“Except sheislike us. In many ways. I’ve come to believe she was chosen for you.”
“I think the gods made a mistake.”
“They don’t make mistakes, dear one. I knew the moment I first saw Hayley that she was special. Incredibly so.”
I sighed again. “You’re the one the gods talk to. I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”
“That’s why I know Hayley will survive.”
I cocked an eye at Willow. “So, why are you sitting here in the hospital waiting for word on her condition?”
Willow grinned. “Because the gods like it when we sweat over things that aren’t in our control, but rather in theirs.”
“Terrific.” I rolled my eyes. “I wish they’d leave me out of their plans.”
“You can run, but you can’t hide. Now cease and desist with the self-pity, you’re giving me a headache. You’re sure the shooters were Damon and Fiona?”
“As sure as I can be.” I rubbed my jaw, remembering. “There were two, a driver and the gunman. I’m positive the shooter was Damon. It was dark, but the moonlight glinted off that ring he wears.”
“And it wasn’t Hayley’s ex?”
I shook my head. “I thought about him. If he wants her in his bed, he wouldn’t kill her. Nor can I see Medusa firing a gun.She’d scratch Hayley’s eyes out while pitching a fit, not kill from a distance. And who’d help her commit murder?”
“No one, I imagine,” Willow agreed. “Not someone in her social circles.”
“Nor did she have time to hire a killer. So really, Damon shot at me and hit Hayley instead.”
“Unless her ex intended to kill you.”
“I doubt he knows I exist.”
“Then we’re back to Damon and Fiona.” Willow sighed. “We have to find him, Alaric.”
“He obviously gave my private detective the slip.”
Willow stared down at her clasped hands. “He’s forcing me to choose between you. I can’t.”
“You won’t have to.” I pulled her under my arm and kissed her temple. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“Because you plan to kill him.”
“He’s not giving me much choice here.”
Willow stood up, drawing away from me with her arms over her chest, hugging herself. She said nothing for a long time. Nor did she look at me. When she finally spoke, her voice was so low I almost couldn’t hear her.
“My first loyalty is to you,” she murmured. “Nor can I ask you to spare his life. He’s done great wrong not just to you but also to our homeland.”
“What are you asking of me, Willow?”
“Don’t make me watch him die.”
I went to her, wrapping my arms around her. Willow didn’t cry. She never would. But she buried her face in my chest and took one long shuddering breath after another. I simply held her, offering what comfort I could, unable to make the promise she asked of me.
“Excuse me?”
Willow lifted her head, half turning toward the voice that came from behind us. I dropped my left arm from her, but kept my right over her shoulder. “Yes?”
A tired looking doctor with a stethoscope draped around his neck stood watching us. “I’m told you’re the shooting victim’s husband?”
