We can think of other annoyances later. We have time.”The very frightened matriarchs walked quick step but gingerly aboard EROS.“You guards stay h...re. Plenty of guards on board already. No room for you.”As soon as I was aboard, right on Mama’s heels, I slammed the door, and engaged the manual over-rides to lock them. My order to the guards to remain behind, didn’t continue in effect more than a couple of minutes. Their momentary ennui gave me the opportunity to lock the doors. They are pounding. Julia stood and led her out, to the drawing-room. They were in there for about ten minutes. I ate some food, drank some wine. Then I heard them going down to the kitchen; another five minutes and they reappeared, Jasmine carrying a plate piled high with food.She sat down beside Julia, across the table from me, and looked seriously at me. ‘I’m sorry, John, that was rude of me. Mum’s explained the situation, and I’m glad you’re here for her.’I’m here for me too, I thought, but just said, ‘It must. It was, after all, her daughter's fault I found myself in this predicament, so I figured being owed big time. It was, however, Ally that answered the phone, not an entirely unfavourable prospect in itself. Seemingly glad to hear from me and anxious to learn of my wellbeing, the disappointing news followed that she had a mountain of homework to do and was grounded anyway after the attempt at killing me. It left me deflated and frustrated yet with an unrelenting hard on. "I am sooooooo damned. "Good luck, sis!" she said and kissed me on the lips."You watch out for Mom and Dad," I told her and ruffled her strawberry-blonde hair. I glanced back at Candy and I only saw concern for Sam on her face. Did I even see any anger?"You can count on me, Mary!" Missy exclaimed.I walked to the 747. I planned on taking all twenty-one of the bodyguards and the nine SWAT officers. It would leave all my loved ones unprotected, but none of that mattered if I couldn't save Mark in time. I took one last.