I held my breath. Why didn't the earth open up under me? Why? Why did Ilet this humiliation happen to me. I could have turned around. Rip thescrunchy ...ff my hair and run as far and as quick as I could, while Istill could. But no, I stepped with tears in my eyes inside and wascrying and shivering at the same time when the elevator arrived at herfloor. I composed myself for a moment before I quietly stepped out andlooked around. There was only one door. So she seemed to own a wholefloor.I looked. His mouth and eyes were taped just like his daughter's.When her husband was helpless, Claude took the tape and pulled Jenny's hands behind her. He took the roll of tape and pulled her hands behind her. He wrapped the tap above her elbows; pulling them tight behind her. He didn't bother with her eyes or mouth.The living room lights were on and he led the hostages, one at a time into the living room. Joe was brought in first. He was laid out on the floor and his ankles taped together. He was. Alan waved his hand and looked at a small sphere that formed in front of him. “I am tired of you cowards hiding but if you want to die that way so be it.” Pointing at the sphere a misshapen deer like animal appeared in front of him. “Now then that’s better!” Alan made a slashing motion and the creature was dead that quick. Well that’s two Alan thought but I won’t be able to get the rest as easily.Alan suddenly heard a clapping behind him, “God I’m glad you are as smart as you are! If you went. Evidently deciding it wasn't yet heavy enough, she opened the top drawer of the kitchen cabinet, took out a fat envelope and tucked it into the top of the bag. She smiled brightly. "All ready! You don't have to tell me, you know, but it would have been nice."The ride to the station was strained, to put it mildly. Claire decided to use the opportunity to brief Russ about forthcoming events at Parsifal, Renfrew, Garbutt, Mountfitchett and Pryce - whoever they were. They sounded like a bunch of.