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"I asked you, how do you know her name?" "I know everything, Stacey Olson Caldwell. I know all about your unquenchable, body aching woe; malaises that I can make go away." "What do you know about my heartache?" I asked, daring Asp to continue. "I can behold it in your eyes, Stacey

Stacey

"I asked you, how do you know her name?" "I know everything, Stacey Olson Caldwell. I know all about your unquenchable, body aching woe; malaises that I can make go away." "What do you know about my heartache?" I asked, daring Asp to continue. "I can behold it in your eyes,

You’re the only daughter I have left. I love you. I just wanted to make sure you received the announcement concerning our anniversary.” “No I haven’t. We haven’t checked the mail yet. It’s not like I’m invited,” I said coolly. “Darling, of course you’re not invited

invited

You’re the only daughter I have left. I love you. I just wanted to make sure you received the announcement concerning our anniversary.” “No I haven’t. We haven’t checked the mail yet. It’s not like I’m invited,” I said coolly. “Darling, of course you’re not

He kissed my cheek. "Come right back though." "We will." There was a huge line in the bathroom, but Hailey pulled us all the way to the front. I'm guessing people figured out who we were, because no one got mad. After washing my hands, I couldn't find Hailey

Hailey

He kissed my cheek. "Come right back though." "We will." There was a huge line in the bathroom, but Hailey pulled us all the way to the front. I'm guessing people figured out who we were, because no one got mad. After washing my hands, I couldn't find

When Sebastian turned toward the kitchen, making his way to the door that led to the garage, I spoke up, concerned. "Um," I began uncertainly. "What about Lilly?" Was he just going to leave her alone in the house, unattended, with no idea where he'd gone if she awakened? "Our housekeeper's here," he said nonchalantly. "Oh, I didn't know you had a housekeeper

housekeeper

When Sebastian turned toward the kitchen, making his way to the door that led to the garage, I spoke up, concerned. "Um," I began uncertainly. "What about Lilly?" Was he just going to leave her alone in the house, unattended, with no idea where he'd gone if she awakened? "Our housekeeper's here," he said nonchalantly. "Oh, I didn't know you had a

A reporter who doesn’t like Shakespeare. I’m going to have to keep my English students away from you.” “Considering you’re an English teacher, perhaps I should apologize for not liking Shakespeare.” She flashed a captivating smile. “I was only teasing, at least somewhat. I do have to admit being a bit surprised by a reporter that doesn’t appreciate the beauty of Shakespeare

Shakespeare

A reporter who doesn’t like Shakespeare. I’m going to have to keep my English students away from you.” “Considering you’re an English teacher, perhaps I should apologize for not liking Shakespeare.” She flashed a captivating smile. “I was only teasing, at least somewhat. I do have to admit being a bit surprised by a reporter that doesn’t appreciate the beauty of

The host said, "Not long enough." I was as humiliated as I would have been if I had done something. "This is perfect. Let's just go." Something burned furiously in Cole's eyes, but he shoved out of the booth and tossed his napkin contemptuously on the table. "Rumor works both ways," he told the host

host

The host said, "Not long enough." I was as humiliated as I would have been if I had done something. "This is perfect. Let's just go." Something burned furiously in Cole's eyes, but he shoved out of the booth and tossed his napkin contemptuously on the table. "Rumor works both ways," he told the

Even though I have a strong dislike for both of them, they’re the only people in my vicinity. “Send it up!” Mika commands. “How?” Josh and I ask simultaneously. “Tie zee rope to zee chest and ve vill pull it up!” Mika snaps her fingers and motions for Ludwig to take the rope

rope

Even though I have a strong dislike for both of them, they’re the only people in my vicinity. “Send it up!” Mika commands. “How?” Josh and I ask simultaneously. “Tie zee rope to zee chest and ve vill pull it up!” Mika snaps her fingers and motions for Ludwig to take the

I EXCLAIMED. The dream birds singing in the garden fell silent. "With them? Is that why they called the guardians?' Sonya's calmness continued, but she frowned slightly. "Victor and Robert didn't call the guardians. Why would they?' "Because ... because they wanted to get rid of Dimitri and me ...' "Perhaps,' said Sonya

Sonya

I EXCLAIMED. The dream birds singing in the garden fell silent. "With them? Is that why they called the guardians?' Sonya's calmness continued, but she frowned slightly. "Victor and Robert didn't call the guardians. Why would they?' "Because ... because they wanted to get rid of Dimitri and me ...' "Perhaps,' said

Cursing himself for openly gawking at her, he made quick work of her corset, all the while hoping she wouldn't lose her nerve, not now. "You are-" he said untying the first of her several laces "-by far-" another was loosened "-the most tantalizing woman I have ever seen." She let out a gasp as he roughly pulled another lace. Fingers numbly went about loosening the rest of her laces

laces

Cursing himself for openly gawking at her, he made quick work of her corset, all the while hoping she wouldn't lose her nerve, not now. "You are-" he said untying the first of her several laces "-by far-" another was loosened "-the most tantalizing woman I have ever seen." She let out a gasp as he roughly pulled another lace. Fingers numbly went about loosening the rest of her

"Should I try for some of those water-casks, sir?" Roland called up. "Tell her no," Laurence said to Temeraire, "but you ought to drink whichever of them you can reach, yourself, and let Iskierka and Kulingile do the same; and you had better eat those sheep." "Those fellows in the belly-netting will be thirsty very soon," Temeraire pointed out, "and so will you, Laurence

Laurence

"Should I try for some of those water-casks, sir?" Roland called up. "Tell her no," Laurence said to Temeraire, "but you ought to drink whichever of them you can reach, yourself, and let Iskierka and Kulingile do the same; and you had better eat those sheep." "Those fellows in the belly-netting will be thirsty very soon," Temeraire pointed out, "and so will you,

There’s no call to treat the lady in such a way!” Lord Darby’s voice interrupted her sweet interlude, her secret satisfaction at the duke’s willingness to create that much of a scene. Never had she ever considered compromising so… romantic. “Please, my lord.” She held up her hand, sparing him only a slight glance before turning back to the duke

duke

There’s no call to treat the lady in such a way!” Lord Darby’s voice interrupted her sweet interlude, her secret satisfaction at the duke’s willingness to create that much of a scene. Never had she ever considered compromising so… romantic. “Please, my lord.” She held up her hand, sparing him only a slight glance before turning back to the

Pretty good, really and I picked up another referral, plus a possible job from one of the mothers there. All the children were darling, but I should have let you help me out today, Scott…” “I wish you had – I was pretty useless at the winery today… Just ask my dad.” She frowned. “Why would your dad think you were useless

useless

Pretty good, really and I picked up another referral, plus a possible job from one of the mothers there. All the children were darling, but I should have let you help me out today, Scott…” “I wish you had – I was pretty useless at the winery today… Just ask my dad.” She frowned. “Why would your dad think you were

"It hides a special light which can be programmed to simulate the sunrise. It's on a timer," Iramy explained. "It helps diffuse depression from not knowing when sunrise and sunset is. Many survivalists use these in their bunkers." "How do you know about all this doomsday stuff?" Jeremy asked. "The General and I did a lot of research when he decided to build the bunker

bunker

"It hides a special light which can be programmed to simulate the sunrise. It's on a timer," Iramy explained. "It helps diffuse depression from not knowing when sunrise and sunset is. Many survivalists use these in their bunkers." "How do you know about all this doomsday stuff?" Jeremy asked. "The General and I did a lot of research when he decided to build the

We sat in silence for a moment, and I was feeling somewhat emotional; I'm blaming the wine, when I started to speak. "It was my sixteenth birthday when I was diagnosed with cancer." I felt him look at me as I just stared ahead listening to the whispers of the ocean. "Hey, happy sweet sixteen, guess what, you have cancer

cancer

We sat in silence for a moment, and I was feeling somewhat emotional; I'm blaming the wine, when I started to speak. "It was my sixteenth birthday when I was diagnosed with cancer." I felt him look at me as I just stared ahead listening to the whispers of the ocean. "Hey, happy sweet sixteen, guess what, you have

You know about John Paul, you know about Stumps and now you know everything about Barbeau. And you would prevent my ultimate possession of the pearl. I can't let you do that. I've worked too hard to get to this point. The pearl means everything to me! You must know that." "Yes." "And you know everything there is to know about the pearl

pearl

You know about John Paul, you know about Stumps and now you know everything about Barbeau. And you would prevent my ultimate possession of the pearl. I can't let you do that. I've worked too hard to get to this point. The pearl means everything to me! You must know that." "Yes." "And you know everything there is to know about the

You didn’t have to. He was my friend…” An intense pressure begins to pound the walls of his brain. It feels like an animal trying to claw its way out. T1-07 screams. “I’m outta here,” the unfamiliar voice says over the speakers. “But, General Kole—” A door slams shut, leaving only the man with the once-calm voice

voice

You didn’t have to. He was my friend…” An intense pressure begins to pound the walls of his brain. It feels like an animal trying to claw its way out. T1-07 screams. “I’m outta here,” the unfamiliar voice says over the speakers. “But, General Kole—” A door slams shut, leaving only the man with the once-calm

Mack sighed, dusted off his hands, and swung his legs to the floor. "Mia, don't do this. You're a smart young woman, and I am an extremely well-trained man. If I wasn't, why would King trust your safety to me?" "I just want to go to the gym, Mack

Mack

Mack sighed, dusted off his hands, and swung his legs to the floor. "Mia, don't do this. You're a smart young woman, and I am an extremely well-trained man. If I wasn't, why would King trust your safety to me?" "I just want to go to the gym,

I didn't move-did I want him to find me? He did. Our eyes locked, and the intensity of his expression-it was all-consuming. Maybe I couldn't read all of my own emotions, but in his gaze I saw three with clarity. Surprise, elation. And, clear as day, I saw love

love

I didn't move-did I want him to find me? He did. Our eyes locked, and the intensity of his expression-it was all-consuming. Maybe I couldn't read all of my own emotions, but in his gaze I saw three with clarity. Surprise, elation. And, clear as day, I saw

‘That’s wonderful, amazing!’ Chrissy blurted elatedly into the phone, almost swerving off the road in her excitement. ‘But how, how did she come back just like that? Did she say why she’d gone away in the first place?’ ‘No no, of course not, Chrissy

Chrissy

‘That’s wonderful, amazing!’ Chrissy blurted elatedly into the phone, almost swerving off the road in her excitement. ‘But how, how did she come back just like that? Did she say why she’d gone away in the first place?’ ‘No no, of course not,

“I want you to know something,” he said. “Nobody wants you on the girls’ team. Naturally, the other schools don’t want you on that team. The parents don’t want you on the team. The other girls don’t even want you on the team. The only person who does want you is the coach

coach

“I want you to know something,” he said. “Nobody wants you on the girls’ team. Naturally, the other schools don’t want you on that team. The parents don’t want you on the team. The other girls don’t even want you on the team. The only person who does want you is the

He saw the food that the guard had given her and piled the bread, cheese and water flask into Matilda's bag that he had over his shoulder. Signalling her to follow him, he went over to where he had come in, lifted the bottom of the tent and watched as Matilda slid out to freedom. Zinzabad followed behind. Once they were outside they hurried to the cover of the surrounding jungle. Zinzabad took off the shoulder bag and handed it to Matilda

Matilda

He saw the food that the guard had given her and piled the bread, cheese and water flask into Matilda's bag that he had over his shoulder. Signalling her to follow him, he went over to where he had come in, lifted the bottom of the tent and watched as Matilda slid out to freedom. Zinzabad followed behind. Once they were outside they hurried to the cover of the surrounding jungle. Zinzabad took off the shoulder bag and handed it to

CHAPTER FIVE Opening my eyes, I blinked hard, the watery morning sun surprising me as I stared at my strange surroundings. Where the hell was I? Memories flooded back to me slowly, of the night before. The club and the beautiful red-head. Richard and what he had done. And of course David. The way he had saved me. He had told Richard that he thought I was beautiful, that I belonged to him... Carefully I turned in the bed but there was no sign of David

David

CHAPTER FIVE Opening my eyes, I blinked hard, the watery morning sun surprising me as I stared at my strange surroundings. Where the hell was I? Memories flooded back to me slowly, of the night before. The club and the beautiful red-head. Richard and what he had done. And of course David. The way he had saved me. He had told Richard that he thought I was beautiful, that I belonged to him... Carefully I turned in the bed but there was no sign of

It should be on the cover of some magazine, shouldn't it?" he said. Victoria's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" she demanded, knowing that Scott's hopes were flying high now that there was the possibility of a magazine layout. "What do you think I mean, Victoria

Victoria

It should be on the cover of some magazine, shouldn't it?" he said. Victoria's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" she demanded, knowing that Scott's hopes were flying high now that there was the possibility of a magazine layout. "What do you think I mean,

He was a betting beast and he was betting that no-one knew they were coming so the element of surprise was all theirs. He was right. There were ten Esperanzi in his new pack and they tore at the cloaked doors and broke them down. They spread out in teams of two and searched the Library. There weren’t many people present in the Library

Library

He was a betting beast and he was betting that no-one knew they were coming so the element of surprise was all theirs. He was right. There were ten Esperanzi in his new pack and they tore at the cloaked doors and broke them down. They spread out in teams of two and searched the Library. There weren’t many people present in the

The approving cheers, whoops and whistles were more raucous than before; but, when she turned and did the same toward the Union camp, the response was muted. Anna jammed the flagpole into the ground, reached into her pocket and pulled something out. The object fell from her hands. She bent over and quickly picked it up; somehow I knew that it was a box of matches. Fearfully, I said, “She’s going to burn the flag

flag

The approving cheers, whoops and whistles were more raucous than before; but, when she turned and did the same toward the Union camp, the response was muted. Anna jammed the flagpole into the ground, reached into her pocket and pulled something out. The object fell from her hands. She bent over and quickly picked it up; somehow I knew that it was a box of matches. Fearfully, I said, “She’s going to burn the

"You-you are insane, aren't you?" Claire looked at her sideways, through clinging strands of hair. "I mean, all that stuff about the world ending-it's some kind of bizarre game you're playing with your weird friends, isn't it? Some kind of Dungeons and Dragons stuff..." "What do you think, Claire

Claire

"You-you are insane, aren't you?" Claire looked at her sideways, through clinging strands of hair. "I mean, all that stuff about the world ending-it's some kind of bizarre game you're playing with your weird friends, isn't it? Some kind of Dungeons and Dragons stuff..." "What do you think,

Parts of her body were hot and other parts were cold. Dak stood next to her, staring at something in his hands. She followed his gaze and saw that he clutched the Infinity Ring. The soldiers were nowhere to be seen - but neither were Dak's parents. He was frozen, his eyes glued to the Ring

Ring

Parts of her body were hot and other parts were cold. Dak stood next to her, staring at something in his hands. She followed his gaze and saw that he clutched the Infinity Ring. The soldiers were nowhere to be seen - but neither were Dak's parents. He was frozen, his eyes glued to the

Her skin didn't have that dewy glow, and she didn't blush that way, to bring out her cheekbones. And her lips definitely didn't have that breathless ready-to-be-kissed look. "It's the lipstick," Suzan explained. "Don't smudge it." "It's possible," said Melanie, "that you've gone too far, Suzan

Suzan

Her skin didn't have that dewy glow, and she didn't blush that way, to bring out her cheekbones. And her lips definitely didn't have that breathless ready-to-be-kissed look. "It's the lipstick," Suzan explained. "Don't smudge it." "It's possible," said Melanie, "that you've gone too far,

‘Yes, yes, I know.’ Chrissy felt Jial’s chest rise and fall in a deeply resigned sigh. ‘It…it’s the same thing,’ Jial said, her eyes closing as she spoke. ‘The same thing as Zorbielle’s disappearance.’ Chrissy moved back a little. ‘Emma’s younger than I am, Jial

Jial

‘Yes, yes, I know.’ Chrissy felt Jial’s chest rise and fall in a deeply resigned sigh. ‘It…it’s the same thing,’ Jial said, her eyes closing as she spoke. ‘The same thing as Zorbielle’s disappearance.’ Chrissy moved back a little. ‘Emma’s younger than I am,

It was a dark night, and only starlight and moonlight from a crescent moon were reflecting back from the layers of turbulent cloud below, making it difficult to see what was happening in the normal spectral range. Two of the images on the screens were therefore showing what the satellites above were observing in the infra-red and micro-wave frequency ranges, on Screens 'B' and 'C' respectively. Both of these images were also rather dark, but as the hurricanes collided, the area around the collision between the hurricanes, suddenly started to light up with activity in the infra-red and micro-wave ranges

ranges

It was a dark night, and only starlight and moonlight from a crescent moon were reflecting back from the layers of turbulent cloud below, making it difficult to see what was happening in the normal spectral range. Two of the images on the screens were therefore showing what the satellites above were observing in the infra-red and micro-wave frequency ranges, on Screens 'B' and 'C' respectively. Both of these images were also rather dark, but as the hurricanes collided, the area around the collision between the hurricanes, suddenly started to light up with activity in the infra-red and micro-wave

Of course, those dreams were about my grandmother not a tunnel or some other metaphorical thing. I did not eat or sleep in the two weeks that followed my grandmother’s death. While trying to deal with her death a counsellor told me that sleep and food were essential to get through a grieving period. The counsellor explained to me how not eating or sleeping causes chemical changes to take place, which make it harder to deal with grief

grief

Of course, those dreams were about my grandmother not a tunnel or some other metaphorical thing. I did not eat or sleep in the two weeks that followed my grandmother’s death. While trying to deal with her death a counsellor told me that sleep and food were essential to get through a grieving period. The counsellor explained to me how not eating or sleeping causes chemical changes to take place, which make it harder to deal with

We were about halfway through our meal when we hit a lull in our conversation. I hadn’t meant to pry, but suddenly I heard myself asking, “I was wondering what it was about Christmas that you didn’t like?” He raised an eyebrow. He does that a lot. He paused for a long minute and then said, “How do you know that I don’t like Christmas

Christmas

We were about halfway through our meal when we hit a lull in our conversation. I hadn’t meant to pry, but suddenly I heard myself asking, “I was wondering what it was about Christmas that you didn’t like?” He raised an eyebrow. He does that a lot. He paused for a long minute and then said, “How do you know that I don’t like

Moral code? Hah. And to think that I’d been afraid that my status as a domestic terrorist would never benefit me. Never say never, am I right? Feeling evil villain powerful, I hefted my two free cups of coffee and hightailed it back to work. The good news was that it had only taken me ten minutes to get the coffee

coffee

Moral code? Hah. And to think that I’d been afraid that my status as a domestic terrorist would never benefit me. Never say never, am I right? Feeling evil villain powerful, I hefted my two free cups of coffee and hightailed it back to work. The good news was that it had only taken me ten minutes to get the

The zombie began to turn, using his whole body. By now the other zombies had caught up, shuffling their feet, cajoling and bumping against one another as they bustled down the alleyway toward her. Maisie pushed herself to go as fast as she could, ignoring the pain in her calf. She managed a speed only marginally faster than the zombies

zombies

The zombie began to turn, using his whole body. By now the other zombies had caught up, shuffling their feet, cajoling and bumping against one another as they bustled down the alleyway toward her. Maisie pushed herself to go as fast as she could, ignoring the pain in her calf. She managed a speed only marginally faster than the

I hadn't realized that I'd been staring at it long enough for the guys to be done helping out. Brooks walked into the room and was shocked to find me still inside. He closed the door behind him and crossed his arms over his chest. I stood up and walked toward him, until our faces were almost touching. "How long have you been in love with me, Brooks

Brooks

I hadn't realized that I'd been staring at it long enough for the guys to be done helping out. Brooks walked into the room and was shocked to find me still inside. He closed the door behind him and crossed his arms over his chest. I stood up and walked toward him, until our faces were almost touching. "How long have you been in love with me,

I really didn’t get it. Basically Holt had yet to tell me anything bad. “It’s bad,” said Holt, “because we both have to find brides.” “You what?” I asked, shocked. What century did we live in again? “Why do you have to find brides

brides

I really didn’t get it. Basically Holt had yet to tell me anything bad. “It’s bad,” said Holt, “because we both have to find brides.” “You what?” I asked, shocked. What century did we live in again? “Why do you have to find

Zoe continued to sit in the living room, her feet propped up at the coffee table. Ana said, “This also means that when you start school, you’ll have to do homework on your own. That goes for you, too, Zoe.” “What school? I don’t speak Vietnamese,” said Zoe

Zoe

Zoe continued to sit in the living room, her feet propped up at the coffee table. Ana said, “This also means that when you start school, you’ll have to do homework on your own. That goes for you, too, Zoe.” “What school? I don’t speak Vietnamese,” said

Spencer let out a hoarse gasp. Suddenly, Ali didn't quite look like the girl who was with them today. Then Spencer's gaze fell to the silver ring on the girl's finger. Ali had said she hadn't been wearing a ring that night, but there it was. Only, except instead of an A in the center, there was a C. Why did Ali have on the wrong ring

ring

Spencer let out a hoarse gasp. Suddenly, Ali didn't quite look like the girl who was with them today. Then Spencer's gaze fell to the silver ring on the girl's finger. Ali had said she hadn't been wearing a ring that night, but there it was. Only, except instead of an A in the center, there was a C. Why did Ali have on the wrong

Tomorrow will be better anyway because it's Saturday, so I don't have classes, and most of the other kids will be at the band concert. It'll probably be a waste of time, but at least it will keep me from sitting in my room all day worrying." "They're not going to let you come to the concert

concert

Tomorrow will be better anyway because it's Saturday, so I don't have classes, and most of the other kids will be at the band concert. It'll probably be a waste of time, but at least it will keep me from sitting in my room all day worrying." "They're not going to let you come to the

My body went airborne, flying backward. I hit the floor back first, my breath gone as a man instantly landed on top of me. I threw my hands up...but I was not fast enough. A fist slammed against the side of my face. At least, I think it was a fist

fist

My body went airborne, flying backward. I hit the floor back first, my breath gone as a man instantly landed on top of me. I threw my hands up...but I was not fast enough. A fist slammed against the side of my face. At least, I think it was a

Blood spurted from the wound, forming a puddle on the wet asphalt. Shane cursed and fell to his knees next to Matt, wanting to help him. He didn’t have a clue where to start. “Now try to lie still,” he said with a shaky voice, holding Matt’s shoulders to steady him. “Get some first aid kits, some blankets, and an arrow, Aaron,” Tracy shouted, then squatted on the other side of Matt

Matt

Blood spurted from the wound, forming a puddle on the wet asphalt. Shane cursed and fell to his knees next to Matt, wanting to help him. He didn’t have a clue where to start. “Now try to lie still,” he said with a shaky voice, holding Matt’s shoulders to steady him. “Get some first aid kits, some blankets, and an arrow, Aaron,” Tracy shouted, then squatted on the other side of

Billy took a deep breath, before heading toward what he hoped would be his own fresh start. He passed an 800-series black BMW, confirming that this place might be just a bit out of his price range. He still wasn’t sure why they had rented the cottage to him at such a bargain cost. Just rich people doing some charity work, he guessed

guessed

Billy took a deep breath, before heading toward what he hoped would be his own fresh start. He passed an 800-series black BMW, confirming that this place might be just a bit out of his price range. He still wasn’t sure why they had rented the cottage to him at such a bargain cost. Just rich people doing some charity work, he

To his amazement, the showerhead was now twisted a few degrees further than it had been in the morning. He got his magnifying glass and compared the photos with the showerhead more closely. The numbers were indeed the same, but they were placed slightly differently on the showerhead. A cold chill swept through him. There could be no doubt; this was not the same showerhead

showerhead

To his amazement, the showerhead was now twisted a few degrees further than it had been in the morning. He got his magnifying glass and compared the photos with the showerhead more closely. The numbers were indeed the same, but they were placed slightly differently on the showerhead. A cold chill swept through him. There could be no doubt; this was not the same

Will then reached inside the car and pulled out the Book of the Underground. “You’ve got the book!” replied Charlie. “Nice work, Will.” Unexpectedly, a startling Sheila then dropped to her feet in between the three. She was back to normal girl-with-wings form. “Hi, I take it you’re one of Charlie’s friends,” she said, turning to Will

Will

Will then reached inside the car and pulled out the Book of the Underground. “You’ve got the book!” replied Charlie. “Nice work, Will.” Unexpectedly, a startling Sheila then dropped to her feet in between the three. She was back to normal girl-with-wings form. “Hi, I take it you’re one of Charlie’s friends,” she said, turning to

We took a soft right curve at the next intersection and began following a less worn path. Forced to work harder, the dogs slowed to a brisk trot, giving me time to assess my situation. I noticed a large claw hook in the basket next to me tied to a rope attached to the sled. I picked up the hook and whipped it at the next small tree we passed, hoping it would anchor around the tree and stop the sled

sled

We took a soft right curve at the next intersection and began following a less worn path. Forced to work harder, the dogs slowed to a brisk trot, giving me time to assess my situation. I noticed a large claw hook in the basket next to me tied to a rope attached to the sled. I picked up the hook and whipped it at the next small tree we passed, hoping it would anchor around the tree and stop the

"I'll never hear the end of this shit." Zane laughed and squeezed him close. Ty patted his arm and stopped walking. To Zane's surprise, Ty was grinning. "Stars and stripes, Zane." "What?" "It's the Fourth of July. I saw stars, and then I saw stripes

stripes

"I'll never hear the end of this shit." Zane laughed and squeezed him close. Ty patted his arm and stopped walking. To Zane's surprise, Ty was grinning. "Stars and stripes, Zane." "What?" "It's the Fourth of July. I saw stars, and then I saw

"Well, they're your dogs," said Mitch with a smile. "Why don't you make them stop eating?" "Consarn it, I can't!" growled the claim jumper. "Your stew's done got 'em under some kind 'o spell." "There's no spell," said Mitch

Mitch

"Well, they're your dogs," said Mitch with a smile. "Why don't you make them stop eating?" "Consarn it, I can't!" growled the claim jumper. "Your stew's done got 'em under some kind 'o spell." "There's no spell," said

He sets it on the tree stump. “Now stand like this, then swing and try to get it off to the side like this, not in the middle.” I get into position and raise the axe. “You want ta swing as fast an’ hard as you can.” I set my sights on the wood, and swing

swing

He sets it on the tree stump. “Now stand like this, then swing and try to get it off to the side like this, not in the middle.” I get into position and raise the axe. “You want ta swing as fast an’ hard as you can.” I set my sights on the wood, and

I dreamed I was lying tied up and captive, and the man was not there. I could see him over by the water talking to that huge crocodile we saw today and promising it that in the morning as the sun began to rise it would be given its next meal, and the meal would be me. The man was keeping me tied up so that in the morning he could give me to the crocodile

crocodile

I dreamed I was lying tied up and captive, and the man was not there. I could see him over by the water talking to that huge crocodile we saw today and promising it that in the morning as the sun began to rise it would be given its next meal, and the meal would be me. The man was keeping me tied up so that in the morning he could give me to the

Much of the Earth is too cold for us but we found areas like here in the Mojave Desert which are near an ocean with plenty of sunlight. My planet is near the warmest edge of the habitable zone and we live on the coolest polar areas of Oma. Most of Oma is too hot for us." "So why did you want to leave your planet

planet

Much of the Earth is too cold for us but we found areas like here in the Mojave Desert which are near an ocean with plenty of sunlight. My planet is near the warmest edge of the habitable zone and we live on the coolest polar areas of Oma. Most of Oma is too hot for us." "So why did you want to leave your

Thank you." Olivia touched her chest lightly with her hand. "When can you leave? Today?" "Tomorrow at the earliest." "Excellent. I'll have a ship ready." "Should I come here?" Olivia stood up. "Yes, I would recommend that you take your husband with you, Olivia

Olivia

Thank you." Olivia touched her chest lightly with her hand. "When can you leave? Today?" "Tomorrow at the earliest." "Excellent. I'll have a ship ready." "Should I come here?" Olivia stood up. "Yes, I would recommend that you take your husband with you,

It was as if, knowing the connection between the two, Duke’s noble fight for justice, his protection of the United States and all the good it stood for, was elevated from calling to crusade, from vocation to dedication, hallowed by the sacred trust the Shadow President placed in him. “Goodspeed got ganked,” said Duke. “That happens,” said the Shadow President. “You’re telling me,” said Duke

Duke

It was as if, knowing the connection between the two, Duke’s noble fight for justice, his protection of the United States and all the good it stood for, was elevated from calling to crusade, from vocation to dedication, hallowed by the sacred trust the Shadow President placed in him. “Goodspeed got ganked,” said Duke. “That happens,” said the Shadow President. “You’re telling me,” said

“Two weeks. Do you think the world can manage to stay afloat another two weeks?” “Of course,” said Simmons, who wasn’t sure whether Jones was kidding or not. “The trial will put an end to this,” said Jones. “I sure hope so,” said Simmons

Simmons

“Two weeks. Do you think the world can manage to stay afloat another two weeks?” “Of course,” said Simmons, who wasn’t sure whether Jones was kidding or not. “The trial will put an end to this,” said Jones. “I sure hope so,” said

His black eyes went ice-cold, a graveyard reflected there. His rugged features went completely expressionless, perfectly still, as if carved from stone. Great. She'd seen that expression before. Mack wasn't taking this well. She forced a smile into her voice and greeted Joe. Kane winced at the sweetness in Jaimie's voice and glanced at Mack

Mack

His black eyes went ice-cold, a graveyard reflected there. His rugged features went completely expressionless, perfectly still, as if carved from stone. Great. She'd seen that expression before. Mack wasn't taking this well. She forced a smile into her voice and greeted Joe. Kane winced at the sweetness in Jaimie's voice and glanced at

I think on her way to our house, she stopped at the first discount store she came to and charged them or wrote a bad check for them," I said. "Or maybe she took those things from whoever she took this baby from." Martin flinched. "We have to talk about it, Martin

Martin

I think on her way to our house, she stopped at the first discount store she came to and charged them or wrote a bad check for them," I said. "Or maybe she took those things from whoever she took this baby from." Martin flinched. "We have to talk about it,

It’ll have government markings,” the foreman instructed. Chan stood just outside the front door where he knew he’d have the best vantage point. This fellow must be a really big shot, indeed, if the government sent one of its own cargo vehicles instead of a contract hauler. The two master technicians showed up and there was some loud but indecipherable grouching from the foreman

foreman

It’ll have government markings,” the foreman instructed. Chan stood just outside the front door where he knew he’d have the best vantage point. This fellow must be a really big shot, indeed, if the government sent one of its own cargo vehicles instead of a contract hauler. The two master technicians showed up and there was some loud but indecipherable grouching from the

Tears, hugs, explanations and introductions followed before everyone returned to the main cave and only Doug hung back looking tired and worried. Reid noticed and turned professional. "I'll look at your wound, Lad," he said. "Kate will you get my medical bag from the boat, please." "Sure, Reid," she replied and left the cave

cave

Tears, hugs, explanations and introductions followed before everyone returned to the main cave and only Doug hung back looking tired and worried. Reid noticed and turned professional. "I'll look at your wound, Lad," he said. "Kate will you get my medical bag from the boat, please." "Sure, Reid," she replied and left the

Coworkers described her as fun and friendly part of the time she worked with them and cautious and guarded the rest of the time. Whitney Levi, one of the nurses Amber had worked with told him of the day she left and that she had asked about Josh. Video surveillance showed a pale faced Amber leaving the hospital shortly after hearing the news without stopping to check on Josh

Josh

Coworkers described her as fun and friendly part of the time she worked with them and cautious and guarded the rest of the time. Whitney Levi, one of the nurses Amber had worked with told him of the day she left and that she had asked about Josh. Video surveillance showed a pale faced Amber leaving the hospital shortly after hearing the news without stopping to check on

Or a little sister, which is even worse. What’s worse yet is that I think of him as an older brother. “Kin?” Geroge asked, as if reading my mind. “Might as well be,” I muttered. Ryse and Geroge cleared their throat at the same time. Geroge said, “Ah, I won’t take it all from you, Ryse

Ryse

Or a little sister, which is even worse. What’s worse yet is that I think of him as an older brother. “Kin?” Geroge asked, as if reading my mind. “Might as well be,” I muttered. Ryse and Geroge cleared their throat at the same time. Geroge said, “Ah, I won’t take it all from you,

On seeing this little storehouse of antique, post-modern, and contemporary information blocks there was little doubt, thought Omar, that anything he needed to know for his future projects rested close to home. “So what’s your belief?” Wynnet asked as he set the stark-white, steaming mugs on the table. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?” Omar pleaded. “Certainly. I said, ‘So what’s your belief

belief

On seeing this little storehouse of antique, post-modern, and contemporary information blocks there was little doubt, thought Omar, that anything he needed to know for his future projects rested close to home. “So what’s your belief?” Wynnet asked as he set the stark-white, steaming mugs on the table. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?” Omar pleaded. “Certainly. I said, ‘So what’s your

As they walked closer, the children spotted them and the engine turned off. Nisha walked to within about five meters of the tallest one, who was slightly taller than her. She pointed to herself and said, "Hello, I'm Nisha." She pointed to Rachel and said her name. The tallest one watched Nisha and one eye moved over to Rachel

Rachel

As they walked closer, the children spotted them and the engine turned off. Nisha walked to within about five meters of the tallest one, who was slightly taller than her. She pointed to herself and said, "Hello, I'm Nisha." She pointed to Rachel and said her name. The tallest one watched Nisha and one eye moved over to

Her voice began to rise, the shock from the day’s events threatening to become hysterics. Dylan sighed and took her hands in his. “I know you love him, but the truth is that he is not worthy of you.” He began, cursing himself silently when tears sprang into her eyes. “What exactly are you saying, Dylan

Dylan

Her voice began to rise, the shock from the day’s events threatening to become hysterics. Dylan sighed and took her hands in his. “I know you love him, but the truth is that he is not worthy of you.” He began, cursing himself silently when tears sprang into her eyes. “What exactly are you saying,

She was on the porch waiting for her sister. She was antsy, all right. She wanted that bike put together this instant. “Mom won’t be home for another hour,” Anna said, “so you’re going to have to wait.” “Nah, it’s okay,” I said to Anna

Anna

She was on the porch waiting for her sister. She was antsy, all right. She wanted that bike put together this instant. “Mom won’t be home for another hour,” Anna said, “so you’re going to have to wait.” “Nah, it’s okay,” I said to

Yadira was lying on the floor near Itzel, stretched out on her side, watching her friends, some of whom were now up on their feet shoving white filler into the holes in the adobe wall using wide trowels. After they had put an insufficient quantity of the filler into one hole, they stepped back confidently and admired their handiwork. “It’s kinda going in too far,” said a critic from the floor. “You need to fill it to go out some cuz it’s gonna shrink

shrink

Yadira was lying on the floor near Itzel, stretched out on her side, watching her friends, some of whom were now up on their feet shoving white filler into the holes in the adobe wall using wide trowels. After they had put an insufficient quantity of the filler into one hole, they stepped back confidently and admired their handiwork. “It’s kinda going in too far,” said a critic from the floor. “You need to fill it to go out some cuz it’s gonna

Alex stood for a moment to think of the proper sentence structure. "Li ti-min ret o-run-ga." The words came out slowly. An opening in the wall moved inward--the girls backed up in surprise. "How did you do that?" Rosa asked. "I just said, I want a green stone, in Dwarf, and it opened

opened

Alex stood for a moment to think of the proper sentence structure. "Li ti-min ret o-run-ga." The words came out slowly. An opening in the wall moved inward--the girls backed up in surprise. "How did you do that?" Rosa asked. "I just said, I want a green stone, in Dwarf, and it

He appeared dazed and pushed her hands away as if she were irritating him. "Well, that was a surprise." Caia looked up to see Reuben clambering back inside through the window he had just been thrown out of. He brushed pieces of glass off and then grinned unrepentantly. "Looks like I'm not impervious to you, Caia

Caia

He appeared dazed and pushed her hands away as if she were irritating him. "Well, that was a surprise." Caia looked up to see Reuben clambering back inside through the window he had just been thrown out of. He brushed pieces of glass off and then grinned unrepentantly. "Looks like I'm not impervious to you,

"This is ridiculous and getting us nowhere.' He glanced at his brother. "Robert?' Robert hadn't done much so far today, but at Victor's command, Robert leaned forward. "Sonya?' Still obviously distraught, she turned to look at him ... and her face went still. "Tell us what we need to know,' said Robert

Robert

"This is ridiculous and getting us nowhere.' He glanced at his brother. "Robert?' Robert hadn't done much so far today, but at Victor's command, Robert leaned forward. "Sonya?' Still obviously distraught, she turned to look at him ... and her face went still. "Tell us what we need to know,' said

Colby forced her body to move, sitting up, sweeping back the wealth of hair tumbling around her face. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm more tired than I thought. I set the alarm for four-thirty so I could do a few extra things." "I knew you were getting up early!" Ginny pounced on that. "You can't do that all the time, Colby

Colby

Colby forced her body to move, sitting up, sweeping back the wealth of hair tumbling around her face. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm more tired than I thought. I set the alarm for four-thirty so I could do a few extra things." "I knew you were getting up early!" Ginny pounced on that. "You can't do that all the time,

They had made a lasting impression on him, and he certainly didn’t need to meet up with any of them. He shook away that thought and concentrated on his journey. Fear and self-doubt will not get you anywhere. The rushing water was becoming louder—like it might be some kind of a waterfall. He stopped and felt the need to contact Pluggo for moral support. He retrieved his Metro out of his backpack, and called Pluggo

Pluggo

They had made a lasting impression on him, and he certainly didn’t need to meet up with any of them. He shook away that thought and concentrated on his journey. Fear and self-doubt will not get you anywhere. The rushing water was becoming louder—like it might be some kind of a waterfall. He stopped and felt the need to contact Pluggo for moral support. He retrieved his Metro out of his backpack, and called

The memory of long, delicate fingers winding around Reeber’s limbs flashed before Frank’s eyes. “Frank,” Jimmy intoned. “I have a special mission tonight. It’s dangerous. It will take me out of the fort. I need you to stay here and do what you did today.” “Out of the fort? What do you mean, out of the fort

fort

The memory of long, delicate fingers winding around Reeber’s limbs flashed before Frank’s eyes. “Frank,” Jimmy intoned. “I have a special mission tonight. It’s dangerous. It will take me out of the fort. I need you to stay here and do what you did today.” “Out of the fort? What do you mean, out of the

Trying to be discrete, I glanced over to Elizabeth, sure the simple sentence would cause her great distress, before uttering softly, "Of course, sweetheart." I understood what that sentence meant. She had accepted me, not only as her daddy, but also as her parent. Clearly, Elizabeth understood it too. Her face flashed red, burning resentment. I watched my daughter until she disappeared into a red tube before I slowly turned to face Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Trying to be discrete, I glanced over to Elizabeth, sure the simple sentence would cause her great distress, before uttering softly, "Of course, sweetheart." I understood what that sentence meant. She had accepted me, not only as her daddy, but also as her parent. Clearly, Elizabeth understood it too. Her face flashed red, burning resentment. I watched my daughter until she disappeared into a red tube before I slowly turned to face

He pushed a hand through his dark hair, the other held onto his cowboy hat. Serious eyes… “I said I didn’t know her very well…” “That’s correct…” Dale stopped what he was doing and looked over at him. “And then you said that was my mistake, right?” “Yes…” “What are you trying to say, Dale

Dale

He pushed a hand through his dark hair, the other held onto his cowboy hat. Serious eyes… “I said I didn’t know her very well…” “That’s correct…” Dale stopped what he was doing and looked over at him. “And then you said that was my mistake, right?” “Yes…” “What are you trying to say,

I pull my shako down low over my eyes and leave then so they won't see the tears about to spill. As I ride away, I hear their cheer of Vive la France! Vive Lieutenant Bouvier! Reporting to Napoleon's staff, I am assigned to a pool of messengers. All of them are like me-young and small and quick. We ride alongside the moving column in a group, and when our names are called, we ride forward to take our orders and then are off at the gallop

gallop

I pull my shako down low over my eyes and leave then so they won't see the tears about to spill. As I ride away, I hear their cheer of Vive la France! Vive Lieutenant Bouvier! Reporting to Napoleon's staff, I am assigned to a pool of messengers. All of them are like me-young and small and quick. We ride alongside the moving column in a group, and when our names are called, we ride forward to take our orders and then are off at the

Not knowing what else to do, I sat back down and let Hugo do the pacing and slapping for both of us. “Okay, I’ve got it! It’s that ancient prophecy…” Hugo ran both hands through his hair. “I researched the Wizard Queen thing before the party, and by the way, I’m pretty sure that’s you. And this has something to do with the prophecy

prophecy

Not knowing what else to do, I sat back down and let Hugo do the pacing and slapping for both of us. “Okay, I’ve got it! It’s that ancient prophecy…” Hugo ran both hands through his hair. “I researched the Wizard Queen thing before the party, and by the way, I’m pretty sure that’s you. And this has something to do with the

He did not get out of bed until much later, and when he did, Otto noticed that his employer had started re-packing things, slowly and silently, returning books and knick-knacks to moving boxes that still lay around. Mr. White was holding a book in his hands when a knock came to the front door. "Don't answer it," he told Otto

Otto

He did not get out of bed until much later, and when he did, Otto noticed that his employer had started re-packing things, slowly and silently, returning books and knick-knacks to moving boxes that still lay around. Mr. White was holding a book in his hands when a knock came to the front door. "Don't answer it," he told

You have my assurance of that.” After hanging up, there was a gentle tap on the door and Rachael said, “Yes?” The door opened and Cybil entered, more demure than any time Rachael had seen her before. “Rachael, can we talk?” Rachael stiffened, “Ah, sure, Cybil

Cybil

You have my assurance of that.” After hanging up, there was a gentle tap on the door and Rachael said, “Yes?” The door opened and Cybil entered, more demure than any time Rachael had seen her before. “Rachael, can we talk?” Rachael stiffened, “Ah, sure,

His pants were wet, his shirt tails soaking, and Eli yelled, “My kite, my kite,” as the kite drifted down the beach. The man looked with distaste at Eli, holding him out as if he was something indescribably nasty. Mel jogged the short distance, Britney laughing with each bounce, and when she reached him, she apologized. “I’m so sorry this has happened.” His cool gaze zeroed in on Britney, then back to Mel

Mel

His pants were wet, his shirt tails soaking, and Eli yelled, “My kite, my kite,” as the kite drifted down the beach. The man looked with distaste at Eli, holding him out as if he was something indescribably nasty. Mel jogged the short distance, Britney laughing with each bounce, and when she reached him, she apologized. “I’m so sorry this has happened.” His cool gaze zeroed in on Britney, then back to

"And I think Mari will have stories for you of chasing fishes under the ocean." * * * The Carousel of Spirits Originally published in Sorcerous Signals The carousel turned, and Artie watched the ponies go by. He shifted his weight as he sat on the green, metal frame bench. It was one of many around the edges of the giant, window-walled room that housed the carousel

carousel

"And I think Mari will have stories for you of chasing fishes under the ocean." * * * The Carousel of Spirits Originally published in Sorcerous Signals The carousel turned, and Artie watched the ponies go by. He shifted his weight as he sat on the green, metal frame bench. It was one of many around the edges of the giant, window-walled room that housed the

You really mustn't take it so hard just because I've had an awful dream.' 'That ... that ... that isn't the reason, ma'am.' The maid's voice was quivering terribly. 'Then for heaven's sake what is the reason?' 'I'm very sorry about the tray, ma'am.' 'Oh, don't worry about the tray

tray

You really mustn't take it so hard just because I've had an awful dream.' 'That ... that ... that isn't the reason, ma'am.' The maid's voice was quivering terribly. 'Then for heaven's sake what is the reason?' 'I'm very sorry about the tray, ma'am.' 'Oh, don't worry about the

Listen you hired me for an hour and if you want to spend an hour stuttering and talking, that’s fine by me.” said Candace as she pushed her way in. Bob was stunned. This was not the woman in the ad, this was three times the size of the woman in the ad and he still wasn’t sure what had just happened-she looked horrendous. “You, ah, don’t look like your ad,” said Bob

Bob

Listen you hired me for an hour and if you want to spend an hour stuttering and talking, that’s fine by me.” said Candace as she pushed her way in. Bob was stunned. This was not the woman in the ad, this was three times the size of the woman in the ad and he still wasn’t sure what had just happened-she looked horrendous. “You, ah, don’t look like your ad,” said

Anderson, his direct report at the other end of the line, spoke with a southern accent, Texan through and through, and proud of it. “She is, well, spellbinding,” said Roth. “Spellbinding?” “Yes.” “As in sorcery?” “Now that you mention it,” said Roth

Roth

Anderson, his direct report at the other end of the line, spoke with a southern accent, Texan through and through, and proud of it. “She is, well, spellbinding,” said Roth. “Spellbinding?” “Yes.” “As in sorcery?” “Now that you mention it,” said

Well, I guess you know where you were. I’d just heard that. I think Mrs. Klassen across that street said it. You know better than me if your band—orchestra—was in Brazil. Come on, Poo-poo. Bring me the ball.” Chloe didn’t know if she’d been to Brazil

Brazil

Well, I guess you know where you were. I’d just heard that. I think Mrs. Klassen across that street said it. You know better than me if your band—orchestra—was in Brazil. Come on, Poo-poo. Bring me the ball.” Chloe didn’t know if she’d been to

And the eyes... Katherine's eyes had been a color he had never seen before; darker than sky blue, as rich as the lapis lazuli in her jeweled headband. This girl had those same eyes. And they were fixed directly on his as she smiled. He looked down from the smile quickly. Of all things, he did not want to think about Katherine

Katherine

And the eyes... Katherine's eyes had been a color he had never seen before; darker than sky blue, as rich as the lapis lazuli in her jeweled headband. This girl had those same eyes. And they were fixed directly on his as she smiled. He looked down from the smile quickly. Of all things, he did not want to think about

“Well, this is Kira’s house so… there’s food.” Kira frowned. “Please tell me we can eat food?” she asked. “Yeah, we can, lucky you.” Tristan shook his head and walked over to us, a stack of papers in his hands. “Here,” he said, handing it to Kira

Kira

“Well, this is Kira’s house so… there’s food.” Kira frowned. “Please tell me we can eat food?” she asked. “Yeah, we can, lucky you.” Tristan shook his head and walked over to us, a stack of papers in his hands. “Here,” he said, handing it to

“Mom…do you think that, maybe, Mrs. Bauer’s been right about me all along?” “Matt…quiet.” “She says that I’m nothing but trouble…” “Matt, you’re a beautiful, kind-hearted boy and always have been.” “Did you know that Johnny doesn’t want to be my friend anymore…” “Johnny will always be your friend, Matt

Matt

“Mom…do you think that, maybe, Mrs. Bauer’s been right about me all along?” “Matt…quiet.” “She says that I’m nothing but trouble…” “Matt, you’re a beautiful, kind-hearted boy and always have been.” “Did you know that Johnny doesn’t want to be my friend anymore…” “Johnny will always be your friend,

Cassie demanded, unwilling to concede to his wishes yet, unwilling to leave him here while they were exiled. "I'll have help," he murmured. "Who?" Melissa inquired. "If we go, who will you have to help you?" Devon stroked the back of her head, his eyes pleading with her for understanding

understanding

Cassie demanded, unwilling to concede to his wishes yet, unwilling to leave him here while they were exiled. "I'll have help," he murmured. "Who?" Melissa inquired. "If we go, who will you have to help you?" Devon stroked the back of her head, his eyes pleading with her for

“You need to change gear,” Chris said, his voice a rasping gasp. “Push down on the clutch. Let the accelerator up at the same time, and change into second gear. Then take your foot off the clutch and press down on the accelerator.” “Lift up the accelerator,” Maisie said out loud as she carried out the instructions, “and push down on the clutch

clutch

“You need to change gear,” Chris said, his voice a rasping gasp. “Push down on the clutch. Let the accelerator up at the same time, and change into second gear. Then take your foot off the clutch and press down on the accelerator.” “Lift up the accelerator,” Maisie said out loud as she carried out the instructions, “and push down on the

I moved my straw around the glass. "He's good at pretending he's over her, but he's not." "By her you mean Allie?" I sure hoped there wasn't another ex-girlfriend, but hearing he wasn't over anyone didn't feel great. "Yeah. He's crazy in love with her still

still

I moved my straw around the glass. "He's good at pretending he's over her, but he's not." "By her you mean Allie?" I sure hoped there wasn't another ex-girlfriend, but hearing he wasn't over anyone didn't feel great. "Yeah. He's crazy in love with her

When he clasped Fen's forearms in the warrior's greeting, Fen could see the droplets of scars down the right side of his face, almost like tears, all the way to his jaw. The same strange scars ran up his temple and disappeared into his hairline. "Bur tule ekamet kuntamak-well met, brother-kin," the third brother greeted Fen. "It is good you found your lifemate. I have thought often of you over the last centuries, and hoped I would never have to meet you in battle

battle

When he clasped Fen's forearms in the warrior's greeting, Fen could see the droplets of scars down the right side of his face, almost like tears, all the way to his jaw. The same strange scars ran up his temple and disappeared into his hairline. "Bur tule ekamet kuntamak-well met, brother-kin," the third brother greeted Fen. "It is good you found your lifemate. I have thought often of you over the last centuries, and hoped I would never have to meet you in

Please don’t do this.” Gael may not have been as big or muscular as Xanthus, but he was still much stronger than she was. Sara was helpless as he put her hand through the metal ring and locked it in place, closing it tightly around her wrist. “Please, don’t do this, Gael

Gael

Please don’t do this.” Gael may not have been as big or muscular as Xanthus, but he was still much stronger than she was. Sara was helpless as he put her hand through the metal ring and locked it in place, closing it tightly around her wrist. “Please, don’t do this,

"Can I get you something warm to drink?" Peggy asked. "No, thanks." His response was gruff, almost unfriendly. "What brings you out here on a night like this?" Bob pressed. "We aren't exactly on the beaten path." "None of that's important just now," Peggy said, glaring at Bob

Bob

"Can I get you something warm to drink?" Peggy asked. "No, thanks." His response was gruff, almost unfriendly. "What brings you out here on a night like this?" Bob pressed. "We aren't exactly on the beaten path." "None of that's important just now," Peggy said, glaring at

“I know Sergei’s office is above the casino, but I don’t know if you have to go through the main casino to get to it. There might be a back door.” Kat nodded. “Yep. That would make sense. They’d need another exit in case of fire.” “So, let’s go and find out.” Kyle stepped out of the car, closely followed by Kat, and they crossed the busy road to the casino

casino

“I know Sergei’s office is above the casino, but I don’t know if you have to go through the main casino to get to it. There might be a back door.” Kat nodded. “Yep. That would make sense. They’d need another exit in case of fire.” “So, let’s go and find out.” Kyle stepped out of the car, closely followed by Kat, and they crossed the busy road to the

No sign of life ahead in either direction so she stayed straight, and continued along her path. She then heard the sound of a motorcycle coming up from behind her. It's loud revving sound, reminded her of something, but she couldn't put her fingers on it. The noise made her feel safe, but she didn't know why. It was almost as if she expected someone to come and rescue her on a motorcycle

motorcycle

No sign of life ahead in either direction so she stayed straight, and continued along her path. She then heard the sound of a motorcycle coming up from behind her. It's loud revving sound, reminded her of something, but she couldn't put her fingers on it. The noise made her feel safe, but she didn't know why. It was almost as if she expected someone to come and rescue her on a

The other, in a green dress several sizes too big for her slight frame, muttered something he didn't understand, and leant forwards to ruffle his hair. 'Two two.' She held up two fingers. 'Very nice time. Two two.' Initially, he had ordered them both another drink. It had taken him several minutes to understand what she was suggesting. Then he shook his head, even when she reduced the price to almost a third of the original amount

amount

The other, in a green dress several sizes too big for her slight frame, muttered something he didn't understand, and leant forwards to ruffle his hair. 'Two two.' She held up two fingers. 'Very nice time. Two two.' Initially, he had ordered them both another drink. It had taken him several minutes to understand what she was suggesting. Then he shook his head, even when she reduced the price to almost a third of the original

Dale had cut away the remaining ropes and tape but didn't have a key for the handcuffs. "Did you see a key?" he asked her. Isabelle shook her head. She didn't look good. "I need to throw up. Help me to the bathroom." "Keith fed her a bunch of pills," said Dale

Dale

Dale had cut away the remaining ropes and tape but didn't have a key for the handcuffs. "Did you see a key?" he asked her. Isabelle shook her head. She didn't look good. "I need to throw up. Help me to the bathroom." "Keith fed her a bunch of pills," said

Joan made a reminder in her comm to check into the mystery of the alien ship’s pilots. As they were slowing to a stop, Sally hesitantly cleared her throat before speaking. “Joan? I was wondering if you noticed anything ‘off’ about Adrian lately?” “What do you mean ‘off

‘off

Joan made a reminder in her comm to check into the mystery of the alien ship’s pilots. As they were slowing to a stop, Sally hesitantly cleared her throat before speaking. “Joan? I was wondering if you noticed anything ‘off’ about Adrian lately?” “What do you mean

`My father passed away three years ago and he left me some money,' said Bergitta. `Bergitta had been frugal with her money for years, so this ship is something of a rare extravagance,' said Angeline. `Had I been frugal?' `Frugal in the sense that you used to toss hundreds around without a care, but now you toss thousands around without a care in refurbishing an old rust bucket,' said Angeline

Angeline

`My father passed away three years ago and he left me some money,' said Bergitta. `Bergitta had been frugal with her money for years, so this ship is something of a rare extravagance,' said Angeline. `Had I been frugal?' `Frugal in the sense that you used to toss hundreds around without a care, but now you toss thousands around without a care in refurbishing an old rust bucket,' said

The IV drip, I mean." He shook his head, grinning, but then got serious. "You seem okay. I was worried about you. You're just so ... young, to be involved in all this stuff." "I'm all right. And I'm really--" "Not that young

young

The IV drip, I mean." He shook his head, grinning, but then got serious. "You seem okay. I was worried about you. You're just so ... young, to be involved in all this stuff." "I'm all right. And I'm really--" "Not that

She started to pack up all her belongings when the train came to a screeching halt. The lights started flickering on and off on the train as the conductor came back on the loud speaker, "Everyone must get off the train. I repeat, get off the train now." She didn't know if this was a normal loudspeaker notice, or if something was wrong with the train

train

She started to pack up all her belongings when the train came to a screeching halt. The lights started flickering on and off on the train as the conductor came back on the loud speaker, "Everyone must get off the train. I repeat, get off the train now." She didn't know if this was a normal loudspeaker notice, or if something was wrong with the

As soon as the light flickered on, it revealed a regal, throne-like chair sitting in the middle of the room, right in line-of-sight of the door. Luminaria was sitting on top of it, Anna’s nicest silk scarf in tattered shreds at her feet. “Oh really?” She groaned as she walked forward and grabbed the scarf

scarf

As soon as the light flickered on, it revealed a regal, throne-like chair sitting in the middle of the room, right in line-of-sight of the door. Luminaria was sitting on top of it, Anna’s nicest silk scarf in tattered shreds at her feet. “Oh really?” She groaned as she walked forward and grabbed the