The Royal Puzzle. Catherine Nightingale

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СКАЧАТЬ He was walking around the neighborhood feeling cool breeze on his cheeks.

      – The weather is truly wonderful, isn’t it, Jackson? -Kenneth marvelled looking at the dog. Jackson running smoothly beside his master with his tongue out breathing steadily.

      Suddenly a huge black van appeared out of nowhere. Approaching Kenneth it came at a halt. He could have been killed! Two intruders turned out of the shadows: a bulked-up thug and a lanky short man, wearing black got out taking grasp of Kenneth.

      – What is the meaning of this? Who are you? What do you want from me? -Kenneth exclaimed furiously.

      – Keep quiet, old chap, or someone’s gonna get hurt! -the tallest of strangers roared forcing Mr. Winters into the van.

      Jackson barking trying to chase off the two men.

      – Shut up, you mutt! -one of the brutes blurted trying to hit the dog.

      – Run Jackson, run! Save yourself! -Mr. Winters exclaimed.

      The van fled in an unknown direction leaving Jackson in the middle of the street barking heavily.

      PART I

      Chapter 1 A Mysterious Savior

      It was a tough day at Oxford. October is usually a difficult month to get through. So many works to submit. Finally the day is over and I can have a proper Earl Grey cup of tea at my favourite “The Grande Cafe”.

      With all these thoughts buzzing in her head Katherine was heading home after a long and busy day at the Faculty of Literature. Her paper on Shakespeare has already took her about two years. She did love exploring old Oxford libraries full of various folios with those cracking with years bindings. The atmospere in the library was exquisite. It’s just, spending so much time in closed spaces devasted her a bit and Katherine was really happy to finally escape the building and spend the remainder of the day walking the cosy streets of Oxford inhaling this fresh evening air and just enjoying some me time.

      That’s funny… I can actually feel someone’s eyes on my back…

      Katherine turned around to break her suspicions.

      Nothing… – Well, I have probably spent too much time in those stuffy libraries. I start making things up. Come on, just relax! Goodness gracious! Why haven’t I considered wearing something warmer and more comfortable than this silk black dress. Sometimes, fashion forces to make foolish decisions…

      Soon, the shiny Grand Cafe was finally withinh her grasp and Katherine hurried up to get inside.

      At least, inside this cosy place my mind will stop playing tricks on me. I’m despearate for a cup of hot black tea.

      When getting to the counter, Katherine spotted a handsome man in his early forties sitting next to the window. His face features delicate, sharp, and manly. His thick brown hair with a little touch of grey to his tempeles and beard. The stranger was busy typing something on his laptop. He was wearing a chocolate-brown three-piece-suit with his jacket hanging on the chair back. Suddenly the man raised his eyes from the screen and they shared a glance.

      Seems like he’s smiling at me with those ocean-like quartz eyes. Must be one of our Oxford professors having a rest after a busy teaching day. Getting students’ attention can be difficult these days. But why does he keep starring at me?

      Katherine could have continued this chain of suggestions but then she realised why did she come here in the first place.

      – Hello – she addressed an accountant.

      – Good evening Miss. What can I get you?

      – I’d like a cup of an Earl Grey please.

      – Anything to eat?

      – No thanks, just some tea.

      – That’s 4.95, please.

      – Here you go. Thanks.

      With her tea on a tray Katherine started scanning the place for the best table to sit at. There was a nice one near the fireplace.

      I do like English cafes for such cosy corners.

      Heading to the table, seating herself down, Katherine took her laptop out of a backpack (quite heavy to carry actually, but she had years of practise) and opened it.

      Ok, so what do we have here.

      Katherine opened her inbox to see a notification of one new message. As she was about to look into it the door swung open revealing two men of large and medium height on the threshold. They closed the door noisily and went straight to the counter.

      – Hey, bimbo! -one of the strangers exclaimed with an Ameican accent that sounded so aesthetically displeasing…

      Why do Americans always behave as they are the masters of the world?

      These two annoyed Katherine a great deal.

      They ordered some beer and were on their way to the table next to the door when they saw Katherine and stumbled.

      – Hey, Ax isn’t that this chic the boss told us to get hold of?

      – I suppose you’re right, Dirk. Let me check the pic. Damn, it is her! We are pretty lucky today!

      They left the beer on the counter and moved right to Katherine’s table.

      – Hey, babe! Feeling bored around here?

      Oh God! I do hate the manner they address women! Some etiquette lessons would do them good.

      – I beg your pardon? – asked Katherine taken aback.

      – “I beg your pardon” tried a man whose name as we have already learned was Dirk, to mock at Katherine’s intonations. – British bitches, why do they always speak like some kind of royalty? Listen, stop playing games. You go with us now, and no one’s going to get hurt. You refuse, we shred up this place and bring you a lot of pain!

      – I think you’re mistaken. I have no idea what you’re talking about and I’m going nowhere! -Katherine replied firmly.

      – Why are you always so rude, Dirk? She’s a lady.-the middle height man whose name was Axel cut him off. – Listen, miss, we’d like you to come with us and you’d better contemplate carefully before refusing.

      That chap is definitely more intelligent than his gorrila of a friend.

      – Once again, I’m not going anywhere. Leave me alone, would you?

      – She’s all yours!

      Dirk grasped Katherine’s hand tightly and was about to force her to get up from the chair when a hand shook his shoulder.

      – Problem, gentlemen? -it was the quartz-eyed man.

      I bet СКАЧАТЬ