Thanks for the reviews:
Hutchy- You already have my story worked out, haven't you? Yes, that's right Hilary will show Enrique the true meaning of love.
Kawaii- I'm glad that you like my story and I hope you will enjoy the rest of it as much.
Love Squared- I know that there're a lot of KaiHil fans but I'm sorry, I don't think I can do it. The thing is I've already thought up something for Kai and Hilary but it doesn't concern love. You'll see what will happen next later on (if you still bear to read my fanfic). I've got a surprise reserved for everyone concerning Kai and Hilary.
A/N: I'll be on a long holiday so this will be the last chapter before the two next months. I hope you will be able to wait…
Chapter 12: The First Mission
After two weeks of training, the master sent a secret note to all of his ninjas.
"Hilary, come and see this!" Mariam shouted with excitement, holding out her watch.
The ninjas had been given a watch that allowed them to communicate secretly among themselves.
"The meeting is tonight at 12: 30 am," Mariam read the message from her watch.
Hilary didn't know what to feel. This would really mean that she'd be working for the Mafia. Hilary's stomach twisted. She wondered what kind of work the Mafia would give her.
At half pastmidnight that night, Hilary and Mariam made their way to the Headquarters. The others were already there when they arrived except-
"Where're Dragoon and Draciel?" the signor asked.
Before anyone could answer, the door to the meeting room banged open again and Max tumbled in with Tyson still snoring on his shoulder.
"Sorry, master but we kinda have a problem," Max apologized.
"I see," the master chuckled. "Emily, help Draciel out if you please."
Emily walked forward and with a black stickthat hadtwo metallic horns pointing out of the head, she pricked Tyson with it and suddenly electricity came out of the two horns and shook the sleeping boy awake.
"Where's my pizza?" Tyson started.
Then seeing everyone laughing at him, he realized that he was no longer in bed.
"So- sorry," he mumbled sheepishly.
"Maybe next time we should hold the meeting at 5:00 am," the master grinned.
"Argh, no! That will be even harder for me!" Tyson screamed.
"I was just kidding," the master laughed, "but you'd better learn to be on time next time because we might need emergency."
"Don't worry, Padre," Enrique interrupted, "we know well enough not to call old Tyson for an emergency."
Tyson blushed. Hilary shot Enrique a silencing glance. He shrugged, still smiling but didn't pursue his teasing.
"I believe we are here for a meeting?" Hilary intervened so that everyone's attention turned from Tyson to her.
"Quite right," the master recognized. "You seem to be keen on this. Well, anyway to business. Enrique, Salima, you'll be accompanying Tyson and Hilary on their first mission."
"Sure, no problem," Enrique grinned as he leaned back in his chair.
"Listen closely. There will be no killing. Two of you will be ninjas while other two will keep an eye on the enemy. I want you to sneak into Kevin Chow's, Lee Chow's cousin, lair. He owns the most famous Chinese restaurant in NYC, the Golden Ape. Tala had reported that there'd be a secret meeting there. Kenny, the computer please."
Kenny executed and as the screen lit up, the female voice greeted them.
"Good evening, everyone," Dizzi said.
"Good evening, Dizzi," they answered.
"So, Dizzi," the master said, "Can you show the ninjas the information they'll be needing?"
"Sure," the computer accepted cheerfully. "This is Kevin Chow. He's quite short for young men's average but my, he can be seductive sometimes."
A picture of a green-haired boy whose hair was so long it covered a side of his face. The rest was tied in a ponytail. He was smiling in the picture, showing his fangs, his purple eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Come on, Dizzi, how can you say that this midget is sexy?" Salima asked.
"You just have to look at him in another angle," came the reply. "Anyway, not to confuse with his side kick, Joseph Merzougi."
Hilary turned to Mariam. She was looking at the screen as if she hadn't noticed anything. The others were doing as much, except Tyson who was trying to catch Hilary's eyes. Apparently he didn't know about it either. She turned back to the screen and saw a picture next to Kevin's. It showed a spiky green-haired boy who also had his hair tied in a ponytail. In difference with Kevin, he had an earring.
"Kevin's bodyguards, the terrible twin: Raul and Julia. They used to be in a circus so their capacity in acrobats is high. They have long knives for weapon."
Two new pictures showed a two-toned hair boy and his twin sister. Raul's hair was red with brown for roots. His sister had the same except the front was yellow. They both had bright green eyes.
"This is Kevin's masterpiece: the Golden Ape," Dizzi went on, "It has a basement where the kitchen is and 2 floors that are occupied by the customers,the upstairshave private rooms. Now, Wolborg has kindly-." Tala grunted at this remark, "- made us a map of the pipes in the restaurant. They are big enough for people to go through. There's an opening in the back of the restaurant where you can get in."
The pictures had disappeared and instead a map of the pipes running through the restaurant appeared. Hilary could see that they passed each room.
"Your mission is quite simple," Dizzi continued, "Two of you will keep watch, meaning stay on the public side of the restaurant while other two will try to collect the information from the meeting, which will take place tomorrow evening at 8:00 pm. Hiro will drive you there. So meet him in the garage at 7:00 pm. Try not to be seen. Good luck."
"Thank you, Dizzi," the master said before turning back to them. "Any questions?"
"What about the gadgets?" Enrique asked.
"Oh, yes, I nearly forgot," the master rubbed his forehead. "Emily, can you bring them over?"
Emily pushed a trolley containing the gadgets in. There was a round purple pad, a curved electronic device in the shape of an ear's outline, a gun that shot rope and a spray can.
The master picked up each one and explained their properties.
"This pad is called the Sound Absorber. You stick it on a surface and it will register all the sound that came out from the other side of the wall. It might be useful for the information collecting. This," he picked up the ear device, "will allow you to listen through walls. You can increase the distance to hear the sound wanted by using this turner." He pointed at the blue turner on the ear device. Then he turned to the other objects. "This gun shoots rope as you all can see. I put it in case you might need to escape by the rooftop. And this, the spray can, will turn you invisible for 15 minutes. And of course, you have your weapons but I'd rather that this affair carry out in discretion."
The concerning ninjas nodded.
"Anything unclear?"
"What kind of information do you want?" Hilary asked.
"Good question. I want you to report me about the number of allies the Chows are collecting and see if they have a meeting in a secret place, and of course know where this secret place is." He paused, then added, "don't worry, you've got old ninjas to look after you."
"Are we that old to you?" Salima asked, sounding outraged.
"Oh, Salima, my dove, you misunderstood me," Enrique's father with a mischievous smile, "By old, I meant experimented."
"You'd better!" Salima laughed.
It was only then that Hilary noticed how much Enrique was like his father. Did he too get married by force?
Tomorrow's night arrived sooner than Hilary thought. Salima met her in the hallway and together, they walked down to the garage. They were talking about this and that when suddenly it occurred to Hilary that something was bothering her since last night.
"Salima, can I ask you something?" Hilary said as they reared the corner to the garage.
"Hmm?"
"Why does Kevin's sidekick have the same sure as Mariam?"
Salima stopped in her tracks so did Hilary.
"She hasn't told you?" Salima asked.
"Well, I kinda forgot to ask her," Hilary admitted.
Salima raised her eyebrow at the lame excuse.
"I guess you have to know it anyway since you're a ninja here," Salima said. "Joseph is Mariam's brother but he betrayed us and went on the other side. Mariam was furious with him. And if it wasn't for the master, she'd probably kill him. She said he is cut from the family and now she'll consider him as an enemy."
Hilary gasped. No wonder she never mentioned him. Of course, the memory was too painful.
"Hey, girls, what are you doing? It's time to go," someone shouted.
Hilary and Salima both turned to see a black BMW parked behind them. Hiro leaned his head side wards showing them the door. Tyson and Enrique were already inside.
"How come we didn't hear you coming?" Hilary asked as she squeezed in beside Enrique. Salima entered the other side and sat next to Enrique too.
"Silence mode," Hiro answered through the window separating them.
Hilary felt an arm around her shoulder. She looked up and saw that Enrique had each girl under his arms.
"This is comfortable," Enrique said.
"Take your filthy arm off Hilary!" Tyson shouted.
"Hey, take it easy, man!" Enrique moved casually away from Hilary. "Is Hilary your girl?" he eyed Tyson teasingly.
Tyson, despite his scarlet face, answered, "Stop making fun of me. Hilary is my friend and I… I protect my friends from sexual violence!"
Enrique roared with laughter.
"But maybe your friend wants sexual violence," Enrique said in a matter-of-factly tone.
"Well…well, why don't you ask her?" Tyson was trembling with rage.
"Hey, kids, calm down," Hiro's voice drifted into the fight, "We're just leaving. Don't tear yourselves into pieces yet."
"It's okay, I'll sit in front," Hilary said, "Stop the car, Hiro."
"But, Hilary-"
Hilary glared at Tyson
"I'm touched by your concern but Enrique's right, maybe I want violence. But not here."
At that, she climbed over him and went to sit next to Hiro. As they drove off, Hilary looked into the driving mirror. Tyson was looking out of the window, trying to stay as far from Enrique as possible. Enrique himself still had his arm around Salima and was whispering in her ears, making her laugh. Hiro noticed Hilary staring.
"Impressive, heu?" Hiro commented. "I don't know how he does it but every girls fall for him. Except his fiancée," he added after a second thought.
Judging by Hilary's silence, Hiro guessed what was going through her mind.
"My brother talks a lot about you, you know," he said, a glitter in his eyes.
Hilary stared at him.
"But he's a shy boy," he went on, "Doesn't know how to say his feelings correctly. Unlike that one there." He jerked his head over to Enrique. " Though he has a kind heart and is true to the one he loves, he's not the average girls wants. Poor boy," he signed as he veered left, into the city.
Half an hour later, after being stuck in the traffic jam, they arrived in front of the Golden Ape. It had wide windows through which they could see polished round tables filled with important-looking people. The restaurant was lighted with paper lanterns, added with chains of light bulbs, giving it a festive atmosphere. There was a long queue in front of the restaurant. Salima and Tyson jumped off. Hilary got down to take a place in the back seat. Before she closed the door, Tyson leaned his face over.
"If that bastard did anything to you, I'll-."
"Tyson, it's gonna be okay," Hilary interrupted. "Go and do your work."
With an uneasy smile Tyson left Hilary with Enrique.
"Come on," Salima pulled his arm towards the queue. "Don't worry, Enrique won't do anything bad to her."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Enrique doesn't consider her like any other girls," she replied.
"Is that good or bad?" Tyson asked.
But Salima had pulled them to the head of the queue and, after presenting their false ID cards, saying they were some kind of pop stars, to the packet of muscles guarding the entry, they got admitted. Theinside of the Golden Ape was as bright as the outside was dark. Tall pillars supported the ceiling and a wooden staircase led to the private rooms. In the center of the room was a stage. A girl with turquoise hair was singing on it. Salima chose a table hidden by a pillar but that had a view of the entrance. Tyson sat opposite of her.
"So what do we do now?" he whispered.
"Act as normal. Look for Kevin or one of his sidekicks," Salima answered.
But when she saw Tyson looking wildly all around him, she shook her head.
"Discreetly," she added, gripping his wrist.
"Oh, okay," Tyson said apologetically.
Salima laughed gently. No wonder no one wants him. What a fool! But a kind fool, she added
Seeing nothing suspect, Salima called for the waiter dressed in traditional Chinese, who gave them the menu.
"What's the specialty of the hou-" Salima began to ask but was interrupted by Tyson.
"I'll take this crispy aromatic duck, and this King noodles and marinated cod and pork rips and of course, dim sum. Oh, yes, nearly forgot, shark soup and- what's this thing?"
"Grilled chicken with sweet sauce," the waiter answered, peering at the menu.
"Okay, I'll take that too. And… prawn fried rice. And a glass of pressed orange juice."
"Yes, sir," said the waiter noting down.
"Hey, wait. That's only for me. You haven't taken her order yet," Tyson pointed at Salima.
"Oh, of course. What would you take, miss?" the waiter asked Salima.
"Chicken noodle," she answered, handing back the menu.
"And drink?"
"Oolong tea."
"Perfect. I will come back with the food."
He left, whispering to another waiter as he went by. Salima shook her head. They wouldn't be discreet now. As for Tyson, he leaned back looking satisfied.
"I guess this is the best reason of becoming a ninja," he said.
"Ssh!" Salima told him to hush.
"What?"
He turned and saw Mariam's brother ushering his guests through the restaurant. They were about six. All of them had personal bodyguards. But one caught Salima's gaze: a tall man with purple hair wearing his usual uniform of green was no other than Boris Balkov, leader of the Republican Eagle.
"Hey, I know that guy!" Tyson exclaimed, "Isn't he the politician who spends his day in children centers."
"Yes, Boris Balkov. I wonder what he's doing here," Salima murmured. "I think it's time to warn the others."
Salima watched as Joseph the traitor led the guests to the private room upstairs.
"They've entered the third room to the left," Salima whispered to Tyson who was typing in the message for Hilary and Enrique.
"Orange juice and Oolong tea?"
The waiter was back. Tyson hastily hid his wrist under the table, looking guilty. Salima would have laughed if the waiter wasn't there.
On the other side of the building, both Hilary's and Enrique's watches rang softly.
"Well, time to go," Enrique signed, getting off the car. "See you, Hiro," he added to the chauffeur.
Hilary got off the other side. They both were already in their ninja outfits. Enrique had a red one. A wall had separated them when they changed in the car (What a pity, Enrique thought).
"Hey, why aren't you in pink?" Enrique noticed the color of Hilary's outfit.
"Prima prefers this one," she said.
He raised his eyebrow.
"You listen to Prima now?"
Hilary shrugged.
"Are we going or not?" she asked.
"Is my conversation as boring as that?" Enrique looked at her with abashed eyes.
Hilary couldn't help laughing.
"I'm kind of keen on duty," she answered.
"Do you count it as duty to give me a good luck kiss?" Enrique asked saucily.
Hilary gave him a push.
"Stop your honey talk. Let's go."
Enrique stared at her in stupefaction as she passed.
"You're starting to be like Prima," he said as she examined the shutter on then wall.
"So maybe you'll start looking only at your fiancée," she retorted.
"You want that?" he asked as she was trying to lift the shutter off. "Come here, I'll help you." He passed his hands on hers and pulled the shutter back. It came out in a loud clang.
"That should do," Enrique said, rubbing his hands together. "Ladies first," he showed the entrance with a grin on his face.
Hilary merely smiled and crawled into the pipes. She could hear Enrique entering behind her and pulling up the shutter.
"Is it okay?" Enrique asked.
Hilary nodded but figuring that they were in semi-darkness Enrique would probably not be able to see.
"Sure," she said. "What do we do now?"
"Keep going. I'll be watching the map on my notebook and I'll whisper you the directions."
Something was queer in what Enrique said. Hilary turned her head to look at him.
"Whisper? Why whisper?"
"Primo, so they downstairs won't be able to hear us. Segundo, so I can be close to your ear." He leaned closer at this.
"Nonsense," Hilary shook her head and crawled forward.
Minutes later she found two pipes leading elsewhere.
"Enrique, where do I go now?" she asked.
Enrique didn't answer. She turned her head and repeated her question.
"Heu, what? Oh, right the map…"
"Enrique, what were you doing?"
"Oh, call my name again. It makes me tremble with Joy."
"Can you be serious for once?"
"I am the most serious, Joy. Look, Tala said go left. That should lead us to the private rooms."
Hilary signed and took the left pipe.
"Tyson said third room to the left, right?" she asked as they were nearing the private room.
At times there were lights coming through the panels and Hilary could see between the gaps where they were.
"Enrique? Are we there yet?"
"Hmm?"
Hilary turned to him.
"What are you playing at?"
"The movement of your bottom hypnotized me so that I can't think straight,' he answered.
She felt like slapping him.
"Shall we swap places?" she asked.
"Can't. Not enough space," he grinned. "Hey, don't worry. We're getting there. Take your ear device out, maybe we'll be able to capture something interesting."
Hilary executed. She took the gadget out of her belt and put it on her right ear.
"Your fried rice and pork chops," a voice said.
"Thank you. Leave us for now," a male voice answered.
"Yes, sir," the waiter said.
"Now, where were we?" the man asked.
There was a noise of a woman giggling.
"See, I'm not the only one," Enrique said as they moved on.
From the next room, they could hear a boy wailing and a woman's voice trying to calm him over the voices of men. Hilary assumed that it was family dinner. Suddenly, a voice rang out, a voice that she had heard before.
"Mr. Chow, your cooking is of first quality. Traditional cooking figures in one of my concerns after children."
"I am honored, Mr. Balkov," a sly boyish voice answered.
"I think this is it," Hilary whispered to Enrique who nodded. "When shall I put the pad?"
"When they start talking business," he answered
Hilary noticed a lose panel. She glued her eye there. She could distinguish two green heads, which she assumed that one belonged to Kevin Chow. Next to him, she guessed was Balkov with his pointed purple hair. There were five more people there. Hilary didn't know the others but she recognized that two of them were politicians as well. Bodyguards sat along the walls. Hilary could see the twins sitting behind Kevin. Boris Balkov had two bodyguards too: one had dark purple hair and a rather big nose, the other was hidden in the shadows. The guests were now discussing politics. All seemed to be against the formal president.
"Stanley Dickenson is way too old-fashioned for this generation," a young politician said, "he will never understand the youngster's needs."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Dickenson will fall. I assure you that I'll be voting for you, Balkov," a young boy with dull red hair said.
"I am the most obliged, Mr. McGregor," Balkov inclined his head.
"The traitor!"
Hilary turned.
"I know him," Enrique said, "Old school friend of mine. Should've known he was stupid enough to go on the other side."
"You vote Dickenson?"
"It's not that the problem. Those who are here are already selected… I'll explain later," he hastily ended as the people underneath stopped their talking.
Clattering of dishes suggested the presence of the waiters clearing away. Hilary stuck her eye back on the gap. Boris Balkov shifted in his chair. Kevin coughed.
"Gentlemen, I guess you all are wondering why I've summoned you here," the green haired said.
"Now," Enrique whispered.
Hilary took out the Sound Absorber and stuck it on the pipe surface.
"My dear cousin, Lee Chow, owner of the multi-national firm, White Tiger Corporation, is holding a ball on the 11th September and he would like you to be his guests of honor." Then he turned to Joseph, "My friend, hand the gentlemen their invitations." Joseph took out about ten envelops out of his bag and started handing out.
"What is the motive of this ball?" McGregor asked.
Hilary leaned so closely that the panel creaked.
The bodyguard in the shadow's eyes seemed to glint in her direction. Balkov noticed his agitation and held up his hand to prevent Kevin from continuing.
"Dranzer senses rats," he said.
"Raul, Julia. Go and look outside," Kevin commanded.
The twins disappeared outside and returned two minutes later.
"Nothing," they said in unison.
"Have you checked," Balkov asked, "Up there?" he pointed upwards.
Hilary gasped. She turned at Enrique as the bodyguards were moving beneath them.
"What are we gonna do?" she mouthed.
Enrique seized her ear.
"Try and get the invitations at all cause," he whispered before backing away.
Hilary ripped off the pad and was on the point of follow him, when the panel opened letting in light. Julia poked her head in.
"No one's there, master," she said.
Raul lowered her back to the ground.
"Nevertheless, I suggest we should change rooms," Boris Balkov said.
"You're very suspicious, I dare say," a politician laughed.
"Our affair is of great importance and mustn't go astray."
At that, chairs were moved and the door closed, leaving the room in total darkness.
"Hilary, are you okay?" Enrique asked.
Hilary shuddered, looking down at herself. Instead she saw the metal panel of the pipe. When she looked around, Enrique was nowhere to be seen.
"That probably leaves us morev than10 minutes," Enrique's voice was near to her. "We must get down and find the room where they are."
Suddenly his watch rang feebly.
"A message from Tyson and Salima!" he exclaimed
"Can you see it?" Hilary asked anxiously.
"No, but I'll put on the audio mode."
Tyson's voice could be heard.
"Have you noticed that they've changed room? They're now in the room on the right end. The twins are guarding the door…"
"What do we do?" Hilary asked.
Enrique went silent for a few minutes then he said in a what-meant-to-be-a-confident voice.
"I'll tell Salima and Tyson to call for Hiro and leave the place. You can join them. And I will… and I will get us those invitations."
"I'm coming with you," Hilary insisted.
"Nah, Joy. Too dangerous for a beginner."
"But-."
"Be a good girl."
She felt something damp against her cheek then something scrambled past her. For some reason she knew that Enrique was gone. She just realized that she wouldn't be able to see the watch so she'd have to godown to them. Hilary took a deep breath and lowered herself down the hole in the pipe. She let herself fall on the table. It shook. She glanced fearfully at the door. She could hear footsteps approaching. Hilary jumped off the table and ran to the wall next to the door. It opened to a waiter. He looked around and seeing no one, retreated. Hilary managed to slip before he closed the door. The bright light hid her eyes and the loud music banged her ears. She ripped the Ear device off and scrutinized the downstairs room. She spotted Salima's red head and was making way down the steps when a waiter walked up and tripped over her. Hilary gasped but seized the occasion when everyone was staring at the waiter to run down to Tyson and Salima's table. As she ran she noticed herself coming back to view. Time was running out. Tyson was finishing a bowl of noodles when Hilary reached them.
"Tyson!" she whispered.
"You said, Salima?" Tyson looked up.
Salima stared at him.
"I didn't."
"Oh, I just thought you did," he said before returning to his noodles.
"Tyson!" Hilary called, a little bit louder this time.
"You said, Salima?"
"Nothing. Maybe you have problem with ears, Tyson."
"Oh, I hope not…. Hey where's my bowl?"
Salima started by looking at Tyson then her eyes widened.
"What? What is it?"
Salima pointed at the bowl floating in mid-air.
"Holy Shit!' Tyson exclaimed.
"Guys! It's me, Hilary. I've put the invisible spray on," Hilary said.
She put the bowl down on the table.
"Hilary, is that really you?" Salima whispered, looking around.
"Yes."
"Where's Amphitryon?" Hilary took a few seconds to register that she meant Enrique.
"I'll explain later. Look the spray is waning off. We must find Hiro now."
Salima got up.
"Tyson, come on."
"My noodles!"
"Forget it."
She grabbed his hand and they ran out of the restaurant with Hilary at their heels.
"Hey! You haven't paid!"
Hilary turned to see a waiter coming after them.
"Guards!"
Muscular guards blocked the doorway.
"Refusing to pay, eh?" one of them smirked, flexing his muscles.
Hilary sweated. She was running out of time. A sudden bang turned the guards' attention to the upstairs rooms.
"Duck!' Hilary shouted.
Salima and Tyson slipped behind the guards but someone called them and they didn't pursue the ninjas.
"Hiro, meet us in… um… Paliser road," Salima called him on her cell phone. "Come on," she said to them.
By now Hilary had appeared again, a yellow ninja between two teenagers. I hope Enrique is okay, she thought as she ran.
A car parked in front of them.
"Just about time, Hiro," Salima smiled before throwing herself in.
Hilary and Tyson mounted in beside her.
"Where's the prince?" Hiro asked.
They all turned to Hilary.
"He told us to leave immediately," she said quietly. "But Hiro, I don't think I want that."
"No, neither do I," Tyson's brother answered. "But we must get away from here."
"Hiro!"
"What about doing a tour of the building? Maybe he will jump down a window or something."
Hilary clapped with glee.
As they were driving around the restaurant, Salima asked Hilary.
"Do you think it was him that caused the bang?"
"I've no doubt of that," Hilary answered.
Enrique must be all right, Hilary said to herself.
Suddenly someone shouted and a clattering of glass translated the fact that a window was broken. Hilary, Salima and Tyson leaned against the car window. A figure detached itself from the night sky. A rope was shot out to the next building. Bullets followed the flying figure but it kept swinging so that every one missed it.
"Hiro, it's Enrique!" Hilary cried.
The driver drove towards the place where the red ninja was dangling. Hilary gazed fixedly at the guards shooting at Enrique, hoping that none would touch him. But someone replaced a guard. Hilary somehow knew that he was more accurate than the others were. He represented a danger for Enrique.
"No!" Hilary cried as Enrique fell down.
Green lights. Hiro moved forward and pressed a button. The car roof opened and Enrique fell in beside Tyson. Then Hiro sped away as fast as the traffic allow him.
"Enrique! Are you all right, man?" Tyson shook his unconscious friend.
There was blood covering his face and his red outfit was ripped at most part by broken glass.
"Talk to me!" Tyson shouted with fear.
Hilary and Salima could only watch in terror.
"Enrique, you can't die now, man," Tyson sobbed, "You must live to know that I forgive you for what you've done."
"Oh, really?"
Enrique opened his eyes and grinned at Tyson.
"Hey! You! You were meant to die!" Tyson gasped.
"So, do you want me to live or to die/" Enrique asked as he sat up. "Ouch! That fall hurts more than the broken glass."
"He didn't get you?" Hilary asked anxiously.
"No, but he's got the rope," he turned to her, "I thought he'd be better than that."
"Enrique."
"Hmm?'
"You were so brave!" And she hugged him.
"Oww, my wounds!"
"Oh, sorry," Hilary drew away instantly
Enrique grinned.
"I have to play the hero each time for you to hug me?" he asked.
"Stop it! Next time I won't," Hilary answered feeling hot.
Salima was laughing behind them.
"So, have you got them?" Hilary quickly changed the subject.
"Yep." Enrique took out three invitations out of his back pocket but the two were crumpled, only one was intact. "Oh, cramps."
"It's okay. At least we've got something," Hilary reassured him.
Their gaze met and for a very long time stayed there.
"Hem, hem."
They both turned. Hilary had just noticed that Enrique was holding her hand.
"So, are you gonna tell us what happened?" Tyson asked.
Enrique glanced at Hilary.
"You tell him," he said as he leaned back, "I'll finish later."
