The Makeover Mission by Mary Buckham

Author:Mary Buckham
Language: de
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2010-11-26T17:40:38.605000+00:00

Jane didn't know how long she rubbed her fingers back and forth along the icy sides of the soft drink she gripped like a buoy, feeling the water bead beneath her touch. Sounds spilled over her, the rush of voices no longer screaming but still holding fear beneath their clamor. If she raised her head she would see the profiles of two of McConneghy's team.

A bubble of hysteria threatened to escape but she wouldn't let it. She knew if she did, she'd never be able to get beyond the fear. Better to focus on the incongruity of her, plain Jane from Sioux Falls, huddled beneath a scratchy blanket in a parking lot in a country she'd only vaguely heard about less than a month ago, being guarded by armed men. She'd had nightmares that made more sense.

"Mademoiselle Rostov?" A woman's voice called to her, softly. Three men immediately turned, startling Jane with the speed and precision of their movement. From statue-still to red alert, she thought, aware her hand had crumpled the thin aluminum can before she could stop herself.

"Mademoiselle Rostov." The voice came again as Jane shifted her gaze from firearms held ready to an older woman standing nervously a few feet away. The woman was not dressed in the pressed suits of a delegation member, but the full skirt and work-worn blouse Jane had noticed many of the general population wore. "I have brought you something, mademoiselle."

Was she a threat? A terrorist in disguise? Is this how Lucius viewed all strangers?

The woman swallowed deeply and advanced forward a step, her hands clutched around a small, brightly colored bag extended before her.

Afraid one of her silent, efficient guards would shoot first, ask questions later, Jane stood, letting the blanket slip from her shoulders.

"Wait." She didn't know if it was Elderman or Sanchez she spoke to and right then didn't really care. She addressed her next words to the woman. "You must not come closer. Please."

"It is for good luck." The woman extended the bag she carried, letting it dangle between callused fingers. "The herbs will bring long life and felicity."

Long life or another bomb?

The woman moved closer and Jane reacted. It wasn't fear for herself but fear for the men around her. Would they die protecting her? Or have to live with the decision to take one life instead of risking another?

She couldn't let them do it. If the woman meant to kill her, so be it. But only her. She could live with that more than with the thought of others suffering because of her.

Brushing past her nearest guard before he could react, Jane stepped toward the woman, but before she could reach her, a hand jerked her to a rough stop.

"Are you crazy?" It was Lucius. "Williams, check the bag. I'll deal with you and Elderman later."

"It's not their fault." The words slipped out even as McConneghy was hustling her away from where the woman still stood, her expression as dazed as Jane felt.

She wondered if her words registered with McConneghy as he pushed her into the front seat of a compact car.

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