The men assembled started to grin. One even stepped forward and held out his hand. “I’ll give it a try,” he offered. “I’m real good at—”

“Get back to your post,” Tillet ordered. He hated days like this. “Miss Randall, I’m sorry you’ve been detained unnecessarily, but I’m certain you understand our position. We’ll give you a personal escort to the plane and see that you get on it. It’ll take about a half an hour to reload the baggage, and then you may resume your trip in peace.” It was obvious that he’d be happy if he never saw her again.

Cole stepped forward. “That won’t be necessary,” he said. “If you’d be so kind as to get her bags off the—”

Debbie spoke. “Don’t remove a thing. And I’ll get myself to the proper gate.” She walked out the door.

No!

Cole bolted after her.

Tillet sank down onto the nearest chair and stared at the figure of Prince Robert going down for the third time. A grinning dragon appeared on the screen and then a series of trumpets blared. The dragon had won. The princess was still in the tower, and Tillet was going to be the laughingstock of the week.

*  *  *

“What do you think you’re doing?” Cole yelled, ignoring the curious stares sent their way.

Debbie didn’t answer. She just kept walking.

“So, you’re quitting! It doesn’t surprise me,” he shouted. “I always knew that my being a cop bothered you.”

Debbie frowned. that’s part of his trouble, she thought. He doesn’t know what I think. He just imagines he does. She never slowed down.

“If you think I’m going to get down on my hands and knees. If you think I’m going to swear to quit being a cop just for you…”

She didn’t respond and Cole picked up his pace. Just as they reached her loading gate, he grabbed her by the arm and hauled her around. “If you think I’m going to let you get on that plane, you’re crazy.”

He wasn’t just warning her. He was desperate and determined. She knew when she’d met her match. But there was no use in spoiling this by admitting it too soon. She shifted gears.

“I suppose you could stop me…this time. But there’d always be a next, and a next and a—”

“Why?” The heartbreak in his voice was evident. “I love you, lady. I’m sorry my family caused you so much trouble. I’m sorry I’ve hurt you.” Fear overwhelmed him as he stared at the lack of expression in her eyes. “It doesn’t matter to you, does it? If I don’t change my occupation, this conversation is null and void.”