Maybe this globe-trotting stuff was getting old. Maybe the whole Chasing History's Monsters Chasing History's Monsters thing was getting old, too. She could always stop, she supposed. Settle down somewhere and teach. She'd had job offers from universities before. Who wouldn't want to hire a former television personality? Her cla.s.ses would be enormously popular. thing was getting old, too. She could always stop, she supposed. Settle down somewhere and teach. She'd had job offers from universities before. Who wouldn't want to hire a former television personality? Her cla.s.ses would be enormously popular.

But could she stop? Could she quench her desire to explore and discover? And if she managed to quell the sense of curiosity that had been driving her for years, what would happen to the sword? Would it go away and find another home? Would it stay with her and continue to be a presence in her life?

And what about the death she'd dealt?

"You okay?" Jenny asked.

Annja nodded. "Yeah, just thinking."

"About what?"

"About everything. It isn't often I find myself able to devote so much time to my thoughts about my life and work. Most of the time people are shooting guns at me or trying to stab me to death or some other really bad stuff."

"That sounds awfully dramatic, Annja."

"It's just the way things are for me these days," Annja said quietly.

"Why don't you stop?"

Annja glanced at her. "I've thought about it. I don't know if I can stop."

"Why? Because you don't want to?"

"That's part of it."

"Because the sword won't let you?"

Annja shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not sure if I have to ask or what. Maybe I can just stop. Maybe I'm meant for something greater than what I can understand at this moment in time."

"Your role in this may not even be determined yet."

Annja nodded. "I've thought about that, as well. Doesn't make any of this any easier to take, let me tell you."

"I think you'll probably keep going."

Annja smiled. "Maybe so. But you'd better find a nice man and settle down so I can at least pretend I know what a grounded, stable life is all about."

"I'm trying, I'm trying." Jenny laughed. "It's good to have you around again, Annja."

"Likewise."

From behind them, Annja heard a low rumbling sound. She stopped and stepped closer to the edge of the road. "You hear that? This could be our ticket into town."

Jenny smiled. "I was always told not to hitchhike. Are you saying I should go back on my pledge?"

"Flash your legs if you need to, but I'm tired of walking and wasting time. We need to get out of these woods."

The sound of the engine grew louder and Annja figured it was the steady throttle of a pickup truck.

Jenny started primping. "If the driver's cute, I call shotgun."

Annja sighed. "Fine. I'll sit in the back, for all I care. My legs are tired and I can use the rest."

The sound grew even louder. Annja pulled Jenny closer to her. "He sounds as if he's going at a fairly good clip. Better stand over here so we don't get hit."

"It's coming," Jenny said.

Annja saw the front of the truck emerge from around the corner about three hundred yards down the road. It was a dark pickup with its headlights still on.

"They won't miss us," Jenny said. She started waving her hands, trying to flag down the truck.

"Think it's the sheriff out patroling?"

Jenny shrugged. "Who cares? It's a vehicle and we can ride into town instead of walking. As long as they're not cannibals interested in stripping off our flesh, I don't care who they are."

Annja frowned. "Lovely thought."

"I'm just kidding."

The truck rumbled closer and Annja could see it was starting to slow down as it approached.

"They see us," Jenny said. "We're in!"

Annja stepped out onto the road and waved with Jenny. The truck eased to a stop about twenty yards away. Jenny ran to the truck cab and Annja had to follow after her. "Wait up."

Jenny climbed into the truck.

Annja came abreast of the cab and looked in the open door, half expecting to see someone dangerous staring back at her.

Instead, she saw Jenny beaming. Next to her was a handsome man with dark brown hair and the brightest blue eyes Annja had ever seen. Even though he was sitting, Annja could tell that he was tall and extremely fit.

She looked at Jenny. "Happy?"

"Annja, this is David David. The guy I told you about."

Annja looked at him, seeing the bra.s.s star on his chest for the first time. "You never mentioned he was the sheriff."

"I didn't know."

The sheriff held out his hand. "Climb in. You two look as if you've had quite the adventure."

Annja climbed into the truck and stared back at the woods. I hope we can find Joey in time, she thought.

Chapter 15.

David glanced over at Annja. "All set?"

Annja nodded and risked a look at Jenny, who looked positively ecstatic to be squeezed in next to David. "You okay?"