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deserved an honest answer, but she wasn t sure how he would react to
the truth.
Angel stepped backward, his eyes wide with astonishment. Artimus
gasped. At first, Gabrielle wondered why they were reacting so
strangely, then she realized Preston had called her Gabby-Skye. Both
men knew only one man had ever called her by the endearment.
I ll explain it later, guys, she said in an impatient voice before she
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turned to Preston.
He grasped both her arms, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. You
will tell me now, Gabrielle. There will be no secrets between us. Were
you ordered to kill me?
Of course she was, you ninny, Serene put in. If she doesn t, she
will be branded as a traitor and executed in your place.
Keep quiet, Serene, Angel growled. He doesn t need to know
our affairs.
Gabrielle noticed a strange unreadable look in Angel s eyes, but she
didn t have time to ponder the implication not with Preston watching
her so intensely.
My God, Preston rasped. Is that true?
She nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat.
Why didn t you kill me back at the motel when you had the
chance? Hell, for that matter all you had to do was let me die in the
room without lifting a finger to help & yet you didn t.
I couldn t, Gabrielle whispered. You d just saved my life.
Preston grinned. Guess neither one of us is very good at carrying
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out orders.
Guess not, she said, smiling up at him lovingly.
Angel snorted in disgust. I don t have time for this cooing and
billing nonsense. If we don t depart soon, your dear brother is going to
find you.
Artimus cleared his throat, noisily drawing everyone s attention.
Well, I suggest that, for the time being, we find a sanctuary where
they will be safe, until we can think of a way out of this terrible
dilemma.
I have to agree, Preston said, Artimus, is it?
The old man nodded, wearing a pleased smile. It didn t take much
to make Artimus happy, Gabrielle mused. She d always loved that
about him. A kind word or something as simple as someone
remembering his name was enough for him.
But how do you suggest we get there? Preston asked, pulling her
back to the problem at hand. We left my car at the motel. I would bet
my last dollar Cameron has one of my cousins watching it, just in case
we decide to return.
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You d win, too, Angel said. Not only does he have men
watching your automobile, he also has men patrolling the borders of
this insidious swampland, awaiting eagerly for you to wander
unknowingly into their greedy little hands.
Preston lifted one fair brow in surprise. What does greed have to
do with it?
Angel let out a mocking laugh. I overheard two of your kinsman
talking about the reward your grandfather has posted on you and my
sweet Gabrielle s head. Ten thousand dollars apiece, to be exact, he
added with a rueful smile. Aren t relatives absolutely grand? Never
had any myself, thank God.
Preston whistled through his teeth. I never dreamed Granddad
would go to such extremes. Cameron must be furious.
Why? Gabrielle asked.
Preston shot her a crooked grin. Because it shows the others that
Granddad doesn t trust my brother to do the job he sent him to do.
It also means we have less chance of getting out of this mess
alive, Gabrielle said, feeling a shiver of apprehension work its way
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down her back.
Serene snapped her gum with a loud pop. If you ask me, I say we
fly out of this pest hole before it s too late.
Whoa & wait a minute, Preston said, backing up a step with one
hand upraised in protest. I m not about to go flying off into the night
with the likes of you without a safety net. I don t mind living on the
edge, but that s too far out even for me.
Angel laughed. Not afraid one of us might drop you, are you?
The jeering note in his laughter jarred Gabrielle s nerve endings.
She gritted her teeth, however, and said nothing. These two would end
up bickering all night if she did. She wondered if either of them
realized they were picking up where they had left off two centuries
ago.
Preston s lips pressed into a thin line. Not at all. I see no reason to
risk my life unnecessarily. Besides, have any of you given any thought
to what our destination might be?
Debra, Gabrielle said without thinking. As soon as she said her
foster child s name, she knew it was the right decision.
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Serene clapped her hands in delight. Perfect hideaway for you
two.
And just where is this perfect hideaway? Preston asked dryly.
New Orleans, Angel announced. Come, its time we go before
one of your relatives stumbles over us.
Preston stubbornly shook his head. If I can t get there under my
own power, then I m not going. I d just as soon take my chances with
my relatives. It s safer, in my opinion.
A dawning comprehension lit Artimus s wrinkled face. You re not
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