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to wait. She suddenly made up her mind and closed the shop. She changed clothes and left by the back door, which (she hoped) the officer had not noticed.
She hurried in the back alleys of town having no idea if she was followed. For each step she took, she felt her anguish take a stronger hold on her heart. Almost panicking at times, she did not stop until she had reached the International Bank. Without a pause, she rushed inside. At the information desk, she asked in a whisper:

- "The safe deposit boxes please?"
- "At the end of the hall to your right."
- "Thank you."

She was sure that if she'd turn around, she would see pairs of eyes following her every moves. She glanced at the cashier's counters and indeed she was correct... or so she thought? Maybe she looked suspiciously guilty walking with her head down at an uncontrollably fast pace for a lady. Nonetheless, friends or foes, nothing could happen until she had come in possession of the content of the deposit box, or could it?
She opened the box very quietly where she found only a piece of paper reading:
"Dearest Rebecca... no time to explain... speak the name George, now!"

- "George!" she obeyed.
- "Quickly my dear, follow me!" said a man behind her, already holding out his hand to her.
He was standing in a thick layer of fumes that prevented her from seeing his feet or hers for that matter. The air was icy and for a split second she did not know what to do, until she heard the loud noise of running steps coming closer... she knew then it was her cue. She looked at George, nodded and he pushed her through a wall. She ended up in a warm room where a fire was already burning.

The officer, who had interviewed Rebecca, arrived out of breath: he looked furious. Many men accompanied him and looked everywhere... without success.
- "How could she just vanish?"
- "Ah! But she did not my good sir." said George in a mocking tone.
- "Get him!" shouted the officer.
A group of what looked like policemen ran towards George with a menacing look on their faces. George stepped back slightly and continued his teasing:
- "Come now officer... you know better than that."
- "Where is she?"
- "Not your concern anymore. However, now that I see you have everything under control, I must take my leave as I have a pressing meeting with myself starting... in a decade!"

Not the least surprised by what had just heard, the officer was green with rage. George laughed heartily, bowed and faded into the wall.

When she turned to her saviour to ask all the questions that came into her mind, he merely smiled, handed her a letter and pointed out the library that nearly furnished the entire room.
- "This is the inheritance of your mother that she is passing down to you. Your are safe here."
The air was getting colder despite the fire... Before she could even speak, he continued:
- "This is not my time... I must leave you now." and saying so, he did.

Learn more about this author, Claire Perez E.
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