THANK YOU DEAR FRIENDS! ♥
It is time to close this chapter and with the ending of Doors To Mirrors, this is my final post.
Thank you all very much for the support through the years and I hope you enjoyed the four books posted here for free. Love to all and best of wishes to you forever!
~StorySmitten ♥
Doors To Mirrors (Excerpt 193) Witness
Feeling around in the dark for something to throw at the glass, Viktor finds there are pebbles at his feet just like before. Picking up a round white stone, he tosses it at the glass with force. It makes a clicking sound, but there is no response from Nadja, who remains curled up and sound asleep in her bed.
Movement to his right catches Viktor’s attention. The door is opening, very slowly and upon the handle is a large hand. A hint of a glow washes into the room and the silhouette of a man appears in the doorway.
“No, this cannot be happening.” Viktor mumbles. “Nadja!” He yells at the top of his lungs. “Nadja, you have to wake up!” He hears the frantic nature of his own voice.
Slowly, one step at a time, Aaron makes his way to the foot of Nadja’s bed and then around the corner of the bedpost. His stature is massive, blocking out most of the window, and Viktor feels this is a dream exaggeration. Yet, he just went one round with him and he proved to be more powerful than Viktor expected.
Reaching down, Viktor grabs a handful of stones and leaning back, he builds up momentum and pummels the stones at the mirror! The sound is expansive but only to his ears for neither Aaron nor Nadja stir from the loud noise.
“Nadja!” Viktor screams. “How can I make her hear me?” he questions to himself. “There has to be something here I am missing, I need to break the glass.”
Bending down and searching in the dark with his outreached hands, he feels around for anything large, like a rock or piece of furniture. Suddenly there is a tap on his right hip, which causes him to twirl around quickly.
“Nadja?” He says as he sees her smiling face behind him. “What? How?” He fumbles with his words.
“Is this what you have been talking about all this time?” She questions as she takes his hand. “I was dreaming and heard you calling my name.” She steps up closer to him. “I was sitting atop a hill, looking at the stars and when I closed my eyes, I found myself here.”
It is at this moment Viktor is pulled back into reality. Not in a physical manner, but with the reality of knowledge, he knows Aaron is here. Not only here, on the mountain, but in the room with Nadja’s sleeping body.
“We have to wake you up.” Viktor says as he holds both of Nadja’s hands in his.
“Why? I find this fascinating.” She grins as she leans in for a kiss but Viktor backs away.
“No, Nadja. This is not just a dream.” Viktor says. “I need you to understand this.” He says forcefully.
“Oh stop teasing me.” Nadja laughs as she looks to her right.
It is now that she can see the backside of the mirror in her wardrobe closet. Stepping up closer, she is witness to the events playing out in the room. Aaron’s massive presence is the first catch of her eye and she quickly covers her mouth with her hand.
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Greetings
I hope this note finds everyone doing well.
Several of you have inquired if I will be posting a new set of excerpts and the answer is yes. However, due to more demands from the paying job and the task of living life, my target date of March must be set back. I do apologize.
I wish for all of us a swift transition from winter to spring and I cannot wait to see my lovely roses in bloom once again. Happy posting everyone and keep up the fantastic work!
Sincerely,
StorySmitten
Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
StorySmitten Paperbacks and ebooks are available at:
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Happiness and Joy to you!
Dearest followers and friends,
As 2015 retires and 2016 is born, fireworks will sing as champagne glasses ring. Please be safe as you celebrate, whether alone or on a date. Share positive energy of love and smiles as you look to the future and untraveled miles.
I wish for you all, happiness and joy in this sparkling New Year!
~StorySmitten
The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 486) A Dream
Lyla tries to open her eyes again but this time cannot, or maybe she has opened them but the mist is so thick she can only see blackness. There is no way to tell which way is right or which way is left, if she is standing up or lying down.
“This is only a dream,” she reminds herself as she begins to believe she is floating. The sensation is odd and soon she starts to feel ill with motion sickness. “Crispin?” she says again and now feels his hand in hers. Slowly she flutters her eyelids as she awakens to a vast landscape of hills and valleys. Tiny flowers are in bloom and the sky is a brilliant blue filled with specks of white puffy clouds.
As she turns and looks at Crispin, she realizes they are standing on a walkway near a deep cavernous ridge that drops off into a thick layer of fog creating the appearance it goes on for eternity. The blue sky around them becomes clouded and it begins to darken.
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Copyright © 2013 All rights reserved.
The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 468) With Rage
“Where do you keep your travel bags?” Crispin asks as he follows Lyla into the room.
“Oh, those are in the hall closet.” She points in the direction of two doors that are catty-cornered across the hall from her bedroom. “It’s the one on the right, closest to the banister railings.” As Lyla steps further into her room, Crispin walks back across the hall and opens the closet door. Shockingly, Marnie attacks viciously as she pushes her way out of her hiding place screaming with rage and seemingly inhuman sounds.
Completely unexpected and off guard, Crispin falls backward across the hall hitting his back against the wall with great force. With a large knife in her right hand, Marnie drives the blade into Crispin’s left shoulder causing blood to start flowing immediately from the deep wound. He yells out in agony and the forceful impact of his body hitting the wall creates an intense sound that radiates throughout the structure. Marnie steps back in shock.
“NO!” she screams as she points her bloody fingers at him. “NO! It wasn’t supposed to be you!” With one hand outstretched and the other over her mouth, she whimpers like a wild beast snared in a trap.
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Copyright © 2013 All rights reserved.
The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 455) Screams Out
As Lyla steps away from the open window, she begins to hear laughter. It is a loud overbearing sound from nearby, but she does not see anyone. Turning around she trips over something causing her to fall to the floor. Looking back at what caught her footing, she finds that Crispin is lying on his back covered in blood and lifeless.
She gasps for air as she turns to help him but the smoke begins to overtake her; she cannot breath and begins to feel sick to her stomach. With one final push of air, she screams out for help and someone steps up beside her.
Looking up, she finds Marnie standing over her laughing in a wicked and hysterical manner as the fire engulfs her. It starts at her feet and covers her clothing then ignites her shirt. The smell of singed hair is strong as Marnie’s entire head bursts into flames.
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To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 118) The Wishes You Wish
“You are healing up nicely, Sir. You need not worry yourself.” After another moment of awkward silence, Quinn continues with, “Do you need anything else at this time, Sir?”
Crispin waves his hand slightly as if annoyed and does not say a word. He sits very still, facing the fire he cannot see and remains hushed.
“Very well Sir,” states Quinn as he takes the serving tray and leaves the room.
The fire pops and cracks as its colorful flames dance in many hues of red, blue, yellow and orange casting shadowy shapes on the walls of the room. Watching the fire has always been one of Crispin’s favorite things and now, he must rely on his other senses to partake in its warming display.
He leans his head back as he sits alone in the room. Cautiously he reaches over at the table next to him. Slowly he taps around with his fingers as if trying to locate something when his hand lands on the stem of a dried rose. Its creamy white color has now faded to a golden-yellow and the red tips to parchment brown.
Very gently, Crispin picks up the dried rose and slowly spins it between his fingers before lifting it to his nose. He takes in a slow deliberate breath and then whispers,
“May the sun shine all day long,
Everything go right and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
And all the wishes you wish, come true.”
THE END
. . . or is it?
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 117) Usual Protocol
“Yes Sir, the usual protocol has been followed.” states Quinn as he steps over to the fireplace and takes the poker off its stand. “To most it will be as if you were never there and for those that wish to tell their tale, as usual they will not be believed.”
He uses the poker to push a log deeper into the flames of the fire. The wood snaps and crackles as it settles into place and a little puff of smoke escapes into the room. Crispin moves his head slightly to the sounds and then raises his head as he gets a whiff of the smoke.
Recognizing his reactions, Quinn quickly explains. “My apologies Sir, a little smoke backed in from the flu. All is well.” He remarks as he reaches over and continues to stoke the fire. They remain in the room for several minutes without conversation until Crispin breaks the silence.
“And Lyla?” Crispin asks softly. After a long pause, Quinn slowly turns and looks in Crispin’s direction.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 116) Very Quiet
Facing the fire and its bright red embers is Crispin. He is sitting in a large overstuffed burgundy chair with a tall back. Next to the chair is a small round table where a few minutes earlier, Quinn set a kettle and a cup.
A soft grey blanket drapes Crispin’s legs and he is very quiet. Thick white bandages cover his eyes held in place by a wide band of gauze that wraps around his head. His left hand is on the armrest, his right hand in the pocket of his navy blue robe. Quinn has just entered the room from the kitchen and he proceeds to walk over to the small table next to Crispin.
“According to the report Sir, there was one fatality, a Ms. Penny Taylor,” he says as he pours the dark rich coffee into a cup. “The house sustained substantial damage but will be easily repaired.”
Quinn slowly adds cream to the drink and stirs it gently, barely touching the sides of the cup with the spoon. He slowly takes hold of Crispin’s left hand as he carefully places the cup and saucer in it. He is sure to steady it before releasing it fully to Crispin.
“Take care, Sir. This drink is very warm.” says Quinn as he watches over Crispin carefully. In a low monotone manner and in a dry whisper Crispin asks, “Has everything been taken care of?”
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 115) Unwavering Glow
A thick heavy fog has settled over a lush deep green valley that leads to a little cottage nestled in the crevice of rough terrain. White and grey rocks on the nearby hillside stand eerily erect like massive headstones to the basin below.
There is a dim glow coming from the windows of the cottage as an endless trail of smoke spirals up from the rock chimney. The walkway that leads to the door is wet and covered in dense green moss creating an earthy carpet. Gas lanterns attempt to compete with the fog by lighting the steps and gravel path but the thickness in the air has managed to conceal their unwavering glow.
The main room of the structure and its contents appear to be from hundreds of years in the past. Richly toned wood, ornate wrought iron, and stained glass fill the space creating a lovely display of color and warmth. The room is all aglow as a large fire burns in a huge rock fireplace that spans one wall.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 114) Embrace
“Oh my god, you’re okay! Marcus, you’re okay!” Lyla says happily, as she makes her way to where he is. She has to toss tree limbs and small branches to the side as she clears a path through the rubble. “What? What am I doing? How did I get up here?” Marcus asks clearly confused as he looks at Smokey. Lyla does not say a word. She sits quietly watching as he rubs his neck and lightly touches the wound on his head. He sits up, “What?” he questions still a bit dazed.
Lyla smiles and grabs Marcus as they embrace in a long tight hug. “I was afraid I lost you.” she says as she holds onto him tightly. Smokey meows and slithers her way between them causing Lyla to laugh. “And you, you smart beautiful girl. I love you so much Smokey!” says Lyla as she picks up the fluffy and very wet cat. She cuddles her tightly before setting her back down. Marcus pulls Lyla towards him as they embrace again.
The early morning sunrise begins to streak through the hole in the roof shooting bright and brilliant beams of light onto the attic floor. Beautiful yellow and gold tones seem to warm the place immediately as the morning birds begin to sing.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 113) Blood Stained Paw
Smokey, wet and dirty, runs over and begins purring as she rubs against Lyla’s leg. Hopping up on her hind legs, she nudges at Lyla’s knee and hops down again to weave in and out around her ankles. Still very dizzy, Lyla bends down, slowly picking up her portly cat. Hugging her tightly, she runs her hand down Smokey’s back smoothing her fur.
“Oh you are such a good girl,” says Lyla as she pets Smokey and holds her up close to her chin. With her cat purring loudly, Lyla starts to make her way past the branches and back to the ladder to the kitchen. After only a few steps, there is a loud thumping sound and Smokey wiggles around jumping from Lyla’s arms. She scurries off into the shadows in the direction the sound is coming from. Still off balance, Lyla fumbles around and finds her flashlight. After a couple of taps, it lights up and she shines its beam in the direction Smokey ran to.
There, tucked near the eve of the house, is Marcus. He is lying on his side slowly moving around as he tries to push broken beams and tree branches out of his way. There is a cut across his forehead and as he tries to sit up, it is obvious he is disoriented. Smokey has reached him and she rubs her furry head against his pale face. He lies down on his back just as she jumps on his stomach causing him to groan under her weight. Very content, Smokey starts licking her blood stained paw and Marcus looks over at Lyla.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 112) Dazed
Abruptly everything stops. There is no sound, no rain, no screaming winds, nothing but stillness. Lyla is lying motionless surrounded by bricks, splintered wood, glass, and yard debris. Huge tree branches have fallen through the gaping hole that was dug out of the roofline by the massive storm. After several minutes or maybe even an hour, Lyla slowly begins to move. She releases her grip from the base of the fireplace and rubs her sore hands.
Sitting up she is horribly dazed and unsure of what just transpired. At first, she does not recognize where she is and she has no idea how much time has passed. The cut on her arm is bleeding and her head is throbbing from the large brick that plummeted down on her striking her head, knocking her unconscious.
With a little popping sound, the lights come on in the house causing what is left of the attic to be slightly lit once again. Lyla walks over to the hole in the roof and looks up at the early morning sky. She is shocked to see it is crystal-clear and full of brilliant bright stars.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 111) Slowly Consumed
Standing with his arms wrapped around a large beam, Crispin holds on tightly for several seconds. Forming around him is an immense funnel cloud that grows thicker and denser until Lyla can no longer see him clearly and she hides her face in her arms.
The suction of the tornado pulls and tugs at her as her legs begin to float and she feels herself losing her grip. Looking up at the spinning funnel, she is mesmerized by its twisting turning motions. Crispin’s arms emerge from the swirling mass as if reaching out to her then he is slowly consumed by its ravenous fury as he is lifted out of the attic disappearing into the wickedness of the whirlwind above.
Tree branches come crashing down into the opening of the roof as Lyla crawls closer to the fireplace for protection. She narrowly avoids being struck by large chunks of debris. Bricks begin to tumble down on her as she tries to cover her head from their painful blows.
Suddenly she feels an intense pain just behind her right ear. Growing dizzy, her body begins to go limp and sounds become stifled. She has the sensation of falling through a dark tunnel as she loses consciousness.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 110) Intense Grave Force
Lying there, barely able to move and watching in horror, Lyla slowly blinks. She closes her eyes then opens them again as she looks over in the direction of the fireplace nook. With every ounce of energy she can muster, she begins to pull herself across the floor. It is an agonizing feat. Her muscles are weak and her body feels heavy and sluggish as she reaches out with her hands pulling and dragging herself along.
Once she gets to the fireplace, she holds on tightly to the brick wall as she covers her face from the debris that is now flying around the attic. Strong winds are howling and tugging at her as the window breaks out sending shattered glass in all directions. Lyla feels a sharp sting as a large piece of glass slices a deep cut into her right arm.
Crispin stands up and blood pours from his face as the wind swirls radically. Directly above him the roof has been pulled away exposing a wicked sky as a dark massive cloud shoots down from the heavens directly over him. The sound is unlike anything Lyla has ever heard before. It growls, rumbles and screams as if filled with a thousand voices. The wooden rafters and joist of the old house are snapping and splintering as they rip away with an intense grave force.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 109) Deep Shade Of Red
Lyla’s body slowly slides to the side as she falls from the sitting position to the floor with a heavy thud. She lies there motionless, with her eyes wide open and fixed on Crispin. A loud crashing and ripping sound is heard as shingles begin to be pulled from the roof. The house creaks and moans like an old ship sinking to the bottom of a turbulent sea.
Holding his eyes, Crispin begins to scream, “No, I can finish this! Please let me do this!” he pulls himself up to a sitting position as he reaches for a crossbeam to hold onto. His eyes are full of blood and it does not appear that he can see. It is a ghastly sight with large amounts of blood running down his face and neck turning his perfect white dress shirt a deep shade of red. “No! Not yet! Let me take her with me! Please, let me take her with me!
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 108) The Shimmer Fades
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” says Crispin as tears streak down his face and he holds Lyla’s hand to his lips. “Please, don’t force me to do this.” He whispers as he brushes her hair out of her face with his fingers. “Lyla, please stay with me.” His eyes grow tranquil as the swirling slows and the shimmer fades slightly.
The rose that he gave her is lying on the floor next to them. He picks it up and looks at it closely as he swirls it around between his fingers. Softly he runs the blossom up Lyla’s neck and along her face where he stops at her mouth, then leans in giving her a long soft kiss.
With a wild and screaming sound, Smokey comes out of the shadows and jumps at Crispin with such force that it knocks him to the ground. She begins clawing at his face as she slashes and scratches at his eyes with her sharp nails. Blood oozes from Crispin’s eyes as he cries out in agony and lashes out trying to pull the large cat from his face. The damage is done and she quickly dashes away as Crispin lies on his back on the dusty floor. Holding his hands over his eyes, he tries to sit up.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 107) Emotionless
Crispin continues with his gaze as Lyla begins to scream and punch at him with her fists. His eyes change and begin to flicker wildly. They look much different from the slow mystic and beautiful swirls she has witnessed before. This time the iris of each eye is flashing violently with intensity and Lyla immediately begins to feel weakness and pain all at the same time.
Is this what it is like to die? Is this what happened to Penny before her body was tossed aside and left in the rain? Lyla begins to feel as if she is falling with the world spinning out of control around her. She is too weak to fight back any longer.
Tears flow freely from Crispin’s eyes as he holds Lyla’s face in his hands. “I didn’t want it to come to this, Lyla,” he says as he now has her complete and full attention. “I never wanted it to come to this.” He whispers to her.
After several seconds, Lyla has stopped fighting and is no longer trying to break eye contact. She looks at Crispin, emotionless. He slowly releases her and gently leans her up against the wall as he holds her left hand to his chest directly over his heart.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 106) Telling Tales
“I’ve come very far and made many strides in order to win your trust and heart. Yet you still refuse me.” Crispin states in a low tone. He pauses for a long time as he looks down, thinking. Finally, still looking at the floor, he asks, “Are you sure of the choice you have made?”
“Yes,” says Lyla without hesitation.
With a quivering voice, Crispin slowly begins to look at her and says, “Then my sweet, we must do this the hard way.” He pauses as he chokes back tears. It is obvious he is very troubled and reluctant with what is about to happen. “You can either join me now willingly. . . or join the others.” Tears begin to fill his somber green eyes. “I can’t have you out there telling tales.” He whispers as he tips his head down while looking up at her. There is no sparkle or swirl of color dancing in his eyes.
Lyla starts to look away but Crispin grabs her head pulling her towards him. Their eyes are within inches of each other. She tries to pull his hands from her head while closing her eyes but Crispin is far too strong. He holds her head tighter using his thumbs to keep her eyes open and focused on him.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 105) Brow Is Furrowed
Crispin reaches out and takes Lyla by the hand guiding her out of the nook that she took refuge in. Together they sit under the window in the moonlight. As clouds pass by, the glow of the moon fades and brightens, lighting their faces in a pale blue shade. They sit quietly looking at each other.
Crispin’s eyes are serene and placid as they return to their normal state and his facial expression is soft and caring. “I want to make you happy Lyla and I can give you anything you desire.” He leans in close to her face. “Please know I never meant to hurt you in any way. In all my many years, you have touched my heart like no other ever has or ever will.” He gently kisses her cheek and then her neck.
“No,” says Lyla in a low whisper as she slowly pulls away. “I do not believe in you and I hate everything about you.”
Crispin tips his head slowly and blinks once as disappointment shows on his face. His brow is furrowed as he leans back and looks to the side as if he is about to cry. Lyla can truly see the pain on his face and for a split second feels compassion for him, but it all soon changes.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 104) Compelling & Beautiful
Lyla is angry with herself for communicating with Crispin and bringing his malevolent activities to her hometown. He is playing with the lives of her friends as if they are expendable and insignificant. She cannot let this go on and she knows now that she will not be able to break free. He will follow her, find her, and eventually wear her down, much like he has done already. She does not want anyone else to get hurt and decides that if Marcus is dead, she has no reason to go on. She willingly looks into Crispin’s eyes.
Gazing at her, the irises of Crispin’s eyes begin to glow in a multitude of green. Flickers of white light begin to gleam like diamonds and it is very compelling and beautiful. Lyla’s nature is to fight but she suppresses this urge or maybe she has simply accepted her fate. One thing she does know is that she can feel herself giving up control.
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
To Dance With A Fetch (Excerpt 103) Unstoppable
Lyla looks down as she and Crispin sit in silence for a few seconds longer. Then while looking out in the direction of the window, Crispin says, “I’m sorry love, but I must say. . .” he then turns toward her, “Marcus will no longer be an issue.”
Tears begin to run down Lyla’s cheek and she feels tremendous pressure building in her head. A horrible thickness has filled her throat as she tries to hold back the tears. She gulps heavily as she works to regain her composure. She does not want to show the weakness that is flooding in on her and it makes her angry that she is failing.
Curling up as tight as she can in the corner, she puts as much distance possible between herself and Crispin. “I wish I’d never met you, I’d rather be dead.” She says without any emotion. Lyla is drained, dismayed, and has lost hope. Her entire world has come crashing down around her in a matter of days and all because of one person and one very bad decision.
“Why don’t you just kill me now and get it over with!” She says as she grits her teeth. Crispin lets out a loud boisterous laugh, which shocks her. How can he find any of this funny? She looks at him in disbelief.
“I don’t want to kill you, Lyla!” his laughter slows. “I want you to partner with me, to be with me.” says Crispin softly. “Can’t you tell I’ve fallen in love with you?” He reaches over and lifts Lyla’s chin with his fingers so she will look at him. “You have a wonderful talent for connecting people together throughout the world. With you working alongside me, we will be unstoppable.” He states delicately. “We can make anything happen Lyla, we can make it magical.”
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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved.
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