Chapter 6

After locking up the shop, Richie decided to grab some coffee before heading home. As he left the coffee bar, he noticed a group of people and a police car. He also spotted two familiar faces and ran to the women.

"What happened?" he demanded.

"We stopped a mugging," Phoebe said matter-of-factly.

"Are you okay?"

"We're fine, Richie," Prue assured him.

"Are you allowed to leave?" he asked eyeing the cops.

"Yeah," Phoebe said. "We just finished giving our statements. Apparently, the guys were wanted for several other muggings in the area."

"I'll walk you to your car," Richie said.

"It's only three blocks away," Prue said. "We'll be fine."

"I'll walk you to your car," he repeated in a determined tone.

The Halliwells looked at each other then at Richie.

"Okay," Prue said.

"Sure," Phoebe said. "Fine."

As they started back toward the car, Richie felt the presence of another immortal. This time the static was stronger. His hand instinctively went to the sword in his coat.

"What's wrong?" Phoebe asked.

"Just felt like we were being watched," Richie said trying to relax but failing miserably.

"You too, huh?" Phoebe asked earning a strange look from Richie.

"You're both being paranoid," Prue commented.

"Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean someone isn't after you," he replied as the tell-tale buzz slowly faded. The immortal had left the immediate area. Still, he would be much happier when his friends were on their way home.

They reached the car without any further incident. Richie watched the women drive off with a wave and a smile then headed for the antique store to get Duncan's car.

Richie was a little worried. He knew it was only a matter of time before he was challenged but wished that none of the Halliwells would be nearby when it happened. Today was too close for comfort. Suddenly he felt an immortal presence.

Richie kept walking hoping either to lose his stalker or to lure the other immortal to a more isolated locale for their confrontation. The sun had almost set as Richie went toward the warehouses several blocks from the shop. The static buzzing in his head told him that he was still being followed. Few people were along the street when he ducked into an alley and entered one of the warehouse.

As the buzzing grew stronger, Richie took a deep breath and drew out his sword. Where are you? he thought searching for the other immortal. He didn't have to wait long.

A tall somewhat slender man appeared in a doorway and walked toward him taking out a sword from his trenchcoat. He looked to be in his mid-thirties but in reality could be anywhere from 60 to 1,000 years old. From the way the man held his sword, Richie could tell he was no newcomer to the Game.

"I do believe introductions are in order," the man said slowly walking toward Richie. "The name's Marcus Sinclair."

"Richie Ryan," the young immortal said hoping to defuse the situation. "We don't have to do this."

"Of course we do. It's what defines us," the man replied with a smirk then quickly lunged.

So much for that idea, Richie thought bringing up his sword to deflect the blow.

Clashing steel rang throughout the abandoned building as the men fought. Richie could tell the man was surprised that he was holding his own. Though he was a young immortal, Richie probably had been in more fights than those twice his age. He managed to put his opponent on the defensive forcing him out of the warehouse and into the night.

Blood seeped from wounds as the battle continued. The other immortal made a fatal mistake, which Richie exploited. Swinging his sword in a downward arch, he sliced the man's chest. Using his momentum, he spun around severing the man's head with a single stroke.

Everything was still. Richie heard a mournful foghorn in the distance but ignored it. He watched as a ghostly vapour rose from his fallen opponent to envelop him. The air swirled into a maelstrom with him at the center. Lightning slashed through the darkening sky striking Richie forcing him to his knees.

The quickening stopped as suddenly as it had started leaving Richie gasping for breath. He looked around and was relieved to find himself alone. He got up sheathing his sword, took one last look at the body and left.