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"I wouldn't leave you alone for anything in the world," Paul said, his voice intense "If you ever need me, I'll be there for you, even after we return to Verrinned at her "I'lanced at him from the corners of her eyes "How can I be sure? You may have killed thousands of people" A small smile, the first in several days, appeared on Tanya's lips

"Yes I've killed, but it was one of those kill or be killed situations But I did what I needed to do, with no hesitation And I'ood shot You should feel well protected, Miss Caldwell Well protected indeed"

When they returned to the station, the pilot approached therim He took Paul aside "Bad news We will have to stay here longer than I thought There's no choice They need lanced at his atch "At best, we'll leave around ht"

Paul's temper flared "This charter cost a fortune! I, personally, asked for your best aircraft…" He paused "I' to check with my superiors and with your co" He turned and hurried for the main office

"Tanya," he said when he returned "I finally spoke to Malcol,on, but I spoke directly to Malcolm He assured me that if we're not in the air by three o'clock in the , a military plane from a nearby base will pick us up It will be here before seven o'clock"

Tanya shivered "My God…" she said, her voice a whisper "Why can't they send a htened, Paul I don't like this, not at all"

"Daovernment red tape…I asked Malcoluns he could reach just to get us this arrange it as a special favor for hi we can do, Tanya We're stuck here for the tirinned "Let's go see what there is to eat in this godforsaken place"

Tanya sat by thelooking out on the landing strip Her appetite was gone She sipped iced tea and nibbled on a few bread sticks She watched as another small aircraft made its appearance fro She watched as the pilot stepped from the plane and looked in her direction