ROME AIRPORT Friday, December 27th 1985, 8:15am

Reaching down for a pen from her purse saved Carolyn's life. The bullet flew above her hitting the old lady sitting next to her in the head, killing her instantly. For several minutes the world around her was chaotic.

Throwing herself to the ground, she slid under the seat she had been sitting on waiting to be called for boarding of the TWA flight to New York. The old lady's body down slipped next to Carolyn and with considerable reluctance she pulled the dead body close to her for protection.

There were constant sounds of gun shots and then the horrific sounds of hand grenades exploding. But what she would never forget was the screaming of men, women, and children as they cried out for their lives; all to no avail.

Her mind cleared. She reached into her purse, not for her pen but for her gun. Grasping it firmly and releasing the safety, she pushed the body in front of her away, rolled onto her stomach and listened. The shots were coming from in front of her and to her right. The men firing the weapons screamed in Arabic as they sprayed the area with bullets. When she heard shouting in Italian further to her right, she knew she had to move. Adjusting quickly to a kneeling position, she aimed in the direction of the Arabic voice to her left, stood up and opened fire. She got two shots away before the blast from the last hand grenade thrown that day blew her backwards, ripping open a gash in her left cheek and smashing the radius of her left arm. She covered her face with her right hand and collapsed in tears.

For two minutes she lay fighting back her tears as the noise around her changed to shouting and screaming for help, but no more gun fire.

When she opened her eyes the Italian police officer was assuring her that everything was going to be all right. She thanked him in Italian and calmly fainted.

Friday, December 27th 1985 The Queen's Head, Oakville 6:15pm

Ed shivered into the pub from the blowing snow and shook the snow off his down-filled winter jacket. It took him just a few seconds to warm up and feel comfortable in his 'second home'.

The pub was busy, very busy. People were enjoying the Christmas – New Years holidays and the friendly atmosphere of the local pub was in full swing. He made his way slowly to the bar greeting and shaking hands with a number of the happy crowd. Peter was working the bar and waved to Ed to acknowledge him and to let him know his Double Diamond was on its way. Ed removed his jacket and bent down to hang it on the hook under the counter. As he stood someone pushed in beside him. He stood and stepped back gently to let the person in.

She was tall, at least five-eight, with long blonde hair. Her slim figure made her look taller than what she was, and her red top and black skirt helped her stand out in the crowd.

"I know all about you," she said with authority. "I know where you live, where you work, what you read, who you hang out with; just about everything about you." She paused. "What do you have to say about that, Mister Edwin Crowe?"

Ed quickly looked around to see if someone was having fun at his behalf. If there was, he couldn't see them. He smiled to give himself time to think. She was very good looking. Her makeup was flawless and her eyes were stunning. It was difficult not look at them constantly.

Ed replied slowly. "You have very nice eyes, if you don't mind my saying so. I know that much about you. So how do you know so much about me, although I suspect I know the answer."

She took a slow sip of her tall drink. "Really? Pray tell?"

"I suspect you're a friend of Seana and Stephanie since only they and my mother know what I read. And I must say I doubt my mother would provide that kind of information to such a good looking young lady as you without telling me of my good luck."

"Really?"

"Really. Plus the fact that Seana and Stephanie knew I was coming down for a drink tonight. I usually ..."

"You usually only come down for a drink on Fridays and here I am." She smiled confidently.

"What a co-incidence." Ed said.

"No co-incidence, just good planning."

Peter delivered Ed's beer.

"On my tab please," she said to Peter. "And I'll have another one please."

Ed took a long sip of his beer. It tasted good, even better with her company. "So do I get to know your name?" he asked.

"Victoria," she replied.

"Victoria ...?"

"Just Victoria for now."

Ed nodded. "Your surname's a secret then is it?" He raised his eyebrows and grinned.

Victoria laughed. "Very clever, Edwin. I've heard all about your play on words."

Ed put down his beer and extended his right hand. "Victoria, it's a great pleasure to meet you. This is more than a pleasant surprise. Am I allowed to ask you why you want to know about me; a boring old travel agent?"

"Sure you are, but not here. I want you to tell me all about where you're sending your clients to escape this rather nasty winter. When you've finished your beer, no rush, I want to drive you to your apartment and we'll order out pizza." She leaned forward and for the first time spoke quietly. "No naughty stuff, Edwin, just a more private environment. Okay? Please?"

To his own surprise Ed took a drink of his beer before answering. "Well the majority of people are heading to Florida," he began.

Forty minutes later they were in Ed's apartment. Victoria wanted tea, not a glass of wine which Ed had offered. Tea seemed to make sense when he thought about it as he filled the kettle.

"Nice place," Victoria said, walking around the apartment, opening doors and cupboards as if she was thinking of buying it. She didn't ask to look around the bedrooms, but simply made herself at home. She checked the fridge and pantry, sniffing gently as she did.

"So from what the girls tell me, you're a pretty nice guy," she said, turning to face Ed. "Sounds like you're too nice sometimes."

"Well that's about as big an insult in a positive comment that I've ever heard. Anything else?"

"Hey, no insult intended," she added as she continued her review of the apartment. "Gotta tell the truth now, don't we?"

"Yes, we do," Ed agreed. "Milk, sugar?"

"Nope. I have to go. Sorry." She picked up her coat and headed for the door. She reached the door and turned. "Give me a quick kiss, Ed," and reaching into her purse she pulled out a piece of paper. "This is my number. Give me a call sometime if you want to."

Ed walked to her, gave her a quick kiss on the lips. She turned and left the apartment.

Ed stood for a moment wondering what had happened to his few quiet beers at The Queen's Head. Now he had a full pot of tea to himself. He shrugged, laughed to himself and poured himself a large cup of tea.

Thirty seconds later there was a soft knock on the door. He opened it to find Victoria standing with her coat over her arms and a guilty look on her face.

"Can I come in, Ed?" She spoke almost in a whisper. "I have an apology to make."

Ed ushered her in to the kitchen table, where she sat with her coat on her lap.

"Milk, sugar?" Ed asked

"Just milk please."

Ed used his best cup and went so far as to use a saucer. He placed it in front of her and sat. "I'm glad you came back," he smiled.

They drank their tea for several minutes before she spoke.

"That wasn't me, Ed. I'm sorry. You must think I'm stupid or...