Isolde was uneasy. Hamish should have been here by now. This was the first time that she had been involved in clandestine affairs without him and suddenly she felt as naked, as vulnerable as a child.<br/><br/>"Isolde, you look like you've gone to Hell and back. I hope life treated you well lately." He greeted her in his own way, delivering her a disparaging smile that never reached his eyes.<br/><br/>Isolde took in the good health and the straight back of her almost lover, Erlind Kohler. She listened to the intimate and familiar tones as he inquired about her health when he knew full well that he was responsible for nearly killing her. She looked from him to Yvonne and had the most acid feeling burn her stomach. Both of them had been there that last day at the clinic, consenting to her torture. Isolde had died that day, not physically but deep inside, that part of her that was sweet and good, had died. And fool that she was, she felt the pull of desire for this man, this demon.<br/><br/>Did the others present realize they were in the audience of a demon? She wondered. Isolde eased herself a little closer to Yvonne. Somehow, Nazi officer not  withstanding, Isolde felt a little more allied to the woman. She leaned down and murmured to the blonde woman,<br/><br/>“Do you know who that man is? I don’t recognize him. I thought I would know most of the players here.”<br/><br/>To Erlind, Isolde said,<br/><br/>“I have been to Hell but you are mistaken. I am not back and probably never will be. Thank you for your part in my journey. Did you call this meeting? What do you want now, Erlind? More blood? A pound of flesh more?”<br/><br/>She narrowed her eyes and was glad for the weight of the weapon in her waistband. Adina put her hand on Isolde’s arm. For some reason the woman’s touch calmed her and helped Isolde in regaining her focus.<br/><br/>“I believe that we have a common enemy,” she said coolly, smoothing back her unruly red hair. “I take it you received a note to meet here today as we did. And You sir,” she said, directing her words to the stranger, “I’m afraid I do not know you or your part in today’s charade. Perhaps you could enlighten me.”