Page 36 (1/2)

“They’re co!” the child shrilled in Francesca’s ear, staring behind them “Don’t let him have me, please”

“I won’t,” she panted, and tightened her grip on the girl, telling herself that only brute force would separate them

“Look out!” Lil shouted a warning “He’s just behind you, miss!”

Francesca had tiht, he was there She tried to run faster, but her skirts clung to her legs, trying to trip her, and there was a stitch in her side With a sob of despair she realized it was already too late Her pursuer was only inches away fro the child to her nener

Wildly she twisted and turned, atte to evade his outstretched hand, but he anticipated her ers fastened painfully onto her shoulder

“Let ht

He was tall, big, and she was so frightened that it was a istered “Damn and blast you, Francesca, I’m on your side!”

She knew that voice; it was his voice

“Sebastian?” she gasped “What—”

“Do you want to get away or not?” He grasped her arlea their last adventure It really was he

“I want to get away,” she said

“Then let’s run!” He set off, propelling her with him

Suddenly she wanted to laugh for joy, but she didn’t have any breath to spare They rounded a corner and then another, and it was dark and sateways, and when he said, “This way!” she followed, and instantly found herself in the stygian black of a courtyard Tall buildings surrounded them, but they were either unoccupied or the occupants were asleep, because there wasn’t any light or sound Apart, that is, fro in her ears

They stood still, waiting The child was clinging to her, face hidden in her neck, and she could feel Lil hovering almost as close Sebastian was in front of the as he waited Shakily, Francesca listened to the approach of the pursuers Their running steps passed the gateithout even a pause, and quickly faded into silence

“Thank Gawd,” Lil gasped