“Wait!” Tam called from behind her. “Who is it?”
As she hurtled down the road, the man set aside his guitar and rose. He opened his arms and she flew into them.
“Thomas!” Tears ran salty into her mouth. She clung to him, her father’s old friend, so familiar despite the odd clothes he wore. “I can’t believe it. You’re all right.”
“Well, now.” He gave her a final squeeze, then set her back at arm’s length. “You might want to tell your friend with the blade not to chop off my head.”
Jennet whirled to see Tam running toward them, his sword gleaming at the ready. “Tam, wait! This is a friend.” She couldn’t stop crying.
“Really. You don’t look too happy about it.” He didn’t sheathe his weapon.
She pulled her sleeve across her face, trying to dry her eyes. “Tam Linn.” Her voice still wobble
