CHAPTER TWELVE #2
“I know, Brie. We debriefed you, remember? For me, it was only seven months ago.” But she shivered, thinking of such power in the wrong hands.
“The monk was terribly powerful in his time. He controlled evil in the sixteenth century, Sam.”
“Great,” Sam muttered. She was chilled, thinking of how he’d turned her own weapons against her.
“There were terrible battles between him and various Masters, including Aidan. He left a wake of devastation wherever he went. He ruled Carlisle and the Lowlands for a long time. Highlanders like Aidan were hurt. Some were destroyed.” She paused.
“I can’t recall what happened to the monk in the end,” she said, sounding puzzled.
“But it might be recorded in the history books.”
Sam stood up. Even if Brie knew what happened to the monk, it was against every rule to tell her. She’d have to play this one out. “He said he’s from 1527. I guess that’s his heyday. Is he still alive in 2009 or just here from the past?”
“I don’t know,” Brie said. “I wish I could be of more help.”
“Maybe you can be.”
“Sam, I’m an old woman now. And it’s not my place to interfere. It’s forbidden. This is your time.”
“Yippee,” Sam murmured, but she was thinking of Ian now.
“I’m almost afraid to ask, but how is Ian?”
“He’s got the page of illusion. He’s planning on selling it to the highest bidder, instead of turning it over to us. He’s basically a not-quite-mortal train wreck.”
Brie was silent for a moment. “No one should have had to endure what he did, Sam. I hope you can go easy on him.”
Sam hesitated. “Don’t faint. Not only am I giving him a break, I’m backing him up.”
Sam felt how pleased Brie was.
“Thank you,” she finally said, softly. “He has a good heart.”
“Is that wishful thinking? Because I can’t decide if he’s heartless or not. His mood swings are amazing.”
“I know he’s good. Don’t turn away from him, Sam. He needs you. He needs all the help and kindness he can get—almost exactly the way his father did, so long ago.”
Brie had always been kind, she’d just been so shy and retiring, it hadn’t been obvious.
But Ian was her stepson, so of course she’d believe in him.
Sam thought about Tabby. Her sister would also encourage her to be kind and supportive of Maclean.
But Brie hadn’t said a word about Tabby.
Dread churned in her. “I have to ask. Is Tabby around?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Brie cried. “Tabby is alive and well. They live in a beautiful home they built about two hundred years ago, not far from Blayde’s ruins. And they’re constantly surrounded by generations of Macleod men and Rose women.”
Sam started. There’d be more Rose women to carry on the fight. She was so thrilled. “Then why hasn’t she called me, Brie?”
“Every Rose woman has a destiny, Sam. She’s living hers. We’re waiting for you to live yours—so you can join us.”
SAM SLOWED as she approached Ian’s bedroom suite. She was thoughtful now.
The conversation with Brie had warmed her, but it had dismayed her, too.
She’d suspected that Brie and Tabby might be around, but she’d tried not to think about it.
Well, there was no avoiding thinking about the facts now.
Her sister and cousin were old and happy women, who’d lived long and full lives.
Sam still missed them as she’d last seen them, with Brie being twenty-six, and Tabby two years her senior.
It crossed her mind that in two more days, on her birthday, they could all be together.
But her sister and her cousin were old ladies now.
What kind of reunion would it be? Would she be downing Bellini martinis while they sipped tea?
She’d tell stories about sex and the street, while they showed her photograph albums? God, it didn’t feel right—or fair.
Sam knew there was no going back to the days when they all fought evil together, when they were a young, reckless and fearless trio of powerful females and their R Sam was sure of it.
Jan started from the room. “I am going to debrief him, Sam, after he gets dressed. You can stay, if you want. But I can get more accomplished if you leave.”
Sam decided to ignore her. She walked past her, following Maclean into a large dressing room and walk-in closet.