That seemed to work. Her voice lifted a bit.

'Do you think so? I mean, do you think he might wait for me to come back?'

'This asks the girl who nearly got herself date raped by a total stranger in a bar ...' I said, laughing.

'You know that was perfectly innocent. You were with me. It was just going to be dinner.'

'Yeah, yeah, of course I know that,' I laughed. 'As for Tom ... well ... he does seem pretty hot on you. There's a good chance he'll wait. But seriously, do you want to wait for him?'

'Yes, I do. He's not like anyone I've ever met. I mean, I know I flirt a lot, but I've never known anyone like him. There really is something there. He's the one for me, Lili. I just know it.'

It was so hard to keep from saying anything-from telling her the truth. Sam's words haunted me ... about how girls fell in love with Tom all the time, but then grew tired of him because they grew up and he didn't. Maybe Claire was his best chance for a longer relationship. After all, I couldn't see her growing up. Not in a hurry anyway.

'You know, you don't have to go. It's not like you're some little kid that your parents can ship off to boarding school. You can always move out-support yourself. You could even try to get a better job.'

'True ... but I don't want to do it that hard, you know. I'm used to all the money ... the idea of paying rent, and living hand to mouth ... well, it's not something that I even want to think about.'

'Okay, I get it ... but if you want their money, you have to do things their way. So ... not to change the subject, but did you ever hear from Tom about going back up to The Grampians?'

Her voice was flat when she replied. 'No, not yet. I haven't spoken to him for a couple of days. I guess he's been busy. He hasn't called.'

'Oh, yeah, well he and Sam did have something on last night I think ... or maybe it was tonight. I know they've been busy with something-some sort of training or something.'

I wished I could tell her why Tom was preoccupied ... but of course I couldn't.

'Yeah, I figured it was something like that. But ... you don't think Sam would have said anything about the other night ... do you?'

'No, Sam wouldn't have said anything.'

'Good. I mean ... I hope that isn't why he hasn't called.'

'Don't worry, Claire. I'm sure that's not it. He's probably just busy-you know-boy stuff.'

'Yeah, working on his truck or something I suppose. I guess I'm just being paranoid. Anyway, I've got to go ... someone's at the door-but I'll talk to you later-I'll let you know as soon as I can about the Grampians.'

After she hung up I looked over to the clock again. It was only just after six. Would they be in the gardens yet? Would they be waiting anxiously, full of nervous energy? Would Sam be trying to make small talk to make the time pa.s.s quicker? I suspected not. In my mind, I could see him leaning against a wall, looking like a statue of some Greek G.o.d. Was there a G.o.d of frowning? I was certain there'd be a frown on his face-deep lines between his eyebrows. Oh, if only I could be there now, to smooth those lines away. Would that b.l.o.o.d.y clock just move?

I got up and went into my bedroom and looked around. Then I went back into the kitchen and sat at the table. Then I got up, walked over to the fridge, opened the door and stared into it. Nothing looked appealing. I closed the fridge door, and opened the pantry door-nothing interesting there either. I went into the living room and flicked on the television. The evening news was part way through but they were still finishing up the headline stories. The bodies of two badly burnt men had been found in the northern suburbs. It was obviously an attempt to cover-up evidence. The police suspected it was gang related-both men had histories with drug trafficking. This brought a wry smile to my lips as I thought about Sam's confession.

'Sports and weather after the break,' said the newsreader.

That meant it was close to six-thirty. Not long to wait now. I wondered if I would feel anything, like a rip in the cosmic force field or something, once the battle began. I knew I was being stupid. Cosmic force field? What the ... but then again, vampires? What the ...?

Round and around the thoughts went through my head. Maybe a gla.s.s of wine would help settle my nerves-after all, that's what it was meant to do, right? That's why people drank, wasn't it? I went back into the kitchen, grabbed the half-bottle of white wine I'd seen in the fridge and poured some into a water gla.s.s. I drank it in one big gulp, s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g up my face at the sour taste. That would have to do something, wouldn't it?

I walked back into the living room and stared at the television. The wine didn't seem to have done anything. Still anxious, I fought the temptation to grab my running shoes and head up to the gardens. Sam would not be happy, not at all. No, I couldn't do that, but I could run up and down the fire stairs a few times to burn off a bit of this nervous energy.

I walked into my room, found my running shoes and put them on, but I couldn't drag myself out of the apartment. Sam said he would ring when it was over, but what if he just turned up instead and I wasn't in the apartment to let him up into the building. No, I should stay put. Just in case.

When my phone rang again I must have jumped six inches. I fumbled to answer it. It couldn't be Sam yet, could it? I didn't even look at the number, but as soon as I hit the answer b.u.t.ton I heard Debs speaking.

'Hi Lili-are you at home?' she asked. There was a lot of noise in the background.

'Yeah, I've just been watching the news,' I said, struggling to control my voice, trying to sound as casual as I could.

'Oh, that's good. Look, Ian and I had an early dinner with some old friends of his that came into town unexpectedly. And when I say old, I mean old. Anyway, we're in Chinatown-just finishing. Would you like me to bring you some take-away? I could order something ... maybe some fried rice and lemon chicken ... what's your favourite?'

'Ah, thanks, but don't bother. I had a sandwich, so I'm fine.'

'Are you sure? It's very good food-and it won't take them long to get it ready.'

'No thanks, really. Are you coming home soon then?'

There was silence for a moment before she answered, 'Well, I was hoping to use you as an excuse to go home-to bring you some dinner. But if you don't want anything, we may end up going to their hotel for a drink or two. They're only in town overnight-here for some convention, you see. They're nice enough, just very old-fashioned. But Ian is enjoying the conversation.'

'Okay, well, I guess I'll see you later then,' I said, relieved that they wouldn't be coming straight home.

'Alright, Lili, if you're sure I can't bring you anything?' Debs asked again. Had she picked up on something in my voice?

'No, really, I'm fine. Enjoy your drinks.'

'Okay, we'll see you later then, dear.'

When she was finally gone, I let out a huge sigh. I glanced at the clock again ... six-thirty. They might be there by now ... in the gardens. Would Zunios have arrived yet? I resumed pacing back and forth; from the kitchen to my bedroom, then back to the living room and then back into the kitchen. It could be hours before I'd hear anything. I picked up my phone and looked at the screen, willing it to ring, but of course it didn't.

What if I never saw him again? What if my idea to use the ghosts didn't work ... and Zunios killed them all? Would I ever be able to forgive myself for sitting here in the safety of the apartment if I didn't even try to help? Of course there probably wasn't anything I could do ... but what if there was? What if I sat here, like some pathetic loser ... and lost them all when I could at least have tried to help? I'd never forgive myself.

The sound of my heart pounding was deafening, and my stomach felt like it was filled with ten thousand b.u.t.terflies. Everything felt surreal as I walked back into my room again. I picked up my keys and my stood there rattling them on the small ring. No ... I couldn't just stand here ... I had to be there. I had to at least try to help.

I scribbled a note for Debs, grabbed my heaviest coat, and raced out the door.

* CHAPTER NINETEEN *.

I got as close as I dared, then crouched behind a monument. I could just see Sam's tree, and three men standing beside it. I struggled to keep my breathing quiet, praying their keen ears wouldn't detect me.

Eventually my breathing slowed and I got brave enough to have a better look. There was no sign of Sam and the others yet.

As I crouched there I began to panic, and a cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Would they be able to smell me? I hadn't thought of that until just now. I should have listened to Sam-I should have stayed at the apartment and waited like he'd asked me to do. What an idiot I was to come here.

I tucked my head down and closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down. It would be alright. Everything would be fine.

But what if it wasn't? What if I opened my eyes and they were right there-staring at me with ghoulish faces and sharp teeth? What on earth did I think I could do by coming here? I suddenly realised I could jeopardise everything.

I swallowed hard, and took a few deep breaths. I couldn't sense any presence around me, and I couldn't hear anything except the sound of traffic in King Street.

I forced myself to open my eyes slowly ... then to lift my head.

They were still standing exactly as they had been, all three staring in the direction of The Cauldron. Either they couldn't smell me, or they didn't care.

Feeling braver, I looked around in the other directions. There was no-one lingering in the gardens. Had they done this somehow? Or was it simply the bad weather keeping people away?

I turned my gaze back to the tree, wondering when the others would arrive. It seemed like ages had pa.s.sed but I didn't want to risk making noise by pulling out my phone to check the time.

Finally they arrived. Five silhouettes moving toward the tree. Erranase was in the front. Crystal, wearing a turquoise sari, followed just behind him with Michael at her side. Behind them came Sam and Tom.

As they reached the tree, the largest of the three men stepped forward. Erranase stopped when he was some six feet or so from the large man. That had to be Zunios. The others stopped in formation behind Erranase as I knew they would.

It all seemed very civilized from where I watched. Of course, I couldn't see their expressions from here, and I certainly couldn't hear their voices. But their body language didn't suggest anger. With a bit of luck this would end well.

I soon realised it might end well, but it wasn't ending quickly. My legs began to ache as the talking went on and on. If I moved ... if I stood up ... would they see me? Would the movement be enough to distract them and give Zunios the edge? I prayed not, but I had to stand-my legs couldn't cope like this any longer. As slowly as I could, I eased myself into a stooped position, still staying behind the monument as much as possible. No-one turned, or gave any indication of seeing me.

Shortly after, something changed. I heard this terrible sound ... and something deep inside me told me it was the sound of pure evil.

The sound was followed by movement. Sam raised his arm, and almost instantly the ghosts appeared and swarmed upon Zunios until I could no longer see him through their ma.s.s.

What happened after that was simply a blur. The movement was so fast that I could no longer tell who was who-with the exception of the flashes of blue that I knew would be Crystal.

My throat swelled, and tears flooded down my cheeks. I felt helpless and stupid for being here ... for cowering ... for being frozen with fear. But what could I do?

Then I saw someone leaving-dragging what looked to be a body with him. My G.o.d ... please don't let it be Sam ... please, don't let Sam be hurt. The movement slowed, and now I could see Crystal leaving the same way-a motionless body in tow. Surely, that was a good sign, right?

My attention turned back to the remaining men. They were just standing there, except for one who appeared to be kneeling. It took all my self-control not to run over to them, as I was certain it was Sam standing there. It had to be Sam. He was still alive. But what were they doing? Why was there no movement? What were they waiting for?

I struggled to see them better, but it was no use-I couldn't see them clearly, and I couldn't hear anything. My mind raced, trying to make sense of it all.

And then, finally, Crystal and Michael returned. But there was no celebration taking place, just what appeared to be further discussion.

I straightened myself up and as I did my foot sc.r.a.pped on some loose stones making just the slightest sound. I stopped instantly, but it was too late. Crystal looked in my direction and I was certain she'd spotted me but she gave no indication before turning to face the others again.

A moment later, one of the men walked off. Or perhaps I should say floated off, as even though he wasn't running he disappeared quickly. The others seemed to be watching him but none followed.

When I could no longer see the man, I looked back to the tree. Crystal was facing me, gesturing for me to join them. I ran over to the group, throwing my arms around Sam as soon as I reached him. He lifted me off the ground and squeezed me so hard I could barely breathe.

* CHAPTER TWENTY *.

'Oh my G.o.d, Sam. You're alive, you're safe! I was so scared!'

Sam relaxed his hold and pushed me back just enough that he could look me square in the face. 'Lili ... you could have been hurt!' There was concern in his voice, but the smile told me he was glad to see me.

'I know ... I'm sorry, but ... I had to be here ...'

'It's okay. Everything is okay. We won't need to worry about them any longer.'

It was over, and everyone was safe, yet I couldn't stop the violent shivers that came in waves every few seconds. I'd never been so frightened before.

I could hear Michael talking behind me. 'Tom, race over and bring us that tent from the bas.e.m.e.nt, and some chairs while you're at it.'

'No worries mate,' Tom replied.

'Oh, and some coffee too,' Michael continued.

'Uh ... coffee?'

'Don't worry about the coffee, Tom, I'll do that,' said Crystal, winking as she caught my eye.

I smiled back at her, but I still couldn't seem to stop my body from shaking. Sam put his arm around my shoulders, and I snuggled close to him.

'Thanks, Crystal. I'll be right back then,' said Tom, dashing off in the direction of The Cauldron.

'Would you like anything else, while I'm there, Michael?' asked Crystal.

'No, just coffee, thanks,' he replied, turning to me. 'Are you alright, Lili? You're as white as a ghost, and you're shivering like a wet dog.'

'Yeah,' I replied. 'I'm fine. I was just so scared ...'

'Everything will fine,' said Crystal, still smiling. 'Take a few deep breaths. You'll feel better with a hot drink in you. Coffee? Or would you prefer hot chocolate?'

'Coffee's great, thanks Crystal.'

'She's right,' said Michael, looking at me again. 'Everything is fine ... now. But I must say I wasn't too sure how this would turn out. And you, young lady, weren't meant to be anywhere near here ...'

'I know, but I couldn't stand it ... not knowing what was happening.'

Michael gave me a knowing smile, and it felt like acceptance. My body began to relax, the shivers coming less frequently.

When Tom returned he quickly set up a three-sided tent and some folding chairs. Just as he finished with the chairs, Crystal walked up with a basket. A moment later she handed me a coffee in a large mug. Steam rose from the surface as I blew on it before taking a sip. It was wonderfully strong and hot-just what I needed. It warmed my insides as well as my hands.

Sam and I stepped inside the tent, then turned and to face the gardens. Elizabeth was coming toward us, trying to coax some of the other ghosts along. A few came but most stayed back a ways.

'So, what actually happened?' I asked, turning my attention back to Sam. 'I mean, I saw one of them walk away, but not the others.'

'Yes, Zunios was allowed to leave, after the others were destroyed.'