Deal or No Deal Liliyet sat down in the conference room. She suspected it was deep underground, although the elevator they’d entered made very little noise and gave no indication of exactly how deep down they were. “We can speak freely here.” “So what is this all about?” “We need your help, Liliyet, and we…
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The three of them walked outside to see a large black diplomatic motorcoach on the street, flying the flag of the Republic of Louisiana. Emma walked ahead of Ariana and Liliyet, and Liliyet’s mind conjured the image of a mother duck escorting her ducklings to the pond. Liliyet looked left down the street and saw…
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Emma Hubert “What’s that?” “It was a knock on the door.” “Yes, but I mean, who is that?” “I don’t know.” Another knock at the door. Ariana walked slowly towards the door. “Hello there, may I please speak with Miss Liliyet Snorsgard?” The voice was a standard Cascadian English accent with a slight hint of…
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“Why is she calling?” “We may need to move sooner than I was hoping, but let’s find out.” Ariana flicked open her comm. “You didn’t get enough of me this morning?” “Hello, Ari. Can I talk to her?” “Talk to who?” “Madame Copland.” “I don’t know anybody by that name.” “Liliyet Snorsgard, then.” “Who?” “Quit…
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“It’s nothing special. We won’t be here long. Good songs on the stereo, but I insist on that. Lots of good liquor.” “It feels ridiculous to drink at 9am.” “You’re a fecking duchess on the lam from the law. Do whatever you fecking want.” It was hard for Liliyet to argue with that logic. “I…
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How Bad Is It? “Things must be bad if Isadora Brightmorning is after you.” “Who’s that?” “That’s the CIT agent that just walked in looking for you.” “I thought she looked familiar.” “And that wig isn’t going to fool anybody up close. We need to get you out of here. In about 10 seconds, I…
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An Old New Friend Liliyet was as confident as a fugitive being pursued could be. She meandered purposefully amongst the crowded streets, careful to look part of the milieu, and made her way down the grand concourse of Proud Mountain Way. The artisanal shops were just opening up along the paths. It was akin in…
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A New Identity She’s running, alert dispatch. Those words played over and over again in Liliyet’s head. She knew it meant lots of trouble. She knew she would have to change her appearance quickly. Liliyet ran as quickly as she could down the alley. The sun wasn’t yet up, so the city was still shrouded…
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So, Liliyet Ran A thousand questions pounded through Liliyet’s head. She was swirling with fear. Who left the note? Was it a trap? Who were they? What did they know? How did they know it? Why would someone try to help her? Were they really helping her? She took a breath. Calm yourself, she thought.…
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Liliyet awoke with a start from another nightmare. The dark dream still held sway over her as she mechanically wiped the sweat from her forehead. She was still uncertain that she wasn’t in the darkened room she always found herself in, hiding behind her family’s rich tapestries in the castle they called home as agents…
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