he master bedroom and poin

it

e cradled her

. "Sterling. Bring the traum

w. Outside, the sky had turned a b

O

flash of lightning illumina

body convulsed, a vio

ory of the basement. Her father

ilate. She pulled her knees up, wrapping her

He frowned. "Pla

wallowing the iris. Sweat beaded on her forehead. She wasn't l

grey suit carrying a leather

rling asked, setting

d, sounding annoyed. "

Bond? I need to check your vita

espond. She was

heart," Sterling said.

nic flared. No. Not the sk

of her dress, shaking

hed. "Don't

er hands away with effortless

ZZ

per going down was l

he grey fabric d

r eyes shut, waiti

le

oscope, but he didn't move.

o star

was a map

keloid scar snaked across her ribs. It was ol

three circular burns. Cigarette

. This was torture. Sys

o's eyes narrowed. He traced the l

said. His voice wa

ared a syringe. "Just a

ected

panic receded, replaced by a heavy, warm

y cleaned and b

id, standing up and pa

s head towar

im out, pulling th

she fought it. She bit the tip of her tongue h

ained h