Christmas miracle “I warn you! JACOB! Noooo...” Angela Bennett cried out tortured, when the felt the cold snow flowing down her back. “Ouuhhh... you damned... Oh wait!” She tried to loose the snow. Jacob laughed. “If you knew, how you’re looking!” SPLASH. A ball of soft cool snow hit his face. Angela smiled. “And if you know how you’re looking, junior!” She took the bags and went along the way. “Come on! We’ve to hurry up, if we don’t want to argue with your grandma.” Jacob sighed. “you’re right! Maybe she decides to stay here, when she’s angry at me!” It was December, 24th. Angela had helped Jacob with some shopping and now they went back to the beautiful house he lived in. Jacob Resh, the 17-year-old boy and Angela, the 26-year-old computer expert. Angela knew, that Jacob’s grandma was very cold against strangers. And she was a stranger, too. But since the old woman decided to visit her sister at Christmas, Angela was able to spend the whole day with Jacob in the house, not in the barn, where the boy had his computer. Jacob was glad, that his grandmother left today. She treated him like a baby, even if Angela had to admit, that he sometimes behaved as one. But nevertheless, Jacob was her friend. He had helped her many times, and she really liked him, although he annoyed her sometimes. (For example, when he started to flirt with her!) “Jacob! Hurry up!” Angela turned, when she didn’t hear Jacob’s steps behind her. “Whatcha doing?” – “Uh, nothing!” – “Jacob! If that snowball hits me...” He grinned and threw the snowball into an open window. Then he looked mischievous at Angela. “Let’s run!” – “Jacob!” Angela followed him. “I wonder, why I’m also running away! Are you crazy? How are you... you just can’t...” He grinned at her. “Hey, keep cool!” – “Jacob! The police is after me, and I don’t want to be caught, only because of a stunned boy who throws snow into other people’s windows!” She shook her head. “Let’s go now, before you get other mischief plans into your head!” She stuffed a ball of snow into his shirt, then she went away. “Here, listen. The cookies have to be with sugar or chocolate cream. Hmm... Whatcha think? Sugar or chocolate cream?” Angela groaned. “Jacob... would you please help me with this?” She tried to hang a red ball into the higher twigs of the Christmas tree, but she seemed to be too small. “Jacob...” – “Soon! I just have to...” – “UAHHH...” Angela fell backwards from the ladder. Jacob jumped up and caught her in his arms. Angela opened her eyes and sighed. “Thanks! Maybe you could now try to help me? I mean... I can also try it again by myself, but...” – “No! I don’t want to have to call the ambulance!” He let her go and took the red ball. “where?” – “Up there! Look!” She showed a twig and he nodded. Then he started to climb up the ladder. “See what I mean, when I say, you need me?” he joked. “without me, you’d be forlorn!” – “Sure, Mr. Superman!” Angela smiled and took the book Jacob had been reading. “Ah... and when you’re just up there... do the other balls, too, okay, sweetheart?” She smiled heart-melting. He sighed. “Okay... okay, give them to me!” An half hour later they were done and started to do the cookies together. “Give the sugar to me!” – “Where’s it?” – “There!” Angela opened the cupboard. “ah... yeah... here!” – “And eggs! In the refrigerator.” Angela did as she was said, but then she turned confused. “There are no eggs!” – “Uh, look! There... in the door... up!” – “There are NO eggs!” Angela said and looked at the boy’s back. Jacob turned a bit annoyed. “angel, sweetheart, look! We open the refrigerator, we look up and we find...” He cut himself. Angela smiled. “NO eggs!” she said triumphing. “What did I say?” Jacob looked at her. “I don’t understand... there have to be eggs! I counted them this morning! It were enough.” – “Seems like your grandma took ‘em!” Angela supposed, then she took her jacket from the chair. “I’ll hurry up! Maybe I can get some in the supermarket.” – “Okay!” Jacob nodded. “and I’ll do the other stuff! Do you have money?” – “Should be enough for some eggs!” Angela smiled and went to the front door. “Bye! See you soon!” – “Don’t lose your way!” he joked and Angela pulled a face, then she left the house. “Anybody here?” Angela entered the supermarket, and wondered, because she couldn’t see any person. “Ma’am! I’m sorry, I just need some eggs!” She looked around. “Madam?” She sighed and went to the shelves. There she took the eggs and went to the till. She waited five minutes... it became ten... then she took a deep breath. “Hello! I’m gonna steel the eggs if you don’t want, that I pay!” no answer. Angela began to worry. “Mrs. Parker?” She went to the back door from where you could go into the stock. “Mrs. Parker?” slowly she opened the door. “Madam... I don’t want to disturb you, but...” Her eyes got wide, when she saw the legs of the woman. She seemed to lay on the ground behind a box of milk. “for heaven’s sake! Mrs. Parker, what’s up with you?” she ran to the woman and her eyes got wide. Her white shirt was full of blood, which seemed to came out of her chest. “Mrs. Parker!” She got on her knees and felt the woman’s pulse. Nothing. Angela covered her mouth with her hand, when she realized, that a gunshot caused the injury. A gunshot! And suddenly she heard the sound of a step behind her. She turned frightened and looked into the eyes of a man. His hand hold an arm and he shook his hand. “Curious little girl! You shouldn’t have come here. Now we’ve another person, that is going to see God today!” Angela looked at the old woman. “What a kind of person are you? How could you do this?” – “I got her money! But then this old fool started to do funny things! And I had to kill her! Quite as I have to kill you, too.” He answered. Angela shook her head. “It’s Christmas!” – “So what?” he answered. Tears filled Angela’s eyes. “How can you be that cold? Mrs. Parker was such a nice old woman!” she thought back. Jacob and her had bought their food only three hours ago. And Mrs. Parker had been joking with them. And now she was... Angela felt fury inside of herself. “You’re a... monster! I don’t know any person that cruel as you!” The truth? Sure! Not even praetorians were that brutal to kill somebody at Christmas, or? She’d ask Trelawney the next time they’d meet. But now she had to do something. So she suddenly turned and ran through the door into the main part of the store. “HELP!” She crossed the large room, found her way between the shelves and finally left the supermarket. When she entered the street, she turned left, not aware of having come from the right. She was too frightened to look where she ran. She turned into a field full of snow. Her steps left deep imprints into the white substance. “DON’T MOVE!” Angela heard the voice of the murderer and got panic. The cold wind made her tears freeze on her cheeks. She tried to wipe them away, but they came again and again. She had to hide somewhere. But it seemed as hopeless as survive a fall from an airplane without a parachute. Where to hide on a field with a clear look in every direction? “Where’re you going this evening?” – “Home!” Trelawney took his black jacked while he lifted his eyebrows. “What do you have in mind I do?” – “I dunno.” Anna Kelly took her own jacket. “I thought... maybe we two could spend the evening together... eat something... or anything like that.” – “I don’t think so!” Trelawney left the room. “Sean!” – “Mmm?” – “You’re alone, aren’t you? Or do you have anybody to spend the evening with?” Anna looked up casually. Sean Trelawney smiled amused and was glad, Anna couldn’t see it. “Why do you ask?” – “Uh... nothing special!” she refused. “I just thought...” He looked into the room. “Want me?” He asked with a seducing view, but immediately he shook his head. “No way. You know, Mr. White has any prejudges against me, and I don’t want to give him any reason to fire me! Okay? Bye. Merry Christmas!” – “but Sean! Tell me, where you’re going!” – “To a small town, far away from everything that has to do with praetorians.” Then he left the headquarters, afraid of being asked more questions. He looked at his watch. 11.30 am. He was good in time. And when he hurried, he could reach his holiday flat and also go for a walk or something today. Angela stumbled. Her legs were wet because she crashed into a water, hidden under some snow. She could still see the guy pursue her. She knew, she wasn’t able to go on like this for a long time. Suddenly she ran into a hole under the snow and stumbled. “AH!” she cried out and tried to get up again. Her ankle hurt. She pressed her lips together in pain and limped. “Help...” she said despairing. Suddenly she noticed a person, that walked on a way. It were still a mile or something, but she had to get it. “STOP RUNNING!” Angela panicked. She started to run again. “HELP! HEEELP! HELLOO!” She saw the person stop and it seemed as if it looked at her. She waved, but then she stumbled and fell to the ground. She heard a shot. “Little bitch!” Then she felt the murderer pressing her into the snow. “We could have had it much easier!” Angela tried to free herself. She hit the man into the face and he fell backwards into the snow. She tried to get up, but the man grabbed her hurt ankle and Angela cried out in pain. She felt the muzzle of his gun at her temple. She sobbed and tried a last time to fight, but she felt a strong grip in her hairs. “Hey, you bitch! What do you think, I should do now, huh? Shall I kill you? Or should I take you with me at first. I’m sure, we could have fun.” Angela cried out in anxiety and fury the same time. Then she felt she hard snow and stones in her face again. “No, I’ll kill you immediately! I am not going to risk, that you flee again!” Angela shivered. “No...” BANG. She waited for the pain, for the coldness or darkness, anything that showed, that she was dead now. But nothing. She felt the man losing his grip around her hair. The gun disappeared. Confused, she looked up. He was dead. Angela cried out, freed herself and crawled away in a shock. Then she sank into the snow and started to cry. She didn’t feel the coldness longer. She didn’t feel her hurt ankle longer. Suddenly, somebody touched her hair. She cried out in panic and looked up, directly into the face of Sean Trelawney, who seemed to be as surprised as her. “Angela?” Angela shook. She looked at the man, who was lying in his own blood. “He killed her. He just killed her. Only because of the money. Just because of $500 or something. He... he... he just... shoot her down, and I...” She wasn’t able to speak longer. She just felt an overwhelming weakness taking possess of her. Sean Trelawney shook his head. “No... don’t cry! It’s okay!” He closed his arms around her, surprised of her reaction and doubting a moment, if this really was the Angela he knew. He felt her shiver. Because of coldness? Because of her shock? He didn’t know, but he knew, that he couldn’t leave her here in the coldness. “Angela... come on... get up. You can’t stay here.” He helped her and when she stood up, she suddenly felt the pain in her ankle. “Uh...” she whimpered. He sighed and shook his head. “I wonder, if you’re searching for trouble.” He looked into her face and smiled. “Hey... smile!” Then he lifted her up and carried her over the white field but to the wrong direction. Angela tried to get back to the ground. “no... no I have to go there... I have to go to the police... I...” He looked at her and lifted his eyebrows. “Yeah... they’ll be quite content, if Liz Marx comes at Christmas evening!” – “no, you don’t understand... I have to tell ‘em about the murder... and... Jacob is waiting. I...” He glanced softly at her. “Listen, honey. I’ll bring you to my car, and then I’ll drive you, okay?” – “I don’t trust you!” She said and sighed, when she felt the pain in her head. She closed her eyes. “you could try to kill me!” – “If I wanted that... why should I have rescued you? It would have been much more easy to let him kill you instead of doing it myself, wouldn’t you agree?” She smiled softly. “Touché!” – “Besides I thought we had some kind of a truce... after all we did together.” – “Yeah... I just wonder, if I can trust you.” She opened her eyes again and looked into the sky, which became a kind of dark-blue yet. “Jacob is waiting for his eggs. Where shall I get them from?” Her voice got lower. She felt a darkness taking possess of her mind and lost her consciousness. Trelawney moaned. “Oh, angel! Please don’t give me this! Angela! Angela! Wake up!” He laid her down into the snow and slapped her cheeks. “Angela!” He looked around. “Damned!” they had to leave that place before somebody found the dead. “Damned, Angela!” He got angry and pressed his mouth to hers. Angela moaned and suddenly cried, trying to free herself. He grinned. “Wonderful.” – “What do you think? If you try this again, I’ll...” She stopped confused, when he lifted her up again. “I just wanted to make sure, that you’re still alive. You got unconscious. I am not used to women that get unconscious in my arms.” He was joking. Angela was sure he played with her. So she kept silent for a moment. Then she started to fight. “I can go by myself! Leave me! Please let me down!” He grinned. “Maybe I’m a gangster, but I’m that much a gentleman, that I don’t let a hurt lady go by herself.” – “Damned! I wanna...” she started and suddenly he nodded. “Okay, Miss Bennett!” He stood her to her feet. “Come on!” He went through the snow, not caring for her anymore. Angela made a step and hissed. “Ouu... shit!” she whispered under pain. “HEY!” She cried furious. “You could wait for me!” She limped and tried to run for getting him. “Damned! Trelawney! Ouaaa...” She fell into the white soft snow and cursed. “Uh... I hate men! I hate ‘em all! This damned...” She got up and beat the snow from her trousers. When she looked up, she saw him grin. “Oh... I can’t believe this!!!” she took a ball of snow and threw it after him. It hit his jacket. “Uh wait!” he warned and took a ball himself. Angela lifted her hands. “Oh no! I’m hurt! You can’t do this...” He stepped towards her. “No... I warn you!” She said and he laughed. “YOU warn me? You’re not in the position to warn me!” When he reached her, he threw the snow away and lifted her up again. “And I don’t want to hear any protest, understood! We’ve to leave this place, if you don’t want to answer some unpleasant questions by the police!” – “Why?” – “What???” – “I mean, why don’t you just give me to the police?” – “Because you know too much. So... either I kill you, or I don’t and do nothing. If you beg in that way, I can also kill you, just say it!” He offered, and Angela laughed bitterly. “Oh, not necessary!” they kept silent for some minutes, then Angela lifted her head. “Where’s your damned house?” – “We’re almost there! Look. Do you see that house?” He wasn’t able to show it with his hands, because he carried her. She nodded. “Yeah... thank heavens.” When they entered the warmth of the house, Angela started to protest again. “Hey! You wanted to drive me back! I don’t want to...” – “Shut up! We’ll look at your ankle at first and if necessary, I’ll call a doctor! Do you think, you’d get one?” – “Yes!” she said. He didn’t reacted, but opened the door of his flat. Inside he laid her down on his sofa. “Pull out your shoe!” – “No, I’m not gonna do this! I’m going home now! Thank you for everything, but...” she began, but he held her on place. “You are not going to move, understood?” His hands touched her cheek as soft as a wind breeze. She wasn’t even sure, if she’d really felt the touch. He pulled out his jacket and opened her shoe. She hissed and closed her eyes. “Don’t pull it out! Don’t pull...” She grabbed his hands. “You’re hurting me!” she whispered, looking into his eyes. He smiled. “Oh, nothing is farther from my mind than hurting you. but we have to get this shoe away from your ankle!” he whispered and Angela smiled. “Yes... but you’ll not do it. I’ll do it myself if I’m at home!” She said and smiled charming. He smiled back the same way. “Error, princess!” He pulled the shoe fast out and Angela cried shocked. “Are you crazy? Roughneck!” – “At least you’re cursing. So I can be sure, that you’re all right.” He grinned and Angela thought about slapping his face, but he knew, what she was thinking about and held her wrists. “Don’t try anything funny!” he said and looked at her ankle then. “That doesn’t look good.” He took her foot into his hands and moved it a bit. Angela closed her eyes in pain. “You’re not a doctor!” She moaned and he nodded. “Right, but... let’s say... I’ve a long-year-experience.” He looked fascinated at the woman, her eyes closed and her head lying on the backrest of the sofa. He smiled and just held her foot. Then his hands went up her leg. Angela opened her eyes. “Uhh... no! Trelawney... my foot... not... anything...” His mouth lowered to hers. “know, what it seems to me?” He asked softly and she closed her eyes. “No, but curious to hear it!” – “Nothing serious. Sprained.” His mouth met hers, but he rested again. “At most distorted.” Then his lips touched hers again. Angela stopped. “Why are you that sure?” He covered her cheek with soft kisses. “Long-year-experience!” he smiled and teased her ear. The young woman sighed. “Sean... we can’t... we mustn’t... I... have to...” She sank to the sofa. Her arms closed around his neck when she felt his kisses on her neck. Out of question, she loved his kisses... she loved him. But having an affair was connected with problems, at least in their situations. But at the moment she didn’t care for anything, at least not until he touched her foot, not thinking about her ankle. “Ouch!” He looked at her. “Oh, I’m sorry! I forgot...” She sat up while she touched her ankle with her hand. “It’s okay. It... hurts a bit, but I think, that’s normal.” She looked down at him. “Could you... drive me home now? It’s almost getting dark and I’m sure, Jacob already worries.” He sighed, then he nodded. “all right...”He sat up and looked at her. Suddenly he realized something. “Uh... you’re wearing it!” He touched her neck. Angela was confused. “What? Uh... the necklace. Sure... after Jacob investigated it for any technology in anxiety of you’d just want to catch us.” Trelawney laughed. “Oh, he’s a bit too paranoid, isn’t he?” – “Uh, I’d also be that paranoid if I were...” she stopped and looked at him shocked. ‘If I were Sorcerer’ she had wanted to say. Damned, she became careless. This was dangerous. She trusted him too much. “If you were?” he asked and Angela smiled. “Uh... not that important. Could you help me with my shoe?” – “You shouldn’t wear it now!” – “But I have to!” – “I’ll carry you again!” – “Oh yeah! I see. But I prefer...” – “Angel!” she looked at him and sighed. “Okay! On the other hand it’s very comfortable to be treated like a princess!” – “What did I say?” he smiled amused. “Well... come on now, princess!” – “As you want, my prince!” He shook his head laughing, when he lifted her up. “You’re too careless!” – “Oh, don’t be sure of that!” she hummed and grinned. “I don’t trust you at all, you know, Trelawney!” “You’ve never told anything about you! Does your family live near this town?” Angela looked at the man. He was driving his car and didn’t seem to react at her question. “Do they know about your... ‘job’?” He stopped the car abruptly and looked at Angela. “Listen... my family and my life is really none of your business. Keep your snoot out of it, okay?” – “Wrong, Trelawney! I think, after all that happened I’m right in wanting to know something about you!” she said angrily. “Or are you just playing a game? To trap me? Yes, sure you do! Know what? I leave here. I can go from her by foot.” She opened the door and was about to get out, when he held her arm. “No, I’m sorry! Don’t leave. I just... don’t like talking about my... life.” Angela looked at him and shut the door. “Uh... we get near the point.” She said. He shook his head. “Let’s say... my childhood wasn’t as good as I wished it had been.” Angela closed her eyes. “Wonderful. And you continue your life the same way as your childhood ended?” He looked at her. “My parents hit me and so I came to a hostel. From that on I had a few parents, who wanted to care for me, but they were all the same. Well... and someday I broke out of there and I did some bad-paid jobs. And then I got the chance to go into a firm as worker. I did it. I didn’t know it was a praetorian firm. Someday they asked me if I wanted to take revenge for everything that happened. And I said yes. That’s it, Angela! Just one word. Yes. And I got Security man. Now I’m chief of security.” He laughed bitterly. Angela touched his hand. “Have you ever tried to go your own way?” – “Do you have an idea of how difficult it is under the conditions I had?” he asked sharply. She smiled. “no. But I know, that you can achieve something you really want. The moment, you give up, you’re forlorn.” Her words sounded that frankly and honestly, that he looked into her eyes. “You’ve a strong heart, Angela Bennett. And much courage. And besides... you’re a wonderful woman.” She smiled and looked down. “We don’t talk about me.” She murmured. “Only because you life started in a mess, it isn’t sure that it has to end in a mess. Are you really prepared for dying for praetorians?” – “Death... is a risk of my job!” – “Don’t you have any joy on life? Something that is worth living for?” she asked in disbelief. He sighed. “I’ve never thought about it. If you think about such things in my job, you’re damned to loose.” You should never have said yes, when they asked you. There’s always a better tomorrow... if you believe in your own abilities to change your life.” She sighed and looked at the street. “Well... what am I talking. I’m not a priest or a caretaker or anything. We should go on.” He took his hands back on the driving wheel. “Didn’t I already change my life? At least a bit?” Angela looked into his eyes. He turned his head back to the street and started the car. Confused, Angela looked out of the window. Yes, he had made a step. But did he believe in her or in himself? “Mylady!” Trelawney opened the door of the car. Angela smiled. “Thank you, Mylord!” She got out and held herself at the door. He gave her his hand and shut the door, then he lifted her up again. “I can ring!” Angela laughed when they reached the door. She stretched her hand and rang. They heard footsteps, then the door opened. “Angela, where have you been?” His mouth fell open, when he saw the scene. Trelawney stepped into the house. “May I?” Jacob let him inside – actually he didn’t anything. He just looked. “Hey! What the hell are you doing here?” Trelawney sat Angela down on a chair. Jacob looked at him. “Angela... what’s he doing here?” Angela groaned. “He has... taken me home with his car...” she tried to get up, but Trelawney held her back. “No, stay there.” Jacob nodded. “Well... wonderful... and why the hell does he behave like your husband? ‘Stay, Angela’ and he carries you through the door?” Angela started to giggle. “Oh, Jacob, you’re so cute if you’re jealous.” – “I’m not jealous! I just want to know, if you’re working for them now. Wonderful. Some little words and a gorgeous man and Angela changes the sides.” Angela got up and held herself at the table. “Damned, Jacob! I’m not for sale! And if you’re interested: Mrs. Parker has been kilt. The murderer was after me and he saved my life!” – “uh, what a fortune! And? What did he promise? You identity back? Or anything else? Oh, Angela, you’re so naive!” Jacob laughed bitterly. “You should know better after all you’ve seen.” – “Yes, and be sure, I learned a lot! For example, that praetorians aren’t the most cruel murderers! That guy kilt Mrs. Parker without any heart.” – “And I waited her for the eggs, wondering why you didn’t came back.” Both of them turned away. Trelawney lifted his hands. “If I might say anything...” – “No!” Jacob barked and Angela turned to him. “you’re very unkind! He saved my life! I’d be dead if he hadn’t saved me.” – “Sure... and after he saved you, he seduced you. Are you at least content?” Angela lifted her hand and slapped Jacob’s face. Trelawney looked shocked at her and so did Jacob. “Damned! You changed my life, Jacob! You destroyed it! I always just wanted to be a normal woman. And you sent this damned e-mail, and if I’m once happy, you try to destroy it again! WHY? Why are you that brutal?” Tears flew over her cheeks. “I just want to have a little bit happiness after all!” Trelawney lifted his hands. “Just a moment... how to understand... he destroyed your life?” Jacob laughed. “Wonderful, Angela! Thank you! Very much thanks! You’re such an idiot!” he cursed. Trelawney grabbed him. “Listen! I don’t want you to talk to her in that way! Don’t you see, that you hurt her, sorcerer?” Jacob freed himself. “Yeah! Wonderful! Surprised? Sorcerer is a little boy of 17 years. Merry Christmas.” Angela sobbed. “I’m so sorry Jacob!” – “Yeah, yeah, okay!” Jacob sighed. “Your friend looks as if I were a ghost!” – “You seem like one, yeah!” Trelawney said, then he sat down on another chair. “Oh boy... what a surprise. An angel and a sorcerer!” He laughed. Angela looked up. “I don’t think that’s funny!” – “Oh, honey, you’re right. It definitely isn’t funny.” He shook his head. “Damned! Do you have any idea, how to handle this, huh? I can’t just live, as if I didn’t know, what I know now!” Jacob looked up. “But you could handle hiding the affair with Angela, couldn’t you?” Sean Trelawney looked up. “Wonderful. Okay.. I’ll forget what I’ve just heard.” Angela bend her body down and held her leg. “Jacob? Do you have tequila?” both men looked at her with wide eyes. “Um...” Jacob opened a cupboard and took a bottle. Angela opened it and drank from it, which ended in a coughing fit, that both men were afraid, if she was alright. “Don’t worry!” Angela groaned. She swallowed another mouthful. “I just have to get this pain out of my feet and this damned...” she grabbed Jacob’s hand. “I’m so sorry!” For a moment, she was silent, then suddenly she started laughing. “Wonderful. Merry Christmas!” She drank again and looked at Trelawney. “Never seen a girl drinking tequila?” she asked and laughed, when she noticed his weird glance. He shook his head amused. “No... not really. But I have to say, I’m impressed!” Silence. Jacob took the bottle of tequila and swallowed a mouthful, too. “Oh my goodness! Angel! How can you drink that much of this hell-stuff?” Angela laughed. “You don’t have a hurt foot.” Suddenly she got serious and tears flew down her cheeks. “and you haven’t seen a dead person you liked.” She slammed her fist on the table. “I could have done something. I should have gone for minutes earlier to this damned shop! And you two don’t know better than arguing!” Trelawney and Jacob looked shocked at each other. “I guess, she’s still in a shock!” Trelawney murmured. “Angela... you should lay down a moment.” He wanted to take her to the sofa, but she hit for his hand. “Don’t touch me!” She got up by herself and limped to the door. “Women...” Jacob sighed and leaned his elbow on the table. “Wonderful... and now?” Sean Trelawney looked at him. “I think... I better leave now!” – “Trelawney!” – “Yeah?” Jacob rose from the chair. “You know, that I don’t like you?” – “You don’t try to hide it!” he smiled. Jacob nodded. “good. But Angela liked you a lot. And I like Angela. She’s my friend, and I want her happy. And I know, she’d be very unhappy, if you went away now. Do you have a plan with whom you spend Christmas?” – “not yet!” he answered and Jacob turned. “You can stay here, but don’t think, that I like you! It’s just because of Angela and you saved her live!” Both of them were silent. “And I warn you...” Jacob continued after a short breath. “...if you hurt her in a way, I am gonna kill ya!” – “I think, I’ve understood.” Jacob turned again to face him and both looked in each others eyes for a moment, then Jacob sighed. “Okay... want a cookie?” – “I don’t mind!” he answered and sat down again. Jacob took the box of cookies. “Feel free to pull out your jacket.” Pain, endless pain made Angela wake up. She sobbed lightly and opened her eyes. At first she didn’t know exactly, where she was, but then she looked into the eyes of Sean Trelawney. “I’m sorry... I just wanted to see, if your foot’s better.” He wiped a tear with his thumb away. “Hey... know, who I am?” Angela growled. “Sure.” She shivered. “I feel cold!” – “I don’t wonder about that! You fell asleep without a blanket.” She sat up and held her head. “How long have I been asleep?” – “Uh... for an hour or something. Don’t worry.” He looked out of the window into the darkness. “Jacob agreed to my suggestion that I stay here. Well... actually he asked me if I wanted to stay.” – “Jacob?!?” Angela shook her head. “My goodness! How much of the tequila did he drink?” He looked at her. “Oh, thank you, Miss Bennett! He didn’t drink anything. He said, it was because of you. Because you’d like me a lot and he wants you to be happy!” – “This damned son-of-a-bitch!” she hissed and he laughed. “Any secret I shouldn’t get to know about?” He touched her cheek and looked deeply into her eyes. She smiled slightly. “I don’t think so.” She whispered and he lowered to her face. “You’re a liar, Angela Bennett!” She closed her eyes in awaiting of feeling his lips, but instead she heard the door slam open. “Sean, so you want... whoops...” – “Jacob, you’re an idiot!” Angela said and turned annoyed. “And besides... since when do you call him by his first name?” – “While you were asleep some things changed!” the boy grinned. Angela looked back to Sean Trelawney. “Anything I should get to know about?” she imitated his voice from before. He laughed. “Well... let’s say Jacob an me agreed to a truce. At least at the moment!” – “Ah...” Angela nodded. “And... you two are sure, that everything is alright, yeah?” – “Sure!” – “Okay...” She tried to get up and made a careful step. “Uh...” she murmured but she went bravely on. “Have some cookies for me, Jacob?” – “Um... yeah... look... me and him... we... let’s say...” Angela looked at the two. “Oh... don’t tell me you ate ‘em all! Oh no...” She laughed. “I don’t believe it. So I’ll take another thing like... your chocolate!” Jacob turned abruptly. “Angel! Don’t even try to get my chocolate! You’re dead!” She laughed. “You’d really kill a hungry, hurt and helpless woman?” – “Sure!” Sean heard her cry, when Jacob caught her and got up. “Okay, my friend!” He took Angela. “This girl is under my protect!” Angela leaned against his chest and closed her eyes. “Miracles...” she murmured and both of them looked at her. “What?” – “Uh, nothing! I just start to believe in Christmas!” She freed herself from Trelawney and went to the window. “Do you believe in Christmas? Do you believe, that your greatest wish comes true in Christmas night, if it is a wish, you wish with your whole heart?” – “Did you give her tequila?” Jacob whispered and he grinned. “Actually I didn’t.” Angela turned. “I think, everybody has a guardian angel... well... I’m sure of it. I couldn’t have survived without one. I’ve so often been at the end... there were times I wanted to kill Liz Marx and Angela Bennett... but something... always kept me alive. Hope? Anxiety? Maybe fury, I dunno.” She laughed. “Oh boy, you two look like complete idiots! Shut your mouth, Jacob! I’m alright!” She went to the Christmas tree. “We should finish this one, don’t you think?” Jacob nodded. “Okay?” And he whispered: “Let’s do fast, before she gets some kind of that again!” So they started to finish their Christmas tree. “He threw a ball into the window! I just said, I don’t want to be caught by the police because of a reason like that.” Angela sighed and Jacob pulled a face. “See what you get being with a woman 8 years older than you? too reasonable!” – “no, too hunted by the police!” Angela replied and caught her breath. “Ouch...” – “Sorry!” Sean smiled. He had her ankle on his lap and massaged it softly. Angela laid on the sofa, her head on the armrest, her feet on the legs of Sean Trelawney. Jacob sat in the armchair of his grandmother. “Caught by the police. Liz Marx, wanted terrorist, did the worst crime in the world. Throwing a snowball into people’s windows!” Jacob said ironically. “You can’t believe, anybody would call the police because of that reason!” – “You can’t be sure of that.” Angela countered. “Well... however... the police would give me to FBI and they would give the death sentence to me! Have I already said thank you for that one, Sean?” – “Several times!” he answered. Jacob lifted his hands. “Please, don’t argue!” – “Uh, we don’t argue. We agree, don’t we?” – “Yeah, I think so!” Sean Trelawney laughed. “At least sometimes!” – “Oh boy!” sighed Jacob. “I wonder, if I’ll be that crazy, too if I’m in love! I hope not!” Angela hissed in a sudden pain. “I’m not crazy!” she denied. “Otherwise... what do you expect of a wanted terrorist?” Jacob nodded. “Right. Murderer with murderer. You’re right. Everything usual.” – “He want to argue with us!” Trelawney noticed and looked at Angela. “What do we do?” – “I suggest, we take some snow from outside, get him into the refrigerator and give him a new home there!” – “Hey, you’re good at murder plans!” – “Yeah, but the difference between me and you is, that I only think about it!” – “Want in that refrigerator, too?” he asked amused and she laughed out. “You wouldn’t do that!” She closed her eyes again. “Jacob?” – “Huh?” – “Could you give my laptop to me?” – “Yeah, but whatcha gonna do with it?” – “just playing... thank you!” She opened the little computer and looked at her e-mail inbox. No new e-mail. She sighed and closed it again. “Awaiting anything?” Trelawney asked and Angela smiled charming. “And if? Any problem with it?” – “It depends on what you’re awaiting! An e-mail of a boyfriend?” – “Sure...” she laughed. “He’s blond and... thirty years old and... mmm... let me think about it. He’s a lot of money! He’s charming and... uahhh...” She held her ankle. “That wasn’t fair!” – “Your little game wasn’t fair either!” he smiled. Jacob nodded. “agreed, Angel! Don’t make a man jealous! He could leave or... in the worst case kill you!” – “Oh, I wouldn’t kill her! I’d take her with me and prison her in my cellar.” – “How romantic!” Jacob murmured. “I hope you’ve heating in your cellar.” – “No, but I’m sure she’ll get used to it!” Angela opened her mouth in disbelief. “You guys are awful!” she said. Jacob got up. “Sure! And one of these awful guys is going to fetch you a new glass of wine!” He left the room and Sean Trelawney pulled her nearer to him. Her knees lay over his lap. Angela grinned. “You wouldn’t imprison me in your cellar, would you?” He grinned. “Actually I have no cellar. But I could also... try the bedroom!” – “Be ashamed!” Angela said in a played face like a female teacher on a abbey school. “I’ve doubts that you’d mind it that much!” His hands went up her leg which was only covered by her thin leggings. “And be also ashamed of that.” Angela smiled and kissed his cheek softly. “May I ask you anything?” – “Sure!” – “What happened to Gregory Hearney?” She looked into his eyes and he hesitated. “He...” Angela nodded. “Understood.” She retired from his touch. “Always the same way, huh?” – “Sure! Another idea how to handle that kind of problems?” When he said that, Angela looked at him. “Sean... I just don’t know whether I can trust you. I mean... are you gonna kill me too, if you’ve enough of me?” She didn’t look into his eyes. “Angela... I... work for praetorians... Job is job and...” – “Yeah, yeah, I know the phrase... but... I’m hunted by praetorians. You can’t pretend to being fooled by me forever! One time or another they’ll get to know what’s going on... and would you kill me then? Would I have to fear for my live?” Silence. He didn’t know what to say. Angela looked at him. “So all my trust is for nothing? You’d just... threw it away for...” He grabbed her and pulled her back on his lap. He held her face softly between his hands. “You must trust me! I can’t say anything, just... trust me!” His mouth met hers in a hungry kiss, but Angela retired. “I’m not content with this answer. Trust... is very unsure and I think nobody knows it better than you.” – “If one of my workmates had said anything like that I would have shot ‘em!” he warned and Angela shook her head. “Why don’t you do it now?” His glance got serious and thoughtful. “Maybe because you’re a person who has never laughed about my problems or my past.” Angela touched his shoulder. “I’d never laugh about other people’s problems.” She thought a moment. “See what they did to you? They planned everything! Sean... you’re a victim of your own organization! They laughed at you. The first time of your life was the hardest and then they promised to give you a complete new perspective. You could take revenge on every person and have a power you just dreamed of. But they caught you in their net of intrigues! We found the praetorian data! You know... Malika helped us. I found your data. They blackmailed you, didn’t they?” He shook his head. “No... never!” – “I’m sure they did, even if you’re not aware of it. But what you’ve done to Hearney... would happen to you, if you tried to get out of this whole mess. Please... don’t counter now... just think about it for a little moment.” She demanded and he nodded. “Sure! It would happen to me, but... I’m sure they wouldn’t kill me!” – “But they have your data! They could send it to the police and you’d end on an electric chair... just as me if they got me. And you say they don’t blackmail you? To me it looks definitely like a blackmail.” – “And what do you expect from me now? Shall I go to Mr. White and say ‘Okay, Sir... here’s my termination! Goodbye!’?” – “Of course not!” Angela laughed. “Although that would be pretty funny. I’d like to see his face!” – “I’d rather do without it! He’d immediately take his gun and shot me. Besides... how can I know that you’re not just playing with me? You use me for you’re aims and then...” He stopped, when he saw her indignant face. “Sean Trelawney! What the hell are you thinking about me? That I’m a cheap slut, using every guy I can need? Just sleeping with ‘em and then let them go, maybe with a nice ‘Thanks for your help’? Oh boy... you must really think me as a real asshole!” She was really upset about his words. “Besides... you seduced me at first, remember?” she murmured. He embraced her softly. “I didn’t want to hurt you! I just... have doubts about... because... until now I hadn’t anybody who trusted me. Look... I’m a murderer... why should you love a murderer!” she looked up, tears blinked in her eyes. “I really don’t know! ...Uh damned! If you knew how often I wished it was otherwise. How often I damned myself for the affection I felt for you... the warmth in my heart, the anxiety, when you helped me... I’ve never felt anything like it before. And even if you’re a murderer, damn it! If you’re 13 years older than me... damn it! I always thought about this, trying to think like ‘You’re a criminal too!’ I tried to hate you! I tried to blame you for what you’ve done to me, but I... I just can’t. And the more I think about, the more angry I get about myself! But... you gave me so much more than my life before could have given me! You offered me a new chance. Before I just sat in my little room with my computer. I only went out of the house for shopping and jogging. And then... you changed my identity... and... everything changed. I couldn’t hide longer behind an illusion. I had to face the reality. And it was hard to me. I met you, and I trusted you. I thought you’d help me... but you wanted to kill me. Damned... I cried so many times. I thought about give up... just let myself shot of you, but... I wasn’t able to, because at first I wanted my life back... then I started to like my life. I had freedom... I could do whatever I wanted... and at first I really hate you, but then... I started to feel some kind of affection. Remember when you caught me by the first time? In the hospital? I heard your voice behind me, when you were trying to get me, but I didn’t stop, although I thought about it. Then with that russian satellite... I crossed your plans and you got me... well... I’ve to admit that I feared for my life for a little moment. Then on this wild-water camp. I wasn’t really afraid and in the car I... I thought by myself ‘What the hell are you doing here? Instead of crying at him, blaming him, hurting him you’re flirting!’ Oh my goodness, I was shocked. And I was shocked, that you replied to my flirt. I got panic about what I did and started to keep MY job. Fighting you.” She sighed. “What the hell am I telling here! I’m sorry, I’m boring you.” – “Oh, you don’t bore me at all!” he answered softly. “I’ve to admit, that I was also surprised of your flirt. But I thought it was some kind of a trick to escape. So I thought ‘Play her game’ If you don’t play her game, she’ll win. And I must say, I was astonished. I’ve never seen you more seducing before!” – “Oh, I’m sure you have. You observed my sleeping.” – “Yeah... I did! But I awakened you. Even f I have to admit, it was a pleasure to watch you.” – “Yeah... I’d really wanted to kill you, when you called me honey!” she laughed. Suddenly she noticed Jacob, standing in the door. “ah, Jacob! Come in!” – “I just didn’t want to disturb your speech!” he grinned and looked at Trelawney. “My respect. If I get a speech like that someday, I’ll take the girl, bring her to the next church and marry her!” – “Silly ass!” Angela smiled, but Trelawney looked at her. “someday... maybe I’ll do it!” – “Oh no!” protested Angela and the man looked casually at Jacob. “And if it’s your only chance to get an identity which is not criminal? Angela Trelawney... I like this!” Angela took a pillow. “Jacob! If you mention any idea like that again, I’ll kill you with this pillow!” – “Uh, I’m afraid!” Jacob joked. “But maybe you should kill me after dinner, because if you do it now, you’ll not get any food!” – “What?” Angela jumped up, but she forgot about her foot. “Oh shit!” she hopped to Jacob. “Let’s see, who will get no food!” Jacob caught her and held her close. “Angel... you should stop that... I see jealousy in your husbands face!” – “And if you don’t stop to annoy me, I see a shiner in your face!” she threatened and held herself at the door. “Come on, Junior!” – “Yes, Mom!” Jacob pulled a face. “Come on, praetorian!” “Don’t move!” BANG, BANG. “I’ll kill you as revenge for Gina’s honor!” Jacob grabbed for popcorn and put it in his mouth. Angela looked at him. “I don’t understand you! How can you look a film like this?” – “Shut up, sweetheart! You don’t understand any of that!” Angela took her glass of wine. “Cheers!” she murmured and felt a soft embrace. “Boring!” – “Oh, absolutely not!” she said ironically and yawned. “I’d prefer a bed now. I’m tired. It’s almost 0.30 am!” She felt his mouth at her ear. “You can sleep in my arms, want you?” Angela looked at him hesitating. Since their one night, they hadn’t been that close. She leaned on his chest in his arm. At first she still kept a little distance, but then she closed her eyes. She felt his hand tangle in her hair, softly stroking it. Yes, she really loved him. She dug her head at his neck, just breathing his male scent. “Sean?” she whispered softly and he looked down to her. “Mmm?” – “I... I...” she hesitated. “You’re very important to me!” she whispered and shut her eyes. “I love you!” – “This is going to be a tragedy!” he whispered. Jacob turned and faced them. “Right! If you don’t shut up, I’ll kill both of you!” He laughed. “Remembers me of Romeo and Juliet!” – “Remembers me, that you’re sorcerer!” Trelawney said friendly, but with a dangerous undertone in his voice. Angela giggled and he looked at her fascinated. “Juliet... yeah... he could be right. Two families... and their children weren’t allowed to love each other.” – “No!” Angela contradicted. “Romeo and Juliet died in the end.” – “As I said. Tragedy!” – “You’re a pessimist!” – “Sure!” – “Long-year-experience, right?” – “Yep!” He took softly possess of her mouth, slightly touching it with his, then becoming for demanding. “Hey! You two... May I remind you... hello!” Angela moaned annoyed. “Jacob, you’re a pain in the neck!” she murmured, while she was looking deeply into her lover’s eyes. Jacob shook his head. “No! I just wanted to offer you to go to the guest room! I wanna see this damned film!” Angela looked at him. “Guest room?” she asked doubtful. “Yeah! You go out of this room and the door at the end of the floor is a little guest room! You can sleep there tonight, but for heaven’s sake let me look this film!” Angela laughed. “Okay! Night, Jacob!” She looked at Sean. “What’s with you? Are you coming with me?” – “If you don’t mind!” He lifted her up. “Night, junior!” – “Get lost!” Jacob said grinning and Angela laughed. The boy grinned. “and sweet dreams!” Trelawney brought Angela into the room and laid her down on the bed. Then he shut the door and locked it. Angela reached out for him and pulled his face to hers. “It’s the most beautiful Christmas gift, I could get!” she whispered and wanted to kiss him, but he held her for a moment. “What?” he whispered back. She sighed impatiently. “To be with you, to feel you... just having you!” she murmured and he allowed her mouth to start investigating his own. Her kiss was very soft and longing, she was still hesitating. He closed his arms around her soft, female body and pressed her close to his own. She moaned on his mouth and deepened the kiss in flinging her arms around his neck. He pulled her onto his lap and pushed her into the mattress then, not losing her mouth. Angela pulled him closer, even if that was barely possible. Her legs were still over Trelawney’s legs and she wondered whether he felt uncomfortable although he was taller than her. She turned her head for asking him, but he didn’t think about letting her go. His mouth covered the skin of her cheek, then he teased her ear softly. Angela closed her eyes. “Sean... wait... I...” He looked into her eyes. “Afraid?” – “Not at all... I just thought we should...” She got up and freed herself from him. “...choose a more comfortable position to kiss.” He sat up too and lowered to her lips again. “More comfortable? I know the most comfortable...” He laid her down again and held her in soft force, one arm on her left side the other one on her right side. Then he started a seducing kiss, and Angela had to admit, that he was damned good as to that. Suddenly they heard a soft ringing. Angela moaned. “Why do I have the feeling, that anyone always tried to disturb us?” He laid his finger on her mouth. “Shht! I’ll try to cut the person down!” He took his cell phone. “Yeah? ...Anna!” Angela caught her breath and got abruptly up, but Sean pulled her softly back, listening to the voice and kissing her neck at the same time. Time and again he murmured a ‘yeah’ or an ‘agreed’. Angela held him close and tried to be silent. She tangled her hands into his hair and bend her head back for giving him more of her neck. “No... I’m alone!” she heard him say. “Anna, that’s definitely none of your business! ...No, you can’t come and I’ll not tell you, where I am!” Silence. Angela felt, that he’d stopped kissing her. “Okay... you’re right! I’m in company... but even if! Mind your own business! ...No! We’ve never been... ANNA! We’ve never been in a relationship! ...Oh no... please! No scene, okay? Not at the phone! I’m... Anna... ANNA!” He shut his cell phone and sighed. “Bitch!” he murmured and looked at Angela. “Just a little... problem between workmates!” – “Seemed more like a jealous lover!” she murmured and started to unbutton his shirt. He smiled. “Anna and me... we’ve never really had a relationship... okay... we had sex... but nothing serious!” Angela smiled. “If you take me at the same level, I’ll better prepare for a heartache!” she noticed but he calmed her down with his kiss. “I’d never do anything like this to you. Do you think, I’d just not betray you because of simple sex?” – “Who knows?” – “Uh, nice, nice! But honestly... if I just wanted pleasure... I’d take Anna’s offers or to one of this nice girls that threw themselves into my arms!” – “That many?” Angela murmured while she stroke the shirt over his shoulder and he nodded. “Many more than many!” – “how many?” she whispered, retiring her mouth from him. “Uh... let’s say... ten a week?” – “uh... I’ve to be careful not to loose you to one of that bitches!” she admitted and let him investigate her mouth again. “Did you... turn your cell phone off?” She asked then between two kisses. “Yeah!” he murmured. “Sure?” – “Yeah!” – “Really?” – “Angela!” she laughed. “I love this game!” – “Uh... you’re a bitch too!” he grinned and his hand slipped under her pullover. “And you’re a smoothie, Trelawney!” she murmured. “I just wanted to say, that your car looks as if you were of the government or anything!” – “Really?” he whispered amused at her hot skin. “Yeah...” – “Many women like it!” – “Uh...” she wasn’t able to return anything brilliant. “What’s up? No protest?” – “I... can’t if you keep going!” she whispered and he laughed. “so I won this argument?” – “If you want? Just kiss me!” – “It was your game!” – “Kiss me!” He laughed and grinned evil. “You’re too impatient, Angela!” – “Uh, I don’t believe, you’re that cruel!” – “Oh, I can be really evil!” he whispered seducing into her ear. “Wanna see?” – “Not really!” – “I’d like to show you...” – “Trelawney!” He grasped her hands, took them over her head and pinned them softly on the mattress. “Yeah?” – “That’s not fair! I...” – “I said, I’m evil, didn’t I? It has nothing to do with fairness!” She shut her eyes. “What do you want me to do?” – “Nothing.” – “Oh, that promises fun! I see, you’re praetorian. You’re evil from nature!” – “False! Usually I’m not evil with woman, because they don’t really matter to me!” – “I feel honored!” Angela said ironically. “I get angry!” she said and now he softly touched her lips with his. She was overwhelmed. His kiss erased all negative feelings she had had before. She just gave herself to him and she had to admit, that she liked his game. But not only his game. His touches and kisses, his whole being there. The feeling of trust, even if she knew it was foolish to trust a praetorian. Especially this one, but she couldn’t act against her feelings. And she had no doubt, that he wouldn’t betray her. He was so soft, so gentle and so full of longing... it wasn’t the behavior of a man, that would kill you in the next future! Or was she wrong? Was he an actor that brilliant to fool her? She couldn’t... she didn’t want to believe that. It just wouldn’t be fair. She moaned into his mouth, when she felt his hand on her bare skin. His mouth retired from hers for softly teasing the skin of her neck. He felt her shudder, when his lips touched her collarbone. “You’re so beautiful!” he whispered and she sighed. “So are you. Leave my hands... please! I want to feel you!” – “Oh, you can when I hold your hands, too!” – “No...” she murmured and he gave her hands free. She touched his cheeks, his hair, his temples and when she went to his neck, he took one of her hands and placed a kiss inside. She laid her hands down on his shoulders and turned him softly for pushing him to the mattress. “It’s still my turn!” he protested, but she shook her head slowly. She lay on his chest, her arms at his sides when she started to kiss him. His hands found their path down her back, pushing her lower belly against his. “I love you!” she whispered, and it was the first time she faced him, when she said these words. “I love you so much... I’d die for you.” – “No!” he whispered. “Before I’d let you die, I’d rather die myself!” Her mouth met his again. It was her fire, that began to melt his heart, and he wasn’t even able to understand, why! He just knew, he wanted to protect her. For all eternity!!! “Sean...” – “Mmm...” Angela looked up from his chest. “Now what?” He met her glance confused. “I... guess I don’t understand you question! Now what... sleep?” – “That wasn’t what I meant! I meant... how to go on! I can’t just... let you go as if nothing happened!” she murmured, pressing close to his body. “I lost my heart to you and...” She cut herself down. “We’ll have to live as if nothing happened! But... we could meet!” he suggested. She sighed. “meet... once a moth? That’s not enough!” – “I thought about... once a year!” he admitted. “Look... it’s too dangerous! For both of us! And I don’t want you dead! Not to talk about myself!” He heard he short caught in her breath like a... sob? He couldn’t believe she was crying! “Angel?” She was crying! He closed his arms around her body. “please... don’t cry! I... I can’t change our situations, but I can promise you that I’ll do everything to see you as often as possible!” – “That’s all you’ve to say at that one?” she asked. She turned away, covering her chest with the blanket. He looked at her and relied on his elbow. “Angela...” He stroke softly through her beautiful brown hair and dug his head in them. Angela looked at him, then she leaned her head against his arm. “You’ve never told me!” – “What?” he asked confused. Angela’s glance got sad. “That you love me. You’ve never told anything like that. Maybe you’re really playing some kind of an awful game!” – “Angela!” He hugged her closely. “Don’t say anything like that again!” he murmured. “I love you! I love you so much, I’m afraid it will break my heart to leave you! But I have to! I work for praetorians... you work for... mmm... sorcerer!” – “Romeo and Juliet!” Angela said bitterly. “I hope, you’re not planning your suicide!” – “Surely not! I feel more alive than ever before!” – “Really.” Angela murmured. “Mmm...” He placed a kiss on her chest. “Hey! I like your smile...” She smiled slightly. “Let’s forget about our problems tonight, okay? Let’s just take the gift, we’ve been made.” – “Agreed!” And then they forgot everything in a deep, demanding kiss. When Jacob opened his eyes, he was astonished to find sunlight filling the room. Then he remembered. He’d dropped off. “Jacob!” – “Yeah, grandma!” he murmured, still half-asleep. Suddenly he sat up. “GRANDMA???” – “What happened here?” – “Oh shit!” Jacob jumped up and tiptoed to the guest room. “Angela!” he whispered. “Angela!” He hissed louder. “Damned, Angela! Open the door!” – “Jacob! What are you doing? It’s 8.30 am!” – “Grandma returned!!!” – “What?!?” – “Come out of there!” – “Give us... some little moments...” When Angela heard, that he had disappeared, she touched Sean Trelawney’s shoulder. “Sean!” – “Uh... honey... it’s too early... come back in my arms!” – “I’d like that, but I can’t! Jacob’s grandmother returned. Too early! We have to get away!” She jumped out of the bed and got dressed within less than a minute. She combed her hair with hair fingers and opened the window then. “Angela... you’re evil!” He got up and sighed. “I wonder if this is a joke!” – “I’d like if it was one, but I’m afraid it’s not!” He got dressed and pulled her to his body. “why do it have to be over!” – “Sean... stop it now!” She went to the door and opened it. “Nobody is there... we can disappear!” She tiptoed out of the room, followed by Trelawney. When she turned left to reach the front door, she looked directly into the face of Jacob’s granny. “Uh... um... hi!” she smiled charming. “Who are you? What are you doing in my house? JACOB!” – “Um... granny... these are... two friends of mine!” – “ah... this guy too! Hmm...” Angela smiled. “I’m Angela! And this is...” she showed at Trelawney. The old woman nodded. “Your daddy. I see some similarities.” – “Actually he is...” Angela started but the woman cut her down. “Yeah, yeah! Jacob! What have you done here yesterday?” – “What a dragon!” Sean whispered and Angela giggled slightly, but got serious, when the woman faced her again. “Well... Miss...” – “Bennett!” Angela smiled. “Okay, Miss Bennett. You’ll leave my house immediately. And I’ll have some words with my nice grandson!” Angela waved. “see you, Jacob!” when she passed next to him she whispered. “At 3.00 pm in your barn!” – “Okay!” they left the house. “Wow...” Sean stretched himself. “this was the most amazing day in my whole life! It seems like you’ve a really amazing live!” – “Yeah...” Angela nodded and turned to him. She went backwards and smiled. He also smiled. “And now?” – “I’ve to go back today!” – “So this is farewell?” – “No... it’s just a goodbye with the hidden words ‘We’ll meet again!’.” – “I hope, we’ll not meet again as enemies!” – “No... but we have to...” He stopped when he realized that he was about to tell her about their new plans. “My goodness! Job is job! And you’ll have to find out by yourself!” She laughed. “Exciting!” – “You’ll not get it!” – “Oh I will!” she warned. “No!” – “Sure!” – “No!” – “You underestimate my abilities!” she noticed. “you should know better!” – “Yeah!” – “And I can imagine, with what you’ve to do!” – “Really?” – “Sure. Virus Y2K. Airplanes crashes and all that stuff!” – “I’m impressed!” he admitted. “Think I’m not able to stop you?” – “Try and we’ll see!” – “You bet! We’re enemies! At least in our job!” He nodded. “Exactly!” She stopped and he ran against her. At the last moment he saved her from falling. She hugged him. “But... Job is job... and love is love!” She kissed him softly and felt suddenly his gun in his jacket. With a clever grasp, she pulled it out of his jacket. “This one... makes me a bit nervous...” she said and played with it. He grabbed it. “Ah... shouldn’t use it, if you don’t know how!” – “I know, how to use a gun!” – “I’ve doubts on that one! When we were in the camp, you didn’t know how to use!” – “Yeah... ‘cause I was nervous!” – “Sure, honey!” he grinned and took it. “But I’d rather keep it.” – “I don’t know why... but I think men with guns very attractive!” – “U-hu!” he said and grabbed her waist. “And I love little women like you, who don’t give up if a gangster is after them!” She laughed. “I noticed that several times! I should go to sin to a church! I’ve heard and done so many of them...” She sighed and freed herself. “What...” she turned. “What would you do if I were pregnant!” – “If you were... mm... I’d kill you immediately!” – “Ah... very good to know!” – “No, to be honest... I don’t know... I’ve never thought of a baby, and I don’t want one either!” – “Wonderful!” she said and went along the street. “and if you weren’t praetorian?” – “But I am! If is completely irrelevant! I never think about an if!” – “You should!” – “No, believe me, sometimes it’s better not to think about it!” – “mm...” Angela murmured. “Do you still have an affair with another woman?” – “no.” – “Not even one?” – “No!” – “And Anna?” – “When I had an affair with Anna, I didn’t know you!” – “Really?” – “Angela... you don’t trust me!” he realized and she turned. “You should understand me in that one!” – “Yeah...” he murmured. “But if I had an affair with Anna... why should I have been that impatient tonight?” – “Hmm...” – “Do you think I’m a player?” – “no, but...” – “Listen, I would have a reason not to trust you! You’re flirting with every nice guy you meet and you didn’t helped me in that park with Malika! You just ran away as if you wanted me dead! And you ask me...” – “That’s not true!” Angela turned. “How can you imagine anything like that? I’d never kill you... but... I just couldn’t help you because... Malika would have thought, that I belong to praetorians! It was a lot work to earn her trust... I couldn’t risk to loose it again! We’re enemies in our job!” She pressed herself against his chest. He sighed. “And how do I know, YOU are not playing a game? How can I know, that you don’t use me for your goals!” She looked into his eyes. “you can’t know it.” She said after a long time. “You can just trust me... or not!” – “Oh no... we had this conversation. Once, when you started the deleting procession of that damned file I needed! You said the same thing... and you were lying!” – “Okay...” she nodded. “So think me as a liar... I can’t prove the contrary!” She went a slow part, when he softly held her. “Hey... I didn’t mean it!” She didn’t heard. “Juliet! Don’t give your Romeo up that easy!” Angela turned. “I’m not giving you up, crazy guy! I just don’t want to have an affair with somebody who doesn’t trust me! And don’t compare us with Romeo and Juliet again, because these two trusted each other although their families lived in war.” – “Did Romeo kidnap Juliet?” – “No, never!” – “Well... then we’re really not comparable with ‘em!” He lifted her over his shoulder and she cried out. “Hey! Whatcha doing! Leave me! SEAN! I’ll cry for the police!” – “Sure, Liz Marx!” – “You’re unfair!” – “Yep!” – “Yep?” – “I’ve never mind being unfair!” he laughed and let her down. Angela growled. “Don’t shock me again! I thought you’d say something like: Okay... lets go to my boss now!” – “Thanks for your trust!” he smiled and touched her cheek. “I should go now and you can go back to your Jacob!” Angela got sad. “Okay...” She smiled bravely. He thought a moment. “Still one question... do I really look like your daddy?” Angela’s mouth fell open and she started to laugh out loud. “Oh my goodness! Surely not! Jacob’s grandma is in need of glasses, but she doesn’t want some! You don’t look like my daddy... I’d be shocked if it was like that! I don’t want to be related to a praetorian!” – “Be careful, or I’ll really kidnap you!” he smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “Bye, my angel! And remember... just trust me, no matter, what happens!” – “Yeah, that was, what I wanted to ask you. What does that mean?” she looked at him seriously, but he turned away. “Just take it, as I say it! Understood?” – “Oh no, Trelawney! I’m not gonna accept that! I want to know...” He grabbed her hardly. “I said: Take it as I say!” Angela stepped back. He suddenly realized, that he was hurting her. “I’m sorry.” He murmured. Angela shook her head. “You don’t trust me at all, and I really wonder, if you’ll ever trust me. But know what? It doesn’t matter to me!” She turned and went the way back. “I hope, you still have a nice day... or do you go for a murder today? Well... however... bye!” – “ANGELA!” He ran after her. “Angela... I trust you, but I don’t want to bring you in danger!” Angela laughed out loud. “Are you kidding? I’m already in danger since I am Liz Marx, which I have to thank you for! The praetorians already want to kill me... where’s more danger?” – “Angela... please don’t ask that questions. I just can’t tell it.” Silence. They went side by side. “Um... you wanted to go there!” Angela showed backwards. He sighed. “My car’s still in front of Jacob’s house!” – “Mm...” Silence. “Sean?” – “Yeah?” – “Tell me... Does Anna Kelly know about us?” – “I’m not sure, honey!” he murmured. “I guess, she has a feeling, that I have an affair with you. She’s jealous. I hope, she’s able to distinguish between job and privacy.” – “She isn’t!” Angela said and looked at him smiling. “Believe me, I’m a woman, too!” – “Wonderful. Then could you give me an advice how to handle her?” – “No, but if I’d meet her, I’d slap her face, that she finds herself on the ground again. And that’s not because of you! That’s because everything that was done to me, was done by her too. And she’s a bitch.” Sean laughed, when he saw Angela’s face. “For heaven’s sake, I only can imagine how you were cursing, when you discovered a new success of us!” – “And I can only imagine how you were cursing, when you discovered that your gorgeous diamond was only from glass! Surprised?” she laughed. “wow! That was the greatest success I’ve ever had!” – “Um... moment... you... changed ‘em? How the hell...” she cut him up with laughing. “Uh come on! Admit, that you’ve lost in that case!” – “No, no! That’s not funny, Angela! This diamond was important to us!” – “Yeah...” Angela looked at him. “And that’s why I changed it. The same as I deleted the file you needed that urgently.” – “Angel... you’d better shut up, or I’ll think about a revenge here and now!” – “Try and I’m gonna cry that the whole neighborhood looks out of their windows!” she threatened and he lifted his hands. “Point for you. I’ll wait with my revenge for a moment, when we’re alone again. Just you... and me...” – “You’re so romantic, Trelawney!” Angela pulled a face and took a snowball. She formed it in her hands, when she meditated. “What will you do this evening?” – “Secret of my job... and you?” – “I dunno. Maybe I’ll... play... or read... or TV. Today is still holiday. And tomorrow I’ll start the battle against your Y2K!” – “how charming!” – “I know!” they reached the car and Trelawney unlocked it. “Well... see you then!” – “I hope not! At least not in the next time!” Angela smiled and threw the snowball towards him. He caught it dexterous and threw it back. It hit her at her shoulder. “Hey! That wasn’t fair!” – “See it as prequel to what will happen to you when you start to destroy Y2K!” He grinned. “Bye, honey! I’m looking forward that little fight!” – “We’ll see, if you’re still happy after millennium!” She smiled charming. “So... bye!” She threw a kiss towards him. He leaned on the roof of the car. “Bye, Angela! And don’t forget my revenge!” She leaned on the roof, too. “How could I forget anything that important to you, huh?” Her hand touched his cheek seducing, then she retired. “Bye!” – “Somehow I begin to understand, why so many men helped you on your way!” he entered the car and Angela laughed. “Charm of a woman! Bye!” when the car left, she looked until it disappeared after the next bend. Then she went slowly back to the house, Jacob and his grandmother lived in. THE END Wenn du zu dieser Geschichte über Google oder einer anderen Suchmaschine, oder einem externen Link gekommen bist, ohne vorher die Hauptseite besucht zu haben, gehe bitte auf http://www.kimberley-jackson.com Dort findest du weitere Stories, eine Biografie, Bilder, Artwork und vieles mehr... 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