"How?" He ran a finger along the edge to the tip.

"They're sharp enough to provide protection."

He frowned as he rotated the stake in his hand. "There is something written here."

"It's nothing." She reached for the stake, but he stepped back.

His eyes widened. "It says Mum."

Emma winced. He did have good night vision. And now his eyes were focused on her, studying her. She grabbed the stake. His grip tightened. She yanked, but he wouldn't let go.

"Why would ye write yer mother's name on a stake?" he whispered.

"None of your business." She jerked the stake from his hand and dropped it back into her bag.

"Ah, lass." His voice was soft and full of compassion.

Anger flared inside her. How dare he open that wound? No one was allowed to crack her armor. "You have no right—"

"Ye have no right to endanger yerself," he interrupted with a scowl. "Roaming about this park with nothing but a few sticks for protection?'Tis foolhardy. Surely there are people who love ye dearly. They wouldna approve of ye risking yer life."

"Don't!" She pointed a finger at him. "Don't you dare lecture me. You know nothing about me."

"I'd like to know."

"No! No one is going to stop me." She spun on her heel and strode south down the brick pathway. Damn him. Yes, there had been people who loved her dearly, but they were all dead.

"Emma," he called after her. "If ye're here tomorrow, I'll find you."

"Don't count on it," she yelled without looking back. Anger surged through her with each step she took. Damn him! She had every right to avenge her parents.

She should have shown him just how tough she was. She should have disarmed him and bound his wrists with his own freaking duct tape. She slowed her steps, tempted to go back and teach him a lesson.

She glanced over her shoulder. The path was empty. Where had he gone? He didn't seem like the type to slink away in defeat. She swiveled slowly in a circle. No one in sight. No movement among the trees. A cool breeze blew a lock of hair across her face. She shoved it back and listened. Not just with her ears, but with her mind. She stretched psychic feelers out, searching for the thoughts of a nearby brain.