"Before they reached her, shots rang out. All three dropped. Jake was hit and didn't move. I saw lots of blood seep from his body and figured he was d...ad. Both the other two were groaning in pain. The leader tried to raise up shouting, "Bitch!" More shots rang out and he dropped limply. Looking around, I saw six men and women rise up and approach the SUV. The one of the three was still lying on the asphalt groaning. The young woman approached him and took his rifle. One of the other women in. Or I don’t know, something big like that. But Dad wouldn’t leave it until your birthday to tell you bad news. That doesn’t make sense. Unless he didn’t know.”She gasped and her eyes went wide.“He didn’t know, did he?”She looked at me. I didn’t answer. She took that as a yes.“He didn’t know and Mum promised you and got you all excited and then she sprung it on Dad last night and he had to be the one to tell you they couldn’t afford it or whatever. And he hates surprises. Oh My God, what a bitch!. Nick looked puzzled. ‘I don’t remember that,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I recall a bright young woman who wanted to learn more about England.’ He gave a rueful laugh. ‘I regret that I couldn’t answer your questions properly.’ ‘All I remember asking you was about Prince Harry and Prince William,’ I said without thinking, then felt my face redden again. He chuckled. ‘Well, it seems we each have some selective memory about that night. Regardless, I’m glad you’re here.’ He smiled warmly again and I. ’ Whoever this was, he didn’t care whether I lived or died. He’d just as soon kill me as let me live. He left me alone and I took stock. My shoulder was frozen with the excruciating pain. My shoes were gone, my shirt in tatters and everything from my pockets had been removed. I lay still and heard breathing. Was he watching nearby, ready to shoot? Waiting … no other sound was heard. My bonds are tight and I’m too weak to loosen the knots, my body was reeling from pain and the shoulder is like.