Page 25 of Dark Victory

“He hurt a cop in the initial confrontation.” Nick stared, letting that sink in.

It took Tabby a moment. “Please tell me the cop is all right.”

Nick was grim. “I just got the call. He died an hour ago.”

Tabby took a calming breath, aware of Nick’s speculative stare, and Sam slid her arm around her. Nick said, “There are a lot of pissed-off cops in the city right now.” His blue gaze slammed to Tabby’s. “I wasn’t kidding when I said I want to protect him. He needs protection, because orders or not, the men in blue are gunning for him.”

Tabby knew the mind-set of the police. They were heroes—they defended the Innocent every single day—but they were merciless when one of their own went down. “He saved us today, Nick. He’s a Master, and he would never hurt a police officer on purpose. It had to be self-defense.”

“Don’t tell me,” Nick said. He patted her shoulder clumsily. “You look like hell. Go home and rest. Let us worry about the Highlander. And, Tabby, he’s probably long gone by now.”

Tabby couldn’t smile back. The Highlander was in trouble, and clearly he knew it. He’d fled at the sound of the sirens. On the other hand, he looked capable of surviving an apocalypse. But the police might shoot first and ask questions later. The Masters weren’t immortal. Enough bullets could kill him. Even though the odds were that he was gone, she was worried, terribly so. “Can’t you use your clout with the NYPD? Can’t you insist he be brought in alive and unharmed?”

“I’ve already used all the clout I have,” Nick said. “You know, you’re so worried that I’m beginning to wonder if he’s swept you off your feet. Remember your little cousin, Brie? She fell for Aidan of Awe in about two seconds, and Aidan was turned.”

Tabby was aghast at the mere notion. “I am a human being,” she cried. “I may be obsessed, but I am not in love.”

His eyes widened, and his smile vanished. Sam was staring, too.

Tabby flushed.

“You see him again, you call me, ASAP. And that is not a request, sweetheart, so even if you are in love, I will expect that call.” He walked back to Kristin and Vanderkirk.

Tabby had never really liked Nick Forrester. He was a hero, of course, and on their side, but she didn’t like his type, especially after Randall. He was arrogant, powerful, macho and controlling, just like her ex. As they stepped outside into the frigid night, she looked at Sam. The Highlander made Nick seem soft and easy, she thought.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Sam demanded.

It was too cold to pause, so their pace quickened. “I saw him at the Met yesterday,” Tabby said swiftly. “He was bloody and burned, Sam. I know he came to me from An Tùir-Tara.”

“You’re telling me now?” Sam said, sounding upset.

Tabby looked at her. Her sister was never distressed. “Our paths are clearly meant to meet. They’ve crossed twice now, at the Met, and at school.” Her stomach churned with worry. “But he was not bloody and burned this morning. He had not come from the fire at Melvaig. What on earth could that mean?”

Sam glanced sharply at her.

“When you left me at the Met, I tried to cast a spell to bring him to me. Did my spell work? Did I bring him here, but from the wrong time?”

Sam’s eyes widened. “You’ve never cast such a powerful spell, Tabby!”

“Sam, if it worked, it backfired.” Tabby’s teeth were chattering now, even though she spoke slowly and chose her words with care. “Why do I want to help him? Am I supposed to help him? The Highlander does not need me or anybody. He is a hard, dangerous soldier. He was conscienceless, Sam.” Tabby shivered, but not from the cold.

“Tabby, he’s medieval. It’s do or die in that world.”

“I know.” She tried not to think about Angel.

Sam was silent. Tabby glanced at her and she said, “You’re so worried about him.”

Tabby hesitated. “I am worried about him, which is senseless. The man who rescued us today doesn’t need me.” She added, “He scares me.”

“Are you sure?”

Tabby halted in her tracks.

“There’s no such thing as coincidence. If your spell backfired, it was meant to be. If he came here, he was meant to help you.” Sam shrugged. “Maybe you’re meant to help him, too. You’ll have to play this one out, Tabby.”

Tabby felt her heart lurch. Sam was right. “What if I’m not up to this?” she asked slowly. It was the kind of intimate revelation she would only make to her sister, Allie or Brie.

“You’re up to it.” Sam was firm.