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The agonized drama lasted until Boudicca's body jerked and stiffened, the strength drained out of her and she went li his hold around her throat, Giordino pulled the giant woman off the floor and draped her body across the top of the desk

Maeve watched in morbid fascination and shock as Giordino tore the silk robe from Boudicca's body

Then she screaht

"You called it, partner," said Pitt, his thoughts struggling to adjust fully to what he beheld

Giordino ht tilt of his head, his eyes cold and remote "I knew the minute she socked me in the jaw on the yacht"

"We've got to leave The whole island is about to go up in smoke and cinders"

"Coain?" Giordino asked dumbly

"I'll draw you a picture later" Pitt looked at Maeve "What have you got for transportation around the house?"

"A garage on the side of the house holds a pair ofbetween the mines"

Pitt swept one of the boys up in his arms "Which one are you?"

Frightened of the blood streaster mumbled, "Michael" He pointed to his brother, as now held by Giordino "He's Sean"

"Ever flown in a helicopter, Michael?"

"No, but I alanted to"

"Wishing will hed

As Maeve hurried from the study, she turned and took one last look at her father and Boudicca, who who re but animosity, but a sister nonetheless Her father had kept the secret well, enduring the sha it from the world It sickened her to discover after all these years that Boudicca was a man