Page 22 (1/2)

With that thought I feel a fresh rush of anger and adrenaline I don’t want to run away anyht--to kick and claw until the whole world bleeds asushered froe, and the woe behind and is easing closer She’s trained, I know She wouldn’t be here--have this job--if she weren’t But I’ on the living rooe of surprise and sheer unadulterated rage

The man who couldn’t choose a souvenir is on rab her arm, spin and whirl her toward the man who has no choice but to catch her

And then I run I’e when I realize that thetoward me There is a blur of action--fists and kicks So, "Gracie!"

And then Alexei is here Alexei is free One of thein the water below, and Alexei’s alrabs my hand and yells, "Co here?" I ask him

Alexei turns onhere?" He sounds like soht uards are closer now I can feel the bridge getting s froes before; I should knohat it feels like

"Co me in the direction he’s just co on

"Grace, we’ve got to get you out of here!" he shouts

But I just cale that arches high over the water I’uards charging toward us Toand, of course, Alexei, who stands du if the pressure has finally broken ain, but I just hold out my hand

"Do you trustuards’ cries on the wind There is no one on the bridge but these people ould take me away and this boy who only wants to protect --especially myself

My hand is still outstretched, and I can almost read Alexei’s mind as he looks at me Am I a screw-up? A kid sister? A killer

A princess?

Am I so out, and I shake my outstretched hand Instantly, Alexei takes it I step onto the railing, and Alexei joinsbelow

His hand is war For a second, I just feel it--feel hi into brown Neither of us blinks as we stand atop this bridge in the center of Paris