an, confined to a wheelchair and leaning his head slightly forward, was entwined in a passionate kiss with a

assment, the bodyguard stared

man in the wheelchair glanced at him, a

odyguard hastily exited, sh

. After a moment, the man pushe

stood and backed away, apologizing, "I'm sorry. It was an

. His confinement to a wheelchair and possible d

hearing the sounds of sea

and glanced back at

the secon

d to the window, opened it, pulled the curtains to

a brief glimpse revealing a striking hand

's face twisted with a hint of frustration. She made

"Mommy, Mommy, how's everything going with y

ee inquired as she walked towar

oved the headset, discovering that it had been muted by m

. Lyle Shaw hadn't hea

all right. The headset was muted by accident

eyes observing her esc

d softly licked his lips. As he glanced at his

is phone, he d

, Mr.

ge from Rowley's engagement party.

lamented, "All of it? Ten minutes? Damn it! Mr. Pat

ne minutes and fo

getting the best of him. "Are you at Rowley and Pat

his grip on his wheelchair's armrest

k a moment to process, then quickly responded

the unfolding events, made her

picked up her phone, put in a n

py female voice answered, sounding as though

ied, "Pattie, are you enjoying the e

d sharpened. "Who are you? Did you

't you recognize me?" Novale

s that you? Are

e her sneer. It had been

as merely a small present for you. You are welcome. But be warned, this is only the begi

e, we have your daughter. Haven't you thought of her? If you

er well. She's your only safeguard. Without her, today's gift would've been far more than

the phone, Novale

o one knew what she had

al finally at her disp

amily, she was determined not

arted her car. As she prepared to drive away,

ing against a pillar next to h

her fragile health evident. Her complexion was pale, and her

out of the car, quickly approaching the child. "Little girl, are

e girl whimpered, her eyes glaz

ed. Her daughter would

ld up, reassuring her, "Come on.

the driver's seat, saying, "Hold on. We'll be at the h

m,

cious cry made Novalee's