Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Macgyver. They belong to Henry Winkler, Paramount and associates.
*'s indicate one's thoughts
Chapter 5: Knowledge is Power, or Death!
Scrambling to get out of the way, Nikki hugged the books tightly to her chest and made a mad dash for the end of the aisle. Unfortunately, she didn't make it. Books tumbled down around her as one-by-one, each shelf began collapsing onto the next. Dumbfounded, the group of people studying nearby just stared at the domino-like affect. The final shelf didn't fully topple over, but came to rest against the nearest wall. Concerned, the study group came out of their stupor as a few rushed to Nikki's aid. Angrily, the librarian stormed over to the group. "Who is responsible for this?" she demanded.
"She is," a nearby college-age person pointed to a battered and bruised Nikki, as two people helped her out of the rubble.
Miffed, a red faced Nikki spoke up. "I did not! I had just pulled two books from the shelves when I heard a creaking noise behind me. When without warning, the shelves began to collapse." Her adrenaline rush fading, Nikki sagged against one of the people holding her arm. The librarian's look turned to one of concern.
"Are you okay Miss?" she asked anxiously. She adjusted her glasses to peer closer into Nikki's pale face.
"I, I'm fine. I just need to get a little air." Nikki, still clutching the books tightly to her chest, limped to the door. Slowly, she made her way to the car, breathing deeply of the fresh, clean air. Her eyes narrowed at the shadows playing on the pavement. Before unlocking her car door, she turned and scanned her surroundings with a cautious eye. Quickly, she jumped in and gunned the engine. "I have a strong notion those shelves didn't just happen to fall over," Nikki deduced.
A short time later:
Nikki heaved a huge sigh of relief as she unlocked the door to her apartment. Wearily, she dragged herself the short distance to the bedroom and flopped back on the bed. "Oh thank goodness!" Fleetingly, she glanced at the library books on the end table. "I like you Macgyver, but not that much." Putting a hand to her now aching back, she laboriously made her way to the bathroom and drew a bath for herself. Longingly, she imagined herself immersed in the hot bath water, but making a last minute decision, she grabbed the books off the end table. Sinking into the now luke-warm water, she reached for the first book: Mind Control: The Wave of the future. As Nikki scanned the index, she stopped and frowned up at the ceiling. "Alright Macgyver, happy now? I'm trying things your way, the scientific way!"
The next morning, a very stiff and sore Nikki favored her left, uninjured arm, wincing inwardly with every step. *Driving to work is now a formidable task. Plus the rest of me feels like I've just been mowed down by the local bookmobile.* Her futile attempts at covering up her bruised eye and cheek with make-up, were gnawing at her as well. "The first thing Macgyver will ask is, what happened to you? Next he'll lecture me about the dangers of going to the local library by myself," she scoffed. Taking a deep breath, Nikki raised a hand to Pete's door, poised to knock when…
"Hey Nikki, how ya feelin?" *Drat!*
Thankfully, Pete opened his office door. "Good grief Nikki, what happened?" Pete asked in astonishment. *Shoot!*
Anxiously, Mac appeared at Nikki's side. Mac's jaw dropped. Tentatively, he lightly touched a hand to her bruised cheek.
Mac blurted out, "What happened to you?"
Sighing, Nikki brushed her wispy bangs back in exasperation. "I went to the library last night," she explained.
"No one ends up like that just going to the library!" Mac argued.
Macgyver's eyes darkened to a golden brown. "Deborah was there was there, wasn't she?"
It was Nikki's turn to be surprised. "How did you know?"
"She tried to kill you didn't she?"
"Yeah, I don't think she liked the idea of me digging up information on her secret weapon," Nikki replied dryly.
"Though, I think I may have found the key to stopping her," Nikki continued excitedly. Producing both books from her purse, she handed them to Macgyver. "I did some studying last night."
"You turned to science, for me?" Macgyver asked in disbelief. "You shouldn't have." He smiled sweetly.
"I know." She returned his smile.
Macgyver began thumbing through the books as Nikki started to speak. "Brainwashing is used all the time, often for good. For example: commercials, billboards etc., but many times it can be quite harmful, for instance, in music," Nikki finished, raising an eyebrow.
Macgyver's head jerked up from the pages. Angrily, he slammed the book shut. "Are you suggesting music is responsible for my violent behavior?" Macgyver demanded.
"I've been thinking . . . " Macgyver did not let her finish.
"That, that's ridiculous!" he sputtered. "I, Deborah wouldn't do that!"
Angrily, Nikki leaned forward. "Come on Mac! You have a passion for classical music. It would make sense if Deborah at least tried to capitalize on it. For Pete's sake, she tried to kill you!" Nikki finished, giving a quick glance in Pete's direction.
"Alright, I've had enough!" Pete yelled standing up between them. "Both of you cool off, now!"
"Oh, I will!" Enraged, Mac stalked out of Pete's office.
"Mac, where are you going?" Pete asked, concerned.
Macgyver tossed over his shoulder, "The butcher shop." Irritably, he added, "You coming Nikki?"
Nikki looked at Pete, surprised at Macgyver's invitation.
A little wary of his aggravated state, Nikki hedged quietly, "In a moment Macgyver. I have some other business to discuss with Pete." Nikki continued to stare at Macgyver's back as he violently slammed the door behind him, the walls reverberating in his wake.
"I don't understand what has gotten into him," Pete said, shaking his head.
Nikki lowered her voice. "I do. Deborah. He still cares deeply about her and is having more trouble dealing with her betrayal than we realized."
Pete looked at her in astonishment.
Smiling slightly, Nikki shrugged. "It's a woman thing. Which is what I need to talk to you about. I don't know how much I should tell Macgyver, but the general consensus appears to be . . . " she trailed off.
"Go on Nikki," Pete encouraged, concerned.
"It seems that no one can be made to commit evil, if it is against their nature."
"Certainly you don't mean that Mac has it in his heart to do evil?" Pete demanded in shock.
"Anyone can be evil, but not Macgyver, not this way. No, I think he is subconsciously doing it because of Deborah. Though, clearly, he does have his limits. That is pretty apparent regarding guns. He can't bring himself to shoot anyone with them."
Pete threw his hands up in the air and began to pace. "Well this is just swell. Our good friend can't seem to help himself because he is willing to walk over hot coals for an ex-girlfriend that tried to kill him!"
"That's my opinion. Emotionally, she is tugging at him more than his sense of ethics. Pete, I have an awful gut feeling that Macgyver is hiding something from us. I suspect that he has something of hers. Perhaps a cassette, especially after he became so defensive when I hinted that music might be how she was brainwashing him. However, I think there is still a chance for Macgyver. One, we have to grab the tape. Two, Macgyver is not a hardened criminal. According to "Mind Control: The Wave of the Future, brainwashing is most effective if one makes a living out of being a criminal."
Pete looked at her worriedly. "Alright. But be careful. We don't know if or when Deborah will strike next. Plus, how did Macgyver acquire the gun in the first place? It's not as if he would willingly carry it on him?"
"I know. Maybe Deborah planted the weapon in his house before her arrest."
Excitedly, Pete leaned forward. "So, she was planning on using this brain-washing scheme as a back-up plan?"
"Perhaps, in case her final plan of murder failed. She's a negotiator alright, negotiates herself right out of jail," Nikki finished in disgust.
"I don't think Macgyver should know about any of our suspicions-yet," Pete cautioned. "In the meantime, stick with Macgyver, and keep an eye on him."
Nikki nodded. "Okay." Softly, she closed the door behind her. Jumping up from his chair, Mac crossed the room to her.
"So, do you want to come with me to the local butcher's shop?" Mac repeated stiffly.
"Butcher's shop! I thought you didn't eat meat?" Nikki asked in astonishment. "Weren't you kidding back there?"
"No. Actually, I do eat meat, high in protein. But I refuse to try chopped liver!" Nikki watched, inwardly sighing with relief as his tense posture seemed to relax. "But when I get really steamed, I usually buy some fresh meat for Petey, my yellow lab," he finished with a slight grin as they stepped into the elevator.
Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Nikki stared at Mac as if he had grown three heads. "Well, how come I have never seen Petey?" she questioned, dubious.
"Because you never come over."
A slight smile graced her face. "Is that an invitation?"
Mac grinned slyly, "Well . . . " He stopped abruptly as he caught sight of a dark-haired woman entering the butcher shop. Eyes narrowing, Macgyver quickened his pace. Nikki lengthened her steps to match his.
"What?" Nikki demanded, grabbing onto his arm.
He shook his head. "Nothing, I guess. I just thought I saw someone."
Nikki stared at him hard, not fully trusting him. "If you say so," she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I do," Mac replied firmly.
"Hey Jack!" Mac called cheerfully as he pushed open the door.
"Hey Mac, long time no see," he cried. Stepping out from behind the counter, he enthusiastically pumped Mac's hand.
"Yeah, I haven't been around as much lately."
"Not close enough into town eh?" Jack asked with a grin.
"Yeah," Mac replied ruefully.
"A hem," Nikki cleared her throat.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Nikki, this is Jack Dalton, an old friend of mine."
"Nice to meet you," Nikki smiled extending her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," Jack said. Smoothly, he bent down to kiss Nikki's hand.
"Real charmer," she said wryly, glancing at Macgyver out of the corner of her eye.
"Enough Jack!" he exclaimed irritably, removing Nikki's hand from Jack's.
Jack raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised at Mac's vehement outburst.
Slightly uncomfortable with the awkwardness of the moment, Nikki swiftly changed the subject.
"You must do good business with Macgyver around," Nikki commented with a smirk.
Mac shot Nikki a sour look. Turning away from her, he continued conversing with Jack. "Anyway Jack, I need the usual."
He nodded and raised his eyebrow. "I know I know. Chopped liver for your baby."
"Which is what you are going to be in a matter of seconds," a thoroughly hurt and angered Nikki mumbled mutinously.
Ignoring her, Macgyver nodded, "That's right. Nothing but the best for my Petey."
Mac and Nikki watched as Jack headed to the back. After about 10 minutes of waiting, Mac began to worry. "It shouldn't take him that long to find chopped liver. I'll be right back. You stay here Nikki," he cautioned.
"Humph! As if I can't find my way out of a freezer, please!"
"Fine." Mac just rolled his eyes. Staying close behind him, her hand lightly touching his shoulder, Nikki treaded carefully upon the slippery floor.
Seeing no sign of Jack as they unlocked the freezer door, Nikki asked in exasperation, "Where could he be?"
Macgyver frowned, "The real question is why would the freezer door be locked from the outside, if you are inside searching for meat?"
"Ah, how astute of you Macgyver. I thought you would notice," a female voice spoke up from behind them. Slowly they turned, a feeling of dread washing over the duo.
Mac's eyes narrowed as they zeroed in on Deborah. "Why are you doing this?" Deborah yanked off her ski mask, her chestnut locks falling past her shoulders.
"Easy, I had to leave room for negotiation. And you are just the person to negotiate with. Remember this Macgyver?" She motioned, waving the silencer around in her leather gloved hand. Sweet, melodic sounds of a cello and violin drifted through the back room. Macgyver felt his eyelids grow heavy. Helplessly, Nikki watched as Macgyver seemed to fall under her spell. In desperation, she brought her leg up, knocking the gun out of Deborah's hands. The 9mm discharged, slamming a bullet into a slab of beef hanging inside the freezer.
Deborah pulled out her switchblade, waving it dangerously at Nikki. "Get in there!" she growled. Hesitantly, Nikki took a step back, keeping her eyes on the knife.
Nikki's eyes flitted to Macgyver. "Macgyver, fight it! You can be stronger.." Nikki's voice cut out as Mac's hand wrapped around her throat. As she felt her feet leave the ground, Nikki tried to pry his hands from her throat in desperation, but it was no use. Macgyver's iron grip was no match for her.
"That's right, toss her in," Deborah guided him. Reaching for her gun, Deborah motioned towards the door.
Eyes vacant, Macgyver didn't even flinch as he closed the door behind them. Watching Macgyver in disbelief, Nikki's mind reeled, her hope fading, as she heard Deborah slide the lock into place. "Nighty-night Macgyver. Don't let the bed bugs bite." No sooner had Deborah disappeared, so did the music. The fog seemed to be lifting from his brain. Unfortunately, the fog in the freezer was growing thicker. Slowly, Mac released his iron grip on her throat.
Gasping for air, Nikki slowly sunk to the icy floor. If Nikki would have been able, she would have screamed, as she looked into the half frozen face of Jack Dalton!
*'s indicate one's thoughts
Chapter 5: Knowledge is Power, or Death!
Scrambling to get out of the way, Nikki hugged the books tightly to her chest and made a mad dash for the end of the aisle. Unfortunately, she didn't make it. Books tumbled down around her as one-by-one, each shelf began collapsing onto the next. Dumbfounded, the group of people studying nearby just stared at the domino-like affect. The final shelf didn't fully topple over, but came to rest against the nearest wall. Concerned, the study group came out of their stupor as a few rushed to Nikki's aid. Angrily, the librarian stormed over to the group. "Who is responsible for this?" she demanded.
"She is," a nearby college-age person pointed to a battered and bruised Nikki, as two people helped her out of the rubble.
Miffed, a red faced Nikki spoke up. "I did not! I had just pulled two books from the shelves when I heard a creaking noise behind me. When without warning, the shelves began to collapse." Her adrenaline rush fading, Nikki sagged against one of the people holding her arm. The librarian's look turned to one of concern.
"Are you okay Miss?" she asked anxiously. She adjusted her glasses to peer closer into Nikki's pale face.
"I, I'm fine. I just need to get a little air." Nikki, still clutching the books tightly to her chest, limped to the door. Slowly, she made her way to the car, breathing deeply of the fresh, clean air. Her eyes narrowed at the shadows playing on the pavement. Before unlocking her car door, she turned and scanned her surroundings with a cautious eye. Quickly, she jumped in and gunned the engine. "I have a strong notion those shelves didn't just happen to fall over," Nikki deduced.
A short time later:
Nikki heaved a huge sigh of relief as she unlocked the door to her apartment. Wearily, she dragged herself the short distance to the bedroom and flopped back on the bed. "Oh thank goodness!" Fleetingly, she glanced at the library books on the end table. "I like you Macgyver, but not that much." Putting a hand to her now aching back, she laboriously made her way to the bathroom and drew a bath for herself. Longingly, she imagined herself immersed in the hot bath water, but making a last minute decision, she grabbed the books off the end table. Sinking into the now luke-warm water, she reached for the first book: Mind Control: The Wave of the future. As Nikki scanned the index, she stopped and frowned up at the ceiling. "Alright Macgyver, happy now? I'm trying things your way, the scientific way!"
The next morning, a very stiff and sore Nikki favored her left, uninjured arm, wincing inwardly with every step. *Driving to work is now a formidable task. Plus the rest of me feels like I've just been mowed down by the local bookmobile.* Her futile attempts at covering up her bruised eye and cheek with make-up, were gnawing at her as well. "The first thing Macgyver will ask is, what happened to you? Next he'll lecture me about the dangers of going to the local library by myself," she scoffed. Taking a deep breath, Nikki raised a hand to Pete's door, poised to knock when…
"Hey Nikki, how ya feelin?" *Drat!*
Thankfully, Pete opened his office door. "Good grief Nikki, what happened?" Pete asked in astonishment. *Shoot!*
Anxiously, Mac appeared at Nikki's side. Mac's jaw dropped. Tentatively, he lightly touched a hand to her bruised cheek.
Mac blurted out, "What happened to you?"
Sighing, Nikki brushed her wispy bangs back in exasperation. "I went to the library last night," she explained.
"No one ends up like that just going to the library!" Mac argued.
Macgyver's eyes darkened to a golden brown. "Deborah was there was there, wasn't she?"
It was Nikki's turn to be surprised. "How did you know?"
"She tried to kill you didn't she?"
"Yeah, I don't think she liked the idea of me digging up information on her secret weapon," Nikki replied dryly.
"Though, I think I may have found the key to stopping her," Nikki continued excitedly. Producing both books from her purse, she handed them to Macgyver. "I did some studying last night."
"You turned to science, for me?" Macgyver asked in disbelief. "You shouldn't have." He smiled sweetly.
"I know." She returned his smile.
Macgyver began thumbing through the books as Nikki started to speak. "Brainwashing is used all the time, often for good. For example: commercials, billboards etc., but many times it can be quite harmful, for instance, in music," Nikki finished, raising an eyebrow.
Macgyver's head jerked up from the pages. Angrily, he slammed the book shut. "Are you suggesting music is responsible for my violent behavior?" Macgyver demanded.
"I've been thinking . . . " Macgyver did not let her finish.
"That, that's ridiculous!" he sputtered. "I, Deborah wouldn't do that!"
Angrily, Nikki leaned forward. "Come on Mac! You have a passion for classical music. It would make sense if Deborah at least tried to capitalize on it. For Pete's sake, she tried to kill you!" Nikki finished, giving a quick glance in Pete's direction.
"Alright, I've had enough!" Pete yelled standing up between them. "Both of you cool off, now!"
"Oh, I will!" Enraged, Mac stalked out of Pete's office.
"Mac, where are you going?" Pete asked, concerned.
Macgyver tossed over his shoulder, "The butcher shop." Irritably, he added, "You coming Nikki?"
Nikki looked at Pete, surprised at Macgyver's invitation.
A little wary of his aggravated state, Nikki hedged quietly, "In a moment Macgyver. I have some other business to discuss with Pete." Nikki continued to stare at Macgyver's back as he violently slammed the door behind him, the walls reverberating in his wake.
"I don't understand what has gotten into him," Pete said, shaking his head.
Nikki lowered her voice. "I do. Deborah. He still cares deeply about her and is having more trouble dealing with her betrayal than we realized."
Pete looked at her in astonishment.
Smiling slightly, Nikki shrugged. "It's a woman thing. Which is what I need to talk to you about. I don't know how much I should tell Macgyver, but the general consensus appears to be . . . " she trailed off.
"Go on Nikki," Pete encouraged, concerned.
"It seems that no one can be made to commit evil, if it is against their nature."
"Certainly you don't mean that Mac has it in his heart to do evil?" Pete demanded in shock.
"Anyone can be evil, but not Macgyver, not this way. No, I think he is subconsciously doing it because of Deborah. Though, clearly, he does have his limits. That is pretty apparent regarding guns. He can't bring himself to shoot anyone with them."
Pete threw his hands up in the air and began to pace. "Well this is just swell. Our good friend can't seem to help himself because he is willing to walk over hot coals for an ex-girlfriend that tried to kill him!"
"That's my opinion. Emotionally, she is tugging at him more than his sense of ethics. Pete, I have an awful gut feeling that Macgyver is hiding something from us. I suspect that he has something of hers. Perhaps a cassette, especially after he became so defensive when I hinted that music might be how she was brainwashing him. However, I think there is still a chance for Macgyver. One, we have to grab the tape. Two, Macgyver is not a hardened criminal. According to "Mind Control: The Wave of the Future, brainwashing is most effective if one makes a living out of being a criminal."
Pete looked at her worriedly. "Alright. But be careful. We don't know if or when Deborah will strike next. Plus, how did Macgyver acquire the gun in the first place? It's not as if he would willingly carry it on him?"
"I know. Maybe Deborah planted the weapon in his house before her arrest."
Excitedly, Pete leaned forward. "So, she was planning on using this brain-washing scheme as a back-up plan?"
"Perhaps, in case her final plan of murder failed. She's a negotiator alright, negotiates herself right out of jail," Nikki finished in disgust.
"I don't think Macgyver should know about any of our suspicions-yet," Pete cautioned. "In the meantime, stick with Macgyver, and keep an eye on him."
Nikki nodded. "Okay." Softly, she closed the door behind her. Jumping up from his chair, Mac crossed the room to her.
"So, do you want to come with me to the local butcher's shop?" Mac repeated stiffly.
"Butcher's shop! I thought you didn't eat meat?" Nikki asked in astonishment. "Weren't you kidding back there?"
"No. Actually, I do eat meat, high in protein. But I refuse to try chopped liver!" Nikki watched, inwardly sighing with relief as his tense posture seemed to relax. "But when I get really steamed, I usually buy some fresh meat for Petey, my yellow lab," he finished with a slight grin as they stepped into the elevator.
Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Nikki stared at Mac as if he had grown three heads. "Well, how come I have never seen Petey?" she questioned, dubious.
"Because you never come over."
A slight smile graced her face. "Is that an invitation?"
Mac grinned slyly, "Well . . . " He stopped abruptly as he caught sight of a dark-haired woman entering the butcher shop. Eyes narrowing, Macgyver quickened his pace. Nikki lengthened her steps to match his.
"What?" Nikki demanded, grabbing onto his arm.
He shook his head. "Nothing, I guess. I just thought I saw someone."
Nikki stared at him hard, not fully trusting him. "If you say so," she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I do," Mac replied firmly.
"Hey Jack!" Mac called cheerfully as he pushed open the door.
"Hey Mac, long time no see," he cried. Stepping out from behind the counter, he enthusiastically pumped Mac's hand.
"Yeah, I haven't been around as much lately."
"Not close enough into town eh?" Jack asked with a grin.
"Yeah," Mac replied ruefully.
"A hem," Nikki cleared her throat.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Nikki, this is Jack Dalton, an old friend of mine."
"Nice to meet you," Nikki smiled extending her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," Jack said. Smoothly, he bent down to kiss Nikki's hand.
"Real charmer," she said wryly, glancing at Macgyver out of the corner of her eye.
"Enough Jack!" he exclaimed irritably, removing Nikki's hand from Jack's.
Jack raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised at Mac's vehement outburst.
Slightly uncomfortable with the awkwardness of the moment, Nikki swiftly changed the subject.
"You must do good business with Macgyver around," Nikki commented with a smirk.
Mac shot Nikki a sour look. Turning away from her, he continued conversing with Jack. "Anyway Jack, I need the usual."
He nodded and raised his eyebrow. "I know I know. Chopped liver for your baby."
"Which is what you are going to be in a matter of seconds," a thoroughly hurt and angered Nikki mumbled mutinously.
Ignoring her, Macgyver nodded, "That's right. Nothing but the best for my Petey."
Mac and Nikki watched as Jack headed to the back. After about 10 minutes of waiting, Mac began to worry. "It shouldn't take him that long to find chopped liver. I'll be right back. You stay here Nikki," he cautioned.
"Humph! As if I can't find my way out of a freezer, please!"
"Fine." Mac just rolled his eyes. Staying close behind him, her hand lightly touching his shoulder, Nikki treaded carefully upon the slippery floor.
Seeing no sign of Jack as they unlocked the freezer door, Nikki asked in exasperation, "Where could he be?"
Macgyver frowned, "The real question is why would the freezer door be locked from the outside, if you are inside searching for meat?"
"Ah, how astute of you Macgyver. I thought you would notice," a female voice spoke up from behind them. Slowly they turned, a feeling of dread washing over the duo.
Mac's eyes narrowed as they zeroed in on Deborah. "Why are you doing this?" Deborah yanked off her ski mask, her chestnut locks falling past her shoulders.
"Easy, I had to leave room for negotiation. And you are just the person to negotiate with. Remember this Macgyver?" She motioned, waving the silencer around in her leather gloved hand. Sweet, melodic sounds of a cello and violin drifted through the back room. Macgyver felt his eyelids grow heavy. Helplessly, Nikki watched as Macgyver seemed to fall under her spell. In desperation, she brought her leg up, knocking the gun out of Deborah's hands. The 9mm discharged, slamming a bullet into a slab of beef hanging inside the freezer.
Deborah pulled out her switchblade, waving it dangerously at Nikki. "Get in there!" she growled. Hesitantly, Nikki took a step back, keeping her eyes on the knife.
Nikki's eyes flitted to Macgyver. "Macgyver, fight it! You can be stronger.." Nikki's voice cut out as Mac's hand wrapped around her throat. As she felt her feet leave the ground, Nikki tried to pry his hands from her throat in desperation, but it was no use. Macgyver's iron grip was no match for her.
"That's right, toss her in," Deborah guided him. Reaching for her gun, Deborah motioned towards the door.
Eyes vacant, Macgyver didn't even flinch as he closed the door behind them. Watching Macgyver in disbelief, Nikki's mind reeled, her hope fading, as she heard Deborah slide the lock into place. "Nighty-night Macgyver. Don't let the bed bugs bite." No sooner had Deborah disappeared, so did the music. The fog seemed to be lifting from his brain. Unfortunately, the fog in the freezer was growing thicker. Slowly, Mac released his iron grip on her throat.
Gasping for air, Nikki slowly sunk to the icy floor. If Nikki would have been able, she would have screamed, as she looked into the half frozen face of Jack Dalton!
