SEVENTY ONE – MR STONE’S TRUE IDENTITY

A roiling tempest of emotions detonated in Scarlett's chest - passion, fear, confusion. All she could do was gape soundlessly as the man rose in one sinuously graceful movement. "Peace, my Scarlett," that beloved baritone washed over her, as silken as black velvet. "I know the tumult you must be feeling." He began crossing towards her with measured strides and Scarlett felt herself cringing back instinctively, even as every fiber cried to fling herself into his arms. Questions exploded from her in a breathless torrent. "How...but you're...I don't understand! Why are you here? Like this? Is it really you or some kind of trick?" Her back struck the wall and still he advanced, mighty hands lifting in calming gestures. "Scarlett, you must listen to me. Look into my eyes and you'll see the truth shining there." But she could only shake her head wildly, arms hugging her torso as if to shield herself from the onslaught of unreality battering her consciousness. "No...no, I can't! I'll cal