"Kitty!" he breathed. "Dear God, Kitty!"
She was at the door, the terror and tenderness of her crying overwhelming his flinching perception. "Philip, let me in! Philip darling, are you all right?"
She was inside and in his arms before he could prevent it.
She clung to him frantically until the effect of his presence calmed her. The terror went out of her eyes slowly, but the tears glistening on her cheeks contradicted her smile of relief.
"Thank God you're safe, Philip! When I heard on the visinews about Dr. Hagen—"
Janice Wynn's silent command was violent in Alcorn's head. Put her out quickly! Do you want her there when your own change comes?
He caught Kitty's hands and drew her toward the door.
"You can't stay here, Kitty. There's no time to explain. I'll call later and tell you everything."
She showed her hurt beneath the placidity his gift imposed upon her. "If I must, Philip. But—"
He threw open the door. "Don't argue, Kitty. For God's sake, go!"