Free Fall Page 11

  Sydney had never been quite sure what she and Noah had together. But whatever it was, it felt good.

  For a moment, a brief moment, she let herself think about Paul Riley one final time. She had watched a fellow human being die. A bad guy, to be sure. But, still . . .

  Had Noah ever had to kill someone? Did she really want to know?

  No, I don't think I do, she thought contentedly as Noah slipped his hand over her own, his fingers twining with hers.

  Holding hands with Noah felt good. Really good. And if it ended up turning into something more than that, that would be good too. Really good.

  But for now, being honest with herself was the only thing Sydney knew for sure that she could ever, really, hold on to.

  CIA

  FROM THE DESK OF JACK BRISTOW

  I am saddened to report the death of agent Paul Rzhevsky. He had successfully integrated him-self into the culture of SD-2 in Chicago and was about to bring in one of its most cunning agents, an S. Harling.

  He will be missed.

  To: bossman@creditdauphine.com

  From:

  stephanie.harling@peerless.com

  Subject: Sydney Bristow

  Dear Agent Sloane,

  I am very pleased to report that my training mission has been one hundred percent successful. Not only is Sydney Bristow completely loyal to SD-6, she possesses tactical skills well beyond those of most agents in the field. I have been able to verify her involvement with Agent Noah Hicks in the SD-6 office, but I am confident that he will not be an issue in her development as an agent.

  Sir, I must commend you on your recruitment of what is sure to be one of the finest recruits SD-6 has ever had in its ranks. I look forward to continuing my work in Chicago and hope to see you when you are in town.

  Most sincerely,

  Stephanie A. Harling

  DON'T MISS ANY OF THE

  OFFICIAL ALIAS BOOKS

  FROM BANTAM BOOKS!

  ALIAS: DECLASSIFIED

  THE OFFICIAL COMPANION

  THE PREQUEL SERIES

  RECRUITED

  A SECRET LIFE

  DISAPPEARED

  SISTER SPY

  THE PURSUIT/A MICHAEL VAUGHN NOVEL

  CLOSE QUARTERS/A MICHAEL VAUGHN NOVEL

  FATHER FIGURE

  AND COMING SOON

  INFILTRATION

  Only several feet separated them from the roaring water below. People came to this spot for a safe thrill and an amazing view, to feel the mist on their faces and get as close to Niagara Falls as they could without being in real danger.

  Not to die.

  With the roar of the falls and Graham's nervous outburst ringing in her ears, Sydney struggled, her poncho making squeaking noises as it chafed against the railing.

  After several seconds of intense struggle, he reached his left hand around Sydney's throat, his fingers squeezing hard. He's going to strangle me! Sydney thought in a panic as her eyes blinked out rapid tears. The sound of the water was deafening. Blood rushed to Sydney's head as her neck fell farther back, her long blond hair dangling over the water.

  Sydney gulped for air as her attacker wrapped both of his hands more tightly around her neck, shaking her. He pushed her against the slick wet railing, and it groaned with their weight. A half-formed sob came out as Sydney realized she had only a handful of seconds of air left. Soon she would be unconscious.

  Then he'll toss me like a doll into the rapids. . . .

  Alias: Free Fall

  A Bantam Book / January 2004

  Text copyright © 2004 by Touchstone Television

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information address Bantam Books.

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  eISBN: 978-0-375-89048-2

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