title: The Abduction of Julia
author:  Karen Hawkins 
description: "Wonderful! I couldn't put it down. Karen Hawkins knows how to keep a reader entranced from first page to last." -- Joan Johnston, author of "The Bridegroom""A delightful new talent! A sparkling debut!" -- Mary Balogh
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  [Contents](1416509321_toc.htm)
  
  # **Chapter 37**
  
  “Miss Fathom,” A.J. said, “would you please join us in Phobos Conference
  Room?”
  
  Madeline’s voice replied a moment later. “With that level of formality, I
  suppose I must.”
  
  “I think you’ll want to.”
  
  The past week had been uncomfortable for everyone. So far, no one had tried to
  get around the deal that had been struck at the meeting. But it was clear that
  many of them considered it to be a deal with the devil, and didn’t go to any
  trouble to hide that attitude when Madeline was around. Room temperatures
  appeared to drop by ten degrees whenever she entered a room, with a few
  exceptions. Even those who appeared to have accepted the situation without
  particular rancor, like A.J., didn’t seem inclined to let her off the hook
  she’d hung herself on.
  
  And Joe was still avoiding her.
  
  “On my way.”
  
  Fortunately she was already on Phobos. If she’d been on __Nike__ it would’ve
  been a matter