The Incriminating Files of: Project Exélixi

By Ella-Jane Jones

Billie's journey is set in the rustic feel of Langley, Virginia despite the technological advancements present. And through seemingly unexplainable blackouts and paranormal experiences, Billie and supporting characters such as her sister, special agent of the CIA, Shay Lamour, father David Eleos Sr., and twin brother David Eleos Jr. find themselves positioned against an illegal organization known as Ares and one of their operatives, General Terrance Coolidge.

While Billie initially believes the seemingly dead program is better off dealt with by members of government like her sister and those who had arrested her, she quickly realizes the importance of her interference.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ella-Jane Jones
• Release date: Oct 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223445319

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Terror overwhelms Billie’s face as she awakens in her bed with a dream fixed in her mind, but it soon slips away. Her blue and white sheets fall into her lap as she sits up. However, the sight of them causes her discomfort. Billie flicks them off as she swings her legs out of bed.

She lifts her attention to the only photo in the apartment with her mother’s name screaming inside. The five-by-seven picture of herself, her mother, older sister Shay, and Aunt Lucy sits on the nightstand with her thin gold-framed glasses. However, she is thrown by the pain in her temples as she attempts to remember the dream pulling away from her.

Ah, Billie breathes.

In pain, she places her palms on her temples while her fingertips hang in the free space above. Perhaps the issue could be due to the open curtain overlooking the city of Langley. As Langley is rustic, Billie has always found the city to be more like a town. Yet, Billie’s apartment building is one of the few exceptions. It is multiple stories and modernized, down to the German-washed walls and a red oak timber table.

Once the pain dies, Billie tries to brush her tousled light brown hair out of her face as a sense of suffocation sets in. After managing to pull her hair aside, she rubs her weary eyes. Yet, the shuddering phone on the nightstand is enough to keep her awake.

Again? Billie whispers.

It is Kalvin, the man she met years ago while serving in the coffee shop. Billie is usually joyous reading his messages. However, now she is met with hesitation and has something gnawing away at her stomach. She has always loved him like he was her family. Billie had always felt bad for him as he had no family or friends. As a result, he is always by her side.

She tosses her phone aside and heads toward her kitchen, wanting food before responding to him. As she reaches for a mug from a shelf just above her head, it slips from Billie’s grasp and lands on her bare foot. It shatters, sending pain to rocket through Billie’s body and plaster across the floor.

Ah! Son a of a—! Her pain soon morphs into anger. She stabilizes herself by holding onto the counter. Billie attempts to calm herself, but a light bulb overloads and explodes. Once the glass stops falling over her head, she looks up in amazement and shock.

What....? Billie whispers.

Soon enough, Billie returns to her living room with a half-eaten bagel and a weary expression. As she sits on her couch, her phone rings with the name Shay crossing the screen. Billie considers ignoring it, though she knows she cannot.

Once she retrieves the phone, a light vibration occurs in her fingers. Billie is confused as nothing comes through, nothing to explain the disturbance. No call, no text. Billie puts it back down, but the vibration does not subside. The vibrating is coming from her fingers themselves.

When this finally stops, the phone rings again. After the first time Shay had called, she left Billie a voicemail. Billie had listened. Yet she was disappointed. Shay left Billie to draw her conclusions. However, the fact she has called causes Billie to suspect something more.

Hello? Billie answers.

"Oh... Hey, Billie, I didn’t think you would pick up," Shay replies.

Billie cannot help it. Her eyes roll to the back of her head as she wonders what else she could have reached out for. Then why did you call?

"Because it’s important," she mumbles. Billie’s body goes numb. She knows this must be true. She would never lie about something like this or reach out unless it was so.

Billie cannot get the words out, and her mind runs rampant, going over the various possibilities, dangers, and people involved. What’s going on?

The silence from the other side of the phone causes Billie to be sick to her stomach. It grows more than what she would care for. Luckily, it does last long. "I don’t... You, um," Shay stumbles.

You would only call if something is wrong or if you want something, Billie analyses. So, which is it?

Billie grows impatient as she waits for her sister to speak her mind. Whenever there was something difficult to discuss, Billie was usually the one to bring about the uncomfortable discussion. She was always a disappointment to one person or another. It’s something she seemingly could never grow out of.

"Billie, it’s important. It will be on official business, I swear. Can I come over? Please?" Billie sighs, wanting nothing more than to hang up the phone to avoid the past Shay will bring. Although, Billie’s a good person inside despite what some people think. She cannot turn her back on Shay when she needs Billie the most.

Just as Billie goes to answer, the strange buzz returns in the base of her fingertips. She pauses, thinking she is insane as they almost communicate with her with each pulse, pressuring her further into the conversation.

Alright, she agrees. I would give you the address, but I’m sure you have it.

"Okay, I’ll be over within an hour."

A soft, dry laugh escapes Billie’s lips. She does not know what else she expects from her sister. Official business and matters of life and death could not change this. "I can’t believe she didn’t even say I love you...."

Once again, Billie uses her humor as a mask. Unfortunately, it does not prevent the pain from bubbling beneath the surface. It also does not subside. It only escalates and brings her to a state she tries to avoid.

It has been years since they have seen each other. It was at their mother’s funeral. They did not speak a word to the other. Billie thinks of her mother’s beautiful blonde hair and brown eyes that are not unlike her sister’s. However, the emotion in her eyes and the urgency she expels in this vision confuses Billie. She cannot remember her mother ever giving off these emotions before.

However, the vision of Billie’s mother turns abrupt as someone knocks on the door.

Oh. She rises and walks over to the door with her hesitance getting the better of her. Billie places her head on the door, a self-soothing tool allowing her to open it. She lets out a low and short breath as Billie finds Shay and a man she has never met before waiting on the other side. However, the more Billie’s gaze is on the man, the more familiar this gentleman becomes.

Yet, Billie pushes past this odd moment between them to take in her sister’s details. She still has her long blonde hair, deep brown eyes, and dark circles under them, matching Billie’s.

Hi?

Hey, Billie. Can we come in? Shay stands, awaiting an answer. However, fear of the unknown digs further into Billie’s stomach as she looks toward the man. Yet, Billie ignores this and allows them in.

The mystery man is over six foot five and sits on the couch with Shay. They sit, waiting for Billie to do the same in her cream-colored swivel chair.

Okay, Billie, this is General Terrence Coolidge of the Department of Defence. We have been going over some of your previous work. We thought we could use your help, Shay had spoken with such speed that Billie had almost missed it. However, as Billie had, she swivels from one to another, wanting to know if either one was joking. Or worse, they were genuine.

"When you say previous work, you don’t mean my below-average lattes, do you?" Billie waits for Shay and Terrence’s reaction, and to her surprise, the general’s expression remains neutral. As for her sister, Shay’s lips tremble.

No, Billie. We mean.... Shay pauses.

While Shay searches for the correct words, static fills Billie’s ears. She attempts to ignore it. However, she cannot. Billie endures this stewing agony within her ears while Shay allows this silence to draw out.

I mean your.... computer skills, Shay corrects. The problem we’re dealing with is very similar to what you’ve done in your past.

Billie cannot help but laugh. Although, this laugh is not a light giggle. It is a full chuckle. She is doing her best to stop; however, it takes longer than what is best.

"That’s rich. You, of all people, need my help with my computer skills, she parrots. I didn’t think you would be this desperate. Why wouldn’t you go to the NSA? Or do you guys over at the DoD have too much pride?"

Shay turns towards her superior. However, her head soon droops toward the ground. She has seen him give Billie his signature flat expression. Although, he has offered variety with a nose flare. Billie’s statement angered him.

We went to the NSA, and they directed me to the CIA; I thought that would be evident given that your sister is here, Coolidge reasons. "They thought the same thing we did. They also said the same thing as your sister did: You’re our best chance." Coolidge places a tablet by Billie’s knees and tosses a dense file beside it. A large trump consumes the room and shakes the timber coffee table.

Files you need to both decrypt and encrypt, he declares. Billie pauses before her eyes flicker between Shay and the general.

Strange, the CIA and the DoD are working together? she questions. I mean, these matters are broken up into derestrictions.

General Coolidge takes a moment to decide whether it would be of benefit to advise her of the following. She could prove to be of use. Many organizations are aware of and involved in this threat. DoD, CIA, NSA, FBI, NASA, ATF, Air Force, Marines, The Secret Service, and even some localized police departments.

Sorry, NASA? Is whoever this is planning to blow up the moon?

General Coolidge stares directly at Billie with something burning behind his eyes, perhaps irritation and anger. However, there appears to be something else accompanying his usual traits. Whatever it may be, it seems to capture Shay’s attention. It also must trouble her. She does not take her eyes off the general nor change her frozen expression.

We’re not ruling out that possibility, but it’s a need-to-know situation. All you need to know is that you need to get to work. We’ll handle the rest, the man replies with crossed arms and pinned shoulders.

So, I can save the country, but I can’t know from what? Why would I do that? Billie queries.

Coolidge pauses, considering this for a moment. Although, it does not seem to take long for him to conclude. Maybe you didn’t enjoy prison the first time.

Amuse me, what is it that I did exactly?

Coolidge lifts his head enough for Billie to see the joy he is taking and the strange scar along his neck. Though Billie does not seem to think much of this, she focuses on Coolidge and his pride. Well, that can be up to you, Miss Eleos. Which would you prefer, espionage or obstruction? Or given your prior history, perhaps even cyber-crime.

Billie leans back in her chair and smacks her lips as she examines the man standing before her. Alright. You’ve got yourself a deal, for now.

Billie’s attention flickers to the large stack of files on the coffee table. Though, she looks up to notice Shay’s focus resting on her.

Did you say I’m your best chance? Billie could not help but ask. She needs to know whether or not her sister values her and her abilities.

Shay nods her head before turning away. Billie’s bottom lip droops in shock and disbelief. However, it is not from the validation. It is from something Billie had not noticed before. A beautiful engagement ring rests on Shay’s finger as her hands clasp together. Billie wonders if she is this difficult to talk to and if Shay despises her.

Who’s the lucky guy? Billie asks while doing her best to sound generally interested. However, her question causes Shay’s eyes to widen as Billie worries she will start an argument between the two.

Are you okay? I-I’m sorry if I upset you, Billie utters.

Shay’s body establishes a light sweat. Struggling just as much as Billie is. His name’s Stan... He’s in the Secret Service, Shay says.

Billie smiles at her sister’s small step. However, she removes it as General Coolidge makes direct eye contact. Shivers run down her spine, forcing her attention towards Shay. Yet, she finds it strange that Shay gives a warning expression. He’s not a patient man.

Billie takes this as an incentive to pick up the first file. Although, frowns as inside, is anything. Most of it is no longer there. The government does this when they do not trust who is reading it, like the public or an enemy. Maybe even someone with a long criminal history like Billie.

While Billie knows they are doing what is necessary to protect themselves and their assets, this will slow her down. She lifts the tablet. Although she pauses, noticing it is more advanced than anything she has ever worked with. Billie wishes Shay had not seen her awe. However, she is disappointed. She can sense Shay’s eyes against her skin. Yet, Billie pushes on.

Billie switches the tablet on. Expecting the regular lighting from the device, Billie is shocked as a flash of light emerges behind her eyelids. Not from the device. However, something manifests. A recognizable face from a couple of pictures: Her father.

His face slips as she tries to focus on him, leaving her heartbroken. Yet, it compels her to continue. To do as Coolidge asked and rifle through everything. As Billie searches through digital codes, noting a repetitive pattern, the images of her father begin resurfacing as she comes across a specific file. The file seems insignificant. Though, she cannot help but stop. What’s project Exélixi and all these death certificates?

Coolidge opens his mouth in shock. Don’t mind that. Just encrypt what is ours and decrypt what’s not. You can see the difference, can’t you?

Of course. While decrypting the series of codes, Billie begins to go through everything on the DoD. The list is long, including names, bombings, and test results. Billie does not have time to go through it all now. Not with them watching over her.

She hacks her laptop and places the files within it before digitally cleaning up after herself. The tablet starts to flash, alerting Billie to the finished decryption. She does the same with these decrypted files on the DoD before encrypting what Coolidge asked.

Having Shay seated across from her while she works, Billie thinks of how she had been discouraged from using her mastered encryption skills by her mother and aunt by the age of twelve. She could never understand why her mother disliked her electronic capabilities, at least not until she began her unlawful contributions.

Though, Billie’s nostalgia is abrupted by her encryption coming to an end. She glances upward at a light pink clock with a small taste of satisfaction.

That’s everything, Billie announces. Why were your people unable to do this? It only took me less than three hours. Billie waits for either one to answer her; however, Coolidge snatches the tablet off Billie and looks over everything she has found.

Everyone pauses, waiting for General Coolidge to skim Billie’s findings. Once General Coolidge lifts his head, content, Billie looks him in the eye and notices something behind them. Yet, as his eyes drift over to Shay, Billie notes how this emotion dissipates. She does not know if it is anger or twisted self-loathing, but Billie still feels uneasy.

I don’t know, Miss Eleos. But if you’re interested, I have a connection at the NSA. Or I am sure your sister will be more than happy to help you into the CIA. Either would be lucky to have you. If this were that easy for you, I cannot imagine what would be difficult, he says.

Oh? she whispers to herself. Shay’s expression becomes unreadable, leaving Billie unable to tell if she is pleased. No thanks. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’ve got a big future in waitressing and being a barista. Besides, I’m getting offers like that from different branches.

Billie smirks as the general emotionlessly nods, not caring about her decision. No, I’m not, Billie mouths to Shay.

Billie’s childhood hope of wanting to make Shay smile shines through. However, Billie’s offering is left hollow as Shay only nods. Agent L’amour, ready to move? Coolidge says.

Shay gives Billie a friendly smile and then a squeeze on the shoulder as her feet shuffle across the floor on the way out. Yet, she stops at the door and turns her gaze to Billie. Billie.... Do you think I can call you later?

Billie turns and pauses, not sure how to respond. Yeah, you can call me.

A WHILE AFTER SHAY and General Terrence Coolidge left, Billie strides to a closet hidden behind her clothing rack in the corner. You could not find it unless you knew it was there. She steps inside to reveal nothing special, just old blankets and towels. Billie slides a stack of folded blankets aside. Once the shelf is clear, Billie pulls out a large, red wooden box.

Sensing a presence, she turns to the space behind her, waiting for movement. However, she is soon confident there is nothing and continues to open the box. Inside are many strange pieces of electronic equipment, including powerful laptops and advanced listening devices. Billie scrummages through the mess before eventually stumbling back into the living area. She slips the earphones over her ears and starts waving the wand resembling something used at airport security over various furnishings. She stops at the coffee table before continuing to wave the wand until she hears a high-pitched whirring sound.

There you are. Billie smiles while crouching by the table. However, the piercing sound magnifies in her ears, pulling her to the ground. She manages to rip the equipment free. Simply believing faulty headphones are the source of the problem. Yet, she realizes the screaming is coming from her ears themselves. Looking to stop her pain, she slides her slim hand along the coffee table’s lining. She tries to free something small and odd-shaped. Billie pulls it away and holds it up to inspect the electronic bug. With this simple act, her agony ends, sending relief to flow through her entire body.

What the hell is happening to me? While the last of her pain exits her body, Billie’s mind rests on the thought of Coolidge. After all, what kind of high-ranked officer would trust a known criminal hacker? Though panting, Billie smiles as she drops the bug into a glass of water on the table.

NIGHT HAS BEGUN TO break while Billie reads through the DoD’s files on project Exélixi and Ares. Billie is shocked at some of the things in them. She now knows why General Coolidge did not want her to read them. There is nothing within these files. It has been exhausting and gotten to the point where Billie’s eyes were aching despite her thin gold-framed reading glasses. She decides to take a break and does so. Walking away, Billie notices the light rain on her windows.

As the city’s glow vanishes, Billie’s body jolts. A shadowy figure stirs out on her fire escape. She rips a bedside lamp free from the wall and rushes over. While Billie struggles to open the locked window, the figure appears to jump over the railing. After a pause, she crawls through the tiny opening and stands before leaning her upper body over the edge to see the assumed assailant. However, Billie’s heart sinks as there seems to be nothing.

Could I be that tired? She could have sworn someone was there, forcing her to wonder who would be stupid enough to jump the fire escape. After all, it is a four-story drop before meeting the pavement.

She finds herself confused by what appears to be the figure standing further down the road. It seems to be waiting for something, perhaps her. Despite better judgment, Billie climbs down the fire escape and runs onto the street. She stands not too far from the figure. The glow from the streetlamp allows Billie to make out the shadow’s features, other than it appears to be a full-grown man. She takes steps toward it until she comes up close. The figure steps out of the light and into the shadows. With this, Billie remembers holding her mother’s hand and a falling sensation taking over her body.

Her stomach drops, and her heart stops. Though, it soon begins to race faster than it ever has before. Luckily, this subsides, allowing her mind and the familiar world to return.

CHAPTER TWO

Billie cannot help but tremble. Although, Billie pays more attention to her rattling heart as it thumps against her chest. She struggles to swallow her saliva and take a step forward. She hopes to find a glimpse of the individual hiding within the darkness.

Hello? Is someone there? She waits, but the only sound is a laugh from behind. Billie spins toward the sound, only to find someone familiar: Kalvin, wearing almost the exact outfit as always: Thick black-rimmed glasses, a tee shirt, and jeans.

Losing your mind, I see. So, how long have you been speaking to nothing? Kalvin inquires. Billie scrunches her face into a strange expression. It throws Kalvin off, making him defensive. I was worried when you hadn’t returned my texts. I came to check on you. Are you okay? Because you seem scared.

Billie sighs, knowing he is right. Yet, her attention shifts as she notes the unexplainable stirring in her stomach. The light rain turns into a downpour. Causing his already dark hair to flatten and the streetlamp above their heads to cast shadows, swallowing his eyes. These simple elements force Kalvin to appear distant and demonic.

I’m just a little tired and stressed, Billie tries to justify. He steps toward her only to be shocked as Billie jerks backward to avoid his touch.

Billie, what are you doing? Kalvin wonders.

I’m so sorry. I am. It’s been a long day with lots to think about. She hopes to downplay her actions. Luckily, Kalvin seems to forgive her. He places his hands in his pant pockets and tilts his skull backward. Rainwater bounces off the thick glasses. The sight of his glasses calms Billie. Perhaps it is because they make him appear to be an innocent, geeky small child.

What kind of things? Kalvin asks.

Billie pulls her hand up to her eyes, wanting to distance herself from past actions. However, her thoughts soon turn to her bed. She hopes to fall asleep. To let her dreams wash away the new and troubling world.

A new job, my already pointless jobs... my sister. It’s all too much. I don’t want to deal with it. Yet, in some strange way, I feel like I needed it to happen. I don’t know... She pulls her shoulders closer to her neck, attempting to keep herself warm. Kalvin returns his focus toward Billie and makes a second attempt to step toward her. Billie fights her urge to bounce backward away from him.

It makes perfect sense, but your sister. I thought you and your sister were not talking because of other reasons. You know what I mean, Kalvin sputters.

Billie pauses, realizing she must quickly sift through the events of her day before informing Kalvin any further. She will need to neglect the parts about apparent global security and, unfortunately, focus on the emotional rollercoaster that is the subject of her sister.

We weren’t. But we needed to today. I needed to, Billie reveals. "Also, you say You know a lot. I think you might need to work on that."

Billie places a smile on her face to show him the humor behind her remark, especially after her unintentional and irrational behavior.

Your criticism is noted and will be taken on to the best of my ability. Even though she had felt uneasy thinking of him, Billie discovers she is thankful to have him here. As her mind begins to drift, the wind begins to pick up.

We’re going to catch a cold out here. Want to come upstairs? I have blankets and coffee. Warm us up a little bit, Billie offers.

Billie is unsure how Kalvin is taking her suggestion. He stands, unmoving, wanting to see if Billie is serious. Or perhaps to let Billie take a moment after her unusual reaction. Either way, Billie is grateful that Kal still seems himself after the fact.

Sure, I could go some caffeine, Kalvin grins.

COMPLETE EMBARRASSMENT flushes her face after climbing down the fire escape without a set of keys to let herself back in. Luckily, she had given Kalvin a spare key. He opens the door for her with a friendly smile. He and Billie stride into her apartment and remove their glasses to clean them. Thank you for helping me back in.

They both place their glasses back on their faces before Kalvin scans the room with some strange tint of emotion resting behind his eyes.

No problem. How dare I leave a damsel in distress. He bows for good measure and walks over to her couch. Billie begins to make their coffee in her cramped kitchen. She pulls a coffee filter from the machine and places it in the trash can where the shattered porcelain and glass from this morning rest. Billie takes a deep breath, wanting to distract herself from these paranormal experiences.

Do you mind if I turn on the T.V. Bill?

Sure, go for it. But I told you before to stop calling me that! Billie calls out before returning to him with their coffees in her grasp. As she sits by his side, Billie squints at the television. However, Billie pauses and looks out the window. Yet, she does not find anything definitive. What are we watching?

Kalvin pauses, perhaps in consideration. However, he almost dismisses his thoughts and the program, leaving his expression to wash over with something strange. It is something Billie cannot place.

Not sure, but that guy there just kissed the other guy’s girlfriend, Kalvin answers.

Distaste overwhelms her expression. She does not want to spend the remainder of her night on betrayals, broken trust, and potential violence. Billie has filled her emotional quota for a lifetime because of the trauma she and her sister share.

Come on, Kal. You know I don’t like watching stuff like that, Billie says. Kalvin hands the controller over to her. Although she does not search for something else, Billie places it on the coffee table. Billie then turns her upper half toward Kalvin. Billie thinks of what her sister would do in the same situation. Catching Kalvin off guard, Billie wraps her arms around him for a hug. Yet, she pulls away, becoming uncomfortable.

So, what did you want to talk about? Billie asks.

Nothing. So, what happened with Shay? Kalvin inquires.

Her expression shifts from her usually polite manner to pure horror with enough mix of anger to turn one mad. What did you just say? Billie demands.

Fear sparks behind Kalvin’s eyes. Billie has never used such an ominous tone with him before. He thinks, trying to find a way to talk himself out of whatever path he cornered himself in with Billie. Yet, the only thing he can think to do is downplay whatever Billie may find so sensitive.

Nothing, I-I asked what happened with you and sister, Kalvin replies.

The fury that has overcome her being continues to burn. It frightens them both. However, Billie cannot let this subject go. She must learn the truth and get to the bottom of whatever Kalvin has gotten himself into. No matter how simple and plausible the answer may be.

"That’s the problem. You said: Shay when I never told you her name. I never told you because I can utter her name without crying, Billie explains. So, how could you know her name?"

Kalvin becomes defensive. He throws his hands and knees toward himself while her blood pressure rises. "Billie I.... I don’t— Okay. Okay, you got me there. I did say that. I said Shay, he admits. A couple of years ago, after I first met you. I looked you up, and she came up too." Kalvin places his feet back on the floor. However, his calm exterior forces Billie to flush with blood-red anger while her head and hands tremble.

It takes Billie a minute to comprehend what Kalvin is saying. While Billie knows what the words mean, she does not understand what Kalvin means by it. Whether he is betraying her as she believes or if he is in something she accidentally exposed him to. Yet, Billie knows there is only one answer to this question.

"You can’t google her. If she came up with me, her name wouldn’t be listed as Shay because Shay L’amour doesn’t exist on the internet. It’s her real name, not the one picked for her life outside of work, she reasons. Like how my last name isn’t Conner, she came up with it for me to get a job or for Google searches. It’s so I can live a normal life."

Billie inhales, taking a moment to control her rising anger and fear while Kalvin stares on, revealing dread behind his eyes. So, how did you get her name?

Kalvin drops the act, his facial expressions and all. He pulls his glasses off and places them down on the table. Kalvin turns toward Billie and gives a smile that sends shivers down the base of her spin. He bolts upright and pulls Billie up with him in the process.

His hand forms into a fist before sending it toward her. It collides with the side of Billie’s skull. She stumbles, falling backward and hitting her head on the solid coffee table. The sheer force of her impact causes the hot drinks to topple over and spill onto her light hardwood floors. As the drinks snake along the ground, they add to her pain. It burns along her arm and the side of her tender face.

"Ahh! Stop! Please, stop!" Her hot breath swells in his face as he comes down to hit her again. His fist smashes against her cheekbone. Her skull ricochets off the floor, flinging droplets of blood and coffee into his eyes. While one of his hands wraps around her throat to steady himself and keep Billie in place, the other wipes his eyes clear before he gazes at her.

I’m sorry, Kalvin begins. I wish I didn’t have to hurt you, Billie. I love you. But you left me with no other option. Kalvin lifts his fist to bring it back down again. Yet, his other tightens, quenching the air from her lungs. At this desperate moment, Billie wishes she had left the bug. That way, Shay could send a strike team to save her. However, as she had not, Billie does her best to fight free from his firm hold. She is losing the battle. Her fingers have gone cold as the pressure becomes too much. Her eyes sting and ache before she closes them as she sucks in what she believes to