The Royal Puzzle. Catherine Nightingale
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Название: The Royal Puzzle
Автор: Catherine Nightingale
Издательство: Издательские решения
isbn: 9785006512221
isbn:
– Wrong question, sir. I see you are disturbing this young woman and judging from her frightened face, I assune you’re not her friends. Why don’t you let her be and leave the place immediately? – the gentleman said confidently looking them straight in the eye.
– You’re a quickwitted chap, hah? Let’s see how your little brain works after I smash it into the wall! Out of my way! -Dirk exclaimed menacingly.
– Sorry to disappoint, but you’ll never see that happening. Once again, let the young woman be, before I make you. There will be no more warnings.-the man’s tone getting less polite and more demanding.
– I think that’s none of your business, sir. said Ax. – Get back to your table and proceed with that silly English tea you Brits drink day and night. Never understood this fucking tradition of yours.-the thugs bursted out laughing. -That was probably one of your best jokes, bro! -Dirk remarked laughing like a hyena.
– This conversation is getting on my nerves.-the stranger remarked irritably, towering over Axel.
– Dispose of him! -Axel commanded.
– Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.-the savior remarked taking a glass of beer from the table cracking it on Dirk’s head. Ax took out a knife trying to hit Katherine’s savior. No luck. The stranger was as fast as a bullet. In seconds he gripped the thin man’s hand and smashed him into the wall.
– Watch out! -Katherine alerted as Dirk rose up with a chair in his arms trying to hit the stranger. The man managed to dodge, as the chair flew towards him crashing the bar. They got in a massive fight when finally the stranger pushed the hulk hard straight into the glass door.
– Pardon the intrusion, ladies and gentlemen. Have a nice evenig! -the stranger apologised with his usual charm. Then he came up to Katherine. – Are you all right, Miss?
– Well, yes, thanks to you! Goodness gracious, what on Earth did they want from me anyway? If not for your interference, I can’t even imagine what could have happend…
– It’s all over, Miss. These two are not going to disturb you anymore. Someone, call the police! -he cried helping Katherine out of the cafe grasping his jacket.
– You’re trembling,. Here.-the gentleman pulled his jacket over her shaking shoulders. -That’s better. The shock will be over soon. Sorry for all that mess. I just can’t stand Yankees harming fine English ladies.
– I don’t know how to repay you for your actions. One against two. That’s risky… You could have got hurt badly.-Katherine’s voice sounded concerned.
– I’ve had worse, trust me! -the stranger remarked with a smile, exposing dimples and little wrinkles next to his eyes.
He has such an inviting smile, I should say. And those little wrinkles make this gentleman really charming.
– I owe you my life, but I still haven’t enquired about your name. How rude of me.
– Daniel, at your service, Miss.-he took her hand and kissed it gently.
– Katherine. Pleased to meet you.
– The pleasure is all mine.-Daniel responded.
Have I timetravelled? Do such men still exist? He resembels that fairy-tale shiny armoured knight. How did he end up in this cafe, anyway? And most importantly, where did a regular Oxford professor learn hand-to-hand combat? Oh, dear, my head is flooded with questions. That’s enough for today.
– Katherine, are you all right? -Daniel inquired observing her puzzlement.
– Fine, thanks. Still in shock.
– Would you mind if I escort you home? For the sake of security, of course.
– Oh, I owe you so much, and that’s really kind of you, but I’m sorry. I have to decline your offer, as we barely know each other.
– Fair enough. Let me at least call you a cab, so that there are no other intrusions on your way home. – he offered politely.
– That would be nice, if I’m not bothering you? – Katherine accepted.
– Not at all.
Katherine was about to take off the jacket when Daniel stopped her – Keep it. You’ll need it tonight.
– But, how am I supposed to give it back to you? -Katherine asked surprisingly.
– May I take your phone.-he reached out his hand waiting for Katherine to hand the phone.
Katherine doubted for a moment. Sharing one’s phone with a stranger might be dangerous, but taking into account what has just happened, it worth the risk.
– Here you are.
Katherine’s rescurer took the phone and started tapping the screen saving his number.
– Call me in case you need help. -the stranger remarked holding out the phone.
– I really don’t know how to pay you back, Daniel. – Katherine replied smiling.
– No worries, love. I’ve done what every true gentleman would do in my place. – he opened an app and got Katherine a cab.
As she was getting inside he bent over smiling – Have a safe trip!
– Thanks for everything! I really appreciate your help. -Katherine replied smiling back.
The taxi set off leaving Katherine’s savior behind.
Chapter 2 Out Of The Blue
– Where to, Miss? -the driver inquired, as soon as the cab started moving.
– 23 Victoria Street, please. -Katherine replied, trying to get comfortable at the back seat.
I assume, Maggie’s house is the only secure place I can possibly stay in now.
Maggie Rivers, an Oxford dweller. She has spent most of her life here. Born into a family of English Literature professors, she’s been keen on literature since early childhood. Comes as no surprise that she made up her mind on following in her parents’ footsteps and entering Oxford in order to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and currently being busy with getting her Master’s Degree in Charles Dickens’ work.
I remember my very first day at university, as if it was yesterday. Feeling a bit confused and puzzled, surrounded by complete strangers. Well, that’s what usually happen to a freshperson. I was thrilled anticipating the very first lecture I had to visit. I remember, entering the auditorium, realizing that this is probably the very hall so many outstanding historical figures walked into, being in an identical situation I found myself at the time. Those were the days!
As I finally located a suitable seat and sat myself down, a chest-nut, СКАЧАТЬ