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from the angry mob. Cassie and her Wiccan sisters drew closer together as they edged towards t he double- doored exit, trying to ignore the ugly taunts and epithets that were hurled at them.
    Mac fought off the urge to rush to her side, realizing that it would be a mistake. He didn’t dare let on, even to himself , the strength of his attraction to the young witch. He forced himself to remain far enough from the witches not to reveal their connection, yet close enough to help protect them if things really got out of hand.
    When Mac noted that the town’s Catholic priest had managed to wedge himself between the coven and the religious zealots, he decided it was time to forget about remaining separate from the story and get involved. He was damned if he would allow one more religious nut to torment her. But then he held back as he realized that the priest had managed to form a small barrier between the women and their tormenters, allowing them to pass out of the room unharmed.
    The five women bravely passed through the gauntlet of angry jeers, drawing from each other’s strength throughout the ordeal. Reverend Hicks and his band followed closely behind the women, railing at them about salvation and damnation, stirring the rest of the mob to an even greater frenzy.
    “Does that guy ever shut up?” Mac asked, his nerves nearly to the breaking point.
    “Not that I’ve noticed,” Alan replied dryly. “As I see it, if it weren’t for the good Reverend, none of us would be capable of staying upon the path of righteousness. ” Alan’s words dripped with sarcasm.
    “I take it he’s not one of your favorites among the locals … ”
    “He’s a dan gerous man, my friend, a nd a powerful one. You don’t want to get on his bad side. If he takes a notion that you’re not one of the ‘chosen’, he’ll crucify you one way or another.”
    Mac lifted his chin towards Alan, acknowledging the information as he pushed his way through the mob. He’d had all he could take of standing back and observing. He couldn’t bear seeing Cassie being mauled and abused by the good pastor’s flock for one second longer.
    She held her head high, riveting her eyes upon the open door ahead. It wasn’t so far; she could make it. Please, just let us get outside , she prayed silently. Everything will be fine if I can just get out of this horrible place.
    It was all a blur of noise and bodies. None of it was real. Not real, not real . The momentum of the crowd carried her towards the door as her vision began to take on an ominous gray tinge . She heard a ringing in her ears. If she could just get some air!
    And then she felt him by her side. Mac reached out and steadied her, guiding her past Revere nd Hicks with his wild eyes and taunting words. Mac’s h and on her waist became her focu s, her one point of reality. Mac would help her, just as she’d known from the first moment their eyes had met.
    He felt the tension ease from her body as they neared the opened door. A burst of male pride flowed through him when she leaned into him, accepting his protection. At that moment he realized he’d have faced a fire breathing dragon to protect the woman beside him.
    The realization hit him hard. He didn’t give a damn about anyone, he reminded himself. Now was not the time to change philosophies.
     
    * *   *
     
    Mac felt a bit out of place sitting in the parlor of Mary Beth’s and Naomi’s quaint bed-and-breakfast inn. Balancing a cup of herbal tea on his knee, he took a couple of sugar cookies from the plate Mary Beth held out to him.
    “A million dollars!” Edith Norris lamented. “How in the world are we supposed to get a million dollars?”
    “We’re not,” Shelly answered in a flat voice. “That judge has no intention of letting Myra out on bail. That’s why he set it so high.”
    “But couldn’t Mr. Jacobson petition the court or something? Isn’t that what attorneys are supposed to do?” Mary Beth suggested.
    “Are you