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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Jacqueline Baird ARISTIDES CONVENIENT WIFE

TORONTO NEW YORK LONDON A STERDA !ARIS SYDNEY "A B#R$ STOCK"OL AT"ENS TOKYO ILAN ADRID !RA$#E WARSAW B#DA!EST A#CKLAND CONTENTS C"A!TER ONE C"A!TER TWO C"A!TER T"REE
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

C"A!TER FO#R C"A!TER FIVE C"A!TER SI% C"A!TER SEVEN C"A!TER EI$"T C"A!TER NINE C"A!TER TEN C"A!TER ELEVEN C"A!TER TWELVE CO IN$ NE%T CHAPTER ONE EN$LAND INFEBR#ARY&a' n() a *lace +e &(uld +a,e c+('en )( -e. Le(n Ari')ide' )+(u/+) an/ril0 a' )+e 1ree2in/ rain c(n)inued )( la'+ d(&n al3(') (-'curin/ +i' ,ie& (1 )+e r(ad4 Bu) )+e le))er +e +ad recei,ed a) +i' (11ice in A)+en' 0e')erda0 3(rnin/ 1r(3 a r S30)+. a *ar)ner in a 1ir3 (1 L(nd(n '(lici)(r'. and )+e in1(r3a)i(n encl('ed &i)+in +ad )()all0 ')unned +i34
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

*recedence (,er )+e &ill +eld -0 )+e 1a3il0 la&0er in A)+en' )+a) Delia +ad 3ade a) )+e a/e (1 ei/+)een a) )+eir 1a)+er' in')i/a)i(n4 T+e in1(r3a)i(n )+e ne& &ill c(n)ained '( (u)ra/ed Le(n +i' ini)ial reac)i(n +ad -een )( )ear )+e d(cu3en) in)( a 3illi(n *iece'4 Bu) (nl0 1(r an in')an) -e1(re +i' ir(n9c((l c(n)r(l +ad rea''er)ed i)'el1 and +e +ad called (ne (1 +i' la&0er'4 T+e re'ul)an) c(n,er'a)i(n +ad 3ade +i3 )+in6 l(n/ and +ard4 A re)urn call )( r S30)+ and +ed +ad an earl0 a**(in)3en) &i)+ )+e 3an 1(r )+e 1(ll(&in/ da04 A) )+e crac6 (1 da&n )+i' 3(rnin/ +e +ad -(arded +i' *ri,a)e 7e) +eadin/ 1(r L(nd(n4 A '(3-re in)er,ie& &i)+ )+e la&0er +ad c(n1ir3ed )+e '+(c6in/ ne&'4 A**aren)l0 (n Le(n' ,er-al c(n1ir3a)i(n (1 Delia' dea)+ +e +ad i33edia)el0 dra1)ed a le))er )( (ne i'' "e0&((d a' in')ruc)ed. in1(r3in/ +er )+a) Delia +ad died and '+e &a' a -ene1iciar0 (1 +er &ill4 Le(n c(uld d( n()+in/ a-(u) i) n(&. -u) +e +ad (-)ained )+e 3an' *r(3i'e (1 a-'(lu)e di'cre)i(n in )+e 3a))er and )+e0 +ad *ar)ed &i)+ a +and'+a6e4 r S30)+ &a' an +(ne') 3an -u) n( 1((l. a -an6in/ c(3*an0 li6e Ari')ide' In)erna)i(nal &a' n() (ne )( u*'e) unnece''aril04 Le(n 3an(eu,red )+e ren)al car in)( )+e '+(r) dri,e4 In )+e (rdinar0 c(ur'e (1 e,en)' +e u'uall0 )ra,elled -0 a c+au11eured li3(u'ine. -u) in )+i' ca'e a-'(lu)e 'ecrec0 &a' required un)il +e +ad a''e''ed )+e 'i)ua)i(n4 "e ')(**ed
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)+e car and /lanced u* a) )+e +(u'e4 Ne')lin/ in )+e C()'&(ld +ill'. i) &a' a d(u-le 1r(n)ed de)ac+ed ')(ne -uil) +(u'e. 'ur*ri'in/l0 'e) in )+e c(rner (1 )+e &alled /r(und' (1 a lu5ur0 +()el4 W+ic+ &a' &+0 +e +ad dri,en *a') )+e en)rance dri,e )( )+e F(5 T(&er "()el and ar(und )+e &+(le da3n e')a)e )+ree )i3e' &i)+(u) c(nnec)in/ )+e en)rance )( )+e +()el &i)+ )+e +(3e (1 i'' "e0&((d: T+e Farr(& "(u'e. F(5c(,e) Lane4 S( 3uc+ 1(r 'a)elli)e na,i/a)i(n '0')e3'4 Finall0. in 1ru')ra)i(n +e +ad en)ered )+e +()el and -((6ed a r((3 1(r )+e ni/+); i) l((6ed a' i1 +e &a' /(in/ )( need (ne i1 +e did n() 1ind )+e elu'i,e i'' "e0&((d '((n4 T+en &i)+ a 1e& ca'ual que')i(n' +e +ad di'c(,ered &+ere )+e +(u'e &a' and &+0 i) +ad )a6en +i3 '( da3n l(n/ )( 1ind i)4 A li/+) '+(ne 1r(3 a d(&n')air' &ind(&. +ardl0 'ur*ri'in/ /i,en )+e /l((3ine'' (1 )+e da0. and +(*e1ull0 an indica)i(n "elen "e0&((d &a' a) +(3e4 "e +ad c(n'idered rin/in/ +er. -u) +e did n() &an) )( &arn +er4 T+e ele3en) (1 'ur*ri'e &a' )+e -e') &ea*(n in an0 -a))le. and )+i' &a' a c(n1lic) +e &a' de)er3ined )( &in4 A *reda)(r0 /lea3 li/+)ened +i' dar6 e0e' a' +e (*ened )+e car d((r and ')e**ed (u) (n)( )+e /ra,elled dri,e 'la33in/ )+e d((r -e+ind +i34 #nle'' '+e +ad alread0 recei,ed )+e le))er 1r(3 r S30)+. &+ic+ &a' +i/+l0 unli6el0 i1 )+e Bri)i'+ *(')al 'er,ice &a' an0)+in/ li6e )+e $ree6. )+e lad0 &a' in 1(r (ne +ell (1 a '+(c64 Squarin/ +i' -r(ad '+(ulder'. +e a**r(ac+ed )+e 1r(n) d((r &i)+ deci'i,e ')e*'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&ri))en a le))er in all )+e )i3e '+e +ad 6n(&n +er. )+e neare') '+e /() &a' a card a) C+ri')3a' and -ir)+da0'4 Tele*+(ne (r e93ail &ere +er *re1erred 1(r3' (1 c(33unica)i(n4 T+e d((r-ell ran/. and '+e dr(**ed )+e *(') and. +ea,in/ a 'i/+. &(ndered &+( c(uld -e callin/ in )+e 3iddle (1 )+e a1)ern((n4 <All ri/+). all ri/+) I3 c(3in/. '+e 3u))ered a' )+e -ell *ealed (u) a/ain and c(n)inued )( rin/4 W+(e,er i) &a' )+e0 (-,i(u'l0 &ere n() -i/ in )+e *a)ience de*ar)3en). '+e )+(u/+) a' '+e &al6ed d(&n )+e +all )( (*en )+e d((r4 Le(n Ari')ide'4"elen ')i11ened. +er +and )i/+)enin/ (n )+e d((r +andle. una-le )( -elie,e +er e0e'4 F(r a 1lee)in/ 3(3en) '+e &(ndered i1 '+e +ad 1(r/())en )( &ear +er c(n)ac) len'e' and +e &a' a 1i/3en) (1 +er i3a/ina)i(n. -u) (nl0 1(r a 3(3en)4 <"ell(."elen. a dee*9)+r(a)ed ,(ice dra&led. and al)+(u/+ '+e &a' 'li/+)l0 30(*ic )+ere &a' n()+in/ &r(n/ &i)+ +er +earin/4 O+. 30 $(d. Delia' -r()+er= "ere. a) +er d((r4 <$((d a1)ern((n. r Ari')ide'4 S+e au)(3a)icall0 3ade )+e *(li)e re'*(n'e. +er '+(c6ed /a2e 1lic6in/ u* (,er +i34 Si5 1ee) *lu' and i33acula)el0 clad in a dar6 -u'ine'' 'ui). &+i)e '+ir) and 'il6 )ie. +e +adn) c+an/ed 3uc+ in )+e 0ear' 'ince '+e +ad la') 3e) +i34 "e &a' 7u') a' -i/. and dar6. and 1(r-iddin/ a' '+e re3e3-ered4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Wi)+ +ea,09lidded dar6 e0e' and an/ular c+ee6-(ne'. a lar/e ')rai/+) n('e and a &ide 3(u)+. +e l((6ed +ard ra)+er )+an +and'(3e4 Bu) +e &a' *+0'icall0 a))rac)i,e in a ra&. 3a'culine &a04 #n1(r)una)el0 1(r "elen. +e ')ill +ad )+e 'a3e di')ur-in/ e11ec) (n +er a' +e +ad )+e 1ir') )i3e )+e0 +ad 3e). -rin/in/ a 'udden 1lu))erin/ in +er ')(3ac+ )+a) '+e de)er3inedl0 *u) d(&n )( ner,e'4 S+e c(uldn) *(''i-l0 ')ill -e a1raid (1 )+e 3an4 S+e &a' )&en)09'i5. n() 'e,en)een an0 3(re4 <T+i' i' a 'ur*ri'e4 W+a) are 0(u d(in/ +ere> '+e 1inall0 a'6ed. e0ein/ +i3 &aril04 S+e +ad 3e) +i3 nine 0ear' a/(. )+e (ne )i3e '+e +ad /(ne (n ,aca)i(n &i)+ Delia )( +er 1a3il0 +(lida0 +(3e in $reece. and '+e +ad -een le1) &i)+ a la')in/ i3*re''i(n (1 c0nical arr(/ance and *(&er1ul 3a'culini)04 S+e +ad -een &al6in/ al(n/ )+e -eac+ &+en a dee* ,(ice +ad called (u) de3andin/ )( 6n(& &+( '+e &a'4 S+e +ad under')((d )+a) 3uc+ $ree64 $lancin/ )(&ard' )+e 'ea. '+e +ad 'een a 3an ')andin/ (n )+e '+(reline4 S+e +ad 6n(&n i) &a' a *ri,a)e -eac+. -u) a' Delia' /ue') '+e +ad +ad e,er0 ri/+) )( -e )+ere. and in +er inn(cence '+e +ad called (u) a re'*(n'e and &al6ed )(&ard' +i3. c(ncen)ra)in/ (n )r0in/ )( -rin/ +i3 in)( 1(cu'4 A' +er ,i'i(n +ad i3*r(,ed '+e +ad (11ered +er na3e &i)+ a '3ile. and +eld (u) +er +and. )+en ')(**ed and ')ared. +er +and 'u'*ended in 3id9air4 "e +ad -een )all and -r(ad &i)+ a &+i)e )(&el dra*ed
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ar(und +i' lean +i*'. and )+e 3u'cula)ure (1 +i' 3a/ni1icen) -r(n2ed -(d0 +ad -een '( clearl0 de1ined ic+elan/el( +i3'el1 c(uld n() +a,e 'cul*)ed -e))er4 "i' /a2e +ad ca*)ured +er'. and )+e -rea)+ +ad ')(**ed in +er )+r(a)4 T+ere +ad -een '(3e)+in/ dar6 and dan/er(u' '&irlin/ in )+e -lac6 de*)+' (1 +i' e0e' )+a) +ad 3ade +er +ear) -ea) 1a')er4 E,er0 *ri3i)i,e 'en'e '+e +ad *(''e''ed +ad )(ld +er )( run -u) '+e +ad -een *aral0'ed -0 )+e *+0'ical *re'ence (1 )+e 3an4 T+en +e +ad 1inall0 '*(6en. and +i' 'arca')ic c(33en) ran/ in +er +ead )( )+i' da04 <Fla))ered )+(u/+ I a3. and a,aila-le a' 0(u '( (-,i(u'l0 are. I a3 a 3arried 3an4 Y(u '+(uld )r0 a'6in/ -e1(re (/lin/4 And +e +ad &al6ed a&a04 S+e +ad ne,er -een '( e3-arra''ed -e1(re. (r 'ince4 <I &(uld +a,e )+(u/+) )+a) &a' 'el19e,iden)4 T+e '(und (1 +i' ,(ice 7er6ed +er -ac6 )( )+e *re'en)4 <I a3 +ere )( 'ee 0(u4 We need )( )al64 "e '3iled -u) '+e n()iced )+e '3ile didn) )(uc+ +i' e0e'4 "elen didn) &an) )( )al6 )( +i34 S+e '+uddered a) )+e )+(u/+)4 A1)er )+eir 1ir') 3ee)in/. 1(r )+e re') (1 +er ')a0 in $reece '+e +ad )ried )( a,(id +i34 I) +ad n() -een )(( +ard4 Wi)+ )+e c(n')an) 1l(& (1 '(*+i')ica)ed 1riend' and 1a3il0 )( )+e Ari')ide' +(3e. i) +ad -een qui)e ea'0 1(r )&( 0(un/ /irl' )( /( unn()iced4 On )+e rare (cca'i(n &+en "elen +ad +ad n( (*)i(n -u) )( -e in +i' c(3*an0 '+e +ad addre''ed +i3
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&i)+ c((l *(li)ene''4 W+en +i' -eau)i1ul &i1e Tina +ad arri,ed near )+e end (1 "elen' ')a0. '+e +ad (nl0 -een a-le )( &(nder &+a) )+e +a**09/(9luc60 A3erican &(3an 'a& in 'uc+ an al((1. c0nical 3an4 F(r "elen +i' 'c(rn1ul and dee*l0 e3-arra''in/ c(33en) )( +er. c(u*led &i)+ )+e 'eni(r r Ari')ide' di')an) *(li)ene'' )( -()+ +er and +i' dau/+)er. 'i3*l0 c(n1ir3ed &+a) Delia +ad )(ld +er &+en )+e0 +ad 1ir') -ec(3e 1riend' a) 'c+((l4 Acc(rdin/ )( Delia )+e rea'(n '+e &a' a) -(ardin/9'c+((l in En/land ra)+er )+an a) +(3e in $reece &a' -ecau'e +er 1a)+er and +er -r()+er +ad a/reed '+e needed )( i3*r(,e +er En/li'+. -u) )+e reali)0 &a' )+e0 +ad -()+ decided '+e needed )+e di'ci*line (1 a /irl'9(nl0 -(ardin/9'c+((l4 A**aren)l0 '+e +ad -een cau/+) '3(6in/ and 1lir)in/ &i)+ a 1i'+er3an' '(n4 N( -i/ deal acc(rdin/ )( Delia. &+( +ad *er'(nall0 )+(u/+) i) +ad 3(re )( d( &i)+ )+e 1ac) )+a) +er 3()+er +ad c(33i))ed 'uicide &+en '+e &a' )&en)0 3(n)+' (ld. 1r(3 de*re''i(n a1)er +er -ir)+4 "er 1a)+er +ad -la3ed +er 1(r )+e dea)+ (1 +i' &i1e. and *re1erred +er (u) (1 +i' 'i/+)4 T( qu()e Delia. +er 1a)+er and -r()+er &ere -()+ ')i119 nec6ed c+au,ini') *i/'4 #l)ra9c(n'er,a)i,e &eal)+0 -an6er' )()all0 de,()ed )( )+e 1a3il0 -u'ine'' (1 3a6in/ 3(ne0. )+e 1e3ale' in )+eir li,e' c+('en 'i3*l0 a' a''e)' )( en+ance )+e -u'ine''4 Delia +ad +ad n( in)en)i(n (1 -ein/ 3arried 1(r )+e -ene1i)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

a )(&el ar(und +i' +i*' a' '+e +ad c(n)inued )( a**r(ac+ +i34 <I a3 "elen. Delia' 1riend 1r(3 'c+((l4 And '+e +ad +eld (u) +er +and and ')(**ed n() a 0ard a&a04 T+e )+ic6l0 la'+ed e0e' '+e +ad li1)ed )( +i' +ad -een a '3(60 ,i(le). and 1ull (1 +idden *r(3i'e4 "e +ad -een 'ur*ri'ed and )e3*)ed )( )a6e &+a) '+e +ad -een '( -la)an)l0 (11erin/. un)il i) +ad re/i')ered &i)+ +i3 )+a) '+e c(uld (nl0 -e 1i1)een. )+e 'a3e a/e a' +i' 'i')er4 "e +ad di'3i''ed +er &i)+ a 1e& crude 3(c6in/ &(rd'. di'/u')ed &i)+ +i' (&n reac)i(n 3(re )+an &i)+ +er4 W+en '+e +ad an'&ered )+e d((r earlier. and l((6ed u* a) +i3 &i)+ )+('e +u/e ,i(le) e0e'. +e +ad +ad )+e 'a3e ur/e all (,er a/ain4 Re3ar6a-le. -ecau'e '+e &a'n) +i' u'ual )0*e a) all; +e *re1erred )all. 'lender -rune))e'. an i3a/e (1 +i' curren) l(,er. L(ui'a. a '(*+i')ica)ed Frenc+ lad0. 1(r3in/ in +i' 3ind4 "e +ad n() 'een +er 1(r )&( 3(n)+'. &+ic+ *r(-a-l0 acc(un)ed 1(r +i' une5*ec)ed 'e5ual reac)i(n )( "elen "e0&((d4 S+e &a' )+e direc) (**('i)e (1 L(ui'a. a *ale9'6inned a'+9-l(nde &+( c(uldn) -e 3uc+ 3(re )+an 1i,e 1ee) )all4 Added )( &+ic+ )+e inn(cen)9 l((6in/ i'' "e0&((d +ad )( -e )+e 3(') de,i(u'. 3(ne09 +un/r0 &(3an +e +ad e,er enc(un)ered. and +e +ad enc(un)ered qui)e a 1e&4 S)ill +e +ad +er in +i' 'i/+)' n(& and '+e &a' n( 3a)c+ 1(r +i3. +e c(ncluded arr(/an)l0 and -rie1l0 cl('ed +i' e0e'4T+e('. +e &a' )ired. and 1(r a 3an &+( li,ed )( &(r6 )+a) &a' '(3e ad3i''i(n. -u) )+e la') 1e& &ee6' +ad -een +ell4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&ee6' in Ne& Y(r64 "e +ad 1l(&n in)( A)+en' earl0 )+a) 3(rnin/ a''u3in/ +i' 1a)+er and Delia +ad re)urned )( )+eir +(u'e in )+e ci)0 a c(u*le (1 da0' a/( and e5*ec)in/ )( 3ee) +i' 1a)+er a) )+e -an64 Onl0 )( -e )(ld +i' 1a)+er &a' ')ill a) )+eir +(lida0 +(3e4 "(& )+e +ell +ad i) +a**ened> +e +ad a'6ed +i3'el1 1(r )+e )+(u'and)+ )i3e. +a,in/ alread0 de3anded )+e 'a3e 1r(3 )+e +('*i)al ')a11 and )+e *(lice ri/+) u* )( )+e 3ini')er4 All +e +ad 6n(&n &a' Delia +ad -een dri,in/ )( )+e +ar-(ur &i)+ )+eir 1a)+er &+en a**aren)l0 '+e +ad l(') c(n)r(l (1 )+e car and ended u* in a ra,ine4 A' 1(r )+e )(* )ea3 (1 'ur/e(n' +e +ad de3anded and /(). )+e0 +ad -een reluc)an) )( /i,e an (*ini(n (n Delia' c+ance' ()+er )+an )( 'a0 '+e &a' cri)ical -u) )+e0 &(uld d( all )+e0 c(uld4 "e +ad cr(''ed )( 'lu3* d(&n in a 'ea) 1acin/ )+e )+ea)re d((r'. and +ad laid +i' +ead -ac6 a/ain') )+e &all and cl('ed +i' e0e' in an a))e3*) )( -l(c6 (u) )+e reali)0 (1 )+e 'i)ua)i(n4 "i' 1a)+er &a' dead and +e +ad 6n(&n +e &(uld 3(urn +i' *a''in/. -u) +i' 'i')er +ad -een 1i/+)in/ 1(r +er li1e -e+ind )+('e cl('ed d((r'. and +e +ad ne,er 1el) '( +el*le'' in +i' li1e4 A 'en'e (1d87A ,u +ad en,el(*ed +i34 A di11eren) c(u*le. a di11eren) )i3e. and. +e +ad *ra0ed. a di11eren) (u)c(3e4 F(ur 0ear' a/( in June +e +ad 'a) in a *ri,a)e +('*i)al ,er0 li6e )+i' in Ne& Y(r6. &ai)in/ &+ile )+e0 (*era)ed (n +i' &i1e Tina a1)er an()+er car cra'+4 T+e *a''en/er )+en +ad
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-een +i' &i1e' 1i)ne'' in')ruc)(r &+( +ad died in')an)l04 A -i))er. c0nical '3ile cur,ed +i' +ard 3(u)+4 La)er )+e 'ur/e(n +ad )(ld +i3 'adl0 +i' &i1e +ad died (n )+e (*era)in/ )a-le. -u) )+e0 +ad deli,ered )+e c+ild '+e &a' carr0in/. a -(04 F(r a 3(3en) +e +ad 1el) a 'ur/e (1 +(*e un)il )+e d(c)(r. &+( +ad care1ull0 a,(ided e0e c(n)ac) &i)+ +i3. +ad added. <Al)+(u/+ )+e c+ild &a' 1ull )er3 +e &a' -adl0 in7ured and +i' c+ance' (1 'ur,i,al are 'li/+)4 A 1e& +(ur' la)er )+e c+ild +ad al'( died4 < r Ari')ide'4 Le(n (*ened +i' e0e' and. 'ilen)l0 *ra0in/ )+i' acciden) &(uld +a,e a +a**ier (u)c(3e. +e r('e )( +i' 1ee) a' )+e 'ur/e(n a**r(ac+ed +i34 <T+e (*era)i(n &a' a 'ucce'' and 0(ur 'i')er i' n(& in In)en'i,e Care4 "e +ea,ed a 3i/+)0 'i/+ (1 relie1. -u) i) &a' '+(r)9li,ed a' )+e 'ur/e(n c(n)inued. <Bu) )+ere are 'e,ere c(3*lica)i(n'. '+e +a' l(') a l() (1 -l((d and +er 6idne0' are 1ailin/4 #n1(r)una)el0 )+e )race' (1 recrea)i(nal dru/' in +er '0')e3 are n() +el*in/4 Bu) &e are d(in/ all &e can4 Y(u can 'li* in and 'ee +er 1(r a 1e& 3(3en)'. )+e nur'e &ill '+(& 0(u )+e &a04 "e &a' ')ill reelin/ 1r(3 )+e 6n(&led/e +i' 'i')er )((6 dru/' &+en '+e died )&( +(ur' la)er4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

in +er 0(un/ li1e +e +ad -een *r(,ed &r(n/ 0e')erda04 T+e in)elli/en). educa)ed 0(un/ lad0 +e +ad i3a/ined Delia +ad /r(&n u* )( -e +ad -een leadin/ a d(u-le li1e 1(r 0ear' &i)+ )+e +el* (1 "elen "e0&((d4 A &(3an +e di')inc)l0 re3e3-ered +i' 'i')er )ellin/ +i3 '+e +ad ,ir)uall0 l(') )(uc+ &i)+ &+en '+e +ad /(ne )( uni,er'i)0 in L(nd(n4 E,en 1(r a 3an a' c0nical a' +i3. *ar)icularl0 &+ere )+e 'u**('edl0 1air 'e5 &a' c(ncerned. )+e lie' and )+e ac)in/ a-ili)0 Delia +ad di'*la0ed (,er )+e la') 1e& 0ear' -(//led )+e 3ind4 "e +ad l(,ed +i' 'i')er )+(u/+ +e 3i/+) n() +a,e '+(&n i) a' +e '+(uld. and +er decei) +ur)4 F(r a 3an &+( ne,er indul/ed in e3()i(n and ac)i,el0 di'dained an0(ne &+( did. i) &a' a /allin/ ad3i''i(n and +e 6ne& e5ac)l0 &+( )( -la3e4 "i' 'i')er &a' /(ne. -u) i'' "e0&((d +ad a +ell (1 a l() )( an'&er 1(r. and +e &a' 7u') )+e 3an )( 3a6e 'ure '+e did4 CHAPTER TWO "ELEN STOOD IN)+e 6i)c+en &a)c+in/ )+e c(11ee *erc(la)e. and )r0in/ )( )+in6 ')rai/+)4 Le(n Ari')ide' &a' +ere. in +er +(3e. and +e 6ne& a-(u) Nic+(la'4 I) &a'n) )(( -ad. '+e )(ld +er'el14 S( +e 6ne& Delia +ad an ille/i)i3a)e '(n. and (-,i(u'l0 +e 6ne& )+a) "elen l((6ed a1)er )+e c+ild4 a0-e Delia +ad 1inall0 )(ld +er 1a)+er. and 3a0-e +e +ad c(n'ul)ed a la&0er and 3a0-e +e +ad )(ld Le(n4 Bu) i) &a' all ,er0 (dd and )+ere &ere &a0 )(( 3an0 3a0-e'=
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

A) )+e ,er0 lea') Delia 3i/+) +a,e &arned +er. '+e )+(u/+). 3i11ed &i)+ +er 1riend 1(r *u))in/ +er in 'uc+ a *('i)i(n4 Sna)c+in/ +er -a/ (11 )+e 6i)c+en )a-le. '+e )((6 (u) +er cell *+(ne and )ried Delia' nu3-er a/ain4 I) &a' ')ill dead4 Fi,e 3inu)e' la)er. a1)er 'na//in/ a )(&el 1r(3 )+e d(&n')air' )(ile). '+e &al6ed -ac6 in)( )+e 'i))in/ r((3 carr0in/ )+e c(11ee )ra04 <S(rr0 i) )((6 '( l(n/4 S+e *laced )+e )ra0 (n )+e (cca'i(nal )a-le and +eld (u) )+e )(&el4 "e )((6 i) 1r(3 +er +and &i)+ a -rie1. <T+an6 0(u. and. '&i1)l0 &i*in/ +i' 1ace. +e -e/an dr0in/ +i' )+ic6 -lac6 +air4 In +i' di'+e,elled ')a)e )+e 1a3il0 re'e3-lance )( Nic+(la' &a' qui)e ')ar)lin/4 Reali'in/ '+e &a' ')arin/. '+e quic6l0 'a) (n )+e '(1a (**('i)e +i34 <Blac6 (r &+i)e. r Ari')ide'> '+e a'6ed c((ll04 <Blac6. (ne 'u/ar and dr(* )+e @a1)er all. &e are (ld 1riend'4 r Ari')ide'4 Le(n &ill d(

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Oddl0 1lu')ered -u) de)er3ined n() )( '+(& i). "elen )((6 a 3uc+9needed drin6 (1 +er (&n c(11ee. and. re*lacin/ )+e cu* (n )+e )a-le. '+e 'aid. <N(& *er+a*' 0(u can )ell 3e &+0 a la&0er in1(r3ed 0(u a-(u) Nic+(la'> Did Delia 1inall0 )ell +er 1a)+er )+e )ru)+. and *er+a*' +e c(n)ac)ed a la&0er> '+e queried4 "e drained +i' cu*. re*laced i) (n )+e )a-le. and rai'ed +i' +ead. +i' dar6 e0e' re')in/ (n +er &i)+ c(ld in'(lence4 <B0 )+e )ru)+. I *re'u3e 0(u 3ean )+a) 30 cra20 'i')er +ad a c+ild (u)'ide 3arria/e. a '(n )+a) +er 1a3il0 6ne& n()+in/ a-(u)4 A '(n )+a) 0(u +a,e )a6en care (1 1r(3 -ir)+?I' )+a) )+e )ru)+ 0(u are )al6in/ a-(u)> +e *r(3*)ed. +i' c(ld dar6 e0e' narr(&in/ a) )+e l((6 (1 /uil) )+a) 1la'+ed acr('' +er *ale 1ace4 <T+a) 30 (&n 'i')er c(uld -e '( de,i(u' a' )( de*ri,e +er 1a)+er (1 a /rand'(n i' -e0(nd -elie1. and )+a) 0(u &i)+ )+e c(llu'i(n (1 0(ur /rand1a)+er a**aren)l0 aided and a-e))ed +er i' d(&nri/+) '+a3e1ul. i1 n() cri3inal@ <N(& &ai) 7u') a 3inu)e. "elen cu) in4 < 0 /rand1a)+er died 3(n)+' -e1(re +e &a' -(rn4 < 0 '03*a)+0. I a*(l(/i'e 1(r 3ali/nin/ )+e 3an4 Bu) i) d(e' n() 3a6e 0(ur ac)i(n' an0 le'' '+a3e1ul. +e 'aid -lun)l04 <T+e (nl0 '+a3e1ul ac) a' 1ar a' I a3 c(ncerned i' 0(ur 1a)+er 1(rcin/ Delia in)( -ec(3in/ en/a/ed )( a di')an)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

c(u'in &+en '+e re)urned )( $reece la') 'u33er4 A 3an (1 +i' c+(('in/. )( 6ee* )+e 3(ne0 in )+e 1a3il04 S+e i' n() cra20. qui)e )+e re,er'e4 Delia al&a0' 6ne& +er 1a)+er &(uld )r0 and 3arr0 +er (11 e,en)uall0 and *re*ared 1(r i). "elen 'aid ada3an)l04 <S+e )ried )( dela0 i) a' l(n/ a' *(''i-le@)+a) &a' &+0 '+e c+an/ed )+e c(ur'e '+e &a' )a6in/ a) uni,er'i)0 a1)er )+e 1ir') 0ear. '( '+e c(uld e5)end +er ')udie' a 0ear4 And. 1(r )+e 'a3e rea'(n. (nce '+e did /radua)e '+e decided )( )a6e a )eac+er' )rainin/ c(ur'e 1(r an()+er 0ear4 "elen lea*) )( de1end +er 1riend4 S+e didn) li6e Le(n Ari')ide' and '+e li6ed e,en le'' +i' der(/a)(r0 c(33en) a-(u) +i' (&n 'i')er4 <Y(u 6n(& 3(re )+an 3e. i) &(uld 'ee3. +e dra&led 'ard(nicall0 +i' e0e' narr(&in/ (n +er '3all 1ace. and "elen 1el) ine5*lica-l0 )+rea)ened4 S+e +e'i)a)ed and l(&ered +er la'+e' )( +ide +er )(( e5*re''i,e e0e'4 I) &a' n() li6e +er )( le) +er )(n/ue run a&a0 &i)+ +er. and '+e +ad )+e di')ur-in/ c(n,ic)i(n )+a) '+e &(uld need all )+e 'el19c(n)r(l '+e *(''e''ed ar(und Le(n Ari')ide'4 <A' )( )+a) I d(n) 6n(&4 S+e /a,e a 'li/+). &+a) '+e +(*ed &a' a n(nc+alan). '+ru/4 <Bu) (-,i(u'l0 Delia +a' c+an/ed +er 3ind a-(u) Nic+(la' (r 0(u &(uld n() -e +ere. '+e c(n)inued4 <Bu) I '*(6e )( +er a 1e& &ee6' a/( and '+e ne,er 'aid an0)+in/ )( 3e4 A' 1ar a' I 6n(&. '+e ')ill +a' n( in)en)i(n (1 3arr0in/ )+e 3an and (nl0 a/reed
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)( )+e en/a/e3en) )( 6ee* +er 1a)+er +a**0 un)il '+e i' )&en)091i,e in a0 and c(3e' in)( )+e in+eri)ance +er 3()+er le1) +er4 T+en '+e +a' e,er0 in)en)i(n (1 )ellin/ )+e &+(le &(rld '+e +a' a c+ild &+en +er 1a)+er can n( l(n/er c(n)r(l +er4 <S+e &ill ne,er +a,e )+e c+ance4 "e -ru'+ed a'ide +er ')al&ar) de1ence (1 +i' 'i')er &i)+ a 1e& c(ld &(rd'4 < 0 $(d. Delia &a' ri/+) a-(u) 0(u= '+e e5clai3ed4 <Y(ure a'@ <Delia i' dead. a' i' 30 1a)+er. +e in)erru*)ed -ru)all0. /ue''in/ +er )+(u/+)' a-(u) +i3. and de1lec)in/ )+e3 in )+e -lun)e') &a0 *(''i-le4 <T+e0 &ere ')a0in/ (n )+e i'land. and Delia &a' dri,in/ )+e3 )( )+e +ar-(ur &+en )+e car 'lid (11 )+e r(ad and in)( a ra,ine4 "e '*(6e e3()i(nle''l0 a' i1 +e +ad reci)ed i) all a +undred )i3e' -e1(re4 <Fa)+er died in')an)l0. Delia a 1e& +(ur' la)er in +('*i)al &i)+(u) e,er re/ainin/ c(n'ci(u'ne''4 "elen ')ared a) +i3 in ')ric6en 'ilence4 S+e c(uld n() -elie,e i). did n() &an) )( -elie,e i)4 <Dead?Delia dead. '+e 3ur3ured4 <I)' n() *(''i-le4 S+e li1)ed &ide. a**alled e0e' )( )+e 3an (**('i)e4 <I) +a' )( -e a /+a')l0 7(6e4 N() +al1 an +(ur a/( '+e +ad -een &(rr0in/ -ecau'e Delia +ad n() called; n(& '+e &a' e5*ec)ed )( -elie,e '+e &a' dead4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<T+e acciden) &a' (n )+e 1i1)een)+ (1 Januar0 and )+ere &a' a d(u-le 1uneral )+ree da0' la)er4 Suddenl0. li6e a )idal &a,e cra'+in/ d(&n (n +er. )+e 1ull +(rr(r (1 +i' re,ela)i(n '&a3*ed +er 3ind. and '+e 6ne& Ari')ide' &a' )ellin/ )+e )ru)+4 "er +ear) c(n)rac)ed in +er c+e'). +er e0e' cl('in/ 3(3en)aril0 a' '+e ')ru//led )( +(ld -ac6 )+e )ear'4 Bu) i) &a' a 1u)ile /e')ure a' 3(i')ure lea6ed -enea)+ +er la'+e'4 S+e &ra**ed +er ar3' ar(und +er 3iddle in a *+0'ical a))e3*) )( +(ld +er'el1 )(/e)+er4 Delia. -eau)i1ul. -ra,e +ead')r(n/ Delia. +er 1riend and c(n1idan)e@dead4 S+e re3e3-ered )+e 1ir') )i3e )+e0 +ad 3e)4 T+eir' +ad -een an unli6el0 1riend'+i*. )+e e5)r(,er) $ree6 /irl and )+e in)r(,er) En/li'+ /irl4 "elen a) 'i5)een +ad 3i''ed a l() (1 'c+((lin/ (&in/ )( )+e acciden) )+a) +ad 6illed +er *aren)'4 "er 1a)+er +ad &(r6ed a' an IT c(n'ul)an) 1(r a S&i'' -an6 in $ene,a and )+e0 +ad -een (n a '6iin/ &ee6end in )+e Al*'. &+en an a,alanc+e +ad -uried +er *aren)' and le1) "elen 'la33ed a/ain') a )ree c+e')9dee* in 'n(&4 Re'cued +(ur' la)er. '+e +ad 1rac)ured +er *el,i'. -u) &(r'e +ad l(') +er 'i/+)4 W+e)+er i) +ad -een 'n(& -lindne'' 1r(3 e5*('ure )( )+e -rillian) 'un in )+e +(ur' -e1(re '+e +ad -een re'cued. (r a *'0c+(l(/ical reac)i(n a) 'eein/ +er *aren)' 6illed. i) +ad )a6en +er a l(n/ )i3e )( rec(,er4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e +ad re)urned )( En/land )( li,e &i)+ +er /rand1a)+er. and 'l(&l0 recu*era)e4 Finall0 '+e +ad re'u3ed +er educa)i(n a' a da0 *u*il a) a -(ardin/9'c+((l in )+e c(un)r0'ide near +er +(3e4 S+e +ad -een *u) in )+e 'a3e cla'' a' Delia al)+(u/+ '+e +ad -een )&( 0ear' (lder )+an e,er0(ne el'e4 I) +ad -een Delia &+( +ad ')((d u* 1(r "elen &+en ()+er' in )+e cla'' +ad )ea'ed +er a-(u) )+e u/l0 )in)ed /la''e' '+e +ad &(rn a) )+e )i3e4 Fr(3 )+a) da0 1(r&ard )+e0 +ad -ec(3e 1ir3 1riend' and "elen +ad 1requen)l0 in,i)ed Delia )( +er +(3e 1(r &ee6end'4 "er /rand1a)+er +ad -een a cla''ic' 'c+(lar &+( '*(6e 1luen) $ree6 and )+e 'c+((l +ad a**r(,ed )+e (u)in/'4 W+en "elen +ad le1) 'c+((l earl0 )( l((6 a1)er +er /rand1a)+er. &+( +ad -een le1) &+eelc+air9-(und a1)er a ')r(6e. Delia +ad c(n)inued )( ,i'i) ri/+) u* un)il '+e +ad le1) 'c+((l +er'el1 )( /( )( uni,er'i)0 in L(nd(n4 T+e0 +ad 6e*) in )(uc+ -0 )ele*+(ne and )+e (dd e93ail. -u) "elen +ad n() 'een Delia 1(r )&( 0ear' un)il '+e +ad )urned u* une5*ec)edl0 (ne &ee6end l((6in/ *ale and '(3-re4 N() +er u'ual c(n1iden) 'el1 a) all4 <O-,i(u'l0 )+e ne&' i' a '+(c6 )( 0(u and I3 '(rr0 )( in)rude (n 0(ur /rie14 T+e -ri'6 dar6 ,(ice cu) in)( +er re,erie. n() '(undin/ )+e lea') a*(l(/e)ic4 <Bu) I ca3e +ere )( 'ee 30 ne*+e& and di'cu'' +i' 1u)ure4 Ti/+)9li**ed and clenc+in/ +er )ee)+ in an a))e3*) )( c(n)r(l +er /rie1. "elen li1)ed )ear9drenc+ed e0e' )( Le(n Ari')ide' and '+i,ered a) )+e al((1 /lacial e5*re''i(n '+e 'a& (n +i' 1ace4 I1 )+i' 3an &a' 3(urnin/ )+e l('' (1 +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1a)+er and 'i')er i) cer)ainl0 did n() '+(&4 "e &a' a' +ard a' a -l(c6 (1 /rani)e. and 'uddenl0 1ear 1(r Nic+(la' and &+a) +i' 1u)ure &(uld -e (,err(de +er /rie14 <Nic+(la' i' a'lee* u*')air'4 "e a))end' nur'er0 'c+((l in )+e 3(rnin/ and a1)er lunc+ +e u'uall0 +a' a na*. '+e 'aid )ru)+1ull0. ')ru//lin/ )( /a)+er +er )u3ul)u(u' )+(u/+)' in)( '(3e 6ind (1 (rder4 In')inc)i,el0 '+e 6ne& Delia &(uld n() +a,e &an)ed +er '(n -r(u/+) u* in )+e 'a3e 3(uld a' +er 1a)+er and -r()+er. and '+e needed all +er &i)' a-(u) +er )( deal &i)+ )+e 'i)ua)i(n4 <I d(n) )+in6 i) i' ad,i'a-le )( &a6e +i3 u* )( )ell +i3 +i' 3()+er i' dead4 S+e c+(6ed (,er )+e la') &(rd4 <I &a'n) 'u//e')in/ an0 'uc+ )+in/4 "e li1)ed a +and and ran i) )+r(u/+ +i' )+ic6 -lac6 +air. and 1(r a 3(3en) '+e )+(u/+) '+e 'a& a /lea3 (1 an/ui'+ in +i' dar6 e0e'4 "elen -e/an )+in6in/ 3a0-e Le(n Ari')ide' &a' 3(re u*'e) )+an +e a**eared4 Suddenl0 '+e re3e3-ered Delia 3en)i(nin/ )+a) +i' &i1e and ne&-(rn c+ild +ad died in an acciden)4 T+i' 3u') -e a d(u-le -l(& )( +i3@'+e +ad l(') +er -e') 1riend -u) +e +ad l(') +i' 1a)+er and +i' 'i')er@and +er '(1) +ear) 'quee2ed &i)+ c(3*a''i(n4 <Bu) +e &ill +a,e )( -e )(ld la)er and in )+e 3ean&+ile@ Ari')ide' r('e )( +i' 1ee) and ')e**ed )(&ard' +er <@I &an) )( 'ee '(3e *r((1 )+e -(0 ac)uall0 e5i')' and i' +ere. +e declared &i)+ a 'ard(nic li1) (1 an e-(n0 -r(&4 "elen /ri))ed +er )ee)+ a) +i' c0nical c(33en) and an0
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'03*a)+0 1(r +i3 di'a**eared4 <O1 c(ur'e4 S+e ')((d u* and 1(und +e &a' 3uc+ )(( cl('e. and 'ide')e**ed (u) (1 +i' &a04 <I1 0(u &ill 1(ll(& 3e. '+e 3ur3ured and 3ade 1(r )+e d((r4 T+e cur)ain' &ere cl('ed a/ain') )+e di'3al dar6 da0 and a '3all car9'+a*ed ni/+) li/+) )+a) Nic+(la' ad(red illu3ina)ed )+e -edr((34 T+e -ed &a' al'( a 3(del (1 a car. and l0in/ 1la) (n +i' -ac6 &a' Nic+(la' &earin/ &+i)e under9*an)' and a )ee '+ir)4 Wi)+ +i' curl0 -lac6 +air 1allin/ 1(r&ard (,er +i' -r(&. and +i' )+ic6 -lac6 la'+e' l0in/ /en)l0 a/ain') +i' '3(()+ c+ee6'. +e &a' dee*l0 a'lee*4 "elen '3iled d(&n a) )+e in1an). and ,er0 /en)l0 -ru'+ed a 1e& ')ra0 curl' 1r(3 +i' -r(&4 S+e +eard a dee*l0 indra&n -rea)+. and /lanced -ac6 a) Ari')ide'4 S+e c(uld 'en'e )+e )en'i(n in e,er0 3u'cle and 'ine& (1 +i' -i/ 1ra3e a' +e ')ared d(&n a) )+e 'lee*in/ -(0. )()all0 )ran'1i5ed4 "elen didn) li6e )+e 3an. '+e 1(und +i3 +ard and c0nical4 I1 '+e &a' +(ne') '+e al'( 1(und +i3 in)i3ida)in/4 "e &a' n() (nl0 )all. -u) *(&er1ull0 -uil) &i)+ &ide '+(ulder' and a -r(ad c+e'). lean +i*' and l(n/ le/'4 Ye) ri/+) a) )+i' 3(3en) +e l((6ed a' ,ulnera-le a' )+e c+ild &+( +eld +i' c(3*le)e a))en)i(n4 Silen)l0 '+e 3(,ed -ac6 a 1e& ')e*' )(&ard' )+e d((r. )( /i,e +i3 '(3e *ri,ac0 in &+ic+ )( /e) (,er )+e '+(c6 (1 'eein/ +i' ne*+e& 1(r )+e 1ir') )i3e4 "e &a' en)i)led )( )+a) 3uc+. -u) +e &a' n() nece''aril0 en)i)led )( '(le care (1 )+e c+ild. '+e re3inded +er'el1 1ir3l04
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"er e0e' 3i')ed &i)+ )ear' a' '+e 'a& a/ain in +er 3ind' e0e Delia' 1ace &+en '+e +ad )urned u* (u) (1 )+e -lue (n a da0 in Fe-ruar0 3uc+ li6e )+i' (ne 1(ur 0ear' a/(4 S+e +ad -een u*'e). -u) de)er3ined. and n( a3(un) (1 )al6in/ +ad -een a-le )( /e) Delia )( c+an/e +er 3ind4 Delia +ad -een *re/nan) and un3arried a) )&en)04 T+ere +ad -een n( &a0 '+e &a' /(in/ )( )ell +er 1a)+er. and '+e +ad a'6ed "elen )( +el* +er )a6e care (1 )+e -a-0 un)il '+e ca3e in)( +er (&n 1(r)une4 T+en '+e c(uld 'a0 )( +ell &i)+ +er 1a)+er and -rin/ +er c+ild u* a' '+e &i'+ed4 !er'(nall0 "elen +ad )+(u/+) i) &a' )+e cra2ie') idea '+e +ad e,er +eard. and +ad )(ld +er '(4 S+e +ad d(u-)ed Delia c(uld 6ee* )+e *re/nanc0 +idden. ne,er 3ind 6ee*in/ a c+ild 'ecre). and &+a) a-(u) )+e 1a)+er> T+e 1a)+er &a' a 1ell(& ')uden) &+( +ad -een 6illed in )+e L(nd(n )rain cra'+ )+a) +ad -een all (,er )+e *a*er' a 1e& &ee6' earlier4 Bu) Delia +ad +ad i) all &(r6ed (u)4 S+e &(uld /( +(3e 1(r Ea')er a' u'ual and re)urn )( uni,er'i)0 in L(nd(n a1)er&ard'4 "er 1a)+er +ad -een ec')a)ic a) )+e ne&' Le(n' &i1e &a' 1inall0 *re/nan) '( +e &(uld *a0 Delia e,en le'' a))en)i(n )+an u'ual4 Delia +ad -een c(n,inced '+e c(uld /e) )+r(u/+ )+e +(lida0 &i)+(u) an0(ne reali'in/ '+e &a' *re/nan)4 T+e -a-0 &a' due (n )+e 1ir') (1 Jul0 and i) &(uld -e 'i3*le )( -((6 in)( a *ri,a)e +('*i)al in L(nd(n )( +a,e a Cae'arean deli,er0 in 3id9June4 T+en '+e c(uld lea,e )+e c+ild &i)+
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"elen and ')ill -e a-le )( re)urn )( $reece 1(r )+e 'u33er +(lida0' &i)+(u) +er 1a3il0 -ein/ an0 )+e &i'er4 "elen +ad )+(u/+) )+e &+(le idea ridicul(u'. -u) Delia +ad -een n()+in/ i1 n() de)er3ined4 A &r0 'ad '3ile )i**ed )+e c(rner' (1 +er li*'4 T+in6in/ a-(u) Delia n(&. '+e reali'ed '+e +ad -een 7u') a' ')u--(rn and au)(cra)ic in +er (&n &a0 a' +er 1a)+er and -r()+er4 E,en '( "elen +ad 1la)l0 re1u'ed +er reque') and &i)+ )+e +el* (1 +er /rand1a)+er +ad )ried )( *er'uade Delia )+a) '+e 3u') )ell +er 1a3il0 )+e )ru)+4 "elen +ad )+(u/+) )+e0 +ad 3ana/ed )( c(n,ince +er )( d( 7u') )+a) &+en '+e +ad le1) )&( da0' la)er4 A ')r(n/ +and /ra'*ed +er ar3 '+(c6in/ +er (u) (1 +er 3u'in/'4 <"e i' e,er0 inc+ an Ari')ide'. Le(n 'aid '(1)l0. )urnin/ )(&ard' +er and -l(c6in/ +er ,ie& (1 )+e r((34 <Y(u and I reall0 d( need )( )al64 T+e *re''ure (1 +i' 1in/er' (n +er ar3 and )+e cl('ene'' (1 +i' lar/e 1ra3e did e5)ra(rdinar0 )+in/' )( +er -rea)+in/4 <Are 0(u al(ne +ere> S+e /a'*ed and )il)ed -ac6 +er +ead )( li1) +er /a2e and 3e) +i' in)en) -lac6 e0e'4 "er 3(u)+ ran dr0 and +er *ul'e )((6 (11 a) an alar3in/ ra)e4 "e 'a& +er reac)i(n and +i' dar6 /a2e 1ell )( +er '(1)l0 *ar)ed li*' and )+en *r(,(ca)i,el0 l(&er )( lin/er (n )+e *r(ud )+ru') (1 +er -rea')' a/ain') )+e '(1) &((l (1 +er '&ea)er. -e1(re 1lic6in/ -ac6 u* a/ain )( +er 1ace4 <Y(u are a ,er0 a))rac)i,e &(3an
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"e +ad 1l(**ed d(&n (n a '(1a. +i' +ead )+r(&n -ac6 and +i' e0e' cl('ed4 "e +ad (*ened +i' 7ac6e) and l(('ened +i' )ie4 T+e )(* -u))(n (1 +i' '+ir) &a' und(ne. re,ealin/ )+e ')r(n/ )anned c(lu3n (1 +i' )+r(a)4 "i' l(n/ le/' &ere '*la0ed (u) in 1r(n) (1 +i3. )+e 1a-ric (1 +i' )r(u'er' *ulled )i/+) acr('' +i' )+i/+' and /ra*+icall0 (u)linin/ )+e -ul/e (1 +i' 'e54 Fla6ed (u) a' +e &a'. 1(r a 3(3en) +i' '+eer *+0'ical i3*ac) +i) +er li6e a -l(& )( )+e ')(3ac+4 Le(n Ari')ide' 3i/+) -e (ne ,er0 c(n'er,a)i,e -an6er. -u) )+ere &a' n( 3i')a6in/ +e &a' all ,irile 3ale4 "er ,i(le) e0e' r(a3ed in +el*le'' 1a'cina)i(n (,er +i' 'u*er- -(d04 "e &a' *r(-a-l0 a 3a/ni1icen) l(,er. '+e )+(u/+). and a '+a3in/ )ide (1 *in6 c(l(ured +er c+ee6'4 "elen 1el) li6e a ,(0eur; er()ic )+(u/+)' a-(u) 3en +ad ne,er -()+ered +er -e1(re4 W+a) (n ear)+ &a' +a**enin/ )( +er> S+e ru--ed 'uddenl0 da3* *al3' d(&n +er )+i/+'. and. '&all(&in/ +ard. )((6 an in,(lun)ar0 ')e* -ac64 S+e rai'ed +er +ead )( 1ind +i' dar6. a')u)e e0e' re')in/ (n +er4 O+. 30 $(d= Did +e 6n(& &+a) '+e +ad -een )+in6in/> And quic6l0 '+e -r(6e in)( '*eec+4 <W(uld 0(u li6e an()+er c(11ee (r '(3e)+in/> <S(3e)+in/? "i' dar6 e0e' '&e*) lei'urel0 (,er +er in undi'/ui'ed 3a'culine a**recia)i(n4 Suddenl0 '+e &a' +(rri-l0 c(n'ci(u' (1 +er (ld deni3 7ean' and )+e &ell9 &a'+ed '&ea)er '+e &a' &earin/4 Bu) e,en &(r'e &a' )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

*eculiar '&ellin/ in +er -rea')' a) +i' lin/erin/ a**rai'al4 <Ye'. )+e '(3e)+in/ +a' 3(re a**eal. +e dra&led +u'6il04 <W+a) d( 0(u 'u//e')> and +e '3iled4 "er /a2e dr(**ed 1r(3 )+e a3u'e3en) in +i' dar6 e0e' )( )+e curl (1 +i' 'en'ual li*'. re,ealin/ /lea3in/ &+i)e )ee)+. and 1(r a 'ec(nd '+e ')(**ed -rea)+in/. 3e'3eri'ed -0 )+e une5*ec)ed -rilliance (1 +i' '3ile4 Reali'in/ '+e &a' ')arin/ a/ain. '+e +a')il0 /lanced '(3e&+ere (,er +i' '+(ulder and -lur)ed (u) )+e 1ir') )+in/ )+a) en)ered +er +ead4 <Tea (r &ine. i1 0(u *re1er> W+en 30 /rand1a)+er &a' ali,e +e 6e*) qui)e a l() (1 red &ine and I d(n) drin6 3uc+ '( )+ere are a c(u*le (1 -())le' ar(und4 S+e &a' -a--lin/ a/ain. -u) n()+in/ li6e )+i' +ad +a**ened )( +er -e1(re4 "elen &a'n) nai,e4 S+e 6ne& all a-(u) 'e5ual a))rac)i(n@ '+e +ad da)ed Kenne)+ ar6+a3 1(r al3(') a 0ear. un)il +e +ad decided )( /( )( A1rica and +el* )+e ')ar,in/. and '+e +ad ne,er +eard 1r(3 +i3 a/ain4 Bu) )+i' &a' di11eren)@ in')an) and elec)ric@and i) '+(c6ed +er &i)le''4 <Ill /( and /e) )+e &ine4 S+e da'+ed -ac6 (u) (1 )+e r((3 li6e a 'calded ca)4 In )+e 'a1e)0 (1 )+e 6i)c+en '+e )((6 a 1e& dee*. ')ead0in/ -rea)+'4 S+e &a' ')ill in '+(c6 a) )+e ne&' (1 Delia' dea)+. '+e )(ld +er'el14 T+a) +ad )( -e &+0 +er -(d0 +ad reac)ed '( *eculiarl0 )( Le(n Ari')ide'4 S+e didn) e,en li6e +i3. and '+e cer)ainl0 &a'n) a))rac)ed )( (,er)l0 3ac+( 3en4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e 3uc+ *re1erred )+e 'en'i)i,e. carin/ )0*e li6e Kenne)+. )+e )0*e (ne c(uld )al6 )( &i)+(u) 1eelin/ )+rea)ened in an0 &a04 I) +ad )( -e )+e )ra/ic ne&' )+a) +ad 3ade +er +(r3(ne' /( +a0&ire4 A *+0'ical an(3al0 -r(u/+) (n -0 )+e *re''ure (1 )+e 3(3en)4 Rea''ured -0 +er c(nclu'i(n. '+e )((6 )&( /la''e' 1r(3 a cu*-(ard. -e1(re '+e cr(''ed )( )+e &ine rac6 and reac+ed 1(r a -())le (1 &ine4 <Y(ure )in0. all(& 3e4 S+e al3(') 7u3*ed (u) (1 +er '6in a' a l(n/ ar3 ')re)c+ed (,er +er +ead4 S+e '*un ar(und )( 1ind )+e da3n 3an (nl0 inc+e' a&a04 <I can d( )+a). '+e 'aid in a ,(ice )+a) &a' n() qui)e ')ead04 Di')ur-ed -0 )+e ea'e &i)+ &+ic+ +i' cl('ene'' a11ec)ed +er all (,er a/ain4 <I) i' d(ne4 "e '+ru//ed +i' -r(ad '+(ulder'. +(ldin/ a -())le (1 red4 <Bu) 0(u can /i,e 3e )+e -())le (*ener. and '(3e)+in/ )( ea) &(uld -e 3uc+ a**recia)ed4 I &a' )(( -u'0 'earc+in/ 1(r )+i' *lace )( )a6e )i3e (u) )( ea) lunc+4 "i' dar6 e0e' 1lic6ed d(&n a) +er4 <Sand&ic+e' &ill d(. +e (rdered cal3l04 T+e <)in0 and +i' arr(/an) a''u3*)i(n '+e &(uld 1eed +i3 in1uria)ed +er. -u) '+e didn) ar/ue4 I) &a' a relie1 )( 3(,e a&a0 1r(3 +i3 and. (*enin/ a dra&er. '+e )((6 (u) )+e -())le (*ener. and 'la**ed i) (n )+e -enc+ -e'ide +i3 -e1(re cr(''in/ )( )+e 1rid/e and e5)rac)in/ a -l(c6 (1 c+ee'e4 <Will c+ee'e d(> S+e 1lic6ed +i3 a /lance and &a' 1ur)+er
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

incen'ed )( 'ee +e +ad 3(,ed )( 'i) a) )+e 6i)c+en )a-le. a /la'' (1 &ine in +i' +and. )+e -())le (1 &ine in 1r(n) (1 +i3 and an()+er /la'' (n )+e )a-le4 <!er1ec)l0. +e 'aid cal3l0 and )((6 a 'i* (1 )+e &ine4 Turnin/ +er a))en)i(n )( )+e )a'6 -e1(re +er. "elen quic6l0 3ade )&( 'and&ic+e' and *u) )+e3 (n a *la)e. all )+e )i3e )en'el0 a&are (1 )+e 3an -e+ind +er4 <Y(ur /rand1a)+er +ad /((d )a')e in &ine. +i' dee* ,(ice dra&led a**recia)i,el04 <In 1ac). acc(rdin/ )( )+e re*(r) 30 1a)+er +ad (n +i3. 0(ur /rand1a)+er &a' a +i/+l0 in)elli/en). +i/+l0 3(ral. &ell re'*ec)ed *r(1e''(r4 <Re*(r)= "elen e5clai3ed. )urnin/ ar(und )( ')are a) +i3 in a3a2e3en). )+e *la)e (1 'and&ic+e' in +er +and )il)in/ *recari(u'l04 <"ere. le) 3e )a6e )+a)4 "e reac+ed acr('' and )((6 )+e *la)e 1r(3 +er unre'i')in/ /ra'* and. *lacin/ i) (n )+e )a-le. *ic6ed u* a 'and&ic+ and -e/an ea)in/ &i)+ (-,i(u' en7(03en)4 "e &a' d(in/ i) a/ain. (rderin/ +er ar(und. and 1(r a l(n/ 3(3en) '+e ')ared a) +i3. ')unned4 <Y(ur 1a)+er ac)uall0 in,e')i/a)ed 30 /rand1a)+er4 "er indi/nan) /a2e 1i5ed (n +i' +ard 1ace4 <Ye'. (1 c(ur'e. +e ')a)ed c((ll04 <Be1(re 30 'i')er &a' all(&ed )( ,i'i) 0(ur +(3e 30 1a)+er +ad c+ec6ed &i)+ )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'c+((l and *ri,a)el0 )+a) 0(u and 0(ur /rand1a)+er &ere 'ui)a-le *e(*le )( -e1riend +er4 O-,i(u'l0 (,er )+e 0ear' )+e circu3')ance' +ad c+an/ed. -u) nei)+er 30 1a)+er n(r I 1(r )+a) 3a))er +ad an0 idea4 Delia &a' n()+in/ i1 n() in,en)i,e4 "e )((6 an()+er 'i* (1 &ine -e1(re c(n)inuin/4 <I di')inc)l0 re3e3-er )+ree 0ear' a/( a car)((n C+ri')3a' card 0(u 'en) Delia *ar)icularl0 a3u'ed 30 1a)+er4 "e a'6ed a1)er 0(u -()+ and 'u//e')ed '+e in,i)e 0(u (,er 1(r an()+er +(lida04 Delia' re'*(n'e a' I recall &a' )+a) 0(ur /rand1a)+er +ad 'u11ered a ')r(6e '(3e 0ear' -e1(re and 0(u ')a0ed a) +(3e )( l((6 a1)er +i34 I) &a' un1(r)una)e. -u) '+e +ad n() 'een 0(u 'ince '+e &en) )( uni,er'i)0 in L(nd(n. and a*ar) 1r(3 )+e (cca'i(nal C+ri')3a' and -ir)+da0 card )+e 1riend'+i* +ad 1i22led (u)4 An e-(n0 -r(& arc+ed 'ard(nicall04 <I a3 -e/innin/ )( reali'e 30 inn(cen) li))le 'i')er &a' li6e all &(3en@a' de,i(u' a' )+e de,il and an acc(3*li'+ed liar. +e ')a)ed &i)+erin/l0 and reac+ed 1(r an()+er 'and&ic+4 "elen (*ened +er 3(u)+ )( de1end +er 1riend and cl('ed i) a/ain4 W+a) c(uld '+e 'a0> Fr(3 )+e 3(3en) '+e +ad )a6en Nic+(la' in)( +er +(3e '+e +ad 'ilen)l0 c(lluded &i)+ &+a)e,er ')(r0 Delia +ad c+('en )( )ell +er 1a3il04 T+a) Delia +ad lied a-(u) )+eir 1riend'+i* -r(u/+) )+e 1ac) +(3e &i)+ -ru)al clari)04 Bu) )+en &+0 &a' '+e 'ur*ri'ed> In )+e 1ir') 1e& 3(n)+' a1)er Nic+(la' &a' -(rn "elen +ad -een +(*in/ )+a) Delia &(uld 'ee 'en'e and )ell +er 1a3il0 a-(u) )+e -(0. &+ile Delia +ad (-,i(u'l0 -een -u'0 c(,erin/ )+e )rail )+a) led -ac6 )( "elen4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Si) d(&n and +a,e a drin64 Y(u l((6 c(3*le)el0 ')re''ed (u). +e (-'er,ed. +i' c(ld dar6 e0e' narr(&in/ (n )+e l((6 (1 /uil) )+a) 1la'+ed acr('' +er *ale 1ace4 S+e *ulled (u) )+e c+air and 'a) d(&n. and *ic6ed u* )+e /la'' &i)+ a +and )+a) &a' n(ne )(( ')ead04 S+e li1)ed )+e /la'' )( +er li*' and )((6 a l(n/ '&all(&4 "elen 'eld(3 dran6; alc(+(l &en) ')rai/+) )( +er +ead4 Bu) Ari')ide' &a' ri/+). '+e &a' ')re''ed )( -rea6in/9*(in). )+e en(r3i)0 (1 )+e dece*)i(n '+e +ad a/reed )( 1inall0 +i))in/ +er4 uc+ a' '+e +ad l(,ed Delia and &an)ed )( +el*. "elen 6ne& dee* d(&n in'ide +er rea'(n' +ad n() -een *urel0 al)rui')ic4 Be1(re )+e dea)+ (1 +er *aren)' '+e +ad -een a +a**0. c(n1iden) )eena/er4 S+e +ad +ad all )+e +(*e' and drea3' (1 a 0(un/ /irl4 Sc+((l. c(lle/e. a career. )+en l(,e. 3arria/e and c+ildren4 Bu) e,er0)+in/ +ad al)ered )+e da0 (1 )+e acciden)4 "er near id0llic li1e +ad -een '+a))ered and. 3uc+ a' '+ed l(,ed +er /rand1a)+er. +e +adn) -een a-le )( re*lace &+a) '+e +ad l(')4 Delia +ad -een )+e (ne -ri/+) '*() in +er li1e. -u) &+en '+e +ad 1ir') 3ade +er (u)ra/e(u' *r(*('al "elen +ad re1u'ed. un)il )+e 'udden dea)+ (1 +er /rand1a)+er in la)e A*ril +ad c+an/ed e,er0)+in/4 Delia +ad )urned u* 1(r +i' 1uneral ')ill *re/nan) and &i)+ +er (&n 1a3il0 ')ill n() a&are (1 )+e 1ac)4 T( "elen. /rie,in/ and )()all0 al(ne 1(r )+e 1ir') )i3e in +er li1e. Delia' reque') )+a) '+e )a6e care (1 )+e -a-0 &+ile '+e c(n)inued +er ')udie' 'uddenl0 +ad n() 'ee3ed '(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

(u)ra/e(u'4 I1 "elen +ad -een +(ne') i) &a' a drea3 c(3e )rue4 < (re &ine> "e in)erru*)ed +er )+(u/+)'. li1)in/ )+e -())le (1 &ine 1r(3 )+e )a-le4 S+e /lanced a) +i3. ,i(le) e0e' cla'+in/ &i)+ -lac6. and '+e 6ne& )+e drea3 &a' a-(u) )( -ec(3e +er &(r') ni/+)3are4 S+e l(&ered +er e0e' 1r(3 +i' )((9*ene)ra)in/ /a2e and reali'ed '+e +ad drained +er /la''4 S+e al'( reali'ed '+e needed all +er &i)' a-(u) +er 1(r &+a) &a' )( 1(ll(&4 <N(4 N(. )+an6 0(u. '+e 'aid &i)+ c((l *(li)ene''4 <A' 0(u &i'+. +e re*lied. and re1illed +i' (&n /la'' and re*laced )+e -())le (n )+e )a-le. ca')in/ +er a 3(c6in/ /lance 1r(3 -enea)+ +ea,09lidded e0e'. and )+en li1)ed +i' /la'' )( +i' 3(u)+4 #nc(n'ci(u'l0 '+e &a)c+ed +i' &ide. 3(-ile 3(u)+. 'a& )+e 3(,e3en) in )+e ')r(n/ line (1 +i' )+r(a) a' +e '&all(&ed4 "er 1a'cina)ed /a2e 1(ll(&ed )+e 3(,e3en) l(&er )( &+ere )+e (*en c(llar (1 +i' '+ir) re,ealed a 1e& -lac6 +air' (n )+e (li,e )(ned '6in (1 +i' c+e')4 Suddenl0 +ea) 1lu'+ed )+r(u/+ +er ,ein' and curled in +er -ell04 O+. n(. '+e )+(u/+). i) &a' +a**enin/ a/ain and i) )erri1ied +er4 S+e rai'ed +er e0e' )( +i' 1ace and (*ened +er 3(u)+ )( 'a0 '(3e)+in/. an0)+in/. -u) '+e c(uldn) -rea)+e4 S+e 'i3*l0 'a) )+ere. c(l(ur 1l((din/ in)( +er c+ee6'. +er li*'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'(1)l0 *ar)ed. *aral0'ed -0 )+e 'e5ual a&arene'' )+a) )i/+)ened e,er0 ner,e in +er -(d04 "e re*laced +i' /la'' (n )+e )a-le and &a' ')ud0in/ +er 1lu'+ed 1ace4 "e 6ne& &+a) &a' +a**enin/ )( +er. and &+04 S+e 'a& +i' +ea,09lidded e0e' dar6en &i)+ 'en'ual 6n(&led/e4 S+e 'a& )+e +in) (1 'a)i'1ac)i(n in )+e 'li/+) '3ile )+a) cur,ed +i' 3(u)+. and 'uddenl0 )+e air -e)&een )+e3 &a' +ea,0 &i)+ 'e5ual )en'i(n4 CHAPTER THREE IT WAS T"E/lea3 (1 3a'culine 'a)i'1ac)i(n in Ari')ide' la20 '3ile )+a) +auled "elen -ac6 )( 'ani)04 S+e ')i11ened and clenc+ed +er )ee)+ in an a))e3*) )( 'u-due )+e )ide (1 +ea)ed 'en'a)i(n )+a) +ad in,aded +er -(d04 N() '(3e)+in/ )+a) +ad e,er +a**ened )( +er -e1(re. (r e,er &(uld a/ain i1 '+e c(uld +el* i)4 Ta6in/ a 1e& dee* -rea)+'. '+e ra)i(nali'ed +er e5)ra(rdinar0 reac)i(n )( )+e 3an4 S( '+e +ad 1inall0 reali'ed Le(n Ari')ide' &a' a 'e50 -ea'). and c(uld )urn a &(3an (n a) &ill4 Bu) )+en &+0 &a' '+e 'ur*ri'ed> Acc(rdin/ )( Delia. in +er 1a3il0 all )+e 3en +ad &i,e' and 3i')re''e'. 1r(3 +er /rea)9/rand1a)+er &+( +ad ')ar)ed )+e -an6. all )+e &a0 d(&n )( Le(n4 $i,en )+a) "elen &a' n(& -(und )( +a,e c(n)ac) &i)+ )+e 3an (,er Nic+(la'. an0)+in/ (1 a *er'(nal na)ure -e)&een )+e3 &a' a-'(lu)el0 un)+in6a-le4 Nic+(la' +a**ine'' &a' +er )(* *ri(ri)04 <Nic+(la'. '+e 'aid 1ir3l04 <Y(u &an) )( )al6 a-(u)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Nic+(la'4 <Ye'. Nic+(la'. +e a/reed. and lean) -ac6 in +i' c+air. a c(n)e3*la)i,e l((6 (n +i' dar6 1ace4 <Bu) 1ir') &e 3u') di'cu'' Delia4 S)ar)in/ a) )+e -e/innin/ i' u'uall0 )+e 3(') c(n')ruc)i,e &a0 )( 1ind a la')in/ '(lu)i(n )( a *r(-le3. +e (11ered and. 3uc+ )( "elen' 'ur*ri'e. *r(ceeded )( d( 7u') )+a)4 <Delia &a' )+e -a-0 (1 )+e 1a3il04 I &a' 1i1)een &+en '+e &a' -(rn and 1(r )+e 1ir') )+ree 0ear' (1 +er li1e '+e &a' a '(urce (1 7(0 )( 3e4 I ad3i) a1)er I le1) +(3e )( ')ud0 and la)er )( li,e in Ne& Y(r6 1(r a nu3-er (1 0ear' I did n() 'ee a' 3uc+ (1 +er a' I *(''i-l0 '+(uld +a,e d(ne. -u) I )+(u/+) &e +ad a /((d rela)i(n'+i*4 I 'a& +er a) lea') )&( (r )+ree )i3e' a 0ear. u'uall0 (,er )+e +(lida0 *eri(d'4 S+e &en) a li))le &ild a' a 0(un/ )eena/er -u) )+a) &a' '((n '(r)ed (u)4 0 1a)+er /a,e +er a /ener(u' all(&ance. and al3(') an0)+in/ '+e a'6ed 1(r '+e c(uld +a,e4 "e '+((6 +i' dar6 +ead in di'-elie1. 1(r (nce n() l((6in/ )+e c(ld. au')ere -an6er "elen 6ne& +i3 )( -e4 <S+e al&a0' a**eared c(n)en) and &ell ad7u')ed. '( &+0 '+e )+(u/+) '+e +ad )( +ide +er c+ild 1r(3 +er 1a3il0 I &ill ne,er under')and4 "i' dar6 e0e' narr(&ed '*ecula)i,el0 (n +er4 <Y(u (-,i(u'l0 6ne& a di11eren) Delia 1r(3 30 1a)+er and I. and I /ue'' 0(u &ere a *ar)0 )( all +er 'ecre)'4 S+e l((6ed a&a0 1r(3 +i' curi(u'l0 *ene)ra)in/ /a2e. and c(l(ured 'li/+)l04 <A 1e&4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<"(& 3uc+ did '+e *a0 0(u )( 6ee* )+e3> <S+e ne,er *aid 3e= "elen e5clai3ed indi/nan)l0. +er c(l(ur +ei/+)ened -0 )+e /lea3 (1 c(n)e3*) in +i' e0e'4 <I l(,ed Delia; '+e &a' 30 -e') 1riend4 S+e dre& in an audi-le -rea)+. and l(&ered +er +ead )( +ide )+e )ear' )+a) )+rea)ened a' 3e3(rie' (1 +er 1riend en/ul1ed +er4 Bu) re1u'in/ )( /i,e in )( +er e3()i(n'. '+e c(n)inued4 <Fr(3 )+e 1ir') da0 I 3e) Delia a) )+e -(ardin/9'c+((l 0(ur 1a)+er +ad -ani'+ed +er )(. I &(uld +a,e d(ne an0)+in/ )( +el* +er -ecau'e '+e ')((d u* 1(r 3e4 I &a' a da0 *u*il. &+ic+ 'e) 3e a*ar) 1r(3 3(') (1 )+e cla''. added )( &+ic+ I &a' )&( 0ear' (lder )+an e,er0(ne el'e4 Le(n )en'ed 'li/+)l0 a) )+a) *iece (1 in1(r3a)i(n. +i' dar6 e0e' narr(&in/ '*ecula)i,el0 (n +er d(&n-en) +ead4 S( "elen "e0&((d &a' n() qui)e a' 0(un/ a' +e +ad )+(u/+)?in)ere')in/4 "e +ad in)ended )( )a6e +er )( c(ur) i1 +e +ad )(. )+(u/+ )+e )+(u/+) (1 )+e re'ul)an) *u-lici)0 &a' ana)+e3a )( +i34 Bu) +e +ad 1(r/())en +(& ,er0 a))rac)i,e '+e &a' and n(& a 3uc+ -e))er 'cenari( (ccurred )( +i34 "e recalled )+e ')ran/e reac)i(n (1 )+e +()el rece*)i(ni') a' +e +ad enquired a-(u) )+e Farr(& "(u'e4 T+e 0(un/ &(3an +ad l((6ed a) +i3 ra)+er c(0l0. )+en 'aid. <O1 c(ur'e. 0(u 3u') -e a ,er0 /((d 1riend (1 "elen "e0&((d and Nic+(la'4 A1)er 'eein/ )+e c+ild. +e c(uld /ue'' &+a) )+e /irl +ad -een )+in6in/4 L(') in +er 3e3(rie'. "elen &a' )()all0 (-li,i(u' )( +er
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

c(3*ani(n' 'cru)in0 and c(n)inued. <Wi)+ )+e a/e di11erence and &earin/ /la''e'. needle'' )( 'a0 )+e cla'' -ullie' +ad a 1ield9da0 &i)+ 3e4 Bu) Delia &aded in)( )+e3 (n 30 -e+al1 and &(n4 I &a' ne,er -()+ered a/ain4 S+e li1)ed +er +ead. ,i(le) e0e' -la2in/ &i)+ c(n,ic)i(n a' )+e0 cla'+ed &i)+ a')u)e -lac64 <We &ere 1ir3 1riend' 1r(3 )+a) da0 (n&ard4 I &(uld +a,e d(ne an0)+in/ 1(r Delia. and '+e &(uld +a,e d(ne an0)+in/ 1(r 3e. I 6n(&. '+e 'aid ada3an)l04 <!er+a*'. -u) 0(u ne,er &ill 6n(& n(&. Le(n dra&led 'ard(nicall04 <Bu) carr0 (n@I &(uld li6e )( 6n(& &+0 0(u a/reed )( /( al(n/ &i)+ +er +are9-rained 'c+e3e4 "elen didn) a**recia)e )+e <+are9-rained -u) '+e c(uld n() e5ac)l0 den0 i)4 I1 '+e &a' +(ne'). '+e &a' a3a2ed )+e dece*)i(n +ad la')ed '( l(n/4 F(r )+e 1ir') 0ear (1 Nic+(la' li1e '+e +ad enc(ura/ed Delia )( re,eal +i' e5i')ence )( +er 1a3il0. -u) a' )i3e +ad *a''ed "elen +ad n() -een qui)e '( ea/er 1(r )+e )ru)+ )( -e )(ld4 $uil) a) +er (&n r(le in *r(l(n/in/ )+e 'i)ua)i(n 3ade +er ,(ice cur) a' '+e c(n)inued4 <W+en Delia ca3e )( ,i'i) 3e 1(ur 0ear' a/(. and )(ld 3e '+e &a' *re/nan). '+e +ad a 'c+e3e all &(r6ed (u)4 Ea')er a) +(3e in $reece &(uld -e n( *r(-le3; n( (ne &(uld n()ice +er4 Acc(rdin/ )( Delia 0(ur 1a)+er &a' (,er )+e 3((n -ecau'e 0(u +ad 7u') )(ld +i3 0(ur &i1e &a' *re/nan) and )+e 3uc+9&an)ed /randc+ild &a' due in Au/u')4 "(& c(uld '+e. e,en i1 '+e &an)ed )(. di'/race +er
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1a3il0 and '*(il e,er0(ne' deli/+). &i)+ )+e ne&' +er (&n c+ild &a' due a c(u*le (1 3(n)+' earlier> '+e queried '+ar*l0. '( cau/+) u* in +er (&n e3()i(n' '+e ne,er 'a& )+e 1la'+ (1 an/er in +i' dar6 e0e'4 <An0&a0. '+e didn) &an) )(4 S+e didn) &an) +er c+ild -r(u/+) u* )( -e li6e +er 1a)+er. a c+au,ini')ic )0ran) &+( -la3ed +er 1(r )+e dea)+ (1 +er 3()+er4 Le(n' +ead did 7er6 a) )+a) -u) +e did n() ')(* +er4 <S+e didn) )+in6 0(u &ere 3uc+ -e))er a1)er 0(u a/reed &i)+ +i3 )( '+i* +er (11 )( -(ardin/9'c+((l -ecau'e (1 a c(u*le (1 )eena/e 1lir)a)i(n'4 "i' 3(u)+ )&i')ed c0nicall04 <O1 c(ur'e. 0(u a/reed &i)+ +er. and i) ne,er en)ered 0(ur +ead '+e 3i/+) +a,e -een -e))er 'er,ed i1 0(u +ad /())en in )(uc+ &i)+ +er 1a3il04 <N(. I didn) 7u') a/ree &i)+ +er. "elen re)(r)ed +()l04 <I )(ld +er )( d( 7u') )+a)4 S+e *au'ed. +er an/er 1adin/ a) )+e 3e3(r0 (1 &+a) +ad +a**ened ne5)@)+e dea)+ (1 +er /rand1a)+er4 <Ver0 lauda-le. I3 'ure. -u) n() ,er0 -elie,a-le /i,en )+e *re'en) circu3')ance'. Le(n re3ar6ed c0nicall04 <Y(u are &r(n/4 I (nl0 a/reed )( +el* +er a1)er '+e re)urned 1r(3 )+e Ea')er +(lida0. and ca3e +ere 1(r 30 /rand1a)+er' 1uneral4 S+e )(ld 3e )+a) n( (ne +ad e,en n()iced '+e &a' *re/nan). "elen '+() -ac6 'ca)+in/l0. <&+ic+ ra)+er *r(,ed +er *(in)4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Re/re))a-le4 Bu) n() &(r)+ ar/uin/ (,er. +e (*ined 1la)l04 <We n(& +a,e a 0(un/ -(0' 1u)ure )( c(n'ider. a -(0 &i)+(u) *aren)'4 "i' dar6 e0e' narr(&ed in)en)l0 (n +er *ale 1ace4 <#nle'' 0(u +a**en )( 6n(& )+e na3e (1 )+e 1a)+er> <Delia )(ld 3e +e &a' dead. '+e 'aid. a,(idin/ +i' a')u)e /a2e4 S+e +ad al'( 3ade "elen *r(3i'e ne,er )( re,eal )+e 3an' iden)i)0. and '+e 'a& n( rea'(n )( -rea6 +er &(rd n(&4 <Y(u are 'ure> <A-'(lu)el0. "elen 'aid 1ir3l0. l((6in/ ')rai/+) u* a) Le(n4 Delia +ad '+(&n +er a ne&'*a*er cu))in/ (1 )+e )rain cra'+ )+a) +ad 6illed )+e 3an4 <$((d4 S+e +ad n() /i,en +i3 a na3e. &+ic+ Le(n &a' 'ure '+e 6ne&4 i'' "e0&((d +ad ,er0 e5*re''i,e e0e' and '+e +ad a,(ided l((6in/ a) +i3 &+en '+e +ad an'&ered. and 1(r )+e (**('i)e rea'(n +e -elie,ed +er &+en '+e 'aid )+e 3an &a' dead4 <T+en )+ere i' n( 1ear (1 an0(ne a**earin/ (u) (1 )+e -lue )( clai3 )+e -(04 T+a) (nl0 lea,e' 0(u and I4 <Be1(re 0(u 'a0 an0)+in/ 3(re@ "elen ru'+ed in)( '*eec+ <@0(u '+(uld 6n(& &+en Nic+(la' &a' -(rn Delia 3ade 3e +i' /uardian. &i)+ +er. un)il +e i' )&en)09(ne4 I) &a' nece''ar0 in ca'e (1 e3er/enc0 and '( +e c(uld -e enr(lled &i)+ a d(c)(r and )+e li6e. and I +a,e )+e d(cu3en)a)i(n )( *r(,e i)4 S+e 1el) '(3e /uil) 1(r &+a) '+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+ad all(&ed )( +a**en. -u) e,en '( '+e &a'n) a-(u) )( /i,e Nic+(la' u* )( )+i' /rani)e91aced au)(cra) &i)+(u) a 1i/+)4 <I3 'ure 0(u +a,e. +e dra&led c0nicall04 <Be1(re I arri,ed +ere I ,i'i)ed a la&0er in L(nd(n. a r S30)+. and +e i' in *(''e''i(n (1 Delia' la') &ill and )e')a3en)4 In i) '+e 3a6e' 0(u a 'u-')an)ial -ene1iciar0 (1 +er e')a)e. )&en)0 *er cen) )( -e *reci'e. and 0(u and I are n(& 7(in) )ru')ee' (1 Nic+(la' 3(ne0. a' I a3 'ure 0(u 6n(&4 "elen' 3(u)+ 1ell (*en in '+(c64 <D(n) l((6 '( 'ur*ri'ed @a1)er all. 0(u are n(& *r(-a-l0 )+e -e') *aid nann0 in )+e +i')(r0 (1 )+e &(rld. a' I a3 'ure 0(u al'( 6n(&4 T+ere &a' a 'in6in/ 1eelin/ in )+e *i) (1 "elen' ')(3ac+ &+en '+e +eard )+e a-'(lu)e deci'i,ene'' in +i' )(ne. and '+e 6ne& +e &a' )ellin/ )+e )ru)+4 <Delia le1) 3e 3(ne04 S+e /a2ed u* a) +i3 in '+(c6 and 'a& )+e c(n)e3*)u(u' e5*re''i(n (n +i' +ard 1ace4 <I didn) 6n(&. and I d(n) &an) i)4 I l(,e Nic+(la'4 I a/reed )( -e +i' /uardian )( +el* Delia -u) n() 1(r 3(ne0. '+e 'aid. +(rri1ied and 1uri(u' )+a) )+i' 3an c(uld )+in6 '( -adl0 (1 +er4 <And I 1ind i) incredi-le )+a) '+e 3ade 0(u Nic+(la' /uardian a' &ell. '+e )(ld 3e '+e did n() &an) Nic+(la' /r(&in/ u* li6e 0(u. '+e -lur)ed (u) un)+in6in/l04 Le(n' a')u)e /a2e narr(&ed. +i' needle9'+ar* -rain in')an)l0 rec(/ni'in/ "elen "a0&((d in +er u*'e) and an/er +ad 3ade a 'i3*le 3i')a6e4 "e +ad 'aid +e &a' a )ru')ee (1 )+e -(0' e')a)e. n() a 7(in) /uardian4 Bu) +e +ad
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

n( qual3' a-(u) u'in/ +er a''u3*)i(n )( +i' ad,an)a/e4 De'*i)e +er *r()e')a)i(n'. and )+e care '+e +ad )a6en (1 )+e c+ild. '+e &a' n()+in/ 3(re )+an a li))le /(ld9di//er4 <I) 'ee3' 30 li))le 'i')er 'aid a da3n 'i/+) )(( 3uc+ and n() al&a0' )+e )ru)+. +e dra&led4 <Bu) ne,er 3ind. i) i' n() i3*(r)an)4 W+a) i' i3*(r)an) i' Nic+(la'4 <D( 0(u )+in6 I d(n) 6n(& )+a)> '+e cried4 <I +a,e l((6ed a1)er +i3 1r(3 -ir)+; I l(,e +i3 a' 30 (&n4 Nic+(la' 1u)ure +a**ine'' i' all I care a-(u)4 <E5cellen)4 "e i/n(red )+e 1lare (1 an/ui'+ in +er ,i(le) e0e'4 <T+en 0(u can +a,e n( (-7ec)i(n )( Nic+(la' c(3in/ -ac6 )( $reece &i)+ 3e4 <Bu) )+a)' in'ane. '+e re'*(nded e3*+a)icall04 <Y(u can) 7u') 'na)c+ +i3 a&a0 1r(3 +ere4 T+i' i' )+e (nl0 +(3e +e' e,er 6n(&n4 <T+en i) i' &a0 *a') )i3e +e /() )( 6n(& +i' (&n4 Nic+(la' i' $ree6. and +e &ill quic6l0 ada*)4 "e &ill en7(0 li,in/ in 30 +(3e &i)+ 30 ')a11 )( a))end )( +i' e,er0 need4 "e &ill cer)ainl0 en7(0 )+e 'unn0 cli3a)e ra)+er )+an )+i' c(n')an) c(ld /re0 dri22le4 "e i' an Ari')ide' and a' 'uc+ &ill +a,e )+e -e') educa)i(n a,aila-le. and &ill e,en)uall0 )a6e +i' ri/+)1ul *lace in Ari')ide' In)erna)i(nal4 Le(n le) +i' +ard e0e' '&ee* (,er +er &i)+ a calcula)ed arr(/ance4 <Y(u 'a0 0(u d(n) &an) )+e 3(ne0 Delia le1) 0(u. 0e). acc(rdin/ )( )+e rece*)i(ni') a) )+e +()el &+ere I ')(**ed )( -((6 a r((3 1(r )+e ni/+). 0(u are e3*l(0ed a' a *ar)9)i3e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

carer in )+e crBc+e 1(r )+e /ue')' c+ildren4 W+ile a ,er0 lauda-le (ccu*a)i(n. i) i' +ardl0 /(in/ )( 3a6e 0(u a 1(r)une. +e 3(c6ed4 <A 1(r)une I alread0 +a,e. '( &+a) can 0(u (11er Nic+(la' )( c(3*are> See)+in/ )+a) )+e 'u*eri(r '&ine +ad )+e audaci)0 )( di'cu'' +er circu3')ance' &i)+ a )()al ')ran/er. "elen +ad +ad en(u/+4 < (ne0 i' n() e,er0)+in/4 I l(,e Nic+(la'@ '(3e)+in/ 0(u. -0 all acc(un)'. 6n(& n()+in/ a-(u)4 S+e did '(3e 3(c6in/ (1 +er (&n4 <A+. Delia a/ain. I *re'u3e4 Y(u '+(uld n() -elie,e e,er0)+in/ 0(u +ear4 <Well. 0(ur 3arria/e &a' n( l(,e 3a)c+. ra)+er i) 1acili)a)ed )+e acqui'i)i(n (1 an A3erican -an6. acc(rdin/ )( Delia4 S+e la'+ed -ac6. +er an/er (,erridin/ +er c(33(n 'en'e4 <W+a) 6ind (1 e5a3*le are 0(u /(in/ )( 'e) 1(r a )ru')in/. l(,a-le 0(un/ -(0 li6e Nic+(la'> <A reali')ic (ne. +e ')a)ed ri'in/ )( +i' 1ee) and &al6in/ ar(und )( &+ere '+e 'a)4 <N() )+e 6ind (1 inde*enden). ideali')ic 1air09)ale ,ie& (1 li1e 0(u and 30 'i')er ad+ered )(4 "e ca*)ured +er c+in -e)&een +i' 1in/er and )+u3- and )il)ed +er +ead -ac6 '( '+e &a' 1(rced )( 3ee) )+e 'a,a/e dar6ne'' in +i' e0e'4 <L((6 &+ere l(,e and inde*endence /() Delia and )ell 3e I a3 &r(n/4 "elen &a' '*eec+le'' 1(r a 3(3en). +er +and' curled in)( 1i')' in +er la* in an e11(r) )( 'u**re'' )+e 1uri(u' ur/e )( +i) +i34 "i' 'i')er &a' dead. and +i' 'neerin/ c(33en) &a' a
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

l(& -l(&4 <O+= And 0(ur &a0 &a' '( 3uc+ -e))er@0(u 3ana/ed )( l('e -()+ 0(ur &i1e and 0(ur c+ild. '+e 'na**ed4 <A) lea') Nic+(la' i' 'a1e. and 0(u are )+e 3(') de)e')a-le 3an i) +a' e,er -een 30 3i'1(r)une )( 3ee)4 I &(uldn) le) 0(u l((6 a1)er 30 *e) /(ld1i'+4 A' +e )(&ered (,er +er +i' 1in/er' )i/+)ened (n +er c+in and '+e )+(u/+) +e &a' /(in/ )( -rea6 +er 7a& durin/ )+e )au) 'ilence )+a) 1(ll(&ed4 Bela)edl0 "elen reali'ed '+e +ad /(ne &a0 )(( 1ar &i)+ +er *er'(nal c(33en) (n +i' *ri,a)e li1e4 I1 '+e &an)ed )( 6ee* in )(uc+ &i)+ Nic+(la' '+e +ad )( /e) al(n/ &i)+ )+i' 3an; +(&. '+e +ad n( idea4 T+en 1r(3 7u') in'ide )+e 6i)c+en d((r a +i/+9*i)c+ed ,(ice 0elled. <Le) /( (1 30 "elen. 0(u na')0 3an4 A -all (1 1ur0 '*un acr('' )+e 6i)c+en and 6ic6ed (u) a) Le(n' '+in4 "i' +and 1ell 1r(3 +er c+in and +e ')e**ed -ac6 and ')ared d(&n in a3a2e3en) a) )+e c+ild clin/in/ )( +i' le/4 <I)' all ri/+). Nic+(la'4 "elen 7u3*ed (11 +er c+air and cr(uc+ed d(&n -e'ide )+e -(04 <"e i' n() a na')0 3an. '+e 'aid. 'li**in/ an ar3 ar(und +i' '3(()+ li))le -(d0 and )urnin/ +i3 )(&ard' +er4 <"e i' u3 Delia' -r()+er and )+a) 3a6e' +i3 0(ur uncle4 Nic+(la' c+u--0 ar3 cl('ed ar(und +er nec6 and. li1)in/ +i3 in)( +er ar3'. '+e ')((d u*4 <"e i' a nice 3an. '+e 'aid. n() -elie,in/ i) 1(r an in')an)4 <And +e +a' c(3e all )+e &a0 1r(3 $reece )( 'ee
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

0(u4 <Ju') )( 'ee 3e. Nic+(la' 'aid. +i' -i/ dar6 e0e'. '( li6e Delia'. li1)ed u* )( )+e 'ilen) 3an )(&erin/ (,er )+e34 <Y(ure 30 uncle4 T+en +e l((6ed -ac6 a) "elen4 < 0 1riend Ti3 +a' an uncle &+( ')a0' &i)+ +i3 and +i' 3u3. and 'lee*' in +er -ed4 I' )+i' uncle /(in/ )( ')a0 &i)+ 0(u and 3e> Nic+(la' a'6ed and ca') a &ar0 /lance -ac6 u* a) Le(n4 "elen 1el) )+e c(l(ur 'ur/e in +er c+ee6'. and 1(r a 3(3en) '+e &a' ')ruc6 du3-4 T+e 1ac) )+a) Nic+(la' a) +i' )ender a/e &a' a&are (1 an0 adul)' 'lee*in/ arran/e3en)' ()+er )+an +er (&n '+(c6ed +er ri/id4 Bu) Ari')ide' +ad n( 'uc+ *r(-le34 <Ye'4 I &(uld li6e u' )( ')a0 )(/e)+er. Le(n c(n1ir3ed. '*ea6in/ 1(r )+e 1ir') )i3e 'ince Nic+(la' +ad en)ered )+e 6i)c+en4 <I1 0(u &ill le) 3e. +e added &i)+ a '3ile4 <Y(u re3ind 3e ,er0 3uc+ (1 30 'i')er Delia4 <Y(u 6n(& Delia> Nic+(la' de3anded4 < u3 Delia. "elen *r(3*)ed4 < u3 Delia. Nic+(la' re*ea)ed4 <S+e &a' 'u**('ed )( c(3e and 'ee u' and didn)4 Bu) '+e 'en) 3e a car9'+a*ed -ed 1(r C+ri')3a'. and l()' (1 )(0'4 "e &ri//led 1ree (1 "elen' +(ld )( ')and (n c+u--0 le/' and /lance '+0l0 u* a) Le(n4 <W(uld 0(u li6e )( 'ee )+e3>
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S*eec+le'' &i)+ an/er. "elen 'i3*l0 ')ared a' Le(n 6nel) d(&n and )((6 Nic+(la' +and in +i'4 "(& dared +e )ell Nic+(la' +e &a' ')a0in/ &i)+ )+e3> <Id -e deli/+)ed. Nic+(la'4 a0 I call 0(u Nic+(la'>

<Ye'. c(3e (n4 Nic+(la' )u//ed (n +i' lar/e +and i3*a)ien)l04 <Wai) a 3inu)e4 "elen 1inall0 1(und +er ,(ice4 <F(r a ')ar). Nic+(la'. &+a) are 0(u d(in/ d(&n +ere> I +a,e )(ld 0(u n() )( c(3e d(&n')air' (n 0(ur (&n4 S+e 1el) /uil)0 a' +ell4 Wi)+ )+e '+(c6in/ re,ela)i(n' (1 )+e *a') +(ur '+e +ad 1(r/())en +e &a' n( l(n/er in +i' c() -u) in )+e ne& -ed and c(uld /e) (u) in a 'ec(nd. and '+e +ad al'( 1(r/())en )( 1a')en )+e c+ild /a)e a) )+e )(* (1 )+e ')air'4 <Y(u 3i/+) +a,e 1allen4 <I3 'ure Nic+(la' i' )(( -i/ a -(0 )( 1all d(&n )+e ')air'. Le(n declared ri'in/ )( +i' 1ee)4 <I'n) )+a) ri/+). '(n> Since &+en +ad +i' ne*+e& -ec(3e +i' '(n> "elen )+(u/+) 1uri(u'l04 <Ye'. Nic+(la' re'*(nded. and -0 )+e '3ile (n +i' 1ace +e didn) 3ind -ein/ called '(n a) all4 <W+a)' 0(ur na3e> <Le(n Ari')ide'4 T+e -i/ 3an /rinned d(&n a) )+e -(04 <Y(u can call 3e #ncle (r Le(n. (r -()+. )a6e 0(ur *ic64
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

T&( 3inu)e' la)er '+e &a)c+ed 3an and -(0 &al6 (u) (1 )+e 6i)c+en )( ,ie& )+e ne& -ed and a 'li,er (1 1ear )ric6led d(&n +er '*ine4 "er *r()e')a)i(n )+a) Nic+(la' needed a drin6 (1 7uice and a -i'cui). )+eir u'ual ri)ual. &a' -ru'+ed a'ide in )0*ical 3ale 1a'+i(n -0 Nic+(la'4 <Y(u /e) i) read0 &+ile I '+(& #ncle Le(n 30 car9-ed4 "er 'u//e')i(n +e needed dre''in/ &a' -ru'+ed a'ide equall0 -lun)l0 -0#ncle Le(n &i)+. <N( *r(-le3. I can 3an/e4 C(n)r(llin/ +er in')inc) )( 1(ll(& )+e *air. '+e /lanced ar(und )+e e3*)0 6i)c+en &i)+ a +ear) a' +ea,0 a' lead a' )+e en(r3i)0 (1 )+e ne&' +i) +er4 Delia dead and Nic+(la' +ad 0e) )( -e )(ld4 O+. $(d= S+e /r(aned and 'lu3*ed d(&n in )+e c+air '+e +ad recen)l0 ,aca)ed4 S+e e0ed )+e &ine -())le and 1(r a 'ec(nd &a' )e3*)ed )( dr(&n +er '(rr(&'. -u) (nl0 1(r a 'ec(nd4 S+e +ad )( -e ')r(n/ 1(r Nic+(la'4 S+e (&ed i) )( +er 1riend )( 3a6e 'ure )+e -(0 &a' +a**0. ne,er 3ind &+a) )+e ind(3i)a-le Le(n Ari')ide' &an)ed4 Ri'in/ )( +er 1ee). '+e *ic6ed u* )+e /la''e' and &a'+ed )+e3 in )+e 'in64 N( &a0 &a' '+e /(in/ )( quie)l0 'li* )( )+e 'ideline' (1 Nic+(la' li1e. '+e 'ilen)l0 ,(&ed4 S+e +ad deal) &i)+ en(u/+ '(rr(& and dea)+ in +er li1e and '+e &a' n() /(in/ )( le) )+i' la)e') )ra/ed0 -ea) +er4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

C(n)rar0 )( &+a) Le(n Ari')ide' (-,i(u'l0 )+(u/+) &i)+ +i' di/ a-(u) 3(ne0 and +i' *a)r(ni'in/ c(33en) a-(u) +er 7(- a) )+e crBc+e. a) 1i,e 1ee) )&( '+e &a' n() a)in0 ine11ec)ual &(3an4 T+e <)in0 ')ill ran6led a' '+e *ic6ed u* )+e -())le 1r(3 )+e )a-le and *u) i) (n )+e -ac6 (1 )+e -enc+4 S+e +ad a c(re (1 inner ')ren/)+ )+a) +ad 'een +er )+r(u/+ a l() (1 ad,er'i)0 )+a) &(uld +a,e de1ea)ed a le''er &(3an4 S+e +ad nur'ed +er /rand1a)+er 1(r 1(ur 0ear' and c(n)inued +er ')udie' a) )+e 'a3e )i3e. e,en)uall0 enr(llin/ 1(r a +(3e9')ud0 de/ree4 A 1e& 3(n)+' a1)er +i' dea)+ '+e +ad )a6en (n )+e 1ull9)i3e care (1 -a-0 Nic+(la' and c(n)inued +er ')udie' and la') 0ear '+e +ad (-)ained a de/ree in "i')(r0 (1 Ar)4 !lu' '+e &a' n(&+ere near )+e *((r li))le &(3an Ari')ide' )+(u/+)4 "er /rand1a)+er a1)er +i' 1ir') ')r(6e a) )+e a/e (1 'i5)0. +ad '(ld (11 )+e 1i1)0 acre' (1 land )+a) 'urr(unded )+eir +(3e )( an in)erna)i(nal +()el c+ain 1(r de,el(*3en) &+ile 3a6in/ 'ure )+e0 6e*) )+e +(u'e and ri/+) (1 &a04 I) &a' +i' &a0 (1 en'urin/ )+ere &a' 3(ne0 1(r +i' l(n/9)er3 care and "elen4 On in+eri)in/ +er /rand1a)+er' e')a)e a1)er +i' dea)+. and )+e li1e in'urance 1r(3 +er *aren)' )+a) +ad -een +eld in )ru'). "elen &a' +ardl0 *ennile''4 W+ile '+e &a' n(&+ere near a' &eal)+0 a' Ari')ide'. )+e 3(ne0 '+e +ad in,e')ed a''ured +er (1 a rea'(na-l0 c(31(r)a-le li,in/ and le1) +er 1ree )( indul/e +er (&n in)ere')'4 A' a 1reelance illu')ra)(r '+e +ad alread0
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

c(3*le)ed )+e illu')ra)i(n' 1(r )+ree -e') 'ellin/ c+ildren' -((6'. and +ad a lucra)i,e deal &i)+ )+e au)+(r and *u-li'+er )( c(3*le)e )+e illu')ra)i(n' (n )+e 1ull 'erie' (1 ei/+). +er )i3e '*en) a) )+e crBc+e &a' a *er'(nal *lea'ure. -u) +er /rea)e') l(,e &a' l((6in/ a1)er Nic+(la'4 #nder )+e circu3')ance' +er li1e &a' a' near *er1ec) a' '+e c(uld +a,e &i'+ed4 #n)il )(da04 S+e (*ened )+e 1rid/e and )((6 (u) a car)(n (1 7uice. )+en reac+ed 1(r Nic+(la' 1a,(uri)e *la')ic 3u/ 1r(3 an (,er+ead cu*-(ard4 S+e *laced )+e3 -()+ (n )+e )a-le &i)+ )+e -i'cui) )in. and ')rai/+)ened u*. &(nderin/ &+a) )( d( ne5)4 Cuie)l0 '+e &al6ed in)( )+e +all and ')((d a) )+e 1(() (1 )+e ')air'4 S+e c(uld +ear )+e 3ur3ur (1 ,(ice'. and )+en c+ildi'+ lau/+)er4 S+e &an)ed )( /( u*')air' and 7(in )+e3. -u) in')ead '+e &al6ed )+e len/)+ (1 )+e +all and +al1&a0 -ac64 S+e ')(**ed a) )+e +all )a-le and *ic6ed u* )+e *(') '+e +ad dr(**ed earlier and l((6ed )+r(u/+ i)4 A c(u*le (1 circular' and a le))er4 S+e )urned i) (,er in +er +and and did n() rec(/ni'e )+e 'ender' addre'' -u) )en'ed a' '+e reali'ed i) &a' a '(lici)(r' 1ir34 S+e read )+e le))er )+ree )i3e'. and )+en 'li**ed i) in )+e )a-le dra&er4 Bac6 in )+e 6i)c+en '+e ')ared 'i/+)le''l0 (u) (1 )+e &ind(&4 T+e 1inali)0 (1 )+e 'i)ua)i(n +i) +er; Ari')ide' &a' )ellin/ )+e )ru)+4 T+e '(lici)(r' le))er &a' -rie1 -u) in1(r3a)i,e. 'i3*l0 c(n1ir3in/ Delia &a' dead and "elen &a' a -ene1iciar0 (1 +er &ill4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Si/+in/. '+e )urned4 S+e needed '(3e)+in/ )( d(. '(3e)+in/ 3undane '( '+e didn) +a,e )( )+in6 (1 &+a) 3i/+) lie a+ead4 !er+a*' i1 '+e -e/an *re*arin/ 'u**er4 T+e0 al&a0' +ad )+eir 3eal a-(u) 'i5. )+en -a)+ and -ed4 Scra3-led e// &i)+ cri'*0 -ac(n and /rilled )(3a)(e' &a' a 1a,(uri)e (1 Nic+(la' and '+e &a' reac+in/ 1(r )+e c+ina c+ic6en )+a) +eld )+e e//' &+en Nic+(la' and Le(n &al6ed -ac6 in)( )+e 6i)c+en4 <#ncle Le(n li6e' 30 -ed. Nic+(la' 'aid. a -r(ad /rin (n +i' 1ace4 <"e 'aid +e i' /(in/ )( /e) 3e an()+er (ne 7u') li6e i) 1(r &+en &e ')a0 a) +i' +(u'e in $reece4 "i' e0e' &ere +u/e &i)+ &(nder4 <I'n) )+a) /rea)> Wi)+ a 3ale,(len) /lance a) )+e )all dar6 3an +(,erin/ (,er )+e -(0. '+e -en) d(&n and *ic6ed Nic+(la' u*4 <Ye'. 3ar,el(u'. "elen /() (u) -e)&een clenc+ed )ee)+ and de*('i)ed )+e -(0 (n +i' 'ea) a) )+e )a-le4 <N(& drin6 0(ur 7uice and +a,e a -i'cui). &+ile I /e) 'u**er read04 S+e c(uld d( n()+in/ a-(u) )+e ')i11ne'' in +er )(ne; '+e &a' '( an/r0 i) )((6 all +er 'el19c(n)r(l )( '*ea6 ci,ill04 And i) (nl0 /() &(r'e4 CHAPTER FOUR T"REE "O#RS LATER"elen 'a) (n )+e 'ide (1 Nic+(la' -ed and read +i3Re5 Ra--i) and )+e $((d Fair04 T+e 1ir') -((6 '+e +ad illu')ra)ed4 Nic+(la' l(,ed )+e ')(rie' a-(u) Re5. a ra)+er nau/+)0 ra--i). and )+e 1air0 )+a) +el*ed +i3 (u) (1 +i' )r(u-le'. and )+e (ri/inal dra&in/ (1 )+e 1air0
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+un/ *r(udl0 (n +i' -edr((3 &all4 #'uall0 )+i' &a' +er 1a,(uri)e )i3e &i)+ Nic+(la'4 Bu) &i)+ Le(n Ari')ide' 'i))in/ li6e '(3e +u/e dar6 '*ec)re (n )+e (**('i)e 'ide (1 )+e -ed li')enin/ )( e,er0 &(rd )(ni/+) &a' di11eren)4 S+e ca3e )( )+e end (1 )+e ')(r0 and ner,(u'l0 /lanced acr('' a) +i34 "i' dar6 e0e' re')ed (n +er4 S+e &a)c+ed )+e3 narr(& in 'ilen) c(33and. and '+e 6ne& &+a) +e 3ean)4 S+e /lanced quic6l0 -ac6 a) Nic+(la'. +er ner,e' (n a ra2(r ed/e4 <N(& 0(ur *ra0er'. '+e 3ur3ured. '3ilin/ '(1)l0 d(&n a) +i34 I) &a' )+eir u'ual ri)ual. -u) )(ni/+) i) +eld (nl0 'adne'' 1(r "elen4 S+e 6ne& '+e +ad )( )ell Nic+(la' +i' 3()+er &a' dead4 N() lea') -ecau'e Le(n +ad )(ld +er '( earlier in n( uncer)ain )er3' &+en Nic+(la' +ad -een ()+er&i'e (ccu*ied &i)+ +i' )(0'4 I1 '+e didn) +e &(uld4 T+e c+ildi'+ ,(ice ended &i)+. <$(d -le'' 30 "elen and $(d -le'' Delia4 A3en4 < u3 Delia. "elen 3ur3ured au)(3a)icall0. and &a' i/n(red4 <O+. and $(d -le'' #ncle Le(n. Nic+(la' 'aid &i)+ a /rin4 T+en +e added. <W+en i' Delia c(3in/> I +a,en) )+an6ed +er 1(r 30 -ed 0e)4 N( )i3e &a' /((d 1(r &+a) "elen +ad )( 'a0. -u) '+e +ad n( c+(ice. and. reac+in/ (u) a 1in/er )( ')r(6e +i' '3(()+
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

c+ee6. +er e0e' 3(i') &i)+ )ear'. '+e )(ld +i3. < u3 Delia &ill n() -e c(3in/ -ac6. '&ee)+ear). and. 3(,in/. '+e 'li**ed an ar3 ar(und +i' '3all '+(ulder'4 <Y(u 6n(& '+e li,ed a l() (1 )+e )i3e in $reece4 Well. '( d(e' #ncle Le(n and )+a) i' &+0 +e i' +ere )(da04 "e ca3e )( )ell u' Delia &a' -adl0 +ur) in an acciden) and '+e died4 "er ,(ice -r(6e4 Sa0in/ )+e &(rd' (u) l(ud 'ee3ed '( 1inal4 <Y(u 3ean '+e i' ne,er c(3in/ -ac6> Nic+(la' -())(3 li* )re3-led. and )+e -i/ dar6 e0e' '( li6e Delia' 1illed &i)+ )ear'4 <Bu) &+0 n()> "elen )i/+)ened +er ar3 ar(und +i3 and 'nu//led +i3 cl('er4 <Re3e3-er &+en 0(ur +a3')er died and 0(u and I +ad a li))le 'er,ice and I )(ld 0(u +e +ad /(ne )( +ea,en &+ere +e &(uld ')ill -e a-le )( &a)c+ 0(u e,en )+(u/+ 0(u c(uld n( l(n/er 'ee +i3> "e l((6ed u* in)( +er 1ace and )+en /lanced a) Le(n and -ac6 )( "elen4 <"a' Delia /(ne )( +ea,en> +e a'6ed. -i/ 1a) )ear' r(llin/ d(&n +i' '(1) c+ee6'4 <Ye'. -u) '+e &ill ')ill -e &a)c+in/ (,er 0(u4 <Bu) I &an) )( 'ee +er a/ain4 "e -e/an )( '(- in earne')4 <S++. i)' all ri/+). "elen +u'6ed4 <Y(u &(n) lea,e 3e li6e Delia> +e /a'*ed -e)&een +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'(-'. +i' li))le +and' clin/in/ )( +er '+(ulder'. +i' -(d0 '+a6in/4 W+e)+er +e under')((d )+e 3eanin/ (1 dea)+. "elen &a'n) 'ure. (r &+e)+er +e &a' 'i3*l0 *ic6in/ u* )+e en(r3i)0 (1 )+e ne&' 1r(3 )+e )en'i(n in )+e )&( adul)'. '+e c(uld n() 'a04 S+e 'i3*l0 +eld +i3 cl('e and ')r(6ed +i' dar6 curl0 +air. 3ur3urin/ '(()+in/ &(rd' (1 l(,e and rea''urance. )ellin/ +i3 n() )( &(rr0. '+e &(uld al&a0' -e )+ere 1(r +i34 E,en)uall0 )+e '(--in/ cea'ed and "elen laid +i3 /en)l0 d(&n in )+e -ed and 6i''ed +i' -r(&4 <!r(3i'e 0(u &(n) die and lea,e 3e> +e *leaded. +i' e0e' +u/e in +i' 1lu'+ed da3* 1ace4 <!r(3i'e4 <D(n) &(rr0. 30 l(,e. I &ill al&a0' -e +ere 1(r 0(u. "elen 'aid '(1)l0. -ru'+in/ +er li*' a/ain') +i' -r(& a/ain. and '+e 'a& e5+au')i(n (,er)a6e +i3 a' +i' e0e' cl('ed and '+e 6i''ed )+e 'li/+)l0 '&(llen lid'. )+e '3(()+ c+ee6'. and )enderl0 *laced +i' car9*rin)ed du,e) ar(und +i' '+(ulder'4 <I *r(3i'e4 And a )ear dr(**ed 1r(3 +er e0e )( +i' c+ee64 "i' li))le n('e &rin6led and +e 'i/+ed and 'le*)4

Ten 3inu)e' la)er a) Le(n' in'i')ence "elen &a' 'ea)ed al(ne in )+e li,in/ r((3 &+ile +e &en) )( 3a6e c(11ee4 S+e +ad -een )(( e3()i(nall0 e5+au')ed )( ar/ue and n(& '+e laid +er +ead -ac6 a/ain') )+e '(1) cu'+i(n' (1 )+e '(1a and
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

cl('ed +er e0e'4 $rie1 and /uil) &a'+ed (,er +er in &a,e'. and +er 3ind '*un li6e a &ind3ill in a /ale4 W+a) a 3e''. and 3(') (1 i) (1 +er (&n 3a6in/4 S+e '+(uld ne,er +a,e a/reed )( Delia' 3ad idea. '+e '+(uld ne,er +a,e le) +er (&n circu3')ance' in1luence +er 7ud/3en). -u) )+en '+e &(uld ne,er +a,e 6n(&n )+e dee* l(,e '+e 1el) 1(r Nic+(la'4 T( l('e +i3 &(uld -rea6 +er +ear). 0e) '+e +ad al&a0' 6n(&n Delia &(uld clai3 +i3 (ne da0 and '(3e+(& )+a) +ad ne,er 1el) '( -ad4 <"ere. )a6e )+i'4 S+e (*ened +er e0e' )( 1ind Le(n l((3in/ (,er +er &i)+ a cu* (1 c(11ee in +i' +and4 <I,e laced i) &i)+ a li))le c(/nac I 1(und in a cu*-(ard4 Y(u l((6 li6e 0(u need i)4 S+e )((6 )+e 3u/ 1r(3 +i3 and rai'ed i) )( +er li*' and '&all(&ed d(&n a 3(u)+1ul (1 )+e +() liquid4 S+e /ri3aced a' )+e '*iri) cau/+) +er )+r(a). -u) )+e &ar3)+ 'ee3ed )( '*read )+r(u/+ +er ,ein' inducin/ a 6ind (1 cal34 Sl(&l0 '+e 'i**ed )+e re1re'+in/ -re& un)il '+e +ad drained )+e cu* and *u) i) (n )+e c(11ee )a-le in 1r(n) (1 +er4 Finall0 '+e /lanced acr('' a) Le(n reclinin/ (n )+e '(1a (**('i)e4 "e +ad 1ini'+ed +i' c(11ee and +e &a' &a)c+in/ +er 1r(3 -enea)+ +ea,09lidded e0e'. a -r((din/ e5*re''i(n (n +i' ru//ed 1ace. and '+e &(ndered &+a) +e &a' )+in6in/4 A 3(3en) la)er '+e 1(und (u)4 <Did 0(u 3ean &+a) 0(u )(ld Nic+(la' a-(u) ne,er lea,in/
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+i3> <Ye'. (1 c(ur'e. '+e a''er)ed4 <I 6n(& i) &ill -e di11icul). and (-,i(u'l0 I d(n) e5*ec) )( -e *+0'icall0 &i)+ +i3 all )+e )i3e. '+e 'aid /a)+erin/ +er )+(u/+)' in)( '(3e 6ind (1 (rder4 <I under')and 0(u &ill &an) )( '*end '(3e )i3e &i)+ +i34 Y(u c(uld )a6e +i3 1(r )+e +(lida0'. a' I 6n(& i) i' a cu')(3 in 0(ur 1a3il0. *lu' a**aren)l0 0(u +a,e alread0 )(ld +i34 S+e c(uldn) re'i') )+e di/4 <$i,en )+e circu3')ance' i) i' ine,i)a-le Nic+(la' and I &ill -e a*ar) 1(r '(3e *eri(d'. -u) I &ill ')ill 6ee* in )(uc+ &i)+ +i3 -0 )ele*+(ne (n a dail0 -a'i' '( +e &ill ne,er 1eel I +a,e le1) +i3. "elen (11ered and )+(u/+) '+e &a' -ein/ rea'(na-le4 <I +ear &+a) 0(u are 'a0in/. -u) I d(n) a/ree4 I can 'ee Nic+(la' i' +a**0 &i)+ 0(u and 0(u d(n) &an) )( *ar) &i)+ +i34 Bu) a' +i' uncle. +i' (nl0 -l((d rela)i,e. I )+in6 &e '+(uld '+are +i' u*-rin/in/4 Nic+(la' can li,e &i)+ 3e 1(r 'i5 3(n)+' (1 )+e 0ear and 0(u 1(r )+e ()+er4 <D(n) -e ridicul(u'. "elen e5clai3ed. +er e0e' &idenin/ in a')(ni'+ed di'-elie1 (n +i' dar6l0 a))rac)i,e 1ace4 <T+a) &(uld -e a-'urd4 Nic+(la' '&i)c+in/ +(3e e,er0 'i5 3(n)+'. '&i)c+in/ 'c+((l'. d(c)(r' e,er0)+in/@(nl0 a 3an c(uld c(3e u* &i)+ 'uc+ an idi()ic 'u//e')i(n. '+e declared. 1(r (nce 1eelin/ 'u*eri(r )( )+e arr(/an) de,il4 "i' 3(u)+ +ardened4 <E5ac)l04 <T+en &+0 'u//e') i)> '+e queried &aril0. n( l(n/er 1eelin/ 'u*eri(r a' '+e reali'ed +e +ad 'e) +er u* 1(r
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'(3e)+in/. -u) &+a)> <D(n) /e) 3e &r(n/4 I )+in6 0(u +a,e d(ne a &(nder1ul 7(- &i)+ Nic+(la'. &i)+ li))le +el* 1r(3 30 'i')er. )+(u/+ +i' 6n(&led/e (1 )+e $ree6 lan/ua/e i' qui)e /((d. '( '+e did d( '(3e)+in/ ri/+)4 Bu) I +a,e n()ed +e call' 0(u30 "elen4 Bu) +e rarel0 add' )+e *re1i5 u3 )( Delia' na3e unle'' 0(u *r(3*) +i34 "e i' u*'e) a) )+e ne&' (1 +er dea)+. -u). )+(u/+ i) *ain' 3e )( 'a0 i). n(&+ere near a' u*'e) a' +e &(uld -e i1 +e l(') 0(u4 T( all in)en)' and *ur*('e' 0(u are +i' 3()+er. and I )+in6 i) &(uld -e in +i' -e') in)ere') i1 +e ')a0' &i)+ 0(u4 <Y(u 3ean 0(u a/ree +e can ')a0 &i)+ 3e> < "elen a'6ed. +ardl0 darin/ )( -elie,e Ari')ide' c(uld -e '( rea'(na-le4 <N(. I 3ean )+e -(0 +a' +ad a c(n1u'in/ ')ar) in li1e &i)+ 0(u a' )+e (nl0 c(n')an) adul) and +e de'er,e' 3(re4 "e de'er,e' )&( *aren)' and a ')a-le +(3e and I can *r(,ide )+a)4 F(r a 3(3en) '+e &a' c(n1u'ed. )+en )+e 1ull i3*(r) (1 +i' &(rd' +i) +er and +er +ear) 'an64 O-,i(u'l0 +e +ad a ne& &i1e4 <S( 0(u 3arried a/ain; I didn) 6n(&. '+e 3ur3ured4 W+0 +adn) '+e )+(u/+) (1 )+a)> A &eal)+0. ,irile 3an li6e Le(n Ari')ide' &+( c(uld )a6e +i' *ic6 (1 &(3en. (1 c(ur'e +e +ad a &i1e4 Suddenl0 )+e *(''i-ili)0 (1 l('in/ Nic+(la' c(3*le)el0 -eca3e ,er0 real4 "(& c(uld '+e *(''i-l0 den0 )+e 0(un/ -(0 )&( *aren)'>
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<N(. I a3 n() 3arried 0e)4 <Y(u +a,e a 1ianc8e4 Y(u 3ean )( 3arr0 and 3a6e a +(3e 1(r Nic+(la'> '+e 1(und )+e c(ura/e )( a'64 W+ile +er +ear) &a' -rea6in/ a) )+e )+(u/+) (1 l('in/ +i3. +er (&n inna)e +(ne')0 )(ld +er '+e c(uld n() den0 Nic+(la' )+e c+ance (1 -ein/ *ar) (1 a n(r3al 1a3il04 Le(n did n() an'&er i33edia)el04 "e *laced +i' /la'' (n )+e )a-le -e)&een )+e3 and l(un/ed -ac6 (n )+e '(1a. +i' dar6 e0e'. *iercin/ in )+eir in)en'i)0. 1(cu'in/ (n +er a'+en 1ace4 <N(. I d( n() +a,e a 1ianc8e4 Bu) &i)+ (ne c(ndi)i(n 0(u can 3arr0 3e. and &e can '+are Nic+(la' u*-rin/in/ a) 30 +(3e in $reece4 "elen ')ared a) +i3 in ')unned di'-elie14 < arr0 0(u= Are 0(u 3ad> "e +ad )( -e 7(6in/4 S+e didn) li6e )+e 3an4 Bu) '(3e)+in/ in )+e ru)+le'' curl (1 +i' 3(u)+. in )+e -lac6 un1a)+(3a-le e0e' )+a) +eld +er'. 'en) a *ric6lin/ 'en'a)i(n d(&n +er '*ine4 "er +ear) -ea) li6e a 'led/e+a33er in +er c+e')4 S+e 1el) a/ain )+e 1ear '+e +ad 6n(&n a' a )eena/er )+e 1ir') )i3e )+e0 +ad 3e). and '+e 6ne& +e &a' n() 7(6in/4 "i' 3(u)+ )&i')ed 'ard(nicall04 <I +a,e -een accu'ed (1 3an0 )+in/'. -u) 3ad &a' ne,er (ne (1 )+e34 "(&e,er. 0(u and 30 'i')er (-,i(u'l0 &ere. )( +a,e +a)c+ed 'uc+ a ridicul(u' *l() and den0in/ a c+ild +i' ri/+) )( /r(& u* in )+e -('(3 (1 +i' 1a3il04 I &a' in1(r3ed &+en '+e died )+a) Delia +ad )a6en dru/'. &+ic+ 3i/+) acc(un) 1(r +er
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

*er,er'e -e+a,i(ur4 S( d( 0(u +a,e )+e 'a3e *r(-le3> I need )( 6n(& -e1(re I 3arr0 0(u. +e de3anded arr(/an)l04 <I cer)ainl0 d( n(). '+e e5clai3ed 1uri(u'l04 <And I d(n) -elie,e 1(r (ne 3inu)e Delia did ei)+er. '+e &a' *er1ec)l0 1i) and +eal)+0 )+e la') )i3e I 'a& +er4 <T+en 0(u are e,en 3(re nai,e )+an 0(u l((64 "i' ni/+)9 -lac6 e0e' 3(c6ed +er4 <I +a,e )+e d(c)(r' re*(r) )( *r(,e i)4 "elen &a' ')unned in)( 'ilence. +er 3ind a) 1ir') re7ec)in/ )+e )ru)+. and )+en i) 'l(&l0 da&ned (n +er '+e +ad n() 'een Delia 'ince la') 'u33er4 a0-e )+e *re''ure' (1 re)urnin/ )( li,e in $reece and +er en/a/e3en) 3i/+) +a,e led Delia in)( d(in/ '(3e)+in/ '( ')u*id4 I) cer)ainl0 e5*lained +er erra)ic -e+a,i(ur (,er )+e la') 1e& 3(n)+'4 T+e cancelled ,i'i)' and d&indlin/ )ele*+(ne call'. 'uddenl0 i) all 3ade a +(rri-le 6ind (1 'en'e4 W+0 +ad '+e n() n()iced '(3e)+in/ &a' &r(n/> S+e +ad 1ailed +er 1riend &+en '+e +ad needed +er4 <I ne,er 6ne&; I ne,er /ue''ed. '+e 3ur3ured4 <I a3 inclined )( -elie,e 0(u4 !reli3inar0 in,e')i/a)i(n' 'ee3 )( 'u//e') Delia (nl0 /() in,(l,ed in recrea)i(nal dru/' la') 0ear &+en '+e re)urned )( A)+en' and -e/an )( '(ciali'e in )+e *ar)0 cr(&d@)ra/icall0 1(r +er4 <Surel0 +er 1ianc8 c(uld +a,e ')(**ed +er. "elen e5clai3ed4 <"er 1ianc8 &a' -li''1ull0 una&are (1 &+a) '+e /() u* )(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&+en +e &a'n) ar(und. and &+en +e 1(und (u) a1)er +er dea)+ +e &a' +(rri1ied4 "i' 1a)+er 'en) +i3 )( Ja*an )( &(r6 and /e) (,er +i' l(''. and I &(uld /ue'' -0 n(& +i' 3ain 1eelin/ i' )+a) +e +ad a luc60 e'ca*e. Le(n dra&led4 <Delia &a' 3(re de,i(u' )+an an0 (1 u' i3a/ined4 Bu) a' '+e i' n( l(n/er +ere. 0(u n(& +a,e )( *a0 )+e *rice 1(r 0(ur 1((li'+ne''4 #nle'' 0(u &an) )( )rau3a)i'e Nic+(la' -0 lea,in/ +i3. 0(u &ill +a,e )( 3arr0 3e4 !u) li6e )+a). "elen +ad n( de1ence4 S+e +ad 1ailed )( rec(/ni'e Delia +ad needed +el*4 "elen c(uld n(). &(uld n(). c(3*(und +er 1aul) -0 1ailin/ Nic+(la' a' &ell4 Bu) 3arria/e )( Le(n Ari')ide'? Searc+in/ 1(r )+e &(rd'. '+e -e/an +e'i)an)l04 <Surel0 )+ere 3u') -e '(3e ()+er &a0 )+a) &(uld 1ul1il all Nic+(la' need' )+a) d(e' n() in,(l,e 3arria/e> '+e a**ealed )( +i3.

Le(n Ari')ide' 'a& )+e 1lic6er (1 +el*le''ne'' in +er ,i(le) e0e'. )+e 'li/+) *erce*)i-le 'lu3* (1 +er 'lender '+(ulder'. and +e 6ne& +e +ad &(n4 <Nic+(la' +a' 7u') l(') +i' -ir)+ 3()+er@n() a ,er0 /((d (ne. I &ill /ran) 0(u. +e 'aid dr0l04 <"e 'ee' 0(u a' +i' 3()+er and +e need' )+e rea''urance (1 0(ur c(n')an) *re'ence 3(re )+an e,er n(&4 Y(u +a,e 6n(&n 30 ne*+e& 1r(3 -ir)+4 I +a,e n() +ad )+a) *ri,ile/e4 I a3 n() a -ru)e. -u) )+ere i' n( &a0 I &ill all(& 0(u )( +a,e '(le cu')(d04 arria/e -e)&een u' i' )+e (nl0 an'&er4 And. ri'in/ )( +i' 1ee). +e cr(''ed )( 'i) d(&n
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-e'ide +er (n )+e '(1a4 <Belie,e 3e. "elen. i1 )+ere &a' an0 ()+er &a0 I &(uld )a6e i)4 And +e reac+ed 1(r +er +and. cla'*in/ i) a/ain') +i' )+i/+4 <I +a,e 3arried -e1(re and I +a,e n( real de'ire )( d( '( a/ain4 "e le) +i' )+u3- idl0 care'' +er *al34 <Bu) 1(r Nic+(la' 'a6e I &ill4 "e 1el) +er )re3-le and 'a& )+e 1la'+ in quic6 'ucce''i(n (1 )&( di11eren) e3()i(n' in +er +u/e ,i(le) e0e'4 T+e 1ir') &a' 1ear. -u) )+e 'ec(nd &a' (ne a 3an (1 +i' e5*erience c(uld n() 1ail )( rec(/ni'e. and +e 1el) a 'ur/e (1 )riu3*+ /( )+r(u/+ +i34 S+e +ad )ried )( +ide +er a&arene'' (1 +i3 all a1)ern((n. -u) +e +ad 'een i) in +er +a')il0 l(&ered la'+e'. +er *in6 c+ee6'4 "e c(uld 1eel i) in )+e ra*idl0 -ea)in/ *ul'e in +er 'lender &ri')4 I) &(uld -e n( +ard'+i* )( -ed )+e l(,el0 "elen and +i' -(d0 +ardened *erce*)i-l0 a) )+e )+(u/+)4 Bu) n(& &a' n() )+e )i3e. -e'ide' &+ic+ +e ')ill +ad L(ui'a4 Nic+(la' &a' +i' 1ir') *ri(ri)0. and +e 3u') n() 1(r/e) "elen "e0&((d &a' a' decei)1ul a &(3an a' an0 +e +ad e,er 3e)4 A' '+e &a' Nic+(la' (11icial /uardian and a )ru')ee (1 )+e -(0' e')a)e. +e needed +er in $reece and )ied )( +i3 -0 )+e le/al -(nd (1 3a)ri3(n04 A' +er +u'-and i) &(uld -e 3uc+ ea'ier )( *r()ec) )+e -(0' in)ere')' and +i' (&n4 E,er 'ince )+e dea)+ (1 +i' 1a)+er +e +ad na)urall0 a''u3ed c(3*le)e c(n)r(l (1 )+e c(3*an04 "e +ad deal) '&i1)l0 and 1airl0 &i)+ )+e (dd (-7ec)i(n 1r(3 ,ari(u' di')an) c(u'in'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&+( +ad )+r(u/+ in+eri)ance re)ained an in)ere') in )+e -u'ine''4 "ed +ad e,er0)+in/ under c(3*le)e c(n)r(l un)il )+e di'c(,er0 (1 Delia' ne& &ill4 Suddenl0 "elen "e0&((d' in,(l,e3en) *('ed a )+rea)@a ,er0 'li/+) )+rea). i) &a' )rue4 Bu) +e &a' a 3an &+( le1) n()+in/ )( c+ance4 Li1)in/ +er +and. +e 1(lded +er 'lender 1in/er' in)( +er *al3 and *laced i) in +er (&n la*. and 'a) -ac64 <Y(u 3u') 'ee. "elen. &+a)e,er *er'(nal 'acri1ice 0(u and I +a,e )( 3a6e. i) i' )+e (nl0 'en'i-le '(lu)i(n. +e )(ld +er &i)+ 7u') )+e ri/+) a3(un) (1 &r0 acce*)ance in +i' )(ne4 "e le) +i' e0e' 'lide (,er +er and +e /a,e an in&ard '3ile4 S+e &a' 1lu')ered. and )r0in/ ,er0 +ard n() )( '+(& i)4 <Y(u )(ld 3e 0(u +a,e n( 3an in 0(ur li1e a) )+e 3(3en). and I a3 una))ac+ed. '( n( (ne el'e &ill -e +ur). e5ce*) Nic+(la' i1 &e d(n) 3arr0 and *r(,ide a ')a-le +(3e 1(r +i34 <Bu) &e +ardl0 6n(& eac+ ()+er. ne,er 3ind care. '+e ar/ued 1ain)l0. and +e 'a& )+e c(n1u'i(n in +er e0e'4 "i' +ard 3(u)+ )&i')ed in a 'ard(nic '3ile4 <C(ur)e'0 (1 Delia 0(u 'ee3ed )( )+in6 earlier 0(u 6n(& a l() a-(u) 3e4 A /uil)0 -lu'+ ')ained +er c+ee6'. &+ic+ didn) 'ur*ri'e +i3 in )+e lea'). +e )+(u/+) &i)+ a 1la'+ (1 an/er4 S+e +ad a +ell (1 a l() )( 1eel /uil)0 a-(u). -u) +e le) n(ne (1 +i' an/er '+(& a' +e c(n)inued. <A' 1(r 3e. I 6n(& 0(u are /rea) &i)+ Nic+(la' and )+a) i' en(u/+ 1(r 3e4 A c(n,enien) 3arria/e i' n() )+a) unu'ual. and &i)+ )+e /((d&ill (1 -()+ *ar)ie' can -e qui)e 'ucce''1ul4 We +a,e )+e added
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

incen)i,e (1 Nic+(la' )( en'ure (ur 3arria/e &ill -e a3ia-le4 F(r )+e c(un) (1 a 1e& +ear)-ea)' "elen 'i3*l0 ')ared a) Le(n Ari')ide'4 T+e /enuine c(ncern in +i' ')ead0 /a2e &a' undenia-le. and n() '(3e)+in/ '+e +ad )+(u/+) +i3 ca*a-le (14 a0-e +e &a' n() a' +ard a' Delia +ad 3ade (u). '+e didn) 6n(& an0 3(re4 I) didn) +el* )+a) '+e c(uld ')ill 1eel )+e &ar3)+ (1 +i' )+i/+ a/ain') +er '6in. )+e ')r(6e (1 +i' )+u3- a/ain') +er *al3. and '+e cla'*ed +er +and' )(/e)+er )r0in/ )( c(n)r(l +er ra*idl0 -ea)in/ *ul'e4 <A 3arria/e (1 c(n,enience. 0(u 3ean> S+e 1inall0 3ana/ed )( '*ea64 O1 c(ur'e )+a) &a' all +e &a' 'u//e')in/. and '+e 6ne& i) 3ade 'en'e. '( &+0 did '+e 1eel (ddl0 de1la)ed> <Ye'. +e 'aid &i)+ a de)er3ina)i(n )+a) le1) +er in n( d(u-)4 <O-,i(u'l0 &e &ill +a,e )( li,e in $reece a' 30 +eadquar)er' are )+ere4 Bu) )+ere i' n( rea'(n &+0 0(u '+(uld n() 6ee* )+i' +(u'e. and ,i'i) 0(ur 1riend' (cca'i(nall04 Bu'ine'' )a6e' 3e a-r(ad qui)e (1)en '( i) &(n) -e a *r(-le34 "e r('e )( +i' 1ee) and l((6ed d(&n a) +er. a +in) (1 c0nici'3 in )+e de*)+' (1 +i' dar6 e0e' a' )+e0 +eld +er'4 <And )+ere i' an()+er c(3*ellin/ rea'(n &+0 &e '+(uld 3arr04 W+en &e '*end )i3e )(/e)+er &i)+ Nic+(la'. a' i' ine,i)a-le. +(& &(uld i) l((6 )( an (u)'ider> Nic+(la' i' inn(cen) and d(e' n() under')and. -u) )+e 1ir') &(rd' (u) (1 +i' 3(u)+ &+en I 3e) +i3 &ere a-(u) +i' 1riend' li,e9in
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Duncle4E Y(u and I -()+ 6n(& &+a) c(nn()a)i(n' *e(*le *u) (n 'uc+ a rela)i(n'+i* and I a3 n() +a,in/ +i3 e5*('ed )( )+a) 6ind (1 '*ecula)i(n (n )(* (1 )+e 1ac) +e i' ille/i)i3a)e4 I 6n(& in 0(ur c(un)r0 a c+ild (u)'ide (1 3arria/e i' qui)e acce*)a-le and 1a') -ec(3in/ )+e n(r34 Bu) in $reece i) i' ')ill 1r(&ned u*(n4 E3-arra''3en) and. 0e'. /uil). '+e ac6n(&led/ed. 3ade +er -lu'+. and '+e )(re +er )r(u-led e0e' a&a0 1r(3 +i'4 <N()+in/ can c+an/e )+e circu3')ance' (1 Nic+(la' -ir)+4 S+e 3ade a +el*le'' 3(,e3en) (1 +er +and'4 <Bu) I +adn) )+(u/+) (1 )+a). '+e 'aid '+a6il04 <Well. )+in6 a-(u) i) n(&. and 'a0 0(u &ill 3arr0 3e4 <I d(n) )+in6 I c(uld li,e &i)+ 30'el1 i1 I le) Nic+(la' d(&n4 <$((d. '( )+a) i' a 0e'4 "e &a' )(&erin/ (,er +er. )all. dar6 and 1(r3ida-le4 S+e +ad )( )il) -ac6 +er +ead )( l((6 a) +i3 a/ain and reluc)an)l0 '+e n(dded4 <I 'u**('e '(4 <Y(u can lea,e e,er0)+in/ )( 3e4 "e reac+ed d(&n and &ra**ed +i' lar/e +and ar(und +er ar3 and +auled +er )( +er 1ee)4 Be1(re '+e c(uld *r()e') +i' dar6 +ead '&((*ed d(&n and '+e 1el) )+e 1ir3 *re''ure (1 +i' 3(u)+ a/ain') +er (&n4 S+e cau/+) )+e 1ain) 'cen) (1 +i' a1)er'+a,e 3in/led &i)+ clean. 'li/+)l0 3u'60 3ale. 1el) )+e +ea) (1 +i' -(d0 en1(ldin/ +er and )+e 'u-)le in)ru'i(n (1 +i' )(n/ue
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

6ee* in )(uc+4 Y(u c(ncen)ra)e (n /e))in/ *ac6ed u* +ere4 I &ill arran/e )+e &eddin/ cere3(n0 1(r )&( &ee6' (n Sa)urda0 in A)+en'4 "elen /a'*ed4 <Bu) i) i' alread0 T+ur'da04 <D(n) l((6 '( &(rried4 Ill call &i)+ all )+e de)ail' and -e -ac6 )( c(llec) 0(u -()+ in /((d )i3e4 E,er0)+in/ &ill -e 1ine4 "e )urned )(&ard' )+e d((r4 A 6n(c6 (n )+e d((r@a c(ded 6n(c6: (ne. )&(. and (ne a/ain@')(**ed Le(n Ari')ide' in +i' )rac6'4 "e )urned and li1)ed an enquirin/ -r(& in +er direc)i(n4 <Y(u +a,e a la)e caller. i) &(uld 'ee3@(ne &+( '(und' a' )+(u/+ +e i' e5*ec)ed4 "e 'a& "elen' 3(u)+ cur,e in a /enuine '3ile4 <Ye'. +e i'. '+e 'aid. &al6in/ )(&ard' +i34 <W+( i' i)> <I)' (nl0 ic64 "e &(r6' 1(r )+e +()el 'ecuri)04 Ill 'ee 0(u (u) and le) +i3 in4 "e al&a0' ')(*' (n +i' r(und' 1(r a cu* (1 )ea and )( c+ec6 Nic+(la' and I are (6a0. '+e (11ered and &al6ed *a') +i34 T&( 3inu)e' la)er Le(n Ari')ide' cli3-ed in)( +i' car. a dee* 1r(&n (n +i' +ard 1ace4 I) &a' a ne& e5*erience 1(r +i3. -ein/ u'+ered (u) (1 a &(3an' +(u'e &i)+(u) a 'ec(nd /lance &+ile a /((d9l((6in/ 0(un/ 'ecuri)0 /uard &a' u'+ered in. and +e didn) li6e )+e 1eelin/4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S)ill. +e )+(u/+) c(ldl0 a' +e ')ar)ed )+e car. i) &a' n( 3(re )+an +e +ad e5*ec)ed4 "elen "e0&((d &a' a ,er0 a))rac)i,e &(3an in +er 3id9)&en)ie'; i) &a' (nl0 na)ural '+e +ad a 'e5 li1e4 "er denial earlier (1 a li,e9in l(,er &a' di'in/enu(u'. and c(n1ir3ed (nce a/ain +er de,i(u' na)ure4 Bu) &+a) did +e care> S+e +ad a '+a*el0 li))le 1i/ure and i) &(uld -e n( +ard'+i* )( -ed +er4 "e &a' a -an6er 1ir') and 1(re3('). and +e +ad ac+ie,ed &+a) +e +ad 'e) (u) )( d(4 S((n +e &(uld +a,e Nic+(la' in +i' +(3e and "elen "e0&((d a' +i' &i1e4 T+e 1a3il0 1(r)une &(uld -e *r()ec)ed and +i' *('i)i(n a' +ead (1 Ari')ide' In)erna)i(nal Ban6 &(uld -e indi'*u)a-le4 Wi)+ a -i) (1 luc6 +e 3i/+) e,en -e a-le )( *r()ec) +i' 'i')er' na3e4 "e ')(**ed )+e car and +anded )+e 6e0' )( )+e *ar6in/ a))endan)4 A '3ile (1 ru)+le'' 'a)i'1ac)i(n cur,ed +i' +ard 3(u)+ a' +e en)ered )+e +()el4 T+e 'a3e /irl &a' (n rece*)i(n a' +e a'6ed 1(r +i' 6e04 <Did 0(u 1ind "elen and Nic+(la'> '+e a'6ed4 T+e /irl &a' 1riendl0 and (-,i(u'l0 a /(''i*4 Le(n /lanced d(&n a) +er na3e )a/ and +i' '3ile 3(r*+ed in)( (ne (1 u))er c+ar34 <Ye'. Trac0. I did. and "elen i' e,en 3(re -eau)i1ul )+an I re3e3-ered; a' 1(r Nic+(la'. +e i' a deli/+)1ul -(04 "e -en) +i' dar6 +ead 'li/+)l04 <In 1ac) I &ill le) 0(u in)( a 'ecre); I +a,e a'6ed "elen )( 3arr0 3e and '+e +a' a/reed4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<O+. +(& r(3an)ic4 <I )+in6 '(4 Le(n '3iled a/ain. (rdered a 3eal. and le1)4 Once in +i' r((3. +e (*ened +i' la*)(* and -e/an )( c+ec6 +i' 3e''a/e'. 1indin/ an e93ail 1r(3 L(ui'a in !ari' c(3*lainin/ a-(u) +i' l(n/ a-'ence4 L(ui'a &a' a *r(-le3 +e +ad )( '(l,e quic6l0. and 'ur*ri'in/l0 +e reali'ed +e &a' ra)+er relie,ed a) )+e )+(u/+)4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<C(3e (n. Nic+(la'. ea) 0(ur 0(/+ur)4 "e &a' -ein/ *ar)icularl0 di11icul) )+i' 3(rnin/4 S+e +ad dre''ed and &a'+ed +i3. and 'e))led +i3 a) )+e 6i)c+en )a-le &i)+ +i' -rea61a'). -u) '+e &a' ')ill &earin/ a 1lu110 red )(&ellin/ r(-e &i)+ e0e' )( 3a)c+4 A *ealin/ (1 )+e d((r-ell 3ade +er /r(an4 O+. $(d. &+a) idi() called a) ei/+) in )+e 3(rnin/> S+e (*ened )+e d((r &i)+ Nic+(la' a) +er 'ide )( 'ee Le(n ')andin/ )+ere. l((6in/ &ide a&a6e and ,i-ran) in )+e 'a3e dar6 'ui) -u) &i)+ a dar6 /re0 '+ir) and )ie )+a) 3ade +i3 l((6 e,en 3(re 1(r-iddin/ )( +er )ired 3ind4 Nic+(la' l((6ed &aril0 u* a) )+e 3an4 <I3 +a,in/ 30 -rea61a')4 T+e &(rd' &ere 'u*er1lu(u' a' +i' 3(u)+ &a' c(,ered in ')ra&-err0 0(/+ur). and "elen. a1)er )+e c(n,en)i(nal /ree)in/. added in an ur/en) a'ide )( Le(n. <I need )( '*ea6 )( 0(u4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<I &ill l((6 a1)er Nic+(la'4 "e 6e*) +i' )(ne li/+)4 <Y(u run al(n/ and /e) dre''ed and &e &ill )al6 la)er4 T+en. dr(**in/ a -rie1 6i'' (n )+e )(* (1 +er +ead. +e /rinned d(&n a) )+e -(04 <Bac6 )( )+e 6i)c+en 1(r 0(u@I c(uld d( &i)+ '(3e)+in/ )( ea)4 Fi1)een 3inu)e' la)er. &a'+ed and dre''ed in 7ean' and a *in6 ca'+3ere '&ea)er. +er +air l(('e. "elen en)ered )+e 6i)c+en4 Bu) '+e &a' de1ini)el0 'u*er1lu(u' )( require3en)'. '+e reali'ed re'en)1ull0 '(3e )i3e la)er4 Le(n. &i)+ a '6ill '+e &(uld n() +a,e a))ri-u)ed )( +i3. +ad *a)ien)l0 (,erc(3e Nic+(la' ra)+er '(3-re 3((d4 In a ')r(6e (1 -rilliance +e +ad )(ld +i3 a3u'in/ ')(rie' (1 Delia a' a c+ild. 3a6in/ +i3 lau/+ and quie)enin/ all +i' 1ear'4 Wi)+in an +(ur Nic+(la' +ad re)urned )( +i' u'ual 'unn0 di'*('i)i(n. and &a' c+a))in/ +a**il0 and c(n1iden)l0 &i)+ +i' ne& uncle. )()all0 ca*)i,a)ed -0 )+e 3an4 Tal6 a-(u) 3ale -(ndin/. "elen )+(u/+). &a)c+in/ )+e *air la0 (u) a )rain 'e) (n )+e -edr((3 1l((r4 "(& Le(n Ari')ide' +ad (-)ained (ne '( quic6l0 in )+e rural de*)+' (1 )+e C()'&(ld'. '+e +ad n( idea4 B0 )+e )i3e '+e 1inall0 /() Le(n (n +i' (&n 1(r a 3(3en) &+ile Nic+(la' ,i'i)ed )+e la,a)(r0 '+e di'c(,ered '+e &a' )(( la)e4 < r Ari')ide'. '+e -e/an. /lancin/ d(&n a) +i3 -alanced (n +i' +aunc+e' 1i5in/ )+e da3n )rain4 <A-(u) 0e')erda0@ I,e c+an/ed 30 3ind4 I d(n) &an) )( rel(ca)e )( $reece and I d(n) &an) )( 3arr0 0(u4 We &ill +a,e )( c(3e )(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'(3e ()+er arran/e3en). '+e 1ini'+ed in a ru'+4 Le(n re')ed +i' e0e' (n +er. +i' /a2e runnin/ (,er +er 'li3 '+a*el0 -(d0. and 1(r a 3(3en) 'aid n()+in/4 "e 'a& )+e de)er3ina)i(n in +er e5*re''i,e 1ace and '(3e)+in/ 3(re@ )+e 'li/+) 1ear '+e c(uld n() +ide4 <T(( la)e. +e 'aid '(1)l04 <I +a,e alread0 )(ld Nic+(la' &e are all /(in/ )( $reece4 I1 0(u &an) )( )ell +i3 0(u +a,e c+an/ed 0(ur 3ind. and 0(u d(n) &an) )( /( &i)+ +i3. 1ine4 Bu) i1 0(u d(. 0(u run )+e ri'6 (1 u*'e))in/ +i3 all (,er a/ain. and 3a0-e l('in/ +i3 al)(/e)+er. '( -e &arned4 <Y(u +ad n( ri/+) )( d( )+a). '+e /a'*ed4 Le(n r('e )( +i' 1ee). and /ra'*ed +er ar34 <I +ad e,er0 ri/+); &e +ad an a/ree3en). +e 'aid c(ldl0 and 'a& +er /( *ale4 <I a3 a 3an (1 30 &(rd4 Y(u. (n )+e ()+er +and. li6e 3(') 1e3ale'. d(n) 'ee3 )( /ra'* )+e c(nce*)4 Bu) &e &ill 3arr04 <Are 0(u 1i/+)in/> a *lain)i,e ,(ice a'6ed. and )+e )&( adul)' -()+ )urned )( l((6 a) )+e '3all -(04 Le(n reac)ed 1ir')4 Dr(**in/ -ac6 d(&n (n +i' +aunc+e'. +e +eld )+e -(0 -0 +i' '+(ulder'4 <N(. &e &ere di'cu''in/ (ur 1u)ure )(/e)+er4 < "elen c(uld d( n()+in/ -u) &a)c+ and a/ree a' Le(n
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

e5*lained "elen &a' /(in/ )( 3arr0 +i3. and )+e0 &ere /(in/ )( -e +i' ne& *aren)' and all ')a0 )(/e)+er in $reece4 B0 )+e )i3e Le(n +ad 1ini'+ed Nic+(la' &a' clearl0 a li))le -(0 &+('e e,er0 drea3 +ad 7u') c(3e )rue and &a' 'u11erin/ 1r(3 a 'e,ere ca'e (1 +er(9&(r'+i*4 N() 'ur*ri'in/l0 "elen &a' 'u11erin/ 1r(3 a 'e,ere )en'i(n +eadac+e4 T+e 3an +ad u'ed e3()i(nal -lac63ail &i)+(u) a 3(3en)' +e'i)a)i(n )( 'ecure +er c(9(*era)i(n and. &+ile '+e -i))erl0 re'en)ed i). '+e &a' *(&erle'' )( d( an0)+in/ a-(u) i)4 W+en Ari')ide'. a1)er in'i')in/ (n arran/in/ a 3ee)in/ 1(r +er &i)+ r S30)+ 1(r )+e 1(ll(&in/ &ee6. 1inall0 le1) ar(und n((n. clai3in/ *re''ure (1 -u'ine''. '+e &a' relie,ed )( 'ee )+e -ac6 (1 +i34 W+a) +ad '+e d(ne> CHAPTER FIVE "ELEN LOOKED AT+er re1lec)i(n in )+e 3irr(r. and al3(') /r(aned (u) l(ud4 S+e l((6ed li6e a c+ild in 1anc0 dre''; &+0 (n ear)+ +ad '+e /i,en in )( Nic+(la'> "e &a' a li))le -(0@&+a) did +e 6n(& a-(u) cl()+e'> T+e an'&er ca3e )( +er a' quic6 a' a 1la'+4 S+e +ad /i,en in)( +i3 -ecau'e '+e l(,ed +i3 and al&a0' &(uld4 "e &a' )+e rea'(n '+e &a' ')andin/ (n +er (&n in a +u/e -edr((3 'ui)e in )+i' nine)een)+ cen)ur0 3an'i(n. 'e) in ele/an) /arden' (,erl((6in/ a )ree9lined 'quare in A)+en'. a-(u) )( -e 3arried )( a 3an '+e didn) l(,e. and &+( cer)ainl0
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

didn) l(,e +er4 T+e *a') c(u*le (1 &ee6' +ad -een c+a()ic4 Trac0 and )+e 1riend' "elen +ad 3ade (n )+e +()el ')a11 +ad )urned u* a) +er d((r a) )+e &ee6end and in'i')ed (n )+r(&in/ a &eddin/ '+(&er 1(r +er4 T+e0 +ad *((led )+eir re'(urce' and /i,en +er a *re'en) (1 '(3e '6i3*0 lace -rie1' and )+e 3(') re,ealin/ ne/li/ee '+e +ad e,er 'een. &ell a&are (1 +er *enc+an) 1(r delica)e under&ear4 N() )+a) Le(n &a' li6el0 )( 'ee +er &earin/ )+e3. -u) 7u') )+e )+(u/+) 3ade +er -lu'+4 I1 )+a) &a' n() -ad en(u/+ Trac0 +ad -r(u/+) a -ridal 3a/a2ine and declared '+e 3u') c+(('e a /la3(r(u' &eddin/ dre''4 W+en "elen +ad 'aid n(. i) &a' )( -e a 'i3*le ci,il cere3(n0. Trac0 +ad declared )+a) a' '+e &a' 3arr0in/ a 1il)+0 ric+ 3an )+e lea') '+e c(uld d( &a' l((6 )+e *ar). and +ad le1) )+e 3a/a2ine -e+ind &+en '+ed le1) in ca'e "elen c+an/ed +er 3ind4 W+ic+ &a' &+0 '+e n(& l((6ed '( 7u,enile4 Nic+(la' +ad 'een )+e *ic)ure' in )+e 3a/a2ine and decided (ne 3(del &a' &earin/ )+e e5ac) 'a3e dre'' a' )+e 1air0 (n +i' -edr((3 &all4 "e c(uld -e a' ')u--(rn a' a 3ule and '+e 6ne& &+ere +e /() )+a) 1r(3. '+e )+(u/+) dr0l04 "e +ad /(ne (n and (n a-(u) &an)in/ )( 'ee +er &earin/ )+e 1air0 dre''. un)il 1inall0 '+e +ad /i,en in4 On a ,i'i) )( L(nd(n )( 6ee* +er a**(in)3en) &i)+ r S30)+ )+e la&0er. '+e +ad -(u/+) )+e /(&n4 Le(n +ad )ele*+(ned 1requen)l0 and ,i'i)ed )+e3 a/ain earlier in )+e &ee64 Wi)+ ru)+le'' e11icienc0 +e +ad 3ade a deal &i)+ )+e +()el 3ana/e3en) )( )a6e care (1 +er +(u'e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

and arran/ed 1(r )+e )ran'*(r)a)i(n (1 all )+e i)e3' "elen +ad decided &ere e''en)ial 1(r )+eir rel(ca)i(n )( $reece4 T+en +e +ad '*en) 3(') (1 )+e a1)ern((n &i)+ Nic+(la' -e1(re lea,in/ a) 'i5 1(r a *re''in/ en/a/e3en) in !ari'4 "elen +ad n() 'een +i3 a/ain un)il la)e 0e')erda0 a1)ern((n4 "i' !A. Ale5 S)a6i'. +ad arri,ed 0e')erda0 )( e'c(r) +er and Nic+(la' )( A)+en' in )+e Ari')ide' *ri,a)e 7e)4 A**aren)l0 Le(n +ad -een )(( -u'04 Well. )+a) &a' 1ine -0 "elen; )+e le'' '+e 'a& (1 +i3. )+e -e))er4 "e +ad )+e uncann0 a-ili)0 )( 3a6e +er ,er0 a&are (1 +i3 and. &(r'e. a&are (1 +er'el1 in )+e 3(') *eculiar &a04 "er -(d0 'ee3ed )( +a,e )a6en (n a li1e (1 i)' (&n a) (dd' )( )+e dic)a)e' (1 +er -rain. and '+e didn) li6e )+e 1eelin/4 La') ni/+). a1)er c+ar3in/ Nic+(la' in)( a/ree3en). +e +ad (rdered an end )( +er earl0 'u**er' &i)+ )+e -(0 and in'i')ed '+e dine &i)+ +i3 la)er a1)er Nic+(la' &a' in -ed4 Bi))erl0 re'en)in/ +i' (,er-earin/ a))i)ude. -u) *(&erle'' )( ar/ue &i)+ +i3 in 1r(n) (1 Nic+(la'. '+e +ad reluc)an)l0 a/reed4 Dinin/ al(ne &i)+ +i3 +ad -een an (rdeal4 Le(n +ad -een *er1ec)l0 *(li)e. )+e c(n,er'a)i(n 3(')l0 c(n1ined )( )+e &eddin/ arran/e3en)' 1(r )+e 1(ll(&in/ da0 &i)+ a 1e& '(cial nice)ie' )+r(&n in4 Bu) '(3e+(& e,er0 )i3e +i' dar6 e0e' re')ed (n +er '+e +ad )( -a))le d(&n )+e e3-arra''in/ +ea) )+a) )+rea)ened )( c(l(ur e,er0 inc+ (1 +er *ale '6in4 I) &a' /allin/ )( +a,e )( ad3i) )+a) Le(n c(uld 3a6e +er 1eel *+0'icall0 c(n'ci(u' (1 +i3 &i)+(u) an0 e11(r) (n +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+ad alread0 +ad )+e +u/e '(cie)0 &eddin/ &i)+ Tina; +e didn) need an()+er (ne4 "e 3(,ed )( '*ea6 )( +i' !A. Ale5 S)a6i'. &+( &a' al'( ac)in/ a' +i' &i)ne''. and &a' 'uddenl0 a&are (1 )+e ')ran/e 'ilence )+a) +ad 1allen (,er )+e a''e3-led /ue')'4 "i' !A &a' ')arin/ ')rai/+) *a') +i3. an e5*re''i(n (1 a,id 3ale a**recia)i(n li/+)in/ +i' 1ace4 Le(n )urned and 1(ll(&ed )+e line (1 Ale5' /a2e and ')i11ened4 De'cendin/ )+e 3ar-le ')airca'e &a' a ,i'i(n (1 l(,eline''. a /irl )+a) l((6ed a' i1 '+e +ad 7u') ')e**ed (u) (1 an0 red9 -l((ded 3an' drea34 "elen "e0&((d. +i' '((n9)(9-e &i1e. and )+e 6n(&led/e 'en) a 'ur/e (1 *lea'ure )+r(u/+ +i' *(&er1ul 1ra3e )+a) +ad n()+in/ )( d( &i)+ -u'ine'' and e,er0)+in/ )( d( &i)+ )+e )i/+)enin/ in +i' /r(in in an)ici*a)i(n (1 )+e ni/+) a+ead4 "er a'+9-l(nde +air &a' l(('e and 1ell in rin/le)' ar(und +er 'lender '+(ulder'4 "er /(&n &a' a 1an)a'0 in &+i)e and 'il,er. l(n/9'lee,ed &i)+ a dee* ,ee nec6line )+a) re,ealed )+e crea30 cur,e' (1 +er -rea')'. and 1ai)+1ull0 1(ll(&ed e,er0 e5qui'i)e line (1 +er -(d04 T+e '6ir) '6i33ed +er +i*' and 1l(a)ed in a ')rea3 (1 1li3'0 *anel' ar(und +er le/' and )+i/+' re,ealin/ )an)ali'in/ /li3*'e' (1 *ale 1le'+ a' '+e de'cended )+e 3ar-le ')airca'e4 "er '3all 1ee) &ere enca'ed in +are3 ')0led 'li**er' and )( )(* i) all (11 (n +er +ead &a' a 'il,er /arland (1 )in0 r('e-ud'4 S+e &a' lau/+in/ d(&n a) )+e li))le -(0 +(ldin/ +er +and and +e &a' /rinnin/ -ac64
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

F(r a l(n/ 3(3en) Le(n 'i3*l0 ')ared. and +e +ad a 1lee)in/ 'en'e +e +ad 'een "elen li6e )+i' -e1(re4 Bu) +e c(uldn) +a,e. '+e l((6ed ra,i'+in/. and +e cer)ainl0 +ad n() 'een +er &earin/ 3a6e9u*; e,en )+(u/+ '+e &a'n) &earin/ 3uc+. )+e e11ec) &a' ')unnin/4 "er '*ar6lin/ ,i(le) e0e' &ere accen)ua)ed -0 a 3i')0 '+ad(& and a )(uc+ (1 3a'cara e5a//era)ed +er incredi-l0 l(n/ la'+e'4 "er 1ull li*' &ere c(a)ed in a dee* r('e /l('' and +er *earl0 &+i)e '6in &a' )in)ed -0 )+e 1ain)e') (1 na)ural -lu'+e'4 S+e l((6ed -e&i)c+in/. )+e *er1ec) -ride4 Inn(cen). and 0e) 'en'ual. and )+e &a0 )+e 1li3'0 3a)erial clun/ )( +er *e)i)e -(d0 &a' a' 'e50 a' +ell4 Bu) '+e al'( l((6ed a' (u) (1 *lace in )+e '3all. '(*+i')ica)ed ci,il cere3(n0 +e +ad arran/ed a' 'n(& in 'u33er. +e reali'ed /ri3l0 and 1r(&ned4 "e +ad )(ld +er i) &a' )( -e a 'i3*le cere3(n0. and i) +ad ne,er (ccurred )( +i3 '+e &(uld dre'' a' a -ride4 Bu) )+i' &a' +er &eddin/. )+e (nl0 (ne '+e &a' e,er /(in/ )( +a,e i1 +e +ad +i' &a0. and +e al&a0' did4 Ine5*lica-l0 Le(n 1el) /uil)04 "i' 3(u)+ )i/+)ened a' +e &al6ed 1(r&ard. +i' e0e' 1(cu'ed (n +er l(,el0 1ace4 <"elen 0(u l((6 -eau)i1ul. +e ')a)ed. and -ared +i' )ee)+ in a '3ile4 <T+an6 0(u4 S+e /lanced a) +i3 and didn) -()+er )( re)urn )+e '3ile4 In')ead '+e i33edia)el0 /a,e +er a))en)i(n )( )+e li))le -(0 +(ldin/ +er +and4 <Nic+(la' c+('e 30
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

dre''. didn) 0(u. darlin/> A &r0 '3ile quir6ed +i' 3(u)+4 I1 )+a) &a' )rue )+e -(0 +ad a +ec6 (1 a *rec(ci(u' ,ie& (1 )+e 1e3ale 1(r3 1(r (ne '( 0(un/4 T+en a-ru*)l0 +e ')i11ened a' +e 'a& 3(re (1 +er -rea')' )+an &a' 'a1e in +i' 'e3i9ar(u'ed ')a)e4 And )+e lu3in(u' l((6 (1 unc(ndi)i(nal l(,e in +er e0e' a' '+e -en) )(&ard' )+e -(0 a' +e c+eer1ull0 a/reed didn) +el* +i' c(ndi)i(n4 N( &(3an. n() e,en +i' (&n 3()+er. +ad e,er l((6ed a) +i3 li6e )+a)4 N() )+a) +e &(uld &an) )+e3 )(. +e )+(u/+) c0nicall04 "e +ad all +e &an)ed. (r +e &(uld +a,e )(ni/+). +e a3ended. and reac+ed 1(r +er +and. en1(ldin/ i) 1ir3l0 in +i' (&n4 <T+e cele-ran) i' &ai)in/4 "elen li')ened )( )+e -earded li))le 3an reel (11 )+e 'er,ice in $ree6 &i)+ a li))le En/li'+ )+r(&n in 1(r +er -ene1i) and re'*(nded a**r(*ria)el0. n() l((6in/ a) Le(n unle'' '+e +ad )(4 W+en +e +ad )a6en +er +and a) )+e 1(() (1 )+e ')air' '+e +ad 1el) a 'udden quic6enin/ in +er *ul'e and al3(') *anic6ed4 Bu) (ne /lance a) +i' 'e) 1ace. +i' -r(ad '+(ulder' and '(lid. 3u'cled -(d0 i33acula)el0 clad in a '(3-re dar6 'ui) +ad -een en(u/+ )( cal3 +er ner,e'4 Le(n Ari')ide' l((6ed a-(u) a' +a**0 a' )+e c(nde3ned 3an +eadin/ 1(r )+e elec)ric c+air. +i' a))e3*) a) a '3ile a 3(c6er04 "(&e,er. )+i' &a' a 3arria/e (1 c(n,enience. )+e0 +ad -()+ a/reed. '( '+e +ad n()+in/ )( &(rr0 a-(u)4 Finall0 &+en )+e /(ld -and &a' 1ir3l0 (n +er 1in/er. and
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'ur*ri'in/l0 a /(ld -and (n Le(n' a' &ell '+e +ea,ed an in&ard 'i/+ (1 relie14 T+en )+e li))le 3an in')ruc)ed Le(n )( 6i'' +i' -ride4 Le(n )((6 +er c+in in +i' +and and )il)ed +er 1ace u* )( +i'4 T+eir e0e' 3e) and 1(r an in')an) '+e 'a& a 1lare in )+e e-(n0 de*)+' (1 +i' )+a) 3ade )+e +air' (n )+e na*e (1 +er nec6 ')and (n end4 I) )((6 all +er 'el19c(n)r(l n() )( 1linc+ &+en +i' dar6 +ead l(&ered and +e -ru'+ed +er li*' -rie1l0 &i)+ +i' (&n4 <N(& )+a) &a'n) a' -ad a' 0(u e5*ec)ed. +e 'aid '(1)l0. +i' e0e' /lea3in/ &i)+ 'ard(nic a3u'e3en) a' +e cur,ed an ar3 ar(und +er &ai') and )urned +er )( 1ace )+e /ue')'. &ell a&are (1 +er ini)ial reluc)ance4 And i) &a'n) '( -ad. "elen c(nceded a 1e& +(ur' la)er4 S+e +ad 3ana/ed )( c(n)r(l +er ur/e )( 1linc+ e,er0 )i3e Le(n l((*ed an ar3 ar(und +er &ai'). re3indin/ +er'el1 i) &a' nece''ar0 1(r Nic+(la' 'a6e4 I1 '+e +ad )( /ri) +er )ee)+ (cca'i(nall0 )( 'u-due )+e li))le ner,(u' )re3(r' )+a) a11lic)ed +er &+en +e laid +i' +and (n +er' a) )+e )a-le (r )(uc+ed +er c+ee6 in an a**aren)l0 a11ec)i(na)e /e')ure 1(r )+e -ene1i) (1 )+e /ue')'. n(-(d0 'ee3ed )( n()ice4 And a1)er a l(n/. lei'urel0 3eal and )&( /la''e' (1 c+a3*a/ne "elen &a' c(n,inced '+e &a' (,er )+e &(r') and +er 'el19 c(n1idence &a' re')(red4 Ale5 S)a6i' +ad 3ade a '*eec+. and Le(n +ad 'aid a 1e& &(rd'. and )+en )+e *ar)0 +ad 3(,ed 1r(3 )+e dinin/ r((3 in)( a +u/e dra&in/ r((3 and -ec(3e 3(re in1(r3al4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e +ad 3e) Le(n' 1riend and la&0er. C+ri' S)e1an(. and +i' &i1e ar0 &+( &a' En/li'+ and al'( a la&0er -e1(re +er 3arria/e4 "elen li6ed +er and quic6l0 di'c(,ered ar0 &a' )+e *r(ud 3()+er (1 an ei/+)90ear9(ld -(0. ar6. and )&in'. a -(0 and a /irl &+( &ere )+e 'a3e a/e a' Nic+(la'. and. a' )+e0 &ere all -ilin/ual. )+e c+ildren quic6l0 3ade 1riend'4 Al(ne 1(r a 3(3en). "elen all(&ed +er'el1 a 'i/+ (1 relie14 T+an61ull0 Le(n +ad 1inall0 le1) +er 'ide and &a' dee* in di'cu''i(n &i)+ C+ri' S)e1an( and an()+er 3an4 S+e /lanced ar(und )+e r((34 S(*+i')ica)ed. ele/an) *e(*le ')((d ar(und in /r(u*' c+a))in/ and drin6in/4 N() reall0 +er 'cene a) all. and )+an6' )( Nic+(la' '+e &a' +(*ele''l0 (,erdre''ed4 <Y(u l((6 a li))le l(')4 ar0 S)e1an( a**r(ac+ed +er4 <D(n) &(rr0. 0(u &ill /e) u'ed )( i). '+e 'aid &i)+ a /lance acr('' )( )+e /r(u* (1 3en4 <I +a,e -een 3arried )( C+ri' 1(r nine 0ear' and in all )+a) )i3e I +a,e ne,er -een )( a *ar)0. &eddin/ (r -a*)i'3 &+ere )+e 3en +a,en) ended u* di'cu''in/ -u'ine''. e'*eciall0 Le(n and C+ri'4 S+e /rinned4 <I can 'ee )+a)4 "elen '3iled -ac64 <Well. l((6 (n )+e -ri/+) 'ide@a) lea') 0(u &ill +a,e Le(n )( 0(ur'el1 (n )+e +(ne03((n4 <Were n() +a,in/ a +(ne03((n. "elen declared quic6l0.
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)+e ,er0 )+(u/+) 3ade +er in&ardl0 '+udder4 <Le(n i' 1ar )(( -u'0. and I +a,e )( )a6e care (1 Nic+(la'4 <N() 3uc+ (1 a &eddin/ ni/+) &i)+ 0(ur '(n ar(und )( &a6e 0(u a) )+e crac6 (1 da&n4 <O+. Nic+(la' i' n() 30 '(n. "elen declared '&i1)l04 <"e i' Delia' c+ild. -u) I +a,e al&a0' +el*ed )( l((6 a1)er +i3 &+ile '+e ')udied4 A 'ad '3ile cur,ed +er li*'4 <N(& &i)+ Delia /(ne@ <Delia'. 0(u 'a0> ar0 cu) in and /a,e +er an (dd l((64 <I 'ee. &ell. Id -e))er /( and 1ind 30 -r((d4 I) i' al3(') 'e,en. )i3e &e le1)4 !u22led -0 ar0' c(33en). "elen *au'ed 1(r a 3(3en)4 Surel0 Le(n 3u') +a,e )(ld +i' 1riend' Nic+(la' &a' Delia' c+ild4 S+e &a' a-(u) )( 1(ll(& ar0 and a'6 +er. -u) -e1(re '+e c(uld 3(,e )+e cele-ran) a**eared a) +er 'ide and -e/an a l(n/ c(n,er'a)i(n in a 3i5)ure (1 En/li'+ and $ree64 $((d 3anner' dic)a)ed '+e ')a0 and li')en4 "er (&n c(33and (1 $ree6 &a' 'li/+). (nl0 &+a) '+e +ad *ic6ed u* 1r(3 +er /rand1a)+er and Delia &+en '+e +ad -een )eac+in/ Nic+(la'4 "e. (n )+e ()+er +and. -ein/ '( 0(un/. +ad /ra'*ed )+e lan/ua/e re3ar6a-l0 &ell. and "elen +ad n( d(u-) a1)er a 1e& &ee6' li,in/ in $reece +e &(uld -e '*ea6in/ i) li6e a na)i,e4 Finall0 )+e cele-ran) le1) )( re1ill +i' /la'' and "elen )urned )(&ard' )+e d((r. in)endin/ )( l((6 1(r Nic+(la'4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<"elen4 A l(n/ ar3 'na6ed ar(und +er &ai')4 <$(in/ '(3e&+ere> S+e ')i11ened au)(3a)icall0 and )il)ed -ac6 +er +ead )( /lance u* in)( )+e +ard 1ace (1 Le(n4 <I3 /(in/ )( 1ind Nic+(la'. i) i' *a') )i3e +e &a' in -ed4 <T+ere i' n( need4 ar0 and C+ri' are )a6in/ +i3 )( ')a0 a) )+eir +(u'e 1(r )+e ni/+)4 <W+a)e,er 1(r> And n() /i,in/ +i3 )i3e )( re'*(nd. '+e 'aid '&i1)l0. <Nic+(la' +a' ne,er -een a&a0 1r(3 3e 1(r a &+(le ni/+) -e1(re4 S+e 1el) +i' +and )i/+)en (n +er &ai') and 'a& )+e 3(c6er0 in +i' dar6 e0e' and 'uddenl0 )+e (ld )en'i(n "elen 1el) ar(und +i3 re)urned4 <T+en i) i' a-(u) )i3e +e &a'4 I 6n(& 0(u l(,e +i3. -u) 0(u are in dan/er (1 '3()+erin/ +i3. +e )(ld +er -lun)l04 S+e (*ened +er 3(u)+ )( (-7ec) -u) +e cu) in dr0l0. <Be1(re 0(u 'a0 an0)+in/ el'e. ar0 (11ered )( )a6e +i3 a1)er0(u )(ld +er &e +ad n( +(ne03((n *lanned4 Nic+(la' i' deli/+)ed a) )+e idea. and +ere )+e0 c(3e4

"elen &al6ed in)( +er -edr((3 and cl('ed )+e d((r -e+ind +er4 I) &a' (,er4 S+e *re''ed a li/+) '&i)c+ and )+e r((3 &a' di3l0 illu3ina)ed -0 a c(u*le (1 -ed'ide la3*'4 F(r )+e 1ir') )i3e in (,er )+ree and +al1 0ear' )+ere &a' n( Nic+(la' )( c+ec6 (n. and )+e 6n(&led/e &a' 'addenin/4 Fr(3 -ein/ ,ir)uall0 )+e cen)re (1 +i' uni,er'e '+e +ad )(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

acce*) +e &a' /r(&in/ u*; +i' li1e. +i' +(ri2(n'. &ere e5*andin/. &+ic+ &a' a' i) '+(uld -e4 Le(n +ad -een ri/+) a-(u) Nic+(la'; &i)+ a 6i'' and a +u/ 1(r "elen. +e +ad le1) +a**il0 &i)+ ar0 and +er 1a3il04 I) +ad )a6en an()+er 1e& +(ur' and an()+er -u11e)9')0le 3eal -e1(re )+e 1inal /ue') +ad de*ar)ed. and '+e +ad -een le1) al(ne &i)+ Le(n4 S+e +ad re1u'ed +i' (11er (1 a ni/+)ca* *leadin/ e5+au')i(n. &+ic+ &a'n) 1ar 1r(3 )+e )ru)+4 Si/+in/. '+e *ulled )+e /arland 1r(3 +er +ead. a -rie1 '3ile cur,in/ +er li*'4 Well. a) lea') Nic+(la' +ad /() +i' &i'+4 S+e &al6ed in)( )+e +u/een 'ui)e -a)+r((3 )+a) &a' -i//er )+an +er -edr((3 a) +(3e4 Al(n/ &i)+ )+e u'ual lu5uri(u' 1i5)ure' )+ere &a' a +u/e circular '*a -a)+ al3(') -i/ en(u/+ 1(r +er )( '&i3 in4 "elen 'li**ed (u) (1 )+e dre'' and +er -rie1'. dr(**in/ )+e3 (n )+e 1l((r4 S+e *iled +er +air in)( a '+(&er ca*. and )((6 a quic6 '+(&er. -e1(re &ra**in/ a +u/e -a)+ '+ee) 'ar(n/9')0le ar(und +er na6ed -(d04 S+e cr(''ed )( )+e d(u-le ,ani)0 -a'in &+ere '+e +ad le1) +er )(ile)rie' and *ic6in/ u* a -ru'+. '&i1)l0 -ru'+ed )+e care1ull0 c(n)ri,ed rin/le)' (u) (1 +er +air un)il i) 1ell in i)' u'ual '(1) &a,e' ar(und +er '+(ulder'4 N( 'i/n (1 a -ride re3ained. '+e )+(u/+). )uc6in/ +er +air -e+ind +er ear'. and *ic6in/ u* +er di'carded -rie1'. '+e dr(**ed )+e3 in )+e laundr0 -in -e1(re /a)+erin/ u* +er dre'' and en)erin/ )+e ad7(inin/ dre''in/ r((34 T+e0 &ere )+e (nl0 r((3'. *lu' )+e nur'er0 'ui)e acr('' )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+all )+a) &a' Nic+(la' )+a) '+e c(uld 'a1el0 'a0 '+e 6ne& +(& )( 1ind4 T(3(rr(& 3(rnin/ '+e reall0 3u') /e) Anna )( /i,e +er a /uided )(ur (1 )+e +(u'e4 T+ere +ad n() -een )i3e 0e')erda0 and )(da0 '+e +ad 3erel0 /(ne &+ere '+e &a' )(ld4 "elen (*ened )+e cl('e) &+ere +er cl()+e' +ad -een ')(&ed &i)+ Anna' +el* )+e ni/+) -e1(re and +un/ )+e dre'' u*4 O*enin/ a dra&er. '+e i/n(red )+e 1li3'0 ne/li/ee and &i)+dre& a 6nee9len/)+ c())(n ni/+)'+ir) '+e u'uall0 &(re ar(und Nic+(la'4 A )ender '3ile cur,ed +er li*' a' '+e /lanced a) )+e *rin) (1 )+e )&( )edd0 -ear' (n )+e 1r(n)4 Nic+(la' +ad )(ld +er )+e 1ir') )i3e +e +ad 'een +er &earin/ i) )+a) )+e '+ir) 3ade +er l((6 d(u-l0 cuddl04 S+e &a' '3ilin/ a' '+e &andered -ac6 in)( )+e -edr((3. and )ri**ed (,er )+e -())(3 (1 )+e -a)+ '+ee)4 <Care1ul4 T&( ')r(n/ +and' /ra'*ed +er '+(ulder' and ')eadied +er4 <T+ere i' n( need )( 6neel a) 30 1ee) 7u') 0e). a dee* ,(ice dra&led 3(c6in/l04 <Y(u= '+e e5clai3ed. l((6in/ u* in)( )+e a3u'ed dar6 e0e' (1 Le(n4 <And I &a'n). '+e 'na**ed. '+ru//in/ +i' +and' (11 +er '+(ulder' and ')e**in/ -ac64 <T+i' '+ee) i' )(( -i/4 And '( &a' +e4 "elen' +ear) '6i**ed a -ea) a' +er ')ar)led /a2e '&e*) (,er +i34 "i' )all. li)+e -(d0 &a' clad in (nl0 a -lac6 )(&ellin/ r(-e )+a) e5*('ed a lar/e area (1 +air dar6ened c+e') and ended 3id9)+i/+. re,ealin/ +i' l(n/ le/'4 F(r a
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-an6er. a 3an &+( did n( *+0'ical &(r6. +e +ad a 3a/ni1icen) *+0'ique. )+e )+(u/+) ca3e un-idden )( +er 3ind4 T+en 'uddenl0 '+e reali'ed )+e (nl0 )+in/ *r()ec)in/ +er (&n na6ed -(d0 &a' a )(&el@a )(&el )+a). 1(ll(&in/ +er )ri**in/ (,er i). +ad 'lid *eril(u'l0 '(u)+4 S+e dr(**ed +er ni/+)'+ir) and +a')il0 +auled )+e -a)+ '+ee) a' 1ar u* a' i) &(uld /(4 <T+i' i' 30 r((3 and I &(uld li6e 0(u )( lea,e. '+e declared a li))le '+a6il04 <I) i' al'( 3ine. )+e 3a')er 'ui)e. Le(n 'aid &i)+ a '(1). +u'60 lau/+ and '+e &a' ')ruc6 du3- -0 +i' (u)ra/e(u' declara)i(n4 Be1(re '+e c(uld e,en /e) +er +ead ar(und )+e 1ac). ne,er 3ind (-7ec). +i' ')r(n/ +and' '*anned +er &ai') and +e '&un/ +er (11 )+e 1l((r4 Wi)+ +er 1ee) dan/lin/ in )+e air. '+e in')inc)i,el0 reac+ed (u) and /ra'*ed +i' -r(ad '+(ulder )( ')ead0 +er'el14 Wi)+ +er 1ree +and '+e +un/ (n)( )+e 6n() in )+e )(&el a' i1 +er li1e de*ended (n i)4 S+e +ad ne,er -een (n e0e le,el &i)+ +i3 -e1(re. +i' 1ace 'uddenl0 (nl0 inc+e' 1r(3 +er (&n4 "er '+(c6ed /a2e 3e) )+e /li))erin/ in)en'i)0 (1 +i' ni/+)9 -lac6 e0e' and +er +ear) lurc+ed in *anic4 "er *('i)i(n +ad 7u') -ec(3e a +ec6 (1 a l() 3(re *eril(u'. '+e reali2ed. '&all(&in/ +ard4 "i' +and' &ere -urnin/ in)( +er &ai'). and +er -rea)+in/ &a' 'uddenl0 erra)ic4 <W+a) (n ear)+ d( 0(u )+in6 0(u are d(in/> Red91aced
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&i)+ e3-arra''3en) and '(3e)+in/ 3(re '+e re1u'ed )( rec(/ni2e. "elen )ried )( &ri//le 1ree4 <!u) 3e d(&n4 <Cer)ainl04 "e 3(,ed and '(3e+(& in')ead (1 +i' +and' (n +er &ai') (ne l(n/ ar3 +eld +er cla'*ed 1ir3l0 a/ain') +i' -i/ -(d04 "i' ()+er +and )&i')ed in )+e &a,in/ 3a'' (1 +er +air. )i**in/ +er +ead -ac64 S+e ')ared a) +i3 li6e a 3e'3eri'ed 3(u'e4 S+e 'a& +i' dar6 +ead l(&er4 "e &(uldn)?+e c(uldn) -e /(in/ )( 6i'' +er? <Bu) 1ir')? E,en a' +er (&n li*' )re3-led in e5*ec)a)i(n (1 +i' 6i'' +i' 1ir3 li*' -ru'+ed )+e )ender '6in (1 +er )+r(a)4 T+e &ar3 3(i') 1lic6 (1 +i' )(n/ue 'eared +er '6in. 'endin/ a ')ar-ur') (1 )in0 )re3(r' racin/ al(n/ e,er0 ner,e in +er -(d04 "i' 'en'u(u' 3(u)+ cl('ed (,er )+e 'uddenl0 racin/ *ul'e in +er nec6 and *au'ed )( 'uc6 li/+)l0 -e1(re )railin/ a ')rin/ (1 6i''e' u* +er )+r(a) in a 'l(&. 'educ)i,e *a)+ )( +er li*'4 <N(4 "elen c+(6ed and )ried )( re'i') -u) a ')ran/e &ar3)+ -e/an )( un1url in )+e cen)re (1 +er -ein/. +er -(d0 -e)ra0in/ +er a' a ri'in/ )ide (1 )()all0 ne& e3()i(n' 1l(&ed )+r(u/+ +er4 <N(. '+e 3ur3ured a/ain. -u) i) &a' 3(re (1 a 3(an. +er li*' +el*le''l0 *ar)in/ -enea)+ )+e +ead0 *re''ure (1 +i' 3(u)+ )( acce*) )+e 'u-)le *ene)ra)i(n (1 +i' )(n/ue4 "i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+and )i/+)ened (n +er na*e and +e 6i''ed +er &i)+ a 'l(&. 'educ)i,e *a''i(n )+a) ')(6ed )+e un1a3iliar &ar3)+ in)( a 1la3e )+a) 'ee3ed )( 3el) +er -(ne'4 S+e +ad ne,er 6n(&n a 6i'' c(uld -e '( e5qui'i)e '+e )+(u/+) drea3il0. ne,er 6n(&n an0)+in/ '( *lea'ura-le e5i')ed4 S+e 'i/+ed &+en +e -r(6e )+e 6i''. and /r(aned a' +e -i) )+e '(1) l(-e (1 +er ear. +i' &ar3 -rea)+ curlin/ ar(und )+e inner &+(rl'4 <D( 0(u ')ill &an) 3e )( *u) 0(u d(&n> "i' dee*. +u'60 ,(ice re'(na)ed )+r(u/+ e,er0 cell in +er -(d04 "elen ')ared da2edl0 in)( )+e '3(ulderin/ -lac6ne'' (1 +i' dee* 'e) e0e'. and )+e )e3*)a)i(n (1 )()al ca*i)ula)i(n )( )+e un6n(&n *lea'ure +e &a' (11erin/ ur/ed +er )( 'a0 n(4 "i' +and a) +er na*e ')r(6ed d(&n )( '*la0 (,er +er -are '+(ulder -lade' +(ldin/ +er cl('e )( )+e 3u'cular &all (1 +i' c+e'). +er -rea')' ine5*lica-l0 )i/+)enin/ a) )+e c(n)ac)4 "i' 3(u)+ c(,ered +er' a/ain and +e &a' 6i''in/ +er a' '+e +ad ne,er -een 6i''ed -e1(re. dee*l0. er()icall04 S+e '+uddered and clun/ )( +i3. )+e 1la3e' (1 de'ire -urnin/ e,er +i/+er. and &+en +e 1inall0 li1)ed +i' +ead '+e &a' +el*le'' a/ain') )+e ')(r3 (1 +ea)ed 'en'a)i(n' r(arin/ li6e &ild1ire )+r(u/+ +er4 "e li1)ed +i' +ead and dra&led )+ic6l0. <Well. "elen. 3u') I *u) 0(u d(&n> T+e <n( (1 'urrender +(,ered (n )+e )i* (1 +er )(n/ue4 "i' +and 'li**ed d(&n and dre& +er in)( )+e +ard +ea) (1 +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

l(&er -(d04 Cru'+ed a/ain') +i3. '+e 1el) )+e ri/id len/)+ (1 +i' 3a'culine ar(u'al a/ain') +er c+urnin/ ')(3ac+. and in a 3(3en) (1 clari)0 '+e reali'ed &+a) '+e &a' in,i)in/4 <Ye'4 Y(u@0(u? S+e *anic6ed. and. l(') 1(r adequa)e &(rd'. '+e '+(,ed +er +and' a/ain') +i' c+e') and -e/an )( ')ru//le li6e a deran/ed idi()4 <Y(u ani3al4 S(3e)+in/ deadl0 1lic6ered in )+e de*)+' (1 +i' e0e'. )+en i) &a' 'ucce''1ull0 3a'6ed4 <All ri/+). I +eard 0(u. +e dra&led 3(c6in/l0 and l(&ered +er )( )+e 1l((r4 CHAPTER SIX "OT AND FL#STERED. "elen ')a//ered -ac6 a 1e& ')e*' and 1ran)icall0 )ried )( a''i3ila)e &+a) Le(n +ad 7u') 'aid and d(ne and &+04 "e +ad )(ld +er '+e &a' +(*ele'' a) 6i''in/. '+e &an)ed )( 0ell a) +i3. +er -(d0 ')ru33in/ &i)+ )+e (**('in/ e3()i(n' (1 1ur0 and a 1ru')ra)i(n '+e +ad ne,er e5*erienced -e1(re4 "e +ad 'aid )+eir 3arria/e &a' (ne (1 c(n,enience?-u) &+('e> S+e a'6ed )+e que')i(n '+e '+(uld +a,e a'6ed +er'el1 )+e 3inu)e +ed 'u//e')ed 3arria/e4 Cer)ainl0 n() +er'4 S+e +ad le1) +er +(3e and c(3e )( li,e in a 1(rei/n c(un)r0 )( acc(33(da)e +i3 and +i' li1e')0le. and i1 +e )+(u/+) 1(r (ne 'ec(nd '+e &a' /(in/ )( acc(33(da)e +i3 in -ed a' &ell +e &a' in 1(r a rude a&a6enin/4 S+e /ra'*ed )+e -a)+ '+ee) )i/+)l0 ar(und +er4 <W+a) d( 0(u )+in6 0(u are *la0in/ a)> "er e0e' -la2ed a -rillian)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

,i(le) u* )( +i'4 <Our' i' a 3arria/e (1 c(n,enience and d(n) 0(u 1(r/e) i)4 <A c(n,enien) 3arria/e. 0e'. -u) al'( a le/al 3arria/e. and a' 'uc+ 0(u 3u') 6n(& i) i' u'ual )( c(n'u33a)e )+e uni(n4 "i' dar6 c0nical /a2e +eld +er' and '+e ')ared -ac6 in a**alled a3a2e3en)4 <I1 an0(ne i' *la0in/ ar(und +ere i) i' 0(u4 < e> '+e 'creec+ed4 S+e c(uld n() -elie,e )+e )urn (1 e,en)'4 <Are 0(u (u) (1 0(ur 3ind> "e '+((6 +i' dar6 +ead di'3i''i,el04 <O+. c(3e (n. "elen. +e dra&led a' +e le''ened )+e '*ace -e)&een )+e34 <W+( d( 0(u )+in6 0(u are 6iddin/> I a3 n( 1((l4 Y(ur ear)+0 li))le 3(an'. )+e '(1) 1lu'+ (1 ar(u'al c(l(urin/ 0(ur '6in are a c(3*le)e /i,e9a&a0. +e declared )+r(a)il0. and reac+ed (u) )( -ru'+ a ')rand (1 +air (,er +er '+(ulder. n() )+e lea') 1a2ed -0 +er an/r0 (u)-ur')4 <Y(u &an) )+i' 7u') a' 3uc+ a' 3e4 In '(3e ca'e' I -elie,e a -i) (1 /a3e9*la0in/ can '*ice u* a 7aded 'e5 li1e. -u) in (ur ca'e i) i' n() nece''ar0. I can a''ure 0(u4 "elen ')illed. +er e0e' &idenin/ in c(n1u'i(n (n +i' ru//edl0 a))rac)i,e 1ace4 S+e c(uld n() -elie,e &+a) '+e &a' +earin/4 "i' ')r(n/ +and' cur,ed (,er +er '+(ulder' and +e ')ared d(&n a) +er. +i' 1ir3 li*' curlin/ in a 6n(&in/. 'en'ual '3ile. all c(n1iden). ,irile 3ale4 <I &ill 3a6e i) /rea) 1(r 0(u. -elie,e 3e4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

I) &a' +i' c(l(''al c(ncei) )+a) 1inall0 /() )+r(u/+ )( +er and 1r(3 -ein/ c(n1u'ed '+e &a' in')an)ane(u'l0 c(n)e3*)u(u'4 <N(. 0(u arr(/an) 7er64 S+e +i''ed li6e a '*i))in/ ca) and '+(,ed +i3 +ard in )+e c+e'). ca)c+in/ +i3 una&are' and duc6in/ 1ree 1r(3 +i' +and'4 "i' 1ace dar6ened. all )race' (1 +u3(ur ,ani'+in/ 1r(3 +i' /rani)e9li6e 1ea)ure'4 <I) i' a -i) la)e 1(r (u)ra/ed ,ir)ue. +e dra&led deri'i,el0. +i' dar6 e0e' narr(&in/ (n +er 1lu'+ed 1uri(u' 1ace4 <Y(u can) *re)end 0(u are an inn(cen). "elen4 Y(u are an adul) &(3an. &i)+ a &(3an' need'4 True. Nic+(la' 3i/+) +a,e cur)ailed 0(ur l(,e li1e a li))le. -u) I 'a& )+e ,er0 c(n,enien) arran/e3en) 0(u +ad &i)+ ic6 )+e 'ecuri)0 /uard4 And a' 1(r )+e (u)1i) 0(u &(re )(da0. i) 'i3*l0 'crea3ed 'e54 S( n( 3(re /a3e'4 "e )+(u/+) ic6 &a' +er 'e5ual *ar)ner. and +er 1air0 ')0led dre'' &a' 'e504 S+e al3(') lau/+ed (u) l(ud4 T+e 3an 3u') li,e (n an()+er *lane)4 S+e '+((6 +er +ead in a3a2e3en) a) +i' 3i'c(nce*)i(n'4 <I a3 n()@ &a' a' 1ar a' '+e /()4 <O+. 0e'. 0(u are4 "e l((*ed an ar3 ar(und +er &ai') and de1)l0 '&e*) )+e )(&el 1r(3 +er -(d04 F(r )+e 1ir') )i3e in +er adul) li1e '+e &a' )()all0 na6ed in 1r(n) (1 a 3an. and )+e '+(c6 +eld +er ri/id4 !r()ec)i,el0 '+e cl('ed +er e0e' a/ain') )+e 1lu'+ (1 e3-arra''3en) c(l(urin/ +er '6in and in')inc)i,el0 '+e lean) a&a0 1r(3 +i34 Bu) )+a) &a' a 3i')a6e4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<E5qui'i)e4 "elen (1 Tr(0 c(uld n() +a,e -een 3(re -eau)i1ul4 S+e +eard +i' dee*9)+r(a)ed 3ur3ur and +er e0e' 'l(&l0 (*ened4 <All 30 1an)a'ie' in (ne *er1ec) li))le *ac6a/e. +e +u'6ed. +i' incredi-l0 dar6 e0e' li1)in/ -rie1l0 )( +er' and '+e &a' *aral0'ed -0 )+e in)en'i)0 (1 +i' /a2e a' +e 'u-7ec)ed +er )( a 'l(&. ra6in/ a**rai'al4 F(r &+a) 'ee3ed an a/e +e 7u') l((6ed a) +er4 T+en +i' +and li1)ed and )+e *ad (1 (ne 1in/er )raced )+e u**er cur,e' (1 +er -rea')' and )+e ,alle0 -e)&een &i)+ a )ac)ile 'en'uali)0 )+a) ')(**ed +er +ear)4 S+e dre& in a 3uc+9 needed ra//ed -rea)+4 "(& c(uld 'uc+ a 'li/+) )(uc+ -e '( 'educ)i,e> '+e &(ndered de'*era)el04 Bu) in a 'ec(nd +er de'*era)i(n )urned in)( +el*le'' ca*i)ula)i(n a' +e ur/ed +er cl('er4 "er -(d0 lea*) in re'*(n'e a) )+e -ru'+ (1 +i' na6ed )+i/+' a/ain') +er (&n. +er le/' 'uddenl0 l('in/ )+e *(&er (r &ill )( 'u**(r) +er a' '+e '&a0ed a/ain') +i34 "er -rea')' 1el) (ddl0 '&(llen. and a +ead0 'en'a)i(n 'ee3ed )( )+ic6en and 'l(& )+e -l((d 1l(&in/ )+r(u/+ +er ,ein'4 "i' l(n/ 1in/er' '*la0ed )( ca/e )+e 1ullne'' (1 (ne -rea') in )+e *al3 (1 +i' +and and 'l(&l0. ,er0 'l(&l0. )railed )( )+e -ur/e(nin/ r('0 )i* )( ni* e,er '( /en)l04 "e 3ur3ured '(3e)+in/ in $ree6 -u) '+e -arel0 +eard a' +e deli,ered )+e 'a3e er()ic deli/+)' )( +er ()+er -rea')4 A ')(3ac+ curlin/ )+read (1 e5qui'i)e 'en'a)i(n *ulled 1r(3 +er -rea')' )( )+e 7unc)ure (1 +er )+i/+' and (-li)era)ed an0 lin/erin/ &ill )( re'i') 1r(3 +er 3ind4 S+e 3(aned l(& in
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+er )+r(a) a' a 'en'(r0 *lea'ure '+e +ad ne,er 1el) in +er li1e -e1(re )()all0 -e/uiled +er4 "i' 3(u)+ re*laced +i' 1in/er'. and 1r(3 ne& 'en'a)i(n' (1 &(ndr(u' *lea'ure '+e &a' )ran'*(r)ed in)( )+e real3' (1 ac+in/ need a' '+e 1el) )+e 1lic6 (1 +i' )(n/ue (n +er -rea'). +i' li*' curlin/ (,er )+e ri/id *ea6' )( 'uc6le and 'a,(ur eac+ in )urn4 S+e /a,e an audi-le /a'*. +er -ac6 arc+in/ in,(lun)aril0 a' +e /a)+ered +er cl('er ')ill. )railin/ a line (1 1ire 1r(3 +er -rea')' )( +er lu'+ 3(u)+4 <A+. "elen. 0(u are -eau)i1ul and re'*(n'i,e. e,er0)+in/ a 3an c(uld &an). +e &+i'*ered '(1)l0 a/ain') +er li*'. )a6in/ *(''e''i(n (1 +er 3(u)+ &i)+ a dee* 6i''. +i' )(n/ue *r(-in/ &i)+ a '6il1ul er()ici'3 )+a) &a' n()+in/ le'' )+an a deli-era)e 'educ)i(n (1 all +er 'en'e'4 S+e cl('ed +er e0e'. +er +and' (1 )+eir (&n ,(li)i(n ')r(6in/ (,er +i' -r(ad '+(ulder' and &ra**in/ ar(und +i' nec6 in c(3*le)e 'urrender )( )+e 3a/ic (1 +i' 3(u)+4 A' i1 i) &a' a 'i/nal +e +ad -een &ai)in/ 1(r +e 'c((*ed +er u* in +i' ar3' and carried +er )( )+e -ed4 "er la'+e' li1)ed. +er +u/e ,i(le) e0e' 3e) )+e '3(ulderin/ in)en) in +i'. and 1(r a -rie1 c(n1u'in/ 3(3en) '+e &(ndered &+a) &a' +a**enin/ )( +er4 "e laid +er (n )+e -ed. and '+ru//ed (11 +i' r(-e. and +er &(nder c+an/ed )( a&e4 "i' -(d0 l((3ed (,er +er. (u)lined in )+e /l(& (1 )+e -ed'ide li/+)4 Na6ed. +e &a' 3a/ni1icen)4 Tall and /(lden.
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+i' -r(ad c+e') '+ad(&ed &i)+ -lac6 -(d0 +air )+a) arr(&ed d(&n )+e cen)re (1 )+e +ard 3u'cle' (1 +i' a-d(3en )( &iden and 1ra3e )+e *r(ud ')ren/)+ (1 +i' 1ull0 ar(u'ed 'e54 "elen /a2ed al3(') &i)+ 1ear -u) 3(')l0 in +el*le'' 1a'cina)i(n. and &+en '+e li1)ed +er e0e' )( +i' 1ace '+e 'a& )+e 'l(&. 'en'ual -urn in +i' '3ile a' +e la0 d(&n a) +er 'ide4 <Y(u l((6 a' )+(u/+ 0(u +a,e ne,er 'een a na6ed 3an -e1(re. and 0e) &e -()+ 6n(& 0(u +a,e4 "e c+uc6led and leanin/ (,er +er +e cau/+) +er +and' in (ne (1 +i' and *laced )+e3 a-(,e +er +ead4 <Bu) i) i' ')ill a +ell (1 a )urn9 (n. +e +u'6ed. +i' dar6 /a2e r(a3in/ lei'urel0 (,er +er na6ed -(d0. +i' 1ree +and ')r(6in/ d(&n (,er +er '+(ulder )( cu* +er -rea')4 S+e didn) 6n(& &+a) +e &a' )al6in/ a-(u) and 'uddenl0 1ear (,er)((6 +er 1a'cina)i(n4 <Y(u 3u')n). '+e -rea)+ed. li6e '(3e(ne &a6in/ 1r(3 a drea34 <Y(u can). '+e cried. -u) +er cr0 )urned )( &+i3*erin/ 3(an a' +e l(&ered +i' +ead and 'uc6ed a )au) ni**le in)( )+e +ea) (1 +i' 3(u)+ a/ain. &+ile +i' l(n/ 1in/er' )(0ed &i)+ )+e ()+er4 "e li1)ed +i' dar6 +ead4 <I can and I 3u')4 I *r(3i'ed 0(u i) &(uld -e /rea).3a *e)i)e4 "e 'quee2ed +er -rea') and r(lled )+e ri/id )i* -e)&een 1in/er and )+u3-. )u//in/ e,er '( 'li/+)l0 un)il a +el*le'' /r(an e'ca*ed +er4 <And 1(r )+a) I 3u') )a6e 0(u 'l(&l04 "i' dar6 +ead -en) and +i' '6il1ul 3(u)+ )(r3en)ed and )ea'ed (ne -rea') and )+en )+e ()+er -e1(re re)urnin/ (nce 3(re )( )a6e +er 3(u)+
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

in a 6i'' )+a) &a' a deli-era)e 'en'ual (n'lau/+) de'i/ned )( dri,e +er 3indle'' &i)+ *lea'ure. &+ile +i' +and' c(n)inued )( care'' +er ac+in/ -rea')'4 <Y(u li6e 3e *la0in/ &i)+ 0(ur -rea')'. +e )aun)ed '(1)l0. rai'in/ +i' +ead. +i' dar6 e0e' '6i33in/ d(&n +er &ri)+in/ -(d04 <I &(nder +(& 3uc+ 3(re 0(ur *er1ec) li))le -(d0 en7(0'4 "i' 1in/er' )raced )+e 1ine 'car l(& (n +er -ell04 <A**endi5> +e *r(3*)ed4 "elen )en'ed; '+(uld '+e )ell +i3> Bu) e,en a' '+e *(ndered +er an'&er +i' dar6 e0e' li1)ed )( +er'4 <A+. "elen4 T+e +and +(ldin/ +er &ri')' ')r(6ed d(&n +er ar3 and a )+(u'and li))le ner,e' qui,ered a) +i' )(uc+4 <N( need )( -e e3-arra''ed; '( 3uc+ *er1ec)i(n need' an endearin/ -le3i'+4 And +e 1lic6ed +er li*' &i)+ +i' )(n/ue. a /li33er (1 +u3(ur in +i' )ea'in/ care''4 T+en &i)+ 'l(& deli-era)i(n +e 6i''ed and lic6ed +i' &a0 d(&n +er )+r(a). +i' ')r(n/ +and' 1(r3in/ and care''in/ +er +() li))le -(d0 &i)+ a )ea'in/ )ac)ile '6ill )+a) 3ade +er -urn4 "e nud/ed a*ar) +er le/' and 'e))led -e)&een +er )+i/+'. +i' dar6 +ead )railin/ l(&er )( )a')e +er ac+in/ -rea')' 0e) a/ain. and d(&n (,er +er na,el un)il +i' li*' )raced )+e 'li3 &+i)e 'car4 T+e 'li/+)l0 r(u/+ 'cra*e (1 +i' 7a& a/ain') +er '(1) '6in &a' elec)ri10in/ and '+e /a'*ed and &ri)+ed -enea)+ +i3. +un/r0 1(r 3(re4 Dee* in +er 3ind )+e )+(u/+) (1 re'i')ance 1lic6ered and died a' '+e 1el) )+e +ea) (1 +i' 3(u)+ /lide l(&er. +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1in/er' )(uc+ )+e curl' a) )+e a*e5 (1 +er )+i/+'4 "er *el,i' arc+ed in')inc)i,el0 and '+e &a' l('). l(') )( e,er0)+in/ e5ce*) )+e incredi-le ur/e )( l('e +er'el1 in )+e dru//in/ e5ci)e3en). )+e +un/er c(n'u3in/ +er4 Bu) Le(n re1u'ed )( -e +urried4 "i' +and )raced +er inner )+i/+ and d(&n +er )re3-lin/ le/'. -u) a,(ided )+e (ne *lace &+ere '+e ac+ed 1(r +i34 "elen' +and' &ere n(& 1ree )( la'+ (u) a) +i3. -u) '+e n( l(n/er +ad an0 de'ire )(. u))erl0 ca*)i,e )( )+e &ildl0 e5ci)in/ *lea'ure +e ar(u'ed in +er4 S+e reac+ed 1(r +i' -r(ad '+(ulder'. +er 1in/er' deli/+)in/ in )+e 'lee6. '3(()+ 1eel (1 +i' '6in4 And &+en +e li1)ed +i' +ead )( )a6e +er 3(u)+ a/ain '+e &elc(3ed +i' 6i''. +er )(n/ue )&inin/ &i)+ +i' in a /reed0. un)u)(red *a''i(n4 T+e clear 3ale 'cen) (1 +i3 1illed +er n(')ril'4 T+e e5*er) )(uc+ (1 +i' 3(u)+ and +and'. and )+e -rea)+)a6in/ er()ici'3 &i)+ &+ic+ +e c(n)inued )( e5*l(re +er -(d0. inci)ed a 1e,ered re'*(n'e in +er '+e c(uld ne,er +a,e i3a/ined +er'el1 ca*a-le (14 "e'i)an)l0 '+e dre& +er 1in/er' d(&n )+e inden)a)i(n (1 +i' '*ine )( +i' 1ir3 -u))(c6'. )+en u* (,er +i' -ell0 )( +i' c+e')4 "er 1in/er' curled in +i' -(d0 +air. audaci(u'l0 'cra*in/ )+e *e--le9 li6e 3ale ni**le'4 S+e +eard +i3 /r(an and -i) li/+)l0 &+ere +er 1in/er' +ad -een. 1el) +i' /rea) -(d0 7er6. and. 1a'cina)ed -0 )+e di'c(,er0 '+e c(uld a11ec) +i3. '+e /reedil0 ra6ed +er +and' and nail' (,er )+e +ard 'lee6 3u'cle and 'ine& (1 +i' 3a/ni1icen) -(d04
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

F(r "elen *lace. )i3e and reali)0 cea'ed )( e5i')4 S+e &a' )()all0 c(n'u3ed -0 )+e 3an and )+e )(r)ur(u' *lea'ure +e ar(u'ed in +er )( )+e e5clu'i(n (1 all el'e4 S+e 3(aned &+en +i' l(n/ 1in/er' 1inall0 *ar)ed )+e ,el,e) li*' (1 +er 'e5 and 1(und +er +(). &e) and &an)in/4 T+e 'u-)le 3a')er0 (1 +i' 1in/er' ')r(6in/ and e5*l(rin/ )+e 3(i') cen)re (1 +er 1e3inini)0 3ade +er /r(an (u) l(ud a' '+e e5*erienced 1(r )+e 1ir') )i3e in +er li1e )+e incredi-le )i/+)enin/ 'en'a)i(n. )+e in)en'e -uild u* (1 *+0'ical *lea'ure )+a) )+e 3(') in)i3a)e )(uc+ (1 a 3an c(uld ar(u'e4 <Y(u &an) 3e> Le(n de3anded. )ea'in/ +er '&ellin/ -ud &i)+ +i' 1in/er)i*4 "e needed )( +ear +er 'a0 )+e &(rd al)+(u/+ +e 6ne& )+e an'&er &i)+ e,er0 )re3(r. e,er0 3(an )+a) e'ca*ed +er lu'+ 3(u)+ a' +e '6il1ull0 dee*ened )+e r+0)+3ic *re''ure un)il '+e &ri)+ed -enea)+ +i3 li6e a &ild )+in/4 Wi)+ a '+a6in/ +and +e d(nned *r()ec)i(n4 "e &a' r(c69 +ard &i)+ )+e need )( -e in'ide +er. and +e ')r(6ed +er a/ain and 'a& +er ,i(le) e0e' *ur*le &i)+ de'ire4 S+e &a' a3a2in/. +er *er1ec) li))le -(d0 a 1ire+(u'e (1 *a''i(n. and +e didn) )+in6 +e c(uld +(ld (u) a 'ec(nd l(n/er4 <Sa0 )+e &(rd. "elen4 <Ye'. 0e'. '+e 3(aned4 Onl0 )+en did +e li1) +er and in (ne 1luid 3(,e3en) )+ru') in)( +er4 S+e &a' '3all and )i/+) and a' +e 'ur/ed in'ide +er +e 1el) )+e une5*ec)ed re'i')ance and +eard +er cr0 (1 *ain4 Wi)+ e,er0 3u'cle and 'ine& in +i' -(d0 ')rainin/
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&i)+ a 'u*er +u3an e11(r) (1 c(n)r(l. Le(n 3ana/ed )( ')ill in'ide +er4 "e c(,ered +er 3(u)+ &i)+ +i'. a-'(r-in/ +er cr0. 6i''in/ +er l(n/ and dee*4 "elen &en) 1r(3 1ren2ied )( 1r(2en in a 'ec(nd4 "er -(d0 arc+ed in an in')inc)i,e a))e3*) )( )+r(& +i3 (11. and '+e )ried )( -i)e +i' )(n/ue. +er (nl0 )+(u/+) )( e'ca*e4 <S)(* i). "elen. d(n) 1i/+) 3e. Le(n +u'6ed a/ain') +er li*'4 <Tru') 3e4 "i' +and' 1le5ed and /en)led (n +er +i*'. and +e &i)+dre& e,er '( 'li/+)l0 and ad,anced a/ain a li))le 3(re4 Incredi-l0 "elen +ad ')ill -een a ,ir/in4 "i' &i1e a ,ir/in and. al(n/ &i)+ an (,er&+el3in/ need )( *(''e'' +er c(3*le)el0. +e &a' a&are (1 a '+(c6in/l0 -a'ic 1eelin/ (1 *ri3i)i,e 3ale *('e''i(n4 S+e &a' +i' and (nl0 +i'4 #'in/ all +i' c(n'idera-le e5*erience. +e ')r(6ed and care''ed +er4 "i' )(n/ue 'earc+ed )+e 3(i') in)eri(r (1 +er 3(u)+ &i)+ a 'en'uali)0 )+a) re1lec)ed &+a) +e ac+ed )( d( &i)+ +er -(d04 Kn(&in/ +e +ad )( /i,e +er )i3e )( acce*) +i34 <N(. d(n). '+e 3(aned4 <S++. "elen. +e +u'6ed '(1)l0 a/ain') +er 3(u)+. +i' +and ')r(6in/ u* +er )re3-lin/ -(d0 )( cu* (ne lu'+ -rea')4 <I *r(3i'e 'ec(nd' 1r(3 n(& 0(u &ill -e -e//in/ 3e )( c(n)inue4 "e ran )+e )i* (1 +i' )(n/ue 'l(&l0 ar(und )+e (u)line (1 +er 3(u)+ -e1(re 'ee6in/ a/ain )+e +() '&ee) *a''i(n &i)+in. &+ile +i' a/ile 1in/er' )ea'ed )+e )i* (1 +er -rea')4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

A 3(3en) la)er "elen reali'ed Le(n &a' ri/+)4 iracul(u'l0 )+e *ain 'u-'ided and a qui,er (1 rene&ed *lea'ure lanced )+r(u/+ +er a' +e c(n)inued )( 6i'' and care'' +er4 Wi)+ a 'u-)le )+ru') (1 +i' +i*' +e 3(,ed in +er. 'l(&l0 ')re)c+in/ and accu')(3in/ +er )( +i' )+ic6 1ullne''. ar(u'in/ +er &i)+ e,er9len/)+enin/ ')r(6e'4 "elen &a' quic6l0 (-li,i(u' )( e,er0)+in/ e5ce*) )+e ')ren/)+. )+e *(&er (1 +i3 1illin/ +er. dri,in/ +er ine5(ra-l0 (nce 3(re )( )+a) )(r)ur(u' -rin6 (1 ec')a'0 '+e c(uld (nl0 i3a/ine4 S+e clun/ )( +i3 a' )+(u/+ +e &ere +er &(rld4 T+en &i)+ (ne dee*. *(&er1ul )+ru') +e 'en) +er (,er )+e ed/e. +er -(d0 c(n,ul'in/ ar(und +i3 in a )idal &a,e (1 ear)+9'+a))erin/ 3indle'' deli/+)4 S+e cried (u) +i' na3e. +er le/' l(c6in/ 1iercel0 ar(und +i' &ai'). ne,er &an)in/ )( le) +i3 /(. ne,er &an)in/ )+e ca)acl0'3ic 1eelin/ )( ')(*4 S+e 1el) +i3 )au)en and +eard +i' an'&erin/ cr0 a' +i' /rea) -(d0 '+uddered ,i(len)l0 &i)+ )+e *(&er1ul 1(rce (1 +i' (&n (r/a'34 "i' &ei/+) *inned +er )( )+e -ed. -u) i) &a' a &ei/+) "elen reli'+ed a' )+e )e3*e')u(u' &a,e' (1 )+eir l(,in/ /raduall0 'u-'ided. -rin/in/ +er qui,erin/ -(d0 d(&n )( a ')a)e (1 lan/u(r(u' 1ul1il3en)4 S+e /a2ed u* a) +er l(,er@+er +u'-and@u))erl0 a&e9 ')ruc64 N()+in/ '+e +ad e5*erienced. (r i3a/ined. in +er li1e +ad c(3e cl('e )( )+e in)en'e. ra& e3()i(n +e +ad ar(u'ed. )+e (,er&+el3in/ *(&er (1 +i' *(''e''i(n4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Le(n. I ne,er 6ne&. ne,er i3a/ined. '+e 3ur3ured. <3a6in/ l(,e c(uld -e '( in)en'e. '( 3ind9-l(&in/@*ure 3a/ic4 S+e '3iled a 'l(& '(1) curl (1 +er li*' and reac+ed (u) a 1in/er )( )race )+e (u)line (1 +i' 3(u)+4 <Le(n. '+e +u'6ed '(1)l04 <Le(n4 Fr(3 ne,er callin/ +i3 -0 na3e i1 '+e c(uld +el* i). n(& '+e &an)ed )( '+(u) i) 1r(3 )+e r((1)(*'4 "i' na3e (n +er li*' &a' a 'en'ual in,i)a)i(n -u). 3ind1ul (1 +er recen)l0 l(') inn(cence. (ne Le(n 6ne& +e '+(uld n() acce*)4 Bu) a3a2in/l0 +i' -(d0 &a' )ellin/ +i3 ()+er&i'e. and a-ru*)l0 +e r(lled (11 +er4 <"elen. +e re'*(nded &i)+ +u3(r(u' indul/ence. and. leanin/ u* (n (ne el-(&. +e 'ur,e0ed +i' -eau)i1ul &i1e' 'lender -(d0. +er )(u'led 3a'' (1 'il6en +air. and '(1). '&(llen93(u)+ed. -li''1ul '3ile4 $(d= S+e &a' /((d@-e))er )+an /((d. a3a2in/4 "(& +e c(uld +a,e )+(u/+) '+e &a' n() +i' )0*e &a' un1a)+(3a-le )( +i3 n(&4 S+e &a' e,er0)+in/ a &(3an '+(uld -e and )+e ur/e )( 6i'' +er lu'+ li*' and ')ar) all (,er a/ain &a' incredi-l0 in')an)4 Accu')(3ed )( '(*+i')ica)ed &(3en &+( 6ne& )+e 'c(re and )( &+(3 +a,in/ 'e5 &a' n() 3uc+ 3(re )+an a *lea'ura-le &(r6(u). +e 1(und i) a n(,el e5*erience )( 'ee /enuine &(nder in +er +u/e ,i(le) e0e'. and Le(n al3(') 'uccu3-ed4 In all +i' )+ir)09nine 0ear' +e +ad ne,er 6n(&n a &(3an li6e +er. an inn(cen) and a 'en'uali') r(lled in)(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

(ne4 T+en c0nicall0 +e re3inded +i3'el1 '+e 3i/+) -e inn(cen) in )+e 'e5ual ')a6e'. -u) in e,er0 ()+er &a0 '+e &a' a' cunnin/ a' )+e re') (1 +er 'e54 S)ill. i) &a' a )erri1ic e/( )ri* )( 6n(& +e &a' +er 1ir'). and &i)+ )+a) in 3ind +i' c(n'cience )(ld +i3 +e needed )( /i,e +er )i3e )( rec(,er. )+(u/+ +i' -(d0 &a' )ellin/ +i3 ()+er&i'e4 "i' dar6 e0e' narr(&ed '*ecula)i,el0 (n +er l(,el0 1ace4 S+e &a' 3ade 1(r 'e5. a' (1 )(da0 '+e &a' +i'. and )+ere &(uld -e *len)0 (1 ()+er )i3e'4 Wi)+ )+a) +a**0 )+(u/+) u**er3(') in +i' 3ind +e )(ld +er. <Y(u are n(& 30 &i1e4 A '3ile (1 '+eer 3a'culine 'a)i'1ac)i(n /lin)ed in +i' dar6 e0e'4 <Y(u are al'( 1ull (1 'ur*ri'e'4 W+( &(uld +a,e i3a/ined a 'e50 li))le lad0 li6e 0(u. ')ill a ,ir/in> "e '+((6 +i' +ead in a3u'ed a3a2e3en). and 'lid (11 )+e -ed )( ')and l((6in/ d(&n a) +er4 <I3 1la))ered 0(u en7(0ed 0(ur 1ir') )a')e (1 'e5. "elen. and I 3u') c(n1e'' I a3 deli/+)ed )( di'c(,er 0(u +a,e a re3ar6a-le na)ural a*)i)ude 1(r )+e ac)4 And. )urnin/. +e +eaded 1(r )+e -a)+r((3 -e1(re +e l(') c(n)r(l and 'uccu3-ed )( )+e )e3*)a)i(n '+e (11ered and 7(ined +er in -ed a/ain4 "e di'*('ed (1 )+e c(nd(3 and &a'+ed +i' +and'4 An()+er -(nu' &i)+ "elen. +e )+(u/+) c(3*lacen)l0. a1)er 0ear' (1 *r()ec)i(n. +e need ne,er u'e an()+er c(nd(3 a' +e in)r(duced +er )( e,er0 a'*ec) (1 'e54 "i' -i/ -(d0 )i/+)ened a) )+e *r('*ec)4 "e /lanced in)( )+e 3irr(r a-(,e )+e -a'in and ru--ed +i' +and a/ain') +i' c+ee6. +er '6in &a' a' '(1) a' 'il6. and +e c(uld d( &i)+ an()+er '+a,e4 A
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&r0 /rin )&i')ed +i' 3(-ile 3(u)+4 N() )(ni/+). )+(u/+@a r(u/+ c+in 3i/+) +el* +i3 c(n)r(l +i' -a'ic ur/e' in c(n'idera)i(n (1 +i' ,er0 ne& &i1e4 "e +ad a li1e)i3e )( en7(0 )+e *lea'ure' (1 )+e 1le'+ &i)+ "elen. and 'ur*ri'in/l0 )+e idea (1 -ein/ )ied )( (ne &(3an 1(r 0ear' did n() 1a2e +i3 a) all4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

3(ne0. a 3an -(rn )( )a6e acc(un) (1 e,er0 e,en)uali)0 )( c(n)r(l e,er0)+in/. Nic+(la' and +er'el1 included4 S+e crin/ed a) +er (&n nai,e)0. a) +er (&n &+(le+ear)ed 'urrender )( )+e 3an4 "i' re1erence )( +er na)ural a-ili)0 1illed +er &i)+ '+a3e and +u3ilia)i(n4 "(& c(uld '+e +a,e re'*(nded )( +i3 '( '+(c6in/l0> T+e an'&er &a' in e,er0 *(re (1 +er -(d0. )+e '&(llen 1ullne'' (1 +er li*' and in )+e )ender )i*' (1 +er -rea')'. -ecau'e '+e &an)ed Le(n in )+e 3(') *ri3i)i,e &a0 *(''i-le. -u) +ad ne,er rec(/ni'ed )+e 1ac)4 In')inc)i,el0 +er a&arene'' (1 +i3 +ad 'cared +er 1r(3 )+e ,er0 1ir') )i3e '+e +ad 'e) e0e' (n +i34 S+e +ad )(ld +er'el1 &+en )+e0 +ad 3e) a/ain i) &a' 'ill0 )( -e a1raid (1 )+e 3an4 Fir') i3*re''i(n' &ere u'uall0 c(rrec). '+e '+(uld +a,e re3e3-ered )+a). and run a' 1ar and 1a') a' '+e c(uld &+en +ed rea**eared in +er li1e4 I) &a' )(( la)e n(&. '+e +ad 3arried )+e 3an. and 1(r Nic+(la' 'a6e '+e &a' /(in/ )( +a,e )( li,e &i)+ +i3. -u) n() +ere in +i' -ed4 S+e lea*) (11 )+e -ed. +er 1ran)ic /a2e 1l0in/ ar(und )+e r((34 S+e +ad )( li,e &i)+ +i3. -u) '+e did n() +a,e )( 'lee* &i)+ +i34 "e +ad 'aid )+e0 +ad )( c(n'u33a)e )+e 3arria/e4 0 $(d= "e +ad cer)ainl0 d(ne )+a). -u) '+e &a'n) +an/in/ ar(und 1(r a re*ea) *er1(r3ance4 Finall0 1indin/ +er ni/+)'+ir) (n )+e 1l((r. '+e *ic6ed i) u* and *ulled i) (,er +er )re3-lin/ -(d04 Nic+(la' r((3 &a'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1ree. '+e &(uld '*end )+e re') (1 )+e ni/+) )+ere. and 1ind a r((3 (1 +er (&n in )+e 3(rnin/4 Bru'+in/ +er +air 1r(3 +er e0e'. '+e )urned )(&ard' )+e d((r4 Wi)+ all )+e arr(/an) c(n1idence (1 a ,er0 'el19'a)i'1ied 3an. Le(n &ra**ed a )(&el ar(und +i' +i*' and 'aun)ered -ac6 in)( )+e -edr((34 N() (nl0 did +e +a,e Nic+(la'. a )rue Ari')ide'. an +eir )( in+eri) +i' 1(r)une. i) &a' a *lea'ura-le -(nu' )( +a,e )+e l(,el0 "elen a' +i' &i1e4 "e l((6ed a) )+e -ed. )+e e3*)0 -ed. and +i' *lea'ure )urned )( c(ld an/er in an in')an)4 "e /lanced acr('' )+e r((34 S+e &a' al3(') a) )+e d((r. +er /l(ri(u' +air 1allin/ in a )u3-led 3a'' (1 &a,e' +al1&a0 d(&n +er 'lender -ac64 <$(in/ '(3e&+ere> +e de3anded. ')ridin/ )(&ard' +er. and +e 'a& +er '+(ulder' ')i11en a' '+e 'l(&l0 )urned )( 1ace +i34 "er ,i(le) e0e' )+a) +ad l((6ed a) +i3 &i)+ 'uc+ a&e n() l(n/ a/( n(& '*ar6led &i)+ de1iance4 <Ye'. I a3 /(in/ )( 1ind a r((3 (1 30 (&n4 <T+i' i' 0(ur r((3. +e ')a)ed an/ril0. n() a**recia)in/ +er re-elli(n4 S+e +ad )( 6n(& +er *lace &a' in +i' -ed. and +e reac+ed 1(r +er '+(ulder'. +i' e0e' ra6in/ (,er +er4 T+e c())(n '+ir) &a' '+a*ele'' and ended 3id cal14 Bu) i) &a' )+e *a))ern )+a) reall0 cau/+) +i' a))en)i(n and di11u'ed +i' an/er '(3e&+a)4 F(r a 3an accu')(3ed )( +i' ladie' dre''ed in )+e 1ine') 'il6' and 'a)in' i) &a' a real '+(c64 <W+a) (n ear)+ are 0(u &earin/> +e a'6ed incredul(u'l04
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

T&( ridicul(u' )edd0 -ear' danced acr('' +er c+e')4 "elen +(*ed i) &a' )+e *ic)ure +(ldin/ +i' a))en)i(n and n() +er -rea')'. -u) 3uc+ )( +er '+a3e '+e c(uld d( n()+in/ a-(u) )+e 'udden '&ellin/ in )+('e 'a3e -rea')'4 Le(n &i)+ a 'li* (1 a )(&el 'lun/ ar(und +i' lean +i*' &a' a -rea)+)a6in/ 'i/+) )( an0 1e3ale -e)&een )+e a/e' (1 ei/+) and ei/+)0. '+e )+(u/+). and 3uc+ )( +er c+a/rin '+e &a' n( e5ce*)i(n4 <I)' 30 d(u-l09cuddl0 ni/+)'+ir). '+e -lur)ed4 T+e air -e)&een )+e3 &a' 1rau/+) &i)+ )en'i(n and '+e dra//ed in a 'li/+)l0 un')ead0 -rea)+ -e1(re c(n)inuin/4 <Nic+(la' li6e' i). +e na3ed i). and an0&a0 i) +a' n()+in/ )( d( &i)+ 0(u &+a) I &ear4 < a0-e n(). )+(u/+ 0(ur e5qui'i)e -(d0 de'er,e' )+e 1ine') 'il6 and 'a)in. +e (*ined a' +i' +and' )i/+)ened (n +er '+(ulder' and +e dre& +er cl('er. +i' dar6 e0e' /lea3in/ &i)+ 'uc+ -la)an) 'e5uali)0 i) 3ade +er +ear) lea* in +er -rea')4 <Bu) i) +a' e,er0)+in/ )( d( &i)+ 3e &+ere 0(u 'lee*. and )+a) i' in 30 -ed4 S+e l(&ered +er la'+e' (,er +er )((9re,ealin/ e0e'4 S+e c(uld -arel0 l((6 a) +i3 &i)+(u) -lu'+in/4 <N(. )+an6 0(u. '+e 'aid &i)+ all )+e c((l '+e c(uld 3u')er4 <I &an) 30 (&n r((34 An a3u'ed '3ile *la0ed ar(und +i' 1ir3 3(u)+4 <S( *(li)e. -u) )+a) i' n() *(''i-le. "elen. and an0&a0 all 0(ur cl()+e' are +ere4 Surel0 0(u &(uld n() &an) )( u*'e) Anna -0
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

de3andin/ '+e 3(,e )+e3 1r(3 (ur 'ui)e a1)er (ne ni/+). +e *r(3*)ed 3(c6in/l04 S+e didn) a**recia)e )+e 3en)i(n (1 Anna (r +i' a3u'e3en)4 S+e /lanced a) )+e ru3*led -ed4 O-,i(u'l0 &+a) +ad 7u') +a**ened )+ere &a' (ne -i/ lau/+ )( +i3. &+erea' )( +er i) &a' )+e 'cene (1 +er d(&n1all and )()all0 +u3ilia)in/4 <T+ere i' n( D(urE 'ui)e. '+e 'na**ed4 "e &a' '( da3ned arr(/an). n()+in/ den)ed +i' 3a''i,e 3ale e/(. and '+e c(n)inued de1ian)l0. <Ill a*(l(/i'e )( Anna 1(r )+e inc(n,enience )(3(rr(&. -u) I a3 n() ')a0in/ +ere &i)+ 0(u4 <Y(u d(n) +a,e a c+(ice4 "i' 3(u)+ )i/+)ened. +i' /rea) -(d0 )en'ed. and all )race (1 +u3(ur ,ani'+ed4 <Y(ure 30 &i1e and 0(ur *lace i' in 30 -ed4 "i' e0e' narr(&ed (n +er 1lu'+ed. 3u)in(u' 1ace4 <D(n) )r0 30 *a)ience4 I +a,e )(ld 0(u -e1(re. I d(n) li6e &(3en &+( *la0 /a3e'4 "er 1ace /re& +() &i)+ rene&ed +u3ilia)i(n and 1ur04 <I a3 n() *la0in/ a /a3e. '+e la'+ed -ac64 <Y(u 'aid &e +ad )( c(n'u33a)e )+e 3arria/e@&ell. &e +a,e4 And I +a,e n( de'ire )( re*ea) )+e e5erci'e4 One e0e-r(& r('e &i)+ deri'i,e 'c(rn4 <O+. -u) 0(u d(4 And a +and le1) (ne '+(ulder )( cur,e ar(und +er &ai') and dra& +er +ard a/ain') +i34 <And i1 0(u &ere +(ne') 0(u &(uld ad3i) )+a) i) i' )+a) de'ire )+a) +a' 0(u runnin/ 'cared4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

T+e c(n)ac) &i)+ +i' -i/ 3u'cular -(d0 'en) )+e -l((d *(undin/ )+r(u/+ "elen' ,ein'4 S+e l((6ed u* a) +i' ru//edl0 a))rac)i,e 1ace4 "i' dar6 e0e' +eld a &eal)+ (1 in)i3a)e. 'en'ual 6n(&led/e )+a) '+a3ed and e5ci)ed +er. -u) al'( in1uria)ed +er -e0(nd &(rd'4 <N(. '+e cried4 <I +a)ed i)4 I +a)e 0(u. '+e 1lun/ an/ril0 and )&i')ed 1uri(u'l0 a/ain') +i' ')eel9li6e /ri*. -u) )( n( a,ail4 "i' li*' )&i')ed in a +u3(urle'' '3ile4 <Y(u d(n) 6n(& 3e &ell en(u/+ )( +a)e 3e4 T+a) 3a0 c(3e la)er@(ne ne,er 6n(&' &i)+ &(3en. +e 'aid dr0l0. +i' +and 'na6in/ u* +er -ac6. *re''in/ +er )( +i3 1r(3 c+e') )( )+i/+4 <Bu) &+a) 0(u +a)e n(& i' )+e 1ac) )+a) i) &a' I &+( '+(&ed 0(u &+a) a ra3*an) li))le 'en'uali') 0(u are. and 0(u +a)e 0(ur'el1 1(r en7(0in/ 'e5 &i)+ '(3e(ne 0(u d(n) 6n(& ,er0 &ell4 "er e0e' /li))ered &i)+ an/r0 re'en)3en)4 <T+a) i' n() )rue; 0(u decei,ed 3e@0(u -e+a,ed li6e an ani3al4 <A 3ale ani3al 0(u )+(r(u/+l0 en7(0ed and I +a,e )+e 3ar6' )( *r(,e i). +e ')a)ed &i)+ undi'/ui'ed 'a)i'1ac)i(n4 "elen -lu'+ed 'carle) and l(&ered +er la'+e' )( di'/ui'e +er ,ulnera-ili)0 1r(3 +i' di'cernin/ /a2e4 Bu) '+e c(uld n() re1u)e i)4 Li1)in/ a +and. +e cu**ed +er c+in4 <D(n) le) i) -()+er
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

0(u. "elen. I en7(0ed recei,in/ e,er0 (ne4 I en7(0ed 0(u4 "i' )+u3- -ru'+ed +er 7a& line and )+e 1ullne'' (1 +er -())(3 li*4 <Y(ur *r(-le3 i' 0(u en7(0ed 3e -u) d( n() &an) )( ad3i) )+e 1ac)4 <N(4 "er e0e' /li))ered in an/r0 re7ec)i(n4 <I &a' '+(c6ed @0(u cau/+) 3e -0 'ur*ri'e4 And +i' +u'60 c+uc6le did n()+in/ 1(r +er (,er')re)c+ed ner,e'4 T+e 3u'60 3ale 'cen) (1 +i3 )an)ali'ed +er and )+e *re''ure (1 +i' +ard -(d0 a/ain') +er (&n (,er+ea)ed 1le'+ 3ade +er )re3-le4 <Y(u cer)ainl0 'ur*ri'ed 3e4 I c(uld ne,er +a,e i3a/ined a -eau)i1ul &(3an (1 0(ur a/e &(uld ')ill -e a ,ir/in4 W+ic+ lead' 3e )( -elie,e )+a) ra)+er nai,el0 0(u +a,e -een la-(urin/ under )+e *(*ular 1e3ale illu'i(n )+a) '(3e da0 0(u &(uld 1all in l(,e and li,e +a**il0 e,er a1)er> T(ni/+) &a' 0(ur 1ir') )i3e and. &+ile 0(ur -(d0 &an)(nl0 deli/+)ed in )+e e5*erience. 0(ur un)ried e3()i(n' recei,ed a '+(c6 *er1ec)l0 na)ural under )+e circu3')ance'4 Ill /i,e 0(u )+a)4 "i' +and -urr(&ed )+r(u/+ +er +air and +e )il)ed +er +ead u* )( +i'4 <Y(u 3ade )+e di'c(,er0 )+a) l(,e. n() )+a) I -elie,e i) e5i')'. +e dra&led &i)+ c0nical +u3(ur. <i' n() a *rerequi'i)e 1(r /rea) 'e5. and 0(ur c+ildi'+ illu'i(n' are '+a))ered4 "er e0e' -la2ed an/ril04 <A) lea') I +ad '(3e. -u) 0(u are an un1eelin/. in'en'i)i,e (a14 T+a) +e &a' ri/+) a-(u) +er did n() 3a6e +er 1eel an0 -e))er. -u) )+e 1ac) +e didn) -elie,e in l(,e did n() 'ur*ri'e +er a) all4 <In'en'i)i,e 3a0-e. un1eelin/ ne,er. +e dra&led4 "i' +and
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

')r(6ed care''in/l0 d(&n +er '*ine )( *re'' +er in)( )+e +ard ')ren/)+ (1 +i' )+i/+'. '( '+e c(uld -e in n( d(u-) (1 e5ac)l0 +(& +e1el)4 <A' 1(r )a6in/ 0(u -0 'ur*ri'e@ +i' '3ile &a' decidedl0 1eral a' +e )il)ed +er +ead -ac6 <@&ell. )+i' )i3e. 30 '&ee) &i1e. I a3 /i,in/ 0(u 1air &arnin/4 I a3 /(in/ )( 6i'' 0(u4 Dar6 e0e' 3ercile'' in )+eir in)en) -urned in)( +er'4 "elen &an)ed )( l((6 a&a0. )( -rea6 )+e '*ell-indin/ *(&er (1 +i' 'e5uali)04 <N(. *lea'e4 Bu) a' +i' ar3 )i/+)ened ar(und +er all +er )rai)(r(u' -(d0 &an)ed &a' )( 'urrender (nce a/ain )( )+e *(&er1ul ,irile ')ren/)+ (1 +i'4 S+e 3ade a &ea6 a))e3*) )( ')ru//le 1ree4 Bu) +i' dar6 +ead -en) and +i' 3(u)+ c(,ered +er'. +i' )(n/ue del,in/ -e)&een +er *ar)ed li*' &i)+ a de,a')a)in/l0 '6il1ul *a''i(n )+a) *lun/ed +er ')rai/+) -ac6 in)( )+e 'a3e ')a)e (1 'en'ual (,erl(ad a' -e1(re4 "er ar3' (1 )+eir (&n ,(li)i(n &ra**ed ar(und +i' nec64 "er 1in/er' '(u/+) )+e )+ic6ne'' (1 +i' +air. ra6in/ +er 1in/er' )+r(u/+ i)' 'il6en len/)+ &i)+ 'en'u(u' deli/+)4 S+e 1ell in)( +i' 6i'' li6e a ')ar,in/ &(3an. (-li,i(u' )( e,er0)+in/ e5ce*) )+e 3an +(ldin/ +er. 6i''in/ +er4 S*innin/ in a &+irl*((l (1 *ure *lea'ure (,er &+ic+ '+e +ad n( c(n)r(l4 <I' )+a) *lea'e 0e'> Le(n +u'6ed a/ain') +er 3(u)+. '&ee*in/ +er u* in +i' ar3'4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"elen /r(aned +er a/ree3en)4 T+e 1ir') )i3e '+e +ad 1el) 1ear. -u) n() n(&4 N(& '+e &a' -urnin/ u* &i)+ a +un/er '+e 6ne& (nl0 Le(n c(uld 'a)i'104 And &+en +e laid +er d(&n (n )+e -ed +er /li))erin/ e0e' &ere -(ld a' )+e0 r(a3ed (,er +i' 3a/ni1icen) -(d04 Br(n2ed and 'lee693u'cled. +i' '6in /lea3ed 'a)in in )+e '(1) li/+). and &+en '+e l((6ed in)( +i' e0e' )+e 3(l)en de'ire in )+e in60 de*)+' -linded +er )( e,er0)+in/ in )+e &(rld -u) +i34 Le(n ')ared d(&n a) +er. 1i/+)in/ &i)+ +i' c(n'cience. -u) +er '(1). *(u)in/ 3(u)+. +er &ide. in,i)in/ e0e'. and )+e 1ir3 (u)line (1 +er ri/id ni**le' a/ain') )+e c())(n &ere )(( )e3*)in/ )( re'i')4 In (ne de1) 3(,e +e re3(,ed +er '+ir) and /a)+ered +er in)( +i' ar3'. +i' +and' 3(,in/ ur/en)l0 (,er +er 'il6en 1le'+4 "e -en) +i' +ead )( 6i'' and lic6 eac+ )au) ni**le -e1(re re)urnin/ )( )a6e +er 3(u)+ &i)+ +i' (&n4 E,en)uall0 )a6in/ e,er0)+in/4 CHAPTER SEVEN "ELEN LAY C#RLEDu* in a -all in )+e -i/ -ed. a' 1ar a&a0 1r(3 +er ind(3i)a-le +u'-and a' '+e c(uld /e)4 T+e e,en '(und (1 Le(n' -rea)+in/ )(ld +er +e &a' dee*l0 a'lee*4 Bu) 'lee* &(uld n() c(3e 1(r "elen; '+a3e and +u3ilia)i(n -urn) )+r(u/+ +er ac+in/ -(d0 a) )+e )+(u/+) (1 &+a) '+e +ad all(&ed )( +a**en4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"(& c(uld '+e +a,e -een '( &ea6 &illed> "(& c(uld '+e +a,e -een '( &an)(n> Ki''in/. )(uc+in/. 'cra)c+in/4 "(& c(uld +er -(d0 +a,e -e)ra0ed +er '( )()all0. n() (nce. -u) )&ice> Cui)e ea'il0. '+e /r(aned )+e an'&er and -uried +er +ead in )+e *ill(&4 S+e +ad -een 'educed -0 an e5*er)4 T+e 1ir') )i3e '+e +ad -een '&e*) a&a0 in a )(rren) (1 un9 drea3ed (1 *lea'ure a' +e +ad 6i''ed and )a')ed e,er0 inc+ (1 +er4 S&ee*in/ a&a0 all +er ,ir/inal 1ear' &i)+ a '6ill and 3a')er0 )+a) +ad (,er&+el3ed +er4 And &+en +e +ad 1inall0 'ur/ed in'ide +er )+e 1ierce *ain +ad -een (-li)era)ed in 3(3en)' -0 ')r(6e a1)er ')r(6e (1 e,er9 /r(&in/ )(r)ur(u' *lea'ure4 S+e +ad clun/ )( +i3 /reedil0. +er le/' l(c6ed ar(und +i' &ai') a' &i)+ all +i' *(&er +e +ad *(''e''ed +er u))erl0. )+e +ard ')ren/)+ (1 +i3 1illin/ and *ul'in/ in'ide +er4 #n)il 3indle''l0 '+e +ad cried (u) a' +er -(d0 c(n,ul'ed ar(und +i3 in an e5*l('i(n (1 e3()i(n '( e5)re3e )+e -(undarie' (1 +er 'el1 &ere a-'(r-ed -0 +i'4 Squir3in/. "elen )ried )( -lan6 )+e 3e3(r0 (1 +er 'ec(nd '*ec)acular d(&n1all 1r(3 +er 3ind4 I1 an0)+in/ +er -e+a,i(ur +ad -een e,en &(r'e4 B(ldl0 '+e +ad care''ed and )(uc+ed +i3. e5*l(rin/ +i3 &i)+ )+e 'a3e in)i3a)e de)ail +e +ad de,()ed )( +er4 #n)il 1inall0 all )+a) 3a))ered +ad -een )+e )&( )+r(--in/. '&ea)9'lic6ed -(die'. )(uc+in/. )a')in/. in an (r/0 (1 e,er9increa'in/ &ild a-and(n )+a) +ad
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

cul3ina)ed in a 3u)uall0 e5*l('i,e cli3a54 S+e +eard Le(n /r(an. and )en'ed. +er 1in/er' di//in/ in)( )+e ed/e (1 )+e 3a))re''4 S+e didn) &an) +i3 )( &a6e u*4 Becau'e. *ain1ul a' i) &a' 1(r +er )( ad3i) i). 1(r '(3e ine5*lica-le rea'(n '+e &a' 1a') -ec(3in/ inca*a-le (1 re'i')in/ )+e 3an. and i) c(uld n() /( (n4 S+e &a' &i'e en(u/+ )( 6n(& )+a) &a0 la0 (nl0 +ear)ac+e4 Le(n Ari')ide' &a' )+e 3(') au)(cra)ic. c0nical 3an '+e +ad e,er 3e). ,er/in/ (n 3i'(/0ni')ic i1 +i' c(33en)' (n )+e 1e3ale 'e5 &ere )( -e -elie,ed. and cer)ainl0 n() )+e '(r) (1 3an )( 1all in l(,e &i)+4 Cl('in/ +er e0e' )i/+). '+e 'ilen)l0 ,(&ed )( +er'el1 '+e &(uld ne,er le) +er arr(/an) +u'-and )(uc+ +er a/ain4 T(3(rr(& '+e &a' /(in/ )( '*ea6 )( Anna. and +a,e +er (&n r((3 &+a)e,er Le(n 'aid. and (n )+a) )+(u/+) '+e 1ell in)( an e5+au')ed 'lee*4

"elen -lin6ed and 0a&ned &idel0. )+e di')an) '(und (1 a d((r cl('in/ ec+(in/ in +er +ead4 S+e r(lled (,er (n)( +er -ac6. and ')re)c+ed. +er -(d0 ac+in/ in un1a3iliar *lace'4 T+en '+e re3e3-ered. +er e0e' 1le& &ide (*en and 1(r a 3(3en) )+e 'unli/+) ')rea3in/ in)( )+e r((3 da22led +er4 <$((d 3(rnin/. 3ada34 Blin6in/ a/ain. +er e0e' 1(cu'ed (n Anna ')andin/ -0 )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-ed. a laden -rea61a') )ra0 in +er +and'. <T+e 3a')er 'aid )( le) 0(u re'). -u) i) i' al3(') )&el,e and I )+(u/+) 0(u 3i/+) li6e c(11ee and a li))le 'nac64 <T&el,e> "elen 'quea6ed and 'a) u* in -ed. +er e0e' ')ra0in/ )( )+e inden)a)i(n (n )+e *ill(&' ne5) )( +er'4 "e +ad /(ne. )+an6 +ea,en4 T+en 'uddenl0 reali'in/ '+e &a' na6ed. '+e /ra'*ed )+e c(,erle) and *ulled i) u* under +er ar3'. -e1(re )urnin/ a 'carle) 1ace )( Anna a/ain4 <I a3 '(rr0 1(r (,er'lee*in/ and )+an6 0(u. Anna4 S+e )((6 )+e )ra0 1r(3 +er (u)')re)c+ed ar3'4 <I cer)ainl0 need '(3e)+in/. '+e 3u))ered under +er -rea)+4 <Li6e a -rain )ran'*lan)4 <N(&. 3ada3. n( need )( +urr0. )+e 3a')er +a' /(ne )( c(llec) Nic+(la' and )+e0 &(n) -e -ac6 1(r a &+ile4 Y(u )a6e 0(ur )i3e. *a3*er 0(ur'el14 Anna 'ur*ri'ed "elen -0 '3ilin/ -r(adl0 a) +er4 <And 3a0 I 'a0. 3ada3. I +a,e 6n(&n a')er Le(n 'ince +e &a' an ei/+) 0ear (ld. and I &a' 1ir') e3*l(0ed a' +i' nann04 I +a,e &a)c+ed +i3 /r(& in)( )+e 3an +e i' )(da0. and I can +(ne')l0 'a0 I +a,e ne,er 'een +i3 l((6 +a**ier )+an +e &a' )+i' 3(rnin/4 F(r )+a) I )+an6 0(u4 T+e 3an de'er,e' a li))le +a**ine'' in +i' li1e4 "i' 3()+er &a' a di11icul) &(3an and rarel0 cared 1(r +i3 and a' 1(r +i' 1ir') &i1e? Anna 1r(&ned4 <S)ill. I 'u**('e 0(u alread0 6n(& all a-(u) +er and I '+(uld n() &a')e 0(ur )i3e /(''i*in/4 Bu) an0)+in/ 0(u &an) 0(u (nl0 +a,e )( a'64 And &i)+ an()+er '3ile '+e le1)4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

I &(nder i1 )+a) include' a 'e*ara)e -edr((3. "elen 3u'ed dar6l0 a' '+e dran6 )+e c(11ee and a)e )+e dain)0 li))le *a')rie' *r(,ided4 S(3e+(& '+e )+(u/+) n()4 "er &(rried /a2e ')ra0ed )( )+e ()+er 'ide (1 )+e ru3*led -ed. and '+e &a' ,i,idl0 re3inded (1 la') ni/+). re3inded (1 Le(n' /rea) /(lden -(d0 (,er +er. in +er. )a6in/ +er 0e) a/ain a' )+e li/+) (1 da&n 1illed )+e r((34 And *lacin/ )+e )ra0 (n )+e -ed'ide )a-le. '+e 7u3*ed (u) (1 -ed and +eaded 1(r )+e -a)+r((34 S+e )urned (n )+e '+(&er and ')((d -enea)+ )+e '(()+in/ '*ra0. )r0in/ )( &a'+ )+e +aun)in/ 3e3(rie' (1 la') ni/+) 1r(3 +er 3ind. and de)er3ined )( a,(id an0 re*ea)4 T+ir)0 3inu)e' la)er &i)+ +er +air dried '+e ')udied +er (&n re1lec)i(n in )+e 3irr(red &all4 S+e l((6ed di11eren); +er li*' &ere ')ill 'li/+)l0 '&(llen 1r(3 Le(n' 6i''e'4 Red -l()c+e' 3arred )+e *ale '6in (1 +er -rea')' and l(&er (,er +er ')(3ac+. )e')i3(n0 )( +er +u'-and' *a''i(n4 S+e '*un a&a0 1r(3 )+e 3irr(r and quic6l0 dre''ed4 S+e didn) &an) )( )+in6 a-(u) +i' *a''i(n; '+e didn) &an) )( )+in6 a-(u) +i3. 1ull ')(*4 D(nnin/ a *air (1 -lue 7ean' and a cri'* le3(n '+ir). '+e -ru'+ed +er +air -ac64 S+e 'li**ed +er 1ee) in)( '(1) 1la)'. and ,en)ured (u) (1 )+e -edr((34 Ra)+er /in/erl0 "elen &al6ed d(&n )+e 3ar-le ')airca'e4 S+e &a' '(re in a &a0 and in *lace' '+e +ad ne,er -een -e1(re and i) &a' all Le(n' 1aul)4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

And )+ere +e &a' ')andin/ a) )+e -())(3 (1 )+e ')air' li6e a re*la0 (1 0e')erda0. (nl0 )+i' )i3e +e &a' ca'uall0 dre''ed in a crea3 &((l '&ea)er and dar6 )r(u'er' and Nic+(la' &a' a) +i' 'ide ra)+er )+an +er'4 <#ncle Le(n 'aid &e +ad )( le) 0(u re'). Nic+(la' c+ir*ed u*. and "elen )urned 'carle) and +er ne& +u'-and '3iled. and )(da0 )+e '3ile did reac+ +i' 6n(&in/ e0e'. and 3ade +er -lu'+ e,en 3(re4 <Ye'. &ell. "elen 3ur3ured. reac+in/ )+e -())(3 (1 )+e ')air' and /i,in/ Nic+(la' a -i/ +u/4 <N(& )ell 3e all a-(u) 0(ur ni/+) a&a04 Nic+(la' dul0 (-li/ed &+ile Anna 'er,ed lunc+ and "elen' )en'i(n ea'ed '(3e&+a)4 A1)er&ard' Le(n. 3uc+ )( +er 'ur*ri'e. in'i')ed (n )a6in/ Nic+(la' u*')air' 1(r +i' na* and *r(3i'ed )( *la0 1(()-all &i)+ )+e -(0 la)er. &+ile Anna /a,e "elen a /uided )(ur (1 )+e +(u'e4 T+e ei/+) -edr((3' and 1i,e rece*)i(n r((3' i3*re''ed "elen -u) '+e c(uld n() +el* )+in6in/ i) &a' a -i) '(ulle''4 I33acula)e &i)+ +i/+ (rna)e ceilin/'. -rillian) 1re'c(' and 3ar-le 1l((r'. and )+e 1urni)ure )( 3a)c+ i) &a' *er1ec)4 A li))le )(( *er1ec). a )0*ical ')i119nec6ed -an6er' a-(de4 Bu) '+e did )a6e )+e (**(r)uni)0 )( c(n1ide in Anna )+a) '+e &a' an illu')ra)(r and a'6 +er i1 '+e c(uld +a,e a r((3 1(r a ')ud0. *re1era-l0 n() )(( 1ar 1r(3 Nic+(la' r((3. -ecau'e '+e u'uall0 &(r6ed &+en +e &a' a'lee*4 Anna
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

qui)e +a**il0 (-li/ed and '+(&ed +er )( a -edr((3. al(n/ )+e c(rrid(r 1r(3 Nic+(la'4 W+en Anna &en) d(&n')air' "elen '&i1)l0 un*ac6ed +er *(r)a-le ea'el and '6e)c+ -((6' and re3(,ed '(3e e''en)ial i)e3' (1 cl()+in/ 1r(3 )+e 3a')er 'ui)e4 S+e didn) care &+a) Le(n )+(u/+)4 S+e &a' +a,in/ +er (&n r((34 Sur*ri'in/l0 )+e re') (1 )+e da0 &a' qui)e 1un4 S+e 7(ined Nic+(la' and Le(n in )+e /arden; a1)er 0e')erda0' rain i) &a' *lea'an) )( -e (u)d((r' in )+e 'un'+ine4 S+e &a' ca7(led in)( *la0in/ a /a3e (1 1(()-all. and -ur') (u) lau/+in/ &+en +er u'uall0 i3*('in/ +u'-and 1ell (,er )+e -all in +i' +a')e )( )a6e i) (11 +er and '*ra&led a) +er 1ee)4 Nic+(la' i33edia)el0 7u3*ed (n +i' -ac6 and de3anded +e *re)end )( -e a +(r'e and /i,e +i3 a ride4 T+ere &a' '(3e)+in/ ,er0 'a)i'10in/ in 'eein/ Le(n (n +i' 6nee'4 <Ride +i3. c(&-(0. "elen '+(u)ed enc(ura/e3en)4 Bu) &+en Nic+(la' )ired (1 )+e /a3e. Le(n 'lan)ed a &ic6ed l((6 u* a) +er4 <Y(ur )urn. "elen. and /lancin/ a) Nic+(la' +e added. <W+a) d( 0(u )+in6@'+(uld I /i,e "elen a ride> <Ye'4 Ye'. Nic+(la' '+(u)ed. +i' li))le 1ace &rea)+ed in '3ile'4 <N(. 0(u '+(uld n(). "elen declared. -lu'+in/ 'carle) a) )+e 'e5ual c(nn()a)i(n )+a) 1le& ri/+) (,er )+e c+ild' +ead4 Bu) '+e &a' 'ecre)l0 *lea'ed a) +(& &ell )+e0 all /() al(n/4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Le(n l((6ed al3(') -(0i'+ and 3(re rela5ed )+an '+e +ad e,er 'een +i3 &+en Nic+(la' &a' ar(und. &+ic+ &a' a /((d 'i/n 1(r )+e 1a3il0 '+e +(*ed )+e0 c(uld e,en)uall0 -ec(3e4 Turnin/ +er -ac6 (n )+e lau/+in/ du(. '+e 1lun/ (,er +er '+(ulder. <And n(& I )+in6 i) i' )i3e 1(r )ea4 <S(rr0. Nic+(la'. "elen )+in6' '+e i' )(( (ld )( *la04 S+e +eard +i' 3(c6in/ c(33en) and '*un -ac6 r(und )( 1ind +i3 /rinnin/ d(&n a) +er4 <Old.3(i> '+e e5clai3ed. +er ,i(le) e0e' '*ar6lin/ &i)+ +u3(ur4 <Y(u +a,e '(3e ner,e a) 0(ur a/e4 S+e 'a& +i' dar6 e0e' 1la'+ a &arnin/. and. )urnin/. '+e '*rin)ed 1(r )+e +(u'e &i)+ -()+ Nic+(la' and Le(n c+a'in/ +er4 Ba)+ )i3e &a' a 7(in) ,en)ure and &+en Nic+(la' &a' 1inall0 in -ed Le(n le1) )( re)urn '(3e -u'ine'' call' and "elen ')a0ed )( read +i3 a ')(r04 W+en '+e &al6ed in)( )+e dinin/ r((3 )&( +(ur' la)er. "elen i33edia)el0 'en'ed )+e ea'0/(in/ a)3('*+ere (1 )+e a1)ern((n +ad /(ne4 I1 i) +ad e,er e5i')ed e5ce*) in +er 3ind4 Le(n &earin/ a -lac6 '+ir) &i)+ a -u))(n d(&n c(llar and -lac6 )r(u'er'. &a' ')andin/ -0 )+e drin6' ca-ine). a /la'' in +i' +and. a -r((din/ e5*re''i(n (n +i' +ard 1ace4 Ca'uall0 dre''ed. +e l((6ed incredi-l0 a))rac)i,e and n()+in/ li6e a -an6er. 3(re (1 a -andi). "elen )+(u/+) 1anci1ull04 S+e 1r(&ned4 "i' '+ir) &a' *r(-a-l0 )ail(r93ade -0
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Turn-ull and A''er and +i' )r(u'er' 'i3ilarl0 de'i/ner9 la-elled4 "e c(uld a11(rd )+e -e') )+a) 3(ne0 c(uld -u0. '( &+0 &(uldn) +e l((6 a3a2in/> '+e )(ld +er'el1. de)er3ined )( den0 +er /r(&in/ a))rac)i(n 1(r )+e 3an4 Le(n 'a& +er 1r(&n. +i' (&n e5*re''i(n (ne (1 c((l indi11erence. -u) in'ide +e &a' an0)+in/ -u) indi11eren)4 F(r a 3an &+( *rided +i3'el1 (n +i' ri/id 'el19di'ci*line i) &a' di')ur-in/ )( reali'e +e +ad a-'(lu)el0 n( c(n)r(l (,er )+e in')an) reac)i(n (1 +i' -(d04 N() 'ince +e &a' a )eena/er +ad +e 1el) an0)+in/ '( ur/en). i1 )+en. and i) -()+ered +i34 S+e &a' &earin/ a '(1) -lue &ra*ar(und dre'' )+a) e3*+a'i'ed +er )in0 &ai') and 3(ulded +er +i*' and )+i/+' li6e a 'ec(nd '6in4 "er le/' &ere c(,ered in 'il6 ')(c6in/' and (n +er 1ee) '+e &a' &earin/ +i/+9+eeled na,0 '+(e'4 "er l(n/ 1air +air &a' *iled u* (n )(* (1 +er +ead in a l(('e 6n(). a 1e& ')ra0 )endril' 1ra3in/ +er '3all 1ace4 S+e l((6ed e5qui'i)e and ele/an) and '+e +ad 'ur*ri'ed +i3 a/ain4 T+e &eddin/ dre'' 0e')erda0 and n(& )+i'. +i' i3a/e (1 +er. 1ir') a' a 0(un/ L(li)a. de,i(u' and 3(ne09+un/r0. and )+en a' an ear)+93()+er )0*e in 7ean' and '&ea)er. &a' c(n')an)l0 c+an/in/ and i) &(rried +i34 "e &a' a 3an ren(&ned 1(r +i' -rillian) anal0)ical -rain. a 3an &i)+(u) e3()i(n &+( 3ade deci'i(n' in )+e real3' (1 -i/ -u'ine'' (n a dail0 -a'i' &i)+ an a-'(lu)e c(n,ic)i(n )+a) &a' al&a0' 'ucce''1ul4 S( &+0 c(uld +e n() read +i' (&n &i1e '( ea'il0>
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<W(uld 0(u li6e a drin6> +e de3anded cur)l04 <N(. )+an6'4 Ill +a,e a /la'' (1 &ine &i)+ dinner4 S+e /lanced a) +i3 and 'a) d(&n a) )+e )a-le. i/n(rin/ +i34 Ta6in/ )+e 'ea) (**('i)e +er. +e 1illed )+eir &ine/la''e' and a' Anna 'er,ed )+e 1ir') c(ur'e +e &a)c+ed "elen )+r(u/+ )+(u/+)1ul i1 1ru')ra)ed e0e'4 S+e &a' an eni/3a )( +i34 Li6e n( ()+er &(3an +e +ad e,er 3e)4 Beau)i1ul and 'ur*ri'in/l0 inn(cen). carin/ and c(3*a''i(na)e a' &a' e,iden) 1r(3 &a)c+in/ +er in)erac)i(n &i)+ )+e -(04 T+en add 'ecre)i,e and a,id li))le 'en'uali') and )+e 3i5)ure &a' d0na3i)e and dan/er(u' )( +i' *eace (1 3ind4 "e a)e )+e 'ea1((d ')ar)er dee* in )+(u/+)4 "e +ad ne,er /i,en )+e &(3en in +i' li1e 3(re )+an a *a''in/ )+(u/+) (u)'ide )+e -edr((34 Bu) "elen )r(u-led +i3. and +e did n() li6e )+e 1eelin/4 A' Anna re3(,ed )+e *la)e' and 'e) d(&n )+e 3ain c(ur'e +e )+an6ed +er and. /lancin/ a) +i' 'ilen) &i1e. +e +ad )+e di')inc) i3*re''i(n '+e &a' +ere (n 'u11erance. and +e did n() li6e )+a) ei)+er4 N(r &a' +e en)irel0 c(31(r)a-le &i)+ )+e 'e3i9ar(u'ed ')a)e )+a) a11lic)ed +i3 e,er0 )i3e +e 'e) e0e' (n +er4 <T(3(rr(&. "elen. I a3 in 3ee)in/' all da0 un)il )+e e,enin/. +e 'aid deci'i,el04 S+e &a' +i' &i1e and +e &a' &(rr0in/ a-(u) n()+in/. +e decided4 All +e +ad )( d( &a' carr0 (n a' -e1(re. &(r6in/ all da0. (nl0 n(& +e c(uld l((6
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1(r&ard )( 'a)in/ +i3'el1 in +er lu'ci(u' li))le -(d0 all ni/+)4 <I +a,e arran/ed 1(r ar0 S)e1an( )( )a6e 0(u and Nic+(la' )( 'ee )+e nur'er0 'c+((l I +a,e enr(lled +i3 in4 ar0' 0(un/e') c+ildren alread0 a))end and )+e0 l(,e i)4 A1)er ea)in/ in 'ilence "elen &a' 'ur*ri'ed &+en Le(n '*(6e4 S+e l((6ed acr('' )+e &ide e5*an'e (1 )+e 1(r3al dinin/ )a-le )( &+ere +e 'a)4 "e &a' 1(r6in/ ')ea6 in)( +i' 3(u)+ &i)+ (-,i(u' en7(03en). c(3*le)el0 un*er)ur-ed -0 +er *re'ence4 #n1(r)una)el0 '+e did n() +a,e )+e 'a3e lu5ur04 T+e )en'i(n '+e al&a0' 1el) ar(und +i3 +ad re)urned in '*ade' a' '((n a' Nic+(la' &a' )uc6ed u* in -ed a'lee*4 <And +a,e I n( 'a0 in )+e 3a))er> '+e de3anded4 <In )+i' ca'e. n(. i) i' d(ne4 <And i1 I d(n) li6e i)> '+e a'6ed c((ll0. -u) in'ide '+e &a' -urnin/ &i)+ an/er4 "e &a' '( da3ned au)(cra)ic4 <I a3 +i' /uardian 7u') a' 3uc+ a' 0(u4 Y(u '+(uld +a,e a) lea') c(n'ul)ed 3e 1ir')4 "e l((6ed (,er a) +er. a 1r(&n cr(''in/ +i' -r(ad -r(&4 <Ta6e 30 &(rd 1(r i). )+e nur'er0 'c+((l i' )+e -e') in A)+en'. and a' )+e -(0 alread0 6n(&' ar0' c+ildren +e &ill +a,e n( )r(u-le 'e))lin/ in quic6l04 <W+0 '+(uld I> W+a) +e 'aid 3ade *er1ec) 'en'e. -u)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"elen &a' '*(ilin/ 1(r an ar/u3en)4 Fr(3 )+e 3inu)e Le(n +ad &al6ed in)( +er li1e +e +ad )a6en +er (,er. a' +e did +i' -la')ed -an6'. &i)+ a 1(rce1ul. 'in/le93inded de)er3ina)i(n i) &a' al3(') i3*(''i-le )( 1i/+)4 Re'en)3en) -u--led u* in'ide +er. a' 3uc+ a) +er (&n &ea6ne'' a' +i' ')ren/)+. and c+an/in/ )ac6 '+e 'aid -i))erl0. <Y(u railr(aded 3e in)( +a,in/ dinner &i)+ 0(u ra)+er )+an &i)+ Nic+(la' )+e ni/+) I arri,ed4 S+e '+(,ed +er *la)e a&a04 <Well. I d(n) &an) )( d( i) 0(ur &a04 I d(n) li6e )( ea) la)e4 I *re1er )( +a,e a li/+) lunc+ and an earl0 'u**er. n() +u/e 3eal' )&ice a da0. and I can) ea) an()+er )+in/4 S+e 6ne& '+e &a' -ein/ *e))0 -u) '+e c(uldn) 'ee3 )( ')(* +er'el1. and. reac+in/ 1(r +er /la'' (1 &ine. '+e )((6 a l(n/ '&all(&4 <"(& &e /() 1r(3 c+(('in/ 'c+((l' )( &+a) )i3e dinner i' 'er,ed I &(n) e,en )r0 )( di'cern4 T+e 1e3ale 3ind i' a 30')er0 )( 3e4 "i' dar6 e0e' r(a3ed 'l(&l0 (,er +er. lin/erin/ (n )+e '+ad(&ed clea,a/e di'*la0ed -0 )+e nec6line (1 +er dre''. -e1(re +e rai'ed +i' /a2e )( ca*)ure +er'4 S(3e)+in/ 1la'+ed in +i' e0e' )+a) l((6ed li6e a3u'e3en)4 <Bu) in ca'e 0(u +ad n() n()iced I a3 a lar/e 3an. "elen4 A c+ee'e 'and&ic+ and 'cra3-led e//' (n )(a') and a -i) (1 -ac(n d(e' n() c(3e an0&+ere near )( 'a)i'10in/ 3e 1(r a da04 "i' dar6 e0e' /lea3ed &i)+ rue1ul a3u'e3en)4 <T+(u/+ I can 'ee +(& i) &(uld 'a)i'10 Nic+(la' and '(3e(ne (1 0(ur ')a)ure4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e re'en)ed )+e di/ a-(u) +er 'i2e@)+(u/+ '+e +adn) 3inded )+e3a *e)i)e &+en +e 3ade l(,e )( +er. )+e )reac+er(u' )+(u/+) *(**ed in)( +er +ead4 T+en "elen recalled 'er,in/ +i3 7u') )+e 1((d +e +ad 3en)i(ned )+e da0 +e +ad )urned u* a) +er +(u'e and '+e &a' 3(r)i1ied and an/r0 a) )+e re3inder. a )ellin/ )ide (1 *in6 &a'+in/ (,er +er *ale c+ee6'4 <Y(u '+(uld +a,e 'aid a) )+e )i3e i1 0(u &ere ')ill +un/r04 Y(u are cer)ainl0 n() '+0 (1 'a0in/ e5ac)l0 &+a) 0(u &an) in e,er0 ()+er re'*ec). '+e declared -lun)l04 <True4 "e c+uc6led4 <Bu) a' '((n a' I reac+ed )+e +()el I (rdered r((3 'er,ice. '( d(n) -ea) 0(ur'el1 u* a-(u) i)4 S+e 'a& )+e +u3(ur in +i' dar6 e0e' and &a' in1uria)ed4 <A' i1 I e,er &(uld (,er 0(u. '+e 'n(r)ed4 S+e 3i/+) +a,e /ue''ed Le(n &a' n() )+e )0*e (1 3an )( d( &i)+(u) an0)+in/ +e &an)ed4 <S)ran/er )+in/' +a,e +a**ened. Le(n re3ar6ed4 "er ,i(le) e0e' &ere -ri/+) a' 'a**+ire' a/ain') +er 1lu'+ed '6in. )+e -lue dre'' 1(lded l(& -e)&een +er *er) -rea')' re,ealin/ )+e -lu'+ c(,ered 3(re )+an +er 1ace and &a' n() '(lel0 &i)+ an/er. and +i' -(d0 re'*(nded acc(rdin/l04 <Y(u ne,er 6n(&@(ne da0 &+en 0(u /e) )( 6n(& 3e a li))le -e))er 0(u 3i/+) 1eel di11eren)l04 Bu) in )+e 3ean)i3e 1ini'+ 0(ur 3eal4 I d(n) &an) 0(u &ea6 &i)+ +un/er 1(r &+a) I +a,e in 3ind4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"i' )aun)in/. n(ne9)((9'u-)le innuend( &a' )+e la') ')ra& 1(r "elen4 <I +a,e 1ini'+ed. '+e '+() -ac6. 1la'+in/ +i3 a 1uri(u' /lance4 T+e dar6 e0e' )+a) 3e) +er' /lea3ed &i)+ a 'en'uali)0 '+e c(uld n() +el* -u) rec(/ni'e4 "er +ear) raced and +er 3(u)+ &en) dr0 and '+e +a)ed +er (&n &ea6ne''4 Lea*in/ )( +er 1ee). '+e *u'+ed -ac6 +er c+air4 <I a3 /(in/ )( c+ec6 (n Nic+(la'@a1)er all. )+a) i' )+e (nl0 rea'(n I3 +ere4 <A' 0(u 'a04 "e ca') a 6n(&in/ l((6 u* a) +er. -e1(re /lancin/ d(&n a) )+e &a)c+ (n +i' &ri') and )+en -ac6 )( +er 1lu'+ed 1ace4 <I +a,e a 1e& call' )( 3a6e )( )+e Far Ea')4 I &ill -e u* in an +(ur (r )&(4 And &i)+ a di'3i''i,e n(d (1 +i' dar6 +ead +e re)urned )( +i' ')ea64 "elen +(*ed i) c+(6ed +i3. and 'la33ed )+e d((r -e+ind +er a' '+e le1)4 S+e l((6ed ar(und )+e +u/e rece*)i(n +all and 'i/+ed4 S+e +ad *r(-a-l0 (,erreac)ed 'la33in/ )+e d((r. -u) '+e didn) care4 S+e ')(**ed -0 )+e 6i)c+en and )(ld Anna '+e +ad +ad en(u/+ )( ea) and &a' /(in/ )( -ed &i)+ a 3u/ (1 c(c(a. 3uc+ )( Anna' di'/u')4 S+e 3ade +er &a0 u*')air'. and. i/n(rin/ )+e 3a')er 'ui)e. '+e /lanced in (n Nic+(la'. and )+en c(n)inued al(n/ )+e +all )( )+e r((3 a) )+e end4 Cl('in/ )+e d((r -e+ind +er. '+e quic6l0 undre''ed and )+en +ad a quic6 &a'+ in )+e '3allen'ui)e and. 'li**in/ (n a *lain &+i)e ni/+)'+ir) '+e cra&led in)( )+e queen9'i2ed -ed4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Se))lin/ -ac6 a/ain') )+e *ill(&'. '+e ca') a 'a)i'1ied /lance ar(und )+e r((3 and )((6 a 'i* (1 +er c(c(a4 I) &a' 3uc+ '3aller )+an )+e 3a')er 'ui)e. -u) i) +ad a '3all -a)+r((3 and &a' 'u-)l0 dec(ra)ed in crea3 and -u))ercu* 0ell(&4 Al(n/ (ne &all &a' a c+e') (1 dra&er'. dre''in/ )a-le and a &ardr(-e4 A '(1a and c+air and '3all )a-le +ad -een arran/ed -0 )+e &ind(&. -u) '+e +ad *u'+ed )+e3 )( (ne 'ide and 'e) u* +er *(r)a-le ea'el and *laced +er '6e)c+ -((6'. *encil'. *a')el' and *ain)' (n )+e 1(()9dee* &ind(& 'ill4 I) &a'n) *er1ec). -u) )+e li/+) &a' /((d and i) &(uld d(. '+e )+(u/+) c(3*lacen)l04 S+e ea'ed -ac6 a/ain') )+e +ead-(ard and )((6 an()+er 'i* (1 +() c+(c(la)e 1eelin/ cal3er )+an '+e +ad d(ne 'ince )+e 3(3en) '+e +ad 'e) 1(() in $reece )&( da0' a/(4 S+e +ad )( acce*) )+i' &a' +er li1e n(& i1 '+e &an)ed )( ')a0 &i)+ Nic+(la'. and '+e did4 S+e l(,ed +i3 )( di')rac)i(n; +e &a' )+e (nl0 c+ild '+e &(uld e,er +a,e and i) &(uld 6ill +er )( -e *ar)ed 1r(3 +i34 A' 1(r +er +ard9+eaded +u'-and. 'urel0 +e &(uld 'ee )+e 'en'e in 6ee*in/ )+eir rela)i(n'+i* (ne (1 1riend'+i* ra)+er )+an 'e54 Fr(3 +er ,er0 li3i)ed e5*erience 'e5 'i3*l0 cau'ed un&an)ed )en'i(n' in a rela)i(n'+i*. &+ic+ c(uld n() -e /((d 1(r Nic+(la'4 A1)er all. +e &a' )+e (nl0 rea'(n 1(r )+eir 3arria/e4 S+e &a' under n( illu'i(n )+a) Le(n cared 1(r +er4 S+e &a' *r(-a-l0 a n(,el)0 )( +i3. an ine5*erienced li))le inn(cen) )+a) +a**ened )( li,e in +i' +(u'e4 "e &a' a 3an (1 )+e &(rld &+( c(uld )a6e +i' *ic6 (1 -eau)i1ul &(3en4 I)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&(uld -e n( +ard'+i* 1(r +i3 )( 1ind '(3e(ne el'e )( 'a)e +i' (,erac)i,e li-id( &i)+4 F(r all "elen 6ne& +e *r(-a-l0 +ad a 3i')re'' (r )&( &ai)in/ 1(r +i3 '(3e&+ere4 W+0 +er +ear) 'an6 a) )+e )+(u/+) '+e didn) &an) )( e5a3ine )(( cl('el0. and 'i**ed '(3e 3(re c(c(a4 CHAPTER EIGHT T"E S#DDEN CLICK(1 a d((r (*enin/ 3ade "elen' +ear) '6i* a -ea) and '+e l((6ed &aril0 acr('' )+e r((34 Fur0 ri**led )+r(u/+ +er a' '+e 'a& Le(n' )all 1ra3e (u)lined in )+e (*enin/ and unc(n'ci(u'l0 '+e *ulled )+e c(,er u* +i/+er4 <W+a) d( 0(u &an)> '+e de3anded and 'ilen)l0 cur'ed +er c+(ice (1 &(rd' a' (ne dar6 -r(& arc+ed el(quen)l0 in +er direc)i(n4 Bu) de1ian)l0 '+e +eld +i' /a2e a' +e &al6ed )(&ard' +er4 <N(& )+a) i' a leadin/ que')i(n i1 e,er I +eard (ne. +e dra&led. and ')(**ed -0 )+e 'ide (1 )+e -ed4 <And (ne I a3 'ure 0(u can an'&er i1 0(u care )( )r0. +e *r(3*)ed 'il6il04 Le(n' +ard -lac6 e0e' '&e*) (,er +i' erran) &i1e4 "e n()ed +er 'carle) 1ace 1ra3ed -0 )+e 'il6en 3a'' (1 +er a'+9 -l(nde +air )u3-lin/ (,er +er '+(ulder'. )+e *ri3 c())(n ni/+)'+ir) '6i33in/ (,er +er 1ir3 -rea')'. and +e &an)ed )( ')ran/le +er4 "(& dared )+e li))le &i)c+ )r0 )( de10 +i3 a/ain> La')
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ni/+) +e +ad )a6en +er inn(cence &i)+ *er+a*' n() a' 3uc+ 1ine''e a' +e &(uld +a,e li6ed4 Bu) a1)er )+e ini)ial '+(c6 '+e +ad -een &i)+ +i3 all )+e &a0 and la)er +e c(uld +a,e '&(rn +e +ad cal3ed an0 ,ir/inal 1ear' )+a) ')ill lin/ered4 "e +ad )+e 3ar6' )( *r(,e i). '( &+a) )+e +ell &a' +er /a3e> A c(ld. di'dain1ul '3ile )&i')ed +i' &ide 3(u)+4 "e +ad +ad 3(re )+an en(u/+ &i)+ +i' 1ir') &i1e )r0in/ )( )ie +i3 in 6n()' &i)+ 'e54 "e +ad '((n di'illu'i(ned +er and +e &a' da3ned i1 +e &a' /(in/ )( le) )+i' (ne )r0 )+e 'a3e )ric6'4 Wi)+ eac+ *a''in/ 'ec(nd "elen &a' c(n'ci(u' (1 )+e -uildin/ )en'i(n4 S+e c(uld 1eel +i' -arel0 lea'+ed an/er al3(') *+0'icall0. -u) '+e re1u'ed )( re'*(nd )( +i' 'u//e')i,e 7i-e4 In')ead '+e 'i3*l0 ')ared u* a) +i34 "er +ear) &a' *(undin/ in +er c+e'). +er c(n,ic)i(n (1 3(3en)' a/( )+a) Le(n &(uld 'ee rea'(n )a6in/ a n('edi,e4 And &+a) +ad +a**ened )( )+e call' +e &a' 'u**('ed )( -e 3a6in/> "ed 'aid +(ur' and i) &a' -arel0 )+ir)0 3inu)e'4 <N()+in/ )( 'a0. "elen> "i' -lac6 e0e'. c(ld and +ard a' ')(ne. ')ared d(&n in)( +er'4 <Y(u 'aid 0(u &ere /(in/ )( &(r6. '+e 'na**ed -ac6 and )ried )( i/n(re )+e )ric6le (1 1ear 'na6in/ i)' &a0 d(&n +er '*ine4 <S( I did. -u) Anna. &+ile -era)in/ 3e (n all(&in/ 30 ,er0 ne& -ride )( /( )( -ed (n +er (&n. al'( le) 'li* )+a) 0(u +ad c+('en a -edr((3 1(r a ')ud04 "i' +ard 3(u)+ )&i')ed in a deri'i,e '3ile4 <S+e i' a )ru')in/ '(ul and I
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

d(u-) i) e,er cr(''ed +er 3ind 0(u &(uld 'lee* in )+e r((34 Bu). 'ur*ri'e. 'ur*ri'e. I a3 n(&+ere near a' )ru')in/ and decided )( c+ec64 <O+4 <O+4"i' dar6 e0e' 3(c6ed +er ru)+le''l04 <I' )+a) all 0(u +a,e )( 'a0 1(r 0(ur'el1> "elen '&all(&ed d(&n )+e ner,(u' lu3* in +er )+r(a) and 'aid -ra,el0. <I )(ld 0(u la') ni/+) I &a' n() '+arin/ 0(ur r((3 a/ain4 <W+0> +e de3anded &i)+ an arr(/ance )+a) 3addened +er4 <A1)er la') ni/+) )+ere i' n() a *ar) (1 0(ur -(d0 )+a) I d(n) 6n(& in)i3a)el04 I) &a' )rue4 Bu) i) did n() +el* +er *recari(u' +(ld (n +er )e3*er )( -e re3inded and '+e dra//ed an an/r0 -rea)+ in)( +er (50/en9')ar,ed lun/'4 <Y(u are di'/u')in/. '+e '*a). and )(re +er /a2e a&a0 1r(3 +i' +ar'+l0 a))rac)i,e 1ace4 Le(n 3(,ed cl('er. +i' -i/ -(d0 l((3in/ (,er +er in)i3ida)in/l04 "i' -lac6 '+ir) &a' *ulled )au) acr('' +i' -r(ad '+(ulder'. )+e )(* )+ree -u))(n' &ere und(ne. re,ealin/ +i' -lac6 curlin/ -(d0 +air4 A) lea') +e +ad n() undre''ed. '+e )+(u/+). a 'udden '+a3e1ul i3a/e (1 +i3 na6ed 1la'+in/ )+r(u/+ +er 3ind4 <$( a&a04 And '+e 3ean) 1r(3 +er 3ind a' 3uc+ a' )+e r((34 <Ju') /( a&a04 Wi)+(u) a &(rd +e reac+ed d(&n and &renc+ed )+e c(,er' 1r(3 +er /ra'*4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<D(n) 0(u dare. '+e cried. /ra--in/ )+e c(,er &i)+ +er 1ree +and -e1(re 1lin/in/ )+e 3u/ (1 c(c(a ')rai/+) a) +i34 T+e 3u/ -(unced (11 +i' c+e'). '*readin/ +() c+(c(la)e all (,er +i34 S+e 'a& +i' +ead 7er6 -ac6 and '+e ')ared in a-'(lu)e +(rr(r a) &+a) '+e +ad d(ne4 #'uall0 '+e &a' )+e cal3e'). 3(') e,en9)e3*ered (1 &(3en4 S+e +ad ne,er c(33i))ed a ,i(len) ac) in +er li1e4 O+. 30 $(d= S+e 3i/+) +a,e 'calded +i3; a li))le +i/+er. '+e c(uld +a,e 'carred +i' 1ace4 <I3 '(rr0. '( '(rr0. '+e 'aid. +er /uil) ridden /a2e 1i5ed (n +i'4 Le(n' 1ace &a' a' -lac6 a' )+under. +i' dar6 e0e' +ard a' 7e)4 <Y(u da3n &ell &ill -e4 "e '&(re and +auled +er (u) (1 )+e -ed. )+r(&in/ +er (,er +i' '+(ulder4 S+e )ried )( ')ru//le. 'uddenl0 ,er0 a1raid. -u) +e &a' 1ar )(( *(&er1ul 1(r +er4 "e ')(r3ed ')rai/+) in)( )+e -a)+r((3 and. dr(**in/ +er )( )+e 1l((r. +e l(c6ed )+e d((r -e+ind +i34 Di220 1r(3 -ein/ +eld u*'ide d(&n. )+e -l((d *(undin/ in +er +ead. '+e )((6 a 3(3en) )( 1(cu'4 W+en '+e did '+e 'a& +e +ad re3(,ed +i' '+ir) and +i' c+e') +air &a' da3* and ')ic60 &i)+ c(c(a4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<I reall0 a3 '(rr04 S+e )ried )( a*(l(/i'e. -u) '+e &a' )(( la)e4 "e /a,e +er a 6illin/ l((64 "i' ar3 cla3*ed ar(und +er &ai'). and. 6ic6in/ (11 +i' '+(e'. +e +erded +er in)( )+e '+(&er4 "e )urned (n )+e &a)er. and '*un +er ar(und )( 1ace +i34 "e /ra'*ed +er +and and 'la**ed )+e '(a* in +er *al34 <N(& 0(u are /(in/ )( &a'+ (11 e,er0 dr(* (1 0(ur cra20 +andi&(r6. +e +i''ed &i)+ a 'i-ilan) '(1)ne'' )+a) &a' 3(re 1ri/+)enin/ )+an +i' an/er4 T+e &a)er *(unded d(&n (n +er. and '+e ')ared a) +i3 &ide9e0ed and )erri1ied4 "e &a' (nl0 inc+e' a&a0 1r(3 +er and '+e did n() need +er c(n)ac) len'e' )( 'ee e,er0 3u'cle and 'ine& in +i' /rea) -(d0 &a' )au) &i)+ ra/e4 F(r (nce '+e )+an6ed )+e L(rd '+e &a' '3all4 "er +ead -arel0 reac+ed +i' '+(ulder' and '+e did n() +a,e )( l((6 a) +i' +ard. 1uri(u' 1ace4 Bu) +er e3-arra''3en) &a' acu)e a' )+e &a)er *la')ered +er '+ir) )( +er '6in re,ealin/ e,er0 cur,e and +(ll(& (1 +er -(d04 <W+a) are 0(u &ai)in/ 1(r> "i' +and' cau/+) +er &ri') and li1)ed +er +and )( +i' c+e')4 <Wa'+4 S+e '&all(&ed d(&n )+e re1u'al )+a) '*ran/ )( +er li*'. and -e/an la)+erin/ +i' c+e')4 T+e 1eel (1 +i' &ar3. &e) '6in -enea)+ +er *al3. )+e +ard 3u'cula)ure (1 +i' c+e'). &ere a 'en'ual )(r)ure )+a) 3ade +er +ear) race4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<#'e -()+ +and'4 I a3 a -i/ 3an. +e (rdered +ar'+l04 S+e cl('ed +er e0e' and. ru--in/ )+e '(a* -e)&een +er *al3'. '+e '*la0ed +er +and' (n +i' c+e') and 3(,ed )+e3 in e,er9&idenin/ circle'4 "e 1el) '( /((d and. a**alled a) &+ere +er )+(u/+)' &ere )a6in/ +er '+e /a'*ed4 <T+ere4 "er e0e' 1l0in/ (*en. '+e 3(,ed -ac6 un)il )+e &all (1 )+e '+(&er ')(**ed +er4 <I) i' d(ne4 Drenc+ed and -a))lin/ )( 6ee* +i' ra/e under c(n)r(l. Le(n ')ared 1uri(u'l0 d(&n a) +er4 S+e &a' d(ne &+en +e 'aid '(4 "e cau/+) )+e '+i33er (1 'e5ual a&arene'' in )+e dar6enin/ de*)+' (1 +er ,i(le) e0e'4 Sa& +er '3all. *er1ec)l0 1(r3ed -rea')' *ea6in/ a/ain') )+e &e) '+ir) and 'uddenl0. 1r(3 -ein/ ri/id &i)+ 1ur0 a) +er &ild ac)i(n. +e 1el) +i' -(d0 +ardenin/ &i)+ a )()all0 di11eren) e3()i(n4 <N() 0e). i) i'n). +e )(ld +er4 <N() )( 30 'a)i'1ac)i(n4 S+eddin/ +i' )r(u'er'. +e reac+ed 1(r +er and ')ri**ed )+e '+ir) 1r(3 +er -(d04 <N(. '+e )ried )( (-7ec)4 Bu) +er denial &a' &ea64 Triu3*+ 'ur/ed )+(u/+ +i3 al(n/ &i)+ a de,ili'+ de'ire )( *(''e'' +er '( c(3*le)el0 and u))erl0 )+a) '+e &(uld ne,er a/ain )r0 )( de10 +i34 Slidin/ an ar3 ar(und +er -ac6 +e dre& +er a/ain') +i34 <Ye'. "elen. +e dra&led and. )a6in/ +er c+in -e)&een +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1in/er' and )+u3-. +e 1(rced +er )( l((6 a) +i34 <T+e c+(c(la)e 1l(&ed d(&n 30 -(d04 Y(u need )( &a'+ l(&er. +e c(33anded 'il6il0. ')r(6in/ a +and u* +er -ac6 -e1(re )railin/ d(&n )+e inden)a)i(n (1 +er '*ine )( 1inall0 cur,e +er *er) rear4 F(r a 3(3en) +e 1el) +er 'li/+) re'i')ance4 "e *re''ed +er cl('er a/ain') +i' n(& )+r(--in/ ar(u'al and 1el) +er '+udder in +el*le'' re'*(n'e4 We). na6ed and +eld a/ain') +i' -i/ -(d0. "elen &a' ,i)all0 a&are (1 )+e +ard ')ren/)+ (1 +i3 a/ain') +er -ell04 S+e ')ared u* a) +i3 and )+e 3(c6in/ e0e' )+a) +eld +er' /lea3ed &i)+ a 3(l)en 'en'uali)0 )+a) 3ade +er ')(3ac+ '(3er'aul)4 Wi)+ +er &+(le -(d0 reac)in/ )reac+er(u'l0 )( )+e 'lidin/ care'' (1 +i' +and a/ain') +er na6ed 1le'+. '+e c(uld -arel0 -rea)+e4 De'ire lanced )+r(u/+ +er. &ea6enin/ +er re'i')ance. ')ill '+e )ried )( '+a6e +er +ead 1ree 1r(3 +i' +(ld4 Bu) +i' /ri* )i/+)ened (n +er c+in4 <E,er0 ac)i(n +a' a reac)i(n4 Re3e3-er )+a). "elen. and &e &ill /e) al(n/ 1ine4 "e 3(,ed +i' +and 1r(3 +er c+in )( '&ee* )+e &e) +air 1r(3 +er 1ace4 <Bu) Ill '*are 0(ur -lu'+e' )+i' )i3e. +e declared '(1)l0 +i' dar6 e0e' /lea3in/ &i)+ an un+(l0 li/+)4 Ta6in/ )+e '(a* 1r(3 +er unre'i')in/ +and +e ')r(6ed i) d(&n +i' c+e') and l(&er -e)&een )+eir -(die'4 S+e &a' *re''ed a/ain') )+e i3*re''i,e len/)+ (1 +i3. and )+e -ac6 (1 +i' +and )railin/ d(&n +er qui,erin/ ')(3ac+ i/ni)ed a -urnin/ de'ire in +er )re3-lin/ -(d0 )+a) '+((6
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+er )( )+e de*)+' (1 +er -ein/4 S+e did n() &an) )( 1eel )+i' &a0 a-(u) +i34 T+en. )urnin/ +i' +and. +e cu**ed +er -e)&een +er )+i/+' and i) &a' '( '+(c6in/l0 in)i3a)e "elen c(uldn) +(ld -ac6 a 3(an4 "e /a,e a l(& lau/+ and *r(ceeded )( la)+er +er )+ere. e,er0&+ere4 S+e cl('ed +er e0e' a' +e e5*l(red and care''ed +er +(). &e) 1le'+. all )+(u/+) (1 re'i')ance -ani'+ed 1r(3 +er 3ind4 S+e '+uddered a' +i' +and ')r(6ed -ac6 u* (,er +er ')(3ac+ and (n )( 3a''a/e )+e 1ullne'' (1 +er -rea')'4 W+en +e +ad dr(**ed )+e '(a* '+e +ad n( idea4 T+e &a)er -linded +er and +er &+(le -(d0 *ul'ed &i)+ *lea'ure4 <I a3 al3(') d(ne. +e 'aid r(u/+l04 <Y(u reall0 d( +a,e )+e 3(') delec)a-le -(d04 A +el*le'' 3(an e'ca*ed +er and '+e reac+ed 1(r +i' -r(ad '+(ulder'4 "i' dar6 +ead -en) and +e ur/ed +er a/ain') )+e ')r(n/ *(&er (1 +i' )+i/+' a' +i' 3(u)+ )((6 'a,a/e *(''e''i(n (1 +er'4 "er +ead &a' i3*elled -ac6 a/ain') )+e '+(&er &all a) )+e 1(rce (1 +i' 6i''. -u) '+e didn) n()ice a' '+e '+((6 &i)+ need and re'*(nded &i)+ a -lind +un/er (1 +er (&n4 "i' )(n/ue e5*l(red +er 3(u)+ &i)+ a &+i)e9+() 'e5ual 1(rce )+a) dr(,e +er (u) (1 +er 3ind4 W+en +e li1)ed +er. +i' ')r(n/ +and' cu**in/ +er -u))(c6'. '+e in')inc)i,el0 cr(''ed +er le/' ar(und +i' &ai'). 1ran)ic 1(r +i3 )( 1ill +er. *(''e'' +er. &an)in/ +i3 &i)+ a *a''i(n )+a) &a' al3(') *ain4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+air 1r(3 +er 1ace -e1(re *lacin/ a '(1) 6i'' (n +er lu'+ li*'4 <$((d4 e )((. +e ad3i))ed +u'6il04 <S( n( 3(re ar/u3en)' a-(u) '+arin/ 30 -ed. +334 "e li1)ed +er (u) (1 )+e '+(&er and. )a6in/ a )(&el 1r(3 )+e rail. +e &ra**ed i) ar(und +er -ac64 S+e &a' e,er0)+in/ +e re3e3-ered 1r(3 )+e ,er0 1ir') )i3e +ed 'e) e0e' (n +er 0ear' a/(4 "er -rea')' &ere +i/+ and 1ir3 &i)+ *er1ec) *in6 )i*'. +er &ai') )in0. and n(& +e 6ne& '+e &a' a na)ural -l(nde4 S+e &a' '( 3uc+ 3(re )+an +e +ad e5*ec)ed4 Fr(3 )+e ,er0 -e/innin/ +e +ad 'en'ed +er a&arene'' (1 +i3. 6n(&n +e c(uld +a,e +er. -u) +e +ad ne,er i3a/ined '+e &(uld -e '( &ildl0 re'*(n'i,e )( +i34 <And n( 3(re 1lin/in/ cu*' (1 c+(c(la)e4 "e 6n())ed )+e )(&el -e)&een +er -rea')' and ')e**ed -ac64 <I a3 n() ea'0 )( an/er. -u) I d( +a,e a )e3*er. +e ad3i))ed and. )a6in/ an()+er )(&el. +e &ra**ed i) ar(und +i' +i*'4 "elen /a2ed a) +i3 +el*le''l04 "e &a' '( c((l. '( in c(n)r(l i) &a' incredi-le. &+erea' '+e did n() 6n(& +er'el1 an0 3(re. +er e3()i(n' &ere all (,er )+e *lace4 "(ne')0 1(rced +er )( ad3i) i) &a' +er )e3*er )+a) +ad ')ar)ed )+e c(n1r(n)a)i(n and +i' )e3*er )+a) +ad /() )+e3 in +ere4 A' 1(r &+a) +ad +a**ened a1)er&ard'. i) &a' a' 3uc+ +er 1aul) a' +i'. '+e )+(u/+). /lancin/ ar(und )+e '3all. ')ea30 r((34 <O+. 30 $(d= I can) -elie,e I did )+a) in a -a)+r((34 N()
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-e +(rri1ied a) )+e 3e'' &e +a,e 3ade4 <Y(u &(rr0 )(( 3uc+. +e 3(c6ed4 <Anna &(n) 3ind; '+e +a' *len)0 (1 ')a11 )( +el* +er clean u*4 "e /lanced ar(und )+e r((3. and *au'ed4 "e +ad -een )(( an/r0 )( n()ice )+e r((3 &+en +e +ad ')(r3ed in. +i' &+(le a))en)i(n (n )+e &(3an in )+e -ed. -u) n(& +e l((6ed ar(und4 S(3e 1urni)ure &a' '+(,ed a/ain') (ne &all. and an ea'el ')((d in 1r(n) (1 )+e &ind(& &i)+ -((6'. *ain)' and ()+er ')u11 li))erin/ )+e dee* &ind(& 'ill4 <Y(u *ain). +e 'aid in a')(ni'+3en). and '(3e 3e3(r0 ni//led a) )+e -ac6 (1 +i' 3ind4 <W+0 didn) 0(u )ell 3e> <I3 an illu')ra)(r. '+e 'na**ed. &ri//lin/ in +i' ar3'4 <I )+(u/+) i) &a' (-,i(u'4 I )(ld 0(u 30 &eddin/ dre'' &a' Nic+(la' c+(ice4 I) &a' )+e 'a3e ')0le a' )+e (ne )+e 1air0 i' &earin/ in )+e *ic)ure (n +i' -edr((3 &all a) +(3e. )+e (ne I did 1(r a c+ildren' -((64 I a3 n() )+e u'ele'' li))le &(3an 0(u 'ee3 )( )+in6. and &ill 0(u *u) 3e d(&n> Le(n' e0e' 1lared4 O1 c(ur'e. )+e dra&in/ in )+e -(0' r((34 "e l((6ed d(&n in)( +er 1lu'+ed 1ace &i)+ -arel0 c(ncealed a3u'e3en) in +i'4 T+a) &a' &+0 +e +ad )+(u/+) '+e l((6ed 1a3iliar (n )+eir &eddin/ da0. +er dre'' +ad -een a re*lica (1 )+e (ne )+e 1air0 &(re. +e reali'ed. )+(u/+ (n "elen i) +ad l((6ed 'e50. -u). 0e'. a li))le 1e04 <I didn) -elie,e 0(u &+en 0(u 'aid Nic+(la' +ad c+('en 0(ur dre''4 "e '+((6 +i' +ead in &(nder4 "i' &i1e &a' a
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)alen)ed ar)i') al(n/ &i)+ +er 3(re (-,i(u' )alen)'4 S+e ne,er cea'ed )( 'ur*ri'e +i34 "e )i/+)ened +i' +(ld (n +er and *re''ed a '&i1) 6i'' (n )(* (1 +er +ead4 <Y(u and I need )( )al64 I &an) )( 6n(& &+a) ()+er 'ecre)' 0(u are 6ee*in/ 1r(3 3e4 Bu) n() +ere4 "e ')r(de 1(r&ard4 S+e /lanced ar(und )+e 3e''0 -edr((3 a' +e +eaded 1(r )+e d((r and 1(r '(3e rea'(n '+e 1el) a' i1 '+e (&ed +i3 an e5*lana)i(n4 <I a'6ed Anna 1(r a r((3 1(r a ')udi(4 S+e didn) 6n(& I &a' /(in/ )( 'lee* +ere4 <I a3 'ure '+e didn). Le(n dra&led. ')ridin/ in)( )+e +all4 <Anna i' a +(*ele'' r(3an)ic and I 'ee n( rea'(n )( di'illu'i(n +er4 "e /lanced d(&n a) +er 1lu'+ed 1ace4 <Luc6il0 0(u and I +a,e n( 'uc+ illu'i(n'. c(rrec)> <I a3 n() 'ure I 6n(& &+a) 0(u 3ean. "elen 3ur3ured a' +e el-(&ed )+e d((r (*en in)( )+e 3a')er 'ui)e and /en)l0 l(&ered +er )( +er 1ee). +i' +and' l(('el0 cla'*in/ +er &ai')4 "i' dar6 e0e' narr(&ed a')u)el0 (n +er /uarded 1ace4 <Anna +a' r(3an)ic n()i(n' (1 l(,e and 3arria/e (u) (1 all *r(*(r)i(n )( reali)04 !r(-a-l0 -ecau'e '+e +a' ne,er 3arried. +e 'aid c0nicall04 <Ta6e i) 1r(3 (ne &+( 6n(&': &+a) 0(u and I +a,e i' '( 3uc+ -e))er4 <And &+a) e5ac)l0 d( &e +a,e> "elen a'6ed. +er +ear) 'in6in/4 T+e *a''i(na)e l(,er (1 3(3en)' a/(. )+e 3an
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&+( +ad a&a6ened +er -(d0 in a &a0 '+e +ad ne,er drea3) *(''i-le. &a' (nce a/ain l((6in/ a) +er &i)+ c(ld. 3(c6in/ e0e'4 And i) cr(''ed +er 3ind )( &(nder &+0 +e &a' '( +ard9+ear)ed. (r i1 +e +ad a +ear) a) all4 <We +a,e a c+ild )( care 1(r. and &e +a,e )+i'4 A' +i' 3(u)+ )((6 +er' in a 6i'' )+a) le1) +er li*' )in/lin/ and +er )e3*er ri'in/4 <Se5. '+e '*a)4 <D(n) -e '( quic6 )( 6n(c6 i). "elen4 $rea) 'e5 i' a +ell (1 a l() 3(re )+an '(3e '(9called l(,e 3a)c+e' e,er ac+ie,e. +e ')a)ed deci'i,el04 <And +(&e,er 3uc+ 0(ur c(n'er,a)i,e li))le 3ind &i'+e' i) &a' ()+er&i'e. )+e *+0'ical c+e3i')r0 -e)&een u' i' d0na3i)e4 F(r +er. 0e'. -u) 1(r Le(n '+e &a'n) '( 'ure4 "e &a' a '(*+i')ica)ed. e5*erienced l(,er and +e +ad n() /() )+a) &a0 -ein/ celi-a)e. '+e )+(u/+) -i))erl04 <I +a,e )( )a6e 0(ur &(rd 1(r )+a) a' I +a,e n( e5*erience e5ce*) 0(u )( dra& (n4 Acc(rdin/ )( Delia. n() '(3e)+in/ )+e Ari')ide' 3en e,er 'u11er 1r(3 3uc+ *a') *u-er)04 T+e0 are n()ed 1(r )+eir (-edien) &i,e' and c(un)le'' 3i')re''e'. '+e dra&led deri'i,el04 <Da3n Delia. +e '&(re4 <S+e /() an idea in +er +ead and ')uc6 &i)+ i) )( )+e end. 7u') li6e (ur 3()+er4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Y(ur 3()+er> '+e queried. 3(3en)aril0 di,er)ed 1r(3 +er 'ee)+in/ re'en)3en) (1 )+e 3an4 "i' 3(u)+ )&i')ed in a c(ld '3ile4 <Y(ur in)ere') in 30 1a3il0 +a' -een l(n/ -u) 1la&ed. '&ee)+ear)4 a0-e i) i' )i3e 0(u +eard )+e )ru)+4 Leadin/ +er )( )+e -ed. +e 'a) d(&n and *ulled +er d(&n -e'ide +i3. a l(n/ ar3 'lidin/ ar(und +er &ai') )( 6ee* +er )+ere4 <Y(u and I need )( +a,e a )al6 )( /e) a 1e& )+in/' ')rai/+)4 A' 0(u 'aid I &a' la-(urin/ under )+e illu'i(n 0(u did n()+in/ e5ce*) l((6 a1)er c+ildren. and n(& I 6n(& di11eren)4 Y(ure an ar)i') in 0(ur (&n ri/+)4 T(3(rr(& a *r(*er ')udi( &ill -e *r(,ided 1(r 0(u4 Bu) -0 )+e 'a3e )(6en 0(ur c(nce*) (1 3e i' )()all0 c(l(ured -0 Delia' (*ini(n' (1 +er 1a3il0 and n() nece''aril0 )rue4 <Sa0' 0(u. '+e 'n(r)ed4 "e i/n(red +er 7i-e and c(n)inued. <C(n)rar0 )( &+a) 0(u )+in6. 30 1a)+er ne,er -la3ed Delia 1(r (ur 3()+er' 'uicide4 I1 an0(ne &a' )( -la3e i) &a' *r(-a-l0 3e4 <Y(u> "i' ')a)e3en) 'ur*ri'ed and in)ri/ued +er4 <Ye'4 A1)er I &a' -(rn '+e +ad a 3en)al -rea6d(&n4 A &r0 '3ile )&i')ed +i' +ard 3(u)+ a) +er '+(c6ed e5*re''i(n4 <S+e &a' in and (u) (1 +('*i)al 1(r 0ear'4 W+0 d( 0(u )+in6 )+ere &a' a 1i1)een90ear /a* -e)&een Delia and I>
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

N() &ai)in/ 1(r +er re'*(n'e +e c(n)inued4 < 0 1a)+er &(r'+i**ed +er4 A) )+a) )i3e *(')na)al de*re''i(n &a' a rela)i,el0 ne& c(nce*) and &a' 'u//e')ed -0 )+e )(* c(n'ul)an) 30 1a)+er +ad +ired )( )rea) +er4 0 1a)+er -elie,ed )+e dia/n('i' and &a' de)er3ined n() )( /e) +er *re/nan) a/ain. al)+(u/+ la)er )+e c(n'ul)an) dia/n('ed -i*(lar di'(rder a' &ell4 "e )+re& (u) +i' +and'4 <Bu) 3i')a6e' +a**en4 A' 1(r +i3 +a,in/ a 3i')re''@+e ne,er l((6ed a) an()+er &(3an un)il l(n/ a1)er 3()+er +ad died4 <Bu) Delia? '+e -e/an. and ')(**ed a' '+e reali'ed Anna' c(33en) earlier )(da0 )+a) +i' 3()+er ne,er cared 1(r +i3 /a,e credence )( Le(n' e5*lana)i(n4 And i) &en) a l(n/ &a0 )( e5*lain +i' +ard. e3()i(nle'' a))i)ude )(&ard' &(3en4 I) &a' +ardl0 'ur*ri'in/ 1(r a 0(un/ -(0 &+( &a' ne,er '+(&n l(,e -0 +i' 3()+er )( /r(& u* n() -elie,in/ in )+e c(nce*)4 <Li')en 1(r a 3(3en). Le(n 'aid cur)l04 <"ard a' i) i' 1(r 3e )( ad3i). &i)+ +ind'i/+) I )+in6 3a0-e Delia &a' +eadin/ 1(r )+e 'a3e *r(-le34 <Y(u reall0 )+in6 )+a)> "elen e5clai3ed4 <Ye'4 "e n(dded &i)+ a /ri3 l((6 a-(u) +i' 1ir3 3(u)+4 <Did i) ne,er (ccur )( 0(u )+a) Delia /a,e +er -a-0 in)( 0(ur care re3ar6a-l0 ea'il0> And 1r(3 &+a) I can /a)+er '+e &a'n) ar(und ,er0 3uc+4 <N(. cer)ainl0 n(). "elen '+() -ac64 S+e didn) &an) )( )+in6 Delia c(uld +a,e -een &r(n/ in +er a''e''3en) (1 +er
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

(&n 1a3il0. -ecau'e i1 '+e did i) 3ade +er (&n ac)i(n' inde1en'i-le4 <S+e a'6ed 3e )( care 1(r Nic+(la' -e1(re +e &a' -(rn4 S+e )(ld 3e@ <I 6n(& &+a) '+e )(ld 0(u. +e cu) +er (114 <And 0(ure *r(-a-l0 ri/+)@1(r/e) I 'aid an0)+in/ and le)' /e) -ac6 )( u'4 F(r Le(n )( a/ree &i)+ +er &a' a '+(c6 )( +er '0')e3. and *arad(5icall0 n() (ne '+e c(uld 1ull0 acce*). -u) &+a) +a**ened ne5) &a' an e,en -i//er '+(c64 "e *laced +i' +and (n +er c+ee6 and )il)ed +er +ead )(&ard' +i34 <A' 1(r 3e@ +i' dar6 e0e' l(c6ed (n +er' &i)+ *iercin/ in)en'i)0 <@I a3 (lder )+an 0(u. and na)urall0 )+ere +a,e -een a nu3-er (1 &(3en in 30 li1e4 Bu) I can a''ure 0(u I +a,e al&a0' -een 3(n(/a3(u' 1(r a' l(n/ a' a rela)i(n'+i* la')ed. and I &a' ne,er un1ai)+1ul )( 30 &i1e a' l(n/ a' '+e &a' 1ai)+1ul )( 3e4 <I 'ee. "elen 3ur3ured. quie)ened -0 )+e )+(u/+) (1 +i' 1ir') &i1e4 Tina +ad -een ,er0 -eau)i1ul and +ad died )ra/icall0 al(n/ &i)+ +er -a-04 a0-e )+a) &a' an()+er rea'(n &+0 Le(n did n() -elie,e in l(,e an0 3(re4 Becau'e 3a0-e. c(n)rar0 )( &+a) "elen +ad -een led )( -elie,e. +e +ad l(,ed Tina and '+e +ad -een cruell0 )a6en 1r(3 +i34 <D( 0(u. I &(nder> "e rai'ed +i' -lac6 -r(&' (,er +i' dee*9'e) dar6 e0e' and cau/+) +er +and in +i' and li1)ed i) )( +i' li*'. 6i''in/ )+e /(ld -and (n +er 1in/er4 <Our' 3a0 +a,e -een a c(n,enien) 3arria/e. "elen. -u) )+ere i' n(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ar(u'ed a +un/er in +er. a need )+a) '+e &a'n) read0 )( /i,e u* 7u') 0e)4 I1 e,er. '+e )+(u/+) a' +e )i**ed +er -ac6 (n )+e -ed4 CHAPTER NINE "ELEN STIRRED.LAFILY c(n'ci(u' (1 )+e &ar3)+ (1 a +ard 3ale -(d0 *re''ed a/ain') +er -ac6. and )+e /en)le care'' (1 a +and a) +er -rea')4 "er e0e' 1lic6ered (*en and drea3il0 '+e re/i')ered )+e 1ir3 li*' nu22lin/ +er nec6 and in')inc)i,el0 )urned )(&ard' )+e '(urce (1 *lea'ure4 "er e0e' &idened4 <Le(n4 "i' -r(ad c+e') &a' an/led )(&ard' +er. a que')i(n /lea3in/ in +i' dar6 '3(ulderin/ e0e'4 A '&i1) )u/ (1 de'ire *luc6ed a) +er +ear) ')rin/' and '+e c(uld n( 3(re den0 +i3 (r +er'el1 a' )+e e,en)' (1 la') ni/+) 1la'+ed )+r(u/+ +er -rain and. equall0 quic6l0. a -lu'+ c(,ered +er &+(le -(d04 <I '+(uld +(*e '(. "elen. +e 3(c6ed. and +i' li*' -ru'+ed li/+)l0 a/ain') +er 3(u)+ 'endin/ a '+i,er )+r(u/+ +er4 <I a3 0(ur +u'-and4 "e c+uc6led '(1)l04 A' i1 *r(/ra33ed )( +i' )(uc+ +er li*' *ar)ed. +er e0e' dri1)ed '+u) and '+e +el*le''l0 'urrendered )( )+e e5qui'i)e )e3*)a)i(n (1 +i' 6i''4 <W+a) )+e +ell>
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e /r(aned a) )+e a-ru*) &i)+dra&al (1 +i' 3(u)+ 1r(3 +er'4 S+e +eard )+e r(ar and (*ened +er e0e' )( 'ee Nic+(la' 'cra3-lin/ u* (,er Le(n' )+i/+' )(&ard' +er4 <"elen4 C+u--0 ar3' reac+ed (u) )( +er. +i' li))le 1ace all '3ile'4 I33edia)el0 '+e rai'ed +er ar3' )( cuddle +i3. -u) Le(n 'a) u* and )((6 a 1ir3 +(ld (n )+e -(04 <$((d 3(rnin/. Nic+(la'. +e /ree)ed dr0l0. *re''in/ a '&i1) 6i'' (n +i' '3all +ead4 <Y(u and I. 0(un/ 3an. +a,e )( +a,e a )al64 Fir') rule (1 )+e +(u'e i' 0(u d( n() -ar/e in)( (ur -edr((3 a) )+e crac6 (1 da&n4 #nder')and> <W+a) are 0(u d(in/ in 30 "elen' -ed> Nic+(la' de3anded4 <We are 3arried and 3arried c(u*le' '+are a -ed4 <S( &+0 can) I c(3e in a) da&n> "elen /lanced a) Le(n and +id a '3ile4 "e l((6ed '( ad(ra-le &i)+ +i' -lac6 +air curlin/ +a*+a2ardl0 (,er +i' -r(&. and '( 3a/ni1icen)l0 3ale4 "i' -r(ad. 3u'cular c+e') /lea3ed in )+e 3(rnin/ li/+) and )+e '&i1)l0 *laced c(,erle) +e +ad dra//ed (,er +i' )+i/+' did n() qui)e +ide )+e e3-arra''in/ ')a)e (1 +i' 'e54 T+e *er*le5ed. 1ru')ra)ed e5*re''i(n (n +i' dar6 1ace 'aid i) all4 "e &a' a-(u) )( di'c(,er 'e5 &a' n() e,er0)+in/ in a 3arria/e4 "e &a' -ein/ )+r(&n in)( 1a)+er+((d a) )+e dee* end and +e +adn) a clue. '+e )+(u/+). and &ai)ed )( +ear +er ,er0 ne& +u'-and' an'&er4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Becau'e "elen i' 30 &i1e n(&. and I 'aid '(4 W+a) a c(*9(u)4 S+e &a)c+ed &i)+ in)ere') a' )+e 3an and -(0 &i)+ al3(') iden)ical e0e' ')ared a) eac+ ()+er. 1ull0 e5*ec)in/ Nic+(la' )( 0ell +i' di'*lea'ure a) -ein/ denied +i' earl093(rnin/ cuddle4 Bu) )( +er a3a2e3en) +e re')ed a +and (n Le(n' c+e') and )urned +i' -i/ e0e' )( +er4 < ar6 'aid )+a) n(& 0(u )&( are 3arried )+a) 3a6e' 0(u 30 3u3 and dad4 I' )+a) ri/+)> I) &a' "elen' )urn )( -e l(') 1(r &(rd'4 Bu) Le(n +ad n( 'uc+ *r(-le34 < ar6 i' ri/+). +e 'aid4 <We are (11iciall0 0(ur 3()+er and 1a)+er4 <T+en I can call 0(u u3 and Dad>

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'+e 6ne& '+e +ad reac+ed )+e ul)i3a)e *(in) (1 n( re)urn4 S+e +ad 3arried Le(n '( '+e c(uld ')a0 &i)+ Nic+(la'. -e a 3()+er )( +i3. -u) '+e +ad n() reall0 c(n'idered Le(n a' an0)+in/ ()+er )+an +i' uncle4 In )+e -ac6 (1 +er 3ind '+e +ad )+(u/+) a 3an li6e Le(n &(uld n() &an) )(( cl('e a c(33i)3en) )( an()+er 3an' c+ild@a1)er all. +e &(uld *r(-a-l0 &an) )( 1a)+er a c+ild (1 +i' (&n (ne da04 "e +ad '+(c6ed +er &i)+ +i' in')an) acce*)ance (1 Nic+(la' reque')4 S(3e da0 3a0-e '+e +ad )+(u/+) Nic+(la' &(uld acce*) )+e3 a' +i' 3u3 and dad4 Bu) )+a) i) +ad +a**ened '( quic6l0 'ur*ri'ed +er4 "i' -i(l(/ical 3()+er +ad died (nl0 )&( 3(n)+' a/(. and )+(u/+ '+e 6ne& Delia &(uld (nl0 e,er +a,e &an)ed &+a) 3ade Nic+(la' +a**0 '+e c(uld n() +el* 1eelin/ /uil)04 T+e dea)+ (1 +er -e') 1riend +ad /i,en "elen +er deare') &i'+ and )+e )+(u/+) *la0ed (n +er c(n'cience. li1e 'ee3ed '( un1air4 N() 7u') -ecau'e (1 +er /uil) )+a) Nic+(la' +ad acce*)ed +er a' +i' 3u3 '( '&i1)l0. -u) al'( -ecau'e i) +ad 'uddenl0 (ccurred )( +er )+a) Le(n +ad n() u'ed an0 *r()ec)i(n a1)er )+e 1ir') )i3e )+e0 +ad 3ade l(,e4 I1 +e +ar-(ured '(3e 3i'/uided -elie1 )+a) '+e &(uld *r(,ide +i3 &i)+ a c+ild +e &a' in 1(r a -i/ di'a**(in)3en)4 S+e &(uld +a,e )( )ell +i34 <"elen4 S+e +eard Le(n *r(3*). and 6ne& n(& &a'n) )+e )i3e4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

And unle'' '+e &an)ed )( l((6 li6e a &ic6ed &i)c+ (1 )+e &e') )( Nic+(la'. '+e +ad )( a/ree. and in +er +ear) (1 +ear)' '+e 6ne& i) &a' &+a) '+e &an)ed. and &i)+ a 'ilen) *ra0er (1 )+an6' )( Delia '+e a/reed4 <Ye'. darlin/4 S+e reac+ed 1(r Nic+(la' and cuddled +i3 a/ain') +er. )ear' (1 'adne'' and 7(0 ')in/in/ +er e0e'4 <#ncle Le(n and I l(,e 0(u ,er0 3uc+ and &e &(uld -e +(n(ured )( -e called u3 and Dad. i1 )+a)' &+a) 0(u &an)4 Bu) 0(u d( under')and 0(u 3u') al&a0' re3e3-er Delia &i)+ +a**ine'' and 7(0 a' )+e 3()+er &+( /a,e 0(u li1e4 O6a0> <Ye'. /rea)? u3. +e 'aid &i)+ a /rin. and +u//ed +er -ac64 <C(3e (n. Nic+(la'4 Le(n 'lid (11 )+e -ed. )uc6in/ a di'carded )(&el 1r(3 la') ni/+) ar(und +i' lean +i*'. 3uc+ )( "elen' relie1. and *luc6ed Nic+(la' 1r(3 +er ar3'4 <I &ill +el* 0(u /e) dre''ed. and "elen can +a,e a re')4 S+e need' i)4 "e &in6ed a) +er4 <And 0(u need a nann04 <W+a) i' a nann0> "elen +eard Nic+(la' a'6 a' Le(n '&e*) +i3 u* (n +i' '+(ulder' and +eaded (u) (1 )+e r((34 "i' an'&er &a' l(') )( "elen -0 )+e cl('in/ (1 )+e d((r4 A) )+e 'a3e )i3e '+e reali'ed an()+er d((r +ad cl('ed4 Le(n +ad laid d(&n )+e rule' and Nic+(la' 'a& )+e3 a' +i' 3u3 and dad &+( '+ared a -ed4 #nle'' '+e &a' *re*ared )( u*'e) +i3. )+a) &a' +(& i) 3u') ')a04 T+e +(ar0 (ld 'a0in/
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)+a) '+e +ad 3ade +er -ed and n(& '+e +ad )( lie in i) '*ran/ )( 3ind4 And -ein/ -ru)all0 +(ne') '+e &a' n() a,er'e )( )+e idea an0 3(re4 I) +ad -een ,er0 *lea'an) )( &a6e u* in Le(n' ar3'4 T+a) e,enin/ (,er dinner '+e &a' c(n,inced '+e +ad 3ade )+e ri/+) deci'i(n &+en Le(n 'u//e')ed )+e0 '+(uld le/all0 ad(*) Nic+(la'. and 3a6e +i3 )rul0 )+eir (&n4 "e rec6(ned i) &(uld -e qui)e ')rai/+)1(r&ard a' +e &a' )+e -(0' uncle and '+e &a' alread0 +i' /uardian and +e &(uld /e) C+ri' )( l((6 in)( i) ')rai/+) a&a04 "elen )+(u/+) i) &a' a 3ar,ell(u' idea4 S+e &(uld -e Nic+(la' 3()+er. n() 7u') +i' /uardian un)il +e &a' )&en)09(ne -u) le/all0 1(r li1e. and la)er in -ed )+a) ni/+) '+e didn) )+in6 (1 re'i')in/ &+en Le(n )((6 +er in +i' ar3'4 T+e ne5) 'i5 &ee6' &ere a re,ela)i(n 1(r "elen4 On -e))er acquain)ance &i)+ Anna. '+e ,er0 quic6l0 reali'ed +er +el* &a' n() needed in )+e &ell9(iled runnin/ (1 )+e +(u'e4 A 0(un/ /irl. ar)a. &a' +ired a' Nic+(la' nann0. 3uc+ a/ain') "elen' &i'+e'4 Bu) Le(n 'i3*l0 (,err(de +er ar/u3en)'. *(in)in/ (u) a' +i' &i1e '+e &(uld +a,e '(cial c(33i)3en)' )( 1ul1il and i) &a' un1air )( e5*ec) Anna (r an0 (1 )+e ()+er ')a11 )( )a6e (n )+e e5)ra &(r6 (1 -a-0'i))er4 !lu'. +e +ad added &i)+ a /lea3 in +i' dar6 e0e'. +e didn) a**recia)e )+e -(0 cra&lin/ (,er +i3 1ir') )+in/ in )+e 3(rnin/. n() &+en +e &a' &i)+ +er4 T+en 6i''ed +er 'en'ele''4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

T+e (ne 7(- "elen in'i')ed (n &a' )a6in/ Nic+(la' )( nur'er0 'c+((l. -u) a' a c+au11eur9dri,en car )ran'*(r)ed )+e3 )+ere and -ac6 i) &a'n) reall0 nece''ar04 T+e +i/+ '*() (1 +er 3(rnin/ &a' 3ee)in/ ar0 a1)er dr(**in/ )+e c+ildren (11 and '+arin/ a lei'urel0 c(11ee and /(''i* &i)+ +er a) a l(cal ca184 A) 1ir') '+e +ad 1el) /uil)0 a) 6ee*in/ )+e c+au11eur &ai)in/ -u) ar0 +ad quic6l0 di'a-u'ed +er (1 )+e n()i(n. )ellin/ +er i) &a' n(r3al in Le(n' &(rld )( +a,e a car &ai)in/ a) all )i3e'. and did '+e reall0 &an) )( *u) )+e dri,er (u) (1 a 7(- 1(r )+e du-i(u' *lea'ure (1 dri,in/ )+r(u/+ )+e c+a()ic A)+en' )ra11ic +er'el1> And )+(u/+ '+e &a' a /((d dri,er +er an'&er &a' a re'(undin/ n(4 #'uall0. a1)er c(llec)in/ Nic+(la' 1r(3 nur'er0 'c+((l. )+e0 +ad lunc+ )(/e)+er and '+e '*en) '(3e )i3e *la0in/ &i)+ +i3. -e1(re '*endin/ an +(ur (r )&( (n +er ar)&(r64 S(3e)i3e' '+e le1) +i3 in )+e nann0' care and &(r6ed '(3e 3(re (r &en) (n )+e (cca'i(nal '+(**in/ )ri* &i)+ ar0 ar(und )+e e5*en'i,e ')(re' and -(u)ique' (1 A)+en'. a' '+e &a' d(in/ )(da04 A' 1(r +er +u'-and. '+e 6ne& +i3 a li))le -e))er n(& )+an &+en )+e0 +ad 1ir') 3e) and '+e &a' cau)i(u'l0 +(*e1ul 1(r )+e 1u)ure4 "e a**eared ra)+er au')ere )( 3(') *e(*le. &+ic+ '+e c(nceded &a' +ardl0 'ur*ri'in/ /i,en +e 'ee3ed )( +a,e +ad a *re))0 l(,ele'' c+ild+((d4 S+e didn) d(u-) +e +ad /enuinel0 cared 1(r +i' 'i')er. -u) )+e a/e /a* -e)&een )+e3 *r(-a-l0 acc(un)ed 1(r )+e 3i'c(nce*)i(n' )+e0 +ad +ad (1 eac+ ()+er4 Ye) Le(n &a' -rillian) &i)+ Nic+(la'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&+en +e +ad )+e )i3e. and &+en )+e )+ree (1 )+e3 &ere )(/e)+er u'uall0 a) &ee6end'. '+e c(uld al3(') -elie,e )+e0 &ere a 1a3il04 Bu) Le(n &a' a di11icul) 3an )( )rul0 6n(& e5ce*) in )+e -i-lical 'en'e4 T+ere &a' an al((1ne'' a-(u) +i3 and )+e ')ric) c(n)r(l &i)+ &+ic+ +e c(3*ar)3en)ali'ed +i' li1e &a' daun)in/ )( -e+(ld4 Bu'ine'' &a' +i' )(* *ri(ri)0; +e )+(u/+) n()+in/ (1 1l0in/ (11 )( Ne& Y(r6 (r S0dne0 1(r a 1e& da0' and +ad d(ne '( )+ree )i3e' in )+e '+(r) *eri(d )+e0 +ad -een 3arried4 S+e +ad )ried )( )ell +er'el1 '+e didn) 3ind4 S+e &a' /lad )( +a,e Nic+(la' )( +er'el1 1(r a &+ile. -u) +er (&n inna)e +(ne')0 1(rced +er )( ad3i) '+e did 3i'' +er +u'-and4 La') Wedne'da0 i) +ad -een -r(u/+) '+(c6in/l0 +(3e )( +er 7u') +(& 3uc+4 "e +ad le1) (n )+e (nda0 1(r Ne& Y(r6 and '+e +adn) -een e5*ec)in/ +i3 -ac6 un)il T+ur'da0 a) )+e '((ne')4

A1)er dinner. &i)+ Nic+(la' 1a') a'lee* in -ed. "elen. 1eelin/ (ddl0 re')le''. +ad &andered (u) (n)( )+e ,eranda )( lean a/ain') )+e (rna)e -alu')rade in )+e dar6ne'' &i)+ (nl0 )+e 3((n and ')ar' 1(r c(3*an04 <Well 3e) -0 3((nli/+). 1air "elena4 T+e dee*. +u'60 dra&l 3ade +er +ear) lurc+ in +er -rea') and. )urnin/ +er +ead. '+e 'a& Le(n4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

re'*(n'e )( a l(n/ (,erdue 'e5ual a&a6enin/ (n +er *ar). and +ad n()+in/ )( d( &i)+ l(,e. -u) a1)er la') Wedne'da0 ni/+) '+e c(uldn) *re)end an0 3(re4 S+e l(,ed +i3. '+e c(uld n() +el* +er'el14 "e &a' a &(nder1ul. in,en)i,e l(,er. /ener(u' )( a 1aul). c(ncen)ra)in/ (n +er *lea'ure in 30riad &a0' '+e +ad ne,er i3a/ined *(''i-le. -e1(re 'ee6in/ +i' (&n4 W+en +e &an)ed )( -e. '+e +ad di'c(,ered 3uc+ )( +er 'ur*ri'e. +e &a' an in)elli/en). &i))0 c(n,er'a)i(nali')4 "e +ad an uncann0 6nac6 1(r /i,in/ a )+u3-nail '6e)c+ (1 *e(*le &i)+ a 'u-)le +u3(ur )+a) a**ealed )( +er4 S+e +ad al'( di'c(,ered )+e0 +ad )+e 'a3e )a')e in 3u'ic and '+ared )+e 'a3e l(,e (1 -((6'. Le(n *re1errin/ *(li)ical )+riller' &+ile "elen *re1erred a /((d de)ec)i,e n(,el4 W+en +e +ad reali'ed &+ile readin/ Nic+(la' a -ed)i3e ')(r0 )+a) )+e0 &ere +er +u3(r(u' illu')ra)i(n' all )+e &a0 )+r(u/+ )+e -((6 +e +ad lau/+ed al(ud4 < 0 $(d. "elen. 0(ur )alen)' are )rul0 li3i)le''. +e +ad qui**ed and 6i''ed +er. 3uc+ )( Nic+(la' di'/u')4 T+eir c(n,er'a)i(n' &ere na)urall0 qui)e (1)en a-(u) Nic+(la'. and (1 c(ur'e di'cu''in/ an0 arran/e3en)' Le(n +ad 3ade 1(r )+eir '(cial li1e4 S( 1ar )+e0 +ad '+ared Sunda0 lunc+ &i)+ ar0 and +er 1a3il0 and '(3e)i3e' )+e0 &en) (u) a' a 1(ur'(3e 1(r dinner. all (1 &+ic+ "elen +ad en7(0ed. and a c(u*le (1 1(r3al dinner' &i)+ '(3e (1 +i' -u'ine'' acquain)ance' and )+eir &i,e'. &+ic+ '+e +ad
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Nic+(la' )( +a,e e,er0)+in/ )+e0 de'ired4 T+en +e +ad *re'en)ed +er &i)+ a 1a-ul(u' e3erald and dia3(nd rin/ +ed )(ld +er +e +ad -(u/+) a' +ed +a**ened )( -e *a''in/ Van Clee1 and Ar*el in Ne& Y(r64 T+a) Le(n. +er &(r6a+(lic +u'-and. &+( -0 +i' (&n ad3i''i(n +a)ed '+(**in/. +ad 1(und )i3e in +i' -u'0 'c+edule )( ni* in)( Van Clee1' 7u') 1(r +er &a' &+a) deli/+)ed +er. and /a,e +er +(*e )+a) )+eir rela)i(n'+i* &a' /r(&in/ in)( '(3e)+in/ 3(re )+an 7u') a c(n,enience4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)+a) '+e l((6ed li6e a l(,el0 *ur*le l(lli*(*. /((d en(u/+ )( ea). ec+(in/ in +er +ead4 S+e ')((d in 1r(n) (1 )+e 3irr(r in )+e 3a')er 'ui)e and e0ed +er re1lec)i(n4 W+0 did '+e le) 1ir') a c+ild and )+en ar0 )ell +er &+a) '+e '+(uld &ear> Becau'e '+e &a' a 'uc6er &+en i) ca3e )( *lea'in/ )+e *e(*le '+e cared a-(u). '+e c(ncluded4 T+(u/+ n( (ne c(uld call )+i' /(&n c+ildi'+ '+e )+(u/+) rue1ull0; '+e +ad ne,er &(rn an0)+in/ '( re,ealin/ in +er li1e4 T+e '*a/+e))i9')ra**ed dre'' cu**ed +er -rea')'. e5*('ed +er -ac6 )( )+e &ai') and clun/ )( +er +i*' and )+i/+' li6e a 'ec(nd '6in4 T+e 1an)ail *lea) in )+e -ac6 &a' )+ere (u) (1 nece''i)0. all(&in/ +er )( &al64 Bu) a) lea') )+i' )i3e '+e &a' &earin/ a *air (1 1(ur9inc+ +i/+9+eeled dia3an)8 'andal'. 1a,(uri)e' (1 +er'4 And &i)+ Anna' +el* +er +air &a' *iled in an ele/an) c(nc(c)i(n (1 curl' (n )+e )(* (1 +er +ead. 3a6in/ +er l((6 qui)e )all. '+e )(ld +er'el1 -racin/l04 <T+e('.0(u are n() /(in/ (u) in )+a)4 Le(n' ,(ice cu) in)( +er 3u'in/'. and '+e )urned +er +ead )( 'ee +i3 e5i) )+e dre''in/ r((3 and &al6 )(&ard' +er4 T+e -rea)+ ')(**ed in +er )+r(a)4 "e l((6ed ')ri6in/l0 a))rac)i,e in a 1(r3al -lac6 dinner 'ui). and )+e *reda)(r0 e5*re''i(n in )+e dar6 e0e' )+a) r(a3ed -la)an)l0 (,er +er 'e) +er *ul'e racin/4 <D(n) 0(u a**r(,e> S+e *(u)ed and did a '&i1) )&irl4 < ar0 'aid i) &a' de1ini)el0 3e4 S+e /rinned c+ee6il0 u* a) +i34
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Le(n /a'*ed. a cer)ain *ar) (1 +i' -(d0 lea*in/ )( i33edia)e a))en)i(n4 T+e ,ie& (1 +er -ac6 na6ed )( +er *er) -u3 &a' en(u/+ )( 3a6e a ')r(n/ 3an &ea6 a) )+e 6nee'4 < ar0 &an)' +er +ead e5a3ined. +e 'aid &+en +e c(uld 1inall0 '*ea6. )a6in/ in +er -eau)i1ul '3ilin/ 1ace and )+e '+inin/ 3a'' (1 1air curl' *inned (n )+e )(* (1 +er +ead4 S+e &a' &earin/ a '+i33erin/ '(r) (1 *ur*le9-lue dre'' )+a) cur,ed acr('' +er *er1ec) -rea')'. re,ealin/ 3(re (1 )+e crea30 '3(()+ 1ullne'' )+an an0 3an e5ce*) +i3 '+(uld e,er 'ee. +e )+(u/+) *r(*rie)(riall04 And &+a) &a' le1) (1 )+e /(&n clun/ )( e,er0 cur,e (1 +er delec)a-le -(d04 A &r0 '3ile quir6ed +i' 3(u)+4 <T+a) dre'' i' ,er/in/ (n )+e indecen). -u) 0(u l((6 a-'(lu)el0 ')unnin/4 (,in/ )(&ard' +er. +e dr(**ed a 6i'' (n )+e )i* (1 +er n('e4 <T+an6 0(u. 6ind 'ir. '+e qui**ed4 <Bu) Nic+(la' )+in6' I l((6 li6e a *ur*le l(lli*(* and /((d en(u/+ )( ea)4 <T+a) -(0 +a' /rea) )a')e 1(r a c+ild4 Le(n c+uc6led and reac+ed 1(r +er '+(ulder'4 <And I de1ini)el0 a/ree &i)+ +i3. +e +u'6ed and dre& +er /en)l0 a/ain') +i' )all 1ra3e4 <I &(uldn) 3ind ea)in/ 0(u ri/+) +ere and n(&4 T+e )+(u/+) (1 l(&erin/ +i' +ead )( )+e del)a (1 +er )+i/+' and )a')in/ +er '&ee)ne'' rendered +i3 r(c69+ard4 S+e li1)ed '*ar6lin/ e0e' )( +i'. and +e 'a& +er *u*il' dar6en and dila)e4 "e 'li**ed a +and ar(und +er nec6 and &a)c+ed a' +er e0elid' dri1)ed d(&n. +er li*' '(1)l0 *ar)in/ in an)ici*a)i(n (1 +i' 6i''4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<I d(n) dare (r &e &ill ne,er /e) (u) (1 +ere. +e /r(aned. and a-ru*)l0 +e dr(**ed (ne +and )( +er )in0 &ai') and '*un +er -ac6 )( 1ace )+e 3irr(r4 <W+a) d( 0(u )+in6> "elen 1el) )+e c(ldne'' (n +er '6in and u*(n 'eein/ +er re1lec)i(n in )+e /la'' +er e0e' &idened in a3a2e3en) a) )+e 1a-ul(u' 1all (1 dia3(nd' ')run/ ar(und +er )+r(a)4 S+e li1)ed +er +and and )(uc+ed )+e 7e&el'. li1)in/ +er e0e' )( 3ee) +i' in )+e 3irr(r4 <Le(n. '+e 3ur3ured +i' na3e. (,er&+el3ed -0 +i' /i1)4 <Y(u -(u/+) )+i' 1(r 3e> "e '3iled 'li/+)l04 <Ye'. (ur 'i59&ee6 anni,er'ar04 D( 0(u li6e i)> <I l(,e i). '+e 'aid )ru)+1ull0. ')unned )+a) +e +ad cared en(u/+ )( ac)uall0 re3e3-er +(& 3an0 &ee6' )+e0 +ad -een 3arried4 <I) i' )+e 3(') 1a-ul(u' /i1) I +a,e e,er recei,ed4 T+an6 0(u4 S+e +ad )( -lin6 a&a0 an e3()i(nal )ear4 T+en '+e re3e3-ered4 <Bu) I )+(u/+) 0(u ne,er &en) '+(**in/ 1(r *re'en)'4 <I +ad '(3e +el*. +e c(n1e''ed rue1ull0. and. &ra**in/ +i' ar3' ar(und +er ')(3ac+. +e *ulled +er -ac6 a/ain') )+e +ard &ar3)+ (1 +i' -(d04 <I a'6ed ar0 )( 3a6e 'ure 0(u
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-(u/+) a dre'' and )( )ell 3e &+a) 6ind (1 7e&eller0 &(uld 3a)c+4 S+e 'aid )( ')ic6 )( dia3(nd'. 3a6in/ i) ea'0 1(r 3e4 L(('enin/ +i' +(ld (n +er. +e 'li**ed +i' +and in +i' 7ac6e) *(c6e)4 <I -(u/+) )+e earrin/' and -racele) )( 3a)c+4 "e cli**ed )+e -racele) ar(und +er 'lender &ri')4 <Y(u can 3ana/e )+e earrin/' 0(ur'el1. I +(*e4 "e *laced )+e3 in +er +and4 <Becau'e i1 I +(ld 0(u 3uc+ l(n/er )+a) i' i). &e &ill -e /(in/ n(&+ere4 "elen +ad 1el) )+e *re''ure (1 +i' ar(u'al a/ain') +er and a /lea3 (1 3i'c+ie1 '*ar6led in +er e0e'4 <T+a)' 1ine -0 3e4 S+e )urned and l((*ed +er ar3' ar(und +i' nec64 <I &(uld 3uc+ *re1er )( ')a0 +ere4 S+e *re''ed u* a/ain') +i3 and )il)ed -ac6 +er +ead )( l((6 u* in)( +i' dar6enin/ e0e'4 <!ar)ie' are n() 30 'cene4 I 3uc+ *re1er (ne )( (ne. '+e declared '(1)l0. +er 1ull li*' cur,in/ in a 'l(&. 'en'ual '3ile4 <N(. 0(u d(n). 0(u li))le &i)c+. I a3 n() -ein/ 'ide)rac6ed. +e declared &i)+ a reluc)an) '3ile4 <Bu) +(ld )+a) )+(u/+) un)il &e re)urn. +33> "i' une5*ec)ed /i1) and c(33andin/ *re'ence a) +er 'ide /a,e +er )+e c(n1idence )( ')and a) )+e en)rance )( )+e /rand -allr((3 and /ree) all )+e /ue')'4 Wi)+ Le(n' ar3 ar(und +er "elen /lanced u* a) +i3. +er ,i(le) e0e' '*ar6lin/4 <I 1eel li6e r(0al)0 ')andin/ +ere4 D(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&e +a,e )( d( )+i'> <N() 1(r 3uc+ l(n/er. +e 3ur3ured. and )+en '(3e(ne called +i' na3e and +i' ar3 'uddenl0 )i/+)ened ar(und +er &ai')4 <Ta6i'. nice )( 'ee 0(u4 I &a'n) 'ure 0(u &(uld 3a6e i)4 "elen ca') a 'idel(n/ /lance a) Le(n. i33edia)el0 'en'in/ +e &a' n() *lea'ed )( 'ee )+e 3an a) all4 T+en '+e l((6ed a) )+e 3an ')andin/ in 1r(n) (1 )+e3. +er e0e' &idenin/ in in')inc)i,e 1e3ale a**recia)i(n4 "e &a' (1 3ediu3 +ei/+). 'li3 &i)+ -lac6 +air and ')ri6in/l0 +and'(3e in a ra6i'+ 6ind (1 &a04 <I &(uldn) 3i'' 0(ur &eddin/ *ar)0 1(r )+e &(rld4 I a))ended 0(ur 1ir') (ne. re3e3-er> )+e 3an dra&led4 "e l((6ed $ree6. -u) +e '*(6e &i)+ an A3erican accen). "elen n()ed. and )+en +e '3iled and +i' -r(&n e0e' /lea3ed /(lden a' )+e0 3e) +er'4 <S( )+i' i' "elen4 Ta6in/ +er unre'i')in/ +and. +e li1)ed i) )( +i' li*'4 <I) i' a *lea'ure )( 3ee) 0(u. and a 'ur*ri'e4 I ne,er )+(u/+) Le(n +ad 'uc+ /((d )a')e. ')ic69li6e 3(del' are 3(re +i' 'cene4 Bu) 0(u. -a-e. 0(u are e5qui'i)e. a *er1ec) li))le Bar-ie d(ll4 "elen &a' ')ill )r0in/ )( decide i1 i) &a' an in'ul) (r a c(3*li3en) )( -e called a -a-e and a Bar-ie d(ll in )+e 'a3e 'en)ence &+en +e )urned +i' a))en)i(n -ac6 )( Le(n4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Well. n() e5ac)l0. '+e c(nceded4 "e +adn) ac)uall0 lied4 Le(n 7u') 3ani*ula)ed )+e 'i)ua)i(n. all(&in/ *e(*le )( )+in6 &+a) )+e0 &an)ed )( )+in64 uc+ )+e 'a3e a' +e +ad &i)+ +er &+en +e +ad 'u//e')ed a 3arria/e (1 c(n,enience4 "e +ad )( +a,e 6n(&n &+a) '+ed )+(u/+). and '+e &(ndered +(& 3an0 3(re 1al'e a''u3*)i(n' +e +ad all(&ed +er )( 3a6e4 N() 3uc+ la)er '+e 1(und (u)4 "elen /lanced ar(und )+e /li))erin/ )+r(n/ n() 1eelin/ qui)e '( c(n1iden)4 Wai)er' circled )+e cr(&d &i)+ drin6' and cana*8'. a quin)e) *la0ed dance 3u'ic and e,er0(ne l((6ed )( -e en7(0in/ )+e3'el,e'4 <L(,e )+e nec6lace4 T+e 1a3iliar ,(ice (1 ar0 dre& "elen' a))en)i(n )( )+e c(u*le &+( +ad ')(**ed in 1r(n) (1 )+e34 S+e 'a& +er 1riend 1lic6 a /lance a) Le(n4 <I) i' *er1ec). Le(n. ar0 declared and /rinned a) "elen4 <I /a,e +i3 'uc+ de)ailed in')ruc)i(n' e,en +e c(uld n() 1ail4 Y(u reall0 +a,e 3e )( )+an6 1(r +i' c+(ice. '+e declared (u)ra/e(u'l04 E,er0(ne lau/+ed. "elen included. relie,ed a) ar0' )i3el0 in)erru*)i(n4 Le(n &a' ri/+)4 S+e &a' &(rr0in/ a-(u) n()+in/. &+a) did i) 3a))er &+a) a 1e& *e(*le )+(u/+)> "elen '+() +i3 a )ea'in/ /lance4 <Surel0 0(u are n() /(in/ )( le) ar0 /e) a&a0 &i)+ in'ul)in/ 0(u4 <"er +u'-and i' 30 la&0er4 Tru') 3e. i1 I 'a0 a &(rd )(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ar0 +e &ill 'ue 3e. Le(n re*lied dr(ll0. and 3(re lau/+)er en'ued4 C+ri' ')(**ed a *a''in/ &ai)er and c+a3*a/ne &a' 'er,ed all ar(und4 "e )+en in'i')ed. a' )+i' &a' an (11icial &eddin/ *ar)0. al-ei) )+e 'ec(nd (ne. +e +ad )( 3a6e a )(a')4 <T( )&( /((d 1riend'. "elen and Le(n. 3a0 0(u +a,e a l(n/ and +a**0 3arria/e4 <T+an6 0(u. Le(n re*lied 'incerel0 and. l((6in/ in)( )+e ,i,idl0 '*ar6lin/ e0e' (1 +i' &i1e. +e 'uddenl0 reali'ed +e didn) care )+a) '+e +ad 6e*) +i' ne*+e& +idden 1(r 0ear'. didn) care i1 '+e +ad 6n(&n a-(u) )+e 3(ne0 '+e &a' )( in+eri)4 S+e &a' &(r)+ e,er0 *enn0 and 3(re4 "e )+an6ed $(d and Delia )+a) +e +ad 1(und +er. and +ad +ad )+e /((d 'en'e )( 3arr0 +er4 S+e /a,e +i3 a -rillian) '3ile. and +i' c+e') )i/+)ened a' +i' +and au)(3a)icall0 1le5ed (n +er &ai') &i)+ )+e 'udden ')irrin/ in +i' /r(in4 "(& '+e did )+i' )( +i3 +e c(uldn) e5*lain and +e didn) care. +e 'i3*l0 reli'+ed )+e 1eelin/4 A ')r(n/ 'en'e (1 ela)i(n /ri**ed +i34 T+e neare') +e +ad e,er c(3e )( 1eelin/ li6e )+i' &a' &+en +e clinc+ed a *ar)icularl0 /((d deal4 Bu) e,en )+e -e') deal (1 +i' li1e did n() c(3*are &i)+ )+e +ead0 *lea'ure +e 1el) ri/+) n(& &i)+ "elen (*enl0 /a2in/ u* a) +i3 &i)+ ad(ra)i(n in +er /(r/e(u' e0e' 1(r all )( 'ee4 "e &a' n() a de3(n')ra)i,e 3an. ne,er +ad -een4 "i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

3()+er +ad 6n(c6ed )+a) )endenc0 (u) (1 +i3 a' a c+ild &i)+ +er ,i(len) 3((d '&in/'. (ne da0 l(,in/ +i3 and )+e ne5) da0 cur'in/ +i3. '( +e +ad learn) ,er0 earl0 in li1e n() )( )ru') e3()i(n' (1 an0 6ind4 Bu) n(& &i)+ all +i' 1riend' and acquain)ance' ar(und +i3 +e declared. <And )+e -i//e') )+an6 0(u 3u') /( )( 30 -eau)i1ul &i1e 1(r -ein/ -ra,e en(u/+ )( )a6e (n a c0nic li6e 3e 1(r +er +u'-and4 And di**in/ +i' +ead. +e 6i''ed +er4 "e 1el) +er '&a0 a/ain') +i3. )a')ed )+e 3el)in/ '&ee)ne'' (1 +er 3(u)+. and ,er0 reluc)an)l0 -r(6e )+e 6i''. &+ile quic6l0 calcula)in/ +(& 3uc+ l(n/er )+e0 &(uld +a,e )( ')a0 1(r *r(*rie)0' 'a6e4 CHAPTER TEN A IN#TE LATER Le(n cur'ed 'ilen)l0 under +i' -rea)+4 Dr(**in/ +i' +and 1r(3 "elen' &ai'). +e 'quared +i' -r(ad '+(ulder'. and &en) ')ill4 T+ere &a' )en'i(n in e,er0 line (1 +i' -(d0. +i' /rin 1adin/ )( a /ri3ace a' +i' dar6 e0e' re')ed (n )&( la)e arri,al'4 T+e Frenc+ A3-a''ad(r )( $reece. &+( +ad -een in,i)ed &i)+ +i' &i1e. -u) in')ead +ad )urned u* &i)+ a di11eren) c(3*ani(n. a ,er0 )all. ')ri6in/9 l((6in/ &(3an?L(ui'a? W+a) )+e +ell &a' '+e d(in/ +ere> "e +ad -r(6en u* &i)+ +er )+e &ee6 -e1(re +ed 3arried4 And '+e +ad d(ne ,er0 &ell (u) (1 )+e deal4 "e +ad /i,en +er a lu5ur0 a*ar)3en) in !ari' and a c(n'idera-le a3(un) (1 3(ne0 in c(n'(la)i(n 1(r +i' endin/ )+eir a11air4 < 4 Di')el. a *lea'ure )( 'ee 0(u a/ain4 Le(n '+((6 )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

3an' +and4 <L(ui'a4 "e n(dded a) +i' e59l(,er -u) +e c(uld d( n()+in/ )( *re,en) )+e u'ual Frenc+ /ree)in/ (1 a 6i'' (n -()+ c+ee6' -0 )+e &(3an. (ne (1 &+ic+ dar)ed )( +i' 3(u)+4 T+en reluc)an)l0 -u) '3(()+l0 +e in)r(duced )+e *air )( "elen4 "elen +ad i33edia)el0 ')i11ened 'en'in/ dan/er )+e 3inu)e Le(n' +and +ad 1allen 1r(3 +er &ai')4 S+e +ad 1el) +i' )en'i(n. and. 1(ll(&in/ )+e direc)i(n (1 +i' e0e' +ad &a)c+ed )+e ,er0 )all. /la3(r(u'9l((6in/ &(3an &al6in/ )(&ard' )+e34 "er +air a 3i5)ure (1 -r(&n and red ')ri*e'. &a' *er1ec)l0 cu) in a '+(r) a'033e)rical c+(*. and )+e -lac6 dre'' '+e &(re &a' (-,i(u'l0 )+e la)e') in de'i/ner c+ic and ,er0 '+(r) )((. e5*('in/ +er incredi-l0 l(n/ le/'4 Bu) i) &a' +er 1ace "elen n()iced 3(')4 "er dar6 e0e'. 6(+l9ri33ed and narr(&. &ere 1i5ed (n Le(n li6e +ea) 'ee6in/ 3i''ile'. +er lu'+ li*'. (-,i(u'l0 c(lla/en9 en+anced. "elen )+(u/+) di')a')e1ull0. cur,ed in an in)i3a)e '3ile 7u') 1(r +i34 And &+en Le(n 'aid +er na3e )+e red9nailed +and '+e laid (n +i' ar3 'crea3ed *(''e''i(n4 T+e 6i''e' '+e *lan)ed (n +i3 c(n1ir3ed +(& cl('e )+e0 &ere4 Fe3inine in)ui)i(n. e,er0 in')inc). )(ld "elen )+a) )+i' &(3an +ad 6n(&n Le(n in )+e 3(') in)i3a)e &a0 *(''i-le. and )+e +a**0 li))le -u--le '+e +ad -een 1l(a)in/ in 1(r )+e la') 1e& &ee6' -ur'). *ierced -0 )+e dual 3(n')er' (1 'u'*ici(n and 7eal(u'04 I) &a' ea'0 )( 1(r/e) l(c6ed in +er +u'-and' ar3' )+a) +e +ad qui)e a 1e& l(,er' in +i' *a'). -u) )( -e 1aced &i)+ (ne (1 )+e3 3ade i) i3*(''i-le )(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

i/n(re4 S+e acce*)ed )+e c(n/ra)ula)i(n' (1 )+e Frenc+ a3-a''ad(r in a c((l cal3 ,(ice. -u) &+en L(ui'a )((6 +er +and and '3iled &i)+ dar6. '*i)e91illed e0e' +er c(3*('ure al3(') de'er)ed +er4 <S( 0(ure )+e luc60 lad0. n() a) all &+a) I e5*ec)ed4 T+e &(3an ')ared d(&n a) "elen. 3a6in/ +er 1eel li6e a 3id/e). and i) (nl0 /() &(r'e a' '+e added4 <Y(u are reall0 qui)e '3all4 <A+. '3all -u) *er1ec)4 T+e Frenc+3an in)er,ened &i)+ )rue $allic c+ar34 <And 0(u al'( +a,e a '(n. I -elie,e. a /rea) /i1) 1(r an0 3an4 "elen +eard ar0 /a'* a) +er 'ide. -u) -0 a )erri1ic e11(r) (1 &ill '+e re)ained +er 'el19c(n)r(l. &+ile in'ide '+e &a' 1u3in/4 <N() 30 '(n@ '+e /lanced u* a) Le(n +er e0e' dia3(nd -ri/+) <@i' +e. darlin/> Le(n le) +i' e0e' re') 1(r a 3(3en) (n "elen4 S+e &a' an/r0 and +ur) and +e didn) -la3e +er4 "e +ad di'3i''ed +er &(rr0 (,er )+e *aren)+((d (1 )+e -(0 qui)e ca'uall0 a1)er Ta6i' c(33en). and n(& Di')el &a' i3*l0in/ )+e 'a3e4 S+e &a' '( l(,el0 and '( nai,e in a &(rldl0 'en'e +e '+(uld +a,e reali'ed '+e &a' 'en'i)i,e a-(u) )+e -(0' *aren)+((d. &+erea' +e didn) /i,e a da3n (ne &a0 (r )+e ()+er4 Bu) i1 +e &a'n) ,er0 care1ul )+e '(*+i')ica)ed Frenc+ *air &(uld 3a6e 3ince3ea) (1 +er in a 'ec(nd i1 +e le) )+e34 L(ui'a +ad alread0 in'ul)ed +i' &i1e &i)+ +er crac6
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

a-(u) +er +ei/+); +e 6ne& "elen &a' )(uc+0 (n )+e 'u-7ec)4 W+0. +e +ad n( idea. '+e &a' *er1ec) in +i' e0e'4 Bu) 1(r (nce in +i' li1e +e 1el) 1iercel0 *r()ec)i,e and e3-arra''ed a) )+e 'a3e )i3e. n() e3()i(n' +e &a' 1a3iliar &i)+4 "e 6ne& 3(') (1 )+e *e(*le +ere rec(/ni'ed L(ui'a a' +i' e593i')re''. and +e 1el) /uil)0 )+a) +i' *a') a11air +ad *u) "elen in )+i' *('i)i(n and &a' de)er3ined )( re3ed0 )+e 'i)ua)i(n. -e1(re '+e +ad a c+ance )( 1ind (u)4 Wi)+ )+a) in 3ind +e 'aid. <N(. (1 c(ur'e n(). "elen4 E,er0(ne 6n(&' +e i' 30 'i')er Delia' c+ild4 Bu) )+e a3-a''ad(r' En/li'+ i' n() '( /((d4 "e '3iled /en)l0 d(&n a) +er4 <E5cu'e 3e 1(r a 3(3en) &+ile I e5*lain )( +i3 in Frenc+. +33? S+e n(dded +er +ead and +e re)urned +i' a))en)i(n )( Di')el and L(ui'a4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-e1(re &e le1)4 S( &+a) (n ear)+ &a' 'aid )+a) u*'e) 0(u '( quic6l0> "elen 1(lded +er ar3' acr('' +er c+e'). +er +and' ru--in/ +er u**er ar3'4 S+e &a' '+i,erin/ and )+e c(ld &en) -(ne dee*4 <En(u/+. 3(re )+an en(u/+4 Le(n e5*lained Nic+(la' &a' +i' 'i')er' c+ild and )+en a'6ed Di')el i1 +i' &i1e &a' indi'*('ed4 "elen rela0ed )+e /i') (1 )+e c(n,er'a)i(n in a +ar'+. c(l(urle'' ,(ice4 <T+e Frenc+3an 'aid 0e'. and ra)+er 'arca')icall0 added +e didn) )+in6 Le(n &(uld 3ind +i3 -rin/in/ L(ui'a -ecau'e +e 6ne& )+e0 &ere 'uc+ (ld cl('e 1riend'4 S+e /lanced -ac6 a) ar04 <T+e Frenc+ lan/ua/e lend' i)'el1 -eau)i1ull0 )( 'arca'3@did 0(u 6n(& )+a)> <I3 n() in)ere')ed in )+e lan/ua/e4 Tell 3e &+a) +a**ened ne5)4 <L(ui'a in)er,ened. and 'aid )( Le(n. and I qu()e. DReall0.3(n c+er. 0(u +a,e n()+in/ )( &(rr0 a-(u)4 I &(uld n() drea3 (1 u*'e))in/ 0(ur li))le &i1e -0 )ellin/ +er a-(u) u'4 I 6n(& 0(u (nl0 3arried +er 1(r )+e c+ild4 I re3e3-er in e,er0 in)i3a)e de)ail )+e la') ni/+) &e '*en) )(/e)+er )+e &ee6 -e1(re 0(ur &eddin/4 And )en da0' a/( &+en 0(u /a,e 3e )+e deed' )( )+e a*ar)3en). 'uc+ an e5)ra,a/an) /i1)?E "elen *au'ed 1(r a 3(3en) and -lin6ed )( +(ld -ac6 )+e )ear' )+a) )+rea)ened. )+en carried (n ')(icall04 <DI 6ne& i)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Le(n &a' ri/+): l(,e &a' an illu'i(n. an illu'i(n '+e +ad 'u11ered 1r(3 1(r a -rie1 *eri(d (1 )i3e. and c(uld n(& 1(r/e)4 S+e +ad cried a) )+e l('' (1 +er 1a3il0 and +er 1riend4 All &(r)+0 *e(*le &+( +ad cared 1(r +er. -u) +er +u'-and &a'n) &(r)+ a 'in/le )ear4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ar0 'a0 '(3e)+in/ )( u*'e) 0(u> +e de3anded4

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e 1lic6ed a c(ld /lance a) +i' +ard 1ace and 7u') a' quic6l0 a&a0 a/ain4 Did +e reall0 )+in6 '+e &a' 'uc+ a &i3* '+e needed rea''urance 1r(3 an arr(/an). l0in/ )(ad li6e +i3> T+(u/+ in (ne re'*ec) Le(n +ad -een ri/+) all al(n/; )+e 1e,er in +er -l((d &+en +e )(uc+ed +er &a' a' +e +ad 'aid. 7u') 'e54 T+an61ull0 '+e n( l(n/er 1el) an0)+in/ in +i' ar3'4 "i' -e)ra0al +ad 6illed e,er0 1iner e3()i(n in +er ')(ne9dead4 "i' +and cur,ed ar(und +er na*e. and )il)ed +er +ead -ac6 '( '+e &a' 1(rced )( l((6 a) +i34 <Are 0(u 'ure 0(u are (6a0> We d(n) +a,e )( ')a0 3uc+ l(n/er i1 0(u d(n) &an) )(4 <I &(uldn) drea3 (1 lea,in/ earl04 I in)end )( dance )+e ni/+) a&a04 S+e 'en) +i3 a /li))erin/ '3ile and lin6ed +er +and' -e+ind +i' nec64 W+en &+a) '+e reall0 &an)ed )( d( &a' c+(6e )+e 1ai)+le'' '&ine4 An/er &a' )+e (nl0 e3()i(n '+e +ad le1)4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'quee2e )+e li1e (u) (1 +er4 S+e &a' +er (&n &(3an. de'er,in/ (1 +(n(ur and re'*ec). and &i)+(u) )+a) )+e0 +ad n()+in/4 S+e +ad -een 1((lin/ +er'el1 1(r &ee6'. -u) n( 3(re4 W+en )+e li3( ')(**ed '+e lea*) ')rai/+) (u) and in)( )+e +(u'e and u*')air' &i)+(u) ')(**in/4 Once in )+e 3a')er 'ui)e '+e )((6 )+e dia3(nd' 1r(3 +er )+r(a) and dr(**ed )+e3 &+ere '+e ')((d al(n/ &i)+ )+e earrin/' and -racele). and. )urnin/. +eaded 1(r )+e dre''in/ r((34 S+e +eard +i3 en)er )+e -edr((3 a' '+e re3(,ed )+e *in' 1r(3 +er +air. and '+a6in/ +er +ead. '+e le) i) 1all d(&n )( +er '+(ulder'4 S+e (*ened a dra&er and a,(idin/ )+e 3(re /la3(r(u' ni/+)9&ear. '+e 'elec)ed a ni/+)'+ir)4 Di'cardin/ )+e dre''. '+e *ulled i) (,er +er +ead and &al6ed -ac6 in)( )+e -edr((34 Le(n &a' ')andin/ in )+e 3iddle (1 )+e r((3. &i)+(u) +i' 7ac6e) and )ie. +i' '+ir) un-u))(ned )( +i' &ai') and in +i' +and )+e 7e&el' '+e +ad dr(**ed (n )+e 1l((r4 S+e /lanced a) +i' 1ace -u) &+en +e ca3e )(&ard' +er '+e -ac6ed a&a0 in')inc)i,el04 "e ')(**ed. +i' c+i'elled 1ea)ure' +ardenin/ &i)+ '(3e)+in/ li6e an/er4 <Ra)+er carele''. dr(**in/ )+e'e (n )+e 1l((r4 Are 0(u /(in/ )( )ell 3e &+a) )+i' i' all a-(u). "elen> I d(n) a**recia)e a &(3an &+( -l(&' +() and c(ld4 I &a' -e/innin/ )( )+in6 -e))er (1 0(u. -u) (-,i(u'l0 I &a' 3i')a6en. unle'' 0(u +a,e '(3e e5*lana)i(n 1(r ac)in/ (u) (1 c+arac)er all e,enin/4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<And &+a) &(uld 0(u 6n(& a-(u) 30 c+arac)er> Y(u )+in6 0(u 6n(& 3e '( &ell 'i3*l0 -ecau'e &e '+are a -ed and -(d0 1luid'. -u) 0(u d(n) 6n(& 3e a) all. '+e '+() -ac6 &i)+ 'ca)+in/ -lun)ne''4 <I1 0(u did. 0(u 3i/+) +a,e reali'ed I '*en) )+e 1ir') 1(ur)een 0ear' (1 30 li1e in S&i)2erland4 T+e0 '*ea6 1(ur di11eren) lan/ua/e' )+ere. and I a3 1luen) in )&( (1 )+e3: I)alian and Frenc+4 Need I 'a0 3(re> S+e 'a& a dar6 1lu'+ '*read acr('' +i' +i/+ c+ee6-(ne'4 "e +ad a /((d ri/+) )( l((6 /uil)0. )+e n(9 /((d. c+ea)in/ &a')er4 <A+4 "e '+(,ed )+e 7e&el' in +i' )r(u'er *(c6e)4 <Y(u +eard L(ui'a4 "i' dar6. c(3*ellin/ e0e' +eld +er' a' +e le''ened )+e '*ace -e)&een )+e34 <T+a) &a' carele'' (1 3e and -ad 3annered. -u) I '&i)c+ed )( Frenc+ )+in6in/ )( '*are 0(u an0 e3-arra''3en)4 <Y(ure all +ear). '+e 7eered4 "i' re*l0 &a' )( reac+ 1(r +er and *ull +er a/ain') +i34 <Y(u +eard '+e &a' (nce 30 3i')re'' and 1(r )+a) I a3 '(rr04 "i' li*' cur,ed in a +a)e1ul '3ile4 <Bu) 0(u +a,e n( need )( -e 7eal(u'. "elen4 I *u) an end )( i) -e1(re &e 3arried. and a' l(n/ a' I +a,e 0(u I d(n) &an) an0 ()+er &(3an. I '&ear4 "i' )rul0 a')(undin/. un-elie,a-le c(ncei) &a' )(( 3uc+ 1(r "elen and '+e e5*l(ded &i)+ ra/e4 <Y(u 3u') )+in6 I a3 cra20 i1 0(u e5*ec) 3e )( -elie,e a &(rd 0(u 'a04 Y(u are )+e 3(') de,i(u'. 3ani*ula)i,e. arr(/an) '&ine i) +a'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

e,er -een 30 3i'1(r)une )( 3ee)4 0 $(d. 0(u +a,e -een +a,in/ an a11air &i)+ )+a) &(3an 1(r 0ear'4 W+a) 6ind (1 1((l d( 0(u )a6e 3e 1(r> T+e &ee6 -e1(re 0(u 3arried 3e 0(u &ere in +er -ed4 Y(u ac)uall0 )(ld 3e 0(u +ad a *re''in/ en/a/e3en) in !ari'4 Y(u didn) 3en)i(n *re''in/ )+e 1le'+. -u) I '+(uld +a,e 6n(&n4 Delia )(ld 3e &+a) a 1ai)+le'' l() )+e 3en in +er 1a3il0 &ere. and. -0 +ea,en. '+e &a' ri/+)4 Y(u e,en +ad )+e c+ee6 )( )ell 3e 0(u &ere /(in/ )( Ne& Y(r6 and )+en ,i'i)ed )+a) &(3an ')rai/+) 1r(3 30 -ed )en da0' a/(. a -ed &+ere 0(u +ad )+e /all )( call 3e3a *e)i)e. a Frenc+ )er3. &+en &e 1ir') +ad 'e54 S+e &(uld n() call i) l(,e4 <N(& I 6n(& &+0@1(rce (1 +a-i). '+e 7eered4 <T+en )( ca* i) all I di'c(,er 0(u +a,e /i,en 0(ur l(,er an a*ar)3en) and L(rd 6n(&' &+a) el'e4 And 0(u &(nder &+0 )+e 7e&el' 0(u /a,e 3e ended u* (n )+e 1l((r4 S+e '+((6 +er +ead in u))er re7ec)i(n (1 +i34 <Are 0(u qui)e 1ini'+ed a''a''ina)in/ 30 c+arac)er> Le(n de3anded +ar'+l0. *lacin/ a ')eel9li6e ar3 ar(und +er &ai') and +aulin/ +er +ard a/ain') +i34 S+e l((6ed u* a) +i3 &i)+ -la2in/ ,i(le) e0e'4 <$(d +el* Nic+(la' &i)+ 0(u a' +i' 1a)+er; 0(u +a,en) a 3(ral -(ne in 0(ur -(d04 A' 1(r 3e. I ne,er &an) 0(u )( )(uc+ 3e a/ain4 "er la') crac6 &a' )(( 3uc+ 1(r Le(n4 "e &a' n( 'ain). and +e &a' /uil)0 (1 +a,in/ 'e5 &i)+ L(ui'a )+e &ee6 -e1(re +i' &eddin/4 ainl0 -ecau'e &+en +e +ad 3ade i)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

,er0 clear )+eir a11air &a' 1inall0 (,er '+e +ad ')ri**ed na6ed and -e//ed +i3 )( 3a6e l(,e )( +er (ne la') )i3e4 "e +ad cer)ainl0 n() 'le*) &i)+ +er. and +ad le1) -e1(re 3idni/+)4 #n/allan) 3a0-e. -u) )rue4 "er a**earance )(ni/+) a) )+e *ar)0 +ad -een n(ne (1 +i' d(in/. -u) )+a) +i' &i1e '+(uld )+in6 '( -adl0 (1 +i3. )( -elie,e )+a) +e +ad lied &+en +ed 'aid +e &a' /(in/ )( Ne& Y(r6. &a' an in'ul) )(( 1ar4 "e +auled +er cl('er and *lun/ed +i' +and in)( +er +air and 7er6ed +er +ead -ac6 )( ca*)ure +er an/r0 3(u)+ &i)+ +i'4 "e )+ru') in)( )+e +(). 3(i') de*)+' &i)+ an ur/en). an/r0 *a''i(n4 "e 1el) +er re'i')ance and 1(u/+) d(&n )+e *ri3i)i,e ur/e )( -ur0 +i3'el1 dee* in'ide +er. and 3a6e +er reali'e '+e &a' +i' in )+e 3(') -a'ic &a04 In')ead &i)+ a )erri1ic e11(r) +e /en)led )+e 1ur0 (1 +i' 6i''4 Bu) ')ill '+e re3ained ri/id in +i' ar3'4 Fired -0 an/er and 1ru')ra)i(n. +e 'li**ed a +and -enea)+ +er '+ir). )racin/ )+e line (1 +er le/ and )+i/+ &+ile +e l(&ered +i' +ead and cau/+) +er -rea') )+r(u/+ )+e 1ine 1a-ric (1 +er '+ir)4 Suddenl0 )+e cl(a6 (1 de)ac+3en). )+e nu3-ne'' )+a) +ad +el*ed "elen )+r(u/+ )+e e,enin/. '+a))ered. lea,in/ in i)' *lace a ra&. ac+in/ *ain4 "er +ear) )+undered in +er -rea') and '+e la'+ed &ildl0 (u) a) +i3. -u) i) &a' li6e +i))in/ a -ric6 &all4 T+(u/+ '+e 1(u/+) li6e a &ild &(3an. &+en +i' 3(u)+ and )ee)+ 1ed (n +er -rea') )+e da3*ne'' (1 )+e 1a-ric ru--in/ a/ain') +er 'en'i)i,e ni**le' 3ade e,er0 'en'ual rece*)(r in +er -(d0 qui,er and -urn4 T+e 'a,a/e 'en'uali)0 (1 +i' 6i'' a' +e ca*)ured +er 3(u)+ a/ain and
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)+e care''in/ ')r(6e (1 +i' +and r(a3in/ (,er +er +i* and )+e a*e5 (1 +er )+i/+' &i)+ a 1a3iliari)0 +er -(d0 rec(/ni'ed i/ni)ed a -urnin/ need in'ide +er. e,en a' +er 3ind re7ec)ed +i34 "e *ic6ed +er u* and dr(**ed +er na6ed (n )+e -ed. &+en '+e +ad l(') )+e ni/+)'+ir) '+e +ad n( idea4 All '+e &a' a&are (1 &a' )+e +ea). )+e &ei/+). )+e 'cen) (1 +i3 a-(,e +er4 A 3u'cled le/ *ar)ed +er'. +i' +un/r0 3(u)+ cla3*in/ (n +er *(u)in/ -rea'). and 1inall0 +er -(d0 arc+ed c(n,ul'i,el0 and '+e &a' c(n'ci(u' (1 n()+in/ e5ce*) )+e )+ic6 len/)+ (1 +i3 )+ru')in/. 1illin/ +er &i)+ e,er9dee*er ')r(6e'. un)il '+e &a' '&e*) a&a0 in a 3ael')r(3 (1 '+udderin/ ec')a)ic 'en'a)i(n' )+a) cul3ina)ed in an e5*l('i(n (1 )+e 'en'e' '( +ear) ')(**in/l0 in)en'e )+a) 1(r a 3(3en) '+e cea'ed )( -rea)+e4 S+e 1el) Le(n' &ei/+) r(ll (11 +er. and &(ndered i1 )+a) &a' )+e li))le dea)+ '+e +ad read a-(u) a' )+e0 la0 -e'ide eac+ ()+er in 'ilence. )+e (nl0 '(und' )+e +ea,0 *(undin/ (1 +ear)' and ra//ed -rea)+in/4 "elen +ad n()+in/ )( 'a04 "er -(d0 +ad 3ade a liar (1 +er4 Le(n r('e u* (n (ne el-(& and l((6ed d(&n in)( +er '+ad(&ed e0e'4 <I )+in6 &e can 'a1el0 1(r/e) 0(ur. DI ne,er &an) 0(u )( )(uc+ 3e a/ain.E +e )aun)ed '(1)l04 <Y(u can n( 3(re re'i') )+e *a''i(n. )+e de'ire. )+a) 1lare' -e)&een u' )+an I can4 <T+a) i' 0(ur c(ncei)ed (*ini(n. '+e '+() -ac64
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<I ne,er 'a& 0(u na6ed. '+e re)urned4 <N() un)il &e 3arried4 <Liar4 "e '3iled d(&n in)( +er incredi-le e0e'4 <I 'a& 0(u ')arin/ a) 3e a' 0(u &al6ed )(&ard' 3e. -e1(re I 'lun/ a )(&el ar(und 30 &ai')4 "e &a'n) )(uc+in/ +er -u) "elen &a' +0*n()i'ed -0 +i' cl('ene'' )+e +ea) (1 +i' -(d0 reac+in/ (u) )( +er4 I) &a' '( l(n/ 'ince '+e +ad 1el) +i' )(uc+. )+e /l(r0 (1 +i' *(''e''i(n. and +er &+(le -(d0 &a' 1l((ded &i)+ +ea)4 ar0 &a' ri/+). and all '+e +ad )( d( &a' a'64 S+e (*ened +er 3(u)+ )( d( 7u') )+a) &+en +e c(n)inued '*ea6in/4 <N(& I reall0 a**recia)e 0(u (/lin/ 3e4 "e le) +i' a**recia)i,e /a2e r(a3 'en'u(u'l0 (,er +er lu'+ li))le -(d04 <And I &ill 1(r/i,e )+e lie. i1 0(u 'a0 )+e &(rd' I &an) )( +ear4 Y(u 6n(& 0(u &an) )(4 T+e )ell9)ale *re'' (1 0(ur *er1ec) li))le ni**le' a/ain') 0(ur -i6ini )(* are 'crea3in/ 1(r 30 )(uc+4 "elen +eard &+a) +e 'aid and i) &a' +i' da3ned arr(/ance )+a) 1r(2e )+e &(rd' +e &an)ed )( +ear in +er )+r(a)4 <I d( n() lie and I did n() 'ee 0(u na6ed. '+e 'na**ed4 <I &a' -lind 1(r (,er a 0ear and I +ad 7u') +ad 30 la') e0e (*era)i(n a 1e& &ee6' earlier4 I &a' ')arin/ -ecau'e I &a' )r0in/ )( -rin/ 0(u in)( 1(cu'. and &+en I did 0(u &ere &earin/ a )(&el. '+e )(ld +i3 1uri(u'l04
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Le(n' ')ar)led /a2e lea*) )( +er 1ace4 "e 6ne& '+e &(re di'*('a-le c(n)ac) len'e' and +e c(uld 'ee '+e &a' )ellin/ )+e )ru)+4T+e('. +e &a' 1i1)0 6ind' (1 1((l4 Wa' +e ne,er /(in/ )( /e) an0)+in/ ri/+) &i)+ )+i' a3a2in/ &(3an> S&all(&in/ +i' *ride. +e reac+ed 1(r +er4 <T( +ell &i)+ 0(u a'6in/. I a3 )a6in/. +e declared. and +auled +er a/ain') +i' +ard -(d0. 1indin/ +er 3(u)+ &i)+ +i' (&n. and 6i''ed +er &i)+ all )+e *en)9u* 1ru')ra)i(n )+a) +ad /na&ed a&a0 a) +i3 1(r a &ee64 "e 'a,(ured )+e )a')e (1 +er. 1el) +er -(d0 3el) a/ain') +i3. +eard +er l(& 3(an. and &(ndered &+0 +e +ad &ai)ed '( l(n/4 "e '&e*) +er u* in +i' ar3'. and carried +er )( )+e -ed4 <W+a) are 0(u d(in/> I a3 c(,ered in 'and. '+e 'quealed4 Le(n /rinned a) +er ')unned e5*re''i(n and c+an/ed direc)i(n )( +ead 1(r )+e -a)+r((34 <I a3 /(in/ )( -a)+e 0(u. *a3*er 0(u and 3a6e l(,e )( 0(u. n() nece''aril0 in )+a) (rder4 "eld a/ain') +i' -r(ad c+e') "elen ran +er )(n/ue (,er +er 'uddenl0 dr0 li*'. and '&all(&ed +ard4 "e +ad ac)uall0 'aid 3a6e l(,e. and '+e +ad n() +ad )( a'6 +i34 #n-elie,a-l0 +er *r(ud. ind(3i)a-le +u'-and +ad rela5ed +i' ir(n c(n)r(l and /i,en in )( +i' 1eelin/'4 W+e)+er i) &a' l(,e (r lu') didn) reall0 3a))er4 A' ar0 +ad 'aid. i) &a' u* )( "elen )( )eac+ +i3 )+e di11erence4 S+e l((6ed a) +i' +ard. c+i'elled 1ea)ure'. )+e de)er3ina)i(n and *a''i(n
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

-la2in/ in +i' e0e'. and '+e 6ne& e,en i1 i) )((6 a li1e)i3e '+e &(uld )r0. -ecau'e '+e l(,ed +i34 W+en +e l(&ered +er )( )+e c((l 3ar-le 1l((r '+e ')((d ')ill a' +e de1)l0 re3(,ed +er -i6ini and )urned (n )+e '+(&er4 "er +un/r0 /a2e '&e*) +el*le''l0 (,er +i3 a' +e '+ed )+e )(&el and 7(ined +er4 Wi)+ a /en)lene'' )+a) en)+ralled +er. +e -a)+ed +er 1r(3 +ead )( )(e4 "i' +and' lin/ered in cer)ain *lace' and '+e 3ade n( (-7ec)i(n a' +i' li*' *re''ed '(1) 6i''e' (n +er 'en'i)i'ed 1le'+. i/ni)in/ a 1a3iliar +ea) in'ide +er4 S+e re)urned )+e 1a,(ur and ran +er +and' u* +i' ')r(n/ ar3'. care''in/ +i' &ide '+(ulder'. and clun/ a' +e li1)ed +er 1r(3 )+e '+(&er )( &ra* +er in a +u/e )(&el and )enderl0 dr0 +er -(d04 Finall0 &+en +e l(&ered +er (n)( )+e -ed. and ca3e d(&n (n )(* (1 +er. +i' ar3' ei)+er 'ide (1 +er 'u**(r)in/ +i3. +i' 3u'cular )+i/+' )ra**in/ +er le/'. '+e 1el) )+e +ard ')ren/)+ (1 +i' ar(u'al a/ain') +er -ell0 and '+e &a' n( l(n/er dr0. -u) +(). 3(i') and &an)in/4 "i' 3(u)+ c(,ered +er' and '+e (*ened )( +i3 &i)+ a *a''i(na)e 'i/+ (1 relie14 "e li1)ed +i' +ead. +i' '3(ulderin/ /a2e '&ee*in/ (,er +er4 <"a,e 0(u an0 idea +(& -eau)i1ul 0(u are> +e +u'6ed4 F(r a l(n/ 3(3en) '+e l((6ed u* in)( +i' dar6. a))rac)i,e 1ace. and '+e 6ne& +e c(uld n( 3(re den0 )+e c(3*ul'i,e de'ire )+a) 1lared -e)&een )+e3 )+an '+e c(uld4 S+e reac+ed 1(r +i3 )+en and dre& +i' +ead d(&n )( +er'. and 6i''ed
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+i34 "er )(n/ue 'ee6in/ )+e 3a/ical de*)+' (1 +i' 'en'u(u' 3(u)+. +er +and' ')r(6in/ and 6neadin/ +i' 'lee6 -r(n2ed '6in4 Di'c(,erin/ a/ain )+e 1a3iliar ')ren/)+ and c(n)(ur' (1 +i' /rea) -(d04 <A+ "elen. 0(u +a,e n( idea +(& 3uc+ I need )+i'. +e /r(aned. )railin/ an e5qui'i)e line (1 6i''e' )( +er ac+in/ -rea')'4 "e cl('ed +i' 3(u)+ ar(und a ri/id *ea6in/ ni**le. 'uc6lin/ +er +un/ril04 "elen /a,e a /a'*in/ cr0 and arc+ed in)( +i' 3(u)+. +er +and' ra6in/ )+r(u/+ +i' +air a' +e -e')(&ed )+e 'a3e 'a,a/e *lea'ure (n )+e ()+er4 "i' )(n/ue /en)l0 la,ed eac+ ')rainin/ ni**le. +i' +and' ')r(6in/. '+a*in/ )+e line (1 +er &ai'). +i* and )+i/+4 T+en +e cur,ed a ')r(n/ ar3 r(und +er )( '*la0 acr('' +er -ac6. +i' 3(u)+ )railin/ l(&er. ne,er cea'in/ )+e e5qui'i)e )(r3en)4 "i' 1ree +and reac+ed )( )race +er li*'. +er )+r(a). +er -rea')'4 "er le/' *ar)ed ea/erl0. &an)in/. ac+in/ 1(r +i3 )+ere4 S+e 1el) )+e )(uc+ (1 +i' )(n/ue in +er na,el and /r(aned +er deli/+) a' +i' 3(u)+ di**ed l(&er ')ill and 1(und )+('e ()+er li*' and +i' '6il1ul )(n/ue )ea'ed )+e '3all. '&ellin/ -ud (1 +er *a''i(n4 <!lea'e. Le(n. '+e cried (u) a' +er &+(le -(d0 '+uddered in in')an) ,i(len) re'*(n'e4 Bu) ')ill +e c(n)inued un)il )+e *lea'ure &a' al3(') *ain4 <!lea'e. '+e -e//ed4 Le(n +eard +er cr0 and li1)ed +i' dar6 +ead. 1eelin/ +er +and' ra6e u* (,er +i' -ac6. +er )ee)+ ni**in/ +i' '+(ulder4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"e 'a& )+e -lind +un/er. )+e *a''i(n (n +er -eau)i1ul 1ace. and &i)+ (ne *(&er1ul )+ru') *lun/ed in)( +er 3(i'). )i/+). 'il6en '+ea)+ and ')a0ed4 "e &an)ed )( 3a6e )+i' la'). -u) +e c(uld n()4 T+e '&ee) )a')e (1 +er &a' (n +i' )(n/ue. )+e 1ier0 +ea) (1 +er c(n'u3ed +i3. and 1(r (nce +i' incredi-le c(n)r(l de'er)ed +i3 a' +er inner 3u'cle' clenc+ed ar(und +i3. dra&in/ +i3 (n4 And &i)+ a '+udderin/ /r(an +e )+ru') a/ain and a/ain. dri,in/ +er. dri,in/ +i3. (n a &ild. *ri3i)i,e ride )+a) e5*l(ded in)( a 3u)ual (r/a'3 )+a) '+a))ered an0)+in/ +e +ad e5*erienced -e1(re4 "elen clun/ )( Le(n. +er +and' in')inc)i,el0 ')r(6in/ +i' -r(ad -ac6 a' )+e )re3-lin/ a1)er'+(c6 (1 )+eir 1er(ci(u' *a''i(n 'l(&l0 1aded a&a04 T+e &ei/+) (1 +i' -(d0 *inned +er )( )+e -ed. -u) i) &a' a *lea'ura-le &ei/+) and (ne '+e +ad 3i''ed )+e *a') &ee64 S+e 'i/+ed lan/u(r(u'l0. +er 3ind and -(d0 a) la') in acc(rd4 Le(n ea'ed +i' &ei/+) (11 +er and lean) (n (ne 1(rear3 l((6in/ in)en)l0 d(&n in)( +er -eau)i1ul 1ace4 <Finall0 de1ea)ed. +e ')a)ed +u'6il04 "er 3ell(& 3((d '+() )( +ell &i)+ )&( &(rd'. "elen '+(,ed a) +i' c+e') and +e 1ell (n)( +i' -ac6 and '+e 'a) u*4 <I &a' n() de1ea)ed; I ne,er a'6ed 0(u4 I) &a' +er )urn )( ')are d(&n a) +i3. -rea)+le'' -u) in1uria)ed -0 +i' arr(/an) a''u3*)i(n. )+e 1ac) '+e +ad -een /(in/ )( a'6 +i3 c(n,enien)l0 1(r/())en4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Y(u /ra--ed 3e. '+e declared +()l0 and +e +ad )+e ner,e )( lau/+ (u) l(ud4 <I 3ean) I &a' ad3i))in/ de1ea). &+ic+ 0(u 3a0 n() reali'e i' an un+eard9(1 (ccurrence 1(r 3e4 <O+4 Le(n ad3i))in/ de1ea) &a' )(( incredi-le 1(r &(rd'4 "e &a' '*ra&led -ac6 (n )+e -ed &i)+ +i' +and' -e+ind +i' +ead4 "i' -lac6 +air 'e5il0 )(u'led. a 'en'u(u' '3ile (n +i' 1ace4 An0(ne l((6in/ le'' de1ea)ed &(uld -e i3*(''i-le )( 1ind. '+e )+(u/+) &r0l04 "e l((6ed &+a) +e &a': a 'u*re3el0 c(n1iden). 'e5uall0 'a)ed 3an4 <T+(u/+ I 'u**('e. +e dra&led 3u'in/l0. <in )+e in)ere') (1 3arried +ar3(n0 &e c(uld call i) a dra&4 I 'ee3 )( recall 0(u -e//in/ 3e n() (nce. -u) )&ice4 "i' dar6 e0e' li) &i)+ lau/+)er )&in6led u* a) +er and '+e c(uld n() +el* )+e lau/+ )+a) -u--led (u)4 <Y(u are i3*(''i-le. and i1 &e d(n) /e) dre''ed and d(&n')air' (ur /ue')' are /(in/ )( c(3e l((6in/ 1(r u'4 <O6a04 "e 'a) u* and 'lid an ar3 ar(und +er '+(ulder'4 <Are &e (6a0 n(&> "elen n()iced +e 'aid <&e and n() <0(u4 And 1(r a 3(3en) '+e &(ndered i1 Le(n reall0 did care4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<I1 0(u +a,e )( )+in6 (1 an an'&er. 1(r/e) i)4 <N(. I 3ean. 0e'. &e are 1ine. '+e ad3i))ed -lu'+in/ 'carle)4 <$((d4 "e /a,e +er a -rillian) '3ile and a '&i1). +ard 6i'' (n +er 3(u)+ -e1(re lea*in/ (11 )+e -ed /l(ri(u'l0 na6ed4 <$i,e 3e a c(u*le (1 3inu)e' and 0(u can +a,e )+e -a)+r((34 And '+e +ad )+e ')r(n/e') 1eelin/ +e &a' relie,ed -0 +er an'&er4

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<T+a) '(und' *r(3i'in/. "elen 3ur3ured. +er +ear) 'in/in/ a' +e -en) +i' +ead and 6i''ed +er4 T+e la') 1e& da0' +ad -een a re,ela)i(n4 E,er0(ne +ad )+(r(u/+l0 en7(0ed )+e3'el,e'; )+e da0' +ad -een &ar3 and 1un &i)+ )+e c+ildren. )+e ni/+)' ')ill c(ld in A*ril. -u) +() 1(r )+e adul)' in -ed a) ni/+)4 Le(n rela5ed and l(,in/ &a' a 'i/+) )( -e+(ld4 "elen &a' al3(') 'ure i) &a' l(,e. )+(u/+ +e +ad ne,er 'aid )+e &(rd'. -u) )+en nei)+er +ad '+e4 <Yuc60. a li))le ,(ice cried4 <I3 ne,er /(in/ )( 6i'' a /irl4 And )+e adul)' &ere all lau/+in/ a' e,er0(ne -(arded )+e aircra1)4

<I +a,e )( /e) u*. Le(n /r(aned4 <I ra)+er )+(u/+) 0(u 7u') +ad. "elen re)urned &ic6edl0. leanin/ u* )( re') +er ar3' (n +i' -r(ad c+e'). +er le/' ')raddlin/ +i' ')r(n/ )+i/+'4 <Y(u. 3ada3. are /e))in/ ,er0 ri'qu8. +e c+uc6led. and in (ne de1) 3(,e3en) "elen &a' (n +er -ac6 and Le(n &a' l((3in/ (,er +er4 <N() '(3e)+in/ I e5*ec)ed 1r(3 )+e inn(cen) I 3arried4 "i' dee* dar6 e0e' '3iled in)( +er'4 <Bu) )+en I ne,er e5*ec)ed )(? And +e ')(**ed4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<T( &+a)> "elen a'6ed. la2il0 runnin/ +er +and' u* (,er +i' -r(ad c+e')4 <N()+in/4 I +a,e )( /(4 "e lea*) (11 )+e -ed. and *au'ed 1(r a 3(3en) )( ')are d(&n a) +er4 <T+ere i' '(3e)+in/ I +a,e )( )ell 0(u. -u) i) can &ai) un)il )(ni/+)4 <Y(u '(und 'eri(u'4 <I a3 a-(u) 0(u4 Bendin/ (,er. +e -ru'+ed a )ender 6i'' acr('' +er -r(&4 <T(ni/+)4 S*innin/ (n +i' +eel. +e +eaded 1(r )+e -a)+r((34 "elen +(arded +i' &(rd' li6e a )rea'ure in +er +ear)4 S+e &a' 'ure +e &a' /(in/ )( )ell +er +e l(,ed +er4 A3a2in/l0 +e +ad 'aid +e &a' 'eri(u' a-(u) +er. and a1)er )+e la') )+ree &ee6' (1 &+a) '+e c(uld (nl0 de'cri-e a' '+eer -li'' &+a) el'e c(uld i) -e> "(*e1ull0 i) &(uld -e )+e icin/ (n )+e ca6e )( a *er1ec) da0. "elen )+(u/+) drea3il0 a' '+e &a'+ed and dre''ed &i)+ care in a 'li3 1i))in/ na)ural linen '6ir) and 3a)c+in/ '+(r) 1i))ed 7ac6e)4 On +er 1ee) '+e &(re +i/+ +eeled )an 'andal' and carried a 3a)c+in/ *ur'e4 S+e &a' n() )a6in/ Nic+(la' )( 'c+((l )(da0. )+e nann0 &a'. a' "elen +ad an a**(in)3en) a) ele,en4 A) 1ir') &+en '+e +ad -e/un )( 1eel )ired and 'li/+)l0 nau'e(u' '+e +ad *u) i) d(&n )( )+e c+an/e in c(un)r0. in 1((d. and )+e 3uc+ +())er &ea)+er in $reece )+an '+e &a'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

u'ed )(4 I) +ad -een ar0 &+( +ad *(in)ed (u) )+a) i) c(uld -e '(3e)+in/ el'e4 "elen +ardl0 dared )( +(*e. -u) '+e +ad 3ade an a**(in)3en) &i)+ ar0' /0naec(l(/i') 1(r )+i' 3(rnin/4 S+e a'6ed )+e dri,er )( &ai). and en)ered )+e *ri,a)e clinic4 Dr Sa,ala' &a' a &(3an in +er 1i1)ie' &i)+ )+ree c+ildren (1 +er (&n. and i33edia)el0 "elen 1el) a) +(3e &i)+ +er. and )(ld +er )+e ')(r0 (1 +er acciden) and a*(l(/i'ed in ad,ance 1(r *r(-a-l0 &a')in/ +er )i3e4 <S(. le) 3e /e) )+i' ')rai/+). r' Ari')ide': 0(u )+in6 0(u 3i/+) -e *re/nan). -u) a) )+e a/e (1 1(ur)een 0(u +ad an acciden)4 T+e d(c)(r in $ene,a )(ld 0(u )+e (*era)i(n )( re*air 0(ur 1rac)ured *el,i' &a' a 'ucce''4 T+en added +e &a' '(rr0 -u) i) &a' unli6el0 0(u &(uld e,er +a,e a c+ild4 "a,e I /() )+a) ri/+)> "elen n(dded +er +ead4 <Well. /i,e 3e +i' na3e. and le)' 'ee. '+all &e> An +(ur la)er "elen 'a) l((6in/ a) Dr Sa,ala'. +er e0e' '&i33in/ &i)+ )ear' (1 +a**ine''4 <I reall0 a3 *re/nan)> < (') de1ini)el04 I +a,e c+ec6ed &i)+ 0(ur d(c)(r in $ene,a and )+ere i' n( real 3edical rea'(n &+0 0(u '+(uld n() carr0 )+e c+ild )( 1ull )er34 T+(u/+ 0(ur *el,i' +a' -een &ea6ened and 0(u are qui)e '3all4 T( err (n )+e 'ide (1 cau)i(n. )+e0 'u//e') and I a/ree 0(u '+(uld n() a))e3*)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

)( +a,e a na)ural -ir)+. -u) (*) 1(r a Cae'arean deli,er04 "elen 1l(a)ed (u) (1 )+e clinic (n cl(ud nine. and cli3-ed in)( )+e &ai)in/ car. a '3ile a 3ile &ide (n +er 1ace4 W+en )+e dri,er a'6ed +er &+ere )(. &i)+(u) a 'ec(nd )+(u/+) '+e 'aid )+e -an64 S+e +ad )( )ell '(3e(ne (r '+e &(uld -ur') and Le(n +ad )+e ri/+) )( 6n(& 1ir')4 S+e '6i**ed (u) (1 )+e car )&en)0 0ard' 1r(3 )+e -an6. and )(ld )+e dri,er )( )a6e a lunc+ -rea6 and '+e &(uld call +i3 la)er i1 '+e needed +i34 S+e 1el) li6e lau/+in/ (u) l(ud. -u) c(n)r(lled )+e i3*ul'e. -u) c(uld d( n()+in/ a-(u) )+e -r(ad '3ile (n +er 1ace4 CHAPTER TWELVE <WELL.WELL .SO EONE l((6' +a**0. and ,er0 *lea'ed &i)+ )+e3'el,e'4 "elen l((6ed u* in 'ur*ri'e a) )+e +and'(3e 3an &+( +ad ')e**ed in 1r(n) (1 +er4 <"ell(. Ta6i'4 <Le) 3e /ue''. 0(ure (n 0(ur &a0 )( 'ee Le(n and )+e la&0er' )( c(llec) )+e in+eri)ance Delia le1) 0(u4 <N(. &i)+ a -i) (1 luc6 I a3 /(in/ )( )r0 and *er'uade Le(n )( )a6e 3e (u) 1(r lunc+. '+e 'aid &i)+ a '3ile4 A1)er &+a) Le(n +ad )(ld +er '+e &a' &ar0 (1 )+e 3an. -u) n()+in/ c(uld den) +er eu*+(ric 3((d )(da04 T+(u/+ '+e &a' 'li/+)l0 'ur*ri'ed -0 +i' c(33en)4 W+0 &(uld Ta6i' 6n(& an0)+in/ a-(u) Delia' &ill> N() )+a) i) 3a))ered4 A' 1ar a'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

'+e &a' c(ncerned )+e in+eri)ance &a' 1(r Nic+(la'. 1ull ')(*4 <Y(ure a luc60 lad0 and '((n )( -e a ,er0 &eal)+0 (ne4 Bu) n(&+ere near a' luc60 a' Le(n4 "e +a' c(n)r(l (1 e,er0)+in/ and 0(u a' a -eau)i1ul -(nu'4 I +a,e /() )( +and i) )( +i3@+e i' -rillian) and ru)+le'' &+en i) c(3e' )( -u'ine''4 T+ere &a' '(3e)+in/ in +i' /(lden e0e' )+a) l((6ed ,er0 li6e en,0. and +i' le''9)+an91la))erin/ de'cri*)i(n (1 Le(n di33ed +er '3ile '(3e&+a)4 <I3 '(rr0. I +a,e n( idea &+a) 0(u are )al6in/ a-(u). '+e 'aid 'l(&l04 <O+. c(3e (n. "elen. 0(u 3a0 -e -l(nde. -u) 0(ure n() an air9+ead4 Y(u 3u') 6n(& )+a) (ld 3an Ari')ide' died -e1(re +i' dau/+)er4 W+ic+ 3ean) Delia in+eri)ed 1(r)0 *er cen) (1 +er dad' 1(r)une and acc(rdin/ )( 30 in1(r3a)i(n '+e le1) ei/+)0 *er cen) (1 +er e')a)e )( +er '(n. and )+e re') )( 0(u4 Surel0 0(u 3u') +a,e reali'ed 0(u and )+e -(0 ')((d )( /ain a +ec6 (1 a l() 3(re )+an i1 Delia +ad died 1ir'). 3uc+ )( Le(n' di'3a04 "elen' '3ile ,ani'+ed al(n/ &i)+ +er 'en'e (1 eu*+(ria4 <W+a) e5ac)l0 are 0(u )r0in/ )( 'a0> '+e a'6ed &i)+ a quea'0 1eelin/ in )+e *i) (1 +er ')(3ac+4 <Y(u d(n) 6n(&. 0(u reall0 d(n) 6n(&4 Ta6in/ +er ar3. +e ur/ed +er )(&ard' a '3all *a,e3en) ca184 <J(in 3e 1(r a
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

c(11ee and I &ill e5*lain4 O,er a cu* (1 c(11ee Ta6i' did 7u') )+a)4 <Le(n and +i' 1a)+er +a,e al&a0' 6e*) )+e 3a7(ri)0 (1 '+are' in Ari')ide' In)erna)i(nal in )+e i33edia)e 1a3il04 T+e0 al&a0' +ad Delia' ,()in/ ri/+)'. )+(u/+ i) 3i/+) +a,e -een di11eren) i1 '+e +ad li,ed l(n/ en(u/+ )( in+eri) )+e (ne' +er 3()+er +ad le1) +er a) )&en)091i,e4 Bu) a1)er )+e d(u-le )ra/ed0 and )+e di'c(,er0 (1 Delia' &ill and +er ille/i)i3a)e c+ild@0(u. "elen. -eca3e )+e &ild card in )+e *ac64 A' e5ecu)(r (1 )+e -(0' e')a)e Le(n &(uld n() +a,e +ad a *r(-le3. +e c(uld 'i3*l0 ,()e )+e c+ild' '+are' )+e &a0 +e &an)ed )(4 Bu) 0(u c(uld -e a real *r(-le3 1(r +i34 <T+i' i' all &a0 (,er 30 +ead. "elen 3u))ered. )a6in/ a 'i* (1 +er c(11ee &i)+ a /r(&in/ 1eelin/ (1 dread4 <I) i' qui)e 'i3*le: 0(u in+eri)ed )&en)0 *er cen) (1 Delia' e')a)e &+ic+ include' ei/+) *er cen) (1 )+e c(3*an0 '+are' 1r(3 +er 1a)+er4 I +(ld '(3e. a' d( a +(') (1 ()+er *e(*le &+('e 1a3il0 3e3-er' +a,e -een in,(l,ed in 3er/er' in )+e *a') (r 'i3*l0 -(u/+) )+e34 T+e re') are +eld -0 -i/ in,e')3en) c(3*anie' )+a) are 3(re )+an 'a)i'1ied &i)+ Le(n' leader'+i*4 T( /i,e )+e de,il +i' due +e +a' a *+en(3enal -u'ine'' -rain4 Bu) )ec+nicall0 i1 &e all 7(ined )(/e)+er Le(n &(uld n(& n( l(n/er +a,e a 3a7(ri)0 and 0(ur +(ldin/ c(uld -e in')ru3en)al in ,()in/ +i3 (u) (1 (11ice4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<I 'ee4 "elen n(dded4 <D(n) /e) 3e &r(n/. "elen4 Y(u are a ,er0 -eau)i1ul &(3an. -u) 0(u are in a ,er0 ')r(n/ *('i)i(n. *ar)icularl0 a' )+e c+ild' /uardian4 <Le(n i' a' &ell. '+e cu) in '&i1)l0. and 'a& )+e l((6 (1 *i)0 in Ta6i' e0e'4 <Are 0(u 'ure a-(u) )+a)> C+ec6 &i)+ 0(ur la&0er4 I )+in6 0(u &ill 1ind Le(n i' an e5ecu)(r (1 )+e -(0' e')a)e. n() +i' /uardian4 "e '+ru//ed +i' '+(ulder'4 <I) i' n() i3*(r)an)4 Y(ure a l(,el0 lad0. and I +a)e )( -e )+e (ne )( )ell 0(u -u) Le(n +ad ,er0 c(3*ellin/ rea'(n' )( 3arr0 0(u. and n() 7u') 1(r )+e -(04 Y(ur in+eri)in/ Ari')ide' '+are' *('ed a )+rea)@a ,er0 'li/+) )+rea). i) i' )rue@)( +i' a-'(lu)e c(n)r(l (1 )+e -an64 Y(u 3u') 6n(& &+a) a c(n)r(l 1rea6 +e i'4 S( -e care1ul4 And &i)+ )+a) +e u* and le1)4 F(r a l(n/ )i3e "elen 'i3*l0 'a) and ')ared a) )+e )a-le &i)+ 'i/+)le'' e0e'. Ta6i' re,ela)i(n runnin/ )+(u/+ +er -rain. n() &an)in/ )( -elie,e )+e e,idence -e1(re +er4 S+e recalled )+e a**(in)3en) Le(n +ad 'e) u* 1(r +er &i)+ r S30)+4 "e +ad c(n/ra)ula)ed +er (n +er in+eri)ance and (n +er 1(r)+c(3in/ &eddin/ and )(ld +er Le(n &a' )+e e5ecu)(r (1 Nic+(la' e')a)e al(n/ &i)+ +er and 'u//e')ed +e read )+e &ill in i)' en)ire)04 Bu) '+e +ad -een in a +urr0 )( /( and -u0 +er &eddin/ dre''. and re1u'ed +i' 'u//e')i(n4 S+e +ad )(ld +i3 '+e &an)ed )( /i,e )+e 3(ne0 )( Nic+(la'4 And )+en '+e recalled +e +ad ad,i'ed +er )( +(ld -ac6 (n an0 deci'i(n un)il )+e &ill +ad *a''ed *r(-a)e4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"ad +e -een )r0in/ )( &arn +er> T+e ad(*)i(n (1 Nic+(la'. &+ic+ Le(n +ad 'u//e')ed and &+ic+ +ad -een in')ru3en)al in di''(l,in/ +er re'i')ance )( +i3 a1)er (nl0 )&( da0' (1 3arria/e. 'uddenl0 )((6 (n a 3uc+ 3(re 'ini')er li/+)4 I1 +e &a' ne,er )+e -(0' /uardian. a' Ta6i' +ad 'aid. i) 3ade 'en'e 1(r Le(n )( *re'' 1(r ad(*)i(n. )+en +e &(uld +a,e e5ac)l0 )+e 'a3e ri/+)' +a' +er4 "(& c(uld an0 3an -e '( ru)+le''. '( ac+ia,ellian> <W(uld 3ada3 li6e an0)+in/ el'e> "elen l((6ed u* a) )+e &ai)er4 <N(4 N(. )+an6 0(u4 And +e /a,e +er )+e -ill4 A -i))er '3ile cur,ed +er li*'4 Ta6i' +ad le1) +er )( *a04 S+e &al6ed )+r(u/+ )+e ')ree)' (1 A)+en' +er +ead -en) and +er 3ind in )ur3(il4 W+en '+e 1inall0 reac+ed )+e +(u'e i) &a' a1)er 1(ur4 S+e +eard )+e '(und (1 c+ildi'+ lau/+)er 1r(3 )+e /arden. and &al6ed ar(und )+e +(u'e )( &+ere )+e '&i33in/ *((l &a' 'i)ua)ed4 <"i. u3. &a)c+ 3e '&i3. Nic+(la' 0elled4

S+e &a)c+ed +i3. -lin6in/ -ac6 )+e )ear'4 ar)a. )+e nann0 &a' in )+e *((l &i)+ +i3 &+ile Anna &a' 'i))in/ a) )+e *a)i( )a-le &i)+ )+e dri,er. and -()+ &ere 6ee*in/ a &a)c+1ul e0e (n )+e -(04 <C(3e (n in. Nic+(la' '+(u)ed4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<N() )(da0. '+e called -ac64 <I3 /(in/ u*')air' )( c+an/e4 And &a,in/. &al6ed ind((r'4 N() an0 da0. '+e )+(u/+) 'adl0. *u))in/ a *r()ec)i,e +and (n +er ')ill91la) ')(3ac+4 Nic+(la' &a' $ree64 Le(n +ad -een ri/+) a-(u) )+a)4 "e &a' &ell l((6ed a1)er -0 *e(*le &+( ad(red +i34 "e didn) reall0 need +er. '+e decided 'adl04 S+e didn) -el(n/ +ere. and '+e &a' /(in/ +(3e4 S+e ')(**ed +al1&a0 u* )+e ')air'. a**alled a) &+ere +er (&n 'el1i'+ )+(u/+)' &ere leadin/ +er4 Nic+(la' &a' +er c+ild a' 3uc+ a' )+e c+ild '+e carried in +er &(3-. &+( &(uld al'( -e +al1 $ree64 S+e +ad n( 3(re ri/+) )( de*ri,e )+e c+ild (1 i)' +eri)a/e )+an '+e +ad Nic+(la'4 T+e0 &(uld *+0'icall0 -e c(u'in'. and. in +er +ear). -r()+er'4 S+e ')ri**ed (11 +er cl()+e' and 1l(**ed d(&n (n )+e -ed and cried +er e0e' (u)4 All +er +(*e' and drea3' '+a))ered -0 a ca'ual 3ee)in/ and a 1e& c+(ice &(rd' 1r(3 a 3an '+e -arel0 6ne&4 A l(n/ )i3e la)er '+e ')((d u* and &al6ed in)( )+e -a)+r((34 S+e &a' 3ind nu3-in/l0 1r(2en4 S+e ')e**ed in)( )+e '+(&er and )urned (n )+e )a* and le) )+e +() &a)er ru'+ (,er +er4 Bu) '+e 1el) a' i1 '+e &(uld ne,er -e &ar3 a/ain4 "(& c(uld '+e +a,e -een 'uc+ a -lind 1((l> Suc+ an idi()> '+e -era)ed +er'el14 S+e &a' ')ill a'6in/ +er'el1 )+e 'a3e que')i(n &+en '+e 'a) -e1(re )+e dre''in/ )a-le in +er -ra
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

and -rie1' )( dr0 +er +air4 <"ell(. '&ee)+ear)4 Le(n ')r(de in)( )+eir 'ui)e. a -r(ad '3ile (n +i' 1ace4 <Wear '(3e)+in/ /la3(r(u'@I a3 )a6in/ 0(u (u) )( dinner4 "e &ra**ed an ar3 ar(und +er. *ullin/ +er /en)l0 u* )( +er 1ee). +i' a**recia)i,e /a2e '&ee*in/ (,er +er 'can)il0 clad -(d0. +i' e0e' dar6enin/ a' +e &(uld +a,e *ulled +er cl('e )( 6i'' +er4 Bu) "elen *u) +er +and' a/ain') +i' c+e') and *u'+ed +i3 a&a04 T+e ,eil (1 l(,e +ad -een )(rn 1r(3 +er e0e'. and a) la') '+e &a' 'eein/ +i3 a' +e )rul0 &a'4 T+e ul)i3a)e )0c((n4 Tall and *(&er1ull0 -uil). clad in a *er1ec)l0 )ail(red *earl9 /re0 'ui)4 "i' +ard. an/ular 1ace and +i/+ c+ee6-(ne' e5uded an aura (1 ru)+le'' *(&er and a-'(lu)e au)+(ri)04 "(& +ad '+e -een '( -lind> '+e )+(u/+). 'eein/ )+e 1lic6er (1 i3*a)ience in +i' e0e'4 "e +a)ed )( -e )+&ar)ed in -u'ine'' (r 'e54 <I d(n) &an) )( /( (u) )( dinner &i)+ 0(u. '+e 'aid 1la)l04 W+a) '+(uld +a,e -een )+e 3(') &(nder1ul 3(3en) (1 +er li1e &a' n(& a )ra,e')04 Scan)il0 clad a' '+e &a'. '+e &an)ed )( /e) i) (,er &i)+ and (u) (1 +i' 'i/+) a' quic6l0 a' *(''i-le4 <I a3 *re/nan)4 <Y(u 'aid 0(u c(uld n() +a,e c+ildren. Le(n declared +ar'+l04 S+e ')ared a) +i34 "e didn) l((6 deli/+)ed a) )+e *r('*ec)4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"i' 1ace &a' 3(re au')ere )+an '+e +ad e,er 'een i). +i' +ea,0 lidded e0e' &ere narr(&ed 'u'*ici(u'l0 (n +er. and a 3u'cle 1lic6ered in +i' )anned c+ee64 W+0 &a' '+e 'ur*ri'ed a) +i' re'*(n'e> "e +ad )(ld +er +e didn) care a-(u) +a,in/ a -i(l(/ical c+ild; +e *r(-a-l0 did n() &an) )( '*li) +i' &eal)+ an()+er &a0. '+e )+(u/+) c(n)e3*)u(u'l04 <I &a' &r(n/; a**aren)l0 a 1rac)ured *el,i' d(e' n() *reclude 3e /e))in/ *re/nan) a1)er all. )+(u/+ i) &ill *re,en) 3e 1r(3 +a,in/ a na)ural -ir)+4 T+e d(c)(r )(ld 3e I 3u') +a,e a Cae'arean deli,er04 S+e c(uld n() -elie,e '+e &a' )al6in/ )( +i3 '( cal3l0 &+en in'ide '+e &a' a 'ee)+in/ 3a'' (1 *ain and 1ur04 And '+e +ad -een &r(n/ a-(u) ne,er 1eelin/ &ar3 a/ain; )+e 1e& -rie1 3(3en)' +eld a/ain') +i' l(n/ -(d0 +ad &ar3ed +er in')an)l0. and '+e +a)ed +er'el1 1(r i)4 <I' i) 3ine> T+a) +ad )( -e )+e cruelle') cu) (1 all "elen )+(u/+) 'a,a/el0 a1)er a da0 )+a) +ad 'een +er e3()i(n' /( 1r(3 di220in/ +a**ine'' )( a-'(lu)e de'*air4 S+e c(uld n() )a6e an0 3(re4 <Lea,e 3e al(ne4 "e di'/u')ed +er4 <Ju') lea,e 3e al(ne4 S+e -ru'+ed *a') +i34 S+e +ad )( /e) a&a04 <S(rr0. +e 'aid r(u/+l0. ca)c+in/ +er -0 )+e ar3 and )urnin/ +er -ac6 in)( )+e &ar3)+ (1 +i' -(d04 <O1 c(ur'e i)
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+ell (1 a '+(c6 )( 0(u4 N( &(nder 0(u +()1(()ed i) )( En/land@0(ur a-'(lu)e c(n)r(l (,er Ari')ide' In)erna)i(nal &a' )+rea)ened4 S+e 'a& +i' 1ace dar6en and )+(u/+) +e +ad a /((d ri/+) )( l((6 /uil)04 <And 0(ur (+. '( 'en'i-le (11er (1 a c(n,enien) 3arria/e &+ile care1ull0 a,(idin/ )ellin/ 3e 0(u &ere n() na3ed a' Nic+(la' /uardian &a' a +ell (1 a l() 3(re de,i(u' )+an an0)+in/ I e,er did4 A' 1(r ad(*)in/ Nic+(la'. )+a) &a' a 3a')er ')r(6e4 "elen ')(**ed. una-le )( /( (n 1(r a 3(3en) a' )+e 1ull e5)en) (1 +i' dece*)i(n ')ruc6 +er all (,er a/ain4 <Y(u &ere '( e11icien) and c(n'idera)e. e,en )( arran/in/ a 3ee)in/ 1(r 3e &i)+ r S30)+4 S+e /lanced u*. +er c+allen/in/ /a2e r(a3in/ (,er +i' +ard 1ace4 <Tell 3e. +(& 3uc+ did 0(u *a0 +i3> '+e a'6ed 'ca)+in/l0. recallin/ &+en +e +ad a'6ed +er )+e 'a3e )+in/ and 1lin/in/ +i' (&n &(rd' -ac6 a) +i34 <T+a) i' en(u/+. +e /ra)ed -e)&een clenc+ed )ee)+4 <I ne,er *aid +i3 a *enn04 And I ne,er 'aid I &a' Nic+(la' /uardian. I 'aid I &a' a )ru')ee (1 +i' e')a)e4 T+in6in/ -ac6 '+e reali'ed +e &a' ri/+). -u) i) didn) al)er )+e 1ac) +e +ad le) +er )+in6 i)@+i'3udd0 &a)er *rinci*le. n( d(u-)4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

&a' cl(udin/ +er 'en'e' and +er c((l c(n)r(l )((6 a 'eri(u' 6n(c64 <Y(ure *r(-a-l0 ri/+) -u) i) d(e'n) reall0 3a))er an0 3(re. '+e 'aid 1la)l0. de)er3ined n() )( -e -linded -0 'e5 a/ain4 <Y(u d(n) need )( &(rr0; I +a,e n() c+an/ed 30 3ind4 I &ill ')ill 'i/n e,er0)+in/ (,er )( Nic+(la'4 N(&. i1 0(u d(n) 3ind. &ill 0(u *lea'e lea,e> "er +ead &a' 'uddenl0 '*innin/. +er le/' 1el) &ea6 and '+e c(uld n() )a6e an0 3(re4 <I &an) )( /e) dre''ed. '+e 3ur3ured. and 1el) +er'el1 1allin/ a/ain') +i34

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

T+e li))le -(0 cli3-ed (n )+e -ed4 A' )+e e,en)' (1 )+e a1)ern((n ca3e -ac6 )( +er in all )+eir +(rr(r. '+e +u//ed Nic+(la' cl('e and &i)+ a 1e& &(rd' and a cuddle '+e rea''ured +i3 '+e &a' 1ine. and +e &a' (11 li6e a '+() )( re'u3e *la0in/4 <"a,e 0(u ea)en )(da0> Anna que')i(ned a' +e le1)4 <T+e c+au11eur )+(u/+) 0(u &ere lunc+in/ &i)+ a')er Le(n. -u) +e 'aid 0(u did n(). and 0(u are ea)in/ 1(r )&( n(&. re3e3-er4 <N(. I3 a1raid I 3i''ed lunc+4 "elen '+((6 +er +ead and Anna le1) )( re)urn 1i,e 3inu)e' la)er &i)+ a +a3 'alad. and le1) a/ain4 A1)er ea)in/ )+e 'alad "elen &a' a-(u) )( /e) u* and dre'' &+en )+e d((r (*ened a/ain. and Le(n &al6ed in4 "e &a' )+e la') *er'(n '+e &an)ed )( 'ee. '+e )+(u/+). +er e0e' 1lic6in/ -i))erl0 (,er +i34 "e +ad l(') )+e 7ac6e) and )ie. +i' '+ir) &a' un-u))(ned and i1 '+e +ad n() 6n(&n -e))er '+e 3i/+) +a,e )+(u/+) +e &a' u*'e)4 A '3all /re0 +aired 3an 1(ll(&ed -e+ind +i3. &+(3 Le(n in)r(duced a' )+e d(c)(r4 <I d(n) need a d(c)(r. '+e -e/an4 <I@ <I &ill -e )+e 7ud/e (1 )+a). Le(n 'aid /ri3l0. ')ridin/ (,er )( )+e -ed and l(&erin/ +er -ac6 d(&n4 <Y(u are )(( da3n ,(la)ile )( 6n(& &+a) 0(u need. +e 3u))ered. *ullin/ )+e '+ee) u* (,er +er )+i/+'4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

T+e d(c)(r )((6 +er )e3*era)ure. 1el) +er *ul'e. a'6ed a 1e& que')i(n'. and n(dded +i' a**r(,al &+en '+e 3en)i(ned Dr Sa,ala'. &+ile Le(n ')((d in -r((din/ 'ilence li')enin/ )( )+e &+(le *r(ceedin/'4 <I &ill 'ee )+e d(c)(r (u). Le(n declared. l((6in/ d(&n a) +er &i)+ c(ld. +ard e0e'4 <T+en I &ill -e -ac64 "elen in&ardl0 '+i,ered 'en'in/ )+e )+rea) in +i' )(ne. and -e/an )( /e) u* a/ain4 S+e needed )( -e dre''ed and (n +er 1ee) )( 1ace +i34 <D(n) e,en )+in6 a-(u) /e))in/ u*. Le(n c(33anded. and )+e d(c)(r a/reed4 "elen 'ilen)l0 1u3ed4 De10in/ +er au)(cra)ic +u'-and' (rder' didn) -()+er +er (ne -i). -u) )+e d(c)(r &a' a di11eren) *r(*('i)i(n4 N()+in/ and n( (ne. +er'el1 included &a' /(in/ )( d( an0)+in/ )( +ar3 )+e *reci(u' li1e in'ide +er4 !unc+in/ u* )+e *ill(&'. '+e ea'ed +er -(d0 u* )+e -ed4 S+e +ad )( ')a0 in -ed. -u) '+e didn) +a,e )( lie d(&n4 S+e +ad lain d(&n en(u/+ 1(r Le(n Ari')ide'. -u) n() an0 3(re4 Once '+e /() (u) (1 )+i' -ed '+e &a' ne,er '+arin/ an()+er -ed &i)+ )+e 3an a/ain4 F(r )+e 'a6e (1 )+e c+ild '+e carried and Nic+(la' '+e &(uld ')a0 and &illin/l0 'i/n e,er0)+in/ (,er )( )+e c+ild (r c+ildren4 Le(n &a' +ard9+eaded and ru)+le'' en(u/+ )+a) (nce +e /() &+a) +e reall0 &an)ed '+e 6ne& +e &(uld lea,e +er al(ne4 I) &(uld n() -e a *r(-le3 1(r +i34 "e +ad )(ld
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

+er +i3'el1 +i' 1ir') 3arria/e +ad -een 7u') 'uc+ an arran/e3en) 1(r 0ear'; a' 1(r +er. '+e c(uld /e) u'ed )( an0)+in/ in )i3e4 $(d 6ne&. '+e +ad +ad en(u/+ *rac)ice. and )+i' )i3e '+e +ad )+e c(3*en'a)i(n (1 n() (ne. -u) +(*e1ull0 )&( c+ildren )( l(,e4 T+e d((r (*ened 0e) a/ain and a /li33er (1 +u3(ur li/+)ened +er e0e'4 S+e &a' -e/innin/ )( 1eel a' i1 '+e &ere in )+e 3iddle (1 $rand Cen)ral S)a)i(n4 Bu) (ne l((6 a) )+e /ri3 e5*re''i(n (n Le(n' +ard 1ace a' +e ')r(de (,er )( )+e -ed and +er a3u'e3en) ,ani'+ed4 Suddenl0 '+e did n() 1eel qui)e '( -ra,e. (r '( 'ure4 <T+e d(c)(r 'aid 0(u 3u') re') 1(r a +al1 an +(ur and )+en 0(u can /e) u*4 I' )+ere an0)+in/ I can /e) 0(u> <N(4 S+e 7u') &an)ed +i3 )( /(4 <I )+in6 0(u +a,e d(ne qui)e en(u/+ 1(r 3e alread0. '+e dra&led 1ace)i(u'l04 <I +a,e n()+in/ 3(re )( 'a0 )( 0(u e5ce*) )er3'4 I1 0(u &i'+ )( re3ain 3arried. I a3 *re*ared )( ')a0 in )+i' +(u'e 1(r Nic+(la' and (ur un-(rn c+ild' 'a6e. -u) n() in )+i' r((34 I1 0(u &an) a di,(rce I &ill /i,e 0(u (ne. -u) I 6ee* )+e c+ildren4 A) la') '+e &a' )a6in/ -ac6 c(n)r(l (1 +er li1e4 F(r a l(n/ )en'e 3(3en) )+ere &a' 'ilence4 <Y(u reall0 d(n) )ru') 3e a) all4 Bu) )+i' c(n,er'a)i(n i' n() (,er4 "i' -lac6 e0e' ra6ed (,er +er &i)+ in'ul)in/ arr(/ance )+a) did n() +el* +er -uddin/ c(n1idence4 <We &ill di'cu'' 0(ur )er3' la)er in 30 ')ud0 a1)er Nic+(la' i' in -ed4 D(n) 3a6e 3e +a,e )( c(3e and 1e)c+ 0(u4 "e le1). 'la33in/ )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Ta6e )+e '(cial e5c+an/e a' read. Le(n 'aid cur)l04 <C+ri' +a' '(3e d(cu3en)' 1(r 0(u )( 'i/n and +e i' in a +urr04 And rai'in/ )+e /la'' )( +i' 3(u)+. +e drained )+e c(n)en)'4 "elen ')(**ed. +er 'lender -(d0 )en'in/4 C+ri' &a' Le(n' la&0er4 Le(n +ad 'aid d(cu3en)'. *lural4 "ad +e alread0 decided )( )a6e +er u* (n +er (11er (1. n() 7u') )+e in+eri)ance. -u) a di,(rce a' &ell> T+e 'udden ')a- (1 *ain in +er +ear) 3ade +er &ince4 <Are 0(u 'ure 0(u are all ri/+)> Le(n *laced a +and (n +er ar34 S+e 1el) )+e *re''ure (1 +i' 1in/er' a/ain') +er -are '6in and /lanced u* a) +i34 "i' +ard 1ace l((6ed dra&n. +i' li*' )i/+). and +i' dee* 'e) e0e' +ad a )r(u-led l((6 a-(u) )+e34 C(ncern 1(r +er> N(. Le(n &a' a 3an &+( +ad ne,er )rul0 cared 1(r a &(3an in +i' li1e4 <Ye'. I a3 1ine4 S+e '+ru//ed (11 +i' +and and &al6ed )( )+e de'64 <S+(& 3e &+ere I +a,e )( 'i/n4 S+e 1(rced +er'el1 )( '3ile a) C+ri' and *ic6ed u* a *en 1r(3 )+e de'64 <S(rr0 1(r )+e ru'+. "elen. -u) ar0 and I are 'u**('ed )( -e /(in/ (u) )( dinner4 Bu) 0(u 6n(& 0(ur +u'-and@i1 +e &an)' '(3e)+in/ d(ne. +e &an)' i) d(ne 0e')erda04 "e c+uc6led. and *laced )&( *a*er' in 1r(n) (1 +er4 <I a3 'ure Le(n +a' e5*lained e,er0)+in/ )( 0(u. -u) i1 0(u &an) )(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

read )+e3 /( a+ead4 I) )((6 e,er0 -i) (1 'el1 c(n)r(l "elen *(''e''ed )( '3ile -ac6 a) C+ri'4 <N(. )+a) &(n) -e nece''ar04 Bu) 0(u c(uld run )+e i3*(r)an) *(in)' -0 3e a/ain4 Wa' i) a di,(rce Le(n &a' /(in/ 1(r> S+e ca') a 'idel(n/ /lance a) +er +u'-and4 "e +ad 3(,ed )( )+e (**('i)e 'ide (1 )+e r((3. &+ere +e &a' re1illin/ +i' /la'' 1r(3 a decan)er4 <T+e0 are *er1ec)l0 ')rai/+)1(r&ard. C+ri' 'aid. and '+e quic6l0 )urned +er a))en)i(n -ac6 )( +i34 <T+e 1ir') i' 'i3*l0 0(ur acce*)ance (1 )+e 3(ne0 and '+are'. e) ce)era. Delia le1) 0(u4 I &ill need )+e na3e and nu3-er (1 )+e acc(un) 0(u &an) )+e3 +eld in and )+e )ran'1er &ill -e )+r(u/+ in 1i,e da0'4 <Wai) a 3inu)e= T+a)' n() ri/+)4 I )(ld Le(n I &an) e,er0)+in/ )( /( direc)l0 )( Nic+(la'. "elen e5clai3ed4 <I 6n(&. -u) +e &(uldn) +ear (1 i)4 "e )(ld 3e -e1(re Ea')er )( 3a6e 'ure e,er0)+in/ &a' )ran'1erred in)( 0(ur na3e4 <Be1(re Ea')er. -u)? T+a) c(uld n() -e )rue. and 0e) '+e )ru')ed C+ri'. and i1 i) &a' )rue '+e +ad 3ade )+e -i//e') 3i')a6e in +er li1e )(da04 S+e +ad -elie,ed e,er0)+in/ Ta6i' +ad )(ld +er. a 3an '+e +ardl0 6ne&. and '+e +ad c(nde3ned Le(n &i)+(u) /i,in/ +i3 a c+ance )( e5*lain4 S+e )urned '+(c6ed e0e' )( Le(n4 "e &a' leanin/ a/ain') )+e 1ire*lace /la'' in +and. +i'
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

e5*re''i(n in'cru)a-le4 S+e )+(u/+) -ac6 (,er )+e )&el,e &ee6' '+e +ad -een 3arried. and reali'ed )+e *rec(ncei,ed n()i(n' '+ed +ad (1 Le(n +ad c(l(ured +er )+in6in/ )+e &+(le )i3e4 Bein/ -ru)all0 +(ne'). '+e 6ne& i) *r(-a-l0 &(uld n() +a,e 3a))ered &+a) +e did4 T+e &(nder1ul l(,er. )+e /rea) 1a)+er. )+e 3a/ni1icen) dia3(nd' +e /a,e +er. and 3(') i3*(r)an)l0 +i' e5*lana)i(n (1 L(ui'a. &+ile n() *lea'an) )( +ear. +ad -een )ru)+1ul4 Bu) ')ill '+e +ad n() credi)ed +i3 &i)+ an (unce (1 )ru')4 In')ead '+e +ad -elie,ed a ,ir)ual ')ran/er (,er +i34 W+a) +ad '+e d(ne> <I a3 in a -i) (1 a +urr0. "elen. C+ri' *r(3*)ed4 <T+e ()+er d(cu3en) i' )+e 1ir') ')a/e in ad(*)in/ Nic+(la'4 <N(4 I a3 n() 'i/nin/ an0)+in/. '+e ')a)ed. l((6in/ -ac6 a) C+ri'4 <I )+(u/+)? W+a) '+e +ad )+(u/+) &a' '+a3in/ and '+e ')(**ed in 3id9'en)ence4 <Li6e 3(') &(3en. 30 &i1e +a' )r(u-le )+in6in/ clearl04 Le(n addre''ed C+ri' a' +e cr(''ed )+e r((3 )( "elen' 'ide. cl('in/ +i' +and' (n +er '+(ulder' and )urnin/ +er r(und )( 1ace +i34 <I,e )(ld 0(u -e1(re4 Le) 3e d( )+e )+in6in/4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

S+e &a' '( +ear)9')(**in/l0 -eau)i1ul -()+ in'ide and (u). and '( )+(r(u/+l0 c(n1u'ed. and +e 6ne& +e &a' )( -la3e4 <Y(u 3u') 'i/n )+e 1ir') d(cu3en). "elen. )( cl('e )+e e')a)e. a1)er&ard' 0(u can d( &+a) 0(u li6e &i)+ )+e 3(ne04 A' 1(r )+e 'ec(nd d(cu3en) i) can &ai) i1 0(u *re1er4 Bu) C+ri' can); +e i' in a +urr04 "e +eld +er '+(c6ed /a2e. )+e air -e)&een )+e3 )+ic6enin/ &i)+ )en'i(n4 "e 'a& )+e 6aleid('c(*e (1 e3()i(n' 1lic6erin/ in )+e ,i(le) de*)+' (1 +er e0e'4 #nli6e +i3. '+e ne,er c(uld +ide &+a) '+e &a' 1eelin/ and +e 6ne& )+e 3(3en) '+e 3ade +er deci'i(n4 "elen 'i/ned -()+ d(cu3en)' quie)l04 <W+0. Le(n> '+e a'6ed quie)l0 a' C+ri' de*ar)ed4 <W+0 did 0(u n() ')(* 3e )+i' a1)ern((n> W+0 did 0(u i/n(re &+a) I 'aid a-(u) /i,in/ e,er0)+in/ )( Nic+(la'> I 3i'7ud/ed 0(u '( dread1ull04 I didn) )ru') 0(u an inc+ and I 1eel 'uc+ a 1((l. '+e ad3i))ed -lea6l04 <N(4 I a3 )+e 1((l. Le(n declared. +i' dar6 /a2e ra6in/ (,er +er &i)+ a -urnin/ in)en'i)0 )+a) 3ade +er *ul'e race and +er +ear) -ea) l(udl0 in +er -rea')4 <I i/n(red &+a) 0(u 'aid. -ecau'e I &an)ed 0(u )( +a,e e,er0)+in/4 <Y(u 'aid )+a) (nce -e1(re. "elen 3ur3ured4 <A c(u*le (1 &ee6' a1)er &e 3arried. &+en 0(u )((6 3e )( )+e -an64 <I 3ean) i) )+en. and I 3ean i) n(&. +e 'aid 'i3*l0. and. -endin/ )(&ard' +er. +e +ad '&e*) +er u* in +i' ar3' -e1(re '+e 6ne& &+a) &a' +a**enin/4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<W+a) are 0(u d(in/> "elen cried inanel0. 1lin/in/ +er ar3' ar(und +i' nec64 <W+a) I '+(uld +a,e d(ne &ee6' a/(4 "e carried +er )( )+e '(1a and. dr(**in/ d(&n. +e +eld +er 1ir3l0 (n +i' la*4 "i' dar6 /a2e narr(&ed in)en)l0 (n +er *ale 1ace4 <T(ld 0(u I l(,e 0(u. +e 'aid )+ic6l04 S)unned. "elen ')ared a) +i3 li6e a &(3an )ran'1i5ed4 < e?Y(u l(,e 3e4 S+e +ad )( -e drea3in/. (r '+e +ad 1inall0 1li**ed and '+e &a' +earin/ ,(ice'4 <Ye'. 0(u. "elen4 I ne,er )+(u/+) l(,e e5i')ed un)il I 3e) 0(u4 A /rea) 'ur/e (1 +(*e '&e*) )+r(u/+ +er4 S+e &a'n) cra20. Le(n +ad 'aid )+e &(rd' '+e +ad l(n/ed )( +ear4 <O+. Le(n. I@ "e li1)ed a 1in/er and laid i) a/ain') +er '(1) li*'4 <Sa0 n()+in/4 I +a,e )( d( )+i' n(& (r I 3a0 ne,er +a,e )+e c(ura/e a/ain4 "e ')(**ed +er. a 'el1 deridin/ '3ile cur,in/ +i' 3(u)+4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<Fr(3 )+e da0 &e 3e) a/ain in En/land I &an)ed 0(u 'e5uall04 Bu) 0(u &ere ri/+). and '( &a' Ta6i' in a &a0@ 30 3ain 3()i,a)i(n &a' )( /e) 0(u and Nic+(la' under 30 c(n)r(l4 Tec+nicall0 I c(uld +a,e l(') c(n)r(l (1 )+e c(3*an0. -u) i) &(uld ne,er +a**en4 S(3e (1 )+e '3all '+are+(lder' li6e C+ri' and Ale5 and a 1e& 3(re &(uld ne,er ,()e a/ain') 3e4 Bu) I li6e )( -e )+(r(u/+ and &+en 0(u (11ered )( 'i/n e,er0)+in/ (,er )( Nic+(la'. I 'aid n()+in/ and 3arried 0(u 1(r 30 c(n,enience. n() 0(ur'. +e c(n1e''ed in a ru'+4 "elen ')irred re')le''l0 (n +i' la*. )+i' &a' n() &+a) '+e &an)ed )( +ear. -u) +i' ar3' /a)+ered +er cl('er4 "i' dar6 e0e' +eld +er'. 'eri(u' in )+eir in)en)4 <I a3 )r0in/ )( -e +(ne'). "elen@n() *lea'an). I 6n(&4 I decided 0(u &ere a cle,er. c(nni,in/ &(3an. -u) (n (ur &eddin/ ni/+) I di'c(,ered in (ne &a0 a) lea') 0(u &ere c(3*le)el0 inn(cen)4 I &a' a3a2ed and deli/+)ed. and in 30 arr(/ance I )(ld 30'el1 I +ad a &illin/. 'e50 &(3an in 30 -ed and an +eir )( in+eri) a1)er 3e4 W+a) 3(re c(uld a 3an &an)> <T+a) i' '( c+au,ini')ic4 "elen '+((6 +er +ead4 Bu) '+e &a'n) 'ur*ri'ed4 Le(n &a' ne,er /(in/ )( -e )+e ne& a/e 3an &(3en' 3a/a2ine' ra,ed a-(u)4 <I 6n(&. and I a3 a'+a3ed )( 'a0 I carried (n )+in6in/ )+a) &a0 1(r qui)e a &+ile4 I )(ld 30'el1 )+e incredi-le ur/e )( 3a6e l(,e )( 0(u e,er0 )i3e I l((6ed a) 0(u &a' 7u') 'e5. I c(uldn) ad3i) i) &a' 3(re4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<And &a' i) 3(re> '+e a'6ed. &illin/ +i3 )( 'a0 +e l(,ed +er a/ain. -ecau'e '+e ')ill c(uld n() qui)e -elie,e +i34 Le(n '3iled and -uried +i' li*' in )+e 'il6en 'cen) (1 +er +air 1(r a 3(3en)4 <O+. I )+in6 0(u al&a0' 6ne& i) &a' 3(re. +e +u'6ed. +i' dar6 /a2e re)urnin/ )( +er u*)urned 1ace4 <I) &a' 3(re )+e 1ir') )i3e I +ad )( lea,e 0(u )( /( )( Ne& Y(r6 and I -(u/+) 0(u a rin/4 I) &a' 3(re e,er0 )i3e I +eld 0(u in 30 ar3' and 3ade l(,e )( 0(u4 I) &a' 3(re &+en I )(ld C+ri' )( 3a6e 'ure 0(u in+eri)ed e,er0)+in/ 0(u &ere en)i)led )(4 I l(,ed 0(u -u) I &a' )(( 3uc+ (1 a c(&ard )( )ell 0(u4 T+ere &a' n( d(u-)in/ )+e 'inceri)0 in +i' dar6 e0e'. and '+e ran a /en)le 1in/er d(&n )+e 'ide (1 +i' 1ace. +er +ear) '&ellin/ in +er -rea')4 "e cau/+) +er +and in +i' and rai'ed i) )( +i' li*' and '+e &a' *(&erle'' a/ain') )+e '(1)ne'' (1 +i' '3all care'' and )+e 1l((d (1 e3()i(n' i) e,(6ed4 S+e ')irred re')le''l0 (n +i' la* and &a' a&are (1 )+e +ard ')ren/)+ (1 +i' ar(u'ed -(d0 -enea)+ +er4 And &ri//led a/ain4 <D(n) d( )+a)4 Le(n )i/+)ened +i' /ri* (n +er +and4 <Le) 3e 1ini'+4 I 1inall0 ad3i))ed )( 30'el1 I l(,ed 0(u )+e ni/+) (1 )+e *ar)04 I ')((d &i)+ 0(u in 30 ar3' and 6ne& 0(u &ere 30 &(rld4 I )+an6ed 0(u 1(r 3arr0in/ 3e and I +ad ne,er 1el) 'uc+ +a**ine'' in 30 li1e4 T+en li6e Ne3e'i'. L(ui'a arri,ed4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

<S+e d(e' n() 3a))er4 "elen li1)ed +er ()+er +and )( curl ar(und )+e na*e (1 +i' nec6 and -r(u/+) +i' 1ace )(&ard' +er'4 S+e 1inall0 -elie,ed Le(n l(,ed +er; )+i' -i/. -eau)i1ul. au')ere 3an l(,ed +er4 <All )+a) 3a))er' i' )+a) 0(u l(,e 3e. and I l(,e 0(u. '+e 'aid un')eadil0. +er e0e' '&i33in/ &i)+ )ear' (1 7(04 <"elen. +e +u'6ed. <I d(n) de'er,e 0(u -u). $(d +el* 3e. I &ill ne,er le) 0(u /(4 "e 6i''ed +er &i)+ a re,erence. a dee* )ender *a''i(n )+a) )(uc+ed +er ,er0 '(ul4 <Y(u l(,e 3e4 "e li1)ed +i' +ead )( l((6 dee* in)( +er e0e'. a /lea3 (1 uncer)ain)0 in +i' (&n4 <Y(u reall0 l(,e 3e> +e a'6ed in a ,(ice )+a) &a' ra& &i)+ 1eelin/4 <Can 0(u can 1(r/i,e 30 le'' )+an +(n(ura-le in)en)i(n' in )+e -e/innin/> <I )rul0. *a''i(na)el0 l(,e 0(u. '+e 'aid ada3an)l04 S+e did n() li6e )( 'ee +er *r(ud. arr(/an) +u'-and l((6in/ +u3-le4 Well. 3a0-e 7u') )+i' (nce. '+e )+(u/+). +a**ine'' -u--lin/ in'ide +er4 <And I &ill 1(r/i,e 0(u an0)+in/ -ecau'e I l(,e 0(u4 S( 3uc+ +ad +a**ened in )+e *a') )+ree 3(n)+'4 S( 3an0 3i'under')andin/' and 3i'c(nce*)i(n'. 3(')l0 +eld -0 +er. and (n a 3(re 'eri(u' n()e '+e added +e'i)an)l0. <Bu) can 0(u 1(r/i,e 3e> T+e *a') c(uld n() -e c+an/ed. -u) )( /(
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1(r&ard '+e 6ne& '+e +ad )( 1ace and re'(l,e +er (&n de3(n'4 <I )+in6 I 6ne& I l(,ed 0(u 1r(3 )+e da0 &e 3arried4 I ad3i))ed a' 3uc+ )( 30'el1 &+en 0(u ca3e -ac6 1r(3 Ne& Y(r6 )+e la') )i3e4 Bu) I ne,er )ru')ed 0(u a' I '+(uld4 I -elie,ed )+e &(r') (,er L(ui'a. and I -elie,ed Ta6i' in')ead (1 li')enin/ )( 0(u4 <S( l(n/ a' 0(u li')en )( 3e in 1u)ure I d(n) /i,e a da3n. +e ')a)ed 1iercel0. and '+e lau/+ed (u) l(ud4 "er arr(/an). *(&er1ul +u'-and &a' -ac64 <A' I 'aid -e1(re I &(uld )ru') 0(u &i)+ 30 li1e4 W+ic+ re3ind' 3e@ +e '*eared a +and )+r(u/+ +er +air. a '(le3n e5*re''i(n (n +i' dar6l0 a))rac)i,e 1ace <@are 0(u 'ure )+a) )+i' *re/nanc0 i' 'a1e and &+a) 0(u &an)> I d(n) &an) 0(u *u) a) )+e 'li/+)e') ri'64 I can li,e &i)+(u) a -i(l(/ical c+ild. -u) I can) li,e &i)+(u) 0(u4 "i' 'en)i3en) &a' +ear)9&ar3in/ -u) +i' un'*(6en 'u//e')i(n (1 a )er3ina)i(n +(rri10in/4 <D(n) -e ridicul(u'4 O1 c(ur'e I &an) (ur c+ild. and I &ill -e 1ine. and '( &ill )+e -a-04 Y(ure *r(-a-l0 &(rr0in/ -ecau'e 0(u l(') 0(ur 1ir') c+ild4 <Ac)uall0 )+i' &ill -e 30 1ir') c+ild4 A1)er 0ear' (1 3arria/e &+en n()+in/ +a**ened Tina 'aid '+e &a' 1ine. '( I )+(u/+) I c(uld n() +a,e c+ildren. and -0 )+a) )i3e )+e 3arria/e &a' -a'icall0 a '+a3 an0&a04 I 1inall0 decided )( 'ee6 a di,(rce. )+in6in/ Tina &(uld lea* a) )+e c+ance )( +a,e a 1a3il0 &i)+ '(3e(ne el'e. -u) I &a' &r(n/4 I +ad n() 'le*) &i)+ +er in (,er a 0ear &+en '+e )urned u* in $reece 1(r C+ri')3a' and cra&led in)( 30 -ed4 I a3
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

a'+a3ed )( 'a0 I &a' qui)e drun6 a) )+e )i3e. and la)er &+en '+e 'aid '+e &a' *re/nan) I c(uld d( n()+in/ a-(u) i)4 "e '+ru//ed a '+(ulder4 <T+e car acciden) )+a) 6illed +er &a' in Ne& Y(r6 in June. )+e -a-0 )+e d(c)(r deli,ered &a' 1ull )er3. '( c(uld n() *(''i-l0 +a,e -een 3ine4 An ir(nic '3ile )&i')ed +i' 1ir3 3(u)+4 <T+e -a-0 'ur,i,ed 1(r a 1e& +(ur' and -(re a ')ri6in/ re'e3-lance )( +er A1rican9A3erican 1i)ne'' in')ruc)(r &+( died &i)+ +er4 "elen &a' '*eec+le''4 I) &a' )+e 'a3e ir(nic '3ile +e +ad /i,en +er &+en '+e +ad )(ld +i3 '+e &a' ')erile. and n(& '+e 6ne& &+04 T+i' ')r(n/. *r(ud 3an +ad 'u11ered )+e 'a3e *ain a' +er4 S+e *laced a )ender +and ei)+er 'ide (1 +i' +ead and 6i''ed +i3 &i)+ all )+e l(,e and c(3*a''i(n in +er +ear)4 <A+. "elen4 Le(n /r(aned and dee*ened )+e 6i'' a' *a''i(n )((6 (,er. and &i)+in 3(3en)' "elen &a' -enea)+ +i3 (n )+e '(1a4 "i' +and '&e*) (,er +er -rea') and )+i/+ )( )+e +e3 (1 +er '6ir). and +e 1r(2e4 <Y(ure *re/nan); i' i) all(&ed> <Well. '(3e (1 0(ur 3(re er()ic *('i)i(n' 3i/+) n() -e ,ia-le a1)er a &+ile. -u) ri/+) n(& an0)+in/ /(e'4 La)er )+a) ni/+) in -ed. &i)+ all -arrier' d(&n and )+e
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

1reed(3 )( re,eal )+eir dee*e') e3()i(n'. )+e0 3ade l(,e &i)+ '(1) &(rd'. 'u-)le care''e' and a )enderne'' and *a''i(n and +un/er )+a) 'u*er'eded e,er0)+in/ )+a) +ad /(ne -e1(re un)il 1inall0 )+e0 1ell in)( an e5+au')ed 'lee* &ra**ed in eac+ ()+er' ar3'4

Se,en 3(n)+' la)er Le(n. all /(&ned u*. &al6ed -e'ide )+e /urne0. +(ldin/ "elen' +and a' )+e0 &+eeled +er )(&ard' )+e (*era)in/ )+ea)re4 S+e l((6ed '( '3all e,en &i)+ )+eir c+ild in +er -(d0 and +e +ad ne,er -een '( )erri1ied in +i' li1e4 "e l(,ed +er '( 3uc+ &i)+ a de*)+ (1 *a''i(n )+a) 'eared +i' '(ul4 T+e la') 1e& 3(n)+' +ad -een )+e +a**ie') +e +ad e,er 6n(&n4 S+e &a' +i' li1e. +i' '(ul 3a)e. +i' rea'(n 1(r li,in/. and i1 an0)+in/ +a**ened )( +er +i' li1e &(uld -e (,er4 Bu) +e le) n(ne (1 +i' 1ear '+(& a' +e /en)l0 )(uc+ed +er '(1) c+ee64 <D(n) &(rr0. I a3 +ere4 S+e l((6ed a) +i3 &i)+ &ide )ru')in/ e0e' and +er -eau)0 )(re a) +i' +ear)4 F(r a 3an &+( +ad ne,er 6n(&n e3()i(n' un)il '+e ca3e in)( +i' li1e. Le(n' 'uddenl0 )+rea)ened )( /e) )+e -e))er (1 +i3 and +e +ad )( -lin6 a&a0 )+e 3(i')ure in +i' e0e'4 <I l(,e 0(u and I a3 /(in/ )( ')a0 &i)+ 0(u e,er0 ')e* (1 )+e &a04 "(ld (n)( 3e and 0(u &ill -e 1ine4 S+e /a,e +i3 a -eau)i1ul '3ile and 'quee2ed +i' +and a' )+e0 en)ered )+e )+ea)re4
ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

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