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phone. There’s a pause on the line.
“Is everything alright?”
    “To be honest with you, no.
I’m not sure how to break this to you. The president of the university has had
to make some harsh austerity measures this year. I’m sorry to be the bearer of
bad news, but we’ve had to cut out your position.”
    “You're letting me go?”
    “I’m sorry, Jeff. But you
did know it was only a term appointment. I will of course carefully pack up and
store your belongings, as I understand you’re indisposed at present.”
    “I don’t know what to say.”
Jeff can’t believe what he’s hearing. “There has to be some mistake. I was
assured my position was safe, term appointment or not.”
    “I’m afraid not. Austerity
requires difficult choices. I’m terribly sorry.”
    “It’s not your fault. Thank
you for informing me.” Automatically Jeff replies politely, although his mind
is in shock.
    “I wish I had better news
for you.” Jeff thinks he hears genuine remorse in John's voice. “If there’s
anything I can do?”
    “No don’t worry, I’ll see
you when I get back.”
    “Okay. Take care, Jeff.”
    “And you.”
    The line goes dead. In his
office at Harvard, John Martin looks up at the government agents who’d walked
into his office not ten minutes earlier.
    “We’ll take care of him from
now on, Mr. Martin. Thank you for your cooperation.”

CHAPTER FOUR

 
 
    The stillness of
the night is disturbed only by the occasional sound of the howling coyote. The
cool moonlit plains play host to the snake slithering through the sand in
search of the night’s prey. The ranch is still, quiet and dark. The silvery
moonlight reaches through the bedroom window, its outstretched hand casting its
spell over Jeff. The smoldering fire downstairs flames skywards; glowing embers
feed the fluttering flame of passion. Eve’s eyes flicker open with the promise
of love. Her lips swell and part. Her breathing is heavy, and she aches for the
touch of a man. Jeff watches as her breasts rise and fall; she tilts her head
back, and her fingers arouse as they slowly glide down her voluptuous body. Her
whispers are full of promise, with such precious little time; Jeff’s loneliness
and desire relinquish as he reaches out to touch. She whispers.
    “Not you my love. He keeps
his eye on me when I’m all alone.”
    Turning away from Jeff; her
hand rises up, and she slowly kisses another, deeper and deeper her want. Her
naked body writhes with anticipation and pleasure. Distraught; Jeff rises to
his weak knees in a bid to stop Eve climbing on top of her lover. Al’s big
strong tattooed arms stretch round her perfect naked body. Tortured, Jeff runs
from her screams of pleasure. Students laugh and point as he trips and falls to
the ground. Lifting his head from the coldness of the snow, he looks up to see
Casey Lee Jones pointing his gun towards him.
    “Time to put you out of your
misery.”
    He pulls the trigger; Jeff
feels his head explode as he bolts upright in bed. Catching his breath from
this grim nightmare, he looks out of the window to the cool moon that bathes
him. He feels the loneliness of having no one by his side to comfort him. The
air is cold and the night is still; darkness has betrayed him once again.

 
    The warmth of the sun gives
comfort and new life to the day. Jeff stirs, finding that he still carries the
emotions of Eve’s betrayal last night. He tells himself it was only a dream. At
the breakfast table, a large mug of coffee is a welcome sight.
    “How did you sleep last
night?”
    “Okay, thanks.” Jeff tries
hard, to relax, smile, be friendly, to give nothing away.
    “Were you warm enough? I
have an extra blanket if you need one?”
    “Honestly I was fine.” He
looks to her, in emotional turmoil, and thinks to himself, if only you knew.
“And you?”
    “Couldn’t be better.”
    Eve covers her night well.
She was restless, staring out of her bedroom window towards the moon and the
silhouetted