Olivia’s gaze flew to Luke. “Is it all right to talk about that?”

“You already told your friend Beth,” he answered, and she knew Zabastian was speaking.

“When we were on the run—because I thought we needed help.”

“She told Decorah what she knew.”

“Maybe I made a mistake,” Olivia murmured.

“No. These people have helped us. They can know more, but they may not believe what I have to say.”

Olivia looked around at the group. When Luke didn’t speak, she said, “Some of you already know the spirit of an ancient warrior was locked in the box—to protect it if that became necessary. He came out and joined his mind with Luke’s. I realize that sounds crazy. I had trouble believing it at first. But I've spent enough time with Luke to know it’s true. Luke is more than he was before.”

“The box is very ancient,” Beth added. “I can vouch for that.”

“How ancient?” Brand asked.

“The Moon Priests constructed the box more than two thousand years ago,” Luke said, his voice daring anyone to challenge him.

Beth added, “After Olivia told me about the box and the warrior, I did some research. The Moon Priests were very advanced for their time. They were monotheists. They also believed they had a sacred mission from God to keep mankind on the right path.”

“They didn’t just believe it. It is true,” Luke cut in swiftly. “The box helps stabilize the world. But it cannot stay in the temple. It must go out into the world from time to time to recharge its power. It was stolen a few months ago, and it arrived here in a shipment of stolen antiques. I must return it to the Master of the Moon as soon as possible. I have no time to waste.”

Olivia knew she was hearing Zabastian’s urgency.

“Where is the temple?” Frank asked.

“I do not know! I was about to find out—when the Poisoned Ones broke into our hiding place. He looked around the room. “Do you have a computer nearby where I can get back to the Moon priests Web site?”

“An ancient cult with a Web site?” Brand asked.

“They employ what is available.”

“You can use my desktop,” Dr. Valero said. “The connection is very secure.”

Luke pushed himself off the bed, and Olivia watched him carefully.

“It’s better if you use the cane for the time being,” the doctor said.

Luke scowled, but he took the cane, leaning on it as he followed the doctor out of the room. When Olivia got up, he shook his head.

“You stay here—and answer their questions.”

“Is that an order?” she asked.

Instead of giving a snap answer, he appeared to be considering the question carefully.

oOo

Smith, Jones and Brown cruised slowly down a residential street in their rental car. They had hidden in the attic of the house, hoping they wouldn't have to shoot their way out.

Apparently the police had been convinced that the only fugitives were the man and the woman—so they'd left very quickly.

The trio emerged when the coast was clear.

After their recent confrontation, they were somewhat the worse for wear. Any other men would have been in the hospital. But they had the stamina—or the desperation—to keep going.

Unfortunately, they had lost Peterbalm, the man who had received the stolen shipment of antiques. Somehow he had escaped from the trunk of his car. Now they were considering what to do.

Brown looked around as though he expected an angel of the Lord to descend from the heavens and smite them. In fact, that was a lot like what he was thinking. Although the terms were different, he knew they were in serious trouble.

“If we can’t find Garner and the woman, we have to find the temple and intercept them.” Smith said.

“That’s dangerous,” Jones objected.

Smith shrugged. “It may be our last opportunity to acquire the box.”

“How do we find the temple?” Brown asked.

Smith pointed to the backseat. “We have the computer. We can duplicate Garner’s search.”

“You can do that?” Brown asked.

“I have computer experience,” he said, and Brown heaved a sigh. So much for certainty. Still, it was their only option, barring driving around the city looking for the man and woman.

“They had help getting away,” Jones said.

“You’re sure of that?” Brown challenged.

“Somebody’s hiding them,” Smith said.

“Peterbalm switched sides?” Brown asked.

“He’s disappeared, too. So we can’t exactly ask him,” Smith snapped. He looked back at the computer again. I need a place where I can work on this machine.”

“Where?”

“A hotel room,” he said. “Someplace close so we can get there quickly when I find the location of the temple.”

oOo

Olivia heard Luke soften his voice, as if remembering that men didn’t give women orders in today’s world—unless they were paying for the privilege, like Carl Peterbalm.

“Please stay here and tell them what happened to us after the . . . bad guys arrived.”

She felt her chest go tight. She wanted to stay with him, but she understood the advantage of their each taking on a different task.

“Okay.”

As he limped down the hall, she began speaking again, telling Frank and Brand about the three men, the shoot-out in the garage, and the rest of it—leaving out how they’d spent their time in the cave.

“You’ve had quite a dangerous couple of days,” Frank said when she had finished.

“Unfortunately.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t anticipate the gunmen.”

“It worked out,” she answered.

“So now what?” Brand asked.

“I give the box back,” Luke said from the doorway.

“You got a message from the Master of the Moon?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“You should have told him you’re not well enough to go to the temple yet,” she objected.

“I mend very quickly.”

Olivia narrowed her eyes as she watched him. No matter what happened after they returned the box, she wasn’t going to leave him on his own. “You’re not going by yourself,” she said.

“I have to.”

She looked at Frank and Brand. “They’re trained in covert operations. They can help you get there safely.”

“But the temple is in the city. And an escort would call attention to me,” Luke said. “I must do it alone.”

“No. I’m going with you.” As she spoke, she scrambled desperately for a good reason and came up with a logical rationale. “You need someone, in case you get into trouble. And I’ve earned the right to be that person,” she said, then held her breath, waiting for his answer.

“Okay,” he finally said.

“You shouldn’t be going at all,” Dr. Valero interjected, addressing himself to Luke.

Olivia gave him a grateful look, but Luke only shook his head. “I have to.”

“Give yourself a few hours. If you’re trying to stay inconspicuous, it makes sense to wait until after dark.”

Luke considered the advice.

When he nodded, Olivia breathed out a small sigh. “You can send a message to the Master of the Moon telling him that you have been shot trying to keep the box safe. I’m sure he will take that into consideration.”

“Olivia could tell Luke didn’t want to do it. Finally he nodded in agreement.

She felt her heart leap. If they stayed here for the rest of the day, that would give her more time to spend with him—before they left.

But the doctor’s next words dashed that hope. “You should sleep as much as possible. I can give you something that will put you out for a few hours.”

“The box . . .”

“You know it will be safe here,” Frank said. “I’ll keep it for you, so Olivia can also get some rest.”

“Thank you,” she breathed, then glanced at Luke. He gave a tight nod. His opinion of these people had changed. Too bad he’d earlier forced himself to have the bullet taken out without anesthetic.

She waited until Luke had sent the message and the doctor had taken him to a bedroom down the hall. Then she let Rosa Sanchez show her to another room-—with a promise that she’d wake her up as soon as Luke was up again.

Did she trust him not to leave her here?

Her chest tightened painfully when she considered that question. But she really had no option. She knew Zabastian was making the decisions. He was a stubborn man, and she couldn’t dictate terms to him. Too bad he couldn’t simply disappear. He’d almost gotten her and Luke killed. And he might still do it.

Now she could only pray that they made it through the completion of the mission.

As she plumped up the pillow, she thought about the man down the hall.

She’d said she wanted Zabastian to go away. But that wasn’t entirely true. In some ways, Zabastian had changed Luke for the better. The question was—who would he be when Zabastian left him?

And what would happen between her and Luke then? Did they have any kind of future together? She knew there was absolutely no way to figure that out until after he returned the box.

oOo

Down the hall, Luke stood beside the bed, feeling the need to sleep tugging at him. The doctor had given him a pill to take, and he’d said he would. But he didn’t need it. Zabastian could use his meditation techniques to induce sleep—if that’s what they decided.

You’re a chicken, the warrior said inside his skull.

About what? Luke asked, even when he knew exactly what Zabastian was talking about.

You could have taken her to bed with you.

And made love with a bullet wound in my leg?

You could have lain on your back and enjoyed her attentions. She would have been glad to accommodate you.

The warrior suddenly filled his head with some very vivid and very erotic pictures. Luke felt his body instantly respond.

I guess you’re recovering nicely from the gunshot.

Shut up, Luke growled. Are you still thinking that you can control women in this century?

I wasn’t suggesting control. I was thinking about cooperation.

And then what? Luke challenged. Are you pretending that I have a future with her?

To his gratification, the warrior was silent.

Everything’s going to change in a few hours. I have no idea who Luke Garner is going to be when you complete your assignment and leave.

Are you afraid of proceeding on your own? the warrior instantly asked.

I’m not going to answer that, Luke shot back. For all the good the denial did him. He knew that Zabastian could read him as easily as he’d read that strange language on the computer screen.

I apologize for interrupting your life, the warrior suddenly said.

Luke was astonished by the silent words. When the warrior had first taken over his body, he hadn’t cared how the arrangement affected Luke.

We should sleep while we have the chance. Then we can return the box.

And there’s still a chance that both of us can end up dead? Luke clarified.

Let us be optimistic, the warrior answered. Luke caught something lurking at the edge of Zabastian’s thoughts. He wanted to get some clarification, but before he could continue the conversation, he felt his brain and body go into shutdown mode.

He tried to shout a protest, but he didn’t get the chance.

oOo

A knock on the door woke Olivia. She looked at the clock on the bedside table and realized she’d slept for another seven hours.

“Come in,” she called out.

Beth opened the door, carrying a tray with a mug of something.

“The doctor’s power formula,” Beth said when Olivia took a cautious sip.

“It’s not too bad.”

“You need energy, and it’s the fastest way to get it.”

The other woman was also holding a dark plastic garment bag.

“Luke asked you to wear this,” she said, discarding the covering. Inside was a dress that looked like something she might have worn to church on Easter Sunday. It was blue silk with a matching jacket. Delicate underwear, pantyhose and high-heeled shoes were also included in a separate bag.

“Kind of fancy,” she murmured.

“I guess the Temple of the Moon is kind of fancy,” Beth answered.

“Have you ever heard that it was in Baltimore?” Olivia asked.

“No. But Luke made it sound like the location was hidden.”

“Right. He didn't even know where it was until he got that last communication.”

Beth glanced at the clock. “I should go and let you get dressed.”

Olivia stepped into the bathroom, undressed, and put on the fancy outfit. It fit perfectly, and she even found some cosmetics in the bathroom that she used to make up her face.

She felt like she was getting ready for a very special event—which was true. She just wished she’d had some advance warning about what was going to happen. Still, she couldn’t help a disturbing thought from skittering through her mind. Luke was going to need her.

She felt that even more keenly as she picked up the small purse that came with the outfit. It felt strangely heavy. When she looked inside, she found a snub-nosed revolver and a cell phone.

Olivia’s heart started pounding as she took in the special equipment. She might need the phone—to call for a ride home. But she hoped she wasn’t going to need the gun.

When she stepped into the hall, Luke was standing a few yards away.

Her breath caught when she looked at him. He’d carefully combed his hair. And he’d dressed in a dark suit, a white shirt, a red and black striped tie and polished black shoes. Instead of gripping the cane, he now carried a dark, soft-sided briefcase which she assumed held the box. The box—and probably the same kind of equipment she’d been given, in case they got into trouble.

She resolutely put the danger out of her mind and focused on Luke.

“You look fantastic,” she said, seeing he was taking her in with the same admiration.

The look in his eye made her heart leap.

“So do you,” he murmured.

Like we’re going to a wedding, she thought, then was glad she hadn’t voiced the observation aloud. That would have embarrassed both of them.

Brand came down the hall. He wasn’t dressed for a special occasion, but he’d changed into dark slacks and a blue shirt.

“There’s been a development,” he said stiffly.

“What?”

“The cops have gone into high gear looking for you. Someone reported the shootout with Peterbalm. Only they don’t seem to get it that you weren’t doing any shooting.”

“Damn,” Olivia muttered.

“You’re wanted for questioning.”

Luke glanced at Olivia. “You can stay here where it’s safe.”

“I could. But I’m not,” she said. “Anyway, if they think we’re on the run, they won’t expect us to be dressed like this.”

Luke nodded, then turned to Brand. “Let’s go.”

Dr. Valero was waiting by the elevator as were most of the people who had heard their strange story.

“I want to thank you for everything,” Luke said.

“We were glad to help out,” Beth said, then added, “Let us know what happens.”

Olivia gave a quick nod. She was waiting to find that out herself.

They went out the back way, where Brand ushered them to a Ford SUV.

She and Luke both climbed into the backseat and buckled up so that they were sitting at opposite sides of the vehicle. She wanted to slide over and sit next to him, but she felt frozen in place.

“Where to?” Brand asked.

Luke gave him two cross streets.

Olivia looked at him in surprise. “There’s a temple around there?”

“That’s the location they gave me.”

“It’s in your old neighborhood, right?”

“Yeah.”

She tried to picture the streets. They were in a residential area—a typical Baltimore setting with row houses lining the sidewalks. Although she’d been there many times, because some of the city’s best ethnic restaurants were located nearby, she had never noticed anything like a Temple of the Moon.

Brand drove to the corner Luke had mentioned and pulled up at the curb.

“You’re sure you want me to drop you off?” he asked.

“Yes,” Luke answered. “And don’t hang around.”

Brand looked like he thought they were making a mistake, but he only said, “Good luck.”

Luke glanced up and down the street, then toward Olivia. “You can stay here if you want,” he offered one more time.

“Stop trying to get rid of me.” She wanted to tell him she thought he was going to need her. But she knew he wouldn’t like hearing that assessment.

Silently, they both got out and stood on the corner. Luke looked like he was trying to figure out where they were going. When he started down the block and then stopped, she wanted to ask him if he’d gotten the address wrong.

But just then she spotted a police car. It was cruising slowly down the street—headed straight for them.

Luke cursed under his breath, his hand dipping inside the briefcase.

Olivia’s pulse had already started pounding. It pounded even harder as she watched Luke’s hand disappear into the bag. “If you’re going for a gun, stop!” she hissed. “You can’t shoot the cops.”

“You’re right,” he conceded, easing his fingers back out of the bag. Instead, he grabbed her hand and hustled her back the way they'd come.

But the cop had apparently spotted them, fancy outfits and all.

Luke ushered her around the corner, then into a small grocery store.

The man behind the counter looked up. “May I help you?” He gave them a second look. “Luke Garner? All dressed up like you got a bonus from the mob.”

“It’s me. But I’m not working for the mob. And we’re just passing through,” Luke said as he led Olivia to the back of the shop.

“I thought you’d gotten your life on the right track. Are you in trouble again?” the man called out.

“This time it’s a frame-up, Mr. Donetti. If the cops ask, tell them you haven’t seen me.”

He hurried Olivia into a storeroom, then out the back of the shop and down the alley, where he pressed her into the shadow of a storage shed. When footsteps came running up the alley, he reached for the door handle, but it was held closed by a lock and hasp. As she watched, Luke reached for the lock and closed his fist around it. She saw his intense focus as he gave the mechanism a long slow twist. Olivia had seen enough of the warrior’s power that she wasn’t even surprised when the hasp snapped off. Removing it from the door, he slipped the lock into his pocket, then eased the door open and ushered her inside.

The alley had been dark. The interior of the shed was almost pitch black.

As they stood in the darkness, hearing heavy footsteps coming toward them, Olivia felt her heart blocking her windpipe. But Luke put down the briefcase again and reached around her so that he could grab the door handle and hold it closed.

The footsteps came to the shed and stopped. Then they continued on, and she breathed out a small sigh. But her relief had come too quickly. Moments later, she heard someone else approaching, someone who also stopped in front of the shed.

A large fist banged on the door, and she had to clench her teeth to keep from making a sound. When the banging had no effect, she felt someone try to pull the barrier open. But Luke must have kept his grip on the inside handle, and the door remained closed.

The man on the other side made a rough sound then gave a sharp yank, but Luke was the stronger of the two, and he was able to maintain the integrity of their hiding place.

Finally, after another sound of frustration from outside the shed, the footsteps receded.

In the darkness, Luke cupped his hand around Olivia’s head and pressed her face against his shoulder. With his mouth by her ear, he whispered, “don’t move.”

Her pulse still pounding, she silently nodded against his cheek. She and Luke stood together in the dark, and she clung to him for strength and comfort. When his other arm came up to cradle her against his body, she melted into him, grateful for the contact. She was very conscious that this was the first time he’d held her since the cave, and it was wonderful to be back in his arms—even under these circumstances.

Maybe this was the last time he would ever clasp her against himself. She ached to lift her head and turn her face so that she could press her lips to his. She ached to taste him. And more than that, she ached to know how he really felt about her.

After Dr. Valero had taken the bullet out, she’d stayed with Luke, and he’d asked her to talk to him. She’d been glad to do it. More than glad—she’d been elated that he’d turned to her. But their relationship hadn’t been the same since then. She was sure he’d deliberately put distance between them.

She wanted to know why. Because he thought there was no future for them? Because he knew that something bad was going to happen with Zabastian?

A kiss might have told her where they stood with each other. But she knew she dared not distract him that much. He was trying to keep them safe.

From the police? The Poisoned Ones?

They’d hurt those men. But she had no reason to believe the trio hadn’t gotten away. If Luke could find the Temple of the Moon, maybe they could do the same thing, and maybe they’d spotted her and Luke.

She sighed and moved her head, then stroked her hand across his broad back, loving the solid feel of his muscles.

“We’re okay,” he murmured.

“Luke?”

He stiffened. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t start anything with me.”

She felt a terrible hollow place open up inside her. He had as much as told her it was all over.

Well, what had she thought would happen? That he’d ask her to marry him when the cops and the bad guys stopped chasing them?

She heard him make a sound deep in his chest, and her heart leaped. He was going to say something—about them!

But the words that came out of his mouth were all business. “I think we can make a run for the temple.”

“What temple?”

“You didn’t see it?”

“No.”

He made a frustrated sound. “It’s right between number 57 and 59. Right up the block from where Brand let us off.

She moved back, lifting her face toward his, wishing she could see his expression in the dark. “Luke, what are you trying to pull? There’s nothing between 57 and 59. They’re row houses—right next to each other.