-- and she bolts upright in bed with the silent alarm buzzing under her pillow, sweat running down her neck and breasts and arms. Her breath is swift and shallow, almost gasping, but the feeling overwhelming her isn't fear; it's exhilaration.

The fear doesn't come until several seconds later.

Charlie sits up, raking sweat-damp hair back from her face with both hands.

"Get hold," she whispers to herself. "Get hold."