Jeanne patted her back. "I know, Cassie. It must have been terrible for you. But you're with me now."

Cassie's arms tightened around her in panic. "They're in the hall. They'll break down the door. They'll shoot us."

"They won't shoot us. Don't I always protect you?" She gently pushed her away. She nodded at the Wind Dancer on the pedestal in the corner. "Now go and see your friend while I think of something to do."

"I'm scared, Jeanne. They'll break down the door and-"

"Stop crying." She turned away. "Trust me, Cassie."

She couldn't stop crying. She did trust Jeanne, but they would come in. Nothing could stop them.

The Wind Dancer.

She ran across the room and looked up at the statue. They needed magic and everyone said the statue had magic. Cassie knew it did. She always felt it whenever she was near the Wind Dancer. Even though this wasn't the real statue, Daddy had said the hologram was like it in every way. So surely it had enough magic to save them.

"Help us," she whispered. "Please. They're going to hurt us."

The Pegasus stared at her with brilliant emerald eyes that seemed to know everything. It would be all right. The warmth that always comforted her when she was with the statue was gradually banishing the chill. She had Jeanne and the Wind Dancer. Nothing could hurt her. They would be safe now that-

A knock at the door.

She whirled to face it. Jeanne was walking toward the door, she realized in horror.

"No."

"Hush."

She ran across the room. "No, Jeanne. He's going to-"

Jeanne pushed her aside and opened the door.

It was him, the man in the mask." I told you-"

"It's about time," Jeanne said. "Where the hell have you been, Edward?"

"Finishing up. This place was teeming with

Secret Service. I knew you had her secure, so I took care of business." He walked into the study. "The helicopter is coming. I'm ready for the kid now."