <oo(e) up at
the $leet& o$ "la&& /ea(er& an) the /attalion& o$ ial& on the &hele& oerhea), 5e
hear) the hu33in" o$ re$ri"erator&* the )ronin" purr o$ the entilation unit in the
+eilin", Cau"ht the lin"erin"* 3e)i+inal &pe+ter o$ <%&ol )i&in$e+tant,
The &+ienti$i+ eniron3ent re3in)e) hi3 o$ hi& intelle+tual pur&uit&,
O$ the pri)e he too( in the &tren"th o$ hi& 3in),
5e +on&i)ere) hi3&el$ +iilize), Capa/le o$ &helin" hi& e3otion&, 0oo) at
re&pon)in" lo"i+all% to &ti3uli, .ut thi& hatre)* thi& an"er wa& not &o3ethin" he +oul)
&it with, The $eelin" wa& too iolent* too ener"izin",
Alan& &pun in hi& hea)* plan& inolin" /loo)&he),
!x+ept who wa& he (i))in"4 6$ he rai&e) &o 3u+h a& a Swi&& ar3% (ni$e at 'rath* he
wa& the one who2) /e le$t /lee)in",
5e nee)e) &o3eone who (new how to (ill, So3eone who +oul) "et +lo&e to the
warrior,
'hen the &olution +a3e to hi3* it wa& o/iou&, 5e (new 7u&t who3 to "o to an)
where to $in) hi3,
5aer& turne) to the )oor* &ati&$a+tion /rin"in" a &3ile to hi& lip&,
.ut when he +au"ht hi& re$le+tion in the 3irror oer the )eep-/ellie) la/ &in(* he
$roze, 5i& &hi$t% e%e& were too /ri"ht* too ea"er, The na&t% "rin wa& one he2) neer
worn /e$ore, The $eere) $lu&h on hi& $a+e wa& in anti+ipation o$ a ile re&ult,
5e )i)n2t re+o"nize hi3&el$ in the 3a&( o$ en"ean+e,
5e hate) the wa% he loo(e),
9Oh* 0o),9
5ow +oul) he een thin( &u+h thin"&4 5e wa& a ph%&i+ian, 1 healer, 5e2) )eote)
hi3&el$ to &ain" lie&* not ta(in" the3,
-ari&&a ha) &ai) it wa& oer, She2) /ro(en the +oenant, She wa&n2t "oin" to &ee
'rath a"ain,
Eet )i)n2t &he &till )e&ere to /e aen"e) $or the wa% &he2) /een treate)4
1n) now wa& the ti3e to &tri(e, The approa+h to 'rath wa& un+luttere) /% the threat
that -ari&&a 3i"ht "et +au"ht in the +ro&&$ire,
5aer& $elt a &hu))er "o throu"h hi3* an) he a&&u3e) it wa& horror at the 3a"nitu)e
o$ what he wa& +on&i)erin", .ut then hi& /o)% lur+he)* an) he ha) to rea+h out to
&tea)% hi3&el$, =erti"o threw the worl) aroun) hi3 into a /len)er* an) he tu3/le)
oer to a +hair,
'ren+hin" $ree the (not o$ hi& /ow tie* he &tru""le) to /reathe,
The /loo)* he thou"ht, The tran&$u&ion,
6t wa&n2t wor(in",
6n )e&pair* he $ell $ro3 the +hair to hi& (nee&, .rou"ht to the "roun) /% hi& $ailure* he
+lo&e) hi& e%e& an) let hi3&el$ &in( into /la+(ne&&,
'rath rolle) onto hi& &i)e an) too( .eth with hi3* (eepin" the3 7oine), 'ith hi&
ere+tion &till twit+hin" in&i)e o$ her* he /ru&he) her hair /a+(, 6t wa& )a3p with her
)eli+ate &weat,
2ine%
1& he (i&&e) her lip&* he note) with &ati&$a+tion that &he wa& &till /reathin" har),
5e2) 3a)e loe to her properl%* he thou"ht, Slow an) )eli/erate,
9'ill %ou &ta%49 he a&(e),
She lau"he) hu&(il%, 9623 not &ure 6 +an wal( ri"ht now, So* %eah* 6 thin( l%in" here i&
a "oo) option,9
5e pre&&e) hi& lip& to her $orehea), 962ll return 7u&t /e$ore )awn,9
1& he with)rew $ro3 the war3 +o+oon o$ her /o)%* &he loo(e) up, 9'here are %ou
"oin"49
9623 3eetin" with 3% /rother& an) then we2re "oin" out,9
5e le$t the /e) an) went to the +lo&et* )re&&in" in hi& leather&* pullin" hi& hol&ter onto
hi& &houl)er&, 5e &lippe) in a )a""er on ea+h &i)e an) "ra//e) hi& 7a+(et,
9Fritz will /e here*9 he &ai), 96$ %ou nee) an%thin"* pi+( up the phone an) )ial &tar
$ort%, 6t2ll rin" up&tair&,9
She wrappe) a &heet aroun) her&el$ an) ro&e $ro3 the /e),
9'rath,9 She tou+he) hi& ar3, 9Sta%,9
5e )ippe) )own $or a Kui+( (i&&, 9623 +o3in" /a+(,9
91re %ou "oin" to $i"ht49
9Ee&,9
9.ut how +an %ou4 Eou2re89 She &toppe),
91n) 62e /een /lin) $or three hun)re) %ear&,9
5er /reath &u+(e) in, 9Eou2re that ol)49
5e ha) to lau"h, 9Eeah,9
9'ell* 62e "ot to &a% %ou2re hol)in" up 7u&t $ine,9 5er &3ile $a)e), 95ow lon" will 6
lie49
1 &hot o$ +ol) )rea) hit hi3* &tealin" a +ouple o$ heart/eat& $ro3 hi& +he&t,
'hat i$ &he )i)n2t 3a(e it throu"h the tran&ition4
'rath $elt hi& &to3a+h lur+h, 5e* who wa& all +hu33% with the 0ri3 ?eaper*
&u))enl% "ot +ra+(e) in the "ut with &o3e /a&e 3ortal $ear,
.ut &he wa& "oin" to 3a(e it* ri"ht4 3ight4
5e realize) he wa& loo(in" at the +eilin"* an) won)ere) who the hell he wa& tal(in"
to, The S+ri/e =ir"in4
9'rath49
5e %an(e) .eth a"ain&t hi3* hol)in" her ti"ht* a& i$ he +oul) ph%&i+all% /ar her $ro3
her $ate i$ it wa& a /a) one,
9'rath*9 &he &ai) into hi& &houl)er, 9'rath* hone%* 6 +an2t8 6 +an2t /reathe,9
5e loo&ene) hi& hol) i33e)iatel% an) loo(e) )own into her e%e&* tr%in" to $or+e hi&
to $o+u&, The &train pulle) the &(in o$ hi& te3ple& ti"ht,
9'rath4 'hat2& wron"49
9#othin",9
9Eou )i)n2t an&wer 3% Kue&tion,9
9That2& /e+au&e 6 )on2t (now the an&wer,9
She &ee3e) ta(en a/a+(* /ut then ar+he) up onto her tiptoe&, She (i&&e) hi& lip&,
9'ell* howeer lon" 62e "ot* 6 wi&h %ou woul) &ta% with 3e toni"ht,9
There wa& a poun)in" on the )oor,
9Eo* 'rath49 ?ha"e2& oi+e +arrie) throu"h the &teel, 9'e2re all here,9
.eth &teppe) /a+(* wrappin" her ar3& aroun) her&el$, 5e +oul) &en&e &he wa& +lo&in"
up on hi3 a"ain,
5e wa& te3pte) to lo+( her in* /ut he +oul)n2t /ear to (eep her a& a pri&oner, 1n) hi&
in&tin+t& tol) hi3 that howeer 3u+h &he 3i"ht wi&h thin"& were )i$$erent* &he wa&
re&i"ne) to her $ate* a& well a& hi& role in it, She wa& al&o &a$e $ro3 the lessers at thi&
point* a& the% woul) &ee her onl% a& a hu3an,
9'ill %ou /e here when 6 "et /a+(49 he a&(e)* )rawin" on hi& 7a+(et,
96 )on2t (now,9
96$ %ou leae* 6 nee) to (now where to $in) %ou,9
9'h%49
9The +han"e* .eth, The +han"e, <oo(* it2ll /e &a$er i$ %ou &ta%,9
9-a%/e,9
5e (ept hi& +ur&e to hi3&el$, 5e wa&n2t "oin" to /e",
9The other )oor out in the hall*9 he &ai), 96t open& into %our $ather2& /e)roo3, 6
thou"ht %ou 3i"ht li(e to "o in there,9
'rath le$t /e$ore he e3/arra&&e) hi3&el$,
'arrior& )i) not /e", The% rarel% een a&(e), The% too( what the% wante) an) (ille)
$or it i$ the% ha) to,
.ut he reall% hope) &he2) /e there when he "ot /a+(, 5e li(e) the thou"ht o$ her
&leepin" in hi& /e),
.eth went into the /athroo3 an) too( a &hower* lettin" the hot water &oothe her
nere&, 'hen &he "ot out* &he )rie) o$$ an) noti+e) a /la+( ro/e han"in" on a hoo(,
She put it on,
She &ni$$e) the lapel& an) +lo&e) her e%e&, 'rath2& &3ell wa& all oer it* a
+o3/ination o$ &oap an) a$ter&hae an)8
-ale a3pire,
0oo) lor), 'a& &he a+tuall% liin" thi&4
She wal(e) out into the +ha3/er, 'rath ha) le$t the +lo&et open* an) &he went oer to
loo( at hi& +lothe&, 'hat &he $oun) wa& a +a+he o$ weapon& that petri$ie) her,
She e%e) the )oor that le) out into the &tairwell, She thou"ht a/out leain"* /ut a&
3u+h a& &he wante) to "o* &he (new 'rath wa& ri"ht, Sta%in" wa& &a$er,
1n) her $ather2& /e)roo3 wa& an enti+e3ent,
She woul) "o there an) hope that whateer &he $oun) )i)n2t "ie her palpitation&, 0o)
(new* her loer wa& proi)in" one &ho+( a$ter another,
1& &he &teppe) out onto the /otto3 lan)in"* &he pulle) the lapel& o$ the ro/e +lo&er
to"ether, The "a& lantern& $li+(ere)* 3a(in" the wall& &ee3 alie a& &he &tare) at the
)oor a+ro&& the wa%, .e$ore &he lo&t her nere* &he wal(e) oer* "ra//e) it& han)le*
an) pu&he),
:ar(ne&& "reete) her on the other &i)e* a wall o$ /la+( that &u""e&te) either a
/otto3le&& pit or an in$inite &pa+e, She rea+he) pa&t the 7a3/ an) patte) the wall*
hopin" &he2) hit a li"ht &wit+h an) not &o3ethin" that woul) /ite her,
#o lu+( on the &wit+h, .ut a 3inute later her han) wa& &till atta+he) to her ar3,
Steppin" into the oi)* &he 3oe) &lowl% to the le$t until her /o)% hit &o3ethin" /i",
0ien the +lappin" o$ /ra&& pull&* an) the &3ell o$ le3on wax* &he $i"ure) the thin"
wa& pro/a/l% a hi"h/o%, She (ept "oin"* $eelin" her wa% aroun) until &he $oun) a
la3p,
6t +a3e on with a +li+(in" &oun)* an) &he /lin(e) at the "low, The la3p2& /a&e wa& a
$ine Oriental a&e* an) the ta/le un)er it wa& 3a)e o$ 3aho"an%* an) er% ornate, #o
)ou/t the roo3 wa& )one in the &a3e $a/ulou& &t%le a& the up&tair&,
'hen her e%e& a)7u&te)* &he loo(e) aroun),
9Oh8 3%8 0o),9
There were pi+ture& o$ her eer%where, .la+(-an)-white&* +lo&e-up&* +olore) one&,
She wa& all a"e&* $ro3 in$an+% throu"h +hil)hoo) an) into her teen&, 6n +olle"e, One
wa& er% re+ent* hain" /een ta(en while &he wa& leain" the &aldwell &ourier
'ournals o$$i+e, She re3e3/ere) that )a%, 6t ha) /een the $ir&t &now$all o$ the winter*
an) &he2) /een lau"hin" a& &he2) loo(e) up at the &(%,
!i"ht 3onth& a"o,
The i)ea that &he ha) 3i&&e) (nowin" her $ather /% a 3ar"in o$ &ea&on& &tru+( her a&
tra"i+,
'hen ha) he )ie)4 5ow ha) he lie)4
One thin" wa& +learG 5e ha) "reat ta&te, 0reat &t%le, 1n) he o/iou&l% li(e) the $iner
thin"&, 5er $ather2& a&t priate &pa+e wa& re&plen)ent, The wall& were a )eep re) that
&et o$$ another &pe+ta+ular +olle+tion o$ 5u)&on ?ier S+hool lan)&+ape& &et in "ilt
$ra3e&, The $loor wa& +oere) with /lue* re)* an) "ol) Oriental ru"& that "lowe) li(e
&taine) "la&&, .ut the /e) wa& the 3o&t 3a"ni$i+ent thin" in the roo3, 6t wa& a
3a&&ie* han)-+are) antiKue with )ar( re) elet )rape& han"in" $ro3 a +anop%, On
the /e)&i)e ta/le to the le$t* there wa& a la3p an) %et another pi+ture o$ her, On the
ri"ht* there wa& a +lo+(* a /oo(* an) a "la&&,
5e2) &lept on that &i)e,
She went oer an) pi+(e) up the har)+oer, 6t wa& in Fren+h, Cn)erneath the /oo(
there wa& a 3a"azine, For"es,
She put the3 /a+( an) then loo(e) at the "la&&, There wa& &till an in+h o$ water in it,
!ither &o3eone wa& &leepin" here8 or her $ather ha) )ie) er% re+entl%,
She loo(e) aroun)* &ear+hin" $or +lothe& or a &uit+a&e that woul) &u""e&t a "ue&t, The
3aho"an% )e&( a+ro&& the roo3 +au"ht her e%e, She went oer an) &at in it&
throneli(e +hair* "ettin" &wa3pe) /% +are) ar3&, #ext to the leather /lotter there
wa& a &3all &ta+( o$ paper&, The% were /ill& $or the hou&e, !le+tri+, Ahone, Ca/le, 1ll
in Fritz2& na3e,
So8 nor3al, She ha) the &a3e thin"& on her )e&(,
.eth e%e) the "la&& on the /e)&i)e ta/le,
5i& li$e ha) /een a/ruptl% interrupte)* &he thou"ht,
Feelin" li(e an interloper* /ut una/le to re&i&t* &he pulle) open the &hallow )rawer
un)er the )e&(top, -ont/lan+ pen&* /in)er +lip&* a &tapler, She &li) it /a+( into pla+e*
then rea+he) )own an) loo(e) into a lar"er )rawer, 6t wa& $ull o$ $ile&, She pi+(e) one
out, The% were $inan+ial re+or)&;
.oly shit, 5er $ather wa& loa)e), ?eall% loa)e),
She "lan+e) at another pa"e, 1& in 3illion& an) 3illion& an) 3illion& loa)e),
She put the $ile /a+( an) &hut the )rawer,
Certainl% explaine) the hou&e, The artG The +ar, The /utler,
#ext to a phone there wa& a pi+ture o$ her in a &iler $ra3e, She pi+(e) it up* tr%in" to
i3a"ine hi3 loo(in" at it,
'here wa& a photo o$ hi34 &he won)ere),
Coul) %ou een ta(e a photo"raph o$ a a3pire4
She went aroun) the roo3 a"ain* loo(in" in ea+h o$ the $ra3e&, >u&t her, >u&t her,
>u&t8
.eth /ent )own,
1n) with a &ha(% han) rea+he) out $or a "ol) $ra3e,
6n&i)e wa& a /la+(-an)-white pi+ture o$ a )ar(-haire) wo3an loo(in" &h%l% into the
+a3era, 5er han) wa& on her $a+e* a& i$ &he were e3/ara&&e),
Tho&e e%e&* .eth thou"ht with won)er, She2) /een &tarin" at an i)enti+al pair in the
3irror eer% )a% o$ her li$e,
5er 3other,
She /ru&he) her $ore$in"er )own the "la&&,
Sittin" /lin)l% on the /e)* &he /rou"ht the pi+ture a& +lo&e a& her e%e& woul) /ear
without her i&ion /lurrin", 1& i$ proxi3it% to the i3a"e woul) +lo&e the )i&tan+e o$
ti3e an) +ir+u3&tan+e* /rin"in" her to the loel% wo3an in the $ra3e,
5er 3other,
Chapter Tenty'eight
This was more like it* -r, O thou"ht a& he hu3pe) an un-+on&+iou& +iilian a3pire
up onto hi& &houl)er, 5e +arrie) the 3ale Kui+(l% throu"h the alle%* opene) the /a+(
o$ the 3ini-an* an) lai) hi& pre% )own li(e a &a+( o$ potatoe&, 5e wa& +are$ul to tu+(
a /la+( wool /lan(et oer hi& +ar"o,
5e (new hi& pro+ure3ent &%&te3 woul) wor(* an) up"ra)in" the &tren"th o$ the
tranKuilizer $ro3 :e3o&e)an to 1+epro3azine ha) 3a)e the )i$$eren+e, 5i& in&tin+t
o$ u&in" hor&e tranK& in&tea) o$ &e)atie& +ali/rate) $or hu3an& ha) /een +orre+t, The
a3pire ha) &till reKuire) two )art& o$ the 1+epro /e$ore he went )own,
-r, O loo(e) oer hi& &houl)er /e$ore "ettin" /ehin) the wheel, The pro&titute he2)
(ille) wa& l%in" a+ro&& a &tor3 )rain* her heroin-&aturate) /loo) &eepin" into the
&ewa"e &%&te3, The )ear "irl ha) een helpe) hi3 with the nee)le, O$ +our&e* &he
ha)n2t /een expe+tin" 100 per+ent pure 5,
Or hain" enou"h o$ it pu3pe) into her ein to put a 3oo&e into a )eep no),
The poli+e woul) $in) her /% 3ornin"* /ut he2) /een er% neat* 7u&t li(e /e$ore, <atex
"loe&, 5at pulle) )own oer hi& hair, :en&el% woen n%lon +lothe& that &houl) leae
no $i/er&,
1n) 0o) (new* &he ha)n2t &tru""le) at all,
-r, O +al3l% &tarte) the en"ine an) ea&e) out onto Tra)e Street,
1 $ine &hine o$ anti+ipator% &weat /ro(e out a/oe hi& upper lip, The arou&al* all the
a)renaline pu3pin" throu"h hi3* 3a)e hi3 3i&& the )a%& when he +oul) &till hae
&ex,
!en i$ the a3pire ha) no in$or3ation to "ie* the re&t o$ the eenin" wa& "oin" to
/e en7o%a/le
5e2) &tart with the ha33er* he thou"ht,
#o* the )ental )rill woul) /e /etter, Cn)er the $in"ernail&,
That &houl) wa(e the 3ale ri"ht up, 1$ter all* there wa& no &en&e torturin" the
un+on&+iou&, <i(e (i+(in" a +orp&e* that woul) 7u&t /e an aero/i+ wor(out* an) een
then* onl% a 3il) one, 5e &houl) (now,
Con&i)erin" what he2) )one to hi& $ather2& /o)% when he2) $oun) it,
Fro3 the /a+( he hear) a $loppin" &oun), 5e "lan+e) oer hi& &houl)er, The a3pire
wa& 3oin" un)er the /lan(et,
0oo), 5e wa& alie,
-r, O loo(e) /a+( out to the roa) an) $rowne), <eanin" $orwar) in hi& &eat* he
"rippe) the wheel,
Cp ahea)* there wa& the $lare o$ /ra(e li"ht&,
Car& were &toppe) in a line, 1 /un+h o$ oran"e +one& were &et out, 1n) /lue an)
white $la&he& announ+e) a poli+e pre&en+e,
1n a++i)ent4
#o, 1 roa)/lo+(, Two +op& with $la&hli"ht& loo(in" into +ar&, 1 &i"n that rea)*
6ntoxi+ation Che+(point,
-r, O hit hi& /ra(e&, 5e rea+he) into hi& /la+( /a"* too( out the )art "un* an) $ire)
another two into the a3pire to (eep the noi&e )own, 'ith the win)ow& )ar(ene) an)
the /la+( /lan(et a& +oer* the% ha) a &hot at 3a(in" it throu"h, 1& lon" a& the 3ale
)i)n2t 3oe,
'hen it wa& -r, O2& turn* he put the win)ow )own a& the +op approa+he), The 3an2&
$la&hli"ht hit the )a&h/oar)* +a&tin" a "low,
9!enin"* O$$i+er,9 -r, O a&&u3e) a plea&ant expre&&ion,
9Eou /een )rin(in" toni"ht* &ir49 The +op wa& %our /a&i+ 3i))le-a"e) no/o)%,
:ou"h% aroun) the 3i))le, Fuzz% 3u&ta+he that nee)e) a /etter tri3 7o/, 0ra% hair
poo$in" out $ro3 un)er hi& hat li(e a wee), 5e ha) all the a&pe+t& o$ a &heep)o"
ex+ept $or the $lea +ollar an) the tail,
9#o* O$$i+er* 6 hae not,9
95e%* 6 (now %ou,9
9:o %ou49 -r, O &3ile) 3ore /roa)l% while e%ein" the 3an2& throat, Fru&tration
3a)e hi3 thin( o$ the (ni$e he ha) in the +ar )oor, 5e rea+he) )own an) ran hi&
$in"er oer the han)le* &oothin" hi3&el$,
9Eeah* %ou tea+h 7u7it&u to 3% &on,9 'hen the +op leane) /a+(* hi& $la&hli"ht &wun"
to the &i)e* hittin" the /la+( /a" in the pa&&en"er &eat, 9:arr%l* +o3e 3eet Ahillie2&
&en&ei,9
'hile the other +op a3/le) oer* -r, O +he+(e) to 3a(e &ure the /a" wa& zippe) up,
#o &en&e $la&hin" the )art "un or the nine-3illi3eter 0lo+( he ha) in&i)e o$ it,
For a "oo) $ie 3inute&* he 3a)e ni+e-ni+e with the /o%& in /lue while $anta&izin"
a/out the wa%& he +oul) &hut the3 up,
'hen he $inall% put the 3inian in "ear* he )i&+oere) the (ni$e wa& in hi& han) an)
al3o&t in hi& lap,
5e ha) &o3e &eriou& a""re&&ion to wor( o$$,
'rath &tare) har) at the /lurr% +ontour& o$ the &in"le-&tor% +o33er+ial /uil)in", For
the pa&t two hour&* he an) ?ha"e ha) /een wat+hin" the Cal)well -artial 1rt&
1+a)e3%* waitin" to &ee i$ it "ot an% no+turnal a+tion, The $a+ilit% wa& lo+ate) at the
$ar en) o$ a &trip 3all* on the e)"e o$ a &tret+h o$ woo)&, ?ha"e* who ha) +a&e) the
pla+e the ni"ht /e$ore* e&ti3ate) it wa& a/out twent% thou&an) &Kuare $eet in &ize,
Alent% /i" enou"h to /e a +enter $or the lessers,
The par(in" lot ran )own the $ront o$ the a+a)e3%* an) there were a/out ten to $i$teen
&pa+e& on one &i)e, There were two entran+e&, :ou/le "la&& )oor& in $ront, Si)e
in"re&& with no win)ow, Fro3 their anta"e point in the woo)&* the% +oul) &ee /oth
the e3pt% lot an) the wa%& in an) out o$ the /uil)in",
The other &ite& ha) /een )ea) en)&, The 0ol)2& 0%3 ha)n2t %iel)e) an%thin" other
than a reolin" 3e3/er&hip o$ &tea(-hea)&, 6t +lo&e) at 3i)ni"ht* opene) at $ie
1,-,* an) ha) /een Kuiet $or the pa&t +ouple o$ ni"ht&, The paint/all arena wa& the
&a3e* 7u&t an e3pt% /uil)in" $ro3 the 3o3ent it +lo&e) it& )oor&, The /e&t /et& were
the two a+a)e3ie&* an) =i&hou& an) the twin& were a+ro&& town at the other one,
1lthou"h lessers +oul) "o out in the )a%* the% )i) their huntin" at ni"ht /e+au&e that
wa& when their tar"et& 3oe) aroun), 1& )awn "ot +lo&e* the &o+iet%2& re+ruit3ent
an) trainin" +enter& were o$ten u&e) a& pla+e& to +on"re"ate* /ut not alwa%&, 1l&o*
/e+au&e the lessers &hi$te) lo+ale& $re-Kuentl%* one &pot +oul) /e hot $or a 3onth or a
&ea&on or a %ear an) then /e )e&erte),
1& :ariu& ha) /een )ea) $or onl% a $ew )a%&* 'rath wa& hopin" the &o+iet% ha)n2t
3oe) on %et,
5e $elt $or hi& wat+h, 9:a3n it* it2& al3o&t three,9
?ha"e &hi$te) a"ain&t the tree he wa& /ehin), 9So 6 "ue&& Tohr i&n2t &howin" up
toni"ht,9
'rath &hru""e)* hopin" li(e hell the &u/7e+t woul) "et )roppe),
6t )i)n2t,
9That2& not li(e hi3,9 ?ha"e pau&e), 9.ut %ou2re not &urpri&e),9
9#o* 623 not,9
9'h%49
'rath +ra+(e) hi& (nu+(le&, 96 too( a pie+e out o$ hi3, 'hen 6 &houl)n2t hae,9
9623 not "onna a&(,9
9'i&e o$ %ou,9 1n) then $or &o3e a/&ur) rea&on* he ta+(e) on* 96 nee) to apolo"ize to
hi3,9
9That2ll /e a &urpri&e,9
913 6 that aw$ul49
9#o*9 ?ha"e &ai) without hi& u&ual /raa)o, 9Eou2re 7u&t not wron" that o$ten,9
Can)or wa& a &urpri&e +o3in" $ro3 5oll%woo),
9'ell* 6 &ure a& hell )i) a nu3/er on Tohr,9
?ha"e +lappe) hi3 on the /a+(, 9<e33e tell %ou* a& &o3eone who o$$en)& $ol(&
re"ularl%* there ain2t 3u+h that +an2t /e $ixe),9
96 /rou"ht 'ell&ie into it,9
9#ot a "oo) i)ea,9
91n) how he $eel& a/out her,9
9Shit,9
9Eeah, Arett% 3u+h,9
9'h%49
9.e+au&e 689
.e+au&e he2) $elt li(e an i)iot tr%in" to pull o$$ een a &lier o$ what Tohr3ent ha)
3ana"e) to )o &o &u++e&&$ull% $or two +enturie&, 6n &pite o$ Tohr2& +allin" a& a
warrior* he2) &u&taine) a relation&hip with a $e3ale o$ worth, 1n) it wa& a "oo)*
&tron"* loin" union, 5e wa& the onl% one o$ the /rother& who2) /een a/le to )o that,
'rath thou"ht a/out .eth, Ai+ture) her +o3in" up to hi3* a&(in" hi3 to &ta%,
-an* he wa& )e&perate to $in) her in hi& /e) when he "ot ho3e, 1n) not /e+au&e he
wante) to ta(e her, 6t wa& /e+au&e then he +oul) &leep /e&i)e her, ?e&t a little*
(nowin" that &he wa& &a$e an) with hi3,
Ah$ hell, 5e ha) a terri/le $eelin" he wa& "oin" to hae to &ti+( aroun) that $e3ale,
For a while,
9.e+au&e49 ?ha"e pro3pte),
'rath2& no&e tin"le), 1 $aint whi$$ o$ &weetne&&* li(e /a/% pow)er* $loate) /% on the
/reeze,
90et out %our wel+o3e 3at*9 he &ai)* openin" hi& 7a+(et,
95ow 3an%49 ?ha"e a&(e)* piotin" aroun),
The &oun)& o$ &ti+(& &nappin" an) leae& ru&tlin" &o$tl% /ro(e the ni"ht, 0ot lou)er,
9Three, 1t lea&t,9
9Eee-haw,9
The lessers were +o3in" &trai"ht at the3* throu"h a +learin" in the woo)&, The% were
lou)* tal(in" an) wal(in" without +are* until one o$ the3 &toppe), The other two
pulle) up* &hut up,
9!enin"* /o%&*9 ?ha"e &ai)* &aunterin" out into the open,
'rath too( the &tealth approa+h, 1& the lessers +ir+le) hi& /rother* +rou+hin"*
)rawin" (nie&* 'rath &(irte) aroun) the e)"e o$ the tree&,
Then he rea+he) out o$ the &ha)ow& an) plu+(e) one o$ the lessers o$$ the "roun)*
&tartin" the $i"ht, 5e &lit it& throat* /ut there wa& no ti3e to poli&h o$$ the (ill, ?ha"e
ha) en"a"e) two* /ut the thir) wa& a/out to nail the /rother in the hea) with a
/a&e/all /at,
'rath $ell upon the un)ea) Sa33% Sou&a* ta(in" it )own to the "roun) an) &ta//in"
it in the throat, >ui+%* &tran"le) noi&e& /u//le) up into the air, 'rath loo(e) aroun)*
in +a&e there were 3ore or hi& /rother nee)e) help,
?ha"e wa& )oin" 7u&t $ine,
!en to 'rath2& poor e%e&i"ht* the warrior wa& a thin" o$ /eaut% when he $ou"ht, 1ll
$i&t& an) (i+(&, ?api) 3otion, 1ni3al re$lexe&, Aower an) en)uran+e, 5e wa& a
3a&ter o$ han)-to-han) +o3/at* an) the lessers hit the "roun) a"ain an) a"ain* the
len"th o$ ti3e it too( the3 to "et up "rowin" lon"er an) lon"er,
'rath went /a+( to the $ir&t lesser an) (nelt oer the /o)%, 6t writhe) a& he went
throu"h it& po+(et& an) too( all the 6: he +oul) $in),
5e wa& a/out to &ta/ it in the +he&t when he hear) a &hot"un "o o$$,
Chapter Tenty'nine
9So .ut+h* %ou "onna han" aroun) until 6 "et o$$ toni"ht49 1//% &3ile) a& &he poure)
hi3 another S+ot+h,
9-a%/e,9 5e )i)n2t want to* /ut a$ter a +ouple 3ore he 3i"ht +han"e hi& 3in),
1&&u3in" he +oul) &till "et it up while he wa& )run(,
'ith a &hi$t to the le$t* &he loo(e) /ehin) hi3 at another "u%* &hootin" the 3an a little
win( while $la&hin" &o3e +leaa"e,
Coerin" her /a&e&, Aro/a/l% a "oo) i)ea,
.ut+h2& +ell phone i/rate) on hi& /elt* an) he "ra//e) it, 9Eeah49
9'e2e "ot another )ea) pro&titute*9 >o&e &ai), 9Thou"ht %ou2) want to (now,9
9'here49 5e leape) o$$ the /ar &tool li(e he ha) &o3ewhere to "o, Then &at /a+(
)own* &lowl%,
9Tra)e an) Fi$th, .ut )on2t +o3e oer, 'here are %ou49
9-+0ri)er2&,9
9Ten 3inute&49
962ll /e here,9
.ut+h pu&he) the S+ot+h awa% a& $ru&tration tore throu"h hi3,
'a& thi& how he wa& "oin" to en) up4 0ettin" )run( eer% ni"ht4 -a%/e wor(in" a
A6 or a &e+urit% 7o/ until he "ot $ire) $or /ein" a )ereli+t4 <iin" alone in that two-
roo3 apart3ent until hi& lier (i+(e) it4
5e2) neer /een one $or plan&* /ut 3a%/e it wa& ti3e he 3a)e &o3e,
9Eou )i)n2t li(e that one49 1//% &ai)* $ra3in" the &hot "la&& with her /rea&t&,
?e$lexiel%* he rea+he) $or the )a3n thin"* /rou"ht it to hi& lip&* an) to&&e) it /a+(,
9That2& 3% 3an,9
.ut when &he went to pour hi3 another* he +oere) the top with hi& han), 96 thin( 623
)one toni"ht,9
9Eeah* ri"ht,9 She &3ile) when he &hoo( hi& hea), 9'ell* %ou (now where to $in)
3e,9
Yeah$ unfortunately%
>o&e too( lon"er than ten 3inute&, 6t wa& a "oo) hal$ hour /e$ore .ut+h &aw the
)ete+tie +uttin" throu"h the +row) o$ )rin(er&* a "ri3 $i"ure in hi& +a&ual +lothe&,
9:o we (now her49 .ut+h a&(e) /e$ore the 3an +oul) &it )own,
91nother one o$ .i" :a))%2&, Carla ?izzoli, 1,(,a, Can)%,9
9Sa3e -O49
>o&e or)ere) a o)(a &trai"ht up, 9Eup, Throat &lit* /loo) eer%where, There wa&
&o3e re&i)ue on her lip& li(e &he2) /een $oa3in" at the 3outh,9
9549
9Aro/a/l%, The 3e)i+al exa3iner2& "oin" to )o the autop&% $ir&t thin" to3orrow,9
91n%thin" $oun) at the &+ene49
91 )art, <i(e %ou2) &hoot an ani3al with, 'e2re hain" it anal%ze),9 >o&e poli&he) o$$
the o)(a with a Kui+( tilt o$ hi& hea), 91n) 6 hear) .i" :a))%2& pi&&e), 5e2& loo(in"
$or reen"e,9
9Eeah* well* hope$ull% he2ll ta(e it out on .eth2& /o%$rien), -a%/e a war will )rie
that /a&tar) out o$ hi)in",9 .ut+h &et hi& el/ow& onto the /ar, ?u//e) hi& a+h% e%e&,
90o))a3n it* 6 +an2t /eliee &he2& prote+tin" hi3,9
9-an* 6 neer &aw that one +o3in", She $inall% pi+(& &o3eone;9
91n) he2& a total lowli$e,9
>o&e loo(e) oer, 9'e2re "oin" to hae to +all her in,9
96 $i"ure),9 .ut+h $o+u&e) hi& e%e& /% &Kuintin", 9<i&ten* 623 &uppo&e) to 3eet her
to3orrow, 0ie 3e a +ra+( at her $ir&t* will %a49
96 +an2t )o that* O2#eal, Eou2re not;9
9Eeah* %ou +an, Eou 7u&t &+he)ule her $or the )a% a$ter,9
9The ine&ti"ation i& 3oin" $orwar);9
9Alea&e,9 .ut+h +oul)n2t /eliee he wa& /e""in", 9Co3e on* >o&e9, 62e "ot a /etter
&hot than an%one at "ettin" throu"h to her,9
9'h%2& that49
9.e+au&e &he wat+he) hi3 al3o&t (ill 3e,9
>o&e loo(e) )own at the "rott% /ar top, 9Eou2e "ot one )a%, 1n) no/o)%2) /etter $in)
out* /e+au&e the +aptain will hae 3% hea), Then no 3atter what* 6 "otta interro"ate
her at the &tation,9
.ut+h no))e) while 1//% +a3e )an+in" /a+( oer with a S+ot+h /ottle in one han)
an) a liter o$ o)(a in the other,
9Eou2re loo(in" )r%* /o%&*9 &he &ai) with a "i""le, The 3e&&a"e in her lu&t% &3ile an)
her a+ant e%e& wa& "ettin" lou)er* 3ore )e&perate* a& the ni"ht +rawle) to an en),
.ut+h thou"ht o$ hi& e3pt% wallet, 5i& e3pt% hol&ter, 5i& e3pt% apart3ent,
96 "otta "et out o$ her*9 he 3uttere)* &li)in" o$$ the &tool, 96 3ean* here,9
'rath2& ar3 a/&or/e) the &hot"un2& loa)* an) the i3pa+t twi&te) hi& tor&o li(e rope,
5e went with the $or+e o$ the hit* &pinnin" to the "roun)* /ut he )i)n2t &ta% )own,
-oin" $a&t an) low* he "ot the hell out o$ the wa%* not "iin" the &hooter a +han+e to
nail hi3 a"ain,
The $i$th lesser ha) +o3e out o$ nowhere, 1n) it wa& pa+(in" a hea% loa) in that
&awe)-o$$,
.ehin) a pine tree* 'rath Kui+(l% too( &to+( o$ the in7ur%, #othin" too )eep, So3e
&(in an) 3u&+le &trippe) o$$ hi& /i+ep&, .one wa& inta+t, 5e +oul) &till $i"ht,
5e too( out a throwin"&tar an) &teppe) into the open,
1n) that wa& when a tre3en)ou& $la&h o$ li"ht illu3inate) the +learin",
5e leape) /a+( into the &ha)ow&, 91w* &hrist@9
#ow the% were all in $or it, The /ea&t wa& +o3in" out o$ ?ha"e, 1n) the &hit wa&
"oin" to hit the $an,
?ha"e2& e%e& "lowe) white a& hea)li"ht& a& hi& /o)% 3utate) in a "ha&tl% )i&pla% o$
tearin" an) rupture&, So3ethin" horri/le too( hi& pla+e* it& &+ale& "li&tenin" in the
3oonli"ht* it& +law& &li+in" throu"h the air, The lessers )i)n2t (now what hit the3 a&
the +reature atta+(e) with a $ull &et o$ $an"&* "oin" a$ter the3 until their /loo) ran
)own it& hu"e +he&t in a rier,
'rath &ta%e) /a+(, 5e2) &een thi& /e$ore* an) the /ea&t )i)n2t nee) help, 5ell* i$ %ou
"ot too +lo&e* %ou were lia/le to "et a /o)% tri3,
'hen it wa& all oer* the +reature let out a howl &o lou)* the tree& /owe) awa%* their
/ran+he& /lown a&un)er,
The &lau"hter wa& a/&olute, There wa& no hope o$ "ettin" an% i)enti$i+ation o$$ the
lessers /e+au&e there were no /o)ie&, !en their +lothe& ha) /een +on&u3e),
'rath &teppe) into the +learin",
The +reature &wun" aroun)* pantin",
'rath (ept hi& oi+e low an) hi& han)& at hi& &i)e&, ?ha"e wa& in there &o3ewhere*
/ut until he +a3e out a"ain* %ou +oul)n2t a&&u3e the /ea&t woul) re3e3/er who the
/rother& were,
9'e2re +ool*9 'rath &ai), 9Eou an) 3e* we2e )one thi& /e$ore,9
The /ea&t2& +he&t pu3pe) up an) )own* no&tril& Kuierin" a& it &ni$$e) the air,
0lowin" e%e& $ixate) on the /loo) runnin" )own 'rath2& ar3, 1 &nort +a3e out, The
+law& li$te),
9For"et it, Eou )i) %our thin", Eou2re $e), #ow* let2& hae ?ha"e /a+(,9
The "reat hea) &hoo( /a+( an) $orth* /ut it& &+ale& &tarte) to i/rate, 1 hi"h-pit+he)
prote&t /rea+he) the +reature2& throat* an) then there wa& another $la&h,
?ha"e $ell na(e) to the "roun)* lan)in" $a+e-$ir&t in the )irt,
'rath ran oer an) )roppe) to hi& (nee&* rea+hin" out, The warrior2& &(in wa& &li+(
with &weat* an) he wa& &ha(in" li(e a new/orn in the +ol),
?ha"e &hi$te) at the tou+h, Trie) to li$t hi& hea), Faile),
'rath too( the /rother2& han) an) &Kueeze) it, The /urn on reentr% wa& alwa%& a
/it+h,
9?elax* 5oll%woo)* %ou2re "oo), Eou2re )oin" "oo),9 5e too( o$$ hi& 7a+(et an)
"entl% +oere) hi& /rother,
9Eou2re 7u&t "oin" to han" here an) let 3e ta(e +are o$ %ou* )i"49
?ha"e 3u3/le) &o3ethin" an) +urle) into a /all,
'rath $lippe) open hi& +ell phone an) )iale), 9=i&hou&4 'e nee) a +ar, #ow, Eou2re
(i))in" 3e, #o* 6 "otta 3oe our /o%, 'e 7u&t ha) a i&it $ro3 hi& other &i)e, .ut %ou
tell F&a)i&t not to $u+( aroun),9
5e hun" up an) loo(e) at ?ha"e,
95ate thi&*9 the /rother &ai),
96 (now,9 'rath 3oe) the &ti+(%* /loo)-&oa(e) hair out o$ the a3pire2& $a+e,
9'e2re "oin" to "et %ou ho3e,9
9:i)n2t li(e &eein" %ou &hot,9
'rath &3ile) &o$tl%, 9Clearl%,9
.eth &tirre)* /urrowin" )eeper into the pillow,
So3ethin" wa&n2t ri"ht,
She opene) her e%e& 7u&t a& a )eep 3ale oi+e /ro(e the &ilen+e, 9'hat the $u+( )o
we hae here49
She /olte) upri"ht, <oo(e) $ranti+all% to the &oun),
The 3an towerin" oer her ha) /la+(* li$ele&& e%e&, 1 har&h $a+e with a 7a""e) &+ar
runnin" )own it, 5air that wa& pra+ti+all% &hae) it wa& &o &hort, 1n) lon"* white
$an"& that were /are),
She &+rea3e),
5e &3ile), 9-% $aorite &oun) in all the worl),9
She +la3pe) a han) oer her 3outh,
0o)* that &+ar, 6t ran )own hi& $orehea)* oer hi& no&e* a+ro&& hi& +hee(* an) /a+(
aroun) to hi& 3outh, The tail en) o$ the 5 )i&torte) hi& upper lip* pullin" one &i)e into
a per3anent &neer,
91)3irin" 3% artwor(49 he )rawle), 9Eou &houl) &ee the re&t o$ 3e,9
5er e%e& )arte) to hi& /roa) +he&t, 5e wa& wearin" a &(inti"ht* lon"-&leee) /la+(
&hirt, On /oth hi& pe+&* &3all rin"& were ei)ent /eneath the 3aterial* a& i$ he ha) hi&
nipple& pier+e), 1& &he loo(e) /a+( up at hi& $a+e* &he &aw he ha) a /la+( /an)
tattooe) aroun) hi& ne+( an) a plu" in hi& le$t earlo/e,
9Arett%* aren2t 649 5i& +ol) &tare wa& the &tu$$ o$ ni"ht-3are&* o$ )ar( pla+e& where no
hope +oul) /e $oun)* o$ hell it&el$,
For"et the &+ar* &he thou"ht, Tho&e e%e& were the &+arie&t thin" a/out hi3,
1n) the% were $ixate) on her a& i$ he were &izin" her up $or a &hrou), Or $or &o3e
&ex,
She 3oe) her /o)% awa% $ro3 hi3, Starte) loo(in" aroun) $or &o3ethin" &he +oul)
u&e a& a weapon,
9'hat* %ou )on2t li(e 3e49
.eth e%e) the )oor* an) he lau"he),
9Thin( %ou +an run $a&t enou"h49 he &ai)* pullin" the /otto3 o$ hi& &hirt $ree $ro3 the
leather pant& he ha) on, 5i& han)& 3oe) to hi& $l%, 9623 )a3n &ure %ou +an2t,9
90et awa% $ro3 her* F&a)i&t,9
'rath2& oi+e wa& a &weet relie$, Cntil &he &aw that he ha) no &hirt on an) hi& ar3
wa& in a &lin",
5e /arel% loo(e) at her, 9Ti3e to "o* F,9
F&a)i&t &3ile) +ol)l%, 9#ot willin" to &hare the $e3ale49
9Eou onl% li(e it i$ %ou pa% $or it,9
9So 62ll $lip her a twent%, 1&&u3in" &he lie& throu"h the &ex,9
'rath (ept +o3in" at the other a3pire* until the% &too) no&e-to-no&e, The air
+ra+(le) aroun) the3* &uper+har"e) /% their a""re&&ion,
9Eou2re not tou+hin" her* F, Eou2re not loo(in" at her, Eou2re "oin" to &a% "oo)-ni"ht
an) wal( the $u+( out o$ here,9 'rath re3oe) the &lin"* expo&in" a /an)a"e on hi&
/i+ep&, There wa& a re) /lu&h in the +enter a& i$ he were /lee)in"* /ut he loo(e) rea)%
to ta(e on the other 3an,
9.et %ou2re pi&&e) %ou nee)e) a ri)e ho3e toni"ht*9 F&a)i&t &ai), 91n) that 6 wa& the
+lo&e&t one with a +ar,9
9:on2t 3a(e 3e re"ret it 3ore,9
F&a)i&t too( a &tep to the le$t* an) 'rath went with hi3* u&in" hi& /o)% to &hiel) her,
F&a)i&t +hu+(le)* a )eep* eil ru3/le, 9Eou2re a+tuall% willin" to $i"ht $or a hu3an49
9She2& :ariu&2& )au"hter,9
F&a)i&t2& hea) &nappe) to the &i)e* tho&e /la+( pit& o$ hi& pro/in" her $eature&, 1$ter a
3o3ent* there wa& a &u/tle &o$tenin" in hi& /rutal $a+e* a )rop in the &neer, 1n) then
he 3a)e a point to tu+( in hi& &hirt while loo(in" her in the e%e, 1& i$ he were
apolo"izin",
'rath )i) not &tep o$$* howeer,
9'hat2& %our na3e49 F&a)i&t a&(e) her,
95er na3e2& .eth,9 'rath put hi& hea) into the path o$ F&a)i&t2& i&ion, 91n) %ou2re
leain",9
There wa& a lon" pau&e,
9Eeah, Sure, 'hateer,9
F&a)i&t &tro)e oer to the )oor* 3oin" with the &a3e lethal prowl 'rath )i), .e$ore
he le$t* he &toppe) an) loo(e) /a+(,
5e 3u&t hae /een trul% han)&o3e on+e* .eth thou"ht, 1lthou"h it wa&n2t the &+ar
that 3a)e hi3 unattra+tie, 6t wa& the hell$ire in&i)e o$ hi3,
9#i+e to 3eet %ou, .eth,9
She let her /reath out a& the )oor +lo&e) an) the lo+(& $lippe) into pla+e,
91re %ou o(a%49 'rath a&(e), She +oul) $eel hi& e%e& runnin" oer her /o)%* an)
then he "entl% put hi& han)& on her, 95e )i)n2t8 he )i)n2t tou+h %ou* )i) he4 6 hear)
%ou &+rea3,9
9#o, #o* he 7u&t &+are) 3e, 6 wo(e up an) he wa& in the roo3,9
'rath &at )own on the /e)* &till pa&&in" hi& pal3& oer her a& i$ he )i)n2t /eliee &he
wa& o(a%, 'hen he &ee3e) &ati&$ie)* he pu&he) hi& hair /a+(, 5i& han)& were
&ha(in",
9Eou2re hurt*9 &he &ai), 9'hat happene)49
5e put hi& "oo) ar3 aroun) her an) pulle) her a"ain&t hi& +he&t, 96t2& nothin",9
9Then wh% )o %ou nee) a &lin"4 1n) a /an)a"e4 1n) wh% are %ou &till /lee)in"49
9Shhh,9 5e put hi& +hin on the top o$ her hea), She +oul) $eel hi& /o)% tre3/lin",
91re %ou ill49 &he a&(e),
96 7u&t hae to hol) %ou $or a 3inute, O(a%49
91/&olutel%,9
1& &oon a& hi& /o)% +al3e)* &he pulle) awa%, 9'hat2& the 3atter49
5e too( her $a+e in hi& han)&, Are&&e) hi& lip& to her&, 96 +oul)n2t /ear it i$ he2)8
ta(en %ou awa% $ro3 3e,9
9That "u%4 :on2t worr%* 623 not "oin" an%where with hi3,9 1n) then &he realize)
'rath wa&n2t tal(in" a/out a )ate, 9Eou thin( he wa& "oin" to (ill 3e49
#ot that &he +oul)n2t &ee how that 3i"ht hae /een po&&i/le, So +ol), Tho&e e%e& ha)
/een &o +ol),
6n&tea) o$ an&werin", 'rath2& 3outh +a3e )own on her&, She &toppe) hi3,
9'ho i& he4 1n) what happene) to hi349
96 )on2t want %ou near F a"ain, !er,9 5e tu+(e) a &tran) o$ hair /ehin) her ear, 5i&
tou+h wa& ten)er, 5i& oi+e wa& not, 91re %ou li&tenin" to 3e49
She no))e), 9.ut what;9
95e wal(& into a roo3 an) 623 in the hou&e* %ou +o3e an) $in) 3e, 6$ 623 not aroun)*
%ou lo+( %our&el$ in one o$ the&e roo3& )own here, The wall& are 3a)e o$ &teel* &o he
+an2t 3aterialize in&i)e, 1n) )on2t eer tou+h hi3, #ot een ina)ertentl%,9
96& he a warrior49
9:o %ou un)er&tan) what 623 tellin" %ou49
9Eeah* /ut it woul) help i$ 6 (new a little 3ore,9
95e2& one o$ the /rother&* /ut he2& nearl% &oulle&&, Cn$ortunatel%* we nee) hi3,9
9'h%* i$ he2& &o )an"erou&4 Or i& it onl% towar) wo3en49
95e hate& eer%one, !x+ept 3a%/e hi& twin,9
9Oh* "reat, There are two li(e hi349
9Than( 0o) $or Ahur%, 5e2& the onl% one who +an "et throu"h to F* althou"h een
then* it2& not a &ure thin",9 'rath (i&&e) her $orehea), 96 )on2t want to &+are %ou* /ut 6
nee) %ou to ta(e thi& &eriou&l%, F&a)i&t2& an ani3al* /ut 6 thin( he re&pe+te) %our
$ather* &o he 3a% leae %ou alone, 6 7u&t +an2t ta(e an% +han+e& with hi3, Or %ou,
Aro3i&e 3e that %ou2ll &ta% awa% $ro3 hi3,9
9O(a%,9 She +lo&e) her e%e& an) leane) into 'rath, 5i& ar3 +a3e aroun) her* /ut
then he &hi$te) /a+(,
9Co3e on,9 5e pulle) her up to her $eet, 9Co3e to 3% +ha3/er,9
'hen the% wal(e) into 'rath2& roo3* .eth hear) the &hower &hut o$$, 1 3o3ent
later* the )oor opene),
The warrior &he2) 3et /e$ore* the 3oie-&tar-han)&o3e one who2) /een &tit+hin"
hi3&el$ up* +a3e out &lowl%, 5e ha) a towel wrappe) aroun) hi& wai&t* an) hi& hair
wa& )rippin", 5e 3oe) a& i$ he were ei"ht%* a& i$ eer% 3u&+le in hi& /o)% hurt,
7ood lord* &he thou"ht, 5e )i)n2t loo( at all well* an) there wa& &o3ethin" wa%
wron" with hi& &to3a+h, 6t wa& &wollen* li(e he2) &wallowe) a /a&(et/all, Cn&ure
what to 3a(e o$ hi& 3i)&e+tion* &he won)ere) whether hi& woun) wa& in$e+te), 5e
loo(e) $eeri&h,
She "lan+e) at hi& &houl)er an) $rowne) when &he +oul) /arel% &ee a 3ar(, 6t wa& a&
i$ the in7ur% ha) o++urre) 3onth& a"o,
9?ha"e* 3an* how we $eelin"49 'rath a&(e)* leain" her &i)e,
9.ell% hurt&,9
9Eeah, 6 +an i3a"ine,9
?ha"e &wa%e) a& he loo(e) aroun) the roo3* e%e& /arel% open, 90oin" ho3e, 'here
3% +lothe&49
9Eou lo&t the3,9 'rath put hi& "oo) ar3 aroun) hi& /rother2& wai&t, 91n) %ou2re not
leain"* %ou2re +ra&hin" in :2& roo3,9
913 not,9
9:on2t &tart, 1n) we2re not waltzin" here, 'ill %ou lean on 3e* $or Chri&t2& &a(e49
The other 3an &a""e)* an) 'rath2& /a+( 3u&+le& ti"htene) a& he a/&or/e) the wei"ht,
The two o$ the3 &lowl% 3a)e their wa% out to the lan)in" an) then into her $ather2&
+ha3/er, She &ta%e) at a )i&+reet )i&tan+e* wat+hin" a& 'rath helpe) ?ha"e &li)e into
/e),
1& the warrior leane) /a+( a"ain&t the pillow&* hi& e%e& &Kueeze) &hut, 5i& han)
3oe) to hi& &to3a+h* /ut he win+e) an) let it $all to the &i)e* a& i$ the &li"hte&t
pre&&ure were torture,
9Feel &i+(,9
9Eeah* in)i"e&tion2& a /it+h,9
9:o %ou want &o3e Turn&49 .eth /lurte) out, 91l(a-Seltzer49
.oth a3pire& loo(e) oer at her* an) &he $elt a& i$ &he2) intru)e) on the 3o3ent,
O$ all the &tupi) thin"&;
9Eeah*9 ?ha"e 3uttere) a& 'rath no))e),
.eth wal(e) /a+( to her pur&e an) )e+i)e) on 1l(a-Seltzer /e+au&e it ha) a&pirin in it
$or hi& a+he&, She went into 'rath2& /athroo3* "ra//e) a "la&&* an) )i) the plop-plop*
$izz-$izz thin",
'hen &he returne) to her $ather2& /e)&i)e* &he o$$ere) the "la&& to 'rath, 5e &hoo(
hi& hea),
9Eou2ll &pill le&& than 6 will,9
She $lu&he), 6t wa& &o ea&% to $or"et he +oul)n2t reall% &ee,
She leane) oer ?ha"e* /ut +oul)n2t rea+h hi& 3outh, 5i(in" up the ro/e* &he +li3/e)
onto the 3attre&& an) (nelt next to hi3, She $elt aw(war) /ein" &o +lo&e to a na(e)*
irile 3an in $ront o$ 'rath,
Con&i)erin" what ha) happene) to .ut+h,
.ut +o3e on* 'rath ha) nothin" to worr% a/out here, #o 3atter how &ex% the other
a3pire wa&* &he )i)n2t $eel an% heat a& &he &i)le) up to the "u%,
1n) he &ure a& hell wa&n2t a/out to +o3e on to her, #ot "ien the (in) o$ &hape he
wa& in,
She "entl% li$te) ?ha"e2& hea) an) put the e)"e o$ the "la&& to hi& /eauti$ull% &hape)
lip&, 6t too( hi3 $ie 3inute& to &ip the liKui) )own, 'hen he wa& $ini&he)* &he
&tarte) to "et o$$ the /e), She )i)n2t "et $ar, 'ith a "reat lur+h* he pit+he) oer onto
hi& &i)e an) put hi& hea) in her lap* throwin" one 3u&+ular ar3 aroun) /ehin) her,
5e wa& &ee(in" +o3$ort,
.eth )i)n2t (now what &he +oul) reall% )o $or hi3* /ut &he put the "la&& a&i)e an)
&tro(e) hi& /a+(* runnin" her han) oer hi& $ear&o3e tattoo, She 3ur3ure) thin"& &he
wi&he) &o3eone ha) whi&pere) to her when &he $elt ill, 5u33e) a little $or hi3,
1$ter a while* the ten&ion le$t hi& &(in an) /one&, 5e /e"an /reathin" )eepl%,
'hen &he wa& &ure he wa& out +ol)* &he +are$ull% extra+te) her&el$ $ro3 hi& "ra&p, 1&
&he turne) to 3eet 'rath2& "aze* &he /ra+e) her&el$, Surel% he2) (now there wa&
nothin";
Sho+( &tille) her,
'rath wa&n2t 3a), Far $ro3 it,
9Than( %ou*9 he &ai) hoar&el%, The /ow o$ hi& hea) wa& al3o&t hu3/le, 9Than( %ou
$or +arin" $or 3% /rother,9 5e too( hi& &un"la&&e& o$$, 1n) loo(e) at her with total
a)oration,
Chapter Thirty
-r, O to&&e) the Sawzall on to hi& wor(/en+h an) wipe) hi& han)& on a towel,
Well$ hell* he thou"ht, The )a3n a3pire wa& )ea),
5e2) trie) eer%thin" to wa(e the 3ale up* een the +hi&el* an) he2) 3a)e a 3e&& out
o$ hi& /arn in the pro+e&&, There wa& a3pire /loo) all oer the pla+e,
1t lea&t +leanup wa& ea&%,
-r, O wal(e) oer to the )ou/le )oor& an) threw the3 open, Strai"ht ahea)* the &un
wa& +o3in" up oer the $ar ri)"e* loel% "ol) li"ht &pillin" a+ro&& the lan)&+ape, 5e
&too) /a+( a& the interior o$ the /arn wa& illu3inate),
The a3pire2& /o)% explo)e) into $la3e&* the pool o$ /loo) un)erneath the ta/le
"oin" up in a +lou) o$ &3o(e, 1 &o$t 3ornin" /reeze +arrie) the &ten+h o$ in+inerate)
$le&h awa%,
-r, O &teppe) into the 3ornin" "low* loo(in" at the 3i&t that hun" oer the /a+(
3ea)ow, 5e wa&n2t prepare) to )e+lare $ailure, The plan woul) hae wor(e) i$ he
ha)n2t +o3e up to tho&e +op& an) ha) to plow the extra )art& into hi& +aptie, 5e 7u&t
nee)e) to "et /a+( out there a"ain,
5i& 7one& $or torture ha) a &eriou& +a&e o$ the /lue /all&,
For the ti3e /ein"* thou"h* he ha) to +ool it with the pro&titute&, Tho&e $ool +op& were
a "oo) re3in)er that he wa&n2t wor(in" in a a+uu3, That he +oul) /e +au"ht,
#ot that "ettin" tan"le) up with the law woul) /e an%thin" other than an
in+onenien+e, .ut he pri)e) hi3&el$ on the &3oothne&& o$ hi& operation&,
'hi+h wa& wh% he2) +ho&en the whore& a& /ait, Fir&t* he $i"ure) i$ one or two turne)
up )ea)* it woul)n2t +au&e an uproar, The% were le&& li(el% to hae $a3il% 3ournin"
the3* &o there woul)n2t /e a))e) pre&&ure on the poli+e to nail a &u&pe+t, 1& $or the
ineita/le ine&ti"ation* there wa& a rea)% pool o$ &u&pe+t&* than(& to the pi3p& an)
lowli$e& who wor(e) the /a+( alle%&, There were plent% $or the poli+e to +ho&e $ro3
an) +ha&e a$ter,
.ut that )i)n2t 3ean he +oul) "et &lopp%, Or oeru&e 'hore =alle%,
5e went /a+( in the /arn* put hi& tool& awa%* an) hea)e) $or the hou&e, 5e +he+(e)
hi& 3e&&a"e& /e$ore "oin" to &hower,
There were &eeral,
The 3o&t i3portant o$ whi+h wa& $ro3 .ill% ?i))le, !i)entl%* the "u% ha) ha) a
)i&tur/in" intera+tion the ni"ht /e$ore an) ha) +alle) 7u&t a$ter one 1,-,
6t wa& "oo) that he wa& &ee(in" +o3$ort* -r, O thou"ht, 1n) pro/a/l% ti3e that the%
ha) a +oner&ation a/out hi& $uture,
1n hour later* -r, O )roe to the a+a)e3%* opene) it& )oor&* an) le$t the3 unlo+(e),
The lessers he2) or)ere) to report in &tarte) to arrie &hortl% therea$ter, 5e +oul) hear
the3 tal(in" in the hall next to hi& o$$i+e* their oi+e& low, The 3o3ent he +a3e up to
the3* the% Kuiete) )own* loo(in" at hi3, :re&&e) in /la+( $ati"ue&* their $a+e& "ri3*
there wa& onl% one who&e +olorin" ha) %et to $a)e, -r, O2& /runette /ru&h +ut &too)
out* a& )i) hi& )ar( /rown e%e&,
The lon"er a lesser &ta%e) in the &o+iet%* the 3ore he lo&t hi& in)ii)ual ph%&i+al
+hara+teri&ti+&, The /rown&* the /la+(&* the re)& o$ the hair turne) to a pale a&hL the
tint& o$ %ellow or +ri3&on or tan in the &(in /lan+he) out to a /lu&h-le&& white, The
pro+e&& t%pi+all% too( a/out a )e+a)e* althou"h he ha) %et to &ee an% &tran)& o$ /lon)
appear aroun) O2& $a+e,
5e )i) a Kui+( hea) +ount, 1& all o$ the 3e3/er& o$ hi& two pri3e &Kua)ron& were
there* he lo+(e) the a+a)e3%2& out&i)e )oor an) e&+orte) the "roup into the /a&e3ent,
Their /oot& were lou) an) &harp on the 3etal &tairwell* a )ru3roll o$ the power in
their /o)ie&,
-r, O ha) &et up the war roo3 a& nothin" &pe+ial* nothin" unu&ual, >u&t a re"ular ol)
+la&&roo3 with twele +hair&* a +hal(/oar)* a T=* an) a po)iu3 in $ront,
The unre3ar(a/le )e+or wa&n2t 7u&t &u/ter$u"e, 5e )i)n2t want an% hi"h-te+h
)i&tra+tion&, 0roup )%na3i+& were the purpo&e an) $o+u& o$ the&e 3eetin"&,
9So tell 3e a/out la&t ni"ht*9 he &ai)* e%ein" the &la%er&, 95ow )i) it "o49
5e li&tene) to the report&* uni3pre&&e) with the ex+u&e&, There ha) /een two (ill& the
ni"ht /e$ore, 5e2) "ien the3 a Kuota o$ ten,
1n) it wa& a )i&"ra+e that O* who wa& &o new* ha) /een re&pon&i/le $or /oth )eath&,
-r, O +ro&&e) hi& ar3& oer hi& +he&t, 9'hat2& the pro/le349
9'e +oul)n2t $in) an%*9 -r, - &ai),
96 $oun) one la&t ni"ht*9 -r, O &nappe), 9Puite ea&il%* 6 3i"ht a)), 1n) -r, O $oun)
two,9
9'ell* the re&t o$ u& +oul)n2t,9 - loo(e) at the other&, 9The nu3/er& in thi& area hae
thinne),9
9The pro/le3 i& not "eo"raph%*9 a oi+e 3uttere) $ro3 the /a+(,
-r, O2& e%e& &hi$te) throu"h the lessers* $o+u&in" on O2& )ar( hea) in the /a+( o$ the
roo3, 5e wa& not &urpri&e) that the &la%er ha) &po(en up,
O wa& proin" to /e one o$ the /e&t the% ha)* een thou"h he wa& a new re+ruit, 'ith
terri$i+ re$lexe& an) &ta3ina* he wa& a "reat $i"hter* /ut li(e all power$ul thin"&* he
wa& har) to +ontrol, 'hi+h wa& wh% -r, O ha) put hi3 in with other& who ha)
+enturie& o$ experien+e, O wa& lia/le to )o3inate an% "roup 3a)e up o$ in)ii)ual&
een re3otel% in$erior to hi3&el$,
9'oul) %ou +are to ela/orate* -r, O49 -r, O wa& not at all intere&te) in the 3an2&
opinion, .ut he wa& er% prepare) to &how up the new re+ruit in $ront o$ the other&,
O &hru""e) +arele&&l%* an) hi& )rawl wa& 7u&t &hort o$ in&ultin", 9The pro/le3 i&
3otiation, There are no +on&eKuen+e& $or $ailure,9
91n) what exa+tl% woul) %ou &u""e&t49 -r, O a&(e),
O rea+he) $orwar)* "ra//e) - /% the hair* an) &lit the other 3an2& throat with a (ni$e,
The other lessers leape) awa%* +rou+hin" into atta+( po&ition&* een a& O &at /a+(
)own an) +al3l% wipe) hi& /la)e o$$ with hi& $in"er&,
-r, O /are) hi& teeth, 1n) then "ot hi3&el$ un)er +ontrol,
5e wal(e) a+ro&& the roo3 to -, The lesser wa& &till alie* "a&pin" $or /reath* tr%in"
to &te3 the /loo) lo&& with hi& han)&,
-r, O (nelt )own, 9The re&t o$ %ou will leae, #ow, 'e will re+onene to3orrow
3ornin"* when %ou will hae /etter new& $or 3e, -r, O* %ou &ta%,9
'hen O )e$ie) the or)er an) 3a)e a 3oe to "et up* -r, O $roze the 3an in the
+hair* &tealin" +ontrol o$ the lar"e 3u&+le& in hi& /o)%, O &ee3e) 3o3entaril%
&ho+(e)* +learl% tr%in" to $i"ht the hol) that wa& on hi& ar3& an) le"&,
6t wa& a /attle he woul)n2t win, The O3e"a alwa%& proi)e) a $ew extra /ene$it& to
the Fore,lesser, Thi& (in) o$ 3ental )o3inion oer $ellow &la%er& wa& one o$ the3,
1& &oon a& the roo3 ha) e3ptie)* -r, O,too( out a (ni$e an) &ta//e) - in the +he&t,
There wa& $lare o$ li"ht an) then a poppin" &oun) a& the lesser )i&inte"rate),
-r, O "lare) up at O $ro3 the $loor, 96$ %ou eer pull &o3ethin" li(e that a"ain* 6 will
turn %ou oer to the O3e"a,9
9#o* %ou won2t,9 6n &pite o$ hi& /ein" at another2& 3er+%* O2& arro"an+e wa&
un+he+(e), 9Eou woul)n2t want to loo( a& i$ %ou +an2t +ontrol %our own 3en,9
-r, O &too) up,
9Care$ul* O, Eou un)ere&ti3ate the O3e"a2& a$$e+tion $or &a+ri$i+e&, 6$ 6 were to "ie
%ou to hi3 a& a "i$t* he woul) /e 3o&t "rate$ul,9 -r, O wal(e) oer an) ran a $in"er
)own O2& +hee(, 96$ 6 were to tie %ou )own an) +all hi3 to %ou* he woul) en7o%
unwrappin" %ou, 1n) 6 woul) en7o% wat+hin" it,9
O &nappe) hi& hea) /a+(* 3ore an"r% than $ri"htene), 9:on2t tou+h 3e,9
9623 %our lea)er, 6 +an )o an%thin" 6 want with %ou,9 -r, O +la3pe) a han) on O2&
7aw an) $or+e) hi& thu3/ in /etween the 3an2& lip& an) teeth, 5e 7er(e) the lessefs*
$a+e $or-war), So 3in) %our 3anner&* )on2t eer ta(e another &o+iet% 3e3/er out
without 3% expre&& per3i&&ion* an) we2ll "et alon" $ine,9
O2& /rown e%e& /urne),
9#ow what )o %ou &a% to 3e49 -r, O 3ur3ure)* rea+hin" out an) &tro(in" the 3an2&
hair /a+(, The +olor wa& a )eep* ri+h +ho+olate,
O 3u3/le),
96 )i)n2t hear %ou,9 -r, O pre&&e) hi& thu3/ into the &o$t* $le&h% plot un)er O2&
ton"ue* )i""in" in until tear& $or3e) in the other 3an2& e%e&, 'hen he re3oe) hi&
"rip* he ran a Kui+(* wet +are&& oer O2& lower lip, 96 &ai)* 6 )i)n2t hear %ou,9
9Ee&* &en&ei,9
90oo) /o%,9
Chapter Thirty'one
-ari&&a +oul) not "et +o3$orta/le in her /e), #o 3atter whi+h wa% &he turne) or
where &he put the pillow&* &he wa& irritate),
So3ehow* her 3attre&& ha) /een $ille) with ro+(&* an) her &heet& ha) turne) into
&an)paper,
Throwin" /a+( the +oer&* &he went oer to the /an( o$ win)ow& that were &huttere)
an) +oere) in thi+( &atin )raper%, She wante) &o3e $re&h air* /ut there woul) /e no
openin" the3, 6t wa& 3ornin",
1& &he &ettle) onto her +hai&e lon"ue* &he +oere) her /are $eet with the he3 o$ her
&il( ni"ht"own,
'rath,
She +oul)n2t &top thin(in" a/out hi3, 1n) eer% ti3e another i3a"e o$ the3 to"ether
+a3e to 3in)* &he wante) to +ur&e, 'hi+h wa& &ho+(in",
She wa& the )o+ile one, The loel% one, 1ll $e3ale per$e+tion an) "entlene&&, 1n"er
went totall% a"ain&t her nature,
!x+ept the 3ore &he thou"ht o$ 'rath* the 3ore &he wante) to pun+h &o3ethin",
1&&u3in" &he +oul) 3a(e a $i&t,
She "lan+e) )own at her han), Eup* &he +oul), Thou"h it wa& patheti+all% &3all,
!&pe+iall% +o3pare) to hi&,
0o)* &he2) en)ure) &o 3u+h, 1n) he ha) no appre+iation o$ how )i$$i+ult her li$e ha)
/een,
.ein" the untou+he) &pin&ter shellan o$ the 3o&t power$ul a3pire o$ the3 all wa&
hell on earth, 5er $ailure& a& a $e3ale ha) /urne) out an% &en&e o$ &el$-worth &he2)
ha), The i&olation ha) pre%e) on her &anit%, The e3/arra&&3ent at liin" with her
/rother /e+au&e &he ha) no ho3e o$ her own ha) &tun",
1n) &he2) /een horri$ie) to /e &tare) at /% other& an) tal(e) a/out /ehin) her /a+(,
She wa& er% aware that &he wa& a +on&tant topi+ o$ +oner&ation* enie)* pitie)*
&pie) upon* the &tu$$ o$ $a/le, She (new %oun" $e3ale& were tol) o$ her &tor%*
althou"h whether it wa& a& warnin" or in)u+e3ent* &he )i)n2t want to (now,
'rath wa& totall% unaware o$ how &he2) &u$$ere),
Aart o$ that $ault &he ha) to la% at her own $eet, Ala%in" the "oo) little $e3ale ha) $elt
li(e the ri"ht thin" to )o* the onl% wa% to /e worth%* the onl% +han+e at $inall% &harin"
a li$e with hi3,
!x+ept how ha) it turne) out4
'ith hi3 $in)in" a )ar(-haire) hu3an he +are) a/out 3ore,
0o)* the pa%o$$ $or all her e$$ort& went /e%on) not $air an) ri"ht into +ruel,
1n) &he wa&n2t the onl% one who2) &u$$ere), 5aer& ha) /een worrie) &i+( a/out her
$or +enturie&,
'rath* on the other han)* ha) alwa%& /een 7u&t $ine, 1n) he wa& no )ou/t )oin" 7u&t
$ine ri"ht now, 6n all li(elihoo) he wa&, at thi& er% 3o3ent* l%in" na(e) with that
$e3ale, Auttin" that har) len"th at hi& hip& to "oo) u&e,
-ari&&a +lo&e) her e%e&,
She thou"ht a/out /ein" pulle) a"ain&t hi& /o)%* hel) in tho&e +ru&hin" ar3&*
+on&u3e) /% hi3, She2) /een too &ho+(e) to $eel 3u+h heat, There2) /een &o 3u+h o$
hi3* all oer her* hi& han)& tan"lin" in her hair* hi& 3outh &u+(in" har) at her throat,
1n) that thi+( ro) o$ hi& ha) &+are) her a little,
'hi+h wa& ironi+,
She2) )rea3e) a/out what it woul) /e li(e $or &o lon", To /e ta(en /% hi3, To leae
her ir"inal &tate /ehin) an) (now what it wa& to hae a 3ale in&i)e,
'heneer &he2) i3a"ine) the3 to"ether* her /o)% ha) alwa%& war3e)* her &(in ha)
tin"le), .ut the realit% ha) /een oerwhel3in", She2) /een totall% unprepare)* an)
&he wi&he) it ha) la&te) lon"er an) /een a little le&& inten&e, She ha) a $eelin" &he
woul) hae li(e) it i$ he2) "one 3ore &lowl%,
.ut then* he ha)n2t /een thin(in" o$ her,
-ari&&a re+urle) her han)* 3a(in" that $i&t a"ain,
She )i)n2t want hi3 /a+(, 'hat &he wante) wa& $or hi3 to hae a ta&te o$ the pain
&he2) /een throu"h,
'rath put hi& ar3& aroun) .eth an) )rew her +lo&e* loo(in" at ?ha"e oer the top o$
her hea), 'at+hin" her ea&e the 3ale2& &u$$erin" ha) /ro(en )own all &ort& o$
/arrier&,
Care $or hi& /rother&* +are $or hi3* he thou"ht, 6t wa& the ol)e&t +o)e in the warrior
+la&&,
9Co3e to 3% /e)*9 he whi&pere) in her ear,
She let hi3 ta(e her han) an) lea) her to hi& roo3, On+e in&i)e* he &hut an) lo+(e)
the )oor an) extin"ui&he) all the +an)le& /ut one, Then he pulle) the &a&h o$ the ro/e
&he wore $ree an) &trippe) the &atin $ro3 her &houl)er&, 5er na(e) &(in "lea3e) in
the li"ht o$ the &in"le wi+( that /urne),
5e too( hi& leather pant& o$$, 1n) then the% were l%in" to"ether,
5e )i)n2t want &ex $ro3 her, #ot now, 5e 7u&t wante) to &hare &o3e +o3$ort, 5e
wante) her war3 &(in a"ain&t hi&* her /reath /ru&hin" li"htl% oer hi& +he&t* her heart
/eatin" 3ere in+he& $ro3 hi& own, 1n) he wante) to "ie her the &a3e (in) o$ pea+e
/a+(,
5e &tro(e) her lon"* &il(% hair an) /reathe) )eepl%,
9'rath49 5er oi+e wa& loel% in the )i3 Kuiet* an) he li(e) the i/ration o$ her
throat a"ain&t hi& pe+&,
9Eeah,9 5e (i&&e) the top o$ her hea),
9'ho )i) %ou lo&e49 She &hi$te)* puttin" her +hin on hi& +he&t,
9<o&e49
9'ho )i) the lessers ta(e $ro3 %ou49
The Kue&tion &ee3e) out o$ the /lue, 1n) then it )i)n2t, She2) &een the a$tere$$e+t& o$
a $i"ht, So3ehow (new that he $ou"ht not onl% $or hi& ra+e* /ut $or hi3&el$,
6t wa& a lon" ti3e /e$ore he +oul) an&wer, 9-% parent&,9
5e $elt her e3otion& &hi$t $ro3 +urio&it% to &orrow, 9623 &orr%,9
There wa& a lon" &ilen+e,
9'hat happene)49
#ow that wa& an intere&tin" Kue&tion* he thou"ht, .e+au&e there were two er&ion&, 6n
a3pire lore* that /loo)% ni"ht ha) ta(en on all &ort& o$ heroi+ i3pli+ation&* /ein"
heral)e) a& the /irth o$ a "reat warrior, The $i+tion wa&n2t hi& )oin", 5i& people
nee)e) to /eliee in hi3* &o the% +reate) that whi+h &u&taine) their 3i&pla+e) $aith,
5e alone (new the truth,
9'rath49
5i& e%e& went to the haz% /eaut% o$ her $a+e, 6t wa& )i$$i+ult to )en% the "entle tone
&he u&e), She wante) to o$$er hi3 +o3pa&&ion* an) $or &o3e "o)$or&a(en rea&on* he
wante) it $ro3 her,
96t wa& /e$ore 3% tran&ition*9 he 3ur3ure), 91 lon" ti3e a"o,9
5i& han) pau&e) on her hair* the 3e3orie& +o3in" /a+( "rue&o3e an) ii),
9'e thou"ht a& the Fir&t Fa3il% we were &a$e $ro3 the lessers, Our ho3e& were well
)e$en)e)* well hi))en in the $ore&t&* an) we 3oe) all the ti3e,9
5e $oun) that i$ he +ontinue) to &3ooth her hair* he +oul) (eep tal(in",
96t wa& winter, 1 +ol) ni"ht in Fe/ruar%, One o$ our &erant& /etra%e) our lo+ation,
The lessers +a3e in a pa+( o$ $i$teen or twent% an) &lau"htere) their wa% throu"h our
e&tate /e$ore /rea+hin" our &tone /attle3ent&, 62ll neer $or"et the &oun) when the%
poun)e) on the )oor to our priate Kuarter&, -% $ather &houte) $or hi& weapon& while
$or+in" 3e into a +rawl &pa+e, 5e lo+(e) 3e in&i)e 7u&t /e$ore the% /ro(e throu"h the
)oor with a /atterin" ra3, 5e wa& "oo) with a &wor)* /ut there were &o 3an% o$
the3,9
.eth2& han)& +a3e to hi& $a+e, 5e )i3l% hear) &o$t wor)& $allin" $ro3 her lip&,
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e&* &eein" the "ha&tl% i3a"e& that &till ha) the power to rip hi3
$ro3 &leep, 9The% 3a&&a+re) the &erant& /e$ore (illin" 3% parent&, 6 &aw it all
throu"h a (nothole in the woo), 1& 6 &ai)* 3% e%e& were /etter /a+( then,9
9'rath;9
9'hile it wa& happenin"* the% 3a)e &o 3u+h noi&e* no one hear) 3e &+rea3in",9 5e
&hu))ere), 91n) 6 $ou"ht to "et $ree, 6 pu&he) a"ain&t the lat+h* /ut it wa& &oli) an) 6
wa& wea(, 6 tore at the woo)* &+rat+he) at it until 3% $in"ernail& &plintere) an) /le), 6
(i+(e) with 3% $eet89 5i& /o)% re&pon)e) to the re3e3/ere) horror o$ /ein"
+on$ine)* hi& /reath "rowin" ra""e)* hi& &(in /rea(in" out in a +ol) &weat, 91$ter the%
le$t* 3% $ather trie) to )ra" hi3&el$ oer to 3e, The% ha) &ta//e) hi3 in the heart*
an) he wa&8 5e "ae out two $eet $ro3 the +rawl &pa+e* rea+hin" $or 3e, 6 (ept
+allin" hi& na3e oer an) oer a"ain until 6 lo&t 3% oi+e, 6 /e""e) $or hi3 to lie
een a& 6 wat+he) the li"ht in hi& e%e& )i3 an) then "o out, 6 wa& trappe) there $or
hour& with their /o)ie&* wat+hin" the pool& o$ /loo) "et /i""er, So3e +iilian
a3pire& +a3e the $ollowin" ni"ht an) let 3e out,9
5e $elt a &oothin" &tro(e )own hi& &houl)er* an) he /rou"ht .eth2& han) to hi& 3outh*
(i&&in" the &(in o$ her pal3,
9.e$ore the lessers le$t* the% pulle) /a+( all the tape&trie& $ro3 the win)ow&, The
3o3ent the &un ro&e an) +a3e into the roo3* all the /o)ie& /urne) up, 6 ha) nothin"
to /ur%,9
5e $elt &o3ethin" hit hi& $a+e, 1 tear, .eth2&,
5e rea+he) out an) &tro(e) her +hee(, 9#o +r%in",9
Thou"h he +heri&he) her $or her &%3path%,
9'h% not49
96t +han"e& nothin", 6 +rie) while 6 wat+he)* an) &till the% all )ie),9 5e turne) on hi&
&i)e an) "athere) her +lo&e, 96$ onl% 6 +oul) hae8 6 &till hae )rea3& a/out that
ni"ht, 6 wa& &u+h a +owar), 6 &houl) hae /een out there with 3% $ather* $i"htin",9
9.ut %ou woul) hae /een (ille),9
91& a 3ale &houl), Arote+tin" hi& own, That2& honora/le, 6n&tea) 6 wa& &nielin" in a
+rawl &pa+e,9 5e hi&&e) with )i&"u&t,
95ow ol) were %ou49
9Twent%-two,9
She $rowne)* a& i$ &he2) a&&u3e) he2) /een 3u+h %oun"er, 9Eou &ai) it wa& /e$ore
%our tran&ition49
9Eeah,9
9So what were %ou li(e then49 She &3oothe) hi& hair /a+(, 96t2& har) to i3a"ine %ou
$ittin" in a +rawl &pa+e* the &ize %ou are now,9
96 wa& )i$$erent,9
9Eou &ai) %ou were wea(,9
96 wa&,9
9So 3a%/e %ou nee)e) to /e prote+te),9
9No,9 5i& te3per $lare), 91 3ale prote+t&, #eer the other wa% aroun),9
1/ruptl%* &he /a+(e) o$$,
1& the &ilen+e &tret+he) /etween the3* he (new &he wa& thin(in" throu"h hi& a+tion&,
Sha3e 3a)e hi3 re3oe hi& han)& $ro3 her /o)%, 5e rolle) awa%* onto hi& /a+(,
5e neer &houl) hae &ai) a thin",
5e +oul) 7u&t i3a"ine what &he thou"ht o$ hi3 now, 1$ter all* how +oul) &he not /e
reolte) /% hi& $ailure4 .% the realit% that he2) /een wea( when hi& $a3il% ha) nee)e)
hi3 3o&t4
'ith a &hrin(in" $eelin"* he won)ere) i$ &he2) &till want hi3, 6$ &he2) &till wel+o3e
hi3 into her &li+( heat, Or woul) that /e "one $or her4 #ow that &he (new4
5e waite) $or her to put her +lothe& on an) leae,
She &ta%e) in the /e),
.ut o$ +our&e &he )i)* he thou"ht, She un)er&too) that her tran&ition wa& +o3in" no
3atter what* an) &he nee)e) hi& /loo), 6t wa& a 3atter o$ ne+e&&it%,
5e hear) her &i"h in the )ar(ne&&, 1& i$ &he were "iin" up on &o3ethin" up,
5e wa&n2t &ure how lon" the% la% to"ether* &i)e /% &i)e /ut not tou+hin", 6t 3u&t hae
/een hour&, 5e $ell a&leep /rie$l%* onl% to wa(e up when .eth &hi$te) a"ain&t hi3* her
/are le" 3oin" oer hi&,
1 7olt o$ lu&t went throu"h hi3* /ut he /eat it /a+( &aa"el%,
5er han) /ru&he) oer hi& +he&t, :ri$te) )own hi& &to3a+h an) a+ro&& hi& hip, 5e
hel) hi& /reath a& he "ot har) in a ru&h* hi& ere+tion a+hin"l% +lo&e to where &he wa&
tou+hin" hi3,
5er /o)% 3oe) nearer to hi&* her /rea&t& +are&&in" hi& ri/&* her +ore ru//in" on hi&
thi"h,
-a%/e &he wa& &till a&leep,
1n) then &he too( hi3 into her han),
'rath 3oane)* ar+hin" hi& /a+(,
5er $in"er& were &tea)% a& &he &tro(e) hi3,
5e went $or her in&tin+tiel%* +rain" what &he &ee3e) to /e o$$erin"* /ut &he &toppe)
hi3, ?i&in" to her (nee&* &he pre&&e) hi3 )own to the 3attre&& with her pal3& on hi&
&houl)er&,
9Thi& ti3e i& $or %ou*9 &he whi&pere)* (i&&in" hi3 &o$tl%,
5e +oul) /arel% &pea(, 9Eou &till want8 3e49
Con$u&ion &pi(e) her /row&, 9'h% woul)n2t 649
'ith a patheti+ "roan o$ relie$ an) "ratitu)e* 'rath lur+he) $or her a"ain, !x+ept &he
)i)n2t let hi3 "et an%where near her /o)%, She pu&he) hi3 /a+( )own an) "rippe) hi&
wri&t&* /rin"in" hi& ar3& oer hi& hea),
She (i&&e) hi& ne+(, 9'hen we were to"ether la&t* %ou were er%8 "enerou&, Eou
)e&ere the &a3e (in) o$ treat3ent,9
9.ut %our plea&ure i& 3ine,9 5i& oi+e wa& rou"h, 9Eou +an2t (now how 3u+h 6 li(e
to 3a(e %ou +o3e,9
9623 not &o &ure a/out that,9 5e $elt her &hi$t* an) then her han) /ru&he) a"ain&t hi&
ere+tion, 5e /owe) o$$ the 3attre&&* a low &oun) ru3/lin" up throu"h hi& +he&t, 96
3i"ht hae &o3e i)ea,9
9Eou )on2t hae to )o thi&*9 he &ai) hoar&el%* $i"htin" on+e 3ore to tou+h her,
She leane) into hi& wri&t& $or+e$ull%* hol)in" hi3 &till, 9?elax, <et 3e /e in +ontrol,9
'rath +oul) onl% &tare up in )i&/elie$ an) /reathle&& anti+ipation a& &he pre&&e) her
lip& to hi&,
96 want to )o %ou*9 &he whi&pere),
6n a &il(% ru&h* her ton"ue entere) hi& 3outh, Aenetrate) hi3, Sli) in an) out a& i$ &he
were $u+(in" hi3,
5i& whole /o)% went ri"i),
'ith ea+h one o$ her thru&t&* &he "ot $arther in&i)e o$ hi3* into hi& &(in an) hi& /rain,
6nto hi& heart, She wa& po&&e&&in" hi3* ta(in" hi3, <eain" her 3ar( on hi3,
'hen &he le$t hi& 3outh* &he 3oe) )own hi& /o)%, She li+(e) hi& ne+(, Su+(e) hi&
nipple&, ?a(e) her nail& "entl% a+ro&& hi& /ell%, Te&te) hi& hip /one& with her teeth,
5e "rippe) the hea)/oar) an) pulle)* 3a(in" the whole /e) $ra3e &hi$t an) +rea( in
prote&t,
'ae& o$ &tin"in" heat 3a)e hi3 $eel a& i$ he were "oin" to pa&& out, Sweat /loo3e)
oer hi& &(in, 5i& heart ha33ere) &o har) it &tarte) &(ippin" /eat&,
'or)& $ell $ro3 hi& lip&* a &trea3 o$ +on&+iou&ne&& &po(en in the ol) lan"ua"e* a
"uttural expre&&ion o$ what &he wa& )oin" to hi3* how /eauti$ul &he wa& to hi3,
The &e+on) &he too( hi& ere+tion into her 3outh* he nearl% +a3e, 5e +rie) out* /o)%
&pa&3in", She pulle) /a+(* "ae hi3 ti3e to &ettle,
1n) then &he put hi3 throu"h torture,
She (new 7u&t when to /rin" it on* 7u&t when to pau&e, The +o3/ination o$ her wet
3outh at hi& thi+( tip an) her han)& 3oin" up an) )own hi& &ha$t wa& a one-two
pun+h he +oul) /arel% with&tan), She /rou"ht hi3 to the /rin( oer an) oer a"ain
until he wa& re)u+e) to /e""in",
Finall%* &he &tra))le) hi& hip& an) hoere) a/oe hi3, 5e loo(e) )own /etween their
/o)ie&, 5er thi"h& were wi)e open oer hi& &wollen* thro//in" ere+tion* an) he al3o&t
lo&t it,
9Ta(e 3e*9 he 3oane), 90o)* please,9
She &li) hi3 in&i)e o$ her* an) hi& whole /o)% $elt the &en&ation, Ti"ht* wet* hot* &he
enelope) hi3, She /e"an to 3oe in a &low* pu3pin" rh%th3* an) he )i)n2t la&t
lon", 'hen he +a3e* he $elt li(e he2) /een rippe) in two* the /ur&t& o$ ener"% +reatin"
a &ho+( wae that went throu"h the roo3* &ha(in" the $urniture* /lowin" out the
+an)le,
On the &low $loat /a+( to earth* he realize) it wa& the $ir&t ti3e an%one ha) eer ta(en
&u+h +are to plea&ure hi3,
5e wante) to weep that &he woul) &till hae hi3 at all,
.eth &3ile) in the )ar(ne&& at the &oun) 'rath 3a)e a& hi& /o)% ro+(e) un)er her&,
The $or+e o$ hi& or"a&3 too( her oer the e)"e* an) &he $ell onto hi& heain" +he&t a&
her own )eli+iou& wae& too( her /reath awa%,
1$rai) that &he wa& too hea%* &he 3a)e a 3oe to "et o$$ hi3* /ut he &toppe) her*
hol)in" on to her hip&, 5e &po(e to her in a /eauti$ul tu3/le o$ &oun)& &he )i)n2t
un)er&tan),
9'hat49
9Sta% 7u&t where %ou are*9 he &ai) in !n"li&h,
She &ettle) onto hi& /o)%* relaxin" +o3pletel%,
She won)ere) what he2) &ai) to her a& &he2) 3a)e loe to hi3* /ut the tone o$ hi&
oi+e* reerent* prai&in"* tol) her a lot, 'hateer he2) uttere)* the%2) /een a loer2&
wor)&,
9Eour lan"ua"e i& /eauti$ul*9 &he &ai),
9There are no wor)& worth% o$ %ou,9
5i& oi+e &oun)e) )i$$erent, 5e $elt )i$$erent to her,
#o /arrier&* &he thou"ht, There were no /arrier& /etween the3 ri"ht now, That )ea)l%
"uar)* that eer-wat+h$ul* pre)ator% )e$en&e o$ hi& wa& "one,
Cnexpe+te)l%* &he $elt her&el$ "rowin" prote+tie o$ hi3,
6t wa& o))* $eelin" that wa% a/out &o3eone &o 3u+h 3ore ph%&i+all% power$ul than
her&el$, .ut he nee)e) &a$e"uar)in", She +oul) &en&e the ulnera/ilit% in hi3 in thi&
Kuiet 3o3ent* in thi& )en&e )ar(ne&&, 5i& heart wa& al3o&t in her rea+h,
0o)* that horri$i+ &tor% o$ hi& $a3il%2& )eath&,
9'rath49
953349
She wante) to than( hi3 $or tellin" her, .ut &he )i)n2t want to ruin the $ra"ile
+o33union /etween the3,
95a& an%one eer tol) %ou how /eauti$ul %ou are49 &he &ai),
5e +hu+(le), 9'arrior& are not /eauti$ul,9
9Eou are, To 3e, Eou are utterl% /eauti$ul,9
5e &toppe) /reathin", 1n) then 3oe) her o$$ o$ hi3, 'ith a Kui+( 3otion* he le$t
the /e)* an) 3o3ent& later there wa& a &o$t li"ht on in the /athroo3, She hear) water
runnin",
She &houl) hae (nown it wa&n2t "oin" to la&t, .ut &he wante) to +r% at the lo&&*
an%wa%,
.eth $u3/le) aroun) $or her +lothe&* $oun) the3* )re&&e),
'hen he +a3e out o$ the /athroo3* &he wa& hea)in" $or the )oor,
9'here are %ou "oin"49 he )e3an)e),
9'or(, 6 )on2t (now what ti3e it i&* /ut 6 u&uall% "et in aroun) nine* &o 623 &ure 623
late,9
She +oul)n2t &ee er% well* /ut eentuall% $oun) the )oor,
96 )on2t want %ou to "o,9 'rath wa& ri"ht next to her* hi& oi+e 3a(in" her 7u3p,
96 hae a li$e, 6 nee) to "et /a+( to it,9
9Eour li$e i& here,9
9#o* it i&n2t,9
5er han)& $elt aroun) $or the lo+(&* /ut &he +oul)n2t /u)"e the3* een when &he threw
her /o)% into the e$$ort,
91re %ou "oin" to let 3e out o$ here49 &he 3uttere),
9.eth,9 5e too( her han)& in hi&* $or+in" her to &top, Can)le& $lare) to li$e* a& i$ he
wante) her to &ee hi3, 9623 &orr% 6 +an2t /e8 ea&ier to "et alon" with,9
She pulle) awa%, 96 )i)n2t 3ean to e3/arra&& %ou, 6 wante) %ou to (now how 6 $elt,
That2& all,9
91n) 6 $in) it har) to /eliee that 6 )on2t )i&"u&t %ou,9
.eth &tare) at hi3 in )i&/elie$, 90oo) 0o)* wh% woul) 649
9.e+au&e %ou (now what happene),9
9'ith %our parent&49 5er 3outh $ell open, 9<et 3e "et thi& &trai"ht, Eou thin( 623
"oin" to /e )i&"u&te) /e+au&e %ou were $or+e) to en)ure the &lau"hter o$ %our 3other
an) $ather49
96 )i) nothin" to &ae the3*9 he /it out,
9Eou were locked in,9
96 wa& a +owar),9
9Eou were not,9 0ettin" pi&&e) at the 3an pro/a/l% wa&n2t $air* /ut wh% +oul)n2t he
&ee the pa&t 3ore +learl%4 95ow +an %ou &a%;9
96 &toppe) &+rea3in"@9 5i& oi+e ri+o+hete) aroun) the roo3* &tartlin" her,
9'hat49 &he whi&pere),
96 &toppe) &+rea3in", 1$ter the% were $ini&he) with 3% parent& an) the doggen* 6
&toppe) &+rea3in", The lessers were loo(in" throu"h our Kuarter&, The% were
&ear+hin" $or me, 1n) 6 &ta%e) Kuiet, 6 +la3pe) 3% han) oer 3% 3outh, 6 pra%e)
the% woul)n2t $in) 3e,9
9O$ +our&e %ou )i)*9 &he &ai) "entl%, 9Eou wante) to lie,9
9#o*9 he &hot /a+(, 96 wa& afraid o$ )%in",9
She wante) to rea+h out to hi3* ex+ept &he wa& +ertain he woul) pull awa%,
9'rath* +an2t %ou &ee4 Eou were a i+ti3 a& 3u+h a& the% were, The onl% rea&on
%ou2re here to)a% i& /e+au&e %our $ather loe) %ou enou"h to (eep %ou &a$e, Eou
&ta%e) &ilent /e+au&e %ou wante) to &urie, That2& nothin" to /e a&ha3e) o$,9
96 wa& a +owar),9
9:on2t /e ri)i+ulou&@ Eou2) 7u&t &een %our parent& 3ur)ere)@9 She &hoo( her hea)*
$ru&tration 3a(in" her tone &harp, 9623 tellin" %ou* %ou nee) to reexa3ine what
happene), Eou2e let tho&e horri/le hour& 3ar( %ou* an) who +oul) /la3e %ou $or
that* /ut %ou2re loo(in" at it all wron", All wron", Aut )own thi& warrior-honor +rap
an) "ie %our&el$ a /rea(@9
Silen+e,
Ah$ hell, #ow* &he2) )one it, The "u% open& up to her an) &he throw& hi& &ha3e /a+(
at hi3, 'a% to en+oura"e inti3a+%,
9'rath* 623 &orr%* 6 &houl)n2t hae;9
5e +ut her o$$, .oth hi& oi+e an) hi& $a+e were li(e &tone,
29#o one ha& eer &po(en to 3e a& %ou 7u&t )i),9
!hit%
9623 reall% &orr%, 6 7u&t +an2t un)er&tan) wh%;9
'rath )ra""e) her into hi& ar3& an) hu""e) her har)* tal(in" in that other lan"ua"e
a"ain, 'hen he pulle) /a+(* he en)e) the 3onolo"ue with &o3ethin" li(e leelan,
96& that a3pire tal( $or "itch49 &he a&(e),
9#o, Far $ro3 it,9 5e (i&&e) her, 9<et2& 7u&t &a% 6 re&pe+t the hell out o$ %ou, !en
thou"h 6 +an2t a"ree with %our ta(e on 3% pa&t,9
She put her han) on hi& ne+(* "iin" hi& hea) a little &ha(e, 9Eou will* howeer*
a++ept the $a+t that what happene) )oe&n2t in an% wa% +han"e 3% opinion o$ %ou,
1lthou"h 6 )o $eel tre3en)ou& &orrow $or %ou an) $or %our $a3il% an) what %ou all
ha) to en)ure,9
<on" pau&e,
9'rath4 Eou will repeat a$ter 3e, 2Ee&* .eth* 6 un)er&tan) an) will tru&t %our hone&t%
a/out %our $eelin"& $or 3e,2 9 She &hoo( hi& ne+( a"ain, 9<et2& &a% it to"ether,9
1nother pau&e, 9#ow* not later,9
9Ee&*9 he "ritte) out,
0o)* i$ tho&e lip& o$ hi& were an% ti"hter* the%2) &nap o$$ hi& $ront teeth,
9Ee&* what49
9Ee&* .eth,9
9 26 tru&t %ou to /e hone&t with 3e a/out how %ou $eel,2 Co3e on, Sa% it,9
5e "ru3/le) hi& wa% throu"h the wor)&,
90oo) 3an,9
9Eou2re tou"h* %ou (now that49
962) /etter /e i$ 623 "oin" to han" aroun) with %ou,9
1/ruptl%* he too( her $a+e into hi& han)&, 96 want that*9 he &ai) $ier+el%,
9'hat49
9For %ou to /e aroun),9
5er /reath +au"ht, 1 tenuou& hope too( $ire in her +he&t, 9?eall%49
5e +lo&e) hi& "lowin" e%e& an) &hoo( hi& hea), 9Eeah, 6t2& $u+(in" &tupi), 6t2& +raz%,
6t2& )an"erou&,9
9So it2ll $it ri"ht into %our li$e &+ript,9
5e lau"he) an) loo(e) )own at her, 9Eeah* prett% 3u+h,9
0o)* hi& e%e& were /rea(in" her heart* the% were &o ten)er,
9.eth* 6 want to &ta% with %ou* /ut %ou hae to un)er&tan)* %ou2ll /e a tar"et, 1n) 6
)on2t (now how to (eep %ou &a$e enou"h, 6 )on2t (now how the hell to;9
9Well $i"ure it out*9 &he &ai), 9'e +an )o it to"ether,9
5e (i&&e) her, <on", Slowl%, 'ith pre+iou& +are,
9So %ou2ll &ta% now49 he a&(e),
9#o, 6 reall% )o nee) to "et to wor(,9
96 )on2t want %ou to "o,9 5i& han) +uppe) her +hin, 96 hate that 6 +an2t /e with %ou
out&i)e )urin" the )a%,9
.ut the lo+(& &pran" $ree an) the )oor opene),
95ow )o %ou )o that49 &he a&(e),
9Eou will /e /a+( /e$ore )u&(,9 6t wa&n2t a reKue&t* not /% a lon" &hot,
962ll /e /a+( &o3eti3e a$ter &un&et,9
5e "rowle),
91n) 6 pro3i&e to +all i$ an%thin" weir) happen&,9 She rolle) her e%e&, -an* &he wa&
"oin" to hae to re+ali/rate her &tan)ar)& $or that wor), 96 3ean* weirder,9
96 )on2t li(e thi&,9
962ll /e +are$ul,9 She (i&&e) hi3 an) then hea)e) up the &tair&, She +oul) &till $eel hi&
e%e& on her a& &he pu&he) open the paintin" an) &teppe) into the )rawin" roo3,
Chapter Thirty'to
.eth went to her apart3ent* $e) .oo* an) "ot into the o$$i+e 7u&t a$ter noon, For on+e*
&he wa&n2t $a3i&he)* an) &he wor(e) throu"h lun+h, 'ell* &ort o$, She +oul)n2t reall%
+on+entrate an) 3o&tl% en"ineere) a rotation o$ the paper pile& on her )e&(,
.ut+h le$t her two 3e&&a"e& )urin" the )a%* +on$ir3in" the% were "oin" to
ren)ezou& at her apart3ent aroun) ei"ht,
.% $our o2+lo+(* &he )e+i)e) to +an+el her 3eetin" with hi3,
#othin" "oo) +oul) +o3e out o$ it, There wa& no wa% &he wa& turnin" 'rath oer to
the poli+e* an) i$ &he thou"ht 5ar)-a&& wa& "oin" to "o ea&% on her /e+au&e he li(e)
her an) the% were in her ho3e* &he wa& 7u&t l%in" to her&el$,
Still* &he wa&n2t "oin" to put her hea) in the &an), She (new &he wa& "oin" to /e
+alle) in $or Kue&tionin", 5ow +oul) &he not /e4 1& lon" a& 'rath wa& a &u&pe+t* &he
wa& on the hot &eat, She nee)e) to "et her&el$ a "oo) law%er an) wait to /e +alle)
)own to the &tation,
On her wa% /a+( $ro3 a trip to the +opier* &he "lan+e) out a win)ow, The late-
a$ternoon &(% wa& +lou)%* with the pro3i&e o$ thun)er&tor3& han"in" in the +rea3%*
thi+( air, She ha) to loo( awa%, 5er e%e& a+he)* an) the )i&+o3$ort )i)n2t $a)e a& &he
/lin(e) repeate)l%,
.a+( at her )e&(* &he poppe) two a&pirin an) +alle) the &tation hou&e loo(in" $or
.ut+h, 'hen &he wa& tol) /% ?i+(% that he2) /een put on a)3ini&tratie leae* &he
)e3an)e) to tal( to >o&e, 5e "ot ri"ht on the phone,
9.ut+h2& &u&pen&ion, 'hen )i) it happen49 &he a&(e),
9Ee&ter)a% a$ternoon,9
921re the% "oin" to $ire hi349
9O$$ the re+or)4 Aro/a/l%,9
So .ut+h wa&n2t "oin" to &how up at her pla+e a$ter all,
9'here are %ou* .-la)%49 >o&e a&(e),
9'or(,9
9Eou l%in" to 3e49 5i& oi+e wa& 3ore &a) than +on$rontational,
9Che+( %our +aller 6:,9
>o&e let out a lon" &i"h, 96 nee) to /rin" %ou in,9
96 (now, Can %ou "ie 3e &o3e ti3e to "et a law%er49
9Eou thin( %ou2re "oin" to nee) one49
9Eeah,9
>o&e +ur&e), 9Eou "otta "et awa% $ro3 that 3an,9
962ll +all %ou later,9
91nother pro&titute wa& (ille) la&t ni"ht, Sa3e -O,9
The new& "ae her a 3o3ent o$ pau&e, She +oul)n2t hae &ai) what 'rath ha) /een
)oin" when he2) /een out, .ut what po&&i/le purpo&e +oul) a )ea) pro&titute hae $or
hi34
-a(e that two )ea) pro&titute&,
1nxiet% &pi(e)* 3a(in" her te3ple& thro/,
!x+ept &he 7u&t +oul)n2t &ee 'rath &littin" &o3e poor* )e$en&ele&& wo3an2& throat an)
leain" her to )ie in an alle%, 5e wa& lethal* not eil, 1n) thou"h he operate) out&i)e
o$ the law* &he )i)n2t i3a"ine he2) ta(e the li$e o$ &o3eone who ha)n2t threatene)
hi3, !&pe+iall% a$ter what ha) happene) to hi& parent&,
9<i&ten* .eth*9 >o&e &ai), 96 )on2t nee) to tell %ou how &eriou& thi& &ituation i&, That
3an i& our pri3e &u&pe+t $or three 3ur)er&* an) o/&tru+tion o$ 7u&ti+e i& a &eriou&
+har"e, 6t2ll (ill 3e* /ut 6 will put %ou /ehin) /ar&,9
95e )i)n2t 3ur)er an%one la&t ni"ht,9 5er &to3a+h rolle),
9So %ou a)3it %ou (now where he i&,9
96 "otta "o* >o&e,9
9.eth* plea&e )on2t prote+t hi3, 5e2& )an"erou&;9
95e )i) not (ill tho&e wo3en,9
9That2& %our opinion,9
9Eou2e /een a "oo) $rien)* >o&e,9
90o))a3n it,9 5e a))e) a +ouple o$ wor)& in Spani&h, 90et that law%er $a&t* .eth,9
She hun" up the phone* "ra//e) her pur&e* an) &hut )own her +o3puter, The la&t
thin" &he wante) wa& $or >o&e to +o3e to her o$$i+e an) ta(e her awa% in han)+u$$&,
She nee)e) to "o ho3e* pi+( up &o3e +lothe&* an) "et to 'rath2& a& &oon a& &he
+oul),
-a%/e the% +oul) 7u&t )i&appear to"ether, 6t 3i"ht /e their onl% +hoi+e, .e+au&e
&ooner or later the poli+e woul) $in) the3 in Cal)well,
1& &he wal(e) out onto Tra)e Street* her /ell% wa& in (not&* an) the heat &u+(e) the
ener"% ri"ht out o$ her, The 3inute &he wal(e) into her apart3ent* &he poure) &o3e
i+e-+ol) water into a "la&&* /ut a& &he trie) to )rin( it* her inte&tine& +ra3pe) up,
-a%/e &he ha) a &to3a+h /u", She poppe) two Turn& an) thou"ht o$ ?ha"e, She
3i"ht hae pi+(e) up &o3ethin" $ro3 hi3,
0o)* her e%e& were (illin" her,
1n) een thou"h &he (new &he nee)e) to &tart pa+(in"* &he "ot out o$ her wor(
+lothe&* put on a T-&hirt an) &hort&* an) &at )own on the $uton, She onl% 3eant to ta(e
a little /reather* /ut on+e &he wa& o$$ her $eet* &he +oul)n2t &ee3 to "et her /o)%
3oin" a"ain,
Slu""i&hl%* li(e the +hannel& in her /rain were +lo""in" up* &he pi+ture) 'rath2&
in7ur%, 5e2) neer tol) her how he2) "otten hurt, 'hat i$ he2) atta+(e) the pro&titute
an) the wo3an ha) $ou"ht /a+(4
.eth pre&&e) her $in"er& to her te3ple& a& a wae o$ nau&ea /rou"ht /ile into her
throat, <i"ht& $li+(ere) in $ront o$ her e%e&,
#o* thi& wa&n2t the $lu, She wa& +o3in" )own with the 0o)zilla o$ 3i"raine&,
'rath )iale) hi& phone a"ain,
Tohr3ent wa& o/iou&l% u&in" +aller 6: an) aoi)in" hi& a&&,
.ell, 5e &u+(e) at apolo"ie&* /ut he reall% wante) to "et thi& one out on the ta/le,
.e+au&e it wa& "oin" to /e a )ooz%,
5e too( the +ell phone with hi3 to /e) an) leane) /a+( a"ain&t the hea)/oar), 5e
wante) to +all .eth, >u&t to hear her oi+e,
Eeah* an) he2) thou"ht he wa& 7u&t "oin" to waltz awa% a$ter her tran&ition4 5e +oul)
/arel% &tan) /ein" awa% $ro3 her $or a +ouple o$ hours,
-an* he ha) it /a) $or that $e3ale, 5e +oul)n2t /eliee what ha) +o3e out o$ hi&
3outh when &he2) /een 3a(in" loe to hi3, 1n) then he2) toppe) o$$ the &i3perin"
prai&e /% +allin" her hi& leelan /e$ore &he le$t,
5e 3i"ht a& well a)3it it, 5e wa& pro/a/l% $allin" in loe,
1n) i$ that wa&n2t enou"h o$ a &ho+(er* &he wa& hal$-hu3an, 1& well a& :ariu&2&
)au"hter,
.ut how +oul) he not a)ore her4 She wa& &o &tron"* with a will to 3at+h hi& own, 5e
thou"ht o$ her &tan)in" up to hi3* +on$rontin" hi3 a/out hi& pa&t, Few woul) hae
)are)* an) he (new where &he "ot her +oura"e $ro3, 5er $ather pro/a/l% woul) hae
)one the &a3e thin",
'hen hi& +ell phone went o$$* he $lippe) it open, 9Eeah49
9'e "ot i&&ue&,9 6t wa& =i&hou&, 96 7u&t rea) the paper, 1nother )ea) pro&titute, 6n an
alle%, .le) out,9
9So49
96 ha+(e) into the +oroner2& )ata/a&e, 6n /oth +a&e&* the $e3ale& ha) ha) their ne+(&
+hewe) on,9
9Shit, F&a)i&t,9
9That2& what 623 thin(in", 6 (eep tellin" hi3 he2& "ot to pull /a+(, Eou hae to tal(
with hi3,9
9Toni"ht, Tell the /rother& to +o3e here $ir&t, 623 "oin" to &et hi3 &trai"ht in $ront o$
eer%one,9
90oo) plan, Then the re&t o$ u& +an peel %our han)& $ro3 hi& throat when he 3outh&
o$$,9
95e%* %ou (now where Tohr i&4 6 +an2t rea+h hi3,9
9#o i)ea* /ut 62ll "o to hi& hou&e on the wa% oer to :2& i$ %ou want,9
9:o that, 5e nee)& to /e here toni"ht,9 'rath hun" up,
Damn it, So3eone wa& "oin" to hae to put a 3uzzle on F&a)i&t,
Or a )a""er in hi& +he&t,
.ut+h let the +ar roll to a &top, 5e ha) no real hope .eth wa& "oin" to /e at the
apart3ent* /ut he went to the lo//% )oor an) hit the /uzzer an%wa%, #o an&wer,
!urprise$ surprise%
5e wal(e) aroun) the &i)e o$ the apart3ent /uil)in" an) throu"h the +ourt%ar), 6t wa&
a$ter )ar(* &o he wa& not en+oura"e) /% her li"ht& /ein" o$$, 5e +uppe) hi& han)& an)
leane) into the &li)in" "la&& )oor,
9Beth@ Oh* 0o)@ Sweet >e&u&@9
5er /o)% wa& $a+e)own on the $loor* one ar3 exten)e) in $ront o$ her towar) a phone
that wa& 7u&t out o$ rea+h, 5er le"& were &prawle)* a& i$ &he2) /een writhin" in pain,
9No@9 5e poun)e) on the "la&&,
She 3oe) a little* a& i$ &he2) hear) hi3,
.ut+h went oer to a win)ow* whippe) o$$ hi& &hoe* an) pu&he) hi& han) )eep in&i)e
the &ole, 5e pun+he) at the "la&& until it +ra+(e) an) then &hattere), 1& he rea+he) in
to $ree the lo+(* he +ut hi3&el$* /ut he )i)n2t +are i$ he lo&t an ar3 "ettin" to her, 5e
threw hi& /o)% in&i)e an) (no+(e) oer a ta/le a& he lun"e) $orwar),
9.eth@ Can %ou hear 3e49
She opene) her 3outh, 'or(e) it &lowl%, #o wor)& +a3e out,
5e loo(e) $or /loo) an) $oun) none* &o he "in"erl% rolle) her onto her /a+(, She wa&
pale a& a "rae 3ar(er* +la33%* /arel% +on&+iou&, 'hen &he opene) her e%e&* her
pupil& were totall% )ilate),
5e exten)e) her ar3&* &ear+hin" $or tra+( 3ar(&, There were none* /ut he wa&n2t
a/out to wa&te ti3e &trippin" o$$ her &hoe& an) +he+(in" /etween her toe&,
.ut+h $lippe) open hi& +ell phone an) )iale) 911,
'hen the &eri+e pi+(e) up* he )i)n2t wait $or the "reetin", 96 hae a pro/a/le )ru"
oer)o&e,9
.eth2& han) $luttere) up* an) &he &tarte) to &ha(e her hea), She wa& tr%in" to /at the
phone awa%,
9.a/%* /e &till, 623 "oin" to ta(e +are;9
The operator2& oi+e +ut hi3 o$$, 9Sir4 5ello49
9Ta(e 3e to 'rath*9 .eth 3oane),
9Fu+( hi3,9
9!x+u&e 3e49 the operator &ai), 9Sir* +an %ou tell 3e what2& happenin"49
9:ru" oer)o&e, 6 thin( it2& heroin, 5er pupil& are $ixe) an) )ilate), She ha&n2t
o3ite) %et;9
9'rath* 6 nee) to "o to 'rath,9
9;/ut &he2& "oin" in an) out o$ +on&+iou&ne&&;9
1n) then .eth 7er(e) up $ro3 the $loor an) &nat+he) the phone out o$ hi& han), 9623
"oin" to )ie89
9The hell %ou are@9 he %elle),
She "rippe) the $ront o$ hi& &hirt, 5er /o)% &hoo(* &weat &tainin" the $ront o$ her T-
&hirt, 96 need hi3,9
.ut+h &tare) into her e%e&,
5e2) /een wron", So er% wron", Thi& wa&n2t an O:, 6t wa& with)rawal,
5e &hoo( hi& hea), 9.a/%* no,9
9)lease, 6 nee) hi3, 0oin" to )ie,9 Su))enl%* &he 7a+(-(ni$e) into the $etal po&ition*
li(e a wae o$ pain ha) &nappe) her in hal$, The +ell phone &(ittere) out o$ her han)*
out o$ rea+h, 9.ut+h8 plea&e,9
Fuck, She loo(e) /a), 1& in )eath2&-)oor&tep /a),
6$ he too( her to an !?* &he 3i"ht )ie on the wa% oer or while waitin" to /e treate),
1n) 3etha)one wa& 3eant to ea&e +rain"&* not pull an a))i+t out o$ a $ree $all,
Fuck%
95elp 3e,9
97oddamn hi3*9 .ut+h &ai), 95ow $ar awa%49
9'alla+e,9
91enue49
She no))e),
.ut+h +oul)n2t allow hi3&el$ to thin(, 5e &+oope) her up in hi& ar3& an) +arrie) her
out throu"h the +ourt%ar),
5e wa& so "oin" to nail that /a&tar),
'rath +ro&&e) hi& ar3& an) leane) /a+( a"ain&t the wall in the )rawin" roo3, The
/rother& &too) aroun)* waitin" $or hi3 to &pea(,
1n) Tohr wa& there* thou"h $ro3 the 3inute he2) +o3e throu"h the )oor with
=i&hou&* he2) re$u&e) to 3eet 'rath2& e%e&,
Fine* 'rath thou"ht, Well 0ust do this in pu"lic,
9-% /rother&* we2e "ot two pie+e& o$ /u&ine&&,9 5e &tare) at Tohr2& $a+e, 96 hae
"rael% in7ure) one o$ %ou, 1++or)in"l%* 6 o$$er Tohr3ent a rythe,9
Tohr &nappe) to attention, The /rother& li(ewi&e were &urpri&e),
6t wa& an unpre+e)ente) a+tion* an) he (new it, 1 rythe wa& e&&entiall% a $ree &hot*
an) the one to who3 it wa& o$$ere) +oul) +hoo&e the weapon, Fi&t* )a""er* "un*
+hain&, 6t wa& a ritual wa% o$ a&&ua"in" honor* /oth $or the o$$en)e) an) the o$$en)er,
.oth +oul) /e +lean&e),
The &ho+( in the roo3 )i)n2t +o3e $ro3 the a+t it&el$, The /rother& were Kuite
$a3iliar with the ritual, 0ien their a""re&&ie nature&* eer% one o$ the3 at &o3e
ti3e or another ha) o$$en)e) the hell out o$ &o3eone el&e,
.ut 'rath* $or all hi& &in&* ha) neer o$$ere) a rythe /e$ore, .e+au&e a++or)in" to
a3pire law* an%one who rai&e) an ar3 or weapon to hi3 +oul) /e +on)e3ne) to )ie,
96n $ront o$ the&e witne&&e&* hear 3e now*9 he &ai) lou)l% an) +learl%, 96 a/&ole %ou
o$ the reper+u&&ion&, :o %ou a++ept49
Tohr2& hea) went )own, 5e put hi& han)& in the po+(et& o$ hi& leather& an) &lowl%
&hoo( hi& hea), 96 +annot &tri(e %ou* 3% lor),9
91n) %ou +annot $or"ie 3e* +an %ou49
96 )on2t (now,9
96 +an2t /la3e %ou $or that,9 .ut 3an* he wi&he) Tohr ha) a++epte), The% nee)e) to
/e heale), 96 will o$$er a"ain at another ti3e,9
91n) 6 will eer )e+line,9
9So /e it,9 'rath pe""e) F&a)i&t with a )ar( "lare, 9#ow a/out %our "o))a3ne) loe
li$e,9
F* who2) /een &tan)in" /ehin) hi& twin* &auntere) $orwar), 96$ an%one naile) :ariu&2&
)au"hter* it wa& %ou* not 3e, 'hat2& the pro/le349
1 +ouple o$ the /rother& 3uttere) +ur&e& un)er their /reath,
'rath /are) hi& $an"&,
9623 "oin" to let that pa&&* F, .ut onl% /e+au&e 6 (now how 3u+h %ou li(e to "et hit*
an) 623 not in the 3oo) to 3a(e %ou happ%,9 5e &trai"htene)* in +a&e the /rother
lun"e), 96 want %ou to +hill with the whore&, Or at the er% lea&t* +lean up a$ter
%our&el$,9
9'hat are %ou tal(in" a/out49
9'e )on2t nee) the heat,9
F&a)i&t "lan+e) /a+( at Ahur%* who &ai)* 9The /o)ie&, The +op& $oun) the3,9
9'hat /o)ie&249
'rath &hoo( hi& hea), 9Chri&t* F, :o %ou thin( the +op& are "oin" to let two )ea)
wo3en le$t to /lee) out in alle%& &li)e49
F&a)i&t +a3e $orwar)* "ettin" &o +lo&e their +he&t& tou+he), 96 )on2t (now )i+( a/out
that, S3ell 3e, 623 tellin" the truth,9
'rath /reathe) )eep, 5e +au"ht the &+ent o$ outra"e* a tan"% $lare in hi& no&e li(e
&o3eone ha) /la&te) hi3 with +itru& air $re&hener, .ut there wa& no anxiet%* no
e3otional &u/ter$u"e,
Trou/le wa&* F not onl% wa& a /la+(-&oule) +utthroat* he wa& an a++o3pli&he) liar,
96 (now %ou too well*9 'rath &ai) &o$tl%* 9to /eliee an% wor) %ou &a%,9
F &tarte) to "rowl* an) Ahur% 3oe) $a&t* wrappin" a thi+( $orear3 aroun) hi& twin2&
ne+( an) haulin" the /rother /a+(,
9!a&%* F*9 Ahur% &ai),
F&a)i&t "ra//e) onto hi& twin2& wri&t an) %an(e) $ree, 5e "lowe) with hatre), 9One o$
the&e )a%&* my lord* 623 "oin" to;9
1 noi&e li(e +annon/all& hittin" a wall +ut hi3 o$$,
So3eone wa& poun)in" the hol% hell out o$ the $ront )oor,
The /rother& le$t the )rawin" roo3 an) went to the $o%er in a "roup, The &oun)& o$
weapon& /ein" )rawn an) +o+(e) $ollowe) their hea% $oot$all&,
'rath +he+(e) the i)eo 3onitor that wa& 3ounte) on the wall,
'hen he &aw .eth in the +op2& ar3&* he &toppe) /reathin", 5e threw open the $ront
)oor an) "ra//e) $or her /o)% a& the 3an ru&he) in&i)e,
This is it* he thou"ht, She wa& in the tran&ition,
The +op wa& i/ratin" with an"er a& .eth2& wei"ht wa& tran&$erre) /etween the3,
9Eou "o))a3n &on o$ a /it+h, 5ow +an %ou )o thi& to her49
'rath )i)n2t /other re&pon)in", Cra)lin" .eth in hi& ar3&* he &tro)e Kui+(l% throu"h
the (not o$ /rother&, 5e +oul) $eel their a&toni&h3ent* /ut he wa&n2t a/out to &top an)
explain,
9#o/o)% (ill& the hu3an /ut 3e*9 he /ar(e), 91n) he )oe& not leae thi& hou&e until 6
+o3e /a+(,9
'rath &pe) into the )rawin" roo3, Au&he) the paintin" a&i)e, ?an )own the &tair& a&
$a&t a& he +oul) "o,
Ti3e wa& o$ the e&&en+e,
.ut+h wat+he) the )ru" )ealer )i&appear with .eth, 5er hea) /oun+e) a& the% ru&he)
awa%* her hair a &il(en $la" trailin" /ehin) the3,
For a 3o3ent* he wa& utterl% i33o/ilize)* +au"ht /etween wantin" to &+rea3 an)
nee)in" to +r%,
The wa&te, The horri/le wa&te,
Then he hear) the )oor &hut an) lo+( /ehin) hi3, 1n) realize) he wa& &urroun)e) /%
$ie o$ the 3eane&t* /i""e&t /a&tar)& he2) eer &een,
1 han) lan)e) on hi& &houl)er li(e an anil, 95ow2) %ou li(e to &ta% $or )inner49
.ut+h loo(e) up, The "u% wa& wearin" a /a&e/all +ap an) ha) &o3e (in) o$ 3ar(in"
;wa& that a tattoo* on hi& face4
95ow2) %ou li(e to "e )inner49 &ai) another one* who loo(e) li(e &o3e (in) o$
3o)el,
1n"er returne) to .ut+h* thi+(enin" hi& 3u&+le&* &tren"thenin" hi& /one&,
5e 7a+(e) up hi& pant&,
These "oys wanna play4 he thou"ht, Fine% Well fucking dance,
To &how he wa&n2t a$rai)* he 3et ea+h o$ the3 in the e%e, The two who2) &po(en, 1
relatiel% nor3al-loo(in" one who wa& han"in" /a+(, 1nother "u% with an
outra"eou& 3ane o$ hair* the (in) o$ &tu$$ wo3en woul) pa% hun)re)& $or at &o3e
ritz% &alon,
1n) then the la&t 3an,
.ut+h &tare) at the &+arre) $a+e, .la+( e%e& "lare) /a+(,
This fella* he thou"ht* was the one to really watch out for,
'ith a )eli/erate &hru"* he &teppe) $ree o$ the hol) on hi& &houl)er,
9Tell 3e &o3ethin"* /o%&*9 he )rawle), 9:o %ou wear that leather to turn ea+h other
on4 6 3ean* i& it a )i+( thin" with %ou all49
.ut+h "ot &la33e) &o har) a"ain&t the )oor that hi& /a+( teeth rattle),
The 3o)el &hoe) hi& per$e+t $a+e into .ut+h2&, 962) wat+h %our 3outh* i$ 6 were %ou,9
9'h% /other* when %ou2re (eepin" an e%e on it $or 3e4 Eou "onna (i&& 3e now49
1 "rowl li(e none .ut+h ha) eer hear) +a3e out o$ the "u%,
9O(a%* o(a%,9 The one who &ee3e) the 3o&t nor3al +a3e $orwar), 9.a+( o$$* ?ha"e,
5e%* +o3e on, <et2& relax,9
6t too( a 3inute /e$ore the 3o)el let "o,
9That2& ri"ht, 'e2re +ool*9 -r, #or3al 3uttere)* +lappin" hi& /u))% on the /a+(
/e$ore loo(in" at .ut+h, 9:o %our&el$ a $aor an) &hut the hell up,9
.ut+h &hru""e), 9.lon)ie2& )%in" to "et hi& han)& on 3e, 6 +an2t help it,9
The "u% laun+he) /a+( at .ut+h* an) -r, #or3al rolle) hi& e%e&* lettin" hi& $rien) "o
thi& ti3e,
The $i&t that +a3e &ailin" at 7aw leel &nappe) .ut+h2& hea) to one &i)e, 1& the pain
hit* .ut+h let hi& own ra"e $l%, The $ear $or .eth* the pent-up hatre) o$ the&e lowli$e&*
the $ru&tration a/out hi& 7o/* all o$ it +a3e out o$ hi3, 5e ta+(le) the /i""er 3an*
ta(in" hi3 )own onto the $loor,
The "u% wa& 3o3entaril% &urpri&e)* a& i$ he ha)n2t expe+te) .ut+h2& &pee) or
&tren"th* an) .ut+h too( a)anta"e o$ the he&itation, 5e +lo+(e) .lon)ie in the 3outh
a& pa%/a+( an) then "ra//e) the "u%2& throat,
One &e+on) later* .ut+h wa& $lat on hi& /a+( with the 3an &ittin" on hi& +he&t li(e a
par(e) +ar,
The "u% too( .ut+h2& $a+e into hi& han) an) &Kueeze)* +run+hin" the $eature&
to"ether, 6t wa& nearl% i3po&&i/le to /reathe* an) .ut+h pante) &hallowl%,
9-a%/e 62ll $in) %our wi$e*9 the "u% &ai)* 9an) )o her a +ouple o$ ti3e&, 5ow2& that
&oun)49
9:on2t hae one,9
9Then 623 +o3in" a$ter %our "irl$rien),9
.ut+h )ra""e) in &o3e air, 90ot no wo3an,9
9So i$ the +hi+(& won2t )o %ou* what 3a(e& %ou thin( 62) want to49
9'a& hopin" to pi&& %ou o$$,9
Stunnin" ele+tri+-/lue e%e& narrowe),
The% ha) to /e +onta+t&* .ut+h thou"ht, #o one reall% ha) peeper& that +olor,
9#ow wh%2) %ou want to )o that49 .lon)ie a&(e),
96$ 6 atta+(e) $ir&t9;.ut+h haule) 3ore /reath into hi& lun"&;9%our /o%& woul)n2t
hae let u& $i"ht, 'oul)2e (ille) 3e $ir&t, .e$ore 6 ha) a +han+e at %ou,9
.lon)ie loo&ene) hi& "rip a little an) lau"he) a& he &trippe) .ut+h o$ hi& wallet* (e%&*
an) +ell phone,
9Eou (now* 6 (in) o$ li(e thi& /i" )u33%*9 the "u% )rawle),
So3eone +leare) a throat, ?ather o$$i+iou&l%,
.lon)ie leape) to hi& $eet* an) .ut+h rolle) oer* "a&pin", 'hen he loo(e) up* he wa&
+onin+e) he wa& hallu+inatin",
Stan)in" in the hall wa& a little ol) 3an )re&&e) in lier%, 5ol)in" a &iler tra%,
9Aar)on 3e* "entle3en, :inner will /e &ere) in a/out $i$teen 3inute&,9
95e%* are tho&e the &pina+h +repe& 6 li(e &o 3u+h49 .lon)ie &ai)* "oin" $or the tra%,
9Ee&* Sire,9
95ot )a3n,9
The other 3en +lu&tere) aroun) the /utler* ta(in" what he o$$ere), 1lon" with
+o+(tail nap(in&, <i(e the% )i)n2t want to )rop an%thin" on the $loor,
What the hell was this5
9-i"ht 6 a&( a $aor49 the /utler &ai),
-r, #or3al no))e) with i"or, 9.rin" out another tra% o$ the&e an) we2ll (ill
an%thin" %ou want $or %ou,9
Yeah$ guess the guy wasnt really normal% 'ust relati*ely so%
The /utler &3ile) a& i$ tou+he), 96$ %ou2re "oin" to /loo)% the hu3an* woul) %ou /e
"oo) enou"h to )o it in the /a+(%ar)49
9#o pro/le3,9 -r, #or3al poppe) another +repe in hi& 3outh, 9:a3n* ?ha"e* %ou2re
ri"ht, The&e are awe&o3e,9
Chapter Thirty'three
'rath wa& "ettin" )e&perate, 5e +oul)n2t "et .eth to +o3e aroun),
1n) her &(in wa& "ettin" +ol)er /% the 3o3ent,
5e &hoo( her on the /e) a"ain, 9.eth@ .eth@ Can %ou hear 3e49
5er han)& twit+he)* /ut he ha) a $eelin" the &pa&3& were inoluntar%, 5e put hi& ear
)own to her 3outh, 1ir wa& &till +o3in" out* /ut the interal& were alar3in"l% lon",
1n) the $or+e o$ the exhale wa& alar3in"l% wea(,
9:a3n it@9 5e /are) hi& wri&t an) wa& a/out to &+ore hi3&el$ with hi& $an"& when he
realize) he wante) to hol) her i$ &he wa& a/le to )rin(,
When &he wa& a/le to )rin(,
5e &trippe) o$$ hi& hol&ter* pulle) out a )a""er* an) re3oe) hi& &hirt, 5e $elt aroun)
hi& ne+( until he $oun) hi& 7u"ular, Ala+in" the point o$ hi& (ni$e a"ain&t hi& &(in* he
+ut hi3&el$, .loo) +a3e out in an o/li"in" ru&h,
5e too( hi& $in"ertip* "ot it wet* an) /rou"ht it to her lip&, 'hen he )ippe) it in&i)e
her 3outh* her ton"ue )i) not re&pon),
9.eth*9 he whi&pere), 9Co3e /a+( to 3e,9
5e /rou"ht 3ore o$ hi& /loo) to her,
9:a3n it* )on2t %ou )ie@9 Can)le& $lare) in the roo3, 96 loe %ou* damn you+
7oddamn you$ dont you let go@9
5er &(in wa& turnin" /lue nowL een he +oul) &ee the +olor +han"e,
Franti+ pra%er& $ell $ro3 hi& lip&* an+ient one& in the ol) lan"ua"e, One& he2) a&&u3e)
he2) $or"otten,
She wa&n2t 3oin", She wa& $ar too &till,
The Fa)e wa& upon her,
'rath &+rea3e) in $ur% an) "ra//e) her /o)%, 5e &hoo( her until her hair tan"le),
9.eth+ I will not let you go+ I will come after you "efore I let you % , ,9
1 3oan +a3e out o$ hi3* an) he pulle) her a"ain&t hi3, 1& he ro+(e) her +ol) /o)%
/a+( an) $orth* hi& /lin) e%e& &tare) at the /la+( wall /e$ore hi3,
-ari&&a too( &pe+ial +are a& &he "ot )re&&e)* )eter3ine) to "o )own to the $ir&t 3eal
o$ the ni"ht loo(in" her /e&t, 1$ter reiewin" her war)ro/e* &he +ho&e a lon" "own
3a)e o$ +rea3-+olore) +hi$$on, She2) pur+ha&e) it the &ea&on /e$ore $ro3 the
0ien+h% +olle+tion* /ut ha) neer worn it, The /o)i+e wa& ti"hter an) a little 3ore
reealin" than &he u&uall% $aore)* thou"h the !3pire wai&t en&ure) that the oerall
e$$e+t wa& entirel% 3o)e&t,
She /ru&he) out her hair* leain" it $ree to $all oer her &houl)er&, 6t wa& &o lon" now*
rea+hin" her hip&,
The &i"ht o$ it /rou"ht 'rath to 3in), 5e2) on+e 3entione) it& &o$tne&&* &o &he2)
"rown it out un)er the a&&u3ption that the 3ore o$ it there wa&* the 3ore he2) li(e it,
1n) the 3ore he2) li(e her,
-a%/e &he woul) +ut o$$ the /lon) wae&, 5a+( the3 $ree o$ her hea),
5er an"er* whi+h ha) &i33ere) )own* $lare) a"ain,
1/ruptl%* -ari&&a +a3e to a )e+i&ion, She wa& throu"h (eepin" eer%thin" in&i)e, 6t
wa& ti3e to &hare,
.ut then &he pi+ture) 'rath2& towerin" hei"ht, 5i& +ol)* har) $eature&, That awe&o3e
pre&en+e o$ hi&, Coul) &he reall% +on$ront hi34
She2) neer (now i$ &he )i)n2t tr%, 1n) &he wa&n2t a/out to let hi3 waltz o$$ into
whateer $uture waite) $or hi3 without &pea(in" her 3in),
She "lan+e) at her Ti$$an% +lo+(, 6$ &he )i)n2t &how $or )inner an) then help out in the
+lini+ a& &he2) pro3i&e)* 5aer& woul) /e &u&pi+iou&, .etter to wait until later in the
ni"ht to "o to 'rath, She ha) &en&e) he wa& &ta%in" at :ariu&2&, She woul) "o there,
1n) &he woul) /i)e her ti3e until he +a3e ho3e,
So3e thin"& were worth waitin" $or,
9Than(& $or 3eetin" 3e* &en&ei,9
9.ill%* how are %ou49 -r, O put a&i)e the 3enu he2) /een i)l% loo(in" at, 96 wa&
worrie) when 6 "ot %our +all, 1n) then %ou )i)n2t 3a(e it to +la&&,9
1& ?i))le &li) into the /ooth* he )i)n2t loo( &o hot, 5i& e%e& were &till /la+( an) /lue*
an) exhau&tion hun" o$$ hi& $a+e li(e loo&e &(in,
9So3eone2& a$ter 3e* &en&ei,9 .ill% +ro&&e) hi& ar3& oer hi& +he&t, There wa& a
pau&e* a& i$ he wa&n2t &ure how $ar to "o with the &tor%,
9Thi& hae &o3ethin" to )o with %our no&e49
9-a%/e, 6 )unno,9
9'ell* 623 "la) %ou +a3e to 3e* &on,9
1nother pau&e,
9Eou +an tru&t 3e* .ill%,9
?i))le &u+(e) in a /reath* a& i$ he were a/out to )ie into a pool, 9-% )a)2& in :,C,*
a& u&ual, So la&t ni"ht 6 ha) a $ew $rien)& oer, 'e were &3o(in" &o3e /lunt&;9
9Eou &houl)n2t )o that, 6lle"al )ru"& are /a) new&,9
.ill% &hi$te) un+o3$orta/l%* $i))lin" with the platinu3 +hain aroun) hi& ne+(, 96
(now,9
90o on,9
9So 3e an) 3% $rien)& were /% the pool* an) one want& to "o hit it with hi& "irl$rien),
6 tell the3 the% +an u&e the +a/ana* /ut when the% "o oer* the )oor2& lo+(e), 6 "o up
to "et the (e% $ro3 the hou&e* an) when 623 wal(in" /a+(* a "u% &tep& in $ront o$ 3e*
li(e $ro3 out o$ nowhere, 5e wa& $u+(;er* $rea(in2 hu"e, <on" /la+( hair, :re&&e) in
leather;9
The waitre&& +a3e hoppin" oer, 9'hat +an 6 "et+ha;9
9<ater*9 -r, O &nappe),
1& &he )i&appeare) in a hu$$* he no))e) to .ill%,
?i))le "ra//e) -r, O2& "la&& o$ water an) )ran(, 91n%wa%* he &+are) the hell out o$
3e, 5e wa& loo(in" at 3e li(e he wante) to hae 3e $or lun+h, .ut then 3% $rien)
+all& out* /e+au&e he2& won)erin" where 6 a3 with the (e%, The 3an &ai) 3% na3e
an) then 7u&t (in) o$ )i&appeare)* ri"ht a& 3% $rien) +a3e up the lawn,9 .ill% &hoo(
hi& hea), 9Thin" i&* 6 )on2t (now how he "ot oer the wall, -% )a) put one all aroun)
the /a+( o$ the "roun)& la&t %ear /e+au&e he2& /een "ettin" terrori&t threat& or
&o3ethin", 6t2&* li(e* twele $eet tall, 1n) the hou&e wa& all lo+(e) up in $ront with the
&e+urit% &%&te3 on,9
-r, O loo(e) )own at .ill%2& han)&, The% were "rippe) ti"htl% to"ether,
968 ah* 623 (in)a &+are)* &en&ei,9
9Eou &houl) /e,9
?i))le loo(e) a"uel% nau&eate) at hain" hi& $ear& +on$ir3e),
9So* .ill%, 6 want to (now, Eou eer (ill &o3ethin"49
?i))le $rowne) at the a/rupt +han"e o$ &u/7e+t, 9'hat are %ou tal(in" a/out49
9Eou (now, 1 /ir), SKuirrel, -a%/e a +at or a )o"49
9#o* &en&ei,9
9#o49 -r, O leele) hi& e%e& on .ill%2&, 96 "ot no ti3e $or liar&* &on,9
.ill% +leare) hi& throat, 9Eeah, -a%/e, 'hen 6 wa& %oun"er,9
95ow2) that 3a(e %ou $eel49
1 $lu&h +rept up .ill%2& ne+(, 5i& han)& +a3e apart, 9Nada, 6 )i)n2t $eel an%thin",9
9Co3e on* .ill%, Eou2e "ot to tru&t 3e,9
.ill%2& e%e& $la&he), 9O(a%, -a%/e 6 li(e) it,9
9Eeah49
9Eeah,9 ?i))le )rew out the wor),
90oo),9 -r, O li$te) hi& han) an) +au"ht the waitre&&2& e%e, She too( her ti3e +o3in"
oer, 9'e2ll tal( a/out that 3an later, Fir&t* 6 want %ou to tell 3e a/out %our $ather,9
9-% )a)49
9Eou rea)% to or)er now49 the waitre&& &ai) in a &nott% tone,
9'hat )o %ou want* .ill%4 6t2& on 3e,9
?i))le re+ite) hal$ the 3enu,
'hen the waitre&& le$t* -r, O pro3pte) hi3, 9Eour )a)49
.ill% &hru""e), 96 )on2t &ee hi3 a lot, .ut he2&8 %ou (now8 whateer, 1 )a), 6
3ean* who +are& what he2& li(e49
9<i&ten* .ill%,9 -r, O leane) $orwar), 96 (now %ou ran awa% $ro3 ho3e three ti3e&
/e$ore %ou turne) twele, 6 (now %our $ather &ent %ou to prep &+hool the 3inute %our
3o3 wa& in the "roun), 1n) 6 (now when %ou "ot %our&el$ (i+(e) out o$ #orth$iel)
-ount 5er3on* he pa+(e) %ou o$$ to 0roton* an) when %ou were to&&e) out o$ there*
he put %ou in a 3ilitar% a+a)e3%, 6t &oun)& to 3e li(e he2& /een tr%in" to "et ri) o$
%ou $or the la&t )e+a)e,9
95e2& /u&%,9
91n) %ou2e /een a lot to han)le* haen2t %ou49
9-a%/e,9
9So woul) 6 /e ri"ht in a&&u3in" that %ou an) :a))% :eare&t )on2t hae &o3e (in) o$
Lea*e It to Bea*er thin" "oin"49 -r, O waite), 9Tell 3e the truth,9
96 hate hi3*9 ?i))le /lurte),
9'h%49
.ill% +ro&&e) hi& ar3& oer hi& +he&t a"ain, 5i& e%e& went +ol),
9'h% )o %ou hate hi3* &on49
9.e+au&e he /reathe&,9
Chapter Thirty'four
.eth &tare) o$$ into a a&t white )i&tan+e, She wa& in &o3e (in) o$ )rea3&+ape* with
haz% e)"e& that &u""e&te) there wa& no en) to what wa& /e$ore her,
1 lone $i"ure* lit $ro3 /ehin)* approa+he) out o$ the apor, She &en&e) that it wa&
3ale* whateer it wa&* an) &he )i)n2t $eel threatene), She $elt a& i$ &he (new hi3,
9Father49 &he whi&pere)* not &ure whether &he 3eant her own or 0o) 5i3&el$,
The 3an wa& &till Kuite $ar awa%* /ut hi& han) li$te) in "reetin"* a& i$ he2) hear) her,
She &teppe) $orwar)* /ut her 3outh wa& &u))enl% $loo)e) with a ta&te &he )i)n2t
re+o"nize, She put her $in"ertip& to her lip&, 'hen &he loo(e) )own at the3* &he &aw
re),
The $i"ure )roppe) hi& han), 1& i$ he (new what the &tain 3eant,
.eth &la33e) /a+( into her /o)%, 6t wa& li(e /ein" +atapulte) an) lan)in" on "rael,
!er%thin" hurt,
She +rie) out, 1& her 3outh opene)* &he "ot a ru&h o$ that ta&te, She &wallowe)
re$lexiel%,
So3ethin" 3ira+ulou& happene), <i(e a /alloon rein$lat-in"* her &(in $ille) with li$e,
5er &en&e& +a3e alie,
She /lin)l% "ra//e) onto &o3ethin" har), <at+he) on to the &our+e o$ the ta&te,
'rath $elt .eth 7er( li(e &he2) /een ele+tro+ute), 1n) then &he &tarte) to )rin( at hi&
ne+( with "reat* ur"ent pull& o$ her 3outh, 5er ar3& ti"htene) aroun) hi& &houl)er&*
her nail& )i""in" into hi& $le&h,
5i& roar wa& one o$ triu3ph a& he ea&e) /a+( on the /e)* l%in" )own &o the /loo)
$low woul) /e /etter, 5e (ept hi& hea) to one &i)e* expo&in" hi& ne+( to her* an) &he
+rawle) up onto hi& +he&t* her hair &pillin" all oer hi3, The wet &oun) o$ her
&u+(in"* the (nowle)"e he wa& "iin" her li$e* "ae hi3 a 3on&trou& har)-on,
5e hel) her loo&el%* &tro(in" her ar3&, !n+oura"in" her to ta(e 3ore o$ hi3, Ta(e all
that &he nee)e),
-u+h later* .eth li$te) her hea), <i+(e) her lip&, Opene) her e%e&,
'rath wa& &tarin" up at her,
1n) he ha) a "apin" woun) in hi& ne+(,
9Oh* 0o)8 what hae 6 )one to %ou49 She rea+he) to &tan+h the /loo) &eepin" $ro3
hi& ein,
5e "ra//e) her han)& an) /rou"ht the3 to hi& lip&, 9'ill %ou hae 3e a& %our
hellren49
9'hat49 5er 3in) wa& hain" )i$$i+ult% turnin" oer,
9-arr% 3e,9
She loo(e) at the hole in hi& throat an) her &to3a+h lur+he), 96-689
The pain +a3e har) an) $a&t, Ta+(lin" her, Ta(in" her into a &ha)ow /ox o$ a"on%,
She )ou/le) oer* rollin" onto the 3attre&&,
'rath &hot up an) +ra)le) her in hi& lap,
913 6 )%in"8 49 &he 3oane),
9Oh* no* leelan, Eou2re not, Thi& will pa&&*9 he whi&pere), 9.ut it2& not "oin" to /e
$un,9
5er entire )i"e&tie tra+t +onul&e) in wae&* an) &he $loppe) oer onto her /a+(, She
+oul) /arel% 3a(e out 'rath2& $a+e throu"h the pain* /ut hi& e%e& were wi)e with
worr%, 5e too( her han) in hi& an) &he &Kueeze) a& the next /la&t o$ torture oertoo(
her,
5er i&ion )i33e), Ca3e /a+(, :i33e) a"ain,
Sweat )rippe) $ro3 her /o)%* &oa(in" the &heet&, She "ritte) her teeth an) ar+he),
Turne) thi& wa% an) then another, Tr%in" to e&+ape,
She )i)n2t (now how lon" it la&te), 5our&, :a%&,
'rath &ta%e) with her the whole ti3e,
'rath too( hi& $ir&t )eep /reath &o3eti3e a$ter three 1,-,
Finall%* &he wa& &till,
1n) not )ea) &till, Cal3 &till,
She2) /een &o /rae, She2) ta(en the pain with no whi3perin"* no +r%in", !en he ha)
/e""e) $or hi& tran&ition to /e oer,
1 +roa( +a3e out o$ her,
9'hat* 3% leelan49 5e put hi& hea) )own to her 3outh,
9Shower,9
9?i"ht,9
5e le$t the /e)* "ot the water &tarte)* an) +a3e /a+( $or her, 0entl% li$tin" her into hi&
ar3&* he +arrie) her to the /athroo3, She +oul)n2t &tan)* &o he &at her on the 3ar/le
+ounter* &trippe) her +lothe& o$$* an) then pi+(e) her up a"ain,
5e &teppe) un)er the water* &hiel)in" her /o)% with hi& /a+(, 5e wante) to &ee i$ the
+han"e in te3perature an) hu3i)it% wa& unplea&ant $or her, 'hen &he )i)n2t prote&t*
he let the ru&h hit her $eet $ir&t in +a&e the &en&ation wa& too 3u+h, 0ra)uall%* he
ea&e) her un)er the &howerhea),
She &ee3e) to li(e the water* +ranin" her ne+( an) openin" her 3outh,
5e &aw her $an"&* an) the% were /eauti$ul to hi3, .ri"ht white, Sharpl% pointe), 5e
re3e3/ere) the &en&ation o$ her )rin(in",
'rath pulle) her a"ain&t hi3 $or a 3o3ent* 7u&t hu""in" her, 1n) then he )roppe)
her $eet to the "roun) an) hel) her /o)% with one ar3, 'ith hi& $ree han)* he pi+(e)
up a 7ar o$ &ha3poo an) &Kueeze) a little on the top o$ her hea), 5e ru//e) her hair
into a lather an) then rin&e) it +lean, 'ith a /ar o$ &oap* he "entl% 3a&&a"e) her &(in
a& /e&t he +oul) without )roppin" her an) then 3a)e &ure eer% la&t &u)& wa& wa&he)
o$$,
S+oopin" her up into hi& ar3& a"ain* he &hut o$$ the water* "ot out* an) "ra//e) a
towel, 5e wrappe) her up an) put her /a+( on the +ounter* proppin" her a"ain&t the
wall an) the 3irror, Care$ull%* he /lotte) the water $ro3 her hair* her $a+e* her ne+(*
her ar3&, Then her $eet* +ale&* an) (nee&,
5er &(in wa& "oin" to /e h%per&en&itie $or a while, 5er e%e& an) hearin"* too,
:urin" her tran&ition* he2) wat+he) $or &i"n& that her /o)% wa& +han"in" an) ha) &een
none, She wa& the &a3e hei"ht a& /e$ore, She $it the &a3e wa% a"ain&t hi3, 5e
won)ere) i$ &he2) een /e a/le to "o out )urin" the )a%,
9Than( %ou*9 &he whi&pere),
5e (i&&e) her an) +arrie) her to the &o$a, Then he &trippe) the /e) o$ the wet &heet&
an) 3attre&& pa), 5e &tru""le) with re3a(in" it, 5e ha) a tou"h ti3e $in)in" the
other &et o$ &heet&* an) "ettin" the3 on ri"ht wa& har) a& hell $or hi3, 'hen he wa&
$inall% $ini&he)* he pi+(e) her up an) &ettle) her a"ain&t the $re&h &atin,
5er )eep &i"h wa& the /e&t +o3pli3ent he2) eer /een pai),
'rath (nelt /% the &i)e o$ the /e)* &u))enl% aware that hi& leather pant& an) hi&
&hit(i+(er& were &oa(in" wet,
9Ee&*9 &he whi&pere),
5e (i&&e) her $orehea), 9Ee& what* 3% leelan49
96 will 3arr% %ou,9
Chapter Thirty'five
.ut+h pa+e) aroun) the )rawin" roo3 a"ain* &toppin" at the $irepla+e, 5e loo(e)
)own at the lo"& that were /an(e) in the hearth, 5e i3a"ine) how ni+e a $ire woul)
/e in there )urin" the winter, 5ow %ou +oul) &it on the &il( +ou+he& an) wat+h the
$li+(erin" $la3e&, 5ow that /utler woul) &ere %ou hot to))ie& or &o3ethin",
'hat the hell wa& that /un+h o$ thu"& )oin" in a pla+e li(e thi&4
Fro3 )own the hall* he hear) the &oun)& o$ the 3en, The%2) /een in what he a&&u3e)
3u&t /e a )inin" roo3 $or hour&* 7u&t runnin" their 3outh&, 1t lea&t their +hoi+e o$
)inner 3u&i+ wa& appropriate, 5ar)-+ore rap thu3pe) throu"h the hou&e* 2Aa+* >a%-F*
:-12, O++a&ionall%* he hear) &hout& o$ lau"hter oer the /eat&, Taunt& o$ the 3a+ho
ariet%,
5e e%e) the $ront )oor $or the one 3illionth ti3e,
'hen the 3en ha) &hoe) hi3 into the )rawin" roo3 an) then hea)e) )own the hall
a li$eti3e a"o* hi& $ir&t thou"ht wa& o$ e&+apin"* een i$ he ha) to put a +hair throu"h
a win)ow, 5e2) +all >o&e, .rin" the whole &tation hou&e to their $ront )oor,
.ut /e$ore he +oul) a+t on the i3pul&e* a oi+e ha) $ille) hi& ear, 96 hope %ou )e+i)e
to run,9
.ut+h ha) &pun aroun)* +rou+hin", The &(ull-tri33e)* &+arre) one wa& ri"ht next to
hi3* thou"h he ha)n2t hear) the "u% 3oe,
90o 2hea),9 Tho&e $rea(%-a&& /la+( e%e& ha) &tare) at .ut+h with the )ea) inten&it% o$
a &har(, 9Cra+( open that )oor, ?un %our little heart out, ?un $a&t* run &3art* +all $or
help, >u&t (now that 62ll +o3e a$ter %ou, <i(e a hear&e,9
9F&a)i&t* leae hi3 alone,9 The "u% with the "reat hair ha) &tu+( hi& hea) out into the
roo3, 9'rath want& the hu3an alie, For the ti3e /ein",9
The &+arre) 3an ha) &pare) .ut+h one la&t loo(, 9Tr% it, >u&t tr% it, 62) rather hunt %ou
)own than eat )inner with the3,9
Then he2) &auntere) out,
Threat notwith&tan)in"* .ut+h ha) +a&e) what he +oul) &ee o$ the hou&e, There wa&n2t
a phone that he +oul) $in)* an) 7u)"in" /% the &e+urit% &%&te3 panel he2) &pie) in the
$ront hall* all the win)ow& an) )oor& in the pla+e ha) to /e wire) $or &oun), .u&tin"
out )i&+reetl% wa&n2t an option,
1n) he )i)n2t want to leae .eth /ehin),
0o)* i$ &he )ie)8
.ut+h inhale), Frowne),
'hat the hell wa& that4
The tropi+&, 5e &3elle) the o+ean,
5e turne) aroun),
1 /reathta(in" wo3an wa& &tan)in" in the )oorwa%, 'ai$-li(e* ele"ant* &he wa&
)re&&e) in a $il3% "own* an) her "or"eou& /lon) hair )ri$te) to her hip& in wae&, 5er
$a+e wa& all )eli+ate per$e+tion* her e%e& the pale /lue +olor o$ &ea "la&&,
She too( a &tep /a+(* a& i$ in $ear o$ hi3,
9#o*9 he &ai)* lur+hin" $orwar)* thin(in" o$ the 3en in the roo3 )own the hall, 9:on2t
"o /a+( there,9
She loo(e) aroun)* a& i$ &he wante) to +all $or help,
9623 not "oin" to hurt %ou*9 he &ai) Kui+(l%,
95ow )o 6 (now that49
She ha) a &u/tle a++ent, <i(e all o$ the3 )i), -a%/e ?u&&ian4
5e hel) hi& han)& out* pal3& up* to &how he )i)n2t hae a weapon, 9623 a +op,9
Eeah* o(a%* &o that wa& no lon"er exa+tl% true* /ut he wante) to rea&&ure her,
She "athere) the &(irt o$ her )re&& up* a& i$ &he were "oin" to ta(e o$$,
5ell* he &houl)n2t hae u&e) the C-wor), 6$ &he wa& the 3oll o$ one o$ the3* then &he
wa& een 3ore li(el% to /olt i$ &he thou"ht he wa& the law,
9623 not here in an o$$i+ial +apa+it%*9 he &ai), 9#o "un* no /a)"e,9
1/ruptl%* &he )roppe) the "own* an) her &houl)er& &trai"htene) a& i$ &he were
)ra$tin" her +oura"e into &eri+e, She +a3e $orwar) a little* 3oin" $lui)l%*
"ra+e$ull%, .ut+h (ept hi& 3outh &hut an) trie) to loo( &3aller than he a+tuall% wa&*
le&& threatenin",
95e )oe&n2t nor3all% let %our (in) /e aroun)*9 &he &ai),
Eeah* he +oul) i3a"ine +op& )i)n2t han" out too o$ten in thi& hou&e, 9623 waitin"
$or8 a $rien),9
5er hea) tilte) to the &i)e, 1& &he "ot +lo&er* her /eaut% nearl% /lin)e) hi3, 5er
$a+ial &tru+ture wa& the &tu$$ o$ $a&hion 3a"azine&* her /o)% the (in) o$ lon"* loel%
&weep he i3a"ine) trotte) )own runwa%&, 1n) that per$u3e &he wore, 6t "ot into hi&
no&e* into hi& /rain, She &3elle) &o "oo) hi& e%e& watere),
She wa& unreal* he thou"ht, So pure, So +lean,
5e $elt li(e he &houl) /ru&h hi& teeth an) &hae /e$ore &a%in" one 3ore wor) to her,
'hat the hell wa& &he )oin" han"in" out with tho&e lowli$e&4
.ut+h2& heart +ra3pe) with the i)ea o$ how u&e$ul &he2) /e to the3, Dear 7od, On the
&ex 3ar(et* %ou +oul) "et thou&an)& an) thou&an)& an) thou&an)& $or 7u&t an hour
with a wo3an li(e thi& one,
#o won)er the hou&e wa& &o well tri+(e) out,
-ari&&a wa& leer% o$ the hu3an* e&pe+iall% +on&i)erin" hi& &ize, She2) hear) &o 3an%
&torie& a/out the3, 5ow the% hate) the a3pire ra+e, 5ow the% hunte) her &pe+ie&,
.ut thi& one &ee3e) to /e ta(in" "reat pain& not to $ri"hten her, 5e )i)n2t 3oeL he
/arel% /reathe), 1ll he )i) wa& &tare at her,
'hi+h wa& unnerin"* an) not onl% /e+au&e &he wa&n2t u&e) to /ein" loo(e) at, 5i&
hazel e%e& "lea3e) out o$ hi& har&h $a+e* 3i&&in" nothin"* ta(in" in all o$ her,
5e wa& &3art* thi& one, S3art an)8 &a),
9'hat2& %our na3e49 he a&(e) Kuietl%,
She li(e) hi& oi+e, :eep an) low, ?ou"h aroun) the e)"e&* a& i$ he were perpetuall%
a little hoar&e,
She wa& "ettin" er% +lo&e to hi3 now* 7u&t $eet awa%* &o &he &toppe),
9-ari&&a, 6 a3 +alle) -ari&&a,9
9.ut+h,9 5e tou+he) hi& /roa) +he&t, 9!r8 .rian, O2#eal, Aeople +all 3e .ut+h*
thou"h,9
5e &tu+( hi& han) out, Then retra+te) it* ru//e) it i"orou&l% on hi& pant le"* an)
o$$ere) it a"ain,
She lo&t her nere, Tou+hin" hi3 wa& too 3u+h* an) &he too( a &tep /a+(,
5e )roppe) hi& han) &lowl%* not loo(in" at all &urpri&e) that &he2) re7e+te) hi3,
1n) &till* he &tare),
9'hat are %ou loo(in" at49 She /rou"ht her han)& up to the /o)i+e o$ the "own*
+oerin" her&el$,
1 $lu&h ran up hi& ne+( an) into hi& +hee(&, 9Sorr%, Eou2re pro/a/l% &i+( o$ 3en
"aw(in" at %ou,9
-ari&&a &hoo( her hea), 9#o 3ale& loo( at 3e,9
96 $in) that er% har) to /eliee,9
6t wa& true, The% were all terri$ie) o$ what 'rath 3i"ht )o,
0o)* i$ tho&e other& ha) onl% (nown how little &he2) /een wante),
9.e+au&e89 The hu3an2& oi+e traile) o$$, 9-an* %ou are &o8 totall%8 /eauti$ul,9
1n) then he +leare) hi& throat* li(e he wi&he) he +oul) ta(e the wor)& /a+(,
She tilte) her hea)* +on&i)erin" hi3, There wa& &o3ethin" &he +oul)n2t )e+ipher in
hi& tone, 1n a+h% pit+h,
5e )u" hi& han) into hi& thi+(* )ar( hair, 91n) 623 "oin" to &hut up now, .e$ore 6
3a(e %ou $eel een 3ore un+o3$orta/le,9
5i& e%e& &ta%e) on her $a+e,
The% were reall% ni+e e%e&* &he thou"ht, So war3, 1n) the% hel) a lonel% %earnin" a&
he loo(e) at her, 1& i$ he +oul)n2t hae &o3ethin" he wante),
She (new all a/out that,
The hu3an lau"he)* a /ur&t o$ &oun) that +a3e $ro3 )eep in&i)e hi& +he&t, 91n) how
2/out 6 tr% not to &tare4 That2) /e "oo),9 5e +ra33e) hi& han)& in the po+(et& o$ hi&
pant& an) $o+u&e) on the $loor, 9<oo( at 3e, #ot &tarin", #ot &tarin" at all, 5e%* thi&
i& a ni+e ru", Eou eer noti+e it /e$ore49
-ari&&a &3ile) in a &3all wa% an) too( a &tep +lo&er to hi3, 96 thin( 6 li(e the wa%
%ou loo( at 3e,9
Tho&e hazel e%e& &nappe) /a+( to her $a+e,
9623 7u&t not u&e) to it*9 &he explaine), 5er han) went to her ne+(* /ut &he )roppe) it,
9-an* %ou +annot /e real*9 the hu3an &ai) &o$tl%,
9'h% not49
9Eou 7u&t +an2t,9
She lau"he) a little, 9'ell* 6 a3,9
5e +leare) hi& throat a"ain, O$$ere) her a lop&i)e) "rin, 9-in) i$ 6 a&( %ou to proe
it49
95ow49
9Can 6 tou+h %our hair49
5er $ir&t thou"ht wa& to /a+( awa% a"ain, .ut then* wh% &houl) &he4 She wa& tie) to
no 3ale, 6$ thi& hu3an wante) to tou+h her* wh% +oul)n2t he4
!&pe+iall% /e+au&e &he (in) o$ wante) hi3 to,
She )roppe) her hea) )own &o &o3e o$ her hair $ell $orwar), She thou"ht a/out
hol)in" a &e+tion out to hi3, .ut no, She woul) let hi3 +o3e +lo&er,
1n) the hu3an )i),
5i& han) wa& /i" a& it rea+he) out* an) her /reath +au"ht* /ut he )i)n2t "o $or the
/lon) wae han"in" in $ront o$ her, 6n&tea)* hi& $in"ertip& 3a)e +onta+t with a lo+(
re&tin" on her &houl)er,
She $elt a /la&t o$ heat throu"h her &(in* a& thou"h he2) tou+he) her with a lit 3at+h,
6n no ti3e* the &en&ation traele) throu"hout her /o)%* a& i$ &he2) &pi(e) a $eer,
What was this5
The hu3an2& $in"er 3oe) her hair a&i)e* an) then hi& whole han) /ru&he) a"ain&t her
&houl)er, 5i& pal3 wa& war3, Soli), Stron",
She li$te) her e%e& to hi3,
96 +an2t /reathe*9 &he whi&pere),
.ut+h nearl% $ell oer, 7ood 7od* he thou"ht, She wante) hi3, 1n) her inno+ent
a3aze3ent at hi& tou+h wa& /etter than the /e&t &ex he2) eer ha),
5i& /o)% &hot into oer)rie* hi& ere+tion &trainin" hi& 7ean&* )e3an)in" to "et out,
But this couldnt "e real* he thou"ht, She ha) to /e pla%in" hi3, #o one loo(e) li(e
&he )i)* an) hun" out with tho&e /o%&* without (nowin" eer% tri+( in the /oo(, 1n)
pullin" a lot o$ the3 on her /a+(,
5e wat+he) a& &he too( an un&tea)% /reath, 1n) then li+(e) her lip&, The tip o$ her
ton"ue wa& pin(,
!weet 'esus%
She 3i"ht onl% /e a $anta&ti+ a+tre&&, She 3i"ht onl% /e the /e&t whore an%one ha)
eer +o3e a+ro&&, .ut a& &he loo(e) up at hi3* &he ha) hi3 in the pal3 o$ her han),
5e wa& /u%in" what &he wa& &ellin" in a /i" $ri+(in" wa%,
5e let hi& $in"er run up the &i)e o$ her ne+(, 5er &(in wa& &o &o$t* &o pale* he wa&
a$rai) he2) leae a 3ar( 7u&t /% tou+hin" her,
9:o %ou lie here49 he a&(e),
She &hoo( her hea), 96 lie with 3% /rother,9
5e wa& reliee), 9That2& "oo),9
5e /ru&he) her +hee( li"htl%, Stare) at her 3outh,
What would she taste like5
5i& e%e& )ippe) lower* to her /rea&t&, The% &ee3e) to hae &welle) an) were pu&hin"
a"ain&t the /o)i+e o$ her $ine "own,
5er oi+e wa& tre3ulou&, 9Eou loo( at 3e a& i$ %ou2re thir&t%,9
#h$ 7od, She ha) that ri"ht, 5e wa& par+he),
9!x+ept 6 thou"ht hu3an& )i)n2t $ee)49 &he &ai),
.ut+h $rowne), She ha) an o)) wa% with wor)&* /ut then !n"li&h wa& +learl% her
&e+on) lan"ua"e,
5i& $in"er& 3oe) oer to her 3outh, 5e pau&e)* won)erin" i$ &he woul) pull awa% i$
he tou+he) her lip&, )ro"a"ly* he thou"ht, >u&t to (eep the "a3e "oin",
9Eour na3e*9 &he &ai), 96t2& .ut+h49
5e no))e),
9'hat are %ou thir&t% $or* .ut+h49 &he whi&pere),
5i& e%e& &la33e) &hut a& hi& /o)% &wa%e),
9.ut+h49 &he &ai), 9:i) 6 hurt %ou 7u&t now49
Yeah$ only if you consider raging lust a kind of pain* he thou"ht,
Chapter Thirty'si#
'rath "ot out o$ /e) an) )rew on a $re&h &et o$ leather& an) a /la+( T-&hirt,
.eth wa& &leepin" &oun)l% on her &i)e, 'hen he went oer an) (i&&e) her* &he &tirre),
9623 "oin" up&tair&*9 he &ai)* &tro(in" her +hee(, 9.ut 623 not leain" the hou&e,9
She no))e)* /ru&he) her lip& a"ain&t hi& pal3* an) &an( /a+( )own into the healin"
re&t &he nee)e) &o /a)l%,
'rath put on hi& &un"la&&e&* lo+(e) the )oor /ehin) hi3* an) 3ounte) the &tair&, 5e
(new there wa& a &tupi)* &ati&$ie) "rin on hi& $a+e an) that hi& /rother& were "oin" to
ri)e hi3 har) $or it,
.ut what the hell )i) he +are4
5e wa& ta(in" a true shellan, 5e wa& "oin" to /e 3ate), 1n) the% +oul) (i&& hi& a&&,
5e pu&he) open the paintin" an) &teppe) into the )rawin" roo3,
5e +oul)n2t /eliee what he &aw,
-ari&&a in a lon" +rea3% "own, The +op in $ront o$ her* &tro(in" her $a+e* ei)entl%
poleaxe), 1ll aroun) the3* the )eli+iou& &+ent o$ &ex in the air,
1n) then ?ha"e /ur&t into the roo3* )a""er )rawn, The /rother wa& +learl% rea)% to
$iel) )re&& the hu3an $or tou+hin" what he pre&u3e) wa& 'rath2& shellan,
9Ta(e %our han)&;9
'rath leape) $orwar), 9?ha"e@ 5ol) up@9
The /rother +au"ht hi3&el$ a& .ut+h an) -ari&&a loo(e) aroun) $ranti+all%,
?ha"e &3ile) an) to&&e) the )a""er a+ro&& the roo3 at 'rath, 90o $or it* 3% lor), 5e
)e&ere& )eath $or puttin" hi& han) to her* /ut +an we pla% with hi3 a little $ir&t49
'rath +au"ht the (ni$e, 90o /a+( to the ta/le* 5oll%woo),9
91h* +o3e on, Eou (now it2& /etter with an au)ien+e,9
'rath &3ir(e), 9Onl% $or %ou* 3% /rother, #ow leae u&,9
5e threw the )a""er /a+( an) ?ha"e &heathe) it while leain", 9-an* 'rath* %ou +an
/e a real /uzz (ill* %ou (now that4 1 total $u+(in" /uzz (ill,9
'rath loo(e) oer at -ari&&a an) the +op, 5e ha) to approe o$ the wa% the hu3an
wa& u&in" hi& /o)% to prote+t her,
-a%/e the "u% wa& 3ore than 7u&t a "oo) opponent,
.ut+h "lare) at the &u&pe+t an) put hi& ar3& out* tr%in" to +orral -ari&&a, She re$u&e)
to &ta% /ehin) hi3, 1+tuall% &i)e&teppe) hi& /o)%* pla+in" her& in $ront,
Like she was protecting him5
5e "ra//e) her thin ar3* /ut &he re&i&te),
1& that /la+(-haire) 3ur)erer +a3e $orwar)* &he a))re&&e) the 3an &harpl% an) the%
&tarte) tal(in" in a lan"ua"e .ut+h )i)n2t re+o"nize, She "rew heate), The 3an
no))e) a lot, 0ra)uall% &he +al3e),
1n) then the 3an put hi& han) on her &houl)er an) turne) hi& hea) to loo( at .ut+h,
0oo) 0o)* the "u%2& ne+( ha) a raw woun) on one &i)e* li(e &o3ethin" ha) +hewe)
on hi3,
The 3an &po(e, -ari&&a2& repl% wa& he&itant* /ut then &he repeate) it in a &tron"er
tone,
9So /e it*9 the /a&tar) &ai)* &3ilin" ti"htl%,
-ari&&a 3oe) &o &he wa& &tan)in" &i)e /% &i)e with .ut+h, She loo(e) at hi3 an)
/lu&he),
So3ethin" ha) /een )e+i)e), So3ethin";
'ith a Kui+( 3oe3ent* the 3an "ra//e) .ut+h2& throat,
-ari&&a &+rea3e), 9'rath@9
Ah$ shit$ not this again* .ut+h thou"ht a& he &tru""le),
9She &ee3& to /e intri"ue) /% %ou*9 the 3ur)erer &ai) in
.ut+h2& ear, 9So 623 "oin" to let %ou (eep /reathin", .ut %ou hurt her an) 62ll &(in %ou
alie,9
-ari&&a wa& tal(in" rapi)l% in that $orei"n lan"ua"e* +ur&in" the 3an* no )ou/t,
9'e un)er&tan) ea+h other49 the 3an )e3an)e),
.ut+h narrowe) hi& e%e& on tho&e &un"la&&e&, 9She2& "ot nothin" to $ear $ro3 3e,9
9Jeep it that wa%,9
9Eou2re another &tor%* howeer,9
The 3an let "o, Strai"htene) .ut+h2& &hirt, S3ile),
.ut+h $rowne),
-an* there wa& &o3ethin" &eriou&l% wron" with that "u%2& teeth,
9'here2& .eth49 .ut+h )e3an)e),
9She2& &a$e, 1n) health%,9
9#o than(& to %ou,9
9Than(& onl% to 3e,9
9Then %ou2e "ot &o3e weir)-a&& wa%& o$ )e$inin" tho&e wor)&, 6 want to &ee her $or
3%&el$,9
9<ater, 1n) onl% i$ &he want& to &ee %ou,9
.ut+h2& an"er $lare)* an) the /a&tar) &ee3e) to &en&e the &ur"e in hi& /o)%,
9'at+h it* +op, Eou2re in 3% worl) now,9
Yeah$ fuck you$ "uddy%
.ut+h wa& a/out to open hi& 3outh when he $elt &o3ethin" "ra/ onto hi& ar3, 5e
loo(e) )own, Fear wa& &hinin" in -ari&&a2& e%e&,
9.ut+h* plea&e*9 &he whi&pere), 9:on2t,9
The &u&pe+t no))e),
9Eou /e polite* an) %ou &ta% with her*9 the 3an &ai)* oi+e &o$tenin" a& he loo(e) at
-ari&&a, 9She2& happ% to hae %our +o3pan%* an) &he )e&ere& a "oo) &hot o$ happ%,
'e2ll &ee a/out .eth, <ater,9
-r, O too( .ill% /a+( to the ?i))le e&tate a$ter the%2) )rien aroun) the +it% $or
hour&* tal(in",
.ill%2& pa&t wa& per$e+t* an) not 7u&t /e+au&e o$ the iolen+e he2) perpetrate) on
other&, 5i& $ather wa& 7u&t the (in) o$ 3ale role 3o)el -r, O li(e) to &ee, 1 total*
rain" lunati+ with a 0o) +o3plex, The 3an wa& a $or3er #F< pla%er* /i"*
a""re&&ie an) +o3petitie* an) he2) ri))en .ill% &in+e /irth,
#othin" the &on eer )i) wa& "oo) enou"h, -r, O2& per&onal $aorite wa& the &tor% o$
.ill%2& 3other2& )eath, The wo3an ha) $allen into the pool a$ter )rin(in" too 3u+h
one a$ternoon* an) .ill% ha) $oun) her $loatin" $a+e)own, 5e2) pulle) her out o$ the
water an) atte3pte) CA? /e$ore +allin" 911, 1t the ho&pital* a& the toe-ta""e) /o)%
ha) /een wheele) to the 3or"ue* the )i&tin"ui&he) &enator $ro3 the "reat &tate o$
#ew Eor( ha) &u""e&te) hi& &on ha) (ille) her, !i)entl%* .ill% &houl) hae (nown
to "et an a3/ulan+e on the &+ene $ir&t rather 3a(in" a hal$-a&&e) atte3pt to pla%
para3e)i+ hi3&el$,
-r, O )i)n2t Kue&tion the 3erit& o$ 3atri+i)e, 6t wa& 7u&t that in .ill%2& +a&e* the (i)
ha) /een traine) a& a li$e"uar) an) ha) a+tuall% trie) to &ae the wo3an,
96 hate thi& hou&e*9 ?i))le 3uttere)* &tarin" up at the /eauti$ull% lit /ri+(& an)
+olu3n& an) &hutter&,
9Too /a) %ou2re on all tho&e waitin" li&t&, Colle"e woul) hae "otten %ou out,9
9Eeah* well* 6 3i"ht hae "otten in to one or two, 6$ he ha)n2t $or+e) 3e to appl% to
onl% 6ie&,9
9So what are %ou "oin" to )o49
.ill% &hru""e), 95e want& 3e to 3oe out, 0et a 7o/, 6t2& 7u&t8 6 )on2t (now where 6
+an "o,9
9Tell 3e &o3ethin"* .ill%* %ou "ot a "irl$rien)49
5e &3ile)* a little hal$ pull at the +orner& o$ hi& lip&, 96 "ot a +ouple,9
Ee&* -r, O +oul) i3a"ine the "u% )i)* han)&o3e a& he wa&, 9So3eone &pe+ial49
.ill%2& e%e& &li) oer, 9The%2re "oo) $or "ettin" o$$, .ut the%2re all oer 3e, Callin"
an) &hit* wantin" to (now where 6 a3* what 623 )oin", The% want too 3u+h* an) 6*
ah89
9Eou what49
.ill%2& e%e& narrowe),
90o on* &on, There2& i&n2t an%thin" %ou +an2t tell 3e,9
96* ah* 6 li(e the3 /etter when the%2re har) to "et89 5e +leare) hi& throat, 91+tuall%* 6
li(e it when the%2re tr%in" to "et awa%,9
9Eou li(e to +at+h the349
6 li(e to ta(e the3, Eou (now what 6 3ean49 -r, O no))e)* thin(in" that wa& one
3ore ote in ?i))le2& $aor, #o tie& to $a3il%, #o tie& to a "irl$rien), 1n) hi& &exual
)%&$un+tion woul) /e ta(en +are o$ )urin" the in)u+tion +ere3on%,
?i))le "ra//e) $or the -)oor han)le, 91n%wa%* than(&* &en-&ei, Thi& wa& reall% "reat,9
9.ill%,9
?i))le pau&e)* "lan+in" /a+( expe+tantl%, 9Ee&* &en&ei49
9'hat i$ %ou +a3e to wor( $or 3e49 ?i))le2& e%e& $lare), 9Eou 3ean at the
a+a)e3%49
9Sort o$, <et 3e tell %ou a little a/out what %ou woul) /e )oin" an) then %ou +an
thin( it oer,9
Chapter Thirty'seven
.eth rolle) oer* loo(in" $or 'rath* an) then re3e3/ere) that he2) "one up&tair&,
She &at up* /ra+in" her&el$ in +a&e the pain +a3e /a+(, 'hen nothin" hurt* &he "ot to
her $eet, She wa& na(e)* an) &he loo(e) )own at her /o)%, !er%thin" &ee3e) the
&a3e, She )i) a little 7i", See3e) to wor( o(a%* too,
!x+ept &he +oul)n2t &ee er% well,
She went into the /athroo3, ?e3oe) her +onta+t&, 1n) &aw per$e+tl%,
Well$ theres one "enefit%
Whoa, Fan"&, She ha) $an"&,
She leane) in* pro))e) the3 a little, !atin" with tho&e puppie& wa& "oin" to ta(e
&o3e "ettin" u&e) to* &he thou"ht,
On i3pul&e* &he /rou"ht up her han)&* turne) her $in"er& into +law&, 5i&&e),
&ool%
5alloween wa& "oin" to /e a real (i+( in the pant& $ro3 now on,
She /ru&he) out her hair* pulle) on 'rath2& ro/e* an) hea)e) $or the &tair&, 'hen &he
"ot to the top* &he wa&n2t /reathle&& at all,
1n) wa&n2t thi& "oin" to 3a(e her wor(out& a &nap4
1& &he &teppe) out o$ the paintin"* &he &aw .ut+h &ittin" a+ro&& the &o$a $ro3 a
&tunnin" /lon)e, 6n the )i&tan+e* &he hear) 3ale oi+e& an) hea% 3u&i+,
.ut+h loo(e) up,
9.eth@9 5e ru&he) oer* wrappin" her in a /ear hu", 91re %ou all ri"ht49
9623 $ine, Trul%* 623 $ine,9 'hi+h wa& a3azin"* +on&i)erin" what &he2) $elt li(e
earlier,
.ut+h pulle) /a+(* ta(in" her $a+e in hi& han)&, 5e &tare) at her e%e&, Frowne), 9Eou
)on2t loo( hi"h,9
9'h% woul) 6 /e49
5e &hoo( hi& hea) &a)l%, 9:on2t hi)e it $ro3 3e, 6 /rou"ht %ou here* re3e3/er49
96 &hall "o*9 the /lon)e &ai)* "ettin" up,
.ut+h i33e)iatel% turne) to her, 9#o, :on2t,9
5e went /a+( to the +ou+h, 1& he loo(e) )own at the wo3an* hi& expre&&ion wa&
unli(e an% .eth ha) eer &een on hi& $a+e, 5e wa& +learl% enthralle),
9-ari&&a* 6 want %ou to 3eet 3% friend9;he e3pha&ize) the wor);9.eth ?an)all,
.eth* thi& i& -ari&&a,9
.eth li$te) a han), 95ello,9
The /lon)e &tare) a+ro&& the roo3* &+rutinizin" .eth $ro3 hea) to $oot,
9Eou are 'rath2& $e3ale*9 -ari&&a &ai) with a (in) o$ awe, 1& i$ .eth ha) pulle) o$$
&o3e "reat $eat, 9The one he want&,9
.eth $elt her +hee(& war3, 91h* %eah, 6 "ue&& 6 a3,9
There wa& an aw(war) &ilen+e, .ut+h loo(e) /a+( an) $orth /etween the two o$ the3*
$rownin" li(e he wante) in on the &e+ret,
Eeah* well* .eth wante) to (now what it wa&* too,
9:o %ou (now where 'rath i&49 &he a&(e),
.ut+h &+owle)* a& i$ he )i)n2t want her near the 3an, 95e2& in the )inin" roo3,9
9Than(&,9
9<i&ten* .eth, 'e nee) to;9
9623 not "oin" an%where,9
5e too( a )eep /reath* /lowin" it out in a &low hi&&,
9So3ehow* 6 thou"ht that2& what %ou woul) &a%,9 5e loo(e) at the /lon)e, 9.ut i$ %ou
nee) 3e* 6* ah8 62ll /e here,9
She &3ile) to her&el$ a& .ut+h &at /a+( )own with the wo3an,
1& &he went out to the hall* the &oun) o$ 3en tal(in" an) the )eep ru3/le o$ rap
3u&i+ "ot lou)er,
9So what2) %ou )o to the lesser49 a 3ale oi+e &ai),
96 lit hi& +i"arette with a &awe)-o$$*9 another one an&were), 95e )i)n2t +o3e )own $or
/rea($a&t* %ou $eel 3e49
There wa& a lou) +horu& o$ lau"hter, 1 +ouple o$ /an"&* li(e hea% $i&t& hittin" a
ta/le,
She pulle) the lapel& o$ the ro/e +lo&er to"ether, 6t pro/a/l% woul)2e /een &3art to
"et )re&&e) $ir&t* /ut &he ha)n2t wante) to wait to &ee 'rath,
She roun)e) the +orner,
The in&tant &he appeare) in the )oorwa%* all tal( +ea&e), 5ea)& turne)L e%e& &tare),
5ar)-+ore rap expan)e) to $ill the &ilen+e* /a&& thu3pin"* l%ri+& +hantin",
2y 7od, She2) neer &een &o 3an% /i" 3en in leather /e$ore in her li$e,
She too( a &tep /a+(war) 7u&t a& 'rath &hot to hi& $eet $ro3 the hea) o$ the ta/le, 5e
+a3e at her* loo(in" inten&e, #o )ou/t &he2) interrupte) &o3e (in) o$ &a+re) "u%
ti3e,
She trie) to thin( o$ &o3ethin" to &a% to hi3, 5e wa& pro/a/l% "oin" to want to pla%
it +ool in $ront o$ hi& /rother&* )o that whole 623-a-tou"h-"u%* thi&-/roa)-i&-7u&t-a;
'rath wrappe) hi& whole /o)% aroun) her&* puttin" hi& $a+e in her hair,
9-% leelan*9 he whi&pere) in her ear, 5e ran hi& han)& up an) )own her /a+(, 9-%
/eauti$ul leelan,9
5e pulle) awa% an) (i&&e) her on the lip&, 5i& &3ile wa& ten)er a& he &3oothe) her
hair,
.eth "rinne), !i)entl%* her 3an )i)n2t hae a pro/le3 with pu/li+ )i&pla%& o$
a$$e+tion, 0oo) to (now,
She tilte) her hea)* loo(in" aroun) hi& &houl)er,
1n) the% were )e$initel% in pu/li+, The 3en were "apin", Ao&itiel% "apin",
She nearl% lau"he), Seein" a /un+h o$ "u%& who loo(e) li(e iolent o$$en)er& &ittin"
aroun) a ta/le &et with &iler an) +hina wa& in+on"ruou& enou"h, .ut hain" the3 /e
&o totall% $la//er"a&te) &ee3e) )ownri"ht a/&ur),
9Eou want to intro)u+e 3e49 &he &ai)* no))in" at the "roup,
'rath put hi& ar3 aroun) her &houl)er&* tu+(in" her a"ain&t hi3,
9Thi& i& the .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo), -% $ellow war-rior&, -% /rother&,9 5e
no))e) to the /lin)in"l% han)&o3e one, 9?ha"e* %ou (now, Tohr al&o, The one with
the "oatee an) the Sox hat i& =i&hou&, The ?apunzel oer there i& Ahur%,9 'rath2&
oi+e )roppe) to a &narl, 91n) F&a)i&t ha& alrea)% intro)u+e) hi3&el$,9
The two &he2) &pent &o3e ti3e with &3ile) at her, The other& no))e)* ex+ept $or the
&+arre) one, 5e 7u&t &tare),
That guy had a twin* &he re+alle), .ut &he2) hae /een har)-pre&&e) to pi+( out hi&
real /rother,
Thou"h the one with the a/&olutel% )eli+iou& hair an) the $anta&ti+ %ellow e%e& )i)
loo( a little li(e hi3,
90entle3en*9 'rath &ai), 9Thi& i& .eth,9
1n) then he &wit+he) oer to that lan"ua"e &he )i)n2t un)er&tan),
'hen he en)e)* there wa& an au)i/le "a&p,
5e loo(e) )own* &3ilin", 9:o %ou nee) an%thin"4 1re %ou hun"r%* leelan49
She put her han) on her &to3a+h, 9Eou (now* 6 a3, 6 hae the weir)e&t +rain" $or
/a+on an) +ho+olate, 0o $i"ure,9
96 will &ere %ou, Sit )own,9 5e in)i+ate) hi& +hair an) then hea)e) o$$ throu"h a
&win"in" )oor,
She e%e) the 3en,
7reat, 5ere &he wa&* na(e) in a /athro/e* alone with well oer a thou&an) poun)& o$
a3pire, Aullin" o$$ the non+halant thin" wa& i3po&&i/le* &o &he 7u&t hea)e) oer $or
'rath2& &eat, She )i)n2t "et $ar,
There wa& a lou) &+rapin" noi&e a& $ie +hair& &li) /a+(war), The 3en ro&e a& a unit,
1n) &tarte) +o3in" $or her,
She loo(e) to the $a+e& o$ the two &he (new* /ut their "rae expre&&ion& weren2t
en+oura"in",
1n) then the (nie& +a3e out,
'ith a 3etalli+ whoosh* $ie /la+( )a""er& were un&heathe),
She /a+(e) up $ranti+all%* han)& in $ront o$ her&el$, She &la33e) into a wall an) wa&
a/out to &+rea3 $or 'rath when the 3en )roppe) )own on /en)e) (nee& in a +ir+le
aroun) her, 6n a &in"le 3oe3ent* a& i$ the%2) /een +horeo"raphe)* the% /urie) the
)a""er& into the $loor at her $eet an) /owe) their hea)&, The "reat whoomp o$ &oun)
a& &teel 3et woo) &ee3e) /oth a ple)"e an) a /attle +r%,
The han)le& o$ the (nie& i/rate),
The rap 3u&i+ +ontinue) to poun),
The% &ee3e) to /e waitin" $or &o3e (in) o$ re&pon&e $ro3 her,
9C33, Than( %ou*9 &he &ai),
The 3en2& hea)& li$te), !t+he) into the har&h plane& o$ their $a+e& wa& total reeren+e,
!en the &+arre) one ha) a re&pe+t$ul expre&&ion,
1n) then 'rath +a3e in with a &Kueeze /ottle o$ 5er&he%2& &%rup,
9.a+on2& on the wa%,9 5e &3ile), 95e%* the% li(e %ou,9
91n) than( 0o) $or that*9 &he 3ur3ure)* loo(in" )own at the )a""er&,
Chapter Thirty'eight
-ari&&a &3ile)* thin(in" that the hu3an "ot 3ore han)&o3e the lon"er &he wa&
aroun) hi3, 9So %ou prote+t %our (in) $or a liin", That i& "oo),9
5e &hi$te) /e&i)e her on the +ou+h, 9'ell* a+tuall%* 6 )on2t (now what 623 "oin" to )o
now, 6 hae a $eelin" 623 a/out to /e /etween 7o/&,9
The +hi3in" o$ a +lo+( 3a)e her won)er how 3u+h ti3e the%2) &pent to"ether, 1n)
when the &un wa& +o3in" up, 9'hat ti3e i& it49
9>u&t a$ter $our 1,-,9
96 3u&t "o,9
9'hen +an 6 &ee %ou a"ain49
She &too), 96 )on2t (now,9
9Can we hae )inner49 5e leape) up, 9<un+h4 'hat are %ou )oin" to3orrow49
She ha) to lau"h, 96 )on2t (now,9
She2) neer /een pur&ue) /e$ore, 6t wa& ni+e,
91h* hell*9 he 3uttere), 9623 /lowin" it with thi& oerea-"er &h;&tu$$* aren2t 649 5e
put hi& han)& on hi& hip& an) &tare) at the +arpet a& i$ )i&"u&te) with hi3&el$,
She &teppe) $orwar), 5i& hea) &nappe) up,
96 woul) tou+h %ou now*9 &he &ai) &o$tl%, 9.e$ore 6 "o,9
5i& e%e& $lare),
9-a% 64 .ut+h49
91n%where*9 he /reathe),
She li$te) her han)* thin(in" &he woul) 7u&t put it on hi& &houl)er, .ut hi& lip&
$a&+inate) her, She2) wat+he) the3 3oe while he enun+iate) hi& wor)& an)
won)ere) what the% $elt li(e,
9Eour 3outh*9 &he &ai), 96t2& rather89
9'hat49 5i& oi+e wa& hoar&e,
9<oel%,9
She put her $in"ertip on hi& lower lip, 5i& "a&p )rew air oer her &(in* an) when he
exhale) on a &hu))er* it +a3e /a+( war3 an) 3oi&t,
9Eou2re &o$t*9 &he &ai)* /ru&hin" her $ore$in"er /a+( an) $orth,
5e +lo&e) hi& e%e&,
5i& /o)% wa& throwin" o$$ the 3o&t intoxi+atin" &+ent, She2) +au"ht the hea)%
$ra"ran+e the 3o3ent he2) $ir&t &een her, #ow* it &aturate) the air,
Curiou&* &he &lippe) her $in"er into hi& 3outh, 5i& e%e& $lippe) open,
She $elt hi& $ront teeth* $in)in" the a/&en+e o$ $an"& o)), 'hen &he went in $arther* it
wa& &li+(* wet* war3,
Slowl%* hi& lip& +lo&e) aroun) her $in"er, 1n) then hi& ton"ue ran aroun) the tip in a
+ir+le,
1 &ur"e went throu"h her /o)%, 9Oh89
5er /rea&t& tin"le) at the tip&* an) &o3ethin" wa& happenin" /etween her le"&, She
$elt a+h%, 5un"r%,
96 want89 She )i)n2t (now what to &a% next,
5e +oere) her han) with hi& an) pulle) hi& hea) /a+(* &u+(in" the len"th o$ her
$in"er until it poppe) out o$ hi& 3outh, 'ith hi& e%e& /orin" into her&* he turne) her
pal3 oer* li+(e) the +enter o$ it with hi& ton"ue* an) pre&&e) hi& lip& to her &(in,
She leane) into hi3,
9'hat )o %ou want49 he a&(e) in a low oi+e, 9Tell 3e* /a/%, Tell 3e what %ou
want,9
968 )on2t (now, 62e neer $elt thi& /e$ore,9
5er an&wer &ee3e) to +ra+( the &pell, 5i& $a+e "rew )ar(* an) he )roppe) her han), 1
+ur&e* &o$t an) ile* $loate) out o$ hi3 a& he put &o3e &pa+e /etween the3,
-ari&&a2& e%e& /urne) at hi& re7e+tion, 95ae 6 )i&plea&e) %ou49
0o) (new* it wa& &o3ethin" &he &ee3e) to ex+el at when it +a3e to 3ale&,
9:i&plea&e)4 #o* %ou2re )oin" 7u&t $ine, Eou2re a real pro,9 5e pu&he) a han) throu"h
hi& hair, 5e &ee3e) to /e &tru""lin" with hi3&el$* a& i$ he were tr%in" to "et /a+( to
nor3al $ro3 &o3e $arawa% pla+e, 96t2& 7u&t that the inno+ent a+t i& $rea(in" 3e out a
little,9
91+t49
9Eou (now* the )oe-e%e)-ir"in routine,9
She &teppe) $orwar) while tr%in" to $ra3e a re&pon&e* /ut he hel) out hi& han)&,
9That2& +lo&e enou"h ri"ht now,9
9'h%49
9Alea&e* /a/%, 0ie it a re&t,9
5er $a+e $ell, 9Eou 3a(e no &en&e,9
9Oh* really*9 he &ai), 9<oo(* %ou +an turn 3e on 7u&t &tan)in" there, Eou )on2t hae to
preten) %ou2re &o3ethin" %ou2re not, 1n) 68 ah* 6 )on2t hae a pro/le3 with what
%ou )o, 623 not "oin" to arre&t %ou $or it* either,9
9'h% woul) %ou arre&t 3e49
1& he rolle) hi& e%e&* &he ha) no +lue what he wa& tal(in" a/out,
96 will "o now*9 &he &ai) a/ruptl%, 5i& a""raation wa& "rowin" with ea+h pa&&in"
3o3ent,
9'ait,9 5e rea+he) out an) too( her ar3, The in&tant he 3a)e +onta+t* he )roppe) hi&
han), 96 &till want to &ee %ou,9
She $rowne)* e%ein" the han) he2) tou+he) her with, 5e wa& ru//in" the thin" li(e he
wante) to "et ri) o$ a &en&ation,
9'h%49 &he a&(e), 9Eou o/iou&l% )on2t li(e the $eel o$ 3e ri"ht now,9
9Ch-huh, Eeah* &ure,9 5e re"ar)e) her +%ni+all%, 9<oo(* how 3u+h i& it "oin" to +o&t
3e to "et %ou to pla% nor3al49
She "lare) /a+( at hi3, .e$ore &he2) ha) it out with 'rath* &he 3i"ht hae 7u&t
&(ul(e) o$$, .ut no 3ore,
96 )on2t un)er&tan) %ou*9 &he &ai),
9'hateer* /a/%, Tell 3e* are &o3e "u%& &o har) up to pop +herrie& that the% a+tuall%
/u% thi& a+t49
-ari&&a )i)n2t un)er&tan) all the erna+ular he u&e)* /ut the "i&t o$ what he wa&
thin(in" $inall% "ot throu"h to her, 1ppalle)* &he threw her &pine into a &trai"ht line,
96 /e" %our par)on@9
5e &tare) at her* 7aw &et har), Then he exhale),
91h* hell, 5e ru//e) hi& $a+e with hi& han), 9<oo(* $or"et it* o(a%4 <et2& 7u&t $or"et
we eer 3et;9
96 hae ne*er /een ta(en, -% hellren )i) not $aor 3% +o3pan%, So 6 hae not on+e
/een (i&&e) or tou+he) or een hel) /% a 3ale who $elt pa&&ion $or 3e, .ut 6 a3
not8 6 a3 not unworth%,9 5er oi+e Kuaere) at the en), 962e 7u&t neer /een
wante) /e$ore,9
5i& e%e& went wi)e* li(e &he2) &lappe) hi3 or &o3ethin",
She loo(e) awa%, 91n) 62e neer tou+he) a 3ale*9 &he whi&pere), 96 7u&t )on2t (now
what to )o,9
The hu3an let out a lon" /reath* a& i$ all the ox%"en in hi& /o)% were /ein" expelle),
95ol% -ar%* 3other o$ 0o)*9 he 3ur3ure), 9623 &orr%, 623 reall%* reall% &orr%, 6238
623 a total a&&hole* an) 6 totall% 3i&7u)"e) %ou,9
5i& horror at what he2) &ai) to her wa& &o palpa/le* &he &3ile) a little, 9Eou trul%
3ean that,9
95ell* %eah, 6 3ean* %e&* 6 )o, 6 hope 6 haen2t +o3pletel% o$$en)e) %ou, 'ell* how
+oul) 6 not hae4 >e&u& Chri&t8 623 er% &orr%,9 5e loo(e) po&itiel% pale,
She put her han) on hi& ar3, 96 $or"ie %ou,9
5e lau"he) in )i&/elie$, 9Eou &houl)n2t, Eou &houl) &ta% pi&&e) at 3e $or a while, 1t
lea&t a wee(* 3a%/e a 3onth, Aro/a/l% lon"er, 6 wa& wa% out o$ line,9
9.ut 6 )on2t want to /e an"r% at %ou,9
There wa& a lon" pau&e, 9'ill %ou &till &ee 3e to3orrow49
9Ee&,9
5e &ee3e) &tunne) /% hi& "oo) $ortune, 9?eall%4 -an* %ou2re "oin" $or &ainthoo)*
%ou (now that49 5e rea+he) out an) &tro(e) her +hee( with hi& $in"ertip, 9'here*
/a/%4 'here2& "oo) $or %ou49
She thou"ht $or a 3o3ent, 5aer& woul) hae a $it i$ he (new &he wa& &eein" a
hu3an,
95ere, 6 will 3eet %ou here, To3orrow ni"ht,9
5e &3ile), 90oo), #ow* how2re %ou "ettin" ho3e4 :o %ou nee) a ri)e4 1 taxi49
9#o* 6 will )o that 3%&el$,9
9'ait;/e$ore %ou "o,9 5e 3oe) towar) her, That loel% &+ent o$ hi& hit her no&e
an) &he /reathe) hi3 in, 9Can 6 (i&& %ou "oo)-ni"ht4 !en thou"h 6 )on2t )e&ere it49
Aer +u&to3* &he o$$ere) hi3 the /a+( o$ her han),
5e too( it an) pulle) her $orwar), That thro//in" in her /loo) an) /etween her le"&
+a3e /a+(,
9Clo&e %our e%e&*9 he whi&pere),
She )i) a& he2) &ai),
5i& lip& &o$tl% /ru&he) her $orehea), Then her te3ple,
5er 3outh opene) a& the &weet &u$$o+ation returne),
9Eou +oul) neer )i&plea&e 3e*9 he &ai) in hi& "raell% oi+e,
1n) then hi& lip& tou+he) her +hee(,
She waite) $or 3ore, 'hen nothin" +a3e* &he opene) her e%e&, 5e wa& &tarin" )own
at her re3otel%,
90o*9 he &ai), 962ll &ee %ou to3orrow,9
She no))e), 1n) )e3aterialize) ri"ht out o$ hi& han),
.ut+h &houte) an) leape) /a+(, 9!hit@9
5e loo(e) at hi& han), 5e +oul) &till $eel her pal3 a"ain&t hi&, Still &3ell her per$u3e,
.ut &he wa& "o))a3ne) "one, Aoo$, One 3inute in $ront o$ hi3 an) then the next8
.eth +a3e runnin" into the roo3, 91re %ou o(a%49
9#o* 623 not $u+(in" o(a%*9 he &nappe),
The &u&pe+t &tro)e in, 9'here2& -ari&&a49
95ow &houl) 6 (now@ She $u+(in" )i&appeare)@ 6n $ront8 She wa&8 6 hel) her han)
an) then &he;9 5e &oun)e) li(e a $ranti+ i)iot an) +lappe) hi& trap &hut,
.ut wh% woul)n2t he /e $rea(e) out4 5e li(e) the law& o$ ph%&i+& 7u&t a& he (new
the3, 0rait% (eepin" eer%thin" on the $lippin" planet where it &houl) /e, ! R 3+
2

tellin" hi3 how $a&t he +oul) "et to a /ar,
Aeople not poo$in" the hell out o$ a "o))a3ne) roo3,
9-a% 6 tell hi349 .eth a&(e) her 3an,
The &u&pe+t &hru""e), 9C&uall% 62) &a% no* /e+au&e it2& /etter the% )on2t (now, .ut
+on&i)erin" what he &aw;9
9Tell 3e what4 That %ou2re a /un+h o$;9
9=a3pire&*9 .eth 3ur3ure),
.ut+h loo(e) at her* anno%e), 9Eeah* ri"ht, Tr% that one a"ain* &weetheart,9
.ut then &he &tarte) tal(in"* tellin" hi3 thin"& he +oul)n2t /eliee,
'hen .eth $ell &ilent* he +oul) onl% &tare at her, 5i& in&tin+t& were tellin" hi3 &he
wa&n2t l%in", .ut it wa& all 7u&t too har) to a++ept,
96 )on2t /eliee thi&*9 he &ai) to her,
96t wa& har) $or 3e to +o3prehen)* too,9
962ll /et,9
5e pa+e) aroun) the roo3* wi&hin" he ha) a )rin(, The two o$ the3 7u&t &tare) at
hi3,
Finall%* he &toppe) in $ront o$ .eth, 9Open %our 3outh,9
5e hear) a low* na&t% &oun) /ehin) hi3 7u&t a& a +ol) )ra$t hit hi3 in the /a+(,
9'rath* it2& o(a%*9 .eth &ai), 9Cal3 )own,9
She parte) her lip&* reealin" two lon" +anine& that ha) er% +ertainl% not /een there
/e$ore, .ut+h $elt hi& (nee& wo//le a& he rea+he) out to tou+h her teeth,
1 thi+( han) +la3pe) on hi& ar3* ti"ht enou"h to /en) the /one& in hi& wri&t,
9:on2t een thin( a/out it*9 .eth2& 3an "rowle),
9<et hi3 "o*9 &he +o33an)e) "entl%* thou"h &he )i)n2t o$$er her 3outh a"ain a$ter
the "u% ha) relea&e) hi& "rip, 9The%2re real* .ut+h, Thi& whole thin"8 it2& all real,9
.ut+h loo(e) up at the &u&pe+t, 9So %ou2re a+tuall% a a3pire* i& that it49
9Eou2) /etter /eliee it* +op,9 The /i"* )ar( /a&tar) &3ile)* $la&hin" a 3on&trou& &et
o$ $an"&,
Now thats some serious hardware* .ut+h thou"ht,
9:i) %ou /ite her an) turn her into one49
9:oe&n2t wor( that wa%, Eou2re either /orn our (in) or %ou2re not,9
'ell* weren2t all tho&e :ra+ula $an& "oin" to /e /u33e)4 #o two-pron"e)
+oner&ion&,
.ut+h let hi3&el$ $all )own onto the &o$a, 9:i) %ou (ill tho&e wo3en4 To )rin(
their89
9.loo)4 #o, 'hat2& in hu3an ein& woul)n2t (eep 3e alie $or lon",9
9So %ou2re tellin" 3e %ou ha) nothin" to )o with tho&e )eath&4 6 3ean* we $oun)
throwin" &tar& at the &+ene& that 3at+h the one& %ou were pa+(in" the ni"ht 6 arre&te)
%ou,9
96 )i)n2t (ill the3* +op,9
95ow a/out the one in the +ar49
The "u% &hoo( hi& hea), 9-% pre% i& not hu3an, 'hat 6 $i"ht2& "ot nothin" to )o with
%our worl), 1n) the /o3/4 'e lo&t one o$ our& in it,9
.eth 3a)e a Kui+(* har) &oun), 9-% $ather*9 &he whi&pere),
The 3an )rew her into hi& ar3&, 9Eeah, 1n) we2re loo(in" $or the /a&tar) who )i)
it,9
91n% i)ea who pu&he) the /utton49 .ut+h a&(e)* the +op in hi3 +o3in" out,
The "u% &hru""e), 9'e "ot a /ea) on &o3ethin", .ut that2& our /u&ine&&* not %our&,9
Eeah* an) .ut+h ha) no rea&on to a&( an%wa%, .e+au&e he wa&n2t on the $or+e,
The "u% &tro(e) .eth2& /a+( an) &hoo( hi& hea), 96 won2t lie to %ou* +op,
O++a&ionall%* a hu3an "et& in the wa% o$ what we )o, 1n) i$ an%one threaten& our
ra+e* 6 will (ill the3* no 3atter who or what the% are, .ut 623 not "oin" to tolerate
hu3an +a&ualtie& the &a3e wa% 6 u&e) to* an) not 7u&t /e+au&e it ri&(& our expo&ure,9
5e pre&&e) a (i&& onto .eth2& 3outh* 3eetin" her e%e&,
1t that point* the re&t o$ the "an" 3e3/er& $ile) into the roo3, Their +ol) &tare& 3a)e
.ut+h $eel li(e a /u" un)er "la&&, Or a roa&t /ee$ a/out to /e +are) up,
-r, #or3al &teppe) $orwar) an) o$$ere) hi3 a S+ot+h /ottle, 9Eou loo( li(e %ou
+oul) u&e &o3e,9
Yeah$ you think5
.ut+h too( a &wi", 9Than(&,9
9So +an we (ill hi3 now49 &ai) the one with the "oatee an) the /a&e/all hat,
.eth2& 3an &po(e har&hl%, 9.a+( o$$* =,9
9'h%4 5e2& 7u&t a hu3an,9
91n) 3% shellan i& hal$-hu3an, The 3an )oe&n2t )ie 7u&t /e+au&e he2& not one o$ u&,9
9>e&u&* %ou2e +han"e) %our tune,9
9So %ou nee) to +at+h up* "rother,9
.ut+h "ot to hi& $eet, 6$ hi& )eath wa& "oin" to /e )e/ate)* he wante) in on the
)i&+u&&ion,
96 appre+iate the &upport*9 he &ai) to .eth2& /o%, 9.ut 6 )on2t nee) it,9
5e went oer to the "u% with the hat* )i&+reetl% &wit+hin" hi& "rip on the /ottle2& ne+(
in +a&e he ha) to +ra+( the )a3n thin" oer a hea), 5e 3oe) in ti"ht* &o their no&e&
were al3o&t tou+hin", 5e +oul) $eel the a3pire heatin" up* pri3in" $or a $i"ht,
9623 happ% to ta(e %ou on* a&&hole*9 .ut+h &ai), 962ll pro/a/l% en) up lo&in"* /ut 6
$i"ht )irt%* &o 62ll 3a(e %ou hurt while %ou (ill 3e,9 Then he e%e) the "u%2& hat,
9Thou"h 6 hate +lo+(in" the &hit out o$ another ?e) Sox $an,9
There wa& a &hout o$ lau"hter $ro3 /ehin) hi3, So3eone &ai)* 9Thi& i& "onna /e $un
to wat+h,9
The "u% in $ront o$ .ut+h narrowe) hi& e%e& into &lit&, 9Eou true a/out the Sox49
9.orn an) rai&e) in Southie, 5aen2t &toppe) "rinnin" &in+e 204,9
There wa& a lon" pau&e,
The a3pire &norte), 96 )on2t li(e hu3an&,9
9Eeah* well* 623 not too +raz% a/out %ou /loo)&u+(er&,9
1nother &tret+h o$ &ilen+e,
The "u% &tro(e) hi& "oatee, 9'hat )o %ou +all twent% "u%& wat+hin" the 'orl)
Serie&49
9The #ew Eor( Ean(ee&*9 .ut+h replie),
The a3pire lau"he) in a lou) /ur&t* whippe) the /a&e/all +ap o$$ hi& hea)* an)
&lappe) it on hi& thi"h, >u&t li(e that* the ten&ion wa& /ro(en,
.ut+h let out a lon" /reath* $eelin" li(e he2) 7u&t /een 3i&&e) /% an ei"hteen-wheeler,
1& he too( another &wi" $ro3 the /ottle* he )e+i)e) it ha) /een one weir) $u+(in"
ni"ht,
9Tell 3e that Curt S+hillin" wa& not a "o)*9 the a3pire &ai),
There wa& a +olle+tie "roan $ro3 the other 3en, One o$ the3 3uttere)* 96$ he &tart&
"oin" on a/out =arite(* 623 outta here,9
9S+hillin" wa& a true warrior*9 .ut+h &ai)* ta(in" another hit o$ the &in"le-3alt, 'hen
he o$$ere) the S+ot+h to the a3pire* the "u% "ra//e) the /ottle an) too( a har) pull,
913en to that*9 the a3pire &ai),
Chapter Thirty'nine
'hen -ari&&a wal(e) into her /e)roo3* &he too( a little &pin* $eelin" her "own &pla%
out aroun) her,
9'here hae %ou /een49
She &toppe) 3i)twirl, The )re&& +a3e to a heel in a &wirlin" ru&h,
5aer& wa& &ittin" on the +hai&e* hi& $a+e in &ha)ow, 96 a&(e)* where were you49
9Alea&e )on2t ta(e that tone;9
9Eou &aw the /rute,9
95e2& not a;9
9:o not )e$en) hi3 to 3e@9
She wa&n2t "oin" to, She wa& "oin" to tell her /rother that 'rath ha) li&tene) to her
re+ri3ation& an) a++epte) all /la3e $or the pa&t, That he2) apolo"ize) an) hi& re"ret
ha) /een tan"i/le, That althou"h hi& wor)& +oul)n2t 3a(e up $or what ha) happene)*
&he $elt that &he ha) /een hear),
1n) that een i$ her $or3er hellren wa& the rea&on &he2) "one to :ariu&2&* he wa&n2t
wh% &he2) &ta%e),
95aer&* plea&e, Thin"& are 3u+h )i$$erent,9 1$ter all* 'rath ha) tol) her he wa& to
/e 3ate), 1n) &he ha)8 3et &o3eone, 9Eou 3u&t hear 3e out,9
9#o* 6 3u&tn2t, 6 (now that %ou "o to hi3 &till, That i& enou"h,9
5aer& "ot o$$ the +hai&e* 3oin" without hi& u&ual "ra+e, 1& he &teppe) into the
li"ht* &he wa& horri$ie), 5i& &(in wa& "ra%* hi& +hee(& hollow, 5e2) /een "ettin"
thinner an) thinner o$ late, #ow* he loo(e) li(e a &(eleton,
9Eou are ill*9 &he whi&pere),
96 a3 per$e+tl% well,9
9The tran&$u&ion )i)n2t wor(* )i) it49
9:o not tr% to +han"e the &u/7e+t@9 5e "lare) at her, 90o)* 6 neer thou"ht it woul)
+o3e to thi&, 6 neer thou"ht %ou woul) hi)e $ro3 3e,9
96 hae hi))en nothin"@9
9Eou tol) 3e %ou ha) /ro(en the +oenant,9
96 )i),9
9Eou lie,9
95aer&* li&ten to 3e;9
9#o lon"er@9 5e )i) not 3eet her e%e& a& he opene) the )oor, 9Eou are all 6 hae le$t*
-ari&&a, :o not a&( 3e to politel% &it a&i)e an) pla% witne&& %our )e&tru+tion,9
95aer&@9
The )oor &la33e),
'ith "ri3 )eter3ination* &he ran out to the hall, 95aer&@9
5e wa& alrea)% at the hea) o$ the &tair&* an) he re$u&e) to loo( /a+( at her, 5i& han)
&la&he) iolentl% in the air /ehin) hi3* a& i$ he were )i&3i&&in" her,
She went /a+( to her roo3 an) &at )own at her )re&&in" ta/le, 6t wa& a lon" while
/e$ore &he +oul) ta(e a $ull /reath,
5aer&2& an"er wa& un)er&tan)a/le* /ut $ri"htenin" /e+au&e o$ it& inten&it% an) rarit%,
She2) neer &een her /rother in &u+h a &tate, 6t wa& +lear there woul) /e no rea&onin"
with hi3 until he +al3e) )own,
To3orrow &he woul) tal( with hi3, She woul) explain eer%thin"* een the new
3ale &he ha) 3et,
She loo(e) at her&el$ in the 3irror an) thou"ht o$ how the hu3an ha) tou+he) her,
She /rou"ht her han) up* $eelin" a"ain the &en&ation o$ hi3 &u+(in" her $in"er, She
wante) 3ore o$ hi3,
5er $an"& elon"ate) &li"htl%,
'hat woul) hi& /loo) ta&te li(e4
1$ter &ettlin" .eth in her $ather2& /e)* 'rath went to hi& +ha3/er an) )re&&e) hi3&el$
in a white &hirt an) lon"* /a""% white pant&, 5e "ra//e) a &trin" o$ enor3ou& /la+(
pearl& out o$ an e/on% /ox an) (nelt on the $loor next to hi& /e)* &ettlin" /a+( on hi&
heel&, 5e put the ne+(la+e on* lai) hi& han)& pal3&-up on hi& thi"h&* an) +lo&e) hi&
e%e&,
1& he 3ar&hale) hi& /reath* hi& &en&e& +a3e alie, 5e +oul) hear .eth &hi$tin" in the
/e) a+ro&& the hall* &i"hin" a& &he /urrowe) into the pillow&, The re&t o$ the hou&e
wa& $airl% Kuiet* onl% &u/tle i/ration& +o3in" )own to hi3, 1& &o3e o$ the /rother&
were +ra&hin" in the up&tair& /e)roo3&* 3ale $eet were 3oin" aroun),
5e wa& willin" to /et .ut+h an) = were &till tal(in" /a&e/all,
'rath ha) to &3ile, That hu3an wa& a trip, One o$ the 3o&t a""re&&ie 3en he2) eer
+o3e a+ro&&,
1n) a& $or -ari&&a li(in" the +op4 'ell* the%2) all 7u&t hae to &ee where that went,
5ain" an% (in) o$ relation&hip with &o3eone o$ the other &pe+ie& wa& )an"erou&,
Sure* the /rother& &lept with a lot o$ hu3an wo3en* /ut tho&e were one ni"ht onl%* &o
the 3e3orie& were ea&% to era&e, On+e e3otion& "ot inole)* an) ti3e pa&&e)* it wa&
har)er to )o a "oo) &+ru/ 7o/ on the hu3an /rain, Thin"& lin"ere), Sur$a+e) later, 0ot
people into trou/le,
5ell* 3a%/e -ari&&a wa& 7u&t "oin" to pla% with the "u% an) then &u+( hi3 )r%,
'hi+h wa& $ine, .ut until either &he (ille) hi3 or too( hi3 $or her own* 'rath wa&
"oin" to wat+h the &ituation +are$ull%,
'rath harne&&e) hi& thou"ht& an) &tarte) to +hant in the ol) lan"ua"e* u&in" the
&oun)& to wipe out hi& +o"nitie pro+e&&e&, 5e wa& ru&t% at $ir&t* trippin" oer wor)&,
The la&t ti3e he2) &ai) the pra%er&* he2) /een nineteen or twent% %ear& ol), -e3orie&
o$ hi& $ather &ittin" next to hi3 an) tellin" hi3 what to &a% were a &e)u+tie
)ier&ion* /ut he $or+e) hi& 3in) to /e /lan(,
The pearl& /e"an to war3 a"ain&t hi& +he&t,
1n) then he $oun) hi3&el$ in a +ourt%ar), The 6talianate ar+hite+ture wa& whiteL the
3ar/le $ountain* the 3ar/le +olu3n&* the 3ar/le $loor* all ha) a pale "low to the3,
The onl% &pla&h o$ +olor +a3e $ro3 a $lo+( o$ &on"/ir)& &ittin" in a white tree,
5e &toppe) pra%in" an) "ot to hi& $eet,
96t ha& /een a lon" ti3e* warrior,9 The re"al $e3ale oi+e +a3e $ro3 /ehin) hi3,
5e turne) aroun),
The )i3inutie $i"ure approa+hin" hi3 wa& +o3pletel% )rape) in /la+( &il(, 5er hea)
an) $a+e were +oere)* her han)& an) $eet* eer%thin", She "li)e) oer to hi3* not
wal(in"* 7u&t 3oin" throu"h the &till air, 5er pre&en+e 3a)e hi3 unea&%,
'rath /owe) hi& hea), 9S+ri/e =ir"in* how are %ou49
9-ore to the point* how $are %ou* warrior4 Eou hae +o3e &ee(in" +han"e* hae %ou
not49
5e no))e), 96;9
9Eou wi&h the +oenant with -ari&&a to /e /ro(en, Eou hae $oun) another an) %ou
woul) ta(e her a& %our shellan,9
9Ee&,9
9Thi& $e3ale %ou want, She i& the )au"hter o$ %our /rother :ariu&* who i& in the
Fa)e,9
95ae %ou &een hi349
She lau"he) &li"htl%, 9:o not 3a(e inKuirie& o$ 3e, 6 let %our $ir&t Kue&tion &li)e
/e+au&e %ou were /ein" polite* /ut re3e3/er %our 3anner&* warrior,9
!hit%
9-% apolo"ie&* S+ri/e =ir"in,9
96 "rant %ou an) -ari&&a $ree)o3 $ro3 %our +oenant,9
9Than( %ou,9
There wa& a lon" pau&e,
5e waite) $or her rulin" on the &e+on) part o$ hi& reKue&t, 5e &ure a& hell wa&n2t "oin"
to a&(,
9Tell 3e &o3ethin"* warrior, :o %ou thin( %our &pe+ie& i& unworth%49
5e $rowne) an) then Kui+(l% &3oothe) hi& $a+e into neutral, The S+ri/e =ir"in wa&n2t
"oin" to put up with /ein" "lowere) at,
9'ell* warrior49
5e ha) no i)ea where &he wa& "oin" with thi&, 9-% &pe+ie& i& a $ier+e an) prou)
ra+e,9
96 )i)n2t a&( %ou $or a &tate3ent o$ )e$inition, 6 a&(e) %ou what %ou thought o$ the3,9
96 prote+t the3 with 3% li$e,9
91n) %et %ou will not lea) %our people, So 6 +an onl% &ur3i&e that %ou )o not alue
the3 an) there$ore $i"ht /e+au&e %ou li(e to or /e+au&e %ou wi&h to )ie, 'hi+h i& it49
Thi& ti3e he let hi& $rown &ta% in pla+e, 9-% ra+e &urie& /e+au&e o$ what the
/rother& an) 6 )o,9
9.arel%, 6n $a+t* it& nu3/er& )win)le, 6t )oe& not thrie, The onl% lo+alize) +olon% i&
the one that &ettle) on the Cnite) State&2 !a&t Coa&t, 1n) een the% lie i&olate) $ro3
one another, There are no +o33unitie&, The $e&tial& are no lon"er hel), ?itual& are
o/&ere) priatel%* i$ at all, There i& no one to 3e)iate )i&pute&* no one to "ie the3
hope, 1n) the .la+( :a""er .rotherhoo) i& +ur&e), There are none le$t in it who )o
not &u$$er,9
9The /rother& hae their8 pro/le3&, .ut the% are &tron",9
91n) &houl) /e &tron"er,9 She &hoo( her hea), 9Eou hae $aile) %our /loo)line*
warrior, Eou hae $aile) %our purpo&e, So tell 3e* wh% &houl) 6 "rant %our wi&h to
ta(e the hal$-/ree) a& Kueen49 The S+ri/e =ir"in2& ro/e& 3oe) a& i$ &he were &ha(in"
her hea), 9.etter that %ou +ontinue to 3erel% &eri+e her with %our &ta$$ than to hae
%our people &a))le) with %et another 3eanin"le&& $i"urehea), 0o now* warrior, 'e
are $ini&he),9
96 woul) hae a wor) in 3% )e$en&e*9 he &ai)* "rittin" hi& teeth,
91n) 6 woul) )en% %ou,9 She turne) awa%,
9I "eg of your mercy,9 5e hate) &a%in" the wor)&* an) he "ue&&e) /% the &oun) o$ her
lau"h that &he (new it,
The S+ri/e =ir"in +a3e /a+( to hi3,
'hen &he &po(e* her tone wa& har)* har) a& the /la+( line& o$ her ro/e a"ain&t all the
white 3ar/le, 96$ %ou2re "oin" to /e"* warrior* )o it properl%, 0et on %our (nee&,9
'rath $or+e) hi& /o)% )own to the "roun)* hatin" her,
96 rather li(e %ou li(e thi&*9 &he 3ur3ure)* /a+( to /ein" relatiel% plea&ant, 9#ow*
what were %ou &a%in"49
5e &wallowe) the ho&tile wor)& in hi& throat* $or+in" hi3&el$ to a$$e+t an een te3per
that wa& an a/&olute lie, 96 loe her, 6 want to honor her* not 7u&t hae her to war3 3%
/e),9
9So treat her well, .ut there i& no nee) to hae a +ere3on%,9
96 )i&a"ree,9 5e ta+(e) on* 9?e&pe+t$ull%,9
There wa& a lon" pau&e,
9Eou hae &ou"ht no +oun&el $ro3 3e oer the&e +enturie&,9
5e li$te) hi& hea), 96& that what /other& %ou49
9:o not Kue&tion 3e@9 &he &nappe), 9Or 6 will hae that hal$-/ree) ta(en $ro3 %ou
$a&ter than %our next /reath,9
'rath put hi& hea) )own an) "roun) hi& $i&t& into the 3ar/le,
5e waite),
'aite) &o lon"* he wa& te3pte) to loo( an) &ee i$ &he ha) "one,
96 will reKuire a $aor*9 &he &ai),
9#a3e it,9
9Eou will lea) %our people,9
'rath loo(e) up* hi& throat &Kueezin" &hut, 5e +oul)n2t &ae hi& parent&* he +oul)
/arel% )o ri"ht /% .eth* an) the S+ri/e =ir"in wante) hi3 to /e re&pon&i/le $or hi&
whole "o))a3ne) ra+e4
9'hat &a% %ou* warrior49
Eeah* li(e no wa& an option, 91& %ou wi&h* S+ri/e =ir"in,9
9That i& 3% +o33an)* warrior, 6t i& not 3% wi&h an) not the $aor 6 will a&( o$ %ou*
either,9 She let out an exa&perate) noi&e, 9:o "et to %our $eet, Tho&e (nu+(le& o$
%our& are /lee)in" on 3% 3ar/le,9
5e &too) an) leele) hi& e%e& on her, 5e &ta%e) &ilent* $i"urin" &he wa& pro/a/l%
"oin" to la% &o3e 3ore +on)ition& on hi3,
She a))re&&e) hi3 &harpl%, 9Eou hae no wi&h to /e (in", That i& o/iou&, .ut it i&
%our /irth o/li"ation* an) it i& a/out ti3e %ou lie) up to %our le"a+%,9
'rath )ra""e) a han) throu"h hi& hair* +reepin" anxiet% ten&in" hi& 3u&+le&,
The S+ri/e =ir"in2& oi+e &o$tene), 1 little, 9'orr% not* warrior, 6 will not leae %ou
to $in) %our wa% alone, Eou will +o3e to 3e an) 6 will help %ou, .ein" %our +oun&el
i& part o$ 3% purpo&e,9
'hi+h wa& a "oo) thin"* /e+au&e he wa& "oin" to nee) the help, 5e ha) no +lue how
to rule, 5e +oul) (ill a hun)re) )i$$erent wa%&* han)le hi3&el$ in an% (in) o$ /attle*
(eep hi& hea) +ool when the "o))a3ne) worl) wa& on $ire, .ut a&( hi3 to a))re&& a
thou&an) o$ hi& people in a +row)4 5i& &to3a+h rolle),
9'arrior49
9Eeah* %ou2ll /e hearin" $ro3 3e,9
9.ut that2& &till not the $aor %ou owe,9
9'hat i&;9 5e /ru&he) a han) throu"h hi& hair, 96 ta(e that /a+(,9
She lau"he) &o$tl%, 9Eou alwa%& )i) learn $a&t,9
962) /etter,9 6$ he were "oin" to /e (in",
The S+ri/e =ir"in $loate) +lo&er to hi3* an) he &3elle) lila+&, 9Aut %our han) out,9
5e )i),
The /la+( $ol)& &hi$te) a& her ar3 +a3e up, So3ethin" $ell into hi& han), 1 rin", 1
hea% "ol) rin" &et with a ru/% the &ize o$ walnut, 6t wa& &o hot he al3o&t ha) to )rop
the thin",
The Saturnine ?u/%,
9Eou will "ie her thi& $ro3 3e, 1n) 6 will atten) the +ere3on%,9
'rath "rippe) the "i$t &o har)* it /it into hi& pal3, 9Eou honor u&,9
9Ee&* /ut 6 hae another purpo&e in +o3in",9
9The $aor,9
She lau"he), 90oo) one, 1 Kue&tion po&e) in the $or3 o$ a &tate3ent, Eou will* o$
+our&e* not /e &urpri&e) when 6 )o not in)ul"e %ou, 0o now* warrior, 0o to %our
$e3ale, <et u& hope &he i& a "oo) +hoi+e $or %ou,9
The $i"ure turne) an) 3oe) awa%,
9S+ri/e =ir"in49
9'e are throu"h,9
9Than( %ou,9
She pau&e) /% the $ountain,
.la+( $ol)& &hi$te) a& &he rea+he) out to the tu3/lin" water, 'hen the &il( $ell /a+(*
a /lin)in" li"ht wa& reeale)* a& i$ her /one& "lowe) an) her &(in were tran&lu+ent,
The 3o3ent &he tou+he) the water* a rain/ow &pran" $ro3 the +onta+t* $illin" the
white +ourt%ar),
'rath hi&&e) in &ho+( a& hi& i&ion &u))enl% +leare), The +ourt%ar)* the +olu3n&* the
+olor&* her* all o$ it +a3e into &harp $o+u&, 5e lat+he) onto the rain/ow, Eellow*
oran"e* re)* iolet* /lue* "reen, The 7ewelli(e +olor& were &o /rilliant* the% &li+e)
throu"h the air* an) %et their ii) /eaut% )i)n2t hurt hi3, 5e )ran( in the &i"ht*
wrappe) hi& 3in) aroun) it* hel) on to it,
The S+ri/e =ir"in $a+e) hi3* )roppin" her han), 6n&tantl%* the +olor& ani&he) an) hi&
i&ion $a)e) a"ain,
She2) "ien hi3 a &3all "i$t* he realize), >u&t a& &he2) put the rin" in hi& han) $or
.eth,
9Eou are ri"ht*9 &he &ai) &o$tl%, 96 ha) hope) to /e +lo&er to %ou, Eour $ather an) 6*
we were /on)e)* an) the&e lonel% +enturie& hae /een lon" an) har), #o one
wor&hipin"* no one +hantin"* no hi&tor% to /e (ept, 6 a3 u&ele&&, For"otten,
9.ut $ar wor&e*9 &he went on* 96 &ee the $uture* an) it i& "ri3, The &urial o$ the ra+e
i& not en&ure), Eou will not /e a/le to )o thi& alone* warrior,9
962ll learn to a&( $or help,9
She no))e), 9'e will &tart anew* %ou an) 6, 1n) we will wor( to"ether* a& it &houl)
/e,9
91& it &houl) /e*9 he 3ur3ure)* tr%in" out the wor)&,
96 will +o3e to %ou an) %our /rother& toni"ht*9 &he &ai), 91n) the +ere3on% will /e
per$or3e) a++or)in"l%, 'e will &et %ou into a +oenant that i& ri"ht* warrior* an) we
will )o it in the ri"ht wa%, 1&&u3in" the $e3ale will hae %ou,9
5e ha) a $eelin" the S+ri/e =ir"in wa& &3ilin",
9-% $ather tol) 3e %our na3e*9 he &ai), 96 woul) u&e it* i$ %ou wi&h,9
9:o,9
9'e2ll &ee %ou then* 1nali&&e, 1n) the preparation& will /e 3a)e,9
Chapter !orty
-r, O wat+he) .ill% ?i))le wal( into the o$$i+e, ?i))le wa& )re&&e) in a )ar( /lue
polo &hirt an) a pair o$ (ha(i &hort&* loo(in" tanne)* health%* &tron",
Strappin"* to u&e an ol)-$a&hione) wor) $ro3 -r, O2& %outh,
9Sen&ei,9 .ill% /owe) hi& hea),
95ow are %ou )oin"* &on49
962e thou"ht it oer,9
-r, O waite) $or the an&wer* &urpri&e) /% how 3u+h he +are) a/out what it wa& "oin"
to /e,
96 want to wor( $or %ou,9
-r, O &3ile), 9That2& "oo)* &on, That2& real "oo),9
9So what )o 6 hae to )o4 1re there paper& 6 hae to $ill out $or the a+a)e3%49
96t2& a /it 3ore inole) than that, 1n) the a+a)e3% i&n2t reall% "oin" to /e %our
e3plo%er,9
9.ut 6 thou"ht %ou &ai)
1
;9
9.ill%* there are a $ew 3ore thin"& %ou2re "oin" to hae to un)er&tan), 1n) there2& the
little )etail o$ an initiation,9
9Eou 3ean hazin"4 .e+au&e that2& no pro/le3, 62e /een throu"h a +ouple alrea)%,
For $oot/all,9
96t2& a little 3ore har)-+ore than that* 623 a$rai), .ut )on2t worr%* 6 "ot throu"h it an) 6
(now %ou2ll )o $ine, 62ll tell %ou what %ou hae to /rin" with %ou* an) 62ll /e /% %our
&i)e, The whole ti3e,9
1$ter all* wat+hin" the O3e"a "o to wor( wa& not &o3ethin" to /e 3i&&e),
9Sen&ei* 6* ah89 ?i))le +leare) hi& throat, 96 7u&t want %ou to (now* 623 not "oin" to
let %ou )own,9
-r, O &3ile) &lowl%* thin(in" thi& wa& the er% /e&t part o$ hi& 7o/,
5e &too) up an) approa+he) .ill%, Auttin" a han) on ?i))le2& &houl)er* he &Kueeze)
the /one& an) &tare) into the wi)e /lue e%e& that 3et hi&,
.ill% &lippe) ni+el% into a tran+e,
-r, O leane) $orwar) an) +are$ull% re3oe) ?i))le2& )ia3on) earrin", Then he too(
the &o$t lo/e /etween hi& thu3/ an) $ore$in"er* 3a&&a"in" it,
5i& oi+e wa& low an) Kuiet,
96 want %ou to +all an) tell %our $ather that %ou are 3oin" out* e$$e+tie i33e)iatel%,
Tell hi3 that %ou2e $oun) a 7o/ an) that %ou are "oin" into an inten&ie trainin"
pro"ra3,9
-r, O too( o$$ ?i))le2& &tainle&&-&teel ?olex an) then pulle) the +ollar o$ the "u%2&
&hirt open, 5e rea+he) in&i)e* $ollowin" the platinu3 +hain .ill% wore aroun) to the
/a+(, 5e relea&e) the ne+(la+e* &li)in" the lin(& $ree until he +apture) the3 in hi&
pal3, The 3etal wa& war3 $ro3 l%in" a"ain&t &(in,
9'hen %ou &pea( with %our $ather* %ou will re3ain +al3 no 3atter what he &a%& to
%ou, Eou will rea&&ure hi3 that %our $uture i& a pro3i&in" one an) that %ou hae /een
+ho&en out o$ 3an% appli+ant& $or a er% i3portant role, Eou will tell hi3 that he 3a%
alwa%& rea+h %ou on %our +ell phone* /ut that it will /e i3po&&i/le $or hi3 to &ee %ou*
a& %ou will /e traelin",9
-r, O ran hi& han) oer .ill%2& +he&t* $eelin" the pa)& o$ 3u&+le* the war3th o$ li$e*
the hu3 o$ %outh, Su+h power in thi& /o)%* he thou"ht, Su+h 3arelou& $or+e,
9Eou will not 3ention the a+a)e3%, Eou will not reeal 3% i)entit%, 1n) %ou will
not tell hi3 that %ou are +o3in" to lie with 3e,9 -r, O &po(e ri"ht into .ill%2& ear,
9Eou will tell %our $ather that %ou are &orr% $or all the eil thin"& %ou )i), Eou will
tell hi3 that %ou loe hi3, 1n) then 6 will pi+( %ou up an) ta(e %ou awa%,9
1& .ill% /reathe) )eepl% in pea+e$ul &urren)er* -r, O re3e3/ere) hi& own in)u+tion
+ere3on%, For a /rie$* pa&&in" in&tant* he wi&he) that he2) thou"ht 3ore +are$ull%
a/out the o$$er he2) a++epte) )e+a)e& a"o,
5e2) /e an ol) 3an now, 1n ol) 3an with "ran)+hil)ren* 3a%/e* i$ he2) eer $oun) a
wo3an he +oul) hae &too) to /e aroun) $or an% len"th o$ ti3e, 1n) he woul) hae
ha) an aera"e li$e* 3a%/e wor(e) at one o$ the paper 3ill& or at a "a& &tation, 5e
woul) hae /een one o$ a hun)re) 3illion other anon%3ou& 3en who were /it+he) at
/% their wie& an) who )ran( with their /u))ie& an) who pa&&e) their pre+iou& )a%&
in a haze o$ a3/ient )i&&ati&$a+tion /e+au&e the% were nothin" &pe+ial,
.ut he woul) hae /een alie,
<oo(in" into .ill%2& ii) /lue e%e&* -r, O won)ere) whether he ha) in $a+t +o3e out
on the 3one% &i)e o$ the ex+han"e, .e+au&e he wa& no lon"er hi& own 3an, 5e wa& a
&erant o$ the O3e"a2& whi3&, The top &erant* a& it were* /ut a &erant nonethele&&,
1n) he woul) neer /e 3ourne),
!ither /e+au&e he neer &toppe) /reathin"8 or /e+au&e no one woul) 3i&& hi3 a$ter
he too( hi& la&t lun"$ul,
5e $rowne),
#ot that an% o$ that 3attere)* howeer* /e+au&e there wa& no "oin" /a+(, 'hi+h wa&
&o3ethin" ?i))le wa& "oin" to learn $ir&than) toni"ht,
-r, O relea&e) ?i))le2& 3in) an) /o)%,
9So are we +lear49 he &ai) &o$tl%,
.ill% no))e)* )aze), 5e loo(e) )own at hi3&el$* a& i$ won)erin" what ha) happene),
90oo)* now "ie 3e %our +ell phone,9 1$ter .ill% ha) han)e) the thin" oer* -r, O
&3ile), 9'hat )o %ou &a% to 3e* &on49
9Ee&* &en&ei,9
Chapter !orty'one
.eth wo(e up in 'rath2& /e), So3eti3e )urin" the )a%* he 3u&t hae +o3e an)
+arrie) her to hi& +ha3/er,
5i& +he&t wa& a"ain&t her /a+(, 5i& ar3 wa& &na(e) aroun) her /o)%, 5i& han) wa&
/etween her le"&,
5i& ere+tion* hea% an) hot* la% a"ain&t her hip,
She rolle) oer, 5i& e%e& were &hut* hi& /reathin" )eep an) &low, She &3ile)* thin(in"
that een in hi& &leep* he wante) her,
96 loe %ou*9 &he whi&pere),
5i& li)& $lippe) open, 6t wa& li(e "ettin" hit with &potli"ht&,
9'hat* leelan4 1re %ou all ri"ht49 1n) then he &nat+he) hi& han) /a+(* a& i$ he ha)
7u&t realize) where it wa&, 9Sorr%, 6* ah8 Eou2re pro/a/l% not rea)% to8 &o &oon
a$ter89
She too( hi& han) an) "ui)e) it /etween her thi"h&* pre&&in" hi& $in"er& a"ain&t
her&el$,
5i& $an"& +a3e )own on hi& lower lip a& he too( a &harp /reath,
9623 3ore than rea)% $or %ou*9 &he 3ur3ure)* ta(in" hi& thi+( len"th into her pal3,
'hen he 3oane) an) 3oe) towar) her* &he a+tuall% $elt hi& heart /eatin"* hi& /loo)
ru&hin"* hi& lun"& a& the% $ille), 6t wa& the o))e&t thin", She +oul) &en&e exa+tl% how
3u+h he wante) her* an) not 7u&t /e+au&e &he wa& &tro(in" hi& arou&al,
1n) when he 3oe) hi& $in"er&* &li)in" into her* her own /o)% re&pon)e)* an) &he
+oul) $eel hi3 "ettin" een 3ore turne) on, !a+h (i&&* ea+h +are&&* eer% li+( an)
&hier* wa& 3a"ni$ie),
'rath $or+e) the3 to ta(e it &lowl%, 'hen &he woul) hae &tra))le) hi3* he put her
on her /a+( an) plea&ure) her een thou"h hi& own /o)% wa& ra"in" $or a relea&e, 5e
wa& &o "entle with her* &o loin",
Finall%* he wa& poi&e) oer her open thi"h&* hi& "reat ar3& &upportin" hi& wei"ht
a/oe her, 5i& lon" )ar( hair $ell aroun) her* 3in"lin" with her own,
96 wi&h 6 +oul) &ee %our $a+e +learl%*9 he &ai)* $rownin" a& i$ tr%in" to $o+u& hi& e%e&,
9>u&t on+e* 6 wi&h89
She put her han)& on hi& +hee(&* $eelin" the rou"h &tu//le o$ hi& /ear) "rowth,
962ll tell %ou what %ou2) &ee*9 &he 3ur3ure), 96 loe %ou, That2& what %ou2) &ee,9
5e +lo&e) hi& e%e& an) &3ile), The expre&&ion tran&$or3e) hi& $a+e, 5e "lowe),
91h* leelan* %ou plea&e 3e no en),9
5e (i&&e) her, 1n) &lowl% entere) her /o)% with hi&, 'hen he ha) $ille) her*
&tret+he) her out* 7oine) the3 +o3pletel%* he /e+a3e &till, 5e &po(e in hi& lan"ua"e
an) then her&,
The 96 loe %ou* wi$e9 3a)e her /ea3 /a+( at hi3,
.ut+h $loppe) aroun)* hal$-awa(e, The /e) wa&n2t hi&, The thin" wa& a twin* not a
(in", 1n) the pillow& weren2t hi&, The% were &uper&o$t* a& i$ hi& hea) were on 'on)er
/rea), Sheet& were li(ewi&e wa% too $ine,
.ut the &norin" /e&i)e hi3 reall% +on$ir3e) it, 5e wa& )e$initel% not at ho3e,
5e opene) hi& e%e&, Thi+( )raperie& were )own oer the win)ow&* /ut the "low $ro3
a li"ht in the /athroo3 wa& enou"h $or hi3 to &ee &o3e thin"&, The roo3 wa& )e+(e)
out in hi"h-+la&& eer%thin", 1ntiKue&* paintin"&* $an+%-&+h3an+% wallpaper,
5e loo(e) to the &norin", 6n the other twin /e)* a 3an wa& &oun) a&leep* )ar( hea)
/urie) in a pillow* &heet& an) /lan(et& pulle) up to hi& +hin,
!er%thin" +a3e /a+(,
=i&hou&, 5i& new /u))%,
Fellow ?e) Sox $an, 'i+(e) &3art 6T "u%,
Fri+(in" a3pire,
.ut+h put a han) to hi& $orehea), There2) /een 3an% ti3e& that he2) rolle) oer an)
/een unnere) /% who wa& next to hi3,
.ut thi& wa& a "o))a3ne) +hart topper,
5ow2) the%8 That2& ri"ht, The%2) +ra&he) a$ter (i+(in" Tohr2& /ottle o$ S+ot+h,
Tohr, Short $or Tohr3ent,
0o)* he een (new their na3e&, ?ha"e, Ahur%, 1n) that &+ar%-a&& F&a)i&t "u%,
Eeah* no To3* :i+(* an) 5arr% na3e& $or the a3pire t%pe&,
.ut +o3e on* +oul) %ou a+tuall% i3a"ine &o3e lethal /loo)&u+(er na3e) 5owar)4
!u"ene4
#h$ no$ Wallie$ please dont "ite my;
5ol% Chri&t* he wa& totall% lo&in" it,
'hat ti3e wa& it4
9Eo* +op* what ti3e i& it49 =i&hou& a&(e)* "ro""%,
.ut+h rea+he) $or the /e)&i)e ta/le, #ext to hi& wat+h wa& a ?e) Sox hat* a "ol)
li"hter* an) a /la+( )riin" "loe,
9Fie thirt%,9
9Cool,9 The a3pire rolle) awa%, 9:on2t +ra+( the )rape& $or another two hour&, Or
623 up in $la3e& an) 3% /rother& will leae %ou &hittin" in a /a",9
.ut+h &3ile), =a3pire& or not* he un)er&too) the&e "u%&, The% &po(e hi& lan"ua"e,
?elate) to the worl) li(e he )i), 5e $elt +o3$orta/le aroun) the3,
6t wa& )a3n eerie,
9Eou2re &3ilin"*9 =i&hou& &ai),
95ow2) %ou (now49
9623 )a3n han)% with e3otion&, Eou one o$ tho&e anno%in"* +heer$ul-in-the-3o3in"
t%pe&49
95ell* no, 1n) thi& i&n2t 3ornin",9
96t i& to 3e* +op,9 =i&hou& turne) onto hi& &i)e an) loo(e) at .ut+h, 9Eou (now* %ou
han)le) %our&el$ la&t ni"ht, :on2t (now 3an% hu3an& who woul) hae ta(en on
?ha"e or 3e, -u+h le&& in $ront o$ all the /rother&,9
91h* now* )on2t "et all 3u&h% on 3e, 'e ain2t )atin",9 !x+ept the truth wa&* .ut+h
wa& (in) o$ 3oe) /% the re&pe+t,
.ut then =i&hou& narrowe) hi& e%e&, 5i& intelle+t wa& &o $ier+e* "ettin" a&&e&&e) /%
hi3 wa& li(e /ein" plu+(e) na(e) an) &an)/la&te),
9Eou "ot one hell o$ a )eath wi&h,9 6t wa&n2t a Kue&tion,
9Eeah* 3a%/e*9 .ut+h &ai), 5e waite) to /e a&(e) wh%, 'hen the inKuir% )i)n2t
+o3e* he wa& &urpri&e),
9'e all )o*9 =i&hou& 3ur3ure), 9That2& wh% 623 not a&(in" $or )etail&,9
The% were &ilent $or a 3o3ent,
=i&hou&2& e%e& narrowe) a"ain, 9Eou2re not "oin" /a+( to %our ol) li$e* +op, Eou
(now that* ri"ht4 .e+au&e %ou2e &een too 3u+h o$ u&, 'e woul)n2t /e a/le to &+ru/
%our 3e3orie& +lean enou"h,9
9Eou tellin" 3e to pi+( out a +a&(et49
95ope not, .ut it2& not 3% +all, :epen)& a lot on %ou,9 There wa& a pau&e, 9Eou )on2t
hae 3u+h to "o /a+( to* )o %ou49
.ut+h loo(e) up at the +eilin",
'hen the /rother& ha) let hi3 +he+( hi& 3e&&a"e& thi& 3ornin"* there2) /een onl%
one, 6t ha) /een the +aptain* tellin" hi3 to +o3e in $or the re&ult& o$ 6nternal2&
ine&ti"ation,
Eeah* li(e that wa& an appoint3ent he nee)e) to (eep, 5e (new )a3n well what the
out+o3e woul) /e, 5e wa& "oin" to /e $ire) an) &ere) up a& a &a+ri$i+ial la3/ to
+o3/at the i3a"e o$ poli+e /rutalit%, Or he wa& "oin" to /e put out to pa&ture at a
)e&( 7o/,
1& $or hi& $a3il%4 -a an) Aop* /le&& the3* were &till in their row hou&e in Southie*
&urroun)e) /% the &uriin" &on& an) )au"hter& the% loe) &o 3u+h, Thou"h &till
3ournin" >anie* the% were happ% in their retire3ent %ear&, 1n) .ut+h2& /rother& an)
&i&ter& were &o /u&% hain" /a/ie&* rai&in" /a/ie&* an) thin(in" a/out hain" 3ore
/a/ie&* that the% were totall% tie) up with their $a3il% o/li"ation&, 6n the O2#eal +lan*
.ut+h wa& 7u&t a $ootnote, The :ar( One 'ho 5a) Faile) to Aro+reate,
Frien)&4 >o&e wa& the onl% one he +oul) een re3otel% +on&i)er a $rien), 1//% wa&n2t
een that, She wa& 7u&t a &+rew eer% now an) a"ain,
1n) a$ter 3eetin" -ari&&a la&t ni"ht* he2) lo&t hi& intere&t in +a&ual &ex,
5e "lan+e) oer at the a3pire, 9#aw* 6 )on2t hae an%thin",9
96 (now what that $eel& li(e,9 =i&hou& ru&tle) aroun) a& i$ he were tr%in" to "et
+o3$orta/le, 'hen he &ettle) on hi& /a+(* he threw one hea% ar3 oer hi& e%e&,
.ut+h $rowne) a& he +au"ht &i"ht o$ the a3pire2& le$t han), 6t wa& +oere) with
tattoo&* )en&e* intri+ate )e&i"n& that ran )own the /a+( o$ it* onto the pal3* an)
aroun) ea+h $in"er, 6t 3u&t hae hurt li(e a /it+h to hae )one,
9=49
9Eeah49
9'hat2& )oin" with the tat&49
96 )i)n2t pe&ter %ou a/out %our +ur&e* +op,9 =i&hou& put the ar3 awa%, 96$ 623 not up
/% ei"ht* wa(e 3e* true49
9Eeah, True,9 .ut+h +lo&e) hi& e%e&,
Chapter !orty'to
6n the +ha3/er )own&tair&* .eth turne) o$$ the &hower* rea+he) $or a towel* an)
+lon(e) her new en"a"e3ent rin" on the 3ar/le +ounter,
9Oh* not "oo), 3eally not "oo)89 She +ra)le) her han)* thin(in" &he wa& lu+(%
'rath wa& up&tair& +he+(in" on preparation& $or the +ere3on%, 1lthou"h 3a%/e that
+ra+(in" &oun) ha) +arrie) to the $ir&t $loor,
She /ra+e) her&el$ /e$ore &he loo(e) )own* +onin+e) &he2) either (no+(e) the ru/%
loo&e or ta(en a hun( out o$ the &tone, .ut it wa& $ine,
#ot that &he wa& in a /i" hurr% to /a&h it aroun) a"ain, #eer one $or rin"&* &he wa&
"oin" to hae to "et u&e) to wearin" the thin",
Would that all of lifes little ad0ustments "e so hard* &he thou"ht wr%l%, Fiance slides
a priceless hunk of geology on your finger% What a "ummer,
She ha) to &3ile a& &he )rie) o$$, 'rath ha) /een &o prou) to put that rin" on her,
5e2) tol) her it wa& a "i$t $ro3 &o3eone who3 &he2) 3eet toni"ht,
1t her we))in",
She pau&e) with the towel, 0o)* that wor), 'e))in",
'ho2) hae eer thou"ht &he2);
So3eone (no+(e) on the +ha3/er )oor,
95ello* .eth4 1re %ou in there49 The un$a3iliar $e3ale oi+e wa& 3u$$le),
.eth )rew on 'rath2& ro/e an) went oer* /ut )i)n2t open the )oor, 9Ee&49
6t2& 'ell&ie, 623 Tohr2& shellan, 6 thou"ht %ou 3i"ht li(e &o3eone to help %ou "et
throu"h toni"ht* an) 62e /rou"ht a "own $or %ou* in +a&e %ou )on2t hae one alrea)%,
'ell* 623 al&o 7u&t %our aera"e no&% $e3ale* &o 6 wante) to 3eet %ou,9
.eth +ra+(e) the )oor,
Whoa%
There wa& nothin" aera"e a/out 'ell&ie, She ha) $la3e re) hair* a $a+e li(e a 0re+o-
?o3an "o))e&&* an) an aura o$ total &el$-po&&e&&ion, 5er /ri"ht /lue "own &et o$$ her
+olorin" li(e an autu3n &(% oer +han"in" leae&,
91h* hi*9 .eth &ai),
95i* %our&el$,9 'ell&ie2& &herr%-+olore) e%e& were &hrew) without /ein" +ol),
!&pe+iall% a& &he &tarte) to &3ile, 91ren2t %ou "or"eou&, #o won)er 'rath $ell a&
har) a& he )i),9
9'oul) %ou li(e to +o3e in49
'ell&ie 3ar+he) into the roo3* +arr%in" a lon" $lat /ox an) a /i" /a", She "ae o$$
an air o$ /ein" in +har"e* /ut &o3ehow* &he )i)n2t &ee3 pu&h%,
9Tohr al3o&t )i)n2t tell 3e what wa& "oin" on, 5e an) 'rath are in a thin",9
9Thin"49
'ell&ie rolle) her e%e&* &hut the )oor $ro3 a+ro&& the roo3* an) put the /ox )own on
the +o$$ee ta/le,
9-ale& li(e the3* the% "et all rile) up an) ta(e a hun( out o$ ea+h other eer% on+e in
a while, 6t2& ineita/le, Tohr won2t tell 3e what it2& all a/out* /ut 6 +an "ue&&, 5onor*
prowe&& on the $iel)* or u&* their $e3ale&,9 'ell&ie $lippe) open the /ox* reealin"
$ol)& o$ re) &atin, 9The%2re "oo)-hearte)* our /o%&, .ut the% +an /low their &ta+(& an)
&a% &o3ethin" &tupi) eer% now an) a"ain,9
She turne) an) &3ile), 9!nou"h o$ the3, 1re %ou rea)% $or thi&49
.eth wa& nor3all% reti+ent aroun) &tran"er&, .ut thi& &trai"ht-tal(in" wo3an with the
no-non&en&e e%e& $elt li(e &o3eone worth ta(in" a "a3/le on,
9-a%/e not,9 .eth lau"he), 96 3ean* 6 haen2t (nown 'rath $or lon"* /ut he $eel& li(e
he2& 3ine, 623 "oin" with 3% "ut on thi&, #ot 3% hea),9
96 wa& the &a3e wa% with Tohr,9 'ell&ie2& $a+e &o$tene), 9Too( one loo( at hi3 an) 6
(new 6 wa& )one $or,9
5er han) a/&entl% went to her &to3a+h,
!hes pregnant* .eth thou"ht, 9'hen are %ou )ue49
'ell&ie $lu&he)* /ut it &ee3e) to /e out o$ anxiet% 3ore than happine&&,
9<on" ti3e, 1 %ear, 6$ 6 +an hol) it,9 She /ent )own an) too( out the "own, 9So
woul) %ou li(e to tr% thi& on4 'e2re al3o&t the &a3e &ize,9
The )re&& wa& an antiKue* with /la+( /ea)in" oer la+e on the /o)i+e an) a
tre3en)ou& water$all o$ a &(irt, The re) &atin po&itiel% &3ol)ere)* +at+hin" the li"ht
$ro3 the +an)le& an) hol)in" the "low )eep within it& $ol)&,
9That2&8 &pe+ta+ular,9 .eth rea+he) out an) &tro(e) the &(irtin",
9-% 3other ha) it 3a)e $or 3e, 6 wa& 3ate) in it al3o&t two hun)re) %ear& a"o, 'e
+an &(ip the +or&et i$ %ou want* /ut 6 /rou"ht the petti+oat&, The%2re &u+h $un, 1n)
li&ten* i$ %ou )on2t li(e it or hae &o3ethin" el&e %ou were plannin" to wear* 6 will
a/&olutel% not ta(e o$$en&e,9
91re %ou +raz%4 <i(e 623 "oin" to turn that )own &o 6 +an "et 3arrie) in 3% &hort&49
.eth "athere) up the )re&& an) nearl% ran to the /athroo3, Steppin" into the "own
wa& li(e &teppin" /a+( in ti3e* an) when &he +a3e /a+( out into the +ha3/er* &he
+oul)n2t &top her&el$ $ro3 $lu$$in" the &(irt, 6t wa& a little ti"ht in the /o)i+e* /ut &he
)i)n2t +are i$ &he neer too( a $ull /reath,
9Eou loo( "reat*9 'ell&ie &ai),
9Eeah* /e+au&e thi& i& the 3o&t /eauti$ul thin" 62e eer ha) on, Can %ou )o the la&t
/utton& up the /a+(49
'ell&ie2& $in"er& were +ool an) Kui+(, 'hen &he wa& $ini&he)* &he tilte) her hea) to
one &i)e* +la&pin" her han)& to"ether, 9Eou )o it 7u&ti+e, The whole re)-an)-/la+(
+o3/o reall% wor(& with %our hair, 'rath2& "oin" to pa&& out when he &ee& %ou,9
91re %ou &ure %ou want to len) it to 3e49 'hat i$ &he &pille) on the thin"4
9Clothe& are 3eant to /e worn, 1n) that "own ha&n2t /een on a /o)% &in+e 1814,9
'ell&ie +he+(e) her )ia3on) wat+h, 9623 "oin" to "o up&tair& an) &ee how the prep2&
+o3in", Fritz i& pro/a/l% "oin" to nee) help, The /rother& &ure (now how to eat* /ut
their (it+hen &(ill& are )eplora/le, Eou2) thin( the%2) /e /etter with (nie&*
+on&i)erin" what the% )o $or a liin",9
.eth turne) aroun), 90ie 3e a han) un)oin" the&e /utton& an) 62ll "o with %ou,9
1$ter helpin" her out o$ the )re&&* 'ell&ie he&itate),
9<i&ten* .eth8 623 happ% $or %ou, 6 trul% a3, .ut 6 $eel li(e 6 &houl) /e hone&t,
5ain" one o$ the&e 3ale& a& a 3ate i&n2t ea&%, 6 hope %ou2ll +all 3e i$ %ou nee)
&o3eone to ent to,9
9Than(&*9 .eth &ai)* thin(in" &he a+tuall% 3i"ht )o that, She +oul) &ee 'ell&ie "iin"
"oo) a)i+e, Aro/a/l% /e+au&e the wo3an loo(e) li(e &he ha) eer%thin" un)er
+ontrol in her own li$e, She 7u&t &ee3e) &o8 +o3petent,
'ell&ie &3ile), 91n) 3a%/e 62ll /e a/le to +all %ou on+e in a while* too, 0o)* 62e
waite) &o lon" to hae &o3eone to tal( to who un)er&tan)&,9
9#one o$ the other /rother& hae wie&* ri"ht49
9Eou an) 6 are it* )earie,9
.eth &3ile), 9So we2) /etter &ti+( to"ether,9
'rath went up&tair&* won)erin" who2) &lept where, 5e (no+(e) on one o$ the "ue&t
roo3 )oor&* an) .ut+h an&were), The hu3an wa& )r%in" hi& hair with a towel, 5a)
another wrappe) aroun) hi& wai&t,
9Eou (now where = i&49 'rath a&(e),
9Eeah* he2& &hain",9 The +op no))e) oer hi& &houl)er an) &teppe) a&i)e,
9Eou nee) 3e* /o&&49 = +alle) out $ro3 the /athroo3,
'rath +hu+(le), 9'ell* i&n2t thi& +oz%,9
The 9$u+( o$$ +a3e $ro3 /oth o$ the3 a& =i&hou& &auntere) into the /e)roo3* /oxer&
han"in" low on hi& hip&, 5i& +hee(& were white* an) he wa& )ra""in" an ol)-
$a&hione) razor a+ro&& hi& 7aw/one, .oth hi& han)& were /are,
#h$ man, =2& le$t han) wa& a+tuall% in the /reeze* it& &a+re) tattoo& &pellin" out the
)ire +on&eKuen+e& i$ an%one +a3e into +onta+t with it, 'rath won)ere) whether the
hu3an ha) an% +on+eption what = +oul) )o with that thin",
Aro/a/l% not* or the +op woul)n2t /e &o )a3ne) relaxe) )an+in" aroun) the roo3
hal$-na(e),
9So* =*9 'rath &ai)* 9there2& a little i&&ue 6 nee) to &ettle /e$ore 623 3ate),9
C&uall% he wor(e) alone* /ut i$ he wa& "oin" to ta(e +are o$ .ill% ?i))le* he wante)
=i&hou& a& /a+(up, 5u3an& )i)n2t o/li"in"l% )i&inte"rate when %ou &ta//e) the3* /ut
hi& /rother2& le$t han) woul) ta(e +are o$ the /o)%, 'or( o$ a 3o3ent an) that +orp&e
woul) /e ether,
= "rinne), 90ie 3e $ie an) 623 rea)%,9
90oo) )eal,9 'rath +oul) $eel .ut+h2& e%e& on hi3, Clearl%* the "u% wante) to (now
what wa& up, 9Eou )on2t want to "et tan"le) in thi& one* +op, !&pe+iall% "ien %our
o+ation,9
9623 o$$ the $or+e, >u&t &o %ou (now,9
Interesting* 'rath thou"ht, 9-in) tellin" 3e wh%49
96 /ro(e a &u&pe+t2& no&e,9
96n a $i"ht49
9:urin" Kue&tionin",9
So3ehow that wa& not a &urpri&e, 9#ow wh%2) %ou )o that49
95e trie) to rape %our $uture wi$e* a3pire, 6 wa&n2t in+line) to /e "entle when he
&ai) &he wa& a&(in" $or it,9
'rath $elt a "rowl +o3e out o$ hi& throat, The &oun) wa& li(e a liin" thin" a& it ro&e
up $ro3 hi& "ut, 9.ill% ?i))le,9
9.eth tol) %ou a/out the "u%49
'rath &tal(e) to the )oor, 95aul a&&* =*9 he &nappe),
'hen he "ot )own&tair&* he &en&e) .eth2& pre&en+e an) $oun) her +o3in" throu"h the
paintin", 5e wal(e) up an) put hi& ar3& aroun) her* hu""in" her $ier+el%, 5e woul)
hae her aen"e) /e$ore the% were 7oine), She )e&ere) no le&& $ro3 her hellren,
91re %ou o(a%49 &he whi&pere),
5e no))e) a"ain&t her hair an) then loo(e) at Tohr2& shel,lan, 95e%* 'ell&ie, 0oo) o$
%ou to +o3e,9
The $e3ale &3ile), 96 thou"ht &he )e&ere) &o3e &upport,9
91n) 623 "la) %ou2re here,9 5e pulle) /a+( $ro3 .eth lon" enou"h to (i&& 'ell&ie on
the han),
=i&hou& &tro)e into the roo3* $ull% ar3e), 9'rath* 3an* we o$$49
9'here are %ou "oin"49 .eth a&(e),
96 nee) to ta(e +are o$ &o3ethin",9 5e ran hi& han) )own her ar3, 2The other /rother&
are &ta%in" here to help "et thin"& rea)%, The +ere3on% will &tart at 3i)ni"ht* an) 62ll
/e /a+( /e$ore then,9
She loo(e) li(e &he wante) to ar"ue* /ut then "lan+e) at 'ell&ie, So3ethin" &ee3e)
to pa&& /etween the two $e3ale&,
9.e &a$e*9 .eth $inall% &ai) to hi3, 9Alea&e,9
9:on2t worr%,9 5e (i&&e) her lon" an) &low, 96 loe %ou* leelan,9
9'hat )oe& that wor) 3ean49
9So3ethin" +lo&e to 2)eare&t one2,9 5e pi+(e) hi& 7a+(et o$$ a +hair an) "ae her one
3ore pe+( on the lip& /e$ore leain",
Chapter !orty'three
.ut+h +o3/e) hi& hair* &lappe) on a little +olo"ne* an) &lippe) into a &uit that wa&n2t
hi&, >u&t a& the 3e)i+ine +a/inet in the /athroo3 wa& line) with )i$$erent a$ter&hae&
an) &hain" +rea3&* the +lo&et& were $ull o$ /ran)-new 3en2& +lothe& o$ ariou& lar"e
&ize&, 1ll top-)rawer* )e&i"ner &tu$$,
5e2) neer worn 0u++i /e$ore,
1n) thou"h he )i)n2t li(e /ein" a 3oo+h* he 7u&t +oul)n2t &ee -ari&&a in the &a3e
+lothe& he2) /een wearin" la&t ni"ht, !en i$ the%2) /een parti+ularl% &harp;an) the%
weren2t;he wa& &ure the% now &3elle) li(e a /arG =2& Tur(i&h to/a++o an) /ooze
+o3/ine),
5e wante) to /e $re&h a& a )ai&% $or her, 5e reall% )i),
.ut+h too( a turn in $ront o$ a $ull-len"th 3irror* $eelin" li(e a pan&%* /ut una/le to
help hi3&el$, The /la+( pin&tripe $it hi3 well, The /ri"ht white* open-+ollare) &hirt
3a)e hi& tan +o3e out, 1n) the &weet pair o$ Ferra"a3o loa$er& he2) $oun) in a /ox
were 7u&t the ri"ht a3ount o$ $la&h,
5e wa& al3o&t han)&o3e* he thou"ht, 1& lon" a& &he )i)n2t loo( too +lo&el% at hi&
/loo)&hot e%e&,
The $our hour& o$ &leep an) all that S+ot+h &howe),
1 &o$t rappin" noi&e &oun)e),
Feelin" li(e a po&er an) hopin" it wa&n2t one o$ the /rother&* he opene) the )oor,
The /utler loo(e) up with a &3ile, 9Sire* %ou loo( Kuite )a&hin", Fine +hoi+e&* $ine
+hoi+e&,9
.ut+h &hru""e)* $u&&in" with the &hirt +ollar, 9Eeah* well,9
9.ut %ou nee) a han)(er+hie$ in %our /rea&t po+(et, -a% 649
91h* &ure,9
The little ol) 3an /uzze) ri"ht oer to a /ureau* pulle) out a )rawer* an) ri$le)
aroun), 9Thi& &houl) /e per$e+t,9
5i& (no//% han)& wor(e) the white &Kuare into &o3e (in) o$ ori"a3i 3a&terpie+e
an) &tu$$e) the thin" into pla+e on .ut+h2& +he&t,
9#ow* %ou are rea)% $or %our "ue&t, She i& here, 1re %ou re+eiin"49
3ecei*ing4 95ell* %eah,9
1& the% went out into the hall* the /utler lau"he) &o$tl%,
96 loo( &tupi)* )on2t 649 .ut+h &ai),
Fritz2& $a+e "rew &eriou&, 9#o* not at all* &ire, 6 wa& 7u&t thin(in" how 3u+h :ariu&
woul) hae en7o%e) all thi&, 5e li(e) a $ull hou&e,9
9'ho2& :ar;9
9.ut+h49
-ari&&a2& oi+e /rou"ht the3 /oth to a halt, She wa& at the hea) o$ the &tair&* an) &he
too( .ut+h2& /reath awa%, 5er hair wa& up hi"h on her hea)* an) her "own wa& a pale
pin( &heath, 5er &h% plea&ure at &eein" hi3 3a)e hi& +he&t &well,
95e%* /a/%,9 5e wal(e) $orwar)* aware that the /utler wa& /ea3in" with )eli"ht,
She $i)"ete) with her )re&&* a& i$ &he were a little nerou&, 96 pro/a/l% &houl) hae
waite) )own&tair&, .ut eer%one2& &o /u&%, 6 $elt li(e 6 wa& in the wa%,9
9Eou want to han" up here $or a while49
She no))e), 96$ %ou )on2t 3in), 6t2& Kuieter,9
The /utler +hi3e) in, 9There2& a &e+on)-$loor &ittin" por+h, >u&t "o )own the hall, 6t2&
at the en),9
.ut+h o$$ere) her hi& ar3, 9That o(a% with %ou49
She &lippe) her han) throu"h hi& el/ow, 1& her e%e& &(ittere) awa% $ro3 hi&* her
/lu&h wa& en+hantin", 9Ee&, Ee&* it i&,9
So &he wante) to /e alone with hi3,
Thi& wa& a "oo) &i"n* .ut+h thou"ht,
1& .eth +arrie) a heapin" platter o$ +ru)ite& into the )inin" roo3* &he )e+i)e) that
Fritz an) 'ell&ie +oul) hae run a &3all +ountr% to"ether, The% ha) the /rother&
ra+in" aroun)* &ettin" the )inin" roo3 ta/le* puttin" $re&h +an)le& out* helpin" with
the $oo), 1n) 0o) onl% (new what wa& happenin" in 'rath2& +ha3/er, The
+ere3on% wa& "oin" to ta(e pla+e there* an) ?ha"e ha) /een )own in the roo3 $or an
hour,
.eth put the platter on the &i)e/oar) an) hea)e) /a+( into the (it+hen, She $oun)
Fritz &tru""lin" to rea+h a lar"e +r%&tal /owl hi"h up in the +up/oar),
95ere* let 3e "et that,9
9Oh* than( %ou* 3i&tre&&,9
She put it )own on the +ounter an) then wat+he) a& he $ille) it with &alt,
Thats some serious hypertension right there* &he thou"ht,
9.eth49 'ell&ie +alle) out, 9Can %ou "o into the pantr% an) "ra/ three 7ar& o$ pea+h
pre&ere& $or the ha3 /a&tin"49
.eth went in&i)e the /ox% little roo3 an) $lippe) on the li"ht &wit+h, Can& an) 7ar&
ran $ro3 $loor to +eilin" in an oerwhel3in" arra% o$ option&, She wa& loo(in" $or the
pea+h &e+tion when &he hear) the )oor open,
9Fritz* )o %ou (now;9
She piote) aroun), 1n) &la33e) ri"ht into F&a)i&t2& har) /o)%,
5e hi&&e)* an) the% /oth leape) /a+( a& the )oor &hut the3 in to"ether,
5e +lo&e) hi& e%e& a& i$ in pain* hi& lip& )rawin" /a+( $ro3 hi& $an"& an) teeth,
9623 &orr%*9 &he whi&pere)* tr%in" to 3oe $arther awa%, There wa&n2t 3u+h roo3*
an) there wa& no e&+ape, 5e wa& &tan)in" in $ront o$ the )oor, 96 )i)n2t &ee %ou, 623
reall% &orr%,9
5e wa& wearin" another ti"ht lon"-&leee) &hirt* &o a& hi& han)& +urle) into $i&t&* the
$lexin" o$ hi& ar3& an) then hi& &houl)er& wa& o/iou&, 5e wa& /i" to /e"in with* /ut
the power in hi& /o)% 3a)e hi3 &ee3 hu"e,
5i& li)& opene), 'hen tho&e /la+( e%e& tou+he) her $a+e* &he +rin"e),
Col), So er% +ol),
9Chri&t* 6 (now 623 u"l%*9 he &nappe), 9.ut )on2t $ear 3e, 623 not a total &aa"e,9
Then he "ra//e) &o3ethin" an) le$t,
.eth &a""e) a"ain&t the 7ar& an) +an&* loo(in" up at the e3pt% &pa+e he2) le$t on the
&hel$, Chutne%, 5e2) ta(en +hutne%,
9.eth* )i) %ou $in);9 'ell&ie &toppe) &hort in the )oorwa%, 9'hat happene)49
9#othin", 6t wa&8 nothin",9
'ell&ie "ae her a leel &tare while a)7u&tin" the apron oer her /lue )re&&, 9Eou2re
l%in" to 3e* /ut it2& %our 3atin" )a%* &o 62ll let %ou "et awa% with it,9 She lo+ate) the
7a3 an) too( )own &o3e 7ar&, 95e%* wh% )on2t %ou "o to %our $ather2& roo3 an) hae
a lie-)own4 ?ha"e ha& $ini&he)* &o %ou +an ta(e a )eep /reath )own there, Eou nee)
to pa3per %our&el$ a little /e$ore %ou2re 3ate),9
9Eou (now* 6 thin( that2& a "oo) i)ea,9
.ut+h leane) /a+( in the wi+(er ro+(er* +ro&&in" hi& le"& an) pu&hin" at the $loor with
one $oot, The +hair 3a)e a +rea(in" &oun),
6n the )i&tan+e* heat li"htnin" $la&he), The ni"ht &3elle) o$ the "ar)en )own /elow,
1n) o$ the &ea,
1+ro&& the &hallow por+h* -ari&&a tilte) her hea) /a+( to &+an the &(%, 1 &li"ht
&u33er /reeze tou+he) the ten)ril& o$ hair aroun) her $a+e,
5e )e+i)e) he +oul) loo( at her $or a li$eti3e an) not "et enou"h,
9.ut+h49
9Sorr%, 'hat wa& that49
96 &ai)* %ou loo( Kuite /eauti$ul in that &uit,9
9Thi& ol) thin"4 6 7u&t threw it on,9
She lau"he)* exa+tl% a& he2) 3eant her to* /ut a& the &oun) tin"le) hi& ear&* he "rew
&eriou&,
9Eou2re the /eauti$ul one,9
5er han) went up to her ne+(, She )i)n2t &ee3 to (now how to han)le +o3pli3ent&*
a& thou"h &he ha)n2t "otten 3an% o$ the3,
5e $oun) that &o har) to /eliee,
96 )i) 3% hair $or %ou*9 &he &ai), 96 thou"ht 3a%/e %ou woul) li(e it thi& wa%,9
96 li(e it an% wa%, 1ll wa%&,9
She &3ile), 96 +ho&e thi& )re&& $or %ou* too,9
96 li(e it, .ut %ou (now &o3ethin"* -ari&&a4 Eou )on2t hae to tr% with 3e,9
5er e%e& )ippe) )own, 9623 u&e) to tr%in",9
9So "et unu&e) to it, Eou2re per$e+t,9
She /ea3e), 1/&olutel% /ea3e), 1n) all he +oul) )o wa& &tare,
The /reeze pi+(e) up a little* &weepin" her +hi$$on &(irtin" aroun) the "ra+e$ul +ure
o$ her hip&, 1n) &u))enl% he wa&n2t 7u&t thin(in" a/out how loel% &he wa&,
.ut+h nearl% lau"he), 5e2) neer +on&i)ere) lu&t the (in) o$ thin" that +oul) ruin a
3o3ent* /ut hi& /o)%2& nee)& were &o3ethin" he woul)n2t 3in) &helin" $or the
ni"ht, Or een lon"er, 5e reall% wante) to treat her ri"ht, She wa& a wo3an worth% o$
/ein" wor&hipe) an) hel) an) 3a)e happ%,
.ut+h $rowne), Eeah* an) 7u&t how woul) he /e a/le to )o that4 The happ% part* that
wa&, 5e wa& +on$i)ent he ha) the wor&hipin" an) the hol)in" )own pat,
6t wa& 7u&t8 a ir"in a3pire wa& a +ate"or% o$ $e3ale he (new a/&olutel% nothin"
a/out,
9-ari&&a* %ou (now 623 not one o$ %our (in)* )on2t %ou49
She no))e), 9Fro3 the 3o3ent 6 $ir&t &aw %ou,9
91n) that )oe&n2t9;turn you off4;9/other %ou49
9#o, 6 li(e the wa% 6 $eel aroun) %ou,9
91n) how2& that49 he a&(e)* "ettin" Kuiet,
96 $eel &a$e, 6 $eel prett%,9 She pau&e) an) e%e) hi& lip&, 91n) &o3eti3e& other
thin"&,9
9<i(e what49 6n &pite o$ hi& "oo) intention&* he reall% wante) to hear a/out the other
thin"&,
96 "et hot, !&pe+iall% here9;&he tou+he) her /rea&t&-;9an) here,9 5er han)&
/ru&he) oer the 7un+ture /etween her thi"h&,
.ut+h &aw )ou/le* hi& heart (i+(e) &o har), 1& he /lew out a lun"$ul o$ hot air* he
wa& &ure hi& hea) wa& "oin" to explo)e,
9:o %ou $eel an%thin"49 &he a&(e),
9Eou /etter /eliee it,9
5i& oi+e &oun)e) S+ot+h-raw, Which is what desperation will do to a guy,
-ari&&a +ro&&e) the por+h* +o3in" towar) hi3, 6 woul) (i&& %ou now, 6$ %ou woul)n2t
3in),9
'oul)n2t 3in)4 5e wa& willin" to /e" 7u&t to (eep loo(in" at her,
5e un+ro&&e) hi& le"& an) &at up* thin(in" that the $a+t &o3eone +oul) wal( in on
the3 at an% ti3e woul) help (eep hi3 in +he+(, 5e wa& a/out to "et to hi& $eet when
&he (nelt in $ront o$ hi3,
1n) 3oe) her /o)% ri"ht /etween hi& le"&,
9'hoa, !a&% there,9 5e &toppe) her /e$ore &he +a3e in +onta+t with hi& ere+tion, 5e
wa&n2t &ure &he wa& rea)% $or that, 5ell* he wa&n2t &ure he wa& rea)% $or that, 96$ we2re
"oin" to8 'e nee) to ta(e thi& &low, 6 want it to /e "oo) $or %ou,9
She &3ile)* an) he +au"ht &i"ht o$ the tip& o$ her $an"&, 5i& ere+tion thro//e),
Now whod ha*e thought thatd "e a turn,on5
96 )rea3t o$ )oin" thi& la&t ni"ht*9 &he 3ur3ure),
.ut+h +leare) hi& throat, 9:i) %ou49
96 i3a"ine) that %ou +a3e to 3% /e), Eou /ent oer 3e,9
Oh* 0o)* he +oul) 7u&t pi+ture that, !x+ept in hi& $anta&% the% were /oth na(e),
9Eou were na(e)*9 &he whi&pere)* leanin" into hi3, 91n) &o wa& 6, Eour 3outh wa&
har) on 3ine, Eou ta&te) tan"%* li(e S+ot+h, 6 li(e) it,9 5er lip& hoere) 3ere in+he&
$ro3 hi&, 96 li(e) %ou,9
.oly hea*en, 5e wa& a+tuall% a/out to +o3e, 1n) the% ha)n2t een (i&&e) %et,
She 3oe) to +lo&e the )i&tan+e* /ut he hel) her o$$ at the la&t 3o3ent, She wa& too
3u+h $or hi3, Too loel%, Too &ex%, 'a%* wa% too inno+ent,
0o)* he2) let )own &o 3an% people oer the +our&e o$ hi& li$e, 5e )i)n2t want to a))
her to the li&t,
1n) &he )e&ere) a prin+e $or her $ir&t, #ot &o3e wa&he)-up ex-+op* wearin"
&o3eone el&e2& "i"olo ar3or, 5e ha) no i)ea how a3pire& ran their priate lie&, .ut
he wa& )a3n &ure &he +oul) )o a hell o$ a lot /etter than hi3,
9-ari&&a49
9533349 5er e%e& )i)n2t &tra% $ro3 hi& lip&, 6n &pite o$ her inexperien+e* &he loo(e)
li(e &he wa& rea)% to )eour hi3,
1n) he wante) to /e eaten,
9:o %ou not )e&ire to49 &he whi&pere)* pullin" /a+(, <oo(in" worrie), 9.ut+h49
9Oh* no* /a/%, #ot that, #eer that,9
5e &hi$te) hi& han)& $ro3 her &houl)er& up to her ne+(* hol)in" her hea) &tea)%, Then
he tilte) hi& to one &i)e an) put hi& lip& ri"ht on her 3outh,
She "a&pe)* )rawin" hi& /reath into her lun"&* ta(in" &o3ethin" o$ hi3 in&i)e o$ her,
5e ru3/le) in &ati&$a+tion* /ut (ept +ontrol* &tro(in" her 3outh "entl%* +are&&in" her
&o$tl%, 'hen &he &wa%e) towar) hi3* he tra+e) the out&i)e o$ her lip& with hi& ton"ue,
She wa& "oin" to ta&te &o &weet* he thou"ht* preparin" to "o )eeper while &till (eepin"
a +hain on hi3&el$,
.ut -ari&&a 7u3pe) the "un, She +apture) hi& ton"ue with her 3outh an) &u+(e) on
it,
.ut+h "roane)* hi& hip& 7er(in" up $ro3 the +hair,
She /ro(e o$$ the (i&&, 9Eou )i)n2t li(e that4 6 li(e) it when %ou )i) that to 3% $in"er
la&t ni"ht,9
5e %an(e) at hi& +ollar, 'here the hell wa& all the air in thi& part o$ #orth 13eri+a4
9.ut+h49
96 li(e) it*9 he &ai) in a "uttural +roa(, 9Tru&t 3e, 6 really li(e) it,9
9Then 6 woul) )o it a"ain,9
She lun"e) $orwar) an) too( hi& 3outh in a /lazin" (i&&* pre&&in" hi3 /a+( into the
wi+(er* hittin" hi3 li(e a ton o$ /ri+(&, 5e wa& in &u+h &ho+(* all he +oul) )o wa&
"rip the +hair2& ar3&, 5er on&lau"ht wa& power$ul, !roti+, 5otter than 5a)e&, She
pra+ti+all% +rawle) onto hi& +he&t a& &he explore) hi& 3outh* an) he /ra+e) hi& /o)%*
throwin" hi& wei"ht into hi& pal3&,
Su))enl%* there wa& a lou) &nappin" &oun),
1n) then he rolle) onto the $loor with her,
9'hat the $;9 .ut+h li$te) hi& le$t han), 1n) up +a3e the wi+(er ar3 he2) ta(en
hol) o$,
5e2) rippe) the &i)e o$$ the +hair,
9Eou o(a%49 he &ai) /reathle&&l%* to&&in" the thin" awa%,
9Oh* %e&,9 She &3ile) up at hi3, 5er )re&& wa& +au"ht in hi& le"&, 1n) her /o)% wa&
ti"ht a"ain&t hi3, 1l3o&t where he nee)e) it to /e,
1& he loo(e) at her* he wa& rea)% $or it all* rea)% to "et un)er that )re&&* part her
thi"h& with hi& hip&* an) /ur% hi3&el$ in her heat until the% were /oth totall% lo&t,
!x+ept in hi& +urrent &tate* he wa& lia/le to ta(e her har)* not 3a(e loe to her
properl%, 1n) he wa& +raze) enou"h to )o it here* on the por+h* in the open,
So it wa& way ti3e $or a /rea(,
9<et2& "et %ou o$$ the $loor*9 he &ai) rou"hl%,
-ari&&a 3oe) $a&ter than he )i)* pra+ti+all% &prin"in" to her $eet, 'hen &he hel) her
han) out to help hi3 up* he too( it to hu3or her, Onl% to $in) hi3&el$ plu+(e) $ro3
the $loor a& i$ he wei"he) no 3ore than a new&paper,
5e &3ile) a& he /ru&he) o$$ hi& 7a+(et, 9Eou2re &tron"er than %ou loo(,9
She &ee3e) e3/arra&&e) an) too( +are to +he+( her )re&&, 9#ot reall%,9
9That2& not a /a) thin"* -ari&&a,9
5er e%e& +a3e /a+( to hi& an) then &lowl% )ri$te) )own hi& /o)%,
'ith a &hot o$ e3/arra&&3ent* he realize) hi& ra"in" ere+tion 3a)e a tent out o$ hi&
pant&, 5e turne) awa% &o he +oul) rearran"e hi3&el$,
9'hat are %ou )oin"49
9#othin",9 5e $a+e) her* won)erin" i$ hi& pul&e wa& eer "oin" to &low )own,
-an* he wa&n2t "oin" to nee) a &tre&& te&t an%ti3e &oon, 6$ hi& heart +oul) "et throu"h
a (i&& $ro3 her* he +oul) pro/a/l% run a 3arathon,
'hile )ra""in" a +ar /ehin) hi3,
Si)ewa%& to the roa),
96 li(e) that*9 &he &ai),
5e ha) to lau"h, 9So )i) 6, .ut it2& har) to /eliee %ou2re a ir;9
.ut+h &la33e) hi& 3outh +lo&e), ?u//e) hi& thu3/ oer hi& e%e/row&,
#o won)er he )i)n2t )ate, 5e ha) the &o+ial &(ill& o$ a +hi3p,
9>u&t &o %ou (now*9 he 3uttere)* 96 put 3% $oot in it &o3eti3e&, .ut 62ll wor( on thi&
$or %ou,9
9Foot in it49
9.lurt &hit out, Stu$$, 6 3ean8 5ell,9 5e loo(e) to the )oor, 9<i&ten* how a/out we
hea) )own an) &ee what2& )oin" with the part%49
.e+au&e i$ he &ta%e) up here one 3inute lon"er* he wa& "oin" to /e all oer her,
9.ut+h49
5e "lan+e) /a+( at her, 9Eeah* /a/%49
5er e%e& $la&he)* an) &he li+(e) her lip&, 96 want 3ore o$ %ou,9
.ut+h &toppe) /reathin", 1n) won)ere) i$ &he wa& thin(in" a/out hi& /loo),
<oo(in" into her /eauti$ul $a+e* he relie) what it $elt li(e to "et pu&he) /a+( into that
+hair, 1n) he i3a"ine) that in&tea) o$ (i&&in" hi3* &he wa& &in(in" tho&e pearl% white
$an"& o$ her& )eep into hi& ne+(,
5e +oul) thin( o$ no /etter wa% to "o than in her ar3&,
9'hateer %ou want o$ 3e*9 he 3ur3ure)* 9%ou +an hae,9
Chapter !orty'four
'rath wat+he) a& .ill% ?i))le wal(e) out o$ the 3an&ion an) &tru+( a po&e a"ain&t
the +olu3n& in $ront, The "u% put )own a )u$$el /a" an) loo(e) up at the &(%,
9Aer$e+t*9 'rath &ai) to =i&hou&, 9!nou"h ti3e to (ill hi3 an) "et /a+(,9
.ut /e$ore he an) = &teppe) out o$ the &ha)ow&* a /la+( 5u33er +a3e up the
+ir+ular )rie, 1& it pa&&e) the3* the &weet &3ell o$ /a/% pow)er $loate) out one o$
it& win)ow&,
9Eou2e "ot to /e (i))in" 3e*9 'rath 3ur3ure),
9That2& a lesser* 3% /rother,9
91n) what )o %ou want to /et he2& )oin" &o3e re+ruitin"49
90oo) +an)i)ate,9
.ill% hoppe) in&i)e* an) the SC= /e"an to 3oe,
9'e &houl) hae ta(en 3% +ar*9 = hi&&e), 9Then we +oul) hae $ollowe) the3,9
9There2& no ti3e $or a trail, The S+ri/e =ir"in2& &howin" up at 3i)ni"ht, 'e )o thi&
now, 5ere,9
'rath leape) in $ront o$ the 5u33er* plantin" hi& han)& on the hoo) an) pu&hin" the
SC= to a &top, 5e "lare) throu"h the $ront win)&hiel) while =i&hou& approa+he)
$ro3 the lateral* &i)lin" up to the )rier2& )oor,
'rath &3ile) a& the en"ine wa& put in par(, 6n&i)e* he +oul) )ete+t /oth $ear an)
anti+ipation, 5e (new whi+h one wa& .ill% ?i))le2&, The "u% wa& e)"%, The lesser*
on the other han)* wa& rea)% to $i"ht,
.ut there wa& &o3ethin" el&e, So3ethin" that )i)n2t $eel Kuite ri"ht,
'rath Kui+(l% "lan+e) aroun), 9'at+h %our&el$* =,9
The roar o$ a +ar en"ine /ro(e throu"h the ni"ht* an) the whole lot o$ the3 "ot /la&te)
with hea)li"ht&,
1 non)e&+ript 13eri+an &e)an heae) to a &top* an) two 3en 7u3pe) out with "un&
)rawn,
9State poli+e, Aut %our han)& up, Eou in the +ar, 0et out,9
'rath wat+he) the )rier2&-&i)e )oor, 'hat e3er"e) wa& /i" an) inten&e, 1n) un)er
the &+ent o$ /a/% pow)er* the lesser &tan( o$ eil,
1& the &o+iet% 3e3/er li$te) hi& han)&* it &tare) at the in&i"nia on 'rath2& 7a+(et, 9-%
0o), 6 thou"ht %ou were a 3%th, The .lin) Jin",9
'rath /are) hi& $an"&, 9#othin" %ou2e hear) a/out 3e i& a 3%th,9
The lessers e%e& $la&he), 9623 po&itiel% in&pire),9
91n) 623 heart/ro(en that we "otta &plit now, .ut we2ll /e &eein" %ou an) that new
re+ruit a"ain, Soon,9
'rath no))e) to =i&hou&* &wept +lean the 3e3orie& o$ the hu3an&* an)
)e3aterialize),
-r, O wa& in awe,
The .lin) Jin" lie),
There ha) /een &torie& +ir+ulatin" $or +enturie& a/out hi3* le"en)& reall%* /ut there
ha)n2t /een a +on$ir3e) &i"htin" &in+e -r, O ha) 7oine) the &o+iet%, 6n $a+t* ru3or&
ha) een a/oun)e) that the re"al warrior ha) )ie)* extrapolation& /a&e) pri3aril% on
the )i&inte"ration o$ a3pire &o+iet%,
.ut no* the (in" wa& alie,
7ood 7od, #ow that woul) /e a prize to la% at the O3e"a2& altar,
96 tol) %ou he wa& +o3in"*9 .ill% wa& &a%in" to the &tatie&, 95e2& 3% 3artial-art&
tea+her, 'h% )i) %ou pull u& oer49
The o$$i+er& hol&tere) their "un&* $o+u&in" on -r, O,
9-a% 6 &ee &o3e i)enti$i+ation* &ir49 one o$ the3 a&(e),
-r, O &3ile) an) han)e) oer hi& )rier2& li+en&e, 9.ill% an) 6 are 7u&t "oin" out $or
)inner, -a%/e a 3oie,9
The 3an &tu)ie) the pi+ture an) then hi& $a+e, 9-r, Oaier* here2& %our li+en&e /a+(,
Sorr% $or the in+onenien+e,9
9#ot a pro/le3* O$$i+er,9
-r, O an) .ill% "ot /a+( into the 5u33er,
?i))le +ur&e), 9The%2re &u+h i)iot&, 'h% )i) the% &top u&49
Because we got 0umped "y two *ampires* -r, O thou"ht, You 0ust dont remem"er it$
and neither do those two guys with the "adges,
Tri+(% 3in) "a3e&, Tri+(%* tri+(%,
9'hat are the &tate poli+e )oin" here49 -r, O a&(e) a& he put the SC= in "ear,
9-% )a) "ot another terrori&t threat* an) he2& )e+i)e) to leae :,C, $or a little while,
5e2& +o3in" ho3e toni"ht* an) the%2ll /e +rawlin" all oer the pla+e until he "oe&
/a+( to the +apital,9
9:i) %ou tal( with %our $ather49
9Eeah, 5e a+tuall% &ee3e) reliee),9
9623 &ure he i&,9
.ill% rea+he) into hi& )u$$el /a", 96 "ot what %ou &ai) 6 nee)e),9
5e hel) up a wi)e-ne+(e) +era3i+ 7ar with a li),
9That2& "oo)* .ill%, Aer$e+t &ize,9
9'hat2& "oin" in it49
-r, O &3ile), 9Eou2ll $in) out, 1re %ou hun"r%49
9#aw, Too pu3pe) $or $oo),9 .ill% +lappe) hi& pal3& to"ether an) &Kueeze)* $lexin"
hi& 3u&+le&, 9>u&t &o %ou (now* 6 )on2t +ra+( ea&%, 'hateer "oe& )own toni"ht* 62ll
&ta% ti"ht,9
Well 0ust see a"out that* -r, O thou"ht a& he hea)e) $or hi& hou&e, The% were "oin"
to )o the +ere3on% in the /arn* an) the torture ta/le wa& "oin" to /e a /i" help, 5e
+oul) tie .ill% )own ea&ier that wa%,
1& the +it% )i&&ole) an) the $ar3 +ountr% ea&e) up aroun) the roa)* -r, O $oun)
hi3&el$ &3ilin",
The .lin) Jin",
6n Cal)well,
-r, O "lan+e) oer at ?i))le,
6n Cal)well an) loo(in" $or .ill%,
#ow wh% woul) that /e4
Chapter !orty'five
.eth wa& /a+( in The :re&&, 1n) loin" it, 96 )on2t hae &hoe&*9 &he &ai),
'ell&ie too( another hairpin out o$ her 3outh an) &li) it into .eth2& +hi"non,
9Eou2re not &uppo&e) to /e wearin" an%, O(a%* let 3e &ee how %ou loo(,9 'ell&ie
&3ile) a& .eth )an+e) aroun) her $ather2& /e)roo3* re) &atin &(irtin" $larin" li(e $ire
aroun) her,
9623 "oin" to +r%,9 'ell&ie +oere) her 3outh with her han), 96 (now it, 1& &oon a&
he &ee& %ou* 623 "oin" to &tart +r%in", Eou2re 7u&t too /eauti$ul* an) thi& i& the $ir&t
happ% thin" &in+e8 6 )on2t (now when,9
.eth &toppe)* the "own $lutterin" to re&t, 9Than( %ou, For eer%thin",9
'ell&ie &hoo( her hea), 9:on2t /e ni+e to 3e* or 62ll &tart with the tear& ri"ht now,9
96 3ean it, 6 $eel li(e8 6 )on2t (now* 623 3arr%in" into a $a3il%, 1n) 62e neer reall%
ha) one /e$ore,9
'ell&ie2& no&e re))ene), 9'e are %our $a3il%, Eou2re one o$ u&, #ow &top it* will
%ou4 .e$ore %ou "et 3e "oin",9
So3eone poun)e) on the )oor,
96& eer%thin" o(a% in there49 +a3e a 3ale oi+e $ro3 the other &i)e,
'ell&ie went oer an) put her hea) out* (eepin" the )oor 3o&tl% &hut, 9Ee&* Tohr,
1re the /rother& all line) up49
9'hat the;5ae %ou /een +r%in"49 Tohr3ent )e3an)e), 91re %ou all ri"ht4 :ear
0o)* i& it the /a/%49
9Tohr* relax, 623 a $e3ale* 6 +r% at 3atin"&, 6t2& in the 7o/ )e&+ription,9
There wa& the &oun) o$ a (i&&,
96 7u&t )on2t want an%thin" to up&et %ou* leelan,9
2Then tell 3e the /rother& are rea)%,9
9'e are,9
90oo), 62ll /rin" her out,9
9Leelan 5 9
9'hat49
There were low wor)& &po(en in their /eauti$ul lan"ua"e,
9Ee&* Tohr*9 'ell&ie whi&pere), 91n) a$ter two hun)re) %ear&* 62) 3ate %ou a"ain, 6n
&pite o$ the $a+t that %ou &nore an) %ou leae %our weapon& all oer our /e)roo3,9
The )oor &hut* an) 'ell&ie turne) aroun), 9The%2re rea)% $or %ou, Shall we49
.eth tu""e) at the /o)i+e, <oo(e) )own at her ru/% rin", 96 neer thou"ht 62) )o thi&,9
9<i$e i& $ull o$ won)er$ul &urpri&e&* i&n2t it49
96t +ertainl% i&,9
The% wal(e) out o$ her $ather2& /e)roo3 an) into 'rath2& +ha3/er,
1ll the $urniture ha) /een e3ptie) out* an) where the /e) ha) /een* 'rath2& /rother&
were line) up a"ain&t the wall, The% were a 3a"ni$i+ent &i"ht* wearin" i)enti+al /la+(
&atin 7a+(et& an) loo&e pant& with 7ewele) )a""er& han"in" on their hip&,
There wa& a +olle+tie inhale a& the a&&e3/l% noti+e) her, The /rother& &hi$te)*
loo(e) )own, <oo(e) /a+( at her, .a&h$ul &3ile& a+tuall% /ro(e out a+ro&& tho&e
har&h $a+e&,
'ell* ex+ept $or F&a)i&t2&, 5e "lan+e) at her on+e an) then 7u&t &tare) at the $loor,
.ut+h* -ari&&a* an) Fritz &too) to one &i)e, She "ae the3 a little wae, Fritz too( out
a han)(er+hie$,
1n) there wa& &o3eone el&e in the roo3,
1 tin% per&on )rape) in /la+( $ro3 hea) to toe, !en the $a+e wa& +oere),
.eth $rowne), Cn)er the $ol)& o$ /la+(* there wa& a pool o$ li"ht on the $loor, 1& i$
the $i"ure were "lowin",
.ut where wa& 'rath4
'ell&ie le) her oer until &he wa& &tan)in" in $ront o$ the 3en, The one with the
"or"eou& hair* Ahur%* &teppe) $orwar),
.eth "lan+e) )own* tr%in" to +olle+t her&el$* an) noti+e) that he ha) a pro&the&i&
where one $oot &houl) hae /een,
She loo(e) up into hi& %ellow e%e&* not wantin" to &tare, 'hen he &3ile)* &he $oun)
her&el$ +al3in" a little,
5i& oi+e wa& ri+h* hi& wor)& eenl% &po(en, 9'e2re "oin" to )o a& 3u+h o$ thi& in
!n"li&h a& we +an* &o %ou2ll un)er&tan), 1re %ou rea)% to &tart49
She no))e),
9-% lor)* +o3e $orwar)*9 he +alle) out,
.eth loo(e) oer her &houl)er,
'rath 3aterialize) in the hall )oorwa%* an) &he put her han) to her 3outh, 5e wa&
re&plen)ent* wearin" a &a&he) /la+( ro/e that wa& e3/roi)ere) with )ar( threa), 1
lon"* "ol)-han)le) )a""er hun" at hi& &i)e* an) there wa& a +ir+le o$ ru/ie& &et in
&o3e (in) o$ 3atte-$ini&he) 3etal on hi& hea),
1& he &tro)e $orwar)* 3oin" with the "ra+e &he loe)* hi& hair $lare) in wae& that
$ell pa&t hi& thi+( &houl)er&,
5e loo(e) at no one /ut her,
'hen he wa& &tan)in" /e$ore her* he whi&pere)* 9Eou ta(e 3% /reath awa%,9
She &tarte) to +r%,
'rath2& $a+e wa& worrie) a& he rea+he) out, 9Leelan* what2& the 3atter49
.eth &hoo( her hea) an) $elt 'ell&ie tu+( a Jleenex into her han),
9She2& $ine*9 the wo3an &ai), 9Tru&t 3e* &he2& $ine, 1ren2t %ou49
.eth no))e) an) /lotte) un)er her e%e&, 9Ee&,9
'rath tou+he) her +hee(, 9'e +an &top thi&,9
9#o@9 &he &hot /a+(, 96 loe %ou* an) we2re "oin" to "et 3arrie), ?i"ht now,9
So3e o$ the /rother& lau"he) &o$tl%, 90ue&& we2re &trai"ht on that*9 one o$ the3 &ai)
with re&pe+t in hi& oi+e,
'hen &he wa& un)er +ontrol a"ain* 'rath loo(e) oer at Ahur% an) no))e),
9'e2re "oin" to 3a(e the pre&entation to the S+ri/e =ir"in $ir&t*9 the /rother &ai),
'rath too( her han) an) le) her oer to the ro/e) $i"ure,
9S+ri/e =ir"in* thi& i& !liza/eth* )au"hter o$ the .la+( :a""er warrior :ariu&*
"ran))au"hter o$ the princeps -ar(lon* "reat-"ran))au"hter o$ the princeps
5oru&3an89
The li&t went on $or a while, 'hen 'rath $ell &ilent* .eth i3pul&iel% rea+he) out to
the $i"ure* o$$erin" her han),
There wa& a &hout o$ alar3 an) 'rath "ra//e) her ar3* haulin" her /a+(, Seeral o$
the /rother& leape) $orwar),
9That2& 3% $ault*9 'rath &ai)* &pla%in" hi& ar3& out a& i$ to prote+t her, 96 )i)n2t
a)eKuatel% prepare her, She 3eant no o$$en&e,9
1 lau"h;low* war3* an) $e3inine;+a3e out o$ the ro/e&, 9Fear not* warrior, She2&
$ine, Co3e here* $e3ale,9
'rath 3oe) a&i)e* /ut &ta%e) +lo&e,
.eth approa+he) the $i"ure* worrie) a/out eer% 3oe &he 3a)e, She +oul) $eel
her&el$ /ein" &ure%e),
2Thi& 3ale a&(& that %ou a++ept hi3 a& %our hellren* +hil), 'oul) %ou hae hi3 a&
%our own i$ he i& worth%49
9Oh* %e&,9 .eth loo(e) at 'rath, 5e wa& &till ten&e, 9Ee&* 6 will,9
The $i"ure no))e), 9'arrior* thi& $e3ale will +on&i)er %ou, 'ill %ou proe %our&el$
$or her49
96 will,9 'rath2& )eep oi+e +arrie) throu"hout the roo3,
9'ill %ou &a+ri$i+e %our&el$ $or her49
96 will,9
9'ill %ou )e$en) her a"ain&t tho&e who woul) &ee( to har3 her49
96 will,9
90ie 3e %our han)* +hil),9
.eth rea+he) out tentatiel%,
9Aal3 up*9 'rath whi&pere),
She $lippe) her wri&t, The $ol)& 3oe) an) +oere) her han), She $elt an o)) tin"lin"*
li(e a low-leel ele+tri+al +har"e,
9'arrior,9
'rath put hi& han) out* an) it too wa& o/&+ure) /% the /la+( ro/e,
Su))enl%* war3th &urroun)e) her* enelope) her, She loo(e) at 'rath, 5e wa&
&3ilin" /a+( at her,
91h*9 the $i"ure &ai), 9Thi& i& a "oo) 3atin", 1 er% "oo) 3atin",9
Their han)& were )roppe)* an) then 'rath ha) hi& ar3& aroun) her an) wa& (i&&in"
her,
Aeople &tarte) to +lap, So3eone /lew a no&e,
.eth hel) on to her new hu&/an) a& har) a& &he +oul), 6t wa& )one, 6t wa& real, The%
were;
91l3o&t $ini&he)* leelan,9
'rath &teppe) /a+(* pullin" the &a&h on hi& ro/e $ree, 5e too( the "ar3ent o$$*
reealin" hi& /are +he&t,
'ell&ie +a3e up an) too( .eth2& han), 96t2& "oin" to /e o(a%, >u&t /reathe with 3e,9
.eth "lan+e) aroun) nerou&l% a& 'rath (nelt /e$ore hi& /rother& an) )roppe) hi&
hea), Fritz /rou"ht oer a &3all ta/le with the +r%&tal /owl $ull o$ &alt* a pit+her o$
water* an) a &3all la+Kuer /ox on it,
Ahur% &too) oer 'rath, 9-% lor)* what i& the na3e o$ %our shellan49
9She i& +alle) !liza/eth,9
'ith a ra&pin" &oun)* Ahur% un&heathe) hi& /la+( )a""er,
1n) /ent )own oer 'rath2& /are /a+(,
.eth "a&pe) an) lun"e) $orwar) a& the /la)e )e&+en)e), 9#o;9
'ell&ie hel) her in pla+e, 9Sta% here,9
9'hat i& he;9
9Eou2re 3atin" a warrior*9 'ell&ie whi&pere) $ier+el%, 9<et hi3 hae hi& honor in
$ront o$ hi& /rother&,9
9#o@9
9<i&ten to 3e;'rath i& "iin" hi& /o)%* hi3&el$* to %ou, 1ll o$ it i& %our& now,
That2& the purpo&e o$ the +ere3on%,9
Ahur% &teppe) /a+(* an) .eth +au"ht a tri+(le o$ /loo) runnin" )own 'rath2& &i)e,
=i&hou& +a3e $orwar), 9'hat i& the na3e o$ %our shel,lan49
9She i& +alle) !liza/eth,9
1& the /rother leane) )own* .eth &hut her e%e& an) &Kueeze) 'ell&ie2& han) har),
95e )oe&n2t nee) to )o thi& to proe hi3&el$ to 3e,9
9:o %ou loe hi349 'ell&ie )e3an)e),
9Ee&,9
9Then %ou 3u&t a++ept hi& wa%&,9
F&a)i&t &teppe) $orwar) next,
9!a&%* F*9 Ahur% &ai) &o$tl%* &ta%in" +lo&e /e&i)e hi& twin,
#h$ 7od$ not more%
The /rother& +a3e $orwar) a"ain an) a"ain* a&(in" hi3 the Kue&tion, 'hen the% were
$ini&he)* Ahur% too( the pit+her o$ water an) poure) it into the /owl o$ &alt, Then he
)u3pe) the thi+(* /rin% liKui) on 'rath2& /a+(,
.eth weae) on her $eet a& &he wat+he) hi& 3u&+le& &pa&3, She +oul)n2t i3a"ine the
a"on%* /ut ex+ept $or /earin" )own onto the $loor* 'rath )i)n2t +r% out, 1& he
en)ure) the pain* hi& /rother& "rowle) their approal,
Ahur% /ent )own an) opene) the la+Kuer /ox* ta(in" out a pri&tine white +loth, 5e
)rie) the woun)&* then rolle) the 3aterial up an) put it /a+( in&i)e,
9?i&e* 3% lor)*9 he &ai),
'rath &too), 1+ro&& hi& &houl)er&* in an ar+h o$ Ol) !n"li&h letter&* wa& her na3e in
hi& &(in,
Ahur% pre&ente) 'rath with the /ox, 9Ta(e thi& to %our shellan a& a &%3/ol o$ %our
&tren"th* &o &he will (now that %ou are worth% o$ her an) that %our /o)%* %our heart*
an) %our &oul are now her& to +o33an),9
'rath turne) aroun), 1& he +a3e towar) her* &he anxiou&l% &+anne) hi& $a+e, 5e wa&
$ine, .etter than $ine, 5e wa& po&itiel% "lowin" with loe,
:roppin" to hi& (nee& /e$ore her* he /owe) hi& hea) an) hel) up the /ox,
9'ill %ou ta(e 3e a& %our own49 he a&(e)* loo(in" at her oer the top o$ the
&un"la&&e&, 5i& pale* /lin) e%e& were &par(lin",
5er han)& &hoo( a& &he a++epte) the /ox $ro3 hi3, 9Ee&, 6 will,9
'rath ro&e* an) &he threw her ar3& aroun) hi3* +are$ul not to rea+h too $ar up hi&
/a+(,
1 +hant /e"an with the /rother&* a low /eat o$ wor)& &he )i)n2t un)er&tan),
91re %ou o(a%49 he &ai) into her ear,
She no))e)* won)erin" wh% +oul)n2t &he hae /een na3e) -ar%, Or Sue,
.ut no* &he ha) to /e nine-letter !liza/eth,
9Can we not )o that a"ain49 &he a&(e)* /ur%in" her hea) into hi& &houl)er,
'rath lau"he) &o$tl%, 9Eou2) /etter /ra+e %our&el$ i$ we hae +hil)ren,9
The +hantin" "rew lou)er* )eep 3ale oi+e& pu3pin",
She loo(e) to the /rother&* the tall* $ier+e 3en who were now a part o$ her li$e, 'rath
piote) an) put hi& ar3 aroun) her, To"ether* the% &wa%e) to the rh%th3 that &welle)*
$illin" the air, The /rother& were a& one a& the% pai) ho3a"e in their lan"ua"e* a
&in"le power$ul entit%,
.ut then* in a hi"h* (eenin" +all* one oi+e /ro(e out* li$tin" a/oe the other&*
&hootin" hi"her an) hi"her, The &oun) o$ the tenor wa& &o +lear* &o pure* it /rou"ht
&hier& to the &(in* a %earnin" war3th to the +he&t, The &weet note& /lew the +eilin"
o$$ with their "lor%* turnin" the +ha3/er into a +athe)ral* the /rother& into a
ta/erna+le,
.rin"in" the er% heaen& +lo&e enou"h to tou+h,
6t wa& F&a)i&t,
5i& e%e& +lo&e)* hi& hea) /a+(* hi& 3outh wi)e open* he &an",
The &+arre) one* the &oulle&& one* ha) the oi+e o$ an an"el,
Chapter !orty'si#
:urin" the we))in" )inner* .ut+h went ea&% on the al+ohol, 6t wa&n2t har), 5e wa&
too /u&% en7o%in" -ari&&a2& +o3pan%,
1& well a& wat+hin" .eth with her new hu&/an), 0o)* &he wa& &o happ%, 1n) that
3ean-a&&-loo(in" a3pire &he2) &i"ne) on $or wa& 7u&t the &a3e, 5e woul)n2t let "o
o$ her* +oul)n2t &top &tarin" at her, 1ll ni"ht lon"* he2) ha) her &ittin" on hi& lap at the
ta/le* $ee)in" her $ro3 hi& han) while he &tro(e) her ne+(,
1& the part% woun) )own* -ari&&a &too) up $ro3 her +hair, 96 hae to "o /a+( to 3%
/rother2&, 5e2& expe+tin" 3e $or )inner* a+tuall%,9
So that wa& wh% &he ha)n2t eaten an%thin",
.ut+h $rowne)* not wantin" her to "o, 9'hen will %ou /e /a+(49
9To3orrow ni"ht49
:a3n* that wa& $oreer,
5e put hi& nap(in )own, 9'ell* 62ll /e here, 'aitin" $or %ou,9
'ee/$ talk a"out whipped* he thou"ht,
-ari&&a &ai) her "oo)-/%e&* an) then )i&appeare),
.ut+h rea+he) $or hi& wine"la&& an) trie) to preten) hi& han) wa&n2t &ha(in", The
whole /loo)I$an" thin" he +oul) al3o&t han)le, The poo$in" &tu$$ wa& "oin" to ta(e
&o3e ti3e,
Ten 3inute& later* he realize) he wa& &ittin" at the ta/le alone,
5e ha) no intere&t in "oin" ho3e, 6n the &pa+e o$ a )a%* he2) 3ana"e) to &hele hi&
real li$e* 7u&t pu&h it into a +orner o$ hi& 3in), 1n) li(e a "a)"et that ha) /een /ro(en*
he ha) no intere&t in pullin" it /a+( out* exa3inin" it* u&in" it a"ain,
5e loo(e) aroun) at all the +hair& an) thou"ht o$ the people;er* a3pire&;who2)
$ille) the3,
5e wa& an out&i)er in their worl), 1n interloper,
1lthou"h it wa&n2t li(e /ein" the o)) 3an out wa& a new one $or hi3, The other +op&
ha) /een "oo) "u%&* /ut he2) neer /een 3ore than wor(-ti"ht with the3* een >o&e,
5e2) neer "one oer to the )e la Cruze&2 $or )inner or an%thin",
1& he &tare) at the e3pt% plate& an) the hal$-$ull wine"la&&e&* he realize) he ha)
nowhere to "o, #owhere he wante) to /e, The i&olation ha) neer /othere) hi3
/e$ore, 1+tuall%* it ha) 3a)e hi3 $eel &a$er &o3ehow, So it wa& (in) o$ $unn% that
/ein" on hi& own )i)n2t &ee3 li(e &u+h a "reat thin" now,
9Eo* +op, 'e2re hea)in" $or S+rea3er2&, Eou wanna +o3e49
.ut+h loo(e) up at the )oorwa%, =i&hou& wa& in the hall with ?ha"e an) Ahur%
/ehin) hi3, The a3pire& ha) expe+tant loo(& on their $a+e&* li(e the% hone&tl%
wante) to han" with hi3,
.ut+h $oun) hi3&el$ "rinnin" li(e the new (i) who )i)n2t hae to &it alone at lun+h
a$ter all,
9Eeah* 6 +oul) )o with a /ar +rawl,9
1& he &too) up* he won)ere) i$ he &houl) "et +a&ual, The /rother& ha) +han"e) into
leather&* /ut he wa& loath to let the &uit "o, 5e loe) the thin",
!crew it, 5e li(e) the threa)&L he wa& "oin" to wear the threa)&, !en i$ the% weren2t
reall% hi3,
.ut+h /uttone) the 7a+(et* &3oothin" it )own oer hi& +he&t, 5e +he+(e) to 3a(e &ure
the han)(er+hie$ wa& &till in a per$e+t $ol),
9Co3e on* +op* %ou2re $a/ulou&*9 ?ha"e &ai) with a /urnin" &3ile, 91n) 623 it+hin"
$or &o3e +o3pan%* (now what 6 3ean49
Eeah* he +oul) "ue&&,
.ut+h +a3e aroun) the ta/le, 92Cept 6 "otta warn %ou /o%&, So3e $ol(& 6 &ent up the
rier* the% han" at S+rea3er2&, -i"ht "et u"l%,9
?ha"e +lappe) ru3 on the /a+(, 9'h% )o %ou thin( we want %ou to +o3e49
95ell* %eah,9 = "rinne) an) pulle) hi& Sox +ap )own low, 9.ar $i"ht2& a per$e+t +ha&er
to &o3e 0re% 0oo&e,9
.ut+h rolle) hi& e%e& an) then loo(e) at Ahur% &eriou&l%, 9'here2& %our /o%49
Ahur% &ti$$ene), 9F2& not +o3in",9
7ood, .ut+h ha) no pro/le3 "oin" out with the other&, 5e wa& &ure that i$ the% were
"oin" to (ill hi3* he2) /e in the "roun) /% now, .ut that F&a)i&t "u%8 %ou ha) to
won)er when he wa& "oin" to lo&e it, 1n) what he wa& "oin" to ta(e out with hi3
when he )i),
.ut 3an* he +oul) &in",
1& the% hea)e) to the $ront )oor* .ut+h 3ur3ure)* 95ellua &et o$ pipe& on that SO.,
So3e &eriou& /eauti$ul,9
The /rother& no))e)* an) ?ha"e &lippe) a 3eat% ar3 aroun) Ahur%2& &houl)er&,
Ahur%2& hea) )ippe) )own low $or a 3o3ent* a& i$ he were +arr%in" &o3ethin" hea%
an) wa& )e&perate to "ie hi& /a+( a re&t,
The% went out&i)e* hea)in" towar) a /la+( !&+ala)e !S=, 6t& li"ht& $la&he) when the
&e+urit% &%&te3 wa& )i&ar3e),
9Oh* )a3n, 6 $or"ot,9 .ut+h pulle) up &hort, The a3pire& &toppe) an) loo(e) at hi3,
9Shot"un@9
1& he /olte) aroun) the +ar* Ahur% an) ?ha"e &nappe) into "ear while +ur&in" hi3 to
hell an) /a+(, On the other &i)e* he "ot an ar"u3ent* /ut hi& han) wa& on the )oor*
an) he wa&n2t /u)"in",
95u3an& ri)e in the /a+(@9
9On the hoo)@9
9<i&ten* /loo)&u+(er&* 6 +alle) it;9
9=* 623 "oin" to /ite hi3@9
=i&hou&2& lau"hter +ut throu"h the thi+( ni"ht air a& he &li) /ehin) the &teerin" wheel,
5i& $ir&t 3oe wa& to +ran( the &tereo &o lou)* the entire SC= pul&e),
#otoriou& .602& 95%pnotize,9
1n) the% +oul) hear .i""ie in -ontreal* .ut+h thou"ht a& he +li3/e) in,
9:a3n* 3% /rother*9 ?ha"e &ai)* "ettin" into the /a+(, 9Thi& a new &%&te349
9'or&hip 3e* "entle3en,9 = lit a han)-rolle), Flippe) the "ol) li"hter &hut, 91n) 6
3i"ht let %ou pla% with the /utton&,9
9That2) al3o&t /e worth the a&&-(i&&in",9
The hea)li"ht& +a3e on,
1n) F&a)i&t wal(e) into the /ea3&,
Ahur% i33e)iatel% opene) hi& )oor an) 3a)e roo3, 9Eou "onna /oun+e with u&*
a$ter all49
F&a)i&t "ae .ut+h a na&t% &tare a& he &li) into the /a+(* /ut .ut+h )i)n2t ta(e it
per&onall%, The a3pire )i)n2t loo( happ% to &ee an% o$ the other&* either,
= threw the3 into reer&e an) "unne) it,
The +oner&ation (ept up in &pite o$ the 3u&i+* /ut the at3o&phere ha) +han"e),
'hi+h 3a)e &en&e* +on&i)erin" there wa& now a lie "rena)e in the +ar,
.ut+h "lan+e) /a+( at F&a)i&t, .la+( e%e& "littere) in return, The &3ile on the
a3pire2& $a+e wa& "ree)% $or &in an) rea)% $or eil,
5aer& lowere) hi& $or( a& -ari&&a entere) the )inin" roo3, 5e2) /een worrie) when
&he wa& not at the ta/le* /ut a$rai) to +he+( her roo3&, 6n hi& +urrent $ra3e o$ 3in)*
he woul)n2t hae han)le) her /ein" "one at all well,
9For"ie 3% tar)ine&&*9 &he &ai)* (i&&in" hi3 on the +hee(, She &ettle) into her +hair
li(e a /ir)* arran"in" her&el$ an) her )re&& with "ra+e, 9623 hopin" we +an tal(,9
'hat wa& that &3ell on her4 he won)ere),
9Thi& la3/ loo(& won)er$ul*9 &he 3ur3ure) a& Jarol%n /rou"ht in another plate o$
$oo),
1$ter&hae* he thou"ht, 5i& &i&ter &3elle) li(e a$ter&hae, She ha) /een with a 3ale,
9'here )i) %ou &pen) the eenin"49 he a&(e),
She he&itate), 9:ariu&2&,9
5e lai) hi& nap(in on the ta/le an) "ot to hi& $eet, 5i& ra"e wa& &o +o3plete* it
ren)ere) hi3 +uriou&l% nu3/,
95aer&* wh% are %ou leain"49
91& %ou +an &ee* 6 a3 $ini&he) eatin", 6 /i) %ou "oo) re&t* &i&ter,9
She "ra//e) hi& han), 9'on2t %ou &ta%49
96 hae &o3ethin" to ta(e +are o$,9
9Surel% it +an wait,9 5er e%e& i3plore) hi3,
9#o* no lon"er,9
5aer& went into the $ront hall* ta(in" pri)e in how +al3 he wa&, Shorin" up hi&
nere* he )e3aterialize),
1& he too( &hape a"ain* he &hu))ere),
Aart& o$ )owntown were $oul, Trul% $oul,
The alle% he2) +ho&en wa& ri"ht next to one o$ the +lu/&* S+rea3er2&, 5e2) hear) $ro3
&o3e o$ the +iilian a3pire& who3 he ha) treate) that the /rother& $reKuente) the
pla+e, 1& he +on&i)ere) the hu3an +row) waitin" to "et in* he +oul) &ee wh%, The%
were an a""re&&ie her)* ree(in" o$ lu&t, :eprait%,
Cp to the /rother&2 low &tan)ar)& $or +o3panion&hip* no )ou/t,
5aer& &tarte) to lean /a+( a"ain&t the /uil)in"* /ut thou"ht /etter o$ it, The /ri+(&
were $ilth% an) )rippin" with &o3e (in) o$ +on)en&ation, 5e +oul) well i3a"ine what
(in) o$ +ulture 3i"ht /e runnin" on the &li3e,
5e loo(e) up an) )own the alle%, Sooner or later* he woul) $in) what he wa& loo(in"
$or,
Or it woul) $in) hi3,
-r, O lo+(e) hi& $ront )oor an) &teppe) out into the ni"ht, 5e wa& plea&e) with the
wa% the +ere3on% ha) "one, .ill% ha) /een &ho+(e) a& hell* to &a% the lea&t* /ut he2)
pre&&e) throu"h the initiation, !&pe+iall% when he2) learne) it wa& either that or he
wa& "oin" to /e (ille) on the ta/le,
0o)* the expre&&ion on .ill%2& $a+e when he2) &een the O3e"a ha) /een pri+ele&&,
#o/o)% expe+te) eil to loo( li(e that* an) %ou +oul) al3o&t /e $oole), 'ell* at lea&t
until the O3e"a2& "aze $ell upon %ou, Then %ou "ot a ta&te o$ %our own )eath,
1 little &ip with the pro3i&e o$ a whole &ix-pa+(,
'hen it wa& oer* -r, O ha) +arrie) .ill% to the hou&e* an) ?i))le wa& re&tin" in the
"ue&t roo3, Jin) o$, 5e wa& throwin" up ri"ht now* an) that woul) la&t $or the next
+ouple o$ hour&* while the O3e"a2& /loo) &u/7u"ate) what ha) /een pu3pin" in
.ill%2& ein& $or hi& ei"hteen %ear& o$ li$e, ?i))le al&o ha) a +he&t woun), The raw
"a&h ran $ro3 hi& throat )own to hi& &ternu3* the &(in hain" /een &ol)ere) &hut /%
the O3e"a2& $in"ertip, That wa& "oin" to hurt li(e hell* at lea&t until the 3ornin", .%
ni"ht$all to3orrow* howeer* he2) /e &tron" enou"h to "o out,
-r, O "ot in the 5u33er an) hea)e) &outh, 5e2) tol) one o$ the pri3e &Kua)ron& to
+oer the )owntown area* an) he wante) to wat+h the3 in a+tion, 5e hate) to a)3it
it* /ut perhap& -r, O ha) a point a/out 3otiation, .e&i)e&* he nee)e) to &ee how the
"roup $un+tione) in a /attle &ituation, 'ith -r, -2& )e3i&e* he wa& to%in" with
lettin" ?i))le $ill out the ran(&* eentuall%* /ut he wante) a &en&e o$ the &Kua)ron2&
+urrent )%na3i+& /e$ore he 3a)e an% )e+i&ion&,
.ill% al&o nee)e) to /e a&&e&&e), 5ain" traine) hi3 in the 3artial art&* -r, O wa&
+on$i)ent in ?i))le2& $i"htin" &(ill&, 5e 7u&t wa&n2t &ure how the "u% woul) rea+t to
hi& $ir&t (ill, -r, O &u&pe+te) it woul) /e with ex+ite3ent* /ut %ou neer (new, 5e
+ertainl% hope) ?i))le woul) 3a(e hi3 prou),
-r, O &3ile)* a3en)in" hi3&el$,
5e hope) -r, ? woul) 3a(e hi3 prou),
5aer& wa& "ettin" ant&%, The ni"ht-)wellin" hu3an& pre&ente) no threat to hi3* /ut
he +oul)n2t &to3a+h their i+e&, 6n the /a+( o$ the alle%* two were ne+(in"* or perhap&
"oin" een $urther* an) one wa& &3o(in" +ra+(, .etween the "runtin" an) the
&i+(enin" &3ell* 5aer& wa& )%in" to "et ho3e,
9'ell* aren2t %ou the $an+% one,9
5aer& &hran( /a+(, The hu3an $e3ale in $ront o$ hi3 wa& )re&&e) $or &ex* a narrow
&pan)ex &trip +oerin" her /rea&t&* her &(irt &o hi"h it /arel% +oere) her +rot+h,
1 wal(in" a)erti&e3ent $or penile i3plantation, 5i& &(in +rawle),
9Eou loo(in" $or a )ate49 &he a&(e)* runnin" a han) oer her &to3a+h* an) then
throu"h her "rea&% &hort hair,
9#o* than( %ou,9 5e wal(e) /a+(war)* "oin" )eeper into the alle%, 9Than( %ou er%
3u+h, #o,9
91n) a "entle3an* too,9
0oo) lor)* &he wa& "oin" to tou+h hi3,
5e put hi& han)& up, Jept 3oin" awa%, The $arther he "ot )own the alle%* the lou)er
the 3u&i+ /e+a3e* a& i$ he were "ettin" +lo&e to a /a+( )oor,
9Alea&e leae 3e*9 he &ai) a& &o3e "o)-aw$ul* o/&+enit%-la)en &on" $lare),
Su))enl%* the wo3an pale) an) too( o$$ a& i$ &he were runnin" $ro3 a +ri3e &+ene,
9'hat the hell are %ou )oin" here49 The 3ale oi+e /ehin) hi3 wa& a )ar(* na&t%
one,
5aer& turne) aroun) &lowl%, 5i& heart &tarte) to poun), 9F&a)i&t,9
Chapter !orty'seven
'rath ha) no intere&t in whoeer wa& poun)in" on the )oor o$ hi& +ha3/er, 5e ha)
hi& ar3 wrappe) aroun) hi& shel,lans wai&t an) hi& hea) tu+(e) into her ne+(, 5e
wa& "oin" nowhere unle&& &o3eone wa& hal$-)ea),
9:a3n it,9 5e &hot out o$ /e)* "ra//e) hi& &un"la&&e&* an) &tal(e) na(e) a+ro&& the
roo3,
9'rath* )on2t hurt the3*9 .eth &ai) with a3u&e3ent, 96$ the%2re /otherin" %ou
toni"ht* the% pro/a/l% hae a "oo) rea&on,9
5e too( a )eep /reath /e$ore throwin" open the )oor, 9Eou2) /etter /e /lee)in";9
5e $rowne), 9Tohr,9
9'e hae a pro/le3* 3% lor),9
'rath +ur&e) an) no))e)* /ut )i)n2t inite the /rother in, .eth wa& na(e) in that /e),
5e pointe) a+ro&& the hall, 9'ait there,9
'rath threw on &o3e /oxer&* (i&&e) .eth* an) lo+(e) hi& +ha3/er, Then he went into
:ariu&2& roo3,
9'hat2& up* /rother49 5e wa&n2t happ% a/out the interruption* or that &o3e t%pe o$
&hit ha) win"& an) wa& air/orne, .ut it wa& "oo) that Tohr ha) +o3e, -a%/e thin"&
were thawin" /etween the3,
Tohr leane) /a+( a"ain&t :2& )e&(, 96 went to S+rea3er2& to 3eet the /rother&, 6 "ot
there late,9
9So %ou 3i&&e) ?ha"e wor(in" out &o3e +hi+( in a )ar( +orner4 Ait%,9
96 &aw 5aer& in an alle%,9
'rath $rowne), 'hat wa& the "oo) )o+tor )oin" in that part o$ town49
91&(in" F&a)i&t to (ill %ou,9
'rath Kuietl% +lo&e) the )oor, 9Eou hear) thi&4 Clearl%49
96 )i), There wa& a lot o$ 3one% on the ta/le,9
9'hat wa& F2& re&pon&e49
95e &ai) he2) )o it $or $ree, 6 le$t an) +a3e here i33e)iatel% in +a&e he 3oe) on %ou
ri"ht awa%, Eou (now how he wor(&, 5e2& not "oin" to ta(e hi& ti3e a/out it,9
9Eeah* he2& e$$i+ient, 6t2& one o$ hi& &tren"th&,9
91n) we2e onl% "ot a hal$ hour until )a%/rea(, #ot enou"h to )o an%thin"
o$$en&iel% toni"ht unle&& he &how& up here in the next ten 3inute&,9
'rath loo(e) at the $loor* puttin" hi& han)& on hi& hip&, .% a3pire law* F wa& now
un)er a )eath &enten+e $or threatenin" the (in"2& li$e,
95e2ll hae to /e put )own $or thi&,9 1n) i$ the /rotherhoo) )i)n2t ta(e +are o$ the 7o/*
the S+ri/e =ir"in woul),
2an$ )hury, The /rother wa& not "oin" to ta(e thi& well,
9Thi& i& "onna (ill Ahur%*9 Tohr 3ur3ure),
96 (now,9
1n) then 'rath thou"ht o$ -ari&&a, 5aer& wa& al&o )ea) $or all intent& an)
purpo&e&* an) the lo&& o$ hi3 wa& "oin" to rip her apart,
5e &hoo( hi& hea)* )rea)in" that he wa& "oin" to hae to (ill &o3eone &he loe) &o
3u+h a$ter eer%thin" &he2) /een throu"h alrea)% a& hi& shellan,
9The /rotherhoo) nee)& to /e tol)*9 he &ai)* $inall%, 96 will +all the3,9
Tohr pu&he) o$$ the e)"e o$ the )e&(, 9<i&ten* )o %ou want .eth to +o3e &ta% with 3e
an) 'ell&ie until thi& i& $ini&he)4 She 3i"ht /e &a$er at our hou&e,9
'rath "lan+e) up, 9Than(&* Tohr, 6 woul), 62ll &en) her oer a& &oon a& the &un &et&
toni"ht,9
Tohr3ent no))e) an) wal(e) to the )oor,
9Tohr49
The /rother loo(e) oer hi& &houl)er, 9Eeah49
9.e$ore 6 3ate) .eth* 6 wa& &orr% $or what 6 &ai) to %ou, 1/out %ou an) 'ell&ie an)
how )eote) %ou are to her, #ow8 6* ah* 6 un)er&tan) $ir&than), .eth i& eer%thin" to
3e, -ore i3portant een than the /rotherhoo), 'rath +leare) hi& throat* una/le to "o
on,
Tohr +a3e $orwar) an) put hi& han) out, 9Eou are $or"ien* 3% lor),9
'rath "ra//e) the out&tret+he) pal3 an) %an(e) hi& /rother into hi& ar3&, The%
+lappe) ea+h other on the /a+( har),
91n) Tohr4 6 want %ou to (now &o3ethin"* /ut %ou2e "ot (eep it $ro3 the /rother&
$or now, 1$ter :ariu&2& )eath i& aen"e)* 623 &teppin" a&i)e,9
Tohr $rowne), 9!x+u&e 3e49
9623 not $i"htin" an%3ore,9
9'hat the hell4 <i(e %ou2re ta(in" up (nittin" or &o3ethin"49 Tohr pu&he) a han)
throu"h hi& &hort hair, 95ow are we "oin" to;9
96 want %ou to lea) the /rother&,9
Tohr2& 3outh $ell open, 9'hat49
9There ha& to /e a total re+on$i"uration o$ the /rotherhoo), 6 want the3 +entralize)
an) run li(e a 3ilitar% unit* no 3ore o$ thi& $i"htin"-alone +rap, 1n) we nee) to
re+ruit, 6 want &ol)ier&, 6 want whole /attalion& o$ &ol)ier& an) trainin" $a+ilitie&* the
/e&t o$ eer%thin",9 'rath e%e) hi3 &tea)il%, 9Eou2re the onl% one who +an )o the
7o/, Eou2re the 3o&t leelhea)e) an) &ta/le o$ the3,9
Tohr &hoo( hi& hea), 96 +an2t8 Chri&t* 6 +an2t )o that, 623 &orr%;9
9623 not a&(in" %ou, 623 tellin" %ou, 1n) when 6 announ+e it at 3% $ir&t $oru3* it2&
law,9
Tohr let out hi& /reath in a low hi&&, 9-% lor)49
9Eeah* well, 62e /een a rotten (in", 1+tuall%* 6 haen2t )one the 7o/ at all, .ut that2&
"oin" to +han"e now, !er%thin"2& "oin" to +han"e, 'e2re "oin" to /uil) u& a
+iilization* 3% /rother, Or rather* re/uil) one,9
Tohr2& e%e& "li&tene)* an) he loo(e) awa%* +a&uall% ru//in" un)er the3 with hi&
thu3/&, 1& i$ there were nothin" 3u+h "oin" on* 7u&t a little irritation, 5e +leare) hi&
throat, 9Eou2re a&+en)in" to the throne,9
9Eeah,9
Tohr )roppe) to the $loor on one (nee, .owe) hi& hea),
9Than( 0o)*9 he &ai) hoar&el%, 9Our ra+e i& whole a"ain, Eou2re "oin" to lea) u&,9
'rath $elt &i+(, Thi& wa& exa+tl% what he )i)n2t want, 5e &i3pl% +oul)n2t /ear the
potential $or tra"e)% inherent in hi& /ein" re&pon&i/le $or &o 3an%, :i)n2t Tohr (now
he wa&n2t "oo) enou"h4 'a&n2t &tron" enou"h4 5e2) let hi& parent& )ie* ha) a+te) a& a
$ee/le wea(lin"* not a worth% 3ale, 'hat ha) trul% +han"e)4
Onl% hi& /o)%, #ot hi& &oul,
5e wante) to wal( awa% $ro3 hi& /irth /ur)en* 7u&t leae8
Tohr &hu))ere), 9So lon"8 'e hae waite) &o lon" $or %ou to &ae u&,9
'rath &hut hi& e%e&, The )e&perate relie$ in hi& /rother2& oi+e tol) hi3 how /a)l% a
(in" wa& nee)e), 5ow hopele&& &o 3an% were, 1n) a& lon" a& 'rath wa& alie* /%
law no one el&e +oul) $ul$ill the role,
Tentatiel%* he rea+he) out an) pla+e) hi& han) on Tohr2& lowere) hea), The wei"ht
o$ ,what la% ahea) o$ hi3* o$ the3 all* wa& too i33en&e to +o3prehen),
9'e2re "oin" to &ae the ra+e to"ether*9 he 3ur3ure), 91ll o$ u&,9
5our& later* .eth wo(e up hun"r%, Slippin" $ree o$ 'rath2& hea% ar3* &he put on a
T-&hirt an) )rew hi& ro/e aroun) her&el$,
9'here are %ou o$$ to* leelan49 'rath2& oi+e wa& )eep* laz%* relaxe), She hear) hi&
&houl)er +ra+(* a& it )i) when he &tret+he),
Con&i)erin" the nu3/er o$ ti3e& he2) 3a)e loe to her* &he wa& &urpri&e) he +oul)
3oe at all,
9623 7u&t "oin" to "et &o3ethin" to eat,9
9Call $or Fritz,9
95e )i) Kuite enou"h la&t ni"ht an) )e&ere& the re&t, 62ll /e ri"ht /a+(,9
9.eth9;'rath2& oi+e wa& &harp;9it2& $ie in the a$ternoon, The &un i& &till out,9
She pau&e), 9Eou &ai) 6 3i"ht /e a/le to "o out )urin" the )a%* thou"h,9
96t2& theoreti+all% po&&i/le;9
9So 6 3i"ht a& well Fin) out now,9
She wa& at the )oor when 'rath $la&he) in $ront o$ her, 5i& e%e& were $ier+e,
9Eou )on2t nee) to (now at thi& 3o3ent,9
96t2& no /i" )eal, 62ll 7u&t hea) up;9
9Eou2re "oin" nowhere*9 he "rowle)* hi& 3a&&ie /o)% throwin" o$$ all (in)& o$
a""re&&ion, 96 $or/i) %ou to leae thi& roo3,9
.eth +lo&e) her 3outh &lowl%,
For"id me5 .e $or/i)& me4
Were going to ha*e to nip this one right in the "ud* &he thou"ht* &ti+(in" her $in"er in
hi& $a+e,
9.a+( o$$* 'rath* an) wipe that wor) $ro3 %our o+a/ular% when %ou2re &pea(in"
with 3e, 'e 3a% /e 3arrie)* /ut 623 not "oin" to /e or)ere) aroun) li(e a +hil) /%
%ou, 1re we +lear on thi&49
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e&, 'orr% /le) throu"h the har&h line& o$ hi& $a+e,
95e%* it2& "oin" to /e $ine*9 &he &ai)* &teppin" into hi& /o)%, She he$te) up hi& ar3& &o
the% were aroun) her &houl)er&, 962ll 7u&t )u+( 3% hea) out into the )rawin" roo3, 6$
an%thin" happen&* 62ll +o3e ri"ht /a+( )own, O(a%49
5e "rippe) her* hol)in" her ti"ht, 96 hate that 6 +an2t /e with %ou,9
9Eou2re not "oin" to /e a/le to prote+t 3e $ro3 eer%thin",9
The "rowl +a3e /a+(,
She (i&&e) the un)er&i)e o$ hi& +hin an) hit the &tair& /e$ore he &tarte) ar"uin" a"ain,
'hen &he "ot to the top lan)in"* &he pau&e) with her han) on the paintin",
:own /elow* &he hear) the &oun) o$ a +ell phone rin"in", 'rath &ta%e) in the
)oorwa% o$ the +ha3/er* loo(in" up at her,
She pu&he) the paintin" open a +ra+(, <i"ht pier+e) the )ar(ne&&,
:own /elow* &he hear) hi3 +ur&e an) &hut the )oor,
'rath "lare) at hi& +ell phone until it went &ilent, 5e pa+e), 5e &at on the +ou+h, 5e
pa+e) &o3e 3ore, 1n) then the )oor opene), .eth wa& &3ilin", 9623 "oo) to "o*9 &he
&ai),
5e ru&he) oer* $eelin" her &(in, 6t wa& +ool* health%, 9:i) it /urn at all4 :i) %ou $eel
hot49
9#o, The /ri"htne&& hurt 3% e%e& when 6 went out&i)e;9
9You went outside59
9Eeah, 'hoa,9 .eth "ra//e) $or hi& ar3 a& hi& (nee& went out, 9:ear 0o)* %ou2re
pale, 5ere* lie )own,9
5e )i) a& he wa& tol),
.oly &hrist, She2) "one out&i)e in /roa) )a%li"ht, 5i& .eth ha) waltze) out&i)e into
the &unli"ht, 'here he woul)n2t hae /een a/le to rea+h her at all, 1t lea&t i$ &he2)
&tu+( to the )rawin" roo3* he 3i"ht hae ha) a +han+e8
She +oul) hae /een in+inerate),
Cool han)& /ru&he) &o3e hair out o$ hi& e%e, 9'rath* 623 $ine,9
5e loo(e) up into her $a+e, 96 $eel li(e 623 "oin" to pa&& out,9
9'hi+h i& ph%&iolo"i+all% i3pro/a/le, .e+au&e %ou2re l%in" )own,9
9:a3n* leelan, 6 loe %ou &o 3u+h 623 &+arin" the +rap out o$ 3%&el$,9 'hen &he
pre&&e) her lip& to hi&* he put hi& han) on her ne+(* hol)in" her in pla+e, 96 )on2t thin(
6 +an lie without %ou,9
95ope$ull%* %ou won2t hae to, #ow tell 3e &o3ethin", 'hat2& %our wor) $or
hu&/an)49
9.ellren* 6 &uppo&e, The &hort er&ion i& 7u&t hell,9
She lau"he) &o$tl%, 90o $i"ure,9
5i& +ell phone &tarte) rin"in" a"ain, 5e /are) hi& $an"& at the )a3n thin",
91n&wer it while 6 hit the (it+hen*9 &he &ai), 9:o %ou want an%thin"49
9Eou,9
9Eou alrea)% hae 3e,9
91n) than( 0o) $or that,9
5e wat+he) .eth leae* +at+hin" the &wa% o$ her hip& an) thin(in" that when &he
+a3e /a+( )own* he wante) to ta(e her a"ain, 5e 7u&t +oul)n2t "et enou"h, 0iin"
that $e3ale plea&ure wa& the $ir&t a))i+tion he2) eer ha),
5e "ra//e) the +ell phone an) )i)n2t /other +he+(in" +aller 6:, 9What,9
There wa& a pau&e,
1n) then F&a)i&t2& "rowl &hot into hi& ear, 91ren2t %ou $ull o$ the war3 $uzzie&,
-atin" )a% not "oin" &o "oo)49
Well$ now, Thi& wa& "oin" to /e intere&tin",
9Eou "ot &o3ethin" on %our 3in)* F49
96 un)er&tan) %ou +alle) the /rother& earl% thi& 3ornin", !er% one o$ the3 ex+ept
3e, Eou lo&t 3% nu3/er4 Eeah* that ha& to /e it,9
96 (now exa+tl% how to rea+h %ou,9
F let out a $ru&trate) /reath, 9-an* 6 "et tire) o$ /ein" treate) li(e a )o", 6 reall% )o,9
9Then )on2t a+t li(e one,9
9S+rew %ou,9
9Eeah* %ou (now what* F4 'e2e rea+he) the en) o$ the line* %ou an) 6,9
91n) what2& /rou"ht thi& on49 F lau"he) har&hl%, 91+tuall%* &ae it, 6 )on2t +are* an)
he%* we )on2t hae ti3e to &hoot the &hit an%wa%* )o we4 Eou "otta "et /a+( to %our
$e3ale* an) 6 )i)n2t +all %ou to /it+h a/out /ein" out o$ the loop,9
9So wh% are %ou on 3% phone49
9Eou nee) to (now &o3ethin",9
9Fro3 %ou49 'rath )rawle),
9Eeah* $ro3 3e*9 F hi&&e) /a+(, 9-ari&&a2& /rother want& %our hea) on a &ti+(, 1n)
he wa& willin" to pa% 3e a +ouple 3illion to )o it, <ater,9
The phone went )ea),
'rath )roppe) hi& +ell on the /e) an) 3a&&a"e) hi& $orehea),
6t woul) /e ni+e to /eliee F ha) +alle) /e+au&e he wante) to, .e+au&e 3a%/e he2)
3a)e a +o33it3ent that he )i)n2t want to (eep, .e+au&e 3a%/e he2) $inall% $oun) hi&
+on&+ien+e a$ter a hun)re) or &o %ear& o$ total i33oralit%,
!x+ept he2) waite) $or hour&* whi+h 3eant Ahur% ha) pro/a/l% worn hi3 )own,
Tal(e) hi3 into $e&&in" up, 5ow el&e +oul) F hae (nown that the /rother& ha) /een
&po(en with4
'rath "ra//e) the phone an) )iale) Ahur%2& nu3/er, 9Eour twin 7u&t +alle) here,9
95e )i)49 Total relie$ 3ar(e) the /rother2& oi+e,
9Eou2re not "oin" to /e a/le to &ae hi3 thi& ti3e* Ahur%,9
96 )i)n2t tell hi3 %ou (new, 'rath* %ou "otta /eliee 3e,9
9'hat 6 /eliee i& that %ou2) )o an%thin" to ta(e +are o$ hi3,9
9<i&ten to 3e* 3an, Eou "ae 3e a )ire+t or)er to &a% nothin"* an) 6 o/e%e), 6t wa&
har) a& hell $or 3e* /ut 6 &ai) nothin", F +a3e to %ou on hi& own,9
9Then wh% )i) he (now the other& ha) /een +alle)49
9-% phone ran" an) hi& )i)n2t, 5e wa& "ue&&in",9
'rath &hut hi& e%e&, 96 "otta ta(e hi3 out* %ou (now that, The S+ri/e =ir"in will
)e3an) nothin" le&& $or hi& trea&on,9
95e +an2t help that he wa& approa+he), 5e tol) %ou what happene), 6$ an%one
)e&ere& to )ie* it2& 5aer&,9
91n) he will, .ut %our twin a++epte) an o$$er to (ill 3e, 6$ he +an )o that on+e* he
+an )o it a"ain, 1n) 3a%/e next ti3e he won2t +o3e $orwar) a$ter %ou wor( hi3
oer* %ou $eel 3e49
9On 3% honor* he +alle) %ou on hi& own,9
9Ahur%* 3an* 62) li(e to /eliee %ou, .ut %ou &hot %our own le" o$$ to &ae hi3 on+e,
'hen it +o3e& to %our twin* %ou will )o an) &a% an%thin",9
Ahur%2& oi+e i/rate), 9:on2t )o it* 'rath, 6 /e" %ou, F2& /een /etter latel%,9
9'hat a/out tho&e )ea) wo3en* /rother49
9Eou (now it2& the onl% wa% he2ll $ee), 5e ha& to &ta% alie &o3ehow, 1n) in &pite o$
the ru3or&* he2& neer (ille) the hu3an& he $ee)& $ro3 /e$ore, 6 )on2t (now what
happene) with tho&e two pro&titute&,9
'rath +ur&e),
9-% lor)* he )oe&n2t )e&ere to )ie $or &o3ethin" he ha&n2t )one, Thi& i&n2t $air,9
'rath +lo&e) hi& e%e&, Finall%* he &ai)* 9.rin" hi3 with %ou toni"ht, 62ll "ie hi3 an
opportunit% to &pea( in $ront o$ the /rotherhoo),9
9Than( %ou* 3% lor),9
9:on2t /e "rate$ul, >u&t /e+au&e he open& hi& 3outh* it )oe&n2t 3ean he2ll /e &ae),9
'rath turne) the phone o$$,
5e &ure a& hell wa&n2t "rantin" the au)ien+e $or F&a)i&t2& &a(e, 6t wa& $or Ahur%, The%
nee)e) hi3 in the /rotherhoo)* an) 'rath ha) a $eelin" the warrior woul)n2t &ta%
unle&& he $elt a& i$ hi& twin ha) /een )ealt with properl%, 1n) een then* he 3i"ht /olt
an%wa%,
'rath thou"ht a/out F&a)i&t* pi+turin" the 3ale in hi& 3in),
5aer& ha) pi+(e) the ri"ht a&&a&&in, 6t wa& well-(nown that F wa&n2t tie) to an%one
or an%thin"* &o the "oo) )o+tor wa& ri"ht to a&&u3e the warrior woul)n2t hae a
pro/le3 /etra%in" the /rotherhoo), 6t wa& al&o +lear to an% o/&erer that F wa& one o$
the $ew 3ale& on the planet lethal enou"h to (ill 'rath,
There wa& 7u&t one thin" that wa& o$$, F )i)n2t +are a/out 3aterial po&&e&&ion&, 1& a
&lae* he2) neer ha) an%, 1& a warrior* he2) neer wante) an%, So it wa& har) to
/eliee that 3one% woul) 3otiate hi3,
Then a"ain* he wa& per$e+tl% +apa/le o$ (illin" $or $un,
'rath $roze a& hi& no&e &tarte) to tin"le,
Frownin"* he went oer to one o$ the ent& that /rou"ht $re&h air into the +ha3/er, 5e
)rew in a "reat /reath,
1 lesser wa& on the propert%,
The &a3e one who2) /een in the 5u33er at .ill% ?i))le2& hou&e,
.eth put &o3e le$toer $ilet 3i"non an) a little hor&era)i&h &au+e /etween two &li+e&
o$ /rea), 1& &he /it )own* &he wa& in total heaen, Foo) 7u&t ta&te) /etter,
'hile &he ate* &he loo(e) out the (it+hen win)ow at a 3aple tree, 6t& )ar( "reen
leae& were totall% li$ele&&, Su33er &till, There wa&n2t a /reath o$ win)* a& i$ the air
it&el$ ha) heat exhau&tion,
#o* &o3ethin" wa& 3oin",
1 3an wa& +o3in" throu"h the he)"e* approa+hin" the hou&e $ro3 the propert% next
)oor, 5er &(in pri+(le) in warnin",
'hi+h wa& ri)i+ulou&, The "u% ha) on a "ra% Cal)well 0a& M !le+tri+ uni$or3 an)
wa& +arr%in" a +lip/oar) in one han), 5e )i)n2t loo( parti+ularl% threatenin"* what
with hi& pale hair an) hi& relaxe) )e3eanor, 5e wa& /i"* /ut he 3oe) +a&uall%* 7u&t
another /ore) 3eter rea)er who wa& wi&hin" he ha) a )e&( 7o/ /e+au&e o$ all the heat,
The phone on the wall ran" an) &he 7u3pe),
She rea+he) oer an) pi+(e) up* &till (eepin" her e%e& on the 3an, 5e &toppe) a& he
&aw her,
95ello49 &he &ai) into the re+eier, The C0M! "u% &tarte) wal(in" a"ain* +o3in" up
to the /a+( )oor,
9.eth* "et )own here now*9 'rath /ar(e),
1t that 3o3ent* the 3eter 3an loo(e) throu"h the (it+hen )oor2& "la&& panel&, Their
e%e& 3et, 5e &3ile) an) li$te) hi& han),
Chill& went oer her $le&h,
.es not ali*e* &he thou"ht, She wa&n2t &ure how &he (new itL &he 7u&t )i),
She )roppe) the phone an) ran,
There wa& a +ra&hin" noi&e /ehin) her a& the /a+( )oor &plintere)* an) then &he hear)
poppin" &oun)&, So3ethin" hit her in the &houl)er with a &tin", 1n) then &he $elt
another pri+( o$ pain,
5er /o)% /e"an to &low,
She $ell $a+e)own onto the (it+hen tile,
'rath %elle) a& he $elt .eth hit the $loor, .oltin" up the &tairwell* he /ur&t into the
)rawin" roo3,
The &un hit hi& &(in an) /urne) li(e a +he3i+al &pill* $or+in" hi3 /a+( into the
)ar(ne&&, 5e $la&he) )own to hi& +ha3/er* pi+(e) up the phone* an) +alle) up&tair&, 6t
ran" an) ran" an) ran",
5i& /reath pu3pe) in an) out o$ hi& 3outh* hi& +he&t 3oin" in a &erie& o$ rou"h
+ontra+tion&,
Trappe), 5e wa& trappe), 5e wa& trappe) )own&tair& while &he wa&8
5e let out a roar that wa& her na3e,
5e +oul) &en&e her aura )i33in", She wa& /ein" ta(en awa%* ta(en &o3ewhere awa%
$ro3 hi3,
Fur% poure) out o$ hi& heart* a /la+(* )eep $reeze that 3a)e the 3irror in the
/athroo3 $ra+ture in a &erie& o$ +ra+(in" &oun)&,
Fritz pi+(e) up, 9'e2e /een /ro(en into@ .ut+h i&;9
90et 3e the +op@9 'rath &+rea3e),
.ut+h +a3e on the line a 3o3ent later, 5e wa& /reathle&&, 96 +oul)n2t +at+h whoeer
it wa&;9
9:i) %ou &ee .eth49
96&n2t &he with %ou49
'rath let out another roar* $eelin" the wall& pre&& in aroun) hi3, 5e wa& utterl%
helple&&* +a"e) /% the &unli"ht that wa&he) oer the earth a/oe hi3,
5e $or+e) hi3&el$ to /reathe )eepl%, Onl% 3ana"e) one /reath /e$ore he went /a+( to
pantin",
9Cop* 6 nee) %ou, 6 nee)8 %ou,9
Chapter !orty'eight
-r, O $loore) the 3inian, 5e +oul)n2t /eliee it, 5e a/&olutel% +oul)n2t /eliee it,
5e ha) the Kueen, 5e ha) a/)u+te) the Kueen,
Thi& wa& the +han+e o$ a lessers li$eti3e, 1n) it ha) happene) &o &3oothl%* a& i$ it
wa& all 3eant to /e,
'hen he2) approa+he) the hou&e* he2) 3erel% /een on a &+outin" 3i&&ion, 6t ha)
&ee3e) $ar too +oin+i)ental that the a))re&& the a3pire ha) "ien hi3 la&t ni"ht in
the alle% wa& the &a3e a& that o$ the warrior he2) /lown up, 1$ter all* wh% woul) the
.lin) Jin" han" aroun) the 3an&ion o$ a )ea) warrior4
1&&u3in" it ha) to /e a &etup* -r, O ha) $ull% ar3e) hi3&el$ an) "one to :ariu&2&
/e$ore )ar(, 5e2) wante) to &ure% the hou&e2& exterior* &ee i$ an% o$ the up&tair&
win)ow& were /la+(e) out* an) +he+( the +ar& in the )rie,
.ut then he2) noti+e) the )ar(-haire) wo3an in the (it+hen, 'ith the Saturnine ?u/%
on her $in"er, The Kueen2& rin",
-r, O &till +oul)n2t $atho3 wh% &he wa& a/le to "o aroun) in the )a%li"ht, Cnle&& &he
wa& part hu3an, 1lthou"h what were the +han+e& o$ that4
1t an% rate* he ha)n2t he&itate), !en thou"h he ha)n2t planne) on in$iltratin" the
pla+e* he2) /ro(en )own the )oor* &urpri&e) an) "rate$ul when the &e+urit% &%&te3
)i)n2t "o o$$, The wo3an ha) /een Kui+( on her $eet* /ut not Kui+( enou"h* an) the
)art& ha) wor(e) per$e+tl% now that he2) +ali/rate) the )o&a"e +orre+tl%,
5e "lan+e) into the /a+(,
She wa& out +ol) on the 3inian2& $loor,
Thi& eenin" wa& "oin" to /e inten&e, There wa& no )ou/t that her 3ale woul) +o3e
a$ter her, 1n) /e+au&e the .lin) Jin"2& /loo) wa& &urel% in her ein&* he2) /e a/le to
$in) hi& 3ate no 3atter where -r, O too( her,
Than( 0o) it wa& &till )a%li"ht an) he ha) ti3e to $orti$% hi& /arn,
1n) he wa& te3pte) to +all in $or rein$or+e3ent&, Thou"h he wa& +on$i)ent in hi&
&(ill&* he (new what the .lin) Jin" wa& +apa/le o$, Total )e&tru+tion o$ the propert%*
a +o3plete razin" o$ the hou&e* the /arn* an) eer%thin" in the3* woul) /e the er%
lea&t o$ it,
The pro/le3 wa&* i$ -r, O &u33one) other 3e3/er&* he2) hae to pier+e the eil o$
hi& in$alli/ilit%,
.e&i)e&* he )i) hae hi& new re+ruit,
#o* he woul) )o thi& without a lot o$ han"er&-on, 1n%thin" that )rew /reath +oul) /e
(ille)* een that warrior, 1n) -r, O wa& willin" to /et that* with the $e3ale a& a
/ar"ainin" +hip* he ha) &o3e &eriou& leera"e,
Cn)ou/te)l%* the (in" woul) tra)e hi3&el$ $or the &a$et% o$ hi& Kueen,
-r, O +hu+(le), -r, ? wa& "oin" to hae one hell o$ a $ir&t ni"ht,
.ut+h le$t the +ha3/er an) ran up to the "ue&t roo3 he an) =i&hou& ha) +ra&he) in
a"ain,
= wa& pa+in"* trappe) on the &e+on) $loor /e+au&e there wa& no wa% to "et )own&tair&
without /ein" hit with li"ht, Clearl%* the 3an&ion wa& 3eant $or u&e a& a priate
re&i)en+e* not a& a /attle &tation,
1n) the )e$e+t wa& a &eriou& pro/le3 in thi& (in) o$ e3er"en+%,
9'hat2& happenin"49 = )e3an)e),
9Eour 3an 'rath2& in one hell o$ a &tate* /ut he 3ana"e) to tell 3e a/out the "u% %ou
3et in the 5u33er la&t ni"ht, That /lon) &oun)& li(e an in&tru+tor 6 3et a +ouple o$
)a%& a"o at a lo+al 3artial-art& a+a)e3%, 623 hea)in" there now,9
.ut+h "ra//e) $or the (e%& to the un3ar(e),
9Ta(e thi&* 3an,9 =i&hou& threw &o3ethin" into the air,
.ut+h +au"ht the "un with a &wipe o$ hi& han), Che+(e) the +ha3/er, The .eretta
wa& $ull% loa)e)* /ut with nothin" he2) eer &een /e$ore,
9'hat the hell (in) o$ /ullet& are the&e49 The% were /la+( an) tran&parent at the tip&*
"lea3in" li(e the% ha) oil in&i)e,
9Eou2re not "oin" a$ter a hu3an* +op, 6$ one o$ tho&e lessers +o3e& at %ou* %ou &hoot
the3 in the +he&t* "ot it4 :on2t pu&&%$oot aroun)* een i$ it2& /roa) )a%li"ht, Eou "o
ri"ht $or their +he&t,9
.ut+h loo(e) up, 5e (new he wa& +ro&&in" a line i$ he too( the "un* "oin" oer to
another &i)e o$ the worl),
95ow will 6 (now the3* =49
9The% &3ell &weet* li(e /a/% pow)er* an) the%2ll loo( ri"ht throu"h %ou* ri"ht into
%our &oul, The% ten) to hae pale hair* e%e&* an) &(in* /ut not alwa%&,9
.ut+h tu+(e) the &e3iauto3ati+ into hi& wai&t/an), 1n) put hi& ol) li$e into the
"roun) per3anentl%,
Funn%* the )e+i&ion wa& an ea&% one,
9Eou +lear on thi&* +op49 =i&hou& +lappe) hi3 on the ar3,
9Eeah,9
1& .ut+h /olte) $or the )oor* = &ai) &o3ethin" in a $orei"n lan"ua"e,
9'hat49 .ut+h a&(e),
9>u&t ai3 &trai"ht* true49
962e neer 3i&&e) %et,9
Chapter !orty'nine
-ari&&a +oul)n2t wait to &ee .ut+h, She2) /een thin(in" a/out hi3 all )a% lon"* an) it
wa& $inall% ti3e to "o to hi3,
!x+ept een thou"h &he wa& in a ru&h* &he wa& "oin" to &top on her wa% out an) &pea(
with 5aer&, She2) waite) $or hi3 to +o3e /a+( ho3e the ni"ht /e$ore* pa&&in" the
ti3e /% helpin" out the nur&e& in the +lini+ an) then rea)in" in her roo3, Finall%*
&he2) "ien up an) le$t hi3 a note on hi& /e)* a&(in" hi3 to +o3e $in) her when he
"ot in, 5e ha)n2t &toppe) /%* howeer,
1n) thi& $ailure o$ +o33uni+ation ha) "one on lon" enou"h,
She went to the )oor o$ her /e)roo3* &urpri&e) when it woul)n2t open, She $rowne),
The han)le woul)n2t 3oe, She trie) a"ain* 7i""lin" the thin"* then throwin" her
&tren"th into the /ra&&, 6t wa& 7a33e) or lo+(e),
1n) her /e)roo3 wall& were line) with &teel* &o &he +oul)n2t )e3aterialize,
95ello@9 &he +alle) out* /an"in" on the )oor, 95ello@ 5aer&@ So3eone@ 'oul)
&o3eone (in)l% let 3e out4 5ello@9
She eentuall% "ae up* a +hill +on)en&in" in her +he&t,
1& &oon a& &he $ell &ilent* 5aer&2& oi+e )ri$te) into her roo3* a& i$ he2) /een waitin"
on the other &i)e the whole ti3e,
9623 &orr% it ha& to /e thi& wa%,9
95aer&* what are %ou )oin"49 &he &ai) a"ain&t the )oor panel&,
96 hae no other +hoi+e, 6 +an2t hae %ou "oin" to hi3 an%3ore,9
She 3a)e &ure her wor)& were lou) an) +lear, 9<i&ten to 3e, 'rath i& the not the
rea&on 62e "one out, 5e2& /een 3ate) to &o3eone who3 he loe&* an) 6 $eel no ill
will towar) hi3, 62e8 62e 3et a 3ale, So3eone 6 li(e, So3eone who want& 3e,9
There wa& a lon" &ilen+e,
95aer&49 She hit the )oor with her $i&t, 95aer&@ :i) %ou hear what 6 &ai)4 'rath i&
3ate)* an) 62e $or"ien hi3, 6 wa&n2t with hi3,9
'hen her /rother $inall% &po(e* he &oun)e) a& thou"h &o3eone were +ho(in" hi3,
9'h% )i)n2t %ou tell 3e49
9Eou )i)n2t "ie 3e a +han+e to@ 62e trie) $or the la&t two ni"ht&@9 She /an"e) the
)oor a"ain, 9#ow let 3e out, 623 &uppo&e) to 3eet 3%8 &o3eone at :ariu&2&,9
5aer& whi&pere) &o3ethin",
9'hat49 &he )e3an)e), 9'hat )i) %ou &a%49
96 +an2t hae %ou "oin" there,9
1& the an"ui&h in hi& oi+e &nu$$e) out her an"er* the /a+( o$ her ne+( "rew ti"ht with
alar3, 9'h% not49
96t2& no lon"er &a$e in that hou&e, 68 :ear 0o),9
-ari&&a &pla%e) her han)& out $lat, 95aer&* what )i) %ou )o49
There wa& onl% 3ore &ilen+e,
95aer&@ Tell 3e what %ou hae )one@9
.eth $elt &o3ethin" hit her $a+e har), 1 han), So3eone ha) &lappe) her,
'ith a "ro""% 7er(* &he opene) her e%e&, She wa& in a /arn, Strappe) )own to a ta/le
with 3etal /an)& aroun) her wri&t& an) an(le&,
1n) .ill% ?i))le wa& &tan)in" oer her, 9'a(e up* /it+h,9
She &tru""le)* &trainin" a"ain&t the +u$$&, 1& he wat+he) her* hi& e%e& lin"ere) on her
/rea&t& an) hi& 3outh pre&&e) into a ti"ht line,
9-r, ?49 1nother 3ale oi+e, 9Eou )o re+all that %ou2re out o$ the rape /u&ine&&,9
9Eeah, 6 (now,9 .ill%2& "lare "ot wor&e, 9-a(e& 3e want to hurt her 7u&t thin(in"
a/out it,9
The /lon)-haire) 3an who2) a/)u+te) her +a3e into .eth2& line o$ &i"ht, 5e ha) a
&hot"un on ea+h &houl)er* 3uzzle& up,
962ll let %ou (ill her* how2& that4 She +an /e %our $ir&t,9
.ill% &3ile), 9Than(&* &en&ei,9
The /lon) 3an turne) towar) the /arn2& )ou/le )oor&, The% were wi)e open*
reealin" the )i33in" li"ht in the &(%,
9-r, ?* we nee) to (eep $o+u&e)*9 he &ai), 96 want the&e "un& loa)e) an) line) up
with /oxe& o$ a33o on that wor(-ta/le, 'e &houl) put out (nie&* too, 1n) "o "et
the +an o$ "a&oline $ro3 the "ara"e a& well a& the /utane /low tor+h that2& next to the
5u33er,9
.ill% &lappe) her one 3ore ti3e, 1n) then )i) a& he wa& tol),
.eth2& 3in) turne) oer &lowl%, The )ru"& were &till in her &%&te3* 3a(in" eer%thin"
&ee3 li(e a )rea3* /ut with eer% /reath &he too(* the $o" wa& li$tin", 1n) &he wa&
"ettin" &tron"er,
'rath2& iolen+e wa& &o )eep* &o i+iou& that it put $ro&t on the wall& o$ hi& +ha3/er*
an) hi& /reath +a3e out in +lou) /ur&t&, The +an)le& $li+(ere) &lowl% in the )en&e air*
throwin" o$$ li"ht* /ut no 3ea&ura/le heat,
5e2) alwa%& (nown he wa& +apa/le o$ "reat ra"e, .ut what he woul) /rin" )own on
tho&e who ha) ta(en .eth $ro3 hi3 woul) /e $or the hi&tor% /oo(&,
There wa& a (no+( on the )oor, 9'rath49
6t wa& the +op* an) 'rath wille) the )oor open, The hu3an &ee3e) 3o3entaril%
thrown /% the te3perature in the roo3,
968 ah* 6 went to the Cal)well -artial 1rt& 1+a)e3%, 0u%2& na3e i& >o&eph Oaier,
#o one2& &een hi3 to)a%, 5e +alle) in an) "ot a repla+e3ent $or hi& +la&&e&, The% tol)
3e where he lie)* an) 6 )i) a )rie-/%, Con)o on the we&t &i)e o$ town, 6 /ro(e in, 6t
wa& +lean, Too +lean, #othin" in the $ri)"e* nothin" in the "ara"e, #o 3ail* no
3a"azine&, #o toothpa&te in the /athroo3, #o ei)en+e that &o3eone pulle) out in a
hurr%* either, 5e 3a% own it* /ut he )oe&n2t lie there,9
'rath wa& hain" a har) ti3e +on+entratin", 1ll he +oul) thin( a/out wa& "ettin" $ree
o$ thi& "o)$or&a(en hole in the earth an) lo+atin" .eth, On+e he wa& out&i)e* he2)
&en&e her, 5i& /loo) runnin" throu"h her ein& wa& li(e a 0AS +hip, 5e2) /e a/le to
$in) her an%where on the planet,
5e "ra//e) hi& +ell phone an) )iale), 1& .ut+h 3a)e a 3oe to "o* 'rath &ai)*
9:on2t leae,9
The +op &ettle) on the leather +ou+h* e%e& alert* /o)% +al3, ?ea)% $or an%thin",
'hen Tohr3ent2& oi+e +a3e throu"h* 'rath pulle) the tri""er on the /rotherhoo),
91t ten o2+lo+( toni"ht* %ou will ta(e the /rother& an) %ou will "o to the Cal)well
-artial 1rt& 1+a)e3%, Eou will in$iltrate an) &ear+h the pla+e* an) then %ou will
throw the &e+urit% alar3, Eou will wait until the lessers arrie an) then %ou will
&lau"hter the3 an) /urn the /uil)in" to the "roun), :o %ou un)er&tan) 3e4 1&he&*
Tohr, 6 want $u+(in" a&he&,9
There wa& no he&itation, 9Ee&* 3% lor),9
9'at+h F&a)i&t, Jeep hi3 with %ou at all ti3e&* een i$ %ou hae to +hain hi3 to %our
&i)e,9 'rath "lan+e) oer at .ut+h, 9The +op will 3onitor the /uil)in" $ro3 now
until &un)own, 6$ he &ee& an%thin" o$ &i"ni$i+an+e* he will +all %ou,9
.ut+h no))e)* alrea)% "ettin" to hi& $eet an) hea)in" to the )oor, 9623 on it*9 he &ai)
oer hi& &houl)er,
There wa& a pau&e on the +ell, 9-% lor)* )o %ou nee) u& to help %ou $in);9
96 will ta(e +are o$ our Kueen,9
Chapter !ifty
For the next hour* .eth wat+he) her two +aptor& run aroun) a& i$ the% were +onin+e)
'rath wa& +o3in" at an% 3inute, !x+ept how woul) he (now where &he wa&4 6t
wa&n2t li(e the /lon) "u% ha) le$t a ran&o3 note, Or at lea&t* not that &he2) /een aware
o$,
Aullin" a"ain&t the 3etal /an)& on+e 3ore* &he loo(e) a+ro&& the /arn, The &un wa&
7u&t "oin" )own* the &ha)ow& lon" on the "ra&& an) the "rael )rie, 1& .ill% &hut the
)ou/le )oor&* &he +au"ht a la&t "lan+e o$ the )ar(enin" &(% an) then wat+he) a& he
&li) ho3e a &erie& o$ thi+( /olt& on the )oor&,
'rath woul) a/&olutel% loo( $or her, She ha) no )ou/t o$ that, .ut &urel% it woul)
ta(e hour& $or hi3 to $in) her* an) &he wa&n2t &ure &he ha) that (in) o$ ti3e le$t, .ill%
?i))le &tare) at her /o)% with &u+h hatre)* &he ha) to /eliee he woul) &nap, Sooner
rather than later,
91n) now we wait*9 the /lon) 3an &ai)* +he+(in" hi& wat+h, 96t &houl)n2t /e lon", 6
want %ou ar3e), Aut a "un on %our /elt an) &trap a (ni$e on %our an(le,9
.ill% wa& onl% too happ% to "ear up* an) he ha) a lot to +hoo&e $ro3, There were
enou"h &e3iauto3ati+&* &hot "un&* an) &harp /la)e& to out$it an ar3% unit,
1& he pi+(e) up a &ix-in+h huntin" (ni$e* he turne) an) loo(e) at her,
5er pal3&* +la33% /e$ore* ran wet with &weat,
5e too( a &tep $orwar),
.eth $rowne)* loo(in" to the ri"ht 7u&t a& the other two )i), 'hat wa& that &oun)4
So3e (in) o$ ru3/le, Thun)er4 1 train4
'hateer it wa&* it wa& "ettin" lou)er,
1n) then &he hear) an o)) tin(lin" noi&e* li(e win) +hi3e&, She "lan+e) a+ro&& the
/arn, On the ta/le where the a33unition wa& lai) out* loo&e /ullet& were 7u3pin"
aroun)* (no+(in" into one another,
.ill% &tare) at hi& lea)er, 9'hat the hell i& that49
The 3an too( a )eep /reath a& the te3perature )roppe) a "oo) twent% or thirt%
)e"ree&,
90et rea)%* .ill%,9
.% now* the &oun) wa& a roar, 1n) the /arn wa& &ha(in" &o iolentl%* )u&t $ro3 the
ra$ter& wa& $allin"* a $ine &now that +lou)e) the air,
.ill% rea+he) up to +oer hi& hea),
The /arn )oor& &plintere) apart* /lown open /% a +ol) /la&t o$ $ur%, The whole
/uil)in" &wa%e) un)er the $or+e o$ the i3pa+t* /ea3& an) /oar)& &hi$tin"* "roanin",
'rath $ille) the )oorwa%* the air aroun) hi3 warpin" with en"ean+e* with 3ena+e*
with the pro3i&e o$ )eath, .eth $elt hi& e%e& on her* an) then a /oo3in" /attle roar
+a3e out o$ hi3* &o lou) it hurt her ear&,
Fro3 then on* 'rath rei"ne),
6n a 3oe3ent &o $a&t her e%e& +oul)n2t tra+( it* he went at the /lon)* "ra//in" the
3an an) ha33erin" hi3 into a &tall )oor, The /lon) wa&n2t een &tunne) an) naile)
'rath with a har) upper+ut to the 7aw, The two /attere) an) ra33e) an) hit ea+h
other* &la33in" into wall&* (no+(in" out win)ow&* /rea(in" ta/le&, 6n &pite o$ the
weapon& the% +arrie)* the% &tu+( with han)-to-han) +o3/at* their $a+e& har&h* their
lip& peele) /a+(* their tre3en)ou& /o)ie& )oin" )a3a"e an) /ein" in7ure) /% turn&,
She )i)n2t want to wat+h* /ut &he +oul)n2t turn awa%,
!&pe+iall% a& .ill% "ra//e) a (ni$e an) laun+he) hi3&el$ onto 'rath2& /a+(, 'ith a
i+iou& twi&t* 'rath peele) the "u% o$$ o$ hi3 an) pit+he) .ill% into the air, ?i))le2&
/o)% $lew a+ro&& the &pa+e to the other en) o$ the /arn* lan)in" in a pile o$ ar3& an)
le"&,
.ill% &tru""le) to hi& $eet* )aze), .loo) &trea3e) )own hi& $a+e,
'rath too( tre3en)ou& (i+(& to the /o)%* /ut he )i)n2t &low, 1n) he wa& a/le to hol)
the /lon) o$$ lon" enou"h to $lip open one o$ the 3etal /an)& that hel) .eth2& wri&t&
in pla+e, She went to wor( on the oppo&ite &i)e* $reein" her other han),
9The )o"&@ <et loo&e the )o"&*9 the /lon) 3an +rie) out,
.ill% &ta""ere) $ro3 the /arn, 1 3o3ent later* two pit /ull& +a3e &hootin" aroun) the
+orner,
The% went ri"ht $or 'rath2& an(le&* 7u&t a& the /lon) un&heathe) a (ni$e,
.eth $ree) /oth her $eet an) poppe) o$$ the ta/le,
9?un@9 'rath %elle) to her* rippin" one )o" o$$ hi& le" while /lo+(in" a /low to the
$a+e,
!crew that* &he thou"ht* pi+(in" up the $ir&t thin" &he $oun), 6t wa& a /all-peen
ha33er,
.eth went a$ter the /lon) 3an 7u&t a& 'rath lo&t hi& /alan+e an) went )own, <i$tin"
the ha33er a& hi"h a& &he +oul)* &he threw eer% oun+e o$ &tren"th that &he ha) into
the )a3n thin", 1n) /rou"ht it )own &Kuare on the /a+( o$ the /lon)2& hea),
There wa& a +ra+( o$ /one an) a /ur&t o$ /loo),
1n) then one o$ the )o"& wheele) aroun) an) /it her in the thi"h,
She &+rea3e) a& it& teeth tore throu"h her &(in an) &an( into her 3u&+le&,
'rath to&&e) the lessers /o)% o$$ hi3 an) leape) to hi& $eet,
One o$ the )o"& wa& on .eth* it& 3outh aroun) her upper le", The ani3al wa& tr%in"
to roll her on to the "roun) &o it +oul) "o $or her throat, 'rath lun"e) $orwar) onl% to
pau&e, 6$ he pulle) the )o" $ree* the thin" wa& lia/le to ta(e a whole hun( o$ her thi"h
with hi3 when it went,
=i&hou&2& oi+e +a3e to 'rath in a ru&hG Two guards tortured will fight each other,
'rath tore the )o" o$$ hi& own an(le an) threw it at the one that wa& atta+(in" .eth,
The other ani3al wa& (no+(e) $ree, 1n) the two pit /ull& went a$ter ea+h other,
'rath ran oer a& &he $ell, She wa& /lee)in", 9.eth;9
1 &hot"un went o$$,
'rath hear) a hi"h whi&tle an) $elt hi& ne+( /urn a& thou"h he2) /een hit with a tor+h,
.eth &+rea3e) a& he wheele) aroun), .ill% ?i))le repo&i-tione) the "un on hi&
&houl)er,
Fur% 3a)e 'rath $or"et eer%thin", 5e &tal(e) towar) the new re+ruit* not &toppin"
een when the &hot"un wa& up an) pointe) at hi& +he&t, .ill% pulle) the tri""er* an)
'rath 3oe) to one &i)e /e$ore )iin" $orwar), 5e too( the lessers ne+( in hi& teeth
an) rippe) it open, Then he &nappe) .ill%2& hea) aroun) until it +ra+(e) loo&e,
'rath turne) aroun) to "o /a+( to .eth,
.ut $ell to hi& (nee& in&tea),
Con$u&e)* he loo(e) )own at hi3&el$, There wa& a hole the &ize o$ a 3elon in hi&
a/)o3en,
9'rath@9 .eth li3pe) oer,
96238 hit* leelan,9
9Oh* 0o),9 She rippe) the ro/e $ro3 her /o)%* &tu$$in" it a"ain&t hi& &to3a+h,
9'here2& %our phone49
5e li$te) one han) $ee/l% a& he $ell oer on hi& &i)e, 9Ao+(et,9
She "ra//e) the +ell an) )iale) the hou&e, 9.ut+h4 .ut+h@ 5elp@ 'rath2& /een &hot in
the /ell%@ 6;6 )on2t (now where we are;9
9?oute 22*9 'rath 3ur3ure), 9?an+h hou&e with a /la+( 5u33er in $ront,9
.eth repeate) hi& wor)&* pre&&in" the ro/e into hi& woun), 9'e2re in the /arn, Co3e
$a&t@ 5e2& /lee)in",9
1 low "rowl +a3e $ro3 the le$t,
'rath loo(e) oer 7u&t a& .eth )i), The &uriin" pit /ull* /loo)ie)* /ut &till an"r%*
wa& a)an+in",
.eth )i)n2t he&itate, She un&heathe) one o$ 'rath2& )a""er& an) +rou+he),
9>u&t "et here* .ut+h, Now,9 She $lippe) the phone &hut an) )roppe) it, 9Co3e on*
%ou u"l%-a&& )o", Co3e on@9
The )o" +ir+le)* an) 'rath +oul) $eel hi3&el$ /ein" e%e), For &o3e rea&on the ani3al
wante) hi3* 3a%/e /e+au&e he wa& /lee)in" &o /a)l%, .eth 3oe) with the pit /ull*
ar3& hel) wi)e,
5er oi+e thro//e), 9Eou want &o3e o$ hi34 Eou2re "oin" to hae to "et throu"h
3e,9
The )o" leape) at .eth* an) a& i$ &he2) /een traine) to (ill* &he "ot )own low an)
plun"e) the (ni$e up into the ani3al2& +he&t +ait%, The thin" )roppe) li(e a &tone,
She le$t the (ni$e in pla+e an) &+ra3/le) /a+(, She wa& &ha(in" &o /a)l%* her han)&
were li(e /ir)& a& &he li$te) the +loth at hi& &to3a+h,
96t )oe&n2t hurt*9 he whi&pere)* &3ellin" her tear&,
9Oh* 'rath,9 She "ra//e) hi& han)* "rippin" it har), 9Eou2re in &ho+(,9
9Eeah* pro/a/l%, 6 +an2t &ee %ou* where are %ou49
9623 here,9 She put hi& $in"er& to her $a+e, 9Can %ou $eel 3e49
.arel%* /ut it wa& enou"h to (eep hi3 "oin",
96 wi&h %ou were pre"nant*9 he &ai) hoar&el%, 96 )on2t want %ou to /e alone,9
9:on2t &a% that@9
91&( Tohr an) 'ell&ie to ta(e %ou in,9
9No%9
9Aro3i&e 3e,9
96 will not*9 &he &ai) $ier+el%, 9Eou2re not "oin" an%where,9
She wa& &o wron" a/out that* he thou"ht, 5e +oul) $eel hi3&el$ &lippin" awa%,
96 loe %ou* leelan,9
.eth &tarte) to &o/, 5er &tran"le) +rie& were the la&t &oun) he hear) a& he $ou"ht
a"ain&t the ti)e an) lo&t,
.eth )i)n2t loo( up when the +ell phone &tarte) rin"in",
9'rath49 &he &ai) a"ain, 9'rath89
She put her ear to hi& +he&t, 5i& heart wa& &till wor(in"* /ut the /eat& were $aint* an)
he wa& /reathin"* thou"h &lowl%, She wa& )e&perate to help hi3* ex+ept &he +oul)n2t
)o CA?, #ot until hi& ital& +ra&he),
9Oh* 0o)89
The phone (ept rin"in",
She "ra//e) it o$$ the )irt $loor* tr%in" to i"nore the &prea)in" pool o$ /loo) aroun)
'rath2& /o)%, 9'hat@9
9.eth@ 6t2& .ut+h, 623 with =, 5e an) 6 are "oin" to /e there &oon* /ut he nee)& to tal(
to %ou,9
There wa& a whirrin" noi&e in the /a+("roun)* a& i$ a +ar en"ine wa& &+rea3in",
=i&hou&2& oi+e wa& inten&e, 9.eth* here2& what %ou nee) to )o, :o %ou hae a (ni$e49
She e%e) the re3ainin" )a""er on 'rath2& +he&t, 9Ee&,9
90et it, 6 want %ou to +ut %our wri&t, :o it erti+all% )own the $orear3* not
horizontall%* otherwi&e %ou2ll 7u&t hit /one, Then put it to hi& 3outh, 6t2& hi& /e&t
+han+e o$ &uriin" until we +an "et hi3 help,9 There wa& a pau&e, 9Aut the phone
)own* hone%* an) "et the (ni$e, 62ll tal( %ou throu"h it,9
.eth rea+he) oer an) extra+te) the /la)e $ro3 'rath2& hol&ter, She )i)n2t he&itate to
&li+e her le$t wri&t open, The pain 3a)e her "a&p* /ut &he )i)n2t )well on the /urnin"
a& &he put the woun) to 'rath2& 3outh, She pi+(e) up the phone with her $ree han),
95e2& not )rin(in",9
9Eou2e alrea)% +ut %our&el$4 0oo) "irl,9
95e2& not8 he2& not &wallowin",9
95ope$ull% &o3e2& "ettin" )own the /a+( o$ hi& throat,9
95e2& /lee)in" $ro3 there* too,9
9>e&u&8 623 )riin" a& $a&t a& 6 +an,9
.ut+h &potte) the 5u33er, 9Oer there@9
=i&hou& )roe ri"ht a+ro&& the lawn* an) the% leape) $ro3 the +ar* pun+h runnin" $or
the /arn,
.ut+h +oul)n2t /eliee the &+ene in&i)e, 1 +ouple o$ &lau"htere) )o"&, .loo)
eer%where, One really )ea) /o)%;>e&u&* that wa& .ill% ?i))le,
1n) then he &aw .eth,
She wa& wearin" a lon" T-&hirt that wa& +oere) with /loo) an) )irt* her e%e& "one
3a) a& &he (nelt /% 'rath2& /o)% with one wri&t to hi& lip&, 'hen &he noti+e) the3*
&he hi&&e) an) /rou"ht up her (ni$e* prepare) to $i"ht,
=i&hou& went $orwar)* /ut .ut+h "ra//e) hi& ar3, 9<et 3e "o $ir&t,9
Slowl%* .ut+h &teppe) oer to her, 9.eth4 .eth* %ou (now who we are,9
.ut the +lo&er he "ot to 'rath* the +razier her e%e& /e+a3e,
She pulle) her wri&t awa% $ro3 the 3an2& 3outh* rea)% to )e$en) hi3,
9!a&%* "irl, 'e2re not "oin" to hurt hi3, .eth* it2& 3e,9
She /lin(e), 9.ut+h49
9Eeah* /a/%, 6t2& 3e an) =i&hou&,9
She )roppe) the (ni$e an) &tarte) to +r%,
9O(a%* it2& o(a%,9 5e trie) to "et her into hi& ar3&* /ut &he )roppe) /a+( )own to
'rath, 9#o* /a/%, <et = loo( at hi3* o(a%4 Co3e on* it2ll 7u&t ta(e a 3inute,9
She allowe) her&el$ to /e pulle) /a+(, 1& .ut+h tore o$$ hi& &hirt an) wrappe) it
aroun) her wai&t* he no))e) to =,
=i&hou& )roppe) to 'rath2& &i)e, 'hen he loo(e) up $ro3 the other a3pire2&
&to3a+h* hi& lip& were ti"ht,
.eth &an( )own* puttin" her wri&t /a+( in pla+e, 95e2ll /e all ri"ht* won2t he4 'e2ll
7u&t 3oe hi3 to a )o+tor, To a ho&pital, ?i"ht4 =i&hou&* ri"ht49 :e&peration 3a)e
her &hrill,
1n) then &u))enl%* the% weren2t alone,
-ari&&a an) a )i&tin"ui&he)* $ranti+-loo(in" 3an appeare) out o$ nowhere,
The "u% went to 'rath2& /o)% an) li$te) the wa) o$ /loo)-&oa(e) &atin, 9'e2e "ot to
"et hi3 to 3% O?,9
9-% +ar2& on the $ront lawn*9 = &ai), 962ll +o3e /a+( an) $ini&h thin"& when he2& &a$e,9
The 3an +ur&e) a& he exa3ine) the ne+( woun), 5e loo(e) at .eth, 9Eour /loo)2&
not &tron" enou"h, -ari&&a* "et oer here,9
.eth wa& $i"htin" /a+( tear& a& &he li$te) her wri&t $ro3 'rath2& 3outh an) loo(e) up
at the /lon) wo3an,
-ari&&a he&itate), 91re %ou o(a% with 3% $ee)in" hi349
.eth o$$ere) 'rath2& )a""er han)le $ir&t, 96 )on2t +are who he )rin(& $ro3 i$ it will
&ae hi3,9
-ari&&a +ut her&el$ ea&il%* a& i$ &he2) )one it 3an% ti3e& /e$ore, Then &he li$te)
'rath2& hea) up an) pre&&e) the woun) to hi& 3outh,
5i& /o)% 7olte) li(e it ha) /een hoo(e) up to a +ar /atter%,
91ll ri"ht* let2& 3oe hi3*9 &ai) the 3an who2) ta(en +har"e, 9-ari&&a* %ou (eep that
wri&t ri"ht where it i&,9
.eth too( 'rath2& han) a& the 3en "ot hi3 up o$$ the /arn $loor, The% +arrie) hi3 a&
"entl% a& the% +oul) oer to
=i&hou&2& SC=* la%in" hi3 out $lat in the /a+(, -ari&&a an) .eth "ot in with 'rath a&
.ut+h an) =i&hou& too( the $ront &eat, The other 3an )i&appeare),
1& the !&+ala)e roare) oer the /a+( roa)&* .eth &tro(e) 'rath2& ar3* up an) )own
hi& tattoo&, The &(in wa& +ol),
9Eou loe hi3 &o er% 3u+h*9 -ari&&a 3ur3ure),
.eth loo(e) up, 96& he )rin(in"49
96 )on2t (now,9
Chapter !ifty'one
6n the &ur"i+al &uite2& anteroo3* 5aer& &nappe) o$$ hi& latex "loe& an) threw the3
into a /io-tra&h +ontainer, 5i& /a+( a+he) a$ter hain" &pent hour& leanin" oer
'rath* &tit+hin" up &e+tion& o$ the warrior2& inte&tine an) $ixin" the woun) in hi&
ne+(,
9'ill he lie49 -ari&&a a&(e) a& &he +a3e out o$ the O?, She wa& wea( $ro3 all the
/loo) &he2) "ien, Aale* /ut inten&e,
9'e2ll (now &oon enou"h, 6 hope &o,9
91& )o 6,9 She wal(e) pa&t hi3* re$u&in" to 3eet hi& e%e&,
9-ari&&a;9
96 (now %ou are &orr%, .ut 6 a3 not the one to who3 %ou &houl) o$$er %our re"ret&,
Eou 3i"ht &tart with .eth, 6$ eer &he i& rea)% to hear %ou,9
1& the )oor &li) &hut with a hi&&* 5aer& +lo&e) hi& e%e&,
Oh* )ear 0o)* the pain in hi& +he&t, The pain o$ )ee)& that +oul) neer /e un)one,
5aer& &a""e) a"ain&t the wall* pullin" the &ur"i+al +ap o$$ hi& hea),
Than($ull%* the .lin) Jin" ha) a true warrior2& +on&titution, 5e wa& &tout o$ /o)%*
$ier+e o$ will, 1lthou"h he woul)n2t hae &urie) without -ari&&a2& nearl% pure
/loo),
Or* 5aer& &u&pe+te)* the pre&en+e o$ hi& )ar(-haire) shel,lan, .eth* a& &he wa&
+alle)* ha) &ta%e) /% hi& &i)e throu"hout the operation, 1n) een thou"h the warrior
ha) /een un+on&+iou&* hi& hea) ha) &ta%e) turne) towar) her, She2) &po(en to hi3 $or
hour&* until &he ha) onl% a hoar&e whi&per le$t,
1n) &he wa& &till in there with hi3 now* thou"h &he wa& &o exhau&te) &he +oul)
/arel% &it up, She2) re$u&e) to let her own woun)& /e exa3ine)* an) &he woul)n2t eat,
She 7u&t &ta%e) with her hellren,
'ith a lur+h* 5aer& went oer to the )eep prep &in(&, 5e "rippe) the &tainle&&-&teel
"unnel& an) &tare) at the )rain&, 5e $elt li(e throwin" up* /ut hi& &to3a+h wa& e3pt%,
The /rother& were out&i)e, 'aitin" $or new& $ro3 hi3,
1n) the% (new what he ha) )one,
.e$ore 5aer& ha) "one in to operate* Tohr3ent ha) "ra//e) hi3 aroun) the throat, 6$
'rath )ie) on the ta/le* the warrior ha) owe)* the /rother& were "oin" to &trin"
5aer& up /% the $eet an) /eat hi3 with their /are $i&t& until he /le) out, ?i"ht in hi&
own hou&e,
#o )ou/t F&a)i&t ha) tol) the3 eer%thin",
7od$ if only I could go "ack to that alley* 5aer& thou"ht, If only I hadnt gone there
at all,
1n) he &houl) hae (nown neer to approa+h a 3e3/er o$ the /rotherhoo) with &u+h
a trea&onou& reKue&t, #ot een the &oulle&& one,
1$ter he2) 3a)e the o$$er to F&a)i&t* the /rother ha) &tare) )own at hi3 with tho&e
terri$%in" /la+( e%e&* an) 5aer& ha) i33e)iatel% realize) he2) 3a)e a 3i&ta(e,
F&a)i&t 3i"ht hae /een $ull o$ hate* /ut he wa&n2t a traitor a"ain&t hi& (in"* an) he
wa& o$$en)e) that he2) /een a&(e),
962ll (ill $or $ree*9 F&a)i&t ha) "rowle), 9.ut onl% i$ 6 were "oin" a$ter %ou, 0et out o$
3% &i"ht /e$ore 6 "et out 3% (ni$e,9
?attle)* 5aer& ha) ru&he) awa%* onl% to $in) hi3&el$ /ein" tra+(e) /% what he2)
a&&u3e) 3u&t /e a lesser, 6t wa& the $ir&t ti3e he2) eer /een +lo&e to one o$ the
un)ea)* an) it wa& a &urpri&e that the &o+iet% 3e3/er wa& &o $air o$ hair an) &(in,
Still* the thin" wa& pure eil an) rea)% to (ill, Trappe) in a +orner in the alle%* &+are)
out o$ 3in)* 5aer& ha) &tarte) tal(in"* a& 3u+h to "et the 7o/ he wante) )one a& to
(eep hi3&el$ $ro3 "ettin" &lain, The lesser ha) /een &(epti+al at $ir&t* /ut 5aer& ha)
alwa%& /een per&ua&ie* an) the wor) king* u&e) li/erall%* ha) "otten it& attention,
6n$or3ation ha) +han"e) han)&, The lesser ha) wal(e) o$$, 1n) the )ie wa& +a&t,
5aer& /reathe) )eepl%* /ra+in" hi3&el$ to "o out into the hall,
1t lea&t he +oul) ple)"e to the /rother& that he2) )one the /e&t he +oul) with the
&ur"er%,
1lthou"h that ha)n2t /een /e+au&e he2) wante) to &ae hi& own li$e, Su+h an a+Kuittal
wa& i3po&&i/le, 5e wa& "oin" to /e put to )eath $or what he2) )oneL it wa& 7u&t a
Kue&tion o$ when,
#o* in the O?* he2) per$or3e) to the /e&t o$ hi& a/ilit% /e+au&e it wa& the onl% wa% he
+oul) 3a(e up $or the atro+it% he2) +o33itte), 1n) /e+au&e tho&e $ie heail% ar3e)
3ale& an) that $ier+e hu3an 3an waitin" out&i)e ha) loo(e) li(e their heart& were
/rea(in",
.ut neither o$ tho&e ha) /een hi& true&t 3otiator,
5e2) /een "alanize) 3o&t /% the /urnin" pain in that )ar(-haire) .eth2& e%e&, 5e
(new well that horri$ie)* i3potent expre&&ion, 5e2) /een wearin" it hi3&el$ a& he2)
wat+he) hi& shellan )ie,
5aer& wa&he) hi& $a+e an) went out into the hall, The /rother& an) the hu3an loo(e)
up at hi3,
95e ha& &urie) the &ur"er%, #ow* we hae to &ee i$ he hol)& on,9 5aer& went oer
to Tohr3ent, 9:o %ou want to ta(e 3e now49
The warrior &tare) )own at hi3 with har)* iolent e%e&, 9'e2ll (eep %ou alie to +are
$or hi3, 1n) then he +an (ill %ou hi3&el$,9
5aer& no))e) an) hear) a &o$t +r%in" &oun), 5e loo(e) oer to &ee -ari&&a +la&pin"
a han) to her 3outh,
5e wa& a/out to "o oer when the hu3an 3ale &teppe) in $ront o$ her, The 3an
he&itate) /e$ore hol)in" out a han)(er+hie$, She too( what he o$$ere) an) then
wal(e) awa% $ro3 the3 all,
.eth put her hea) )own on the $ar +orner o$ 'rath2& pillow, 5e2) /een tran&$erre) to a
ho&pital /e) $ro3 the operatin" ta/le* thou"h he wa& not "oin" to /e 3oe) into a
nor3al patient roo3, 5aer& ha) )e+i)e) to (eep hi3 in the O? in +a&e he nee)e) to
/e operate) on a"ain on an e3er"en+% /a&i&,
The white-walle) $a+ilit% wa& +ol)* /ut &o3eone ha) put a hea% $lee+e on her,
!i)entl%* the%2) al&o wrappe) a /lan(et aroun) the /otto3 hal$ o$ her /o)%* too, She
+oul)n2t re3e3/er who ha) /een &o (in),
1& &he hear) a +li+(in" &oun)* &he "lan+e) oer at the 3ountain o$ 3a+hine& 'rath
wa& hoo(e) up to, She 3ea&ure) ea+h one o$ the3 without hain" 3u+h i)ea what the
rea)out& 3eant, Aroi)e) that none o$ the alar3& were "oin" o$$* &he ha) to i3a"ine it
wa& o(a%,
The &oun) +a3e a"ain,
She loo(e) )own at 'rath, 1n) &hot to her $eet,
5e wa& tr%in" to tal(* /ut hi& 3outh wa& &o )r%* hi& ton"ue wa& thi+(,
9Shhh,9 She "rippe) hi& han), Aut her $a+e in hi& line o$ i&ion in +a&e he opene) hi&
e%e&, 9623 ri"ht here,9
5i& $in"er& twit+he) in her&, 1n) then he $a)e) awa% a"ain,
0o)* he loo(e) li(e hell, Aale a& the +era3i+ tile& on the O?2& $loor, !%e& &un( )eep
into hi& &(ull,
5e ha) a thi+( /an)a"e on hi& throat, 5i& /ell% wa& wrappe) in "auze an) +otton
pa)&* with )rain& lea)in" out o$ the woun), There wa& an 6= pu3pin" $lui)& an)
pain(iller& into hi& ar3 an) a +atheter /a" han"in" o$$ the /e)&i)e, 1 tan"le o$ !J0
wire& were &tu+( on hi& +he&t* an) an ox%"en &en&or wa& +lippe) onto hi& 3i))le
$in"er,
.ut he wa& alie, For now,
1n) he2) &tirre) to +on&+iou&ne&&* een i$ it wa& 7u&t $or a 3o3ent,
6t wa& li(e that $or the next two )a%&, 5e woul) &ur$a+e an) &in(* &ur$a+e an) &in(* a&
i$ he ha) to (eep +he+(in" that &he wa& with hi3 /e$ore he went /a+( to the her+ulean
7o/ o$ healin" hi& /o)%,
!entuall%* &he ha) to &leep* &o the /rother& /rou"ht in a 3ore +o3$orta/le +hair* an)
&o3eone "ae her a pillow an) a /lan(et, She wo(e up an hour later* &till +lut+hin"
'rath2& han),
She ate when &he wa& $or+e) to* /e+au&e Tohr3ent or 'ell&ie )e3an)e) that &he )i),
1n) &he too( a &hower in the anteroo3, Pui+(l%, 'hen &he "ot /a+(* 'rath2& le"&
an) ar3& were $lailin" wil)l% an) 'ell&ie ha) +alle) $or 5aer&,
The in&tant .eth too( 'rath2& han)* he +al3e) ri"ht )own, She )i)n2t (now how lon"
the waitin" woul) "o on, .ut eer% ti3e he +a3e /a+( to her* &he )rew a little
&tren"th, She +oul) wait, For an eternit%* &he +oul) wait $or hi3,
'rath2& 3in) +a3e /a+( online in a ru&h o$ a+tiit%, One 3inute he wa&n2t aware o$
an%thin"L the next* hi& +ir+uit& &tarte) $irin" a"ain, 5e )i)n2t (now where he wa&* an)
hi& e%eli)& were too hea% to open* &o he )i) a Kui+( &+an o$ hi& /o)%, <ower hal$ $elt
o(a%* toe& 3oe)* le"& were &till atta+he), Whoa$ ouch, 5i& &to3a+h $elt li(e it ha)
/een pun+he) with a tire iron, .ut hi& +he&t wa& &oli), #e+( wa& /urnin", 5ea) wa&
a+h%, 1r3& were "oo), 5an)&;
Beth%
5e wa& u&e) to $eelin" her pal3 a"ain&t hi&, 'here wa& &he4
5i& e%e& $lippe) open,
She wa& ri"ht /e&i)e hi3* &ittin" in a +hair* her hea) )own on the /e) a& i$ &he were
a&leep, 5i& $ir&t thou"ht wa& that he &houl)n2t wa(e her up, She wa& o/iou&l%
exhau&te),
.ut he wante) to tou+h her, #ee)e) to,
5e trie) to rea+h out with hi& $ree han)* /ut hi& ar3 $elt li(e it wei"he) $our hun)re)
poun)&, 5e &tru""le)* willin" the li3/ a+ro&& hi& /o)%* )ra""in" it oer the /e)+oer&
in+h /% in+h, 5e )i)n2t (now how lon" it too(, -a%/e hour&,
.ut then he $inall% tou+he) a lo+( o$ her hair, The &il(en $eel o$ it wa& a 3ira+le,
5e wa& alie* an) &o wa& &he,
'rath &tarte) to +r%,
The in&tant .eth $elt the /e) &hu))er* &he wo(e up in a pani+, The $ir&t thin" &he &aw
wa& 'rath2& han), 5i& $in"er& were wrappe) aroun) a lon" &tran) o$ her hair,
She loo(e) up at hi& $a+e, Tear& were rollin" out o$ hi& e%e&,
9'rath@ Oh* loe,9 She leane) up to hi3* &3oothe) hi& hair /a+(, 5e wa& totall%
)i&tre&&e), 91re %ou hurtin"49
5e opene) hi& 3outh, #othin" +a3e out, 5e &tarte) to pani+* hi& e%e& peelin" open
until the white& &howe),
9!a&%* loe* ta(e it ea&%, >u&t relax*9 &he &ai), 96 want %ou to &Kueeze 3% han)* on+e
$or %e&* twi+e $or no, 1re %ou in pain49
No%
She "entl% &tro(e) the tear& $ro3 hi& whi&(ere) +hee(&, 91re %ou &ure49
Yes%
9:o %ou want 3e to "et 5aer&49
No%
9:o %ou nee) an%thin"49
Yes%
9Foo)4 :rin(4 .loo)49
No%
5e /e"an to "et a"itate)* hi& pale* wil) e%e& i3plorin" her,
9Shhh* it2& o(a%,9 She (i&&e) hi& $orehea), 9>u&t +al3 )own, 'e2ll $i"ure out what %ou
nee), 'e2e "ot plent% o$ ti3e,9
5i& e%e& $ixate) on their lin(e) han)& an) +a3e /a+( to her $a+e, Then hi& "aze
lo+(e) on their han)& an) returne) a"ain,
9-e49 &he whi&pere), 9Eou nee) 3e49
5e &Kueeze) an) woul)n2t &top,
9Oh* 'rath8 Eou hae 3e, 'e2re to"ether* loe,9
Tear& poure) out o$ hi3 in a 3a) ru&h* hi& +he&t Kua(in" $ro3 the &o/&* hi& /reathin"
7a""e) an) raw,
She too( hi& $a+e in hi& han)&* tr%in" to &oothe hi3, 96t2& all ri"ht, 623 not "oin"
an%where, 623 not "oin" to leae %ou, 6 pro3i&e %ou, Oh* loe89
!entuall% he relaxe) a little, The tear& &lowe),
1 +roa( +a3e out o$ hi& 3outh,
9'hat49 She leane) )own,
9'ante) to8 &ae %ou,9
9Eou )i), 'rath* %ou )i) &ae 3e,9
5i& lip& tre3/le), 9<oe, Eou,9
She (i&&e) hi3 "entl% on the 3outh, 96 loe %ou* too,9
9Eou, 0o, Sleep, #ow,9
1n) then he +lo&e) hi& e%e& $ro3 exhau&tion,
5er i&ion went /lurr% a& &he put her han) oer her 3outh an) &tarte) to &3ile, 5er
/eauti$ul warrior wa& /a+(, 1n) tr%in" to or)er her aroun) $ro3 hi& ho&pital /e),
'rath &i"he) an) &ee3e) to &in( into &leep,
'hen &he wa& &ure he wa& re&tin" pea+e$ull%* &he &tret+he)* thin(in" the /rother&
woul) appre+iate (nowin" that he2) wo(en up an) /een well enou"h to tal( a little,
-a%/e &he +oul) $in) a phone an) +all the hou&e,
'hen &he peere) into the hall* &he +oul)n2t /eliee what &he &aw,
?i"ht in $ront o$ the O?2& )oor* in a "reat* /reathin" /arrier* the /rother& an) .ut+h
were &prawle) out on the $loor, The 3en were $a&t a&leep* loo(in" a& exhau&te) a& &he
$elt, =i&hou& an) .ut+h were proppe) up a"ain&t the wall next to ea+h other* a little
T= an) two "un& /etween the3, ?ha"e wa& $lat on hi& /a+(* &norin" &o$tl%* with
)a""er in han), Tohr3ent ha) hi& hea) /alan+e) on hi& (nee&, Ahur% wa& l%in" on hi&
&i)e* +lut+hin" a throwin" &tar to hi& +he&t a& i$ it &oothe) hi3,
'here wa& F&a)i&t4
9623 oer here*9 he &ai) Kuietl%,
She 7u3pe) an) loo(e) to her ri"ht, F&a)i&t wa& $ull% ar3e)* "un &trappe) on hi& hip*
)a""er& +ro&&e) oer hi& +he&t* len"th o$ +hain &hi$tin" in hi& han), 5i& "litterin"
/la+( e%e& re"ar)e) her &tea)il%,
96t2& 3% turn to &tan) "uar), 'e2e /een ta(in" &hi$t&,9
96& it &o )an"erou& here49
5e $rowne), 9Eou )on2t (now49
9'hat49
5e &hru""e) an) loo(e) )own the hall, One wa%* then the other, S+annin",
9The /rotherhoo) prote+t& what i& our&,9 5i& e%e& re$o-+u&e) on her, 9'e woul)
neer leae %ou or hi3 un)e$en)e),9
She &en&e) he wa& ea)in"* /ut wa&n2t a/out to pre&&, 1ll that 3attere) wa& that &he
an) 'rath were &a$e a& her hu&/an)2& /o)% heale),
9Than( %ou*9 &he whi&pere),
F&a)i&t loo(e) )own Kui+(l%,
.ow he hides from any warmth* &he thou"ht,
9'hat ti3e i& it49 &he a&(e),
9Four in the a$ternoon, 6t2& Thur&)a%* /% the wa%,9 F&a)i&t /ru&he) a han) oer hi&
&(ull tri3, 9So* ah* how2& he )oin"49
95e wo(e up,9
96 (new he2) lie,9
9:i) %ou49
5i& lip li$te) in a &narl* a& i$ he were "oin" to 3a(e &o3e (in) o$ +ra+(, .ut then he
&ee3e) to +at+h hi3&el$, 5e &tare) at her* hi& &+arre) $a+e re3ote,
9Eeah* .eth, 6 reall% )i), #o &hot"un2& eer "oin" to (eep hi3 $ro3 %ou,9
1n) then F&a)i&t2& e%e& &hi$te) awa%,
The other& &tarte) to &tir, 1 3o3ent later* the% were all on their $eet* &tarin" )own at
her, .ut+h* &he note)* &ee3e) ri"ht at ho3e with the a3pire&,
95ow2& he $eelin"49 Tohr a&(e),
90oo) enou"h to tr% to tell 3e what to )o,9
The /rother& lau"he) in a ru&h, The &oun) wa& one o$ relie$, O$ pri)e, O$ loe,
9!ither o$ %ou nee) an%thin"49 Tohr a&(e),
.eth loo(e) at their $a+e&, !a+h one wa& expe+tant, 1& i$ the% hope) &he woul) "ie
the3 &o3ethin" to )o,
This really is my family* &he thou"ht,
96 thin( we2re o(a%,9 .eth &3ile), 91n) 623 &ure he2& "oin" to want to &ee all o$ %ou
&oon,9
9'hat a/out %ou49 Tohr a&(e), 95ow2re %ou hol)in" up4 Eou want to ta(e a /rea(49
She &hoo( her hea) an) pu&he) open the O?2& )oor, 9Cntil he +an wal( out o$ here on
hi& own two $eet* 623 not leain" that /e)&i)e,9
1& the )oor +lo&e) /ehin) .eth* .ut+h hear) =i&hou& whi&tle un)er hi& /reath,
9That i& one $ine $e3ale* true49 = &ai),
There wa& a low* a$$ir3atie "ru3/le,
91n) &o3eone %ou )o not want to 3e&& with*9 the /rother +ontinue), 9-an* %ou
&houl) hae &een her when we +a3e into that /arn, She wa& &tan)in" oer hi& /o)%*
rea)% to ta(e the +op an) 3e on with her /are han)& i$ &he ha) to, <i(e 'rath wa& her
+u/* %ou $eel 3e49
9'on)er i$ &he ha& a &i&ter49 ?ha"e a&(e),
Ahur% lau"he), 9Eou woul)n2t (now what to )o with %our&el$ i$ %ou ran into a $e3ale
o$ worth,9
9Thi& +o3in" $ro3 %ou* Celi/ate49 .ut then 5oll%woo) ru//e) the &tu//le on hi&
+hin* a& i$ +on&i)erin" the wa%& o$ the unier&e, 91h* hell* Ahur%* %ou2re pro/a/l%
ri"ht, Still* a 3ale +an )rea3,9
95e &ure +an*9 = 3ur3ure),
.ut+h thou"ht o$ -ari&&a, 5e (ept hopin" &he woul) +o3e )own* /ut he ha)n2t &een
her &in+e &he2) le$t the 3ornin" a$ter the &ur"er%, She2) loo(e) &o )rawn* &o
)i&tra+te)* /ut it wa&n2t a& i$ &he )i)n2t hae enou"h on her 3in), 5er /rother2& )eath
wa& +o3in" &oon, Sooner &till a& 'rath re+oere),
.ut+h wante) to "o to her* /ut wa&n2t &ure i$ &he2) wel+o3e hi& +o3pan%, 5e 7u&t
)i)n2t (now her well enou"h, The%2) ha) &o little ti3e to"ether,
'a& he a +urio&it%4 So3e $re&h /loo) &he wante) to ta&te4 So3ethin" 3ore4
.ut+h loo(e) )own the hallwa%* a& i$ he +oul) +all her into /ein",
0o)* he a+he) to &ee her, 6$ onl% to (now &he wa& o(a%,
Chapter !ifty'to
1 +ouple o$ )a%& later* 'rath &tru""le) to &it up /e$ore the /rother& +a3e in, 5e
)i)n2t want the3 to &ee hi3 $lat on hi& /a+(, The 6= runnin" into hi& ar3 an) all the
3a+hine& /ehin) hi3 were /a) enou"h,
.ut at lea&t the +atheter ha) /een out &in+e %e&ter)a%, 1n) he2) 3ana"e) to &hae
hi3&el$ an) ta(e a &hower, 5ain" hi& hair +lean wa& a /eauti$ul thin",
9'hat are %ou )oin"49 .eth )e3an)e) a& &he +au"ht hi3 3oin" aroun),
9Sittin" up;9
9Oh* no* %ou )on2t,9 She "ra//e) the /e)2& re3ote an) tilte) up the hea),
91h* hell* leelan* now 623 7u&t l%in" )own while &ittin" up,9
9Eou2re $ine,9 She /ent oer to tu+( the &heet& in* an) he +au"ht &i"ht o$ the +ure o$
her /rea&t, 5i& /o)% &welle), 6n the ri"ht pla+e,
.ut the ru&h 3a)e hi3 thin( o$ the &+ene he2) wal(e) in on at that /arn, O$ her
lat+he) )own to that ta/le, 5e )i)n2t +are that lessers +oul)n2t "et it up,
5e +au"ht her han), 9Leelan 5 9
9Ee&49
91re %ou &ure %ou2re all ri"ht49 The%2) tal(e) a/out what ha) happene)* /ut &till he
worrie),
96 tol) %ou, -% thi"h2& healin" up;9
9#ot 7u&t the ph%&i+al &tu$$*9 he &ai)* wantin" to (ill .ill% ?i))le all oer a"ain,
5er $a+e +lou)e) $or an in&tant, 96 tol) %ou* 62ll /e $ine, .e+au&e 6 re$u&e to hae it an%
other wa%,9
9Eou2re &o /rae, So re&ilient, Eou a3aze 3e,9
She &3ile) at hi3 an) leane) )own $or a Kui+( (i&&,
5e hel) her in pla+e* tal(in" a"ain&t her lip&, 91n) than( %ou $or &ain" 3% li$e, #ot
7u&t /a+( in that /arn, .ut $or all the re&t o$ 3% )a%& an) ni"ht&,9
5e (i&&e) her a little 3ore )eepl% an) wa& happ% to hear her "a&p o$ plea&ure, The
&oun) /rou"ht hi& ere+tion /a+( to li$e* an) he /ru&he) hi& $in"ertip& oer her
+ollar/one,
95ow 2/out %ou hop on up here with 3e49
96 )on2t thin( %ou2re Kuite rea)% $or that %et,9
9'anna /et49 5e too( her han) an) put it un)er the ho&pital &heet&,
5er throat% lau"h a& &he "rippe) hi3 "entl% wa& %et another 3arel, >u&t li(e her
+on&tant pre&en+e in hi& roo3* her $ier+e prote+tion o$ hi3* her loe* her &tren"th,
She wa& eer%thin" to hi3, 5i& whole worl), 5e2) "one $ro3 /ein" /la&e a/out hi&
)eath to /ein" )e&perate to lie, For her, For the3, For their $uture,
9'hat )o %ou &a% we "ie it another )a%49 &he &ai),
91n hour,9
9Cntil %ou +an &it up on %our own,9
9:eal,9
Than( 0o) he wa& a $a&t healer,
5er han) le$t hi& /o)%, 9Shoul) 6 let the /rother& in49
9Eeah,9 5e too( a )eep /reath, 9'ait, 6 want %ou to (now what 623 "oin" to &a%,9
5e tu""e) her )own* &o &he &at on the e)"e o$ the /e),
9623 leain" the /rotherhoo),9
She +lo&e) her e%e& a& i$ &he )i)n2t want hi3 to &ee how reliee) &he wa&, 9Trul%49
9Eeah, 62e a&(e) Tohr to /e in +har"e, .ut 623 not ta(in" a a+ation, 6 hae to &tart
rulin" our (in)* .eth, 1n) 6 nee) %ou to )o it with 3e,9
5er li)& $lippe) open,
5e tou+he) her $a+e, 9'e2re tal(in" (in" an) Kueen ti3e, 1n) 623 "oin" to /e hone&t
with %ou, 6 hae no i)ea what 623 )oin", 62e "ot &o3e i)ea&* /ut 623 "oin" to nee)
%our help,9
91n%thin"*9 &he &ai), 91n%thin" $or %ou,9
'rath +oul) onl% &tare at her in won)er,
0o)* &he reall% (no+(e) hi3 out, 5ere &he wa&* rea)% to ta(e on the worl) with hi3
een thou"h he wa& $lat on hi& a&& in a ho&pital /e), 5er $aith in hi3 wa& a&toun)in",
95ae 6 tol) %ou that 6 loe %ou* leelan49
91/out $ie 3inute& a"o, .ut 6 neer "et tire) o$ hearin" it,9
5e (i&&e) her, 90et the /rother&, Tell .ut+h to wait in the hall, .ut 6 want %ou to &ta%
while 6 tal( to the3,9
She let the warrior& in an) then +a3e /a+( to hi& &i)e,
The /rotherhoo) wal(e) up to the /e) +autiou&l%, 1lthou"h he2) ha) a /rie$ 3eetin"
with Tohr that 3ornin"* thi& wa& the $ir&t ti3e he2) &een the re&t o$ hi& warrior&* an)
the $ir&t ti3e the%2) &een hi3, There wa& a lot o$ &hallow +ou"hin"* li(e there were
lu3p& /ein" +leare) out o$ throat&, 5e (new what that $elt li(e, 5e ha) a (not in hi&
own,
9-% /rother&;9
1t that 3o3ent* 5aer& +a3e throu"h the )oor, 5e &toppe) )ea) in hi& tra+(&,
91h* the "oo) )o+tor*9 'rath &ai), 9Co3e in, 'e2e "ot &o3e un$ini&he) /u&ine&&*
%ou an) 6,9
5aer& ha) /een in an) out o$ the O? with re"ularit%* /ut 'rath ha)n2t $elt up to
)ealin" with the &ituation until now,
96t2& ti3e*9 he +o33an)e),
5aer& too( a )eep /reath an) wal(e) up to the /e), 5e /owe) hi& hea), 9-% lor),9
96 un)er&tan) %ou trie) to hae 3e (ille),9
To the 3ale2& +re)it* he )i)n2t tr% to run, 5e )i)n2t preari+ate, 1n) althou"h hi&
&orrow an) hi& re"ret were +lear* he )i) not ar"ue $or lenien+%,
9Ee&* 6 )i)* 3% lor), 6 wa& the one who approa+he) hi3,9 5e pointe) to F&a)i&t,
91n)* when it wa& +lear %our /rother woul) not /etra% %ou* the lesser,9
'rath no))e)* hain" alrea)% tal(e) to Tohr3ent a/out what ha) reall% "one )own
that ni"ht, Tohr ha) +au"ht onl% part o$ F2& re&pon&e,
9-% lor)* %ou &houl) (now that %our /rother wa& rea)% to (ill 3e 7u&t $or a&(in"
hi3,9
'rath e%e) F&a)i&t* who wa& &tarin" at the )o+tor li(e he wante) to 3ount the 3ale2&
hea) on a wall, 9Eeah* 6 hear) that )i)n2t "o oer too well, F* 6 owe %ou an apolo"%,9
The warrior &hru""e), 9:on2t /other, The% /ore 3e,9
'rath &3ile)* thin(in" that wa& &o li(e F, Ai&&e) o$$ no 3atter the +ir+u3&tan+e,
5aer& loo(e) aroun) at the /rother&, 95ere in $ront o$ the&e witne&&e&* 6 a++ept the
&enten+e o$ )eath,9
'rath &tare) har) at the )o+tor, 1n) thou"ht o$ all tho&e %ear& the 3ale2& &i&ter ha)
&u$$ere), !en thou"h 'rath ha) neer inten)e) $or her li$e to /e &o "ruelin"* the
out+o3e ha) /een hi& $ault,
9-ari&&a wa& the rea&on* wa&n2t &he49 'rath &ai),
5aer& no))e), 9Ee&* 3% lor),9
9Then 623 not "oin" to (ill %ou, Eou )i) it /e+au&e o$ the wa% 6 treate) %our loe)
one, =en"ean+e i& &o3ethin" 6 +an un)er&tan),9
5aer& &ee3e) to wo//le $ro3 &ho+(, Then he )roppe) the +hart he wa& hol)in" an)
+ollap&e) /% the /e)* "ra//in" 'rath2& han) an) puttin" hi& $orehea) on it, 9-% lor),
Eour 3er+% (now& no /oun)&,9
9Eeah* the hell it )oe&n2t, 6 a3 "iin" %ou %our li$e a& a "i$t to %our &i&ter, 6$ %ou eer
pull a &tunt li(e that a"ain* 623 +o3in" a$ter %ou with a )a""er, 'e +lear49
9Ee&* 3% lor),9
9#ow leae u&, Eou +an po(e an) pro) 3e later, .ut (no+( /e$ore %ou +o3e in* "ot
it49
9Ee&* 3% lor),9
1& 5aer& &+oote) out the )oor* 'rath (i&&e) .eth2& han), 9>u&t in +a&e we2re /u&%*9
he whi&pere) to her,
1 low* +olle+tie +hu+(le $ille) the roo3,
5e "lare) at the /rother& to &hut the3 up an) then 3a)e hi& pronoun+e3ent, 5e (new
he2) &ho+(e) the hell out o$ hi& warrior& when there wa& a lon" &ilen+e,
9So are %ou )own with Tohr* or what49 he a&(e) the "roup,
9Eeah*9 ?ha"e &ai), 96 +an )eal,9
=i&hou& an) Ahur% no))e),
9F49
The warrior rolle) hi& /la+( e%e&, 9Co3e on* 3an, 'hat )oe& it 3atter to 3e4 Eou*
Tohr, .ritne% Spear&,9
'rath lau"he), 9'a& that a 7o(e* F4 1$ter all thi& ti3e* hae %ou $inall% $oun) %our
&en&e o$ hu3or4 5ell* %ou2re "iin" 3e another rea&on to lie,9
F $lu&he) an) &narle) a little while the other& +hi)e) hi3,
'rath too( a )eep /reath, 91n) 3% /rother&* there2& &o3ethin" el&e, 623 a&+en)in" to
the throne, 1& 62e tol) Tohr* we nee) to re/uil), 'e nee) to reie the ra+e,9
The /rother& &tare), 1n) then one /% one* the% +a3e up to the /e) an) &wore their
$ealt% in the ol) lan"ua"e* ta(in" hi& han)* (i&&in" the in&i)e o$ hi& wri&t, Their "rae
reeren+e &hoo( hi3* 3oe) hi3,
The !cri"e ;irgin was right* he thou"ht, The&e were hi& people, 5ow +oul) he not
lea) the34
'hen the warrior& were $ini&he) with their oath&* he loo(e) at =i&hou&, 9:i) %ou "et
the 7ar& o$ the two lessers $ro3 that /arn49
= $rowne), 9There wa& onl% one, The re+ruit that %ou an) 6 3et the ni"ht o$ %our
3atin", 6 went /a+( an) &ta//e) the /o)% while %ou were /ein" operate) on, 0ot hi&
7ar $ro3 the hou&e,9
'rath &hoo( hi& hea), 9There were two, There were )e$initel% two, The other one wa&
the lesser who wa& )riin" that 5u33er,9
9Eou &ure he went )own49
95e wa& on the "roun) with a /low to the hea),9 1/ruptl%* 'rath &en&e) .eth2&
)i&Kuiet an) &Kueeze) her han), 9!nou"h* we2ll tal( a/out thi& later,9
9#o* it2& all ri"ht;9 &he /e"an,
9<ater,9 5e (i&&e) the /a+( o$ her han) an) &tro(e) it a+ro&& hi& +hee(, 5ol)in" on to
her e%e& with hi& own* he trie) to rea&&ure her* hatin" the worl) he2) /rou"ht her into,
'hen &he &3ile) at hi3* 'rath tu""e) her )own $or a Kui+( (i&& an) then loo(e)
/a+( at the /rother&,
9One 3ore thin"*9 he &ai), 9Eou2re "oin" to 3oe in to"ether, 6 want the /rotherhoo)
in one pla+e, 1t lea&t $or the next +ouple o$ %ear&,9
Tohr win+e), 9-an* 'ell&ie2& "oin" to hate that, 'e 7u&t $ini&he) in&tallin" her )rea3
(it+hen,9
9'e2ll wor( out &o3ethin" $or %ou two, !&pe+iall% /e+au&e there2& a +hil) on the wa%,
.ut the re&t o$ %ou are "oin" to /e roo33ate&,9
There were "ru3/le&, Seriou& "ru3/le&,
95e%* it +oul) /e wor&e*9 he &ai), 96 +oul) 3a(e %ou lie with 3e,9
90oo) point*9 ?ha"e &ai), 9-an* .eth* i$ %ou eer nee) a /rea( $ro3 hi3;9
'rath "rowle),
9'hat 6 wa& gonna &a%*9 5oll%woo) )rawle)* 9wa& that &he +oul) 3oe in with all o$
u& $or a while, 'e2ll alwa%& ta(e +are o$ her,9
'rath "lan+e) up at .eth, 0o)* &he wa& &o /eauti$ul, 5i& partner, 5i& loer, 5i&
Kueen,
5e &3ile)* una/le to loo( awa% $ro3 her e%e&, 9<eae u&* "entle3en, 6 want to /e
alone with 3% shellan,9
1& the /rother& $ile) out* the% were lau"hin" with 3a&+uline appre+iation, 1& i$ the%
(new exa+tl% what wa& on hi& 3in),
'rath &tru""le) on the /e)* tr%in" to $or+e hi3&el$ upri"ht &o that he /ore the wei"ht
o$ hi& upper /o)% on hi& hip&,
.eth wat+he) hi3 the whole ti3e* re$u&in" to help,
'hen he wa& &tea)%* he ru//e) hi& han)& to"ether in anti+ipation, 5e +oul) $eel her
&(in alrea)%,
9'rath*9 &he &ai) with warnin" a& he /ea3e) at her,
9Co3e on up here* leelan, 1 )eal2& a )eal,9
!en i$ all he +oul) )o wa& hol) her* he 7u&t nee)e) her in hi& ar3&,
Chapter !ifty'three
>o&e )e la Cruz &hoo( the ar&on ine&ti"ator2& han), 9Than(&, 6 loo( $orwar) to %our
written report,9
The 3an &hoo( hi& hea) a& he "lan+e) /a+( at the +harre) re3ain& o$ the Cal)well
-artial 1rt& 1+a)e3%, 9#eer &een an%thin" li(e thi&, Eou2) &wear &o3e (in) o$
nu+lear /o3/ went o$$, Fran(l%* 6 )on2t (now what to put in the $ile,9
>o&e wat+he) the 3an wal( oer to hi& +ount% tru+( an) )rie o$$,
9Eou "oin" /a+( to the &tation49 ?i+(% a&(e) while "ettin" into hi& own &Kua) +ar,
9#ot ri"ht now, 6 "otta hea) a+ro&& town,9
?i+(% wae) an) hea)e) out,
1lone at the &ite* >o&e too( a )eep /reath, The &3ell o$ the $ire wa& pun"ent* een $our
)a%& later,
1& he hea)e) to hi& un3ar(e)* he loo(e) )own at hi& &hoe&, The% were pale "ra%
$ro3 the twele in+he& o$ &oot that +oere) the &ite, The &tu$$ wa& 3ore ol+ano a&h
than an%thin" le$t /ehin) /% a nor3al $ire, 1n) the ruin& were o))* too, C&uall% part&
o$ a &tru+ture &urie)* no 3atter how hot the $la3e&, 5ere* nothin" re3aine), The
/uil)in" ha) /een raze) to the "roun),
<i(e the ar&on ine&ti"ator* he2) neer &een an%thin" o$ the &ort,
>o&e "ot /ehin) the wheel* &tu+( the (e% in the i"nition* an) put the +ar in "ear, 5e
)roe ei"ht 3ile& to the ea&t* into a "rittier part o$ town, 1 &erie& o$ uni3pre&&ie
apart3ent /uil)-in"& appeare)* ur/an wee)& that "rew up $ro3 the +on+rete an)
a&phalt "roun),
5e &toppe) in $ront o$ one, Aut the +ar in par(, Turne) o$$ the en"ine, 6t wa& a lon"
ti3e /e$ore he +oul) $or+e hi3&el$ out o$ the +ar,
Steelin" hi& nere&* he wal(e) oer to the $ront entran+e, 1 +ouple wa& +o3in" out*
an) the% hel) the )oor open $or hi3, 1$ter "oin" up three $li"ht& o$ &tair&* he hea)e)
)own a ratt% hall with +arpetin" that wa& $lat an) /rown $ro3 hain" /orne thou&an)&
o$ $oot&tep&,
The )oor he wa& loo(in" $or ha) /een repainte) &o 3an% ti3e&* it& &un(en panel&
were al3o&t $lu&h,
5e (no+(e)* /ut )i) not expe+t an% an&wer,
Ai+(in" the lo+( wa& the wor( o$ a 3o3ent, 5e pu&he) the )oor open,
Clo&in" hi& e%e&* he too( a )eep /reath, 1 /o)% le$t $or $our or $ie )a%& woul) &3ell
/% now* een in the air-+on)itionin",
.ut there wa& nothin",
9.ut+h49 he +alle) out,
5e +lo&e) the )oor /ehin) hi3, The +ou+h wa& +oere) with the &port& &e+tion& o$ the
&&' an) the New York )ost $ro3 the preiou& wee(, There were e3pt% /eer +an& on
the ta/le, 6n the (it+hen* there were )i&he& in the &in(, -ore e3ptie& on the +ounter,
>o&e went into the /e)roo3, 1ll he $oun) wa& a /e) with 3e&&% &heet& an) a lot o$
+lothe& on the $loor,
5e pau&e) /% the /athroo3 )oor, 6t wa& +lo&e),
5i& heart &tarte) poun)in",
Au&hin" it open* he $ull% expe+te) to $in) a /o)% han"in" $ro3 the &howerhea),
.ut there wa& nothin",
5o3i+i)e :ete+tie .ut+h O2#eal ha) )i&appeare), 'ithout a tra+e,
Chapter !ifty'four
:ariu& loo(e) aroun) hi3&el$, The pea+e$ul 3i&t o$ the Fa)e ha) )i&&ole)* reealin"
a +ourt%ar) o$ white 3ar/le, Fro3 a $ountain in the +enter* water $ell in a twin(lin"
)an+e* +at+hin" the )i$$u&e) li"ht an) &en)in" it /a+( out in $la&he&, Son"/ir)& +alle)
&weetl%* a& i$ /oth wel+o3in" hi3 an) announ+in" hi& arrial,
!o this place actually e6ists* he thou"ht,
90oo) )a%* :ariu&* &on o$ -ar(lon,9
5e )roppe) to hi& (nee& without turnin" aroun) an) lowere) hi& hea), 9S+ri/e =ir"in,
Eou honor 3e with an au)ien+e,9
She lau"he) &o$tl%, 1& &he &teppe) in $ront o$ hi3* the he3 o$ her /la+( ro/e& +a3e
into hi& iew, The "low &pillin" out $ro3 un)er the &il( wa& a& /ri"ht a& )ire+t
&unli"ht,
9:ariu&* how +oul) 6 re$u&e4 6t i& the $ir&t +on"re"ation %ou hae eer a&(e) $or,9 5e
$elt &o3ethin" /ru&h hi& &houl)er* an) the hair on the /a+( o$ hi& hea) tin"le), 9?i&e*
now, 6 woul) &ee %our $a+e,9
5e "ot to hi& $eet* towerin" oer the &li"ht $i"ure, 5e (ept hi& han)& +la&pe) in $ront
o$ hi3,
9So the Fa)e i& not to %our li(in"* princeps49 &he a&(e), 91n) %ou want 3e to &en)
%ou /a+(49
96 hu3/l% ten)er &u+h a reKue&t* i$ it woul) not o$$en), 6 hae waite) the reKuire)
perio), 6 woul) &ee 3% )au"hter, >u&t on+e, 6$ it woul) not o$$en),9
The S+ri/e =ir"in lau"he) a"ain, 96 3u&t &a%* %ou 3a(e a /etter pre&entation than
%our (in", Puite a wa% with wor)& that warrior ha& not,9
There wa& a pau&e,
5e u&e) the ti3e to thin( o$ hi& /rother&,
5ow he 3i&&e) 'rath, -i&&e) the3 all,
.ut the one he wante) to &ee wa& .eth,
9She i& 3ate)*9 the S+ri/e =ir"in &ai) a/ruptl%, 9Eour )au"hter* &he i& ta(en /% a
worth% 3ale,9
5e +lo&e) hi& e%e&* (nowin" not to Kue&tion, :%in" to hear, 5opin" hi& !liza/eth
woul) /e happ% with whateer 3ate &he ha) +ho&en,
The S+ri/e =ir"in &ee3e) )eli"hte) at hi& &ilen+e, 9<oo( at %ou* ne2er a Kuer% in
&i"ht, Su+h +ontrol %ou hae, 1n) $or %our etiKuette* 6 woul) tell %ou what %ou pine
to (now, 6t i& to 'rath, 'ho i& a&+en)in", Eour )au"hter i& Kueen,9
:ariu& )roppe) hi& hea)* not wantin" to reeal hi& e3otion&* not wantin" her to &ee
hi& tear&, Aerhap& &he woul) thin( he wa& wea(,
9Oh* princeps*9 the S+ri/e =ir"in &ai) &o$tl%, 9Su+h 7o% an) &a)ne&& in %our /rea&t,
Tell 3e* the +o3pan% o$ %our &on& in the Fa)e i& not enou"h to $ee) %our heart49
96 $eel a& i$ 6 hae le$t her /ehin),9
9She i& no lon"er alone,9
9That i& "oo),9
There wa& a pau&e, 91n) &till %ou wi&h to &ee her49
5e no))e),
The S+ri/e =ir"in 3oe) awa%* oer to the +olle+tion o$ /ir)& that &at* trillin" an)
happ%* on a white tree with white /loo3&,
9'hat )o %ou wi&h $or* princeps4 1re %ou &ee(in" a i&itation4 So3ethin" Kui+(4 6n
her )rea3&49
96$ that woul) not o$$en),9 5e (ept hi& wor)& $or3al /e+au&e &he )e&ere) the
reeren+e, 1n) /e+au&e he hope) it woul) &wa% her,
The /la+( ro/e& 3oe) an) a "lowin" han) e3er"e), One o$ the /ir)&* a +hi+(a)ee*
hoppe) onto her $in"er,
9Eou were (ille) in a )i&honora/le $a&hion*9 &he &ai)* &tro(in" the tin% /ir)2& +he&t,
91n) a$ter hain" &ere) the ra+e well $or +enturie&, Eou were an honora/le princeps
an) a $ine warrior,9
9That 3% )ee)& plea&e) %ou "ie& 3e "reat rewar),9
96n)ee),9 She whi&tle) to the /ir), The /ir) whi&tle) /a+(* a& i$ an&werin", 9'hat &a%
%ou* princeps* i$ 6 were to o$$er 3ore than %ou hae a&(e) $or49
:ariu&2& heart /eat $a&ter, 96 woul) &a% %e&,9
9'ithout (nowin" the "i$t4 Or the &a+ri$i+e49
96 tru&t in %ou,9
91n) wh% +oul) %ou not /e (in"49 &he a&(e) wr%l%* puttin" the /ir) /a+(, She $a+e)
hi3, 95ere i& what 6 o$$er %ou, <i$e anew, 1n inter&e+tion with %our )au"hter, 1
+han+e to $i"ht on+e 3ore,9
9S+ri/e =ir"in89 5e went )own to the $loor a"ain, 96 a++ept* (nowin" 6 )o not
)e&ere &u+h $aor&,9
96 will not hol) %ou to that an&wer, 5ere i& what %ou will &a+ri$i+e, Eou will hae no
+on&+iou& 3e3or% o$ her, Eou will not /e a& %ou are now, 1n) 6 reKuire one to(en o$
$a+ult%,9
5e )i)n2t (now what the la&t one wa&* /ut he wa&n2t a/out to a&(,
96 a++ept,9
91re %ou &ure4 :o %ou not want ti3e to +on&i)er thi& $urther49
9Than( %ou* S+ri/e =ir"in, .ut 3% +hoi+e i& 3a)e,9
9So /e it,9
She +a3e oer to hi3 an) tho&e "ho&tl% han)& e3er"e) $ro3 the /la+( ro/e, 1t the
&a3e ti3e* the eil oer her $a+e li$te) o$ it& own a++or), The li"ht wa& &o /lin)in" he
+oul) &ee nothin" o$ her $eature&,
1& &he too( hol) o$ hi& 7aw an) the /a+( o$ hi& hea)* he tre3/le) in the $a+e o$ her
&tren"th, She +oul) hae +ru&he) hi3 on a whi3,
96 "ie %ou li$e anew* :ariu&* &on o$ -ar(lon, -a% %ou $in) what %ou &ee( in thi&
in+arnation,9
She pre&&e) her lip& to hi&* an) he $elt the &a3e &ho+( he ha) when he2) )ie), 1ll hi&
3ole+ule& explo)in"* hi& /o)% &plinterin" into air* hi& &oul &et $ree an) &oarin",
Chapter !ifty'five
-r, O opene) hi& e%e& an) &aw a /un+h o$ haz%* erti+al line&, .ar&4
#o* the% were +hair le"&,
5e wa& l%in" on a rou"h pine $loor, Sprawle) out on hi& &to3a+h, Cn)er a ta/le,
5e li$te) hi& +hin an) hi& i&ion went /lurr% a"ain, 7od$ my head aches like it was
cracked wide open;
!er%thin" +a3e /a+(, Fi"htin" the .lin) Jin", 0ettin" hit /% the $e3ale with
&o3ethin" har), Fallin" )own,
'hile the .lin) Jin" ha) &tru""le) with hi& "un&hot woun)&* an) the $e3ale ha)
/een $o+u&e) on her 3ate* -r, O ha) +rawle) awa% to the 3inian, 5e2) )rien een
$arther out o$ town* to the 3ountain& at Cal)well2& er% e)"e, .% &o3e 3ira+le* he2)
$oun) hi& +a/in in the )ar( an) ha) /arel% 3ana"e) to "et hi3&el$ in&i)e /e$ore
+ollap&in",
0o) onl% (new how lon" he2) /een out +ol),
S3all win)ow& in the lo" wall& let in the earl% )awn "low, 'a& it the 3ornin" a$ter4
So3ehow* he )i)n2t thin( it wa&, 5e $elt a& i$ he2) lo&t )a%&,
-oin" hi& ar3 aroun) +are$ull%* he rea+he) $or the /a+( o$ hi& hea), The in7ur% wa&
raw* /ut +lo&in",
'ith +on+entration an) e$$ort* he 3ana"e) to )ra" hi3&el$ upri"ht &o he wa& leanin"
a"ain&t the ta/le, 5e a+tuall% $elt a little /etter with hi& hea) eleate),
5e wa& lu+(%, Lessers +oul) /e per3anentl% in+apa+itate) $ro3 &eriou& /low& or
"un&hot&, #ot )ea)* /ut ruine), Oer the )e+a)e&* he2) $oun) a nu3/er o$ hi& $ellow
3e3/er& $lop-pin" aroun) in hi))en pla+e&* rottin"* una/le to heal /a+( into $i"htin"
&hape* too wea( to &ta/ the3&ele& into o/liion,
5e loo(e) at hi& han)&, The% ha) the )rie) /loo) o$ the .lin) Jin" on the3 an) )irt
$ro3 the /arn2& $loor,
5e ha) no re"ret& that he2) run $ro3 the &+ene, So3eti3e&* the /e&t 3oe a lea)er
+oul) 3a(e wa& to )i&en"a"e $ro3 /attle, 'hen +a&ualtie& were too hi"h* an) lo&&
wa& irtuall% a&&ure)* the intelli"ent 3aneuer wa& to with)raw an) $i"ht another )a%,
-r, O )roppe) hi& ar3&, 5e wa& "oin" to nee) 3ore ti3e to re+oer* /ut he ha) to "et
hol) o$ hi& 3en, <ea)er&hip a+uu3& in the So+iet% were )an"erou&, Aarti+ularl% $or
the Fore,lesser in +har"e,
The )oor to the +a/in &wun" open an) he loo(e) up* won)erin" how he woul) )e$en)
hi3&el$ /e$ore realizin" it wa& too +lo&e to )a%li"ht $or the intru)er to /e a a3pire,
'hat $ille) the 7a3/& 3a)e hi& /la+( /loo) run +ol),
The #mega%
962e +o3e to help %ou re+oer*9 it &ai) with a &3ile,
1& the )oor &hut* -r, O2& /o)% tre3/le),
5elp $ro3 the O3e"a wa& 3ore terri$%in" than an% )eath &enten+e,
$pi&ogue
9The To3/2& 3an&ion, 623 tellin" %ou* that2& where we
O &houl) "o*9 Tohr &ai)* a& he &ta//e) &o3e roa&t /ee$ o$$ the &iler tra% Fritz hel)
out to hi3, 9Than(&* 3an,9
.eth loo(e) oer at 'rath* thin(in" that in the 3onth &in+e he2) /een &hot* he2) $ull%
re+oere), 5e wa& health% an) &tron", For3i)a/le a& alwa%&, 1rro"ant, <oin",
63po&&i/le an) irre&i&ti/le,
1& he &ettle) /a+( in hi& +hair at the hea) o$ the ta/le* he rea+he) $or her han)*
&tro(in" her pal3 with hi& thu3/,
She &3ile) at hi3,
The%2) /een liin" in her $ather2& hou&e while he re+oere)* wor(in" on plan& $or the
$uture, 1n) eer% ni"ht* the /rotherhoo) +a3e $or )inner, Fritz wa& /e&i)e hi3&el$
with "lee $ro3 all the people +o3in" an) "oin",
9Eou (now* that2& a )a3n "oo) i)ea*9 = &ai), 96 +oul) reall% wire that pla+e ti"ht, 6t2&
i&olate) enou"h on that 3ountain, 1n) /uilt o$ &tone* &o it2& $ireproo$, 6$ we throw
&o3e retra+ta/le 3etal &hutter& a+ro&& all the win)ow&* we +oul) 3oe aroun) )urin"
the )a%, 'hi+h wa& a +riti+al wea(ne&& in thi& hou&e when89 5e &toppe), 91n)
)oe&n2t it hae exten&ie un)er"roun) roo3&4 'e +oul) u&e the3 $or trainin",9
?ha"e no))e), 9The pla+e i& al&o /i" enou"h, 'e +oul) all lie there without (illin"
ea+h other,9
9That )epen)& 3ore on %our 3outh than an% $loorplan*9 Ahur% &ai) with a "rin, The
warrior &hi$te) in hi& +hair* 3a(in" roo3 $or .oo on hi& lap,
9'hat )o %ou thin(49 Tohr a&(e) 'rath,
96t2& not 3% +all, 1& tho&e /uil)in"& an) $a+ilitie& were :ariu&2& hol)in"&* the% hae
now pa&&e) to .eth,9 'rath loo(e) at her, 9Leelan4 'oul) %ou +on&i)er lettin" the
/rother& u&e one o$ %our hou&e&49
One o$ her hou&e&, .er hou&e&, 1& &o3eone who2) neer een owne) an apart3ent*
&he wa& hain" a little trou/le +o3in" to ter3& with eer%thin" that wa& now her&,
1n) it wa&n2t onl% real e&tate, 1rt, <an), Car&, >ewelr%, 1n) the 3one% &he +ontrolle)
wa& in&ane,
Fortunatel%* = an) Ahur% were &harin" their in-)epth (nowle)"e a/out the &to+(
3ar(et with her, 1& well a& tea+hin" her a/out the in& an) out& o$ /on)&, T-/ill&,
0ol), Co33o)itie&, The% were a3azin"l% "oo) with 3one%,
1n) er%* er% "oo) to her,
She loo(e) )own the ta/le at the 3en, 9'hateer the /rotherhoo) nee)&* the% +an
hae,9
There wa& a ru3/le o$ "ratitu)e* an) wine"la&&e& were li$te) to her in &alute, F&a)i&t
le$t hi& on the ta/le* /ut no))e) in her )ire+tion,
She "lan+e) at 'rath, 9!x+ept )on2t %ou thin( that we &houl) lie there* too49
9Eou2) want to )o that49 he a&(e), 9-o&t $e3ale& woul) pre$er their own pla+e,9
96t i& 3ine* re3e3/er4 .e&i)e&* the&e are %our +lo&e&t a)i&er&* the people %ou tru&t
3ore than an% other&, 'h% woul) %ou want to /e &eparate) $ro3 the349
95ol) up*9 ?ha"e &ai), 96 thou"ht we2) a"ree) we woul)n2t hae to lie with hi3,9
'rath &hot a "lare at 5oll%woo) an) then loo(e) /a+( at her, 9Eou2re &ure a/out thi&*
leelan49
9There2& &a$et% in nu3/er&* ri"ht49
5e no))e), 9.ut 3ore expo&ure* too,9
9'e2) /e in er% "oo) +o3pan%* thou"h, There i& no/o)% 62) rather hae prote+tin" u&
than the&e won)er$ul 3en,9
29S+u&e 3e*9 ?ha"e inter7e+te), 96& eer%one el&e here in loe with her49
95ell* %eah*9 = &ai)* tippin" hi& ?e) Sox hat, 9Totall%,9
Ahur% no))e), 91n) i$ &he lie& with u&* we "et to (eep the +at,9
'rath (i&&e) her an) loo(e) at Tohr, 90ue&& we2e "ot our&ele& a ho3e,9
91n) Fritz will +o3e* too*9 .eth &ai)* a& the /utler wal(e) into the roo3, 9'on2t %ou4
Alea&e49
The /utler &ee3e) ti+(le) pin( to /e in+lu)e)* an) he e%e) the /rother& with
happine&&, 91n%where $or %ou an) the (in"* 3i&tre&&, 1n) the 3ore to +are $or* the
/etter,9
9'ell* we2re "oin" to hae to "et %ou &o3e help,9
= &po(e up* a))re&&in" 'rath, 9<i&ten* a/out the +op, 'hat )o %ou want to )o with
hi349
91re %ou a&(in" /e+au&e he2& a $rien) o$ %our& or a threat to u&49
9.oth,9
9'h% )o 6 hae a $eelin" %ou2re "oin" to &u""e&t &o3ethin"49
9.e+au&e 6 a3, 5e &houl) +o3e with u&,9
91n% parti+ular rea&on49
96 hae )rea3e) o$ hi3,9
The ta/le $ell &ilent,
9:one*9 'rath &ai), 9.ut )rea3& or not* he /ear& wat+hin",9
= no))e), 96 will a++ept that re&pon&i/ilit%,9
1& the /rother& &tarte) to 3a(e plan&* .eth &tare) at her hu&/an)2& han) in her&*
$eelin" an a/&ur) ur"e to +r%,
9Leelan49 'rath &ai) &o$tl%, 9Eou o(a%49
She no))e)* 3arelin" that he +oul) rea) her &o ea&il%,
9623 er% o(a%,9 She &3ile) at hi3, 9Eou (now &o3ethin"* ri"ht /e$ore 6 3et %ou 6
wa& loo(in" $or an a)enture,9
9'ere %ou49
91n) 6 "ot 3ore than that, 6 "ot a pa&t an) a $uture, 1 whole8 li$e, So3eti3e& 6 )on2t
(now how to han)le the "oo) $ortune, 6 7u&t )on2t (now what to )o with it all,9
9Funn%* 6 $eel the &a3e wa%,9 'rath too( her $a+e in hi& han)& an) put hi& lip& on
her&, 91n) that2& wh% 6 (i&& %ou &o o$ten* leelan,9
She put her ar3& aroun) hi& wi)e &houl)er& an) nuzzle) hi& lip& with her 3outh,
9Oh* 3an*9 ?ha"e &ai), 91re we "oin" to hae to wat+h the3 &3oo+h all the ti3e49
9Eou &houl) /e &o lu+(%*9 = 3uttere),
9Eeah,9 ?ha"e &i"he), 91ll 6 want i& one "oo) $e3ale, .ut 6 "ue&& 62ll &ettle $or
Kuantit% until 6 $in) her, <i$e 7u&t &u+(&* )oe&n2t it49
There wa& a rollin" &well o$ lau"hter, So3eone pit+he) a nap(in,
Fritz /rou"ht in )e&&ert,
9Alea&e* i$ %ou woul)*9 the /utler &ai)* 9no throwin" the linen&, Aea+he&* an%one49
?ea) on $or a preiew o$ the next noel o$ the B&a(k Dagger Brotherhood
<oer !ternal
&oming from !ignet 1clipse in 2arch
?ha"e $elt li(e hol% hell a& he weae) )own the +orri)or, !er% ti3e the /ea&t +a3e
out o$ hi3* hi& i&ion hea)e) o$$ $or a little a+ation* an) a& u&ual* it wa& ta(in" it&
own &weet ti3e in "ettin" /a+( to wor(, 1n) hi& /o)% wa& wha+(e) out* too, 5i& le"&
an) ar3& were hea%* not exa+tl% u&ele&&* /ut )e$initel% &u/par,
1n) hi& &to3a+h wa& &till o$$, The er% i)ea o$ $oo) 3a)e hi3 nau&eou&,
.ut he2) ha) it with /ein" &tu+( in hi& roo3, Twele hour& $lat on hi& /a+( wa&
enou"h wa&te) ti3e, 5e wa& "oin" to "o to the trainin" +enter2& "%3* "et on a
re+u3/ent /i(e* loo&en hi3&el$ up a little,
?ha"e &toppe)* ten&in", 5e +oul)n2t &ee 3u+h* /ut he (new $or &ure he wa& not alone
in the hall,
5e wheele) aroun) an) pulle) the $i"ure out o$ a )oorwa%* "ra//in" it /% the throat*
$or+in" the /o)% into the wall, Too late* he realize) it wa& a $e3ale an) the hi"h-
pit+he) "a&p &ha3e) hi3, 5e i33e)iatel% ea&e) up on hi& "rip* /ut he )i)n2t let her
"o-
7ood lord$ she is a human%
'hat wa& a hu3an )oin" in the /rotherhoo)2& priate +o3poun)4
9'ho are %ou49 he )e3an)e), 9'hat are %ou )oin" here49
There wa& no an&wer* 7u&t Kui+( /reathin", She wa& utterl% terri$ie) o$ hi3* the &3ell
o$ her $ear li(e woo)&3o(e in hi& no&e,
5e &o$tene) hi& oi+e, 9623 not "oin" to hurt %ou, .ut %ou )on2t /elon" here an) 6
want to (now %our na3e,9
The &(in un)er hi& pal3 wa& war3* &o$t, The throat wa& &len)er* the /loo) ra+in"
throu"h the ein& runnin" up $ro3 her heart, 5er hair wa& a )ar(* ri+h /rown* $allin"
oer her &houl)er&,
9-% na3e i& -ar%, 623 here with a $rien),9
?ha"e &toppe) /reathin", 5i& heart &(ippe) a /eat an) then &lowe),
9Sa% that a"ain*9 he whi&pere),
91h* 3% na3e i& -ar% <u+e, 623 a $rien) o$ .ella2&89
?ha"e &hiere)* a /al3% ru&h /rea(in" out all oer hi& &(in, The 3u&i+al lilt o$ her
oi+e* the rh%th3 in her &pee+h* the &oun) o$ her wor)& &prea) throu"h hi3* +al3e)
hi3* +o3$orte) hi3,
Chaine) hi3 &weetl%,
5e +lo&e) hi& e%e&, 9Sa% &o3ethin" el&e,9
9'hat49 &he a&(e)* o/iou&l% +on$u&e),
9Tal(, Tal( to 3e, 6 want to hear %our oi+e a"ain,9
She wa& &ilent* an) he wa& a/out to /e" her to &pea(* when &he &ai)* 9Eou )on2t loo(
well, :o %ou nee) a )o+tor49
5e $oun) hi3&el$ &wa%in", The wor)& )i)n2t 3atter &o 3u+h* it wa& her tone, <ow*
&o$t* a Kuiet /ru&hin" in hi& ear&, 5e $elt a& i$ he were /ein" &tro(e) on the in&i)e o$
hi& &(in,
9-ore*9 he &ai)* twi&tin" hi& pal3 aroun) to the $ront o$ her ne+( &o he +oul) $eel the
i/ration& in her throat /etter,
9Coul) %ou8 +oul) %ou plea&e let "o o$ 3e49
9#o,9 5e put hi& other han) up on her +ollar/one &o &he +oul)n2t "et awa% $ro3 hi3,
2Tal(,9
She &tarte) to &tru""le, 9Eou2re +row)in" 3e,9
96 (now, Talk,9
9Oh* $or 0o)2& &a(e* what )o %ou want 3e to &a%49
!en exa&perate)* her oi+e wa& /eauti$ul,
91n%thin",9
9Fine, 0et %our han) o$$ 3% throat an) let 3e "o or 623 "oin" to (nee %ou where it
+ount&,9
5e lau"he),
Then put hi& lower /o)% a"ain&t her* trappin" her with hi& thi"h& an) hip&, She
&ti$$ene) a"ain&t hi3* /ut he "ot an a3ple $eel o$ her, She wa& /uilt lean* /ut he ha)
no )ou/t &he wa& a $e3ale, 5er /rea&t& hit hi& +he&t* her hip& +u&hione) hi&* her
&to3a+h wa& &o$t,
9Jeep tal(in"*9 he &ai) in her ear, 0o)* &he &3elle) "oo), Clean, Fre&h, <i(e le3on,
She pu&he) a"ain&t hi3 an) he leane) hi& $ull wei"ht into her, 5er /reath +a3e out in
a ru&h,
9Alea&e*9 he 3ur3ure),
9Sin+e %ou won2t let 3e "o* 6 hae nothin" to &a%,9
5e &3ile)* +are$ul to (eep hi& 3outh +lo&e), There wa& no &en&e &howin" o$$ hi&
$an"&, 9So &a% that,9
9'hat49
9#othin", Sa% nothin", Oer an) oer an) oer a"ain, :o it,9
She /ri&tle)* the &+ent o$ $ear repla+e) /% a &harp &pi+e* li(e $re&h* pun"ent 3int $ro3
a "ar)en, She wa& anno%e) now,
9Fine, #othin", #othin",9 Su))enl%* &he lau"he) an) the &oun) &hot ri"ht throu"h to
hi& &pine* /urnin" hi3, 9#othin"* nothin", #o-thin", No,thing, #oooooothin", There*
i& that "oo) enou"h $or %ou4 'ill %ou let 3e "o now49
9#o,9
She $ou"ht a"ain&t hi3 &o3e 3ore* +reatin" a )eli+iou& $ri+tion /etween their /o)ie&,
1n) he (new the 3o3ent when her anxiet% an) irritation turne) to &o3ethin" hot, 5e
&3elle) her arou&al* a loel% &weetenin" in the air, 5i& /o)% an&were) her +all* hi&
hip& 3oin" in a +ir+le* ru//in" a"ain&t her,
5e wa& har) a& a )ia3on),
5er han)& $lattene) on hi& wai&t an) &lowl% &li) aroun) to hi& /a+(* a& i$ &he were
un&ure wh% &he wa& re&pon)in" to hi3 the wa% &he wa&, 5e ar+he) a"ain&t her an)
$elt her pal3& 3oe up hi& &pine,
?ha"e "rowle) low in hi& throat an) )roppe) hi& hea) )own &o hi& ear wa& next to her
3outh, 5e wante) to "ie her another wor) to &a%* &o3ethin" li(e luscious or whisper
or straw"erry,
5ell* antidisesta"lishmentarianism woul) )o it,
The e$$e+t &he ha) on hi3 wa& )ru"li(e* a tantalizin" +o3/ination o$ &exual nee) an)
pro$oun) ea&e, <i(e he wa& hain" an or"a&3 an) $allin" into a pea+e$ul &leep at the
&a3e ti3e, 6t wa& li(e nothin" he2) eer $elt /e$ore,
1 +hill &hot throu"h hi3* &u+(in" out the war3th in hi& /o)%,
5e &nappe) hi& hea) /a+( a& he thou"ht a/out the warnin" =i&hou& ha) "ien hi3,
91re %ou a ir"in49 ?ha"e )e3an)e),
96 "eg %our par)on, 'hat (in) o$ Kue&tion i& that49 She &hoe) har) a"ain&t hi& /o)%,
1nxiet% ti"htene) hi& han) on her +ollar/one, 95ae %ou eer /een ta(en /% a 3ale4
1n&wer the Kue&tion,9
5er loel% oi+e turne) hi"h* $ri"htene), 9Ee&, Ee&* 62e ha)8 a loer,9
:i&appoint3ent loo&ene) hi& "rip, .ut relie$ wa& ri"ht on it& heel&,
1ll thin"& +on&i)ere)* he wa&n2t &ure he nee)e) to 3eet hi& )e&tin% thi& ten 3inute&,
.e&i)e&* een i$ &he wa&n2t hi& $ate* thi& hu3an $e3ale wa& extraor)inar%8
&o3ethin" &pe+ial,
So3ethin" he ha) to hae $or hi3&el$,
About the Author
J. R. Ward lie& in the South with her in+re)i/l% &upportie hu&/an) an) her /eloe)
"ol)en retrieer, 1$ter "ra)uatin" $ro3 law &+hool* &he /e"an wor(in" in health +are
in .o&ton an) &pent 3an% %ear& a& +hie$ o$ &ta$$ o$ one o$ the pre3ier a+a)e3i+
3e)i+al +enter& in the nation, 'ritin" ha& alwa%& /een her pa&&ion* an) her i)ea o$
heaen i& a whole )a% o$ nothin" /ut her +o3puter* her )o"* an) her +o$$eepot, =i&it
her an) the .rotherhoo) at www,7rwar),+o3,

:on2t 3i&& the next noel o$ the B&a(k Dagger Brotherhood

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