The Royal Puzzle. Catherine Nightingale

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      – So, let’s hear it? – Maggie taking a pose of one of those “Good Morning Britain”[1] hosts ready to delve into their guest’s story.

      – Well, I met someone last night, under extraordinary circumstances. He…

      – Heeeeeeee! – Maggie cut her off cheerfully. – Christ, you finally met someone!!! The world’s turned upside down!!!

      – Stop making fun of me, Maggie! You know it’s something I’m really sensitive about. Love is not something to make quick decisions about. – Katherine smirked.

      – Oh, come on! Don’t be too hard on me. Honestly, I’m happy there’s finally someone who managed to make an impression on you. -Maggie noted, hugging her friend tightly.

      – I know you are. Forgive me my rudeness. There’s been a lot of stress lately. If not for Daniel… Oh, God! – Katherine couldn’t finish the phrase hiding her head in her hands.

      – So, Daniel. That’s quite the name I should say. Is he handsome? Witty? -Maggie enquired trying to calm Katherine down.

      I have to be honest, she does know how to cheer people up.

      – I’m sorry for being so annoyingly nervous, it’s just – Katherine gasped. – I’ve never been assaulted before…

      – Jesus Christ! Assaulted? Are you serious? -Maggie exclaimed leaping up from the chair getting a glass to pour some water. -Who would do such a thing? – she handed the glass to Katherine.

      – If only I knew – Katherine sighed eagerly drinking water, emptying the glass at a draught, tears running down her cheeks.

      – Ok, just stay calm, don’t worry! Whatever happened, it’s over now. Come. – Maggie embraced her friend directing her to the sofa nearby.

      Having seated comfortably, Katherine proceeded – There were two of them, American enforcers trying to make me follow them…

      – Well, I’m not surprised at all. Having watched all sorts of American action films, I know exactly how they act. -Maggie frowned.

      It’s not an action film, though! It was shockingly real…

      – Then, suddenly, Daniel appeared behind them. I wish you could see the way he beat them up. – a light smile crossing Katherine’s face finally calming her down.

      – Wow, is he some kind of ‘James Bond’[2] then? -Maggie sighed gleefully.

      – That’s as maybe, I’m not sure a regular Oxford professor is aware of such fighting techniques, well if it’s not some kind of a hobby.

      – Well, you never know.-Maggie giggled, imagining one of their straight-faced English Literature professors having a martial art class.

      Katherine bursting out laughing watching her friend’s face expression.

      – I like the way you can brighten the day, Maggie.-Katherine remarked. – I guess that’s why Peter started going out with you. By the way, when were you going to tell me? He’s our mutual friend? We’ve known each other for ages. Besides, I don’t recall you falling for IT specialists. I thought you’ve always considered them dull and far from those macho guys you used to hang out with?

      – Things change, you know. He appeared to be completely the opposite of what I imagined. As they say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’d never thought finding you in a company of a “James Bond’ type of guy, and yet, here you are.

      Neither had I.

      – No kidding, I’m really happy for you both! -Katherine confessed hugging her friend.

      – I know you are! Anyway, let’s get back to the point, what’s next? Are you going to keep in touch with him?

      – I don’t know, really. He made sure I can give him a call in case of emergency.

      – Well, I might sound banal, but there’s always a ‘case of emergency’ to come up with as far as one’s love interest is concerned.

      – Ah, I wouldn’t call him a ‘love interest’. We barely know each other. I’m simply grateful for getting me out of trouble. One against two, that’s suicide! – Katherine shuddered at the thought.

      – May be, but I’m sure you won’t deny his good looks?

      – I won’t. That would be a delusion. – Katherine smiled at the thought.

      Chapter 5 A Ransacked Home

      Having spent a restless night caused by the evening incident and an unsettling email sent by her dad and chit-chatting with her friend over breakfast, Katherine was now heading back to her flat aware of the fact that it might be indiscreet after being attacked by two bastards, though still hoping things won’t get worse.

      Anyway, there’s still a chance these two bruisers still figuring out my place of residence. I have few things with me, so I cannot possibly get along without packing up. I am about to move house, after all.

      Katherine carried on repeating these phrases in her head as some kind of mantra, trying to calm herself down and make sure she has made the right decision to get back home.

      This mysterious and disturbing email coming from my dad. Something’s off here. My dad is a man of character and he would only send such kind of letter as a last resort, that’s for sure. What did he mean by saying “If you’re reading this letter, I’m currently in great danger?”

      With such thoughts on her mind Katherine reached the door of her flat and halted in shock. The door was open with the lock being savagely ripped.

      “What the…” – СКАЧАТЬ