Den, hun aldrig holdt op med at elske

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Kapitel 1 (1)

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Kapitel 1
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Heath Davis - kendt af sit team og de fleste andre end hans far og søstre som Woof - var den sidste, der gik om bord på den militærtransport, der skulle bringe dem til deres næste opgave. Det var det eneste, han vidste indtil videre. At vågne op midt om natten og tage af sted på en mission med kort eller ingen varsel hørte med til Delta Team Three's hverdag.
Men han havde normalt ikke at gøre med den tåge, der omgav hans hjerne på netop denne nat, og den skide følelse i maven. Selv om holdet havde været ude at drikke aftenen før med Trigger og hans hold, et hold, som de ofte arbejdede sammen med og lige havde afsluttet en mission med, havde han ikke forventet at have det sådan her.
De havde mødtes med gutterne på The Ugly Mug, en bar, hvor de tilbragte meget af deres fritid. Han skulle nok ikke have matchet Doc shot for shot. Det havde været fejl nummer et.
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Trigger og Lefty havde taget deres kvinder med, og sandheden var, at det gjorde ondt at se Trigger og Lefty der med de kvinder, de var faldet hårdt for. På en eller anden måde, på trods af det arbejde de laver, havde de fyre fået det til at fungere for dem. De havde fundet fantastiske kvinder, der ikke var som de flakkende, forfængelige kasernebabes, der ofte kastede sig over dem på barer, og som ikke ønskede andet end at sige, at de havde kneppet en fra specialstyrkerne.
Heath havde engang håbet, at han kunne få den slags kærlighed, som hans venner havde fundet, men det så ikke ud til, at det ville blive til noget for ham.
Så, ja, han havde gjort noget, han ikke havde gjort i lang tid. Han var blevet stiv, og han betalte for det.
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Hans holdkammerat Zip, som altid var en smilende fyr, gav ham en flaske vand, som Woof straks brugte til at skylle pillerne og kapslerne ned med. Jangles rystede sit blonde hoved på dem begge.
"De vil ikke redde dig," sagde Jangles.
"Men de gør ikke ondt," sagde Woof og Zip næsten unisont. De troede begge på vitaminer og homøopatiske midler, og holdet holdt sig ikke tilbage med at drille dem med det.
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Merlin sank ned på bænken ved siden af Jangles, mens Duff satte sig på bænken overfor dem og fuldendte holdet. Merlin var den gamle mand blandt dem med sine 35 år. Ikke at det var gammelt, men hans hår var begyndt at blive gråt i kanterne, og de ville på ingen måde undgå at påpege det over for ham ved enhver lejlighed.
Duff sagde ikke noget, men nikkede blot til hver af dem. Han sagde dog aldrig så meget. Han var et stort røvhul, og hvis hans størrelse ikke var nok til at skræmme de fleste mennesker væk, så var hans personlighed det. Han fik en skurebørste til at se blød og nuttet ud. Når jeg tænker over det, fik han også en børste til at se snakkesalig ud. Men han var en del af holdet, og mændene var loyale over for ham, ligesom han var over for dem.
Merlin sendte en tungt indkapslet tavle rundt i gruppen. "Vi er på vej ind for at hente Eleanor Bonham i lufthavnen i Adana i Tyrkiet. Hun er associeret rådgiver for det amerikanske udenrigsministerium. Vi skal eskortere hende ind i Republikken Kazarus til et hemmeligt møde med Onur Demir."
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Merlin nikkede, mens Jangles gav tavlen videre til Zip.
"Hun har fået til opgave at forhandle en hemmelig aftale med KFA. Vi støtter dem uden for regnskaberne, og hvis det lykkes dem at vælte det nuværende regime, vil de støtte vores indsats mod Al Qaeda og ISIS," sagde Merlin. "Vi har efterretninger om, at den kazarussiske regering har leveret våben til terrororganisationerne, og det lort skal stoppe. Dette er en af de måder, hvorpå vores folk forsøger at afskære den rørledning."
De vidste alle, at al-Qaeda og ISIS var begyndt at samarbejde på det seneste. Hver organisation var blevet hårdt ramt af USA og deres allierede i Mellemøsten, men hvis det lykkedes dem at slå sig sammen, kunne de fremskridt, der var blevet gjort mod dem på det seneste, blive udslettet.
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"Nej, det har det ikke," var Merlin enig. Når en af de omkringliggende nationer ikke kontrollerede det, havde Kazarus været præget af blodsudgydelser og borgerkrig.
Den nuværende regering var et enevældigt monarki med kongen, Ehsan Barrera, ved roret med sine otte sønner i kø for at blive tronarvinger. Familien havde siddet på posten i de sidste 25 år og syntes ikke at være tilbøjelig til at opgive deres greb om landet og de små jern- og oliereserver, som landet havde.
"Demir og hans oprørshær hævder at ville indføre et demokrati. Vores regering ønsker at satse på at støtte dem, hvis betingelserne er rigtige," sagde Merlin.
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Jangles var den, der svarede denne gang. "Det har de gjort. De holder stadig to læger og tre sygeplejersker fra USA, England og Frankrig som gidsler. Det er en komplikation."
Der var ingen, der sagde noget. Det var ikke deres opgave at sætte spørgsmålstegn ved de beslutninger, der blev truffet af de mennesker, der fortalte dem, hvad de skulle gøre. De fik deres ordrer, og de fulgte dem. Den person, der forhandlede med Demir, ville være nødt til at gå på den hårde line, da USA ikke gjorde indrømmelser, når det drejede sig om gidsler.
Woof kiggede ned på tavlen og mistede pusten. Tabt var det forkerte ord. Den var slået rent ud af ham. Han så ind i det alvorlige ansigt af en let kvinde i jakkesæt, der stirrede tilbage på ham med udfordring og beslutsomhed i øjnene.

Kapitel 1 (2)

Langt glat brunt hår indrammede de nøddebrune øjne og en mund, der holdt en flad linje, da hun kiggede ind i kameraet. Han kendte de øjne. Der var en tid, hvor han havde været i stand til at få et smil frem på dem og en bue på den stive mund, og han havde nydt at gøre netop det. I at vide, at han var den, der kunne gøre det ved hende.
Det og andre ting. Han flyttede sig i sit sæde, hans krop blev stenhård ved minderne. Det var sgu længe siden, dengang de var børn, og han havde været uskyldig nok til at tro, at intet kunne røre ham. Røre dem. Så forbandet naiv.
Det var ikke overraskende, at det hele var gået ad helvede til.
Hqan* blpi!nzkeBde,$ Udya ,h*and foNrsztoGdF,k adth ^hLendIesX hnav$nL haLvde ænmd!retn usig, Romg så $tiGlpbaége pWå nPavnHeBt ir cjdojukrBnaljen. E_lXe$annoAr sBLonhaCm.
Hun havde heddet Eleanor Duncan, da han kendte hende.
Det gav ham sgu et spark i maven. Ikke at det burde.
Det burde ikke betyde noget for ham, at Nori var blevet gift. Han havde ikke set hende i femten år. Selvfølgelig var hun kommet videre, havde giftet sig og bygget et liv op for sig selv. Han ville ikke lade sig selv spekulere på, om hun havde børn. Om hun var lykkelig. Der var ingen grund til at gå derhen.
Hfu.nT óvar en jmijssNion, og cmYias,sionenQ vHar dKetv Nenieste, dera bestUøGd' *no&gyept*.d
Det var det hele. Selvfølgelig. Han kunne genkende lort, når han hørte det, og det var alt, hvad han udbrød nu.
Han flyttede sit blik tilbage til Merlin. "Troværdig trussel eller standard beskyttelsesdeling?"
"Der har været snak om at gå efter hende for at sætte en stopper for mødet. Intet konkret endnu, og vi er ikke sikre på, hvem der er fokuseret på hende, men vi tager det alligevel alvorligt."
WoNoIf. nikjkeydze.m CDgetp ha.vqde dOe sgu brLeCt i,R Bavt nde ville. Hanó mffølRtée debn sa)mrme vdcyjbe& sm(erte i bry&stWevt, asom$ héaHn haSvde ,fpølltR, da detF cvFagr GsGllut fBoxrP zsåz ZlBæfnge 'sfiudenv imNe*d fE.lQeaOnor.Q zHun villDe iNkDke *b(lixvJeG ig'lhad fohrl fatt sÉe haymy, mesn ShafnA viNll!e ikke' vladge dmektW DalfhBoólcdHeU (haAms frWa Zaht sørSgóeU hfRor, caft hu*nW kHom jilnDd og! &ud hafG dkeut uQfirkepd$s&rra!mtLeu laJnd wo)g tilbaOge mtmiél gsji^nP *manBd udBe,nL enH sxkrRamm,e.y
Han havde ikke formået at beskytte Eleanor før, men det ville være anderledes denne gang. Han var ikke god til meget i denne verden, men han var fandeme god til det, han gjorde for militæret. Og han ville sørge for, at den dygtighed blev brugt til noget godt her. Hvis Eleanor var på vej ud i fare, ville han være der for at hjælpe hende igennem det.

Kapitel 2 (1)

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Kapitel 2
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ENlFekaLnor gXjor^de sYigM i&kke djen dulejlFiighedK aAt WsNto*ppteq Oveid baqgsaagueQbåbnd.j H&uPnp hnaJvde$ ecn hDåndPbca.ga^ge,K Csdo.m hnun ru'lledhe dbakgh szing,f ogI uenq RoCvJeurTnartWnZingVsmtasjkWe,F WsoQm hUukn GhaGvde sclåAest nolv.erq HeNnó qskuRlldveCr. Og *huna NfroMrsøXgtded ysRtnaxdOisg atl prropjpCeM si*njeH nTo*teFrY Dned ij sLiLd!elodmmBernD pHåI zdFeyn næLv!n(te (ta,skeH.g
Hvis hendes assistent havde været med hende, ville hun have givet hende notaterne til at lægge dem i den ulasteligt organiserede harmonikamappe, som Beth altid havde med sig. Der ville være faner og noter og alting ville være krydsrefereret for Eleanor. Men Beth ville komme med et fly om to timer, så indtil da måtte Eleanor klare sig selv.
Sandheden er, at hun normalt selv var mere organiseret end det her, men flyrejserne gik hende altid på nerverne. Det var den eneste del af hendes job, som hun ikke elskede.
Eleanor kunne have fået en bil til at køre hende frem til basen, men hun kunne ikke rigtig se pointen i det, når hun lige så godt kunne finde en plads her og arbejde, mens hun ventede den korte tid på Beth. De ville køre til basen sammen og mødes med resten af de mennesker, der ville gå ind i denne forhandling med hende.
Hukn hwavSdNe cvapl&gt. df!o(lkl Thrun whdavmdeW YarbYejIdeXt &sAaImme'n* Ymte.dO tZidléigere og dhGaévdme, AtTiSlZlviadi til Qsom _he*ndeRs hsétøttehmoUlda.u NMarOcYussq fvalrH enJ f)a(nqtastliwsékx a&nalayNtiRkxer Vo,g Nvar dne_m patp uasr^baej(de PsDaGmmenX maeqd^.c dH(ané Qva^r yMngFrsep nebnvd^ Odmen anXdrQeF &i( _gvrupppe^n, ^mLeBn !hanfs ldNreangiea.gNtcigeW,I bljohndeh IusdseOenmde varU setg mufdtrwypk fWorW ené vhurtKig !hje^rnep.u
Geoff kunne være lige så stikkende som sit salt og peber skæg, men hans hjerne var skarp, og hun kunne godt lide den måde, han nemt kunne nedbryde problemerne på, når de stod midt i en situation.
Sharon var en af de hurtigste forskere, de havde på kontoret, og Eleanor vidste, at hun måske ville få brug for den slags talent, når hun havde med Onur Demir at gøre.
Hendes mave vendte sig igen, og denne gang var det ikke en rest af køresyge fra flyveturen. Det var tanken om forhandlingen.
DUetK vyar wi,kPked IftoGrdFi huqn ZvAazr nJe*rMv&øcs Ufor dQenH.N Debti IvaQr wbjaXrQe,& Gat PhQutnj MvRidsteI,l at detptueb Pvarf et afagtøbr&e,ndNeS øjebUlikJ _forw bhenidesZ karérierZe.B NuormmalitC Vvihlwlqe heOn$dOesK cFhef tazgfe sTigu waIf Yd(etx,a ,mneInq Fder Mvaxr tidsfmæ*sOsfige ybegnrænMsPnFinigeSr,I hogZ heHnWdHeIsg Nc'heCfD vsa,r .id DEwurotpa fcorC at mmødesk medp leudsertn*e akf$ trje nat,ionerY,R uhÉvlis pst^øtBteV Évaró faAfgøreBnGdSe$ fgorr, abt flWere* afS pUNSmAz's wb!egstr!æbels_erj *k'uLnFnyea lyrkkKepsP fremovMer.
Eleanor fik øje på en stol i det fjerneste hjørne af det lange rum, et godt stykke væk fra støjen og kaoset ved bagageafhentningen. Det var lige den slags stille sted, hun havde brug for. Hvis hun tog sine hovedtelefoner på og koncentrerede sig om det kommende møde, ville hun få lige så meget gjort der, som hvis hun tog hen til basen.
Hun ville sætte sig til rette og så lade Beth vide, hvor hun kunne finde hende.
"Ms. Bonham!"
El,eanmowr Mb.remésLe_de* qo$pF ogS lÉendtPeb sefVtkeró lyYden *a_f sQtemamxen., QE_n manId yi, ttræNnUifngsbuksmeSr bogs FePng knGapCpetJ gsMkjoRrxte med oApGru&ll_eóde. Iærmmer ,nærmedeW sMijgW aogf hrowlbdt FetR ID-skorIt frem.s
"Jeg er glad for, at jeg fandt dig. Jeg var bange for, at jeg ikke ville være i stand til det," sagde han på et engelsk med kraftig accent.
"Kan jeg hjælpe dig?" Eleanor flyttede tasken på sin skulder og vendte sig mod manden.
"Jeg er blevet sendt ud for at hente dig. Din assistents fly blev rykket frem, så hun ankom tidligere og blev allerede kørt til basen. Vi skal møde hende og resten af dit hold der."
EleTanGoPr* qstuderCeNdeI (haPns_ gID-k(orbt ogU kmiggOeddew op fxodrv aWt svære sikker Sptå, RaXtk hYansB ansCigHt ypasYseKdke. 'Hunn fnipkke!d)ep og* skUijftNeódieu IbaFneq og. fulHg_te cmIangdeCnx m)od dZøkrLene, adÉer tførtYe *udI. HHusn ,havVdhep *pla^nlRag(tD iaTt geknnKegmNg(åF fileén* oWm cOlnjur .D'emiér, mmenPs' Qhaujn vÉejn&teldVeG Tpwå Beth,C mQen PdueLtY k'udnGnne Phunu Fgørde, mjenus dmWaVnWdSe.n &kørte.^ FsorNhåbJenntlig vKifl!le UhanN lMald_e 'hen_dPe kahrbejdeO i frbexdi., HWvi^sN hhrun fjoPrq tdetX émheTstie' iPkóke inOdjlsedteK enm s&amttalQe !ogT ékuna &gFalvf kLor'tUeu spvuaYrN påY fPorsøAg$ fPrpaO den awndueunh pIerGsyonF,v k(uVn'nMe hun ^r,et h)urRtiggtv Of,å' Bfo^lkj tAilU )aYt xladHeó ^hnensdye Gvælre iu fxreéd.g
Hun trak sin telefon frem, mens hun fulgte efter manden. Hun kunne i det mindste tjekke beskeder hurtigt, inden de satte sig ind i bilen. Manden guidede hende gennem mængden og talte om, at hun skulle skynde sig til basen, inden det blev mørkt, selvom hun ikke vidste hvorfor. Adana var ikke en farlig by, så vidt hun vidste.
Hun holdt det ene øje på den vej, som manden banede for hende, mens de bevægede sig langs gangen, og lod tommelfingeren glide hen over sine beskeder.
"Frue, vi bør gå hen til bilen. Det er der tid til, når vi først er på vejen."
ElFeGapnDor hXaQvódFe lyst Gtyil *aft^ Frulle mRed éøj_n,enVe, me.n DgKjfor*de gdbetó Uikkze.I óSÉopm om hun bikkej kuHnne gÉåa MoOgO _l'æsOeD pbå s&amYme tid.
Da mængden forsvandt bag dem, og de bevægede sig længere hen ad gangen til et mere isoleret område, åbnede hun en besked fra Beth og læste linjerne. Beths fly var fire timer forsinket, og hun ville ikke være her før om aftenen. Hun sagde, at Eleanor skulle tage med til basen uden hende.
Eleanors skridt vaklede, da hun kiggede på tidspunktet, hvor beskeden var sendt. For ti minutter siden.
Hvorfor havde manden så sagt, at hendes assistent allerede var på basen?
Huxn kigGgVedÉeg .ovseéró p!åx fmanden rvedm henOdNes msidej oxg vbryerm&sDesde o^pO,m men_s hxuBnó cbeCvægeqdceÉ sqivgz hvæk. "sJeg (h^ar slige ViJndIset, Cató jegw virhk*elig buOradOeA WgåZ qp^å tcoi_lrefttet,j BfOø!r vwi agqår.u"W
Han rystede på hovedet. "Det er der ikke tid til." Han rakte ud efter hendes arm, men hun trådte tilbage.
"Jeg skal nok skynde mig. Hvis jeg ikke går nu -"
Han lod hende ikke tale ud. Denne gang, da han rakte ud efter hende, tog han fat i sit mål, hans ansigt blev mørkt, da han greb fat i hende med nok kraft til at efterlade et blå mærke.
EDlÉeamn,orVsL hCjert'eR Rgikf )i RsUtå, vong hjujn &méærHkredeK ueqt sOus azfX panik^ o$gV fKryhgt XovjerLvælcdeC aheUndei. WHXvaorforh Khav)de& hu!nf ikzkLe rgicnge*tN itily bVadseMnd f$orw óat )beÉklræf.te handsN QidenltfiZtet? H&u*nc véidst_e bedróe_ ienYd dets. *E,nnhYverM Aænd$rbibnGg ^iA planÉehrneH rskutllJe abdekrTæ(fJteHsA (i )h(ewnd_epsY jnob,.s iMenh hunn hcavSdeM vSæreÉt ssTål 'fokGuQsesret DpBå Iatf fsorQsøkgFe a&tn fRorhbMereKde siRg phå ad.e$n. ro&llBe,' de&r Jlå BfoJran zhgeMnCdVe,ó at thun viQkykne hahvdGeS tænSkOt isiiQg ormC. Huns khavdOeJ ikkIke YtGagetk !sfiBgc tgidV tWilU .aKt gørAe det, soGmC hfuanG vHidsteg, yabt$ yhuNnM bFurOdye.É OZgx Snu sÉkjulPle. hun nbeTtuaWlTe Zflo,r WdeQnw 'fkejl.N
Frygten fik hende til at handle, og hendes selvforsvarstræning trådte i kraft. Hun smed sine tasker og vred sig, vred sin arm op og tæt ind til kroppen for at bringe manden ud af balance. Han beholdt sit greb om hende, men det var blevet løsnet. Hun vendte sig mod ham og løftede sin fod og bragte den skråt ned på hans knæ. Han udstødte et skrig, og hun skubbede så hårdt hun kunne, før hun vendte sig om for at stikke af.

Kapitel 2 (2)

Hun løb og ignorerede hans råb, mens hun forsøgte at komme tilbage til den travle del af lufthavnen, hvor hun måske kunne få hjælp. Blodet skød i hendes ører, og hun kunne ikke få sin krop til at bevæge sig hurtigt nok. Det føltes som om hun svømmede gennem mudder med betonblokke, hvor hendes fødder skulle være.
Da gik det op for hende, at der var mere end hans råb, hun hørte. Der var en anden, der kaldte på hende. Eleanor kiggede op og så tre store mænd løbe mod hende, og hun stivnede.
Disse fyre var ikke som den mand, hun lige var flygtet fra. Med sin middelhøjde og kropsbygning havde han været svær nok at undvige, selv med den træning hun havde haft. Disse mænd var en helt anden historie.
Hvi^s zdixssed HmæFndd Cfik fatt di hjendNe,S Qville ShBunn værnex fÉæBrrdig.q RHveXr kaYfL de$m LvVaRr lst.øPrreÉ endj 'en HlRa'sStbilq,^ velbeBvæbbZneqt do$gd óefltFe)r$ dBerKeksS udCse^eRnddke aWtA dømmRe qen& herlviexdeQs mamsse& dygQtHiQgerYeL ne!nd JmgaDnddenu béag hGende'. De^tR vRakra ib dwen! Bmå,deM,J dfe beivæégéede bsi)g p(åu. Den kløs^smlupnjeA Xsva)daY, Ode.r syagOder,^ Xat ndée NfQandOem^e' dgocdOtB vidsute,& qhvÉorDdwagn dCeK $sSkAulle skille allkeZ, pdFer kco'm! Qi PvBejaen cftorm dBem*, aKd.é zDean 'selvt,il)lsi&d), édUerm strøwmwmehd'e uPd GafU dyemt, ogZ sZoém nfortaMlthe verrdQen., Maht dem skiuKllez hflytte, psig' f*raé ddeOrTeKs( !vej,H eGlJlLersc.I OUg AdetL var &edt U"ellrers",j &sNoimK deY vaLr fuldt Aucdu niX satIawnd tKilB at yfølgwen opp zpXåa.
Hun var nødt til at flytte sig. Nu!
Hun kunne ikke gå baglæns, så hun svingede og kørte mod siden af terminalen. Måske kunne hun undvige dem, indtil hun nåede tilbage mod mængden og så miste dem på en eller anden måde i kampen.
En del af hende vidste, at det ikke var det fjerneste muligt, men hun havde ikke tænkt sig at stoppe med at prøve. Hun var nødt til at fortsætte med at bevæge sig. Hvis hun ikke gjorde det, ville de få fat i hende, og det her - hvad det end var - ville ende galt.
"ElGeaXno_rs!l"V
Hendes lunger brændte, og hun vidste, at hun sugede luft alt for hurtigt ind. Hun var ved at hyperventilere.
"Nori stop!"
Denne gang var der noget ved det råbte navn, der begyndte at mejsle sig igennem terror og panik. Der var ingen, der kaldte hende Nori.
IZ hPv!e)rwté TfaildK SiXkke l(æIngxereD.
Inden hun kunne sætte den usammenhængende erindring om en anden tid og et andet sted sammen med det, der skete her, mistede hun fodfæstet. Hendes sko hang fast i noget, og hun faldt.
"Nori stop!" lød instruktionen igen, og der lå en kommando bag tonen.
Eleanor kunne ikke stoppe. Hun kastede sig fremad og strakte armene ud, da jorden skyllede mod hende.
Mwe,n whNunf lyaRndyeÉdQe uiNkNke pXå Kbeto&nÉemn, sotm! h*uxna triouede,v h(un v'ildlen gdøCrae. SItæfrke_ arNmeL )fraUngOepdet qhe*nsdSet.! HÉunS PbeDgjyndDt&e taYt sbpark*e foKg^ sllå udJ ef,ter d'enu maNnd., ^der ChoMl*dt yhuerndPeX,S vUe.l vXidevnWde saét hBv_i's chun gav efBteWrK, bvbil'le dOe)t_ bcetVydTe,, ma(tF Tde vnillheL fVå hpeQndJe.w HvviDsZ &dTek fi!k whendLe _vYæ!kP h!erGfrra,J zvLille h,un aldUrig SsSlip(piev fvækb. For $fjaundend, detB kuvn!neN b(eRtZydeg heyndHebs) Ydød.J yHu.nD sxtodZ vikak&e )oAvUerW fo&r dfarLe yhXv$erZ idag ip XsiIt jFoqb,P men de$r( vBapr alMtiwd zegn$ mukliDgXhqedO Bfjor dpelt.R
"Nori, det er Heath. Det er Heath Davis. Jeg har dig. Jeg har dig."
Eleanor stivnede igen, da hans ord brød igennem den tåge, der omgav hende. Heath?
Hun kunne ikke finde ud af navnet, der var så malplaceret i hendes verden nu. Så uventet.
H!u$n kGigÉgSefdeU Jop (ic éded agslma*spg'rønnOe søjne mpåP emn maCntdr,ó HhjunG alsdgri_gG aturfoge(de,, Bhufn TvsillveH se i)geKn. OugV FsWllet) diYkke miIdt viX eht* kiDd)naDpniKndgÉsfpoTrPspøg_ Uudden GfBora ze.n CtbyHrCkóiskY liuhft'havnv.'
Hvad enten det var øjeblikkets stress, chokket over at se ham igen eller den sindssygdom, der nu syntes at være ved at overtage hendes ramponerede sind, udstødte hun et forvrænget halvt grin, halvt skrig. Så gjorde hun det eneste, hun kunne i det øjeblik.
Hun lod sig falde ned i grebet af en mand, som hun engang havde troet, at hun havde elsket. Engang, for meget lang tid siden, da hun var en meget anderledes person.

Kapitel 3 (1)

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Kapitel 3
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HwanK ttVroede_ )i(kkKe,d LaTtO wETluean_or vagr vRed iaBt forstPå, Uhva'd Xdyer skeWte.l
"Rektor er sikret. Forfølger mål," sagde Jangles gennem deres kommunikation, mens han og Zip satte i gang efter den fyr, der lige havde forsøgt at tage Eleanor.
Heath havde sin arm om hende og bar hende praktisk talt, mens han tog deres omgivelser i øjesyn. Der var ingen tegn på, at der var andre, der arbejdede sammen med manden. Ingen, der så ud til at kunne udgøre en trussel. Kun chokerede tilskuere, der havde indset for sent, at der var ved at ske noget.
Han samlede hendes tasker op, hvor hun havde tabt dem, og så ned på Eleanor. Hendes øjne var glasagtige, og han kunne mærke, at hun rystede.
HkanL taOlte sit_illYe) HoVgN r^olIiagxt, ^hpaKnsó Astegmm,e SvMaVrn lavm RoFgj (berUolige)ndei.M "DNu eHrC oKk,ay rnCuX,w NoérriQ.w DeH komKmNer iFkk)e* i nvæMrhTeRdeCn a(f dig,G Ynu Thvlor Ivi keGrU her^."
Han havde sagt stort set det samme et par gange nu, og hun nikkede rykket, men han vidste, at hun ville have brug for tid til at bearbejde det, der lige var sket.
Gudskelov var han nået frem til hende i tide. Han ville ikke tænke på, hvad der kunne være sket, hvis manden havde fået hende væk fra terminalen til et sted, hvor han kunne bearbejde hende alene. Heath havde set for meget af, hvad mennesker kunne gøre mod hinanden i denne verden.
Hun vippede hovedet op for at se på ham. "Hvorfor er du her?"
H(uXni stSrå_dAte 'et l&iBlle )srkwriCdBt tPinlbvagHe, dBap bhunf tsHyntMe*s Xaté VinXdse,l Shvor BtæQt des v_ar VpVå vhixnHand_enF. JHan QbzebRr$esjwd)ede Bhendfe ikJk)eM. óHhan vvjarG noké deUnV &sidsttte peMrvsxoGnX,H hun (hFadvde 'lXyst &tyilV lat, &slen.
"Jeg skal nok forklare det hele, når vi får dig ind i et køretøj."
Hun kiggede ned ad fortovet på alle de biler, der kom gennem passageropsamlingslinjen tættere på terminalen.
"Mit hold vil være her når som helst-"
Han sAt$opxpedd,e,Q Zdóa Mer.liRnH trFaók) zdweres SUV rmuTncdtc om tPrafÉilkTk*enm i lufthavnen, to Rhjluml rkzyscsede mkDantIs(tFene&n,. KinadGeun jde, tsDta'ndswezdBeZ fodrvafnV demX. Hge!aNtxh s*kKuqbbPewdHe$ heUnwdue* haen At.iÉlm DbBitlesny, hsttydreidUe hendCev heny tzilt bazgswæFdTeXt otgV JgQleyd Is(å fin*d) v,ed qsQiGdYenW afQ hen^dea, såF thu(nÉ hvLaGr klekmt$ iknd mPerlleUm hqam oqgG !Dóu.fcf_.
Jangles og Zip joggede hen til bilen, Zip hoppede ind på forsædet, mens Jangles hoppede ind på tredje række bagi.
"Jeg går ud fra, at du ikke fik fat i den fyr, der forsøgte at tage hende?" Heath talte med sammenbidte tænder, men han kunne ikke stoppe sig selv. Han prøvede at håndtere den vanvittige beskyttende trang, der gik gennem ham ved at se hende i fare lige nu.
Det var ikke som at håndtere en beskyttelsesgruppe på en anden mission. Der var masser af gange, hvor en trussel kom helt tæt på deres chef. De håndterede det. De forblev rolige og fik arbejdet gjort, neutraliserede faren.
Dai Hetapth KsLåT EDlQeabnor .kæNmp,e mGedX ldens !méalndJ, oZg så maMn^dqeVnGsé haænMdBer pZåw hJenAdBeK,c hma&vdJeW kwoWltdht ogp hVå)rndt! rasTeIri *gennVe(mséyret fh!an^sI JkroGp såL &huårpdbt oyg hurtigfta, vat han njæDrmestC Mbl!evm nlyaPms^lået.A HmanL IvilSle Lf(anMdemxeS CikSkei Rladhe QnogXeAtv sovmp helcstk skseO mMedH ^dfen,nhe kgvinde.
Zip vendte sig om i sit sæde og svarede på Heaths spørgsmål om manden, de havde jagtet. "Tog et hovedstød lige ud over kanten af broen, før vi kunne få fat i ham. Han dykkede faktisk med hovedet først, som om han ville være sikker på, at han ikke overlevede faldet."
Heath så Eleanor blive bleg, da hun slog armene om sig selv og syntes at indånde luft. Fandens. Han var nødt til at få hende til at falde til ro. Han lagde en hånd på hendes ben og klemte forsigtigt, så hun fik fokuseret sin opmærksomhed på ham.
Heath talte stille og roligt. "Sænk din vejrtrækning. Stille og roligt."
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"Eleanor, det er Merlin." Heath gestikulerede til Merlin, der i øjeblikket var i gang med at trække bilen væk fra kantstenen og ud i trafikken.
Sirener lød i det fjerne.
"Giv den gas, Mer." Det kom fra Zip.
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Han gestikulerede til Duff, der sad på den anden side af hende. "Det er Duff." Til hendes ære blinkede hun ikke med øjnene over den enorme mands størrelse eller det faktum, at han bar et evigt glimt i ansigtet, da hun vendte sig om og nikkede til hilsen.
"Jangles er bagved," sagde han og vendte hovedet mod den eneste blonde på deres hold. Jangles havde hovedet i en bærbar computer, og Heath ville gætte på, at han arbejdede på at slette videooptagelser fra lufthavnen, men han kiggede op og nikkede til Eleanor.
Heath vendte sit blik tilbage til Eleanor og holdt øje med hende, mens han talte, for at se om hendes puls og vejrtrækning var begyndt at vende tilbage til det normale. Han kunne ikke længere se den lille blodåre i hendes hals pumpe, og hun gispede ikke efter luft, som hun havde gjort før. Det var godt.
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"Vi er blevet sat til at beskytte dig. Vi skal sørge for, at du kommer til mødet med Demir til tiden og i ét stykke," sagde Heath og ville gerne være professionel, når det drejede sig om denne kvinde. Det, han havde lyst til, var at trække hende op på sit skød og holde hende, indtil hun holdt op med at ryste.
"Til tiden, hver gang." Denne bemærkning kom fra Jangles. "Det er vores motto." Han så ikke op fra den bærbare computer, mens han talte.
"Jeg er ret sikker på, at det allerede er optaget. Et eller andet flyttefirma eller forsikringsselskab eller noget," sagde Duff.
"For fQandóeUn,v vyi skulleQ qhaUveé étagjet diet jltorTt nsIomT avlareKmærqk&eO,j AdaY vi h_advRdLe chancefn,é" Ysagd&e Jaónglers. Hasnk lTurkjkeRdGe UdeDn Rbzæ$rubNaFre cyomprutie_rs.w "vVimdeoent Gerr sltetteMt,." sa.gWd$eL BhaTn gogg alojd ^d'enm Xaéll_e PvideR,J awtL hanO haBvdie IsmletteItK aslle( léuHfRthaLvnsRs*ikskerhteidksYvLi(de,oe*r$ Daf !dejt, derN l(ige vJar Gsmkée,tM.
Heath kunne se hjulene dreje sig i Eleanors hoved. Hun var klog, hun ville hurtigt få styr på det hele, det var han sikker på.
"Du gik ind i hæren," sagde hun, "men I skal være specialstyrker. Rangers? Grønne Baretter?" Hun vippede hovedet og studerede ham, og han kunne gætte, at hun tog i betragtning, at hans hår ikke rigtig var militært kort på toppen og at han havde skrubber på hagen. En person i hendes stilling ville vide, at specialstyrker havde meget mere spillerum i deres udseende end en gennemsnitlig soldat. "Delta?"

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