Digital Fortress数字堡垒.pdf

Digital Fortress

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It is said that in death, all things e clear; Ensei Tankado now knew it was
true. As he clutched his chest and fell to the ground in pain, he realized the horror
of his mistake.
People appeared, hovering over him, trying to help. But Tankado did not want
help—it was too late for that.
Trembling, he raised his left hand and held his fingers outward. Look at my
hand! The faces around him stared, but he could tell they did not understand.
On his finger was an engraved golden ring. For an instant, the markings
glimmered in the Andalusian sun. Ensei Tankado knew it was the last light he
would ever see.
١ Chapter
They were in the smoky mountains at their favorite bed-and-breakfast. David
was smiling down at her. “What do you say, gorgeous? Marry me?”
Looking up from their canopy bed, she knew he was the one. Forever. As she
stared into his deep-green eyes, somewhere in the distance a deafening bell began
to ring. It was pulling him away. She reached for him, but her arms clutched
empty air.
It was the sound of the phone that fully awoke Susan Fletcher from her dream.
She gasped, sat up in bed, and fumbled for the receiver. “Hello?”
“Susan, it’s David. Did I wake you?”
She smiled, rolling over in bed. “I was just dreaming of you. Come over and
play.”
He laughed. “It’s still dark out.”
“Mmm.” She moaned sensuously. “Then e over and play. We can
sleep in before we head north.”
David let out a frustrated sigh. “That’s why I’m calling. It’s about our trip. I’ve
got to postpone.”
Susan was suddenly wide awake. “What!”
“I’m sorry. I’ve got to leave town. I’ll be back by tomorrow. We can head up
first thing in the morning. We’ll still have two days.”
“But I made reservations,” Susan said, hurt. “I got our old room at Stone
Manor.”
“I know, but—”
“Tonight was supposed to be special–to celebrate six months. You do
remember we’re engaged, don’t you?”
“Susan.” He sighed. “I r