SHADOWGAME

By

ChristineFeehan

Praise forthe nove lsof

CHRISTINEFEEHAN

"JustasIbegintothinktheromancegenrehasnowhereelsetorun,Igettoreadsomethingthattakes
anothergiantleapdownatotallyunknownroad.Romance,suspense,intrigue,andtheparanormal…
combinedtomakeoneofthemostdeliciousjourneysIhavehadthepleasureoftakinginalong,long
time…Definitelysomethingforeveryone."

—RomanceandFriends

"Feehan'snewestisaskillfulblendofsupernaturalthrillsandromancethatissuretoenticereaders."

—PublishersWeekly

"Ifyouarelookingforsomethingthatisfunanddifferent,pickupacopyofthisbook."

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"WitheachbookMs.Feehancontinuestobuildacomplexsocietythatmakesformesmerizingreading."

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—New-AgeBookshelf

"ThecharactersandtwistsinthisbookheldmeontheedgeofmyseatthewholetimeIreadit.Ifyou've
enjoyedMs.Feehan'spreviousnovels,youwillsurelybecaptivatedbythisstepintotheworldofGothic
romance…Onceagain,Ms.Feehandoesnotdisappoint."

—UndertheCoversBookReviews

Don'tmissDARKSYMPHONY

thelatestCarpathiannovelfromChristineFeehanandJoveBooks.

TitlesbyChristineFeehan

DARKSYMPHONYSHADOWGAME

SHADOWGAME

ChristineFeehan

JOVEBOOKS,NEWYORK

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor's
imaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,business
establishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

SHADOWGAME

AJoveBook/publishedbyarrangementwiththeauthor

PRINTINGHISTORY

Joveedition/September2003

Copyright©2003byChristineFeehan

ExcerptfromWildRaincopyright©2003byChristineFeehan

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Allrightsreserved.

ISBN:0-515-13596-8

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PRINTEDINTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA

Formybrother,MatthewKing,manythanksforallthehelpwiththeresearchnecessaryforthisbook.And

forMcKenzieKing,forherdynamitesmileandherhelpinturningthosebookcoversintheproper

direction!

SpecialthankstoCherylWilson.IhavenoideawhatI'ddowithoutyou.

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exclusiveChristineFeehananimatedScreensaverandsignupforherPRIVATEbookannouncementlist.

Shewouldlovetohearfromyou!

One

CAPTAINRylandMillerleanedhisheadagainstthewallandclosedhiseyesinutterweariness.He
couldignorethepaininhishead,theknivesshreddinghisskull.Hecouldignorethecagehewasin.He
couldevenignorethefactthatsoonerorlater,hewasgoingtoslipupandhisenemieswouldkillhim.But
hecouldnotignoretheguiltandangerandfrustrationrisinglikeatidalwaveinhimashismensuffered
theconsequencesofhisdecisions.

Kaden,Ican'treachRussellCowlings.Canyou?

Hehadtalkedhismenintotheexperimentthathadlandedthemallinthelaboratorycagesinwhichthey
nowresided.Goodmen.Loyalmen.Menwhohadwantedtoservetheircountryandpeople.

Weallmadethedecision.Kadenrespondedtohisemotions,thewordsbuzzinginsideRyland'smind.No
onehasmanagedtoraiseRussell.

Rylandsworesoftlyaloudashesweptahandoverhisface,tryingtowipeawaythepainspeaking
telepathicallywithhismencosthim.Thetelepathiclinkbetweenthemhadgrownstrongerastheyall
workedtobuildit,butonlyafewofthemcouldsustainitforanylengthoftime.Rylandhadtosupplythe
bridge,andhisbrain,overtime,balkedattheenormityofsuchaburden.

Don'ttouchthesleepingpillstheygaveyou.Suspectanymedication.Heglancedatthesmallwhitepill
lyinginplainsightonhisendtable.He'dlikealabanalysisofthecontents.Whyhadn'tCowlingslistened
tohim?HadCowlingsacceptedthesleepingpillinthehopesofabriefrespite?Hehadtogetthemen
out.Wehavenochoice,wemusttreatthissituationasifwewerebehindenemylines.Rylandtooka
deepbreath,letitoutslowly.Henolongerfelthehadachoice.Hehadalreadylosttoomanymen.His
decisionwouldbrandthemastraitors,deserters,butitwastheonlywaytosavetheirlives.Hehadto
findawayforhismentobreakoutofthelaboratory.

Thecolonelhasbetrayedus.Wehavenootherchoicebuttoescape.Gatherinformationandsupport
oneanotherasbestyoucan.Waitformyword.

Hebecameawareofthedisturbancearoundhim,thedarkwavesofintensedislikeborderingonhatred
precedingthegroupnearingthecagewherehewaskept.

Someoneisapproaching…Rylandabruptlycutofftelepathiccommunicationtothoseofhismenhecould
reach.Heremainedmotionlessinthecenterofhiscell,hiseverysenseflaringouttoidentifythe
approachingindividuals.

Itwasasmallgroupthistime:Dr.PeterWhitney,ColonelHiggens,andasecurityguard.Itamused
RylandthatWhitneyandHiggensinsistedonanarmedguardaccompanyingthemdespitethefactthathe
waslockedbehindbothbarsandathickglassbarrier.Hewascarefultokeephisfeaturesexpressionless
astheynearedhiscage.

Rylandliftedhishead,hissteelgrayeyesascoldasice.Menacing.Hedidn'ttrytohidethedangerhe
represented.Theyhadcreatedhim,theyhadbetrayedhim,andhewantedthemtobeafraid.Therewas
tremendoussatisfactioninknowingtheywere…andthattheyhadreasontobe.

Dr.PeterWhitneyledthesmallgroup.Whitney,liar,deceiver,monstermaker.Hewasthecreatorofthe
GhostWalkers.CreatorofwhatCaptainRylandMillerandhismenhadbecome.Rylandstoodupslowly,
adeliberaterippleofmuscle—alethaljunglecatstretchinglazily,unsheathingclawsashewaitedinside
hiscage.

Hisicygazetouchedontheirfaces,lingered,madethemuncomfortable.Graveyardeyes.Eyesofdeath.
Heprojectedtheimagedeliberately,wanting,evenneedingthemtofearfortheirlives.ColonelHiggens
lookedaway,studiedthecameras,thesecurity,watchedwithevidentapprehensionasthethickbarrierof
glassslidaway.AlthoughRylandremainedcagedbehindheavybars,Higgenswasobviouslyuneasy
withoutthebarrier,uncertainjusthowpowerfulRylandhadbecome.

Rylandsteeledhimselffortheassaultonhishearing,hisemotions.Thefloodofunwantedinformationhe
couldn'tcontrol.Thebombardmentofthoughtsandemotions.Thedisgustingdepravityandavaricethat
laybehindthemasksofthosefacinghim.Hekepthisfeaturescarefullyblank,givingnothingaway,not
wantingthemtoknowwhatitcosthimtoshieldhiswide-openmind.

"Goodmorning,CaptainMiller,"PeterWhitneysaidpleasantly."Howarethingsthismorningwithyou?
Didyousleepatall?"

Rylandwatchedhimwithoutblinking,temptedtotrytopushthroughWhitney'sbarrierstodiscoverthe
truecharacterguardedbehindthewallWhitneyhadinhismind.Whatsecretswerehiddenthere?Theone
personRylandneededtounderstand,toread,wasprotectedbysomenaturalorman-madebarrier.None
oftheothermen,notevenKaden,hadmanagedtopenetratethescientist'smind.Theycouldn'tgetany
pertinentdata,shieldedasWhitneywas,buttheheavyswampingwavesofguiltwerealwaysbroadcast
loudly.

"No,Ididn'tsleepbutIsuspectyoualreadyknowthat."

Dr.Whitneynodded."Noneofyourmenaretakingtheirsleepingmeds.Inoticedyoudidn'teither.Isthere
areasonforthat,CaptainMiller?"

ThechaoticemotionsofthegrouphitRylandhard,asitalwaysdid.Inthebeginning,itusedtodrivehim
tohisknees,thenoiseinhisheadsoloudandaggravatinghisbrainwouldrebel,punishinghimforhis
unnaturalabilities.Nowhewasmuchmoredisciplined.Oh,thepainwasstillthere,likeathousand
knivesdrivingintohisheadatthefirstbreachofhisbrain,buthehidtheagonybehindthefacadeoficy,
menacingcalm.Andhewas,afterall,welltrained.Hispeopleneverrevealedweaknesstotheenemy.

"Self-preservationisalwaysagoodreason,"heanswered,fightingdownthewavesofweaknessandpain
fromthebatteringofemotions.Hekepthisfeaturestotallyexpressionless,refusingtoallowthemtosee
thecost.

"Whatthehelldoesthatmean?"Higgensdemanded."Whatareyouaccusingusofnow,Miller?"

Thedoortothelaboratoryhadbeenleftstandingopen,unusualforthesecurity-consciouscompany,anda
womanhurriedthrough."I'msorryI'mlate;themeetingwentlongerthanexpected!"

Atoncethepainfulassaultofthoughtsandemotionslessened,muted,leavingRylandabletobreathe
normally.Tothinkwithoutpain.Thereliefwasinstantandunexpected.Rylandfocusedonher

immediately,realizingshewassomehowtrappingthemoreacuteemotionsandholdingthematbay,
almostasifshewereamagnetforthem.Andshewasn'tjustanywoman.Shewassobeautiful,shetook
hisbreathaway.Rylandcouldhavesworn,whenhelookedather,thegroundshiftedandmovedunderhis
feet.HeglancedatPeterWhitney,caughtthemanobservinghisreactionstothewoman'spresencevery
closely.

AtfirstRylandwasembarrassedthathehadbeencaughtstaringather.ThenherealizedWhitneyknewthe
womanhadsomekindofpsychicability.SheenhancedRyland'sabilitiesandclearedoutthegarbageof
straythoughtsandemotions.DidWhitneyknowexactlywhatshedid?Thedoctorwaswaitingfora
reactionsoRylandrefusedtogivehimthesatisfaction,keepinghisexpressiontotallyblank.

"CaptainMiller,I'dliketopresentmydaughter,LilyWhitney.Dr.LilyWhitney."Peter'sgazeneverleft
Ryland'sface."I'veaskedhertojoinus;Ihopeyoudon'tmind."

Theshockcouldn'thavebeenmorecomplete.PeterWhitney'sdaughter?Rylandletouthisbreathslowly,
shruggedhisbroadshoulderscasually,anotherrippleofmenace.Hedidn'tfeelcasual.Everythinginside
ofhimstilled.Calmed.Reached.Hestudiedthewoman.Hereyeswereincredible,butwary.Intelligent.
Knowledgeable.Asifsherecognizedhim,too,insomeelementalway.Hereyeswereadeepstartling
blue,likethemiddleofaclear,freshpool.Amancouldlosehismind,hisfreedomineyeslikehers.She
wasaverageheight—nottall,butnotexceedinglyshort.Shehadawoman'sfigureencasedinagray-green
suitofsomekindthatmanagedtodrawattentiontoeverylushcurve.Shehadwalkedwithadecided
limp,butwhenhelookedheroverfordamage,hecouldseenothingtoindicateinjury.Morethanallof
that,themomenthesawherface,themomentsheenteredtheroom,hissoulseemedtoreachforhers.To
recognizehers.Hisbreathstilledinhisbodyandhecouldonlystareather.

Shewaslookingbackathimandheknewthesightwasn'tveryreassuring.Athisbest,helookeda
warrior—athisworst,helookedasavagefighter.Therewasnowaytosoftenhisexpressionorlessen
thescarsonhisfaceorshaveoffthedarkstubblemarringhisstubbornjawline.Hewasstockywitha
fighter'scompactbuild,carryingmostofhisweightinhisupperbody,hischestandarms,hisbroad
shoulders.Hishairwasthickandblack,anditcurledwhenitwasn'tkepttightagainsthisskull.

"CaptainMiller."Hervoicewassoothing,gentle,pleasant.Sexy.Ablendofsmokeandheatthatseared
himrightthroughhisbelly."Hownicetomeetyou.MyfatherthoughtImightbeofsomeuseinthe
research.Ihaven'thadmuchtimetogooverthedata,butI'llbehappytotrytohelp."

Hehadneverreactedsoforcefullytoavoicebefore.Thesoundseemedtowraphimupinsatinsheets,
rubbingandcaressinghisskinuntilhefelthimselfbreakoutinasweat.Theimagewassovividthatfora
momenthecouldonlystareather,imagininghernakedbodywrithingwithpleasurebeneathhis.Inthe
midstofhisstruggletosurvive,hisphysicalreactiontoherwasshocking.

Colorcreptupherneck,delicatelytingedhercheeks.Herlonglashesfluttered,drifteddown,andshe
lookedawayfromhimtoherfather."Thisroomisveryexposed.Whocameupwiththedesign?Iwould
thinkitwouldbeadifficultwaytolive,evenforashortperiod."

"Youmeanlikealabrat?"Rylandaskedsoftly,deliberately,notwantinganyofthemtothinktheywere
foolinghimbybringinginthewoman."Becausethat'swhatIam.Dr.Whitneyhashisownhumanratsto
playwith."

Lily'sdarkgazejumpedtohisface.Oneeyebrowshotup."I'msorry,CaptainMiller,wasImisinformed,
ordidyouagreetovolunteerforthisassignment?"Therewasasmallchallengeinhervoice.

"CaptainMillervolunteered,Lily,"PeterWhitneysaid."Hewasunpreparedforthebrutalresults,aswas
I.I'vebeensearchingforawaytoreversetheprocessbutsofar,everythingI'vetriedhasfailed."

"Idon'tbelievethat'stheproperwaytohandlethis,"ColonelHiggenssnapped.HeglaredatPeter
Whitney,hisbushybrowsdrawingtogetherinafrownofdisapproval."CaptainMillerisasoldier.He
volunteeredforthismissionandImustinsisthecarryitouttoitsconclusion.Wedon'tneedtheprocess
reversed,weneeditperfected."

Rylandhadnotroublereadingthecolonel'semotions.Themandidn'twantLilyWhitneyanywherenear
Rylandorhismen.HewantedRylandtakenoutbehindthelaboratoriesandshot.Betteryet,dissectedso
theycouldallseewhatwasgoingoninhisbrain.ColonelHiggenswasafraidofRylandMillerandthe
othermenintheparanormalunit.Anythinghefeared,Higgensdestroyed.

"ColonelHiggens,Idon'tthinkyoufullyunderstandwhatthesemenaregoingthrough,whatishappening
totheirbrains."Dr.Whitneywaspursuingwhatwasobviouslyalongstandingargumentbetweenthem.
"We'vealreadylostseveralmen…"

"Theyknewtherisks,"Higgensretorted,gloweringatMiller."Thisisanimportantexperiment.Weneed
thesementoperform.Thelossofafewmen,whiletragic,isanacceptablelossconsideringthe
importanceofwhatthesemencando."

Rylanddidn'tlookatHiggens.HekepthisglitteringgazefixedonLilyWhitney.Buthisentiremind
reachedout.Tookhold.Closedlikeavise.

Lily'sheadsnappedup.Shegaspedoutasoftprotest.HergazedroppedtoRyland'shands.Shewatched
hisfingersslowlybegintocurlasifaroundathickthroat.Sheshookherhead,aslightprotest.

Higgenscoughed.Abarkinggrunt.Hismouthhungopenashegaspedforair.PeterWhitneyandtheyoung
guardbothreachedforthecolonel,tryingtoopenhisstiffshirtcollar,tryingtohelphimbreathe.The
colonelstaggered,wascaughtandloweredtothefloorbythescientist.

Stopit.ThevoiceinRyland'smindwassoft.

Ryland'sdarkbrowshotupandhisgleaminggazemetLily's.Thedoctor'sdaughterwasdefinitely
telepathic.Shewascalmaboutit,hergazesteadyonhis,notintheleastintimidatedbythedanger
emanatingfromhim.Sheappearedascoolasice.

He'swillingtosacrificeeveryoneofmymen.Theyaren'texpendable.Hewasjustascalm,notfora
momentrelenting.

He'samoron.Nooneiswillingtosacrificethemen;nooneconsidersthemexpendable;andheisn't
worthbrandingyourselfamurderer.

Rylandallowedhisbreathtoescapeinasoft,controlledstream,clearinghislungs,clearinghismind.
Deliberatelyheturnedhisbackonthewrithingmanandpacedacrossthecell,hisfingersslowly
uncurling.

Higgenswentintoafitofcoughing,tearsswimminginhiseyes.HepointedashakyfingertowardRyland.
"Hetriedtokillme,youallsawit."

PeterWhitneysighedandwalkedwithheavyfootstepsacrosstheroomtostareatthecomputer."I'mtired
ofthemelodrama,Colonel.Thereisalwaysajumponthesensorsinthecomputerswhenthereisasurge
ofpower.There'snothinghereatall.Millerissafelylockedinacage;hedidn'tdoanythingatall.Either
you'retryingtosabotagemyprojectoryouhaveapersonalvendettaagainstCaptainMiller.Inanycase,
I'mgoingtowritetothegeneralandinsisttheysendanotherliaison."

ColonelHiggenssworeagain."I'llhavenomoretalkaboutreversingtheprocess,Whitney,andyouknow
whatIthinkaboutbringingyourdaughteronboard.Wedon'tneedanotherdamnbleedingheartonthis
project—weneedresults."

"Mysecurityclearance,ColonelHiggens,isofthehighestlevelandsoismycommitmenttothisproject.I
don'thavethenecessarydataatthistime,butIcanassureyouI'llputinwhatevertimeisnecessarytofind
theanswersneeded."Evenasshespoke,Lilywaslookingatthecomputerscreen.

Rylandcouldreadherthoughts.Whateverwasonthescreenpuzzledherasmuchaswhatherfatherwas
saying,butshewaswillingtocoverforhim.Shewasmakingitupasshewentalong.Ascalmandas
coolasever.Hecouldn'trememberthelasttimehehadsmiled,buttheimpulsewasthere.Hekepthis
backtothegroup,notcertainhecouldkeepastraightfacewhilesheliedtothecolonel.LilyWhitneyhad
noideawhatwasgoingon;herfatherhadgivenherverylittleinformationandshewassimplywingingit.
HerdislikeofHiggens,compoundedbyherfather'sunusualbehavior,hadputherfirmlyinRyland'scamp
forthemoment.

HehadnoideawhatPeterWhitney'sgamewas,butthemanwasburieddeepinthemire.Theexperiment
toenhancepsychicabilityandbringtogetherafightingunithadbeenhisproject,hisbrainchild.Peter
Whitneyhadbeenthemanwho'dpersuadedRylandtheexperimenthadmerit.Thathismenwouldbesafe
andthattheywouldbetterservetheircountry.Rylandcouldn'treadthedoctorashenowcouldmostmen,
butwhateverWhitneywasupto,Rylandhadbecomeconvinceditwasn'tanythingthatwouldbenefithim
orhismen.DonovansCorporationhadastenchaboutit.IftherewasonethingRylandknewforcertain,
Donovanswasaboutmoneyandpersonalprofit,notnationalsecurity.

"Canyoureadthatcodeyourfatherusesforhisnotes?"HiggensaskedLilyWhitney,suddenlylosing
interestinRyland."Gibberishifyouaskme.Whythehelldon'tyoujustputyourworkinEnglishlikea
normalhumanbeing?"HesnappedthequestionatPeterWhitneyirritably.

AtonceRylandswungaround,hisgraygazethoughtfulasitrestedonthecolonel.Therewassomething
there,somethinghecouldn'tgetholdof.Itwasshifting,moving,ideasformulatingandgrowing.Higgens's
mindseemedablackravine,twistedandcurvedandsuddenlycunning.

Lilyshrugged."Igrewupreadinghiscodes;ofcourseIcanreadit."

Rylandsensedhergrowingpuzzlementasshestaredatthecombinationofnumbers,symbols,andletters
acrossthecomputerscreen.

"Whatthehellareyoudoinggettingintomyprivatecomputerfiles,Frank?"PeterWhitneydemanded,

glaringatthecolonel."WhenIwantyoutoreadareport,I'llhavethedataorganizedandthereportwill
befinishedandup-to-date,neatlytypedinEnglish.Youhavenobusinessinmycomputereitherhereorat
myoffice.Myresearchonmanyprojectsisonmycomputerandyouhavenorighttoinvademyprivacy.If
yourpeoplegoanywherenearmywork,I'llhaveyoulockedoutofDonovanssofastyouwon'tknow
whathityou."

"Thisisn'tyourpersonalproject,Peter."Higgensgloweredatallofthem."Thisismyprojecttooandas
theheadofit,youdon'tkeepsecretsfromme.Youdon'tmakeanysenseinyourreports."

RylandwatchedLilyWhitney.Sheremainedveryquiet,listening,absorbinginformation,gathering
impressions,andsoakingitalluplikeasponge.Sheseemedrelaxed,buthewasveryawareshehad
glancedtowardherfather,waitingforsomesign,forahintofhowtohandlethesituation.Whitneygave
hernothing,didn'tevenlookather.Lilyhidherfrustrationverywell.Sheshiftedhergazebacktothe
computerscreen,leavingtheotherstotheirargument,clearlyanotherlong-standingone.

"IwantsomethingdoneaboutMiller,"Higgenssaid,actingasifRylandcouldn'thearhim.

I'malreadydeadtohim.RylandwhisperedthewordsinLilyWhitney'smind.

Allthebetterforyouandyourmen.He'spressingmyfatherhardaboutpushingthisprojectforward,
notterminatingit.Heisn'tsatisfiedwiththefindingsanddoesn'tagreeitisdangeroustoallofyou.
Lilydidn'tlookawayfromthecomputerorgiveawayinanymannerthatshewascommunicatingwith
him.

Hedoesn'tknowaboutyou.Higgenshasnoideayou'retelepathic.Theknowledgeburstoverhimlikea
lightfromaprism.Brilliantandcolorfulandfullofpossibilities.Dr.Whitneywashidinghisdaughter's
abilitiesfromthecolonel.FromtheDonovansCorporation.Rylandknewhehadammunition.Information
hecouldusetobargainwithDr.Whitney.Somethingthatmightbeusedtosavehismen.Hisflareof
excitementmusthavebeeninhismindbecauseLilyturnedandregardedhimwithacool,thoughtfulgaze.

PeterWhitneyscowledatColonelHiggens,clearlyexasperated."Youwantsomethingdone?Whatdoes
thatmean,Frank?Whatdoyouhaveinmind?Alobotomy?CaptainMillerhasperformedeverytestwe've
askedofhim.Doyouhavepersonalreasonsfordislikingthecaptain?"Dr.Whitney'svoicewasawhipof
contempt."CaptainMiller,ifyouwerehavinganaffairwithColonelHiggens'swife,youshouldhave
disclosedthatinformationtomeimmediately."

Lily'sdarkeyebrowsshotup.Rylandcouldfeelthesuddenamusementinhermind.Herlaughterwassoft
andinviting,butherfeaturesgavenothingofherinnerthoughtsaway.Well?AreyouaRomeo?

TherewassomethingpeacefulandsereneaboutLily,somethingthatspilledoverintotheairaroundthem.
Hissecond-in-command,Kaden,waslikethat,calmingtheterriblestaticandtuningthefrequenciesso
thattheywereclearandsharpandabletobeusedbyallthemenregardlessoftalent.Surelyherfather
hadn'texperimentedonhisowndaughter.Theideasickenedhim.

"Laughallyouwant,Peter,"thecolonelsneered,"butyouwon'tbelaughingwhenlawsuitsarefiled
againstDonovansCorporationandtheUnitedStatesgovernmentisafteryouforbotchingthejob."

Rylandignoredthearguingmen.Hehadneverbeensodrawntoawoman,toanyindividual,buthe

wantedLilytoremainintheroom.Heneededhertoremainintheroom.Andhedidn'twanthertobea
partoftheconspiracythatwasthreateninghislife.Sheseemedunawareofit,butherfatherwascertainly
oneofthepuppetmasters.

Myfatherisnopuppetmaster.Hervoicewasindignantandfaintlyhaughty,aprincesstoaninferior
being.

Youdon'tevenknowwhatthehellisgoingonsohowdoyouknowwhatheisorisn't?Hewasrougher
thanheintendedbutLilytookitwell,notrespondingtohimbutfrowningatthecomputermonitor.

Shedidn'tspeaktoherfather,buthesensedhermovementtowardhim,aslightexchangebetweenthem.It
wasmorefeltthanseen,andRylandsensedherpuzzlementdeepen.Herfathergavehernoclue;instead,
heledColonelHiggenstowardthedoor.

"Areyoucoming,Lily?"Dr.Whitneyasked,pausingjustinsidethehall.

"Iwanttolookthingsoverhere,sir,"shesaid,indicatingthecomputer,"anditwillgiveCaptainMillera
chancetofillmeinonwhereheisinthis."

Higgensswungaround."Idon'tthinkit'sagoodideaforyoutostayalonewithhim.He'sadangerous
man."

Shelookedascoolasever,herdarkbrowaperfectarch.Lilystareddownheraristocraticnoseatthe
colonel."Youdidn'tensurethepremisesweresecure,Colonel?"

ColonelHiggenssworeagainandstompedoutoftheroom.AsLily'sfatherstartedoutoftheroom,she
clearedherthroatsoftly."Ithinkitbestwediscussthisprojectinamorethoroughwayifyouwantmy
input,sir."

Dr.Whitneyglancedather,hisfeaturesimpassive."I'llmeetyouatAntonio'sfordinner,andwecango
overeverythingafterweeat.Iwantyourownimpressions."

"Basedon…"

Rylanddidn'thearahintofsarcasm,butitwasthereinhermind.Shewasangrywithherfatherbut
Rylandcouldn'treadwhy.Thatpartofhermindwasclosedofftohim,hiddenbehindathick,highwall
shehaderectedtokeephimout.

"Goovermynotes,Lily,andseewhatyoumakeoftheprocess.Maybeyou'llseesomethingIdidn't.I
wantafreshperspective.ColonelHiggensmightberight.Theremaybeawaytocontinuewithout
reversingwhatwe'vedone."PeterWhitneyrefusedtomeethisdaughter'sdirectgaze,butturnedto
Rylandandasked,"DoIneedtoleaveanarmedguardinthisroomwithmydaughter,Captain?"

Rylandstudiedthefaceofthemanwhohadopenedthefloodgatesofhisbraintoreceivefartoomuch
stimuli.Hecoulddetectnoevil,onlyagenuineconcern."I'mnothreattotheinnocent,Dr.Whitney."

"That'sgoodenoughforme."Stillwithoutlookingathisdaughter,thedoctorlefttheroom,closingthe
doortothelaboratoryfirmly.

RylandwassoawareofLily,heactuallyfeltthebreathleaveherlungsinaslowexhaleasthedoortothe
laboratoryclosedandthelocksnickedquietlyintoplace.Hewaitedaheartbeat.Two."Aren'tyouafraid
ofme?"Rylandasked,testinghisvoicewithher.Itcameoutmorehuskythanhewouldhaveliked.Hehad
neverhadmuchluckwithwomenandLilyWhitneywasoutofhisclass.

Shedidn'tlookathim,butcontinuedtostareatthesymbolsonthescreen."WhyshouldIbe?I'mnot
ColonelHiggens."

"Eventhelabtechsareafraidofme."

"Becauseyouwantthemtobeandyou'reprojecting,deliberatelyenhancingtheirownfears."Hervoice
indicatedamildinterestintheirconversation,hermindmullingoverthedataonthescreen."Howlong
haveyoubeenhere?"

Heswungaround,stalkedtothebars,andgrippedthem."They'rebringingyouonboardandyoudon't
evenknowhowlongmymenandIhavebeenlockedupinthishellhole?"

Sheturnedherheadabruptly.Tendrilsofhair,fallenloosefromthetighttwistatthebackofherhead,
swungaroundherface.Eveninthemutedbluelightoftheroom,herhairwasshinyanditgleamedathim.
"Idon'tknowanythingatallaboutthisexperiment,Captain.Notonesmallfact.Thisisthehighest-
securitycompoundthiscorporationhasand,whileIhaveclearance,thisisnotmyfieldofexpertise.Dr.
Whitney,myfather,askedmetoconsultandIwasclearedtodoso.Doyouhaveaproblemwiththat?"

Hestudiedtheclassicbeautyofherface.Highcheekbones,longlashes,alushmouth—theydidn'tcome
likethisunlesstheywerebornrichandprivileged."Youprobablyhaveanunderpaidmaidwhosename
youcan'tevenremember,whopicksupyourclotheswhenyouthrowthemonyourbedroomfloor."

Thatboughthimherentireattention.Shecrossedthedistancefromthecomputertohiscageinaslow,
unhurriedwalkthatdrewhisattentiontoherlimp.Evenwithherlimpshehadaflowinggrace.Shemade
everycellinhisbodyinstantlyawarehewasmaleandshewasfemale.

Lilytiltedherchinathim."Iguessyouwerebroughtupwithoutmanners,CaptainMiller.Idon'tactually
throwmyclothesonthebedroomfloor.Ihangtheminthecloset."Hergazeflickedpasthimtorestbriefly
ontheclothesstrewnonthefloor.

Forthefirsttimethathecouldremember,Rylandwasembarrassedbyawoman.Hewasmakinganass
outofhimself.Evenherdamnhighheelswereclassy.Sexy,butclassy.

Asmallsmilecurvedhermouth."You'remakingatotalassoutofyourself,"shepointedout,"but
fortunatelyforyou,I'minaforgivingmood.Weelitistslearnthatatanearlyagewhentheyputthatsilver
spooninourmouths."

Rylandwasashamed.Hemighthavegrownuponthewrongsideofthetracksintheproverbialtrailer
trashpark,buthismotherwouldhaveboxedhisearsforbeingsorude."I'msorry,there'snoexcuse."

"No,thereisn't.There'sneveranexcuseforrudeness."Lilypacedacrossthedistanceofhiscage,an
unhurriedexaminationofthelengthofhisprison."Whodesignedyourquarters?"

"Theyconstructedseveralcagesquicklywhentheydecidedweweretoopowerfulandposedtoomuch

dangerasagroup."Hismenhadbeenseparatedandscatteredthroughoutthefacility.Heknewthe
isolationwastellingonthem.Continualpokingandproddingwaswearingandheworriedthathecould
notkeepthemtogether.Hehadlostmenalready;hewasnotabouttoloseanyoftheothers.

Thecellhadbeenspeciallydesignedoutoffearofreprisal.Heknewhistimewaslimited—thefearhad
beengrowingforweeksnow.Theyhaderectedthethickbulletproofbarrierofglassaroundhiscell
believingthatitwouldkeephimfromcommunicatingwithhismen.

Hehadvolunteeredfortheassignmentandhehadtalkedtheothermenintoit.Nowtheywereimprisoned,
studiedandprobedandusedforeverythingbuttheoriginalpremise.Severalofthemenweredeadand
hadbeendissectedlikeinsectsto"studyandunderstand."Rylandhadtogettheothersoutbeforeanything
elsehappenedtothem.HeknewHiggenshadterminationinmindforthestrongerones.Rylandwas
certainitwouldcomeintheformof"accidents,"butitwoulddefinitelycomeeventuallyifhedidn'tfinda
waytofreehismen.Higgenshadhisownagenda,wantingtousethemenforpersonalgainthathad
nothingwhatsoevertodowiththemilitaryandthecountryhewassupposedtoserve.ButHiggenswas
afraidofwhathecouldn'tcontrol.Rylandwasn'tabouttolosehismentoatraitor.Hismenwerehis
responsibility.

Hewasmorecareful,speakingmatter-of-factlythistime,tryingtokeeptheaccusations,theblameheput
squarelyonherfather'sshouldersfromspillingoverintohisthoughts,incaseshewasreadinghim.Her
eyelasheswereridiculouslylong,aheavyfringehefoundfascinating.Hecaughthimselfstaring,unableto
beanythingbutacrassidiot.Inthemidstofbeingcaughtlikearatinatrap,withhismenindanger,he
wasmakingafoolofhimselfoverawoman.Awomanwhoverywellmightbehisenemy.

"Yourmenareallinsimilarcages?Iwasn'tgiventhatinformation."Hervoicewasstrictlyneutral,but
shedidn'tlikeit.Hecouldfeeltheoutrageshewasstrivingtosuppress.

"Ihaven'tseentheminweeks.Theydon'tallowustocommunicate."Heindicatedthecomputerscreen.
"That'saconstantsourceofirritationtoHiggens.Ibethispeoplehavetriedtobreakyourfather'scode,
evenusedthecomputer,buttheymustnothavebeenabletodoit.Canyoureallyreadit?"

Shehesitatedbriefly.Itwasalmostunnoticeable,buthesensedthesuddenstillnessinherandhis
hawklikegazedidn'tleaveherface."Myfatherhasalwayswrittenincodes.Iseeinmathematical
patternsanditwasakindofgamewhenIwasalittlegirl.Hechangedthecodeoftentogiveme
somethingtoworkon.Mymind…"shehesitated,asifweighingheroptionscarefully.Shewasdeciding
howhonesttobewithhim.Hewantedthetruthandsilentlywilledhertogiveittohim.

Lilywasquietforamomentmore,herlargeeyesfixedsteadilyonhis,thenhersoftmouthfirmed.Her
chinwentupaminisculenotchbuthewaswatchinghereveryexpression,everynuance,andhewas
awareofit,awareofwhatitcosthertotellhim."Mymindrequirescontinualstimulation.Idon'tknow
howelsetoexplainit.Withouthavingsomethingcomplextoworkon,Irunintoproblems."

Hecaughttheflashofpaininhereyes,fleetingbutthere.Dr.PeterWhitneywasoneoftherichestmenin
theworld.Allthemoneymighthavegivenhisdaughtereveryconfidence,butitdidn'ttakeawaythefact
thatshewasafreak…afreaklikehewas.Likehismenwere.Whatherfatherhadmadetheminto.
GhostWalkers,waitingfordeathtostrikethemdown,whentheyshouldhavebeenaneliteteamdefending
theircountry.

"Sotellmethis,LilyWhitney,ifthatcodeisreal,whycan'tthecomputercrackit?"Rylandloweredhis
voicesothatanyonelisteningwouldn'thearhisquestion,buthekepthisglitteringgazefixedonhers,
refusingtoallowhertolookawayfromhim.

Lily'sexpressiondidn'tchange.Shelookedassereneasalways.Shelookedimpossiblyeleganteven
thereinthelaboratory.Shelookedsofaroutofhisreachhishearthurt."Isaidhealwayswroteincode,I
didn'tsaythisonemadeanysensetome.Ihaven'thadachancetoworkwithityet."

Hermindwasclosedsocompletelytohimthatheknewshewaslying.Hearchedadarkbrowather.
"Really.Well,you'llhavetoputinforovertimebecausenooneseemstobeabletoreadhowyourfather
managedtoenhanceourpsychicabilities.Andtheysurecan'tfigureouthowtomakeitgoaway."

Shereachedout,gracefully,almostcasually,naturally,togriptheedgeofadesk.Theknucklesonher
handturnedwhite."Heenhancedyournaturalabilities?"Hermindimmediatelybegantoturnthatbitof
informationoverandoverasifitwereapieceofajigsawpuzzleandshewasfindingtheproperfit.

"Hereallyletyouwalkinhereblind,didn'the?"Rylandchallenged."Wewereaskedtotakespecial
tests…"

Sheheldupherhand."Whowasaskedandwhoaskedyou?"

"MostofmymenareSpecialForces.Themeninthevariousbrancheswereaskedtobetestedforpsychic
ability.Therewerecertaincriteriatobemetalongwiththeabilities.Age,amountandtypeofcombat
training,abilitytoworkunderpressureconditions,abilitytofunctionforlongperiodsoftimecutofffrom
thechainofcommand,loyaltyfactors.Thelistwasendlessbutsurprisinglyenough,wehadquiteafew
takers.Themilitaryissuedaspecialinviteforvolunteers.FromwhatIunderstandlawenforcement
branchesdidthesame.Theywerelookingforanelitegroup."

"Andthiswashowlongago?"

"ThefirstIheardoftheideawasnearlyfouryearsago.I'vebeenhereattheDonovanslaboratoryfora
yearnow,butalltherecruitsthatmadeitintotheunit,includingme,trainedtogetheratanotherfacility.As
farasIknowwewerealwayskepttogether.Theywantedustoformatightunit.Wetrainedintechniques
usingpsychicabilitiesincombat.Theideawasastrikeforcethatcouldgetinandoutunseen.Wecould
beusedagainstthedrugcartels,terrorists,evenanenemyarmy.We'vebeenatitforoverthreeyears."

"Awildidea.Andthisiswhosebaby?"

"Yourfather's.Hethoughtitup,convincedthepowersthatbethatitcouldbedone,andconvincedmeand
therestofthementhatitwouldmaketheworldabetterplace."Therewasawealthofbitternessin
RylandMiller'svoice.

"Obviouslysomethingwentwrong."

"Greedwentwrong.Donovanshasthegovernmentcontract.PeterWhitneypracticallyownsthis
company.Iguesshejustdoesn'thaveenoughmoneywiththemillionortwoinhisbankaccount."

Shewaitedalongmomentbeforeresponding."Idoubtmyfatherneedsanymoremoney,CaptainMiller.
Theamounthegivestocharitieseachyearwouldfeedastate.Youdon'tknowanythingabouthimsoI

suggestyoureserveyouropinionuntilallthefactsarein.Andfortherecord,it'sabillionortwoormore.
Thiscorporationcoulddisappeartomorrowanditwouldn'tchangehislifestyleonebit."Hervoicedidn't
riseintheleast,butitsmolderedwithheatandintensity.

Rylandsighed.Hervividgazehadn'twaveredaninch."Wehavenocontactwithourpeople.All
communicationtotheoutsidemustgothroughyourfatherorthecolonel.Wehavenosayinwhatis
happeningtousatall.Oneofmymendiedacoupleofmonthsagoandtheyliedabouthowhedied.He
diedofadirectresultfromthisexperimentandtheenhancementofhisabilities—hisbraincouldn'thandle
theoverload,theconstantbattering.Theyclaimeditwasanaccidentinthefield.That'swhenwewerecut
offfromallcommandandseparated.We'vebeeninisolationsincethattime."Rylandregardedherwith
dark,angryeyes,daringhertocallhimaliar."Anditwasn'tthefirstdeath,butbyGod,it'sgoingtobe
thelast."

Lilypushedahandthroughherperfectlysmoothhair,thefirstrealsignofagitation.Theactionscattered
pinsandleftlongstrandsfallinginacloudaroundherface.Shewassilent,allowingherbraintoprocess
theinformation,evenasshewasrejectingtheaccusationsandimplicationsaboutherfather.

"Doyouknowpreciselywhatkilledthemaninyourunit?Andistherethesamedangertotherestof
you?"Sheaskedthequestionveryquietly,hervoicesolowitwasalmostinhismind.

Rylandansweredinthesamesoftvoice,takingnochancestheunseenguardswouldoverheartheir
conversation."Hisbrainwaswideopen,assaultedbyeveryoneandeverythinghecameintocontactwith.
Hecouldn'tshutitoffanymore.Wecanfunctiontogetherasagroupbecauseacoupleofthemenarelike
you.Theydrawthenoiseandrawemotionawayfromtherestofus.Thenwe'repowerfulandwework.
Butwithoutthatmagnet…"Hebrokeoffandshrugged."It'slikepiecesofglassorrazorbladesslashingat
thebrain.Hesnapped—seizures,brainbleeds,younameit.Itwasn'taprettysightandIsuredidn'tlike
theglimpseofourfuture.Neitherdidanyoftheothermenintheunit."

Lilypressedherfingerstohertempleandforjustamoment,Rylandcaughttheimpressionofthrobbing
pain.Hisfacedarkened,grayeyesnarrowing."Comehere."Hehadanactualphysicalreactiontoher
beinginpain.Themusclesinhisbellyknotted,hardandaching.Everythingprotectiveandmaleinhim
roseupandfloodedhimwithanoverwhelmingneedtoeaseherdiscomfort.

Herenormousblueeyesinstantlybecamewary."Idon'ttouchpeople."

"Becauseyoudon'twanttoknowwhatthey'rereallylikeinside,doyou?Youfeelittoo."Hewas
horrifiedtothinkherfathermayhaveexperimentedonhertoo.Howlonghaveyoubeentelepathic?
Morethanthat,hedidn'twanttothinkaboutnevertouchingher.Neverfeelingherskinbeneathhisfingers,
hermouthcrushedtohis.Theimagewassovividhecouldalmosttasteher.Evenherhairbeggedtobe
touched,athickmassofshinysilkjustaskingforhisfingerstotossawaytherestofthepinsandfreeitfor
hisinspection.

Lilyshruggedeasily,butafaintblushstolealongherhighcheekbones.Allofmylife.Andyes,itcanbe
uncomfortableknowingotherpeople'sdarkestsecrets.I'velearnedtolivewithincertainboundaries.
Maybemyfatherbecameinterestedinpsychicphenomenabecausehewishedtohelpme.Forwhatever
reason,Icanassureyou,ithadnothingtodowithpersonalfinancialgain.Sheletoutaslowbreath.
"Howterribleforyou,toloseanyofyourmen.Youmustbeveryclose.IhopeIcanfindawaytohelpall
ofyou."

Rylandsensedhersincerity.Hewassuspiciousofherfatherinspiteofherprotests.IsDr.Whitney
psychic?Heknewhe'dbeenbroadcastinghissexualfantasiesalittletoostronglybutshewasunshaken,
handlingtheintensityofthechemistrybetweenthemeasily.Andheknewthechemistrywasonbothsides.
Hehadasuddendesiretoreallyshakeherup,getpasthercooldemeanorjustonceandseeiffireburned
beneaththeice.Itwasahellofathinginthemiddleofthemesshewasin.

Lilyshookherheadassheansweredhim.We'veconductedmanyexperimentsandhaveconnected
telepathicallyafewtimesunderextremeconditions,butitwassustainedcompletelyonmyside.Imust
haveinheritedthetalentthroughmymother.

"Whenyoutouchhim,canyoureadhim?"Rylandaskedcuriouslyinalowvoice.Hedecidedmenwere
notallthatfarfromthecaves.Hisattractiontoherwasrawandhotandbeyondanyexperiencehe'dever
had.Hewasunabletocontrolhisbody'sreactiontoher.Andsheknewit.UnlikeRyland,sheappearedto
becoolandunaffected,whilehewasshakentohisverycore.Shecarriedontheirconversationasifhe
weren'tafirestormburningoutofcontrol.Asifhisbloodweren'tboilingandhisbodyhardasrockandin
desperateneed.Asifshedidn'tevennotice.

"Rarely.Heisoneofthosepeoplewhohasnaturalbarriers.Ithinkit'sbecausehebelievessostronglyin
psychictalent,whereasmostpeopledon't.Beingawareofitallthetime,he'sprobablybuiltupanatural
wall.I'vefoundmanypeoplehavebarrierstovaryingdegrees.Someseemimpossibletogetpastand
othersareflimsy.Whataboutyou?Haveyoufoundthesamething?You'reaverystrongtelepath."

"Comeheretome."

Hercoolbluegazedriftedoverhim.Dismissedhim."Idon'tthinkso,CaptainMiller,Ihavefartoomuch
worktodo."

"You'rebeingacoward."Hesaiditsoftly,hishungrygazeonherface.

Sheliftedherchinathimandgavehimherhaughtyprincesslook."Idon'thavetimeforyourlittlegames,
CaptainMiller.Whateveryouthinkisgoingonhere,isnot."

Hisgazedroppedtohermouth.Shehadaperfectmouth."Yesitis."

"Itwasinterestingmeetingyou,"Lilysaidandturnedfromhim,walkingwithouthasteawayfromhim.As
coolasever.

Rylanddidn'tprotest,insteadwatchedherleavehimwithoutasinglebackwardglance.Hewilledherto
lookback,butshedidn't.Andshedidn'treplacetheglassbarrieraroundhiscage,leavingitforthe
guards.

Two

THEseawasangry.Wavesroseup,crestinghigh,aboilingcauldronofdarkrage.Whitefoamwasleft
behindonthecliffsasthewaterreceded,onlytoreturn,reachingeverhigher.Reachingwithhungerand
fury,withdeadlyintent.Thedark,fathomlesswatersspread,adarkeyeseeking.Hunting.Turningtoward
her.

Lilywrenchedherselfawake,fightingforair.Herlungsburned.Shepressedthebuttontobringthe
windowdown.Slightlydisoriented,shetoldherselfitwasadream,nothingbutadream.Coolairrushed
inandsheinhaleddeeply.Shenoticedwithreliefthattheywerenearlytothehouse,alreadyontheestate
property."John,wouldyoumindstoppingthecar?Ifeellikewalking."Shemanagedtokeephervoice
steady,inspiteofthewayherheartpoundedinalarm.Shedetestedthenightmaresthatsooftenplagued
hersleep.

LilyhadwantedtodreamofCaptainRylandMiller,butshe'ddreamtofdeathandviolence.Ofvoices
callingtoher,ofdeathbeckoningwithabonyfinger.

Thechauffeurglancedatherintherearviewmirror."You'rewearinghighheels,MissLily,"hepointed
out."Areyouill?"

Shecouldseeherreflectedimage.Pale,eyestoobigforherface,darkcircles.Shelookedlikehell.Her
chinlifted."Idon'tmindtheheels,John.Ineedtheexercise."Sheneededtogettheremnantsofthe
nightmareoutofhermind.Theoppressivefeelingofdanger,ofbeinghunted,wasstillacceleratingher
heartrate.Lilytriedtoappearnormal,avoidingJohn'sgazeinthemirror.Hehadknownherallofher
life,andhewasalreadyconcernedwiththeshadowsinhereyes.

Whydidshehavetolooksopaleanduninterestingjustwhenshefinallymetamansheconnectedwith?
Hewassogorgeous.Sointelligent.So…everything.Shehadwalkedintothemeetingwithoutoneiotaof
informationandhadcomeofflookingacompletefoolratherthanawomanofextraordinaryintelligence.
Millerprobablydatedmodel-thinblondswithbigbreasts,womenwhohungonhiseveryword.Lily
brushedahandoverherface,hopingtowipeawaythenightmaresthatrefusedtoallowherrest.Hoping
toridherselfoftheimageofRylandMillerembeddedinherbrain.Hehadsomehowbrandedhimself
deepintoherfleshandbones.

Comeheretome.

Hisvoicehadwhisperedthroughherbody,heatedherblood,meltedherinsides.Lilyhadn'twantedto
lookathim.Shehadbeenalltooawareofthecameras.Alltooawaresheknewnothingofmen.Shewas
bewilderedbyherfather'sbehavior,bewilderedbythesheerweightofherattractiontoRylandMiller.
Andshehadrunlikearabbit,wantingtofindherfatherandlearnwhatwashappening.

Thelimousineslowedtoastoponthelong,well-pavedroadwindingthroughtheenormousestateupto
themainhouse.Lilyhastilyclimbedout,notwantingtoriskfurtherconversation.Johnleanedouthis
windowandstudiedherforalongmoment."Youaren'tsleepingagain,MissLily."

Lilysmiledathimasshepushedahandthroughherthickmassofdarkhair.Thechauffeurclaimedhewas
stillinhisearlysixties,butshesuspectedhewasprobablyinhisseventies.Heactedmorelikearelative
thanadriverandshecouldneverseehiminanyotherlightthanasbelovedfamily."You'reright,"she

said."I'mhavingthosestrangedreamsIgetonceinawhile.I'mtryingtocatnapduringtheday.Don'tyou
worryaboutme,it'shappenedbefore."Sheshruggedhershouldersinadismissinglittlegesture.

"Haveyoutoldyourfather?"

"Asamatteroffact,Ihadplannedtotellhimoverdinner,buthestoodmeupagain.Ithoughthemightbe
inhislab,buthedidn'tanswerthephoneorhispage.Doyouknowifhe'shomeyet?"Ifhewerehome,
shewouldhaveafewwordstosaytohim.Ithadbeenunforgivabletodropherintothesituationwith
Millerwithoutgivinghertheleastindicationofwhatwashappening.

Shewasfuriouswithherfatherthistime.Millerdidn'tbelonglockedupinacagelikeananimal.Hewas
aman,astrong,intelligentman,loyaltohiscountry,andwhateverwasgoingonattheDonovans
laboratorieshadbetterbestoppedimmediately.Andwhatwasthenonsensewiththecomputersandher
father'scodes?Hehadwrittenreamsofgibberishandactedasifthemesswerelegitimatenotesonhis
work.Shecouldn'tconsultwithnothingtoworkwith.Dr.PeterWhitney,fatherornot,hadalottoanswer
forandhe'dduckedoutontheirappointedmeetinglikeacowardinretreat.

Impatiencecrossedthechauffeur'sface."Thatman.Heneedsanassistanttowalkalongbehindhimand
kickhimeverynowandthensohenoticeshe'sactuallylivingintherealworld."Therenowneddoctor
hadalonghistoryofignoringorforgettinghisdaughter'simportantmomentsanditannoyedJohn.The
eventnevermattered—birthdays,plannedoutings,graduationceremonies,Dr.Whitneyjustnever
remembered.Thechauffeurhadattendedeachandeveryevent,watchingLilyearnhonorafterhonor
withoutafamilymemberpresent.ItwasasorepointwithJohnBrimslowthathisbosswouldtreathis
daughterwithsolittlecare.

Lilyburstoutlaughing."IsthatwhatyousayaboutmewhenI'mresearchingandIforgettocomehome?"
ShekepthergazecenteredonthetopbuttonofJohn'scoat,hopingshehadbecomeanexpertathiding
emotion.Shewasusedtoherfather'sabsentmindedwaysconcerningher.Theirdinnerdatewouldnever
havebeenimportantenoughtohimtotrytorememberitandnormallyshewouldhavebeenunderstanding.
Sheoftenwascaughtupinaresearchprojectandforgottoeatorsleeportalkwithothers.Shecould
hardlycondemnherfatherforbeingthesameway.Butthistime,hewasgoingtogetawell-deserved
earful,andhewasgoingtositdownandtellhereverythingshewantedtoknowaboutCaptainMillerand
hismen,withnoexcuses.

Herchauffeurgrinnedunrepentantly."Ofcourse."

"I'llbeuptothehouseinafewminutes.TellRosa,willyouplease,otherwiseshe'llworry."Lilystepped
awayfromthecarwithasmallwave,turningawaysoJohncouldn'tcontinuetolookatherface.She
knewherfacehadthinned,makinghercheekbonesstickout,andnotinthecomplimentarywayofa
model.Thenightmareshadputdarksmudgesunderhereyesandadroopinhershoulders.Shehadnever
beenallthatmuchtolookat,withhertoolargeeyesandherlimp,andshehadneverbeenfashionably
thin.Herbodywascurvyatayoungageandinsisted,nomatterhowmuchexerciseshedid,onbeingtruly
feminine.Shehadnevermindedmuchbeforeaboutherlooks,butnow…

Lilyclosedhereyes.RylandMiller.Whycouldn'tshehavelookedstunninglyattractivejustonce?Hewas
sounbelievablysexy.Shehadneverbeenattractedtoclassichandsomeness.Millerwasn'thandsome,he
wastooearthy,hadtoomuchrawpower.Herentirebodyfelthotjustthinkingabouthim.Andthewayhe
lookedather…Noonehadeverlookedatherlikethatbefore.Helookedhungryforher.

Sheslippedoffherheelsandstaredupatthehouse.ShelovedSanFrancisco,andlivinginthehills
overlookingthebeautifulcitywasatreasureshenevertiredof.TheirswasanOldWorldcountryestate,
severalstorieshighandsprawledoutwithbalconiesandterraces,givingitanelegant,romanticcharm.
Thehousehadmoreroomsthansheandherfathercouldeverpossiblyuse,butshelovedeveryinchofit.
Thewallswerethickandthespaceswide.Herrefuge.Hersanctuary.Godknewsheneededone.

Thewindblewsoftly,rufflingherhairandtouchingherfacegently.Thebreezebroughtherasenseof
comfort.Afteranightmare,theimpressionofdangerusuallydissipatedafewminutesafterwaking,but
thistimeitlingered,analarmthatwasbecomingfrightening.Nightwasbeginningtofall.Shestaredupat
theskies,watchingthegraythreadsspinningintodarkeningcloudsoverheadandfloatingacrossthemoon.
Duskwasasoftblanketenfoldingher.Wispsoffogbegantodriftacrosstheterracedlawns,whitelacein
ribbonscurlingaroundthetreesandbushes.

Lilyturnedinacircle,takingintherollingmanicuredlawns,theshrubberyandtrees,thefountainsand
gardensartfullyplacedtopleasetheeye.Thesprawlingacreagetothefrontwasalwaysperfectly
immaculatewithoutsomuchasaleaforbladeofgrassputofplace,butbehindthehouse,thewoodswere
leftwild.Therealwaysseemedtoherabalanceinnature,aquietandasenseofpeace.Herhomegave
herafreedomshecouldn'tfindanywhereelse.

Lilyhadalwaysbeendifferent.Shehadagift—atalent,herfathercalledit.Shecalleditacurse.She
couldtouchpeopleandknowtheirprivatethoughts.Thingsnotmeanttobeoutintheopen.Darksecrets
andforbiddendesires.Shehadothergiftsaswell.Herhomewasheronerefuge,asanctuarywithwalls
thickenoughtoprotectherfromtheassaultofintenseemotionsbombardinghernightandday.

Fortunately,PeterWhitneyseemedtohavenaturalbarrierssothatshecouldn'treadhimwhenhehad
tuckedherintobedatnightasachild.Still,hehadbeencarefulofphysicalcontact,carefulthebarriersin
hismindheldfirmwhenshewasaround.Andhehadtakengreatcareinfindingotherswithnatural
barrierssothatherhomewasalwaysasanctuaryforher.Thepeoplewhohadcaredforherbecameher
familyandwereallpeopleshecouldsafelytouch.Ithadneveroccurredtoheruntilthatmomenttoask
howPeterWhitneyhadknownthepeoplehehiredwerepeoplehisunusualdaughterwouldbeunableto
read.

RylandMillerhadbeentotallyunexpected.Shecouldhavesworntheearthmovedwhenshefirstseteyes
onhim.Hehadgiftsandtalentsofhisown.Lilyknewherfatherconsideredhimdangerous.Shesensed
Rylandwasdangerousbutshewasn'tcertaininwhatway.Asmallsmilecurvedhermouth.Hewas
probablydangeroustoallwomen.Hecertainlyhadaneffectonherbody.Shehadtocornerherfatherand
makehimlistentoherforonce.Sheneededafewanswersthatonlyhecouldgiveher.

AnxietysettledinthepitofherstomachandLilypressedahandtohermidsection,wonderingatthe
persistenceofthethreateningomen.Sheknewbetterthantoignoreacontinualdisquietsodeeply
imbeddedinherbones.Withasoftsigh,Lilyheadeddeterminedlyforthehouse.Thepathshetookwasa
narrowone,madeofblue-grayslate,leadingaroundthemaze,throughtheteagardentowardaside
entrance.

Lilysteppedonthesmoothslatestairandtheearthrocked.Shecaughtattheornatebanister,hershoes
fallingtothegroundassheusedbothhandstosteadyherself,ittookheramomenttoregisterthatthere
wasnoearthquake,butthemotionwasverymuchasifshewerestandingonaboatasitwasridingover
thewavesintheocean.Sheheardthelappingofthewateragainstwood,ahollowsoundthatechoed

throughhermind.Thevisionwassostrong,Lilycouldsmelltheseaair,feelthesprayofsaltwater
mistingherface.

Herstomachclenchedinreaction.Lily'sfingerstighteneduntilherknucklesturnedwhite.Againshefelt
therockingofthewaves.Sheliftedherfacetothedarkeningskyandsawtheominouscloudswhirling
fasteroverherhead,spinningwildlyuntilonlythecenterwasclearanddarkandmovingrelentlessly,
searching,searching.Lilyjerkedherhandsfromthebanisterandwrenchedopenthekitchendoor.
Staggeringinside,sheslammedthedoorandleanedagainstthewall,herbreathcominginhardgasps.She
closedhereyesanddrewtheairofherhome,hersanctuary,intoherlungs.Shewassafeinsidethethick
walls.Safe,aslongasshedidn'tfallasleep.

Thekitchensmelledoffresh-bakedbread.Everywhereshelookedthereweregleamingtilesandwide-
openspaces.Home.Lilypattedthedoorwithherpalm."Rosa,itsmellswonderfulinhere.Didyoucook
dinner?"

Theshort,buxomwomanspunaround,alargechoppingknifeinonehand,acarrotintheother.Herdark
eyeswidenedinsurprise."MissLily!Younearlygavemeaheartattack.Whydidn'tyoucomethroughthe
frontdoorlikeyou'resupposedto?"

LilylaughedbecauseitwasnormalforRosatoscoldherandsheneedednormalcy."WhyamIsupposed
tocomethroughthefrontdoor?"

"Whatgoodisafrontdoorifnooneeverusesit?"Rosacomplained.HergazetookinLily'spaleface,
herhauntedeyes,andthentraveleddowntoLily'sbarefeetandshreddednylons."Whatintheworldhave
youdonenow?Andwhereareyourshoes?"

Lilygesturedvaguelytowardthedoor."Hasmyfathercalledyet?Hewassupposedtomeetmefordinner
atAntonio'sbuthedidn'tshowup.Iwaitedanhourandahalfbuthemusthaveforgotten."

Rosafrowned.AsalwaystherewasonlyacceptanceinLily'svoice,agentleamusementthatherfather
hadoncemoreforgottenanappointmentwithhisdaughter.RosawantedtoboxDr.Whitney'searsforhim.
"Thatman.No,hedidn'tcall.Didyoueat?You'regettingskinny,Lily,likeaboy."

"I'monlyskinnyinplaces,Rosa,"Lilycontradicted.WhenRosaglaredsheshruggedhastily."Iateall
theirbread—itwasfresh-baked,butnotnearlyasgoodasyours."

"I'mfixingyouaplateoffreshvegetablesandinsistyoueatit!"

Lilysmiledather."Soundsgoodtome."Shehoistedherselfontothecountertop,ignoringRosa'sfrown.
"Rosa?"Shetappedoutasmallnervousrhythmwithherfingernail."Ifoundoutthemostdisturbingthing
aboutmyselftoday."

Rosaturnedquicklybacktoher."Disturbing?"

"AllthistimeI'vebeenaroundmendressedinsuitsandties,good-looking,intelligentmenwitha
portfoliomyfatherwouldadmire,butI'veneveroncebeenattractedtothem.Idon'tthinkIevennoticed
them."

Rosabrokeoutintoasmile."Ah…youmetsomeone.I'vealwayshopedyou'dgetyournoseoutofyour

bookslongenoughtomeetsomeone."

"Ididn'texactlymeethim,"Lilyhedged.Thelastthingsheneededwasforthehousekeepertorepeather
foolishconfidencestoherfather.He'dpullherofftheprojectimmediatelyifhethoughtshewasattracted
tohissubject."Ijustsawhim.He'sgottheseshouldersonhimandhelooked…"Shecouldn'tsay"hot"to
Rosa.Shefannedherselfinsteadofcomingupwithwords.

"Oooh,he'ssexy.Arealmanthen."

Lilyburstoutlaughing.Rosaalwayshelpedtoridherofdemons."Myfatherwouldn'tbetoohappy
hearingyousaythat."

"Yourfatherwouldn'tseeawomanifshehadaperfectfigureandstoodnakedinfrontofhim.He'donly
noticeifshecouldspeakinsevenlanguagesatthesametime."Rosapushedaplateofvegetablesanddip
intoLily'shands.

"Thepictureistooawfultocontemplate,"Lilysaidassheslippedtothefloor."I'vegottospendsome
timetonightstudying."LilyblewRosaakissassheskirtedaroundhertowardthedoor."Thisnewproject
I'mworkingonisgivingmeafewproblems.Dadjustdumpeditinmylapwithhardlyanydataanditisn't
makingsense."Shesighed."Ireallyneededtotalktohimtonight."

"Tellmeaboutit,Lily,maybeIcanhelpyou."

Lilysnaggedanappleasshepassedthefruitbowlandaddedittoherplate."YouknowIcan'tdothat,
Rosa,andyou'djustrollyoureyesandtellmeit'sallsosillyanyway.ThisisaprojectfortheDonovans
Corporation."

Rosadidrollhereyes,"Allthatsecrecy.Yourfatherislikealittleboyplayingsecretagentgamesand
nowhehasyoudoingit,too."

Lilycouldn'thelpsmiling."Iwishitwassecretagentstuff.It'sallpaperandlabwork,nothingexcitingat
all."Withalittlewaveshewentondownthewidespacioushall,notlookingatthehugeopenrooms.The
librarywasherfavoritesanctuaryandsheheadedrightforit.Shepreferredworkingtheretoherown
office.JohnBrimslowwouldhaveleftherbriefcaseonthedeskforher,knowingrightwhereshewould
go.

"BecauseI'msodarnedpredictable,"shemutteredaloud."JustonceI'dliketoshakeeverybodyup."

Thefireplacewasalreadylit,thankstoJohn,andtheroomwaswarmandcomforting.Lilyflungherself
intothedeep-cushionedarmchair,ignoringherbriefcasecontainingherlaptopandtheworkshe'dbrought
homewithher.Ifshehadtheenergyshewouldhaveturnedonmusic,butshewasboneweary.She
couldn'trememberthelasttimeshehadwillingly,withoutapprehension,gonetosleepatnight.Inher
sleep,allhernaturalprotectionscametumblingdown,leavinghervulnerableandopentoattack.
Normally,becausethehousehadsuchthickwalls,shefeltsafeinherhome.Lately,though…

Lilysighedandallowedherlashestodriftdown.Shewassotired.Littlecatnapsduringthedayand
duringworkhoursweren'tcuttingit.Shefeltasifshecouldsleepforweeks.

Lily!Almostatoncesheheardthewater,thesoundloudandpersistent.Lilyjerkeduprightandlooked

around,blinkingtobringtheroomintofocus.

Shehadnoanchor,nothingtoholdhertoherworld,butthesafetyofherhome.Shewasinfamiliar
territoryandshehopedthatwouldhelp.Whateverwaslurkingoutside,ridingthewavesofenergytofind
her,wasinsistingshereachforit.Lilytookadeepbreathandresolutelyopenedhermind,allowingall
herprotectivewallstocomedownsoshecouldembracetheflowofinformation.

Wavesrollingandpounding.Itwasloud.Soloudshepressedherhandsoverherearswhilesheforcibly
turneddownthevolume.Shesmelledthesalt-water.Therewerewarehouses,unfocused,asifhervision
wereblurry.Thestenchoffishwasstrong.Shehadnoideawhereshewas.Butthewarehouseswere
growingsmallerasifsheweremovingawayfromthem.

Herstomachrolled.Lilycaughtattheedgeofherchairforsupport,herlegsrubbery.Therewas
movement.Theyweremovingoutawayfromshore.Shesmelledblood.Andsomethingelse.Something
familiar.Herheartnearlystoppedbeating,thenbegantopoundinalarm.Daddy?Itcouldn'tbe.What
wouldhebedoingonaboatontheocean?Hedidn'tgoonboats.

PeterWhitneyhadnorealtelepathicpowers,buthehadexperimentedwithLilyforyearsandthey
sometimeshadmanagedafaintconnection.Lilyfranticallycaughtupherfather'sbackpillow,clutchingit
betweenherhandstobetterfocusonhim.Daddy,whereareyou?Hewasindanger.Shefeltthe
vibrationsofitallaroundhim,shefelttheviolencelingeringintheair.Hewashurt.

Herhead,hishead,washammeringfromtheterriblewound.Shecouldfeelpainrippingthroughher
body,throughhisbody.Lilybreatheddeeply,tryingtoreachpastpainandshock,tryingtoreachforhim.
Whereareyou?IneedtofindyousoIcansendhelp.Canyouhearme?

Lily?Herfather'svoice,soweak,almosttinny,asifhewerefadingaway.It'stoolateforthat.They've
killedme.I'vealreadylosttoomuchblood.Listentome,Lily,it'suptoyounow.Youhavetomakeit
right.I'mcountingonyoutomakeitright.

Shecouldfeelhisfear,hisgreatdeterminationinspiteofhisweakness.Whateverhewastryingtoconvey
toherwasoftheutmosturgencytohim.Shefoughtdownpanicandherneedtoscreamforaid.Shefought
downadaughter'sreactionandreachedoutwithallthepowerofhermindtostayconnected.Tellme
whatyouwant,I'lldoit.

There'saroom,alaboratorynooneknowsabout.Theinformationisthere,everythingyouneed.Make
itright,Lily.

Daddy,where?Donovansorhere?WhereshouldIlook?

Youhavetofindit.Youhavetogetridofeverything,thedisks,theharddrive,allmyresearch,don'tlet
themfindit.Theymustneverrepeatthatexperiment.It'sallthere,Lily.It'smyfault,butyouhaveto
setitrightforme.Don'ttrustanyone,notevenourpeople.SomeoneatthehousediscoveredwhatI
wasdoing.Theybetrayedme.

Inourhouse?Lilywashorrified.Theirpeoplehadallbeenwiththemfromthetimeshewasalittlegirl.
There'satraitorinourhouse?Shetookanotherdeepbreath,draggingairintoherlungstocenterherself.
Daddy,tellmewhereyouare,Ican'tseeanythingofvalue.Letmesendhelp.

Themenareprisoners.You'llhavetofreethem.CaptainMillerandtheothers,getthemoutofthere,
Lily.I'msorry,baby.I'msorry.IshouldhavetoldyouwhatIdidrightfromthebeginningbutIwastoo
ashamed.Ithoughttheendresultsalwaysjustifiedtheexperiment,butIdidn'thaveyou,Lily.
Rememberthat,don'thateme.RememberIneverhadafamilybeforeyoucamealong.Iloveyou,Lily.
Findtheothersandmakeitright.Helpthem.

Lily'sbodyjerkedasshefeltherfatherbeingdraggedacrossthedeck.Sherealizedwhoeverwas
dragginghimthoughthewasunconscious.Shecaughtabriefglimpseofashoe,ofwristsandawatch,
thennothingatall.Daddy!Whoisit?Whoishurtingyou?Sheflungoutherhandasifshecouldholdhim
there,holdhimtoher.Stoptheinevitable.

Therewassilence.Shewasconnected:sherockedwhentheboatrocked,shesmelledtheseaairandfelt
thepainwrackingherfather'sbody.Buthisbloodhaddrainedoutonthedeckoftheboatandwithit,most
ofhisstrength.Onlyasmallflickerofliferemained.Hehadtoreachforthewords,imagesinhismind,to
communicatewithher.Donovans.Lily,letgonow.Youcan'tstaywithme.

Hewasfadingfast.Lilycouldn'tbeartolethimgo.No!Shewouldn'tleavehimtodiealone.Shecouldn't.
Shefelttheburnoftheropesonhiswrists,onhers.Hehadclosedhiseyes.Sheneversawthefaceofthe
killer.Butshefeltthebumpoftherail,thefreefall,theplungeintoicywater.

Breakoff!Thecommandwasaroar.Astrongdirectiveissuedbyapowerfulmale.Themasculinevoice
wassostrong,soauthoritative,itactuallydroveherawayfromthesceneofherfather'smurderandleft
herflounderingaloneinthelibraryofherhouse,rockingbackandforth,alowkeeningwailofgrief
comingfromherrawthroat.

Lilyforcedhermindbackundercontrol,drivingoutallpanicwhileshereachedforherfather.There
was…completeemptiness.Ablackvoid.Shestumbledtothehearth,knelt,andwassickinthebrass
kindlingbucket.Herfatherwasdead.Thrown,likesomuchgarbage,intotheocean,stillalive,todrown
intheicywaters.WhathadhemeantsayingDonovanswasresponsible?Donovanswasn'taperson,it
wasacorporation.

Sherockedbackandforth,huggingherself,seekingsomekindofcomfort.Shecouldn'tsaveherfather,
sheknewinherhearthewasalreadygonefromher.Shecouldhearherselfweeping,thepainsodeepshe
couldhardlybearit.HerinstinctwastorushtoJohnBrimslowandRosaforcomfort.Butshedidn't
move.Shecontinuedkneelingtherebythefire,rockingbackandforth,thetearsrunningdownherface.

Lilyhadneverfeltsoaloneinherlife.Shehadagift,yetshehadn'tbeenabletosaveherownfather.If
onlyshehadallowedthecontactearlier.Shehadbeentoobusyprotectingherself.Hehadsufferedsuch
pain,yethehadheldonandforcedtheconnection.Hehadnorealtalent,yethehadmanagedthenearly
impossible,wantinghertopromisetosetthingsright.Shefeltcoldandemptyandfrightened.Andalone.

Thewarmthstoleintohermindfirst.Asteadystream,pushingthroughherguiltandanguish.Itmoved
throughherbody,wrappedaroundherheart.

Ittookminutesbeforesherecognizedshewasn'talone.Something,someone,hadgottenthroughthethick
protectivewallsofthehouseand,withherinhervulnerablestateofgrief,hadenteredhermind.The
touchwaspowerful,strongerthanshehadeverencountered,andpurelymasculine.Andsheknewwhoit
was.CaptainRylandMiller.Shewouldhaverecognizedhistouchanywhere.

Shewantedtobecomfortedbyhim,acceptwhathewasoffering,buthehadhatedherfather.Blamedhim
fortheincarcerationanddeathsofhismen.Hewasadangerousman.Didhehavesomethingtodowith
herfather'smurder?

Lilysnappedtoattention,swipingatthetearsonherface,slamminghermindclosed,shoringupherwalls
ofresistanceasquicklyasshecould.Ithadn'tbeenherfatherorderinghertobreakawayfromhiminsuch
acommandingtone.Someoneelsehadsharedtheirlink.Someoneelsehadheardeverywordherfather
hadwhisperedinhermind.Thatsomeonehadbeenstrongenoughtoseveraconnectionshehadbeen
holding,probablysavingherintheprocess,forshedidn'thaveananchortoholdherwhileherfatherwas
dyinginthecoldsea.RylandMiller,thesamemanwhohadfloodedherwithwarmthandcomfort.The
prisonerlockedinacagedeepundergroundintheDonovanslaboratories.Sheshouldhaverecognizedhis
voiceatonce.Hisarrogantcommandingvoice.Andsheshouldhavenoticedthemomenthehadtouched
herconnectionwithherfather.

Untilshelearnedmoreaboutwhatwasgoingon,shecouldn'taffordtelepathiccontactwithanyone.Not
evensomeonewhosavedherlife.EspeciallynotRylandMiller,whowouldhavehisownagendaand
whoblamedherfatherforhispresentcircumstances.Lilyshiveredandpressedahandtoherachingheart.
Shehadtouseherbrainandfigureoutwhatwashappeningandwhowasresponsibleformurderingher
father.Hergriefwassostrongshecouldbarelythinkwiththepain,butitwouldn'thelpher.Theraw,ugly
woundmustbepushedasidetoallowherbrainroomtomaneuver.

Shedidn'twanttorememberthelastheatedexchangebetweenherfatherandRylandMillerbutitwas
impossibletoignore.Ithadn'tbeenpleasant.CaptainMillerhadn'texactlythreatenedPeterWhitney,but
hedidn'thavetoputitinwords.Heexudedpowerandhisverydemeanorwasathreat.Itwasobvious
herfatherwantedMillerfreed,butshesimplydidn'thaveenoughinformationtobeabletojudgewhowas
herenemy.Thecolonelhadobviouslydisagreedwithherfatheronwhateverexperimentwasbeing
secretlyconductedintheDonovanslaboratory.

ResolutelyLilysankbackandstaredintotheflames.Shecouldn'ttrustanyoneinthehouseoratwork,
whichmeantshecouldn'tadmittoknowledgeofherfather'sdeath.Shehadneverbeenmuchofanactress,
yetshewouldbeforcedtoplayapartwhileshekeptherpromisetoherfather.Shehadnoevidencethat
anyoneatDonovanswasguilty.Thepolicewouldn'tbelieveshehadapsychicexperiencethathad
connectedhertoherfatherashewasdying.Whatwereheroptions?

Standingupwasdifficult.Shefeltasifagreatweightwaspressingherdownandherlegswereshaky.
Shehadtocleanoutthebrasskindlingbucket.Therecouldbenoevidencethatanythingunusualhad
happened.Shemadeherwaytothenearestbathroom,gratefulthereweresofewpeopleinherhugehome.
Whocouldbethetraitorherfatherhadwarnedherof?

Rosa?BelovedRosa?Shecouldn'trememberatimewhenRosaCabreraswasn'tinherlife.Alwaysthere
tocomfort,converse,talkaboutallthethingsyounggirlswanttotalkabout.Lilyhadnevermissedhaving
amotherbecauseRosawasalwaystherewithher.Rosalivedandworkedinthehouse,wascompletely
devotedtoPeterandLilyWhitney.Itcouldn'tbeRosa.Lilydismissedthepossibilityatonce.

JohnBrimslow?HehadbeenwithPeterWhitneyevenlongerthanRosa.Hisofficialjobwaschauffeur,
butonlybecausehehadinsistedonthejauntycapandwantedtobeabletoorderthecarsandcarefor
themashecaredfortheestate.HelivedandworkedhislifethereontheWhitneyestateandhadbeenthe
closestthingtofamilyandfriendthatPeterhadasidefromLily.

TheonlyotherpermanentresidentlivinginsidethehousewasArlyBaker.Arlywasinhisfifties,atall
thinmanwithadomedheadandthickglasses.Atruegeek,ornerd,asheproudlyreferredtohimself.He
kepttheestateup-to-dateineverytypeofgadgetandgizmoknowntoman.Hewasresponsibleforthe
securityandelectronics.HehadbeenLily'sbestfriendandconfidantgrowingup,theonewithwhomshe
choseto.discusseveryimportantideashehad.Hehadtaughthertotakethingsapartandputthemback
togetherandhelpedherbuildherfirstcomputer.Arlywasmorelikeheruncle,orbrother.Family.It
couldn'tpossiblybeArly.

Lilyranherhandsthroughherthickmassofsable-coloredhair,sendingthelastofherhairpinsscattering
inalldirections.Theytumbledtothebright,gleamingtilestolieallaroundher.Lilychokedbackanother
sob.TherewasoldHeath,seventyifhewasaday,stillinchargeofthegrounds,livinginhisownlittle
cottageintheinterioroftheforestbehindthemainhouse.Hehadlivedonthepropertyhisentirelife,
bornandraisedandstayingontocarryonhisfather'sduties.Hewasentirelyloyaltothefamilyandthe
estate.

"Ihatethis,Dad,"shewhispered."Ihateeverythingaboutthis.NowIhavetosuspectpeopleIloveof
treachery.Itmakesnosense."Forthefirsttimeshewishedshecouldreadthepeopleinherhousehold.
Shewouldtry,butinalltheiryearstogether,shehadneverdoneso.Herfatherhadbeenverycarefulin
hischoicesforhersafety,forherbenefit.Sothatshecouldliveasnormalalifeaspossible.

Shereturnedthekindlingbuckettothehearth,positioningitseveraltimestomakecertainshehaditjust
right.Sheknewshewasbeingparanoidaboutit.Whowouldcareifshemovedthebucketthreeinches
onewayortheother?Shewasdoingtrivialthingstokeephermindfocusedandoccupiedsoshewouldn't
screamandcryinhersorrow.

Whathadherfathersaid?Hewantedhertopromisethatshewouldsetitright.Whatintheworldwasit?
Ithadbeensoimportanttohim,butshehadnoideawhathemeant.Whatwasshesupposedtosetright?
Andwhathadhebeendoinginhisprivatelaboratory?AndPeter'slastwishwasforhertosetRyland
Millerandhismenfree.Whatintheworldhadhemeantaboutfindingtheothers?Whatothers?

"Lily?"JohnBrimslowpushedopenthedoorandstuckhisheadin."I'vepagedyourfatherseveraltimes
butthere'snoanswer.RosacheckedDonovans.Hesignedoutlateintheafternoon."Therewasaworried
noteinhisvoice."Wasthereafundraiserorsomewhereyourfatherwasgivingaspeech?"

Lilyforcedathoughtfulfrown,thoughshewantedtoburstintotearsagainandflingherselfintohisarms
forcomfort.Shedarednotlookhimfullyintheeye.Heknewhersowell.Evenwiththepoorlighting,he
wouldnoticehertear-streakedface.

Sheshookherhead."HewassupposedtomeetmefordinneratAntonio's.Iwaitedoveranhourbuthe
didn'tshowup.IleftthestandardmessagewithAntonioshouldhewanderin,thatIhadgivenupand
comehome,buttherewasnothingelse.Didtheysayifheleftwithanyone?Maybehewenttodinnerwith
someonefromthelab."

"Idon'tthinkRosaaskedthat."

"Didyoulookattheplanneronhisdesk?"Herthroatached,rawandpainful.

Johnsnorted."Please,Lily,noonecanfindanythingonyourfather'sdeskandifwedid,itwouldn'tmake

sense.Hehasthatweirdshorthandcodehewritesin.You'retheonlyonewho'sgoingtomakesenseout
ofanythingonhiscalendar."

"I'llgolook,John.Heprobablywentbacktothelabsandjustisn'tpickingup.Callthedeskandaskifhe
signedbackin."Shewasproudofherselfforsoundingsopractical.Soincontrol.Notreallyworriedyet,
butslightlyamusedatherfather'scontinualabsentmindedness."Andifnot,askifheleftwithanyone.And
youmighthavethemcheckonthatridiculouscarheinsistsondriving."

Deepinside,sheheardweepingandsheknewitwasherownvoice.Thesoundwasfrighteninginits
intensityandshehadnoideahowshewasmakingitwhenshewastalkingwithJohnsonaturally.

Foronemomentshefeltthewarmthpouringintoheragain.Surroundingher,caressingher.Therewereno
words,butthefeelingwasstrong.Unity.Comfort.Heremotionsweretoostrongandtheywerespilling
outinspiteofherprotections.

Asshenearedthedoorwayandthechauffeur,LilydeliberatelytwistedherfootonthepricelessOriental
rugonthefloorandstumbled.ShecaughtatJohnBrimslow'sjackettosaveherself,fallinghardenough
againsthimtoshakethemboth.

Johnsteadiedher,helpingherbacktoherfeet.Lilylongedforafloodofinformationsoshecouldbe
absolutelycertainJohnwasinnocentandshewouldhaveanally,buttherewasnothingwhatsoever.
John'smindwas,asalways,evenwithhertryingtoreadhim,protectedfromtheintrusionofhers.

"Areyouallright,Lily?"

"I'mjusttired.YouknowhowclumsyIcanbewhenI'mtired.EitherthatorDad'sOrientalrugwillhave
togo."Hardasshetried,shecouldn'tpulloffasmile.Shedidn'twanttothinkthatJohncouldhave
betrayedherfather.Shedidn'twanttothinkofherfatherlyingatthebottomoftheocean.

Theonlythingenablinghertowalktowardherfather'sofficewasthatwarmthspreadinginsideofher.
Aidfromtheverystrangerwhomightwishherfatherdead.Shesatatherfather'sdeskandstaredatthe
multitudeofpapersandthestacksofbookswithoutreallyseeingthem.Shewasholdingontothewarmth
andcouragepouringintoherbodyfromthatunexpectedandunwantedsource.RylandMiller.Washeher
enemy?Ifshehadn'tbeensocarefullyprotectingherself,shemighthavelearnedearlierthatherfather
wasindanger.Whoeverhadplannedtokillhimmayhavebeenintheveryroom.Whoeverhadbetrayed
himlivedinherhome.

RYLANDMillersatdownheavilyintheonedecentchairprovidedforhim.LilyWhitney'sgrief
swampedhim,weighedhimdownlikeaheavystonesittinginthemiddleofhischestsohecouldbarely
breathe,herpainaknifethroughhisheart.Hefeltsweatbeadingonhisskin.Likehim,Lilywasan
enhancer,amplifyingemotionsalreadypowerfulenoughtoridethewavesofenergybetweenthem.
Betweenthetwoofthem,theemotionswerenearlyuncontrollable.

PeterWhitneyhadbeenhisonehope.Hehadn'ttrustedtheman,butRylandhadworkedonthescientist,
pushingathismindtoswayhimintohelpingRylandplantheescape.Ithadtakentremendous
concentrationandagreatdealofoverloadtoconnectallthementelepathicallysotheycouldtalkinthe

deadofnight.Theywerewaitingforhimnow,waitingforhimtobeabletoshakeoffLily'sterriblegrief
andsorrow.Headmiredherforthewayshewastryingtohandleherfather'sdeath.Howcouldhenot?
Shedidn'tknowwhomtoturnto,whomtotrust,yethesensedherdeepresolve.

Lily.Rylandshookhishead.Heneededtogettohermorethanheneededanythingelse.Hewantedto
comforther,findawaytolessenthepaininher,buthewaslockedupinacagewithateamwaitingfor
hisplan.Withasigh,heclosedhiseyes,centeredhimself,andsentoutthefirstmessage.

Kaden,youwillgooutwiththefirstgroup.We'llallhavetomakeitoutthefirsttimeorthey'lldouble
thesecurity.Allofyouwillhavetobeready.I'veworkedonthecomputersandelectriclocks.Ican
handlethose…

Three

LILYnormallysmiledabsentlyattheguardsasshewalkedthroughthespacebetweenthemetaldetectors.
Shehadgonethroughtheroutinesomanytimesshehadlongagoceasedthinkingaboutit.Noweverything
waschanged.Theenormousenclosurewithitshighelectricfencesandcoilsofbarbedwire,themultitude
ofguardsanddogs,therowsofuglyconcretebuildingswiththeirundergroundmazeofrooms—thishad
beenhersecondhomemostofherlife.Shehadnevergiventhesecuritymeasuresmuchthought—theyjust
seemedroutine.Nowshewasawareeverymomentthatsomeonehadmurderedherfather.Someoneshe
probablytalkedwitheveryday.

Lilywalkeddownthenarrowcorridor,liftedahandingreeting,inwardlyflinchingasthearmedguards
hurriedtowardher.Shehalfexpectedthemtograbheranddragherofftotheundergroundcages.Shelet
outherbreathastheymovedpasther,hardlyglancingherway.Atthesecondelevatorshepunchedinher
ten-digitcode.Thedoorsslidopenandshesteppedin.

Theelevatorglidedsilentlytothelowerfloorshiddendeepbeneaththeearth.Thiswasherworld,the
labsandcomputers,thewhitecoatsandendlessequations.Thetightsecurity,camerasandcodesand
keys.Herlife.Herworld,theonlyoneshehadeverknown.Wherealwaysbeforetherigidroutineshad
comfortedher,nowshewasalltooawareofbeingwatched.TheDonovanslaboratorieshadbeenbuilt
justsouthofSanFrancisco.Thesprawlingcomplexwasdeceptivelyinnocent-lookingwithsomany
buildingsinsidethehighfence.Mostofthelaboratorieswereactuallylocateddeepbeneaththeearthand
heavilyguarded.Evenwhengoingfromonedepartmenttotheother,securitywasalwayspresent.

Inspiteofherdesiretoremaincalm,herheartwaspoundingalarmingly.Shewasenteringfullyintoacat-
and-mousegamewithherfather'skiller.AndshewasseeingRylandMilleragain.Theideawasnearlyas
unsettlingasreturningtothelaboratories.Therewasnowaytoignoretheattractionbetweenthem—it
wasmagnifiedbyeverythought,everymovement.

Sheleanedovertheretinalscan,fittinghereyetothelensattheheavydoorleadingtoherfather's
domain.Asshemovedintothelab,shesnaggedawhitecoatfromapegonthewall,buttoningitoverher
clotheswithoutmissingastride.Someonecalledhernameandshewavedtheobligatoryhand,still
movingquickly.

"Dr.Whitney?"Oneofthetechshaltedherdeterminedprogress.Lilylookedathim,keepingher
expressioncarefullyblank.Thewavesofsympathynearlyswampedher."I'msosorry,we"resosorry
aboutyourfather.Weallhopehe'sfoundverysoon.Hastherebeenanywordatallonhis
disappearance?"

Lilyshookherhead."Nothingatall.Ifsomeonetookhimformoney,theyhaven'taskedforaransom.The
FBIthinkstheywouldhavealreadydemandedmoney.There'sbeennothingatall,justsilence."Shewas
reachingforeveryemotionpouringoutofthetechnician.Themancouldn'tpossiblyhavebeeninvolvedin
herfather'smurder.Hewasgenuinelyupsetatthewayhisbosshadsimplyvanished.Hehadlikedand
respectedPeterWhitney.Lilysmiledathim."Thankyousomuchforyourconcern.Iknoweveryonefeels
hisloss."

RightnowLilycouldn'tthinkaboutherfatherandhowmuchshewouldmisshim.Shewouldn'tthink
aboutbeingaloneandfrightened.Shecouldn'ttalk,shedidn'tdare.Heremotionswereraw,fartooclose

tothesurface.Shehadwaitedallweek,tornbetweenimpatienceandaterribledread,tobeofficially
askedbythepresidentofthecorporationtotakeoverherfather'swork.Shehadn'tdaredappeartooeager
andhadstayedlockedupinherhome,mourningherloss,grievingprivately,awayfromeventhosewhom
shecalledfamily,allthewhileplanningcarefullyhereverymovetofindherfather'smurderer.

Shehadsearchedforahiddenlaboratoryinherenormoushome,butthereweresomanyrooms,hidden
andnot,thatitseemedanimpossibletask.Thereweresecretpassagewaysleadingbelowgroundandupto
theattics.Shehadmeticulouslygoneovertheblueprintsandthefloorplans,buttonoavail.Sofarshe
hadnotfoundherfather'ssecretworld,andshehopedhe'dleftheracluetoitswhereaboutsinhisoffice
atDonovans.

Lilymovedquicklythroughtherowsofbottlesandburners,throughtworoomsfilledwithcomputersto
haltatanotherdoor.Firmlyshepressedherpalmandfingertipsintotheprintscannerandleanedcloseto
speakhercodedphrase,waitingasanunseencomputeranalyzedthecombinationofherspeechpatterns
andhandscantoverifyheridentity.Theheavydoorslidasideandshewentintoanother,muchlarger
complex.

Thelaboratoryhadmutedlighting,turningtheworldintoabluish,tranquilsetting.Itwasfilledwith
plantsandtricklingwaterfalls.Thesoundofwateraddedtothecalmatmospherekeptatalltimesinthe
lab.Inthebackgroundwasthecontinualsoundoftheoceanplayingonatape,wavesrushingtheshore
andretreating,addingtothesoothingambianceofthelaboratory.

"Howwashelastnight?"Lilyaskedaftergreetingthedark-hairedlabtech,whohadsnappedtoattention
inhischairwhensheentered.ShehadknownRogerTalbot,herfather'sassistant,forfiveyears.Shehad
alwayslikedandrespectedhim.

"Notgood,Dr.Whitney;hedidn'tsleepagain.He'spacingbackandforthlikeawildanimal.Thelevelof
aggressionandagitationhasrisendailythislastweek.He'saskedforyourepeatedlyandhasceasedall
cooperationwithtesting.Hispacingisdrivingmecrazy."

Lilypinnedhimwithasharpgaze."FromwhatIreadinthereports,hishearingisextremelyacute,Roger
—Idoubtifhecaresmuchforyouradmission.You'renottheonelockedup,now,areyou?"Hervoice
waslowbutitcarriedalashofreprimand.

"I'msorry,"Rogerapologizedimmediately."You'reright.Idon'thaveanexcuseforbeingso
unprofessional.I'mlettingthecolonelgettome.ColonelHiggenshasbeenextremelydifficult.Without
yourfatheraroundtoprovidesomekindofabuffer,we'reall…"

"I'llseewhatIcandotokeephimoutofhereforawhile,"shesoothed.

"Aboutyourfather…"Rogertrailedoffasshecontinuedtolookathim."Itmustbedifficultforyou,"he
triedagain.

Lilywasmonitoringhisemotionsasshehadwiththeothertechnician.Rogerhadnoideahowherfather
couldhavedisappearedandhewasdesperateforhisbosstoreturn.Shetiltedherchin."Yes,itis
difficultnotknowingwhathappenedtohim.Takeabreak,Roger,you'veearnedit.I'llbehereforsome
time.I'llbeepyouwhenIleave."

Rogerglancedaroundtheroomasiftheymightnotbealone.Heloweredhisvoice."He'sgettingstronger,
Dr.Whitney."

Shefollowedhisgazetowardtheothersideofthelab,waitedaheartbeat,hermindassimilatingthe
information."Whatgivesyoutheimpressionhe'sgrowingstronger?"

Rogerrubbedathistemples."Ijustknow.Hebecomesveryquietwhenhe'snotpacing;hesitsthere,
perfectlystill,concentrating.Thecomputersgocrazy,alarmsstartgoingoff,everyonescrambles,butit's
abogey.Iknowit'shim.AndIthinkhemightbeabletotalktotheothers."Heleanedcloserstill."Not
onlyhashestoppedwithtesting,butsohavealltheothers.Theyaren'tsupposedtobeableto
communicatewiththeheavyglassandall,yetit'sliketheyhaveacollectivebrainorsomething.Noone
iscooperating."

"They'reallisolatedfromoneanother."Herhandwenttoherthroat,heronlysignofagitation."You've
beeninherecoopedupwithhimtoolong.Myfatherchoseyoubecauseyou'realwayssocalm,butyou're
lettingthetalkspookyou."

"Maybe,buthe'schanging,andIdon'tlikethewayitfeels.Yourfather'sbeengoneoveraweek,Dr.
Whitney,andCaptainMillerisdifferent.You'llseewhatImeanwhenyouseehim.WhenI'mwithhim,he
feelsinvincibletome.I'mafraidtoleaveyoualonewithhim.Maybetheguardsshouldbehereinsidethe
labwithyou."

"Thatwouldonlyagitatehimmore,andyouknowheneedsitquiet.Themorepeoplearoundhim,the
worseitisforhim.He'sbeentrainedintheSpecialForces,Roger,I'dsayhe'salwayshadconfidencein
himself."Lilyrubbedthepadofherthumboverherlowerlip."I'mperfectlysafewithhim."Evenasshe
saidit,ashiveroffearcreptdownherspine.Shewasn'tcertainitwasthetruth,butshemanagedtolook
serene,unconcerned.

Rogernodded,recognizingdefeat.Hescoopeduphiscoat,hesitatedatthedoorforonemorewarning.
"Youcallforhelpifyouneedit,Dr.Whitney."

Shenodded."Iwill,Roger,thanks."Lilystaredatthecloseddoorforafullminute,allowingthebreathto
moveslowlythroughherlungs,toallowthepeaceoftheroomtoseepintoherpores.Theentirelabwas
soundproofed,freefromalloutsidenoises.Sherubbedherhandoverherfaceandtookanotherdeep
breathbeforeturningresolutelytowardthepartitionedroomonthefarsideofthelab.

CaptainRylandMillerwaswaitingforher,pacingbackandforthlikeacagedtiger.Sheknewhewould
be.Hewouldhaveknownthemomentsheenteredthecomplex.Hisgrayeyeswereturbulent,angry,storm
cloudsbetrayingtheviolentemotionswirlingbeneathhisexpressionlessmask.Theforceofhisgaze
penetratedstraightthroughherbodytoherheart.Theyregardedoneanotherthroughthethickglassofhis
cage.Hisdarkhairwaswildfromhishandsrakingthroughit,buthetookherbreathaway.Heknewhow
togettoher,andheusedtheknowledgeshamelessly.

Openit.Thewordsshimmeredinhermind,hisabilitytousetelepathygrowingstrongerwitheachuse.

Herheartbegantopound.Obedientlyshepressedtherequiredsequenceofbuttonstoactivatethe
mechanism.Theheavyglasspartitionslidasidesohewasleftstaringatherthroughthethickbars.

Hemovedwithlightningspeed.Thatsurprisedher,howfasthewas.Shehadthoughtherselfsafe,outof
hisstrikingdistance,buthecaughtherwristandjerkedheragainstthebars."Youleftmealoneinhere
likesomeratinacage,"hesnarled,hismouthpressedclosetoherear.

Lilydidn'tstruggle."Hardlyarat,morelikeaBengaltiger."

Butherheartmeltedattheword"alone."Thethoughtofhimaloneinhisglasscagewasheartbreaking.

Whenhecontinuedtoglareathershesighedsoftly."YouknowIcouldn'tcomebackherewithoutan
officialinvitation.Ireceiveditthismorning.IfIhadtriedbeforethat,theywouldhavebeensuspicious.
Theyhadtoaskme.ImadecertainIshowednointerestatall,anddon'tpretendyoudon'tknowwhy."
Sheraisedhervoice,justenoughtoreachtherecorders."I'msureyoumusthaveheardmyfatherhas
disappeared.TheFBIsuspectfoulplay.Ihaveallofhisprojectsandmyowntotakecareofandwithall
theworkhereandathometoo,I'mafraidmytimeisatapremium."Deliberatelysheglancedupatthe
cameratoremindhimtheywerenotalone.

"YouthinkIdon'tknowit'sthere?"Hehissedthewords,angerseethinginthedeeptimbreofhisvoice.
"YouthinkIdon'tknowtheywatchmeeatandsleepandpiss?Youshouldhavecomehereimmediately."

Hereyebrowshotup.Itwasastruggletokeepherfacewithoutexpression.Hergazebegantosmolder.
"You'reluckyIcameatall,CaptainMiller."Shemadeasupremeefforttokeephervoicesoftevenwhen
shereallywantedtolashoutathim."Youknowmyfatherdisappeared."Sheloweredhervoiceeven
more."Youweretherewithus,weren'tyou?Howdareyoubeangrywithme!"Foroneawfulmoment
tearsthreatenedandshefoughtthemback.

Hisvoicechangedcompletely,droppinganoctavesothatitwhisperedinhermind,weavingthem
togetherasiftheywereboundinsomeway.Youcan'tthinkIhadanythingtodowithhisdeath.

Theintimacyinhistonerobbedherofair.Worse,hewasfloodingherwithwarmthandcomfort.His
thumbwasstrokingsmallcaressesalonghersensitiveinnerwrist.Sheattemptedagaintojerkherarm
awayfromhim,themovementreflex,oneofself-preservation.Hisfingerssettledaroundherwristlikea
shackle.Hisfingerswerewarm,enormouslystrong,yethewasverygentle.

"Don'tfight,Lily,you'llhaveeveryguardinthecompoundrunningtosaveyou."Therewasanedgetohis
voiceasifhecouldn'tquitemakeuphismindwhethertolaughatthethoughtorbeangryforthe
accusationinhermind.

Canyoucommandfromadistance,onehumanbeingtokillanother?Sherefusedtolookawayfrom
him,staringdirectlyintohiseyes,speakingbacktohiminthesameway,mindtomind.Canyoudothat?

Rylandcouldn'tlookawayfromthedeepblueofhereyes,amirrorreflectinghissoul.Hewasn'tcertain
hewantedtoseewhatshesaw.Andhewasn'tcertainhecouldaffordforhertoseehimashehad
become.Therewassomuchrawangerseethinginhim.

Thedisembodiedvoiceoftheguardcrackledoverthespeaker."Dr.Whitney,doyourequireassistance?"

"No,thankyou,I'mperfectlyfine."LilycontinuedtostareintoRylandMiller'seyes.Challenginghim.
Accusinghim.Seeinghim.

Hisfingersstillcircledherwristlikeavise,yethisthumbfeatheredoverherrapidlybeatingpulse,to
sootheher.Hesaidnothing,onlycontinuedtolookather.

Tellme.Canyoudothat?

Whatdoyouthink?

Shestudiedhimforalongwhile,hergazepenetratingbeyondhismask,seeingthepredatorprowlingjust
belowthesurface.Ithinkyoucan.

Maybe.Maybeit'spossibleifthepersonwasalreadyfilledwithmaliceandcapableofkilling,wanted
tokill,it'spossibleIcouldmanipulatethemtodoso.

Ifeltyourdislikeofhim.Youbelievedheputyouhere,thathewasresponsibleforkillingthemenin
yourunit.

I'mnotgoingtodenythat,itwouldbealie.Butyou'retouchingme.Readme,Lily.DidIhave
anythingtodowithyourfather'sdeath?

Herblueeyesdriftedoverhisface,returnedtohisglitteringgrayones.AmIsupposedtobelieveyou
can'thideyourtruenaturefromme?Iseeonlywhatyouwantmetosee.

I'mnotsheddingtearsoverhisdeath,I'llgiveyouthat,butIdidnotorderanyonetokillhim.

"PeterWhitneywasmyfatherandIlovedhim.I'mcryingoverhim."Andshewas,deepinsidewhereno
onecouldsee.Shefeltalone.Bereft.Vulnerable.

Histhumbstrokedagain,sentheatcurlingthroughher,sentherpulseskittering.Iwouldbeafooltokill
theonemanwhomightsaveourlives.Aloudhemurmuredtohersoftly,"I'msorryhe'smissing,Lily,
sorryforyourloss."Hisotherhandmoveduptoslideoverherhair,lingeringjustlongenoughtostealthe
breathfromherlungs.Youleftmealone.Icouldn'tcomfortyou.Ifeltyou,Lily,yoursorrow,butI
couldn'tcomfortyou.YouknewIwastherewhenithappened,Iknewthetruth.Therewasneveraneed
tocutoffcontactwithme.Youneededme,anddamnit,Lily,Ineededyou.Youshouldhavetalkedto
me.Iunderstandtheneedtostayaway,butyoushouldhavetalkedtome.

Shedidn'twanttoacknowledgethat,theimplicationofhiswords.Shedidn'tneedanymore
complicationsinherlife.Shedidn'tneedorwantRylandMiller.Sheconcentratedongathering
information.Howwereyoutherewithus?Myfatherhadnotelepathicability,howcouldyouconnect
withhim?Howcouldyoubreakmyconnectionwithhim?

Iconnectedthroughyou,ofcourse.Yourdistresswassostrongyoutouchedme,evenhereinthis
prisondesignedtokeepmefromtouchingotherminds.

Herheartjumped.Hisanswersuggestedaconnectionbetweenthem.Astrongconnection.Shestruggled
tounderstand.Lilystaredathimforalongmoment,feelingherway,tryingtoseebeyondhismasktothe
manbeneathit.Shestudiedhimcritically.Hewasn'tparticularlytall,buthehadwideshouldersanda
muscularbuild.Hishairwasthickandsoblackitwasnearlyblue.Hiseyeswereicecold,thecolorof
steel.Merciless.Slashing.Eyessocoldtheyburned.Hisjawwasstrong,hissculptedmouthtempting.He
movedwithfluidgrace,powerandcoordination,ahintofdanger.Hewaspuremagictoher,hehadbeen

fromthemomentshehadlaideyesonhim.Andshedidn'ttrustsomethingsoinstantandsostrong.

WhenColonelHiggenswasherebeforewithmyfather,couldyoureadhim?Washeinvolvedinmy
father'sdeath?

EverymuscleinRyland'sbodywenttautunderherinspection.Hergazewasdirect,assessing,
speculative.ItwassoLily.Beinginherheadgavehimtheadvantageofknowingherfarmoreintimately.
Herbrainprocessedinformationatrapidratesofspeed,butwhenitcametosomethingpersonal,shewas
muchmorecautious,takinghertimebeforedecidingonacourseofaction.Hewantedtocrushthesilkof
hersablehairinhislargehands,toburyhisfaceinthefragrantstrandsandinhaleher.Shesmelledfresh,
likeabedofroses.Herhairglintedwithlights—glossy,soshiny,evenwiththebluelights,hewas
captivated.

Higgensmadenosecretofhisdislikeofyourfather.Theydidn'tagreeonanything.Icanpickuphis
emotionswhenhe'sbroadcastingangerbuthenevergetscloseenoughformetotouch.Andhe's
carefultokeephispossessionsoutofmyreach.Ididn'tdetectanyplotsagainstyourfather.

Hereyeswerealmosttoolargeforherface,thick-lashedandincrediblyblue,unexpectedwithherdark
hair.Andhermouth…Hehadspentfartoomuchtimefantasizingoverhermouth.

Lilytookadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.Hisgazewasunexpectedlyhot.Hungry.Devouringher.And
histhoughtshadsuddenlyturnedtoeroticfantasies.Shetriedtoignoreit,triednottoletitaffecther.Her
gazeshiftedmomentarilytothesurveillancecameras."I'mtakingoverhisresearch.Youhavetobe
patient.I'mnotmyfatherandIhavetobacktracktocatchup."Shesaiditforthebenefitofthecameras,
andtheever-presentwatchingeyes."I'mcomingintothiscold."Herwristwashotwherehisthumbhad
caressedit."Stoplookingatmethatway,itisn'thelping."Shepacedawayfromthecageandthenturned
backtofacehimalmostresolutely.

Rylandwatchedwithinterestasshelookedathimcoolly.Shehadbeenrattledforamoment,butjustthat
fastsherecovered,turningintoacool,haughtyiceprincess.Hewantedverymuchtoshakeherupagain.
"Ican'thelpwhatIfeelwhenI'maroundyou."Hepitchedhisvoicelow,ahuskyinvitationtohotsexand
wildtimes.

Lilyblinked.Colortintedhercheeksbutshemethisgazesteadily.Hehadtogiveherthat.Shewas
courageous.

Shesteppedtothebars,grippedthemwithherfingers."Haveyouevenbotheredtowonderwhywe'reso
connected?Itisn'tnatural."

Rylandstudiedherfaceforalongmomentthencoveredherhandswithhisown."Itfeelsnatural."

Hisvoicehadawayofwhisperingoverherskinlikethebrushoffingers.Lily'sstomachflipped,her
heartdoingacuriousmeltdownshecouldn'tcontrol."Well,noonefeelsthismuchphysicalattraction
withoutsomekindofenhancement."

"Howdoyouknow?"

Shetiltedherchinathim,hereyesbeginningtosmolderawarning."Well?Haveyou?Doyoufeelthis

sortofconnectionwitheverywomanwhowalksintoaroomwithyou?"

Thatlookinhereyes,madehimwanttopullherrightthroughthebars.Theurgetokissherwassostrong
heleanedtowardher.

Lilyshiftedawayfromhiminsuddenalarm."Don't!"Sheglancedagaintowardthecamera."Youknow
thisisn'treal.Thinkwithyourbrain,nototherpartsofyouranatomy.Wehavetoknoweverythingthat's
goingon,notjustthepiecesofthepuzzle."

Shewasright.Theattractionwentfarbeyondanythinghehadeverexperienced.Itborderedonobsession.
Hisbodywashardandhurtingandheknewbetter.Itdidn'tseemtomakemuchdifferencethough.From
thefirstmomentshe'denteredtheroom,hehadbeenwrappedupinher."Whatdoyouthinkitis?"

"Idon'tknowbutI'mgoingtofindout.Myfatherwasactingstrangethatlastday,doyouremember?He
askedmetocomehere.IwasbusyandsaidIhadtomakeitanotherafternoon,butheinsisted,practically
orderedmetocome."Sheliftedherfingers,signalingtolethergo.

Theirvoiceswerepitchedtoolowtobeoverheard,andbothwerecarefultokeeptheirfacesturnedaway
fromthecamerassonoonecouldreadtheirlips,butbodylanguagecouldjustaseasilybetraythem.
Rylandcompliedwithherrequestveryslowly.

Lilytookonestepbackinanattempttoallowbothofthemtobreathe.Skin-to-skincontactservedto
deepenthephysicalattraction,thechemistrybetweenthemarcingwithelectricity,sizzlingsoitseemed
alivetoher."Hedidn'ttellmeanythingaboutyouorwhattheyweredoing.Iwalkedintotheroomand
sawyouand…"

Therewasasmallsilenceastheystaredatoneanother.Inararedisplayofagitationshepushedherhand
throughherhair.Herhandwasshakingandheinstantlywanted,needed,topullherintohisarmsand
comforther."Theearthmoved,"hefinishedquietly."Sonofabitch.Lily,hewaswatchingustogether.
Thatdamnedcold-bloodedscientistwaswatchingusliketwoinsectsunderhismicroscope."

Sheshookherheadindenial,buthecouldseeshewascomputing.Shecouldn'thaveitbothways.Either
herfatherhadexpectedsomethingtohappenbetweenthemwhenshewalkedintotheroom,orhehadn't.
Rylandclosedhiseyesmomentarilyagainsttheglimpseofherrawpain.Itwasbonedeepand
overwhelming.Whathadpossessedhimtomakesuchanaccusation?She'dlostherfather,shedidn'tneed
tolearnwhatanall-outbastardthemanwas.Hehadcrushedherwithhiscarelesscomment.

"Lily."Hesaidhernameverysoftly,awhisperofacaress.Anapology.Hebreathedit,sothatitsounded
sensual.Sothatitconnectedthemintimately.

"Stopit!"shesnappedinalowvoice."Ifthisisn'treal,ifwe'rebeingmanipulatedinsomewayforan
experiment,weneedtoknow."

"Maybeitisn'tthat,"Rylandsuggested,wantingittobereal.

"Ianchoryou,that'sall.That'sprobablyallitis.We'redifferentandIhavesomekindofemotional
magnetinmeanditenhances…"Shetrailedoff,hermindobviouslyattemptingtofitmorepiecesofthe
puzzletogetherforalogicalexplanation."That'sgottobeit,CaptainMiller…"

"Ryland,"heinterrupted."Saymyname."

Shehadtotakeabreath.Hemanagedtoturnthemerespeakingofhisnameintosomethingintimate.
"Ryland,"sheagreed.Howcouldshenot?Shefeltasifshe'dknownhimforever.Asiftheybelonged.
"We'reattractedandsomehowourspecialgiftsenhancewhatwe'refeeling.That'sgottobeit.It'stheway
yousmell."

Heburstoutlaughing.Thesoundwassoforeigntohimhewasasstartledasshewas."You'retryingto
explainawayourratherexplosivechemistrybycallingitenhancedpheromones?That'spriceless,Lily."
Shecouldevenmakehimlaughinthemidstofeverything.LilyWhitneywasanextraordinarywomanand
quiteunexpected.

"Well,"shepointedout,"pheromonescanbenastylittletrapsfortheunwary."

Heshookhishead."Ithinkwe'rejustattractedtoeachother,butwe'llleaveitthereifitmakesyoufeel
better."

"Whateverthereason,Captain"—abriefsmilelituphereyesasshecorrectedherself—"Ryland,Ithink
wehaveenoughonourplateswithoutthat."Sheraisedhervoicetoanormallevel."I'vereadallthe
reportsmyfathergeneratedforthecolonel—Iwasgivencopies—butthere'snodataatallstatinghowmy
fatheraccomplishedwhathedid."Shelookedathimverysteadily.Youheardwhathesaidtome.He
believesyou'reaprisonerhere.Ican'tfindthelaboratoryhespokeofbeforetheymurderedhim…She
falteredforamoment,andhefeltthewrenchinthevicinityofhisheart.Ineedtheinformationinthat
roomifI'mgoingtohelpyou.

"Youdon'tactuallythinkyoucanfindawaytoreversetheprocesswhenyourfathercouldn'tdoit?"You
havetofindit,Lily.Whateveristhereisimportanttous.Idon'tknowifmymencansurviveonthe
outside.AndifHiggenshashisway,someofuswillbeterminated.IhaveafeelingI'mnumberoneon
hislist.

Lilyturnedawayfromhim,afraidtheshockwouldshowonherface."Idon'tknowifIcanreverseit,or
evenifit'snecessary,butconsiderthis:Youandtheothershavehadterriblesideeffects.Isitpossible
oneofthesideeffectsisparanoia?"Lilywilledhimtoactoutapartforthecamera.Ifshecouldn't
convinceHiggensshewasimpartialandwillingtogoalongwithwhateverthecolonelwanted,the
possibilityofherbeingexcludedwasveryreal.I'llfindtheroom,Ryland,butwehavetobuyourselves
sometime.YouhavetoappearsomewhatcooperativeorHiggensmightmovebeforewe'reready.
SurelyyouhaveacontactinthemilitaryIcangoto.ShehadafeelingRylandmightberight,that
HiggenswantedtogoforwardwiththeexperimentandRylandMillerstoodinhisway.

Idon'thaveacluewhoIcantrust.ItrustedHiggens.Rylandpacedthelengthofhiscage,asif
contemplatingthequestion.Herakedbothhandsthroughhishair,playingtothecamera."Ihadn't
consideredthat.ColonelHiggenswasalwaysbehindus,butwhenhelockedusupandseparatedus,Ifelt
asif…"Deliberatelyhetrailedoff.

"Asifhehaddesertedyou.Leftyoualone.Cutyouofffromyourcommand."

Rylandnodded."Allofthosethings."Hesatdownheavilyinachairandregardedherwithglitteringeyes
andthebeginningsofasmileinhismindasheteasedher.Yourichtypescanactwiththebestofthem,

can'tyou?Headmiredthecoolwaysheplayedherpart,thecoolwayshehandedhimcuesandlines.
Withherbrainsandquickthinking,shewouldfitrightintotheirteam.

Doyouhaveaprejudiceagainstmoney?Sheactuallyteasedhim.

Onlybecauseyouhavetoomuch.Itputsyououtofmyleague.

Lilyignoredhisresponse,theonlysanethingtodo."Ithinkthepossibilityofparanoiainducedbythe
experimentisapossibilitywehavetoconsider."

Henodded."Iwanttoseemymen.Iwanttoknowthey'reallright."

"That'snotanunreasonablerequest.I'llseewhatIcando."Nowyou'retryingtogettome.

I'mtryingtomakeyoulaugh.Yoursorrowisweighingonmelikeastone.Rylandpressedahandtohis
temples.

Lilywasinstantlycontrite.She'dfelttheshardsofglassonmorethanoneoccasionfromstrongemotions
shecouldn'tblockout.Telepathiccommunicationwasdifficultandprolongedusewasdownrightpainful.
Shewenttohiscageandoncemoregrippedthebars."I'msorry,Ryland,Ican'thelpgrievingovermy
father'sdisappearance.I'mhurtingyou,aren'tI?WoulditbeeasierifIputtheglassbarricadeupto
protectyou?"

"No."Herubbedhisthrobbingtemplesonelasttimeashecameoutofthechair,stretchingashedidso,a
lazyrippleofmuscleshecouldn'thelpbutnotice."I'mfine.Itwillpass."Hecrossedunhurriedlytoher,
tookherhandinhis.

Thejolthitthembothlikealightningbolt.Lilyhalfexpectedtoseesparksflying."Itisn'tgoingtogo
away,isit?Wejust…"Shetrailedoff,unabletothinkclearlywithhimsocompletelyfocusedonher.

Forthebriefestofmomentshiswhiteteethflashedather."Fit."Hesuppliedthewordforher."Wefit."

Shetuggedtofreeherhand.Rylandretainedpossession,aglintofmaleamusementinhiseyes.
Deliberatelyheraisedherknucklestothewarmthofhismouth,swirledhistongueoverandbetweeneach
separatebone.

Sheshiveredatthesensuouscontact.Firesparkedandracedoverherbareskineachtimehistongue
tasted.Heliftedhishead,hisgazemeetinghers.Everythinginherwentstill;evenherheartseemedto
ceasebeating.Theamusementinthedepthsofhiseyeswasgone,replacedbystarkpossession.It
glitteredthereinplainviewforhertosee.Achallenge.Apromise.Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.

Thecamera.Sheremindedhim,strugglingtopullherhandaway.Heheldontoher."What'syour
relationshipwithRoger?"

Thequestionthrewher,completelytakingherbysurpriseitwassounexpected.Therewasanedgetohis
voice,hiseyesgleamingwithicymenace.Sheblinkedathim."Roger?Rogerwho?"

"Roger,thetechImakesonervoushewantstheguardsinherewiththeirguns."Therewasthemerest
whipofcontemptinhisvoice."Asifthatwouldhelphimintime."

"WhatdoesRogerhavetodowithanything?"

"That'swhatI'maskingyou."

Areyoucompletelycrazy?I'mtryingtohelpyou.There'samajorconspiracygoingonandamurderer
runningaroundloose.Rogeriscompletelybesidethepoint.

"Dr.Whitney?"Thevoicefloatedovertheintercom."Doyouneedassistance?"

"Ifsheneededassistance,pal,itwouldbeapparent,"Rylandsnapped,glaringupatthecamera,daringthe
unseenobservertorevealhimself.Rogeristhepoint.Hewasdroolingoveryou.

"Idon'trequireassistance,thankyou."Lilysmiledforthecameraassheyankedherhandawayfrom
Ryland.Ithinkbeinginthatcagehasfinallygottentoyou.Willyoufocusonwhat'simportanthere?

Thisisimportanttome.

"Ryland."Couldn'theseethechemistrybetweenthemhadtobeartificial?Enhancedinsomeway,the
wayhispsychicabilitieshadbeenenhanced?Hecouldtuneinwithmuchmoreclarityaroundher.She
wasobviouslyanamplifier.

I'msorry,IknowI'mdistressingyou,butit'sgettingworse.Ifeellikesomecaveman,wantingtodrag
youoffbyyourhairorsomething.HonesttoGod,Lily,Ihurtlikehell.Justanswerthedamnquestion
andgivemealittlereassurance.

Lilystudiedhisface.Hehadsuffered.Hewassuffering."Whydoesn'tanyofthismakesensetome?"She
askeditsoftly,afraidoftheanswer.Herworldhadalwaysbeenbalanced,necessarilyso.Herfatherwas
amanwho'dprotectedherfromtheoutsideworld,yetatthesametime,gavehereveryopportunityto
expandhermindandgatherknowledge.He'dopenedsomanydoorsforher.He'dbeenkindand
considerateandloving.

SheknewthatRylandMillerbelievedherfatherhadbetrayedhimandhismen.Herfatherhadconducted
anexperimentonhumanbeingsandsomethinghadgoneterriblywrong.Shehadtofindoutexactlywhatit
wasandhowithadbeendone.TheattractionbetweenRylandandherwasthreateninggoodsenseonboth
sides.Shewasapracticalperson,logicalandserious.Sheeasilyputasideemotionwhenitwascalled
for.

"Itdoesn'tmakesensetomeeither."Goddamnit,Lily,I'mbeingeatenalivewithjealousy.It'suglyand
uncomfortableandIdon'tlikemyselfverymuch.

Rogerisagoodman,afriend,butI'veneverlaideyesonhimoutsidethisbuilding.NordoIintendto
doso.

Rylandpressedhisforeheadagainstthebarsofthecage,takinginadeepbreathtosteadyhisroilinggut.
Thereweretinybeadsofsweatonhisskin."Whatthehellishappeningtome?Doyouknow?"

Lilyshookherhead,herfingersitchingtostraytotheunrulyspiralsfallingacrosshisforehead."I'llfind
out,Ryland.Thishasneverhappenedtoyouortoanyofthemen?"

Heliftedhisheadandlookedatherandtherewasamixtureofturbulence,anger,anddespair."Kadenis
abletodrawtheangriestandmostviolentemotionsawayfromtherestofussowecancopebetter.Ithink
he'slikeyouinsomeway.Whenwe'reoutinthefieldtogetherandhe'swithus,thingsrunsmoothlyand
allthesignalscomeinclearer.Wehavemorepowertoproject.Atleastthreeothersarelikehimin
varyingdegrees.Wetrytokeeponeofthemwiththeothersatalltimesinthefieldwhenwe'reworking."

"Andthemanwhodiedrecentlyintraining?"

Rylandshookhishead."Hewasaloneandheranintothewrongpeople.Bythetimewegottohimitwas
toolate,hismindwasgone.Hecouldn'thandletheoverloadofnoise.Wecan'tturnitoff,Lily."Canyou
turnitoff?

Sheknewhewasn'taskingforhimself.Sheknewhisconcernwasforhismenandsheadmiredhimforit.
Shecouldfeeltheweightofhisheavyresponsibilitynearlycrushinghim.I'velearnedovertheyearsto
buildupbarriers.Iliveinanenvironmentthatisverycontrolled.Itallowsmetorestmybrainand
prepareforthebombardmentthenextday.Ibelieveyouandtheotherscanbetaughttobuildbarriers.

Whotaughtyou?

Lilyshrugged.Shecouldn'trememberatimewhenshedidn'thavetoprotectherself.Shehadlearnedatan
earlyage.IthinkbecauseIwasbornwithit,mymindbegantofindwaystocope.Youhaven'thadit
thatlong.Yourbrainisexposedtotoomuchtoofast.Itcan'tcatchupandgiveyouthebarriersyou
need.

"Unlessthebarriersaregoneforgood."Hesaiditgrimly,uncaringofthecameras.Hehadasudden
desiretoteardownthebars,ripsomethingapart.Hehadtofindawaytosavehismen.Theyweregood
men,everyoneofthem,dedicatedandloyal,menwhohadsacrificedfortheircountry.Menwhohad
trustedandfollowedhim."Damnit,Lily."

Rawsorrowshimmeredthroughthestorminhiseyesandnearlybrokeherheart."I'mviewingthetraining
tapestonight.I'llfigurethisout,Ryland,"sheassuredhim."I'llfindtheinformationweneedtohelpthe
others.Youjusthavetogivemealittletime."

"Idon'thonestlyknowhowmuchtimemymenhave,Lily.Anyofthemcouldbreakdown.IfIloseanyof
them…Don'tyousee?Theybelievedinmeandtheyfollowedme.Theyputtheirfaithandtrustinmeand
Iledthemintoatrap."

Shecouldfeeltheshardsofglassnow,cuttingandgrindinginherhead.Hewasamanofactionandthey
hadlockedhimupinacage.Hisfrustrationandsorrowwerewearinghimdown.

"Ryland,lookatme."Shetouchedhim,slippingherhandthroughthebarstocurlherfingersaroundhis.
"I'llfindtheanswers.Trustme.Nomatterwhat,I'llfindawaytohelpyouandyourmen."

Foronebriefmomenthestaredintohereyes,searching,readinghermind,knowingwhatitcostherto
openherselfupevenmoretohim.Henodded,believingher."Thankyou,Lily."

Four

THEmurmurofvoiceswentonandon,aninvasionbuzzinginherhead,drivinghermad.Eachtimeshe
driftedintosleep,thevoiceswerethere,fillinghermind,yetshecouldn'tcatchthewords.Sheknewthere
wasmorethanonevoice,morethanoneperson,andyetshehadnoideawhatwasbeingsaid,onlythatit
wasthewhisperofconspiracy.Onlythattherewasgreatdangerandanedgeofviolenceinthosevoices.

Lilylayinherhugebed,staringupattheceiling,listeningtothesoundofherownheartbeat.Thesoft
musicshenormallyplayedtohelpmasksoundsshecouldn'tquiteblockouthadbeenturnedofflongago
infrustration.Shewasn'tgoingtobeabletosleepagain.Shedidn'tevenwanttosleep.Itwasn'tsafe.The
voicesclaimedher,softandpersuasive,voiceswhisperingofdangerandtactics.

Shesatupamidthethickpillowsscatteredalongtheintricatelycarvedheadboardofherbed.Wherehad
thatcomefrom?Tacticsimpliedtraining,perhapsevenmilitary.WasshehearingRylandandhismenas
theyusedtheirtelepathicabilitiestoplotanescape?Wasitpossible?Theyweremilesfromherhome,
deepbeneaththeearth,withglassbarriersguardingtheircages.Herwallswerethick.Weretheyso
connectedthatshewasinsomewaytunedtotheirfrequency?Likearadiowave,abandofsound,the
exactone?"Whatdidyoudo,Dad?"sheaskedaloud.

Shecouldonlysitthereinthecomfortofherfamiliarbedroomwhilehermindplayedbackthefactsofthe
trainingtapesshehadviewedandtheconfidentialreportsshehadread.Howherfatherhadgottenaway
withwritingreportswithsuchincompletedescriptionsofwhathehaddonewasbeyondher.Whyinthe
worldhadhegonetoallthetroubleoffillinghisdatabankinthecomputersatDonovansCorporation
withuttergibberish?Thefilewasmarkedconfidentialandonlyhispasswordandsecuritycodes
supposedlycouldaccesssuchathing,yetHiggenshadobviouslydoneso.

Herheadwaspounding,littlewhitedotsfloatingaroundinablackvoidthatwaspain.Theaftermathof
usingtelepathy.ShewonderedaboutRyland.Didhestillsufferthepainfulrepercussionsofprolonged
use?Hecertainlyhadinearlieryears.Shehadreadtheconfidentialreportsonthetrainingthemenhad
endured.Allofthemhadsufferedterriblemigraines,thebacklashofusingpsychictalents.

Lilythrewbackhercomforterinresignationanddraggedonherrobe,tyingthesashlooselyaroundher
waist.Sheopenedthedoubledoorstoherbalconyandwanderedoutintothecoolnightair.Thewind
immediatelywhippedthethickmassofherhairintoacloudthattumbledaroundherfaceanddownher
back."Imissyou,Dad,"shewhisperedsoftly."Icoulduseyouradvice."

Herhairwasannoyingher,blowingacrosshereyes,andshecaughtattheheavymass,twistingitquickly
andexpertlyintoaloosebraid.Hergazefollowedthewhitetendrilsoffogswirlingthroughthetreesa
footortwoabovetherollinglawns.Movementcaughthereyeonthefaredgeoftheflowerbeds,a
shadowslidingintodeepershadow.

Startled,Lilydrewbackfromtherailing,shrinkingintothesafetyanddarknessoftheinteriorofher
room.Thegroundswereprotected,yettheshadowhadbeennoanimal—itwascreepingaboutontwo
legs.Shestoodperfectlystill,strainingtoseethroughthedarkandfogtothegroundsbelow.Hersenses
wereshriekingawarningather,butshewasonsensoryoverloadandafraidherfearshadmoretodo
withthecontinualwhisperingofvoicesthananactualthreattoherhome.ItwaspossibleArlyhadhired
extrasecurityandnottoldher.Hemighthavedonesoafterherfather'sdisappearance.Hehadwantedher

tohaveafull-timebodyguard,butLilyhadadamantlydeclined.

LilyliftedthephoneandpressedthebuttontoreachArlyautomatically.Heansweredatonce,onthefirst
ring,buthisvoicewassleepy."Didyouhireextraguardstosneakaroundmyproperty,Arly?"she
demandedwithoutpreamble.

"Doyoueversleep,Lily?"Arlyyawnedheavilyintothephone."What'swrong?"

"Isawsomeoneonthelawn.Ontheproperty.Didyouhireextraguards,Arly?"Therewasaccusationin
hervoice.

"OfcourseIdid.Yourfatherdisappeared,Lily,andyoursafetyismyprimaryconcern,notyoursquirrelly
ideasaboutprivacy.Youhaveaneighty-roomhouse,forGod'ssake,andenoughpropertyforyourown
state.Ithinkwecanhireafewextramenwithoutdangerofbumpingintothem.Nowgoawayandletme
getsomesleep."

"Notwithoutauthorizationyoucan'thireextraguards."

"Yes,Ican,youlittlesnip.I'vebeengivenabsoluteauthoritytoguardyourbuttinanywayIseefitandI'm
goingtodoit.Stopbitchingatme."

"There'ssomethingtobesaidfor'MissLily'or'Dr.Whitney,'"shegroused."Whowasstupidenoughto
putyouinapositionofpower?"

"Why,youwere,MissLily,"Arlysaid."Youmadeitpartofmyjobdescriptionandsigneditand
everything."

Lilysighed."Yousneakygeekynerd.YoustuckthatpaperinwithalltheotherstuffIhadtosign,didn't
you?"

"Absolutely.Thatshouldteachyouaboutsigningthingswithoutlookingatthecontents.Nowgobackto
bedandletmegetsomesleep."

"Don'tcallmeMissLilyagain,Arly,orI'mgoingtopracticemykarateonyourshins."

"Iwasbeingrespectful."

"Youwerebeingsarcastic.Andwhenyou'relyinginbed,rightbeforeyougotosleepandyou'refeeling
allproudofyourselfforpullingoneoveronme,gloatingathowsmartyouare,justrememberwhohas
thehigherIQ."Withthatpatheticpartingshot,Lilyhungupthephone.Shesatontheedgeofherbedand
burstoutlaughing,partlyfromtheexchangeandpartlyfromsheerrelief.Shehadbeenfarmorefrightened
thanshehadacknowledgedeventoherself.

ShelovedArly.Shelovedeverythingabouthim.Sheevenlovedhisatrociousmannersandthewayhe
growledatherlikeanoldbear.Askinnybear,sheamendedwithalittlegrin.Hehatedtobecalled
skinnyalmostasmuchashehatedthereminderthatshehadthehigherIQ.Sheuseditonlyonrare
occasionswhenhehadtotallybestedheratsomethingandwasfeelingparticularlysmug.

Shepaddeddownthehallonbarefeet,downthewindingstaircase,withoutturningonlights.Sheknew

thewaytoherfather'sofficeandshehopedhisfamiliarscent,stilllingeringthere,wouldbringhera
measureofcomfort.Shehadinstructedeveryonetostayoutoftheoffice,includingthecleaningstaff,
becausesheneededtobeabletofindhispapers,but,truthfully,shedidn'twanttopartwiththescentof
hispipethatpermeatedthefurnitureandhisjacket.

Sheclosedtheheavyoakdoor,shuttingouttherestoftheworld,andsettledintohisfavoritearmchair.
Tearswelledup,cloggingherthroatandburninghereyes,butLilyblinkedthemdeterminedlyaway.She
leanedherheadintothecushionswhereherfatherhadleanedsomanytimeswhilehetalkedwithher.Her
gazedriftedaroundhisoffice.Hernightvisionwasacuteandshekneweveryinchofhisofficesoitwas
easytomakeoutthedetails.

Hisfloor-to-ceilingbookshelvesweresymmetrical,thebooksperfectlyalignedandarrangedinorder.
Hisdeskwasatapreciseangletothewindow,hischairpushedintwoinchesfromhisdesk.Everything
wasinorder,solikeherfather.Lilystoodupandwanderedaroundtheroom,touchinghisthings.His
belovedcollectionofmaps,neatlylaidouttobeeasilyaccessed.Hisatlas.Toherknowledgehehad
nevertouchedit,butitwasdisplayedprominently.

Anancientsundialsattotheleftofthewindow.AtallglassGalileobarometerstoodonashelfclosestto
theenormousgrandfatherclockwithitsswingingpendulum.Nexttothebarometerwasathickhourglass
wrappedinleadspirals.Lilyliftedit,turneditovertowatchthegrainsofsandsliptothebottom.His
mostprizedpossessionwasthelargeworldglobeonthemahoganystand.Madeofcrystalsandabalone
shell,theperfectspherehadoftenbeenexaminedashetalkedwithherlateatnight.

Shetouchedthesmoothsurface,slidingherfingersoverthehighlypolishedshell.Sorrowwashedover
her.Shesankintothearmchairclosesttotheglobeandslumpeddown,pressingherfingersagainsther
temples.

Thetickingofthegrandfatherclockwasoverlyloudinthesilenceoftheoffice.Thesoundbeatinher
head,disturbinghersolitude.Shesighed,gotrestlesslytoherfeet,andwanderedovertotheclock,
brushingtheintricatelycarvedwoodwithlovingfingers.Itwasmagnificent,fullysevenfeettalland
nearlytwofeetdeep.Behindthebeveledglassthemechanismworkedwithprecisionandthegiantgolden
pendulumswung.Oneachhour,besideadistinctivegoldRomannumeral,adifferentplanetemergedfrom
behinddoubledoorsofshootingstars,beautifulglitteringgemsspinningthroughadarkenedsky,complete
withmoonsrevolving.Onlyatnoonandmidnightdidalltheplanetsemergetogetherinaspectacular
displayofthesolarsystem.Threeo'clockhadtheemergenceofabrilliantspinningsun.Andthenine
o'clockpositionheldthemoon,fillingtheentireclockwithwondrousdelights.

Shehadalwayslovedtheclock,butitbelongedinadifferentroom,wheretheloudtickingdidn'tdrivea
personcrazywhiletheytriedtothink.Lilyturnedawayfromtheuniquemasterpieceandthrewherself
intoachair,stretchingoutherlegsandglaringatherfeetwithoutseeingthem.Therewerenineplanets,
thesunandmoonandsolarsystemdisplay,butduringthenight,themoondisplaywasempty.Itcameout
faithfullyatnineinthemorning,butsteadfastlyrefusedtomakeanappearanceatnineintheevening.Lily
hasalwaysbeenvaguelyirritatedbytheinconsistencyofthemoon'sappearance.Aflawinsomethingso
precise.Itbotheredherenoughthatshe'dbeggedherfathertohaveitfixed.Itwastheonethinghedidn't
keepinperfectcondition.

Herheadcameupslowly,hereyeslockingontheRomannumeralnineformedingold.Imagescreptinto
herbrain;thepatternlinedupandshecouldseeitsoperfectly,justthewayitalwaysworked.Shesatup

straight,staringatthegrandfatherclock.Asurgeofadrenalineburstthroughher,carryingsuddenelation.
Andsuddenfear.

Lilyknewshehadfoundthewaytoherfather'ssecretlaboratory.Shecarefullylockedthedoortoher
father'soffice,thenwentbacktotheclock,movingaroundit,studyingitfromeveryangle.Carefully,Lily
openedtheglassdoor.Verygently,shespunthehourhandinacompleterotation,ninetimes,endingonthe
goldRomannumeralnine.Asoftsnicktoldhershefoundsomething.

Theentirefrontoftheclockmovedaside,revealingtheentranceintothewall.Herbreathcatchinginher
throat,shefoundandopenedthedoorwithoutmuchtrouble,enteringthenarrowspacetostandthere
staringatthewalls.Itdidn'treallygoanywhere.Lilyfrownedatthewalls,ranherhandsupanddownthe
panels,feelingforsomethinghidden.Nothing."Ofcoursenot.Theclock.It'sintheclock."Sheturned
backtolookatthedooroftheclock.Thesolarsystemetchedintothemirroredbackground.Thegolden
sun,soradiantandinplainsight.Shepressedthesunhardwithherthumb.

Thefloorinbetweenthewallsslidawaytorevealthesteepnarrowstairwaybelowthefloor.Lilystared
downintotheutterdarkness,hermouthsuddenlydry,herheartpoundinginalarm."Don'tbeacoward,
Lily,"shewhisperedaloud.PeterWhitneywasherbelovedfatherandshewassuddenlyterrifiedofwhat
hiddensecretslayinhissecretlaboratory.

Takingadeepbreath,shestarteddownthestairs.Toherhorror,asshesteppedonthefourthstair,the
floorslidintoplaceaboveherheadwithaneeriesilenceshefoundfrightening.Atonceafaintlight
glowedalongtheedgesofthestairs,illuminatingthedescent.Shewasinstantlyclaustrophobic,the
feelingofbeingburiedaliveoverwhelming.Thestaircasewasextremelysteepandnarrow,obviouslyto
makeitmoredifficulttofindsandwichedbetweenthebasementwalls.

Lily?Thevoiceswirledinhermind.Lily,talktome.You'reafraid.IcanfeelitandI'mtrappedinthis
damncage.Areyouindanger?

Sheremainedatthetopofthestairs,startledattheclarityofRylandMiller'svoiceinherhead.Hewasso
strong.LilycouldseewhyhewouldterrifyColonelHiggens.RylandMillerjustmightbeableto
influencesomeonetokill.Hemightbeabletoinfluencesomeonetocommitsuicide.

Rylandswore,aharsh,brutalstringofwords,ventinghisfrustration.Damnit,Lily,Iswearifyoudon't
answerme,I'mgoingtoripthiscageapart.You'rekillingme.Doyouknowthat?You'retakingaknife
anddrivingitthroughmyheart.Ineedtogettoyou,toprotectyou.Idon'thaveanycontroloverthe
feeling.

Thedesperationinhimpenetratedherfear.Shecouldfeelthestrengthandwildnessofhisemotions.
CaptainRylandMiller,soincontrolwitheveryoneelse,coolunderpressure,sooutofcontrolwithher,
burninglikeawildfireneithercouldhopetocontain.Lilyletherbreathoutslowly,madeeveryeffortto
conquerheraversiontotightquarters.

Shestoodonthestairs,awarenesscreepingin.Themurmuringvoicesweregoneabruptly,disappearing
withthestrengthofRyland'svoice.Shegrippedthebanister,wonderingwhatshewasmoreafraidof,
findingoutwhatherfatherhadbeeninvolvedin,orthefactthatthetiebetweenRylandandherwas
growingstrongerwitheachpassinghour.Shecouldn'tresistthehoarsepleainhisvoice.Hesoundedraw
withtension,edgywiththeneedtoknowshewasunharmed.

Mostpeoplesleepinthemiddleofthenight.Haveyouandyourfriendsbeenplayingtogetheronthe
Ouijaboard?You'recominginloudandclear.Iwonderwhoelseishearingyou?

Shesensedhimlettingouthisbreath.Feltthetensionleavehisknottedmuscles.Whatfrightenedyou?

Voices.Yourvoices.They…Shesearchedforsomewaytoexplain.It'slikeathousandbees…

Stingingyourbrain,hefinishedforher.

Hisvoicegaveheranaddedconfidence.Shelookedupatthetrapdoorandsawthesamecharacters
etchedintothedoor.Shewasn'timprisoned.UnlikeRylandandhismen,shehadawayout.Lilystarted
downthestairs.Iknowyou'replanninganescape,Ryland.That'swhatyou'redoingatnight.You've
foundawaytocommunicatewiththeothersandsomehowI'minontheloop.

I'msorry,Lily,Ihadnoideawewerehurtingyou.I'lldomybesttoshieldandasktheotherstodoso
also.

Shehesitatedonlyamoment.IthinkI'vefoundit.Myfather'ssecretlaboratory.Don'tdoanything
crazyuntilIseewhat'sinthere.

Wecan'ttakethechanceofstayinghere,Lily.Higgenshassomeplantogetridofus.Ineedtogetto
GeneralRanier.I'mnotcertainhe'llbelieveyou,becauseHiggenshastobelyingtoourpeopleabout
what'sgoingonhere.Thecolonelisadecoratedofficerandrespected.Itwon'tbeeasytoconvince
anyonethathe'satraitor.

Shecouldbelievethat.Higgenshadstayedawayfromher,preferringtohavePhillipThornton,president
oftheDonovansCorporation,askhertotakeoverherfather'swork.ButColonelHiggenshadbeen
pushingforherfather'scomputerpasswordandthecodestooverridehisfailsafesohisworkwouldnot
self-destructshouldtheyaccessitcarelessly.Shekneweverythingonthecomputerinherfather'sofficeat
Donovanswascarefullyplantedgibberish.Codesandformulasthathadnothingtodowithapsychic
experiment.IthinkmyfatherbecamesuspiciousthatHiggenswasuptosomethingandthatsomeoneat
DonovanswashelpingHiggens.ThereisnothinginthecomputersatDonovansandThorntonsent
overmentopickupDad'sprivateofficecomputer.I'dalreadycheckeditandtherewasnothingusable
thereeither.

Didyouviewthetrainingtapes?Therewaspaininhisvoice.

Herheartachedforhim.Shehadviewedtheearliertapesandshehadseentwooftheoriginalmembers
oftheteaminthesecondyearoftrainingbecomeincreasinglyunstableandviolent.RylandMillerhad
paidthehighpricerightalongwithhistwofriends.Ithadbeenheartbreakingtowatch;itmusthavebeen
aterriblethingtohavetoendure.

Theexperimentshouldhavebeenstoppedrightthen.

Thestairscontinueddownward,deepbeneaththeearth,sometimessqueezedsotightlybetweenother
roomsshefeltshecouldbarelybreathe.Buttheairmovedandthelightglowed,guidingherbeneaththe
basementlevel.

ItoldDr.Whitneyallofuswereinjeopardy,butHiggensconvincedhimtocontinue.Hepointedout

allthethingswecoulddo.Thereisnootherteamlikeusintheworld,wecanenteranenemycamp
completelyundetected.Wefunctionintotalsilence.We'reGhostWalkers,Lily,andHiggenswantsto
succeedatanycost.Evenifweshort-circuitandhavetobeterminated.Ihadtokilloneofmyfriends
andwatchanotheronestrokeout.Ilostanother,Morrison,acouplemonthsagotobrainbleeds,a
goodmanwhodeservedbetterthanwhathesuffered.I'mgoingtosavetherestofthemsomehow,Lily.
Ihavetogetthemtosafety.

Shewasatthebottomofthestairsatlast,staringatthecloseddoortoherfather'slaboratory.Sheknew
hiseverysecuritycodeandpassword.Butthedoorhadascannerforprints.I'msorryRyland.I'm
hopingtofindoutmuchmore.Youcan'tjusttakethemenoutofaprotectedenvironmentwithnoreal
plan.Theirpotentialforgreatviolencehasalreadybeenprovenandthere'sthedangeroflosingthe
othersthewayyoudidyourfriendMorrison.Youdon'twantthat.I'llcomeintomorrowandletyou
knowwhatI'vefound.Shetriednottofeelguilty.Herfathershouldhaveinsistedoncallingahalttothe
project,yethehadagreedtoincarceratethemen,ratherthanfindawaytoreturnthemtotheworld.She
wasashamedofPeterWhitneyanditdidn'tsitwellwithher.

Damnit,Lily,Ican'tbearitwhenyou'refeelingsomuchgrief.Youdidn'tdothis.Youdidn'tknow
aboutthisanditisn'tonyourshoulders.IttearsmeupinsidewhenIfeelyourpain.

Lilywasawaretheconnectionbetweenthemwasgrowingstronger,thephysical,emotional,andmental
attractionenhancedandamplifiedbysomethingdeepwithinbothofthemtheycouldn'tcontrol.Sheshook
herhead,wishingforthelogicthatalwaysenabledhertosolveeveryproblem.HerbondwithRyland
Millerwasuncomfortableandunexpectedandsomethingshedidn'tneedinthemidstofanincreasingly
dangerousandcomplexsituation.

I'llletyouknowwhatIfind,shereiterated,wantinghimtoknowshewouldn'tabandonhim.

Areyoucertainyou'resafe?Whitneyimpliedsomeoneinyourhomebetrayedhim.

Shehadtheimpressionofhimgrittinghisteeth,distressedthathecouldn'tbewithherwhenshewasin
needofcomfortandperhapsevenprotection.Herheartreactedtohisneed,thewayhewantedtobewith
her,thewayhereachedouttoher.Hewastwistinghiswayintohersoul.Nomatterhowmanytimesshe
shoredupherdefenses,hesaidordidsomethingthattouchedher.

NooneknowswhereIam,Ryland.I'llbefine.Shebrokethelinkbetweenthem,carefullyplacingher
handinthescanner,trustingthatherfatherwouldhavecodedherprintsintothedoor.

Thedoorslidsmoothlyandquietlyaside.Sheenteredthelaboratorywithouthesitation.Thelightsblinked
oncewhensheflippedtheswitch,thensurgedbrightly.Abankofcomputersranalongtheleftwall.A
smalldesksatinthemiddleofanareasurroundedbyshelvesofbooks.Thelaboratorywasasfully
equippedasthelabsattheDonovansCorporation.Herfatherhadsparednoexpenseinputtingtogether
hisprivatesanctuary.Lilylookedaround,feelingamixtureofdisbeliefandbetrayal.Itwasobvioushe
hadusedtheroomforyears.

Shewalkedaround,discoveredtherowsofvideosanddisks,thesmallbathroomofftotheright,andthe
otherdoorleadingtoanotherroom.Thisonehadanobservationwallmadeentirelyofone-wayglass.
Shelookedintotheroomandsawwhatlookedlikeachild'sdormitory.

Herstomachlurched.Shepressedherhandtightlytohermiddle,staringthroughtheglasswhilefaint
memoriesswirledinherhead.She'dseentheroombefore,shewascertainofit.Sheknewifsheentered
theroom,therewouldbeanotherbathroomandalargerplayroomthroughthetwodoorsshecouldsee.

Lilydidn'tgoin.Instead,sheremainedquietlyoutsidetheroomstaringatthetwelvesmallbeds,
children'sbeds,blinkingbacktears.Herfatherhadtoldherhe'dcontractedtremendousrenovationstothe
alreadyenormoushousetobebuiltbecausehelovedEnglishcastlesandestates,butLilyknewshewas
lookingattherealreason.Sheknewthestairsleadingtothelaboratoryweresandwichedbetweenthe
basementrooms.Thelaboratoryitselfwasbelowthat,completelyhidden,andshealreadyknewthatthere
wasnoevidenceinblueprintsanywhereshowingthelocationofthelaboratory.Theseroomswerewhat
thehousewasprotecting,nother.

Shepressedahandtohertremblingmouth.Shehadstayedinthatroom.Sheevenknewwhichbedhad
beenhers.Lilyturnedawayfromthesightandlookedcarefullyaroundthelaboratory."Whatdidyoudo
here?"Sheaskeditaloud,afraidoftheanswer,afraidtheknowledgewasalreadyblossominginher
logicalbrain.

Thatroomwithitslittlebedssickenedher.Herheadbuzzedworsethanever,aswarmofangrybees,
stinging,hurting,sopainfulshepressedbothhandstohertempleinanattempttoalleviatethethrobbing.
"It'sonlymemories,"shewhisperedtogiveherselfcourage.Shehadnochoicebuttofaceherpast.

Lilywalkedreluctantlytoherfather'sdeskandturnedonthelaptopsittingintheprecisemiddleofthe
desktop.Asthenotebookwaspoweringup,shenoticedhernameonhisdayplanner.Belowitwasalong
handwrittenletterscribbledinhaste.Itwaswritteninoneofhisstrangecodes,butoneshewasfamiliar
with,onesherecognizedfromearlychildhood.

Shepickeditup,herfingerssmoothingtheinkoverhishandwriting.Shereadhiswordsaloud,wantingto
bringhimbacktolifeagain."'Mybeloveddaughter.Iknowtheerrorsofmypastarecatchingupwith
me.Ishouldhavedonesomethingaboutitlongago.Ishouldhavetoldyouthetruth,butIwasafraidto
seealltheloveshininginyoureyesgoneforeverwhenyoulookedatme.'"

Therewereseveralblots,placeshehadscribbledover,notlikingthewordshehadchosen."'Your
childhoodiscompletelydocumented.Pleaserememberyou'reanextraordinarywomanasyouwerean
extraordinarychild.Forgivemefornotbeingabletofindawaytotellyouface-to-face.Ididn'thavethe
courage.'"

Thereweremorescribbles,onesodeepthepenhadtornthepaper."'Youaremydaughterineverysense
oftheword.Although,biologicallyyouarenot.'"

Lilyreadthesentenceoverandover.Biologicallyyouarenot.Shesatdownslowlyinthechair,staring
atthewords.Herfatherhadtoldheroverandoverofhermothergivingbirthtoheranddyinghourslater.
'"I'veneverbeenmarried,neverknewyourmother.Ifoundyouinanorphanageoverseas.Therewasno
recordofyourbirthparents,onlyofyourextraordinaryabilities.Lily,Iloveyouwithallmyheart.You
willalwaysbemydaughter.Theadoptioniscompletelylegalandyouinheriteverything.CyrusBishop
hasallthepapers.'"

CyrusBishopwasoneofPeterWhitney'sattorneys,hismosttrustedandtheoneheusedforallpersonal
business.Lilyslumpedbackagainstthebackrest."Thisisn'ttheworst,isit,Dad?Youcouldhaveeasily

toldmeIwasadoptedinsteadofmakingupsuchanelaboratestory."Sheletherbreathoutslowlyand
glancedtowardthelongroomtoherleft.Thedormitory.Theonewithallthelittlebeds.

Sherememberedvoices.Youngvoices.Singing.Laughing.Crying.Sherememberedthosevoicescrying.

"'Itoldyouthatyouhadnograndparents.Iwasn'tlying.Myfamilyisdead.Theywerelifelesspeople,
Lily,withoutemotions.Theyhadmoneyandbrainsonbothsides,buttheydidn'tknowhowtolove.I
hardlysawthemasachild,onlywhentheywantedtoreprimandmefornotdoingaswellastheythoughtI
should.It'smyonlyexcuse.Noonetaughtmehowtolove,untilyoucameintomylife.Idon'tevenknow
whenorhowitstarted,onlythatIlookedforwardtowakingupinthemorningandseeingyou.Myparents
andgrandparentsleftmemoremoneythanwasgoodforanyone,andIinheritedtheirbrilliance,butthey
gavemenolegacyoflove.Youdidthatforme.'"

Lilyturnedthepagetofindmore."'Ihadanidea.Itwasagoodone,Lily.IwascertainIcouldtake
peoplewhoalreadyhadthebeginningsofpsychictalentsandenhancethoseabilities,allowthemfree
rein.You'llfindallmynotesinthelaptop.TheresultsareinthevideosanddisksI'verecordedalong
withmydetailedobservations.'"

Lilyclosedhereyesagainstthesuddentearsburningsostrongly.Sheknewwhattherestoftheletterwas
goingtorevealandshedidn'twanttofaceit.

Lily?Thevoicewasfaintthistime,faraway,asifRylandwereverytired.What'swrong?

Shedidn'twanthimtoknow.Shedidn'twantanyonetoknow.Lilyforcedairintoherburninglungs.She
didn'tknowifshewereprotectingherself,orherfather,onlythatinthatmoment,shecouldn'trevealthe
truth.Nothing.Don'tworry,I'mjustworkingmywaythroughdrynotes.

Therewasthesmallestofhesitations,almostasifhedidn'tbelieveher,butthenhispresencewasgone.

Lilyturnedherattentionbacktotheletter."'Ibroughtbacktwelvegirlsfromoverseas.Ichosethird-
worldcountries,placesgettingridoftheirchildren.Ifoundthegirlsinorphanages,wherenoonewanted
them,wheremostwouldhavedied,orworse.Allwereundertheageofthree.Ichosethefemales
becausethereweresomanymoreunwantedgirlstochoosefrom.Parentsrarelyabandonedtheirsonsin
thosecountries.Iwaslookingforveryspecificcriteriaandyou,alongwiththeothergirls,metthem.I
broughtallofyouhereandworkedwithyoutoenhanceyourabilities.Itookexcellentcareofyouall,had
trainednursesforeachofyouandI'lladmit,IconvincedmyselfIhadgivenyouallamuchbetterlifethan
youcouldeverhavehadintheorphanages.'"

Lilytossedtheletterdownandpacedacrossthefloor,adrenalinepumpingthroughherbody."IhopeI'm
gettingthisstraight,Dad.I'manunwantedorphanfromathird-worldcountryyoubroughthomealongwith
elevenotherluckygirlstoconductexperimentson.Wehadnursesandprobablytoyssothatmakesitall
right."Shewasfurious.Furious!Andshewantedtoweep.Insteadsheretracedherstepsandsatather
father'sdesk.

Howcouldhehavepossiblyfoundtracesofpsychicadeptsinchildrenyoungerthanthree?Whathadhe
lookedfor?ItshamedLilythathermindwantedtheanswertothatquestionalmostasmuchasshewas
outragedbytheideaofwhatherfatherhaddone.

"'Atfirsteverythingwentwell,butthenIbegantonoticenoneofyoucouldstandnoise,andyoudidn't
likemostofthenursesnearyou.Irealizedallofyouweretakingintoomuchinformationandthatthere
wasnowaytoshutitoff.Ididmybesttoprovideasoothing,calmingatmosphereandIworkedatgetting
employeesnoneofyoucouldread.Ihadtoenhancebarriersattimes,butitdidhelp.'"

Thereweremorescratchesindicatingextremeagitation."'Bluelightshelped,asdidthesoundofwater.
It'sallinthereportsI'velaidoutforyou.Buttheproblemsdidn'tstopthere.Someofthegirlscouldn'tbe
alonewithoutyouortwoorthreeoftheothers.Youseemedtohelpthemfunction,drawingtheoverload
ofnoiseandemotionsawayfromthem.Withoutyou,theycouldbecomealmostcatatonic.Seizureswere
common,alongwithamultitudeofotherproblems.IrealizedIcouldn'tcopewithsomanychildrenwith
suchenormousproblems.Ifoundtheothergirlshomes;itwasn'tthatdifficultwiththeamountofmoneyI
offeredprospectiveparents.AndIkeptyou.'"

Lilypressedtheheelofherhandtoherthrobbingforehead."Notbecauseyoulovedme,Dad,butbecause
Iwastheleastproblematic."Shesawitsoclearly,herfatherasayoungman,logicallychoosingtheone
childwhowouldgivehimtheleastamountoftrouble.Heknewheshouldgiveuphisexperiment,buthe
couldn'tbringhimselftodosoafterallthetime,effort,andmoneyhehadpouredintoit.Sohehadkept
her."Andwhatofthoseotherlittlegirls,tryingtocopewithouthelp,notknowingwhatwaswrongwith
them?Youabandonedthem.Halfofthemcouldbedeadbynoworininstitutions."Tearswereburning
andshestruggledagainstthem.Howcouldhehavedonesuchahideousthing?Itwassowrong,soagainst
nature.

"'Iknowyousowell,Lily.IknowI'mhurtingyou,butIhavetotellthetruthoryouwon'tbelieveanyof
it.Igrewtoloveyouovertheyears,andIrealizedwhatIreallyowedthoseotherchildren.That'sno
excuseformyneglectofthem.I'mresponsiblefortheproblemsIknowtheymustbehavingintheirlives
evennow.I'vehiredaprivatedetectivetotrackthemdown.SomeI'vefound,andthosefilesareincluded
foryoutoread.Youwon'tliketheresultsofmymeddlinganymorethanIhave.Iknowyou'llbeangry
andashamedofme.'"

Lilyliftedherhead."I'malreadyangryandashamed,"shesaid."Howcouldyoudothis?Experimenting
onpeople,onchildren,Dad,howcouldyoudothis?"

Shetriedtoremembertheotherchildren,butallshecouldhearwasthesoundoflittlevoicesmingling
togetherinlaughterandtears.Shefeltanaffinityfortheothergirls.Womennow,outthereintheworld
withoutaclueastowhathadhappenedtothem.Whereweretheyallnow?Shewantedtodropher
father'sletterandfindtheprivateinvestigator'sreports.Insteadsheforcedherselftocontinue.

"'Icanonlysayinthoseearlydays,Ididn'thavemuchofaheartorconscience.You'retheonewho
providedthosetwoimportantelementsinmylife.Ilearnedfromyou.Fromwatchingyougrowupand
seeingtheloveinyoureyeswhenyoulookedatme.Thoseyearsofyoufollowingmearoundaskingso
manyquestionsandarguingwithme,Icherisheverysingleday.Unfortunately,Lily,youknowhowmy
mindis.Iwatchedoveryouforyears,protectedyouasbestasIcould,butIsawyourpotentialandin
seeingit,Irealizedhowatightteamwouldbenefitourcountry.'"

Lilyshookherhead."Ryland."Shewhisperedhisnameasiftoprotecthim.

"'IthoughtI'dgonewrongbychoosingsuchyoungsubjects.Inthebeginningitmadesensebecausetheir
brainsweren'tdeveloped;Icouldusethat,teachthemtousethepartsthatwerejustdormant,waitingfor

someonetoawakenthem.Butchildrenweretooyoung.IdeterminedthatifIchosemenwithsuperior
traininganddiscipline,Iwouldn'trunintothesameproblems.Icoulddependonthemtodoalltheir
practices,buildshields,erectthenecessarybarrierswhentheyneededrespite.Youwereabletodoit,so
afullygrownmanwouldbestronger,amilitarymanmoreapttoobeyandmakeuseofallthetraining.'"

Lilysighedsoftlyandturnedthepage."'Everythinghasgonewrongagain.You'llseetheproblemsinthe
disksandthereports.Thereisnowaytoreversethisprocess,Lily.I'vetriedtofigureaway,butonceit's
done,itcan'tbeundoneandthesemen,thewomen,andyouallhavetolivewithwhatI'vedone.Ihaveno
answersforRylandMiller.Icanhardlylookhimintheeyeanymore.IthinkColonelHiggensand
someoneatDonovansisconspiringtogetthereportsandselltheinformationtoothercountries.I'vebeen
followed,andmyofficesathomeandatworkhavebeenbrokeninto.IbelieveMillerandhisteamarein
danger.YoumustgetamessagetoGeneralRanier(heisColonelHiggens'sdirectsuperior)andlethim
knowwhat'sgoingon.Ican'tgetthroughtohim.YouknowhimwellandIcan'timaginehimnot
respondingtoyou.I'velefthimcountlessmessagestocallmeortocometoDonovansbutI'veheard
nothingback.'"

Lilystaredatthefamiliarsymbols,achingtohearherfather'svoice.Shecouldbehurtandshecouldbe
angry,butshecouldn'tchangeanythingthathehaddone."'I'vesetupbankaccountsforMiller'steamjust
incase.IfIfail,you'llhavetohelpthemallforme.You'llhavetotellthemthetruth.Withoutsomeone
likeyou,withyourtalenttodrawsoundandemotionawayfromthem,theywillneedtoworkcontinually
tofindprivatequietplacesortheywilleventuallyoverload.Watchthetapes,readthereports,andthen
youmustfindawaytolessenthedamageandteachthesemenandtheotherstoliveasyouhavelived.In
aprotectedenvironment,usefultosociety,butliving.Pleasethinkofmewithalltheloveandcompassion
Iknowyouhaveinyourheart.I'mafraid,Lily,afraidforbothofusandafraidforallofthosemen.'"

Lilysatforalongtimewithherheadbowedandhershouldersshaking.Tearsburnedbutdidn'tfall.She
hadbeensounpreparedforthis,yetsomehowshewasn'tasshockedassheshouldhavebeen.Sheknew
herfather,knewhisbeliefthatthelawsweretoostringentandonlyhinderedmedicalanddefense
research.Hisnamewasreveredinsomanycircles.Hisnamehadalwaysbeenabovereproach,yethe
hadconductedsecretexperimentsonchildren.Itwasunforgivable.

Lilypushedherselfupfromthedeskandmadeherwaytothevideos.Shelookedattheshelvesoftape.
Herlife.Rightthere.Allnumberedneatlyinherfather'shand.Itwasn'tgoingtobeofherfirststeps,as
manyparentsrecorded,orgraduatingwithhonorsfromauniversity,itwasgoingtobeacold-blooded
documentaryofapsychicadeptwhoseabilitieswereenhancedinsomewaybyamanwhoclaimedto
loveher.

Shedidn'tthinkshecouldbeartositthroughit.Shecouldn'tevenruntoherfatherforreassurance.He
wasatthebottomofthecoldsea.Murdered.Achillwentthroughher.PeterWhitneyhadmostlikelybeen
murderedinanattempttogaintheveryinformationshepossessed.Someonewantedtoknowhowhehad
enhancedapsychicadept'sabilities.Herfatherhadn'tsharedhisactualprocesswithanyone,notat
DonovansCorporationandnotwithColonelHiggensorthegeneralabovehim.

Lilypulledthefirstvideoofftheshelfwithshakingfingers.RylandMillerandhisentireteamwerealive
becauseherfatherhadn'tprovidedtheinformation.Whywouldtheykilltheonlymanwhocouldgiveit
tothem?Iftheycouldn'tgettheinformationoneway,theywouldcertainlygoatitfromanotherangle.

Anaccidentwouldprovideadeadsubject,onetheycoulddissect.Onetheycouldtakeapartandstudyin

thehopesthattheywouldgainthesecret.Theywouldhavesuchpoweriftheyutilizedthetalentsher
father'sworkhadunleashed.HadMorrison'sdeathreallybeenunintentional?Hadhesufferedtheseizures
fromwhatWhitneyhaddonetohimorhadsomeonegivenhimadrugtocauseseizuressotheycould
studyhim?

Knowingshehadagreatdealofinformationtogothroughinaveryshorttime,Lilyinsertedthevideotape
intheplayerandbegantowatch.

LILYfeltabsolutelynumbasshewatchedthelittlegirlwithenormouseyes"play"gamesforhours.Her
father'svoicewaswithoutinflectionashegavedataandrecitedhergrowingabilities.Shetried
desperatelytodetachherselffromemotionthewayherfatherwassoobviouslyabletodoashewatched
andfilmedthelittlegirlvomitingrepeatedlyfromthemigraines.Lighthurthereyes,soundhurtherears,
shecriedandrockedandpleaded,and,throughitall,PeterWhitneyfilmedanddocumentedandspokein
hisimpersonalmonotone.

Lilystaredatthevideo,sickenedthatthemanshecalledherfather,themanshelovedasherfathercould
dosuchthingstoachild.Hestoodtherefilmingallthewhilethenurseworkedtocomfortandhelpher.
Heevenorderedthenurseasideashewentinforclose-upsasLilypressedherhandstoherears.Several
timeswhenshehaddisconnected,withdrawingfromtheworld,intoherself,rockingbackandforth,he
hadbecomeannoyedandhadinstructedthenursetoisolateherfromtheotherssoshewouldn't"infect
themwithhermethodsofretreat."

Lilyturnedoffthevideo,tearstrackingdownherface.Shehadn'tevenknowntheywerethere.Herhand
shookasshepushedopenthedoortotheroomwhereshehadspentsomanymonthsbeingtrained.Being
watchedanddocumented.Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.LikeRylandandhismen.Nomatterwhat,they
couldn'tstayattheDonovanslaboratories.Shehadtofindasafe,protectedplaceuntilshecouldsortout
theinformationandfindawaytohelpthem.

Lilylaydownonthethirdbedfromtheleft.Herbed.Shecurledupinthefetalpositionandpressedboth
handsoverherearstodrownoutthesoundofherownsobbing.

Five

RUSSELLCowlingswasstillmissing.Rylandcountedhisone-hundredthpush-upandcontinuedthinking
hiswaystepbystepthroughtheplannedescape.Hehadmanagedtobringthementogethertelepathically,
withtheexceptionofone.Russellhadnotansweredorbeenfeltbyanyoftheteamforseveraldays.

Rylandfelthelpless,cursingasheraisedhisbodyupanddown,workinghismusclestostayfit.Hehadto
convinceLilythateveryoneofhismenwasindanger.Therewasnoconcreteevidence,buthefeltit.In
hisheartandsoulheknewit.IftheyremainedmuchlongerinthecagesoftheDonovanslaboratories,they
wouldalldisappear,onebyone.LikeRussell.

InsheerfrustrationRylandleapttohisfeetandpacedrestlesslyacrossthelengthofhisprison.Hishead
wasthrobbingfromholdingthetelepathiclinkforsolongforalltheteammemberswhiletheydiscussed
howtosurviveontheoutsideiftheirescapesucceeded.Ithadbeenalongerconversationthanusual,and
theyhadcontinuedtotestanddisruptthealarmsandsecuritysystemoften,usingevenmoreenergy.He
rubbedhistemples,feelingslightlysick.

Painhithimhard.Drovehimtohisknees.Lily.Itwasaknifeinhisgut,doublinghimover.Astoneinhis
chestcrushinghim.Sorrowsuchashehadneverknownandneverwantedtoexperience.Atthatmoment
nothingelsematteredbuttogettoher.Findherandcomforther.Protecther.Theneedwasaliveand
crawlingthroughhisbodyandmind.

Hebegantobuildthebridgebetweenthem.Abridgestrongandsuresohecouldcrosstheboundariesof
timeandspace.

Lilydreamtofariveroftears.Tearsfillinguptheseaandsplashingontoland.Shedreamtofbloodand
painandmonstrousmenlurkinginshadows.Shedreamtofamankneelingbesideher,gatheringherinto
hisarmsandholdinghertightlytohim,rockingherbackandforthinanattempttocomforther.Whenhe
couldn'tstophertears,hebegantokissherface,followingthewettrailfromhereyestohermouth.
Kissingheroverandover.Long,druggingkissesthatrobbedherofherabilitytothinkorbreatheoreven
grieve.

Ryland.Sheknewhim.Dreamlover.Hehadstolenintohernightmaretocarryheraway."Ifeelsoempty
andlost."Eveninherdream,shesoundedforlorn.

"You'renotlost,Lily,"herepliedgently.

"Iamnothing.Ibelongnowhere.Withnobody.Noneofthisisreal,don'tyousee?Herobbedusofour
life,ofourfreewill."

"Youbelonginmyworldwheretherearenoboundaries.You'reaGhostWalker.Itdoesn'tmatterhowit
cametobe,Lily,itsimplyis.Webelongtogether.Bewithme."Rylandstoodup,heldouthishandtoher.

"Whatarewedoing?"shemurmured,reachingtotakehisofferedhand,shockedthattheywereoutsidea
cage,outsidethethickwallsofherhome.Awayfromthesecretskeptbeneaththeearth."Wherearewe
going?"Hisfingersclosedaroundhers,strongandreassuring.Herheartgaveapeculiarlurchin
recognitionofhim.

"Wherewouldyouliketogo?"

"Anywhere,anywhereawayfromhere."Shewantedtobefarfromthatlaboratoryandthetruthburied
beneaththestoriesofherhouse.Theweightofherknowledgecrushedheruntilshecouldbarelybreathe.

Hewantedhertotrusthimenoughtotellhimwhathaddistressedher,buthesimplytuckedherhandinto
hisandtookheroutintothenight.

"Howcanyoubehere,Ryland?Howcanyoubeherewithme?"

"Icanwalkindreams.Raoul,wecallhimGator,cancontrolanimals.Samcanmoveobjects.There'sa
lotoftalentamongus,butthere'sonlyafewwhoaredreamwalkers."

"Thankyouforcomingtome."Lilysaiditsimply.Shemeantit.Shehadnoideawhyhemadeherfeel
wholewhenshehadbeensoshattered,butwalkingbesidehim,tuckedbeneaththeprotectionofhis
shoulder,gaveherasemblanceofpeace.

Theywanderedthroughthedarkenedstreetstogether,notreallypayingattentiontowheretheyweregoing,
simplybeingtogether."Tellmeaboutit,Lily."Rylandwalkedveryclosetoher,hislargerbodybrushing
againsthersprotectively.

Sheshookherhead."Ican'tthinkaboutit,notevenhere."

"You'resafeherewithme.I'llkeepyousafe.Tellmewhathedidtoyou."

"Hedidn'tloveme.That'swhathedid,Ryland.Hedidn'tloveme."Shewouldn'tlookathim.Shestared
offintothenight,herfaceaverted,herexpressionsosaditthreatenedtobreakhisheart.

Rylandgatheredherintohisarmsprotectively,holdingherclose,transportingthemacrosstimeand
space.Farawayfromlaboratoriesandcages.Awayfromrealitysothatthewindblewontheirfacesand
theycouldsimplybetogether.Arespiteherbraingrabbedatandheldonto.Theirbodiessoaredfreeand
theycouldgowheretheirmindstookthem,buthersorrowwalkedwiththemintheirdreamworld.Andso
didhisworries."Oneofmymenismissing,Lily.Ican'treachhim."

Sheknewwhathewanted."I'llfindhim.I'llasktospeakwithallthementomorrow.I'vesupposedlybeen
givenaccesstoeveryone.Whichman?"Sheduckedherhead,guiltweighingheavily.

"RussellCowling.AndIdon'tblameyou,Lily.Iknowthat'swhatyou'rethinking.Yourfather…"

"Idon'twanttotalkabouthim."Herdreamworldwasbeginningtodissolvearoundtheedgesasthe
harshnessofrealityintruded.

Rylandframedherfacewithhishands."Isawhiseyeswhenhelookedatyou.Helovedyouverymuch.
Whateversinshecommitted,Lily,hedidloveyou."

Shelookedupathim,herlonglasheswetwithtears."Didhe?Ithoughthedid,butthere'sanentireroom
filledwithtapesneatlylabeled'Lily'toproveotherwise."

Rylandbenthishead,takinghermouth,needingtotakeawayhersorrow.Hismouthwasexquisitely

gentleonhers,tenderandcoaxing.Akissmeanttobeinnocent.Healing.Itwashisintentiontocomfort
her.Butfireracedthroughhim.Hefeltitinhisveins.Inhisbelly.Intheheavyfullnessofhisgroin.It
burnedalonghisskinandtookhimbysurprise.

Lilymeltedintohim,pliantandyielding.Hermouthopenedtohis,herarmscreepingaroundhisneckso
thathecouldfeelhergenerousbreastspressedtightlyagainstthewallofmusclesalonghischest.Energy
arcedbetweenthem,snappingandsizzlingasifalive.Hisskintohersandbackagain.Smallboltsof
lightningwhippedinhisbloodstream.Hisarmstightenedpossessively.

Lilyliftedherheadtolookathim,searchinghisfaceforanswers.Nothingcouldprepareherforthe
instantandoverwhelmingphysicalattraction.Shedidn'ttrustanythingsostrong.Sheshookherhead
silentlyindenial.

Rylandcouldseeitinherface.Agroanescaped."Lily,can'tyouseethere'smorethanjustsomething
physicalbetweenus?Iacheforyou,Iwon'tdenyit,butIfeelsadwhenyou'resad.Iwantmorethan
anythingtomakeyouhappy,toknowyou'resafe.Ithinkaboutyoueveryminuteoftheday.Yourefuseto
seewhat'sbetweenus.Ilookatyouandseecloudsinyoureyeswhenyou'relookingback.Doesitmatter
somuchtoyouthewhyofit?"

"Thisisn'treal,Ryland.You'reherewithme,talkingtomebecauseyoufeltmyneed,butitstillisn'treal.
It'sadreamwe'rebothsharing."

"Ifeltyourneed,acrosstimeandspace,Istillfeltyourneedofme.Doesn'tthattellyousomething,Lily?"

"It'sstilladream,Ryland."

"It'srealenoughthatwecouldbecaughtinit.Dreamwalkingisn'teasy,Lily."Heallowedhisarmsto
droptohissides,unabletobearherbodytouchinghiswhenshedidn'twanthim.

Lilycaughthishand,weavingherfingersthroughhisbecauseshecouldn'tstandtobewithoutphysical
contactwithhim."Whatdoyoumean,wecouldbecaughtinit?Caughtinthedreamitself?"

Heshruggedhisbroadshoulders."Nooneknowsforsurehowitworks.Yourfatherwastheonewho
warnedmetobecareful.Hesaiditwastoodifficultholdingthebridgeinthisstateandthatanyoneriding
thesamewavemightenterandbeabletoharmmeifIwasn'texpectingit.AndifIwerecaughtinthe
dream,livinginthisworld,Imightnotreturntotheother.I'dbeinadreamstate,appearingmuchlikeI'm
inacomatotheoutsideworld."Rylandglanceddownatherandfoundhimselfsmiling.Lilyreactedashe
expectedshewould,assimilatingtheinformationwithgreatinterest.

"Ihadnoideaitwaspossible.Cananyoftheotherswalkindreams?"

"Oneortwo.Wefounditwasveryrareanditdoestakeatremendousconcentrationandfocus.Evenmore
thansustainingthetelepathiclinkforanextendedperiodoftime."Hebroughtherhandtohischest,
trappingherpalmoverhisheart.Histhumbstrokedalongthebackofherhand,smallcaressesshefeltall
thewaytohertoes.

"I'dliketoseetherecordeddataonitandreadmyfather'snotestoseewhathethought.Itdoesn'tmake
sensethatitseemssoreal.Icanfeelyou."Sheranherfreehandoverhischest."Icantasteyou."Hewas

stillinhermouth,onhertongue,deepinsideherwhereshewouldnevergethimout.

"Andyetwecanbeanywhere.Anywhereatall."HetuggedatherandLilyfoundtheywereinapark,
surroundedbytrees.Leavesglitteredsilverinthemoonlightaboveherhead."Ican'tseetreesinthatcage
I'minsosometimesIcomehere."

LilylaughedwithdelightandlookedupatRyland.Atoncethesmilefadedfromherfaceandherheart
begantopound.Itwasthewayhelookedather.Theintensityofhishungerforheralone.Thestarkdesire
henevertriedtohidefromher.Hishotgazeburnedoverherpossessively,markedherforhis.

Herentirebodywenthot.Deepinside,moltenheatswirledandpooledlow,leavingherachingand
bereft.Herfingerssplayedwideacrosshischest.Foronemomentshethoughtofremovinghisshirt,to
feelthewarmthofhisskin.Shewantedtobemeldedtohim,skinagainstskin.Bodiestangledtogether.
Sweatmingling.

"Stopit,"Rylandsaidquietly.Hetippedherchinuptoclaimhermouth.Therewasnothinginnocentor
comfortinginhiskiss.Hishandmovedoverthesilkofhershirttocaptureherbreast."Whatyoufeel,I
feel.YoubroadcastloudlyandIcan'tthinkstraight."Histhumbstrokedhernipplerightthroughthe
material,evenashebenthisheadoncemoretohers."Areyouwearinganythingunderthisblouse?"

Hiskissrockedher.Flamesdancedinherbloodandcolorsburstbehindhereyelids.Herobbedherof
breath,yetfedherair.Withtheweightofherbreastrestinginthewarmthofhispalm,everymuscleinher
bodytightenedandachedforfulfillment.Forjustonemoment,Lilyallowedherbodytoruleherbrain.
Shekissedhimbackjustaspossessively,justaswantonly.Withoutthoughtorinhibition.

Shewantedhim.Shehaddreamsoftenoftherightman,whatitshouldbe,whatitwouldbe.Inevery
dreamshehadcastasideherinhibitions.Herehewas,theperfectman.Herman.Standingrightinfrontof
herandanythingshedidwouldn'tcount.

Herhandsmovedinstinctivelyoverhisbody,claiminghimasintimatelyashewasclaimingher.Shewas
boldandsure,unabletocontrolthewildfireburningoutofcontrol.Therewasaroaringinherhead,a
dizzykaleidoscopeofpurefeeling,fireandcolor.Silksandsatins.Candlelight.Everythingshe'dever
dreamtofandmore.Shesimplygaveherselfuptohim,willingtobeinadream.Willingtofeelnothing
butobsessionandbelonging.

Lilystiffened.JerkedbacktostareupatRyland'sface.Atthepassionstampedthere,thedarkpossession.
Thenakedlove.Shepushedhardatthewallofhischest,shakingherhead."No,thisisgoingtoofar,
changeit.Changethedream."

Hishandsframedherface."Thisisourdreamtogether.Itisn'tjustme,Lily."

"Iwasafraidofthat,"shemurmured.Lilyrestedherforeheadagainsthischest,tryingtobreatheairinto
herlungsandclearhermind."I'veneveronceinmylifebeenlikethisaroundanyone."

Ryland'spalmcurvedaroundthenapeofherneck.Hislipsbrushedthetopofherhead."Isthatsupposed
tomakemefeelbad?Iwouldratheryoudidn'twanteverymanyousaw,Lily."Therewasahintof
laughterinhisvoice.

Sheliftedherheadtoglareathim."YouknowexactlywhatImeant.Ican'tkeepmyhandsoffyou."Even
inherdreamsheblushedavividredattheadmission.

"Closeyoureyes."Heordereditsoftly.

Lilyfelthiskiss,featherlightonhereyelids.Whenheliftedhishead,sheopenedhereyesinpuzzlement.
Shewasstandinginherfavoritemuseum.Hercomfortspot.Sheroamedthemuseumoften,sitting
sometimesonthebenchestolookatthebeautyofthepaintings.Theartworkneverfailedtobringher
peace.Forsomereason,whileshewasinthebuildingsurroundedbysuchpricelesstreasures,shecould
fendofftheemotionsofthosearoundherandsimplysoakuptheatmosphere.

"Howdidyouknow?"

"Thatyouloveithere?"Hetookherhand,drewhertostandinfrontofafantasydepictingdragonsand
warlords."Youthoughtofitseveraltimes.Itmatteredtoyousoitmatteredtome."

Lilysmiledupathim,herheartinhereyes.Shecouldn'thelpit.Ittouchedherthathewouldtradehis
outdoordreamforhermuseum."I'mnotexactlycertainwhatIamwearingundertheseclothes,Ryland."
Shelaughedsoftly,invitingly,knowingsheshouldn'tbutunabletostopherself.

Rylandkissedheragainbecausehecouldn'thelpit.Shewaslookingathimwithhereyestoobigforher
faceandhertemptingmouthandsheshookhimallthewaytohissoul.Heliftedhisheadtolookather
clothes.Thethinsilkofherblouse.Thelongskirtthatcoveredherlegsallthewaytoherankles.He
raisedaneyebrow."Verynice."

"Ithoughtso.ButyouhavetoguesswhatIhaveonunderneath."

Everymuscleinhisbodycontracted,tightened.Everycellwentonalert.Hisgazeimmediatelyswepther
figure,searchingforcluestothemystery.Lilylaughedsoftlyandledhimaroundtheroom,pointingout
herfavoritepaintings.

Astheystoodinfrontofalargecrystallinesculptureofawingeddragon,Rylandreachedoutcasuallyand
slippedhisfingersinsidethenecklineofherblouse.Loosely.Thepadofhisfingersfeatheredoverher
bareskin."Areyouwearingunderwear,Lily?Ihavetoknow."Andhedidhavetoknow.Itseemedthe
mostimportantthingintheworld.

Sheskimmedherhanddownhischest,knowingshewasbeingprovocative,butnolongercaring.Shewas
inadreamandshemeanttotakefulladvantage.Inadreamshecoulddoanything,haveanything,andshe
wantedRylandMiller."AndyouthinkIshouldbetalkingaboutsuchthingshereinthisverypublicplace."

Rylandlaughedsoftly."Notsopublictonight.Ihadthemshutitdownforus.Aprivateshowing.AndI
can'tstopthinkingabouttheunderwear,Lily,whetheryou'recompletelynakedbeneaththatoutfit,or
whetheryou'recovered."Hisfingersdippedlower,overtheswellofherbreast."Ihavetoknow."

"Whatareyoudoing?"Lilyaskedbreathlessly.Hishandskimmeddownthefrontofherblouse,asif
brushingcrumbsfromhersilkentop,yetlingeringonthedarknippleshiddenbeneaththethinmaterial.He
broughtherbodytoinstantlife,hernipplestaut,herbreastsfullandaching.

Hisfingersbrushedoverherbreastsasecondtime.Slow.Unhurried.Thistimeslidingabuttonopen.Her

blousegapedslightly,givinghimabetterviewofhercleavage.Shewasbeautiful,herbreastsfulland
firm,swayinggentlybeneaththesilkasshewalkedbesidehim.Andshewasn'twearingabra,justashe
hadsuspected.Hisbodyinstantlyreacted,hardandthickandfullwithheat.

"Idon'tknow,honey,somethingaboutthisplacejustturnsmeon."Hegrinnedather,outrageously
uninhibited,sinfullywicked.Hiseyeswerehotwithdesire.Hisfingerstangledwithhersandhetugged
heroffbalancesothatshefellagainsthim.Herbodymoldedtohis,fitperfectly.

Rightthere,intheroomfilledwithhundred-year-oldpaintings,heloweredhismouthtohers.Shetasted
hisdesire,ahot,masculinepassionthatinstantlyignitedanansweringflameinthepitofherstomach.She
lostherselfinhisstrengthandhunger.Hishandssliddownherback,shapedherbody,feelinghisway
throughthematerialofherskirt.

Atoncehisheartbegantothudinreactiontotheknowledge.Hisgrointightenedtothepointofpainanda
firespreadinhisbelly.Therewasn'tasinglepantieline.Hismouthgrewhotterandhepressedhertightly
intohim.Whipsoflightningstreakedthroughhimwiththecontactagainsthisthrobbingarousal."Weneed
abed,Lily,"hebreathedintohermouth."Rightnow.Thebenchislookingdarnedgood."

Shekissedhim,deliberatelyrubbedherbodyalonghis,herbreastspushinghungrilyintohischest,her
handsexploringthemusclesofhisback."Wedon'tneedabed,wedon'thavetimeforabed.Idon'thave
asinglestitchonunderneaththisskirt."Itdidn'tmatter,itwasadream.Shecouldgowitherotic,she
couldbetotallywithoutinhibitions.Shedidn'twantreality,shewantedRyland.

Hisbreathslammedoutofhislungs."Areyouwet,Lily,hotandwetwaitingforme?BecauseI'mashard
asarock."

"Ineverwouldhaveguessed."

Shewaslaughingathim,teasinghim.TheworldwouldbebleakandcoldwithoutRyland.Itwouldbe
emptyandtheknowledgeofbetrayalwouldcomecreepingintopushaknifethroughherheart."They
havesecuritycameras,"shereminded,determinedtostaywithhimwithintheframeworktheyhadset.

Hedraggedhertotherelativeprivacyofasmallenclosurehousingthreerarepaintingsbysomeartisthe
couldn'tname."We'reinadreamsoitdoesn'tmatter,nowdoesit?"

Hismouthwashotandwild,deliberatelydominating,demandingherresponse.Sheopenedforhimlikea
blossom,heatforheat,hertongueasdemandingashisown.Breathinghard,hesatonthesmallbench,
stretchingouthislegstoeasethebulgeinhisjeansasmuchtopullherbetweenhisthighs.

"Whatareyoudoingnow?"Herbreathcaughtinherthroat,herentirebodyshiveringinanticipationashis
fingerscircledherankleandhebegantoslowlyraiseherskirt.Instantlyshewashotandmoist,her
musclesclenchingandthrobbing.Hungryforhim,hungryforhimtofillheremptiness.Thetemperatureof
theroomseemedtogoupahundreddegrees.Shewaited,herbodystill,everynerveendingawareofhis
handcirclingherbareanklelikeananklet.

Slowlyhebegantoslidehispalmupthecontourofherleg,caressingthebackofherknee,strokingher
thighs.Hislegsurgedhertoawiderstance,exposinghermorefullytohim.

Theslowrevealingofherexpanseofskinnearlycausedanexplosioninhisgut.Itwaslikeunveilinga
masterpiece.Exquisite.Beautiful.Forhimalone.Moistureglistenedinthedarkcurlsofhertriangle.He
benthisheadtotasteheruniqueflavor.Histonguecaressedherlightly,justataste.Herbodyclenched,
jumped.Hetookhistime,hisfingersstroking,memorizingeverysecretplace.Whenshecaughthis
shoulderinatightgrip,inasilentplea,hepushedtwofingersintohertightsheath,inalongstrokethat
hadhercryingout.

Heknewwhattheyweredoingwasdangerous.Theycouldbecaughtinadream,lostforevertogether,but
hecouldn'thavestoppedifhislifedependeduponitandmaybeitdid.Rylanddidn'tknowallthatmuch
aboutwalkingindreams.Theexcitement,thesheerpleasurewashedoverhiminsuchintensewavesit
wasdifficulttorememberitwasn'twhollyreal.Shewassobeautifulwantinghim.Helovedthecloudy,
sultrylookonherface,theheatofherbodyashermusclesclenchedtightlyaroundhisfingers.Heloved
thewayshetrustedhimsocompletelyevenifshethoughtitonlyaneroticdream.

Hepusheddeep,insistently,longstrokessothatshemovedwithhim.Herbodytightened,ahot,moist
sheathforhisfingers.Hefeltitcoming,thebeginningsofhardrelease,andhepulledhisfingersaway,
draggedhertohimandburiedhistonguedeep.Herclimaxwaswildandhesharedit,therippling
explosion,thehotliquid,theintensityofpleasureexplodinginherbody,inhermind.

Lily'slegswererubbery,shaking,finetremorsseizingher.Sheopenedhereyestolookathim.Hisface
wassoperfecttohershebrushedacaressoverhisscarredjaw.Shecouldseethelinesofstrain.Itwasn't
difficulttoseewhy.Thebulgeinhisjeanswashuge,ashardasarock.Shesimplyreacheddownand
unzippedhimsothathesprangfree,erect,thick,engorgedwithneed.

"Lily."Itwasaprotest.Apleaformercy."It'stoorisky.Wecan't,baby,nothere."Butitwasalreadytoo
late,shesimplyliftedherskirtandstraddledhim,rightthereonthebenchwhiletheeyesfromthe
portraitsstaredatthemwithshock.Ormaybeindulgence."I'llneverholdthebridge,never,notwhen
you'redistractingme,"hetoldher,hishandsatherwaisttoliftheraway.

Shesettledoverhimslowly.Itwastorture.Shewassohot,sowet,sotighthehadtopushhiswayinto
hervelvetfolds.Agrowlescapedhim,athroatynoteofpleasure/painhecouldn'tstifle.Hermuscles,still
ripplingfromherorgasm,grippedandmilkedhimasshebegantomove.

"Letthemcome,Ryland,"shewhisperedwickedly,herblueeyesstaringstraightintohis."Idon'tcareif
theyfinduslockedtogether.Doyouknowwhatitfeelsliketohaveyousodeepinsideme?"

Herwordsnearlyshatteredhim.Heknewwhatitwasliketofillher,tostretchher.Heknewwhatitwas
liketohaveherridehim,slickwithhotheat,andheknewwhatitwasliketothrustalmosthelplessly,
violentlyintoher,spearingherdeeply.Overandover,hardandfast,uncaringthattheymightbelocked
foreverinthisdream.Nothingmatteredatthatmomentexceptthesheerindulgenceofeachother'shunger.

Theroaringstartedinhishead.Thefireflamedinhisbelly.Hermusclesspiraledaroundhim,hersheath
sotightshemilkedhimintoanexplosionsointensehecouldn'tmuffletheyelltornfromhisthroat.Fora
momentcolorsseemedtoburstaroundhim.Heclungtoher,breathingdeeply,tryingtoregainsome
semblanceofcontrol.Theyclungtogethertightly,holdingeachotherwhiletheirheartstriedtoslow
down,whiletheirlungstriedtofindair.

Thelowmurmurofvoicesdriftedtothem.Late-nightvisitorstothemuseum.Intrudersintotheir

dreamworld.Lilyreluctantlyslippedoffofhim,felthisseedtrickledowntheinsideofherthigh.How
hadvisitorsmanagedtoinvadetheirdream?Shelookedaround,sawthesuddenflashinglightofthe
alarms.Blazinglightsspillingaroundthem,pointinganaccusingfingeratthem.Twofreaksofnaturewho
nolongerbelongedintheworldwithothers.

Rylandwantedtoclingtoher,holdhertohim,sensinghergriefrisingasshebegantoslipawayfromhim.
Hismouthwashardonhers,demanding.Hishandsmovedoverherbodywithlovingcaresses,with
greedyeagerness,withtremblingneed.Atthemeldingoftheirmouths,fireworkseruptedaroundthem,
orangeandredandwhite.

Lilycouldfeelhismusclesbeneathherfingers,hearhisheartslamminghardagainstherbreast.The
fireworksburstoncemorearoundher,intoher,flashingredandwhite.Thelightwasdistracting,pulling
herawayfromhereroticworldofloversandcomfortandbacktorealitywherethesandhadshiftedout
fromunderherfeetforalltime.Nomatterhowhardsheclungtoherdream,thelightbuzzedawarning
insistentlyinherhead,determinedlypullingheroutofRyland'sarmsandintothecoldrealityofthe
dormitory.

Lilylookedaround,slightlydisoriented,withunfocusedsight,blinkingrepeatedlytoclearhervision.Red
lightwasstrobingintotheroom.Burstsofitcomingandgoingasifshoutinganalarm.Shepushedherself
upoffthebed,shockedthatherbodywasthrobbingandburning,fullyaroused,cravingRyland's
possession.Shedidcravehim,neededhim.Therewasnopointinlyingtoherself,buttheintensitywas
shattering.Shehadfelthistouchonherbareskin,felthishandonherbody,caressingher.Sheheardhis
softcryofprotestfadingasshestumbledawayfromthebed.Awayfromthedream.

Theredlightwashurtinghereyesandpushingneedlesintothewallsofhermind.Boldredstripesofpain
likethelashofawhip.Shepushedintotheouterroomandhurriedtofindthecontrolsforthecamerasshe
knewwouldhavebeeninstalled.Pressingabuttoninstantlyturnedonthescreenoverherhead.Shesaw
herfather'sdarkenedoffice,sawthedoorwasajardespitethefactthatshe'dlockedit.Ashadowyfigure
movedthroughtheroom,openedandrifledthroughdrawersatherfather'sdesk.

Theintruderwasdressedinblackandworeamaskoverhisface,hidingeverythingbuthiseyeswhich
shecouldn'tseeclearlyinthedarkness.Herheartinherthroat,shewatchedasheexaminedthe
grandfatherclock,thenturnedawayfromittorunhispenlightoverthetitlesofthebooksontheshelves.
Shewatchedthewayhemoved,nowastedmotion,clearlyaprofessional.Hehadentirelyignoredthe
computer,asifheknewalreadyitwasuselesstohim.Hecompletelyignoredherfather'sdayplanner,
stillsittingneatlybesidethecomputer.

Hepulledafewbooksatrandom,riflingthroughthepages,thenneatlyreturningeachtotheexactspot
wherehehadpulledit.Itmadenosensetoherthathewouldgothroughherfather'sofficewithoutreally
searching.Whatwashedoing?

Theintruderglancedathiswatchandlefttheroom,lookingbackoncetomakecertaineverythingwasin
place.Heclosedthedoorsoftlyandtheemptyroomwasallthatwasonthescreen.

Lilyfeltherwrist,realizedhercommunicator,theoneArlyinsistedshewearforemergencies,wasonthe
nightstandbyherbedwhereshe'ddroppeditinutterannoyance.Forobviousreasons,therewasnophone
inherfather'shiddenlaboratorysoshehurriedbackupthestairs,woundthehandoftheclocketchedinto
theceilingaroundninetimes,leavingitpointingtowardtheRomannumeralIXandwatchedthetrapdoor

swingopen.

Theintruderhadtohaveplantedsurveillanceequipmentandshehadtofinditbeforehegotitonline.She
wouldneedentrytothelabtostudythedocuments.Shecouldn'thaveanyonelookingoverhershoulder
allthetime.Pickingupthephone,shestabbedthebuttontoringArly'sroom.

"I'malreadyonit,sweetiepie.Hetriggeredasilentalarmwhenhewentthroughthedoorofyourfather's
office,"Arlysaidwithoutpreamble."Stayinyourroomwhileweroundhimup."

"I'minmyfather'sofficeandhe'splantedlittlebugseverywhere.Somuchforyourextramen,Arly,"Lily
pointedout.

"Don'tyoumove,Lily,"hesnapped,fearforhercreepingintohisvoice."Whythehellaren'tyouhiding
underyourbedlikeanormalwomanwouldbe?"

"Askyourselfhowhegotinwhenyouhavethisplacelockeddown,youchauvinisticsmartaleck.And
howdidhemanagetogetthroughmyfather'slockedofficedoor?Hewouldneedprints,Arly.Myfather's
prints.Hegotthroughthreesecuritysystemsanddidn'tknowaboutthesafeguard,butheknewaboutthe
others."

"Youlistentome,Lily,lockthatdooranddon'topenitforanyonebutme.I'llcomeforyouwhenIknow
you'resafe."

"I'mnotexactlyworried,Arly.YouandDadmadecertainIcouldprotectmyself.Theymayhavegotten
myfather,buttheywon'tfindmesuchaneasytarget."

Arlysworeatherbeforeslammingdownthephone.Lilydidn'tcare.Hewasthesecurityexpert.Hehad
accesstoenoughmoneytoinstallallthelatesttoystostayaheadofeveryoneelse,butstill,someonehad
gainedentrancetothehouseandhadbypassedthesecuritytotheofficeshehadactivatedwhenshe'd
lockedthedoor.

Shewasshakingwithfury.Sheabsolutelyrefusedtobeintimidatedbyanintrudertoherhome.Shewould
notletthemshakeheruporhideunderherbed.Shedidn'tknowwhowastheenemyorwhowasafriend,
butshewasgoingtofindoutandmakeherhomesafeagain.

Lilybegansearchingforthebugssheknewtheintruderhaddroppedcasuallyinherfather'soffice.The
drawers,thecoffeetable.Sheretracedhissteps,findingthebookseasily.Herbrainhadrecordedthe
pattern,randomtohim,butseenasapreciseconfigurationtoher.Therewasanordertorandomnessshe
couldseeclearlywhereotherscouldnot.Shedestroyedeverybugasshefoundit.Arlycouldmakea
sweepoftheroomlater,butshewascertainshehadfoundallofthem.

Shewantedtheintrudercaughtandquestioned.Shewantedthenameofthetraitorinherhome.She
wantedthenameoftheconspiratorsintheDonovansCorporationandthemilitary.Lily'ssoftmouth
firmedandshelinedtheremainsoftheexpensivesurveillancebugsacrossherfather'sdesk.

Tellme,Lily.Talktome.Openyourmindtome.

You'retoodistracting.Shedidn'twanttotalktohim.Shecouldn'ttalktohim.Shewastryingtocopewith
toomanythings.WhenRylandwasinhermindornearherbody,guiltandwhite-hotheatwere

predominant,notcoollogic.MymindisopenenoughforyoutocontactmewhetherIwantitornot.
ShewasshockedathowfarawayRylandseemed,asifhispowershadfaded.

Ifindyoucrying,swampingmewithgrief,nowsomethingelseisverywrong.Damnit,I'mlockedup
likeananimalinacageandIcan'tgettoyou.Iusedtoomuchholdingthebridgebetweenus.My
head…

Herheartjumpedatthepaininhisvoice.Shecouldhearthenoteofsheerfrustration.Therewasaraw
edgetohisvoice,aharshimplacablenotethatwarnedherhewasbecomingdangerous.Sheweighedher
options.ThelastthingshewantedwasforRylandMillertotrytoreachherandoverload.Theirshared
eroticdreamhaddrainedhimandpushingbeyondhislimitwasdangerous.Lilysatheavilyinherfather's
chair.

It'snothing.Anintruder.ThisplacehassecuritymeasurestorivalDonovansyetamangotintothe
house.

Therewasasmallsilencewhileshefeltsomeofthetensiondrainoutofhim.Youshouldhavecontacted
meimmediately.

Thereprimandirritatedherasmuchasitfrightenedher.Shedidnotwanthimgettingthewrongidea
abouther,thinkingsheneededprotection.Mostofallsheknewheneededrest.Ifhecontinuedpushing
theircommunication,hecouldeasilyoverload.IrealizeI'vebeenbroadcastingextremeemotion,butI
hopeyourealizewithmyfather'smurderandtheknowledgeoftheexperimentsheconductedandthe
suddendistressingandveryuncomfortablephysicalattractiontoyou,I'vebeenunderduress.Youare
broadcastingangerandontheedgeofcontrolyetIknowfrombeinginyourheadyou'reamanwith
extremecontrol.MakecertainyouknowthatI'macapablewomanandverymuchabletotakecareof
myself.Iwouldhopeyoudon'thavethewrongideaaboutme.

Therewasalongsilence.Lilyabsentlyplayedwiththesmallelectronicpiecesonthedesk,turningthem
overandover,creatingpatternswhileshewaited.Shefoundshewasholdingherbreathwaitingforhis
answer.Waitingforsomethingsheneededfromhim.Thesilencestretchedforaneternity.

Distressinganduncomfortablephysicalattraction?Damnyouforsayingthat,Lily.Iamveryaware
you'rewayoutofmyclass.You'resmartandbeautifulandsodamnsexyIcan'tbreathewhenyou'rein
thesameroomwithme.I'msorryifmyneedingtoprotectyoubothersyouinsomeway,butthat'spart
ofmypersonality.I'mrougharoundtheedges,andI'mnothingtolookat,butdamnitall,Ihavea
brain.Icanseeexactlywhatyouare.

TheknockonthedoorhadLilyjumpingoutofthechair,herheartacceleratingbeforeshecouldpreventit.
Ilikethewayyoulook,Ryland.Ilikejustabouteverythingaboutyou.Unfortunatelythatwasthetruth.
Sheadmiredhimandhisneedtoprotectthosearoundhim.Shesighed.Theydidn'thavetimeforaheart-
to-heart.Arly'shere.

Lilyshouldn'thaveadmittedittohim,butshelovedthewayhelooked.Everythingabouthimappealedto
herandshedidn'ttrustit.Shedidn'twanttheintensityoftheirchemistry,soexplosivetheycouldbarely
controlthemselves.Itwasutterlyforeigntohernature.Hadherfatherdonesomethingbesidesthe
despicableexperimentshehadconductedonyoungchildrenandthenongrownmen?Hadhedecidedto
meddlewithherlifeevenmore?Hadhefoundawaytoenhancephysicalattractionbetweentwopeople?

No!Lily,Idon'tknowwhatyoufoundthatwassodevastatingbutwhateverisbetweenusisreal.

Youweren'tbornadept.Youwereenhanced.

Theknockwaslouderthistime,accompaniedbymuffledshouting.Lilysighedandmovedtowardthe
door.Shewastired.Boneweary.Shewantedtoclosehereyesandsleepforever.Dreamforeverbuteven
thatwaslosttoherifwhatshesuspectedwastrue.

Butit'srealnow,Lily,Ican'tturnitoff.I'llneverbeabletoturnitoff.Ifyourfathermadeyoupartof
anexperimentanditinvolvesusboth,wearen'tgoingtobeabletoturnitoffanymorethanIcanstop
theinformationfloodingmybrain.

Ihavetobesure,Ryland.Myworldhasturnedupsidedown.ShecodedthedoorandopeneditforArly.
Hewaslookingfrantic,butrecoveredquickly,evenscowlingatherwhenshestoodarchinghereyebrow
coollyathimininquiry.

"Wedidn'tgethim."Hehelduphishandtopreventherprotest."Hewasgood,Lily,I'mtalkingamajor
professional.I'dliketoknowhowheknewthecodesandwhatkindofsystemswehave.Hewasbusy
plantingbugsandacameraortwoinyourprivateoffice."

Sheletherbreathoutslowly."Heknewthewaytomyofficeinahousewitheightyroomsinit?Nobody
knowswherealltheroomsare,notevenme.Howwouldacompletestrangerhavethatinformation,Arly?
Hecamestraighttomyfather'soffice,plantedbugs,andhedoesthesametomyoffice.Whatdoesthattell
us?"Shetiltedherheadathiminchallenge.

"ThatI'mnotontopofthesecurityandthatyou'reinmoredangerthanIsuspected."Arlyballedhisfist
andsmackedhispalm."Damnit,Lily,someonehastobefeedingtheminformation.Heknewthelayoutof
thehouseandhewasoutofherelikeadamnedghost."

Lilystiffened.CouldRylandbreakthroughthesecurityofherhome?Hewastrainedtowalkinenemy
campsunseen.WerethereotherGhostWalkers?Menshedidn'tknowabout,menworkingwithherenemy?
Isthatpossible?Arethereothers?

"I'msorry,Lily,Ithoughtthehousewasimpenetrable."

"Wehavetolookcloselyatthedaystaff,goovertheirbackgroundswithafine-toothcomb."Isit
possible,Ryland?Arethereothers?

Arlyshookhishead."Daystaffwouldn'thavetheinformationonoursecuritysystems.Theymightbeable
togivethelocationofyourofficeorDr.Whitney'soffice,buttheywouldneverhavethecodes.Andthey
wouldn'thaveDr.Whitney'sprints.That'saproalltheway,Lily,withbigmoneybehindhim."

Therecouldhavebeenothers.Therewereafewmentheysaidtheyphasedout,menwhodidn'tmeet
theexactcriteria.Theycouldhavebeentakensomewhereelse.

Doyouthinktheywere?

Godonlyknows.Rylandsoundedutterlyweary.

Lilysilentlycursedherfather.Shelookedaroundforachairtositdown.Howcouldonemanhavedone
somuchdamagetosomanypeople'slives?Andhowcouldshenothaveeversuspected?

"Lily?"Arlycaughtherarmandguidedhertoachair."You'vegonepale.You'renotgoingtofaintonme
oranythingstupidlyfemalelikethat,areyou?"

Lilylaughedsoftly,thesoundbitteranddistant."Stupidlyfemale,Arly?WheredidDadeverfinda
womanbasherlikeyou?"

"Idon'tbashwomen,Ijustdon'tunderstandthem,"hecountered,hunkeringdownbesideherchair,his
fingerslooselycirclingherwrist,takingherpulse."I'mbrilliantandhandsomeandcantalkcircles
aroundmostguysandwomenshudderwhentheyseemecoming.Whyisthat?"

"Couldbethewayyoucurlyourlipeverytimeyousaytheword'woman.'"Lilypulledherwristaway
fromhim."You'veworkedwithDadforyears.Igrewupwithyou,followingyouaround…"

"Askingquestions.Nobodyaskedasmanyquestionsasyou."Hegrinnedsuddenly.Shecaughtabrief
glimpseofprideinhiseyes."Ineverhadtotellyouthesamethingtwice."

"Didyoueverhelpwithhisexperiments?"

AtonceArly'sfacecloseddown,thesmilefading."YouknowIdon'tdiscussanyofyourfather's
business,Lily."

"He'sdead,Arly."Shekepthergazefixedsteadilyonhis,watchingforareaction."He'sdeadandyou
can'tprotectthethingshe'sdone."

"He'smissing,Lily."

"Youknowhe'sdeadandIthinkoneofhisprojectsgothimkilled."Sheleanedtowardhim."Youthinkit
too."

Arlydrewback."Maybe,Lily,butwhatdifferencedoesitmake?Yourfatherknewpeoplemostofus
hopewenevermeetinalifetime.Hismindwasalwaysworkingonwaystomaketheworldabetter
placeandinthinkingthatway,hemanagedtofindthedregsofsociety.Hethoughtitwouldhelphim
understandhowpeopleworked."

"Didyoulikemyfather?"Sheaskeditdirectly.

Arlysighed."Lily,I'veknownyourfatherforfortyyears."

"Iknowyouhave.Didyoulikehim?Asaperson?Asaman?Washeyourfriend?"

"IrespectedPeter.IrespectedhimagreatdealandIadmiredhismind.Hehadagreatmind.Hewasa
truegenius.Butnoonewashisfriend,expectperhapsyou.Hedidn'ttalktopeople,heusedthemfor
soundingboards,buthecouldn'tbebotheredknowinganyone.Heusedpeopletofurtherhisowninterests
—oh,notformonetarygain,hedidn'tneedthat,healreadyhadenoughmoneyforasmallcountry,butfor
hisendlessideas.InalltheyearsIknewhim,Idoubtheeveronceaskedmeapersonalquestion."

Sheliftedherchin."Didyouknowheadoptedme?"

Arlyshruggedhisthinshoulders."SinceIneversawhimwithawoman,Ifiguredhehadtohaveadopted
you,butweneverdiscussedit.Ifyouweren'thisbiologically,hewouldhavemadedamnsureyouwere
hislegally.Theonlythinghelovedinhislifewasyou,Lily."

"Didyouknowhehadotherchildrenhere?"

Arlylookeduncomfortable."Thatwasyearsago,Lily."

"Andthemen?"Shetookastabinthedark,watchedhisreactionsclosely.

Arlyhelduphishand."AnythingtodowiththemilitaryIdon'tseeorhear.That'sjustthewayitis,Lily."

"Thisisimportant,Arly,orIwouldn'task.IthinkwhateverthisprojecthewasworkingonatDonovans,
somethingforthemilitary,gotoutofhandandsomeonekilledhimforinformationhewouldn'tturnover.
I'mbeingaskedtotakeoverthatprojectandfindthemissinginformation.Ineedtohaveallthepiecesof
thepuzzle.Weretheremenhererecently?Menhemayhavebeenworkingwith?"

Arlystoodup,pacedacrosstheroom."I'vekeptthisjobandmyhomehereforoverthirtyyearsbecauseI
knewhowtokeepmymouthshut."

"Arly,"Lilysaidsoftly,"myfather'sdead.Eitheryourloyaltyswingstomeandyou'reworkingformeand
you'reapartofmyfamilyandmyhouseholdoryou'renot.ThisisinformationIneedinordertostay
alive.You'llhavetomakeupyourmindwhichit'sgoingtobe."

"MyloyaltyswungtoyouthemomentIlaideyesonyou."Hesaiditstiffly.

"Helpmethen.Iintendtofindoutwhat'sgoingonandwhomurderedmyfather."

"Letthepolicehandleit,Lily.They'llfindaleadeventually."

"Didhebringmentothisplace?Militarymen?Anddidtheystayhereforanylengthoftime?"Lily'sgaze
wassteadyonhersecurityman'sface,notallowinghimtolookawayfromher.

Arlytookadeepbreath."IwascertainhebroughtthreegentlemeninandIknowtheydidn'tleavethat
sameday.Ineversawthemagain,andIneversawthemleave.Hedidn'ttakethemtohisoffice,butupto
thesecond-storyroomsinthewestwing."

"AreyouinmyemployorthatoftheUnitedStatesgovernment?"

"Damnit,Lily,howcanyouaskmethat?"

"Iamaskingyou,Arly."DeliberatelyLilyreachedouttotakehishand,settlingherfingersaroundhis
wrist.Lightly.Yetherfingersfoundhislifeline,searchedforhisemotions.Searchedforthetruthinhim.

Arlyinstinctivelyattemptedtopullawayfromherbutshetightenedherfingers.

ShereachedforRyland.Canyoureadhim?

No.Ihavenoabilitytodothat,notevenwithyouenhancinghisemotionsforme.Hewouldhavetobe
intheroom,touchingme,ormetouchingsomethingofhistotunehiminsoclearly.Becareful,Lily,
he'sgoingtoknowyou'reactingoutofcharacter.

"Idon'tworkforthegovernment."TherewasheatinArly'svoice.

"DoyouworkfortheDonovansCorporation?"Lilypursued.

Arlydidjerkhisarmawayandstumbledbackward,nearlytippingover."Whatthehell'swrongwithyou?
Doyoublamemeforthis?Maybeitismyfault,maybeyourfather'sdisappearanceismyfaulttoo.Ilet
himdrivethatoldbeat-upcarhelovedsomuchwhenIknewhecouldbeatargetofanynumberof
whackos."

Lilydroppedherheadinherhands."I'msorry,Arly,Ireallyam.Everythinginmylifeisoff-kilterright
now.Idon'tblameyouforDad.Noonecouldhavemadehimstopdrivinghiscar.Helovedthatoldthing.
Hejustdidn'tseehimselfasrichorfamousorworkingforsomethingothersmighttakeexceptionto.You
knowthat.Itwasn'tyourfaultanymorethanitwasmine.Butsomeoneinthishouseisleakinginformation
andwehavetofindoutwhoitis."

Arlysatonthefloorandregardedherwithsteadyeyes."Itisn'tme,Lily.You'retheonlyfamilyIhave.
You'reit.Withoutyou,I'mcompletelyaloneintheworld."

"Doyouknowwhymyfatherbroughtmehere?"

"Iimaginehewantedanheir."Hewavedhishandatthehugehouse."Heneededtoleaveitallto
someone."

Sheforcedasmile."Iguesshedid."

"Youlooktired,Lily,gotobed.I'vereportedthebreak-inandI'llhandlethepolice.There'snoneedfor
youtotalkwiththem."

"Arly,Iwantcompletecontroloftheeastwingofthehouse.Alltheroomsoneverystoryofthatwing.I
wantsecurityontheoutsidebutnotasinglecameraormotiondetectorontheinside.Iwantcomplete
privacy.OneplaceIcangowhereIhaveabsoluteprivacyafterIlockitdown.AndIdon'twantanyone
elsetoknow.Youhandletheworkyourself."

Henoddedslowly."Willyouatleastconsiderabodyguard?"

"I'llthinkaboutit,"shepromised.

"Andwearthetransmitter.Iwenttothetroubleofputtingitintoyourwatch,theleastyoucandoiswear
it."Arlyhesitatedthentookadeepbreath."There'sanundergroundtunnelbelowthebasementlevels.It
runsbeneaththeestateandleadstotwoseparateentrances.Yourfatherusedthetunnelstobringinpeople
hedidn'twantyouorthestafftosee."

"Ishouldhavesuspectedsomethinglikethat.Thankyou,Arly.Willyoushowmethetunnels?"

Henoddedreluctantly."I'lltakeyouthereafterthepoliceleave."

Six

RYLANDwaswaiting,hismercury-coloredeyeshotwithemotion.Themomenthergazeclashedwith
his,thememoryofhismouthcrushinghersroseuptotaunther.Herbodyinstantlygrewhotand
uncomfortable.Becamesoftandresponsive.Herbreathcaughtinherlungsandshetastedhim.Felthim.
Shefelthimdeepinsideher,fillingher,apartofher.

Stopit,Ryland.

Hewasangrywithher.Shehadcutherselfofffromhim.Hehadbeenunabletoreachhereveninher
sleep.Rylandhadresolvedtoletherknowjustwhathethoughtofherbehavior,butthemomenthesaw
herhechangedhismind.Hedetestedseeingthedarkcirclesunderhereyes,shadowsthathadn'tbeen
therebefore.Shewassufferingandhewasn'tabouttoaddtoit.Forcingdownthetidalwaveofemotion
hespokesoftly.Itisn'tme.Isweartoyou,Idon'tdothis.

Yes,youdo.Youhavea…vividimaginationandyoubroadcastveryloudly.

Hesawitthen,herneedtopushhimawayfromher.Hehadthoughtitwouldbetheeroticdreamthey
shared,embarrassmentorshynesswithhim.Hecouldgetaroundthat.Persuadeher.Tempther.ButLily
couldn'tbelieveinhimbecauseshecouldn'tbelieveinanyone.Whitneyhaddonethattoher.Damnthe
manforleavingherwithnothing."Lily."Hesaidhernamegently.Enticingher.Coaxingher."Thankyou
forcomingwhenIknowit'ssodifficultforyourightnow."

Herblueeyeswidened.Itwasnicetoseeshockinsteadofwariness.Rylandtriedasmile."Comehere,
talktome."

Lilystaredupintohisface,studiedhisfeatherylashes,hisstrongjaw,theblackhairspillingacrosshis
forehead.Hisstrictmilitarycutwaslonggone,replacedwithshaggyunrulywavesthatlefthim
immenselyattractive.Idoneedtotalktoyou,butnotlikethis.Ineedtoarrangeitsowecango
someplacewheretherecordersandcameraswon'tpickusup.

Hiscoolgrayeyesrestedthoughtfullyonherface.Lilylookedawayfromhim,faintcolorstealingintoher
cheeksinspiteofherdeterminationtoappearserene.Shehaddreamtofthisman.Hot,steamydreamsof
sinfulsexandpassionateresponses.Shehadn'tbeenaloneinthatdream.Rylandhadsomehowbeenwith
her,sharinghereveryfantasy,touchingher,kissingher.Sheclosedhereyes,rememberinghowshehad
straddledhimwildly,withoutinhibition.Ithadbeenadream.Shehadneededtoescapeandshethrew
herselfintoitwitheverythingshewas.Andheknewit.

"Lily,itwasbeautiful."

"I'mnotdiscussingit."

Rylandletitgobecauseshedidn'tneedtobeuncomfortable.Themomenthe'dlaideyesonher,heknew
shewasthewomanbornforhim.Shemightnotknowit,butitdidn'tmatter.Hedid,andhewasrelentless
oncesetonapath.Icanshutdownthecamerasandrecorders.I'vebeendoingitforawhile,onand
off,atfirstforthepractice,nowtogetthemcomplacentaboutit.They'reusedtoitenoughnowthey
don'tcomebyrightawaytocheckonme.Youdon'twanttotalkwithmethisway.

Shedidn't.Itwastoointimateandshedidn'ttrusttheintensityofwhattheyshared.Shefearedeverytime
theyspoketelepathically,itstrengthenedthebond.Butmorethanthat,shefearedforhishealth.Shecould
feelhisconstantpain,feltthedrainonhisstrength.Andshehadnoideaoftheconsequencesofprolonged
useofatelepathicconnection.Ifhecouldremovethethreatofthecameras,itwasbetterforthem.Better
forhim.Thedesiretokeephimfromharmborderedonobsession.Andshecouldn'ttrustthatsomeone
elsemightnotbelistening.

LilylookedupatRyland,drowninginthestarkneedinhiseyes.Noonehadtoldheritwouldbelikethis,
awildcravingthatcrawledoverherskin,heatedherblood,andcreatedhungersodeep,soelementalshe
couldhardlybearbeingseparatedfromhim.

Sheturnedawayfromhim,unabletocontinuelookingathisface.Hewouldknow,hecouldreadher
easily.Thechemistrybetweenthemwasstormingoutofcontrol.Sometimesshewasafraidifhewereout
frombehindthebars,shewoulddoanythingwithhim,rightthere,camerasornot.

"Stopit,"hisvoicewashusky,arawacheinit."Ican'tmove,notastep.Nowyou'retheoneprojecting.
You'remessingmeupuntilIcan'tthinkstraight."

"I'msorry,"shewhisperedthewords,knewhecouldhearher.Shedidn'tturnaround,keepingherface
averted."Youhaven'tsleptindays,wouldyoulikesomethingtohelpyou?"

"YouknowwhyIcan'tsleep.Youcan'tsleepeither.Damnit,you'reafraidtosleep."Histonewaspitched
solowitsmoldered.Itplayedoverherskin,seepedintoherpores,strokedherbodysothateverycell
wasalivewithahungerthatwasedgyandneedful.WhenIsleepIdreamofyou.Ofyourbodybeneath
mine.Ofmybodydeepinsideyours.

Sheknewhedreamtofher,oftheirbodiestangledtogether.Shesharedhiseroticdream,hiswild
fantasiesshecouldn'thopetomatchinreality."It'sacomplicationwedidn'texpect."Sheclearedher
voice,itwashoarseandunfamiliar."That'sallitis,Ryland.Wecangetpastitifwe'redisciplined
enough."

"Lookatme."

Lilyliftedhergazetohis.Shecouldn'tstopherselffromcrossingthedistancetohisside.Hishandsfound
hersthroughthebarsevenasshefelttheheightenedawarenessofenergy,hisoutpouringtointerferewith
theequipment.

"Whatisit,baby?"Hemovedbesideher,silent,calm,hislarger,heavilymuscledbodybrushingagainst
hersprotectivelyrightthroughtheironbars."Talktome.Tellmewhatyoufound."

Lilylistenedtothesoundoftheocean,inthebackground,thewatersoothing,eventhoughthewaves
soundedangry.Sheimaginedthemrushingtowardtheshore,crashingagainsttherocks.Foamgushinginto
theair,sprayingwhitewaterhigh.

Shewishedshecouldroarlikethewaves,escapeoutontothewideragingseawithherwildemotions,
notjustlistentoatapebeingplayed.

"Iwasanexperiment,Ryland."Shesaidthewordssolowhehadtostraintocatchthem."That'swhatI

wastohim.Anexperiment,nothisdaughter."Shetastedthebitternessofbetrayalasshespokethewords
outloud,herworldcrashingaroundher.

Heremainedsilent,holdingherthroughthebars,feelingthepaininherlikealiving,breathingentity.
Rylanddidn'twanttosayordothewrongthing.Lilywasclosetoshatteringlikeglass,sohestayed
silent.

Lilytookadeep,calmingbreath,letitoutslowly."Ifoundhissecretlaboratory.Everythingwasthere.
Videotapesofme,ofotherchildren.Aroomwherehekeptus,whereweateandsleptanddidhistests.I
hadaveryregimenteddiet,allthebestnutrition,watchedonlyeducationaltapes.Iwasgivenonly
educationalmaterialtoread.Everygamewasdesignedtostrengthenmypsychicabilitiesandfurthermy
education."Shepushedanunsteadyhandthroughherhair."Ididn'tknowanyofit,heneverleton,not
once.Ineversuspected,Ireallydidn't."

Rylanddesperatelywantedtotakeherintohisarmsandshieldherfromeveryhurt.Hesilentlycursedthe
barsbetweenthem.ThiswasthebiggestblowLilycouldhavesuffered.PeterWhitneyhadbeenher
father,bestfriend,andmentor.Rylandleanedcloser,rubbedhisjawalongthetopofherheadsothather
haircaughtinthestubbleofhisshadow.Itwasasmallcaress,agestureofaffection,ortenderness.

Lilywasgratefulheremainedsilent.Shewasn'tcertainshecouldhavetoldhimeverythingifhehad
protestedorsympathized.Herfaithandtrustwereshaken.Thefoundationthathadbeenherworldwas
cracked."Hesaid…"Hervoicewobbled,trembledandbroke.

Ryland'sheartbrokerightalongwithhervoice.Hefoundhewasgrippingherhandfartootightlyand
madeanefforttoeasehisstrength.Shedidn'tseemtonotice.Sheclearedherthroatandtriedagain.

"Hetriedtheenhancementofpsychicabilityfirstonorphans.Hetestedyoungfemalechildrenfrom
countrieswhereorphanswereplentifulandneglected.Hehadthemoneyandtheconnectionsandhe
broughttheonesintothecountryhethoughtwouldsuithisneeds.Iwasoneofthem.Nolastname,just
Lily.Thefemalesubjects"—sheclearedherthroat—"that'sme,Ryland,afemalesubject.Weweretaken
directlytohisundergroundlaboratory.Weweretestedandtrainedeverydaymuchliketheregimenyou
wereputthrough."

Shedidlookathimthen.Hereyesswamwithtears.Beforeshecouldblinkthemaway,Rylandbenthis
headtohersandtookthemwithhismouth.Tastinghertears.Kissinghereyelidsgently.Tenderly.Lily
blinkedupathim,confusioninhergaze.

"Tellmetherestofit,getitout,Lily."

Sheliftedherheadtostudyhisface,herblueeyessogrief-strickenhefeltsick.Butsomethinginhis
steadygazemusthavereassuredher.Lilytookabreathandcontinued."HefelttheothergirlsandIwere
unwantedanywayandhewasprovidingadecenthome,medicalcare,andfood.Itwasmorethanwehad
wherehefoundus,that'showheexcusedhisbehavior.Hecouldn'tbebotheredwithournames,sohe
calledusflowersandseasonsandthingslikeRainandStorm."ShetoreherhandfromRyland's,knotting
herfistagainsthertremblingmouth."Wewerenothingatalltohim.Nomorethanratsinalab."

Therewasasmallsilencewhiletheystaredatoneanother."Likeme.Likemymen.Herepeatedthe
experimentonus."

Lilynoddedslowly,pacedawayfromthecageandbacktohim,arestlessangergrowing.Rylandwatched
theshadowschasingacrossherpalefaceasshepacedbackandforth,unabletoremainstill,andhisheart
wentouttoher.Shewasfightingbackintheonlywaysheknewhow,withherbrain,thinkingthings
throughlogically.

"Andtheworstofitis,allthesameproblemshehadhere,withyou,healreadyknewaboutwithus.My
God,Ryland,hejustsentthoselittlegirlsoutthere,unprotected,unwanted,whentheybecametoomuch
trouble."

Hervoicewassolowhecouldbarelyhearher.Shewastooashamed,asifsheweretoblameforwhat
herfatherhaddone.

Rylandreachedthroughthebarsofhiscage,triedtocatchherarm,topullhertohim,butshewasalready
pacingaway,withdrawn,pullingheremotionsinclose.

"Ineversawhisdata,Ryland,Ineverhadachancetoreallyknowhowhedidit.Whathedidwaspure
genius—wrong,butneverthelessgenius.Henoticedtheolderantidepressantslikeamitriptylinedecreased
psychicability,whilethenewerserotoninreuptakeinhibitorswereeitherneutralortheyenhancedit.Dad
wasabletodoapostmortemstudyonaclairvoyant.Thesubjectdemonstratedasevenfoldincreasein
serotoninreceptorsinhippocampalandamygdalatissue,comparedtocontrols."

"You'relosingme."

Shewavedadismissinghand,notlookingathim,stillpacing."Partsofthebrain.Nevermind,justlisten.
Moreover,itwasareceptorsubtypewithcompletelynewbindingcharacteristics.Hesequencedthe
protein,foundtheassociatedgene,clonedit,andinsertedthegeneandexpandeditinaculturedcellline.
Heelucidatedtheproteinstructurewithcomputermodelingandthenmodifiedanexistingserotonin
reuptakeinhibitortohavehighspecificityforthenewlydiscoveredligand.Thetrickypartwastokeep
themoleculelipidsoluble,soitwouldcrosstheblood-brainbarrier.Presto!Suddenlytheradiowas
tunedtotherightstation."

"Baby,I'mnotunderstandingawordyou'resaying."Lilydidn'trealizeit,butshehadshiftedfromhurt
daughtertointerestedscientist."CanyouspeakEnglishforme?"

Lilycontinuedtopace,quick,agitatedmovementsbetrayingherinnerturmoil;shewasspeakingmoreto
herselfthantohim."Notallsubjectshadthesameabilities.Likeapoorlyperformingweightlifter,the
answerwasmoredrugs.Usingathreefoldprogramoftrainingwasastrokeofbrilliance.Eachseparate
avenueprovidedawaytoenhancethenaturalabilities.Andheusedpulsesofelectricity,muchlike
they'vetriedwithParkinson'sdiseaseinthehopesthatitwouldstimulatemoreactivity.Butthelittlegirls
allbegantofallapart,onsensoryoverload.Hefoundtherewereafewanchorsinthemixandallthe
othergirlsgravitatedtowardthem.Hethoughtitwastheiryoungages.Theybegantohavesevere
emotionalandphysicalproblems.Seizurescausingbrainbleeds,hysteria,nightterrors,symptoms
associatedwithseveretrauma.Ithinkthepulsingelectricityprobablycausedthebrainbleeds,butI'll
havetostudyitfurther.Theywerejustchildren.Wewerejustchildren."

SheturnedawayfromRyland,crossingherarmsacrossherbreasts."Heturnedoffthenaturalfiltersand
thenabandonedthemall.Iwasasubject.Hecalledmethat.SubjectLily."

Staringawayfromhimtowardthecomputer,shelookeddesolate."Herealizedthegirlsweregoingto
overload,burnout,sohehastilyfoundthemfamilies,cameupwithsomeplausibleexplanationfortheir
problems,andturnedhisbackonthem.HekeptmebecauseIwasananchorandhehopedtouseme
again."Sheturnedherheadthen,herblueeyescloudywithpain."Andhedid."

"Lily."Hernamewasanachebetweenthem.Herbeautifulname,somuchlikeher,pureandperfectand
elegant.Hewantedtostrangleherfatherwithhisbarehands.Rylandknewtherewasmuchmoretoit.
PeterWhitneywasascientistdriventoachieve.Hewasn'tamanwhowoulddeliberatelyhurtanother
humanbeing,buthewasruthlessinhismethods.Rylandcouldseehim"purchasing"thelittleorphan
childrenfromacountrythatdidn'twantthemanyway.Hehadthemoneyandtheconnections.

"Whenhedecidedtotryagain,heusedgrownmen,alreadywelldisciplined."Shelookedathim."Idon't
evenknowmyrealname."

Rylandmanagedtocatchhershirtsleeveandreelherin.Hepulledheragainstthebars,closetohim,
slippinghisarmsaroundher,unabletostophimself.Shewasstiffandresistant,buthetuckedherbeneath
theshelterofhisshoulder,closetohisheartwhereshebelonged."YournameisLilyWhitney.Youarethe
womanIwantatmysidenightandday.Iwantyoutobethemotherofmychildrensomeday.Iwantyou
formylover.IwantyouforthepersonIturntowhentheworldgetstobetoomuch."

Shemadeasoftsoundofprotest,acrydeepinherthroat,andtriedtoturnawayfromhim,buthecaught
herfacewithhishands,bentoverherprotectively,instinctivelyshieldingherfromthecamera,even
thoughitwasnotfunctioning."Iknowyoucan'thearmewhenIsaythisrightnow,butyouwerePeter's
world.Hewasamanwithoutlaughterorlove,drivenbyhisbrain'sneedtolearnmore.Isawthewayhe
lookedatyou.Helovedyou;hemaynothavestartedoutthatway,buthegrewtoloveyou.Hemaynot
havebroughtyouintohislifefortherightreasons,buthekeptyoubecausehelovedyou.Hecouldn'tbear
topartwithyou.Youmadehimknowwhatlovewas."Rylandwouldhavesaidanythingtotakeawayher
pain,butasheutteredthewords,hefelttheyweretrue.

Sheshookherheadindenial,notdaringtobelievehimbecauseifhewerewrongitwouldbeanother
knifethroughherheart."Youcan'tknowthat."

Hisgrayeyesglitteredwithtruth."Idoknow.Rememberwhathesaidtoyou?Hewantedyoutofindthe
othersandmakeitright.Hewastalkingaboutthoseothergirls.Heknewwhathedidwaswrongandhe
attemptedtomakeupforit,findingthechildrenhomes,settinguptrustfundsforthem.Itwaswrong,Lily,
buthedidn'toperateonthesamekindofwavelengthastherestofus."Hehadcaughttherestofher
father'sintentionsinhermindandusedtheknowledgeshamelessly.

Shewavedherhandtowardthesurface."They'reouttheresomewhere.Hepokedintheirbrains,turned
somethingontheycan'tturnoff,strippedawayeverynaturalfiltertheyhad;heleftusalltofendfor
ourselves."Shelookedupathim."Higgensandthepeopleherecanneverknowaboutthegirls.Ifthey
findthem,they'llusethem—thenkillthem."

"Youhavetodestroythetapes,"Rylandsaid."There'snootherwaytoprotecteverybody,Lily,toprotect
othersinthefuture.Yourfatherknewthatorhewouldn'thaveaskedyoutodestroyhisdata.Theycouldn't
pullanyinformationoffhisharddrives.Hemadecertainheneverrecordedanythingofusewherethey
couldgettoit."

"ThosetapesaretheonlythingsIhavethatmightgivemeaclueastohowtoreversetheprocess,Ryland.
IfIgetridofthem,there'snogoingback."

"Wealreadyknewthat,honey.Peterknewittoo.Herepeatedhisexperiment,alittlemorerefined,with
older,muchmoredisciplinedsubjects,buttheendresultwasstillthesame.Breakdowns,seizures,
trauma.Sensoryoverload."

"Ihavetoviewthemall.Ican'ttakeachanceonmissinganyofthedetails.Ihaveaphotographicmemory.
WhatIreadorview,I'llremember.It'sgoingtotaketime.Myfatherwassuspiciousoveratleasttwo
deaths,Ryland,andI'mworriedaboutyouandthemen.Hewantedyououtofhere,enoughtoaskmeto
help.Afterreadinghisreport,Ithinkhemighthavehadreasontoworry.Iagreewithhimthatyouandthe
othersaren'tsafehere.Therearerecordsofphonecallsfrommyfathertoseveralmilitaryofficials,yet
noonepulledtheplugonHiggens.Ihavenoideahowfarupthechainofcommandthestinkgoes.That's
yourdepartment.Youhavetofigureoutwhoyoucantrust.I'lltrytofeeloutGeneralRanier,butIhaven't
beenabletoreachhim.He'sbeenafamilyfriendsinceIwasachild."

Henodded,hisgrayeyesintentonherface."Lily,wehavetotalkaboutlastnight.Wecan'tpretendit
didn'thappen."

Lilyshookherhead.Hewantedhertobelievehecouldfallinlovewithherwhenhedidn'tevenknow
her.Theydidn'tknowanythingaboutoneanother.Hethoughtitwouldreassureherthatinsomewayshe
waslovable,butitonlyreinforcedherbeliefthatherfatherhadenhancedthechemistrybetweenthem.

RylandMillerandhismenneededsanctuary.Shecouldnotdistanceherselffromhimwhenheneededher
somuch."Arly,who'sheadofmysecurity,showedmetwoentrancestotunnelsthatleadthroughthe
propertytomyhome.Myfatherusedthemwhenhedidn'twantanyoneinthehousetoseepeoplehe
broughtin."

"Areyoucertainyoucantrustthisman?"

Lilyshrugged."Igaveupbeingcertainofanything,Ryland.Icanonlyhopehe'sonmyside.Theentire
eastwingofmyhousewillbesetuptokeepyouandthemenhidden.There'ssomethinglikefifteenrooms
alongwithmysuiteofroomsandthewingisentirelyself-contained.Arlyisfilteringinsuppliesandyou
canusethehouseasabase,buttherearepatrolsandsecuritycamerasinsideandout.I'llgiveyouthe
codesyouneedtogetin."

"Thankyou,Lily."Hisheartswelledwithprideinher.Damn,butshewascourageousandwillingtoput
herselfonthelineforhismen.Forhim.

"IbelieveHiggensisgoingtoarrangeformoreaccidentsandIthinkhehasaGhostWalkerortwoofhis
own,unlessoneofyourmenisworkingwithhim.Inwhichcase,yourescapeisn'tgoingtowork."

"Mymenarenottraitors."Hemadeitastatement.

"Iwouldneverhavebelievedsomeoneinmyhouseholdwouldbetraymyfatherbutsomeonedid.Iwould
neverhavethoughtsomeonehereatDonovanswouldhelpmurdermyfather,buttheyhave.AndIwould
neverhavethoughtmyfatherwouldhavetakenachildfromanorphanageandexperimentedonher,buthe
did.Don'tcounttooheavilyonloyalty,Ryland,you'llgetyourhearthandedtoyou."

Hewassilent,feelingthewavesofsorrowandshamewashoverher.

"I'vealreadyvisitedyourothermenonthepretenseofaskingtheircooperationinfurthertesting.I
couldn'tfindRussellCowlings.Accordingtotheloghehadaseizureoveraweekagoandwasrushedto
themedicalunit.Icheckedwiththehospitalandtheysignedhimouttotransportbymedicalhelicopter
withintwentyminutesofreceivinghim.Thatdoesn'twash.Ifhewerethatunstabletheywouldhave
neededtimebeforetheysenthimoff.I'mtryingtotrackhimdown,butI'mafraidhe'slost.Nobodyseems
tohavethepaperworkonhim.IputinacalltoHiggensbuthehasn'treturnedit."

"Damnit,Lily."Rylandhunghishead,hisfistsclenchedathissides."Russell'sagoodman.Thisisn't
right."

"No,it'snot,"sheagreed."Noneofitisright."

"Lily…"Herblueeyesdriftedoverhisface,stoppinghiswordsbeforehecouldsaythem.

Sheshookherhead."Idon'twantwhateverhappenedbetweenustogoanyfurther.It'snotrightandI'll
nevertrustit.Youdon'tknowme,howcouldyoupossiblythinkyoucouldloveme?Idon'tknowmyself.
Wehaven'teventalked."

"I'vewalkedinyourmind.Iknowwhatkindofwomanyouare.Iknowexactlywhoyouare,Lily,evenif
youthinkIdon't.Iseewhatyou'vedone,whatyouaredoingforus.That'sextraordinary,whetheryou
wanttothinksoornot."Hehadherwristagain,histhumbslidingbackandforthinsmallcaressesover
hersensitiveinnerwrist.Hiseyesonhers,hebroughtherhandtohismouth,histonguetastingherskin.

"Youdon'tplayfairatall,Ryland."

Hissmileactuallyclimbedtohiseyes,abriefflashthatfannedanemberdeepinsideherintosizzlingfire.
"Itisn'tagametome,Lily.Isawyou.IknewyouweremeanttobeminethemomentIlaideyesonyou.It
doesn'tmatterthatwe'reinthemiddleofallthisbullshit.You'reforever.You'rereal."Ashereluctantly
releasedherwrist,shebackedawayfromthebars,cradlingherhandclosetoherbody.Herknuckles
throbbedandburned,brandedforalltimebythebrief,searingcontactwithhismouth.

"Andifyouthinkyou'reperfectlysafe,"hecontinued,"remember,thecamerasaren'tworking."

"I'msorry,"shewhisperedthewords,knewhecouldhearher.Shedidn'tturnaround,keepingherface
averted.Itwashumiliatingtoknowshecouldn'tcontrolthewildflaresofdesireshefelteachtimeshe
wasnearhim.Lilyhadalwaysbeenincontrol,nowshefeltconfusedandoff-center.

"Lookatme."

Lilyshookherheadsilently.

"You'realittlecoward,aren'tyou?"hetaunted.

Shedidturnthen,hereyesflashingsparksathim,hershouldersstraight."You'dbetterprayI'mnota
cowardoryoudon'thaveachance,nowdoyou?"

Heswore,hishandscurlingintofistsathissides.Heforcedairthroughhislungs,tampeddownhis

frustration,andfocusedonher.Shewasalwayssoprofessional,anditannoyedthehelloutofhim.He
wantedherintheworstway,cravedher.Andtheshareddreamshadn'thelped.Itonlylefthimwanting
more.

Needingherhadeatenathimdayandnightsincehe'dfirstmether,crawledthroughhisbodyuntilhe
knewthemeaningoftheword"obsession."Everyfantasyhehadeverhad,hewantedtosharewithher.
"I'msorry,Lily.You'renottheoneinthiscage.Mybody'sonehardpainandmymindisroaringatme.
Jackhammersarerippingatmyhead."

Lilyheardthestarktruthinhisvoiceandhurriedovertothecagetolookathimclosely."MyGod!
Ryland!"

Itwastoolatetoprotecther.Hehadkeptupthebarriersasbesthecouldinhisweakenedcondition.But
hecouldn'thelptryingtoprotecther.Shewasanenhancer,anamplifier,aswashe.Shefelthispainand
echoeditbacktenfold.Hegrippedthebarsofhisprisonsohardhisknucklesturnedwhite.

"Whydidn'tyouletmeseethis?"Shestilledinsuddencomprehension."Lastnight.Holdingthebridge
betweenus,youweredoingthatalone."Herhandslidthroughthebars,trailedfingersoverhisfaceina
gentlecaress."Ryland,youcan'tputyourselfinjeopardyforme.ThevoicesIwashearing,thatwasyou
checkingonthemen.You'reusingyourtalentstoomuch.Youhavetorest,thinkaboutyourself."

Hetrappedherhandagainsthismouth."I'llrestwhenthey'resafe.Italkedmostofthemintothis
experiment.Icouldalwaysdothings,thingsotherpeoplecouldn't.Iwantedtodomore.I'dliketoblame
Dr.Whitney,yourfather.ButIthoughtitwasabrilliantidea.Ilikedbeingabletowalkintothecampof
anenemyand'suggest'theguardlooktheotherwayandhavehimdoit.Theteam,wewereinvincible
together."

Thepainwasreal,shardsofglassstabbingdeepintohisbrain.Hispulsewastoofastandsmallbeadsof
sweatstoodoutonhisbrow."Ryland,IwouldorderyoumedicationtosleepbutI'mafraidofwhatthey're
doing.Icangetyousomethingmyselfbutitwilltakealittletime.Youneedtorestandletyourbrain
relax."

Heshookhishead."Iwon'ttakemedication.Justgetmethehelloutofhere,Lily.IcanrestwhenI'msafe
withyou."

Hemadeitsoundsointimate.Lilycouldn'tforceaprotest.Rylandhadgivensomuchenergytoher.Tohis
men.Hethoughtofeverybodybuthimself.

Hesmiledather,abriefflashofhiscockyconfidence."Iwasthinkingofmyselflastnight,Lily,notjust
you."

Thecolorroseinspiteofherdeterminationtoignorehiseveryreferencetotheirnight."Theguardsare
probablyworriedaboutmesinceit'sbeenawhile.Youshouldconserveyourenergyandstopdisrupting
thesecurity.Whereisyourfamily,Ryland?"Shecouldonlydistracthim.

Heallowedherhandstoslipoffofhimonlybecauseheneededtositdown.Rylandmadehiswaytothe
bedandstretchedout,closinghiseyessothedimlightcouldn'tpiercehisbrain."Mymotherraisedme
alone,Lily.Youknowthestory.Unwedteenagemotherwithoutprospects."Therewasasmileinhis

voicethattoldherheadoredhismother."Shedidn'tbelieveinlivingbyotherpeople'srules,though.She
hadmeinspiteofeveryonetellinghertogetridofme,andfinishedhighschoolatnight.Sheworkedand
tookoneclassatatimeuntilshegotthroughjuniorcollege."

"Shesoundsimpressive."Lilysatinachairnearhiscageasthecomputerblinkedandthemonitorscame
tolife,signalingRylandhadgivenupshuttingthemdown.

"Youwouldhavelikedher,"heconfirmed."Welivedinthisoldbeat-uptrailer,inthemiddleofacruddy
park.Ourhousewasthecleanesttraileronthelot.Therewerealltheseflowersandbushesaroundour
place.Sheknewthenameofeveryflowerinthegardenandshemademepullalltheweeds."Ryland
rubbedhisforeheadwiththeheelofhishand."Well,shepulledweedswithme.Shebelievedintalking
thingsout."

Asmall,reluctantsmiletuggedatthecornersofLily'smouth."IstherealessoninthisI'mabouttohear?"

"Probably.Iwasgettingtoit."

"I'lljustbetyouwere."Lilyliftedaneyebrowattheguardasherushedin."Istheresomereasonyou're
disturbinguswhilewe'retalking?"

Hervoicewasultracool.Rylandcouldn'thelpbutadmirehowconfidentsheappeared,dismissingthe
guardwithherhaughtytone.Herfacewascompletelyexpressionlessasherdisinterestedgazedrifted
overtheintruder.Rylandwaspleasedthatsheappearedaniceprincesstoeveryoneelsebutburnedlike
fireforhim.

Theguardclearedhisthroat,visiblysquirming."I'msorry,Dr.Whitney,themicrophonesarefried,the
securitycamerasweren'tworking,and—"

"Theyoftendon'twork,"sheinterrupted."Iseenoreasontobreakacardinalruleandenteralaboratory
whileI'mconductingaprivateinterview,doyou?"

"No,ma'am"Theguardhurriedfromtheroom.

"You'resupposedtoberesting,"LilyreprimandedRyland.

"Iamresting,"hesaidpiously.

"You'rebroadcastingblatantsexualinterest."

"AmI?"Heturnedhisheadtogrinather."I'vebeenthinkingaboutthat.Idon'tthinkit'smeatall."

"Really?"

Hestartedtoshakehisheadandthoughtbetterofit."Yes,I'vebeengivingitquiteabitofthought.
Kaden'sanenhancer,butwhenhewalksintotheroomIcertainlydon'thavethisobsessivesexual
attractiontowardhim."

Lilychokedbackalaugh.Rylandfeltthesoundallthewaytohistoes.Hervoicealonecouldtouchhim.
Hesmiledinspiteofhispoundinghead."Thinkaboutit,Lily.You'retheonegeneratingallthesexual

feelingstowardmeand,youbeinganenhancer,thefeelingsareespeciallystrong."Hedidhisbestto
soundinnocent.

"Youhaveburstafewbraincells,haven'tyou?Youaren'taverygoodliar,Ryland.I'llbetyounevergot
awaywithasinglethingwhenyouwerealittleboy."Forsomereasonthethoughtofhimasacurly-
headedboymeltedherheart.

Rylandlaughedsoftlyatthememories."Ithadnothingtodowithmyabilitytolie.Mymotherhadeyesin
thebackofherhead.Shekneweverything.Idon'tknowhow,shejustdid.SheknewIwasgoingtodo
somethingbeforeIdidit."

Lilylaughedaloud,thesoundplayingalonghisbodylikethetouchofcaressingfingers."Youprobably
confessedallanddidn'tevenknowyouweredoingit."

"Probably.Shehadarealthingabouteducation.Ididn'tdareslackoffinschool.Icouldgetawaywiththe
messyroomoccasionallyandforgettingtodomychorestoplaysportswithmyfriends,butIdidn'tever
missasinglehomeworkassignment.ShecheckedeveryoneandinsistedIreadbookseveryeveningwith
her."

"Whatkindofbooks?"

"Wereadalltheclassics.Shehadavoicethatbroughtthestoryalive.Ilovedtolistentoherread.Itwas
betterthantelevisionanyday.Ofcourse,Ididn'tleton,Igrousedalotsoshe'dthinkIwasdoingher
favorsbyreadingwithher."Therewasashadowofregretinhisvoice.

"Sheknew,"Lilysaidfirmly.

"Yeah,Iguessshedid.Shealwaysknew."

Lilyblinkedbacktears."Whathappenedtoher?"

Therewasasmallsilence."Isurprisedherwithavisitandshedecidedshehadtomakemeoneofher
famousdinners.Wedrovetothegrocerystore.Adrunkdriverranaredlightandhitus.Isurvivedbutshe
didn't."

"I'msosorry,Ryland.Shesoundslikeshemusthavebeenextraordinary.Iwouldlovetohavemether."

"Imissher.Shealwayshadawayofsayingtherightthingatexactlythemomentitneededtobesaid."
likeLily.HewasbeginningtothinkLilysharedthatsametrait

"Doyouthinkshewasanaturaladept?"

"Apsychic?Maybe.Sheknewthings.Butmostlyshewasjustawonderfulmother.Shetoldmeshetook
classesandreadbookstofindouthowtoraiseakid."Amusementtingedhisvoice."ApparentlyIdidn't
reactlikethekidsinthebooks."

"I'llbetyoudidn't."Lilywantedtoholdandcomforthim.Shecouldfeelhisachinglonelinessanditateat
her.Shesmotheredagroan.Itdidn'tseemtomatterhowreasonableherargumentswere,theattractionto
Rylandonlygrewinhiscompany.Theneedtoseehimhappyandhealthywasfastbecomingessentialto

herownhappiness.

"Igaveheralotoftrouble,"headmitted."Iwasalwaysfighting."

"Whydoesthatnotsurpriseme?"Sheliftedaneyebrowathim,butitwasthesmallsmilehoveringalong
thecurveofhermouththatcaughthisattention.

Hesatontheedgeofhisbed,rakedbothhandsthroughhishair."Livingwherewedid,wewerefair
gameforcomments.BothMomandme.IwaskidenoughtothinkIhadtodefendus,totakecareofus."

"Youstillarelikethat,"shepointedout."It'sarathercharmingtrait."Shesighedwithregret,knowing
timewasslippingawayfromher.Sheenjoyedhiscompany,enjoyedtalkingwithhim."Ihavetogo,
Ryland.Ihavesomuchworktodoonotherthings.I'llbebackbeforeIleaveforthenighttocheckon
you."

"No,Lily,justtakeoff."Hisgraygazewassteadyonhers.Hestoodup,fatigueineverymuscleofhis
body.Hewalkedovertothebars,eventhougheachstepseemedtodrivespikesthroughhishead.

Shesuckedinherbreathaudibly."Maybeyoushouldwait."

"Ican'taffordtotakethechance,Lily.Clearoutandstayclear."

Shenodded,asmallfrowntouchinghermouth.Herprofilewastohim,shewasdeepinthought,and
Rylandtooktheopportunitytoallowhimselftheluxuryofdrinkinginhervoluptuousfigure.Therewere
nohardanglesonLily,shewasallfemininecurves.Herwhitecoatwasthrownoverherclothes
carelessly,movingwhenshemoved,givingintriguingglancesofgenerousbreasts.Whenshewalked,the
materialofherslacksstretchedacrossherroundbottom,drawinghisattention.Herbodywasablatant
temptationhecouldn'tthinkabouttoomuch,withoutgoingupinflames.Hewouldhaveher.Shewould
walkbesidehim,liebeneathhim,comealive,comeapartinhisarms.Shewashismatchineveryway,
shejusthadn'tacceptedityet.

"You'redoingitagain,Captain,"shereminded,agentlereprimand,thecolorflaringunderherpaleskin.

Hishandscurledaroundthebarsofhiscage,hispalmsitchingtoseeifherskinwasassoftasitlooked.
"Notyet,I'mnot,Lily."Hesaidthewordsbeneathhisbreath,uncaringifsheheardornot.

Shestoodtherelookinghelplessforamoment,completelyoutofcharacter."Don'tletanythinghappento
you,"shewhisperedbeforesheturnedandlefthimtherealonewithhispainandhisguiltandthecage
holdinghimprisoner.

Seven

THEnightwasunexpectedlycold.Lilyshiveredasshelookedupatthethincrescentshapeofthemoon.
Darkcloudsswirledacrossthesky,dullingthesparklingstarsscatteredaboveher.Thewindtuggedat
herclothesandwhippedstrandsofhairintoherfaceandeyes.Threadsofwhitefogwhirledinsmall
eddies,curlingthroughtheheavywireofthefences,reachingtowardherlikeraggedclaws.Shecould
smellthestormcominginoffthesea.

"Dr.Whitney!Ithoughtyou'dgonehomeforthenight."Atallguardemergedoutoftheshadows.Hewas
oneoftheolder,muchmoreexperiencedmen.Lookingathimclosely,shewonderedifheweremilitary.

Shefeignedfright,jumpingasifstartled."Youscaredme,Ididn'thearyou."

"Whatareyoudoingouthere?"Therewasatraceofworryinhisvoice.Shewasn'twearingajacket.

Lilyshiveredintheicywind."Breathing,"sheansweredsimply."Wonderingwhethertogohomeandget
somesleeporgobackandworksoIdon'thavetofacemyfathernotbeingthere."Sherakedherfingers
throughherthickhair.

"It'scoldouthere,Dr.Whitney.I'llwalkyoutoyourcar."Thenoteofconcerncausedtearstoburnbehind
hereyes,toclogherthroat.Griefwelledup,sharpandclearandstrong.Shehadshovedsorrowandthe
knowledgeofherfather'sdeathasideallday,helditatbaywithwork,allthewhilemeticulouslyplanning
theaftermathoftheescape.Guiltfedherstormyemotions.Ifanyoneshouldbeharmedintheescapeit
wouldfalldirectlyonhershoulders.PeterWhitneyhadtoldherwhathewanted,whathislastwishes
were,butultimately,itwasherresponsibility.

TherehadalreadybeenenoughmistakesmadebytheWhitneys,andshewasuncertainwhethershewas
doingmoreharmthangood.Whatifthemencouldn'tsurviveoutsidetheconditionsofthelaboratory?
TheirescapewouldgiveHiggenstheexcuseneededtocarryoutanyplanhehadtoterminateanywho
opposedhim.Itwouldbrandanyinthemilitaryasadeserter.

"Dr.Whitney?"Theguardtookherarm.

"I'msorry,I'mallright,thankyou."Lilywasuncertainwhethershewouldeverbeallrightagain."Mycar
isintheparkinglotoverbythefirstguardtower.Youdon'thavetowalkme,I'mfine,really."

"Iwasheadingthatwaymyself,"hetoldher,urgingherinthedirectionshe'dindicated,hislargerbody
betweenherandthewind.

Astheywalked,somethinginsideofherwentverystill.Knowledgeblossomed,flaredintofulllife.She
feltthemovements,thepresenceoftheothersinthenight.Chameleons—GhostWalkers,theycalled
themselves—phantomsmoving,blendingwithanyterrain,athomeinthedark,inthewater,inthejungle
andtrees.Theywereshadowswithintheshadows,abletocontroltheirheartandlungs,abletowalk
amongtheenemyunseen.Lilyfeltthem,thevibrationofpowertheywielded,astheymovedthroughthe
high-securitycompound,keepingtheguardslookingtheotherwaywiththesheerforceoftheirminds.

TheplanhadbeenforLilytobefarawayfromthearea,heralibiindisputable,butshehadlingered,
drawnbyguiltandfear.Itwasdifficulttobreakintothefacility,butmucheasiertobreakout.Ryland

Millerandeachofhismenhadpsychicabilitiestovaryingdegrees.SheknewRylandhadplannedtolure
ColonelHiggenstohiscellsosuspicionwouldfalldirectlyonthecolonelasthelastmantobewithhim
justbeforeRylandwasabletoescape.Rylandwouldfreetheothers.Themenwouldfindsafetyin
numbersatfirst,allowingtheirvariousskillstobenefiteveryone,butonceoutofthecompound,itwasfar
safertoscatter,goingintwosorsinglytotheirultimatedestination—herhome.

Sheallowedhergazetoslidecasuallyalongthedeeperedgesofthebuildings,thetowersandequipment
inthecompound.Herchestwasunexpectedlytight.Shecouldn'tspotthem,butshefeltthem.Theywere
movingthroughthehigh-securitycompoundlikethephantomstheycalledthemselves.Adogbarked
somewheretoherleft,setherheartpounding.Theanimalstoppedabruptlyasifsilencedbyacommand.
Herguardtightenedhisholdonherarm,suddenlyuneasy.

Heswunghisheadinthedirectionofthedog.Lilystumbled,distractinghim."I'msorry,"shesounded
morebreathlessthansheintendedashecaughther,preventingherfromfalling."It'sdarkouttonight.The
stormiscominginfasterthananticipated."

"It'ssupposedtobeabadone.Youshouldgethomebeforeithits,"headvised."Thegustscouldreacha
hundredmilesanhourandyourcarissmall."

Shehadpurposelyrefusedthelimousine,knowingeverycarwouldeventuallycomeundersuspicionand
alimousinecouldeasilytransportseveralescapeesoutsidethecompound.

Theguard'sconcernwasnearlyherundoing.Shewaswoundmuchtighterthansherealized,griefforher
fatherswirlingclosetothesurface,threateningtospillover.Distressfortheknowledgeshehadbeenpart
ofherfather'sscientificexperiments.Guiltfortheescapebatteringherconscience.Fearthatsomeone
wouldbehurtorkilledgnawedatheruntilshewasafraidshemightscream.Tearsshimmeredinher
eyes,blurredhervision.Werethelivesofthemengoingtobeanybetterontheoutsidewherenoone
protectedthem?Shehadtotellherselfatleasttheyweresafefromdeliberateharm.

"You'reshaking,Dr.Whitney,"theguardobserved."Maybeyoushouldgobackinsideandspendthenight
here."Hestoppedinthemiddleoftheyard,bringinghertoahaltbesidehim.

Lilyforcedabrightnoteintohervoice."I'mfine,justalittleshakenup.I'vehadweekstogetusedtomy
father'sdisappearance,butthethoughtoffacinganemptyhouseinthemiddleofastormisdaunting.We
alwaystalkedtogether.Nowthere'sjustsilence."

Withoutwarning,lightningburstacrossthesky.Theflareinstantlylitthecompoundandsurroundingarea
withawhite-hotspotlight.ToLily'shorror,theflashilluminatedthedarkshapeofamanonlyfeetaway
fromthem.Hiseyeswerefixedonthem.Focused.Steady.Theeyesofapredator.Hishandmovedand
shecaughttheglintofaknife.Kaden.Sherecognizedhiminstantly.Hewasoneofthestrongertalents.

Lilythrewherbodybetweenthephantomandtheguard,knockingintotheguardsothattheybothwent
downinatangleofarmsandlegs.Theflashoflightwasgone,leavingthemtrappedandvulnerableinthe
darkness.Theybothhitthegroundhard,Lilybumpingherheadhardenoughthatasoftcryescaped.The
guardswore,rollingtohisfeet,reachingtobringherupwithhimjustasthunderclappedloudly,splitting
theskyapartsothatrainpoureddowninlongdrenchingsheets.

"Youshouldn'tevenbecontemplatingdrivingacarifyou'rethisafraidoflightning,"theguardwarned,

hishandsholdingherstillforhisinspection.

Sherealizedhehadbeenlookingintheoppositedirection.Hehadn'tseenthenearlyinvisiblethreatso
closetothem.Forallsheknewtheycouldbesurroundedbythephantoms.Theideasentasurgeof
adrenalineracingthroughherbloodstream.Therainrandownherfaceandsoakedherclothes.Wouldit
bebettertogobacktothebuildingorgotohercar?Wherewouldtheguardbethesafest?

Lightningveinedintheclouds,sizzlingandcrackling,zigzaggedfromgroundtosky,shakingtheearth
beneaththeirfeetandonceagainilluminatingthecompound.Kadenhadmeltedintothenight,butinthe
flash,shesawanotherface.Apairofmercilesssilvereyesrakedherface,fixedontheguardstillholding
herarms.Rylandwasclose,socloseshecouldalmostreachoutandtouchhimovertheguard'sshoulder.
Thebriefflarewasgoneintheclapofthunder,leavinginevitabledarknessbehind.

Lilysaggedagainsttheguard,terrifiedbythestriped,menacingmaskonRyland'sface.Hewashighly
skilledinhand-to-handcombat,inmartialarts.Hecarrieddeathinhislargehands.Shedidn'tknowwhat
todo,whomtoprotect.Whethertokeeptheguard'sattentioncenteredonher,orwhethertowarnhimof
theveryrealdanger.

Relax,sweetheart.Thevoicedrawledlazilyinherhead,playedoverhersenseslikeavelvetglove.I'm
notgoingtohurtyourhero.Andgetoutofthedamnedrainbeforeyoucatchpneumonia.

Reliefrushedthroughher.Sheraisedherrain-wetfacetotheskyandsmiledfornoreasonatall.You
can'tcatchpneumoniafromrain.

"Weneedtogetoutofthisrightnow,"theguardsaid,tuggingatherarmtogethermoving."I'mtakingyou
backtothebuilding.It'sdangerousouthere."

"Iagree,"sheansweredwholeheartedly.

Ihavetwomoremenwhohaven'tmadeitout.Keephimawayfromthelabs.

"ButIcan'tfacegoingtothelabsagaintonight.Let'sheadforthegeneralcafeteria,"sheimprovised
swiftly.

TheguardflunghisarmaroundLilyinanattempttokeeptherainfromherandtogethertheysprinted
acrossthelongexpanseofpavementtowardthelargestrowofbuildings.Lilywaslookingattheground,
hereyesstrainingtoseewhereshewasgoing,whenthenextboltoflightninghit.Thiswasmuchcloser
anditrattledwindowsandshookthetowers,causingoneoftheguardstoyelpinfear.

"Thosemenshouldgetoffofthere,"sheyelled,justasthethunderexploded.Thenoisewasastonishing,
solouditnearlyknockedthemdown.Herearshurtfromtheimpact.

"Thetowershavelightningrods,they'llbeokay,"theguardassuredher.Buthespedup,draggingherwith
him.

Ontheheelofhiswordswasaloudexplosionasthetowertookadirecthit.Sparksraineddown,firein
thesky,burstinglikegemsintheair.Lilywaslookingaroundherfrantically,shieldingherface,wanting
onelastglimpse,onelastlook,buttheshadowfiguresweregoneandshewasleftaloneintheraging
storm.

Shefeltbereft.Theemotiondrainedherasnothingelsecould.

Theguard'sarmpropelledherintothemainbuildingjustasthealarmsounded."It'sprobablynothing,"he
said."Thesiren'sbeengoingoffregularlywithnoexplanation—aglitch,ormaybeit'sthestorm,butI
havetogo.Youstayhereoutoftherain."Hepattedherarminreassuranceandtookoff.

Lilystaredoutthewindow,oblivioustoherrain-drenchedbodyandsoakedclothes,prayingshehaddone
therightthing.Rylandwasgone,slippingawaywithhismen.Itwasuptohertofindawaytohelpthem
liveintheworldagain.Shehadnoideahowshewasgoingtodosuchathing.Shehadnoideaifthe
wateronherfacewasrainortears.

Sheleanedherforeheadontotheglasspane,staringsightlessly.Howwouldthemensurviveinaworld
filledwithrawemotion,withviolenceandpain?Theoverloadofstimulicouldsendthemintomadness.
Itwasinsanitytothinktheywouldallmakeittoherestatewithoutmishap.HowwouldRylandMiller
survivewithouthertoshieldhimfromtherestoftheworld,evenforashortperiodoftime?Itwouldbe
soeasyforhimtobeseparatedfromtheothers.HewouldsendtheweakermenwithKadenandprotect
theirbacks.Sheknewthat,acceptedit.Rylandwouldguardtheothersbeforehewouldthinkofhisown
safety.Itwasthattraitinhimthatappealedsostronglytoher.

Ifshe'dlefttheminthelaboratorythemenwouldhavenohopeoffindingpeace.Theywouldbeused,
observed,treatedeventuallyaslabrats,nothumans—shehadalreadynoticedtheguardsandtechswere
depersonalizingthem.ColonelHiggensobviouslywantedthemdead,andshebelievedhewasarranging
"accidents"forthemduringtesting.Atleastshecouldprovidemoneyenoughtofindaplacetolivein
freedom,inseclusionmaybe,butstillliving.Theywouldbesafe.AndbothPeterWhitneyandRyland
Millerhadthoughttheriskwasworthit.Shehadtobecontentwiththat.

Whentheferocityofthestormhadeased,sheheadedforhercar.Thecompoundwasinanuproar,guards
scramblinginalldirections,lightsshockinglybrightinthenightastheysweptcontinuallyalongthe
shadowsofbuildings,seekingprey.Thedrizzleofraincouldn'tmutetheshockedshoutsandblaring
noisesasthewordspreadthattheGhostWalkershadescaped.Thecageswereemptyandthetigerswere
out.Fearspreadlikeadisease.Lilycouldfeelwavesofitshimmeringofftheguardsastheyscurried
aroundher.Thepostwasonlockdownandtherewasnowayforhertoleave.

Theemotionsrunningsohighwereoverwhelming.ShecouldonlyhopeRylandandhismenweresafely
away.Asitwas,herownbarrierswereflimsy,batteredbythehighlevelsoffearandadrenaline
broadcastbytheguardsandtechnicians.Shewaiteditoutinheroffice,herhandsoverherearstomuffle
thesoundofthescreamingsirens.Shewasgladwhen,afteratime,thenoisestoppedabruptly.The
suddensilencewasamercytoherthrobbinghead.Lilytookalongshowerinherprivatebathroomand
putonachangeofclothesshekeptforthemanynightsshespentworking.

Shewasnotsurprisedwhentwoguardsaskedhertoaccompanythemtotheofficeofthepresidenttomeet
withamilitaryliaisonandtheexecutivesofDonovans.Withasmallsighconveyingherreluctance,she
complied.Shewasdrainedphysicallyandemotionallyandwasdesperatetohidefromtheworld.

ThomasMatherson,aidetoPhillipThornton,waswaitingtofillherin."GeneralRonaldMcEntire
happenedtobeheretonightvisitingthecompound.HecalledGeneralRanier,ColonelHiggens'sdirect
commander,andinsistedonbeingbroughtonboard."Theaideopenedthedoorforherandgesturedfor

hertoprecedehim.

Lilycouldn'tbelievehergoodfortune.Ageneralwhohadnoknowledgeoftheexperiment.Ifshecould
findawaytotalktohimalone,shecouldtellhimhersuspicionsaboutColonelHiggens.Theterrible
knotsinherstomachbegantoease.

Thelargeroomwasdominatedbytheenormousroundtable.Everychairwasfilledandallheadsswung
tolookather.Mostofthemenhalfrosewhensheentered,butshewavedthemtotheirseats.

"Gentlemen."Shespokesoftly,hervoicefilledwithherusualconfidence.Sheknewherexpressionwas
absolutelyserene,she'dpracticeditoftenenough.

ItwasameasureofhisupsetthatPhillipThorntonperformedtheintroductionshimself.Henearlyalways
leftwhatheconsideredmenialtaskstohisassistant."Dr.Whitneyhasjustagreedtotakeoverwhereher
fatherleftoff.She'sbeensiphoningthroughhisdata,tryingtomakesenseofitforus."

Barelyacknowledgingtheintroduction,thegeneralglaredatLily."Dr.Whitney,fillmeinonthis
experiment."Itwasanorder,sharpandclear,thegeneral'seyesbetrayinghisanger.

"Howmuchdoyouknow?"Lilywascautious.Shewantedtobecareful,feelherwaywithhim.Tostall.
Togivethementimetofindtheirescaperoutesandusethem.SurreptitiouslysheglancedatColonel
Higgens,raisinganeyebrowininquiry.

Hisnodwasslight,almostimperceptible,givingapproval.

"Let'ssayIknownothing."

MathersonpulledoutachairforLilyclosetothegeneralandacrossfromPhillipThornton.Witha
gratefulsmiletotheaide,shetookhertimeseatingherself."Itrustthateveryoneinthisroomhasthe
propersecurityclearance?"

"Ofcourse,"snappedthegeneral."Fillmeinonthesemen."

Lily'sgazesettledonhisface."Themenweredrawnfromallbranchesoftheservice.Dr.Whitney,my
father,waslookingforaparticulartypeofman.GreenBerets,NavySEALs,SpecialForces,Rangers,
menhighlyskilledandabletoendureindifficultcircumstances.Ibelievehepulledmenfromtheranksof
lawenforcementalso.Hewantedmenofsuperiorintelligenceandofficerswhohadcomeupthroughthe
ranks.Hewantedmenwhocouldthinkforthemselvesifthesituationdemandedit.Eachofthemenhadto
testhighforapredispositionforpsychicability."

Thegeneral'seyebrowshotup.HeglaredatColonelHiggens."Youknewaboutthisnonsenseandyou
approvedit?YouandGeneralRanier?"

Higgensnodded."Theentireexperimentwasapprovedfromthebeginningandithadmerit."

Therewasasmallsilencewhilethegeneralseemedtotakeitin.HeturnedbacktoLily."Andhowwould
theytestthemforpsychicability?"

LilylookedatHiggensasifforhelp.Whennonewasforthcomingsheshrugged."Thescreeningpartwas

easyenough.Dr.Whitney,myfather,thatis,developedaquestionnairethathighlightedthetendencies
towardtheclairvoyant."

"Suchas…"GeneralMcEntireprompted.

"Theabilitytorememberandinterpretdreams,frequentdéjàvu,thesuddenurgetocallafriend,just
whenhe'sintrouble,eventhetendencytoaccepttheideaofclairvoyancebecause'itfeelsright'is
positivelyassociatedwiththetalent."

Thegeneralsnorted."Utternonsense.Wedroppedthoseprogramsyearsago.There'snosuchthing.You
tookgoodmenandbrainwashedthemintothinkingtheyweresuperiortotherestofus."

Lilytriedtobepatient,wantingthegeneraltounderstandtheenormityofwhathadbeendonetohismen.
"Ofcourse,there'salotmorewedon'tunderstandabouttheneurobio-chemistryofclairvoyancethanwe
actuallyknow,butrecentadvancesinneurobehavioralpsychologyhavestrengthenedsomehypotheses.
Weknow,forinstance,thatthecapacityforclairvoyanceisgeneticallydetermined.Weallhaveheardofa
fewindividualsdoingremarkablefeatsintheparanormalsphere.Thesearepsychicgeniuses."Lily
gropedforawaytomakehimunderstand."LikeanEinsteininphysicsoraBeethoveninmusic.Doyou
understand?"

"I'mfollowingyou,"thegeneralsaidgrimly.

"Weknowthatmostmasterphysicistsarenotgeniuses,noraremostconcert-levelmusicianschild
prodigies.Myfatherputtogetheraprogramtoscreenpotentialcandidatesforanaptitudefor
clairvoyance,thenhedevelopedaprogramtotrainandenhancetheirpotential.Thinkofabodybuilder.
Heisaresultofgeneticpotential,stricttraining,and…"Shetrailedoff,hastilycensoringthe"probably
designerdrugs."Thelesstheygotintothatpartthebetter.

Shehadnointentionofbeingspecificwithanyofthesemen,leastofallPhilipThorntonandColonel
Higgens.Herfatherhadbeenmeticulousaboutnotallowinghisformulatofallintoanyone'shands;she
wasn'tgoingtogiveitawaytotheverycrowdshesuspectedofhismurder.

Thegeneralheavedasoftsighandsankintothechairbehindthedesk.Rubbinghistemples,helookedat
her."Thisisbeginningtosoundtooplausible.Howdidhegetittoactuallywork?They'vetriedthistype
ofthingineverycountryforyearsandhadnothingbutfailures."

"Dr.Whitneyusedmorethanoneroute."Shetappedherfoot,tryingtothinkofawaytoexplainin
layman'sterms."Everyobjectabove273degreesCelsiusorzerodegreesKelvinemitsenergy.Biological
organismstendtofocusoncertainfrequencies,whilescreeningotherfrequenciesout.Thatrequires
energy."Whenthegeneralfrowned,Lilyleanedtowardhim."Thinkofarefrigerator.Oneoftendoesn't
evennoticethemotorisrunninguntilitshutsoff,thensuddenlyit'sarelief.These'filters'areguidedby
theautonomicnervoussystemandcommonlythoughttobeoutofconsciouscontrol.AmImakingsenseto
you?"Whenhenodded,shecontinued."However,thereareseveralexamplesofstunningcontrolofthe
autonomicnervoussystem.Biofeedbacktechniquescanlowerheartrate,bloodpressure,andbody
temperature.Zenmastersandyogisarelegendary.Evenprolongedsexualperformancebymalesisan
exampleofsomaticinterventionovertheautonomicnervoussystem."

Thegeneralhadascowlbackonhisface.

"Thepointisthattheenergythatisimportanttoparanormalsisusuallyfilteredtopatheticlevelsinadult
humansandthesefiltersareunderautonomiccontrol.Dr.Whitneyfoundawaytodecreasethefiltering
system,usingmind-bodycontroltechniquestaughtbytheZenmasters."

Thegeneralrubbedhishandoverhisface,shakinghishead."WhyamIbeginningtobelieveyou?"

Lilystayedsilent,willinghimtounderstand,wantinghimonthesideofthemen.ShethoughtofRyland
andtheothersoutthereinthestorm.Shesentupasilentprayerthattheywereallsafe.

"Pleasecontinue,Dr.Whitney."Thegeneralbegantotapapencilonthedeskinagitation.

"UsingPETscansofworkingclairvoyants,myfatherfoundthattheareasinthebrainmostimportantfor
clairvoyancewerethesameareasresponsibleforautism:thehippocampus,theamygdala,andthe
neocerebellum.Hefoundotherlinksaswell.Thereisahigherlevelofpsychicabilityinautisticsin
comparisontothegeneralpopulation.Moreoverautisticsareonsensoryoverload;theyprobablyhavea
filteringdefect.Reducingthefilters,then,justgivesyounoise,likeanuntunedradio.Youdon'tproduce
psychics,justautistics."

"SotherewereproblemsItakeit."

Lilysighedwithregret."Yes,heencounteredproblems.Atfirstthemenwerehousedinregularbarracks
togethertopromoteunity.Theideawastoformaneliteunitthatcouldusetheircombinedskillsfor
certainhigh-riskjobs.Theunitwasgivenfieldtrainingaswellaslabtraining.Theywentfarbeyond
anyone'sexpectations.Mostofthemprovedcapableoftelepathyonsomelevel."

"Elaborateforme."

"Theyhadthecapabilityofspeakingtogetherwithoutspeakingaloud—sendingthoughtstooneanother,
forlackofabetterwaytoexplain.Dr.Whitneyhookedthemuptothescansandtheactualbrainactivity
wasunbelievable.Someofthemhadtobeinthesameroomtocommunicatethatwaywhileotherscould
becompletelyacrossthecompound."LilyglancedagainatColonelHiggens."Youcanseehowsucha
talentwouldbeusefulonamission.Otherswerealsoableto'hear'thoughtsofpeopleintheroomwith
them.

"Thevarietyofskillsisdocumented,sir,videotapedandrecordedifyoucaretoseeforyourself.Someof
themenwereabletoholdobjectsand'read'them.Thetalentswerevaried.Psychometry.Levitation.
Telekinesis.Telepathy.Someonlyhadone,otherstestedstrengthsinseveraltovaryingdegrees."

Lilytookadeepbreath,letitoutslowly."TheproblemsthatwereencounteredwerenotforeseenandDr.
Whitneycouldn'tsolvethem."Therewasrealregretinhervoice.Lilycuppedherhandsaroundthe
warmthoftheteacupthatMathersonhadplacedinfrontofher."There'sareactioncalledtachyphalaxas.
Thebodysensestoomuchactionatthereceptoranddown-regulatesthem.Suddenlytheradioisnothing
butstaticagain.Thereweresomewhoexperiencedunrelentingseizuresfromhyperstimulation.Onewent
insane—autistic,really.Oneotherdiedofcerebralhypoxia,orintracranialbleed,fromheadinjuries."
Thatwasn'texactlythetruth;shefelttherewasanotherexplanationfortheintracranialbleedbutwasn't
goingtoventureahypothesis.

"MyGod."Thegeneralshookhishead.

Higgensclearedhisthroat."Therewerepsychoticbreaks,sir.Twobecameviolent.Uncontrollable.Even
theotherscouldn'thelpthem."

GuiltateatLily'sinsides,churningherstomach."AssoonasDr.Whitneyrealizedwhattheproblemwas,
heattemptedtocreateacalmingatmospherethatwassoundproof,aplacethatcouldinsulatethemenfrom
theconstanttormentofpeoplearoundthem.Heregulatedtheatmosphere,usedlightingandsoothing
naturalsoundstorelievethecontinualassaultonthebrain."

"Canthesemenreallygivesuggestionstoothersandforceobedience?"GeneralMcEntiredemanded.
"Couldthesemenhavegivenyourfathersomekindofposthypnoticsuggestion?Hiscarwasfounddown
bythedocksandthere'sbeensomespeculationthathe'satthebottomofthesea."

Lilygasped."Areyouimplyingthesemenhadsomethingtodowithmyfather'sdisappearance?Hewas
theonlyonecapableofhelpingthem."

"Maybenot,Dr.Whitney.Maybeyouare,"ColonelHiggenspointedout."ItcouldbethatRylandMiller
figuredthatout.HeheardyouranswerwhenImadethemistakeofaskingyouinfrontofhimifyoucould
readyourfather'scode."

Ashivershookherframeascertainknowledgeblossomed.Themomentshehadansweredinthe
affirmative,shehadsentencedherfathertodeath.SherememberedhowHiggenshadsuddenlychanged,
howhehadceasedarguingwithherfatherandlookedatherwithspeculationinsteadofhostility.

"I'msorrythisisnecessary,Lily,"PhillipThorntonsaid."Iknowyou'regrievingandyou'vebeenuplong
hourstryingtofigurethisoutforus."

Lilyforcedasmileandwavedhisconcernaside."Idon'tminddoingwhatIcantohelp,Phillip.Thisis,
afterall,mycompanytoo."Sheownedalargeblockofsharesandwantedtoremindhimofthefact.
"Haveyouanyideahowthiscouldhavehappened?IspokewithCaptainMilleratgreatlengththis
morning.Heappearedquitecooperativeandevenwasconsideringthepossibilitythatoneoftheside
effectsoftheexperimentmightbeparanoia.HespokesohighlyofColonelHiggens,thenwouldsuddenly
becomehostiletowardhim.Ipointedthatouttohimandhedefinitelywasconsideringthepossibility.He
hasaquick,logicalmind."

"Hedidasktoseeme,"ColonelHiggensadmitted."Iwenttospeakwithhimandhedidsaysomething
alongthoselines."Herubbedhisforehead."ThecagewassecurelylockedwhenIleftthatroom.The
cameraswillbearmeoutonthat."

"Thecameraswereontheblitzagain,"Thorntonsaid.

Therewasasuddenhushintheroom.AlleyeswereonColonelHiggens.Hesatbackinhischair,glaring
atthem."I'mtellingyouthecagewaslocked.Iwouldn'thaveunlockeditwithorwithoutanarmedguard
present.InmyopinionCaptainMillerisadangerousman.Withhisteam,heisnearlyinvincible.We're
goingtohavetosendeveryonewehaveagainsthim."

"Ihopeyou'renotimplyingthatweshouldterminatethesemen."ThegeneralstaredhardatHiggens.

"Wemayhavenochoice,"ColonelHiggensreplied.

"Excuseme,gentlemen,"Lilyinterrupted."Thereisalwaysachoice.Youcan'tabandonthesemen
becausetheydidsomethingindesperation.Theywereundertremendousstrain.Ithinkweneedtostep
backfromthissituationandtrytofigureouthowwecanhelpthem."

"Dr.Whitney,doyouhaveanyideahowlongtheywillbeabletosurvivewithoutinsulationfromthe
noiseandemotionsofpeoplearoundthem?"PhillipThorntonasked."Arewesittingonatimebomb?"

Lilyshookherhead."Idon'thonestlyknow."

"Whatwillhappenifthesementurnviolent?"thegeneralasked.Hewastwistingapencilinhisfingers.
Hetappedtheleadonthetable,thepadofhisthumbstrikingtheeraser,asifthatwouldsomehowstop
whathewashearing."Isthatapossibility?"Helookedaroundthefacesatthetable."Isthataviable
possibility?"

Lilytwistedherfingerstogethertightly."Unfortunatelythesemenarehighlyskilledincombatconditions.
Theyhavehadeveryadvantagethemilitarycouldgivethemthroughspecialtraining.Therewasan
incidentthefirstyearoffieldtraininginvolvingoneofthemen.Iviewedthetrainingtape."Shetooka
cautioussipoftea.

"Idon'tthinkI'mgoingtolikewhatI'mgoingtohear,"GeneralMcEntiresaid.

"OneofthetraineesbecamedisorientedduringamissioninColombiaandalongwiththetargets,hewent
aftersomeoftheinnocentpopulace.WhenCaptainMillerattemptedtorestrainhim,thetraineeturnedon
Miller.Thecaptainwasgivennochoicebuttodefendhisownlifeandprotecttheothermembersofhis
team.Theywerefriends,closefriends,andhewasforcedtokill."Shehadwatchedtheattackonthefilm
andithadbeengoryandgrim.

EvenworsehadbeenthetapesofRylandMillerafterward.Althoughshewaswatchingfilmshecould
almostabsorbhisemotions.Theguilt,thefrustration,theanger.Hehadbeendespondent,hopeless."You
havetounderstand,sir,paranormalsaresubjecttoandrespondtodifferentstimulithanwecansense.
Theyliveinthesameworld,butinadifferentdimension,really.So,thelinewedrawbetween
clairvoyantandinsaneisverythinandsometimesnonexistent.Thesemenareunlikeanysoldiersyou've
evertrained.Youhavenoideawhatthey'recapableof."

Lilytookanothersipoftea,savoredthewarmthasitsettledinherstomach.Thegeneralcouldn't
conceiveofthepowerthemenwielded.Butsheknew.

"Whywouldtheywanttoleaveiftheyknewtherisksinleaving?"Thegeneralscowledatthemall,his
eyesrakingtheroom."Whatconditionsweretheylivingin?"TheimplicationofabusewasthereandLily
foughtdowntheurgetoblurtouttheentirestorytohim.Howthemenwereisolated,evenfromone
another,cutofffromtheircommand,studiedlikeanimalsincages.Subjectedtocontinualtests.

Thepencilbetweenthegeneral'sfingerssnappedinhisfingers,oneendsailingtowardLily,theotherstill
inhishand.

Lilycaughttheendofthepencilbeforeitrolledoffthetable,herthumbslidingovertheeraser,
automaticallyabsorbingthetextures,absorbingtheheavyemotions.Shestiffened,hergazeslidingto
touchthegeneral,thenaway.Shewasn'ttellinghimanythinghedidn'talreadyknow.Hewastamping

downhisfurythatRylandMillerandhisteamhadescaped.Therewasmoneytobehad.Rylandstoodin
theway.

Theemotionsswirledtogether,amixtureofviolenceandimpatienceoverathwartedplan.General
McEntirewasuptohisbushyeyebrowsindeceitandtreachery.Lilyfoldedherhandscarefullyonthe
table,lookingassereneandconfidentasshecouldwhenshewantedtoleapatMcEntireandbrandhima
traitortohiscountryanddemandwhatheknewofherfather'sdeath.

"Thelivingconditions,ColonelHiggens:Whywouldthesemenfeeltheyneededtoescape?"

"Theywereisolatedfromoneanother."Lilyforcedhervoicetowork.

"Fortheirowngood,"Higgenssnapped."Theyweregrowingtoopowerfultogether,theycoulddothings
wedidn'texpect.Notevenyourfatherexpectedtheircombinedpowerstobewhattheywere."

"Thatwasnoexcuseforforgettingdignity,Colonel.Theyarehumanbeings,menwhoweregivingservice
totheircountry,notlabrats,"Lilyobjectedcoolly.

"Yourfatherwassolelyinchargeofthisexperiment,"ColonelHiggensshotback."He'sresponsiblefor
theresults."

"AsfarasIcanascertain,"Lilysaidcalmly,"myfather,Dr.PeterWhitney,conductedtheexperimentin
goodfaith.Whenithadbecomeapparentitwasharmingthemen,heimmediatelycalledahaltto
enhancingtheraretalents,immediatelytryingtofindwaystohelpthemcopewiththerepercussions.He
soughtwaystomakethemenmorecomfortable.Unfortunately,noonelistenedtohim.Ireadyourdirect
orders,ColonelHiggens,andPhillipThorntonsignedthoseorders,insistingthemencontinue.Onyour
say-so,Colonel,CaptainMillerorderedhismentofollowyourcommandandheandhismendidso.
Yourorders,sir,weretocontinuetrainingunderavarietyofconditionsandthemen,beingwhoandwhat
theyare,followedordersdespiteknowingtheyweredeterioratingrapidly,theircontrolunravelingeven
astheygrewinpowerandability.Itiswelldocumentedthatmyfatherobjected,thathelaidoutthe
repercussions,andthatwhenyouorderedthementobeisolatedfromoneanotherhetoldyoutheywould
haveamuchmoredifficulttime.Youignoredeverythinghesaidandyouhavetheresultsofyourown
foolishdecisions."

"YourfatherrefusedtoprovidemewiththedataIneeded."ColonelHiggensturnedbrightredhewasso
angry."Hewantedtoreversetheprocessandthrowouteverythingbecauseofoneortwoacceptable
losses."

"Myfathertriedtofindawaytorestorefiltersanddeactivatethepartofthebrainhehadstimulated.He
couldnot.Andtherewerenoacceptablelosses,Colonel;we'retalkingabouthumanlife."

PhillipThorntonhelduphishand."Thisisadiscussionbestleftforlaterwhenweallhavecoolerheads
andmoresleep.Rightnowwehavetofindawaytocontainthissituation.Dr.Whitney,you'vegivenus
quiteabitofinformation,butwereallyneedtoknowexactlywhatwasdonetothesemen.Wehave
accesstosomeofthegreatestmindsintheworldtohelpus,ifweknewexactlywhatyourfatherdid,and
howhedidit,"Thorntonpointedout."Canyouexplainit,stepbystep,tous?"

"I'msorry,sir,Ican't.Ican'tfindhisoriginaldata.Itwasn'tinhisofficehereorathome.Itriedboth

computersandI'mgoingoverhisreportsnowtoseeifIcanspotanythingthatwillhelpmetofigureit
out."Lilyallowedherextremefatiguetoshow,pushingherhandsthroughherhair."I'vegivenyouallthe
informationIknowatthistime,butI'llcontinuelooking."

Higgenssnortedhisdisgust.Thegeneralshovedhiscoffeecupacrossthetable,splashingdarkliquid
ontothehighlypolishedsurface."Whoknowsaboutthis?"Thegeneralcontinuedglaringatthoseinthe
room.

"It'sclassified,onlyafewpeople,"ColonelHiggensanswered."Asidefromthoseofusinthisroom,
GeneralRanierandthetechshereatthelab."

"Keepitthatway.Weneedtocontainthisandmopitupassoonaspossible.Howthehellcouldthis
happen?Cananyofyoutellmethat?Withallthesecurity,howcouldtheyhavepulledthisoff?"

Therewasasmallsilence.AgainitwasHiggenswhoresponded."Webelievethey'vebeentestingthe
security,settingoffthealarms,shuttingdownthecameras,andmanipulatingtheguards,practicingforthe
lastcoupleofweeks."

Thegeneralexplodedwithrage,hishandscurlingintotwotightfists."Whatdoyoumeanmanipulating
theguards?"heroared,hisfacesoredLilyfearedhemighthaveastroke.

"I'vealreadyexplainedit,sir.It'spartoftheirstandardtraining,"sheexplainedpatiently,"plantinga
suggestiontolooktheotherway.Veryusefulwheninfiltratingenemyandterroristcampsandinhostage
situations.Theyarecapableofunbelievablefeats.Theyusetheirmindstocoercetheenemywithoutthe
enemyknowing."

"Andthesemenareouttheresomewhererightnow?Walkingtimebombs,menwhoverywellcould
becomemercenariesor,worse,whocouldgoovertotheotherside?"

Lilyliftedherchinattheman."Thesemenwerechosenfortheirloyalty,theirpatriotism.Icanassureyou,
sir,theywillneverbetraytheircountry."

"Theirloyaltybecameaquestiontheminutetheybecamedeserters,Dr.Whitney,andmakenomistake,
thatisjustwhattheyare.Deserters!"

Eight

THEwindtorethroughthetrees,bendingtrunksnearlydouble,sweepingbranchesalongtheground.The
chain-linkfenceloomedandRylandleaptup,catchingthelinks,scramblingupandoverinonesmooth
move,landingonhisfeetinacrouch.Heremainedlowtothegroundandsilentlysignaledtothemanon
hisleft.

Lastmanclear.

Raoul"Gator"Fontenotdroppedtohisbellyandscootedalongthegroundtowardthesoundofthebaying
dogs.Telepathywasoneofhisweakesttalents,buthecouldtuneintoanimals.Itwashisjobtodirectthe
guarddogsawayfromtheothermembersofhisteam.Knifeinhisteeth,hemovedthroughthegrassalong
thefenceline,willingthelightningtostayintheclouds.Toomanyguardswereswarmingalongtheir
escaperoute,andevenwithRyland'stremendouscontrol,tomanipulateallofthemwasanimpossibility.
Ittookacollectiveeffortand,throughnecessity,theywerescattered.

Wavesoffearandaggressionpouredfromtheguards,compoundingthedangertotheteam.Allofthem
werefeelingillfromthetremendousenergybeinggenerated.

Cominguponyounow,Gator.

GatorglancedbacktowardRyland,caughttheswirlofhisfingers,andnoddedinunderstanding.He
transferredtheknifetohisrighthand,bladeflatalonghiswristtohidethetelltaleglintofsteel,and
droppedallthewaydownonhisbelly,breathingsoftly,inaudibly,willinghimselftobeapartofthe
earth.Thedogswereeager,rushingtowardthefence,towardhiscomrades.Theenormityofhistask
shookhimforamoment.Hehadtoliethereinplainsight,trustinghiscaptaintokeeptheguardslooking
theotherwaywhilehedirectedthedogstoafalsetrail.Oneslipupandtheywerealldead.

Therainbeatdownonhim,asteadyassault.Thewindhowledandmoanedasifaliveandprotestingthe
unnaturalnessofwhattheyweredoing.Ofwhattheywere.

Captain.Itwasthebesthecoulddowithhislackoftelepathy,aone-wordprotestagainsthavingthelives
ofsomanyinhishands.

Thisisapieceofcakeforyou,Gator.Apackofhoundsdoggingourheelsisnothingtoyou.Thatwas
CaptainMiller,comingthrough.Gator'sstomachsettledabit.

Awalkinthepark.Kadenthrewinhistwocents,laughterinhisvoice,asifhewereenjoyingthe
adrenalinerushaftertheirforcedconfinement.GatorfoundhimselfsmilingatthethoughtofKadenloose
ontheworld.

AtoncehefeltthemovementoftheothersandknewRylandwassotunedintohimthathewasalready
directingtherestoftheteamforward.Themenwouldbeghostsmovingthroughthestorm,buthecouldn't
worryaboutthem.Andhecouldn'tworryaboutbeingseenorcaptured.Gatorputhisfateinthehandsof
histeamleaderandnarrowedhisworldtotheapproachingdogs.

Rylandstrainedtopiercethedarkveiloftherain-sweptnight,watchingfortheguardsanddogsastheir
pursuersnearedthefence.HetrustedKadentokeeptheothermenmoving.HisjobwastoprotectGator

andthetwomenbehindhim.RylandwasworriedaboutJeffHollister.Hollisterwasinbadshape,but
gameenough,strugglingnottoslowtheteam.Hehadbarelymadeitoverthehighchain-linkfencewith
helpfromGatorandIanMcGillicuddy.McGillicuddylaybesideHollistersomewherebehindRyland,
holdingpositiontoprotecttheweakestmemberofhisteam.

Thedogswereactingfrenziednow,pickingupthescents,rushingtowardthem.Almostabruptlythey
stopped,sniffedtheground,turnedincircles,notobeyingtheirhandlerstomoveforward.Onelarge
shepherdtookthelead,swingingsouth,awayfromtheescapedprisoners.Theotherdogsrushedto
follow,bayingloudly.

Gatorpressedhisthrobbingforeheadintothesoft,wetearthinanefforttoalleviatethepainbroughton
bysuchintenseconcentrationanduseofenergy.Thefearemanatingfromtheguardswaslikeadisease
spreadingandinfectingeveryoneitcameincontactwith.Theguardshadbeentoldthemenwere
dangerouskillersandallofthemwereextremelynervous.

Masshysteria.Ryland'svoicewassoothinginGator'spoundinghead.Iknowyou'reallcomfortable
there,butdon'tgotosleep.

GatorrolledtowardRyland,judginghispositionandworkinghiswaybackassoundlesslyashecould.
Themisdirectionofthedogswouldn'tholdforlong,butitgavethemafewmorepreciousminutesto
covertheirtracksandgettosafety.

RylandreachedoutandtouchedGatortolethimknowhistremendouseffortwasappreciated.Theybegan
inchingtheirwayforwardacrosstheopenmeadow,flankingHollisterandMcGillicuddy.

Clear.Kadenreportedhisgrouphadmadeittotheothersideofthemeadowwithoutincident.

Takethemforward.We'rerightbehindyou.Gatorclearedourbacktrailbutitisn'tgoingtolast.
Rylandwasuneasy.HeglancedtowardJeffHollister.Theman'sfacewasetchedwithpain.Evenwiththe
blackswirlingcloudsandviciousrain,thedarknessofthenight,hecouldseethelinesthere.Cursing
PeterWhitneysilently,heslowedthepaceevenmore.TheagonyinJeff'sheadradiatedoutofhimto
toucheverymemberoftheteam.JeffneededthemedicationRylandhadorderedthemnottotake,fearing
itwastoodangerous.NowhewonderedifhehadgivenHollisteradeathsentencewiththatorder.

Hanginthere,Jeff.You'realmostthere.I'vegotmedslineduptohelpyouout.

I'mslowingyoudown.

Don'tcommunicate!Rylandprotestedsharply.Youcan'taffordtheeffort.RylandfearedJeffwouldhave
aseizureiftheassaultonhisbraincontinued.Uneasewasgrowinginhim.

Fearforhismen,thesuddenchillingpremonitionofdanger.Ian?IanMcGilliCuddywasahumanantenna
fortrouble.Hecouldsensedangercoming.

Ohyeah,we'vegottrouble.It'scomingfast.

Rylandscuttledforwardonhisbelly,anglingonceagaintowardGator.Moveit,Jeff.Gethimup,Ian,
runflatouttowardthecars.WaitnomorethanfiveminutesandthengetJeffclear.

We'renotleavingyoubehind.Jeff'svoicewasunsteady,harshwithpain.

Ryland'sheartswelledwithpride.EvenasillasJeffHollisterwas,heputthemembersoftheteamfirst.
That'sanorder,Jeff.YouandMcGillicuddyclearoutinfiveminutes.

Rylandfeltitthen,theburstofmalignantenergypouringoverhim.InstinctivelyherolledtoprotectGator,
coveringtheman'sbackevenashefacedupward.Hishandsmetthesolidbulkoffleshandblood.

Hedidn'tseetheknifesomuchashefeltitasitcameswiftlytowardhim.Itwasreflexandtrainingthat
savedhim,hishandclosingsolidlyaroundhisassailant'swristtocontroltheweapon.Recognition
crowdedin.RussellCowlingshadcomeoutofthenightandattackedthem.Rylandrolledawayfrom
Gator,takingtheheaviermanwithhim.PlantinghisfootsquarelyinCowling'schest,Rylandlaunchedthe
manoverhishead.

Cowlingslandedwithasoftthud,rolled,andcameupinahalfcrouch.Rylandleapttohisfeet,hishand
slappingawaythedartingknifeasthemancameathimasecondtime.Theycircledeachothercautiously.

"Why,Russell,whywouldyoubetrayus?"

"Youcallitbetrayal,Icallyoudeserters."Cowlingsfeintedanotherattack,threwhimselfforwardwhen
Rylandsteppedtotheside,goinginlowandmean,bladeuptodothemostdamagetothesoftpartsofthe
body.

Rylandfeltthetipoftheknifeslicehisheavyshirt,bellylevel.Hewasalreadywhirlingaround,catching
Cowlings'swristandtakinghimdownsothatCowlings'slegsflewupandhelandedhard.Counter-
moving,Cowlingsturnedhiswristtogetcontrolofthebladeoftheknife.Heyelledashedidso,calling
outtothesecurityguardsforhelp.

"Go,Gator,getclear,"RylandorderedashelockedCowlings'sarm,pointinghislittlefingerbackbehind
himsotheman'sbodyfollowed.Cowlingswasforcedtodroptheknifeorallowhishandtobebroken.
TheknifedroppedtothegroundandRylandkickedithard,sendingtheweaponspinningsomedistance
awayintothetallergrass.

Mandown.Jeffisdown.He'shavingaseizure.IanHollisterreportedinhisusualcalmvoice.

"Gator,go,"Rylandrepeated.HelpIangetJeffclear.

Cowlingstriedtolashoutwithhislegs,scissor-kickinginanattempttobringRylanddown."Yeah,send
himaway,"Cowlingsspat."Itwon'tmatter,youknow,they'llalldie."

Rylandmovedtotheside,plantingaviciousbackkicksquarelyonCowlings'sthigh."Isthatwhat
Higgenstoldyou?Isthatwhyyousoldusout,Russ?DidHiggensconvinceyouweweregoingtodie?"

Cowlingssworeandspatontheground.HeturnedhisheadtoglareupatRyland."You'rejustso
bullheaded,Rye.What'swrongwithusingourskillstomakemoney?DoyouknowwhatPeterWhitneyis
worth?Whatthatdaughterofhisisworth?Whyshouldtheygetallthemoneywhilewetakealltherisks?
TheemployeesatDonovansmakemoremoneythanwedo."

Cowlingscameinfast,smashingtwohardjabsatRyland'sjaw.BothpuncheswereblockedandRyland

retaliatedwithabodyblowgoingstraightuptowardthethroat.Cowlingsmanagedtoreelbackward,
barelyescapingthelethalattack.

Rylandwasawareofthedogsagain,thesoundsofexcitedvoicesgettingcloser."Thisisaboutmoney,
then,isit?It'saboutyourgreed,Cowlings,notdeath?"Rylandsnapped."Youaren'tafraidofdying,are
you?Whyisthat?DidHiggensgiveusallsomethingtocausetheseseizures?"

Cowlingslaughed."They'reallgoingtodie,Miller.Everylastoneofthem.Youcan'tsavethemandthen
whoisgoingtobevaluable?Higgenswillneedme."

"You'redancingwiththedevil,Russ.Doyouthinkthecolonelisactinginthebestinterestofourcountry?
He'ssellingusout."

"He'ssmartenoughtoseethatmoneycanbemade.You'reintheway,Miller,youwerefromthestartwith
yourBoyScoutattitude.Hell,wetriedtwicetokillyouandyoujustwon'tdie."

"Higgenswillgetridofyoutheminutehedoesn'tneedyou."

Thesoundofthedogswasgettingcloser.SomeonehadheardCowlingsyellandhadturnedthepack
around.

"He'llalwaysneedme.Icantellhimthingsnooneelsecan.Heknowsitandhe'snotgoingtokillthe
goldengoose."

Rylandmovedinfast,usingthespeedhewasknownfor,ablurringmotionofhandsandfeet,driving
Cowlingsbackward.Hedidn'tfeelanyoftheblowsCowlingsmanagedtoland,hisadrenalineprotecting
him.Hisworldhadnarrowed,focusedonhisopponent.Therewerefewwhocoulddefeathiminhand-to-
handcombat.Rylandwasinalife-or-deathbattle.RussellCowlingswantedhimdead.

CowlingsgruntedasRylandlandedaroundkicktohisribs,smashingintobone.Theairwhistledoutof
hislungsandhedroppedlikeastone,fightingforbreath.Thesecurityguardsandthepackofdogswere
alreadytooclose,comingtowardRylandatadeadrun,withonlythefenceseparatingthem.Ryland
kickedCowlingshardinthehead,hopingtoknockhimout.Hespunaroundandsprintedacrosstheopen
meadowawayfromGator,Hollister,andMcGillicuddy.

Ryland'sbootsslappedthemudhard,makingnoise,drawingtheattentionofthedogs.Theanimalsbayed
wildly,draggingattheirleashesuntiltheirhandlersallowedthemtoslipfree.Atoncethedogsrantothe
chain-linkfenceandbegantearingatitinafrenzy.Somedogstriedtoleapit,otherstoclimb,stillothers
todig.

Smallcirclesoflightdancedandwaveredinthesheetsofrain,theguards'vainattempttoilluminatethe
area.Rylandzigzaggedacrossthegrass,makingmorenoisesothattheguardsmighthearhimevenover
theloudbarkingofthedogs.Ittookamomentforthementoreact,buttheydidashewanted,running
alongthefencetowardhispositionandawayfromhismen.Aslongastheywererunningparallelwith
him,noonethoughttostopandcutthefencetoletthedogsthrough.ItgaveRylandafewmoreprecious
minutestocovermoregroundsohismenhadtimetogettheirdownedcomradeclear.

Hewasgratefulforthestrongwindsandpouringrain,forthethunderandlightningrockingtheskies.It

wouldbeawhilebeforeahelicopterwouldbeputupinthestormyskiesinanattempttotrackthem.His
menwouldbesafelyawayinthecarsLilyhadwaitingforthem.Hersecurityman,Arly,hadleftthe
variouscarsparkedatdifferentpointsatleasttwomilesfromthelaboratories.

Rylandheardthewarningrattleofthefenceandturnedawayfromit,sprintingtowardthenearestgroupof
buildings.Oneoftheguardssnippedthefence,widenedtheopeningtoallowthedogstopourthrough.
TheyrushedinapacktowardRyland,eagertohunttheirprey.Theguardsfollowed,duckingthroughthe
fenceinhotpursuit.

Ryland'sbootssmackedthepavementloudlyasheracedacrossthestreetandleaptupontopofaparked
sedan.Hejumped,hisfingerscatchingholdontheedgeoftheeavesofthestorefront.Itwasapoorer
sectionoftownandthebuildingswereoldandrun-down,butthewoodheldupashedraggedhimself
ontotheroof.

We'reclear.Ianindicatedtheyhadlocatedoneofthecarsandweresafelyaway.Wecancirclearound
andpickyouup.

Jeff?Rylandwantedmedicalcareforthemanassoonaspossible.Therewasnotellingwhatwasgoing
onintheover-stimulatedbrain.Heracedacrosstheroofandleapttothecoveringofthenextbuilding.It
wasslickfromtherainandheslidprecariously,fellonhisbacksidejustasabarrageofbulletswhistled
byhim.

Heneedsmedicalattention.Giveusyourposition.

Rylandcrawledacrosstheroof,nottakingachanceonskylininghimselfwithtrigger-happyguards.If
Cowlingswastellingthetruthandhe'dalreadybeenatargettwice,chancesweregoodtheguardshad
beenorderedtoshoottokill.Theroofhadadoorleadingtoasmallstairwell.I'llmakeittoyou.Stayin
position.Shotshavebeenfired.Stayoutofthearea.

Thedoorwaslocked.Rylanddidn'twastetime,hesimplycrawledtothefarsideofthebuildingand
peeredoverintothestreet.Therewasasmalloverhangtoshadetheentrancetoastore.Rylanddropped
ontoit,foughtforapurchaseintherain-soakedwood,slidafewinchesbeforehecaughthimself.From
therehejumpedtothesidewalk.Thelandingwashard,jarringhim.

Therewasanalleyafewfeettohisrightbuthedidn'ttrustthatitwouldbringhimtothestreetheneeded.
Heforcedairintohisbody,slowedhisbreathing,andmeltedintotheshadowofthebuilding.Therewas
onlythesoundoftherainasitpouredfromtheskies.Theroarofthewindasitshoweditsfury.Clouds
boiledoverhead,blackcauldronsofspinningdarkangrythreadsspawningveinsoflightningarcingfrom
cloudtocloud.Ryland'sluckheldandthelightningdidn'tflashclosetohim,allowinghimtoslipsilently
throughthestreettothecornerwherethecarwaswaitingwiththemotorrunningandthepassengerdoor
open.

Heleaptintotheseat,slammingthedoorclosedasGatortookoffsofasttheyfishtailedintherain-soaked
road.RylandturnedtolookatJefflyingsoquietandpaleonthebackseat."Ishealert?"

Ianshookhishead."He'sbeendownsincetheseizure.GatorandIcarriedhimtothecar,butwecouldn't
bringhimaround.Ihopetheladydoctorknowswhatshe'sdoingorwe'regoingtolosehim."

Therewassilenceinthecar.Toomanyhadbeenlostalready.Noneofthemknewifitwasinevitableor
not.

LILYstaredoutthewindowasthelimousineglidedthroughtherain-wetstreets.She'dleftherlittlecarin
theparkinglotandwasthankfulthatJohnhadcometogether.WherewasRyland?Hadhemadeittothe
houseyet?Shefeltalmostnumbwithterrorforhim.Shedidn'texpecttofeelthisway.Shecouldn't,think
ofherfather,ortheconspiracy.Shecouldn'tthinkabouttheothermensomewhereoutintheferocious
stormfightingtheirwaytofreedom.Shecouldonlythinkofhim.RylandMiller.

Sheachedforhim.Sheclosedhereyesandhewasthere,behindhereyelids,sharingherskin.Itwas
revoltingandjuvenileandillogical,butnoneofthatmattered.Shecouldn'tforceherthoughtsawayfrom
him.Shehadtoknowifhewasaliveordead.Ifhewasinjured.Itfrightenedherhowstrongherneedwas
toseehim,totouchhim,tohearthesoundofhisvoice.Shedidn'tdarereachouttohimtelepathically,not
whenthestakesweresohighandhistotalconcentrationwasneededwherehewas.

Thegaragedooropenedsmoothlyandthelimousinerolledintothehugegarage.Toherrelieftherewere
severalothercarsparkedinthegarage.Foramomentshelaidherheadagainsttheheadrestandlether
breathoutslowly.Thelimousinehaltedandherchauffeurturnedoffthemotor.

"John,thanksforcomingtogetmeinthisawfulstorm.I'msorryfordraggingyouout,butIwassotired
andIdidn'twanttostayatDonovansovernight."Nothingcouldhaveinducedhertostayatthe
laboratoriesnowthatRylandwasnolongerthere.Itwasstrange,almostterrifying,howbereftshefelt.

"I'mgladyoucalledme,MissLily.Wewereallworriedaboutyou.Whyweretheresomanyguards
pokingthroughthecar?They'veneverdonethatbefore."Thechauffeurturnedtolookatherwitharaised
eyebrow,butherefrainedfromsayingasinglewordaboutthedisappearanceandreappearanceofstorm-
drenchedcarsintheirgarage.

"I'msorry,John,it'saclassifiedthingtodowiththemilitary."Sheslidfromthecar,swayingwith
weariness.Shecouldhearthewindhowlingatthedoorsofthegarageandsheshivered."Whataghastly
night."

Heglaredatherasheopenedthedriver'ssidedoor."Youdidn'teattoday,didyou?Notasinglething."

Lilyleanedoverandkissedthetopofhishead."Stopworryingsomuchaboutme,John.I'masturdy
woman,notadelicatewaif."

"IhaveafeelingI'llalwaysworryaboutyou,Lily.Thisthingwithyourfather…I'mdamnablysorry."
Johnshookhishead."Ithoughthemightbefound,buthe'dneverstayawayfromyouthislong.Andifit
wasakidnapforransom,orevensecretsofsomekind,wewouldhaveheard."

Lilycouldseethelinesofageinhisface,thetingeofgraytohiscoloring.Sheputherhandonhisarm."I
knowhowmuchyoulovedhim,John.I'msorryforbothofus."Hissorrowwasbeatingather,profound
anddeep,slashingatherunprotectedmind.

Lilyclosedhereyesforamoment,worriedaboutRylandMillerandhismen.Shewantedtocheckwith

Arlyandmakecertaintheyhadarrivedandweresafewithinthethickwallsofherhome.Compassion
welledupasshestudiedherchauffeur.Johnsuddenlyappearedfragileandlookedhisage.Itcaughther
bysurprise.Shedidn'twanttoloseJohn.

"Hewasmyfriend,Lily,myfamily.Iknewyourfatherwhenhewasaboy.Myfatherworkedforhis
family.IthinkIwashisonlyfriendgrowingupinthathouse.Hislifewashellinthathouse.Hisparents
andgrandparentshadbeencarryingonsomesortofexperimenttohaveachildofgreatintelligence.He
wasunloved,merelyaproductofbreedingtherightgenes.Hisparentsnevertalkedtohimunlessitwas
toinsistonhisstudying.Hewasn'tallowedtoplaysportsorplaywithtoysorevenassociatewithother
kids.Theywantedahighlydevelopedbrainandeverythinghedidevenasachildwastothatend.And
whenyou"—hehesitated—"camealong,"heimprovised,"Petervowedhewouldn'tbelikehisparents.I
talkedtohimmanytimesabouthisabsentmindedness.Iknowithurtyouwhenhecouldn'trememberyour
importantevents."Heshookhisheadsadly."Hedidloveyou,Lily.Forallhisstrangeways,hedidlove
youverymuch."

ButPeterWhitneyhadbeenlikehisparents.Exactlylikehisparents.Hehadfollowedintheirfootsteps
untilsomethinghadopenedhiseyes.LilyputherarmsaroundJohnashegotoutofthecar,hugginghim.
"DoeseveryoneinthehouseholdknowI'mnothisbiologicaldaughter?"

JohnBrimslowstiffened,jerkedbacktoglaredownather."Whotoldyouthat?"

"Hedid,"shesaid."Inaletter."

Hepassedhishandoverhisface,thengrippedherarms."YouwereeverythingtoPeter."Heclearedhis
throat."Andtome.Toallofus.Youbroughtsunshinetous,Lily.Rosacouldneverhavechildren.Arly
datedamultitudeofwomenbuthenevercouldtolerateanyone'scompanybuthisownforverylong.
We'reafamilyofmisfits,Lily.You'vealwaysknownaboutme,IneverhidwhoIamfromyou.Webuilt
thefamilyaroundyou."

Lilysmiledathim,gratefulforhiswords."John,doyouknowhowmyfathercametoadoptme?"

Johnshifteduncomfortably."Yourfatherwentoverseas.Somepeoplemightsayheboughtyou,Lily,I
don'tknowhowmuchmoneywasinvolved,butdoesthatmatternow?Youdidn'thaveafamilyand
neitherdidwe."

Theywalkedtogetherthroughtheentrancehallleadingfromthegaragetothehouse,Lily'shandtuckedin
thecrookofJohn'sarm,ashecontinued,"Rosawasyoungbackthen,shebarelyspokeEnglish,butshe
wasanurseandsheneededajobtostayinthecountry.Petersnappedherupasyournannyandeventually
sheranthehouseforus."Hegrinnedather."Shefrownedonmylifestyleatfirst.Ihadalreadymet
Haroldbythenandwewerelifepartners.Peterneverjudgedme,butRosawasafraidIwouldsomehow
damageyouwithmyperversions."

"John!"Lilyprotested."Shehasnever,everindicatedinanyway,bywordoraction,thatshedisapproved
ofyou.Rosaspeaksveryhighlyandaffectionatelyofyou."

"Thatwasintheolddayswhenyouwerejustalittlething.She'scometoacceptmeandshenursed
Harolddevotedlyattheend.Idon'tknowwhatIwouldhavedonewithouther."Hepattedherhand."Or
you,Lily.I'llneverforgetyoustandingnexttomeatthegravesitewithyourarmaroundmywaistand

sobbingrightalongwithme."

"IlovedHarold,John.HewasasmuchapartofourfamilyasyouandRosaandArly.Istillmisshim,
andIknowyoudotoo."ShestoppedwalkingjustoutsidethekitchenwheresheknewRosawaswaiting
forher."Haveyouhadaphysicalrecently?Iwantyoutorestandtakeverygoodcareofyourself.Ican't
affordtoloseanyoneelseinmyfamily."

Heliftedherchinandbrushedakissoverthetopofherhead."I'dlikeyoutorememberhowimportant
youaretous,Lily.Youhaveenoughmoneyandabeautifulhome,youneverhavetoworkifyoudon't
wantto.Don'tgetintowhateverPeterwasinto.Iknowhewasmoredistractedthanusualthoselastfew
weeks."

RosaburstthroughthekitchendoorandflungherarmsaroundLily.ToLily'shorror,shewassobbing."I
pagedyouoverandover,Lily.Whydidn'tyoucallme?Youdidn'tsayyouweregoingtobelateandwhen
IcalledDonovanstheywouldn'ttellmeanythingexcepttherehadbeentrouble."

Lilyheldherclose,astonishedthattheunflappableRosawassodistressedoverherbeinglate."Ileftmy
pagerinmylocker.I'mreallysorry,Rosa,Ishouldhavecalledyou.Itwassothoughtlessofme."

"Thestormwassowild,Ithoughtyoumusthavehadanaccident."Rosaclungtoher,alternatingbetween
huggingandpattingLily'sback.

"Didn'tArlytellyouIaskedhimtosendJohnforme?"Lilylookedupatherchauffeurforhelp.Rosawas
pronetooutburstsoftemper,chasingpeoplearoundherkitchenwithteatowels,butsheneverweptasif
herheartwerebreaking.

"Whenthepolicedidn'tcallaboutanaccidentIwasafraidsomeonehadkidnappedyou.Oh,Lily."She
turnedawayfromtheyoungerwomanandcoveredherfacewithherhands,sobbinguncontrollably.

Johnputhisarmaroundher,frowningashedidso."Rosa,dear,you'llmakeyourselfill.Sitdown,I'll
maketeaforyou."Hehelpedhertothenearestchair.

Rosaputherheaddown,onthetableandcontinuedcrying.Johnputonthekettletoboilwater.Lilystood
closetotheolderwoman,puzzlingoverherbehavior."Rosa,I'mperfectlyfine.Don'tcryanymore.I
promiseI'llbebetteraboutcallingyou."

Rosajustshookherhead.Lilysighed."John,perhapsIshouldspeaktoRosaalone,doyoumind?"

JohnkissedthetopofRosa'shead."Don'tmakeyourselfsick.It'sbeenadifficulttimeforallofus."

Lilywaiteduntilthekitchendoorswungclosed."Whatisit,Rosa?Tellme."

Rosacontinuedtoshakeherhead,refusingtolookatLily.

Lilytookthetimetomakethetea,firstheatingthesmallpotwithalittlewaterfromthekettle,then
discardingthewaterbeforemeasuringoutthetealeavesandpouringontheboilingwatertobrew.The
simpleritualclearedhermindandallowedittoworkasitpreferred,comingatthepuzzlefromvarious
angles.ShewaitedfortheworstofthestormoftearstopassbeforeplacingateacupinfrontofRosa.All
thetimehermindwasworking,puttingtogetherthefactthatRosawasanurseandPeterWhitneyhad

broughtherintothecountry.

"Doesthishaveanythingtodowiththefactthatyouweremynursewhenmyfatherbroughtmeherewith
allthoseotherlittlegirls?"Sheaskedthequestionverysoftly,withoutinflection,notwantingtosound
accusing..

RosacriedoutandstaredatLilyinshock.Therewasguiltinthedepthsofhereyes.Guiltandsorrowand
remorse."Ishouldneverhaveagreedtodoit.Ihadnowheretogo,Lily,andIlovedyousomuch.I
couldn'thavechildrenofmyown.Youhavebeenmydaughter."

Lilysatdownabruptly."Whydidn'tyouevertellmeaboutmyfather,Rosa?Whydidn'tyoutellmeabout
thathorribleroomandallthoseotherpoorlittlegirls?"

Rosalookedaroundinfear."Ssh,neverspeakofsuchthings.Noonecaneverknowaboutthatroomor
thosepoorchildren.Dr.Whitneyshouldneverhavetoldyou.Itwaswrong.Hecametoseethatandhe
triedtofindthosegirlsgoodhomes.Whathedidwasevil,unnatural.Hiseyeswereopenedwhenyou
werenearlykilled."

Lilytookacautioussipoftea.RosaobviouslybelievedLily'sfatherhadtoldhereverything."Myleg,"
shesaid,asshesetthecupinthesaucer."IhadsomanynightmaresandDadwouldnevertellme."

"Itwasaterribleaccident,Lily.Yourfatherwasdevastated.Hepromisedmehewouldnevermakeyou
doanythinglikethatagain."Rosawaswhispering,obviouslyfearfulofbeingoverheard.

"DidJohnknowabouttheothergirls?Didheknowabouttheexperiment?"Lilycouldn'tlookatthe
womanwhohadraisedher.Couldn'tlookatthetearstainedface,whichplainlytoldhertherewasso
muchmoreshedidn'twanttohear.

"Ohno,Lily,"Rosaprotested."HewouldhavebeatPeterwithinaninchofhislifeandthenhewould
havequit.PeterneededJohntokeephimhuman.Yourfatheronlyhadafewpeopleheallowedintohis
world.Johnwasabigpartofthatworld.TheywereboyhoodfriendsandJohnnevermindedPeter's
eccentricways."

LilywaswatchingRosa'sfaceclosely."Whyareyousoupset,Rosa?Tellme.Allofthiswasalongtime
ago.Iwouldneverblameyouforsomethingmyfatherdid.You'reavictimasmuchasIam."

"Ican'ttellyou,Lily.You'llneverforgivemeandyou'retheonlyfamilyIhave.Thisismyhome.John,
Arly,you,andyourfatheraremyentireworld."

LilyreachedacrossthetabletotakeRosa'shand."Iloveyou.Nothingcaneverchangethat.Idon'tliketo
seeyousoupsetlikethis."

"Arlytoldmesomeonebrokeintoourhouse.Hesaidtheyknewexactlywhereyourofficewasandwhere
yourfather'sofficewas.Hesaidtheyhadthehousecodes."Rosastaredmiserablyintoherteacup.

Lilyallowedthebreathtoleaveherlungsinalittlerush.Sheremainedsilent,simplywaiting.Herfingers
tightenedaroundRosa'shandinreassurance.

"TheythreatenedmeLily.Theysaidtheycouldmakemeleavethecountry.Theysaidtheycouldmakea

problemwithmycitizenshippapers.TheysaidIwouldneverseeyouagain."

"Whotoldyouthat?"

"TwomenstoppedmeasIwasgettingoutofmycaratthegrocerystore.Theyhadbadgesandwore
suits."

"Rosa,youknowyou'reindependentlywelloffandmymoneyisyourmoney.Ourlawyerswouldnever
allowanyonetosendyouaway.You'velivedinthiscountryforyears.You'reacitizen,legallyhere.How
couldyouthinkwewouldeverallowyoutobetakenaway?"

"Theysaidtheywouldjusttakemeoffthestreetandsendmeawayandnoonewouldeverknowwhat
happenedtome.Thentheysaidtheycouldmakeyoudisappear,too.IshouldhavetoldyoubutIwasso
afraid.IthoughtArlywouldcatchthemwhetherornottheyhadthecodes.Hehasallthosesillygadgets
helovessomuch."

RosahadneverpaidattentiontolifeoutsidetheWhitneyhome.Comingfromapoorbackground,coupled
withtheguiltshehadalwaysfeltoverherpartinusinglittlechildreninanexperiment,hadaidedin
keepinghersegregatedfromtheoutsideworld."Didyoutellthemaboutthelaboratory?"

Rosasqueakedinterror."Ineverspeakofthatunholyplace.Itrytoforgetitexists.Yourfathershould
havedestroyedit."SheraisedherstrickengazetoLily's."I'msorry,Lily.Icopiedsomeofyourfather's
papersoffhisdesk.Itriedtogivethemthingsthatdidn'tmatterbutIdidn'tknowwhatwasimportant."

Thereisatraitorinourhouse.LilyleanedoverandkissedRosa."Youhavenoideawhatareliefitisto
hearthis.IknewsomeoneinourhomewassupplyinginformationandIthoughtitwasamatterofmoney
orpolitics.Thesepeoplecan'ttouchyou,Rosa."Rosawasnotraitor,justasimplefrightenedwomanwho
haddoneherbesttofeedinformationoflittleconsequencetothosethreateningher.Thereliefwas
overwhelming."Iftheycontactyouagain,letmeknowortellArly."

"Idon'tleavethehouseanymore,Lily.Ihaveourgroceriesdelivered.Idon'twanttoseethesemen."She
leanedtowardLily,afreshfloodoftearsswimminginhereyes."Whatiftheyarethemenwhomadeyour
fatherdisappear?I'msoashamedofmyself.IshouldhavetoldArlybutIdidn'twanthimtoknowIeven
spoketothosemen.Whatiftheytakeyouawayfromme?I'msoafraid."

"Nooneisgoingtoharmme,Rosa.Andifyoueverdisappeared,Iwouldmoveheavenandearthtofind
you.Ineedtoknowafewotherthingsaboutthetimewhenmyfatherfirsthiredyou."

Rosashookherheadandclamberedtoherfeet,takingherteacuptothesink."Idon'tspeakofthattime.I
won't,Lily."

Lilyfollowedher."I'msorry,Rosa,butitisn'tjustidlecuriosity.ThereareotherthingsgoingonandI
needtofindawaytofixthem.Pleasehelpme."

RosacrossedherselfandturnedtowardLilywithahelplesssigh."Ifwedoevil,itwillhauntusalways.
Yourfatherdidthingsthatweren'tnaturalandIhelpedhim.Nomatterwhatwedonow,wehavetopay
forwhatwedidthen.That'sallI'llsayonthesubject.Gotobed,Lily.Youlooksopaleandtired."

"Rosa,whatdidIdothatbroughtmetoPeterWhitney'sattentioninthefirstplace?Whatsetmeapart

fromtheotherssomuch?TheremusthavebeenotherswhocoulddothethingsIdid."

Rosahungherhead."Thethingshedidwerewrong,Lily.I'vetriedveryhardtomakeupforhelpinghim.
Idon'twanttothinkaboutthosetimes."

"Please,Rosa,Ineedtoknow."

"Evenasaninfantyoucouldmakethingsflyintheair.Ifyouwantedyourmilkandweweretooslowyou
couldbringittoyou.Itisnogoodtothinkofthesethings.Wehaveagoodlife,longpastthosetimes.Go
tobednowandsleep."

RosakissedLilyandwalkedoutofthekitchen,leavingLilystaringafterher.Lilyputherheaddownon
thesinkandgrowledinsheerfrustration.Rosahadalwaysbeenstubbornoverthestrangestthings.
Pressingherformoreinformationwasuseless.Lilypushedawayfromthecounterandmadeherway
throughthedarkenedhousetothestairway.

LilywrinkledhernosewhenshesawArlywaitingforheronthebottomstair.Sheshouldhaveknown
he'dbethere;herfamilyhadatendencytohover.

"Ididn'tthinkyou'devergethere.Youleftmeinamess,Lily."

Lilyscowledattheannoyanceandaccusationinhistone."Well,I'vehadafewlittleproblemstodeal
withtonight,Arly.I'msosorryifyouwereinconveniencedandmissedyourbeautysleep."

"You'reinafoulmoodtonight."

"Didtheymakeit?"

Arlystoodup,toweringoverher."Nowyouwanttoknow.Thetroublewithwomenistheyneverhave
theirprioritiesinplace."

"Ifyougivemeanytroubletonight,Arly,IswearI'mgoingtosmashyouone.Iamnotinthemoodto
pandertoyourover-inflatedego,sootheyourruffledfeathers,orlistentoyouexpoundonyourpet
peeves."

"Ialwaystoldyourfatheryouhadsuchapenchantforviolence.Whycouldn'tyoubeoneofthoseseen-
and-never-heardchildren?"Arlygroused.

"ImadeupmymindafterthefirstfiveminutesinyourcompanyIwasgoingtobetheplagueofyourlife."
Lilyleanedherheadagainsthischestwearilyandlookedupathim."Iam,aren'tI,Arly?"

Hekissedthetopofherheadthenruffledherhairasifshewerestillachild."Yes,Lily,you'redefinitely
thebiggestplagueofmylife."Hesighed."Oneofthemenisinbadshape.Theysaidhehadaseizureand
allofthemareworriedaboutabrainbleed."

Herheartdroppedtothefloor.Herlegsturnedtorubber.SheclutchedatArly'ssleeve."Who?Whois
it?"

Heshrugged,hisgazenarrowingasheragitationregistered."Idon'tknow,someonetheycallJeff.He's

outlikealight."

Lilybreathedaprayerofthanksthatithadn'tbeenRyland."Takemetothem,ArlyandI'llneedour
medicalkit."

"Areyoucertainaboutthis?Ifthesemenarecaughthere,wecouldgetintoalotoftrouble.Areyou
preparedforthat?"

"Areyoupreparedforthealternative?"

Nine

RYLANDmetheratthedoor,hissilvergazedevouringherface,takingineveryshadow,notinghowpale
shewas.Withoutpreamble,hepulledherintohisarms.Needingher.Needingtofeelheragainsthim.
Needingtorunhishandsoverherbodyandassurehimselfshewasunharmed."Whythehellareyouso
late?Didn'tyouthinkI'dbeworriedaboutyou?Ididn'thavetheenergyforwavecommunication."He
gaveheralittleshake.

Lilyrestedagainstthehardstrengthofhisbody,gratefulhewasalive.Hisheartwasreassuringlysteady
andhismusclesweresolidbeneathherhands."Iwassoworriedaboutyou,Ryland.Iwasheldupatthe
laboratories.IhadtotalkwithGeneralMcEntire.HewastherewhentheescapetookplaceandHiggens
andThorntonaskedmetojointheminexplainingeverything."Atthatmomentshedidn'tcaretoreasonout
whyitwassoimportanttoherthatRylandwassafe,itonlymatteredthathewas.Thatherworldcould
continueandshecouldbreatheagain.

LilyfoundthatherfingerswerecurledpossessivelyinRyland'shair.Shehadtotouchhim.Shewantedto
weepwithrelief."Arlytellsmesomeonehadseizures."Iwassoafraidforyou.Shewasrevealingtoo
muchofherfeelingsbutshecouldn'tstopherself.

"JeffHollister.Wehaven'tbeenabletowakehim."Heclaspedbothherhandsinhis,broughtherfingers
tothewarmthofhismouth,alltooawarehewasn'talonewithherwhenheneededtobedesperately.

"Doyouknowwhetherhewasgivenanythingtosleeplastnight?"

"Hewashurtingbad.Telepathiccommunicationisdifficultatthebestoftimesandhewasalreadyworn
down.IwastryingtosustainthebridgemyselfforeveryonebutI…"Hetrailedoff,guiltridinghimhard.
Hehadbeenselfish.Hehadwantedtodreamwalk.WantedtocomfortLily.BewithLily.Inusinguphis
energythatway,hehadbeenunabletoprovideasmuchfortheothers.

Lilytightenedherfingersaroundhis."Ryland,youaren'tresponsibleforeveryone.You'renot."

Therewastoomuchcompassioninhereyes.Lilycouldsoeasilyturnhiminsideout.Justthewayshe
lookedathimmadehimfeeldifferentinside.Helikedher.Helikedbeingwithher,hearinghervoice,
watchingherexpressions.Shewasburrowingintohisheart,hecouldfeelherthere.

"Sureheis."Thevoicewasdeepandedgedwithhumor.

LilywhirledaroundtofaceKaden,readytobattleforRyland.Kadenwastallandthickwithmuscleand
sinew.AmanwithcoldeyesandthefaceofaGreekgod.Andhewasgrinningather.

"Justaskhim.Hethinkshe'sresponsiblefortheentireworld."TheflatblackeyesswungtotauntRyland.
"Andyou'remakingadamnfooloutofyourselflookingatherallgoofythatway.You'remakingthemale
genderlookbad."

Ryland'seyebrowshotup."It'sanimpossibilityformetolookgoofyatanyone."

"Hetalksaboutyoualltimetoo,wecan'tshuthimup."

"Doyoumakeitahabittosneakuponpeople?"Lilywastryingnottolaugh.He'ddeliberatelymadeher
blush.Shetriedtocontrolthefaintcolorbuthishawklikegazehaddefinitelyspottedit.Arlystaredather
asifshe'dgrowntwoheads.Sheresistedthedesiretokickhimintheshins,strugglingforserenity
instead.

"Yes,ma'am,nowthatyoumentionit,I'dhavetosaythat'soneofmyspecialties."Kadenlooked
unrepentant.

Lilyrolledhereyes."WheredidyouputJeffHollister?I'dliketotakealookathim.Anddidanyofyou
thinktobringoutthosesleepingtabletssoIcanrunananalysisonthem?"Shefellbackonwhatsheknew
best.Science.Logic.Knowledge.Anythingbutmen.

"Closeyourmouth,geekboy,"shehissedasshesweptpastArlywithherheadheldhigh."You'recatching
flies."

Arlystompedafterher,hurryingtocatchup.Heleanedovertowhisperoverlyloudinherear."Wedidn't
raiseyoutobealittlehussy."

Rylandsawherlipscurveforjustamoment,butshemanagedtokeepastraightface,lookingdownher
patriciannoseathim."Idon'tknowwhatyouthoughtyousaw,butI'vebeenmeaningtotellyouforsome
timetousethenewinsuranceplanforglasses.ThickCoke-bottleglassesmightbehelpful."

"Oh,you'dlikemetobelieveyouweren'tpettinghimlikeafavoritecat.Myfaceturnedredwatchingyou.
Where'dyoulearntobehavelikethat?"

"Youknowthosemoviesyouwatchallthetime,noone'ssupposedtoknowabout?"Lilysaidsweetly.
"Youaccidentallyplayedthemonthewrongchannel.It'samazingtheeducationonecanreceive."

Arlykeptpacebesideher,notevenbreakingstride."Doyouevenknowhisname?I'mgoingtotellRosa."

"Goahead.I'lltellheraboutyourmoviecollection."

Rylandlaughedsoftly."Youtwosoundlikebickeringsiblings."

"She'salwaysbeenjealousofmysuperiorintellect,"Arlyexplained.

Lilytossedherhead."Ha!TheonlythingI'veeverbeenjealousofisyourskinnybody."

Rylandpushedopenthedoortotheinjuredman'sroom.AlthoughLilyhadhadtheroomoutfittedwith
bluelights,theyhadbeendimmedanditwasdifficulttoseeJeffHollisteratfirst.Lyingsostill,hisface
paleandhishairplatinumblond,helookedlikeawaxstatue.SheheardtheCDplayingsoftstrainsof
musicoverthesoundoftherain;evenwiththethickwallsofthehouse,thiswasneededtoprovidea
soothingrespiteforthemen.

"JeffisfromSanDiego,California.He'sachampionsurfer,"Rylandsaid,leaningdowntopattheman's
shoulder."Hetalkslikeanidiot,mostlyslang,buthasahighIQandadegreefromMIT.Hisfamilywould
bedevastatedifanythinghappenedtohim.Hismothersendshimcookieseverymonthandhegetsletters
fromeverybrotherandsisterhehas."

LilywaswatchingthewayRyland'slargehands,scarredfromnumerousfights,weresogentleonJeff
Hollister'sshoulder.Thelumpinherthroatgrew.RylandwouldbejustasdevastatedasJeffHollister's
familyifshecouldn'tfindawaytosavehim.

"You'llhavetoletmeexaminehim.Rosa,myhousekeeper,isanurseandifnecessary,Icancallina
doctorwhowouldbediscreet."

Arlyclearedhisthroat."Lily,youcan'tbringRosainhere.Shecan'tknowaboutthis.She's…strange."

"She'snotstrange,"Lilydefendedimmediately."Shejustdoesn'tbelieveinexperiments."Shefrownedat
Arly.

"Iwasn'tsayinganythingagainsther,hon,"Arlysaid,touchinghershoulderinabriefgestureofsolidarity.
"YouknowthewayRosaalwaystalkedaboutherfamily—veryreligious."

Lilyleanedintohimjustforamoment,thenbenttoexamineHollister.

Rylandshookhishead."Wecan'tchancebringingadoctorhere.Ifheneedsmedicalcarebeyondwhat
youcangivehim,we'lltakehimelsewhere.Iwon'tcompromiseyoursafetyanymorethanwealready
have."

Lilyglancedupathisface,andnotedtheglintofsteelinhiseyes.Theabsoluteresolve.Theregretthat
flickeredacrosshisfaceandwasgone.

"Fine.Whowitnessedwhathappenedtohim?"

"Thatwouldbeme,ma'am."ThevoicecameoutofthedarkestcorneroftheroomandnearlymadeLily
jumpoutofherskin.Shewhirledaroundtoseealargemanstirring,slowlystandinguntilitseemeda
giantwasintheroomwithher.Hewastallandheavilymuscled,withchestnuthairthatgleamedredin
thefaintlightfromthelamp.Shewasshockedathowsilenthewasashecrossedtheroomtoreachher
side."IanMcGillicuddy,ma'am.Rememberme?"

Howcouldsheforget?Shehadreadhisprofilebeforegoingtoseehimbutnothingcouldprepareherfor
thesheerpowerradiatingfromhim.Hiseyeswereadarkbrown,piercingandintelligent.Hemovedwith
aspeedandsilencethatseemedimpossibleforsuchabigman."Yes,ofcourse.I'mgladyou'resafe,Mr.
McGillicuddy."

Fromsomewhereinthedarknesstherewasahumoroussnortatherformaluseofhisname.Lilyrealized
themenwereallkeepingvigilovertheirfallencomrade.

"CallmeIan,ma'am.Idon'twanttohavetogiveanyoftheseboysalessoninmanners."

Shelookedupathim,attheamusementdancinginhisdarkeyes."No,Iguesswecan'thavethat.Callme
LilyandI'lldropthe'mister.'Youwanttodescribeeverythingyoucanrememberabouthiscondition?"

"Hewasverypale.Jeffwasalwaysoutdoorsandhehadatanthatneverwentaway.We'vebeenlocked
upandIhaven'tseenhim,butitwasashocktoseehimsowhite.Hewassweatingandhefeltclammyto
me.Hesaidhisheadfeltlikeitwasgoingtoexplode.Hekepttouchingthebackofhisheadwhenhesaid
it.Icouldtellhewasafraid,andJeffisfearless.He'soneofthosekamikazetypesthatjustgoesfor

broke."

"Didhesaywhetherornothetookasleepingpill?"

Ianshookhishead."No,buthesaidhejustwantedtosleeptoescapethepainanddreamingofsand,surf,
andhomewasbetterthanknowingyouweredyingofabrainbleed.Hewasworriedaboutslowingus
downandkepttellingmetoleavehim."

"Didanyofyoutakeasleepingpill?"Lilyasked.

"Hellno,ma'am."Atallmanwithdarkskinandblackeyessteppedoutoftheshadows."Thecaptainsaid
nottotouchanythingandwedidn't."

"You'reTuckerAddison."Sherememberedhisprofile.Hehadservedinanantiterroristunitandhad
earnedseveralmedals."Ineedtolookathisneckandthebackofhishead.WouldyoumindhelpingIan
rollhimgentlyover?"

"Ijustwantedtosaythankyou,Dr.Whitney,forlettingussetupacommandpostandcamphereinyour
home."Hishands,asheassistedIaninturningoverJeffHollister,wereincrediblygentle.Hehandledthe
manasifhewereababy.

LilybentoverJeffHollister,runningherfingersoverhisskull.Hisbreathingwasnormal,hispulse
steady.Hisskinwascoolerthannormal,andthepulsebeathardinhistemple,butheappearedtobe
asleep.Shegentlypushedthehairfromhisneckandexaminedhisskin.Shecouldn'tseeanyvisiblesigns
ofswellingoroutwardruptures.Thenthepadsofherfingersfoundthescars:Jeffdefinitelyhadreceptors
behindhisears.

Lilyhissedoutaswearwordasshestraightened."Washetakentotheclinicrecently?Hadsomeoneother
thanmevisitedwithhimalone?"Shewasfurious.Furious.Herfingerscurledintoatightfist.Herfather
hadalottoanswerfor.

RylandsteppedupquicklyandranhisfingersaroundJeff'sskull,findingthesamescars,feelinghisway
behindtheman'sears.Amusclejerkedinhisjawashesteppedback.

TuckerandIancarefullylaidJeffHollisterbackonthesheets."Whatisit?Whatdidyoufind?"Ianasked.

Rylandreachedout,andrightthere,infrontofallhismen,begantouncurlLily'sfingers."Jeffwas
complainingofsevereheadachesandacoupleofdaysagotheytookhimtotheclinicandsupposedly
treatedhim.Jeffsaidtheheadachescamebackworsethanbefore.Hestoppedusinganyformoftelepathy.
Wecarriedhimonthewavetokeephimintheloopbuttoldhimnottorespondunlessitwasimperative."
Rylandcarriedherhandtohismouth,breathedwarmairintothecenterofherpalm."Whatisit,Lily?
Whatdoyouthinkhappenedhere?"

Shepulledawayfromhimabruptly,pacedacrosstheroom,notappearingtonoticeasmenscatteredout
ofherway.RylandstartedtoprotestbutArlyshookhisheadslightly,indicatingtheneedforsilence.

Rylandwatchedher,thequick,restlessmovementsofherbody,thefrownonherface.Shewasfaraway
fromthem,computingdata.Whileshewasbusyhetookthetimetoexaminehismen,runninghisfingers
carefullyovereveryhead,searchingfortelltalescars.Heevencheckedhisownhead.Whenhefound

everyoneelsewasclean,hebreathedasmallsighofrelief.

"Ineedtoknowhistalents.Whatcanhedo?"Lilyasked.

"Jeffcanmoveobjects.Youhavekeystothejailhouse,don'tleavethemhangingaroundbecausehecan
liftthemassweetasyouplease,"Tuckersaid."Andhecandothemojothing."

Startled,Lilyblinked,focusedonTucker."I'msorry,I'mnotfamiliarwiththemojothing."

Tuckershrugged."Hecanlevitate."

"No,hecan't,"Iandeniedquickly."Noonecanreallydothat.It'sapartytrickorsomethingandhejust
likestogloat."

"Hecanlevitate?"LilylookedtoRylandforconfirmation."Howintheworlddoeshedothat?Andhow
doesthatfitinwithyourabilities?"Shehadwatchedtheearliervideotapesoftheyounggirls.Noneof
themhadeverachievedlevitationandshehadn'tconsideredthepossibility,orwhatitcouldbeusedfor.
"What,hejustfloatsintheair?"

"Afewinchesfromtheground.Ifhehitsanyhigher,ithurtshishead.Hegetsmigrainesfordays,"Ryland
explained."Someoftheabilitiesaren'tworththeeffortneededtousethem."

"Howmuchactualpracticedidallofyouputintousingyourtalents?"Lilyasked.

ItwasKadenwhoanswered."WetrainedtogetherasamilitaryunitforseveralmonthswhileDr.
Whitney,yourfather,putusthroughabatteryoftests.Webegantrainingasapsychicteamundermilitary
conditions.IwasamemberoftheSpecialForces—infact,IwentthroughtrainingwithRyland—butnow
I'macivilian,ahomicidedetectiveinthepoliceforce.Imetthecriteria,spokeatlengthwithRyland,and
decidedtojoin.Onceourabilitieswerestrengthened,weworkedwelltogetherforsometime."He
lookedattheothersforconfirmation.

"Aboutthree,fourmonths,"Ianagreed."Itwasamazing.Wecoulddoallsortsofthings.Talkabouta
high."

"Butwereyougivenexercisestodotoshieldyourselvesfromunwantedinformationandemotion,"Lily
persisted.

"AtfirstweweredoingatremendousamountofmentalexercisesbutthenColonelHiggensdemanded
quickerresults.Hewantedusoutontrainingmissions,pittingusagainstnonpsychicteams,"Kaden
explained.

"Unfortunately,wewantedtheaction.Sittingaroundalittleroomwithwiresonourheadswasboring,"
Rylandsaid."Yourfatherwarnedusitwastoosoon.Therewereseveralmeetingsandintheend,weall
compromised.Wespentthreedaysoutinthefieldandtwowithelectrodesrecordingoureverymove."

Lilypacedacrosstheroomagain.Rylandwasbeginningtorecognizethepent-upemotioninherquick
steps.Sheprobablydidn'trealizeshewasangry,butherbodybetrayedthedepthsofheremotions."Ican't
believehewouldallowyoutogetawaywiththat.Heknewbetterthantocompromiseonsafety,
especiallywhenhehadearlierdata."

"Earlierdata?"Kadenechoed.

Lilystoppedinhertracksasifshe'dforgottentheywereintheroomwithher.

Arlydeliberatelyturnedtheattentionawayfromthesubject."That'swhatyougetfortalkingtoyourself
allthetime.Youthinkyou'rehavingaconversationwithyourself."

Lilymadearudenoise,easilyfollowinghislead."DoesanyoneknowifHollistercandreamwalk?"She
studiouslyavoidedRyland'sgleamingeyes.

Therewasasmallsilencewhilethemenexchangedlooks."Dreamwalkingisconsideredweirdmojojust
likelevitation,"Kadensaid.Helookedaroundtheroom,hisgazepiercingthedarkness."It'sauseless
talent."

Rylandshrugged."Dr.Whitney—theseniorDr.Whitney—saidenteringintoadreamwithanotherperson
couldbedangerousanddiscouragedusfromexploringit."

"You'vetriedit?"Kadenasked."Youshouldhavetoldme,Ryland.Youknowthenumberoneruleisto
alwayshaveananchor.Whitneydrilledthatintous.Youdrilledthatintous."

"Taikaboutweirdmojo,"Tuckermurmured.

Rylandsighed."IdiscoveredIcoulddoitbyaccident.ItalkedtoDr.Whitneyandhewasadamantthatit
wastoodangeroustobotherwith.AtthetimeIaskedhimifanyoftheotherscouldwalkindreamsandhe
saidoneortwo."Helookedaroundtheroom."Hasanyoneelsetriedit?"

Therewasafaintmovementinthecorneronthefarsideoftheroom.Alleyesturnedtoconfronttheman
sittingsilentlyinthedeepestshadows.Shehadtheimpressionofdarknessandrawstrength.Ofsomething
lethalstirringdangerously.Shetriedtoseehisfeatures,butthedimlightfromthelampcouldn'tquite
reachhim.

"Nico?"Rylandprompted."Areyouabletowalkindreams?"

"Ihavealwaysbeenabletowalkindreams."Thevoicematchedtheimage,sendingashiveroffear
trailingdownLily'sspine.Sheknewwhohewas.NicolasTrevane.Bornandraisedonareservationuntil
histenthyear.LivedanothertenyearsinJapan.Asniperforthemilitarywithmoremedalsthanshecould
countandmorekillsthanshewantedtoknowabout.Sherememberedhiseyestrackingherashesat
perfectlystillinthecenterofhiscage.Evenbehindbarshehadunnervedher,givingthedistinct
impressionofadangerouspredatorsimplywaitinghischance.

"Myfathersaid'oneortwo'others.IfRylandandMr.Trevanecanbothwalkindreams,andnooneelse
isadmittingtoit,there'sapossibilitythatMr.Hollistercanalsowalkindreams,"Lilymusedaloud.She
wasalreadymovingtowardthedoor,pushingherwaythroughthegroupofmen.

"Lily,"Rylandsaidsharply,"whereareyougoing?"

Shestopped,surpriseblossoming."I'msorry—watchhim,hispulseisstrongandhe'sbreathingnormally.
Ineedtodoalittleresearch.Idon'twanttochancetryingtowakehimifitisn'tsafe.Solethimbe,just
watchhimclosely."

Rylandwentoutthedoorwithher,followingherdownthehall."Talktome,Lily—what'sgoingonwith
him?Whatdoyoususpect?"

"Ithinksomeonemayhavepulsedelectricityintohisbrain,deliveringaconcentratedsurgeonasmall
spot."Shewalkedquickly,hermindturningoverthevariouspossibilities."Ihavetohavemore
informationtomakeanykindofalogicalassessment,butI'vehadmysuspicions.Brainbleedsareaside
effect,althoughrare."

Rylandcaughtherarm,haltingherprogress,forcinghertofacehim."Stopaminuteandexplainthistome.
I'msorryI'mnotkeepinguphere,butifyouthinksomeoneisshockingmymen,givingthemsomekindof
electriclobotomy,Ithinkit'simportantformetoknow."Rylandgaveheralittleshake."Whathavethey
donetomymen?"

"Idon'thonestlyknow,Ryland.Ihaveafewsuspicionsbutwhat'sthepointinmakingunfounded
accusations?"

"Whereareyougoing?"Hissilvereyeswereglitteringwithaturbulencethatsuggestedastormwas
brewingjustbeneaththesurface.

Lilywaitedaheartbeatbeforeanswering,disturbedbyhistone."Ijusttoldyou,Ineedmoreinformation.
Iintendtoconsultmyfather'snotes."Shetriedtokeepannoyanceoutofhervoice,acknowledginghehad
everyrighttobeupsetoverfurtherpotentialthreatstohismen.Sheknewshewasoftenabruptand
clippedwhenhermindwaselsewhere.Arlyremindedheroftenenoughandhadpointedoutthesame
behaviorinherfather.

Ryland'spalmcurledaroundthenapeofherneckandhedrewhercloseagainsthishardstrength."I'dlike
somesortofexplanationwhetherit'stechnicalornot.I'mnotacompleteidiot,Lily,andIhavetherightto
assessthethreattothemen."

Lilyletherbreathoutslowly,tookhisfacebetweenherhands."IfIgaveyoutheimpressionthatIdidn't
thinkyoucouldunderstand,Iapologize.Ihaveatendencytogetlostinmyworkandforgetwhat'sgoing
onaroundme.Forthatmatter,anyoneoranythingaroundme."

Rylandsimplybenthisheadtohersandtookpossessionofhermouth.Timestoodstill.Thewallsfell
awayashewhirledheroutoftheboundariesoftheworldandintothestars.Herarmscircledhisneck,
herbodymoldingimmediatelytohis.

"Ialwaysthought,"Arlysaidloudly,comingupbehindthem,"thatmakingoutinahallwaywasthekindof
thingteenagersdo."

Rylandtookhistime,makingathoroughjobofkissingLily.Whenhereluctantlyliftedhishead,hisgaze
shiftedtoArly."Interestingpointofview,butinmyopinion,kissingLilyanywhere,anytimeisamust."

LilymadeafaceatArlyasshemovedpasthimtowardthelongwindingstaircasethatledtothelower
stories."Iwouldn'tknow,Arly,neverhavinggonetoschoolasateenagerandneverhavingkissedin
hallways."

Rylandkeptpacewithher."ForsomeonewithoutthenecessaryexperienceI'dstillhavetorateyou

excellentatkissinginhallways."

"Thankyou,"Lilyreplieddemurely."I'mcertainIcouldhavedonemuchbetterhadArlygivenmeafew
moreminutes."

"Oh,no,youwerefine,"Rylandreassuredher."IwasjustremindingyouIwasaround.Hallwayornot,I
wantedyoutoremembermyexistence."

Lilylaughedsoftly,buthersmilewasalreadyfadingassheturnedtohurrydownthestairs.

Rylandwatchedthedistantlookreturntoherfaceandsighed.Arlyshookhishead."She'sbrilliant,you
know.She'slikeamachineifyoufeedherdata.Thereareveryfewpeopleintheworldwhocandothat."

Rylandnoddedhisagreementbuthisfrownremained."It'salittlehardonaman'sego."

"She'ssomeonespecial,Miller.Differentinwaysyoucan'timagine.Andshe'schosenyou."Arlylooked
themanupanddown.Tookinthebattered,scarredhands,evidenceoffights,themuscular,stockybody
andrough-hewnface."Asidefromthefactthatyou'reprobablyontheFBI'smostwantedlist,doyouhave
anyotherqualificationsImightwanttoknowabout?"

"Qualifications?"Rylandechoed."Areyouaskingmeinaroundaboutwaymyintentions?"

"Notyet."Arlywashonest."FirstIwantedtofindoutifIevenwantyoutostateyourintentions.Ihaven't
decided.Imightstillthrowyouout."

"Isee.Youhavesomethingagainstthemilitary?"

"Asidefromthefactthatyou'reprobablyanadrenalinejunkieoryouwouldn'thavegoneanywherenear
theSpecialForcesorDr.Whitneyandhiscrazyexperiment?Orthatguyslikeyouwindupdeadbecause
youneverlearnenoughisenough?Orthatyougothroughwomenlikewater?"ArlyindicatedRyland's
handswithhischin."Andthatyou'veprobablyseentheinsideofmorethanonejailbecauseyougetin
fights."

Rylandwhistledsoftly."Tellmewhatyoureallythink,don'tsparemyfeelings."

"Ihadnointentionofsparingyourfeelings.Lilyislikeadaughtertome.She'smyfamily.You'llfindthe
membersofthishouseholdloveherandwillgotoanylengthstoprotecther.Andshe'srichbeyondyour
wildestdreams.Shedoesn'tneedagolddiggertryingtowaltzinandsweepheroffherfeetwithafew
practicedkisses."

"Nowyou'regettingonverythinice,"Rylandwarned."Idon'thaveanydesireforLily'smoney.Asfaras
I'mconcernedshecangiveitawaytocharity.I'mperfectlycapableofprovidingforus."

Arly'seyebrowshotup."You'rearrogantontopofeverythingelse.Great.That'sgoingtomeshreally
wellwithherdelightfulpersonality."Hewassilentforafewsteps,obviouslydebatinghowtosayhis
piece."Lilyisn'tlikeeveryoneelse,Miller.Shehasspecialneedsandherbrainrequiresconstant
informationtoworkon.Withoutit,shedoesn'tdowell.Justasyourmenallwillrequirespecial
circumstancesintheirchoiceofhomesandworkenvironment,sodoesLily.I'mtellingyouthisbecause
whenall'ssaidanddone,Ithinkyoureallyaresincereandshe'ssodamnedstubbornIcouldn'tpersuade

herawayfromyouifshe'smadeuphermind."

"Iknowshe'sgoingtorequirecare."

"Notcare,Miller.Thishouse.Thesewalls.Peoplelikemearoundher,whodon'tdrainherenergyand
batterherdayandnightwithunwantedemotion.Shethrivesbecauseherfathersawtoitthatshewould.
Youcan'ttakeherawayfromhereforverylong."

"Shesaidtherewereothers.Theywouldbewomennow,whataboutthem?Howdidtheysurvivewithout
thebenefitsofWhitney'smoneyandhisprotectedenvironment?"Rylandaskedcuriously.

Arlyswallowedseveraltimesbeforereplying.Finallyheshookhisheadhelplessly."Ihavenoideaabout
anyotherwomen.IlookafterLilyandthat'sallIcanhandle."

TheyhadtohurrydownthestairsandthroughthemazeofcorridorstocatchLily.Shehadhaltedatthe
doortoherfather'soffice.Lilypunchedinthecodetounlockitandhesitated,lookingaroundcarefully.
"Areyoucertainnocameraswereplacedinthisarea,Arly?Andyoudidasweepofmyfather'soffice
again,didn'tyou?"

"Afewhoursago,afterthedayhelpwenthome,"Arlyadmitted."That'swherewe'remostvulnerable.We
needthestaff,buttheyaren'tnecessarilyloyaltotheestate.Itwon'tmatterhowmuchwepaythem,if
they'reofferedmore,they'llgiveoutinformationandmaybeevengosofarastosnoopintheareasoff
limitsordroplittlelisteningdevices."

"I'vesetupacommandpostonthethirdfloor,"Rylandsaid."Wemappedoutseveralescaperoutes,going
uptotheroofanddowntothetunnels.Thanksforthemotiondetectors,Arly.Thosecertainlymakethe
menfeelmoresecure."

"Youcan'tleavetheparametersIgaveyou,"Arlycautioned."Wecan'tguaranteesafetyifyoudo.Lily
tellsmeshe'sgoingtoworkwithyouandtheotherstoprepareallofyoufortheoutsideenvironmentand
hopefullyminimizetherisksofcomplications.Inthemeantime,you'llhavetorealizethedaystaffisour
greatestsecurityrisk."

Lilysteppedbacktoallowthetwomentoprecedeherintotheoffice.Shewantedtoensurethedoorwas
locked.Arlyhadchangedthesecuritycodeontheoffchanceanotherintrudermightgetintothehouse.

"I'mgoingtomonitorthehousefrommyrooms,"Arlyannounced."Willyoubeallright?"Hepointedly
ignoredRylandtoaskthequestionofLily.

"IthinkCaptainMillerknowsallsortsofhand-to-handthings,"shequipped.

"That'swhatI'mafraidof,"Arlysaid.Inarareshowofaffectionheleaneddowntokisshercheek."You
aren'twearingyourwatch.Andyou'relookingtired.Maybeyououghttosleepforafewhoursbefore
gettinginvolvedinyourresearch,Lily."

"Thiscan'twait,Arly,butthankyouforworrying.I'llgotobedassoonasIcanandI'llsleepallday."

"Andwearyourwatch."

Lilyhuggedhisthinbodyclosetoher."Don'tworryaboutme,Arly."

Rylandwatchedtheoldermango."He'satoughguywhenitcomestoyou.Hegavemetheseconddegree.
IhadthefeelinghemightturnmeinhimselfifhethoughtIwasuptonogood."Hewatchedwithinterest
asLilywenttothegrandfatherclockanddidsomethinghecouldn'tseewiththehourhand.Tohis
astonishmentthefrontoftheclockmovedforwardtorevealahiddenchamberinthewall.Thenhefound
himselfstaringatanopeninginthefloor.

"Doesthehousehavemanyoftheserooms?"Hefollowedherdownthesteep,narrowstaircase.His
shouldersbrushedthewallsoneitherside.

"Well,ifyoumeanaretherepassageways,yes,andhiddenrooms,butthereisnoevidenceofthis
stairway.It'ssandwichedbetweentwoofthebasements'walls.Itleadsbeneaththebasements
undergroundandIdon'tbelieveitwasintheblueprints,somyfather'slaboratoryisverysecret.Hehas
up-to-dateequipmentinitalongwithanentirelibraryofdocumentationonhisearlierexperimentaswell
aswithyouandyourmen."

"Explaintomeabouttheelectricitypulses,Lily.IneedtounderstandwhatJeffisupagainst."Ryland
staredaroundthelaboratory,amazedatthemeticulousdetailingofPeterWhitney'sprivatelab.He
shouldn'thavebeen.ResearchwasWhitney'slifeandhehadthemoneytoindulgehisneeds,butthe
equipmentcouldonlyhavebeenfoundinthebestresearchcenters.

"Theentireideaofbrainbleedsasasideeffectbothersme,"Lilysaidasshebegantoscandatesonthe
neatcollectionofdisks."Everyoneseemstoacceptitasnormalbutitisn't.Itwouldbeincrediblyrare.
Seizureswouldhavetobemassiveandcontinuoustocausethebleeds.Andwhat'sbringingtheseizures
on?Prolongedexposuretohighlyemotionalwavesofenergy?Usingtelepathywithoutananchor,ora
safeguard?Thatcouldhappen,thebrainisovertaxed,toomuchgarbagegettingin,butitwouldmore
likelyproduceseveremigraines.I'vebeenfunctioningforyearsoverstimulatedbyemotionsandunwanted
information.Yes,Igetmigrainesandit'sverydrainingbutIdon'tseizeandIdon'thavebrainbleeds."

"Istilldon'tknowwhatthatmeans.We'velosttwomentobrainhemorrhages;atleastthat'swhatwewere
toldhappenedtothem."

Lilyinsertedadiskintothecomputer."Myfathertriedusingsmallpulsesofelectricitytostimulatebrain
activityinhisinitialexperiments.Hesurgicallyplantedelectrodesdirectlyontheareashewanted
enhanced.Themicroelectrodesrecordedactiongeneratedbyindividualneurons.Theelectricalsignals
wereamplified,filtered,andcouldbedisplayedvisuallyandevenconvertedtosoundsthroughan
audiometer."

"Hewaswatchingthebrainwavesreact?"Rylandwatchedthedataflashingoverthescreenataratehe
couldn'tfollowbutevenwhiletalking,Lilyseemedtobecomputingit.Hewatchedtheexpressions
chasingacrossherface,interest,afrown,aslightpauseassheshookherhead,thenmoredata.

"Andlisteningtothem.Neuronshavecharacteristicpatternsofactivitywhichcanbebothvisualizedand
heard."Shemurmuredtheinformationabsently,peeringmorecloselyatthescreen.

"Damnit,Lily!Areyoutellingmewehavesomethingplantedinourbrainsalongwitheverythingelse
donetous?Nooneagreedtothat."Herubbedhisthrobbingtemples,furyswirlinginhisgut.

"JeffHollisterhasevidenceofsurgery.ButIcan'timagineDadrepeatingsuchaterriblemistake—oneof
theraresideeffectshefoundlongagowasbrainbleedsandhedetermineditwasn'tworththeresults."

"Soyouthinkweallhavethesethingsimplanted?"Hecouldn'thelprubbinghishandsoverhisheadagain
andagainsearchingforscars.Theideasickenedhim.

Lilyshookherhead."It'sacomplexprocedure.Theywouldhavehadtofithimwithaheadframewhich
they'dattachtohisskullandtoatable.Ithastobedonewiththepatientawake,sohewouldhaveknown
itwasbeingdone.Acomputerisusedfortheexactimaging.It'sveryprecise,Ryland,someonewould
havetoknowwhattheyweredoing."

Rylandsworeagainunderhisbreath,pacingawayandthenbacktoher.

"Ifsomeonewerearrangingaccidentsortryingtomakethepsychicexperimentappearafailure,they
couldhavedonesomethingtoanyofyouinthesurgeryunitatDonovans.They'recertainlyequippedfor
it."

"What?Sabotage?"Rylandsweptahandthroughhishair."Damnthem."

Lilyshrugged."Mostofthetimethistypeofconspiracyinvolvesmoney.Orpolitics.Ifitcouldbemade
tolookasifallofyouwereatriskontheoutside,andyoucouldn'tbeusedformilitarypurposes,butin
truth,theenhancementworkedwithouttoomanycomplications,theinformationcouldeasilybesoldtoa
foreignnation."

"Howwouldsomeoneknowaboutelectrodesintheheadcausingbrainbleeds?Ididn'tknow,"Ryland
admitted."IfHiggensisbehindthis,howwouldheknow?"

"Thorntonwouldknow."Athispuzzledfrownsheexplained."ThepresidentofDonovans.Afewyears
agodoctorsbeganresearchonaprojectusingdeepbrainstimulationforParkinson'sdisease.Theidea
certainlyhasmeritandotherresearcherswereveryinterestedtoseewhatelsetheprocessmightbeused
for.ThorntonandIhadalongdiscussionaboutitafewmonthsago.Irememberbecausehewasso
interestedintheprocedureanditsuses.AndifDadmentionedhe'dthoughtofitanddismissedtheideaas
toodangerous,thatmighthavetriggeredinterestrightthereiftheywerelookingforawaytosabotagethe
experiment."

Shesoundedsofascinateditannoyedhim."Damnit,Lily,isthereapossibilitywehaveelectrodesinour
brainsandwecan'tfeelthem?Andifwedo,howaretheymessingwithus?"

"Therewouldbeevidence,Ryland.Also,Dadstatedabsolutelyhewouldn'triskrepeatingtheproblems
associatedwiththefirstexperiment,eventhoughnowhewouldbeabletomapatargetsitewithpinpoint
accuracy."Shelookedathim."TheautopsyreportwasdoneatDonovansandDaddidn'tbelieveit.He
suspectedsomeonewastamperingwithyouandyourmen,buthewasn'tcertain.Lookatthis,Ryland."
Shepeeredatthescreen."DadtriedrepeatedlytospeaktoGeneralRanier,infact,hadseveral
conversationswithhisaide,apparentlyrecordedonDad'sside,sothetapesareheresomewhere.Ranier
nevercalledhimback.Dadsentfourlettersandvariousemailstohimandnotonewasanswered."She
tappedthecomputer."It'sallrighthereinhisjournals.GeneralRanierisafamilyfriend.Ihadnoidea
Dadtriedtocontacthimsooften."

Rylandpacedacrossthefloor,swearingunderhisbreath.Lilywasswayingwithexhaustion,thedark
circlesunderhereyesmorepronouncedthanever.Hewantedtogatherherintohisarmsandholdherto
him.Carryhertoherbedandcurvehisbodyaroundhersprotectively.Hishandscamedownonher
shouldersinasoothingmassage."Youneedtoliedownforawhile,Lily.Youshouldgotobed.IfJeffis
safeforthetimebeing,thenyoushouldjustgetsomesleep."

"Iamtired,"sheadmitted."IjusthaveafewmorethingstolookathereandthenI'llcheckonJeffone
moretime."

"Howwouldtheydelivertheelectricity?"Rylandaskedcuriously.

Shescannedthethirddiskquickly,stoppingtwicetosilentlyabsorbthemoretechnicalmaterial."Ifit
waslegitimate,you'dwearasmallpowerpack,muchlikeapacemaker.You'dswitchitonyourself.It's
magnetic.Thesmallestpulsepossibleforresultswouldbedelivered.Noneofyouhaveapowerpackso
ifithappenedtoJeff,theelectrodeswereplacedwithouthisrealknowledgeorconsentofwhattheywere
doingandthenhewouldhavebeensubjectedtoamagnetichighfrequencydeliveredbyanoutside
source.I'mhypothesizing,Ryland,I'mnotcertainhoworevenifitcouldbedoneforcertain."

"Why?Whatwouldbethepointofdoingthattohim?"

"Tokillhimofcourse."Lilyshutdownthecomputer."Comeon.Let'sgocheckonhim.It'sbeenalong
night."

Hetookherhand."Andalongerday,"heagreed.

Ten

Ineedyou.Lilywokewithastart,herheartpoundingwithfear,ormaybeinanticipation,hereyes
strainingtopiercethedarknessintothecornersofherbedroom.Thevoicewasclearandstrong.Edgy
withhunger.Notadreamthistime.Rylandwasinthesameroomwithher.

Sherolledoverandpeeredunderherbed.Laughingathersilliness,Lilylaybackagainstthepillow,
staringupattheceiling.Thesoundofhervoicehelpedtostiflethedisappointmentsettlinginherbody.
Sheached.Insideandout,sheachedforhim.ForRylandMiller.Thesilverslashofhiseyes.The
temptationofhismouth.Hisbody.Shedreamtofhisbody.Ofholdinghimclose,ofhishandsandmouth
touchingher,tastingher.Ofthefeelofhisskin.Shewokeburningandalone.Hollowandemptyand
moody.

AftershehadlefthimwithJeffHollister,shehadreturnedtoherfather'ssecretlaboratory,wantingto
readmoreofhisjournals.LilyfeareddoinganythingthatmightharmHollisterbutRylandhadbeen
adamantthattheynotbringinmedicalhelp.Sheworkedmostofthemorningandintotheafternoon,
fallingintobedjustbeforefive.Obviouslyshehadsleptintothenight.

ShewasnotgoingtosearchRylandout.Thinkingabouthiminterferedwithherabilitytoconcentrateon
helpinghim.Itwasfarmoreimportanttofindanswers.Shehadsuppliedhimwithasaferefugeand
plentyoffood.Gettinginvolvedwithhimanyfurthercouldjeopardizeeverything,shetoldherselffirmly.
ThebestwaytohelpRylandMillerandtheotherswastofindouteverythingshecouldabouthowher
fatherhadmanagedtoopentheirbrainstothewavesofenergy.

Lilyshovedahandthroughherthickmassofhairtumblingaroundherface.Shecouldneverliveuptothe
eroticdreamthey'dshared.Itwaseasyenoughtobecompletelyuninhibitedinadream,butshehadno
ideahowtobehavewithaflesh-and-bloodmanexpectingasiren.Whyhadsheeversharedthatdream
withhim?Sheblushedavividscarlet,groaned,andhidherfaceinherhands.

"Thinkofsomethingelse,Lily.Forheaven'ssake,you'reagrownwoman.It'simperativetofindthe
answers.Stopthinkingabouthim!"Lilytriedtobefirmwithherself,forcinghermindtoconsiderother
thingsbesidesraw,hotmen.Man.Shesighed."Okay,Lily,focushere.ColonelHiggensisboundto
eventuallybecomesuspiciousofyou.Soonerorlaterhe'llfindawaytopenetratesecurity.Arlyonly
thinkshe'samiracleworker."

Lilythrewbackthecoversandpaddedacrosstheroomtothetiledbathroomonbarefeet.Sheworeonly
alongshirt.Ryland'sshirt.Itstillheldhisscent,enfoldingherinhispresencelikeanembrace.Shehad
stolenit,apatheticimpulseshewasslightlyashamedof,buteternallygratefulshehadactedon.Ithad
beenleftinthelaboratoryalongwithhisotherclothes,readytobesentouttothelaundry.Shecouldn't
believeshehadbeenreducedtostealingashirt.Itwasmorethanpathetic,itwastrulywretched.

Takinghertimeasshewashedherface,usingtheopportunitytogiveherselfasternlecture,shepeeredat
herfaceinthemirror."Youdon'twanthimanyway,Lily,youwanttobelovedforwhoyouare,not
becauseyouhavegreatchemistry."Hereyesweretoolargeforherface.Shewastoopale.Drooping.
Whyhadn'tshebeenbornmodelthinandgorgeous?Withaperpetualtan?

Greatchemistryworksforme.Thevoiceslippedintohermind.Slidoverherbodylikeaphysicaltouch.

Lilystiffened,herfingerscurlingaroundtheedgesofthesink.Usingthemirrorshesearchedtheroom
carefully.Itwasonethingtodreamofhim,quiteanothertofacehimaloneandvulnerableintheprivacy
ofherrooms.Theconnectionwastoostrongbetweenthem.Shedidn'ttrustit…orhim."Areyouherein
theroomwithme?Becauseyou'dbetternotbe.Youhaveadesignatedareaofsafetyandmyprivate
roomsarenotincluded."Sheaskedthequestionaloud,wantedhimtoansweraloud.Itwasfartoo
intimateanexchangewithhiminhermind.Herthoughts.Herfantasies.Thecolorwasn'tjustinherface
anymore,itwascreepingupherentirebody.

Ilikeyourfantasies.Ryland'svoicepurred.Likeagreatcontentedcat.Purredsothatitvibratedthrough
herbody,setheronfire.

Hecouldn'tbeinherroom.He'dbetternotbeinherroom.Herheartwaspoundingwithamixtureoffear
andexcitement.Shewantedtoseehim,butdreadedbeingalonewithhim.Andshewaswearinghis
shirt…Itwaspossibleshewantedhimsomuchshewasimaginingthings.Sheclosedhereyes.
Imaginationhadalreadygottenherintroubleonce;shewasn'tabouttoallowittohappenagain.

Handswhisperedupherthighs,pushingasidethelongtailsofhershirt,slidoverthecurveofherhips,
framedherribcage,andmoveduphighertocuptheweightofherbreastsinroughpalms.Lily'seyesflew
opentostareathisfaceaboveherown.Real.Rylandcrowdedclosetoher.Hisbody,hardandhot,
pressedagainstherback.Hishands,beneaththethinmaterialofhershirt,werepossessive,histhumbs
strokinghernipplesintotautpeaks.

Rylandwatchedherfaceinthemirror.Fearblossoming.Theshock.Thepleasure.Heslowlybenthis
headsothathislipsskimmedherneck."Don'tworry,Lily,Iknowyou.Iknowwhatyouwant.Iknow
whatyouneedrightnow.Ineedittoo.Therestwillcomelater."

Desirewasahotheatspiralingthroughherbody,everynerveendingalive.Lilygasped,herfingers
tighteningaroundtheedgeofthesink.Sheshouldhavebeenscreamingaprotest;insteadshestoodvery
stillabsorbingthefeelofhishandsonherbody."Areyoucrazy?Howdidyoufindme?Youshouldn'tbe
here,Ryland."Shewantedhimmorethanlifeitself.Butshewasn'twhathethought.Shecouldnever
matchtheeroticfantasytheyhadwoventogether.

Ryland'steethscrapedgentlyoverherneck,sentfireracingoverherskin."Didyouthinkanythingcould
keepmeawayfromyou?"Hishandswerepossessivearoundherbreasts."Don'tbeafraid,Lily.Anything
wedoisgoingtobeperfectbetweenus."

Shecouldn'thelpthethrillofexcitementthatracedthroughher,evenifhermindtauntedherwithherlack
ofactualexperience.Theireyesmetinthemirror.Shecouldseehishunger.Starkandraw.Therewere
linesetchedintohisfacethathadn'tbeentherebefore.Therewereshadowsandacertainedgetothe
sensualcutofhismouth.

Lilydrewinherbreathtotellhimitwaswrong,theydidn'tloveoneanother,itwasachemicalreaction,
anythingtodrivehimaway,buthedrewherclosertohim,fitherbodysnuglyagainsthis.Shecouldfeel
thehardbulgepressedagainsther,evidenceofhisbody'surgentdemands.Shefeltasifshebelongedto
him.Withhim.NolongerLilybutapartofRyland.AsiftherewouldbenoLilywithouthim.

"It'sbeenhellwithoutyou,Lily.Ican'texplainitanyotherway.Withyou,Icanfunction.Icancontrol
what'shappeningtome."

"Youaren'tcontrollingyourselfnow."Shewasn'tentirelycertainshewantedhimincontrol.Onehand
wasslidinglightlyoverherstomach,hisfingersmovinginamassagingcaressimpossibletoignore.She
closedhereyesagainstthesensationandunexpectedlytearsburnedbehindherlashes.

Immediatelyhishandstoppedmoving.Hisbreathhitchedinhisthroat."Don'tdothat.Don'thurtlikethat."
Hishandsreluctantlylefttherefugeofherbody.Heturnedherintotheshelterofhischest,hisarms
enfoldingherclose.Hisbodywasprotective,hishandstenderastheystrokedhersilkyhair."Iknow
you'reconfusedrightnow.Iknowyoudon'tthinkwhat'sbetweenusisrealorthatemotionplaysapartin
it,butyou'rewrong,Lily.Ithinkofyouallthetime,howyouare,whatyou'refeeling.Ilovethesoundof
yourvoice,yoursmile.Itisn'tjustsex."

"Itisn'tthat."Lilyturnedherheadtorestitovertheprecisespotwherehisheartbeatsosteadily.Itwas
happeningalloveragain.Eachtimeshewasnearhimshecoulddenyhimnothing.Shecouldn'tlookat
him.Shewasn'tcertainshecouldeverlookathimagain."Idon'twantyoutobedisappointed."

Rylandstoodverystill.Itwasthelastthingheexpected.Lilywastheepitomeofconfidence.Shewas
beautifulandperfectandhermouthwasatotalsin."Lily,honey,lookatme."

Mutelysheshookherhead.Rylandstrokedherhair,crushedthethickstrandsinhisfist.Hebenthishead,
inhaledherfragrance.Inhaledherscent.Lily.HisLily."Itwouldbeanimpossibilityformetobe
disappointedinyou."

Shepushedawayfromhiswarmth,fromhissolidbody."Youshouldn'tbehere.AndIdon'twanttotalk
aboutthis."Itwastoohumiliating.Shewasalreadymakingacompletefoolofherself.Lilythoughttoput
distancebetweenthem,buttheywereintheconfinesofthebathroomandherbackwasupagainstthe
sink.Rylandwasalargeman,hisbroadshouldersfillingtheroom,hisbodyblockingthedoorway.She
facedhim,shakingherhead,herblueeyessad."You'regoingtobeexpectingmetobelike…"She
frowned,wavedherhandaround,settledononeword."Her."Yourhotlittlefantasywomanthatcando
everything.Anything.Sheblushedavividscarletagain,hopingthedarknesswouldcoverwhatwasan
appallingshadeonher.

Hereachedout,lacedhisfingersthroughhers,andtuggeduntilshereluctantlyfollowedhimintoher
darkenedbedroom."Ithinkweneedtohavealittletalk,Lily."

Herheartjumpedwildly.Sheallowedhimtopullhertowardthewidearmchairbesidethetalllamp.It
wasutterlyridiculoushowhelplesshecouldmakeherfeelwithjustthevelvettoneofhisvoice.Her
bodywentintomeltdownandshecouldn'tthinkclearly.

Heseatedhimselfcomfortably,tuggedonherhanduntilshefellagainsthim.Hesettledheronhislap,all
tooawaresheworenothingbeneaththeshirt.Hisshirt.Itpleasedhimthatsheworehisshirt."Idon't
thinkalittletalkisgoingtohelp,Ryland.Ican'tbethatwomaninourdream.I'veneverreallybeenwitha
man.Itwasallimaginationandreading."

"Iwanttoreadthebooksyou'vebeenreading."Hishandsseemedtohaveamindoftheirown,sliding
overherbarethighs,long,gentlestrokestofeelthepetalsoftskinofher.Hehadalwaysknownherskin
wouldfeelasitdid.Itwasimpossibletokeephishandsoffofher.

Hishandsfollowedthepathofherthigh,slidaroundtocupherbarebottom,massagingandstrokinguntil

shethoughtshemightgooutofhermind.

"Ryland,itwon'tbethesameasitwasinthedream."Shefeltasifshewerepleadingwithhim,butshe
didn'tknowifitwasforhimtobelieveher,orpersuadeher.

"Ihopenot.Iwantittobereal.Iwanttobedeepinsideyourbody.Iwantyourhandsreallytouchingmy
skin.Itisn'tgoingtomatterthatyou'renotexperienced,Lily.Itonlymattersthatwewanttopleaseone
another,enjoyoneanother."

Shehatedherselfforbeingsuchacoward.Theywouldbespectaculartogetherandthenhewouldwalk
awayandleaveher."Doyouthinkyou'remakingthisanyeasierforeitherofus?"Lilyleaptupasifhis
touchwereburningher.Itwasburningher.Herbreathwascominginraggedgasps.Shepacedacrossthe
hardwoodfloor,backandforth,confusedandslightlydisoriented."Andwhatdoyouthinkisgoingto
happenifwe…ifIletyou…"Sheglancedathimfromunderlonglashes."Afterward…"

Hislegswerestretchedoutcomfortablyandhewaswatchingher,hisgazemovingslowly,hotlyoverher
body.Devouringeveryinchofher.Atonceshewasawareofhernakedbodymovingrestlesslybeneath
theshirt.Herbreastsachedandherbodyfeltheavy,throbbedforrelease.Forhim."Afterward,Ihopeto
startalloveragain.Andagain.Andagain.Itwillneverbeenoughforme."

Lilyshookherheadandbackedawayfromhim."Webothknowyou'llhavetoleavemeeventually.Itwill
bethatmuchharderwhenyougo."

Heroseinonefluidmovement,stalkingherrightacrossthebedroomfloor.Lilybackpedaledhastilyto
eludehim."Itcan'tgetmuchharderthanitalreadyis,Lily."Hisvoicefounditswayintoherbloodstream,
creatingamoltenriver.Hereachedoutwithhisincrediblespeedandshackledherwristwithhisfingers.

Atonceshewentverystill,herstomachsomersaulting.Sheachedforhim.Ifsheclosedhereyestoblock
outthesightofhim,itwouldn'tmatter.Hewasalreadydeepinsideofher.Andwhichwouldbeworse?
Havinghimandwatchinghimwalkawayfromher?Orneverhavinghimandfeelingemptyfortherestof
herlife?Shewouldratherhavethememoryofarealexperiencethanadream.

"Lily?"Hisvoicewasvelvetsoftlikethenightitself.Thefingerswrappedsolooselyaroundherwrist
likeabraceletsuddenlytightened,broughtherupshort."Lily,whatamIfeelingrightnow?"

Sheforcedhergazetomeethis.Allowedherselftoabsorbhisrawemotions.Desire.Itwashard-edged.
Dangerous.Primal.Theforceofhishungerforherbodyshookher.Hedidn'tflinchawayfromthe
knowledgeinhereyes.

"Howcanyouthinkthere'sseparationfromyourbodyandyourmindandheart?Ineedyou.Wantyou.
Everysquareinchofyou,Lily.Isthatsuchaterrifyingthing?Areyousoafraidofme?Ofbeingwith
me?"

Wasthereanoteofhurtinhisvoice?Healwayssoundedsoincommand,incontrol,yettherewasa
curiousvulnerabilityinhimwhenhewaswithher.Shecontinuedtolookupathim,unabletobreakaway
fromhismesmerizinggaze.Fromthestarkdesireshesawthere.

Rylandmovedthen,slowlyloweringhisheadtohers.Inchbyslowinch.Allthewhileholdingher

captivewiththepowerofhisglitteringeyes.Herpulse,beneaththepadofhisthumb,racedwildly.His
lipsmovedagainsthers.Gently.Skimming.Barelytouching."You'veforgottentobreathe."Hisbreathwas
warmonherskin,onhermouth,breathingforher,sharingtheveryairinhislungs.

Hislipsweresoft.Velvetsoft.Heatcurledinherstomach,pooledintoasweetache.Rylandleaned
closer,hislipsrubbingoverhers,teasingatthecornersofhermouth,smalllittlenibbles.Anenticement.
Atemptation.Histonguetracedthelineofherlips,agentlepersistencecompletelyatoddswiththe
tremorofintensehungerthatranbeneaththesurfaceofhisbody.

Hishandsweregentle,tendereven,asonecurledaroundthenapeofhernecktoholdherstill.Theother
followedthelineofherback,thecurveofherhipstorestpossessivelyonherbottom.

Aflameshotthroughherbloodstream,wildandhotandallatonceoutofcontrol.Thesensationwas
shockingwhenhewassogentle,coaxingherresponseratherthandemandingit.Lilyfeltweakwith
wantinghim,tiredoffightingtheattractionbetweenthem.Thetemptationofheatandfirestolehergood
sense.Hermouthmovedunderhis,herlipssoftandpliantandwelcoming.

Hismouthhardened,becamehotanddangerous,compellinghertoopenforhim,herdarksorcerer
claiminghisrights.Atonceshewassweptintoanotherworld,oneofpurefeeling,ofcolorsand
sensations.Tonguesoffireracedalongherskin.Everynerveendingcamealive.Herbloodwasthickand
hotwithneed.Herbodycraving,craving,untilherarmscreptaroundhisneckandherbodymoldeditself
tohis.

Herbreastsached,herbodythrobbed.Hishandscuppedherbottom,lifting,pressingheragainstthethick
evidenceofhisarousal,rubbinghercloseuntilthefrictionwasalmosttoomuchtobear.

Rylandgroaned,asoundofstarkneed."I'mlosingmysanity,Lily.Iburnforyou,dayandnight."The
wordswerewhisperedagainstheropenmouth."It'snotcomfortableorpleasant,ithurtslikehell.Putme
outofmymisery,honey.Helpme,Lily.Ican'tthinkwithwantingyou."

"Want"wassuchaninsipidword.Howcouldheexplaintoherwhatitwaslikeforhim?Dayandnight
thinkingofher,dreamingofher,adruginhisbloodstream,acravingthatcouldn'tbesated.Hisbodywas
alwayshotandunmercifullyhard.Therewerenowordsadequateenough,intenseenough,todescribethe
nightsofsweat-soakedsheetsanddayswithhisjeansstretchedsodamnedtightoverhishardbodyhe
thoughthemightneverbeabletotakeanotherstepwithoutpainagain.

Hishandsonherbarebottomcuppedherfirmmuscles,beganaslow,intimatemassage,deliberately,
wickedlyenticingher.

Lilycouldn'tbreathewithwantinghim.Hismouthfastenedtohers,devouringher,thegentlecoaxing
mannerlostintheinfernobuildingbetweenthem.Sheletherbodyanswerforher,withoutwords,giving
consentwithherhands,slidingpossessivelyoverhisbody,whilehertonguedueledwithhis.

Rylandgroanedsoftly,lowinhisthroat,somewherebetweenagrowlandapurr.Lilywastrembling
beneathhishands.Hedidn'twanthertobeafraidornervous,notevenforamoment."Idreamtofthis
moment,Lily."Heliftedhereasily,casually,hismouthroamingherfaceandthroatashecarriedhertothe
bed."Somanytimes,Idreamtofthis."

Lilycouldfeelthecoolnessofthesheetagainstherbackashepressedherintothemattress.Hishands
werestrong,determined,possessiveevenastheyroamedoverherbody.Hisfacewasetchedwithdeep
emotion,hiseyesburning.Hesweptawaytheshirt,droppingitcarelesslyonthefloor.Sheheardhim
gasp,thehitchinhisbreath,thehuskysoundinhisthroat.Hispalmstrailedoverherskinslowlyfromher
shoulders,overtheswellofherbreasts,alonghernarrowribcagetohertucked-inwaistandtheflat
expanseofherstomach."It'samazinghowsoftyourskinfeels."

Histouchwasexquisitelygentle,completelyatoddswiththeterriblehungerburninginhiseyes.Hebent
hisheadslowlytoherbreast.Hisbreathreachedherskinfirst.Warm.Moist.Hislipsweresoft.

Lilyjumpedunderhisseekingmouth,allatoncesosensitiveeventhebrushofhishairwaseroticagainst
herskin.

Rylandwasdeterminedtogoslow,stayincontrol,holdhisterriblehungerforLilyundersomesortof
rein.Thelastthinghewantedtodowasfrightenher.Therewasplentyoftimeforwildcravings—right
here,rightnow,itwasallaboutpleasingLily.

Goslow.Goslow.Thewordsbeatlikealitanyinhishead.Hisfingerstrembledastheystrokedher
breasts.Worshipedher.Heclosedhismoutharoundthesoftmound,atightwetbond,histonguedancing
overhertautnippleashesuckled.

Lilycriedout,archedintohim,cravinghistouch,needingmore.Alwaysmore."Takeyourclothesoff,
Ryland,"shepleaded,"Iwanttotouchyou,lookatyou."Hervoice,hungrywithurgency,hungryforhim,
shookhim.Shehadknownthemomentshelaideyesonhimthatshewantedhimandshehadimmediately
beguntoeducateherself,learningasmuchasshecouldaboutsexualappetites,wantingtoknowhowto
pleasehim.Nothingshereadorwatchedhadpreparedherforwhatshewasfeeling.

Shehadthoughtshewouldbeembarrassedandafraidtobenakedinfrontofhim,butinsteadshereveled
inthewayhelookedather.Thewayhetouchedher.Thewayhisgazeburnedoverhersopossessively.

Rylandliftedhishead,studiedhercloudyeyes,hersoftmouthswollenfromhisravagingkisses."I'm
tryingtobegentle,honey."Heattemptedtoexplain,butthewordsweretrappedinhisheart.Hishands
werealreadypullingoffhisclothes,flingingthemaside.Hisheartbeatlikethunder.Hehadfantasized
thismomentsooften,hisbodyinacontinualstateofarousalforsolong,hefearedanythinghesaidcould
neverdescribehowhefeltabouther.Therewerenowords.Shewasafeverinhisblood,acraving,
obsession,shewashisheartandsoul.Howcouldhesaythattoher?"IswearIwon'thurtyou."Hemeant
ever.Notwithhisbodyandnotwithhismind.

Lilystaredupathim,lyinginthedarkness,mesmerizedbythedarkpassionetcheddeeplyintohisface.
Hetookherbreathaway.Everymuscleinherbodywasweakwithwantinghim,everycellonfireforhis
touch.Sheshouldhavebeenafraidofhiscraving,theintensityofhisterriblehunger,butwithinherbody,
intheshadowycornersofhersoul,shefoundherownsecretdesires.

Therewasnoicerunninginherveins,therewasmoltenlava.Deepinsideofherstirredavolcano,hot
andthickandreadytoerupt,swirlingtothesurfacetomeethiseverydemand.Eagerly.Wantonly.She
reachedforhim."I'mawoman,Ryland,notaporcelaindoll.IknowexactlywhatIwant."

Theirmouthsfusedtogether,electricandhot.Herhandsmovedoverhim,needingtofeeleverymuscle,

justasheneededtoexploreherbody.Hekepttohisplan,usingslowtorturetoarousehertoafrightening
pitch.Hesuckledherlushbreasts,histongueteasing,histeethscrapinggently,hismouthhotandmoist.
Hetracedherribs,theflatofherstomach.Thecurveofherhip,everyhollow.Hewantedeveryoneof
Lily'ssecrets.Hewouldn'ttakeanythingless.

"Ryland,please,"Lily'sbodywassosensitiveshewasafraidshewasgoingtocrywithwantinghim.She
wasachingandheavyandbeyondreason.

"Lookatme,baby,"hesaidsoftly,directinghergazetotheheavyerection."I'mabigmanandI'llbe
damnedifI'llhurtyou,evenalittle."

Hisfingerstrokedintoherdampheatandshenearlyroseoffthemattress."You'retorturingme,"shesaid,
butshecouldn'tstopherselffrompushingagainsthishand,desperatelyseekingrelief.

Rylandencouragedhertothrustagainsthishandasheslowlypushedhisfingerintohertightchannel.She
washotandslickbutfartootighttotakehisthickarousal.Itwasobviousshehadn'tbeenwithanyone
elseandtheideathathewasheronly,thathewouldbetheoneteachingherwasevenmoreexciting.Lily
waspassionate,abandoned,willingtodowhatcamenaturallytoher.

"I'mgoingtostretchyoualittlemore,honey;justrelaxforme.Youtrustme,don'tyou,Lily?"He
withdrewonefinger,slowlyinsertingtwo,watchingherexpressioncloselyforsignsofdiscomfortashe
pusheddeeperintoherbody.

Thesensationwassopleasurableitwasalarming.Lilyfoughtforbreath,foughtforcontrolwherethere
wasnone.SheneverwantedRylandtostop.Hethrustdeeper,thefrictionelectric,shockinginits
intensity.Hewasdoingthingsdeepinsideher,strokingandteasingandmakinghercrazysoshecouldn't
liestill.Herhipssurgedagainsthishandswantonly.

"Thisshouldn'thurt,Lily,I'llmakeitgoodforyou,"hewhispered,pushingherthighsapart,settlinghis
weightthere."Lookatus,honey.Webelongtogether."Rylandtookhiserectioninhishand,pressedthe
engorgedheadtohermoistentrance.

Hewasfarthickerthanshehadanticipatedandhestretchedherbody,slowly,pushinghiswaythroughher
hotfolds,forcinghertightmusclestoallowhimentrance.Shecriedoutashewentdeeper,stoppedatthe
thin,almostnonexistentbarrier,thendeeperstillinaharderthrust,fillinghertosuchafullnesssheburned
andthrobbedandunexpectedlyplummetedovertheedge.

Neitherexpectedthereaction,thewavesofenchantmentripplingthroughher,spreadinglikeatidalwave.
Herbodygrippedandsuckledathis,sotightlyhewasgrittinghisteeth,thepleasuresointenseit
borderedonpain.Herorgasmbathedhiminhotheat,sothatheslippedinanothercoupleofinches.

Lilylookedupathisfaceandhismalebeautytookherbreathaway.Shewantedeverythingwithhim,too.
Shetrustedhiminexplicably.Andshewantedeverymomentwithhim."Iwanttobeyoureveryerotic
fantasy."Thewordscameoutofnowhere.Saidintothenight."Teachmehowtopleaseyou,Ryland."

Thehonestyinhervoiceshookhim,rippedhisheartrightoutofhisbody.Hewithdrew,pusheddeep
againslowly,feelinghisway,wantingitright.Wantingitperfectforher.Hishandstightenedonherhips
ashebeganaslow,steadyrhythm.Heurgedherbodytomovewithhis."Everything,honey.We'llhaveit

all.Iwanttoknowyourbodybetterthanyouknowit.Iwanteverysquareinchofyoutobelongtome."

Hecaughtherhipsinhishands,holdingherfirmly,tiltingherbodywhilehewentdeeperstill,wanting
hertotakeallofhim.Lilygaspedastheheatengulfedher,ashefilledhercompletely.Rylandbeganto
moveagain,longslowthrusts,deepandperfect.

Shecriedoutagain,low,inherthroat,ashechangedspeed,drivingharder,faster."We'rejustgetting
started,Lily,"hepromised."Thisisjusttotaketheedgeoff."Helethimselfgo,hishipssurgingdeepinto
hertightchanneloverandover,takingthemhigherthanheeverthoughtpossible.Hisheadroaredandhis
bodyclenchedandburned,buthedidn'twanttheecstasytoeverend.

Whenhisorgasmcame,itwasexplosive,rippingthroughhisbodywithgut-wrenchingforce,shakinghim,
nearlytakingoffthetopofhishead.Herbodywassoresponsivetohis,followinghiseverylead,hehad
neverexperiencedanythingremotelylikeit.Hewasstaggeredbytheintensityofpleasureshehadgiven
him.Andhehadgivenbacktoher.

Rylandcollapsedbesideher,holdingherinhisarms,hisfaceburiedagainstthesoftnessofherbreast,his
bodystilldeepinhers.Hehadknownhewantedher,thatitwasforalltime,buthehadn'trealizedwhat
wasbetweenthem.Apricelessgift,atreasurebeyondhisdreams.Shewaswrappedsotightinsideof
him,heknewitwasmorethanhisbodyandmind.Morethanhisheart.Shewasentrenchedinhissoul.

"Ithoughtitwaspainfulforwomentheirfirsttime,"shesaid."Iexpectedittobesodifferent.Youhaving
allthefunandmebeingdisappointed."

"Didyou?"Hewassmiling,joyspreadingthroughhim.ThatwastheLilyheknew,analyzingherdata."I
guessyouwerethinkingaboutsomeothermanmakinglovetoyou."Deliberatelyhedrewherbreastinto
theheatofhismouth,knowingeachtimehesuckedstronglyorlappedwithhistongue,theshockwaves
rippleddeepinsideofher,doublingherenjoyment.

Lilyclosedhereyes,pleasurewashingthroughher."Isitalwayslikethis?Ireadallthosemanualsbut…"
Hervoicehitchedashistongueswirled.

"Manuals?"Rylandliftedhishead,grinningatherinthedarkness."That'ssoyou,Lily,readingabookto
experiencelife.Ifyouwerewantingtoknowsomethingwhydidn'tyoujustaskme?"

Herfingersfoundthesilkofhishair,tunneled,andheld."Imighthavebeenembarrassed.Itisn'teasyto
talktosomeoneofexperienceaboutintimatematters."

Shewasfrowning,heknewthatshewas.Everythingabouthermadehimsmile.Hertonewasso
scientific,yethecouldfeelherbodytrembling,thelittleaftershocksstillrockingher."We'vealways
talkedabouteverything,honey.Ididn'texactlymakeitasecretthatIwantedyou.Youcouldhavetoldme
youwereinexperienced.Imighthavetoneddownourveryeroticdream."

"Ilikedyourdreams.Thevisualswereastounding,muchbetterthanthelifelessmanual.Iwasn'tactually
certainitwasphysicallypossibletodothethingsthebookstalkedabout."

Heclearedhisthroat."Whereexactlydidyougetthesebooks?"

"Offtheinternet.Theyhaveveryexplicitinformationandpeoplewillingtoanswerallofyourquestions."

Hegroanedaloud."I'llbettheydo.IthinkI'dliketoseethesebooksofyours.Iwasalittleconcernedyou
mighttellmeyouwerereallywatchingArly'smovies."

Shelaughedwickedly."I'mnotcertainhehasanymoviesbutifhedoes,he'sprobablyputtingsomesort
ofsecuritydeviceonthemtokeepmeaway."

"Youhaveameanstreakinyou."Rylandleaneddowntonipatherenticingbreast."Yousmellsodamned
good,Lily."Hisbodywasstilllockedwithhers.Hecouldfeeleveryrippleinhermuscles.He
discoveredjustbreathingonhertautnipplescausedanansweringcontractioninherdeepestcore.She
bathedhiminliquidheatandsentpleasurecoursingthroughhisbody."Inoticedthatimmediately,how
wonderfulyousmelled."

Sherubbedherfaceagainsthisthroat."Ilovethewayyoufeel."Andthewayhecaredabouthismen.
Andthewayhelovedhismother.Andthewayoneunrulycurlfellacrosshisforeheadnomatterhowhe
slickeditback.Itwasappallinghowmuchshelovedabouthim.Shecouldn'thelprunningherhandsover
hisbacktofeelthedefinedmusclesthere."Iusedtowonderaboutmiracles."

"Miracles?"Heechoedtheword,shakenbythenakedemotioninhervoice.Sheturnedhiminsideout
withatone.

"Well,yeah.Miracles.Whatcouldbeconsideredatruemiracle,thatsortofthing.It'saninteresting
puzzlethatsomanypeoplearoundtheworldhaveaformofworshipandbelief.Butactually…"She
trailedkissesalonghisthroat,overhisjawtoteasethecornerofhismouth.

Ratherboldlyforawomanofnoexperience,buthisbodyreacted,growinghardwhenitshouldhavebeen
impossible.Rylandkissedherbecausehecouldn'tstophimselffromtastingher.Fromjustfusingthem
togetherandwantingtoremainthatway,lockedwithherinaprivateworldofheatandpassion.His
handsmovedoverherbody,memorizingeveryline,everyhollow.Thetextureofherskin.Thewayshe
reacted,hermusclescontractingaroundhimandherbreathleavingherlungsinarushofpleasure.

Shewashismiracle.Inthemidstofahellhehadhelpedtocreate,hehadfoundher.Lily'slushbodywas
paradise.Hersmile,thesoundofhervoice.Eventhewayshemovedandcouldlooksohaughtywithher
temptingmouthandcoolblueeyes.Heraisedhisheadtolookdownather.

"Lily,fromnowon,ifyouhaveanyquestionsonsex,askme."Hecaughtherwaistasherolledontohis
back,notwantingtobreakcontact,wantingtostayburiedinthetightnessofherhot,slickbody.

Lilygaspedasshefoundherselfsittingup,astridehim,hisbodydeepwithinhers.Herhairfellina
tousledcloudaroundher,thesilkenstrandsteasinghersensitizedskin.Itwasimpossibletobe
embarrassedwhenhewasobviouslyenjoyingthesightandfeelofherbody.Hishandscameuptocupher
generousbreasts,hisfingersstrokingandcaressing.

Lilyclosedhereyesandgaveherselfuptothesheerpleasureofexperimenting.Shemovedherhips,slid
overhisbody,tightenedhermuscles.Shefelthimdeepinsideher,growing,thickening,respondingtoher
movements.Shebeganaslowride,archingbacktogivehimagoodviewofherbreastsswayingin
temptation.Itwasanamazingfeelingtojustindulgeherselfineverysensation.Shemovedslowlyatfirst,
judginghisreaction,gettingusedtotakingthelead.Thenshebecamebolder,trailingherfingersalonghis

muscles,swirlingfingernailsoverhisflatbellyandteasingdarkcurlsofhair.Sheexperimented,
tighteningmusclesassheroseup,assheslidalongthelengthofhim,movingfasterandharderuntilshe
hadtoopenhereyesandseethenakedpassiononhisface.

Shelovedhisrough,weatheredfeatures.Thedarkshadowalonghisjaw.Thebrillianceofhissilver
eyes.Hetookherbreathawayandsentherbodyintomeltdown.Shereveledinhiswatchingher,touching
her.Thewayhisgazewassohot,sointense,electrifiedher,broughtherbodytoalifeofitsown.

Rylandcouldn'ttakehisgazeoffofher.Lily'sbodywasflushedwiththefeverofpassion.Herbreasts
movedinvitinglywitheverysurgeofherhips.Sherodehimhard,incrediblyuninhibited,showingher
enjoymentofhisbodywithhereverytouch,everygesture.Hereyescloudedover,herbreathhitching.A
softsoundescapedherthroat.Atoncehecaughtherhipsinhishands,holdingherwhilehetookoverthe
pace,surgingintoher,guidinghermovementssoherbodyfistedaroundhis.Velvetsoft,fieryhot,aliquid
flamewrappedtightlyaroundhim.

Lilythrewherheadback,criedouthisname,agaspofwonderment,ofawe,whileherbodyrippledwith
strengthandlifearoundhis,drivinghimovertheedgewithher.

"You'reunbelievable,"shewhispered,bendingtokisshim.Theactiontightenedhermusclesaroundhim,
mashedhersoftbreastsintohischest.

Rylandwasamazedathowmasculinethesimpleactionmadehimfeel.Andhewasreallyamazedathow
berefthefeltwhensheslidherbodyfromhisandlaybesidehim.Helongedtostaydeepinsideofher,
fillingher,joinedwithher,sharingthesameskinwithher."Oh,we'rejustgettingstarted,Lily.Thereare
allkindsofwaystomakeloveandtoenjoyoneanother.I'vegotplans."

Shelookedathimsuspiciously."Whatkindsofplans?"

Hetookherhand,broughtittohislips,andusedhistonguetolapsensuouslyaroundherfingerbefore
drawingitintothemoistbeatofhismouth.Hereyeswidenedatthewayherbodyreactedwhenhesucked
onherfinger,andusedhistongueshamelesslyinasimulatedmating.

Lilyblushedavividscarlet,butherbodyburnedhotandwild,arecklesspromiseofpleasure."Mybrain
alreadymelted,Ryland,it'stoolate."Hervoicewasbreathlesswithwantingwhatevertheycouldshare
together,butshewasexhaustedandsheknewit.

Hefoundthedowncomforteronthefloorwhereithadfallenanddrewituptocoverthembothbefore
wrappinghisarmsfirmlyaroundher."Wehavetime,Lily,I'mnotgoinganywhere.Gotosleep,honey,
youneedyourrest."

Eleven

LILYfeltRyland'sarmsaroundher,hishandscuppingherbreastspossessively.Rylandwascurved
aroundherbody,pressedtightagainsther,hisbodysohottherewasnoneedofcovers."Goaway."Her
voicegroanedtheorder."Ican'tpossiblymove.Noteveragain.Cansomeonediefrommakinglovetoo
manytimes?"

Histeethnibbledonthenapeofherneck."Idon'tknow,butI'mwillingtotryifyouare."Itwassheerjoy
towakeupwithLilyinhisarms."Iwantthisfortherestofmylife."He'dhadnointentionofsayingitout
loud,butitslippedoutanyway.

Lilyturnedinhisarms,hersoftbreastsbrushinghisbodyintimately.Herbluegazedriftedoverhisface
untilhefeltherstirringinsidehisbody,whispersoft,likebutterflywings."Idotoo,Ryland,butIdon't
honestlyknowwhetherornotwhatwefeelisrealorcontrivedbymyfather.Couldhehavedone
somethingtoenhancewhatwefeel?Whatifwefindlaterhedid?"

"Doyouthinkit'spossible?"

Shefrownedinthought."Ihonestlydon'tknow.Ican'timaginehow,butwereactsoviolentlytoone
another.Ican'tkeepmyhandsoffyou.Ireallycan't.I'mnotlikethat,Ryland.Iknowmyselfverywell,
andIjustneverthoughtaboutsexthewayIdonow."

"Supposewefindouthedid,Lily?"Histhumbstrummedhernipplejustsohecouldfeelhershiverin
reaction.Heinhaledthefragranceofherhair."Whatdifferencewoulditmake?Hemayhavefoundaway
tomanipulatesexualfeelings,althoughIdoubtit,butitwouldbeimpossibleforhimtoforcesomeone's
emotions.IfIcouldn'thaveyourbody,Lily,Iwouldstillwantyou."

"Why?Whatdoyouthinkissospecialaboutmethatyouwouldwanttospendtherestofyourlifewith
me?"Hervoicewasverylow.

"Yourcourage,yourloyalty,"heansweredinstantly."YouthinkIcan'tseethosethingsinyou?I'mtrained
toreadpeople.Youdefendyourfatherevenwithallthethingsyou'velearnedabouthim.Iseetheway
youtouchJeff,avirtualstranger,yetwithgentlenessandcaring.Iseetheloveyouhaveforyourfamily.
You'resowillingtohelpuswhenyoudidn'thavetoopenyourhometous.Hell,Lily,youcouldhave
turnedyourbackonus,youprobablyshouldhave.Youdon'tthinkIcanseeyourunningyourselfintothe
ground,soexhaustedyouwanttocrawlintoahole,butyoukeepgoingforothers,tomakeitrightfor
others.Whowouldn'tfallinlovewithawomanlikethat?"

Sheshookherhead."I'mnotlikethat.I'mjustme,Ryland."

Hekissedthefrownonhermouth."You'reexactlylikethat.Littlethingscancomeintime,butthe
importantthingsIalreadyknow.Youhaveagreatsenseofhumor.Andyoucancarryonanintelligent
conversation."Hegrinnedather."Imightnotknowwhatyou'resayingpartofthetime,butitsounds
good."

Therewasasilencewhileshestudiedhisexpression.Howcouldshebeuncertainofhim?He'dtakenhis
heartrightoutofhisbodyandgift-wrappeditforher.Hisgutchurnedinanagonyofsuddenfear."Would
findingoutyourfatherdidsomethingtousmakeadifferencetoyou,Lily?Isthatwhatyou'retryingtosay

tome?"

"Didyoureallylookatmelastnight,Ryland?Itwasdarkinhere.Didyoureallylookatmybody,
becauseI'mnotbeautifulatalllikeyouthinkIam."Lilysatup,determinationplainonherface."There'sa
lotofthingswrongwithme.Flaws.Youmusthavenoticedthem."

Rylandsatuptoo,rubbinghismouthtohideamusementhecouldn'tpushaway.Lilywasawoman,all
right.Lastnightshehadcomeapartinhisarms,unashamedlyridinghim,showingoffherbody,butnow,
inthelightofday,shewasresolutelygoingtotellhimabouther"flaws.""Flaws,plural?"Herubbedhis
chinthistime,stillcarefullycoveringhismouth."Youhavemorethanone?Ididnoticeyourtendencyto
bealittlehaughty."

ThefullpowerofLily'sblueeyesturnedonhim.Glaring."Iamneverhaughty."

"Sureyouare.Youhavethatprincess-in-the-castlelookyougivethemerepeasantswhenwegetoutof
line,"hesaidcheerfully."Inoticedit,butit'ssuchaminorflawIcanlivewithit."

"Myleg,youimbecile.Iwastalkingaboutmyleg."Shethrustitoutforhimtosee.Scarsmarredhercalf,
whichwassunkeninandshinywherepartofthemusclewasobviouslymissing."It'sugly.AndIlimp
whenI'mtired.Well,IlimpmostofthetimebutIreallylimpwhenI'mtired."Shewaswatchinghisface
closelyforsignsofrepugnance.

Rylandleanedclosertoinspecthercalf.Hetookherleginbothhands,ranhisfingersinalongcaress
fromankletothigh.Shejerked,retreating,butheheldherfirmly,bendingtokisstheworstofthescars.
Histonguetracedthestrangepattern."Thisisnotaflaw,Lily.Thisislife.Howthehelldoyoumanageto
getyourskinsosoft?"

Shetriedglaringandevenconsideredherso-calledhaughtylookbutasmilebrokethroughallthesame.
Hisvoicewassincereandhisgazerocksteady."Ithinkyou'restillthinkingaboutsex,Ryland.We're
supposedtobetalkingseriously."Shewasreluctanttopullherlegawayfromhiscaressingfingers.There
wasasoothingqualitytohistouch.Hemadeherfeelbeautifulevenwhensheknewshewasn't.

"AndI'mnotexactlyamodel.I'mfatinplacesandskinnyinothers."

Hiseyebrowshotup."Fat?"Hisgazewashotasitranpossessivelyoverherbody.

Lilycrossedherarmsoverhergenerousbreasts."Youknowverywellmyhipsareenormousandsoismy
top.IlooklikeI'mtippingover.AndmylegsareskinnysoIlooklikeachicken."

"IseeI'llhavetodoaninspection,"herepliedgood-naturedly."Here,letmetakealook."

Lilyslidawayfromhim,dragginghisshirttohertocoverherbody.Shegavehimhercoolestlook,but
hereyesweredancing."Youareimpossible.IhavetocheckonJeffHollister."

Hegrinnedatherasshestoodup,backingawayfromhim."Idon'tknow,honey.Ilikethewayyoulook
butIhaveajealousstreak.Idon'tthinkmyheartcouldtakeyouwalkingaroundinfrontofmymen
coveredonlybymyshirt."

Shestuckhernoseintheair."I'mtakingashowerandgettingdressedfirst."Shetriedtosoundsnippy,

nearlyruinedherperfectperformancebylaughing,butshemanagedtocontrolherself.

Rylandpaddedafterhercompletelynaked.Lilydidn'thearhimbehindherandnearlyjumpedoutofher
skinwhenhisbodycrowdedagainsthersintheglassshower."Weweren'tfinishedconversing,were
we?"heaskedinnocently.

Shedidlookdownhernoseathim,everybitascoolandhaughtyashe'dcalledher."Wearemorethan
finished.Goaway."

Rylandlaughedandrushedher,scoopingherupandturningonthewatersoitcascadedoverbothofthem.
Hismouthwasonhers,stoppingprotestsbeforeshecouldstartthem.Heatflaredinstantlybetweenthem,
hunger,sharpandelemental.

"Wecan't,"Lilygasped,herarmsslidingaroundhisnecktocradlehisheadashelappedthewaterfrom
herbreasts.Hemadeherlegsweak,herbodysoftandpliant,achingwithneedinstantly.

"Wehaveto,"hecounteredandclosedhismouthoverthetemptationofherbreast."IwantyousomuchI
can'tstandit."

"Well,IthinkI'mgoingtofalldownifyoukeepdoingthat."

"You'reashotasIam."Hishandswerestrokingandcaressing,alreadyexploringpossibilities."Putyour
armsaroundmyneck.I'mgoingtoliftyouupandyoujustwrapyourlegsaroundmywaist."

"I'mtooheavy,"sheprotested,butsheobeyedhimbecausehewassotemptingshecouldn'tresisthim.
Shewouldneverbeabletoresisthim.

Lilycriedoutasshesettledoverhim,forgettingeveryprotest,wantingnothingbuttohavehimfillher.To
bewithheralways.

Neitherhadanyideaoftimepassage,findingpleasureinbeingtogether,raptureinmakinglove.They
washedoneanother,talkedsoftly,laughedoften.

AsheturnedofftheshowerandtossedLilyatowel,hecaughtherfrowning."You'renotreallyworried
aboutsomeothernonexistentflawyouhavethatyouthinkIshouldknowabout,"heaskedasherana
toweloverhisbody.

Lilytriednottostareathisbodyinutterfascinationbuthismusclesreallydidripplebeneathhisskin.
"DoyourealizeIdon'tevenknowwhatkindofmusicyoulike?"

Rylandgrinnedandsnappedthetowelatherbeforepaddingacrossthefloorcompletelynakedwithoutthe
leastbitofmodesty."Doesitmatter?"

"Ofcourseitmatters.I'mpointingoutwedon'tknowverymuchaboutoneanother."Whyintheworld
werehereyesgluedtohisbutt?Nomatterhowhardshetried,shecouldn'tmakeherselflookaway.And
hewaslaughingather.

"Iloveallkindsofmusic.MymotherlistenedtoeverythingandinsistedIlistentoo.Shealsomademe
takedancelessons."Hemadeafaceashepulledhisshirtoverhishead.

Lilyhadtolaughathisexpression.Shecouldimaginehimasayoungboywithhiscurlyhairtousledand
unruly,spillingintohisfacewhilehescowledathismotherinprotest."Itookdancelessons,"shepointed
out."Privateones,hereatthehouse,intheballroomonthefirstfloor.Ihadallkindsofinstructors.Itwas
fun."

"Whenyou'retenandaboy,youthinkit'stheendoftheworld.Ihadtodefendmyselfandbeatupevery
boyintheneighborhoodfortwoyearsbeforetheyleftmealone."Hegrinnedatherashedraggedonhis
jeans."Ofcourse,bythetimeIwasinhighschool,Idiscoveredknowinghowtodancewasagoodthing
becausegirlslikedancingandIwasverypopular.Myfriendsquitsneeringprettyfast."

Shecouldimaginehimpopularwiththegirls.Helookedaroguewithhisblackcurlsandhisslashing
eyes."Yourmothersoundssointeresting."

"SheespeciallylikedLatindancing.Shewouldlaughandhereyeswouldsparkle.Ireallydidn'tmind
nearlyasmuchasIwantedhertothink.Ilovedwatchingherdance,shealwayshadsomuchfun.We
didn'thavethemoneyfortherightclothesortherightshoes,butshealwaysfoundawaytogetus
lessons."HelookedatLily."Didyourfatherdance?"

"Dad?"Lilyburstoutlaughing."Heavensno.Hewouldn'thaveeverthoughtofdancing.Rosawastheone
whoinsistedIlearntodanceandshegotherwaybecauseArlyhadinsistedIlearnmartialartsandDad
approvedofthat.Sheusedthewell-rounded-educationapproach.Instructorsofjustabouteverything
werebroughtheretothehouse.Ihadartteachersandmusicteachersandvoiceteachers.Ilearnedto
shootagun,useabowandarrow,evenacrossbow."

Rylandwasfascinatedwithherlacyscrapofunderwear,asheerredthongshedonnednothavingtheleast
ideathathisbodywasgrowinghardjustwatchingher.

"Arlydancedwithme.ArlyandJohnwereverymuchlikefathersoruncles.Theyhadnearlyasmuchsay
asIwasgrowingupasmyfather,maybemore.Dadwasabsentmindedaboutparenting.Hedidn't
rememberIexistedfordaysatatimeifhewasworkingonsomething."

"Youdidn'tmindthat?"Hervoicewassomatter-of-factitastonishedhim.Hismotherhadbeeninterested
ineveryaspectofhislife.Hecouldn'trememberasubjecttheyhadn'ttalkedabout.

"ThatwasjustDad.Youhadtoknowhim.Hewasn'tallthatinterestedinpeople.Notevenme."She
shruggedasshedrewonapairofdovegraytrousersthatmoldedtoherhips.Therewasn'tasinglelineto
marthewaythemateriallovinglyhuggedherbottom."Hewasgoodtome,Ryland,andIfeltloved,buthe
didn'tsharetimewithmeunlessitwassomethingtodowithwork.HehadexercisesheinsistedIdoona
dailybasistostrengthenthebarriersinmymind.Iintendtoteachthemtoyourmen.Iliveinaprotected
environment,butI'mabletofunctionoutintheworldwhenIhaveto.I'mhopingtoatleastprovidethat
foryouandtheothers."

Shehadslippedonasilkblouseoverawispylacebra.Rylandreachedovertobuttonthetinypearl
buttonsbecausehehadtotouchher.Hisknucklesbrushedherbreastsandhernipplestightened
immediatelyinresponse.Hervividgazemethisandtheystaredatoneanotherinhelplesshunger.

Holdingtheedgesofherblousetogether,hebenthisheadslowlytohersandtookpossessionofher
mouth.Hewantedtoputhismouthrightoverthatsilkandlaceandsuckleherbreast,nipandteaseand

seehereyescloudwithpassionandherskinflushjustforhim,buthecontentedhimselfwiththoroughly
kissingherinstead.

"Ryland."Hervoicewasshaky."Isthisnormal?"

"I'veneverfeltthiswayaboutanotherwoman.HowthehellwouldIknowifit'snormalornot?"He
kissedhereyelids,thecornersofhermouth."Whateveritis,itseemsnormalforusandthat'sgood
enoughforme."Resolutelyhefinishedbuttoningherblouse,bendinghisheadforjustonemomenttoplant
akissonthetipofherbreast,nuzzlingherthroughthesilk.

Lilyhadthemaddesiretograbthenapeofhisneckandforcehimtoherachingbreasts,justholdhim
there,whilehistongueandteethandtheheatofhismouthworkedtheirmagiconher.Herbodywassore,
butdeliciouslyso,remindinghercontinuouslyofhispossession.

"Lily."Hesaidhernameandsheblinkedupathim,comingoutofherdaydream,realizingherhandswere
tracingthedefinitionofhismuscles,slidingoverhisbodyasifitbelongedtoher."Don'twehaveworkto
do?"

"Trynottobesodistracting,"sheordered."IhaveanideathatmighthelpHollister.Beinghere,inthis
house,shouldprovidereliefforallofyou.Thewallsareextrathickandeachindividualroomis
soundproof."Shelookedathimsoberly."That'stheotherflaw,youknow,Ryland.I'llneverbenormal.I
needthishouseinordertosurvive.Everythinghereisdesignedtokeepmyworldprotected.Theamount
oflandsurroundingthehouse.ThedaystaffisinandoutinamatterofacoupleofhoursandInevercome
intocontactwiththem."

Rylandcaughtherfaceinhishands."Idon'tcarewhatyouneedtoexist,Lily,aslongasyoudo.That'sall
thatmatterstome.We'reallcountingonyoutoteachushowtoliveintheworldagain.Youhaveajob,
you'reacontributingcitizen.We'rehopingyoucandothatforus.Allowustoliveagain."

Shelookedathim,completelyunawareherheartwasinhereyes."Ihopeso,too,Ryland."

Lilyhadexpectedrejection.Itmadehimcrazytothinkthatshewouldn'tknowherworth.Hecouldfeel
herpainsimmeringjustbelowthesurfaceandhisheartachedforher.Shehadjustlostherfatherandshe
wasdiscoveringmoreabouthimandaboutherlifethanshecouldhandleallatonce.Andhehadbrought
herevenmoretrouble,allowinghertoriskeverythingbyhidingfugitivesinherhome.

Hesweptahandthroughhishair,turningawayfromher."I'msorry,Lily,Ihadnowhereelsetobring
them."Hesatheavilyonthebed,reachingforhisshoes.

Lilydroppedherhandontohishead,herfingerstunnelinginhisdamphair,connectingthem."Ofcourse
theyhavetobehere.I'mgoingtolayoutexercisesthatmustbedoneseveraltimesaday.Ihaveallthe
recordingsoftheearlierworkdonewiththegirls,withme.Ithinkthat'salargepartoftheproblem.They
wereallsoeagertouseyouinthefield,theydidn'tprepareyouproperlyfortheassaultonyourbrain.
Theyopenedthefloodgatesanddidn'tgiveyoueventheflimsiestofbarrierstoprotectyou.Youallrelied
onyouranchors.Andonceyouwereseparatedonlytheanchorscouldexistwithoutcontinualpain."

Hewaslisteningtothetoneofhervoice.Shehadswitchedonhimagain,almostmusingaloudratherthan
conversing.Hermindwasturningovertheproblem,examiningitfromeveryangleandcomingupwith

solutionsatarapidrate.Itmadehimsmile.HisLily.Hesavoredthat.His.Shebelongedtohiminevery
way.

"Deprivingyouofyouranchorssetallofyouupforcontinualtripstothehospital.Ihavetogetinthere
andlookovertherecords,seeifthesamepeoplewereworkingeachtime."

"Waitnow,Lily."Shewaswalkingbrisklyoutofherroomtowardthekitchenettethatseemedto
accompanyeverywingofthehouse.Rylandfollowedinherwake,hisheartinhisthroat."Youdamnwell
aren'tgoingbacktothatplace."

Shelookedathimwithcooleyes."OfcourseIam.Iworkthere.Iownstockinthecompany.Theresearch
I'vebeenworkingonforthelastfouryearscouldsavelives."Shestalkedacrossthemarbletilestothe
gleamingrefrigerator."WhoevermurderedmyfatherisatDonovansandI'mgoingtofindthem."There
wasnochallenge,nodefiance,onlyacalm,quietstatement.Shehandedhimaglassofmilk,drankone
herself.

Therewasnopointinarguingwithherwhenshewasinherpresentmood.Rylandquirkedaneyebrowat
her."Thisisit?"Hestaredatthewhiteliquid."Nocoffee?Nobreakfast?Igiveyouanightof
unbelievablesexandyougivemeaglassofmilk?"

Lilysmirkedathim."Getitstraight,Miller.IgaveyouanunbelievablenightofsexandIdon'tcook.Not
ever."

"Oh,Iseehowitis.Theincrediblyintelligentwomandoesn'tknowhowtocook.Admitit,Lily."

Lilyrinsedherglassinthesink."Iwasgivengourmetcookinglessonsbyoneofthetopchefsinthe
country."Shewavedherhandatthecupboards."Feelfreetofixyourselfsomething.Rosakeepsit
stockedwiththingsinhopesI'lleatmore."

"I'mintrigued.Youreallycancook?"

Lilyfoundthemosaictileonthecounterinteresting."Ididn'tsaythat,exactly.OnlythatIhadthelessons.
ThemanmayaswellhavebeenspeakingGreek."Shegrinnedathim."Well,notGreek,Icanspeak
Greek,butIcouldn'tunderstandawordthemansaid.It'sanartformandIhavenocreativetalents
whatsoever."

Heputhisarmaroundher,pulledherbeneathhisshoulder."FortunatelyI'magreatcook."Hekissedher
temple,amerebrushofhislipsbuthefelttheansweringtremorinheranditpleasedhim."Ithinkyou
havethepotentialtobeverycreative,"hewhisperedsuggestively."Youjustchosethewrongartform."

Lilyfoundherselfblushing.Evenhistoneofvoiceslippedunderherskinandheatedherblood.She
suddenlyfoundshewasalotmorecreativethanshehadeverimagined.Sheshookherheadfirmly."Stop
tryingtotemptme.IhaveworktodowithHollisterandtheothers."

Hishandslippedfromhershoulder,traileddowntheneckopeningofhersilkblousetoskimalongher
bareflesh.Lilysuckedinherbreathagainstthetrailofflamesheleftbehindonherskin."AmItempting
you,Lily?Youalwayslooksocool.Ialwayshaveamaddesiretomelttheiceprincess."

Sheneverfeltcoolaroundhim.Shedidn'treply,forcinghermindtoconsiderthefacts."Ryland,maybe

we'relookingatthisthewrongway.Let'sturnitaround.Let'ssaytheexperimenthadahighdegreeof
success.Therewereseveraldeathsandthemenweresufferingseizuresandbrainbleeds."

"I'dsaythatwasn'tahighdegreeofsuccess."Hekeptpacewithher,ascowlonhisface."Don'tgo
scientificonme.Thesemenarehumanbeingswithfamilies.They'regoodmen.We'renotjustwriting
themoffaslabrats."

Lilysighed."You'retooclose,Ryland.Youhavetolearnhowtostepback.They'reexpectingthat
reaction.It'shumannature.Afewdeaths,callitoff.Theresultsaren'tworththeprice."

"Damnit,Lily."Hecouldfeelhistemperrising.Hispalmsitchedtoshakeher.Hertonewasimpersonal,
acomputercalculating."Afewdeathsaren'tworththeprice."

"Ofcoursetheyaren't,Ryland.Putemotionasideforjustafewminutesandconsiderotherpossibilities.
Yousaidyourselfthatthefirstyeareverythingwentfairlysmoothly.Youwereusedintrainingmissions
andyourteamperformedwell."

"Therewereproblems,"hesaid,reachingpasthertoopenthedoortoJeffHollister'sroom.

Lilycouldseethegatheredmen,stillholdingvigiloverthen-fallencompanion.Itwrenchedather
heartstringsthewaytheyguardedhim.Big,toughmen,capableofbeinglethalshouldtheoccasioncallfor
it,buttalkingsoothingnonsensetoafriendwhenhewasdownandsittingupwhentheyhadcomfortable
beds,justtoseetohisneeds.

"Anychange?"sheaskedTuckerAddison.Inthelightofday,themanlookedlikealinebackertoher.She
couldn'timaginehimgoingunnoticedinanenemycamp,buthishands,astheytuckedtheblanketcloser
aroundJeffHollister,weregentle.

"No,ma'am.Lastnight,onandoffforabouttenminutesheseemedrestless,butthenhesettledbackdown
again."

LilymadeasecondexaminationofJeffHollister,payingparticularattentiontohisskull."Feelthis,
Ryland,hedefinitelyhasevidenceofsurgicalscarring."

"Well,hedidhavesurgery.Hewasrushedtothehospitaltorelieveswellingaboutthreemonthsago,"
Rylandsaid."Theydrilledaholeinhishead."

Lily'sgazewascoolandassessing."Idoubttheywererelievingpressureinhisbrain;morethanlikely
that'swhentheelectrodeswereplanted."ShestoodforamomentlookingatRyland."Iknowyoudidit
yesterday,Ryland,butifnooneminds,I'dliketoexamineallofthemen.Iwanttobeabsolutelycertain."

Gatorleaptup."RaoulFontenotvolunteering,ma'am."Hegrinnedatherengagingly."Wecouldusemy
room,acoupleofdoorsdownandtotheleft."

"Thankyou,butthatwon'tbenecessary,"Lilyanswered,runningherfingersoverhisskullwhileseveral
ofthemensnickered."You'refine."

RylandtooktheopportunitytosmackGatoronthehead."Youronlyproblemisyourskull'stoothick."

Onebyone,Lilyexaminedtherestofthemen.OnlyJeffHollistershowedsignsofsurgery."Haveanyof
therestofyouhadseizures?"

"Idid,ma'am,"SamJohnson,theonlyotherAfricanAmericanbesidesTuckerAddisonintheroom,
admitted.Hewasabigman,lightonhisfeet,amanrenownedforhishand-to-handcombat.Fewcould
surpasshiminaphysicalfight.HehadbeenaninstructorintheSpecialForcesteam."Iwasoutinthe
fieldandhadasmallseizureduringamission.Thevideoandvoicefeedonmycameraandmypartner's
cameraweren'tworkingthatdaysotherewasnodataonit.That'swhyitdidn'tshowupinareport."

Rylandspunaround."Youneververballyreportedit?"

"No,sir,"Samsaid,glancingintothedeepestcornerwhereNicolassatsosilently."Wetalkeditoverand
decidedwe'dbetternot.Themenwhowenttothehospitalallendedupdeadwithinafewweeks.Ifit
happenedagain,Iwasgoingtoreportit."

"Butitneverhappenedagain,"Lilyfinishedforhim."Doyourecallwhetherornotyouhadsuffereda
migrainepriortotheseizure,maybeadayorsobeforeit?"

"Ihadahellofamigraineafterward,ma'am.Ithoughtmyheadwasgoingtoexplode,butIdidn'tdarego
tothehospitalsoIrodeitoutwithalittlehelpfrommypartner.Heknewsomemumbojumbo,curesfrom
theoldones,anddamniftheydidn'tworktoo."

Lilyknewimmediatelythepartnerwhoknew"mumbojumbo"wasNicolas.Heapparentlyhadan
extensiveknowledgeofhealingplants.Sheglancedatthemanbuthewasstaringstraightaheadasifhe
didn'thearasingleword.

"Whataboutbeforethat?"

"We'dtrainedforacoupleofdaysandIwasseparatedfromNicolas.He'sananchor,andIcouldn'tblock
outallthegarbagecomingatme.Mybrainfeltlikeitwasonfire.Istartedvomitingthatnightandcouldn't
seesoIaskedformedication."

"Whoseparatedyoufromyouranchor?"Lilyasked.

"Orderscamedown,"Samsaid.HelookedtoNicolas."FromCaptainMiller."

Rylandshookhishead."Ineverhavegivenanorderseparatinganchorsfromthemenassignedtothem.It
woulddefeattheentiremission."HisgazefoundNicolas."Youthoughtitwasme."

"Iwasn'tcertain,Rye,andIwasn'tgoingtotakechanceswithhislife.Iwatchedyouandwaited.Ifithad
beenyou…"Nicolasshruggedhisshoulderscasually.

Lilyshiveredastheflat,coldeyesmovedoverRyland.Nicolasdidn'thavetovoiceathreat,itwasthere
inhiseyes,inhiscasualshrug.

"RussellCowlingsdeliveredtheorder,"Samadmitted."Therewasnoreasontothinkyouhadn'tgivenit."

"Thesnake,"Gatorsaid."Heattackedusandtriedtokillthecaptain."

"IfI'mgettingthisright,Gator,"Tuckersaid,"Russdidmorethanthat.HesetSamuptodie.Isn'tthat
whatyouthink,ma'am?"

"Ithinkhedid,yes.IthinkSamhadaviolentheadacheafterbeingseparatedfromhisanchorandwhenhe
askedformedication,hewasgivensomethingthattriggeredaseizure.Idon'tthinktheseizuresarecaused
bytheenhancingprocess,oriftheyare,it'sararesideeffect.AndIdon'tbelievethebrainbleedsare
causedbysevereseizures.Ibelievethemenyoulosttothosecomplicationswereatsometimetakento
thehospitaland,underthepretenseofrelievingswelling,Ithinkthemenunderwentsurgeryand
electrodeswereplantedinspecificpartsofthebrain.Eventuallythemenweresubjectedtomagnetic
fieldsofextremelyhighfrequency.Theheatgeneratedtissuedamageandcausedhemorrhage.''

"Howcouldtheygetawaywithsomethinglikethat?"Rylanddemanded.

"Theyperformedtheautopsies,didn'tthey?Theydeterminedthecauseofdeath.Whatbetterwayto
sabotageaprojectthantopickoffmembersoftheunitonebyoneandmakeitlookasiftheyweredying
fromcomplicationsorsideeffects?"

Tuckersworealoud,turnedawayfromhertostompacrosstheroominfrustrationandanger.Hewasa
bigman,verymuscular,andhegaveofftheimpressionofimmensepowerandrawstrength."Whatthe
helldotheyhavetogain?"heasked."Idon'tunderstand,whatdotheyhavetogain?"

Rylandsighedandrakedhishandthroughhishair."Money,Tucker.Afortune.Whatwecandoiswortha
fortunetoanyforeigngovernment.Eventerroristorganizationswouldbewillingtopayforthe
information.Wecanwhisperandhaveguardslooktheotherway.Wecandisruptsecuritysystems.The
possibilitiesareendless.Theyconvincedustobeafraidofstrengtheningandusingwhatwehaveinorder
toslowusdown."

"Let'sbecarefulhere.I'mnotsayingI'mright,"Lilycautioned."PeterWhitneywasmyfatherandIloved
himverymuch.Iwouldprefertothinkheconductedanexperimentingoodfaithandthathewentforward
withituntilhebecameawareofthedeliberatesabotage.Icouldbecompletelywrong."

"SowhatdowedoforJeff?"IanMcGillicuddyasked.

"Firstwehavetowakehimupandthenhehastobetakentoasurgeon.Iknowsomeonewhowillhelp
us."LilylookedatRyland."IbelieveHollisterisadreamwalker.Ithinkhetookmedicationofsome
kind…"

Ianshookhishead."Rylandsaiditwasn'tsafe.Hewouldn'tgoagainstorders."

"Butthispillwasprobablygiventohimmuchearlier,whenhewasinthehospital,sohebelievedittobe
safe.Hedidn'tconsideritdisregardinganorder—hedidn'ttouchtheonegiventohimthatnight."

"Howdoyouthinkwecanwakehimwithoutharminghim?"Nicolasasked.Hisvoicewasverylow,but
itcarriedthroughtheroomandsilencedthewhisperedconversationsbetweenthemen."Itriedtowake
himtheoldwaybuthewasresistant."

Lilywasalltooawareofthesuddensilenceintheroom.Allofthemenstaredatherexpectantly.Shelet
outherbreathslowly."Ithinkwehavetogointohisdreamandbringhimout.AndIthinkwecanexpect

trouble."

RylandmovedclosertothebedtostudyJeffHollister'spaleface."Whatdoyoumean,trouble?"

LilywaswatchingNicolas.Hisexpressionneverchanged.Heremainedstill,buthisblackeyeswere
fixedintentlyonherface.

"Lily"—Rylandwasinsistent—"whatareyouthinking?"

"She'sthinkingJeffHollisterisatrap."Nicolasansweredinhisquiet,evenvoice."AndIthinkshe's
right.Ifeelit.WhenItrytoconnectwithhim,Ifeelhisspiritwarningmeaway."

IanlookedfromLilytoNicolasandthentoRyland."I'mnotcertainwhatyou'retalkingabout.Howcould
Jeffbeusedasatrap?"

LilypattedJeff'sshoulderashelaysleepingsopeacefully."IfI'mcorrect,hetookapainpillhereceived
fromanearlierhospitalstay.Ithinkitknockedhimoutlongenoughforsomeonetogointohiscageand
createamagneticfieldofsuchhighfrequencytheelectrodesreacted.Mybeliefisthatitwasanattempt
onhislife.Theelectricalpulsesweretoostrongandcausedabrainbleed.Hollisterhungon,probably
throughsheerguts,whileyoumadeyourescape.Heseized,knewhewasintrouble,andputhimselfout,
usinghisabilityasadreamwalker."

"Sohe'ssomewhereelse."

"Itwasprobablytheonlythinghecoulddotosavehimself.IfI'mcorrectsomeoneelsehasthesame
abilitytodreamwalkandthey'reusinghimasalurefortherestofyou.Don'taskmehow.I'mguessing.If
wemanagetowakehim,we'llhavetoassessanydamagedone.IwanttocallDr.Adams—he'sa
renownedbrainsurgeonandhewouldbewillingtohelpus."

Rylandshookhishead."We'refugitives,Lily.Bylawhehastoturnusin."

"Yes,well,"Lilyhedged."Hollisterneedsmedicalcareimmediately.I'llguaranteeDr.Adams's
cooperation.Inthemeantime,wehavetobringJeffoutofhisdream."

"Lily,stopsaying'we.'Youcan'tcomewithus,"Rylandsaidfirmly."Andbeforeyouprotest,listentome.
Ifyou'rerightandJeffisbeingusedtotrapusinsomeway,thenweneedyouhereasananchorwith
Kaden.Moreimportantly,ifsomeoneelseislyinginwaitforus,youcan'tbeidentified.Thishouseisour
onlyhaven.Mymenneedtolearnthoseexercisesyoukeeptalkingabout.Wehavenowhereelsetogo."

Lilyhadtoadmithewasright,butitdidn'tmakeiteasyforher.Shehadabadfeeling,aportentofdanger
thatwouldn'tgoaway.AndNicolasfeltittoo.

"We'llneedeveryonetotapintothewaveofenergyjustincase,"Rylandadded.

Themenagreedwithouthesitation.OnceagainLilywasmovedbythecamaraderiethemenhadforone
another,theirwillingnesstoputtheirlivesandmentalwell-beingontheline.

Nicolassattailorfashionrightthereinthemiddleofthefloor,closinghiseyesandcenteringhimself.
RylandpositionedhimselfonthebedbesideJeffHollister.Lilywatchedastheysoughtinsidethemselves,

ameditativepracticeessentialtoanyonewhohadtodealwithpsychicspillage.Sheknewtheinstantboth
menwentunder,bytheirslow,steadybreathing.

RYLANDlookedaroundcuriously.Hewasonasanddune,lookingtowardtheocean.OfcourseJeff
wouldchooseafamiliarplace.Thedunesstretchedendlessly,andthewavespoundedtheshore,rushing
towardhimandbreakingovertherocks,sweepingintothetidepools.

Hebeganwalkingdownthebeach,knowingJeffhadtobeclose.Nicolasappearedbrieflytohisleft,
sprintingoverthedunesawayfromhim,shadinghiseyesandlookingouttosea.

"He'soutthere"—Nicolaswavedtowardtheocean—"ridingthewaves.Andhedoesn'twanttocome
back."

"Well,that'stoodamnedbad.Hehasafamilytothinkabout,"Rylandsaid.Idon'tlikethefeelofthis.

NeitherdoI.I'mgettingintoposition.

Thewaterswelled,thewavegrowinglargerandlargerandbeginningtherushtowardshore.Ryland
spottedJeffonhissurfboardglidingtowardthemasthewavebegantocurl,formingalongpipe.Fora
momenthewascaughtbythesheermasteryofJeff'sathleticism,thewayheseemedapartofnatureitself,
anticipatingthewavesothatheshotthroughthepipeandcameoutjustasthewavecollapsed.

RylandpulledhisfascinatedgazeawayfromJeffandbeganscanningthewaterforpossiblethreats.He
wasonfullalert,hisprobinggazetakinginthesky,thesea,andthesanddunes.HeknewNicolaswould
bedoingthesame.Hedidn'thavetocheck—Nicolaswasfirstandalwaysonalert.Hespentmonths
alonebehindenemylines,monthstrackingasingletarget.MenlikeNicolaswereneverambushed,they
didtheambushing.Rylandwasgladtohavethemanguardinghisback.

Nicolasputhisfingersinhismouthandwhistled,apeculiarhigh-lowsoundthatcarriedonthewind.
Rylandspunaroundandrantohisright,towardtheshoreandJeff.

JeffHollisterimmediatelyglidedforshore,hittingshallowwaterontherun,automaticallyscoopingthe
boardbeneathhisarmasherantowardthem."Whatareyoudoinghere?"

"Bringingyouhome."Rylandindicatedtherelativecoverofthenearestcliffs,awayfromtheopendunes.
HedroppedtwopacesbehindHollister,coveringhisback.

"Cowlingsisheresomewhere,I'vespottedhimtwicewatchingme."Hollisterflungtheboardoutofthe
way,sprintingbarefootdownthebeach."Youshouldn'thavecome,Captain,Ican'tgoback.Idon'twant
tolivemylifebraindead."

"Saveyourbreath,"Rylandsnapped."Andrunlikehell."

Thewhistlecutthroughtheairasecondtime,asinglenotethistime.RylandleaptonJeff,tacklinghim,
throwinghisbodyontothesand.Rylandlandedontop,shieldinghimasbulletsthuddedintothesandjust
aheadofthem.Hehadnoideaoftheeffectofdreamdeathonthephysicalbody—buthefearedthe
results.Theybothrolledtowardthepoundingwavesandcametotheirfeetontherun.Neitherlooked

back,theysprinted,zigzaggingtomakethemselvesmoredifficulttargets.

"Now!"Rylandgavetheorderjustasthewhistlecutthroughtheairagain.Bothmenwereimmediatelyin
thesand,scootingforward,scramblingontheirbelliestowardcover.Bulletstorechunksoutofthe
bouldersjustovertheirheads.

Theydovebehindtherocksandsankdown,forcingtheirlungstoslow."You'renotbraindead,youidiot,"
Rylandsaid,affectionatelysluggingJeff."You'recaughtinadream."Helookedaround."Where'sthe
girl?"

Hollisterlaughed."ShewashereuntilIspottedthatfrogCowlings.Iknewsomethingwasupwhenhe
didn'tmakehismoveonme.Irealizedhewasheretokillme.Whenhewaited,Ifiguredhethoughtyou'd
showup."

"Hedidn'tcountonNicolas."Rylandgrinned,pulledagunfrominsidehisshirt,andhandedittoJeff."If
youhadabraininthefirstplace,youwouldhaverealizedyoucouldn'tbebraindeadoryouwouldn't
havebeenabletofigureallthatout."

Jeffbellieddownandwriggledthroughashallowdepressionbetweentworockstotakeacautiouslook.
"Lookwhowalkedintoatrap."Hefiredoffthreeroundsquicklyandusedthetimetosecureabetter
positionbehindalarger,flatterboulderthataffordedhimmoreofaview.

Rylandwaswatchinghimcarefully.Theywereinadream,butJeffwasnolongerrememberinghewas
dreamingandhewasdraggingoneleg.

"Itisn'tanambushifyouknowthey'rewaiting.NooneescapesNicolaswhenhe'shunting.Wejusthaveto
picnichereforashortwhileandlethimdowhathedoes.Cowlingsdidn'tknowNicolascould
dreamwalk."Evenashewasspeaking,RylandwascrawlingawayfromJeffHollistertoputdistance
betweenthem.ThetraphadbeensetforRyland.HadRylandnotcometobringHollisterback,Cowlings
wouldeventuallyhavemadehismoveagainstHollister.

BringJeffout,Kaden.PullJeffout.Rylandgavetheorderthroughthetelepathiclinkwithhissecond-in-
command.Jeffhadcreatedthedreamsohisleavingwouldaddtheburdenofsustainingthedreamto
Ryland.

Hollisterletoutasmallcryofprotest,butthecombinedforceofallthemenwasstrongerthanhiswill.
Jefffeltthesoftmattressbeneathhisbackandwaitedforthemind-numbingpain.Heopenedhiseyes
cautiously.LilyWhitneybentoverhim,speakingsoftly,askinghimadozenquestions,allthewhile
occupyinghismindtopreventhimfromthinkingaboutthepossibilitiesofbraindamage.

Canyoutakehimout,Nicolas?Rylandfeltasuddensurgeofenergyintheairaroundthem.Watch
yourself,he'stryingtoproject.

Ineedtogetcloser.

He'sonthemove.He'srunning.Thewindrosesuddenly,ferociously,creatinganinstantsandstorm.
Rylandsworeandscuttledacrosstheground,changingpositionsquickly,thesandstinginghisskin.He
kepthiseyesclosed,butallowedhissensestoflareoutacrossthelandscape,searchingforwavesof

energyindicating"hot"activity.

Heheardthewhineofabulletbutitthunkedintotherockswherehehadbeen.Atoncetherewasthe
soundofrunningstepsinthesand.Rylandliftedhisheadtopeercautiouslyovertheshortboulderhewas
usingascover.SandstunghiseyesbuthecaughtaglimpseofCowlingsrunningtowardwhatlookedlike
adoor.Justbeforehereachedit,Nicolasroseupfromthedunes,aknifeinhisfist.

Rylandfelttheinstantsurgeofpureenergy,andCowlingssimplydisappeared.Kaden!Bringusoutnow.
Now!Nicolas,wakeup!HehesitatedjustlongenoughtomakecertainNicolasobeyedhimbefore
following.Behindhimtheworldturnedtohell,firerainingfromtheskiesandblowingacrossthesand,a
boilingcauldronoforangeandredflames.

NICOLASandRylandlookedateachotheracrossthesafetyoftheroom."Didyoufeelthat?"Ryland
askedtheothers.

"Whatwasit?"Kadenasked.

"Itwasn'tCowlings.Hecouldn'tproducethatmuchenergy.Histelepathicpowersarenowherenearthat
strong,"Rylandsaid.

Therewasashortsilence.Nicolasstoodup,stretched,andwenttoJeffHollister'sside.Ashepassed
Kaden,heclappedahandonKaden'sshoulderinasaluteofthanks."Whatdoyouthinkitwas?"Nicolas
askedRyland.

"IthinksomeoneusedCowlingsasaconduit.We'redealingwithenergy.Thereareallkindsofenergy."
RylandlookedatLily."Whowouldknowhowtomanipulatewattageorvoltagemassingintheair?"

Lilysighed."SomeoneatDonovans."

Twelve

AREyoucertainyouwanttogobackhere,Lily?"JohnBrimslowasked.Hedidn'tshutoffthemotor,
hopingLilywouldtellhimtoturnaroundanddriveherhome.

"Ihavesomuchwork,John,"shesaid."Ican'tfalltoofarbehind.Anddon'tworryaboutpickingmeup
becauseIleftmycarhereandIcandrivehome."

Johnsighed."I'mnotonetotellyouwhattodo,Lily,butIdon'tlikethis.Itdoesn'tfeelrighttome.Iknow
you'vespokenseveraltimeswiththeinvestigatorsregardingyourfather'sdisappearance…"

"He'sdead,John."Shesaiditquietly.

"Whatdidtheytellyou?"

"Iknowhe'sdead.I'felt'himdie.Hewasmurdered.Thrownoffaboatintotheocean.He'dbeen
bleedingheavilysohewasnearlygone,buthewasstillalivewhenhewentintothecoldsea."She
rubbedherhandoverherface."Someonefromhere"—shewavedtowardthesprawlingcomplexof
buildings—"hadsomethingtodowithhisdeath."

John'sfaceflusheddarkwithanger."Thatdoesit,Lily,youcan'tgobackintothatplace.Wehavetotalk
tothepolice."

"Andwhatarewegoingtotellthem,John?Thatmyfatherconductedexperimentsonhumanbeingsand
openedupapsychicfloodgatehecouldn'tclose?ThatIconnectedwithhimashewasdyingandhetold
mebeforetheythrewhimoverboardthatsomeoneatDonovanswasresponsible?Doyouthinkthey'll
believeme—orlockmeup?I'dbethehystericaldaughteror,worse,thedaughterwhoinheritedafortune
whenherfatherdisappeared."

"Youalreadyhadthefortune,"Johnpointedout,buthewasshakinghisheadsadly,knowingshewasright.
"Whatdoyoumeanconductingexperimentsonhumanbeings?Whatareyoutalkingaboutwithpsychic
floodgates?"

Lilyletoutherbreathslowlytoregainhernormalcalm."I'msorry,John,Ishouldn'thavesaidthat.You
knowDaddidresearchforthemilitaryandheoftenbecameinvolvedinprojectswithahighsecurity
clearance.Ishouldneverhaveevenmentionedthat.Pleaseforgetitandneversayasinglewordtoanyone
aboutit."Itwasameasureofherfearanddistressthatshehadmadesuchablunder.Therewasacertain
innocence,afrailtyaboutJohnthatmadeheralwayswanttoprotecthim.

"DoesArlyknowaboutallthis?"

Lilyleanedagainsttheseatandlookedattheolderman,studyinghisfeatures.Sincethedisappearanceof
herfather,heseemedolder,thinner."John,youaren'tstayingupnights,areyou?"sheaskedsuspiciously.

Hisgazewavered,fellawayfromhers."I'vebeensleepingintheoldchairatthebottomofthestairs
leadingtoyourwing.Ihaveagun,"heconfided.

"John!"Shewasstartled.Shecouldn'timagineJohnshootinganybody.Hemightfencewiththem,an

elegantswordfight.Shecouldseehimslappingsomebodywithawhitegloveandchallengingthemtoa
duel,butshecouldn'tpicturehimpullingatriggerandtakingalife."Whatintheworldareyouthinking?"
Shewastouchedbyhisdevotion."Arlyhasthathousesosecure,spidersareafraidtospinaweb.You
can'tbedoingthatanymore."

"Anintrudergotinonce,Lily,andI'mnotgoingtoloseyou.Someonehastolookoutforyounow,and
I'vebeendoingitnearlythirtyyears."

"Iloveyou.JohnBrimslow,andI'meternallygratefulyou'reinmylife,"shetoldhim."There'sabsolutely
noneedtoguardme.Truly,Arlywentthroughthehouseagainwithallnewgadgets.Hehasaratherlarge
egoanditreallyupsethimthatsomeonemadeitpastallofhislittletoys."Shegrinnedwickedly."Ihada
lovelytimepointingitouttohimtoo."

"NotnearlyasgoodatimeasRosahad.ShechewedhimoutintwolanguagesandIbelievetheword
'incompetent'cameupmorethanonce."Johnmanagedanansweringsmileatthememory.

"Ialmostfeelsorryforhim,butanymanthinnerthanmedeservestobetakendownapegortwo.Wish
meluck,John,andstopworrying.I'llbeperfectlyfine."Hopingitwastrue,shekissedhischeek,gotout
ofthecar,andwalkedtowardtheentrance.

Rylandhadbeenfuriouswithherwhenhe'dlearnedshewascomingtoDonovans,arguingandthreatening
tobreakbackintothefacilitytokeepaneyeonher.Themanhadanextraordinarytemper,onethat
smolderedandbursttothesurfacelikeavolcanoerupting.Hecouldbeintimidatingifshewassilly
enoughtolethim.

FortunatelyitwasimperativetogetJeffHollistertoDr.Adams.Theyallknewit.Hollister'srightside
wasweak,oneleginparticularunresponsive.Therewassomenumbnessinhisfaceandtremors
occasionallyinhisrighthand.Shecouldn'tdetectanysignificantmemoryproblemsorspeechproblems,
butshewantedaspecialistguidinghistherapy.Andshewantedtoknowiftheelectrodesshouldbe
removedorifitwassafertoleavethem.Jeffneededbrainscansandhelpbeyondwhatshecouldgive
him.

"Dr.Whitney!"

Shespunaround,achillgoingdownherspineasColonelHiggenshurriedtocatchupwithher."Letme
walkyoutoyouroffice."

Lilysmiledathim.Polite.Iceprincess.ForsomereasonRyland'steasingwordscomfortedher.Shedidn't
mindintheleastbeinghaughtyoraniceprincessaroundHiggens."Thankyou,Colonel.I'msurprisedto
seeyouhere.Ihadanimageofcolonelsalwaysoffdoingmilitaryinspectionsandgenerallyshaking
everybodyup."Shewentthroughtheheightenedsecuritycheckswithsomeimpatience."Isn'tthis
annoying?JustlikeThorntontobeefupsecurityafterthechickenshaveflownthecoop."

"ThorntonandIhavebeentalkingaboutthesituation,Dr.Whitney,andhe'dliketoseeyoufirstthingin
hisoffice."

"I'msorry?"Shecontinuedwalkingbrisklythroughthehallstowardheroffice."Whatsituationareyou
referringto?"

"Themenwhoescaped."

"Didyoufindthem?"Shestoppedwalkingtofacehim."Weretheyabletofunctionoutsidetheprotected
environmentofthelaboratory?"Evenwithherbarriersandhershieldsinplace,shecouldfeelthewaves
ofdislikeemanatingfromHiggens.Itwasmorethandislike.Violenceandavariceclungtohim.Heeven
smelledlikerotteneggstoher.Herstomachrolledinprotest.

"Noone'sfoundthem.Whyweren'tyouatworkyesterday?"

Lilyremainedsilent,hergazesteadyonhisface,oneeyebrowarchedperfectly.Shewaiteduntilhe
squirmedvisibly."I'mnotinthehabitofexplainingmyselftoanyone,ColonelHiggens,leastofallaman
whodoesnothaveanyconnectionwhatsoevertomywork.Themomentthosemenwereallowedto
escape,Inolongerhadanythingtodowiththatproject.Iwascalledinasaconsultant,whichIdidasa
favortomyfatherandPhillipThornton.I'mextraordinarilybusyandhavenotimetodevotetoaproject
thatisbasicallydefunct."Shegavehimapolite,fakesmileandsweptintoheroffice.

Higgensfollowedher,adarkscowlonhisface."Thornton'sonhiswayherenow.Wethinkyoucouldbe
indanger."

Lilyslippedintoherwhitejacket."I'mindangerofnotgettingmyworkdone,Colonel.Ifyoudon'thave
anythingofgreatimportancetoimpart,I'mgoingtohavetoaskyoutoleave.Iappreciateyourconcern,I
reallydo,butIhaveaverygoodsecurityman."

PhillipThorntonburstintoheroffice.Shefeltwavesoffear,andrealizedhewasterrifiedofHiggens.
"Lily!Iwasworried.Icalledyourhouseyesterdaybutyourhousekeeperrefusedtogetyouonthephone."

"I'msorry,Phillip,Rosadoesn'twantmetocometoworkanymore.She'sbeenafraidformeeversince
myfather'sdisappearance.Ioftenworkathome,youknowthat.Itdidn'toccurtomethatyouwouldworry
aboutme.I'mtryingtoeaseRosa'smindandstillgetmyworkdone."

"Rosaisn'ttheonlyoneworriedaboutyou,Lily.ColonelHiggensandIbothfeelthedangerisveryreal
thatCaptainMillerandhisteammaydecidetokidnapyou."

Lilyleanedherhipagainsttheedgeofherdeskandfoldedherarmsinannoyance."Oh,forheaven'ssake.
IexpectRosatobecomehystericalbutnotyou,Phillip.WhywouldMillerwanttokidnapme?Idon't
knowanythingaboutthisproject;Icameinlateandknowlessthanbothofyou.Iwouldthinkhe'dwant
oneofyou."

"Istillthinkweshouldputateamonyou,"Phillipsaid.

"Ateam?"Lily'seyebrowroseevenhigher."Myfamilywouldhavebeenhappywithabodyguard.What
doyoumean'ateam'?"

"CaptainMilleristheleaderofanelitegroupofsoldiers,allwithbackgroundsinSpecialForces,"
ColonelHiggenssaid."Asinglebodyguardisn'tgoingtobeabletoprotectyoufromthem.Ihaveateam
ofsoldiers,highlytrained,readyandavailabletohelpout."

"Thisdoesn'tmakesensetome.WhywouldMillercomeafterme?HeknowsIdon'tknowanything,I
couldn'tpossiblyhelphiminanyway.Anditisn'tasifI'minthemilitary,I'macivilian.Youcan't

possiblyjustifytheuseofsoldiersinguardingme.Ithinkwe'realloverreactingtomyfather's
disappearance.We'reallalittleonedgebutIthinkaskingsoldierstoguardmeisabitmuch.Phillip,if
you'rereallyworried,toeaseyourmind,I'llaskArlytofindmesomeone.ButIhavetogothroughallthe
securityhereandhavingsomeonewithmewillbeamajorhassle."

"Icanfindyousomeonewithsecurityclearance,"Thorntonoffered.

"Justletmegettowork."Lilysmiledtotakethestingoutofherwords."YouknowIappreciateyour
concern,Ireallydo,butCaptainMilleronlysawmeacoupleoftimes.IdoubtifImadeanyimpression
onhimwhatsoever."

Thorntonknewwhenhewasdefeated."Istillwantyoutodoyourbestwiththisthing,Lily,lookthrough
anythingyourfatherhadandtrytofigureoutwhattheheckhedid.It'simportant."

"Everythingisimportant.Allright,"Lilyconcededwithasigh."Inmysparetime,asifIhaveany,I'll
pokearoundandseeifIcancomeupwithanything."

ThorntonusheredHiggensoutoftheofficeaheadofhim,thenturnedbackabruptly."Oh,Lily,Itotally
forgot.TheannualblacktiefundraiserisThursdaynight.Yourfatherwasgoingtogiveaspeech."

Lilywaslookingathim,herfaceverystill,herheartsuddenlypoundinghard.Inthatmomentsheknewfor
certainPhillipThorntonhadbeeninvolvedinherfather'sdeath.Itwasintheguiltswampinghim.Itwas
inthewayhisgazeslidawayfromhers.Inthesuddensmellofsweatonhisbody.Herfingerstightened
aroundthebackofherchair,holdingherinplace.Shewasafraidtomove,afraidtospeak,certainshe
wouldsaysomethingtogivehersuddenknowledgeaway.Shehadbeensuspicious,butnowsheknew.
ShehadknownPhillipThorntonmostofherlife.Lilymanagedabriefnod.

"Youknowhowimportantthiseventistoourcompanyandtheindividualresearchers.Morethansixty
percentofourfundingcancomefromthisoneevent.We'llhavesomeveryimportantpeopleandseveral
generalsthere,includingMcEntireandRanier,andI'llneedyoutohelpout.Youknowthedrill,you've
beentosomany."

"Icompletelyforgotabouttheentirething,Phillip."

"It'sunderstandable,Lily,"hesaid,"andIwouldn'taskifitwasn'tnecessary.Everyonewillexpectyouto
bethere."

Shenodded.She'dbeenfloodedwithcondolences,fromthepresidenttolabtechnicians.Sheknewshe
wouldbeexpectedatsuchapublicevent."I'llgo,Phillip,ofcourseI'llgo."

"Andyou'llgiveaspeech?"Theybothknewwithherfather'sdisappearance,herpleawouldbringin
evenmoremoneythanusual.EveryonewassearchingforawaytoshowsupporttoLilyandsheknewit
wouldhappenatthefundraiser.

"Sure,Phillip."Shewavedhimoutofheroffice.GeneralRanierwouldbethereandhealwaysaskedher
todance.Thefundraiserwouldgivehertheperfectopportunitytoreadthegeneralandfindoutifhe,like
hiscolleagueGeneralMcEntire,wasinvolved.LilyhadcompletelyforgottenaboutDonovans'smost
importanteventoftheyear.Itwouldbethefirsttimesheeverattendedsuchahugefunctionwithouther

father.Thethoughtsaddenedher.Shesatforamomentatherdesk,mourninghim,missinghim.

Lilyputhergriefaside,notwantingtobroadcasttooloudlyandriskmakingaconnectionwithRyland.If
hethoughtshewasupsetorindanger,hewouldfindawaytogettoher.Itsurprisedherthatshewasthat
certainofhim,thatsheknewhewouldcome.

Shespentseveralhoursworkinginherlaboratory,losingherselfinformulasandpatterns.Whenshe
finallyrealizedhowmuchtimehadgoneby,Lilywasannoyedwithherself.Shehastilytidiedupher
notesandhurriedthroughthehallstotheelevatoruntilshewasongroundlevel.Thehospitalwassmall
buthadequipmentthatwouldmakeanyhospitalortraumacenterweepwithenvy.Lilysignedin,going
throughthesecuritycheckstoaccesstherecordssheneeded.Shereadthrougheveryentryshecouldfind
pertainingtoRylandandhismen.Thenshebeganresearchingthestaff,checkingentriestofindwhohad
beenondutywheneachmanwasbroughtin,lookingforapattern.Lilyalwayssawthepatternsandthere
certainlywasone.Shescannedthepertinententries,notingnames,andhurriedbackdowntothelower
laboratories,thistimeheadingforherfather'soffice.

Lilycouldstillsmellherfather'spipejustlikeinhisofficeathome.Noonehadcleanedhisdesk,
althoughhispapershadobviouslybeengonethrough.Shewentdirectlytohisdeskandturnedonhis
computer.Asshedrewthekeyboardoutsheknockedthemouseontothefloorbeneaththedesk.

Hissingherannoyance,Lilyfeltunderthedeskwithherfoot,hergazegluedtothescreeninfrontofher.
Hertoeshitacementblockhardenoughtosendajoltofpainupherleg.Lilypeeredunderthedesk.The
mousewasallthewaytotheback,closetothewall.Shecrawledunderthedesktoretrievetheitem,
draggingittowardherbythecord.Lilyhadstartedtoinchoutfromunderthedeskwhenthecornerofthe
cementblockcaughthereye.Itwasn'tflushwiththewall.

Lilysatonthefloorstaringatitforamoment.Shehadtoduckherheadbeneaththedesktopasshe
crawledindeeper.Itwasn'teasytopulloutthecementblock;itappearedtobewedgedintight,butshe
tookhertime,workingitloose.Whenshefinallymanagedtopullitfree,shesawatonceherfatherhad
hollowedoutanareabehindtheblocktocreateasmallspace.Therewasaminiaturevoice-activated
recorderlyingagainstthewall.

Withoutwarning,alarmsshriekedthroughoutthebuildings.Startled,shehalfsat,bumpingherheadonthe
edgeofthedesktop.Shecouldheartheguardsrunninginthehalloutsidetheoffice.Lilylistenedtothe
alarmforamomentbuttherewasnoannouncementofdangersosheignoredthecommotiontoprythe
recorderawayfromthewall.

Sheletherbreathoutslowlyasshecurledherfingersaroundit.Itwasverydarkbeneaththedeskbutshe
feltatinydisk,sosmallshenearlymissedit.Therewasnocovering,nothingtoprotectitfromdustor
grime.ShecouldseeadiskwasinthemachinealreadyandLilydroppedthesecondsmalldisketteinto
thepocketofherwhitecoatasshecrawledoutfromunderthedesk.

Lily'shandswereshakingasshesatinherfather'sdeskandbentclosetothesmallrecorder.Nothing
happenedwhenshetriedtoplaybackthedisk.Mutteringcursesunderherbreath,sherummagedthrough
thedrawersforbatteries.Therewerenobatteriesofanysizeinthetopdrawers.Lilyclutchedthe
recorderinonehandandbenttosearchthelowerdrawers.

Sheknewevenbeforesheturned,halfrisingtomeettheimpendingthreat,alreadyknowingitwastoo

late.She'dbeensocaughtupinwantingtohearherfather'svoice,hopingforevidenceagainsthis
murderers,thatshehadn'tpaidattentiontoherownwarningsystem.Sheswungherhead,caughtablurred
glimpseofaman.Wavesofviolence,ofevilwashedoverherjustbeforeeverythingexploded.Alarge
fistsmashedsquarelyintothesideofhertemple.Everythingwentblackandtinyshootingstarsburst
behindhereyes.Lilycaughtatherattacker,rakingherfingernailsacrosshisface,tearingathisshirtas
shewentdown.Shecouldn'tseehim,butsheheardhisviciouscurseandfeltthesecondblowsnapher
headbackandthenshecollapsedonthefloor.

RYLANDwasuncomfortablewiththeplan.He'dbeenpacingmostoftheday,wearingaholeinthe
expensivecarpets.HeshouldneverhaveallowedLilytogobacktothelaboratories.

Hersafetywasmoreimportantthananyillusionofnormalcyshewasattemptingtocreate.Hehadto
persuadehertotakealeaveofabsence.Herfatherhaddisappearedandthatwasenoughofanexcusefor
hertotaketimeoffwork.

DarknesshadfallenanditwastheirchancetomoveJeffHollister.Rylanddidn'tliketakinghimoutofthe
housebutLilyinsistedherfriendDr.Adamshadmoreadvancedequipmentsetupinhishome.Shehada
vanandtwocarsleftforthemjustinsidetheentrancetothewoodsandoutsidetheestateitself.Arly
assuredRylandthedoctorwouldkeepsilent.Rylandwasn'tabouttotakeanychanceswithHollister's
life.Theyweregoingtoproceedasiftheywereinenemyterritory.

"Nico,Ineedyoutoscoutforus.Usethetunnelnearthewoods.Wedon'twanttotraveltoofaradistance
withJeff.Pinpointeverypossiblepositionoftheenemy."

"Andiftheenemyisfound,sir?"Thevoicewasquiet.

"Donotengage.Wedon'twantanyevidencewewereanywherenearLily'shouse,Nico."

Nicolasnoddedinunderstanding.HebentclosetoHollister."I'mworkingdamnedhardforthosesurfing
lessonsyoupromisedme."

Jeffliftedatremblinghand,claspedNicolas'shandinhis."You'llbeagreatsurfer,Nico,whetherIteach
youornot."

"Ionlylearnfromthebest,Hollister,soyouneedtogetonyourfeet."NicolasgrippedJeff'shandhard,
thenjustasabruptlyslippedsilentlyfromtheroom.

RylandsignaledIanMcGillicuddyandtheybothwentoutintothehall."We'llneedtwomenguardingJeff
atthedoc'splace.IwantyouandNicotoseetohissafety.Wedon'tknowanythingaboutthisdoc.IfLily's
payinghimoff,itmeanshecanbebought.Oneofyoustaysawakeatalltimes."

Iannoddedhisassent."Doyouhaveanyideashowwe'regoingtogetoutofthismess,Captain?"

"IwanteveryoneworkingontheseriesofexercisesLilygaveus.Shesaysifwelearnthemallwehavea
goodchanceofbeingabletoliveintheworldunderfairlynormalconditions.Shethinkstheexperiment
wasn'tafailure,thatitcouldhavebeenverysuccessfulhadwelearnedthethingsweweresupposedto
havelearned."

"DoesshethinkHiggenskilledtheothers?"Ianaskedbluntly.Therewasiceinhisvoice,amerciless
sheentohiseyes.

"Higgensisinvolved,yes,andGeneralMcEntire.ItlooksasifRaniermaybe,too,butwehavenoproof.
Assoonaswemastertheshieldswe'llbeabletohuntdownthemenresponsible.Notonlyarethey
murderers,butthey'retraitorstoourcountry,"Rylandpointedout."Theyhavetokillusnow.Theyhave
nootherchoice.Don'ttakeyoureyesoffofJeff,evenforamoment.I'mnotlosinganotherman."

"Youwon't,Captain,notonmywatch,"Iansaid."AndNiconevermisses."

"StayonJeff,Ian."

"I'malloverhim,Captain."

TheywentbackintoHollister'sroomwheretheotherswaitedexpectantly."AssoonasNicogivesusthe
go-ahead,we'retakingJeffout,"Rylandsaid."Tucker,you'rethestrongest.Iwantyoutocarry,Jeffout."

Tucker'steethwereverywhiteashegrinnedatJeff."Don'tworry,I'llhandleyoulikeanewbornbabe."

Jeffgroaned."Ican'tbelievehe'sgoingtomakeyoucarryme."

Sampokedhimgood-naturedly."I'llmakesurehedoesn'tdropyoumorethanonce,surferboy,althoughit
mightfixyourightupifyoulandedonyourhead."

"You'lltaketheirbacks,Sam.Idon'twantasinglehairharmedonthatsurferboy'shead.I'dhavetoface
hismama."Rylandshuddered.

"Wewouldn'tbegettingcookiesanymore,that'sforsure,"Gatorcomplained."Nobodymakescookies
likeJeff'sma."

"Nottomention"—JonasHarperlookedupfromwherehewassharpeningafour-inchbladewithloving
care—"he'sachickmagnet.PrettyboyHollisterwalksdownthestreetandwedon'tneedtolookfor
women,theyjustfollowhimaround."

KyleForbesstretchedouthislegsandburstoutlaughing."That'sbecauseheisn'talwaysfondlingaknife,
Jonas.Womenrunwhenyouwalkintotheroom."

SamhootedandjabbedatJonaswithhisfoot."Throwingknivesdoesn'treallyimpresswomen,Jonas."

"ItdidwhenIworkedinthecircus,"Jonassaid."Theythoughtitwassexy."

JefftossedhispillowatJonas."Youwishtheythoughtyouweresexy.Didn'tyourlastgirlfrienddump
beeroveryourhead?"

Laughtererupted.Jonashelduphishand."Thatdidn'tcount.ShecaughtmewiththeNelsontwinssitting
onmylap.Shetotallyhadthewrongidea."

Tuckerretrievedthepillow,incidentallybashingGatorovertheheadwithitashedidso."That'snot

whatIheard,Jonas.Iheardshecaughtyouinbedwiththetwins."

"That'sthewayIheardittoo,"Kylesaid,"exceptthetwinswerehidingunderyourbed."

MorehootsgreetedKyle'scomment.Jonastookitinstride,grinningsheepishly."Youallarefullofit.
GatorhasthathotCajunbloodandJeffjuststandstherelookinglikeadoofusandthewomenfaintattheir
feet."

"Iknowyoudidn'tjustcallmeadoofus,"Jeffsaid."You'refeelingyouroats,Jonas,becauseI'mstuckin
thisbed."

Jonasgrinnedwickedly."I'vebeengivingitsomethought,Hollister.Withyououtoftheway,Imightjust
haveashotatthoseNelsontwins.Tucker,drophimonhisassoutthereinthewoods,you'llbedoingus
allafavor."

Kyleraisedaneyebrow.Normallyanextremelyquietman,ageniuswithexplosives,heenteredintothe
funtokeepJeffHollister'sspiritshigh."Jonas,aren'tyouforgettinghissisters?Youswipedhissister's
picturesoutofhiswalletandyoukissthemeverydamnnight.Youthinkeitheroneofthosegirlsisgoing
tolookatyouifyoudon'tdelivertheirdarlingbabybrotherhomesafeandsound?"

Thepillowcamesailingthroughtheairagain,smackingJonasinthebackofhishead."You'retheone
whoswipedmysisters'pictures,youpervertedknife-wieldingnutcase.Don'tyouevenlookatmysisters.
They'rebothgoingtobenuns."Jeffcrossedhimself,kissedhisthumb.

We'vegotwatchers,Rye.Andtheyaren'tcivilians.Nicolasalwaysspokeinthesamelowtone.Noone
hadeverseenhimexcitedornervous.

Isitago?CanwegetJeffpastthem?RylandhadcompletefaithinNicolas'sjudgment.Wecan'tputLily
atrisk.IthadbeenhisdecisiontousetelepathiccommunicationinspiteofCowlings.Themanhadlittle
telepathicabilityandRylandjudgedtheriskofhisbeingcloseenoughtopickitupwasminimal.

Theyaren'ttakingtheirassignmentseriously.Mybestguess,Rye,they'reheretowatchthewoman.
Theyhavenoideawe'rehereandtheysuredon'tthinkwe'recoming.

It'sagothen.Signalwhenyouhaveaclear.I'msendingTuckeroutwithJeff.Sam'sgottheirback.
Ian'sthedriver.Therestofuswillcontrolthewatchers.

They'resusceptible.They'reboredandnotonhighalert.Idon'tthinkwe'llhavetoomuchtrouble.Tell
Tucktocomea-running.

"We'regoodtogo,Jeff,"Rylandsaidgently.HenoddedtowardTucker."KyleandJonaswillgoout
aheadofyou.Nico'swaiting.Weknowthey'reoutthere,weknowthey'rewatching,buttheycan'tknow
we'rehere.Thisistherealthing.Walkliketheghostsyouareandgetthroughtheirlines.We'llmeetupat
thedoc'shouse.Youstandfastuntilwecheckitoutoncewe'rethere.Youronlyresponsibilityistokeep
Jeffandyourselvesalive.Iftheplaceishot,pulloutimmediatelyandcomebackhere.Watchyourback
trail."

Hestoodlookingatthemforalongmoment."Remember,allofthesepeople,soldiers,civilians,allof
them,thinkwe'reescapees,thatwe'vecommittedcrimes.Unlessyourlifeorthelivesofthisteamarein

danger,donotusemaximumforce."

RylandgesturedandsignaledKyleandJonas.BothgrippedHollister'sshoulderhardthenfollowed
Rylandfromtheroom,headingquicklyforthetunnel.Ithadbeenalongday,watchingoverJeff,worrying
abouthim,seeingthedamagetohisrightside,butunabletodoanythingtohelphim.Theyhadwaitedfor
thesuntogodownandthedarknesstospread.Theirtime.Whenghostswereabletowalk.Atlastthey
couldactivelydosomething.

Oncethedaystaffwasgone,theywereabletomovemorefreelywithoutfearofdiscovery.Theyhadall
thetechnologyavailabletothem,butitwouldnevertaketheplaceoftheirbeliefinthemselves.

Rylandwentoutofthetunnelfirst,movingquickly,silently,slippingthroughthedarkness,keepingtothe
shadows.Hecouldfeelthesurgeofenergybuildingasthemenbegantoproject,whisperingintothe
night,tellingtheguardstolookatthestars,toseethebeautyofthenight.Tobeblindtomovementand
sound.TolooktheotherwayasRylandsignaledTuckerandSamtobringJeffHollisterout.

Tuckerwasaslargeasatreetrunk,carryingJeffprotectivelycradledagainsthismassivechest.Jeffwas
nosmallman,buthelookedachildbesideTucker'sbulgingmuscles.Forabigman,TuckerAddison
movedliketheghosthewas,glidingovertheuneventerrainwithoutasound.Samkeptpacebehindthem,
hiseyesmovingrestlessly,constantly,seekingoutthewatchers,hisweaponinhisfist.

RylanddirectedtheguardsawayfromthepathinthewoodsTuckerneededtotakeinordertorendezvous
withIanandthecar.Rylandledtheway,shiftingtowardthemostresistantoftheguards.Heconcentrated
on"pushing"themanharder,plantingtheurgentneedtoconversewithhispartner.Rylanddroppedtohis
bellyandscootedclosertotheguard.Hewasreactingtothementalpushbyrubbinghishead,shakingit
asifhisheadneededclearing.Theguardbegantopacerestlesslybackandforth,pressinghisfingersto
hiseyes.

Rylandhelduphishand,signalingTuckertomeltintotheshadowswithhisburden.

I'mdroppingbacktocoveryou,Nicolasreported.

Yougetthemawaysafely,Rylandordered.StayonJeff.Heclosedthedistancetotheguardsothathelay
onlyascantfewfeetfromtheman.Hegatheredhisenergy,hisstrength.Ithadtolooklikeanaccident,a
believableaccident.Rylandwhisperedaprayeraskingforforgivenessifanythingwentwrong.

Twokidscoming.Teenagers,Nicolasinformedhim.

Rylandlethisbreathoutslowly,reliefspreading.Allowedhismusclestorelax.Usethem.Sendthem
thisway,rightuptotheguard.Theycancreateourdiversion.Heconcentratedontheconnection,
buildingthebridgetotheyoungboyssneakingthroughthewoodswithaflashlightandpelletguns.They
changeddirectionimmediately,highlysusceptibletothewavesofenergyproddingthem.

Theguardswungaroundalertlyastheboyslaughedloudlytogetheratajokeoneofthemtold.Hislight
blastedthetwoboysintheface,temporarilyblindingthem.Theguard'sbackwastoTuckerandthe
others.Rylandsignaledthemforwardashebeganhisownretreat,movingcautiouslyawayfromthe
guard,stayinglowandusingtheburstsofconversationascover.

Tuckermovedthroughthewoodsquickly,stayingtotheshadows,deepinthetrees,somehoweveninthe
darkestsections,avoidingtwigsandleavesthatwouldgivehimaway.SamranparallelwithTuckerand
Jeff,keepinghisbodybetweenthetwoofthemandtheguards.

They'reaway.Ian'sgotthem.Clearout,Rye.IanhadremovedthedomelightfromthetrucksoTucker
andSamcouldputJeffincarefullywithouttheglowoftheoverheadlighttogivethemaway.

NicolasslidintoacarbesideKaden,whopulledawayfromthecurbbeforethedoorwasclosed.We're
away.We'reaway.

RylandsignaledKyleandJonasaheadofhim,anddroppedbacktoprotecthismenastheyhurriedoutof
thewoodedarea.Behindthem,theguardwasstillharanguingthetwoteenageboys,firingquestionsat
themwiththedeliberateintentionofscaringthem.

Rylandwasthelastmaninthethirdvehicle,urgingKyletogetmovingevenbeforehewasfullyinthe
car.Theywerecarefultoobeyeverytrafficlaw,notwantingtotakethechanceofapoliceofficerpulling
themover.Dr.BrandonAdams'shousewasseveralmilesfromtheWhitneyestate.Itwasalargebeautiful
housesurroundedbymanicuredlawnsandwrought-ironfences.

Kylecruisedby,wentnearlyamiledowntheroad,turnedaround,anddrovepasttheestateagain.He
slowedenoughtoallowRylandandJonastoslipoutbeforecruisingpastasecondtime.Hefoundasmall
turnoutjustbeyondthehouseandparkedthecarbeneaththesweepingtreebranches.RylandandJonas
werealreadyscouting,spreadingouttocovermoreground.NicolasandKadencircledtheestatefromthe
otherside.

Ian?Youhaveanybadfeelingsyou'dliketotellusabout?

No.Isayit'sago.

Rylandmadethesweepwiththesamethoroughnessheappliedtoeverytask.Theycircledthehouse,
takingtheirtime,checkingeverypositionwheresomeonecouldbelyinginwaittoambushthem.Noone
wasanywherenearthehouse.KadenandNicolaswentupandoverthehighrailingsurroundingthewide
porch.Kadencontinuedupthesideofthehouse,gainingentrancethroughasecond-storywindow.
Nicolaswentinonthebottomfloorthroughtheback.Rylandwentinthroughaslidingglassdoor.The
lockwasajoke.

Hemovedthroughtherooms,gettingafeelforthehouse.Itwasempty,justasAdamshadtoldLilyit
wouldbe.Hecouldhearthedoctormovingaroundupstairs.

Clear.Kadenreported.

Clear.Nicolasadded.

Bringhimin.Rylandmovedintopositionbehindthestairs.Thedoorbellpealedmelodiously.Atall,thin
manhurrieddownthestairs.Hewasdressedincharcoalslacksandawhiteshirt,bothofwhichscreamed
money.Heopenedthedoorwithouthesitation.Tuckerdidn'twaitforaninvitation,butcarriedJeffinside.
SamandIanfollowed,closingthedoorbehindthemandcasuallylockingit.

"Bringhimintotheback.IrecentlyclosedmysmallclinicsoIhavealltheequipmentweneedonhand."

Thedoctorledthewaythroughthespaciousrooms."I'vepreparedaroomattheverybackofthehouse
andIgavemystaffafewdaysoff.Lilysaidtogethimbacktoherassoonaspossible."

"Didshetellyouwe'dbestaying?"Ianasked."We'lltaketurnssittingupwithhim."

"Suityourself,butIdoubtifthatwillbenecessary.Ithinkhe'lldofine."

Theroomwaslargeandairywithatremendousview.Ianwalkedoverandpulledtheheavydrapes.Sam
openedtheclosetsandalladjoiningdoors."It'sverynecessary,Doc,butdon'tworry,wewon'tgetin
yourway.We'reself-sufficient,"Iansaidasheputhispackonthetable."Webroughtourownrations."

Lilyhadmadecertaintosendalongmorethanenoughfoodwhensheheardthemenweregoingtobe
staying.Shehadalsoinsistedtheykeepworkingontheirexercises.

"We'dliketosecurethehouse,"Iansaid.Thedoctor'seyebrowsshotup."Idon'tknowwhatthatmeans."

"Yourlocksarestandardissue,"Sampointedout."Achildcouldbreakin."

"Ihaveadeadboltonthefrontandbackdoors."Thedoctorwasnotreallypayingattentiontothe
conversation.HebentoverJeffHollister,leaningclosetopeerintohiseyes.Hisvoicewasunconcerned.
Dr.Adamshadnointerestatallinthesubjectofsecurity.

"Youdon'tmindifwebeefupyoursecurity,doyou,Doc?"Samasked.

Adamswavedhishandvaguely."Dowhateveryoufeelyouneedto."

TheknotsinRyland'sstomachloosened.Dr.BrandonAdamshadamindsimilartoLily's.Sheunderstood
him.Hewasinterestedonlyinhissubject.NotJeffHollister,onlyhisbrainandwhatitcouldrevealto
him.

It'sallyours,Nico.We'reclearingout.

Rylandgavethesignaltotheothersandtheyleftthehousewiththesamestealththey'dusedwhen
entering.Thedoctorneverknewtheyhadevenbeenthere.

Thirteen

THEhousewasstillbeingwatched.Arlyhadsecurityguardspatrolling,butthemenhidinginthe
shadowswerenocivilians.Rylandwasuneasyhavinghisteamsplit.AndhewasdisturbedoverLily.He
hadreachedouttoheroverandoverinthelastfewhours,butshehadn'tresponded.Hehadn'trealized
howmuchhecountedonthatconnectionbetweenthemanditwasdisturbingthathecouldn'ttouchher.
OncehehadgottenJeffHollistertosafety,hehadconcentratedonLily,buthehadbeenunableto
establishanykindofbridge.

Throughoutthelongafternoonandevening,Rylandhadbecomeincreasinglyworried.Ianhadcometohim
twice,sayinghe"felt"dangerbutcouldn'tsaywhy.Rylandtriedtoputitdowntotheobviouslymilitary
teamguardingthehouse.Itdidn'thelpthathecouldn'ttouchLily.

Frowning,RylandmovedasaGhostWalker,slippingthroughthelinestogetafixonthepositionsoftheir
enemy.Oncearadiocrackled,thesoundloudinthecrispnightair.Aguardlitacigarette,shieldingthe
redglowwithhishand,butthesmellfloatedonthewind.Rylandwatchedthemforsometime,observing
theirboredom.Thenightwasgoingtobelongandcoldforthewatchers.

Finally.HesawtheheadlightsandthenLily'scarcomeupthewindingdrive.Shewashomeandhis
worldwasrightagain.Thedayhadbeenfartoolong,hisheartpoundinginhisthroateverytimehe
thoughtofheraloneatDonovans.Thosepeoplehadmanagedtomurderherfather,andRylandfeared,as
timewentbyandtheycouldfindnotraceoftheGhostWalkers,Higgenswouldbegintopanic.

Satisfied,Rylandmovedlikethewind,silent,deadly.Heblendedintothemottledpatternsofthetreesand
shrubberyalongthehighfenceline.Arlyhadtoldthemthefencewaswiredwithsensorsandthroughout
thegroundsmotiondetectorscrisscrossedthearea.Hegainedthetreelinejustbehindtheestate,usingthe
largertreetrunksascoverashemovedintodeeperwoods.Rylandslippedeasilypasttwoguardsholding
aboredconversationneartheentrancetotheclosesttunnel.

Thelong-stemmedroseheheldinhishandwasdevoidofthorns,hehadseentoitpersonally.Hewished
hehaddozensofthemforLily,buthehaddonethemosthe'dfeltitsafetodo.Bypassingsecurity,hehad
enteredaflowershoponhiswaybackfromseeingJeff,andleftthemoneyforthesingleperfectroseon
thecountertobefoundbyapuzzledemployee.Hedidn'tthinktakingadozenwouldhaveallowedhimto
sneakpastthewatchersunnoticed.

Rylandwentswiftlythroughthetwistsandturnsinthenarrowtunnel.Thepassagewaycameoutinthe
upperhalls.Thedaystaffwaslonggone.Evenso,hewentthroughthedoorcautiously,readyforanything,
allsensesalert.Darknessgreetedhim.Eventhenight-lightswereoff.Itdidn'tmatter;hemovedunerringly
towardhisgoal.

Rylandwentfromshadowtoshadow,glidingthroughtheenormoushousequickly.Hefoundhimself
directlyunderthestaircaseleadingtotheupperstoriesandthewingofthehousewherehismenwere
waiting.Hewalkedupthestairsbutveeredtotheright,towardLily'sprivatequarters.

Standingjustinsideherbedroom,thesoundhithimfirst.Soft.Muted.Lily,hisLily,wasweeping.He
stoppedmoving,soshakenhetrembled.Thesoundofittoreouthisheart.Hisfingerscurledaroundthe
rose,atightfistagainstsuchawrong.Hedrewadeepbreathofairintohislungs,heldit,letitoutslowly.

Hercryingwasalmostmorethanhecouldbear.Itmadehimweakanditturnedhisinsidestomush.He
remindedhimselfeverydayitwasalossofcontrol,notverymachoforaSpecialForcesman,andmost
ofallthatPeterWhitneymightreallyhavemanipulatedhiminsomeway,butnoneofitseemedtomatter.

Morethananythingherespectedcourageandintegrityandloyalty,allofwhichLilyhadinabundance.
Notwantingtostartleher,Rylandeasedhiswayclose."Lily,"hesaidhernamesoftly,tenderly,witha
blendofheatandsmoke.

Lily'sgaspwasaudible.Sheburiedherfaceinthepillow,turningawayfromhim,humiliatedtobecaught
insuchavulnerablemoment."Whatareyoudoinghere,Ryland?Arlytoldmeyouweregone,thatyou
hadgonetocheckonJeff."Therewasanedgetohervoice.Hehearditinspiteofthesoundbeing
muffledbythepillow.

"Lily,youweren'tworriedaboutme,wereyou?Youcan'tbecryingbecauseyouwereafraidforme."The
ideaalarmedandpleasedhimatthesametime.Hereachedforthebedsidelamp.

"No."Shecaughthiswristtostophim."Pleasedon't."

Rylandstoodforamomenthesitating,unsurehowtohandlehermood.Hebrushedthevelvetflower
petalsalonghertear-wetcheekbeforelayingtherosecarefullyonthepillowbesideher.

Lilyshiveredwithawareness,turnedherheadtolookattherose,thenshiftedhergazetohisface.There
wassomuchsorrowinherblueeyesitbeatathim,weakenedhim."I'msosorryaboutyourfather,Lily,I
knowhowmuchhemeanttoyou."Hesatontheedgeofherbed,carefullyremovedhisshoes,andthen
droppedhisshirtonthefloorbesidethebed.Veryslowly,soasnottoalarmher,hestretchedhislength
outbesideher.Withinfinitegentlenesshepulledherintohisarms."Letmeholdyou,honey,justcomfort
you.That'sallIwanttodorightnow.Ineverwantyoutocrylikethisagain."

Lilyburrowedclosetohim,buriedherfaceagainsthisbroadchest,herbodyrelaxingintotheshelterof
his.Sheputhermouthagainsthisear,herbreathwarmonhisskin."Itisn'tmyfather,Ryland.It's
everything.Amomentofweakness.Nothing."

Somethinginhervoicewarnedhim.Everythingmaleandwarriordeepinsidehimwentstill.Waited.He
inhaledsharplyandsmelled…blood."Whatthehell?"Hishandstightenedpossessively."Whathappened
toyou?Whereareyouhurt?"

Lilyclungtohim."Iwasinmyfather'soffice,lookingaround,andIfoundasmallvoice-activated
recorder.Someonecameinandhitmehard.IfellbackwardandtheynailedmeagainasIwasgoing
down.Theytooktherecorder."

Hestiffened,atremorrunningthroughhisbody.Ragewasswift,volcanic.Hesworeverysoftlybeneath
hisbreath."I'mgoingtolightacandleandlookatyou.Howbadwereyouhurtandwherethehellwere
thoseidiotsecurityguards?"Hehissedthequestionather.

Whenshedidn'tanswer,Rylandreachedaroundhertofindthematchesonhernightstand.Theflarewas
small,asofthissingashelitthearomaticcandle.Hedroppedthematchintheholderandcaughtherchin
firmlyinhishand,turningherfacethiswayandthatinspectingthedamage.Hisguttightened;something
verydangerouswellingupdeepinsidehimroaredforrelease.

"Damnit,Lily,didyouseewhodidthis?"hepersisted.

"Iwasjustturningwhenhehitme.IhadabriefimpressionofhimandthenIwasonthefloor."Shetraced
hisfrownwiththepadofherfinger."I'mfine,alittlestiff,butI'lllive."

Hishandsmovedoverherhead.Hefeltalargebumpnearhertempleandshewincedwhenthepadsof
hisfingersgentlyexaminedher.

Adark,predatoryexpressioncrossedhisface,shimmeredinthedepthsofhiseyes,amenacingthreatthat
causedhertoshiver.Atonceheleanedforwardtobrushhertempleandcheekwiththewarmthofhis
mouth."YouweresupposedtohaveguardsatDonovans.Wherethehellwerethoseuselessguards?
Whereweretheywhenallthiswashappening?Whyweren'ttheywatchingoveryou?Ishouldneverhave
allowedyoutogobackthere.Damnit,I'mamilitaryofficer,andIletaciviliangounprotectedintoa
dangeroussituation."Helethergo—Lily—andshewashurt.

Hisvoicewassobeautifulitseepedthroughherporesdeepintoherbody.Asalwaysitmovedheras
nothingelsecould.Somehowherheadthrobbedlesswithhisconcern.Shetouchedhisfacegently,
wantingtosoothehim."Youknowitwasmydecisionaloneandnoonecouldhavestoppedme."When
shefelthimstiffen,shehastilycontinued."Analarmwentoff.Theguardsrantoseeifsecurityhadbeen
breached,"Lilysaidtiredly.

Shelayback,settlingclosertothewarmthofhisbodywithoutbeingfullyconsciousofdoingso."WhenI
firstwentinthismorning,ColonelHiggensmetmeandwalkedmetomyoffice.PhillipThorntonjoined
usthereandtheytoldmetheywantedmetohavemilitaryguardsbecausetheywereafraidyoumight
attempttokidnapme.Theyimpliedyoumayhavebeentheonetoattackme."

Therewasasmallsilenceuntilhecouldswallowhisanger.Bothmenknewhewouldn'thurtawoman.

Deliberatelyhiswhiteteethflashed,awickedsmilethathadhiseyesglitteringsilver."Kidnappingyou
hasaveryeroticsidetoit,"heteased.

Asmallansweringsmilecurvedhersoft,tremblingmouthinspiteoftheattack."You'resooutrageous,
Ryland.Onlyyouwouldthinkofsomethingsokinky."

Henuzzledherneck."Ilikekinky,honey,whenyou'reinvolved."Histeethteasedherearlobe.

"Moreinterestingthingstolookforwardto."Despitehergameattempttosmile,shesoundedinfinitely
weary.

Hisheartturnedover.Hedrewherclosertohim,felthersoftbodyyieldingtohis.Rylandfoughtdown
hisbody'sreaction,knowingsheneededcomfort.Hecouldfeelthepainthrobbinginherhead."Didyou
takesomethingforyourheadache?"

"Iwouldn'ttakeanythingfromthem,IwaiteduntilIcamehome.I'mnotsleepyortiredsomuchasjust
wantingtolieinthedarkandfeelsorryformyself."

Hebrushedkissesoverherface.Featherlight.Tender."Youneedacupofhotchocolate.I'mgoingtocall
Arlyandhavehimgetadoctorheretolookyouover."

"No!Youcan'tdothat,Ryland,youdon'tknowthem.Arly,John,Rosa,they'llbecrazy.I'mfine,really,
justabumpandaheadache.Anditgivesmeagreatexcusetomissworkforacoupleofdaysandnoone
herewillthinkanythingofit."

"Idon'twantyoutoevergobackthere.There'snoneed."

"Don't,Ryland."Shetouchedherfingertothesculptedperfectionofhismouth.

"Don'twhat?Wanttoprotectyou?I'msorry,Lilybutthere'snowaythatinstinctisgoingtogoaway.I
knew.Thatdayyouwalkedintotheroom.Iknewrighttheninthatheartbeatoftimewhenmybrainwas
goingcrazyandmyskincrawledandmyinsideswereknottedupsotightIwasgoingtoexplode.You
walkedintotheroom,Lily,andyouweresodamnbeautifulithurt."

"Idon'trememberitquitelikethat."

Hecrushedhersilkyhairinhislargehands,broughtthestrandstohisfacetorubthemalonghisjaw.
"Youtoreoutmyheartonthespot,lady.It'sbeenyourseversince.Damnit,Ican'tdoanythingelse,feel
anythingelse,butwantingtoprotectyou."

"Ryland…"Shelookedupathim,herheartinhereyes."Ifeelthesamewayaboutyou,butwe'reboth
enhancers.Anythingwefeelisjustmoreintense."

Hetooktherosefromherpillowandplaceditcarefullyonthenightstandbesidethecandle."I'vethought
aboutthis,cameatitfromeveryangle.Idon'tbelievewhatIfeelforyouhasanythingatalltodowith
enhancing,Lily.I'dwalkthroughhelltoprotectyou.I'mnotoneofthenicemenyou'vealwaysknownin
yourprotectedworld.Don'tseemelikethat,becauseitisn'twhoIam.You'restuckwiththemanIam."

"Idon'twantyoutobeanydifferent,Ryland."Itwastrue.Inspiteofherself,shecouldn'thelpbutlovethe
wayhewassoprotective.

"You'remagic,Lily,sheermagic.Andyou'remine,Lily,myeverything.I'mdrawntoyoubecauseyou're
LilyWhitneywithmorecourageinyourlittlefingerthanmostpeoplehaveintheirentirebody.Youhave
abrain,asenseofhumor,asmilethatknocksmeover,andeverysingletimeI'mnearyou,Iwanttotear
yourclothesoff.Anddamnit,I'mnotgoingtoloseyou."

"You'renotgoingtoloseme."Herlashesliftedtogivehimaglimpseofherstartlingblueeyes."Iknew
youwouldgetaroundtosexsoonerorlater."

Hishandsslippedaroundhertocupherbreastsbeneaththesheet.Shefitintohispalms,warmandpetal
soft."Iforgottosayyoualwayssmellgoodtoo."Heinhaleddeeply,takingherscentintohislungswhere
itswirled,apotenttemptation."Stopdeliberatelydistractingme,Lily,Iwanttogiveyoualecture."

Hermouthcurved,herintriguingdimpleappearing."Ibelieveyouhaveyourhandsonmybody,Captain
Miller,nottheotherwayaround."

Heclosedhiseyesbriefly,groaningaloudoverthepossibilitieshermurmuredwordsconjuredupfor
him."Theideaofyourhandsonmybodyisalarming,Lily.ThenIstartthinkingaboutwhatmightcome
next.Youhavesuchabeautifulmouth.Thethingsyoucoulddowithyourmouthmightbeinteresting."

Asmalllaughescaped;sheopenedhereyestolookathisfacehoveringinchesfromhers."Lifewithyou
wouldbeexhausting.Youknowthat,don'tyou?"

"Deliciouslyexhausting,"heagreed.

"Andsinfullywicked."

Hisgrinwasasatisfiedsmirk."Deliciouslysinfullywicked."

Hewassimplycradlingherbreastsinhishands,hisfingerswrappedpossessively,butshefelttheheat
begintospreadfromhishandstoherbody.Aslowsmolder.Adelicioussmolder.

Hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat.Shewaslookingupathimwithoutguile,withouthidinganythingfromhim.
Herheartwasinhereyes.Love.Acceptance.Unconditional.LilyWhitneywasonhissidealways.And
thatwasbothgoodandbad.Goodbecauseshebelongedtohim.Badbecauseshebelievedshehadto
protecthim.Shecouldmakeatoughmanfallhard.

Theflickeringcandlelightflared,thelightspillingacrossherbruisedface.Shewinced,lookedawayfrom
him."Ifeelsostupid.Myfatherspentafortuneonthebestself-defenseinstructorsintheworld.Worse,
theminutethealarmswentoff,evenbeforethealarmswentoff,Iknewtherewasgoingtobetrouble."

Heremainedsilent,knowingsheneededtotalkaboutit.Shewastrembling,hersoftbodyverycloseto
his.Hisgutwasstillchurning,alltooawareshehadn'treachedouttohimatthetimeoftheattack.His
reactionswungbackandforthbetweenhurtandanger.

"IwaslookingthroughDad'soffice,hopingtofindsomethingthatmightpointmeinthedirectionof
whoeverkilledhim.I'vebeenthroughhisofficeadozentimesandIknowThorntonhadtohavegone
throughitthoroughly,butIkeepthinkingI'llfindsomething."

Hekissedthebumpoverhertemple,featheredkissesdownherfacetoherswollencheek."It'snaturalto
wanttofindthepeoplewhomurderedyourfather,Lily.Andwewill."

"Ifoundtherecorderbehindaloosebrickofcement.IstubbedmytoewhenIwaspullingoutthechairto
sitdownatthedesk.WhenIgrabbedatthedesktosteadymyself,Iknockedthemouseontothefloor.SoI
gotdownonthefloorandhadtocrawlunderthedesktopickupthemouseandIcouldseethebrick
wasn'tflushwiththewall.Therewasahollowed-outareaandIjustpulledoutthecase."

"Andofcourse,theymusthaveahiddencamerainhisoffice,sowerewatchingeverymoveyoumade.
Theyprobablyfiguredtherecordereitherhadthenotesontheexperimentthatwouldtellthemhowyour
fathermanagedtoenhanceourpsychicabilitiesorithadsomethingincriminating.Eitherway,they
couldn'tletyouhaveit."

Lilyslumpedbackagainstthepillow."Iknewthey'dhaveacamera.Iwasalwaysawareofit,butwhenI
foundtherecorder,Iwassocompletelycaughtupinfindingoutwhatwasonit,Ihadtunnelvision."

"Letitgo,honey.Anyonewouldhavecheckedtherecorderout."Hislipsskimmedthepulsebeatingin
herneck,trailedtothehollowofhershoulder,andsettled."Areyouthinkingoffallingasleeponme?"He
knewshewouldlietherethinkingabouttheattackonher,aboutthelosttape.

"Yes,Ihurteverywhere.Ifyou'restayingwithme,blowoutthecandle.I'dhateforthehousetoburn
down."

"I'dliketostayallnightwithyou,everynight,butIdon'tsleepinclothes."

Therewasasmallsilence."Fine,takethemoff."

Rylandshedhisjeansquickly,notwantinghertochangehermindandsendhimaway.Helaybackdown,
gatheringherclose,inhaling,herwarmscent,andtryingtocontrolhisbodywhenhefithisbody
protectivelyaroundhers.Therewasasmallsilencewhilehisheartbeatandhisbloodpoundedthrough
hisbody.

Lilysighed."You'rebreathingtoohard."

Helaughedsoftly."Ihaveaplan,honey."

"Well,keepittoyourselfforawhile.Anddon'tmovesomuch,myheadhurts."

Shesoundeddrowsy,grumpy.Intimate.Warmthspreadthroughhisbody,didcuriousthingstohisheart.
Nooneelsesawherlikethis.LilyWhitney,soincontrol,soperfectatworkorinpublic.Withhimshe
wasdifferent.Soft.Vulnerable.Onfire.Grumpy.Hissmilewideneduntilhewasgrinninglikeanidiot.
Lilywaswrappedsodeeplyinhisheartandmindheknewshewouldneverbeout.

Heconcentratedonthecandle,stirringtheairuntiltheflamewasgoneandtheroomwasoncemoredark.
Holdingherwasheavenandhellbuthewouldtakeit.Histeethnibbledonherbareshoulder."I'mhungry,
Lily."

Shemadeasoft,contentednoiseandsnuggleddeeperintohisbody."Youcanbehungrytomorrow."

Hissmilewasinhisvoice."Doyourealizeyou'reatinybitgrumpywhenyou'rehungry?I'venoticedit
before."

Hewasmassagingherskin,hishandswarmandstrongandcomfortinginthenight.Lily'sbodywas
relaxingandherheadacheeasedunderhisministrations,butshesighedheavily."You'regoingtopester
meuntilyougetyourway,aren'tyou?"

Hisstrongteethteasedherearlobe."Absolutely,honey.Ihavetohavefood.AndIknowyouhaven'teaten
athing."Heslippedoutfromunderthecovers.

"Iwasn'tfeelingveryhungry,"Lilypointedout.Rylandtookherbreathawaywithhowcompletely
uninhibitedhealwayswas.Hedidn'tseemtoknowthemeaningoftheword"modest."Hismuscles
rippledandhisbodyglided,fluidandpowerful.Shecouldn'ttakehereyesfromhim.Withalittlesighof
regretforlostsleep,shethrewbackthesheetandfollowedhim,draggingonhisshirtwithoutbuttoningit.

"I'mstarving."Rylanddidn'tturnaround;hecontinuedtowalk,magnificentlysensual,paddingfromher
bedroomlikeagreatjunglecat.Ashewalkedthroughtheopenspaceofherhall,hecaughtupseveral
candlesfromamahoganyshelf.

"You'realwaysstarving,"Lilyechoed."You'regoingintothekitchen?You'recrazy—it'sthemiddleofthe

night."Shehurriedafterhim,thetailsoftheshirtteasingherbarethighsasshewalked."Iwasn'tkidding
whenIsaidIcouldn'tcook.Ican'tevenmicrowaveproperly."

"I'magoodcook.Besides,Ihaveplansforlateronwhenyouaren'thurtingsomuch."Heglancedbackat
heroverhisshoulder,hisgrayeyesglintingwickedly.Hisgazemovedoverherbodypossessively,
hungrily,caressinghersoftcurvesopenly."Ineedtobuildupmystrength."

"Youdonotneedanymorestrength,Ryland."Shesoundedprim,buthernipplestightenedunderhishot
lookanddeepinsideexcitementblossomed."You'regoingtodousbothin.Andforyourinformation,I
haveenoughmedsinmetonumbanelephant."

"Itdidn'tseemtoonumbwhenIwasexaminingyou."

"Youpressedrightonthebruise!Honestly,I'mfine."

"You'dbetterbetellingmethetruth."AstheyenteredthekitchenetteRylandnonchalantlylitthecandles
andsetthemuponthecounterstogivehimselflight.Hegrinnedather."Cookingbycandlelightmakesall
thedifferenceintheworld.That'swhereyourgourmetchefwentwrong.Hehadnosoul."

Lilyburstoutlaughing."Youmusthavebeenaterriblelittleboy.I'llbetyougotawaywithanythingwhen
yougaveyourmotherthatkillersmileofyours."Sheleanedagainstthefarcounterandstudiedhim,taking
ineverydetailofhissuperbbody.Hewasfit,eachmuscledefined.Andhewasmovingeasilyaroundthe
kitchen,totallynude,semihardandunconcernedwithit.Hisbodyfascinatedheralmostasmuchashis
minddid.Shelovedhislackofmodestyandthewayitneverseemedtobotherhimthathecouldn'thide
howmuchhewantedher.

Rylandenjoyedhavinghereyesonhim.Hebenttopeerintoherrefrigerator,mullingoverthecontents,
pullingoutvariousitems,allthewhileknowingshewaslookingathim.Hisbodyswelledevenmoreat
theknowledgeofherperusal.Hewascontentwhenshewasneartohim.Listenedforthesoundofher
laughter.Neededtohearthequiettoneofhervoice.Heachedforher,tobewithher,butnotjustajoining
oftheirbodies;hewantedacommitment.

Hisshirtonherwasfartoolarge,drapingherbodyyetgapingopentorevealintriguingglimpsesofher
softbreasts.Hecouldseetheshadowofthedarktriangularthatchofcurlsatthejunctionofherlegs.The
edgesoftheshirtteasedhissenseswithquicklittleglimpsesthenmovedwhenshemoved,hiding
treasures.

"Iwasawonderfullittleboy,Lily,"hetoldher."Justasoursonwillbe."

Hereyebrowshotup."Arewehavingason?"

"Atleastone.Andacoupleofdaughterstoo."Hemovedpasther,slidhishanddownherflatbelly,
caressing,stroking,hisfingertipsteasingtheblackcurlsatthejunctionofherlegsbeforehemovedonto
thesink."Lily!Lookatthis.Youhavebreaddoughhere."

Ashiverofexcitementwentthroughher.Herbodyclenchedinreactiontohistouch."Rosaoftenleaves
breaddoughformebecauseIlovefreshbread.Idomanagetoputitintheovenallbymyself."

Hepausedinhismovementstolookskepticallyather.

Lilyshrugged."Allright,fine,shewrotetheinstructionsdownandIkeeptheminthedrawerrightbythe
oven."Shemovedcloser,wantinghistouchagain."Youwantchildrensomeday?"Thethoughtofhaving
hischildgrowinginsideofhermovedher.Sheplacedherpalmoverherstomach,unconsciouslyguarding
anunbornbaby.

"Notsomeday,"hecorrected;"soon.I'mnotgettinganyyounger."Hewhiskedthesmallteatoweloffthe
risingdough."Cinnamonrollssoundgood,whatdoyouthink?"Hereachedovertoturntheovenon
preheat.

"Withme?Youwanttohavechildrenwithme,Ryland?"

Hemadearudenoiseashebegancombiningingredientsinabowl."Trytofollowalong,honey,youhave
ahighIQ.Iknowyoucandoitifyoutry."

Lilyrubbedthepadofherthumbacrossherlowerlip."Youmusthavebeenamonstrouschild,Ryland.
Youmusthavebeenintroubleallthetime."Shemadeherwaytotheothersideofthecounter,watching
himintently,adaringideaforminginherhead.Hewassosureofhimself.Anddoinghisbesttoignore
herwhileheworked.

Shewanderedaroundthecountertostandbesidehim.

Rylandlookedupagain."I'mworkinghere,andthecandlelightacrossyourbreastisdistracting.Gostand
somewhereintheshadows."

Lilyshookherhead."Ithinkyoucouldusesomeassistance."Shewaslookingathishandsworkingthe
breaddough,notathim,buthervoicehadahusky,sensualrasptoit,excitinghim,arousinghiminstantly.

Darkheatspiraledthroughhim,robbedhimofbreath.Hedidn'tdarespeak,notwantingtobreakthe
sexualspellLilywasweaving.Hebegantowhipingredientstogetherinasmallmixingbowl,his
movementssureandpracticed.

Lilytuggedattheropedmusclesalonghislegs,forcinghimtostepbackawayfromthecounter.She
pulledoutasmallshelfdirectlyinfrontofhim,asmallboardthathadbeenusedasasteppingstoolwhen
shewasachild.

Theairslammedoutofhislungs."Ican'timaginehowyou'regoingtohelpme,"heventured,hisvoiceso
hoarsehebarelyrecognizedit.

"IusedtostandonthiswhenIwasalittlegirlandwantedtogetintothecupboards."Sheswungtheboard
allthewayoutsohecouldseethelegsunfoldedonit."IthoughtI'djustsitrighthereandwatchyou
work.Youdon'tmind,doyou?"

"Sit."Hegavethecommandgruffly.Theonewordwasallhecouldmanage.

Lilysankdownslowlyontothesmallstool,seatingherselfdirectlyfacinghim.Hisnakedbodywasclose
andhotandhard."Iknewitwouldbetheperfectheight.YoujustworkandletmeseewhatIcandoto
keepyourelaxed."

Shehaddreamtofthis.Wantedthis.Itwastootemptingtoresist.Histhighswerestrongcolumns,andLily
brushedthemcarefullywithherfingertips.Hewasalreadythicker,harder,anxiousforthesilkenheatof
hermouth.Herhandsfoundhisbuttocks,stroked,urgedhimastepcloser."AreyoucertainIwon'tbe
distractingyou?"Deliberatelysheprolongedthemoment,stretchingitout,herwarmbreathflowingover
thethick,velvety,veryengorgedhead.Beforehecouldanswer,hertonguedancedinasinglecaress.
"BecauseIwouldn'twanttodistractyou.Cinnamonrollssoundverygood.Warmandfrostedandspicy."

Ryland'sbreathshotoutofhislungs."Lily."Itwasacommand.Nothingless.

Shelaughedsoftly."Youhavenopatience,doyou?"Shewantedtodrivehimcrazy,tofeelpowerfuland
incontrol,yetshehadlittleexperienceandnowthatshe'dinsisted,shewasafraidofdisappointinghim.

"Icanreadyourthoughts,honey,"hesaidtenderly.Hebunchedherhairinhishand,crushingthestrandsin
hispalms."Everythingyoudopleasesme.Whenwe'rebothlikethis,it'ssointensebetweenus,it'seasy
enoughtopickupwhatwewant.Openyourmindtome,thewayyouopenyourbodyforme.It'sallthere
inmyhead,everyeroticfantasyI'veeverhadaboutyou.Andeverysingleoneyou'vehadaboutme."

"Youhavesomeinterestingideas,"sheadmitted.

"Sodoyou,"hepointedout.

Lilyleanedforwardandtookhimintohermouth,hotandmoistandtight,suckinggently,hertongue
teasinganddancingalloversothatthepleasureshotuphisbodyandexplodedlikeavolcanoinhisgut.
Ashudderranthroughhimashermouthtightenedandhertongueplayed,herhandsurginghishipstofind
herrhythm.Foramomenthismindwantedtoshatterwiththepulsingpleasurerippingthroughhim.

Candlelightplayedoverherface.Shewassobeautifulwithhersilkyhairandthedarkpassioninher
eyes.Hishandsstilledashewatchedhimselfglidinginandoutofhermouth,wantingthesightetchedin
hisbrainforalltime.

Thiswasthewayitwassupposedtobe.Lilylovinghim,teasinghim.Rylandgivingherthesameback.
Theirworld.Hisfantasy.Andhewasdeterminedtomakeeveryfantasytheirreality.Lilyneededhimin
herperfectworld.Sheneededpassionandloveandtobeshakenupnowandagain.

Rylandforcedhishandstomove,shapingthedoughhewasmaking,spreadingitoutonthecounterin
frontofhim.Allthewhile,pleasurecoursedthroughhisbody.Hekneadedthewarmmass,hishands
rhythmic,hishipssurgingforwardashermouthtightened,goingfromplayfultoinsistent.Herfingers
wereliketheflutterofbutterflywingsattimes,thenstronganddemanding.Shewrappedherhandaround
thehardlengthofhim,tight,herhandfollowingtherhythmofhis,hermouthsohotflameswereroaringin
hisbelly.

Asoundescapedhisthroat."Ithinkwe'vefoundwhereyourcreativitylies.Youhavewonderfulform."
Hisentirebeing,hisveryexistenceseemedtobefocusedintheheatofhersilkenmouth.Hecaughtather,
stillingeverymovementbeforeitwastoolate."Toomuch,Lily,Iwantthistimeforyou,notme."He
draggedheroffthesmallstool.Herbodysliduphis,softandtempting.Rylandsnappedhisteethtogether,
bitingoffanothergroanasheliftedherontothecounter."Sitthere,don'tdoanything,justsitthere."

"Iwashavingfun,"shecomplained,sweepinghertousledhairoutofherface.Theactionsplittheshirt

wideropen,sothatherbreastswerefullyexposed.

Hegrinnedather."IthoughtyousaidIwastheimpatientone."Hequicklybraidedthedough,insertingthe
mixturefromhismixingbowl."We'llhaveplentyoftimeonceIgetthisintheoven."Hewasalready
suitingactiontowords.

Whenheturnedbacktoher,thelookonhisfacesetherheartpoundinginanticipation.Hemovedtoward
herlikeastalkingtiger,allplaygone,hiseyeshot,burningwithintensity.Watchinghim,Lily'sheart
accelerated.Shecouldn'thavemovedifherlifedependeduponit.Hemesmerizedherwithhisheatand
hunger.

Rylandreachedforher,pushingherlegswidetoaccommodatehislargerbody.Hedraggedherclose,
thenbentherback,sprawlingheronthecounter.Thecandlelightplayedlovinglyoverthecurvesand
hollowsofherbody,touchingandcaressingwithflickinglight.Hishandsweregentleastheyshapedher,
movedoverher,followingtheplayfullight."Doyouknowhowbeautifulyouaretome,Lily?"Casually
hedippedhisfingerinasmalljarofstrawberryjamandpaintedalinedownthevalleybetweenher
breaststoherbellybutton.

"IknowIletyoudooutrageousthingstome,"shesaid,herbreathinherthroat.Itwasthewayhestaredat
her.Asifsheweretheonlywomanintheworld.Asifheweresohungryforherhemightnotmakeit
throughthenightwithoutherandhedidn'tcarewhoknewit.

Hishandcaressedhermoistentrance,long,slowstrokesbutneverquiteenteringher."Wehaven'teven
startedwiththeoutrageousthings,"hemurmuredandbenthishead,histonguefollowingthetrailof
strawberries.

Lilyshiveredwithpleasure,thecoolairteasinghernipplesintotaut,responsivepeaks.Thefeelofhis
tonguelappingoverherskin,leisurely,casually,asifhehadallthetimeintheworldtoenjoyherbody,
addedtotheanticipation.Herhipsmovedrestlesslyininvitation.Herespondedbypushingtwofingers
deepwithtantalizingslowness.

Shegaspedashisteethscrapedhernipple,ashismouthclosedoverherbreast,thesensationnearly
liftingheroffthecounter.Thenhewasfollowingthestrawberriesacrossherstomach,swirlingaround
herbellybutton,dippinghisheadlowertocatchthetasteinhertightcurls.

"You'rekillingme."Herhandsfoundhishair,tanglingdeepintothecurls.

Hebreathedfirebetweenherlegs.Pushedhisfingersdeeper,liftinghisheadsohecouldwatchtheway
hereyesclouded.Itheightenedhisownpleasuretoseeherresponsetohim.Ashewithdrew,shepushed
back,ridinghishand,grindingdeeper,seekingrelief.

Herheadwasthrownback,herbackarched,herbreastsjuttingtemptinglyasshemoved,enticinghimto
fillhercompletely.Hemerelysmiled,keepingthepaceslow,blowingwarmairagainstherheated
mound.Beforeshecouldthink,couldreason,hewithdrewhisfingersentirelyandreplacedthemwithhis
tongue,stabbingdeep.

Shemadeasound,somewherebetweenascreamandamoan,andherfingerstightenedinhishair,
dragginghimcloser.Herbodyeruptedintoquakeafterquake.Thinkingshehadrelief,Lilytookabreath

onlytobedrivenstraightupintothecloudsasecondtimeashecaughtherthighsfirmly,holdingheropen
tohisseductiveexploring.

Hehadwantedherlikethis,sprawledoutinfrontofhim,opentohim,hertasteandcriesdrivinghim
wild.Hehaddreamtofitsomanytimes,comingawakewithahard,painfularousalandnoLilytogive
himrelief.Heindulgedhimself,takinghistime,takinghertothepointofreleaseonlytostop,toease
backwhileshesquirmedandpleaded.Shewashot,afieryinferno,andheknewwhatitwouldbelike
whenheburiedhimselfdeepinsideher.Hishandsmovedoverherbody,exploringeverysecrethollow,
everyshadow,stakinghisclaim,lettingherknowshebelongedtohim.Thewayhewantedtobelongto
her.Allthewhilehismouthandfingersweretakinghertotheedge.

Lilywasnearlysobbingwithneed."Please,Ryland,Ican'ttakeanymore."Shemeantittoo.Herbody
wasgoingupinflamesandshewasdrowning,drowninginsensation.

"Yes,youcan,Lily,"hesaidsoftly,liftinghishead,suckingthetasteofherfromhisfingers,"you'regoing
totakeallofmedeepinsideyouwhereIbelong.Iwantyoutoknowwhatnoothermanwilleverdofor
you.I'mgoingtoknowyousointimatelyyou'renevergoingtothinkofleavingme."

Hesoundedsoarrogantshesmiled.She'dneverthoughtofanothermansincethemomentshe'dlaideyes
onhim.Andshecertainlyhadneverentertainedthenotionofdoinganyofthethingsshedidwithhim,
withsomeotherman."Stoptalkingandlet'shavesomeaction,"shepleaded.

Hecaughtherhips,draggedheroffthecounter,andspunheraroundsothathecouldtipherbackoverthe
lowshelf.Shehadabeautifulbutt.Helovedwatchingherwalk,theswayofherhipswasalwayssucha
temptation.Onehandcaughtthenapeofherneck,holdingherinpositionwhilehisroughpalmcaressed
herbuttocks."Isthiscomfortablewithyourheaddownlikethis?Idon'twantyoutohurt."

Shelaughedsoftly,pushingbackagainsthishand."I'mnotthinkingaboutmyheadrightnow,Ryland."

Hefeltheronelasttime,wantingtoinsureshewasreadyforhim,hishandspreadingherlegsashe
pressedinsistentlyintoherhotchannel.

Hewasalreadyontheedgeofcontrolandsowasshe.Shepushedbackagaineagerlyashethrusthard.
Shewasvelvetsoft,hotenoughtoburnhimwithflames,sotightitwasasifafieryfistgrippedhimand
squeezedandsuckled.Shecouldn'tmove,helplessinthepositionhehadforcedherinto,anditgavehim
aheadysenseofpower.Hedroveintoheragainandagain,fillinghertothehilt,forcinghersoft,yielding
bodytotakeeveryinchofhim.Shematchedhisrhythm,cryingoutsoftlyasherbodyshudderedwith
pleasure.Hekeptpumpingintoher,hardstrokes,movinginandoutofher,thrustingdeeply,abrutal
passionseizinghim,takinghimferociously.

Lilyletgo,theorgasmtakingherlikeafreighttrain,rippingthroughherwithimmensestrength.Herbody
shuddered,thesensationoverwhelmingsothatshestrugglednottocryfromsheerpleasure.Shehung
therelimply,exhausted,unabletomove,Rylandburieddeepinsideher.

"Lily,tellmeyou'refeelingwhatI'mfeeling,"hesaid,hismouthmovingoverthenapeofherneck."I
didn'thurtyou,didI?"

"DidIactlikeyouhurtme,silly?Butwhenyougetyourstrengthback,Iexpectyoutocarrymetobed.I'll

neverwalkagain."

Hishandstracedthelineofherback,massaging,exploring,loving."Idon'tknowwhatIeverdidto
deservethis,Lily,butthankyou."

Sheturnedherheadtosmileathim,stilltoolimptomove.Totallysatiated,completelyrelaxed.The
bumponherheadwasthrobbing,butitdidn'tmatter.Heneverstoppedtouchingher,neverstopped
lookingather.Hetookwhathewanted,butgavehersomuchmoreinreturn."Hasanyoneevertoldyou
howbeautifulyouare,Ryland?"

Hecuppedherbreasts,histhumbsbrushinghernipples,savoringthewayhermusclesclenchedaround
himwitheverystroke."No,butIdon'tmindatallifyou'dliketotellme.Rightnow,you'relookingpretty
magnificenttome."Andhemeantit.

Itwasalongwhilebeforehemanagedtoliftherintohisarmsandtakeherbacktoherroom.Theyfeasted
oncinnamonrollsandjambeforetakingalong,veryeroticshowertogether.

LongafterLilylayasleepinhisarms,Rylandstaredupattheceiling.Thatpartofhimthatwasdarkand
dangeroushadbeenaroused.SomeonehaddaredtoputhandsonLily.Itwasthewrongthingtodo.

Fourteen

LILYstaredatherfaceinthemirror.Thebruisingaroundhercheekwastoopronouncedtoignore.

"Idon'tthinkyou'regoingtobeabletohidethosebruisesfromArly,"Rylandsaid."Youlookvery…
colorful."

"Oh,don'tevensayhisname.I'mgoingtohideallday.MaybeyoucanlieformeandtellhimIwenttothe
laboratory."Shefrownedandtouchedtheblue-blacksmudges.Hercheekwaspuffyandtherewasa
distinctbumponhertemple.

ArlyandRosaweregoingtogototallyballisticonher.AndJohn,sweetJohnwouldprobablygetteary-
eyed.Butitwasagoodexcusenottogointowork.

"Youtrygoingnearthatplace,"Rylandchallenged,"andI'llratyououtsofasttoArly,yourlittlehead
willswim."

Shemadeafaceathim."Yourtruecolorsarebeginningtoshow.Youhaveameanstreakinyou."She
peeredatherfaceagain.Noamountofmakeupwasgoingtohidethepurpleandbluesmudges."I'mgoing
tohavetosendArlytoAlaskaonamissionofgreatimportance."

"Aslongasyoudon'tgobacktoDonovanstoday."Rylandhandedherthephone,thenstoodwatchingher
asshedialedandleftamessageforThorntonsayingshewouldbeworkingoutofherhomeuntilthe
swellinginherfacewentdown.

LilyhandedRylandbackthephone."Trynottolooksosmug,"shetoldhim,"Ihadeveryintentionof
callingintoday,ithadabsolutelynothingtodowithyourbossyways.Ithinkgivingorderstoyourmen
hasgonetoyourhead."

"Isthissomekindofwomen'slibthing?"Ryland'seyebrowshotup."Becauseifitis,lookinthemirror
again,lady."

Lilyignoredhimandtwistedherhairintoatightchignon.Hergazejumpedtohiswhenhemadeasound
inhisthroat."Wasthatyougrowling?Doyouhaveakindofafflictionyouneedtotellmeabout?"

"Iwasn'tgrowling.Itwasaninvoluntaryprotest."

"Itwasagrowl,andwhatcouldyoubeprotestingnow?You'reahigh-maintenanceperson,aren'tyou?"
Lilyaskedwithastraightfaceandanaristocraticliftofherperfectlyarchedbrow.

"Highmaintenance?"heechoed."Lily,you'reoutofyourmind.Idon'tthinkyouhaveacluewhatIdo.
MenobeyordersbecausetheytrustmetoknowwhatI'mdoinginhigh-risksituations."Nobodydisobeyed
orquestionedhisorders.UntilLily.

"Really?"Shelookeddownhernoseathim,princesstopeasant."Menobeyyourordersbecauseofyour
rank.Womenthinkthingsoutanddecideallbytheirlittlelonesomewhattodo."Shepattedhishead,her
fingerslingeringforjustamomentonaspiralcurl."Don'tworry,nowthatIknowaboutyourlittleego
problem,I'lldomybesttolookallgushywhenyoupoundyourchest."

"Littleegoproblem?There'snothingwrongwithmyego!Howthehelldidyoumanagetoturnthis
around?Woman,youkeepitupandyou'regoingtofindoutjusthowkinkyIreallyam."

Lilylookedamused."Ofcourse.Sex.Whenlosinganargument,manresortstosexualimplications.Ihave
toassumeyou'rereferringtokinkysexforsomekindofmalecavemangratification.Ididreadaboutit,
but,neverhavingexperiencedkink,itdidn'tsoundallthatstimulatingtome."

"Wouldyoulikemetoremedythesituationforyou?"Rylandofferedinexasperation."I'dbemorethan
happytogiveyouanexample.Iwanttoseethisbookyoukeepreferringto,anddamnit,Lily,ifyou're
laughingatme,Iwillturnyouovermyknee.Areyoualwaysthisannoying?"

Sheleanedovertokisshisshadowedjaw."Igetworseifanyonetriestotellmewhattodo.AskArly.
Evenmyfathergaveupafterawhile.HesaidIhadproblemswithauthorityfigures."Herhandstroked
theslightstubbleonhisjawandatonceadelicioustinglebeganimmediatelyatthejunctionofherthighs.
Shecouldfeeltheraspagainstherskinalloveragain,heighteningherpleasure.

Hishandcapturedhersandhepulledherfingersintohismouth.Onebyone.Slowly.Hesuckledeach
finger.Histonguecurledaroundherskin,lavedandteasedanddanced.Aslowburnstarteddeepinher
core,spreadliquidheatlikeafirethroughherveins.Lilyjumpedawayfromhim.Eyesdancing.Skin
flushed.

"Youshouldbeoutlawed."

Rylandgrinnedather,pleasedwithherresponse."Iamoutlawed.AndIdon'tmindyoustrokingmyego
whenit'sgenuine."

Hereyeswidened.Hermouthopenedbutnothingcameout.Lilyshookherhead."Goaway,Ihavework
todo.Ihavetofindallthetapesmyfathermadeonthefirstexperimentandgeteverysingleexercise.
Whatworked,whatdidn't."

Hisgrinwidenedsothathissilver-grayeyeslitup."Lilyfallsbackonscienceandworkwhenshe's
losing."

"Ididn'tlose,"shesnappedinstantly."Ineverlose.Ijustdon'tchoosetocontinuewiththissilly
discussionwhenthere'sworktobedone.Goawayandbugyourmen.They'reprobablyallreadyfora
chest-poundingsession."

"It'snotquiteasfunwhenthere'sonlyafewofthem.Whendoyouthinkwe'llhearfromthedoctorabout
Jeff'scondition?"

"I'mcertainhe'llgetbacktometoday."Shepushedhimawayandwalkedtowardtheouterrooms.

Rylandkeptpaceeasily."I'mgoingwithyou,Lily.Twopairsofeyesarebetterthanone."

Shestoppedinhertracks,notlookingathim."Thedaystaffishereanditisn'tsafe,youmightbeseen."

"Icangetbyyourdaystaffwithnoproblem,Lily,that'snotthereasonyou'resoreluctanttoletmegowith
you.Youdon'twantmetoseethosetapesofyourchildhood."

Hisvoicewassoexquisitelygentle,sotender,Lily'sheartturnedoverandshehadtoblinkbacktears."I
feelbetrayedwhenI'mwatchingthem,andifyou'rewatching,IfeelasifI'mbetrayinghim.Whathedid
waswrong,Ryland.Itwasbadenoughthathedidittome,butthereareothergirls,womennow,who
didn'thavetheluxuryofthishouseandthepeopleinit.Theyhadtohavestruggled,maybeevenwere
institutionalized.That'snotright.ItwillneverberightandnothingIdowilleverchangeit."

Rylandtookherhand,pressedasmallkisstoheropenpalm."Helearnedtolovethroughyou,Lily.He
learnedrightfromwrongandmoralsthroughknowingandlovingyou.Don'tfeelguiltybecauseyouloved
him.Hetriedtodorightbyyou.Heknewhewasinadequatebyhimselfsohesurroundedyouwithothers
whowouldfillinthegaps.Andhegavethemahome,asenseofpurpose,afamily.Fewpeopleareall
badorallgood,Lily.Thereareshadesofbothinmostpeople."

Shenodded."Iknowthat,Ryland,butthishurts.Goingintothathorribleroomandhavingmemories
return…Watchingthosetapesandhearinghisvoice.Ididn'tmeananythingatalltohimbackthen.You
canheartheimpatiencewhenIdon'tperformtohissatisfaction.Rosa—whowasthenursethen—isa
muchyoungerwoman,andlooksverydifferent,shetriestocomfortmeandheyellsatherallthetime."
Shepressedahandtoherhead,stillrefusingtolookathim.

"Lily,whyshouldyouputyourselfthroughthat?"

"Ineedtheinformationforallofus.Foryourmen,forthosegirls.Whenthisisover,ifittakesalifetime,
I'mgoingtofindeveryoneofthosewomen,andI'mgoingtomakecertaineachofthemisallright."

"Youdon'tneedtobealonewhenyou'rewatchingthetapes."Hetightenedhisfingersaroundhers."We're
partnersineverysenseoftheword.Iknowyoulovedyourfather,andyoudon'tneedforgivenessfor
lovinghim,Lily.Themanlovedyouanddidhisbesttoprovideyouwithahome,afamily,andthebest
educationhecould.There'snoshameinthat."

"Theshameisinyouseeing,"Lilyinsisted."HelooksatmeasifI'maspecimen.Idon'twantyoutosee
that.Ican'tletyouseemethatway."Shecouldn'tfindthewordstotellhimitdiminishedher.Itreduced
hertothatfrightened,unlovedchildinahouseofstrangers.Rylandwouldseeherlikethat.Shecouldn't
bearthat.

"Iloveyou,Lily."Hecaughtherchin,tippedherfaceuptohis."I'mgoingtolovethatlittlegirlbecause
she'sinyou."

Lilypulledherheadaway."Ryland,don't.Youdon'tknowthat.Youdon'tknowhowyou'regoingtofeel
aboutmewhenyouviewthosetapes."

Hestartedtoprotest,stoppedabruptlywhenhenoticedherhandtrembling.Heachedforher,felther
innerturmoil,painswampinghim,swampingher."IfI'msoshallow,Lily,thatI'mnotgoingtofeelthe
sameaboutyoubecauseyouweremistreatedasachild,thenyoushouldfindoutnow.Doyoureallythink
thatofme?"

Sheclosedhereyesforamoment."No,Ryland.It'sjusthardformetositthereandwatchit.Toknowit's
reallythetruth.Heneverpreparedme,Ihadnoideaofanyofit."

"Justkeepinmindyourfathergrewtoloveyou.Yougavehimsomethingallthemoneyintheworld

couldn'tbuy."

"Isn'tthatthepoint,Ryland?"Forthefirsttime,hervoicewasbitter."Hedidbuyusandwheneverything
wentwrongheusedhismoneytogethimselfoutoftrouble."

"Atthattime,Lily,heknewnootherway."Heslippedhisarmaroundher,drewherbeneaththeprotection
ofhisshoulder."Let'sfaceittogether.Itwon'tbesodifficultifwe'retogether."

Sheremainedstiff,holdingherselfawayfromhim.

"I'mpartofyou.Whetheryoulikeitornot,I'mpartofyou.Ifeelwhatyoufeel.It'sthere,Lily,andit's
alwaysgoingtobethere,whetherwe'reseparatedornot.Takemewithyou."

Lilydidlookathimthen.Herbluegazemovedoverhisface,studyinghimfeaturebyfeature.Lookingfor
something.Hesentupasilentprayerhopingshewouldfindit."Youtrustedmecompletelylastnight,Lily,
thisisn'tdifferent.Youhavetobelieveinme."

"Thisisn'tjustaboutme."Shewhisperedittohim,wantinghimtounderstand,wantinghimtorealize
whathewasaskingofher.Therewereallthoseotherlittlegirls.Sheowedthemsomething.Privacy.
Respect.Protection.

Hisfingersmassagedthenapeofherneck,evenashisbodyurgedhersdownthelonghallwaytowardthe
windingstairs."Iknowwhatitfeelsliketowanttolookafterothers.Tohavetolookafterothers.It's
bornandbredinus,wecan'thelpit.Sharethiswithmeandallowmetomakeiteasierforyou."

Lilyalreadyknewhewouldbegoingwithher.Sheneededhimthere,becausethistimeshehadtolookat
allofit.ShehadanobligationtoRylandandtohismen.Theinformationonthosetapeswasinvaluableto
them.Andperhapstothegirlsonthosetapes.Shehadtoviewalltherecordsthistime,shecouldn'tafford
theluxuryofspreadingoutthattaskovertime.

Rylandwastruetohisword,slippingpasttheworkerseasily,waitingpatientlywhilesheunlockedthe
doortoherfather'soffice.Heslippedinside,thensteppedbacktowatchherlockittopreventanyone
disturbingthem.

"DidyouletArlyknowwhereyouweregoingtobe?"

Lilymadeaface."I'mstayingawayfromArly.He'sgoingtosmugglemoregroceriespastRosaforyour
men.Fortunatelyhe'salwayshadacompletelyprivatesuiteinthehousesohegroceryshopsallthetime.
Idon'twantRosatoknowaboutanythinguntilthisisover."

"Inordertoclearthemen,I'vegottofindsomeonetohelpus.IfnotRanier,thenwe'llfindsomeone
abovehim,Lily."Hefollowedherdownthestairs,notingshewaslimpingmorethanusual."Doesyour
leghurt?"

Sheglancedbackathim,andhisstomachclenchedhardashecaughtanotherglimpseoftheswollenblue-
blackcheekandtemple.Thesurgeofrage,oftheneedforviolentaction,swirledtothesurface.Hehada
suddendesiretowrapherupandlockhersomewheresafe."Ididn'trealizeIwaslimpingagain.
Sometimesthemusclesknotupandit'spainful.Idon'tpaymuchattention."

"Howdidithappen?"

Lilyshruggedhershouldersassheenteredthelaboratory."Nooneeverreallytalksaboutit.IfIbringit
upRosagetsupsetandcrossesherself.Shesaysnottospeakofevilthings."

"Yourlegisanevilthing?"Rylanddidn'tknowwhethertobeangryortolaugh.

"Notmyleg,silly."Lillyburstoutlaughing,thedarkshadowsinthedepthsofhereyesinstantlybanished.
"WithRosaanythinghasthepotentialofbeingevil.Fallingonthefloorcouldbeevilifyoulandwrong.
Whoknows?Idon'tinquiretoocloselyintoRosa'sstrangeideas."Shewavedherhandtowardthefar
wall,wherebooksandtapesanddiskslinedthewalls."They'reinorder.Ithinktheearliertapeshave
moreoftheexerciseswe'relookingfor."

ItwaseasierfacingthatcoldroomwithRylandwithher.Lilysmiledathim,unabletoputintowordshow
shefelt.Howmuchitmeantthathecaredenoughtoinsistonbeingwithher.

Rylandwatchedherslideherhandoverthelibraryofvideos.Somanyofthem.Hecouldfeelherrelaxing
withhim,buttherewasadefiniteapprehensioninherasshepulledseveralvideosfromtheshelf.

"Mostofthetapesarenarratedbymyfather,buthealsohasseveralnotebooksthatseemtogowitheach
videowherehe'saddedmoredataandhisthoughtsonwhathe'sfound."Lilytriedtokeephervoice
strictlyneutral.

Rylandsettledontothelongcouch.PeterWhitneyhadobviouslyspentmanyhoursintheseroomsand
musthaveusedthesofaforsleeping.Lillyturnedonthevideo.

Severallittlegirlsweresittingatdesks.Eachchildworeherhairinbraidsandallworeagrayteeshirt
overjeans.RylandfelthishearttwistasherealizedthelittlegirltotheleftofthescreenwasLily.He
glancedatLily;herexpressionwascarefullyblankandshewasstaringstraightaheadatthescreen.

Overthenextthreehours,Rylandwatchedthelittlegirlscarefullyperformingmentaltasks.PeterWhitney
seemedtoforgetthegirlswerechildren,beratingthemforslackingoff,yellingatthemindisgustifthey
cried.Whenonelittlegirlcomplainedofaheadache,hetoldheritwasherownfaultfornotworking
hardenough.

Lilyremainedsilentthroughthefirsttwotapes,carefullyobservingeachexercisethatWhitneygavethe
childrenandhiscommentsonwhichonesappearedtoworktostrengthenshieldsandallowthemsome
respitefromtheoutsideassaultofsoundandemotiononthem.

Whitneyhadmadetheobservationearlythatcertaingirlsseemedtobeanchorsfortheothers,allowing
themtofunctionbetter.Heremovedtheanchorsandplayedvarioussoundsandevenhadtwonursesyell
angrilyatoneanother.Thelittlegirlscollapsed,holdingtheirheads,rockingbackandforth,and
eventuallyhadtobesedated.

ThethirdtapeshowedLilyasachildsittingonthefloorinoneofthesmallsoundproofrooms.Shesatfor
alongtime,unmoving,noexpressiononherface.Suddenlythetoysscatteredaroundherbegantocome
alive.

Lilysatupstraighterandleanedforward,hergazegluedtothescreen.Theobjectsintheroomwere

moving,thedollsdancing,theballsjugglingintheair.PeterWhitney'svoicenarratedhisobservationson
thetape."SubjectLilyisgrowingstrongerinherabilitytocontrolobjects.Anorphanagenurseobserved
thisphenomenonand,asaninfant,subjectLilywasbrandedachildofthedevil.IwasexcitedwhenI
heardthestoriesofhermobilespinninganddancinginhercribandknewIhadtoacquireher.Sheisa
strongnaturaltalentandwiththeenhancementmayprovetobetheonetouseforfuturegenerations."

Rylandstiffened,notdaringtolookather.Damntheman.Damnhimtohellforthat.Lilyhadtoknowthe
implicationsofwhathemeant.ShealreadybelievedPeterWhitneymayhavemanipulatedthestrong
physicalattractionbetweenthem.Whitney'scommentcouldreinforcethatideainhermind.

"Thisissuchaprimeexampleofhistoryrepeatingitself."Lilysweptherhandoverherface."Isn'tit
terriblehowfamiliesperpetuatecyclesofviolenceorcriminalactivity?Inthiscase,experiments?Dad
shouldhaveknownbetter,hehatedhischildhood,yetheturnedrightaroundanddidthesamething."

"Intheendhelearned,Lily."

"Didhe?Ifhelearned,Ryland,whywashestillexperimentingonyou?"

Thevoicecontinuedinthebackground."Ihaveencouragedhertoplaywithhertoysinsuchamannerand
havefoundthetalenthasgrownstrongerandinfactsheisrefiningit.Theonlywaytoobtainher
cooperationwastoisolateherfromtheotherchildren.Sheshowedlittleinterestinplayingwithobjects
whentheothergirlswerearound.Ittooksixteenhoursofisolationbeforesubjectshowedinterestinthe
objectsprovidedforher."

"He'sright,"Lilysaidsoftly,"intheearliertapesIcontrolledoneortwodollsandthemovementswere
jerky.Nownearlyeverytoyintheroomismovingwithperfectcontrol."

Rylandmighthavethoughtherabsolutelycalm,buthewastunedintoheremotions,couldobserveher
fingernailsdiggingintoherpalms.

Thechildonthetapesuddenlycriedoutandpressedherhandstoherhead.Thetoysfelltothefloorand
laystill.WhitneyhissedinfrustrationandRosaranintotheroomtogatherthecryingchildtoher.

Rylandfelttearsburningbehindhiseyes.Hecouldn'tlookatherasLilychangedtapestoviewthenextin
theseries.PeterWhitneyhaddonenothingtocomfortthechild.Hehadonlydisplayedhisdispleasure
andfrustrationattheinterruptionofhisexperiment.

Thistimethechild,Lily,wassittingaloneinthesamesmallobservationroom.AdultLilyfast-forwarded
thetapeuntiltheycouldseeactiononceagain.Thechildshookherheadstubbornly,herhandsclenchedin
tightfists.Rosastoodinthebackground,herhandpressedtohermouthandtearsrunningdownherface.

"You'retoolittletodoit,aren'tyou,Lily?"TherewasasneerinPeterWhitney'svoice,ataunting
challenge.

Lily'schinwentupandhereyesflashed.Sheleanedagainstthewall,herlegssprawledoutinfrontofher,
andshestareddeterminedlyatthelargeboxboltedintothecorneroftheroom.Onebyonethebolts
begantowriggle,spin,flyloose.Thechildpressedahandtohertemplesbuthergazeneverwavered.
Inchbyslowinch,theboxbegantoliftfromthefloor.

"Higher,Lily.Stayincontrol."TherewasafierceeagernessinWhitney'svoice,awonderfultriumph.

Theboxrosehigher,dippingatoneend,shakingunsteadily.

"Nowmoveitacrosstheroom.Youcandoit,Lily,Iknowyoucan."

Rylandwatchedwithhisheartinhisthroatasthelargebox,obviouslyveryheavy,roseevenhigherand
begantofloatacrosstheroom.Telekinesis.Hehadnoideatheweightoftheboxbecausetheyhadfast-
forwardedthetapebuthehadthefeelingitwasextraordinarilyheavy.Thechildbrokeoutinasweatbut
hergazeremainedresolutelyonthebox.

Itwastremblingvisiblynow,rockingintheair.Itwashigh,nearlytotheceiling,buthadonlytraveleda
footfromitsoriginalposition.Whitneymadeasoundofdispleasure.Thechildwinced.Theboxrocked
more.

"Concentrate!"Whitneysnappedtheorder.

Rylandwaswatchingthechild.Herfacewaswhite,hereyesenormous.Linesofstrainappearedaround
hermouth.Shewastremblingwiththeefforttoholdtheboxsteady.EverymuscleinRyland'sbodywas
tense.Hebegantosweataswell.Herememberedthetremendousconcentrationittooktoholdanobject
andthepainsufferedbyallwhowereabletoaccomplishit.Andtheyweregrownmen.WatchingLily's
childhoodunfoldsickenedhim.HewantedtogatherhertohimandholdherprotectivelybutLilyhad
movedadistancefromhim,herbodyposturescreamingathimtoleaveheralone.Herarmswerecrossed
protectivelyoverherbreastsandshe'ddrawnupherknees,hunchingintoherself.

Sickened,Rylandwatchedastheboxbegantomakeitswayacrosstheroom,inchbyslowinch.The
closertheboxmovedtowardLily,themorecontrolthechildseemedtohave.Theboxsteadied,spun
around,begantotravelback.

Justthatfast,thechildwasthrough.Sheslammedbothhandstohertemples,cryingoutinpain.Thebox
droppedlikeastonefromitspositionneartheceiling.ThecratehitLily'sleg,drivingthroughflesh,
tearingthroughmuscle,pulverizingbone.Lilyscreamedhystericallyasblooderuptedandpooledaround
her.Thewoodenboxsplinteredapartonimpact,spillingweightsontothefloor.

RosaleaptpastDr.Whitney,reachingbothhandstoLily'sleg,clampingdownhardandyelling
instructionstoherboss.Themanstoodintotalshock,thecolordrainedfromhisface,hiseyesonthe
littlegirlwrithinginpain.

"Dr.Whitney,helpme!"Rosabarkedtheorder,goingfromtremblingshygirltoassertivewomanina
crisis."YoudidthiswithyourmeddlinginGod'sways.Nowyouhavetofixit!DoasIsay."

Lily'shandwenttoherthroat,aprotectivegesture."That'swhyRosawouldnevertalkaboutmyleg.She
alwaysbelievedthethingsIcoulddowereunnaturalandshouldneverbetalkedabout.Morethanonce
shetoldmetomakecertainIneverdoanything'unnatural'orGodwouldpunishme."Involuntarilyshe
rubbedherachingleg.

Rylandcouldn'twatchanymore.Hestoodupabruptlyandturneditoff."Idon'tseewhyyouwouldwant
anyofthesetapes,Lily.Whatgoodaretheytous?"

Thatdrewhergazeasheknewitwould.Shelookedshocked,hereyeshaunted.Troubled."Thetapes
provideuswithinformationwecancompareagainstthedataonyouandthemen.Ifanyoftheexercises
wereleftoffornotdoneonadailybasis,wecanteachthementodothem.Theentirepointhereisto
allowallofyoutorejoinsocietyatsomelevel.Hopefullyasfullyfunctioningpeople."

Hisgazewenttoherhands.Herslenderfingerstwistedtogether,acertainsignofagitation.Allofhismen
weredoingtheirbesttoavoidanyuseofpsychictalents,particularlytelepathy,unlessitwasstrictly
necessary.Cowlingsmightbeabletofindthemusingthesurgeinenergyifhehappenedtobeclose
enough.

Lilyhadshieldsshehaddevelopedovertheyearsanditwasautomaticonherparttousethem.Thehouse
withitsthicksoundproofwallsandsettingawayfromthecloseproximityofotherswasasanctuaryto
them,arespitefromthenoiseoftheworld.Theyallwerecatchinguponrestanddiligentlypracticingthe
mentalexercisesLilyhadgiventhem.Justmeetingherandknowingshewasintheworldhadliftedallof
theirspirits.Shewasanexampletothem,aGhostWalkerwhofunctionedinsociety.Themenknewit
couldbedoneandthatshewaswillingtohelpthem.

RylandhadnottriedtopenetrateLily'sshieldsonceinthehouse.Ifheremotionsspilledovertohimwhen
hemadelovetoher,heaccepteditgratefullyandreturnedtheheightenedfeelingstoher.Hewantedto
touchher,tofeelwhatshewasfeeling,toshareherpain.Itwasbonedeep,asorrowhehadnowordsof
comforttoease.

RylandhadwatchedPeterWhitney'sface,studiedhisstunnedexpressionashestareddownatthe
shatteredchildlyinghelplesslyonthefloor.Thathadbeenthedefiningmoment—whenDr.PeterWhitney
hadrealizedthelittlegirlwasahumanbeing.Lily'spainwastoorawforhimnottonotice.

"Lily."Rylandreachedouttoher.

Shesteppedawayfromhimquickly,holdingupherhandtopreventhimtouchingher.Therewasnoway
toexplaintohimhowhumiliatingthatscenehadbeenforher.Shehadn'tbeenachildatall.Shehadbeen
thelabratRylandhadnamedhimselfthefirsttimetheymet."Ican't,Ryland.Ihopeyouunderstand."

Heedgedcloserwithoutseemingtomoveatall."No,honey."Heshookhishead."Idon'tunderstand.You
aren'taloneanymoreandyoudon'thavetofeelsorroworpainbyyourself.That'swhatI'mherefor."His
fingerssettledlooselyaroundherwrist,abraceletthattightenedandtuggeduntilherstiffbodywas
broughtupagainsthis."Ican'tmakeitgoaway,Lily.Youhavetherighttogrieveforthatchild.ButIsaw
hersufferingtoo.Isawachildwhoshouldhavebeenlovedandprotected,exploitedinstead,andit
sickenedmethatamancoulddosuchathing."

SheavertedherfacequicklybutRylandcaughtherchin."Ialsosawthatmanopenhiseyesandseeforthe
firsttimethathewaswrong.Itmeantsomething.Thataccidentwasthecatalystthatturnedhislifearound.
Isawitonhisface.Whenyou'restrongenoughyoucanlookagainandyou'llseewhatIsaw.Itwasa
terriblething,Lily,butintheend,youmadePeterWhitneyintoahumanitarian.Withoutyou,withoutthat
accident,hewouldneverhavegiventocharitiesandworkedtobringaboutchangeforthebetter.He
wouldn'thaveevennoticedtheworldneededthosethings."

"Thenwhydidhedoitagain?"Lilyburstout,tearsshimmeringinhereyes."Whywouldheeventhink
aboutit?Heputyouincages,Ryland.Hetreatedyouwithevenlessrespectthanhegavethosechildren.

Menwhoservedtheircountry.Menwhogooutandtakechancestokeepotherssafe.Menwhotrack
downmurderers.Hestuckyouincagesanddidn'tprotectyouwhenheshouldhave.Whywouldheever
allowanyofyoutoleavethesafetyofthelaboratoriesandyouranchors,knowingyouhadnonatural
barriersleftandyouhadn'tconstructednewones?Howcouldhedothat?"

"Maybehehadnochoice,Lily.Yousawhimasall-powerful.Hismoneyandhisreputationcertainlygave
himfarmorelicensethanothershave,buthewasinbedwithsomeprettypowerfulpeople."

"PhillipThorntonisatroll.He'samoneymaker,that'swhyDadbackedhimforthepresidencyofthe
company,buthe'sawimp,Ryland.He'salwaysbeenpoliticallycorrect,seenwiththerightpeople,saying
therightthings.Hewouldnevergoagainstmyfather.Never.Hewouldbeafraidto."

"Hehatedyourfather.Hewasafraidofhim,Lily.Thorntoncameintothelaboratorywhilewewere
workingonsometestsandinterruptedus.Yourfatherwasfuriousandorderedhimoutimmediately.Iwas
standingacrosstheroom,butthewaveofhatredandmalevolencewasshockingtome.Itdidn'tshowon
Thornton'sface.Hesimplyapologized,smiled,andwentout,buthiseyeswereflatandhardandfocused
onyourfather.IfIhadtoguessthatonemanwantedyourfatherdead,hewouldbemyguess.Didhestand
togainanything?"

"Ofcoursehedid."LilyslippedoutofthewarmthofRyland'sarmsandpacedacrosstheroom,restless
energyfeedingherquickgrace."Myfather'svotecountedforalot.IfheandThorntonhadafallingout
oversomethingandDadwantedhimgone,hecouldmakeithappen.InanycaseIknowPhillipistight
withHiggens.Betweenmyfatherandmeweholdthelion'sshareofstockinthecompany.Dad'sinfluence
countedagreatdealamongthestockholders."

"Doyouinheritthestocks?"

"Iinheriteverything,butwithouthisbody,itwillbecomplicated.Thehouseismineandhasbeenfor
years.Dadgaveittomeonmytwenty-firstbirthday.Ihaveahugetrustfund.Fortunately,mynameison
everythingDadowned,allhiscompanies,everything,soIcansignthenecessarypaperstokeepthings
going.WetookafewhitsinthemarketwhenhedisappearedbutIauthorizedapublicisttoworkon
shoringupourimageofbeingsolidanditseemstohaveworked.WhataboutColonelHiggens?He'smy
guess.Hehatedmyfathertoo."

Rylandshookhishead."No,withHiggens,itisn'tpersonal.He'scold-blooded.Icouldseehimgettingrid
ofsomeoneinhisway,butitwouldn'tmatteranymoretohimthansquashingaspider."

Lilypressedherhandstoherhead."IthinkIneedtostartallthoseexercisesagain,Ryland.Myhead
hurts."

Rylandledhertothecouchandurgedhertosit.Hishandswenttohershouldersinagentlemassage.
"You'reunderatremendousstrain,Lily.It'sonlynaturalthatyou'dhaveheadaches."Hesearchedfor
somethingtotakehermindoffofherfather."Itfeelslikewe'reallbackinschool,learningwhatwe
shouldhavemonthsago.Everyoneiscomplainingaboutyourlatestexercise.YoushouldseeJonas
controllingthepencilandblockingnoiseswhileKyledoesthechickendancearoundtheroom."

Lilyburstoutlaughingjustasheknewshewould."IthinkweshouldrecordKyledoingthechickendance
sowecanblackmailhimlateron.AndtellJonashe'sababy.Thepencilisjustthebeginning.He'sgoing

tobecontrollingmuchlargeritems,blockingnoiseswhileKyleflapshiswingsandcarriesona
telepathicconversation."

"We'regoingtohavearebellion."

"Menreallyarebabies.Iwasdoingthatkindofthingatfive.Ifyoudon'thaveasufficientbarrierhowdo
anyofyouthinkyou'llsurviveifyou'recaughtandheldinanenemycamp?Evenworkingtogetherona
mission,ifyouwentinandGatorwasseparatedfromhisanchorhewouldhavetobeabletofunctionon
hisown."LilyreachedbackandcaughtatRyland'shands,holdingthemtight."Ifwefixthisthingwiththe
militaryandallofyouarereinstatedwithnocharges,youknowJeffHollisterwillalwayshavea
weaknessonhisrightside.Andthat'sifweworkhardwithallthephysicaltherapyAdamswill
recommend."

"Ifiguredasmuch,Lily.Ithinkhewasafraidofit,too."

"Itdoesn'tmeananyonewillnotice,buthewill,andIdoubtthey'llallowhimtofunctionasamemberof
yourteamiftheykeepyoualltogether."

"Kadenisacivilian.Hejoinedtobeintheantiterroristunitonly,calledupwhenneededaftertraining.
He'sapolicedetectiveandadarnedgoodone.Probablybecausehisintuitionisarealpsychictalent.It
willbeinterestingtoseeifhe'sabletoincreasehisarrestrecordandfindtheperpsevenfaster.Hewas
alwaysremarkable.Wewentthroughtrainingtogetheryearsagoandhaveremainedfriendseversince."

"Didyouknowanyoftheothersbeforethis?"

"Nico.KadenandNicoandImetupinbootcampandendedupinSpecialForcestrainingtogethertoo."

Lilyshivered."Nicolasisabitscary,Ryland."

"He'sagoodman.Youcan'tbeinhisbusinessandnothaveitgettoyou.That'soneofthereasonshe
agreedtocomeonboardthisproject."

"Canyouseehimasacivilian?"

Rylandshrugged."NicoistheepitomeofaGhostWalker.Hecandisappearandneverbefoundifthat's
whathewantstodo."

"Buthewon'tleavetherestofyou."

"Notunlesswegotcaughtandthenhe'dgointohidinguntilhecouldbreakusout.He'sloyal,Lily,andif
you'rehisfriendhe'llgotothewallforyou."

"Hewouldhavekilledyouhadyoubeentheonetogivetheorderpullingtheanchors.Isawhiseyes,
Ryland."

"Iwouldn'thaveexpectedlessofhim,Lily,"herepliedquietly."Somebodywaskillingourmen."

Shestoodupinthatquick,gracefulwayshehad,completelyunconsciousofmakinghisheartturn
somersaults."Youliveinadifferentworld,don'tyou?"ThistimeitwasLilywhoreachedforhishand.

Rylandleanedintoher,hisbodybrushingupagainsthers."I'msquarelyinyourworld,Lily,andsoarethe
others.Ghost-Walkershavenochoicebuttosticktogether."

Lily'ssuddensmilelitherface,drewattentiontoherenormouseyes."DidNicocomeupwiththatname?"

"You'rebeginningtoknowthemen."Rylandwaspleased.

"I'mbeginningtoknowyou."Sherubbedherhandalonghisjaw."Youhaveawayofalwaysmakingme
feelbetter.Idon'tknowwhat'sgoingtohappeninthefuture,butifIforgettotellyou,I'mgratefulyou
cameintomylife."

Hekissedthepalmofherhand.Shedidn'tknowRylandMilleryet,butshewould.Lilywashisotherhalf.
Heknewitwithhisheartandsoul,witheverybreathhetook.Hedidn'tknowthefuture,buthedidknow
whereverittookthem,theywouldbetogether.Andmorethanlikelytheothermenwouldbearound.His
men.

Lilycaughthisfaintgrinandhereyebrowwentup."What?"

"Justthinkingaboutthekids."

"Whatkids?"Lilyaskedsuspiciously.

"Theonesupstairs.

Fifteen

JEFFHollisterwassmuggledbackintothehousethedayofthefund-raiser.Lilyspentmostofhertime
workingwiththemen,ensuringtheydidtheirmentalexercises.Shecouldtellshewouldn'tbeableto
holdthemmuchlonger.Theyweremenofactionandhiding;eventhoughthetrainingtheyweredoingwas
necessary,itdidn'tsitwellwiththem.Theygroused,albeitgood-naturedly,eachtimesheraisedthenoise
levelandgavethemmultipletaskstodo.

"Thelotofyouarebabies,"sheteased,lookingaroundHollister'sbedroomwheretheyalltendedto
congregate.Shelovedthewaytheyallstucktogether,neverleavingtheirfallencomradealone.

"You'reaslavedriver,Lily,"Samsaid.

Shecouldn'tlookatRyland.Shehadspentthelasttwonightswakingupinhisarmsinthemiddleofthe
night,cryinglikeababy.Eveninthedark,whentheywerealone,shehadn'tworkedupthecouragetotell
himwhatshewouldbedoing.Sheblurteditoutinfrontoftheothers,hopinghewouldn'tgoballisticon
her.

"Ican'trememberwhetherImentioneditornot,butIhavetogooutthiseveningandI'malreadyrunning
late."Sheglancedatherwatchforeffect,tryingtoappearcasual."Istillhavetodress.I'mgivinga
speechatafundraiserforDonovans."

Therewasinstantsilence.Allthemenseemedtohitchforward,staringatherasifshehadjustannounced
shewaspregnant.TheylookedfromhertoRyland.Hedidn'tdisappointthem.

"Whatthehelldoyoumean,you'regoingtosomefundraiser?You'velostyourmind,Lily."Ryland'svoice
wasverylow,clippedbetweenclenchedteeth.

Lilyfeltherheartjump.Shewouldhavepreferredhimraisinghisvoicetoher.Thesuddentensioninthe
roomaddedtohernervousness.

Rylandtookasteptowardher."Thorntonisinvolveduptohiseyebrowsinthismess.Hecan'tgettoyou
inthishouse,sohe'sluringyououtintotheopen.Ifyoudon'tstarttakingyoursafetyseriously,Lily,I'm
goingtohavetodosomethingaboutit."

LilypattedJeffHollister'sshoulderbeforestraighteningupandturningtolookatRyland.Shetriedto
appearunaffectedbyhisanger,butshewasshrinkingagainstthebedlikeacoward."Ithinkyou'vebeen
coopeduptoolongwithArly.Believeme,Iwouldn'tdarenotbeawareofsafety,he'ddrawandquarter
me."ShesmoothedbackJeff'shair,hopingtochangethesubject.Itbotheredherthatherhandtrembled
andRyland'sdarkeyesnotedit."AreyoudoingthoseexercisesIgaveyou?Iknowyou'restillweak,Jeff,
butthey'resoimportant.Ifyoucanbuildyourmentalshield,youcanstandbeingoutinpublicandaround
otherpeopleforlongerperiodsoftime.It'snodifferentthanpumpingupyourbodybyliftingweights."

"It'salotharder,"Hollisterobjected,attemptingtolookaspatheticaspossible."Ijustgotbackandthe
tripwasroughonme.Thatbraindoctorpokedandproddedinmyskull.It'snotreadyforallthatmuscle
building."

"Thatmusclebuildingisgoingtoenableyoutogohometoyourfamily.Stopbeingababy,"sheordered.

"Now,ifyou'llallexcuseme,Ihavetogetreadyfortonight."

Aninstantprotestwentup.Nicoactuallyrose,afluidripplingofmusclethatcausedherhearttobeat
fasterinalarm.Shebackpedaledtowardthedoor."Justkeepworkingandbehave.Allofyou.I'llbe
checkinginlaterandI'lltellyouhowitwent."Shehurriedoutoftheroom.Theywerealllooking
dangerous.

Rylandfollowedherdownthehall,hiseyesglitteringwithmenace."IthoughtyouhadahighIQ,woman.
Can'tyouseehowriskythiscouldbe?"

"Thefundraiserwasplannedmonthsinadvance.Myfatherwasgivingaspeech,andI'mgoingtogiveit
inhisplace.HasitoccurredtoyouthatifIdon'tcontinuetoactnormalandgoaboutmyeverydaylife,I'll
comeundersuspicionandthenwe'llallbeinjeopardy?"

"ForGod'ssake,Lily,youhaveamilitaryteamparkedoutsideyourfence,patrollingtheparametersofthe
estateandtryingtoheareverywordsaidusingdevicesyouwouldn'tunderstand."

Sheturnedtolookathim,oneeyebrowraised.

"Allright,maybeyouwouldunderstand,"heconceded,"butdamnit,youareundersuspicion.Youhaveto
startkeepingalowerprofile."

Lilytookthestairstwoatatime,unconsciouslytryingtogetawayfromRyland.Hewasright,ofcourse,
andsheknewit.TherewassomedangerindoinganythingPhillipThorntonwantedhertodo,butitwasa
calculatedriskandwellworthitasfarasshewasconcerned.

"Lily!"Rylandkeptpaceeasily.

Shepausedjustinsidehersittingroom."Ihavetogo,Ryland.IpromisedI'dgivethespeechand,believe
itornot,fundingisimportant.Severaloftheresearchersneedgrants.Theirworkisimportant.Myfather
nevermisseditandhedetestedpartiesandjustaboutanythingelsethatkepthimfromhiswork,yethe
insistedIgotoo."

"Idoubtseriouslyifhewouldthinkitwasimportantenoughtoriskyourlife.You'vealreadybeen
attackedonce,Lily."

"BecauseIfoundtherecorder."Shestoppeddeadinthemiddleofthebedroom."Therewasanotherdisk,
Ryland.IslippeditintomylabcoatpocketbeforeIcrawledoutfromunderthedesk.Ibettheynever
evenknewitwasthere.Whywouldthey?HowcouldIhaveforgotten?It'sprobablyinmyjacketpocket
rightnow,hanginginmyoffice."Shelookedathim."Ihavetogetit."

"Nottonight,Lily.You'remakingmecrazy.Itisn'tworthyourlife.Youcouldhavebeenkilled."His
fingerscurledintoatightfist.Hisgutwaschurningwithfearforher."Whythehelldoyouhavetobeso
stubbornaboutthis?Ifyouwantthedamneddisk,I'llbreakintothelabsandretrieveitforyou."

"Youwillnot!"Thealarmshowedinhereyes.Hewascertainlycapableofdoingsuchathing."Ryland,
don'tbecrazyonme.Ihavetogotothisevent.Ireallydo.It'sverypolitical.Congressmen,senators,
everyonewhoisanyoneinfluentialwillbethere.Everyoneisgoingtoberepresented,includingthe
military.Don'tyourealizewhatthatmeans?GeneralRanierwillbethere.I'veknownhimsinceIwasa

child.WhenIseehimI'llknowifhe'slying.IfItalktohimonthephoneIwon'tbeabletotell."

Lilyslippedintoherdressingroomwhereherdresswasalreadylaidout.Shesteppedintothe
shimmeringgown,astunningredthatclunglovinglytoherbreastsandwaistlikeasecondskinbut
plungeddaringlybacklessnearlytoherbuttocks.Alongthecurveofherhips,thedressbegantoflare,
leavingherroomtodance.Sparklingdiamondsadornedherearlobesandasmalldiamondpendanthung
nestledjustaboveherbreasts.

"Thegeneralhascometothefundraiserforthelastthreeyearsandhe'salwaysdancedwithme.I've
knownhimforyearsandwealwaysconsideredhimagoodfriend.It'stheperfectopportunitytotalkto
him."Shetiltedherheadtooneside,studyingherimageinthemirrorassheheldherhairuptoseewhich
stylebestsuitedherdress.Shemethisgazeinthelookingglassandlaughedself-consciously."Irarelydo
myhairormakeupforthesethings.Someonecomesheretothehouse.Ididn'twanttobringanyonehere
thistimeincaseitwasusedasanopportunitytoslipsomeoneintothehouseandputyouallindanger.
ButI'mnotverygoodatthis."

Shehadspentanhourinthebath,anotherhourchoosingherdressbeforegoingtoseethemen.Lily
lookedcloserandfrownedatherimage.

"Wearitdown."Ryland'svoicewasharsh,hisexpressionintimidatingashecameupbehindher."You
lookbeautiful.Toobeautifultogotothisthingalone."Hishandbrushedlightlyoverthecurveofher
bottom."DoIhavetoworryaboutwhatyou'rewearingbeneaththisthing?"

Sheleanedbackagainsthim,fittingsnuglyintohisbody."You'resoobsessedwithmyunderwear."

"Notyourunderwear,yourlackofunderwear.There'sadifference."

"Well,lookatit,Ryland,there'snowheretoputunderwear,itmessesupthelines."Shesmiledathimin
themirror."Don'tyouprefersmoothlines?"

"Ithasnoback.There'snomaterialatall."Hishandnudgedattheedgesofherdress,theclingymaterial
cuppingherbreastssolovingly."You'regoingtostartariotinthisdress."

"Youdolikethedress."Hereyeswerebeginningtosparkle.

"You'regoingtogivetheoldermenheartattacks."Hebrushedhisknucklesalongherswellingflesh."And
allthemenaregoingtohavepainfulhard-ons."Hepushedagainsthersotherewasnomistakinghis
meaning.

Lilylaughedathim,turningintohisarms,hermouthseekinghis.Shegaveherselfupcompletelytohis
kiss,burninginhisarms,feedingtheflamesinhisbellysothateverycellinhisbodyhungeredforher.
Neededher.Cravedher.Rylandtightenedhisarmsaroundher.Whydidbealwaysfeelasifshewould
flitawayfromhim?Oneminuteshebelongedtohim,sharedhismind,hisskin,thenextgonesofarhe
couldn'tholdontoher.

Lilymadeasoundandherealizedhewascrushinghertohim."I'msorry,honey,"hemurmured,brushing
kissesoverherface."Idon'twantyouriskingyoursafetyjustsoyoucanspeaktothegeneral,ifhe'sa
partofthisthing,anditlooksverymuchasifheis…"

"ThenI'llknow,won'tI?I'vealwaysbeenabletoreadhimwhenwe'redancing;evenifweshookhandsI
couldfeelhisemotions.He'stoobusythinkingaboutotherpeopletoprotecthimself."Lilyslippedoutof
hisarms."I'llbefine.Stopworrying."Sheglancedatherimageinthemirror."Thankheavensafewdays
havetakentheswellingdown.AtleastIcantonedownthebruiseswithmakeup."

"Whereisthisthing?"

Sheshrugged."Arlyknows.Hecangetholdofme.It'stheVictoriaHotel."

"Ofcourse.Theonewiththeglassdomeandyouhavetobewearingasuittogetthroughthedoor."

"That'stheone."

Ryland'shandcurvedaroundthenapeofherneckanddraggedherbacktohim,hismouthhardand
demanding,feedingonhers,brandingherhis.Abruptlyheturnedandwalkedoutofherroom.

Lilystaredafterhimforalongwhile,herfingersagainstherlips.Thetasteofhimburnedinhermouth,in
herbodylongaftershearrivedatthehotelandhadbegunhercircuitofgreetingtheotherguests.Itwas
strangehowshefeltRylandwithher,almostasifapartofhimlingeredinsideher.Andmaybeitdid.

THEmusicwasloudandrhythmic,poundingoutabeatthatseemedtoconsumeher.Theroomwas
enormousandstillthecrowdspilledover,intothehallsandthediningroom.Thereweresomanypeople
shefeltcrushed.Itwasdifficulttokeepherbarrierserectandnotbeoverwhelmedbythetremendous
outpouringofemotionalenergycracklingintheairaroundher.

AsLilymovedthroughtheroom,workingthecrowd,shewentintoautomaticfundraisermode.Sheread
eachpersonassheshookhandsorexchangedhugsandfakekisses.PeterWhitneyhaddrilledthe
importanceofknowingtherightpeople,gettingthemonherside.Now,morethanever,itwasimportant
toher.Whiletheyatetheirexquisitelypreparedmealsshegaveherimpassionedspeechonhelping
mankindandtheneedtheresearchershadforfunding.Shepledgedalargesumtostarttheballrollingand
smiledwiththerighttouchofconfidenceastheyapplaudedher.

Shedriftedthroughthecrowds,talkingandlaughing,sayingalltherightthings,makingherwaytothe
ballroom.Themutedlightingintheballroomwasmucheasieronhereyes.Thepoundingmusicmanaged
togivehersomerelieffromtheexcitementandsexualtension,theargumentsflaringhereandthere,the
undercurrentofaffairsandconspiraciesandcorporategossip.

Lilywatchedthewomenintheirtightclingingclothesenticethemen.Mereglances,aliftofaneyebrow,
awhisperinanear.Thebrushofbodiesastheysecretlytouched,comingtogetherforastolenmomentin
theshadowedroomandmovingapartagain.Thelooks.Assessing.Speculative.Sexy.Thiswasthekind
ofplaceshewouldlovetosharewithRyland.Lilysliddeeperintotheshadows,watchingthedancers.
Themusicthrobbedthroughherbody,thebeathardandinsistent.Shehadnevernoticedhowthemusic
couldcrawlinsideone'sbodyandheattheblood.

"Lily,dear."PhillipThorntontoastedherwithhisglass."IwanttointroduceyoutoCaptainKenHilton.
He'sbeenwaitingtodancewithyouallevening.Youlookwonderful.Yourfatherwouldhavebeenproud

ofyourspeech."

"Thankyou,Phillip."Lilyignoredthesuddenchurninginherstomach,avoidedtouchingThorntonby
smilingupatthecaptain."It'sapleasuretomeetyou."

Themomentherhandslippedintohis,Hiltonswungherexpertlyontothedancefloor.Hemovedwith
completeassurance,hisstrengthandconfidenceinhisveryhold."I'vewantedtomeetthefamousDr.
Whitneyforalongtime,"hesaid.

Lilyglancedupathim."MyfatheristhefamousDr.Whitney.Ihideinthelab."

Helaughed."Whatashame.Nooneasbeautifulasyouareshouldbelockedupinalaboratory."

Herlashesflutteredandshewhirledclosetohisbody,thenspunawayfromhim.Hishandsguidedher
closeandashebroughtherbacktohim,hewasmorepossessive."You'reanexcellentdancer,Dr.
Whitney."

"Lily."Shesmiledupathim.Hethoughtshewasaneasymark.Awomanwithtoomuchmoneyand
vulnerablewiththedisappearanceofherfather.Hewassupposedtokeepaneyeonherandhisdutyjust
mighthaveafewfringebenefits.Sheallowedtheknowledgetowashthroughherbeforesheraisedher
barriersandglidedaroundthefloorwithhim.Hewasn'tthefirstmantowanthermoneyandhewouldn't
bethelast.

"AreyouherewithColonelHiggens?"Shelookedaswide-eyedasshecouldmanage."Orthegeneral?"

"GeneralMcEntire,"CaptainHiltonsaid."AndcallmeKen."

Ashewhirledherclosetotheshadowsofthewall,Lilycaughtaglimpseofapairofeyeswatchingthem.
Eyesasblackasnight.Ascoolasice.Eyesthatfollowedthemaroundthedancefloorwhilethebody
remainedasstillasstone.Shenearlystumbled,hadtoclingabittorecover.Naturallythecaptainthought
shehaddonesoonpurpose.

WhatwasNicolasdoingthere?IfNicolaswasthere,didthatmeanRylandwassomewhereinthe
ballroom?Somewhereinthecrowd?Shecouldn'tconcentrateondancing,halfterrifiedthathemight
reallyhavebeensoarrogantastocome,andexcitedtothinkhereallyhaddaredsuchdangerforher.

Evenasshesearchedthedarkestcornersoftheroom,shesmiledupatherpartner."Perhapsweshould
getadrink,Captain."

Hegrippedherelbowasifhewereafraidoflosingherinthecrushofbodies.Thelightsweresodimit
wasnearlyimpossibletosee.Hiltonkepthercloseasheshovedhiswaytothebar,wavingtogetthe
bartender'sattention.

AmaninadarksuitfellintoLily,steadiedher,murmuredanapology,andmovedbackintothecrowd
almostbeforeshecouldidentifyhimasTucker.

"Dr.Whitney?"Hiltonsoundedworried.Hislargebodycrowdedclosertoher."Maybethisisn'tsucha
goodidea."

Hersmilewasbrilliant.SheshouldhaveknownRylandwouldbeclose.Itshouldhavemadeherangry,
butshefeltlovedandprotectedinstead."Alittlejostlingneverhurtanybody.ByanychancedidPhillip
Thorntonaskyoutolookoutforme?"

Thecaptainfrozeintheactofdraggingaglasstowardthem."Iwantedthechancetolookafteryou.
GeneralMcEntireandColonelHiggensboththoughtyoumightbeindangerofsomekind.Ivolunteered
fortheassignment."Hiltonsworeunderhisbreathasawomaninaflame-colored,nearlysee-through
dressbrushedupagainsthimassheslippedpast,smilingseductivelyupathim.

"Askhertodance,"Lilysuggested."Livealittle,Captain,she'smuchmoreyourtype."

ThewomanwasstaringblatantlyatHilton,flutteringhereyelashes,herrubylipsformingakiss.

"Shewantsyou,"Lilyteased.

UnexpectedlyCaptainHiltongrinnedather,thefirstgenuinesmileshe'dyetseenonhim."She'deatme
alive,awomanlikethat.Icanfaceacoupleofmenwithgunsandknivesandneverflinch,butI'drunif
shelookedtwiceatme."

Lilylaughed."You'dbetterputyourrunningshoeson,Hilton,becauseshe'slookedmorethanonce."

Thecaptainshookhishead."I'lljuststickclosetoyouforprotection."

"Youcan't.Noonewillaskmetodanceifyou'restandingthereallbigandmeanlooking.AndIpromised
GeneralRanierthenextdance."

Lilypattedhisshoulder.Thecaptainseemedconfused,staringatthewomanwhoseemedsoblatantlyto
wanttoseducehim.Lilyunderstoodcompletelythecollectiveenergypouringintotheairaroundthem,the
whispersofcommand,thesubtleinfluenceonthecaptainandthepredatorywoman."Goforit,"shesaid,
hervoicelowassheaddedherenergytothatoftheGhostWalkers.

CaptainHiltonmovedawayfromher,hiseyesonthewoman.Lilywatchedthelongfingernailscrawlup
hisarm,thescantilycladbodyrubupagainsthisasthecoupleslippedintotheshadows.

Lilylookedaroundbutshedidn'tseeanymorefamiliarfaces.Butshefeltthem.Theywereallaroundher.
Shewastornbetweenfearandexcitement,adrenalineheighteningeverysense.Shemadeherwaytoward
thefrontoftheroom,movingaroundtheouterparameterofthedancefloor.Shecouldn'tstophergaze
fromwanderingintotheshadowsevenasshesmiled,nodded,andgreetedpeople.

ShespottedGeneralRanierandswitcheddirectionstointercepthim.Hewasinthemiddleofacrowdof
menincludingColonelHiggens,PhillipThornton,andGeneralMcEntire.Assheapproachedthemthe
colonelstiffenedandhisgazesearchedtheballroom,obviouslylookingforCaptainHilton.Lilypastedon
herpartysmile.

"Gentlemen,"shegreetedregally,sweepingpastHiggenstotuckherhandinthecrookofGeneralRanier's
arm."Whatapleasuretoseeyouallhere.Quiteaturnoutthisevening.Phillip,asusualyououtdid
yourself.Ithinkthedinneranddanceisacompletesuccess."

"Thankyou,Lily."Thorntonbeamedather,instantlydistractedbythecompliment.

Sheroseuponhertoestokissthegeneral'scheek."Myfavoriteman.It'ssogoodtoseeyouagain.You
mustcomefordinneroneevening."

"Lily."Thegeneral'shugnearlycrushedher."Thedisappearanceofyourfatherisaterribleblow.I've
beentravelingsomuchandkeptmissingyouwhenIphoned.Naturally,I'vebeenkeepingupwiththe
investigation.Howareyoudoing?Thetruthnow.Deliaisheresomewhereandshe'sbeenquite
concernedaboutyou."

"Shesentmealovelyletter,General,"Lilyacknowledged,"invitingmetocomeandstaywithyou.That
wassothoughtfulofyouboth."

"Wemeanttheinvitation.Youshouldn'tbealonerattlingaroundinthatmonstrosityofahouseyourfather
lovedsomuch.Delia'sworriedyou'llburyyourselfinyourwork."

"I'vegonetothelaboratoriesacoupleoftimesbutmostlyIworkoutofmyhome.Philliphasbeen
wonderful."ShetossedthepresidentofDonovansasweetsmileandturnedherfullattentiontoGeneral
Ranier."Iwouldlovetodancewithyou,sir,it'salwaysthehighlightofmyevening."Lilydroppeda
gracefulcurtsey.

Thegeneraltookherhandimmediately."I'mhonored."

ColonelHiggensstaredafterthemsuspiciouslyasthegeneralwhirledherontothedancefloor.Lily
lookedrightthroughhim,notdeigningtonoticehisboorishbehavior.

ThewaltzprovidedLilywiththeperfectopportunityforconversation.Thegeneralspunheracrossthe
floor,expertlyguidingherthroughthecrushofdancers,takingheroutofsightofthegroupwithwhomhe
hadbeentalking.

"Tellmethetruthnow,Lilygirl,howareyoureally?AnddidIhearcorrectlythatsomeoneattackedyou
theotherdayinyourfather'soffice?"

Lilywastryingtofindsomeevidenceofwrongdoing,ofguiltormalevolence,butGeneralRanierwas
swampingherwithconcern."Whotoldyou?"

"Oh,Ikeepmyeartothegroundwhenitcomestothewell-beingofmyfavoritegirl.I'veknownyousince
youwereelevenyearsold,Lily.Youhadthebiggesteyes,verysolemn,andyoutalkedlikeagrown-up
eventhen.Ilovedthesoundofyourlaugh.DeliaandIneverhadchildrenafterwelostoursonandyou
filledthatgapingholeforus.IbribeRogertokeepmeinformed.Hecallsmyhousedirectlysowedon't
havetogothroughmyaide.Thecaptainisabrightboybutabitofastuffedshirt."

Lily'sgazewassearchingtheshadows.Acouplespundangerouslyclose,lightlybrushingLily'sarm.She
caughttheflashofteethandthelaughingeyesofGatorashetookhispartnerbackintothecrowd.The
audacityoftheGhostWalkersamazedher.Shefoundherselflaughingoutloud.

"Soyouthinkhe'sastuffedshirttoo,doyou?"

"Youraide?I'venevermethim,haveI?"

"Youweredancingwithhisbrother,Lily.CaptainKenHiltonismyaide'sbrother.Ithoughtyouknewone

another."

Lilyturnedtheinformationoverinhermind."Wereyouawaremyfathercalledyourofficefourtimes,as
wellassentvariousemails,theweekbeforehisdisappearance?Andthathewroteyouseveralletters
detailinghisconcernswiththeSpecialForcesteam?Healsocalledyourresidencerepeatedly."

"Hedidn'tleaveamessage.Weweretraveling,butIalwaysretrievedmymessages."

Thegeneralstoppeddeadonthedancefloor.AtonceLilyfeltthewarning.Ifheisn'tpartofthe
conspiracy,Lily,andtheythinkheknowstoomuch,they'llkillhim.Gethimmoving,keephimcalm.
Ryland'svoicewhisperedoverherskin,flutteredinhermind.Shemovedwiththerhythmofthemusic,
urgingtheGeneralbackintothedancesteps."Please,sir,youcan'tstop,youcan'tlookasifwe're
discussinganythingbutlighttopics."

GeneralRanierrespondedimmediately,throwingbackhisheadandlaughingashetookherdeeperinto
theshadowsandintotheanonymityofthecrowd."Whatareyouimplying,Lily?"Therewasnouncle
voicenow,hewasallcommander,insistingonthetruth.Hisdarkeyesboredintoherface.

Lilyregardedhimwithoutflinching."Myfatheraskedmetoconsultontheproject.Thedayhe
disappearedIwentdowntothelaboratories.Themenwereisolatedfromeachother,depersonalizedand
livingincageswheretheyhadnoprivacywhatsoever.Theyhadbeensentoutintothefieldagainstmy
father'sspecificinstructions.HewarnedColonelHiggensrepeatedlythattheyneededstrongershields.
TherewerethreedeathsIcan'tprovebutsuspectweremurderandoneattemptedmurderIcanprove."

"Theseareseriousallegations,Lily,doyouknowwhatyou'reaccusingarespectedofficerofdoing?
ColonelHiggensisarespectedman,amanofhonor."

"Itisn'tjustColonelHiggens.GeneralMcEntirewasawareoftheprojectlongbeforetheescapeofthe
menandhispretendeddemandstobeincluded.PhillipThorntonisinonittoo."

"Onwhat,Lily?You'retalkingmurder.Conspiracy.Thesearehigh-rankingofficersintheUnited
States…"Hetrailedoff,hisfeatureshardening.Amuscletickedalonghisjaw."MyGod,Lily,youmay
haveuncoveredtheverythingwe'vebeensearchingfor.Thisisdangerous.Don'tyoutalktoanyoneat
all."

"General,themen…"

"Lily,Imeanit.Youaren'ttotalktoanyone."Hegaveheralittleshake."IfwhatIsuspectistrue,these
menwillkillyouiftheythinkyouknowsomething."

"They'llkillyoutoo,General.Theykilledmyfatheralready.I'dbeverycarefulofyouraideifIwere
you.You'retheonlychancethosemenhave."

Themusicendedandthegeneralwalkedhertotheedgeofthedancefloor."Lily,tellmeyouhadnothing
todowiththatescape.Youdon'tknowwherethosemenare,doyou?Theycouldbeinonthisandthey
aredangerous.I'vehadreports."

"Justrememberwhowrotethosereports,General.Thinkofthemoneyothergovernmentsandterrorist
groupswouldpaytogettheirhandsonthisability.Bymakingitlookasiftheexperimentwereatotal

failure,bydiscreditingthemenandcuttingthemofffromalegitimatechainofcommand,Higgenscould
easilycontrolthesituation.I'llbethe'sinchargeoffindingthemandhe'sbrandedthemdangerous…"

"Lily,theyaredangerous.Doyouhavecontactwiththesemen?"Hisvoicewasgruff,demandingan
answer."Iforbidyoutoputyourselfindanger.Deliawouldbedevastatedifanythinghappenedtoyou.I
won'thaveit,Lily.I'llputyouunderhousearrestatmyresidenceandhaveyouguardeddayandnight."

"Howdoyouknowforcertainwhomyoucantrust?Iwasafraidtotalktoyouaboutthisbecauseyou
didn'tanswermyfather'scallsoremails."

"Ineverreceivedyourfather'smessagesorhisletters,Lily.Youdobelieveme,don'tyou?Ican'tbelieve
he'sreallygone."Shecouldhearthesorrowinhisvoice,readitinhismind.Hecouldn'tfakesuch
sadness.

"Theythrewhimintotheocean.Iknewwhenhedied."

GeneralRanierhuggedher.Shecouldfeelhisdeepsorrow,theangerinhimbeginningtostir.Theoutrage
thathemightknowthemenresponsible."I'msorry,Lily,hewasagreatmanandmyfriend."

"Don'tworryaboutme,General.ArlyseestoitthatI'mperfectlysafe.Noone'sgoingtobothermeinmy
home,"sheassuredhim."We'vebeentogethertoolong.They'llbeafraidofwhatwemightsaytoone.
another.You'regoingtohavetoactnaturalinfrontofthemuntilwefindproof."

"Notwe,Lily,me.AndImeanthat,consideritanorder.Youstayoutofthis.Andifyouknowanything
aboutthosemenandtheirdisappearance,you'dbettertellmenow."

Lilyremainedstubbornlysilent.

GeneralRaniersighed."I'mafraidpoorDeliaisgoingtohaveaterribleheadacheafterthesenextcouple
ofdances.Youcheckinwithme,Lily,everyday.CallandspeakwithDeliaandletherknowyou'reall
right."

"Iwill,General."Shekissedhischeek."Thankyouforjustbeingyou.YouhavenoideahowrelievedI
am."

Lilywatchedhimstalkthroughthecrowdbeforeturningbacktosurveythedancers.Lilybeganwalking
theperimeterofthedancefloor.Aslow,leisurelycircuit.Excitementwasblossoming.Hope.Fear.So
manyemotions,intenseanddifficulttocontrol.Herpulseleapt,herheartraced.

Cometome,Lily.Ryland'svoicebrushedseductivelyinhermind.Shecouldhearhisrawhunger.There
inthemidstofdangerandintriguesheknewwhathewasthinkingandithadnothingtodowithgenerals
andcolonelsandconspiracies.

Hewashereinthesameroomwithher.RylandMiller.Somewhereintheshadows,apartofthethrobbing
music.Apartofher.Shemovedthroughthecrowd,herbodyalive.Needy.Seductive.Herbreastsached
andherskinfelthot.Herbloodthickenedandheated,poolinglowtopulseintimetothemusic.

Lilyknewhewaswatchingher,shecouldfeeltheweightofhisstare.Everythingfeminineinherroseup
toanswerhiscall,reveledinhisstare.Shemovedasonlyalovercouldmove,herbodysayingwithout

wordswhatherheartcouldnot.Menstoppedherbriefly,murmuringinvitations.Shebarelynoticed,
shakingherhead,knowinghewaswatchinghereffectonothermenasshemovedwithcomplete
confidencethroughthecrushofbodies.Knowinghewatchedherwithhot,hungryeyes.ForLily,there
wasonlyherphantomlover,boldenough,arrogantenough,crazyenoughtodarefollowherherewhenhe
wasinfarmoredangerthanshecouldeverbe.

Lilyknewsheshouldleave,notgiveintotemptation.Rylandwasindangerevencomingnearher.Butthe
riskofdiscoveryonlyaddedtoherheightenedawareness,hersizzlingsenses.Herbodycamealive.Her
heartliftedandshefoundherselfsmiling.Herhipsswayed,asultryinvitationasshewoundinandoutof
thecrowdontheedgesofthedancefloor.Shewasgratefulshehaddressedwithsuchcareearlier,sliding
theshimmeringdressoverherscentedskin,pretendingitwasforhim.Ryland.Pretendingshewas
meetinghimonthedancefloor.

Ofcoursehehadreadherfantasyinhermindwhileshestoodinfrontofthemirrorshowinghimthedress
lovinglycaressingherbreasts,huggingthecurveofherhips.Shehadwantedhimtocraveherwhileshe
wasgone.Tothinkaboutherbacksodaringlybareallthewaytothecurveofherbuttocks.

Lilydidn'tlooktoseewheretheirenemieswere.ShetrustedRylandtoknow.Shetrustedhismento
protecthim,towatchthecolonelcloselyandkeephimaway.Lilycontinuedherslowpacearoundthe
room,waiting.Theanticipationbuilding.Heatcurledlow,adamp,richinvitation,herbodycallingtoher
lover.

Shefelthisbreathfirst,onthenapeofherneck.Theheatofhisbody,closetohers.Hishandslid,fingers
splayed,aroundherwaist,intimately,possessively,justunderherbreastsothatsheachedforhistouch.
Hemovedwithher,aperfectunionashetookheroutontothedancefloor,whirlingherintothemassof
couples.

Lilylookedupathimastheirbodiescametogether,touchedbriefly,andparted.Shelookedupandhe
stoleherbreath.Hisblackhairspilledaroundhisheadinafreefallofsilkycurls.Hisgrayeyesglittered
amoltensilver.Hisbodyglidednexttohers,barelytouched,skinslidingagainstskin,hishandguiding
herstepswithcompletemastery.Intricatesteps,theirbodiesbrushingintimately.Itwasexciting.Erotic.
Makingloveonthedancefloorjustassheknewitwouldbe.

Ryland'seyesheldherscaptive.Shecouldn'tlookawayfromhim.Didn'twanttolookawayfromhim.
Shewantedtobelostthereforalltime,intheheatofhishunger.Themusicmovedthroughthem,over
them,surroundedthemwithfireandpassion.Ashewhirledherclose,holdingheragainsthimforseveral
heartbeats,hishandcaressedthesideofherbreast,findingcreamyskinalongtheedgesofthematerialof
hergown.

Fireracedthroughher,flameslickingoverskinliketinyfierytongues.Hernipplesweretautsothateach
timeshemoved,herdressteasedwiththefriction.Hedrewhercloseagain,intotheshelterofhisarms,
theirbodiesswayinginperfectaccordtothemusic.Lilywasgratefulforthepulsinglightthathelpedto
hidethecouplesonthelargedancefloor.HerbodymoldeditselftoRyland's,everysteptheyrubbed
againstoneanother,herbreastsagainsttheheavymusclesofhischest,hishandsskimmingalongthecurve
ofherhip,caressingherbottom,thefeelofhisthickerectionpressingagainstherwitheverystep.A
buildingofheatthatsmolderedandbreathedwithalifeofitsown.

Sheturnedherheadfromhisshouldertolookforthecolonel,afraidtheyhadbeenonthedancefloortoo

longtoescapedetection,eveninthedimlight.

Don'tthinkofanotherman,thinkonlyofme.Thewordsbrushedinhermind.Hisknucklesdeliberately
brushedoverhernipples,hismouthtouchedherneck.Theymovedapart,swayedtogether,hishand
slidingdangerouslyoverherthigh,brushingalongtheapexofherlegs.Herentirebodyclenched,her
bloodthickened.

Thebreathrushedoutofherlungs,herheartstuttered.Everysanethoughtwasgone,theotherdancers
weregone.OnlyRylandremainedrealwithhishardbodyandglitteringeyes.Hewhirledherawayfrom
himagain,broughtherback,acaptivebetweenhislegs,histhighstrappingherleg,hisfiercearousal
ridingalongthecurveofherhipforabriefmomentofanticipation,oftotalawareness.

Heheldhertherewhilehisbodymovedtothepoundingbeatofthemusic,hishipssurgingsuggestively.
Eachmovementsentlightningarcingthroughhisbloodstreamashisthickerectioncameintocontactwith
hersoft,yieldingbody.Thepassionofthemusicwasapoundinginhishead,inhisbody.

Hehadwantedtobedifferentthistime,todoallthelittlethingsawomanneededamantodo.The
whisperedlaughter.Theintimatetalk.Thesharedoutings.HewantedtocourtherthewayLilydeserved.
Buthisbodywentupinflamesthemomenthewaswithher.Notjustflamesbutafirestormburningoutof
control.Hotandbrightanddangerous.

Hehadtohearherbreathcatchinginherthroat,seehereyesgosultry.Shewassodamnedsexy,sohothis
everyrestraint,hiseverycontrolwasgonearoundher.Dangerousforher,dangerousforanyonewhotried
tointerfere.

Themusicwasending,thelastnotesdyingaway.Heintendedtolethergo,towatchhercircletheroom,
tobesatisfiedwiththebriefcontact,butlittlejackhammerswererippingthroughhisbrainandhehurtso
badhewasafraidhewouldn'tbeabletowalk,gettingthemsafelyoffthedancefloor.

Thenextnumberwasslowanddreamy,thelightsloweringevenmore.WithLilyinhisarms,Ryland
guidedthewaythroughthemassofmovingbodiesawayfromanywatchers.Thecaptainhadhishands
full.Thewomanintheflame-coloreddressatthebarhadtakentoRyland'ssuggestionquicklyandeasily.
Heknewhismenwereintheshadows,waitingforhimtoslipaway.ExpectinghimtoreturnLilytothe
securityofthehousenowthattheyhadensuredhersafetyandallowedhimhisonedance.Rylandchecked
thateyesweren'tfollowingthen-progressashemovedLilydeeperintotheshadowswherehewantedher.
Whereheneededher.

Sixteen

THEspiralingstaircasewasamassivestructure.Inscoutingthehotel,Nicolashaddiscoveredthehidden
recessesinstairwell.Builtinthethirties,thebuildinghadbeenrenovatedsince,andinsidethelocked
utilityclosettherewasasmall,narrowdoorthathadbeencoveredoverwithpaper.Itledtoatiny
privateroomthathadmostlikelybeenusedforthingsillegal.Nicholashadshownhimthehideawayin
caseofanemergency.Rylandwascertainthiswasanemergency.

Hetookherbeneaththestairs,turnedacorner,andwentdownasmallseriesofstepstotheutilitycloset
door.Hehadnoproblemgettingpasttheheavylockandmovingherrightthroughtothesmall,narrow
roomwheresomanyothershadsecretedthemselvesovertheyears.Helaughedsoftlyandtoldher,"Inthe
speakeasydays,theyhadpeepholesinhere.Youcanstillseethecracks."

Shedidn'tanswerhim.Couldn'tanswerhim.Shedidn'tknowwhethertoslaphisfaceforbeingso
completelyarrogantandcertainofhimself,orwhethertoflingherselfathimandkisshimsenseless.

Theystaredatoneanother,theheatflaringrelentlesslybetweenthem.Hemadethedecisionforher.His
bodycrowdedhersdeeperintotheshadowofthestairwell,hisarmstighteningpossessively."Kissme,
Lily.Ihavetohaveyourmouth."

Shecouldn'tresisttheacheinhisvoice,thelureoftheforbidden.Lilytiltedherheadback,gaspedwhen
hislipsfusedwithhers.Hot.Starving.Shetastedpassion.Shetasteddesire.Histonguestrokedand
cajoled,sweepingasidehereveryinhibition,hereveryfear,sothatsheansweredhim,fireforfire.

Thismanwashers.Hebelongedtoher.Wantedher.Neededher.Shecouldneverresisttheurgencyofhis
need.Hewasdevouringher,rightthereintheshadows,hishandscuppingherbuttockstoalignherbody
moreperfectlywithhis.Frommerefeetawaycamethemurmurofvoices,laughter,andthechinkoficein
glasses.Themusicinvadedthroughthecracksinthethinwalls,solouditnearlyshookthefloor,filling
thetinyhiddenroom.Rylandliftedhishead,hiseyesdarkwithrawpassionashelookedintoherblue
gaze.Hisbodywaspainfullyarousedandshewaslookingupathim,bemused.

Hecouldseetheoutlineofhernipples,dark,thrustingagainstthethinclingymaterialofhergown.The
sightdrewhim,temptedhim.Heslidhishandupthesideofthedress,pushingthematerialawayfromher
ribs,inchingitoutofthewaytoexposeonefullbreast.

Thecoolaironherheatedskinonlyaddedtoheracutesensitivity.Shewantedhimrightthere,wantedhis
handsonher,hisbodyburieddeepinhers.Theaddictiontohimwasbeyondanythingshehadever
experiencedorhadconceivedcouldbepossible.Shewantedtoripawayhisshirtandfeasthereyeson
hischest,runherhandsoverhismuscles,feelhisneedofhergrowinginherhand,againstherbody.Lily
moveddeliberately,bringingupherhands,runningherfingertipsalongheramplecurves,tracingapath
downherflatstomach,revelinginthewayhishotgazefollowed.

Ryland'sbodyhardenedevenmore.Shelookedlushandsexy,pressedagainstthewall,herlipsswollen
anddarkfromhiskisses.Shelookedwanton,herelegantgownshimmering,herbreaststeasinghis
heightenedsenses.Hisfingersfollowedthepathhershadtakenoverherbreasts,skimmedthesoftflesh,
lingered,stroked,andmassaged.

Hefeltherbodytrembleinresponse.Hebreathedwarmairoverheralreadytautnipple,slowlybenthis

headtotemptation.

Shemoanedwhenhismouth,hotandmoist,closedoverherbreast.Histonguedancedtothemusic,
stabbedandcaressed.Hesuckledstrongly,wantingtodevourher,brandher.

Atthatmoment,morethananythingelse,heneededtoburyhisfingersdeepinsideofher.Neededtofeel
herwetresponse.Rylandpressedclosertoher,trappingherbodythereinthedarkness,hishandfinding
thehemofherdress,circlingheranklewithhisfingers.Heslidhispalmuphercalf,lingeringfora
momentashetracedthescarswithlovingcare.Hishandcaressedherknee,slidallthewayupherbare
thigh.

Lilycradledhishead,drowninginsensation.Thiswassheermadness.Sheheardhersoftmuffledgroan
ashefoundtheheatofherdampcurls."Ryland,"shewhisperedintohisdarkhair."I'mgoingtogoupin
flames."

"Iwantyouto,Lily.Burnforme."Hisfingersencounteredthetinyscrapofunderwear.Histeethnipped
thesideofherbreast."Ithoughtyouweren'twearingunderwear.I'msodisappointed."

Thesexylittlethongwasnohindranceashepushedhisfingerintoher,testingthedepthofherresponseto
him.Hergaspexcitedhimmore.Themusclesofherfierysheathclampedtightly,velvetsoft,sotempting
hisbodyshookwithurgencytoburyitselfinher.Shewassobeautifultohim.Sonecessarytohim.She
hadnoideawhatshemeanttohim.

Rylandclosedhiseyesandsimplyindulgedhishungerforher,losinghimselfinthetemptationofher
body.Hepressedhisfingerdeepintoherheat,hismouthhotandinsistentonherbreast.Herfingers
tangledinhishair,holdinghimtoher.Themusicwasswirlingaroundthem,thesoundsoffeetonthe
stairs,thevoicesandlaughter.

Hismouthleftherbreasttotravelupherthroattoherchin."Unzipme,Lily."Hebreathedthetemptation.
Whisperedit.Asinfullywickedplea.

"Ryland…"Itwasasoft,breathlessprotest,evenasherhandsfoundthefrontofhistrousers,herfingers
sendingtonguesoffireracinguphishardshaftassheobeyed."Thisisinsanity.Weshouldgohome…"
shetrailedoff,herlungsstarvingforair.Shewantedhimsomuch,rightthere,justlikethat,wildandout
ofcontrolandsohungryforherhecouldn'tpossiblywait.

Rylandwasrigidwithneed,hardandthickandpulsingwithhunger.Acraving.Hecaughtherleg,
wrappeditaroundhiswaistevenasheforcedherbacktighteragainstthewall."You'reburningupfor
me,honey?"hewhispered,"don'tsayno.Theywon'tfindushere."Hepushedhergownhigher,bunching
itaroundherwaist."Don'tleavemelikethis.I'veneverneededanythingmore."Notwantingtotakethe
chanceshemightdenyhim,Rylandbroughthisbodyagainsthermoistheat.Hishandsfoundthetinystrip
ofredlaceandrippeditaway,leavingherfullyexposedforhim."Wantmeback,Lily.Wantmelikethis.
Maybeit'sthewrongplaceandthewrongtime,butwantmeanyway."

Lilyclosedhereyesasshefelthim,thickandhard,probingagainstherentrance.Hewaslarge,herbody
tight.Itseemedanimpossibilitythereinthetinyroomwithitspeepholesandhistory.Andtherewas
danger…

Rylandstayedperfectlystill,waiting.Praying.

Herfingerscurledinhishair."Iwantyoumorethananything,"sheadmitted,rubbingenticinglyagainst
him.

Slickwithheatandmoisture,sheacceptedhim,inchbyinch.Hefilledheruntilshewasgasping,her
breathcominginlittlepantsofpleasure.Sheneededhimtoo.Neededhimburieddeepinsideher,apart
ofher,sharingthesamebody.

Rylandbegantomove,deliberatelyfindingahot,passionaterhythmthatmatchedthesultrymusic
poundingaroundthem.Fastandslow,deepandhard,heneverwantedittoend.Shewassotight,her
bodymadeforhis.Thesoftlittlesoundscomingfromherthroatweredrivinghimmad.Hernailsbitinto
hisback,herbreathcameinlittlegasps,andhereyeswerecloudywithheat.

Heliftedher,sothatshewasforcedtocurlbothlegsaroundhim,toopenherselfmorefullytohis
possession.Hedrovedeeper,hishandsbitingintoherwaist."Rideme,baby,comeon,takeallofme."
Hewhisperedthetemptation,watchingherface,theheatedcolor,thepleasurehewasgivingher.

Shemoved,hermusclesclenching,tightening,slidingupanddown,overhim,followingthedrivingbeat
ofthemusicashehaddone.Lilyforgotwhereshewas.Whoshewas.Therewasonlythepleasure
coursingthroughherbody,thefirewashingoverherasshethrewbackherheadandindulgedherself.

Dancinglightsburstbehindhereyesandsheclosedthem,movingtothebeat,ridinghisbody,every
muscledazzledandalive.Shecouldfeelherbodywinding,tightening,clenchingaroundhis.Wantinghim.
Greedyforhim.Demandinghim.

Rylandmurmuredsomethingshedidn'tcatch,hishandstighteningonher,bitingdeepashethrustfiercely
intoher.Lilythrewbackherhead,shudderingwithpleasureasherbodyspiraledoutofcontrol,wave
afterwaveshakingher.Herhairwasadarkcloudaroundher,teasingherbreastsastheyjuttedbrazenly.
Shefeltascreamofacutepleasurewellingupandhastilyburiedherfaceagainsthisshoulder.Hisheavy
musclesmuffledhercriesassheallowedonelegtodropbacktothefloor,needingtoholdherselfup.

Herbodywasaninferno,velvetsoft,yetgrippinghimtightly.Thefrictionwasnearlyunbearable,so
muchpleasureitwasnearlypain.Hethrustdeeponelasttimeasthemusiccrescendoed,ashisbody
erupted,ahotvolcanothatnearlytookhisheadoff.Hislegsturnedtorubber,hisbodyturnedtoleadasif
shehaddrainedhisverystrength.Herestedherbackagainstthewall,hisforeheadpressedtohers,
strugglingtoregainhisabilitytobreathe.

Theystayedthatway,twinedtogether,leaningagainstthewallforsupport,theonlywaytostayupright.
Lilyattemptedtoregainherabilitytobreathe,listeningtothenextsong,aslow,moodynumber.Oneleg
stillcurledpossessivelyaroundhiswaist,theirbodiesintimatelytighttogether.Shewassoawareofhis
everymovement,hiseverybreath,thehandstrokinghercalf.

Lilywasastonishedshedidn'tfalloverwhenRylandwasfinallyabletomove,kissingherneckand
slowlystraighteningup.Herlegsomehowmanagedtounwrap,herfootdroppingtothefloor,releasing
him.Hehandedherbackthelittlescrapofuselessunderwear.

LilystareddownatthetornlacythonginshockthenliftedhergazetoRyland.Aslowgrinwasspreading

acrosshisface.Self-satisfied.Male.Shecouldn'thelptheslowansweringsmilecurvinghermouth.

Rylandstudiedher.Shelookedthoroughlyloved.Shestillleanedagainstthewall,hergownbunched
aroundherwaist,herbreaststhrustingtowardhim.Hermouthwasswollenfromhiskissesandhecould
seehisseedtricklingdownherthigh."You'reundoubtedlythemostbeautifulwomanI'veeverseen."

Slightlyshockedthatshefeltnoembarrassment,Lilycasuallyusedtheredthongtocleanherleg.Ryland
caughtherhand,tookthescrapoflaceback,andslowlyperformedthetask.Hisfingersseemedtolinger
andcaresshersensitizedfleshsothatlittleaftershocksbeganalloveragain.

"Youcan'tdothat,"shewhispered.Hismeretouchwasproducinganachethatwouldneverbesatisfied.

"Youwouldn'tbelievewhatIcando,"hesaidwithcompleteconfidence,hisfingersdancinginsideher,
teasingandprovoking,urgingherbodytomoveagainsthisstrokingthumb.

Shewentovertheedgesohardandfasttheorgasmtookherbysurprise.Lilycaughtathisshoulderfor
support,herbodytremblingandaching."YouhavetostoporI'mgoingtoscreamandbringeveryone
running."

Hekissedheragainandagain,wishingformoretimewithher."Iwanttospendhoursjustmakingloveto
you,Lily."

Shelookedaroundherattheshabbylittleroom."Ican'tbelievewe'reinthissmuttylittleroom.Worse,I
can'tbelieveIwanttostayinherewithyou."

Rylandleanedintoher,foundhermouthwithhis,aslowmelting.Wheretheysizzledbefore,burninghot
andfast,nowtheysmoldered."Iloveyou,LilyWhitney.Ireallydoloveyou."Hishandcurvedaround
thenapeofherneck,histhumbtippingupherchinsoshehadtomeetthesteelinhiseyes.

"Iknowyoulovemybody."

"Damnit,isitsohardtosayit?Ifeeliteverytimeyoutouchme.Whenyoukissme.Stopbeingso
damnedstubborn.Icouldusealittlehelphere."

"Twodamns,"Lilysaidthoughtfully.Shecircledhisneckwithbotharms,leanedherfull,generous
breastsintohischest.Herteethnibbledonhisneck,hisjaw."IguessI'llhavetogivethissomethoughtif
you'regoingtobesoinsistent."

Heheardthesoftteasingnoteinhervoiceandthehardknotsinhisbellybegantorelax."Iamgoingtobe
insistent,Lily.Iwasthinkingwecouldgohomeandpickupthisconversationinourbed."

"You'reverysureofyourself,aren'tyou?"Hertonguedancedinhisear,teasedthecornerofhismouth.

"Lily,you'replayingwithfirehere."Hepulledawayfromher."I'mtwosecondsfromtakingyouallover
againandwereallymightgetcaught."Oneofthemhadtobestrong.Hetuckedherbreastsinsideher
dress,straighteningherneckclasp.Shedidn'thelphim,butstoodstaringupathimwithherenormous
eyesdrinkinghimin.Almostdaringhim.Rylandpulledhergowndownresolutely,tuggeduntilitfell
aroundhergracefully.

Lily'shandbrushedthefrontofhimsuggestively,droppedlower,rubbedandcaressed,brandedhimhers
beforetuckinghimbackinsidehischarcoalslacks.

Hisentirebodyclenched,shuddered,andwentupinflamesatthedancingintimacyofhertouch.Lily
mightnothaveexperience,butshehadconfidenceandsheknewhewantedher."I'mnotgoingtosurvive
this,Lily."Hewaspleadingformercy.

Shetookpityonhim.TheroleofseductresswasoneLilywasfindingshelovedbutreallifewas
intrudingandshecouldseeRyland'srisingtension."Ididn'ttellyouhowhandsomeyoulookinasuit.
Wheredidyougetitonsuchshortnotice?Andalltheothers?Theymusthavebeenwearingsuits."

"Arly.He'saveryusefulman."

Lilysmiled."Isn'thewonderful?"

"Idon'tknowifI'dgothatfar,honey.WhenareyougoingtointroducemetoRosa?I'mgettingkindof
tiredofduckingunderyourbedandhidingintheclosetonthemorningsshedecidestobringyoutea.
AlthoughthatclosetisbiggerthanthetrailerIgrewupin."Helookedherovercarefully,brushedherhair
backoverhershoulder."Afterwegetoutofhere,youneedtofillmeinonthecaptainandthegeneral.
Youtookquiteachancetalkingwithhim.IttookthecombinedeffortsofallofustokeepHiggensandthe
othersawayfromthetwoofyou."

"Ithinkthecaptainowesyouabigthank-you.Thatwomanwasgoingtotakehimhomeandshowhima
goodtime."

"Itwasinhermindtofindahandsomeservicemanhusband,"Rylandsaid."Shewasdressedforseduction
andhewasobviouslydeterminedtoseduce."

"Don'tbeglaringatme,"Lilysaid,laughing."Ididn'twantanythingtodowiththatman."

Rylandranhisfingerdownherspine,allthewaytothecurveofherbottom."Hewastouchingyoulikehe
ownedyou."

"Likehewantedtoownme."Lilyreachedforhishand."Hegaveathoughtortwotothemoney.That's
whathewanted,notme.Anditwasjustoneofthosefleetingthoughts.Hewasorderedtostickcloseto
meandI'mwillingtobettomorrowmorninghe'llhavealotofexplainingtodo."

"Hewon'tcare,"Rylandsaidwithconfidence."He'llthinkshewasworthit."

"Howarewegoingtogetyououtofhere?"Lilytriednottofeelanxious.Rylandexudedtremendous
confidence."Havetheothermengone?IsanyonewatchingHiggens?"

"They'llfallback,don'tworryaboutthem."Rylandtuggedather,drawingherthroughthetinyroom
towardthecloset."You'recomingwithme,Lily.I'mnotleavingwithoutyou.Themenwillexpectyouto
getclearwithme.Youriskedyourlifeforus,togetinformationtohelpus,we'renotabouttoleaveyou
hereunprotected.TheyallknowI'dneverleaveyouherealone.That'snotupfordiscussion,bytheway,
ifyou'rethinkingofarguingwithme."

Lilyrubbedherchinalonghisshoulder."I'mtiredandmylegisgoingtodecidetogiveoutonmeafterall

thatdancing.I'vegotsomuchtotellyou."Shedidn'twanthimthinkingitwashisideaforhertoleave.Of
courseshewasgoingtoleaveimmediately.Herbruisesweretheperfectexcuse.Latershewouldtell
PhillipThorntonherheadhadbeenthrobbingandshehadslippedouttogethomeandrest.

Ican'tholdthemoffanylonger.HiggensissendingmenineverydirectionlookingforLily.Takeher
outbythebackstairsandI'llcoverforyou.ThewarningfromNicolaswassostrongevenLilycaught
theurgencyinhisvoice.

Rylandreactedinstantly,catchingLily'shand,springingtowardtheclosetdoor.Hewentthroughitfirst,
draggingherupthestairsandaroundthecorneruntiltheywerepressedagainstthewallunderthespiral
staircase.Thecrowdwasclose,breakingoffintosmallgroupsseekingelusiveprivacytotalkbusiness
evenastheywatchedthedancers.Rylandreliedonhisinstincts,threadingthroughthepeople,usingthe
crowdascover.Hewasinadarksuitandcouldmergewiththeshadowsandblend,butLilywasin
dazzlingred,sexyandalluring,herdarkcloudofhairspillingaroundher,soshedrewtheeye.Ifhegave
uphiscoathiswhiteshirtwouldbeaneonsign.

LilyrealizedshewasendangeringRyland."Gowithoutme,I'llcatchup.Johniswaitingwiththelimo."
Shetriedtountangleherfingersfromhis,butheshackledherwristandyankedhertohisside.

Onestrongarmcurvedaroundherwaist.Therewassteelinhim,shediscovered.Anothersidetothe
passionateloverwhocouldbesotenderandloving."JustdoasIsayandstayquiet.Wearen'tseparating,
Lily,sodon'twastetimearguing."

Sheglancedupattheintenseconcentrationonhisface.Thesilvereyesmovedrestlessly,alertly,
searchingthroughthethrongsofpeopleunerringlytofindthestern-lookingmenworkingtheirwayacross
theballroomfloorandalongthewallsanddarkercorners.

RylandknewthesoldierswerelookingforLilyandhersexyreddress.Hewouldhavespottedher
immediately.Heurgedherdownthelonghall,huggingthewall,shieldinghersmallerbodywithhis
largeronetominimizetheriskofherbeingseen.Theywerelookingforawoman,notforRylandMiller.
Thecloakroomwasbesidetheelevator.RylandtookthenumberfromLilyandstrolleduptotheattendant,
presentingthecard.Lily'scloakwasfloorlengthandhooded,alongdrapeofblackvelvet.Gratefullyhe
enfoldedherinitswarmth.

Onyourright.I'mblurringyourimageabit.

RylanddrewLilyintohisarms,pressingherbackintothemultitudeofpottedplants,anardentlover,his
backtotheirright,hisentirebodyprotectingherfrompryingeyes.Hemurmuredsoftly,deliberately,
amusementinhisvoiceasiftheyweresharingsomesecret,intimatejoke.Allthewhileshefelttheflow
ofenergygrowingaroundthemuntilitwasnearlycracklingintheair.Togetherthetwomenurgedthe
soldierdressedinthedarksuittolooktheotherway,tocatchaglimpseofaredgownandhurryafterthe
womanassheroundedacorner.

RylandimmediatelyrushedLilytowardthestairs,amansoeagertobealonewithhisloverhewas
impatienttogetheroutofthecrowd.Therewasabriefmomentwhentheyhadnochoicebuttowalkin
thelightedhallway.Hecouldonlyhopethecapewaslongenoughtocovertheredhemofhergownas
Lilywalkedquickly.

"Takeoffyourshoes,"heorderedastheymadethecomparativesafetyofthestairwell."Idon'twantyour
highheelstoslowusdownifwehavetorun."

Lilyheldhisarmwithonehandandremovedthethin-strappedshoeswiththeother."Ihappentolike
theseshoes,"shesaid."Idon'twantthemlost."

"Justlikeawoman,worriedaboutshoesatatimelikethis."Rylandrolledhiseyesashetuggedonher
hand."They'regoingtobewaitingforusononeofthefloorsbelow,Lily.Theyshouldn'tbeswarmingthe
waytheyare."

Theyraceddowntwoflightsofstairs."Whywouldtheyunlesstheyknewyouwerehere?Couldthey
havespottedyouoroneofthemeninsideearlier?"

"Idoubtit."Theywentdowntwomoreflights.

Lilywasdefinitelylimpingnow.Shetriedtoletgoofhishand,knowingshewasholdinghimback.She
knewfromlongexperience,hermuscleswouldbegintospasmandeventuallyshewouldbedraggingher
leg."You'retheoneindanger,Ryland,notme.Whataretheygoingtodoheretomeinfrontofallthese
people?I'llgobacktotheballroomandjoinagroup.HaveArlysendJohninforme."

"Keepmoving,Lily,"Rylandsnapped,hisexpressiongrim."Thisisn'tademocracy."Hisfingersshackled
herwrist,pulledherdownanotherflightofstairs.

"Myleg,Ryland,"shebegan.

Ryland'spalmcoveredhermouth.Shefelthissuddenstillness.Hisarmswerearoundher,holdingherto
him,movingherbackwardonthethird-floorlandingabovethestairs.Hepeereddown,hismouthpressed
againstherear."Thestairlightisgonebelowus.Someone'stherewaiting.Icanfeelthem."

Shecouldn'tfeelanythingbuttheterriblepainashercalfmusclesknottedandherlungsburnedfrom
runningdownseveralflightsofstairs.Herheartwasbeginningtopound.WhatcouldhavetippedColonel
HiggensofftoRyland'spresenceinthebuilding?Orwashereallylookingforherbecauseshehadspent
toomuchtimewithGeneralRanier?Maybethegeneralwassoangryheinadvertentlyhintedatthe
truthtoHiggens.

Thethoughtfrightenedher.Ranierwouldbeindanger,maybeevenDelia,hiswife.IfHiggensand
Thorntonhadbeenwillingtochancecommittingmurderalreadyfourtimes,theyweren'tgoingtostop
becausetheirnextvictimwasageneral.

Ryland'slipsmoved,hisvoicesolowshehardlycaughtthewords."It'sCowlings.Histelepathicability
isalmostnil,buthefeelsthesurgesofenergy.We'regoingdownthestairs.Stayclosetothewalland
keepthecloakaroundyou."

Shenoddedtoindicatesheunderstood.Ryland'sarmsslippedoffofher,takingmostofthewarmthwith
them.Lilyshrankbackagainsttherailingashebeganthedescentintothedarkregionbelowthem.He
madenosoundashestalkeddownthestairslikethepredatorhewas.Lilytouchedhisbackfor
reassurance.Shecouldfeeltherippleofhismusclesashecreptdownthestairs.Shetriedtoemulatehis
silence,placingherfeetcarefullyanddoingherbesttocontrolherbreathing.Evensoitsoundedoverloud

inthequietofthestairwell.

Adooropenedbrieflyfarabovethemandloudlaughterspilledout.Thesmellofcigarettesmokedrifted
down.Rylandfroze,remainedunmoving,holdinguphishandtoindicatetohertofreezeinplace.They
stayedmotionlessuntilthedoorslammedshutonthevoices,leavingbehindsilence.Hishandtouched
hers.Theirfingerstangledandhesqueezedhersinreassurance.

Lilytriedtoholdherbreathduringthedescenttothesecond-storylanding.Theclosertheygottothe
secondfloor,theharderherheartpounded,untilshewasafraiditwouldburstoutofherchest.Thesurge
ofadrenalinecausedherbodytotrembleviolently.Rylandwasassteadyasarock.Shecouldn'tdetect
thathisheartratehadrisenatallandherthumbwasrubbingnervouslybackandforthoverthepulsein
hiswrist.Lilyblinked.Ryland'swristslidawayfromher.

Suddenlyhewasgoneandshewasalone,flattenedagainstthewallonthefourthstairfromthelanding,
tremblingaloneinthedark.Therewasnosoundatall.Lilysoughtinsideherselfforacalmingmoment,
forcingairthroughherlungsuntilshehadslowedherheartandbroughtherbreathingbackundercontrol.
Shewaited,notgivingintotheimpulsetoreachtelepathicallyforRyland.IfCowlingswereanywhere
close,hewouldfeelthesuddensurgeofenergy.

Theurgetomovewassuddenandimmediate.Awhisperingsoundedinherheadbutshecouldn'tquite
makeoutthewords.Lilystayedstill,huggingthewall,nottrustingaconnectionthatwasn'tstrongand
intimateastheoneshealwayshadwithRyland.Nicolaswasextremelystrongandsheknewhim.Shefelt
hewouldhavemanagedtosendheraclearmessage.Shewaited,wrappedinhervelvetcloak.Tense.
Afraid.Holdingherground.

Itseemedanhour.Timesloweddown.Nearlystopped.Lilyhatedthesilence,whenitwasusuallyher
refuge.Therewasawhisperofmovement,feltmorethanheard.Clothbrushingagainstthewallvery
closetoher.Lilytriedtomakeherselfsmaller,heldherbreath,waiting.Shestareddirectlytowardthe
sound.Littlebylittleshebegantomakeoutthestealthyshadowloominglarge,stalkingherthereinthe
dark.

Everythinginherscreamedtobreakandrun,butsheforcedastillness.Trustinghim.TrustingRyland.She
couldfeelhimclosetoher,Breathingwithher.Forher.Givingherthestrengthtowaitforthethreatto
reachouttoher.

Somethingheavydroppedfromabove,landedonthestalker'sback,hookingtheneck,jerkinghard,
droppingbothbodiestothelanding.Shecouldhearthesickeningthudoffistagainstflesh.

Gonow!ThevoicewassharpandclearinLily'shead.Nicolas,notRyland.

Shehesitatedoneheartbeatthendidasordered,slippingpastthetwostruggling,viciouslyfightingmen.
Shestarteddowntheflightofstairs,glancedback.Thetwomenwereontheirfeetnow.Oneshadow
brokeandrantowardher,leaping,takingflight,determinedtogethishandsonher.

Lilytriedtorun,pushingoffwithherbadleg.Hermusclesseized.Theleggaveout,andshefoundherself
sittingdownhardinthemiddleofthestaircase.Itwastheonlythingthatsavedher.Themanwouldhave
hithersquarelyinthebackhadshenotfallen.Asitwas,hekickedhershoulderashisbodyovershot
hers.Lilynearlytumbleddownthestairswiththeforceoftheimpact.Helandedseveralstepsbelowher,

spunaround,andscrambledtowardher.Shecouldseehiseyes,thesheenoftriumph.Hishandsreached
out,grabbedherankle,andyanked.

LilysliddownthestairsevenasRylandloomedup,adarksolidmenace.HiskickcaughtCowlings
squarelyinthehead.ThemanfellbackwardawayfromLily.

Rylandcaughther,draggedhertohim,hishandsrunningoverherbodytocheckthatshewasuninjured.
"Areyouhurt?Didhehurtyou?"

Herhandsliddownhischest,cameawaystickyandwet."Ryland?"

"It'snothing,Lily,hehadaknifeinhishand.It'sagraze,nothingmore.Canyouwalk?"

"Idon'tknow.It'slikethat,sometimesIworkfineandthenitjustgivesoutcompletelywhenthemuscle's
toostressed."Shewantedtopullhisshirtuptoexaminehischest,buthewasdraggingherup,hisarm
aroundherwaist,urgingherdownthelastflightofstairstotheentrancetothefirstfloor.

Rylandpushedopenthedoor,glancedaround,andhurriedhertowardasidedoor.Behindyou.The
warningcameasCowlingsrushedoutofthestairwell.Rylandduckedintoanalcove,pushingLilyaway
fromhimwhileswingingaroundtofaceCowlings.Thetwomencircledwarily.

"I'mgoingtokillyou,Miller,"Cowlingssnarled,wipingbloodfromhisshatterednose.Hisface
appearedmuchlikepulp.Evenhiseyeswereswelling.

"You'rewelcometotry,"Rylandansweredsoftly.

LilyconcentratedonthepictureonthewalltoRyland'srightanditbegantotrembleviolently.Itsuddenly
jumpedfreeandflewtowardRussellCowlings.Itrockedandspun,dippinglow,pickingupspeedasit
rosesharply.Cowlingsduckedanddodged,desperatelytryingtoavoidtheattackingpicture.

Rylandlungedathim,feigninganattack,distractinghim.Cowlingsstumbledbackward,turninghis
attentiontohishumanopponent.Thepictureslammeddownhardoverthetopofhishead,breaking
throughcanvas,glass,andframeandsettlingaroundhisneck.Cowlingslookedmorestunnedthanhurt.

"Go,Lily."Rylandhadnochoice.Ifhelefttheirenemyalive,Lilywouldbeindanger,aswouldallofhis
men.Hecouldn'tbearforhertobeawitness.

Sheobeyed,limpingheavilyasshewent.Herlegwasthrobbingsobadlyitwasmakingherfeelsick.
Nearlyuseless,shewasdraggingherselftowardtheexit.Theheavydrapealongthealcovewallsuddenly
leapttolife;itreachedoutandwhippedaroundher,wrappingherupincoilsofmaterial.Thedrape
woundsotightlyitthreatenedtocutoffherair.Lilywasunabletoseeanythingortofighttheheavyfolds.
Herarmswerelockedtohersides.

Herleggaveoutandshefell,trappedintheever-tighteningcoils,suddenlyindangerofsuffocation.
Ryland!Panic-stricken,shegaspedhisnameinhermind.

Sheknewhewasinafightforhislife.Foralltheirlives.Shewasevenashamedthatshehadpleadedfor
hishelp,riskingdistractinghim,butshecouldn'thelpherself.Lilyhadneverfeltsopanickedinallher
life.

Becalm.ThatwasNicolas.Itwasamazingthatshecouldhearhimwhenshewasscreamingsoloudlyin
herhead.

Shebreathwasshallowandsheclosedhereyesandbegantouseherbrain.Shehadtremendouspower,
tremendouscontrol.Yearsofpracticinghadhonedherskills.RussellCowlingswaspreoccupiedwith
fightingandhewasnotnearlyasstrongasshewas.Lilybegantofightforcontroloftheheavydrapes.
Thebattledidn'tlastlong.Cowlingshadnostaminaforaprolongedmentalfightnordidhehavethe
necessaryskillsbuiltuptodividehisattention.

Rylandwentinlowandmean,needingaquickfinish.Nicolaswasclosebuthewascontrollingsecurity
camerasandsteeringanylate-nightersawayfromthealcove.Cowlingswasaviciousfighterandquick.
Hehadalwaysbeenoneofthebestinhand-to-handcombatandwassmartenoughtokeepoutofreach,
snappingaseriesofhardkickstoforceRylandtostayawayfromhim.

Rylandfoughtdowntheurgetomovetooquickly,takinghistime,blockingthekicksandpushingslowly
inside.HewasthestrongerphysicallyandoncehegothishandsonCowlingsitwouldbeover.Ryland
caughtsightofthetwo-foot-highashtrayjustinsidethealcove.Theroundcylinderwasmadeofmetal.
EvenashekeptuphisslowpursuitofCowlings,heconcentratedonthecylinder,forcingthecanisterto
tipoverslowly,floatinglightlytothethicklycarpetedfloortokeepfrommakingnoise.

Blockingseveralviciouskicks,hesentthecylinderrollingbetweenCowling'slegs,causinghimto
stumbleback.InstantlyRylandexplodedintoaction,drivinginfastwiththeedgeofhishandtoCowling's
throat,crushingeverythinginit'spathasitdrovethrough.Itsickenedhim,watchingthemanfall.Watching
himstruggletobreathe,animpossibletask.Rylandtriedtofeelnothing.Triedtogodeadinside.

HewhirledaroundtofindLily'senormouseyesstaringathiminhorror.Shescrambledoutfromunderthe
heavydraperies,tryingtocrawltoCowlingswiththevagueideaofhelpinghim.

Getclear!Getclear!TherearetoomanycomingdownandIcan'tholdthemoff.

Rylandcaughtheraroundherwaist,liftedherbodilyintohisarms,andsprintedforthedoor.Heburst
intothenight,runningforthecornerwhereheknewArlywaitedinthecar.

"IhavetogowithJohn.Ifthelimousineisstillparkedandwaitingforme,HiggensisgoingtoknowI
didn'tleaveimmediately,"Lilyprotested.

Rylanddidn'tslowdown,didn'tglanceatNicolasasheemergedfromanotherdoorandpacedalongside
ofhim.Theyseparatedatthecar,divingfromeithersideintothebackseat.RylanddumpedLilyontothe
floor.

"Go,Arly,gonow."Ryland'svoicewasharsh.HetoldLily,"CallJohnonthecellphoneandtellhimto
getthehelloutofthere."

LilyglancedupatRyland'sgrimfaceandobeyedhim.Johnprotested,wantedtoknowwhatwasgoing
on,buttheurgencyinhervoicefinallyconvincedhim.Hepromisedtoleaveforhomeimmediately.

"Thanksforhangingbackandcoveringus,"Rylandsaid.

Nicolasshrugged."Kadentookthechildrenhome.Theywerehappytoplayforawhile.Iwantedalittle

moreexcitementsoIthoughtI'djusthangaround."HeleaneddowntoexamineLily'sface."Areyouall
right?Areyouhurt?"

"Rylandis.Cowlingshadaknife,"shesaid.

Arlytwistedhisheadaroundtostare."Whatthehellhappened?"

"Justdrive,"Rylandsnapped."It'sascratch,nomore,"headdedinprotestasLilycameuponherknees
andNicolasliftedhisshirttolookhimover.

"You'redamnedlucky,Captain,"Nicolassaid."Youshouldhavebrokenhisneckwhenyouhadhimthe
firsttime.Youknewhehadtobetakenout.Yougavehimashotatyoudeliberately."

Rylanddidn'tanswer,staringoutthewindow,hisfixedgazeturbulent.

"Shecouldhavebeenkilled,Rye.Hewasgoingafterhertoshakeyouup."

"Damnit,Nico,Iknowthat.Don'tyouthinkIknowthat?"Rylandswunghisheadaroundtoglareat
Nicolas.

Nicolasshruggedhisbroadshoulderswithstudiedcasualness."Youshouldhavekilledhimthefirsttime
youlaidyourhandsonhimbackatthefencewhenweescaped."

Rylandleanedhisheadbackagainsttheseatandclosedhiseyes,bilerising.Hefoughtitdown,his
fingersfindingandtunnelinginthethicksilkystrandsofLily'shair.Heclosedhisfistandheldherthat
way.Unknowing.Justneedingherpresence.

Seventeen

"DAMNit,Lily,Ijustkilledaman.Ilikedhim.I'vebeentohisparents'home.Whatthehelldidyouwant
metodo?"Rylandwaspacingbackandforth,raw,pent-upemotionboilingtothesurfaceandspillingout,
makinghisvoiceharsh."Hewasagoodsoldier.Agoodperson.Idon'tknowwhatthehellhappenedto
him."HewasrememberingRussellCowlingsandthememorieshurt.

Hecouldn'tlookather,couldn'tseethehorrorinhereyesagain.Resolutelyhekepthisbacktoherashe
pacedthelengthofherbedroomandbackagain.Lilywasstillrunningherbath,hervelvetcloakthrown
carelesslyoverthebackofthestuffedarmchair.Hersexyredgownwasinaheaponthefloor.He
snatcheditupandcrushedthematerialinhishands."Youcouldhavebeenkilled,Lily.Hecouldhave
killedyou.IlethimgothefirsttimebecauseIwasworriedwhatyoumightthink.Damnit."Thewords
explodedoutofhim."I'mgoodatwhatIdo.Youcan'tjustlookatmewithaccusationandshakemeupso
Ican'tfunction.Doyouhaveanyideawhatwouldhavehappenedifhehadgottenaway?Iputallthemen
indangertokeepfromkillinghiminfrontofyou."Hehopedthatwastrue.Hewisheditweretrue.Ifit
wasn't,itmeanthehadhesitatedbecauseCowlingshadbeenafriend.Andthatwasabad,badthing.
EitherwayhedeservedthewhipinNicolas'svoice.

Lilypinnedherhairupandsteppedintothehotbathwater,prayingitwouldhelpunlockthemuscles
knottinginherleg.HershoulderthrobbedwhereCowlingshadmadecontactinhisleaponthestairway
andsheknewshehadaterriblebruisethere.Shehadn'tbotheredtocheck;tearswererunningdownher
faceandshedoubtedshewouldevenseeherimageinthemirror.SheachedforRyland.Felthispain.Felt
howsickhewasandhowangryathimself.Hewasyellingather,butsheknewhisfierceragewasreally
directedathimself.

SteamrosearoundherasLilyforcedherbodyintothehotwater.Shecouldn'tcomforthim.Shecouldn't
thinkofanywaytotakeawayhispain.Hehadreachedouttoherwhenherfatherhadbeenmurdered.He
hadbeentherewhenshefoundoutshehadbeenanexperiment.Shecouldonlysitinagiganticmarble
Jacuzzifilledwithhotsteamywater,cryingandwonderingwhysomeonewithherbraindidn'thaveaclue
whattodo.

"Lily?"Rylandrestedhishipagainstthebathroomdoor-jamb,hergownstillcrumpledinhishand.She
hadn'tlookedathimoncesincethey'dracedoutofthehotel.Notonesingletime,asifshecouldn'tbear
thesightofhim.Shecouldn'thavehurthimmoreifshe'dplungedaknifeinhisgut."Youmightaswell
justunderstandsomethingrighthereandnow.ThisiswhatIdo,whatI'vebeentrainedtodo,damnit!"

Shedidn'tlookathim,staringstraightahead.Rylandsteppedcloser.Hewasgoingtohaveanulcerbefore
heevergotacommitmentoutofher.Hecouldseetheuglyblackandpurplebruiseforminghighuponthe
backofhershoulder."Areyoulisteningtome?"Theharshragewasgonefromhisvoice."I'mnotletting
yougobecauseyousawmedoingsomethingthatwasnecessary.YoumayaswellknowIwon't.It'sa
stupidreasonforyoutogiveuponus."Hebroughttheredmaterialuptohisface,rubbeditagainsthis
jaw.Hewasn'tgoingtoloseher.

Rylandhadnoideahowithadhappenedorwhenithadhappened,butshewassofirmlyentrenchedinhis
heart,inhissoul,hecouldn'tbreathewithouther.Whenshestilldidn'tanswer,justsattherewithsteam
curlingherhairandtearsfallingintothewater,hesighedheavily,theangerdrainingoutofhim."Don't
cry,honey.I'msorryIhadtokillhim."Hisvoicewasverylowandcontrolled."Pleasestopcrying,you're

tearingmyheartout."

"Getaclue!I'mnotcryingbecauseyouhadtokillhim,Ryland.I'msorryhe'sdead,buthewastryingto
killusboth.I'mcryingforyou.Ihavenoideahowtohelpyou."Embarrassed,shethrewwateronher
facetocoverthetears.

Hewassilent,studyingheravertedface."Thisisallforme?You'recryingforme?"Thatwaswhatshe
did.Turnedhiminsideoutwithafewsentences.Whatwashegoingtodowithher?"Lily,don'tdothat.
Youdon'tneedtocryforme."Wherehisstomachhadbeeninhardknots,nowtherewasawarmglow.He
feltlikeshe'dhandedhimaChristmaspresent.Noonehadshedtearsforhiminalongtime.

Lilyheardthenoteinhisvoice.Happiness.Shefeltitintheroominspiteoftheweightoftheguilthewas
feeling.Thatlittlenoteallowedhertobreatheagain.

Sheturnedherheadtolookathimoverhershoulder.Herlonglasheswerespiked.Beadsofwaterran
downhersoftskin,tothetipsofherbreasts.Inspiteofthebruises,shewasanalluringsightsittingthere.
Herhairtumbledandcurledinthesteam.Waterbubbledandbrushedlovinglyatherbody.Shetookhis
breathaway.Stolehisheart.Shecriedforhim.

"Ican'tthinkwhenyoulooklikethat,Lily.Whydidyouhavetobesobeautiful?"Hedidn'tmeanphysical
beauty,buthecouldn'tseparateonefromtheother.Hewassickatheartwithwhathe'ddone.Hedidn't
thinkthebloodofafriendcouldeverbewashedfromhishandsbutsomehowhertearshadmanagedtodo
it.Rylandstaredather,inthemiddleofwhatlookedlikeacrystalpalace,aprincesshedidn'tdeservebut
wasgoingtokeep.

"IwishIwasbeautiful,Ryland.Youmakemefeelbeautiful."Hervividbluegazedriftedmoodilyover
hisruggedfeatures."HowcouldyouthinkIwouldblameyouforsavingourlives?Ifeelwhatitcostyou.
Ifeltitwhenyoudidit."

"Isawyourface.Youwantedtosavehim."Heblinkedawaythetearsburningunexpectedlyinhiseyes.
Histhroatfeltrawwithpain.

"Isawyours.Iwantedtosavehimforyou."Shereachedoutherhandtohim.Waiteduntilhetookher
fingersandsettledontheedgeoftheJacuzzitub."We'reconnectedsomehow.Andyou'reright.Itdoesn't
matterifmyfatherfoundawaytomanipulatetheattractionbetweenus,I'mgratefulyou'reinmylife."

Rylandbroughtherhandtohismouth,nibbledonherfingers,resistingtheurgetogatherherclose.She
humbledhimwithhergenerosity."Doesyourshoulderhurt?"Heleanedforwardtobrushakissagainst
theviciousbruise.

"I'mfine,Ryland.Whataboutyourribs?Arlysaidhecleanedthescratchbutyouknowknifewoundsare
notoriousforinfections."Shesoundedanxious,notatallhisperfectlycalmLily.

Hekneltbesidethetub,reachedbeneaththebubblingwaterforhercalf.Hebeganaslow,deepmassage,
workingherknottedmuscleswithinfinitegentleness."Don'tworry,Arlyscrubbeditwithsomekindof
foul-smellingstuffhecalledbugjuice.Itburnedlikehell.Nothingcouldbealive,noteventhetiniest
germ."

"WhenIwasachild,hesworebythatstuff.Ithinkhemakesitupinthelaboratoryliketheproverbial
madscientist.EverytimeIfelldown,heswabbeditovermykneesandturnedmyskinaveryuglyshade
ofpurple."

Rylandlaughed."That'sthestuff,allright."Hefeltherwincebeneathhismassagingfingersandgentled
histouchevenmore."TellmeaboutRanier.Whatdoyouthink?"

"Hewastellingmethetruth,"Lilysaid."Iwassorelieved.I'veknownhimmostofmylifeandI'mnot
certainIcouldhavetakenitifhehadbeeninvolvedinaplotagainstmyfather.Apparently,hereceived
noneofthemessagesmyfathersenthim.Nothisletters,orhisemails,andnotthephonecalls.
Interestinglyenough,thegeneral'saideisabrothertoHilton,themanColonelHiggenssenttokeepaneye
onme."Shereachedunderthewater,grippedhiswrist."GeneralRanierwassuddenlyveryworried,asif
hewereconnectingdotstosomething.Ithinkthere'sbeenasecurityleakforawhileandhe'ssuddenly
puttingtwoandtwotogether."

"Maybe.Ifthere'sbeenaproblemwithaleak,theywouldn'tadvertiseit.Theinvestigationwouldbe
internal.NoonewouldsuspectColonelHiggens.Hisrecordisimpeccable.

Icertainlypreferredinthebeginningtobelieveitwasyourfatherbetrayingusall.AndGeneral
McEntire…it'sstilldifficulttobelievethathewouldbeinvolvedinsellingouthiscountry.It'sa
nightmare,Lily.Thisentirethinghasbeenanightmare."

"DoyouthinkCowlingswasaplant?SomeoneColonelHiggensplacedintheprogram?Irememberwhen
Ireadhisfile,hescoredlowonmostofthecriteriaforpsychicability.Ithoughthewasallowedin
becauseDadwantedtoseeiftheenhancementwouldworkonsomeonewithlittleornonaturaltalent.
Anditdid."

Hervoicehadslippedbackintoherprofessional,completelyinterestedtone.Rylandknewimmediately
thediscussionhadgonefrompersonaltoclinical.Insteadofannoyinghim,itmadehimwanttosmile."He
mightnothavebeentelepathic,buthecertainlywasabletotakecommandofaninanimateobject.That
wasreallygreat."

"Lily,youdiddestroyyourfather'soriginalnotesontheexperiment,didn'tyou?Hewouldn'twantit
repeated."

Thecrampsinherlegwereslowlybeginningtoeaseunderhisministrationandthehotwater.Lily
breathedasighofreliefandsankdeeperintothebubbles."Dadthoughttheexperimentfailed,"she
pointedout.

"Onlyatfirst,"hesaidcalmly.Hisfingersitchedtoshakeher."Hesuspectedsomeonehadsabotagedit
andhestillfeltstronglyenoughtotellyoutogetridofhiswork.Youhavetohonorthat,Lily.Youcan
keepthetapesoftheexercisesincaseyouneedthemfortheotherwomenwhenwetrackthemdown,but
therestofit,youhavetodestroysothisisneverrepeated."

"Itwasbrilliant,Ryland."Shesatforward,herbluegazealivewithinterest."Whathedidwastotally
brilliantfromapurelyscientificstandpoint."

"Ivolunteered,Lily,themenandI,butyouandtheotherlittlegirlshadnochoice.WhatPeterWhitneydid

toyouwastotallywrongfromahumanitarianstandpoint."Ryland'sstrongfingersencircledherankle,
gaveheralittleshake."Thinkhowyoufelt,Lily,seeingthoselittlegirls.Seeingyourself.Thinkhow
thosewomenfeelnowandwhattheymusthavegonethroughalltheseyears.Andmymen,howtheyare
goingtohavetoguardthemselvesfortherestoftheirlivestokeepfromendingupinaninstitution.Yes,
fromthestandpointofamilitaryoperation,withthehelpyou'regivingusnow,theexperimentmayhave
beenasuccess.Itwasverycool,bytheway,tobeabletodividemyenergyandfightRussellCowlings
evenwhileIwasworkingwiththeothersideofmybrain.Butthepointis,wehavetofunctionasagroup.
Thosewithoutananchortodrawtheexcessenergyawayfromthemarealwaysgoingtohaveproblems
livinganormallife."

"Iknow,Iknow.ButRyland…"

Hisgriptightened."Therearenobuts,Lily.Thesemenandthewomendeservedanormallife.Theywant
families.Theyhavetosupportthosefamilies.Theydon'thaveyourmoneyandthisfancyhousetohelp
provideasanctuaryforthemtolivein.Ican'tbelieveyou'reevencontemplatingtheideatocontinue."

Lilygaveasmallsigh."I'mnot,Ryland.I'mreallynot.Ican'thelpbutfinditinterestingandrather
brilliant."Sheduckedherhead."Icanhardlybearthethoughtofgivingupanythingthatwasmyfather's.
Especiallyhishandwrittennotes.Theymakemefeellikehe'sstillherewithme."

Hishandtangledinherhair."I'msorry,Lily.Iknowithurtstoloseaparent.Youdidn'thaveamotherand
Ididn'thaveafather.We'regoingtomakeinterestingparentswhenwehavechildren."

Shelaughed,dispellingtheshadowsinhereyes."Iwouldn'tknowthefirstthingaboutchildren."

Rylandleanedovertheedgeofthetubtokissthetopofherhead."That'sallright,honey,youcanalways
getbooksofftheinternet."

Lilyglaredathim."Veryfunny.Thosebookswereveryinformative."

"I'mnotcomplaining."Thesmilefadedfromhisface."I'msorryaboutRussellCowlings,Lily.Nicolas
wasright,youknow.Icouldhaveendeditimmediately,whenIfirsthadmyhandsonhim.Ilethimgo.I
keptthinkingabouthisparents,aboutthewayhewasintraining.AndIkeptthinkingabouthowyoumight
notforgivemeformakingakill.Ididn'twantittoendthatway.Instead,Iputyouindanger."Hecaressed
herbruisedshoulderlightly."HewouldneverhavehurtyoulikethisifIhadjustdonemyjob."

"I'mgladitbotheredyou,Ryland.Ifitwaseasyforyou,that'swhenI'dworry."Lilyyawned,triedto
coveritwithherhand.

"Comeon,honey,"herespondedimmediately."Let'sgotobed.Wecanfigurethisalloutinthemorning.
Isyourlegfeelingbetter?"

Lilynodded."Muchbetter,thanks."SheshutofftheJacuzzijetsandsteppedout,seatingherselfonthe
tiledbenchtotoweloff.

Rylandtookthetoweloutofherhandsandperformedthetaskwithlongslowstrokes,rubbingawaythe
smalltemptingbeadsofwater."IwishIcouldsupplyprooftoGeneralRanier,butIdon'thaveanything
butconjectureatthispoint.That'snotgoingtogetmeoutofacourt-martial."

Lilywentverystill,hereyeswide."Maybewedohaveproof,Ryland.Thatdisk.It'sstillinmylabcoat
pocket.IhungthejacketonthepegbythedoorinsidemyofficewhenIcamebackfromtheclinic.Ididn't
takeanymedsuntilIwashomebecauseIdidn'ttrustanyone.IwashurtingsobadIjustcamehome.I
wishIhadremembereditatthetime.HowcouldIhaveforgottensomethingsoimportant?"

"Maybebecausesomeonehityouontheheadandknockedyouout?"heventured.

Lilylimpedpasthimbackintothebedroom,yankingopenthedoorstohercloset.Rylandfrownedasshe
whippedthroughshirtsonhangers."I'vebeenmeaningtotalktoyouaboutthiscloset.Afamilycouldlive
init."Hetooktheshirtshewastryingtoyankoverherheadoutofherhands."Whatareyoudoing?"

"GoingtoDonovanstogetthattape."Shepulledtheshirtbacktoher.

"Lily,it'sfouro'clockinthemorning.Whatareyouthinking?"

"I'mthinkingColonelHiggensisn'tanidiotandwhenhediscoversRussellCowling'sbodyinthatalcove
afterheobviouslysenthimtowatchme,Higgenswillarrangealittleaccidentorkidnappingorjustplain
murderatmyoffice.IfIgonow,Ihaveachancetogetthatdiskandgetoutclean.Hewon'tbeexpecting
metogothere.He'llbelookingforawaytopenetratethesecurityofmyhouseorusesomeoneIlove—
John,Arly,orRosa—togettome."Shewiggledintotheshirt,draggingitoverhergenerousbreasts.
"Thisismyonechancetogetthedisk.Hedoesn'tknowaboutit."

"It'sfouro'clockinthemorning!Youdon'tthinkthatmightraiseevenasecurityguard'ssuspicions?"

Sheshrugged,selectedapairofslacks,anddraggedthemon."Idoubtit.Igothereatallhours.Theyall
thinkI'malittlebitcrazy."Sheleanedoverandkissedhismouth."Don'tlooksoworried.Iknowthisisa
calculatedriskbutit'sworthit.Higgensdoesn'tknowaboutthedisk.Theythinktherecorderwiththedisk
initintheirpossessionisallthereis.Idon'tevenknowifit'sanything.Itcouldbeblank,butifitisn't,it
mightbetheproofweneedagainstHiggens.ItwouldclearyouandtheothersandGeneralRanierwould
havetolisten."

"Idon'tlikeit,Lily."

"You'dlikeitlesstomorrow,inthelightofdaywhenHiggensandThorntonhavehadachancetoregroup
andplan.IknowThornton.He'sdrunkrightnowandsleepingitoffathome.He'snowherenear
Donovans.I'mtellingyou,Ryland,ifwewantthatdisk,thisisouronlychancetogetit.Rightnow."

"Lily,youcanhardlywalk."

"StopthrowinguproadblockswhenyouknowI'mright.There'snowayI'mwalkingintothatplaceafew
hoursfromnow.It'snowornever."Sheliftedherchin.Ittookatremendousamountofcouragetodecide
togoandshedidn'twanttohavetoargue,afraidshemightgiveinwhensheknewitwasanecessity.

ShecouldseethestruggleonRyland'sface.Hewouldhavegoneinaheartbeat,butLilywasatrisk,not
Ryland.Shetouchedhisarm."YouandacoupleoftheotherscanstandbytoactifIneedhelp.Cowlings
wastheonlyoneweknewofwhocoulddetecttelepathiccommunicationandhe'sdead.Ifit'snecessary
wecanusethatandalsoturntheguardstheotherwaysoIcangetout.Wehavetoactfast,rightnow."

Rylandsworesoftlybutnoddedhishead,knowingshewasright.Thediskwastooimportanttoletgo.If

itheldanyinformationatall,evenPeterWhitney'ssuspicions,itwasworththerisk.Theywouldhaveto
chancegettingoutfromunderHiggens'smilitaryguardspositionedaroundtheestateanditwasgrowing
lighter.Itcouldbedone,butitwastrickier.EvenLilycouldn'tsimplywaltzoutside.Theguardswouldtip
Higgensoffimmediately.

"I'llletArlyknowwe'llneedtheuseofthevehicleshehasstashedofftheproperty."Rylandcapitulated
completely."I'llrounduptheteam."

"I'mjustgoingtoruninandcomerightbackout.YouandtheotherscanstayhereandifIneedhelp,I'lllet
youknow."Shepulledonherwatch."Arlyputaminicommunicatorinmywatch.Hecanmonitorme
too."

RylandcalledArlytoalerthim,asLilysearchedforajacket."Wearen'tgoingtowaithere,honey,we
havetostayclosetoyoutobeofanyuse."Hespokeintothephoneinalowvoice,hungup,andturned
backtoher."Don'tgivemeanyargumentonthisoryouaren'tgoinganywhere."

Sherolledhereyes."Ijustloveitwhenyougetallmachoonme.Youdon'thavetoworry,Ryland.I'm
afraid.Idon'twantyouhurt,butIratherlikeknowingyou'recloseby.I'mnottakinganychances."

Theyhurriedtobeattherisingofthesun,goingthroughthetunnelsandoncemoreusingtheircombined
strengthtodirecttheguards'attentionelsewhere.Itwaseasierastheguardsweremuchsleepier.Nicolas
andKadenjoggedtothegaragebehindthegroundsman'scabintogetouttwocars.ArlydroveLilythe
distancetoDonovanswiththesecondcarclosebehind,stoppingafewblocksfromthechain-linkfence
surroundingtheproperty.

Arlystoppedatthegate,lookedboredastheguardshoneaflashlightthroughoutthecarandcarefully
checkedLily'sID."Newdriver,Dr.Whitney?"heasked.

Sheshrugged."Mysecurityman.ThorntonandColonelHiggensareconcernedformysafety."She
soundedbored,slightlyirritated."Ifigureditwouldn'thurttoplacatethem."

Theguardnoddedandsteppedawayfromthecar.ArlytookthehotlittlePorschesmoothlyintothe
parkinglotandfollowedherdirectionstotheblockofbuildingswhereherofficewaslocated."Ishould
haveconsideredthatchangingdriversmightmaketheguardssuspiciouswitheverythingthat'sbeengoing
onaroundhere.It'salwaysbeenJohndrivingthelimousineorjustmedrivingtheJagalone."Lilysighed.
"IfIsaygetoutofhere,Arly,don'targue,justgo.Iftheygetme,Idon'twantthemtogetyou."

"Iwill,don'tworryaboutme.Youjustgetinandgetoutfast."Arlylookedatheranxiously."Imeanit,
Lily,straighttoyourofficeandback."

Shenodded."Ipromise."Herheartwasinherthroat.Shewasdefinitelynotheroinematerial.Atthefirst
signoftroublesheplannedtorunlikearabbit.Lilyglanceddownatherleg.Shewasstilllimpingandthe
legwasreactingbadly.Itwasherownfault,dancingseveraldanceswithoutrestingitinbetween.Making
wildlove.Runningdownstairs.Shehadforgottentodoeverythingnecessarytokeepherlegfromgiving
outandnowshewaspayingtheprice.

Lilywavedattheguards,easilypassingthroughsecurity.Sheoftenpreferredworkingatnightjustto
avoidthesoundsofpeopleandtheemotionalturmoilandenergythatalwayssurroundedthem.Now,as

sheheardherownfootstepsechoingintheemptyhall,shewasfixatedonthemanycamerastrackingher
progress.

Shecouldfeelpanicbeginninginthepitofherstomach.Athousandbutterflywingstakingflightatonce.
Herstomachstarteddoingsomersaultsintimetothefranticbeatingofherheart.Evenhermouthwentdry
asshesteppedintotheemptyelevatorandrodeitdowntothelowerregionswhereherofficewas
located.

Onlythedimlightsinthetracksalongthecenterofthehalllittheinterior.Spookyshadowsshehadnever
noticedbeforewereeverywhere,movingasshemoved,asiffollowingher.Itseemedimpossiblyquiet.
Lilywastemptedtotalktoherselfforaddedcourage.

Sheunlockedthedoortoherprivateofficeandwentinside,closingitbehindher.Shewascertaina
cameramusthavebeenplantedinheroffice,soshetriedtobecasual,donningherwhitejacketasshe
alwaysdidandgoingstraighttoherdeskasifshehadforgottensomethingimportant.

Lilybeganriflingthroughthedrawers.Sheunlockedthelowerdrawers,droppingthekeyintothepocket
ofherjacketandpalmingthetapeasshedidso.Itwasverysmall,abletofitinthemicrorecorder.She
putherhandsonherhipsasiffrustrated,slidingthediskintothepocketofherslacks.Withfeigned
irritation,Lilyclosedallthedrawers,didaonce-overofherdesktop,droppedthekeyintoherpurse,and
hungherjacketup.

Nomatterhowmanytimesanyoneviewedthetape,shewascertaintheywouldneverspotthediskor
realizeitevenexisted.Withahugesighofrelief,shejerkedopenthedoortoheroffice.

Hardhandsstruckhersolidlyinthechest,drivingherbackwardsothatshelandedonthefloor,blinking
upinsurpriseandalarm.AstockymanwholookedverymuchlikeCapt.KenHiltonfromthefundraiser
stalkedacrosstheofficewhileColonelHiggensquietlyclosedthedoor.Sheknewshewaslookingat
GeneralRanier'saide.

Higgensstareddownatherwithhiscoldflatgaze."Well,well,youcertainlyaremuchmorebrazenthanI
evergaveyoucreditforbeing."Hestrolledacrossthefloor,allthemoremenacingforhislackofanger.

Lilystaredupathim,notattemptingtorise,stillfightingforair.Sherubbedherpalmoverherface,then
claspedherfingerstogetherinherlap,feelingforthesmallcatchonherwatch.Pressingthebutton,she
alertedArlytotroubleandprayedhewouldleave.

"Youleftthefundraiserearly."

Lilyshrugged."Ihardlythinkleavingearlywarrantsyourfriendshovingmetothefloor."

"Didyouknowamanwaskilledonthefirstfloorofthehoteltonight?"Higgenscircledaroundher,his
shoesbrushingherslacks.

"No,Colonel,Ihadnoidea.I'mhopingthere'sareasonyou'reattemptingtointimidateme,becauseI'm
abouttocallthesecurityguardsinhere."

CaptainHiltonslappedthebackofherhead.

Lilyglanceddownathisshoes.Shehadseenthemsomewherebefore.Sherememberedthestrangeinch-
longscratchzigzaggingalongtheinsideneartheseam.ShelookedupatHiggens."Itakeityou're
threateningmeinsomeway."

"Don'tplaydumbwithme.You'renotdumb.Youhaveyourfather'srecords,allofthem,don'tyou?"
Higgenscontinuedtocircleher.

Lilyrubbedathersoreleg,notlookingathim."IfIhadtherecordsIwouldhavegiventhemtoPhillip,
Colonel.Thecodemyfatherusedonthecomputerhereandathomeinhisofficemeantabsolutelynothing.
EverythingIreadinhisreports,youalreadyhadaccessto.ThethingsIputtogether,guesses,conjecture,I
passedontoGeneralMcEntire.IalsotypedthemupandsentbothyouandPhilipacopy.Beyondthat,I
havenoknowledgeofhowmyfathermanagedtoenhancepsychicabilityinthemen."

"Idon'tbelieveyou.Dr.Whitney.Ithinkyouhaveaverygoodideahowhediditandyou'regoingto
writeitallupforme.Theentireprocess."

Lilydidlookathimthen,hereyeswideandaccusing."Doyouthinkyourfriendhereisgoingtobeatme
intheheadandknockitoutofme?IfyoubelievedIknewtheprocess,youwouldn'ttouchme.You
couldn'taffordto."

ColonelHiggensreacheddown,grabbedahandfulofherhair,anddraggedherup.Lilyfoughttogether
badlegunderher.Tearsswaminhereyes,butsherefusedtocryout.Shekeptstaringattheshoes.Atthe
scratch.Higgensthrustherawayfromhimsothatshestumbledbackagainstherdesk.

Lilycaughtattheedgetosteadyherself.Therewasnowayshecouldruneveniftheytooktheireyesoff
ofherforamoment.Herlegwastooweak.Sheleanedherhiponthedesktoeaseherweightoffherbad
leg."Areyousellingtheinformationtothehighestbidder,Colonel?Isthatwhatyoudo?Selloutyour
country?"

Hiltonreachedoutcasuallyandslappedher.Lilysworeandwentstraightforhisthroat,chopping
viciouslywiththeedgeofherhand.Itwassounexpected,hedidn'thavetimetoblock,butfellback
chokingundertheblow.Lilyfollowedupwithakneetothegroin,droppinghimtothefloorandkicking
hisheadhard,usingtheoutsideedgeofherstrongleg.

Atonceherweaklegcollapsedunderher,spillingherbackonthefloor,rightbesidethewrithingman.
Lilyrolledoveranddroveherfistintohissolarplexus,robbinghimofair.Shepulledbackherfistagain,
angryenoughtogoforhisthroatasecondtime,butColonelHiggenscaughtherunderbotharmsand
draggedherawayfromthefallenman.

"Getup,Hilton,"hesaidindisgust."GetoffthefloorbeforeIhityoumyself.She'sgotabumlegandshe
stillkickedyourass."

Hiltonrolledoverandmanagedtopushuptohisknees,groaningtheentiretime.

Lilydidn'tstruggle,allowingHiggenstohelphertothedeskwhereshesatontheedge.Herlegthrobbed,
alreadycrampingviciously,butshelookedatthetwomenwithoutexpression.

Hiltonturnedhishead,stillonhishandsandknees,toglareatLily."I'mgoingtokillyouwithmybare

hands."

Hergazedroppedtohishands,drawnbyaforcefarmorepowerfulthanherwill.Sherecognizedhis
hands.Recognizedhiswrist.Hiswatch.Therehadonlybeenthebriefestofmoments,butshehadseen
whatherfathersaw.Handsdragginghimacrossthedeckofaship.Ascratchedshoe.

Rawenergymassedintheroom.Surgessopowerfulthelightsflickered.Thelamponherdeskexploded,
shatteringglassintofragments.Booksflewofftheshelves,heavytomeshurtlingthroughtheairlike
missiles,pummelingHilton.Pensandpencils,theletteropener,everysharpobjectintheroomsuddenly
hadonetargetinmind,coveringthedistancewithblindingspeedandlodginginHilton'sskin.

Hewentdownscreaming.ColonelHiggenscasuallydrewhissidearmandshotthedeskinchesfromLily.
Shocked,shedivertedherattentionandtheobjectsintheroomfellharmlesslytothefloor.Lilyand
Higgensstaredatoneanother.Hewaspointingthegunrightatherhead.

"So,Dr.Whitney,yourfatherobviouslyenhancedyoutoo."

Lily'seyebrowarched."HewasinterestedinpsychicenhancementandwhatitcoulddobecauseIhad
naturalability.HesawwhatIcoulddoandwantedtoseeifitcouldbedevelopedtoamuchgreater
extentinothers."

Hiltonstaggeredtohisfeet,shudderingashetriedtopullthevariousobjectsoutofhisskin.Fortunately
forhimhewaswearingajacketthathelpedtokeepmostofthepenandpencilwoundsshallow.

"Justincaseyou'rewonderingwherethetwohairpinsthatweresittingonthedeskwent,you'llfindthem
inyourbloodstream,wingingtheirwaytoyourheart,"shesaidhelpfully.

Hiltonroaredather."I'mgoingtocutyouupintolittlepiecesandfeedyoutothesharks,"hesnarled.He
lookednearlyasafraidashedidangry.

"Really?You'dbettermakecertainyouholdontotheknifewhileyou'redoingit,otherwiseyou'retheone
thatwillbecutintolittlepiecesandfedtothesharks."Asshespoke,hervoiceconversational,without
rancor,sheconcentratedontheguninColonelHiggens'shand.

Thehandbegantotremble,thegunwavered,triedtoswingaroundandpointinHilton'sdirection.She
watchedHilton'seyeswideninalarm.

"Stopit,Dr.Whitney,"Higgensdemanded."Ineedyourbrain,butnottherestofyou.Ifyoudon'twantme
toshootyourleg,you'dbetterbehave."

Lilylookedawayfromthegun."Thatwasmebehaving,Colonel.Iwantedhimdead.Ishouldhavedriven
theshardsofglassrightthroughhisskull."Shesmiledathim."Don'tworry,I'mtired.Unfortunately,the
drawbacktoanaturaltalentisitdoesn'tlastthatlong.That'swhymyfatherwantedtoenhancethe
psychics,tomakethemstrongerwithmoreendurance."

"Soyoudiddiscussthiswithhim."

"Ofcoursewediscussedit.Wediscusseditforyears."Shetiltedherhead."Didyouhavemyfather
killedordidRylandMiller?"

"WhywouldIwantyourfatherdead?"Higgensdemanded."Ineededtheprocess.Hewasbeing
stubborn."

"Youdidn'tofferhimtherightthings.WhereisMiller?"Hervoicewasascoldasice,herbluegaze
direct.

Becareful,honey.Don'tgotoofar.He'sasmartman.Ryland'svoicebrushedatthewallsofhermind,
buthesoundedfaraway.

Lilytossedthecloudofdarkhairoverhershoulder.Notthatsmart.Hehadmyfatherkilledandhe's
usingthesamemorontocomeafterme.

Damnit,Lily,don'tpushhimtoohard,it'sdangerous.Rylandwasadamant.

"YouwantMiller?"Higgensasked.

Hilton,finallymanagingtostraighten,tossedthelastofthepenstothefloorandtookasteptowardLily.
HestoppedabruptlywhenHiggenshelduphishandinasilentorder,buthenevertookhisvengefulgaze
fromherface.

Lilyignoredhim."IfMillerkilledmyfather,then,yes,Iwanthim.Youtrackhimdownandkillhim.
ShowmehisbodyandI'llgiveyoutheprocess.Otherwise,goaheadandkillme.You'llneverfigureit
outonyourown."

Therewasasmallsilenceasthecolonelthoughtitover."You'reabloodthirstywoman,aren'tyou?I
wouldneverhaveguessed.You'realwaysascoolasice."

"Hekilledmyfather,"shepointedout."DoyouknowwhereMilleris?"

"Notyet,buthecan'tjustdisappear.Ihavemenlookingforhim,We'llgethim.WhatdidRaniersay?"

"GeneralRanier?Whatdoeshehavetodowithanything?"

"Youspentagreatdealoftimewithhim,"ColonelHiggenssaid,hiseyesnarrowedintotinyslits.

Lilyfeltaninstantchilldownherspine.ShecouldfeelthewavesofmalicepouringoffofHiggens.The
intentofviolence.Sheforcedacasualshrug,knowingsheheldthegeneral'slifeinherhands."Hewas
concernedaboutme.Deliawantedmetogostaywiththemaftermyfather'sdisappearance.Shehasn't
beenwellandthegeneralwantedmetoconsidertheideaforherbenefitaswellasmyown."

"DidhementionMiller?"

"Idid."Lilytookachance."IwashopingMillerhadcontactedhimbutthegeneraldidn'tknowanythingat
allthatwashelpful.IdroppedtheentireconversationbecauseIdidn'twanthimtobecomesuspicious.We
talkedaboutDeliaafterthat."

"Ithinkforyoursafety,Dr.Whitney,you'regoingtohavetobeplacedinprotectivecustody.IthinkMiller
isarealthreattoyou."

"Myhouseissafeenough."

"Nobody'ssafefromMiller.He'sadamnedghost.Achameleon.Hecouldbeinthesameroomwithusin
plainsightandwewouldn'tknowit.It'swhathewastrainedfor.No,you'remuchsaferwithus."The
colonelnoddedatHilton.

HiltoncaughtLily'shandsandyankedthemoutinfrontofher,snappinghandcuffstightlyaroundher
wrists.Onthepretenseofcheckingtoseeiftheywereonsolidlyhejerkedherwristsbackandforth
maliciously.

"That'senough,Hilton.Let'sgetoutofhere."Lilyslidoffthedesk,testingherbadleg.Shecouldlimp,
draggingherlegalong,butitwouldneverholdupifshehadtorun.Withasighofresignation,shefell
intolinebehindHilton.Somewhereoutside,theGhostWalkerswerewaiting.Shehopedtheywereallthe
colonelsaidtheywere.Chameleons.Lyinginwaittoambushherkidnappers.

Eighteen

LILYwasn'tintheleastsurprisedatthelackofsecurityguards.PhillipThorntonhadtobeinonwhatever
ColonelHiggenswasuptoandhemusthaveinsistedHiggenshavefullcooperation.Theguardshadbeen
pulledtoanotherpartofthelaboratories.Shekeptherheaddown,concentratingonthemechanism
lockingthehandcuffs.Shehadneverbeengoodwithlocks.Evenafterstudyinghowtheyworked,she
rarelysucceededinopeningthem.Ittookfiniteconcentration,afocusedenergywithpinpointprecision
andskill.Lilywasangrywithherselffornottakingmorecaretoacquiretheskill.

We'reinplace,Lily.Useyourleg.Slowthemdown.Wedon'twantthecoloneltothinkyou'recapable
ofrunning.Rylandsoundedveryconfident.

Lilyfrowned.I'mnotcapableofrunning.Anddon'tgetyourselfcaught.Icangetoutofthis.

You'resuchalittleliar.Youneedmetorescueyou.

Thetauntingamusementinhisvoicewarmedher.Itwasonlythensherealizedshewasshiveringwith
fear.LilytossedherhairandrolledhereyesincasebysomemiracleRylandcouldseeher,butshe
slowedherpace,draggingherbadlegalittlemore.

ColonelHiggensputahandonhershoulder."I'llhaveHiltonbringthecararoundsoyoudon'thaveto
walksofar."NowthathethoughtshebelievedMillerhaddisposedofherfather,hecouldaffordtobe
civil.

"HelookslikethecaptainIdancedwithatthebenefit,"Lilyventured,tokeephimdistracted.

"They'rebrothers.Neitherisverybright,buttheycomeinhandy."Thecolonelputhishandonhisgunas
theyenteredtheelevator.Hehadlittlecontroloftheguardsonthegroundareaandanyofthemmightspot
thehandcuffs."I'llshootanyonewhotriestostopus,"hewarned."Thinkofthisasanationalsecurity
mission.Youhaveachancetosavelives,Dr.Whitney.Youchoose."

Hepausedtosnatchtwolabcoatsfromasmallroomclosetotheelevators,tossingonetoHilton."You
lookalittleworseforthewear—putthatonandcoveruptheblood."Theotherjackethearrangedover
Lily'swriststohidethecuffs."We'regoingtowalkoutalltogether,veryclosetooneanother.Hilton,
you'llgogetthecarandbringituptous."

He'ssendinghishenchmantogetthecar.Thismankilledmyfather.

Thewarmthsuddenlysurroundingherwasstrong.Sherealizedimmediatelytheothermenweretapped
intothetelepathicwaveofenergy,listening,waitingandreadytostrikeonherbehalf.Itmadeherfeela
partofsomething.Whenhadshegonefrombeingsoaloneanddevastatedtobelonging?

Doesanyoneactuallyusetheword"henchman"?Rylandasked.

Therewasacollectivemurmurofnegatives,afewlaughsandsnortsofderision.

I'msorry,honey.Theverdictisnooneusesthatantiquatedword.

Antiquated?Herbreathnearlystoppedinherlungswhenshespottedtwosecurityguardscomingtoward
themneartheendofthelongcorridor.ShouldIhaveused"badguy"?Wouldthatbemoremodern?The
overloadofadrenalinewasmakinghershaky,almosthigh,butitnumbedthepaininherleg,allowingher
tofunctionproperly.

Afewmoreminutes,Lily,Rylandencouragedher.Yourheartisbeatingtoofast.Slowitdown.

Anothervoicebrokein.It'stheanticipationofseeingusagain.Shelikesme.Gatordrawledthewords
inhisCajunaccent.

Lilyhadtokeepfromlaughinginspiteofthedangeroussituation.Shedidn'tdarelookatHiggens,afraid
herexpressionwouldgiveheraway.Themenwereoutrageousintheireffortstobereassuring.

Ido,Gator.IthoughtyouweresocutewhenIfirstsawyou.TheguardsnoddedtoHiggensasthey
hurriedpast.

Changingoftheshift.Everyonewastired.Higgenswasn'tquitesostupidafterall.Theguardswouldnot
wanttoseeanythingunusual.Theyjustwantedtogohometotheirfamiliesandrest.

Youdon'tneedtobelookingatGatoranymore,Rylanddecided.Notifyou'rethinkinghe'scute.What
thehelliscuteanyway?

Notyou,Gatorpointedout.

Inspiteofthebanter,Lilysensedtheedgeofgrimtensionbuildingintheirvoices.Thedoubledoors
leadingoutintothecomplexwerelooming.Shekeptherheaddownandwalkedslowly,draggingherleg.

Hiltonpushedopenthedoorsandwavedherthrough.Lilydidn'tlookathim.Hewasdead.Hejustdidn't
knowityet.ShekeptwalkinguntilHiggenstuggedonherarm,bringingherabruptlytoahalt.Hilton
trottedoff."Thatwassmarttostayquietwiththeguards.Youwouldn'twantbloodonyourhands."

Lilyliftedherheadtolookhimdirectlyintheeye."Don'tletthefactthatI'mawomanfoolyou,Colonel.I
don'tmindviolenceundertherightcircumstances.SomeoneisresponsibleforkillingmyfatherandI'm
goingtofindthem."

Hesmiledather.Hiseyeswereflat."Ihopeyoudo,Dr.Whitney."

Thecarpulledupbesidethem.Higgensreachedouttoopenthedoorforher.Lilyhalfturnedasiftoslide
ontothepassengerseat.Insteadshesnappedoutafrontkick,puttingherweightbehindit.Thekicktook
Higgenspreciselyinthesolarplexus,drivingtheairfromhislungssothathecollapsedlikeadeflated
balloon.Ashewentdown,Kadenloomedupbehindhim,finishingherworkwithaviciouschoptohis
neck.ColonelHiggensdroppedtotheasphaltlikestone.

Kadendidn'thesitate,shovingLilyintothecarandcrowdinginafterher."Go,go."Phaseonecompleted.
Wehaverecovery.Repeat,wehaverecovery.

"They'llstopusatthegate,"Lilypointedout."Kaden,getthesecuffsoffme.Ican'tstandthem."Shewas
phaseone.Theretrievedobject.Theideairritatedherbutnotasmuchasthemetalcuffsonherwrists.

"We'reinpossessionofthegateatthemoment,Lily,"herepliedgently."Justafewmoreminutes.Assoon
asIknowwe'reclear."

"DidArlygetout?"Shewaslookingatthedriverinanefforttoidentifyhim.Heworethewhitelabcoat
Hiltonhadbeenwearing.

Jonasglancedatherinthemirrorandwinked."Arly'swaitingoutsidethegateswiththePorsche.Sweet
littlenumber,thatcar.I'dliketodriveitsometime."Hesoundedveryhopeful.Hepulledthecarrightup
tothegate.TheuniformedmansimplyopenedthedoorandslidinontheothersideofLilysoshewas
surrounded.

Rylandframedherfaceinhishandsandkissedherhard."Damnit,Lily,I'mgoingtofindapaddedroom
andlockyouupinitwhereIknowyou'resafe,"hesaid,thenturnedtowatchtheirbacktrail.Lilycould
seetheguninhishand.

Behindthem,thelaboratoriesrockedwithseveralloudexplosions.Sheturnedtolookouttheback
window.Smokebillowedintothesky."Whodidthat?"

"Kyle,ofcourse.Hedoesliketoblowthingsup."

"Therearealotofinnocentpeopleworkingthere,"shepointedout.

JonasdrewthecarupbesidethePorsche.Arlywasoutofthecarandpacingbackandforth.Theywere
fourblocksfromthelaboratoriesandcouldhearthesirensblaringinalarm.RylanddraggedLilyoutof
thebackseatandputherinthePorsche,takingthekeysfromArlybeforethemancouldprotest.

"Whatarewedoing?"Lilyasked.

"Gettingyouawayfromthatplacefast,"Rylandreplied.

"Ididn'tevengettohugArly,"shesaid."Hemusthavebeensoworried."

"Hewasworried?"Rylandchangedgearswithmorestrengththanfinesse."Youtooktenyearsoffmylife.
You'llhavetohugArlylater.RightnowIwantyouasfarawayfromDonovansasfastasIcangetyou
away.AsfarasI'mconcernedtheplacecanburntotheground."Amusclejerkedalonghissetjaw."They
couldhavekilledyou,Lily."

Sheleanedherheadbackagainsttheseatashemaneuveredhiswayinandoutofthelighttraffic."Iknow.
Iwasreallyafraid.ButIgotthediskandHiggensneverhadaclue."Sheclosedhereyes."Hiltonwasthe
manwhothrewmyfatheroverboard."

Rylandglancedather,worried."Iknow,honey.I'msorry.Areyouhurt?Didtheyhurtyou?"Hewantedto
stopthecarandexamineeveryinchofher.

Lilyshookherheadwearilywithoutopeninghereyes."Notreally.ButIwasreally,reallyafraid.Hewas
goingtokillmeafterhegottheprocessoutofme."

Rylandfrowned."Youdon'tknowtheprocess,doyou?"

"Notexactly.Iseewheremyfatherwasgoinganditwouldn'tbehard,knowinghimaswellasIdo,to
figuremostofitout.It'sallinhislaptopinthelaboratoryatthehouse.Everythingisthere.Iwouldhave
madesomethingupforHiggens."Shewasexhausted,wantingdesperatelytocrawlintoherbed.Sheheld
uphermanacledwrists."Canyougettheseoffofme?"

Shesoundedsoclosetotearshisheartturnedover."Assoonaswegettothegarageinthewoods,honey.
Hangintherealittlelonger."

Lilylookeddownatherhands."Ireadaboutthiskindofthinginthosebooks,youknow.Inreallife,it
isn'tnearlyasexcitingasreadingaboutit."

Rylandputhishandoverhers,histhumbstrokingsmallcaressesoverherwrist.Thecuffsweretootight,
cuttingintoherskin."Icoulddoalotwithabondagescene,"hesaid,forcingspeculationintohisvoice,
hopingtomakeherlaugh.Ifshecried,itwasgoingtoriphisheartout."Ithinksilktieswoulddobetter
thanmetalcuffs."Histhumbtracedthebluishcirclesformingonherwrist."Thiswouldneverhappen
withme.Youhavetobemorediscerning,Lily,whenyougoaroundexperimentingwithbondage."He
wiggledhiseyebrows."I'dmakeagreatmaster."

Shenearlychoked."Master?Isee.I'dbeyourslave."

Hegrinnedatherwickedly."That'sonewaytolookatit.Buttyingyoutothebedandtakingmytime
exploringyourbodysoundsgoodtome.Iwouldn'tmindtakingafewhourstojustgiveyoupleasure."

Herbluegazecollidedwithhis.Herentirebodyflushedattheidea."Thankyoufortakingmymindoffof
thehandcuffs,theyreallyhurt.Andtheymakemefeeltrapped.IalmostfeellikeIcan'tbreathewiththem
on."

"We'rerighthere,honey,justacouplemoreminutes,"hepromisedasheeasedthePorscheintothegarage
andclosedthegaragedoor,plungingthemintodarkness.Hereachedforherhands."Idon'thavemytool
kit,soIhavetoconcentrate.Itmaytakealittlebitoftime."

"Idon'tcare,justgetthemoffofme."Shewasn'tgoingtocrynowthatshewassafeandalmosthome.

Ittookafewminutes,Rylandworkingattheskillwithprecisionuntilshefeltthecuffsloosenanddrop
off.Hehandedthemtoherashescoopedherup."I'mgoingtocarryyou,honey."

"I'mtooheavy."Shewasjustgratefultohavethecuffsoff.

Rylandmadearudenoiseandpulledherfromthesmallcar.

"Don'twehavetowaitfortheotherssotheycangettheguardsaroundthehousetolooktheotherway?"
Shewastired.Shewantedtosleepforever.

"Wecandoitourselves.Oneatatime.I'llletyouknowwhenwehavetocombineourenergy."Ryland
scoopedherupandcarriedherfromthebuildingintothethickstandofwoods.

Themorningsunwasfilteringraysoflightthroughthedensecanopyabovethem.Branchesandleaves
swayedanddancedtothemildwind.Lilylookedaroundherinwonder.Shehadforgottenbeautifulthings
couldexist.Birdswerecallingbackandforthtooneanotherinspiteofthechatterandscoldingof

squirrels.

LilysettledherheadagainstRyland'sshoulder,circlinghisneckwithherarms."Ikindoflikethispartof
thebondagething.Itfeelslikeyou'remyslaveinsteadoftheotherwayaround."

Hebenthisheadtoscrapehisteethbackandforthplayfullyalongherneck,histongueswirlingtoease
thetinynips.

Lilylaughedsoftly."Ithinkit'strueaboutsexbeingonthemindsofmeneverythreeseconds.Youare
thinkingaboutsexinsteadofguards,aren'tyou?"

"Yousaythatasifit'sabadthing.OfcourseIam.Allthistalkisstirringmeup.Howthehelldoyou
managetosmellsodamngoodallthetime?"Lilyfeltthechangeinhim,goingfrombantertobusiness.He
didn'tstiffen,buttherewaspowermovingthroughhisbody,rawanddeadly.Henoddedtowardtheirleft.
Lilyfelttheinterruptioninthenaturalflowofnaturearoundthem.Aforeignpresencewasintheforest.

Sheclosedhereyes,gaveherselfuptothecommonpath,touchingonthewave,feedingit,allowing
Rylandtoassumecommand.Hedidthedirecting,suggestingawalkintheotherdirection.Thesubtleflow
ofpowerpersisteduntiltheguardsaunteredaway,givingthemfreepassagetothetunnelentrance.

Onceinside,Rylandmovedfast,knowinghisway,takingherstraightthroughthemazeofpassagewaysto
thenearestcorridortohersuiteofrooms.Sunlightwaspouringthroughthewindows.Heclosedthe
drapesevenbeforehelaidheronthebed.

Lilystaredupathisface."Idon'thavetheenergytofindarecorder."Shepulledthesmalldiskfromher
slackspocketandhandedittohim."Arlywillhaveonesomewhere.Ijustwanttoliehereandlookat
you."

Heputthepreciousdiskonthenightstandandkneltbesidethebedtoremovehershoes."Iwanttolookat
yourleg.Doesithurt?"

"I'msotired,Ryland,"sheadmitted,"Ican'tthinkaboutit."

Rylandtossedhershoesasideanddraggedherslacksdown,tossingthemaside."Iforgotyouweren't
wearingunderwear.ForGod'ssake,Lily,nowonderIthinkaboutsexallthetime.Yougofromscaring
metoseducingme."

Asmall,reluctantsmiletuggedatthecornersofhermouth."HowamIseducingyou?I'mjustlyinghere."
Theideawouldhavehadmeritifshehadn'tbeensocompletelyexhausted.Therewassomethingaboutthe
wayhelookedatherthatalwaysmanagedtoheatherblood.

Rylandexaminedhercalfcarefully,massagingthecrampedmuscles.Shelayquietlyunderhis
ministrations,hereyesclosed,wearingonlyhershirt.Thematerialwashikedup,showinghernaveland
theundersideofonebreast.Rylandslidhishandpossessivelyupherthigh.

Lilyopenedhereyesatinyslit."Idon'tknowwhatyouthinkyou'regoingtobedoing,butIwanttosleep
foramonth."

"I'minspectingthedamage,"hesaid.Andhewas.Therewasthebeginningsofabruiseonherthigh.

"It'sonmybacksideandmychest,"shemurmuredsleepily."Ihurteverywhere,Ryland.Thankyoufor
takingthecuffsoff,Iknowitwasn'teasy."

Hegentlytookpossessionofherhands,turningthemthiswayandthat,frowningdownatthedark
matchingbraceletsofbruises."Howdidyougetthebruiseonyourleg?"Therewasragebuildinginthe
pitofhisstomach,buthefoughttokeepitundercontrol,foughttokeephisvoicegentle.

"Idon'tknow.Igotinafight.HiltonslappedmeandIlostmymindforaminute."Sheturnedonherside,
snugglingclosertoherpillow."Iwentafterhim."

"Heslappedyou?Whatelsedidhedo?"Rylandpushedthematerialofhertopupherback.Herbuttocks
hadtwobluishsmudges.Hewasbeginningtowishhecouldkillamantwice.

"Don'tworry,Igothimback,"sheanswered.Therewassatisfactioninhervoice."Iwouldhavebeatthe
holyhelloutofhimifHiggenshadn'tinterfered.Iprobablygotthebruiseonmythighwhenheshotatmy
desk.Woodsplinterswenteverywhere.IwassoangryIwasn'tfeelingmuchinthewayofpain."

"Heshotthedeskrightnexttoyourleg?"Rylandrubbedhishandoverhisface."Damnit,Lily."

Shedidn'topenhereyesbutshesmiled.Rathersmugly."Yousaythatalot."

"Don'tsoundsopleased.I'mgettinggrayhair.Yougotinafistfightwiththisman?Iwouldhavethought
thedaughterofabillionairewouldbemoresophisticatedthanthat."

"I'mtoomoderntoletsomecavemanbeatme,"shedefended.

Hisfingersweremassagingherscalp,searchingfordamage."Andhehityouinthechest?Letmesee."

"I'mnotlettingyouseemychest."Herlaughterwasmuffled."Goawayandletmesleep.That'salame
excusetolookatmybreasts."

"Idon'tneedalameexcusetolookatyourbreasts,"hepointedout."Iwanttoseethedamage."Hesimply
caughtthehemoftheshirtandtuggeduntilshegaveinandliftedherbodyenoughtoallowhimtopullit
off.

"Ireallyamtired,Ryland.TakethedisktoArlyandseeifit'sworthallthetroublewewentto.Giveme
anhourtosleepandwecangotoGeneralRanierandseeifhe'llhelpus."Hervoicewasdroppinglower
andloweruntilRylandwascertainshewouldjustdriftoff.

Hedrewthesheetoverherbodyandlaynexttoheruntilhewascertainshewasasleep.Rylandlifted
Lily'slimphandandexaminedherbruisedwristinthelightfromthemorningsun."Damnit."Hesaidthe
wordssoftlyashebenthisheadtokissthepurplecircles,tryingtofindawaytohealher.Heheldher
handtohischest,overhisheartasifsomehowthewayhisheartbeatforherwouldremovethemarks.

HewassocompletelyimmersedinhisdesiretohealLily'sbruises,sofocusedonher,hedidn'thearor
feelanydisturbance.Therewasnosoundbutsomethingmadehimlookupandhefoundhimselfstaringat
anolderwoman.Shewasframedinthedoorway,amixtureofshockandfearonherface.

VeryslowlyandgentlyRylandplacedLily'shandsonthesheetandsatup."YoumustbeRosa,"hesaidin

hismostcharmingtone."I'mRylandMiller.LilyandIare…"Hesoughthastilyforaword.Anyword.He
didn'twanttosay"lovers"but"friends"seemedridiculouswhenhewassittingonLily'sbedandshewas
nakedbeneaththesheet.Thewomanwasmakinghimfeellikeateenagerwho'dsneakedintohis
girlfriend'sroom.Hehadabsolutelynoideawhathewoulddoifsheranscreamingthroughthehouse.

"Yes,I'mRosa."Sheglaredathim."Whyhasn'tArlytoldmeaboutyou?Hemustknowyou'reinthe
house.Noonecanbeinthehousewithouthisknowledge."

"Well,ma'am."ThewomanhadpinnedhimwithhersteelyeyeandRyland—whomfull-grownmencould
notmakeafraid—squirmed."It'scomplicated."

"Itdoesn'tlookverycomplicatedtome."Rosasweptintotheroom,cluckingherdisapprovalasshe
approachedthebed.

ShespottedthedarkpurplecirclingLily'swristsandshriekedinhorror.Rosaactuallysmackedherown
chest.

Rylandwasstunnedintosilence.Thewomantookuptheentireroomwithherpresence,intimidatinghim
asnoonehadeverdone.Hecouldn'ttellifsheweregoingtofaint,orscream,orgrabsomethingand
strikehimoverthehead.

"Whathappenedtomybaby?"Rosa'sgazefellonthediscardedhandcuffsandhereyeswentwidewith
shock.Therewasasuddenhushedsilence.

Rylandfeltcolorcreepinguphisneck.Hisshirtsuddenlyfelttootightandbeadsofsweatbeganforming
onhisskin.

Rosastoopedtopickuptheoffendingmanaclesanddangledtheminfrontofhisface.Shebrokeoffintoa
torrentofSpanish.Thetiradelastedsolongsheranoutofbreath.Itwastheonlythingthatsavedhim.He
hadthefeelingshehadusedupeverycursesheknewandsomeshe'djustplainmadeup.

"Now,ma'am.Don'tgogettingthewrongidea,"hesaid."Ididn'tputthosecuffsonher.Someoneelsedid
that."

"Thereisanothermaninhere?"Rosa'sheadwhippedaroundandshestalkedtothecloset,yankingopen
thedoor."Thisisoneofthosemenageromances?Youteachmylittlegirlthis?"Sheinspectedevery
cornerofthecloset."Tellhimtogetouthereandfaceme!"

"Ma'am…"Rylandwastornbetweenlaughteratwhatshewasthinkinganddesperationattheideathat
shemighttrytotosshimout."Rosa,itisn'tthatatall.Lilywasattackedtonightbyanenemy.Theytriedto
kidnapher."

Rosascreeched,hervoicehittinghighCandrattlingthewindows.Sheactuallythrewthehandcuffsathim
sohewasforcedtoduck.Rylandleaptfromthebedandtriedtostopher."Don't,forGod'ssake,woman,
you'regoingtowakethedead.Stopit,willyou?"

Onthebed,Lilystirred,liftedherheadslightly,andturnedovertoregardRosawithsleepyeyes."Did
Rylandfrightenyou?"

"Me?"Rylandworkedhisfingeraroundhisshirtcollar."Howcanyousaythat?ShethinksI'vebeen
playingsomebondagegamewithyou."

Lily'seyelashesfluttered,drifteddown."Well,youwantedtoplayabondagegamewithme,didn'tyou?"
Therewasamusementinthesoftsleepynotesofhervoice.

"Lily,Iwasmakingyoulaugh,cheeringyouup."HewasbeginningtosweatunderRosa'sdisapproving
gaze.

Someonesnortedloudlyinderision.RylandwhirledaroundtofindKadenandNicolasstandinginthe
doorwaywithArlyrightbehindthem.Severalothermenwerepressedbehindhim,tryingtoseein,drawn
byRosa'sscreams.Withthedoorwideopen,thesoundproofinghaddonenogoodatall.Rylandthrewhis
handsintheairindefeatandsatdownheavilyonceagainontheedgeofLily'sbed."Lily,wakeup.This
isyourcrazyhouseholdandyoucandeal,withit."

Lily'ssoftlaughterplayedoverhisskinlikethetouchofherfingers."Myknight'sarmorappearstohave
chinksinit.Rosa'sharmless,asweetheart,justbenice."Sherolledoverandthesheetdipped
dangerously,exposingtemptingcreamyflesh.

Rosagaspedinoutrage.RylandcaughtthesheetanddraggedittoLily'schin."Don'tmove.Theneighbors
havearrived."

Lily'slashesliftedandshegapedatthecrowdgatheringinherroom."GoodLord.Whathappenedtothe
privacyacts?I'mcertainI'mentitled."

"Notifyou'rescreaming,"Kadenpointedout.

Sheclutchedthesheettoher."Iwasn'tscreaming,"shedeniedadamantly."ThatwasRosa!Allofyougo
away.Iwanttosleep."

"Idon'tthinkyouhadsleepinginmind,"Kadenventured."IdistinctlyheardyousayRylandwas
interestedinbondage.Areyouplanningonputtingcuffsonhim,becauseIwanttostayaroundforthat."

"Youwerewatchingmymovies,"Arlyaccused.

"Whatmovies?"Gatorchimedin."Areyouholdingoutonus?Youhavesomegoodbondageflicksand
you'renotsharing?'

"You'reallobsessedwithbondage,"Lilyfeltcompelledtopointout.

"Lily!"Rosa'svoicesilencedtheroominstantly."Whoarethesepeopleandwhatisgoingoninmy
house?Idemandananswerimmediately."

Lilylookedaroundforarobe.Rylandfoundoneforherand,usingthesheetforascreen,helpedherinto
itsoshecouldsitup."I'msorry,Rosa.Ishouldhavetoldyou.Myfatherwasinvolvedinsomethingat
Donovans.Anexperimenttoenhancepsychictalent."ShestaredatRosa,willinghernottofallapart.

Rosawentpalebeneathhersmootholiveskinandsearchedforachair.Arlyhelpedhertositdown.
Rosa'sgazeneverleftLily'sface."Hedidthisevilthingafterallwewentthroughbefore?"

Lilynodded."Thingsbegantogowrong.Someonewantedhisnotes.Theywantedtheprocessfor
themselvestosellonthemarkettoforeigngovernmentsandterroristorganizations.Evenintheprivate
sector,enhancementcouldbeusedforprofit.Inordertodothat,theyhadtoconvinceDadtheexperiment
wasafailure.Theydidthatbymurderingthemenonebyoneandmakingitappeartobetheresultsof
sideeffects."

Rosacrossedherself,kissedherthumb."Thisisnotright,MissLily."

"Iknow,Rosa,"Lilysaidsoftly,wantingtocomforther."Dadbecamesuspiciousthatthedeathsweredue
tosabotagenotsideeffectsandheaskedmetolookthingsover.Hedidn'ttellmeanything,obviously
hopingIwouldseesomethingwithoutprejudice.UnfortunatelyonceIwasbroughtintotheproject,these
peoplethoughtIcouldprovidethemwiththeprocessforenhancing.SotheymurderedDadandthrewhis
bodyintotheocean."

"MadreMia!"RosastifledacryofalarmandreachedoutforArly'shand,holdingittightly."Youare
certain,Lily?They'vekilledhim?"

"I'msorry,Rosa,yes,he'sdead.Iknewitfromthetimeofhisdisappearance.Thesesamepeopletriedto
useyourfeartogetintothishouseandsearchforDad'swork.Theyweren'tabletodoso,thankstoArly,
butthey'vecontinuedtotry."

Rosarockedherselfbackandforth."Thisiswrong,Lily.Sowrong.Hepromisedhewouldneverdosuch
athingagain.Nowhe'sdead.Whywouldhedothisthing?"

"Thesemenaremenheworkedon.IhelpedthemescapefromDonovansandbroughtthemhere.Oneof
themenisrecoveringfromabraininjury."

Rosawasshakingherheadfuriouslyinprotest.Lilycontinueddoggedly."I'mteachingthemtheexercises
thatworkedformeandhelpedmefunctionintheoutsideworld.Theyhavenowhereelsetogo,Rosa.
They'rewantedmen,hunted,andifweturnthemover,they'llbekilled."

Rosashookherheadhard,notlookingatLily.

"They'relikeme,Rosa.Likeme.Whereelsecantheygo?Theyneedahome.YouandJohnandArlyand
me,we'realltheyhave.Doyoureallywantmetosendthemawaytobelolled?"

AsobescapedRosa'sthroat.Arlyhunkereddownbesideherchairandwrappedhisarmaroundher
shoulders,whisperingsomethingsoftlytoher.SheleanedherheadagainstArly'sshoulder,allthewhile
shakingitindenialbutitwashalfhearted.

"Rosa,I'minlovewithRyland."Lilyadmitteditinalowtone,butsoclearlyinthesilenceoftheroom,it
wasimpossiblenottohear.

Rosalookedup,herattentioncaptured.

LilytangledherfingerswithRyland's."IdolovehimandIwanttospendtherestofmylifewithhim.
Thisisyourhome.Itwillalwaysbeyourhome.You'remymotherandnodaughtercouldloveyoumore
thanIloveyou.Ifyoutrulydon'twantRylandandthesemenhere,wewillleave.Allofus.I'llgowith
them."

"Lily."Rosa'seyesswamwithtears."Donottalkofleaving.Thisisyourhome."

"Itisyourhometoo.Iwantittobetheirhomeforaslongastheyneedit.Icanhelpthem.IknowIcan.
Wehaveadisk,somethingmyfatherrecordedandhid.I'mhopingthere'sincriminatingevidenceonit.If
so,I'llmakecopiesandgiveGeneralRanieroneofthem.IfnecessaryIcangoabovehim.Ifitclears
theirnames,alltothegood;ifitdoesn't,we'llkeepworkingtofindevidence."

"Theyhavetocomeafteryounow,Lily.ColonelHiggensknowshetippedhishand.Ifhecan'treacquire
you,he'lltrytokillyou,"Rylandsaidgrimly.

"Iknowthat.He'llfindawaytosearchthehouse.Itwon'tbeeasyandhe'llneverfindthetunnelsorthe
men."ShelookedatKadenandNicolas."You'llhavetoreallyguardJeff.Hewon'tbeabletomovefast.
Who'swithhimnow?"

"IanandTucker.Theywon'tletanyonebotherJeff,"Kadenassuredherwithabsoluteconfidence.

"Good.MyescapeisjustgoingtomakeColonelHiggensallthemadder.He'lldefinitelycomeherewitha
warrantofsomekind.Hedoesn'tlikeanyonethwartinghisplans."SheleanedintoRyland."Youwere
rightabouthim."

"Iwanttohearthedisk,"Arlysaid.

Rylandtossedthetinydisktothesecurityman."Youhaveanythingthatwillplaythat?"

Arlycaughtthediskandstoodupstraight,diggingthroughhispocketsuntilhecameupwithaminiature
voice-activatedrecorder."Absolutely.Itookitwithmethinkingitmightcomeinhandyifwewere
stopped."Hepoppedthediskintotherecorderafterremovingtheblankone.

Therewasasmallsilencethenavoicejumpedoutatthem."Takehimtotheclinic.Pumphimfullofthat
shit.Zaphisbrainafewtimeswithelectricityanditwilllooklikehehadastroke.Iwanthimdeadby
tomorrow."ThesoundofColonelHiggens'svoicewasharsh."AndwhenMillertakeshissleepingpill
tonight,takehimtotheclinicandfryhisbrain.I'vehadallIcantakeofhisinsubordination.Getthejob
donethistime,Winston.IwantHollisterdeadandMilleravegetable.Ifthatdoesn'tconvinceWhitneyhis
experimentwasafailure,killthesonofabitch.TellKenIwantMillertakencareoftonight."

"Millerdoesn'tsleepmuch.Wecan'tgonearhimifhe'sawake."

Higgensswore."Kencan'tfieldWhitney'scallsforever.SoonerorlaterWhitneywillgetthroughto
Ranier.IcanarrangesomethingforRanier,maybeafire.Ithastolookaccidental.Youcan'tjustkilla
generalandhiswifeandnothaveaninvestigation.Faultywiringwoulddoit.Firstthingsfirst.Arrange
forHollistertohaveabreakdownsowecancausealittlebraindamageandgetridofthatbastard
Miller."

Therewasuttersilenceintheroom.RylandletouthisbreathslowlyandlookedatLily."I'dsaythat
wouldbeenoughtoconvinceRanier.Arly,canyoumakecopiesforus?'

"Noproblem.Icanmakeseveralandwe'llkeeptheoriginalinLily'slittlesaferoom."Arlywinkedat
her.

Lilyreachedforthephoneandcalledthegeneral'shome.Afterabriefconversationshelookedatthe
othersinfrustration."Themaidsaidtheywereoutforthedayandwouldreturntomorrowmorning.She
wouldn'tsaywheretheywent.Atleasthe'stakingprecautions."

"Whydon'tyouallgetsomerest?Youwereupallnightandit'snearlynoonnow.Ifwecan'ttalkto
Ranier,wemayaswelltakeabreak."RylandwantedLilytosleep.Thebruisesonherbodywere
becomingmoreapparentwitheachpassinghour.

"Icancookamealforeveryone,"Rosaoffered,throwinghersupportfullybehindthemintheonewayshe
knew."AndI'manurse.Letmeseethismanwhoisill."

"Rosa"—Lilysliddeeperbeneaththesheet—"makethemdothoseexercises.I'mtootiredtoseethatthey
dothem."

"Ithoughtweweretakingthedayoff,"Gatorprotested."Kickingback,watchingtheoldbondagefilms."

"Youmustnevertakeadayofffromtheexercises,"Rosascolded."It'simportanttodothemeveryday."
ShestartedherdingthemenfromLily'sbedroom,butsuddenlyturnedbackandmarchedstifflytothebed.
GlaringatRylandshesnatchedupthehandcuffsandtookthemwithher.

Arly,fallingintostepbesideher,leaneddownandwhisperedwickedlyinherear.Itearnedhimaslapon
thearmbutRosacouldbeheardgigglingassheclosedthedoorbehindthem.

"Didyouseethat?"Rylanddemanded."Shetookthehandcuffs."

Lilywiggledoutoftherobeandletitfalltothefloor."Soyouwouldn'tthinkaboutusingthemonme."

"Iwasn'tthinkingaboutusingthem."Rylandshovedahandthroughhisdarkhair,touslingthecurlsmore
thanusual."WhydoeseveryonethinkI'dusemetalcuffs?I'dusesilk."HeleanedoverLily,pressedakiss
betweenherbreasts."Iwouldn'tmindtyingyouupbutI'dusesilk."

Herlaughterwassmotheredbythepillowwhensheburiedherfaceinit."Poorbaby,noonewillbelieve
you.Rosathinksyou'rekinky."

"Well,Iam,"headmitted."Butjustwithyou.Andshetookthecuffsandwentgigglingoutoftheroom
withthatbondagefreakArly.Nowthat'sscarystuff."

Lilysummonedenoughstrengthtosmackhimwiththepillow."That'sdisgusting.Don'teventhinkabout
thetwoofthemdoinganythingtogether.RosaislikemymotherandArly…well…he'sArly."Shelooked
atRyland.shookherhead."Noway.Itisn'tpossible.Theywouldnever…"Shetrailedoffagainand
shuddered.

Rylandlaughedather."Yestheywould.Helooksatherwiththatlookinhiseye.Menknowthesethings."
Hedroppedhisclothesonthefloorandslidbeneaththesheet,wrappinghisbodyaroundhers
protectively.

"Idon'twanttoknowsodon'tletmeinonitifyoufindoutArlyandRosaareseeingoneanother.Doyou
thinkGeneralRanierandDeliaarereallyokay?"

"IthinkRanierisawilytigerandHiggensgrabbedthewrongtail.He'sgonesomewheretostashhiswife.
That'swhatI'ddo,andhe'llcomebackpreparedtofightabattle.Hewon'tstopuntilhe'sdeadorhe's
won."Hecircledherbodywithhisarm,cuppingherbreastinhispalmpossessively."Ididn'tmuchlike
havingallthosemeninhereknowingyouwerewearingnothingbutasheet.We'regoingtohavesome
serioustalksaboutunderwear."

Lilylaughedandturnedovertofacehim.Hergazedriftedlovinglyoverhisface."You'rethemost
beautifulmanI'veeverseen.Whenyou'rearound,Ican'tseeanyoneelse."Herfingertipstracedthe
contoursofhisface.Foundtherough-edgedlines,thesmallscars,hisstubbornjaw.Allthewhileshe
lookedathimwithlove.

"I'llhavetomakecertainI'malwaysaround,won'tI?"hesaid.

"Ithinkthatwouldbeagoodidea,"Lilyagreed.

Nineteen

RYLANDcameawakejustafternightfall.HelaylisteningtoLily'ssoftbreathing.Shelayclosetohim,
herbodypressedtightlyagainsthis,fittingupagainsthimlikeaglove.Whenheshifted,thetextureofher
skin,rosepetalsoft,slidoverhisrougherskin,remindinghimalwaysofthebeautyofawoman.

Hehadcheckedonthemenseveraltimesthroughouttheday.MostsleptbutNicolaswasalwaysawake,
alwaysonthewatch.Hesimplygrinnedorsalutedornodded,butrarelyspoke.Rylandstretchedlazily,
trustingtoArly'salarmsystems,butnottotheeasywayeveryoneseemedtotreatLily'sbedroom.

Heslippedfromthebedandlockedthedoor,ensuringcompleteprivacy.Naked,hepaddedtothe
windowandslowlyslidtheheavydrapetoonesidesothemoonlightwouldspillacrossthebedand
illuminateLily'sskin.Hefounditastonishingthatshedidn'trecognizeherownbeauty.Shetookhisbreath
awayasshelaytheresleeping,herdarkhairtumblinglikesomuchsilkonthepillows.

Itwasexcitingtostandthereintheshadowsandwatchherassheslept.Tobeabletopullthesheetfrom
herbodyandsimplyenjoythelushsight.Todevourherwithhungryeyes.Thecoolairhitherbodyand
shemoved,sprawlingoutinthebed,onehandflungacrosshispillowasifreachingforhim.Hisbody
hardenedintoapainfulache.Everycellneededher.Hisheartpoundedwhenhelookedather.Lily.
Wherehadshecomefrom?Howhadhemanagedtofindher?ElusiveLily.Sometimeshefeltasifshe
werewaterheheldinthepalmofhishand,tantalizingathirstyman,onlytoslipawayjustwhenhewent
totakeadrink.

Hewantedher.Allofher,notjustherbody,butherheartandsoulandherbrilliantmind.Hisjaw
hardened.Fewthingsescapedhimwhenhehunted.Lilywastooimportanttohimtoletherslipaway.

Lilyturnedherheadtowardhimunerringly,asifsensingdangerinthedarkness."Ryland?Iseverything
allright?"

"It'sjustperfect,Lily,"heanswered.

"Whatareyoudoing?"

"Lookingatwhat'smine."Hewaitedaheartbeat."ThinkingaboutallthewaysIwanttomakeloveto
you."

"Well,then."Therewassoftamusementinhervoice,softinvitation."Isallthatthinkinggettingme
anywhere?"

Hishandcuppedhisbody,slidoverthehardthickness,testifyingtohisresponse,tohisindulgencein
fantasies."Ithinkso."

"ComeherewhereIcansee."Lilylaughedsoftly,joyouslyininvitation."I'vealwaysthoughtindulging
youreveryfantasywouldbefun.Whatisityouwantrightthisminute?"

Rylandthoughtaboutit."Morethananything,Iwanttotakeawayeverybruiseonyourbody.Iwanttoget
ridofeverysorespotandreplaceitwithfeelinggood.Iwantyoutoforgetnightmaresandsadnessand
thinkonlyofme,evenifit'sonlyforafewminutes.IwantyouhappyandIwanttobethemanwhomakes

youhappy."

Lilyfeltacuriousmeltingsensationintheregionofherheart.Herbodyturnedinstantlytoliquidheat.It
wasn'tatallwhatLilyexpectedhimtosay.Rylandwasawildmanwhenitcametosexandhewas
standingoverherwithapredatorylookonhisfaceandrawhungerinhiseyes.Hisbodywashotandhard
anddemandingurgentrelief.Howwasitpossibletoresisthimwhenhecouldsaythingslikethatso
sincerely?

"Comehere,then,Ryland,"shecalledsoftly.

Hewalkedtothesideofthebed,watchedherturnonherside,reachforhisbodywithcaressing
fingertips.Shestrokedhisthighsandhelether,wantingtomakeherhappy,knowinginstinctivelyshe
wantedtoexplorehisbodyinthesamewayheneededtoexplorehers.Herpalmwashotonhisthigh,her
fingernailsrakinghisskinlightly.Thenherhandcuppedhissac,squeezedlightlyandteasedsothathe
gaspedwithpleasure,shiftinghisstancetomovecloser.

"Lily,"heprotested,butitwasapleaformercy.

"No,justletme.Iwanttomemorizeyou.Yourshape.IlovethewayIcanmakeyoufeel."Themoonlight
wasspillingacrosshisbody.Shelikedwatchingherfingersonhim,shapinghim,dancingoverhim,
teasingandmakingthebreathslamoutofhislungs.Hecouldmakeherlosehermindsoeasily.Withhis
hands.Hismouth.Withhisbody.Shewantedtoknowshecoulddothesame.Thattheyhadequalpower
betweenthem.

Rylandcouldseeitmatteredtoher.Hisbodywasashardasarockandherlingeringcaressesjustmight
killhim,buthefiguredhe'ddiehappy."Someday,whentheothersaren'taround,I'llsharethiswithyou,
thewayyoumakemefeel.You'llfeelittoo,"hesaid.Thewordscameoutbetweenhisteeth.Hewas
watchingherfaceemergefromtheshadows,slowlyinchingtowardhim.Shewasbeautiful,everyclassic
line,hersmallpatriciannose,herfull,generousmouth.Herlongfeatheryeyelashes.Andhereyes.She
lookedupathimandhefelthimselffallingforwardintohereyes.

Hermouthwashotandtightandwet,slidingoverhim,hertonguedoingsomekindofdancethathadhis
brainexplodingrightoutofhisskull.Hishandsfistedinherhair,thumbscaressingthesilkenstrands.He
allowedhisheadtofallbackandheclosedhiseyes,givinghimselfupcompletelytoher,tothepleasure
shebroughthim.

Herhandswereeverywhere,shapinghisfirmbuttocks,exploringhiships,slidingalongthecolumnsof
histhighs.Shetracedhisribs,hisflatbelly,urgedhishipstoaslow,leisurelyrhythmallthewhilethe
flamesofsensualitylickedoverhisbody.

Whenheknewanothermomentwouldtakeawayallcontrol,hegently,reluctantly,movedawayfromher.
Itwasastruggletogethisbreathingback,tofindawaytoforcehisleadenlegstomove.Rylandmadehis
waytotheendofthebedandkneltthere,lookingdownather.

"Lily,Iwantthisnightforyou.IwantyoutofeelhowmuchIloveyou.WhenI'mtouchingyouandkissing
you,whenImakelovetoyou,Iwantyoutoalwaysknowitisn'tjustaboutsex.There'ssomuchmore
betweenus.Idon'thaveprettywordstowrapitupin.AllIcandoisshowyou."

"Youhavebeautifulwords,Ryland,"sheprotested.Hisfingersweremassaginghercalfmuscles,taking
herbreath,robbingherofspeech.Itwasalwayslikethatwithhimwhenhetouchedher.Andhewasright.
Shecouldfeelhislove.Itflowedthroughhisfingertipswhenhecaressedherscarsandeachsoremuscle.
Itwasinhislipsastheytouchedeachbruise.Inhistongueasitswirledoverthediscoloredmarksina
lazysweethealing.Thewayhelovedherbroughttearstohereyes.

Rylandmadehiswayupherlegs,foundhertightblackcurls,anddelvedtherefortreasure.Lilynearly
cameoffthebed.Hesimplycaughtherhipsanddraggedhercloser,indulginghistasteforher.Makinghis
claim.Hewantedhertoknowtherewasnooneelseintheworldforher.Orforhim.

Lilycriedoutaswaveafterwaveofecstasyrockedher.Ryland'shandspinnedherhips,leavingheropen
andvulnerabletohim.Hetookhistime,worshipingherbody,heighteningherpleasureineverypossible
wayheknew.Andhisknowledgewasconsiderable.Shegaspedformercy,pleadedwithhimtotakeher,
beggedforhispossession.Allthewhileherbodyrespondedtohiseverytouch.

Hetookhistime,aleisurelyexploration,everyshadow,everyhollow,committingtomemoryherevery
response.Hefoundthebruisesandthesorespots.Hefoundeverysensitivespot.Shewasfrantic,trying
topullhimtoher,whisperingtohimthereinthedarkofthenight.

Rylandsettledhisbodyoverhers.Felthersoftness,herskinnearlymeltingunderhis.Herhipscradled
hislovingly.Herentrancewashotanddampwithwelcome.Hepushedintohervelvetfolds,justthethick
headsothatshebathedhimwithflames."Tellme,Lily.Ineedyoutosayitoutloud."

Hergazemovedoverhisface."Saywhat?Ithinkyoualreadyarehearingme.Iwantyoudeepinsideme
whereyoubelong."

"Wefittogether.Weweremadeforeachother."Hepushedinsideherdeeper,hertightchannelgrasping,
resisting,onlytosoftenandwelcome.Thesensationrippedhimupinside."Doyoufeelthat,Lily?Doyou
thinkit'severbeenthiswaywithanyoneelse?Doyouthinkitevercouldbe?"Hethrustalittledeeper.
Hisbreathslammedoutofhislungs.Hisfingerscurledpossessivelyaroundherhips,heldherstillwhile
hetookherslowly.Hisway.Thoroughly.

"Iloveyou,Ryland,I'mnotlookingforanotherman.Tellme.Sayit.Whatisitthatyou'relookingfor
fromme?"

Hereyesweretooblue.Sawtoomuch.Rylandcouldseetheintelligencethere.Shewaseverythinghe
wasnot.Rich.Smart.Sophisticated.Shehadmoreeducationthanhewouldseeinhislifetime.He
tightenedhisholdonherandplungedindeepandhard.Longstrokesdesignedtodrivethembothoutof
theirminds.Takethemfromtherealityoftheworldandintoanotherofheatandfireandpassionwhere
nothingelsematteredandshewaswhollyhis.

Thereinthebed,inthelightofthemoon,hewasapartofher.Wouldalwaysbeapartofher.Hetook
himselftothelimitsofhiscontrol,ridingherhardanddeep,wasrewardedwithherbreathlesscries,her
handsclingingtohis,herbodywildlymeetinghis,matchingeveryrhythmhesetwithouthesitation.She
followedhisleadwithcompletetrust,withoutinhibition,givingherselffullytohim.

Lilyheardherownvoicecryingout,heardasoundinhisthroatastheflamesengulfedthem,astheworld
explodedaroundthemleavingbehindcolorsandlightsandsomuchpleasureshecouldonlyliethere

gaspingforbreathandstaringupathisface.Hisbelovedface.Shelovedeveryruggededge,everyscar,
theblueshadowhecouldneverquitegetridof.Waveafterwaveofpleasureshookher,anexplosionof
shocks,leavingherlockedwithhim,sated,happy.Belonging.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhimtightlyasifshecouldkeephimthere,inthesameskinwithher,the
samebodywhiletheirheartspoundedfranticallyandeachtinymovementbyoneortheothersentashock
wavetumblingthroughbothofthem.

Rylandproppedhimselfuponhiselbowstotakesomeofhisweight,butrefusedtogiveherbackher
body.Hefeatheredkissesupanddownherface.Lingeredoverhermouth."Iloveeverythingaboutyou."

"Inoticed."Herfingerstunneledinhishair.Curls.Rylandwasallroughedgesbuthehadshinyblue-
blackcurlsonhishead.Shelovedit.

"Iwanttosettleafewthings,Lily."

Hereyeswidened.Aslowgrincurvedhermouth."Thissoundssuspiciouslylikethose'wehavetotalk'
momentsinthemovies."

"Wedoandbeserious."

"Ican'tpossiblythink,letalonetalk!"sheprotested."Idon'thaveathoughtprocessanymore.Youshort-
circuitedmybrain."

"Lily,youstillhaven'tmadeacommitmenttome.Iwantyoutomarryme.Tohavechildrenwithme.Do
youfeelthesameway?"

Therewasamomentofsilencewhileshestaredupathim.Hefelttheresponseinherbody,theslight
movementtotrytogetfree."That'snotfair,ofcourseIwantthosethingswithyou,Ijustdon'tknowifit's
possible.Ihavetofindoutwhat'sinthatroom,Ryland.There'ssomuchIstilldon'tknow.Ihaveto
searchforthosewomen.ImadeapromisetomyfatherandIintendtokeepit."

Ryland'shandstightenedonhershoulders,gaveheralittleshake."Ineedtoknowitwouldn'tmatterto
you,Lily.Tellmeitwouldn't.Wecankeepthatdamnroomandreadeveryfile,watcheveryvideo,find
thosewomentogetherandmakecertaintheirlivesaregood.Tellmenothingwefindwillevertearus
apart."Heframedherfaceinhishands,hisbodyblanketinghers."Ifyoucansaythattome,andmeanit,
thenIsaykeeptheroom.Wemayneedhisexpertise.Whoknows,ourchildrenmaybetherealthing.But
ifyoucan't,Lily,ifyoucan'tlookmeintheeyeandmeanit,IswearI'lldestroyeverythingmyself."

Lily'svividbluegazedriftedoverhisface,studyingtheintensityofhisexpression,thesteelinhisglinting
eyes.Aslowsmilecurvedhermouth.Sheleanedintohim,kissedhisnose,hismouth,eacheye."Doyou
knowhowverysillythatthreatis?IfIwantedtokeeptheroomintact,I'dsimplylietoyou."

Heshookhishead."Lyingisn'tpartofyourmakeup.Youeitherwantmeforalltimeanditmatterstoyou
thewayitdoestome,oryoudon't.Iwantthatcommitmentfromyou.Allofit,Lily.What'sinthatroom
won'tmatterifyoulovemethesamewayIloveyou.Idon'twantless.Idon'tmindsigningsome
prenuptialagreementdealingwithyourdamnedmoneyandIdon'tmindnotunderstandingwhatyoudo
halfthetime.ButIwanttoknow,notguess,knowthatyoulovemeandwantmeinthesamewayIdo

you."

Shestiffened,herheartsuddenlyracing."You'retalkingaboutleavingme.That'swhatyou'resaying,isn't
it?"

"Lily,I'msayingI'mwillingtotakeonyourpromisestoyourfather.I'mwillingtoliveherewithyouif
that'swhatyouneedtobehappy.I'mwillingtomakeArlyandRosaandJohnmyfamily.AllI'maskingin
returnisthesamethingfromyou.Takeonmeandmyfamily.Thosemenouttherewhohavenowhereto
gowithouthelp.FeelaboutthemthesamewayIdo.Lily,makeacommitment.Isthatsodamnedhard?"

Hesawitinhereyesfirst.Deepdown,whereitcounted.Hisheartnearlyexplodedrightoutofhischest.
Hismouthfoundhersandtookthewordsfromher,swallowedthemsotheycouldfindtheirwaytohis
soul.Lily.HisLilyforalltime.

Shelaughedandkissedhimback,lockedherlegsaroundhiswaisttoholdhimdeepinsideher.

Rylandliftedhisheadalertly.Swore."We'vegotcompanycoming."Herolledoffofherquickly.

Lilyclutchedthesheetuptoherchin."Whatdoyoumean?"

"Imeanthechildrenaren'tintheirbedssleeping."Thedoortotheroomburstopenandseveralofthemen
strolledin.

"Whatintheworldisgoingon?Don'tyoupeoplehavesomethingtodobesidesharassmeinmyown
bedroom?Youhappentobeinterruptingamarriageproposalhere."Lilytriedoutrage,hopingtheywould
allgetthehint.

Kadenshruggedcarelessly."Everyoneknowsyou'regoingtomarryhim.Healwayswasalittleslow
gettingaroundtotheactualdoing."

"Iaskedheradozentimes,"Rylandprotested."Shewastheonehesitating."

LilyglaredatRyland."Whydidn'tyoulockthedoor?"

"Ididlockthedoor,"hesaid."Thatdoesn'tslowanyofthemdown.Ourchildrenaremastersatbreaking
andentering."

"Great.Anddidnooneteachthemthefineartofknocking?"Sheswitchedherglaretothemenand
treacherousArly,hopingtowitherthemonthespot.

Severalthrewtheirhandsupasifforprotection,grinninglikeapesastheydidso.

"Ian'sgotabadfeeling,"Kadenannouncedwhenthelaughterhaddieddown."Hethinkssomething's
goingdownwithGeneralRanierrightnow."

RylandsoberedatonceandhandedthephonetoLily."Callhim.Gearup.We'llheadovertherenow.We
cancheckitoutandseeifthere'sbeenadisturbance."

"Nooneisansweringatall,Ryland,"Lilysaidwithasmallfrown."Someoneisalwaysthere.Dayor

nightthere'sstaff.Itisn'tnormalandthatworriesme."

"Ijusthaveaverybadfeeling,"Ianagreed."Wemightbetoolateifwewaitanylonger."

"That'sgoodenoughforme,Ian,"Rylandsaidasheshruggedintohisgearwithouttheleastbitof
modesty."Getmoving,Lily,I'mnotleavingyouhere.Idon'ttrustHiggens.ArlycankeepRosaandJohn
safebutnowaywouldhebeabletostopthecolonelfromgettingyou."

Lilyrolledhereyes."He'sonlysayingthattolookmachoinfrontofallofyou.HeknewI'dcomewhether
heokayeditornotsoheissuedthebigcommand.And,Mr.BigShot,Ihappentobeready.Andalittle
privacywouldhelp."Shecaughtupthesheet,wrappedherselfinit,andstartedtowardthecloset.

"Nightgear,Lily,thatmeansblack."Rylandstuffedatightone-pieceblackspandexsuitintoherhand.
"Thiswillworkfine.Ifounditinthathouseyoucallacloset.Andweartennisshoes—youdoownapair,
don'tyou?"

"Atleasttenpairs,sarcasticone.I'mnotcertainIcanfitmybodyintothisthing,"shesaidbuthurriedinto
herbathroomtocleanupquicklyandtrytosqueezeintothepantsuit."I'lllooklikeasausage."

"I'llhelp,"Gatoroffered.

"Idoappreciateyouroffer,"Lilysaid,"andImaytakeyouuponit."

"I'llshootyoufirst,"RylandwarnedGator.

"He'ssotouchy,Lily,"Gatorsaid.

LilycamearoundthecornermakingafaceatRyland."He'sabigbaby,iswhatheis,"shetoldGatorand
fellintolinebesideRylandastheyhurriedtowardthetunnel.Sheleanedclosetohim."There'sno
possiblewaytowearunderwearinthisoutfit."

Hecoveredhermouthandsentasteelyglaretowardhismen.Notoneofthemhadtheaudacitytomakea
commentbuttheyallsmirkedathim.

IANrolledunderthehedgeandscootedclosetoRyland."Idon'tlikethefeelofthisplaceatall,Captain.
Someone'sinthereandifit'sthegeneral,he'snotalone."

Icountfourinthehouseandtwoguardsonthenorthside.ItwasNicolascheckingin.

I'vegottwointhehouseandoneguardonthebalconyontheeastside.ThiswasKadengivinghis
report.

Sniperonroof.Oneonroofacrossthestreet,Jonasadded.Thatistwosnipers,twoseparatebuildings.

Rylandassessedthesituation.Weneedtobeinthehouse.Anyevidencethatthegeneralisinside?

Mandowninkitchennearthetable.Ican'tseehimwellenoughtoknowifhe'sstafforanaide.Best

guess,thegeneral'sinthehouseandhehasunwelcomecompany,Kadenoffered.

Thenwehavenochoice.Nico,cleartherooftops.Kaden,Kyle,andJonas,takeouttheguards.Ifyou
don'tknowwhosesidethey'reon,makeitsoft.Otherwisemakeitcleanandnoguns.Absolutesilence.
Signalwhenyou'reclearandwehaveago.

Lilyhunchedinthecornerofthecar,makingherselfassmallaspossible.Shewasablockawayfromthe
action.SheknewRylandhadleftoneofthemenclose.ShesuspecteditwasTuckerandhehadawayof
makinganyonefeelabsolutelysecure.Shecouldn'tseehim,buthewasouttheremakingthenightsafe
again.Arlysatinthefrontseat,betrayinghisownanxietybytappinghishandonthesteeringwheel.

"Youshouldn'tbehere,Arly,"shesaidnervously."Ican'tbelieveyoucamewithus.JohnandRosa…"

"Aresafe.Rosawouldhavemyheadifanythingeverhappenedtoyou.Shetoldmetoseetoitpersonally
thatyoureturnedsafely.Well,"hehedged,"youandyouryoungman."

"Someonesetguardsaroundthegeneral'shouse.Ryland'smenareclearingthemoutnow,"Lilyreported.
Sheleanedovertheseat."Arly,howlonghaveyouandRosabeenanitem?"Shetriedtosoundvery
casual.

Helookedathersharply."Howlonghaveyouknown?"

"Whydidyouwanttokeepitasecret?"

"Ididn'twanttokeepitasecret.I'veaskedhertomarrymeathousandtimes.Shewon't.Itwasalways
becauseshecouldn'thavechildren."

"Rosa'stoooldtohavechildren,Arly,whywouldthatmatter?"

"That'swhatItoldheryesterday.NotthatImindsneakingaround—itaddsalittlespice.ButI'mgetting
toooldtobeclimbinginwindowsandcreepingdownhallways."

"Didshesayyes?"

"Itoldherwiththethingswedidtogether,she'dburninhellifshedidn'tmarryme.Soshesaidyes."

"Thatmusthavebeenacharmingproposal."Lilyleanedovertheseattokisshim."I'mglad,youneed
someonetokeepyouinline."Shetookadeepbreath."I'mreallyafraidthistime.ForRyland.Forthe
general.Forallofthem.Andforus."

Arlysqueezedherhand."SoamI.ButI'veseensometoughmenwhodealwithsomeroughsituationsand
I'dstackupyourRylandandhiscrewwiththemanydayoftheweek."

Allclear,Kadenreported.

Allclear,Jonasechoed.

Allclear,Kylesaid.

Rylandheldoffwaiting.Ifitwerepossibletocleartherooftops,Nicolaswoulddoit.Ianwasshowing
signsofextremediscomfort.Thatwasabadsign.Ianwasmuchmoresensitivetoviolentormurderous
intent,themaliciouswavesofenergyseekinghimout,rushingforhimalmosttotheexclusionofthe
others.Rylandcouldseethesweatbeadingonhisskin.

It'sago.Therooftopsareclear,Nicolasreportedinthesamesofttonehealwaysused,givingnothingof
hisfeelingsaway.Onesoft,theotherdefinitelyhard.

Rylandsighed.Thatmadeitmuchmoredifficulttochoose.Higgenshadbroughtsoldierswithhim,men
simplyfollowingorders.Onlyoneortwowereinonhisschemes.Therewasahigherriskingoingintoa
situationknowingsomeofthemenwereinnocentdupes.Hemadethedecision.

Wehavefourinthefrontofthehouse.Ifthegeneralishome,that'swherehe'llbe.Breakintofour
sectorsandmakeasweep.Takeouteverythingbetweenyouandthegeneral.Youmustassumethere
aremembersofstaffbuttreatthemthesame.Incapacitateandkeepmoving.Rylandwasalready
makinghiswayacrossthebroadexpanseoflawn,scootingonhisbelly,stayinglowintheopenarea.

Lilywincedwhensheheardtheorder.Shedidn'twanttodistractthemastheymadetheirwayintothe
housebutshehadafewquestionstomullover.SheposedthemtoArly,needingtothinkthingsthrough."It
doesn'tmakesensethatHiggenswouldhavesomanymenwillingtobetraytheircountryoverthisone
project.Hehastohavealonghistorytobeabletorecruitandtrustmorethanacoupleofmen."

Arlyshrugged."He'sbeenintheservicealongtime,Lily.He'sanofficer,apersoninpowerwhomight
easilyreadtheweaknessesinothers."

"ButPhillipThorntonandDonovans…"Shetrailedoff,hermindracing."Wedohaveseveralcontracts
dealingwithsecurityissuesbut…Ohno.Wecouldreallybeintrouble,Arly.Donovanshasthedefense
contractdealingwithsatelliteintelligence.IfHiggenshasaccesstothatdatainanycapacityhewouldbe
abletosellthelocationsofU.S.satellites."HerfingersdugintoArly'sarm."Hewouldhavethe
informationonourearlywarningsystemsorourabilitytoretaliateagainstalarge-scaleattack.Eventhe
communicationsinformationwouldbeavailabletohim.Thorntondoesn'thavethatkindofsecurity
clearance.There'sonlyafewinthecompanywiththatkindofclearance."

"IsColonelHiggenspartofthat?"

"Nottomyknowledge."Shetappedtheedgeoftheseat."Thiscouldbereallybad,Arly.Surely
Thornton'snotthatbigafooltosellnationalsecrets."LilywantedtopasstheinformationtoRyland,but
wasafraidtodistracthim.Themenwerebreachingthehouse,goinginfromfourdirections.

Rylandslippedovertheporchrailing,droppedsilentlyontothedecking,androlledawayfromtheedge
togiveIanroomtofollow.Darkshadowsswarmedaroundthehouse,movinginfromalldirections,silent
liketheghoststheycalledthemselves.Blinkandtheyweregone.

Ianmovedintopositionatthedoor,makingsuchshortworkofthelockitbarelyslowedthemdown.
RylandandIanwentinsidenearlysimultaneously,onegoingleft,theotherright,bothatfloorleveland
rollingintopositiontocomeupwithweaponslockedandready.Theentrywaywasclear.Thehousewas
dark,nolightson.

Somewhereoutsideadogbarked.Rylandfeltthebriefsurgeofenergyandtheanimalsubsided.Hecould
hearthemurmurofvoicescomingfromtheroomopeningtohisright.HesignaledtoIanandthey
positionedthemselvestocovertheentirelayoutoftheroom.

They'vegotaguntoRanier'shead.DoIhaveago?Ineedagorightnow.Asalwaystherewasno
tensioninNicolas'svoice.

Doyouhaveaclearshot?Rylanddemanded.

Takeouthisaim,Nicolasresponded.

Youhaveago.Rylandfedtheenergyalreadypouringintotheroom,usingthepoweroftheirmindsto
twistthegunpointedatGeneralRanierawayfromhim.WhenNicofiredthesilencedshot,abullet
preciselybetweentheeyesofthemanholdingRanierhostage,therewouldbenochanceofthegungoing
offandkillingthegeneral.

Higgenssawtheholeblossominginthemiddleofhisman'sforehead.Sawthemandroplikeastone
directlyinfrontofthegeneral.Hewhirledaround,hisguninhisfist,lookingforatarget.Theonlysafety
hehadwasthegeneral.Hepointedhisweaponathim.Theothertwosoldiersintheroomgapedinshock,
movedbacktobackforprotection.

"IknowyoubelievewhatColonelHiggenstoldyou,"Rylandsaidsoftlytothetwosoldiers."He'shereto
murderGeneralRanierandhe'smakingyouaccomplices.Putdownyourweaponsandbackaway.You're
inanindefensibleposition."Hisvoicerodethewaveofenergy,seemedtocomefromeverydirection.
Hismenwerefeedingthetwosoldierstheuninterruptedflowofsuggestiontoobey.

Thetwomenlookedatoneanotheralmosthelplesslyandbothlaidtheirriflesonthefloorandstepped
backwiththeirhandsup.ImmediatelytheflowofcollectivetelepathywenttoinfluenceColonelHiggens.
Hewasexpectingitandhewasresistant,fightingforpossessionofhisownactions.

"I'llkillhim.Getup,General,we'regettingoutofhere,"Higgensstated.Hiseyeswerewildashelooked
aroundbutcouldn'tseethemen.

"I'mwarningyouonelasttime,Colonel.Nicohasyouinhissights.Henevermisses.Youknowhiskill
record.Thereisabsolutelynowayforyoutoshootthegeneralandheisnotgoingtoaccompanyyou.Put
downyourweapon."

"Damnyou,Miller,IshouldhavekilledyouwhenIhadthechance."Higgenssnarledhishatredofthe
captainandturnedandran.

Roundhimup.RylandhurriedtothegeneralwhileIansearchedthetwosoldiers.Theywereconfused
andcooperative,sittingonthefloorwiththeirbackstothewallandtheirfingerslinkedbehindtheir
heads.

Rylandhelpedthegeneraltohisfeet."I'msorrywewerelate,sir.Wedidn'tgettheinvitation
immediately."

GeneralRanierstaggeredtoachairwithRyland'shelp.Hetouchedhisheadandhishandcameaway
stickywithblood."Thattraitorpistol-whippedme."Hesankheavilyintothechair,hisheaddown.

Rylandcouldseehelookedoldandtired,hisfacealmostgray.Callforthemedics.Securethehouseand
getLilyinhere.

Agrim-facedNicolasshovedColonelHiggensintotheroom.Nicolasmarchedhimtoachairandthrust
himintoit."Thehouseissecure,Captain.Wehavethreeciviliansdownneedingamedic.Themaninthe
kitchenisdead.He'smilitary."

"Hewasmybodyguard,"Raniersaidheavily."Agoodman.ItookDeliaawayandmadecertainshewas
safethencamebackheresotheywouldcomeafterme.Ihadafeelingtheywouldtryandthatshewasin
danger."HelookedatColonelHiggens."Youkilledagoodmantonight."

Higgensdidn'tsayawordbuthiscolddeadeyesneverleftRyland.

"Sir,we'vecalledthemedics,they'llbehereshortly.Mymenareseeingtoyourpeople.I'mCaptain
RylandMiller."Hesalutedcrisply.

"Soyou'rethemanallthisfussisabout.PeterusedtotalktomeaboutenhancingpsychicabilityandI
finallyagreedtohiscrazyscheme,butIneverthoughtitwouldreallywork."Hesatbackinhischair,
restedhisheadagainsttheleather."IfI'dbelievedhim,Iwouldhavepaidmoreattentiontowhatwas
goingon."

Rylandhandedhimacleantoweltopressagainsthishead."MymenandIareabsentwithoutleave,sir.
We'dliketosurrenderourselvesintoyourcustody."

"Well,now,Captain,Ibelieveyouwereexpresslygivenanordertodowhateverwasnecessaryto
protectyourmenandournation'ssecretswhenyouweregiventhisassignment.Tothebestofyour
knowledge,isthatwhatyou'vedone?"

"Yes,sir,itis."

"ThenIdon'tseeanyneedforanyonetothinkyouwereawaywithoutleave;youwereunderorders.And
asfarasIcantell,yourmissionwasasuccess."

"Thankyou,sir.Idohaveonemaninjured."RylandlookedatHiggens."Youcanputattemptedmurder
downalongwithalltheotherchargestobebroughtagainsthim."

Lilyburstintotheroom,hurledherselfstraightatGeneralRanier."Lookatyou!Lookatthis.Hasanyone
calledanambulance?Ryland,heshouldbelyingdown."

Thegeneralhuggedhertohim."I'mfine,Lily,don'tfuss.Hejustshookmeupalittle.I'vebeentryingto
putthepiecestogethereversincewetalked."

"Ithastobethedefensecontract.Higgensmusthavebeensellingsecretsforsometime,"Lilysaid,
droppinghervoice."Thisexperimentwasonlyabonusforhim.Hewaswillingtoselltheinformation,
buthecouldn'thavehadthatmanymeninplacesoquicklyunlesshe'sbeenupandrunningforsometime.
Years,I'mguessing."

"Hecan'thavebeenalone.Hewasneverinvolvedinthesatellitedefenseprogram,"GeneralRanier

pointedout."Ithoughtthesamething,Lily.We'vehadoursuspicionsthatinformationwasbeingleaked,
butColonelHiggensneverwasasuspect.Hisrecordisimpeccable."

"Ihaveadiskmyfatherrecorded.Hemusthaveleftthevoice-activatedrecordersecretedsomewherehe
wascertainthecolonelwouldtalkopenly.Dadwasverysuspiciousofthecolonel.Onthedisk,youcan
clearlyhearthecolonelplottingyourdeathandDelia'susingafireinyourhomeasthemeansofthe
"accident"Arlymadecopiesandwehavetheoriginaltobeusedforvoicecomparison."

GeneralRanierlookedacrosstheroomatColonelHiggens."Howlonghasthisbeengoingon?"

"Idenyeverything.They'remakinguptheentirestoryinanattempttocoveruptheirowncowardiceand
guilt,"thecolonelreplied."Irefusetoaddressthisnonsensewithoutmyattorneypresent."

"IbelieveGeneralMcEntireisinvolved,sir,"Lilysaidwithsorrow,knowingshewascrushingRanier.
"I'msorry,Iknowhe'syourfriend.ButIthinkhe'stheringleaderandHiggensworksforhim.Ithink
Hiltonwasplantedinyourofficetokeepaneyeonyouandeitherplantincriminatingdocumentsshould
therebeneed,orkeepanythingthatwassuspiciousfromreachingyou.Suchasmyfather'snumerous
messages."ShelookedatHiggens."McEntirehadnothingtodowiththeexperiment.Hedidn'tevenknow
aboutitatfirst.Youdidn'treallybelieveitwouldwork.Andthenyousawtheminactionandyou
realizednooneelseknewthepotential.Therewasrealvalueandforthefirsttimeyouwereinonthe
groundfloor.Youdidn'tletyourbossMcEntireinonitatfirst,didyou?"

Higgensstaredatherwithmalevolence.

"Youweretheonewhodecidedtosabotagetheexperimentsomyfatherwouldthinkitwasafailureand
theprojectwouldbeshutdown.Buthewassomuchsmarterthanyouanticipatedandhebecame
suspiciousofthebrainbleeds.Theydidn'tmakesensewhenhewasn'tusingelectricalpulses.He'dtold
Thorntonofthedanger,hadn'the?Soyouusedittokillthemen."

"I'mlost,Lily,"GeneralRanieradmitted.

"I'llmakecertainyouunderstandfullyjusthowmanymenhemurderedformonetarygain,"Lilysaid.
"You'regoingtospendtherestofyourlifeinprison,Colonel,withyourfriendMcEntire.Noneofthat
moneyyousoldoutyourcountryforandmurderedforisgoingtodoyouanygood,soIhopethatyou
enjoyedeverypennywhileyouhadthechancetospendit."

"GeneralMcEntire?"Ranierechoed."HestartedintheAirForce.Asayoungmanhewasassignedtothe
NationalReconnaissanceOffice.Laterheworkedinbuildingandoperatingspysatellites.Hewas
influentialingettingDonovansthedefensecontract."

"He'sbuddieswithThornton,"Lilypointedout.

"Theywenttoschooltogether,"GeneralRaniersaidsadly."Wealldid."

"I'msosorry,General,"Lilysaidandputherarmsaroundhim.

Twenty

"THEstorybrokethismorninginthepapers,thenetworks,andradio,"Arlyannounced.Heleanedover
andkissedRosasquarelyonthemouth,grinningunashamedlyasshesmackedhimwitharolled-up
newspaper."McEntire,Higgens,PhillipThornton,andseveralotherswerechargedwithmurder,
espionage,andseveralothercrimes."

"Ittookthemlongenoughtocompletetheinvestigation,"Jeffcomplained.Heleanedheavilyonhiscane.
"IthoughtIwasgoingtodieofoldagebeforetheyfinishedit.Whattooksodarnedlong?"

"GeneralMcEntireandColonelHiggenswerewell-respectedmenwithimpeccablerecords,"Kaden
said."Therotstartedyearsago,backinschoolwhentheydecidedtheyweresmarterthantherestofthe
worldandthoughtitwouldbeagreatgametobespies.Bothofthemlikedtheexcitementofitandfelt
thatoutwittingeveryonearoundthemwashalfthereward."

Rylandnoddedhishead."Thorntontalkedsomuchtheydidn'tknowhowtoshuthimup.Hewantedsome
kindofadeal.Thorntonwasinitforthemoney.HeagreedtohelpHiggenssabotagethepsychic
experimentbecausehehatedPeterWhitney.Whitneywassmarterandhadmoremoneyandpowerthan
Thornton.They'dbuttedheadsafewtimes,andThorntonalwayscameoutlookinglikeanass.Hisimage
waseverythingtohim.Oncehestartedimaginingslights,hecouldn'twaittogetridofWhitney.He
gloatedabouthelpingHiggenslurehimouttotheoceanwheretheycouldkillhim.Hetoldhimhehad
importantinformationtogivehimaboutHiggensandPeterwasworriedenoughtogoalone."

Arlywinced."Lilywasn'ttheretohearthat,wasshe?"

Rylandshookhishead."No,she'sbeensobusy,tryingtokeepDonovansonitsfeetandsavejobsandthe
corporation'sreputation,shehasn'thadtimeforanythingelse."

"Ohyes,shehas."Jeffnabbedahandfulofpotatochips."EversinceGeneralRanierputherinchargeof
ouroperation,she'sspentthemajorityofhertimethinkingupmasochisticexercisestostrengthenour
brains.Whenshe'snotdoingthatshe'sintophysicalfitness.Andthenthere'stherapy.Thewomanisa
slavedriver."

"You'rejustmadbecausesheinvitedyourfamilytocomeandseeyouandyourmothersidedwithher
overyourtherapy,"Rylandpointedout."Andshebetternotcatchyoueatingthosepotatochipseither.
Aren'tyouonsomekindofnutritionalplan?"

RosagaspedandslappedthechipsoutofJeff'shand."Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?Youeatanapple."

TuckerwinkedatJeffandfloatedabagofchipsrightoffthecounterstraighttowherehewasloungingin
thedoorway.Rosapretendednottonotice,consolingherselfwiththefactthat"theboys,"asshecalled
them,wereallbecomingstrongerandpracticingthethingsLilyhadtoldthemwereimportant.

"WhereisLily?"Arlyasked."Ihaven'tseenhertoday.Shedidn'tgotothelaboratoriesthismorning,did
she?"

"Onherweddingday?"Rosawashorrified."Shebetternothave."

Rylandstoodforamomentinthebrightnessofthekitchen,absorbingthelaughterandthecamaraderiethat
Lilyhadsomehowmanagedtoprovideforthemall.Shehadgenerouslysharedherhousewiththemen.
Hadgivenhertimeandknowledgetothemen.Theywereallstrongerforthethingsshehaddoneandthe
homeshe'dprovidedforthem.EvenJeffhadprogressedremarkablywell.

Ryland'sentireteamwasingoodstandingwiththeircommanderandtheunitwasfunctioningwellon
practicemissions.GeneralRanierwastakinganactivepartintheirday-to-dayoperations.Things
couldn'tberunningsmoother…forthem.Lilywasbearingtheburdenofitall.Makingupforherfather's
mistakes.Franticallytryingtosavejobsandlives.Workingsecretlyandsilentlytofindtheyoungwomen
whoseliveshadbeentamperedwithsoearlyintheirexistence.HisLily.

Heknewwhereshewouldgoonherweddingday.HesentNicolasafaintsmileandsaunteredcasually
outwhenhewasfeelinganythingbutcasual.Hewentunerringlytoherfather'soffice,gratefulthathehad
askedArlytoincludehisprintsinthesecuritycodetoopentheheavydoor.

Theroomwasemptybutheknewshewasunderground.Hefelther,wasdrawntoher.Healwayswould
be.Helockedthedoorafterhim,alwaysconsciousofsecurity,justasLilywas.Theroomrepresented
herchildhood.Italsohelduntoldsecretsofpsychicresearch.Lilyoftengotupinthemiddleofthenight
togodownstairsandreadmore.Alifetimeofsuccessesandfailuresherfatherhadcarefullyrecorded.

Inspiteofthehorrorshefeltatwhathehaddone,Lilywasfascinatedbyit.AswasRyland.Nowthathis
unitwasfunctioningsuccessfullywithoutthethreatofdeath,hewantedtoknowhowtogrowstronger.He
wantedtoknowjustwhathewasreallycapableofdoing,whathismenwerecapableofdoing.The
hiddenlaboratorywasastorehouseofknowledge.Hecouldn'tfaultLilyforwantingtotapintoit.

Rylandmadehiswaydownthesteepnarrowstairs,eachsteptakinghimcloserandclosertoher.Hefelt
hereasilynow,thedeepsadnessthatalwaysseemedapartofher.HisLily,willingtotakeonthesinsof
herfatherandsettheworldrightagain.

Lilywasstaringatthefrozenimageofayounggirlonthevideoscreen.Hecouldseeevidenceoftearson
herfacewhenshelookedupasheapproached,her.Herlonglasheswerespikyandwet,andjustlooking
atherhurthim.

Lilysmiledathim."Iknewyou'dcometome.Iwassittingheretryingtodecideifmyfatherwasa
monster.AndIknewyou'dcome."

Rylandtookherhand,squeezedherfingerstightly."Hewasamanwithasadlifeuntilyoucameintoit,
Lily.Rememberthefatheryouknew,notthemanheoncewas.Youchangedhim,shapedhislife.You
madehimintosomeoneworthwhileandhedidhisbestforhumanityafterthat."Hesatdownnexttoher,
thisthighwedgednexttohers,hisbodyprotectivelyclose.

"Ilovedhimsomuch,Ryland.Iadmiredhimandhisbrilliance.Itriedsohardtoliveuptohis
expectationsofme."

Hebroughtherhanduptohismouth,rubbedherknucklesbackandforthinlittlecaressesoverhislips."I
knowyoudid,Lily.Hewasveryproudofyou,too.There'snothingwrongwithadaughterlovingher
father.Heearnedthat."

"IwastryingtothinkhowIwouldfeelifIwereoneoftheothers.IfI'dbeenabandonedbecauseIwas
flawed.Canyouimagine,Ryland?I'malmostafraidtocontactthem,evenknowingIcanhelpthemshould
theyneedit."Shetouchedthefaceonthescreen."Lookathereyes.Shelookssohaunted."Therewasa
wealthofcompassioninhervoice.

"Wehavetodoonethingatatime,"heremindedhergently."Theinvestigationisover,thestorywasin
today'snews.McEntireandHiggenshavebeensellingsecretsforyearstoforeigngovernments.Everyone
isscramblingtodocontainmentandtoseehowmuchactualdamagewasdone.MymenandIare
completelyintheclearandthere'snothinginourrecordsthatcoulddamageourcareers.Infact,wewere
honoredforsavingGeneralRanierandbreakingthisthingwideopen.Mymenareabletobeoutinthe
fieldforlongerperiodsand,evenbetter,theycangowithouttheiranchorsforextendedperiodsoftime.
Jeffisimprovingeveryday.You'vegiventhemhopeandahomeandaplaceofsafety.Youturnedallof
ourlivesaround,Lily."

Shelaidherheadonhisshoulder."Itwasn'tallmealone,Ryland.Thingsjustfellintoplace."Shestared
attheimageofthelittlegirl."IlookatherandIwonderwheresheis,whatherchildhoodwaslike.If
she'llhatemewhensheseesme."Shelookedathim."Ihavetofindher.Somehow,someway,Ihaveto
findher."Shewaspleadingforunderstanding.

Rylandinstantlyframedherfacewithhishands."Ofcourseyoudo,Lily.Theprivateinvestigatoris
working.Wehaveseveralfilesandtheplacestostartthatyourfathergaveus.We'llfindthemall.
Together."

"Iknewyou'dsaythattoo."Sheleanedintohim.Kissedhim.Tookpossessionofhismouthlikeamaster.
"Youalwaysknowwhattosay,don'tyou?"Shemurmuredthewordsagainsthisthroat,hertonguetracing
littledesignsonhisskinwhileherfingersbeganastrangelittletappingdanceoverhissuddenlybulging
jeans.

"Whatareyoudoing?Lily!That'sdrivingmecrazy.Wherethehelldidyoulearnthatlittletrick?'How
couldshehavesuchaninstanteffectonhim?Shecouldmakehisbodysohardandsohotwithjusta
simplemovement.

Shelaughedathim."Thebook,ofcourse.Itisourweddingnight.Ithoughtafewspecialtricksmightbe
inorder."

"I'vegottoreadthisbook."

Herfingerscontinuedstrokingandtappingandcaressinguntilhethoughthe'dgooutofhismind.Allthe
whilehertonguekeptthesamerhythmonhisthroat.

"Ican'tstandinfrontofallthosepeoplewithahard-on,Lily,"hetoldherfirmly.

"Whynot?EveryonecomesintomybedroomwhenI'mnakedundermysheet,"shepointedout.Already
Rylandwasworkinghismagic,dispellinghersadness,makingherworldrightagain.Lilycaughtupthe
remoteandsnappedoffthevideo."Youalwaysmanagetomakemefeellikewe'repartners."

Hecaughtherchin."Wearepartners.Lifepartners.Ghost-Walkers.Therearen'ttoomanyofusinthe
worldandwehavetosticktogether."

"Iguesswedo."

"Soareyouallrightnow?You'restillgoingtomarrymethisevening?"

Lilylaughed."Absolutely.IhaveahighIQ.I'mnotabouttoletyougetaway."

"Sodoitagain."

"Dowhatagain?"

"Thethingwithyourtongueandyourfingers.Doitagain."

"Ican'tdoitnow.It'sforourweddingnight.Itoldyou,Iwantedtosurpriseyouwithmyspecialtrick."

"Yeah,well,yougavemethehard-on,nowyouhavetodosomethingaboutit."

Aboutthe Author

IliveinthebeautifulmountainsofLakeCounty,California.Ihavealwayslovedhiking,camping,rafting
andbeingoutdoors.I'vealsobeeninvolvedinthemartialartsforyears—Iholdathird-degreeblackbelt,
instructinaKoreankaratesystem,andhavetaughtself-defense.Iamhappilymarriedtoaromanticman,
whoofteninspiresmewithhisthoughtfulness.Wehaveayours,mine,andoursfamily,claimingeleven
childrenasourown.Ihavealwayswrittenbooks,forcingmytensisterstoreadeveryword,andnowmy
daughtersreadandhelpmeeditmymanuscripts.ItisfuntotakealltheresearchIhavedoneonwild
animals,raptors,vampires,weather,andvolcanosandputittogetherwithromance.Pleasevisitmy
websiteatwww.christinefeehan.com.