“Miss Madeline had just managed to get you on board when the man fired the last or one of his last shots. The bullet struck the grating behind her. ...he hit absorbed much of the bullet’s energy, but it fragmented and she was struck by a dozen or so pieces of shrapnel from the bullet and the shattered grating. None of her wounds were serious but they did cause a lot of bleeding.” She took a deep breath and said, “And that’s when she almost died.”I didn’t say anything, but I’m sure the expression. They will suffer enough once I am gone."This time, a look of truly great shock appeared on both Aniketos and Amaunet's faces. They both lowered their heads as Aniketos stated. "it will be very quick, warrior. You know what will happen, still you wish to continue?"When Ephus could only nod, the brother and sister, looked at each other with shocked and pleased looks. He was the one, indeed.Ephus moved back to almost where he'd been, raising the green sword to touch the black one Ares held.Just as. .. with several local, county and state police. We removed from the runway to one of several vacant conference rooms. I sat ... daddy sat next to me. The officers sat or stood as they chose. Two officers took what could only be called adversarial stances. One was a typical failed halfback ... an ex-high school bully who couldn't keep a real job. The other one was just fat."They found Charley," Daddy said."He's alright?" I guess I'd better let these fellas tell you."Uh-oh, not good.The fat one. Not to mention lyricists as good as I am. You want to replace me? Good luck." I couldn't believe those words had come out of my mouth."I just can't believe that you would even consider leaving the band, even as a threat." Greg said. "I mean, you wrote the greatest song about being in a rock band I have ever heard." What are you talking about?" 'Destiny Delayed', of course." Dammit, that is not what that song is about!" Every member of the band stared at me. Shit, what had I just said?"It's.