Prologue
R
IFF SAT ACROSS thetableandstaredatTerk,theothersquietlywatching.“So,what?Didyougetanywhere?”
“It’sstillinprogress,”Tashanoted,fromhisside.“It’snotbeenallthateasytofindinformation.”
“That’sbecausewe’resittinghere,”Riffsnapped,“doingnothing.”
“It’s truethatwearehere,andsitting,butwe’recertainlynotdoing nothing, ” Terkclarified.“Youalsoknow thatthings happenintheirowntime”
Riffglaredathim “Soundslikeanexcusetome”
Atthat,Terkshothimalookandtookabreath.“Comeon,Riff.It’snotanexcuse,andyouandIbothknowit.” “Yes,butI’mdamnimpatient.”
“Iknow,withgoodcause.We’realsogettingalotofphonecallsfromAngela.”
Rifffrownedatthatandlookedoffinthedistance.
“What’stherelationshipbetweenyoutwo?”
“Complex,”hesnapped
Atthat,severalpeoplearoundthetablelaughed.
“Yeah,that’ssomethingwe’vealldealtwith,”Terkshared,withasmile.“Itdoesn’tnecessarilywashthough.” “Fine,”Riffgrumbled.“I’llwaitalittlebitlonger.”
“AndAngela?”Celiaasked,pattingherbelly “Sheseemstothinkshewillbeneeded” Riffwinced
“Ifshe is,youwouldbe the bestbettocontacther,” TerksuggestedtoRiff,butRiffseemedtowanttobe anywhere but here.“Iunderstandthatshe’svery,verygoodatwhatshedoes.”
“Isshelikeus?”Caraasked,lookingatRiffintently.Hegaveherareluctantnod.“She’sahealerthen?”CaraandClary lookedoveratRiffwithinterest.
“Wecanalwaysusemorehealers”Clarylikedthatprospect “Youdon’twanther,”Riffdeclared “Whyisthat?”sheasked.
“She’ll organize your life away,” he replied, with a wave of his hand. “She’ll get in your face, and you won’t know whetheryou’recomingorgoing.”
Atthat,Caranoddedslowly “Isee” “No,youdon’tsee,”Riffsnapped,glaring “Youdon’tseeanything”
“Yeah,Ido,”sheargued.“Ithinkweshouldprobablymeether.”SheturnedtoTerk. TerkstudiedRiff.“It’sprobablyagoodidea,evenifit’snottoday.Maybeinafewdaysorevenacoupleweeks.” “That’spossible,”Caranoted,withanodassheassessedtheroom.“It’sprobablygoodtiming,butwedon’twanthertoo early.”
“No,we don’t,and,ifshe knows whentocome,itwon’tmatter whatyousay,” Riffdeclared,lookingather “She’ll be hereregardless,and,whenyouseeher,you’llknowyou’reheadingfortrouble” “Troubleorjustthetimingofthings?”Caraasked.
Riff shrugged. “I see her, and it means trouble, so who knows. It depends on the relationship you have with her,” he muttered.
Atthat,Caracouldhardlyhidehersmile
Terklookedaroundtheroom,recognizingwhattheothersalsorecognized,butwhatRiffwasdesperatelytryingnotto Terk realizedtherewouldbeyetanotherrelationshiphappening,butitjustwasn’ttimeyet.
Terk’sphonerang,andhelookeddownatthescreentoseewhowascalling.“Hey,Levi.How’slife?”
“Everythingisfinehere,butmaybeIshouldaskyouhowit’sgoingonyourend.”
Terkassesseditforamoment,thenreplied,“Iwouldhavesaidallistickety-boooverhere,atleastforthemoment.How aboutyou?”
“Nope,allgoodonourside,”Levireplied “So…whyareyoucallingthen?”
“What?Can’tafriendjustcall?”
“Yep,yousurecan.Butwhat’sup?”
gs
Levi hesitated “Somebodycontacted me aboutsome work, and, inmyresearch, we came up withsomethingthat’s a bit off,”heshared.“I’mwonderingifheisoneofyours.”
“Oneofmine?Thatwouldbeinteresting.Why?Youdon’tneedhim?”
“Icouldusehim,yeah,butIwaswonderingifanybodywantedtojoininandsee,…youknow,maybetestthisguyoutand confirmwhetherhe’soneofyoursorIcanhirehimoveratmyend.Ialwaysfeelguiltykeepingthepsychicones.”
“Youhaven’tmanagedtokeepanyofthoseforverylongyet,haveyou?Ineverthoughtwewouldhavethatmanyavailable, buttheyseemtobecomingoutofthewoodwork”
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,butdefinitelyafewarearound.Maybetheyfeelasafetynetisinplaceforthemorsomething.”
“Iwonderedthattoo,”Terkmuttered.“Anyway,whatdidyouneedforthejob?”
Levisighed.“RememberKim?”
“Sure,and?”
“HerbrotherwastravelingthroughFinland,andhe’sgonemissing”
“Okay,andwhydowethinkthat’ssuspicious?He’sayoungsingleguy,right?Maybehe’sjustwanderedoffonhisownfor awhile.”
“He is all those things,” Levi confirmed, “and youalreadyfigured that out. Wait, hangona second, Terk.” Levi tooka momentforasideconversation.“Whatdoyoumean?”heaskedsomeoneonhisend,andthatwasfollowedbysomemumbling andbitsandpiecesofconversationthatTerkcouldn’tquitecatch
Frowningashelistened,Terkfollowedalifelinethatcameupagainstablankwall “Huh ”
“Whathuh?”Leviasked.
Icepoppedintothephoneconversation.“I’mheretoo,Terk.Ishealive?”
“That’s…”Terkstaredattheblankwall.“Hewas,butI’mgettingablankwallrightnow.I’mnotsurewhatthatmeans.”
Atthat,Caralookedoverathimandexplained,“Ifalifelinehitsablankwall,itusuallymeansamajorinjury,andhe’sin betweenlifeanddeath,butI’mnotgettingthatsamesense”
Terkextendedahand,andCaraandhersisterClarybothgrabbedon,theirenergieszappingthroughhissystem.Heclosed hiseyes,feelingtheircombinedenergiesworkingthroughthislifeline.
“Wehaveasignatureonhim,”Terkshared,“butsomethingdefinitelyisoffattheotherend.”
“Yeah,andthat’swhatthisguywhocontactedmewasgettingat.”
“Explain”
“HisnameisWalker,andhetoldmethatIneededtogodealwithsomethinginFinland Atthetime,Ididn’tknowanything aboutit.Ifeltasifhewasalmostpushingmeinaway.Hewantstoworkformeonthisjob,butIdidn’thaveajobthere.But thenKimcameforwardandsaidherbrotherwasinFinland.SoIwonderedifitwasrelatedsomehow,andthat’swhenitcame backthatKimhadn’tbeenabletocontactherbrotheratall.”
Terkasked,“Levi,whenyousayWalker,didyoumeanWalkerHabernack?”
“Yeah,doyouknowhim?”
“Oh,Iknowhimallright.He’sgotsomeprettygoodprecogabilities.”
“Butthenwhywouldn’thehaveknownaheadoftime?”
“He’slikelycontactingyoubecausehe’sseensomethingdowntheroad.WhatdoesKimhaveforinformation?”
“HerbrotherwentovertomeetsomespecialhealerinFinland,andthat’swhenhewentmissing.”
Terklookedaroundthetable,astheyallstaredateachother
Terk’sgazelandedonCalum,whoimmediatelynodded “Igotthisone”
“Levi,CalumwillmeetWalkerinFinland.We’llneedthedetailsonKim’sbrotherandanythingelseyou’vegotassoonas possible.”
“Yougotit,”Levisaid,“and,Terk,Kim’sfamily ”
“Iknow That’snotanissue We’llpickupafterthisandsee Stayintouch Calumwillbeonthewaysoon”Afterending thecall,helookedoveratCalum “You’resure?”
Calumnodded.“Absolutely.I’min.Whenitcomestofamily,youknowwe’realwaysthere.” Therewasnoarguingwiththat.
Levi hesitated “Somebodycontacted me aboutsome work, and, inmyresearch, we came up withsomethingthat’s a bit off,”heshared.“I’mwonderingifheisoneofyours.”
“Oneofmine?Thatwouldbeinteresting.Why?Youdon’tneedhim?”
“Icouldusehim,yeah,butIwaswonderingifanybodywantedtojoininandsee,…youknow,maybetestthisguyoutand confirmwhetherhe’soneofyoursorIcanhirehimoveratmyend.Ialwaysfeelguiltykeepingthepsychicones.”
“Youhaven’tmanagedtokeepanyofthoseforverylongyet,haveyou?Ineverthoughtwewouldhavethatmanyavailable, buttheyseemtobecomingoutofthewoodwork”
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,butdefinitelyafewarearound.Maybetheyfeelasafetynetisinplaceforthemorsomething.”
“Iwonderedthattoo,”Terkmuttered.“Anyway,whatdidyouneedforthejob?”
Levisighed.“RememberKim?”
“Sure,and?”
“HerbrotherwastravelingthroughFinland,andhe’sgonemissing”
“Okay,andwhydowethinkthat’ssuspicious?He’sayoungsingleguy,right?Maybehe’sjustwanderedoffonhisownfor awhile.”
“He is all those things,” Levi confirmed, “and youalreadyfigured that out. Wait, hangona second, Terk.” Levi tooka momentforasideconversation.“Whatdoyoumean?”heaskedsomeoneonhisend,andthatwasfollowedbysomemumbling andbitsandpiecesofconversationthatTerkcouldn’tquitecatch
Frowningashelistened,Terkfollowedalifelinethatcameupagainstablankwall “Huh ”
“Whathuh?”Leviasked.
Icepoppedintothephoneconversation.“I’mheretoo,Terk.Ishealive?”
“That’s…”Terkstaredattheblankwall.“Hewas,butI’mgettingablankwallrightnow.I’mnotsurewhatthatmeans.”
Atthat,Caralookedoverathimandexplained,“Ifalifelinehitsablankwall,itusuallymeansamajorinjury,andhe’sin betweenlifeanddeath,butI’mnotgettingthatsamesense”
Terkextendedahand,andCaraandhersisterClarybothgrabbedon,theirenergieszappingthroughhissystem.Heclosed hiseyes,feelingtheircombinedenergiesworkingthroughthislifeline.
“Wehaveasignatureonhim,”Terkshared,“butsomethingdefinitelyisoffattheotherend.”
“Yeah,andthat’swhatthisguywhocontactedmewasgettingat.” “Explain”
“HisnameisWalker,andhetoldmethatIneededtogodealwithsomethinginFinland Atthetime,Ididn’tknowanything aboutit.Ifeltasifhewasalmostpushingmeinaway.Hewantstoworkformeonthisjob,butIdidn’thaveajobthere.But thenKimcameforwardandsaidherbrotherwasinFinland.SoIwonderedifitwasrelatedsomehow,andthat’swhenitcame backthatKimhadn’tbeenabletocontactherbrotheratall.”
Terkasked,“Levi,whenyousayWalker,didyoumeanWalkerHabernack?” “Yeah,doyouknowhim?”
“Oh,Iknowhimallright.He’sgotsomeprettygoodprecogabilities.”
“Butthenwhywouldn’thehaveknownaheadoftime?”
“He’slikelycontactingyoubecausehe’sseensomethingdowntheroad.WhatdoesKimhaveforinformation?”
“HerbrotherwentovertomeetsomespecialhealerinFinland,andthat’swhenhewentmissing.”
Terklookedaroundthetable,astheyallstaredateachother Terk’sgazelandedonCalum,whoimmediatelynodded “Igotthisone”
“Levi,CalumwillmeetWalkerinFinland.We’llneedthedetailsonKim’sbrotherandanythingelseyou’vegotassoonas possible.”
“Yougotit,”Levisaid,“and,Terk,Kim’sfamily ”
“Iknow That’snotanissue We’llpickupafterthisandsee Stayintouch Calumwillbeonthewaysoon”Afterending thecall,helookedoveratCalum “You’resure?”
Calumnodded.“Absolutely.I’min.Whenitcomestofamily,youknowwe’realwaysthere.” Therewasnoarguingwiththat.
Chapter1
WALKER HABERNACKPULLED
uponthesideoftheroadandreachedforthemapsittinginthepassengerseat.Hewassupposed tomeetCaluminanotherhour,but,beforeheracedtotheairport,hewantedachancetocheckoutacoupleaddresseshehadin mind.
Heneededsomeinformationbeforehewentall-in.Inhismind,inhisheart,hewonderedjustwhatwasgoingonhere,but again,thefrustrationofnotknowingmuchwasevident Hejustknewsomethingbadwasabouttohappen Now,ifonlyhewere luckyenoughtogetthereintimetostopit,thatwouldbegreat Butthisuglysenseinsidehimsuggestedthathewasprobably alreadytoolate.
However, as a precog, he knew that sense of forebodingcame because he was aware of what one avenue inthe future could be,yetwouldn’tnecessarilyturnoutthatway.Hestillhadtimetochangethings.
He knew aboutKim’s brother atthis point;he’d beenfilled in. Walker also understood thatLevi was consideringhiring Walker It was supposed to be about gettinghis feet wet withthe team, and this was a test job, but Walker also knew that wouldn’twork He hadn’ttoldTerkthatbecause,whatever was goingon,regardless ofthe bells ringinginhis ears,Walker neededtobethere.Ifonlyheknewwhy,and,becausehedidn’tknow,hewasveryedgyandshort-tempered.
He’dconnectedwithTerkel,butTerkwasnottheeasiestpersontotalktoeither…byfar.Walkeralmostlaughedatthat.If therewereevertwopeasinapod,theywerehimandTerkel,butthenprobablyalotofpsychicshadasimilarviewpoint.
WalkerwentwaybackwithTerk EvennowWalkerwantedsomethingdifferentinlifeandwastryingtofigureouthowto findit So,hewaslookingatTerksideways,wonderinghowhe’dmadeeverythinginhislifesuddenlyhappen Itwaswortha longconversation,butWalkerwasn’tsureifTerkelwouldbeopenenoughtosharedetails.Itwasalsopossiblethathewould keeptheinformationofhowhe’dpulleditofftohimself.
Walker had also blocked the psychic door to stop Terkel fromgettinginto his head. Terkel was one of those guys who generallywouldnotforceit,but,ifheneededsomething,hewouldn’tbotherwithnicetiesandthenapologizeafterward,which wasokayinatrueemergency Still,Walkerfeltpressurethathedidn’tnormallysense,andthatmadehimuneasyrightnow TerkelwouldsaythatwasallthemorereasonwhyWalkershouldbetalkingandkeepingthedoorsopen,lettingeverybody know thatsomethingwashere,thatsomethingwashappening,sothatabiggeralertsystemwouldbeinplace,ifandwhenit cametoneedinghelp.
Walker didn’t know Calumbut knew that he’d worked onTerkel’s teamwhentheyworked withthe CIA. The fact that TerkelhadgoneprivatewassomethingWalkerwasstilladjustingto,butmaybeitwentalongwithTerkhavingawomaninhis life now Thatwas somethingmostofthemavoidedona long-termbasis,justbecause itwas toodangerous Toomuchcrap was goingoninthe world around them, and theycouldn’t reallyafford to have anybodytied up init more thantheywere themselves.
Nobodywanted to deal withthe outcome and all thatpressure thatcame fromhavingsomebodyelse to lookafter. Even thoughinmanycases,therewasjustnochoicebecauseyouwerealreadyhookedintotherelationship,intotheemotions,andit was prettydarnhardtochangeit And,ifthathappenedtoTerkel,Walker couldunderstandit,exceptthatTerkel was anold hand That,initself,toldWalkerthatithadtobeaveryspecialwomantoputTerkelonthispathwaytohaveafamily Walker heard the rumblinginthe far recesses ofhis brainand shookhis head. “No, Terk, notreadyto talkto youyet.” Whenthatwas followedbywhatWalker couldonlydescribe as a halflaugh,he groaned,thenopeneduphis mindafter all. “What?”Walkerbarked.
Well now, that’s better,Terkel repliedeasily I wanted to tell you that Calum’s flight has been delayed by a good half hour
“IwouldhavefoundthatoutwhenIcheckedthearrivalsboard,”hemuttered.“Youdidn’tneedtocontactmeforthat.” No, but communication makes life a lot easier. How are you, by the way? “Fine,”hegrumbled.“OrIwillbeifthisdamnurgingwillstopdraggingmedownthiscrazypathway.” Terkelpausedforamoment. Sometimes we can do nothing but follow through on the messages we receive. “Doesn’tmeanIlikeit,”Walkermuttered No, I’m sure you don’t,Terkagreed But, since I do know Kim, if this involves her brother, I’ll thank you ahead of time for helping her out. Walker sighed. “The trouble is, I don’t know who is involved. I never do. I just get these pieces of information, and I thought I was doingokaywiththat kind of scenario. I thought I could pickand choose what to act on. ThensuddenlyI get
something like this, where I don’t have a choice, and the messages go on and on,” he complained, his tone snappy in the emptinessofthecar.
Terkelchuckled. Isn’t that the truth? Just know you ’ re not alone in that. “Again,that’sallgood,butitdoesn’treallyhelp.”
No, of course it doesn’t,Terknoted. You should feel better knowing that potentially something is out there for you that’ll be a help
ed in ut re ly re ng hat er If to a ld ho ch dy it hat his ap re en it ld . ” ll. alf me I get
“No,notatall,”Walkerdisagreed “Thisisn’tnecessarilyanythingIwanttodo,andit’sgottenworse” Worse?
“Yes,worse,ormaybeabetterwaytodescribeitis stronger,alittle wider.It’soneofthereasonsIkeepyoubuttedout, untilIcanfigureoutwhatisreallygoingon.”
In my experience, I find that having people to talk to really helps You can explain and explore the aspects of why that energy is changing,hepointedout, but the biggest find we have come across ourselves, in my whole team, is that our severe injuries, triggered by a massive change, also created a shift in our abilities stronger and wider,hemuttered,tryingtoput Walker’sownpointofviewinperspective.
Atthat,Walkerfrowned.“Yeah,Ididhavesomethinglikethat.Iexpectedittomakethingseasier,notworse.” We’re finding it makes things,Terkhesitatedandthenadded, different. “Yeah?That’saloadofBS,”Walkermuttered “Different doesn’tmeananything” No, different means different,Terkstated,withacheerytone Like in our case, stronger Some changes in the style of skills, some changes in the strength, and, because we ’ re a large team, we have definitely seen growth in what we can do and how we can do it. If you had a team around, you would find the same thing. “It’sagoodthingIdon’tthen,isn’tit?”hestatedeasily. Still fighting it, are you?
“Ithasn’tdonemeanygoodtofightit However,ifIthoughtitwouldhelp,Iwouldbefightingitawholelotharder” Yeah, I haven’t found that to work out so well myself,Terkeladmitted. And, if you had a team, you would find that your abilities would get a lot stronger and faster too.
“Neverbeenmuchofateamplayer,”Walkermuttered.
That’s not so You did great with a team in the navy “Yeah,rightupuntiltheydidn’tlikewhatIcouldorcouldn’tdo,”hewhisperedharshly
Got it,Terkelreplied,histonesoftandclear The lack of ability to accept what we do, and the parameters under which we do it, often pisses people off more than helps anything,hestated,takingamildtone. So that much, I do understand. Walkernodded.“WhataboutCalum?”
He’s strong and getting stronger all the time,Terkelshared. He’ll be a good one to have at your back. “I’mnotusedtohavinganybodyatmyback,”Walkerdeclared,withthatsameharshangeragain
You can only play the lone wolf for so long, before some of this starts to eat away at you,Terkelnoted Let Calum help you on this job and then talk to us afterward. “Won’tchangeanything,”hemuttered.
If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m not forcing you into anything, despite what your paranoia might suggest. Walkergroaned.“Ididn’tusedtobeparanoid.”
No, and I think that comes on as a side effect of our abilities too,Terkelsuggested,histonegentle Nobody understands us quite like the rest of us
“Andyetdotheyevenunderstand?”Walkeraskedcuriously.“Imean,howcouldthey?Eventhoughyou’reinsidemyhead, youstilldon’tknowwhoIam,whatIam,andhowI’moperating.”
No, but I can sure see an awful lot more of that now,Terkeladmitted,withachuckle. I know you ’ re operating very well, but you ’ re kind of disconnected, as if you haven’t fully integrated back from whatever injury you had going on in your world Anyway, this is a discussion for another time For now, just get to the airport and pick up Calum He’s a good guy, and he won’t scare so easily.
And,withthat,Terkelwasgone.
ASHLEYHENKELLSPUN aroundinacircleonceagain,lookingforthoseunseeneyesthatsheknewweresearchingforher,hunting her,andyetshehadnoideawhoitwas,orwhy.Shejustinstinctivelyknewthatshewasindanger,butthatdangerwascoming froma direction she didn’t understand. It was a source she didn’t recognize, and that made her situation seemeven more
he ’ll ut, at re ut of nd ur ch lp ds d, ll, ur uy, ng ng re precarious
She’dalwaysavoidedhelpfromfamilyandfriendsbecausenobodyseemedtoreallyunderstandwhoandwhatshewas. Asmuchasshetriedtoexplain,herfamilyneverreallygotit,andnowshewaslivinginamoreisolatedsituationthannormal, waitingforthisonemantoshowupforhisappointment,buthewasalreadytwodayslate.
She knew somethingwas wrong;she justdidn’tknow what. Itdefinitelyhad to do withher, and, while she didn’tknow why,ithadgivenheranedginessthatwashardtorelaxaround
Giventhechoice,shewouldbelonggone MaybetraveltotheMaldivesortovisitfriends Maybedosomethingcrazyand goanyplacewheremillionsofpeoplewouldbe,insteadofthiscalmandalmostisolatedexistenceshecurrentlyfoundherself in. This had beenher preferred existence, until the shithitthe fan, and she had become a target. Somehow, eventhoughshe didn’tknowanyofthedetails,she’dbecome the hunted.
Whenshe heard a vehicle drive slowlyby, she stopped at the window and stared out, takingrefuge behind the curtain Nothingwasoutside,nothingthatshecouldsee,butsheheardthevehicleslowlyrumbleonpastherplace
Shefrownedatthat,allherinstinctstellinghertorun,togetoutofthehouse,andtomove.Thenagain,wherewouldshe go?Wherewouldsherunto?Itwasawetandcloudydayoutthere.Ifthesunwereout,anditwas abitwarmer,shecould certainlydisappearintothewoodsforafewhours,butrightnow?Ifshewentoutandcaughtacoldandhadnoplacetogo,she wouldstillhavetocomebackandfacewhateveritwasthathadchasedheraway.
She didn’treallyhave a safe room, somethingshe would have swornshe didn’tneed until now Now, she could see a certainnaïvetyinheractions Though,ifshewouldhavehadanyideathatshewouldexperiencethisleveloffear,shemight havedonethingsdifferently.Rightnow,allshecoulddowasstayfrozeninplaceandwatch,knowingthatthetimewascoming forwhateveritwas.Shehadnoideawhyorwho,butitwaschargingtowardheratanabsolutelyhorrificpace.
Whenherphonerangnottoolongafterward,shestareddownatit,recognizingMcClintock’snumber.Shequicklysnatched itupandinthecalmesttoneshecouldmanage,sheanswered,“Hello”
Almostinstantlyheroldfriendsnapped,“What’sthematter?”
“Nothing,justabitedgytoday.”
Afteramomentofhardsilence,hemuttered,“That’sexactlywhyyoushouldn’tbelivingoutthere.”
“And yet, for all of a lifetime up until now, it’s been perfectly fine,” she stated. “I’mjust not sure what’s wrong with today.”
“That’swhyI’mcalling Itseemssomethingiswrongintheworld”
“Somethingis always wrongintheworld,”sheargued,refusingtogiveintothatphilosophy “Plus,youandIbothknow that,ifsomethingisafterme,it’llgethere,andnotawholelotIcandoaboutit.”
“That’s not true,” he argued, his tone sharp. “It’s still up to you to look after yourself and to keep yourself safe from whateveritisthatmakessomuchtroubleintheworld.”
“Yeah,butdon’twesoundlikeacoupleofcrazyloons,”shemuttered “Icouldn’tbegintotell youwhatiswrong Ijust havethisweirdedginess”
“Icouldn’ttellyouwhatiswrongeither,”hesnapped,“butI’mcallingnonetheless.”
Shesmiledatthat.“Iappreciateit.ReallyIdo,andyouknowthat.Honestly,ithasn’tbeenaneasytimeforyou,andIknow thatyoudon’treallyhaveanythingelsetothinkaboutbutcrapstuffrightnow.Sothefactthatyourealizesomething’sgoingon inmyworldisreallyappreciated.”
Hesnorted “That’saloadofholycrock,”hemuttered “Youknowperfectlywellthat,ifIcoulddosomethingtofixthis,I wouldbethereinaheartbeat”
“Ipresumethatmeansthatyoucan’tthen,”shequestioned,“fixit,Imean.”
“No,Ican’t.Ijustdon’tknowwhyIseemencomingthough.”
Shewinced.“Yeah,Isawthattoo,…butIdon’tknowwhy.Idon’tknowwhotheyareorwheretheyarecomingfrom.” Hechuckled “Thatjustaddstotheconfusion,doesn’tit?”
“Yes,itabsolutelydoes,”sheagreed “ItwouldbeawholeloteasierifIhadsomewaytoknowjustwhatwasgoingon, butit’snotasifweevergetthosekindsofanswers.”
“No,andbelieveme,I’velooked,”McClintockstated.“Iknowmyabilitiesarenowherenearwhattheyusedtobe,butI’m not getting answers, and that concerns me. I always expect, when I reach out in your direction, that I’ll find peace and tranquility.Yet,whenIreachedouttoday,Igottheexactopposite.”
“Youknow,itcouldjustbeme,”shesuggested,withasigh “Idon’tunderstandwhyI’medgyorwhatthehellisgoingon, butrestassuredthatI’mworkingtocontrolit”
“Maybe instead of tryingto control it, youshould leaninto it. Slide into that feelingand sort out what’s happening, so maybewecanbothgetsomerest.”
Shesnorted.“Youcangetrestanytime.”
al, w nd elf he n he ld he a ght ng ed th w m ust w on ,I n, m nd n, so
“Yeah,and,ifsomethinghappenstoyou,”hesnapped,“howwillthatmakemefeel?”
“You’vedonewhatyoucandobywarningme,”shetoldhimgently,“sotherestwillbewhateverit’llbe.”
“Don’ttalklikethat,”hedeclared.“Ihateitwhenyougetfatalistic.”
Shesighed.“Idon’treallyknowanyotherwaytobe.”
“Youcouldthough,ifyouwantedto,”hesnapped.“Youcouldcomeinandbewithpeopleagain.”
“I’vespentalongtimeonmyown,”sheshared
“That’sbeenyourchoice,”hemuttered,“butyoudon’thavetostayoutthere”
“No,Idon’t.However,sometimesitjustfeelsthatIdon’treallyhaveanotheroption.”
“Andthatisallgibberishfromyourownhead,”hemuttered.“Anyway,Ican’tstayonthephone.Youknowwhatyouhave todo,”hesaid,and,withthat,heendedthecall.
Shelookeddownatthephone,wonderingifhereallymeanttosayitinthatway,becauseshereallydidn’tknowwhatshe had to do She justknew thatsomethingwas shifting, and, while she didn’tknow inwhatdirection, she suspected itwould cometoaheadvery,verysoon.
Withthatthoughtinherconsciousness,shelookedaroundandquicklygatheredherwallet,checkingtobesureshehadher ID,somecash,andcreditcards,thenstuffeditintoherpocket.Grabbingherhikingbootsandagoodwalkingcoatandstick, shesteppedoutthedoor.
Shedidn’tknow whatshewasrunningfrom,butsomethingouttherewascomingher way,andshewasn’tatall sureshe wantedtomeetupwiththemjustyet
“Yeah,and,ifsomethinghappenstoyou,”hesnapped,“howwillthatmakemefeel?”
“You’vedonewhatyoucandobywarningme,”shetoldhimgently,“sotherestwillbewhateverit’llbe.”
“Don’ttalklikethat,”hedeclared.“Ihateitwhenyougetfatalistic.” Shesighed.“Idon’treallyknowanyotherwaytobe.”
“Youcouldthough,ifyouwantedto,”hesnapped.“Youcouldcomeinandbewithpeopleagain.” “I’vespentalongtimeonmyown,”sheshared
“That’sbeenyourchoice,”hemuttered,“butyoudon’thavetostayoutthere” “No,Idon’t.However,sometimesitjustfeelsthatIdon’treallyhaveanotheroption.”
“Andthatisallgibberishfromyourownhead,”hemuttered.“Anyway,Ican’tstayonthephone.Youknowwhatyouhave todo,”hesaid,and,withthat,heendedthecall.
Shelookeddownatthephone,wonderingifhereallymeanttosayitinthatway,becauseshereallydidn’tknowwhatshe had to do She justknew thatsomethingwas shifting, and, while she didn’tknow inwhatdirection, she suspected itwould cometoaheadvery,verysoon.
Withthatthoughtinherconsciousness,shelookedaroundandquicklygatheredherwallet,checkingtobesureshehadher ID,somecash,andcreditcards,thenstuffeditintoherpocket.Grabbingherhikingbootsandagoodwalkingcoatandstick, shesteppedoutthedoor.
Shedidn’tknow whatshewasrunningfrom,butsomethingouttherewascomingher way,andshewasn’tatall sureshe wantedtomeetupwiththemjustyet
Chapter2
ASHLEYHAD BEEN outsideforanhour,walkingthefieldsandseekingthepeaceandquietthathadbeensoelusiveallday.When sherealizedthathomewasherlogical nextstop,sheturnedandheadedsteadilybackinthedirectionofhersmall house.As shecameacrosstheroad,intentonwalkingaslightlysmootherreturnpath,avehicledrovepast,withtwomenseatedinthe front.
She frowned at the energy, but the vehicle went by too quickly for her to see anything, yet something was there She ponderedwhotheywereandwatchedastheypulledintotheturnoffthatwouldtakethemtoherroad Bywatchingacrossthe field,shesawthemheadinasteadyandrelentlesspathtoherhome.
Sureenough,theypulledupoutfront.
Shefrozeoutinthefield,wonderingwhethersheshouldbeheadingintotalktothemornot,onlytorealizethatitwouldn’t make muchdifference, since these menwould justkeep comingbackuntil she did. She had no idea who theywere or what drovethem,butsomethingdid Somethingwasoddaboutoneofthemtoo No
Shefrozeatthatcorrectionandshookherhead.No,somethingwasoddaboutbothofthem.Theywereboththeoddones outinaway.Yettheyweretogether.Shepickedupthepace,and,asoneofmensteppedbackafterknockingonherdoor,she calledouttothem.Oneofthemenliftedahandinacknowledgment,sosheslowedherpace,untilshewalkedrightuptothem.
Asshegotclosertoherhouse,shewatchedtheirenergy,studyingit,lookingforthatdangershe’dbeensensing,yetfinding nothingofthesort Thatworriedhermorethananything Shewasexpectingthemtobethereasonforherunease,andyetthey seemed … She didn’twantto say harmless because nothingwas harmless aboutthem. Theywere bothincrediblypowerful men.However,shedidn’tevenknowiftheyunderstoodjusthowmuchpowertheywerewieldinginasubconsciousway.
One ofthemdid seemto be awfullysure ofhimself. She wasn’tso sure aboutthe other one. He justglared ather, as if wantingtobeanywhereelse.
Shesighed,asshelookedathim “So,what’sthisone?Anotherunwillingpsychic?”
Hefrozeatthat,andtheothermanrumbledwithlaughter Shesmiledatthefriendlyone.“I’mAshley.Whoareyou?”
Helookedatherandinagentletonereplied,“I’mCalum.Nicetomeetyou.”
Shelookedbackattheothermanandnoddedathim,tryinganeasingtonewithhimthistime.“IsupposeIshouldn’tpiss youoffrightfromthebeginning”
Heshrugged “Youspokethetruth Icanhardlyarguewiththat”
“That’s a step forward,” she muttered, as she opened up the door to her small home and let themin. “Do youwant to explainwhyyou’vecome?”Shedugrightin,thinkingtherewasnoneedtobeataroundthebush.
“Youmean,youcan’ttell?”Calumasked,withanoteofamusement.
Sheturnedtohimandreplied,“Icantellsomethings,butthat’snotexactlywhereIliketospendmyenergy.I’mahealer. Myenergyisreservedforthat”
“That’sexactlywhywe’rehere”Thesecondmanspokethistime “IamWalker,andwe’relookingforsomebodywho’s gonemissing.”
She studied himand thenknew rightaway. “Oh, Frank, ofcourse. He was due intwo days ago and never showed up. I don’tknowhimpersonally,andIdidn’tknowifitwasmaybeacaseofcoldfeetonhispart.”
“Thatwouldbeonepossibleexplanation,”Calumagreed,withanod “Hissisterisworried”
Atthat,Ashleysighed “Ihopeyoudon’tmindifIputontheteakettle”Thenshewalkedovertoherkitchen,justasmall areathatwasmorethanenoughforher,but,withthesetwohugemeninherhouse,itseemednotnearlyenough,andsuddenly herspacelookedtoosmall.Theonewithangstinhistemperamentwaslookingatherwithanoddexpression.
She refusedtoacknowledge the energyarcingbetweenthem.She’dfeltthatonce before,and,upuntil now,nogoodhad comeofit.Shecouldn’tunderstandwhyhewasevenheretobeginwith,whenitwassoobvioushedidn’twanttobe.Sheput ontheteakettle,thenturnedtolookatWalker “Doyouknoweitherofthem,thebrotherorthesister?”
Hefrownedandshookhishead “No”
“So,whyareyouhere?”sheasked,hertonecrispanddirect.“Ifyoudon’tknowthem,whatbringsyou?”Heglancedover atCalum,asifforananswer,butCalumjustwaited,lettingWalkereitherdighisowngraveoranswerthequestioninaway thatwouldmakesense.
Walker sighed “Obviously you work with energy, so maybe you’ll understand when I say that I was driven to tell somebodyaboutaproblemoverhere,”heshared.“Now,ifyou’reaskingformoreinformationthanthat,Idon’treallyhaveit togive.”
“Andit’sthisyoungmanwho’stheproblem?”
“Hehasbecomeaproblem,”Walkerclarified.“Idon’tknowforsure.Ijustknowthat,whenIcontactedLevi,whoisthe sister’sboss,heputmeintouchwithTerkel,whosentCalumhereoverwithmetosortitout”
en As he he he n’t hat es he ng ey ul if ss to er. ’s . I all ly ad ut er ay
“So,youbothmadethetripontheassumptionthatsomethingwaswrong Yetyouhavenothingtobackitup?”Shemadethe statementasifitwerecommonplacetohavesuchascenario,butshewasastonishedinaverypleasantway.Veryfewpeople caredaboutothersenoughtoinconveniencethemselveslikethatonahunch,particularlywhentheydidn’tevenknowthewhole story.
“Somethinglikethat,yes,”Calumconfirmed,withasmile “Youknow,Terkelwouldunderstand”
Shestaredathimandnodded “Terkel?Youmentionedhimbefore”Thenshethoughtaboutit “Likesixfeettall,kindof raspytone,alittlebitcranky,verystandoffish,andneverwrong?Terkel, huh?”
Atthat,Calumlaughedandlaughed.“Ireallywishhecouldhearthatdescriptionofhimself,but,yes,that’sTerkeltoatee.”
Sheglaredathimandthencalledouttotheroomaroundthem.“Terkel,whatareyouupto?”
BothCalumandWalkerlookedatherinastonishment,butthencameanodd clap likethunder,followedbyanenergybuzz intheroom
She looked over at her visitors
“Presumably you guys can’t project yourselves, so I’ll need to assist you in this conversation.”Thensheturnedaroundandyelledagain,“Terkel,ifyoucanshowyourself,nowwouldbethetimetodoit.It’ll bealoteasierforeverybodyinvolved.”
Asuddenshimmerappearedintheroom.
Ashleylaughed “You’regettingstronger Goodforyou”
Terkel’stonerippledthroughtheroom,butitwasalittlemoretiredanddefinitelyfrustrated “Itwouldbereallyniceifyou didn’tmakelifesodifficultallthetime.”
“Yeah?Well,itwouldbereallyniceifyoudidn’tmakethelifeofotherpeoplesodifficultallthetime,”shesnappedright back.
“Forahealer,you’vegottobeoneofthemostirritatingpeopleI’veevermet,”Terkmuttered.
“Likewise,”shereplied “Sothesemencamefromyou?”
“Moreorless,yes,”heconfirmed “Calumworksforme He’spartofthesameteamIworkedwithbeforeattheCIA,only we’reprivatenow.”
Atthat,oneofhereyebrowsshotup,butAshleydidn’tsayanything,notwantingtointerrupttheflowofinformation.
“The grumpy gentleman, that would be Walker, contacted a friend of ours over a problemin Finland. As soon as we realizedthatKim’sbrotherhadgonetoseeaspecializedhealer,Idetermineditwasprobablyyouandsentthemthere”
“Yet,fromthelooksontheirfaces,neitherofthemrealizedyouknowwhoIam”
“Ididn’texactlyfilltheminonthatbecause,ofcourse,Ididn’twantthemprejudgingthesituation.”
“No, but prejudging is not the same thing as providing them with complete information,” Ashley clarified smoothly. Speakingassomebodywhohadworkedforthegovernmentuntilshecouldn’tstomachitanylonger,shecontinued.“YouandI bothknowthetruthofthat.”
“Absolutely,andIwillmakemypeacewiththemlater,”Terkadmittedsmoothly “Inthemeantime,wearetryingtolocate Kim’sbrother”
“Ifyou’retalkingaboutFrank,asItoldyourmen,hewasduetocomeinandseemetwodaysago,buthenevershowed.” Asenseofconsternationfilledtheair,andshenodded.“It’snotthefirsttimeit’shappenedwithoneofmyclients,”sheshared, abitoffalsecalmsettlingin.“Alotofpeoplegetcoldfeetwhentheyrealizewhatthey’recomingto,and,ifhehadn’tbeen warnedaheadoftime,itwouldbeevenharderonhim”
Terkadded, “Idon’tknow himand wasn’taware thathe was headed there, so Ihighlydoubthe would have listened to me.”
“Andyetyou,”shesaidinamockingtone,“haveneverbeenknownforbeingsubtle,soI’msurprisedtherewouldevenbe aquestionaboutitnow.”
“IfIdomanagetogetmyhandsonhim,”Terkreplied,“I’lltrytoexplainthesituationalittlebitbetter,buthedidn’taskfor information Nobodycametome,andunfortunatelynobodyfromLevi’ssideevenhadaglimmerofwhatwashappeningeither IjustknewatthementionofaspecialhealerinFinlandthatitwouldbeyou”
“Thanksforthatatleast.I’lltalktoyoulater.”And,withawaveofherhand,Terkeldisappeared.
Whensheturnedandlookedattheothertwo,shesaw thatbothwerebeyonddisconcerted.Shenodded.“So,whatisthis reallyabout?”
ell it he he le le of . ” zz his ’ll ou ght ly we y. dI te . ” d, en to be or er his
SEEING HER ENERGY lifeline intertwining with his, Walker was distracted and frowned at her, also not exactly sure how to proceedonlocatingFrank.“We’retryingtofindthisyoungman,”herepeated,“andIadmityou’retheonlypersonIknowwho canarrangeenergyquitelikethat”
Atthat,CalumstartedlaughingagainandspoketoAshley “Don’tmindmyrudeness,butyou’retheonlyoneI’veeverseen dismissTerklikethat.”
Sheshrugged.“We’veknowneachotheralongtime,”shesharedcomfortably,andthenshestoppedandtiltedherheadto theside,abitshocked.“GoodGod,he’sabouttobecomeafather?”
Atthat,Calumgrinned,thesmilesplittinghisface.“Yeah,hesureis.” “Andtwinsatthat,”shemuttered,withasmile “Willwondersnevercease?Thisisaday”
“Nowthatwehaveabetterunderstandingofwhoweallare,”Calumnoted,“canyouhelpuslocatethisyoungman?”
Shelookedathimandshrugged.“Idon’tknowanythingabouthim,really.AsI’vementioned,twicenow,Frankwasdueto arriveafew daysagoforahealingsession,buthedidn’tshow.Thatdoesn’tmeanawholelotinmyworldbecausealotof people don’tshow up, evenwhenthey’re supposed to. Theygetcold feet, don’trealize whatthey’re up against, somebody talksthemoutofit,orwhatever Allkindsofscenarioscanhappen”
Calumnodded “Igetthat,butIwashopingyoumighthaveanideaofhisplanneditinerary,ofhowhewastraveling,where hewascomingfrom,thingsalongthatline.”
Sheponderedthat,thenwalkedovertoasmalldeskandpickedupanappointmentbook.“HewascomingfromtheUS.He was flyingoutofTexas,as far as Iknow,andwas due intwodays ago.Iofferedtolethimstayinmyguestcabinbecause, whenI’mdoingatonofworkonsomebody,it’softentoohardforthemtoleaveforadayorso They’retooexhausted,”she murmured “And,ifthat’s the case,Idon’treallywantthemdrivingaround He couldpickupa rental car atthe airportand shouldhavebeenheredaysago,”sheexplained,withashrug,pointingouttheappointmentlistedinherbook.
Walkertookthebookfromher,checkeditgently,flippedbackacouplemonthsandnoted,“You’renotexactlybookedup.”
“No,I’msurenot,”sheagreed,takingthebookfromhishands.“Can’tsayIhaveapreferenceforkillingmyselfinthatline again.”Whenhelookedather,sheshrugged.“You’llhavetoaskTerkelaboutthat,”shemuttered.“Idon’texactlyhaveagreat historywithpeopleinthisbusiness Ionlyhelpthosewhomaketheirwaytome” “Whyisthat?”Walkerasked
“BecauseIbelievethattheyaretheonesI’msupposedtohelp,”shestatedsimply.“IfIadvertiseordoanythingalongthat line, it would be a never-endingcircus ofpeople, includingjournalists, medical professionals, and various other whatnots. NoneofwhichIwantinmyworld,noramIpreparedtodealwiththem.”
Calumsmiled “Thatisveryunderstandable Assomebodywhowasdraggedintoallthis,dealtwiththeCIAandtherestof thegovernment,sidebysidewithTerkel,Iunderstandhowuglythingscanget I’msorryfortheexperiencesyou’vehad,but,if you’rewaitingforpeoplewhoareinneedtocometoyou,”hesuggested,“surelyyouwouldhavegonelookingforthisyoung manwhenhedidn’tshowup.”
Shelookedathim,thensmiled.“Notnecessarily.Heisn’texactlylost.He’sjustnothereatmydoor.”
“Ah.”Calumnodded.“Isupposethatmakesadifference.”
“Ofcourseitmakesadifference,”shedeclared “Hecouldhavebeenintown,orhecouldevenbetherenow,stillsecondguessinghimself”
“Dopeoplereallygetthatmuchinthewayofthemselvesoverthis?”Walkeraskedcuriously. Shenodded.“Anawfullotofpeopledon’treallyunderstandwhatIdoandwhyIdoit.Sothen,whentheycome,theyare hesitantaboutwhatIhavetotellthem.”
“Howisyoursuccessrate?”Calumasked
She looked athim, and Walker could see the confusioninher eyes “Whatdo youmean?” she asked, clearlynotseeing wherehewascomingfrom.
Calum shrugged. “We have some pretty phenomenal healers working with Terkel now. I just wondered … ” Then he stopped,realizingexpressinghiswholethoughtprobablywouldsoundinsulting.
“Youwondered how Istackup againstthem?” she asked, witha note ofamusement. “Believe me. Claryand Cara don’t giveacrap”
Hiseyebrowsshotup “No,Idon’timaginetheywould Youknowthem,doyou?” “Iknowthemashealersontheethers,”shemurmured.“Weallworkthesamehighways,thesameenergy.I’veevenbeen knowntoassistatcertaintimes,mostlyanonymously,justbecauseIreallydon’twanttointerfereinanythinggoingonintheir space.”
Atthat,heletoutasilentwhistle “Dotheyhaveanyidea?”
“ThatI’mhelping?Ofcourse,”shestated,“butthatdoesn’tmeanthey’reacknowledgingitthough.Inthatsituation,ifthey needhelpfromsomeonelikeme,thereisn’tmuchtimeorenergyforidlechatter.”
to ho en to to of dy re He e, he nd ne at hat ts. of if ng dre ng he n’t en eir
“Thatmakessense,Iguess.Idon’treallyknowthatmuchaboutitmyself.”
“Isuspecttheydon’treallytalkmuchaboutwhatwedobecause,…let’sfaceit,notmanypeoplegetit.”
“No,you’rerightthere,”Calumsaid “We’veseenthemdosomeprettyphenomenalthingswhenhealingus,asthelastyear hasbeenextremelyhardonallofus,includingTerk SoyoumightwanttocutTerkelabitofslack”
Shesnortedatthat.“Terkelwouldn’teventhankmeifIdid,sotheanswertothatis hell no. ”
Heburstoutlaughing.“Okay,itsoundslikeyoureallydoknowTerkandhisteam.”
“Ido,” she declared. “Of them, anyway. I know people like them, and, whether youare the same or not, I don’t know. However, I’ve had more thanenoughof government interference, government issues, bureaucracy, dictators, orders I didn’t like,couldn’tfollow,andfoughtagainst Iwatchedthewrongpeopledieandthewrongpeoplerisetopower So,Ireallyam notinterestedinhavinganythingtodowiththatatall.”
“Youwon’tgetanargumentfrommeonthat,”Walkeradded.“Terk’steamandIfeelthesameway.”
Sheturnedandlookedathim.“Doyou?”
“Ido,”hestated,histonesincere,ashestudiedher.“Youwanttoliveinaworldwhereyouwanttotrustpeople,but,in yourheartofhearts,youcan’t Still,thatdoesn’tmeanyoucan’thealatthatsamelevel Myunderstandingisthatanybodywho isahealerhastoworkfromlove,hastoworkfromthatspeciallevelofunderstandingthetruevalueoflife,notfromanger So therehastobeawayforyoutofindthatspecialconnectioninordertodowhatyoudo.”
Shenodded.“You’reright,whichisalsowhyIpickandchoosemyclientsverycarefully,”shereplied.“Inthiscase,Iwas willingtotakeonFrankbecausehewassodesperateandbecauseeverybodyelsehadgivenuponhim.”
Calumstiffened “Weneverheardanythingaboutwhatwaswrongwithhim”
“No,andhedidn’ttellhissistereither,”Ashleyshared,“sonobodyonthatsideofhislifeknows”
Calumnodded.“Oh,man,beingaloneandfacingsomesortofmajorhealthcrisisisnoteasy.That’srough.”
“It’snotonlydifficult,”shenotedsadly,“but,inhiscase,it’slikelytobefatal.”
“Buthe’syoung,”Calumargued.
“He’stwenty-eight,”Ashleystatedsimply,“whichisoldenough,butwhenitcomestolosingwhat’simportantinlife,you canbetitwon’tbeoldenoughatall”
“IfeelbadforKimthough,”Calummurmured “Shehasnoidea”
“That’sthewayFrankwantedit.Hewantedtoeitherliveordiehiswaythroughthis,buttonothaveeverybodybesadand angrybecauseofwhat’shappening,”sheexplained.
Walkeradded,“AsmuchasIunderstandthat,peoplecareabouthim,lovehim,and,ifit’spossibletosavehim,itwouldbe nicetoknowitcouldhappen”
“It’spossible,butheneededtobehere”
“You’reusingthepasttense,”Calumstatedsharply.
Shelookedathimandnodded.“Unconsciously.”
“YouandIbothknowthatevensayingthatunconsciously isbadnews.”
“I used it unconsciously because he’s not here,” she clarified. “I’mnot saying he’s dead. That is not the vibration I’m getting”
Calumrelaxedslightly “Isurehopeyou’rerightaboutthat Kimisquiteworriedabouthim”
ASHLEYSTARED OFF inthedistance,thennodded “I’llhavesometea,whileIthinkaboutthis”Whenthemensharedalook,she nodded “Youarewelcometohaveteawithme,oryoucanleave Ireallydon’tcare”
Walkersnorted.“Decidedtotakeapagefrommybook, huh?”
Shegavehimasmall smile.“Sometimesyouuseanger,ignorance,or justplainbadmannerstochasepeopleaway,”she noted,lookingamused.“Itrynotto,butsomehowit’sjusteasierthatway.”
“It’seasier,butit’salsonotfairtothosearoundus”
Atthat,shelaughed “Asifyou’reonetotalk”
“Iknow.You’reright,”Walkeradmitted,histonesteady.“Idefinitelyhaven’tbeentheeasiesttolivewith,butthatdoesn’t meanIwouldsendpeoplepackingwhoneededmyhelp.”
“Idon’tknowwhatitisyouwantfromme,”Ashleyreplied.“You’llhavetogooutandfindFrank.Ifyoubringhimtome,
ey ar w.
n’t m in ho So as ou nd be m he he n’t me,
I’llhelphimbecausehecametomydoor However,ifyoucan’tbringhimtome,Ican’tdoanythingtohelp” “Areyousureaboutthat?”Calumaskedgently.
She looked at him and then nodded. “I’m not a seeker. I’m not a hunter. I’m a healer. So, if and when you bring me somebodytoheal,I’lldomybest.Otherthanthat,you’reonyourown.”
Sheknewtheydidn’tlikewhatshehadtosay,butit’snotasifshewasmakingthingsup.Thesewerejustthefactsoflife, andtheyhadtorealizeshecoulddoonlysomuch IftheybroughtFranktoher,shewoulddoeverythingshecouldtohelpthis youngman,butsomethingelsewasaroundFrank,andshedidn’tlikeit
Asthemenwenttoleave,shecalledafterthem.“Idon’tknowwhatthisisworthbecauseit’snotmyfield,butIdefinitely sense…”Sheponderedwhatshewouldsaynext.“Ialmostwanttosaydanger aroundhim.”
“Whatkindofdanger?”Calumasked,studyinghercarefully.
Shelookedoverathim,tryingtothinkofhowtosayit “It’snoteasytosay,but ”Shehesitatedandthenletitslide “I seetwomenwithhim,andI’mnotsurewhothesemenare,butthey’renothappy It’salmostasifmaybeFranksawsomething hewasn’tsupposedtosee.Idon’tknow.ButIalsogetthefeelingthatFrankmadeitmostofthewayhere,andnowIhavea senseonhispartthathe’s ”
“Lost,”Walkerfilledin.“I’mpickingthatuptoo.”
Shefacedhimandshrugged.“Heisn’t.Lost,thatis.Atleast,notyet.Ifyoucangethimtomethen…”Shelethertonetrail off
WalkerglancedatCalum,andthetwomennoddedatherandsteppedoutontoherfrontporch
Theystoodtheretalking,whileshesippedhertea.Theyobviouslydidn’tknowthatshecouldhearthemfairlyclearly,but theywouldbereportingtoTerkelwithinseconds,andsheknewthatwouldstirthepotbecauseTerkelknewaboutalotofher abilities,ifnotallofthem.
Whenherphonerangjustminuteslater,sheansweredit,lookingoutthewindowtoseethetwomendrivingaway “Now what,Terkel?”
“Ineedyoutogivemeanythingyouhaveonthisyoungman.”
“Ialreadygaveittoyourmen,whoarejustnowdrivingaway,”shestated,feelingthatsamefatiguesettlingdeepinside.
“Youcan’tsavetheworld,youknow?”
Shelaughed.“Whichis whyI’mlivingontheedgeoftheworld,awayfromitall,awayfromthatnightmarecalledwar, called government, called whatever youwantto call it,” she shared “Idid thatfor as longas Icould, for as longas Iwas forcedto,untilIcouldbargainmywayoutofthere,andnowI’mhiddenwithgoodreason Sotheycan’tfindme Remember? Thefactthatyourguysarrivedonmydoorstepdoesn’tmakemehappy.”
“Youcan’thideforever,”Terksaidgently.“Youcancomejoinushere.Wecouldprotectyou.”
Shegaveabrokenlaugh.“Youmightprotectme,”shewhispered,“butsomuchmoreiswrongwithmethatIdon’tthink anybodycanhelp”
“You’rewrongaboutthat,youknow?”hecountered,histonegentle “I’msogladyou’restillalive”
“I’malive,andyouandIbothknowthere’sanongoingscenario.”
“Yetyouhaven’tdoneanythingaboutit,”Terknoted,abitmoreharshlythanheintended,“and,forthat,I’malsograteful.”
Shefeltthetearswellingupinthebackofhereyes.“I’mgladyouthinkso,”shemuttered.“Somedaysaregood,andthen therearetherest.”
“Ithinkthat’strueforeverybody”
“Andyet,”shereplied,hertonesmilingnow,“youhavetwinsontheway” Hechuckled.“Ido,and,no,Ihadnoideathatwouldeverbeapartofmyworld.Icouldneverhaveimaginedthiswould bemynewnormal.”
“I’mreallygladfor you.Youdeserve it.You’re one ofthe goodguys,Terkel,and,ifyoucanfindthis youngman,Itold yourmenthatIwoulddothebestIcould I’mjust I’mnotsurethatanythingcanbedone,particularlyatthisstage Frank wasalreadyatacriticaljuncturepriortoallthis Sothesoonersomebodybringshimtome,thebetter”
“WhataboutClaryandCara?”heasked.“Calummentionedsomethingaboutyouknowingthem?”
“Youshouldaskthem,”shesuggested,withalaugh.“Maybetheydon’tknowme,ormaybetheydon’twanttoacknowledge thattheyknowme.Remember?Whenyou’rebroken,mostpeoplejumpshipandignorethefactthatyoueverexisted.”
“Idoknowthat,”hecountered,“butI’veneverbeenoneforjumpingship.JustlikeMcClintocktoo.Plus,Iwouldn’tknow how to start Still, I would need one hell of a big ship anyway because I always insist that my friends come with me Rememberthat”
Withthat,herangoff,leavingherwithtearsstreamingdownhercheeks.
me e, his ly “I ng a ail ut er w ar, as r? nk en ld ld nk ge w me
IN THEVEHICLE,headingbacktothenearesttown,CalumlookedoveratWalker.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ashley’sbrokenyetdoesn’tquiterealizethatshe’sessentiallyhealedagain,”hereplied. Startled,Calumlookedoverathim “That’snotquitewhatImeant”
“Youasked,andthat’swhatIgot”
“Ithinkyou’rerightthough.She’sbeenlivingouthereonherownforsolongthatshedoesn’trealizehow,inmanyways, shedoesn’tneedtoanymore.Shedoesn’twanttoknow,”hestated.
“Herworldwastornapartbywhateverhappened,andshe’sstill…Iwon’tsay fighting it,butsheisn’texactlyfreeand clearaboutacknowledgingthatshehashealed.She’sstilltryingtogetawayfromanybodywhomightbetryingtogethertodo somethingshedoesn’twanttodo”
“It’s a scaryworld outthere whenyou’re like us,” Calumadmitted. “IfIhadn’thad Terkel all these years, Idon’tknow howwellIwouldhavedone.”
Surprised,Walkerlookedathim.“ThefactthatyouhaveTerkelishuge.”
“Itreallyis,andIknowalotofpeopledon’treallygetthat,buthe’sbeeninstrumentalinpullingusalltogether,especially after our own government went after us” He quickly shared a shortened version of that story, and, when he was finished, Walkerwasstunned
“GoodGod,”Walkersworesoftly.“Youwouldthinktheywouldlearn.”
“Nope, notonlydo they not learn, theydon’tcare to learn. They’re justoutfor themselves, ensuringthattheir butts are covered. Itmakes no difference to themaboutanybodyelse, and that’s where the problemcomes in. All ofus have had our problemsandissueswiththegovernment,butnoneofuseverdreamedtheywouldtrytotakeusalloutlikethat”
“Isitovernow?”
“Itis,thankGod.Nowwe’resetupinacastle,likearealcastle,intheoutskirtsofManchester.I’vegottotellyouthatit’s oneofthecoolestplacestolivethatyoucouldeverimagine.”
“Onlyifyou’veupdatedtheplumbingandelectrical,”Walkerquipped,laughing.
“Nokidding.Plus,itcomeswithabunchofpropertieswithhousesoutonthelanditselfandwhatnot.”
“You’rethinkingaboutAshley,aren’tyou?”
Calumshrugged “Just something that I know frompersonal experience When you’re out in the cold, it’s very hard to believeinanythingandanyoneelse.Butthen,whenyoufindoutyouhaveateamwhocaresandwhocanhelp,butwill also keeptheirdistanceandnotcrowdyou,it’slife-changing.”
Walkerfrownedathim,andCalumlaughed.“Yeah,andyoutoo,”headded.“Iknowthatshewouldbebetterofftherewith us,andIhighlysuspectthatyouwouldthrivethereaswell”
“WhatifIdidn’t?”
“Thenyoucouldleave,”Calumoffered.“Terk’steamisnotthegovernment.Nobodyisforcinganybodytodoanything.You could stayor go. Whenyoufind yourselfaround a group oflike-minded people who care and who have some ofthe same issuesasyou,it’sarealgame-changer.”
“Maybe,”Walkermuttered.“NotsureI’mreadyforsomethinglikethat,thoughitsoundslikeacommuneorsomething.”
“Yeah, Igetthat To a certainextent, we were all hesitantonthataspectas well,” he shared, “notonlylivingwitheach other butknowingour special energy-workingskills However, we don’tintrude onthe others inour team We setup those rules to respect each other. Even now, with all the babies coming at probably the same time, having all these built-in babysitters will be a boon, plus the babies will thrive in an environment where they all belong. So, yeah, even with any expecteddrawbacks,it’sallworkedoutwaybetterthananyofuscouldhaveimagined.Imean,itwasn’texactlywhatanyof us were looking for, but trust Terkel to know what we needed,” he shared, taking on a serious tone, “and that’s the big difference Wetrustedhim,andthebigguydidn’tletusdown”
SuchaffectionfilledhistonethatWalkerwassurprised.Thenagainafterthistalkaboutbabies…maybenothingaboutthis group would surprise him again. “I know he appears to always have a lot of supporters around him. That in itself is admirable.”
“Terkel doesn’tgive a crap about admirable, ” Calumstated cheerfully. “That’s nothis style, buthe does care abouthis peopleandwhattheyareuptoandwhetherthey’redoingtherightthingforthemselvesornot”Calumlaughed “Idon’teven knowwhathewouldsayaboutyou,butIdoknowthatheworriesaboutyou,andthatwouldbeTerkelalloveragain”Calum sighed.
“Hedoesn’tneedtoworry.Youknowthat,right?”
“Sure,andIcouldtellhimthatuntilI’mblueintheface.Itwon’tmakeadamnbitofdifference,”herepliedcheerfully.
ys, nd do w ly d, re ur ’s to so th ou me ch se in ny of ig his is his en um
AndthatwassomethingelsethatWalkerknewwastrue “Damn,”hemuttered “Nopressure,noneatall,”Calummurmuredbutthenchuckled.“I’mjusttellingyouthat,ifyoueverwanttohaveaplace tocomeinoutofthecold,wehaveaspotforyou.”
“Isthatwhatit’llbe,acollectiveformisfits?”heaskedsuddenly.
“I’mnotsureaboutthemisfitpartbecauseitcertainlyseemslikeeverybodytherefunctionsprettyhighlyandcouldn’tbe peggedasamisfit Yetweallneededahome,asafeplace,and,Ithink,inthatsense,whatwe’redoingisveryvaluable” “Maybeso,”Walkerconceded,“butitstillsoundslikeawaywardhouseforlostandlonelypsychics” Calumburstoutlaughing.“Icanseehow youcouldlookatitthatwayandevengetalittleoffended,”headmitted,with anotherchuckle,“butI’msureyouknowverywellhowfewpeopleouttherewillevenhaveanythingtodowithusbecauseof thethingswecando.Imean,ifyouknowthatsomebodycanreadyourmind,wouldyouwanttheminyourhouse?”
Atthat,Walkerfelthisownpsychicdoorsslammingshut,andCalumburstoutlaughingagain “Hey,Idon’treadminds,”he pointedout,“soyou’resafe Fornow”
“Yeah,saysyou,”Walkermuttered.“It’sstillprettyunnervingtohaveTerkelwalkingthroughmybrainallthetime.” “Yeah,untilyourealizewhyhe’sdoingitandhowmuchfasterandeasieritisonallofussometimes.”
“Yeah,inwhatway?”
“Ifanythingiswrongwithmysonormywife,whereverIamintheworld,youcanbetthatIknow Terkel’sgotmyback. Plus,hehashealerstheretohelpusgetthroughwhateveritisthatneedstobegottenthrough And,justlikethat,therestofthe teamcomestogether
Ithinkofusasbrothersinaway Nowbrothers and sisters We’veallbeentohellandbackalready, butwe’restilltherebecausewecare.IgivefullkudostoTerkelforhavingusalllivetogetherthere,”hestated.“Especially now thatwehavefamilies.Inthemeantime,wehavetofindthisyoungman.Ithink,inhisownway,Frankmayfeel likethe worldhaswalkedawayfromhimandlefthimoutinthecold.”
Atthenearestsmall town,theystoppedinatthelocal motel andbookedaroomfor thenight As theywerecheckingin, CalumpulledoutapictureofKim’sbrotherandaskedthewomanatthefrontdeskifshe’dseenhim Shelookedatthephoto,thenshookherhead.“No,”shesaidinitially,butthenshefrownedandlookedatthepictureagain. “Maybe,buthedidn’tlookthatgood.”
“He’ssick.HecameheretoseeAshley.”
Hereyeswidened,andshedrewacrossoverherchest,butshenoddedquickly.“Thenthatcouldhavebeenhim.Heasked foraroom,andIwasgettingitforhim,butthenhegotcalledoutsidebysomebodyheseemedtoknow AsIrecall,hewentout andthencamebacktocanceltheroombecausehealreadyhadaplacetostay”Sheshrugged “ThenextthingIknew,hewas gone.”
“Didyouseewhohetalkedto?”
Sheshookherhead.“No,Ididn’tseetheman oranyoneforthatmatter.Itwasablackcar,butthat’sallIhaveforyou,” sherepliedapologetically
“Thankyou,”Calumsaid,withasmile,andsherelaxedatthat Hequicklypaidfortheirroomforthenightandgotthekey Astheygotuptotheroom,Walkernoddedwithreliefthattwobigbedswerethereforthem.“Iwasafraidthat,inasmall placelikethismotel,wewouldendupinthesamebed.”
“If that’s what happened, we would have made it work,” Calumstated. “One of us could have hit the floor if it was a problem.We’llprobablywindupondifferentshiftsanyway.”
“Trueenough,”Walkermuttered “Whatdoyouthinkaboutwhatthedeskclerksaid?”
“SoundslikeFrankknewsomebody,althoughhewasn’texpectingtomeetanyone I’mnotsurewhetherthatwasafriendof hisorwhat.Whoknows?Maybehedidknowsomebodyhere.”Calumpulledouthisphone.“I’msendingatexttoLevitohave himgrillKimalittle.WeneedtofindoutwhoFrankmighthavehadforfriends,hereandelsewhere.Andhowdidhefindout aboutAshley?Thefactthathewaswillingtomakethetripoverheretoseeherisinterestinginitself.Hisevenknowingabout herisalsoontheoddside”
“Whyisitodd?”
“Sheonlyacceptssomanypeople,andtheoneswhomaketheirwaytoherhaveheardfromsomeoneelseshehadalready treatedorknew.Howdoesanybodyfindher?”
“I’msureshewouldsaythat’sthepsychicpartagain,and,ifyouweresomebodyshecouldhelp,youwouldgetthere,and, ifyouweren’tsomebodyshecouldhelp,thenyouwouldn’t.”
“Thatcouldbeexactlywhat’sgoingon,butlet’sfindoutifanyfriendsofFrankhadcomeherebeforehim”Theyquickly unpacked,and,justastheywereheadingouttofindsomethingtoeat,Levicontactedthemwiththeanswers “NoknownfriendsinFinland.”
“Great,”Walkermuttered.
Levi continued.“NobodyKimknows ofover there knew Frankwas coming,butthatdoesn’tmeanhe didn’ttell people.
ce be th of he k. he dy, ly he n, n. ed ut as u,” all a of ve ut ut dy d, ly e.
Thatisawholedifferentstory JustbecauseKimknewnothingdoesn’tmeanFrankdidn’ttellahalf-dozenotherpeople” “Exactly,”Walkeragreed.“Thequestionis,whowouldhehavetold?Andeventhoughhemaywellhavetoldpeople,what differencedoesitmake?”
“Wouldtheyhavecomeoverheretoseehim?”Calumasked.“Maybetheywantedtopersuadehimnottogoseethiscrazy healer,youknow?Imean,maybetheyreallylovedandbelievedhimbutwereterrifiedofwhatsomebackwoodshealermight do Therecouldbeallkindsofscenarioslikethat”
Soontheyheaded into a small café, sat down, thenordered dinner while theydiscussed the case Bythe time the food arrived, they were more than ready to eat and tucked into it quickly. As they sat here afterward, sipping coffee, Walker murmured,“Ashley’sveryunique.”
Calumlookedathimandsmiled.“Sheis,indeed.She’salsofairlygifted.”
“Yeah,I’lltalktoTerkelaboutwhatshementionedaboutthetwohealerwomen”
“I’m sure they’re all discussing it right now” Calum laughed “Particularly if the twins knew she was there in prior healingsbuthadn’treallybeenawareofherpresence.”
“Ashleydidn’tseemallthatunusualwhenwewerethere,”Walkernoted,“soI’mnotreallysurehowIfeelaboutthat.ButI alsopresumesomeenergywasflyingaroundthatroomthatwecouldn’treallyseeorfeel.Notmeatleast.Didyoufeelit?”
“No,Ididn’t,”Calumreplied,“butIthinkshehadeverythingpulledintightagainsther,thatprotectivenessagain.”
“Ofcourseallthatdoesismakeyouwanttofindoutwhathappenedtoher” “Exactly”
Justthenabent-overoldmanwalkeduptotheirtable,lookingatthemwithasharpeye.“YouwereatAshley’s.”
Theybothnodded.“Wewere,”Calumreplied,withasmile,andhemotionedattheemptyseat.“Didyouwanttojoinus?” Theothermanhesitated.“Whatdoyouwantwithher?”
WalkerrealizedthatconcernforAshleyhadbroughthimover Hesmiledattheoldergentlemanandshared,“Shewasdue tohavesomebodycometo her Hemadetheappointmentbutdidn’tshow up Thatyoungmanisthebrotherofafriendof ours,andwebelievehe’sgonemissing.”
Atthat,theolderman’seyeswidened,andhestaredatthemforaverylongtime.Finallyhenodded.“Weirdthingshappen here,”hesharedcautiously.
“Theycanhappenanywhere,”Walkerstated,“butthatweirdnesscomesfrompeople,notfromjustplaces.”
Theoldmanchuckled “Isn’tthatthetruth,”hemuttered “Idon’twantanythingtohappentoher”
“Igetit,”Walkerconfirmed “We’renotheretohurther”
Againcamethatsameintenselook,andthenhenodded.“Seethatyoudon’t.”Withthat,heslowlymovedofftothedoor.
WalkerwantedtorunafterhimandaskfordetailsonAshley,butknowingthatthemanwasheretosupportAshleyandto lookafter her also meant that he wouldn’t likelyspill the private details Walker was curious to know about. Better that he asked her directly Whether she answered himor notwould be a differentstory, butatleasthe would have made anhonest attempttogettothetruth
Theypaidfortheirdinner,gotup,andwalkedoutside,butnosoonerhadtheyheadedinthedirectionofthemotel,Calum spokeup.“We’vegotatail.”
“Yeah,ontheleft,twomen,”Walkermuttered.
“Iseejustone,”Calumadmitted,glancingatWalker.
Walkeradded,“Theotheroneisfartherbehind Ifyouseetheenergytrail,athreadconnectsthetwoofthem” Calumponderedthatforaminute “Interesting Ican’tseetheenergytrailatall” “Trustme.They’reboththere,andthey’reconnected.”
“Ithoughtyouwereaprecog?”
“Iam, thoughIdon’tgenerallytell people because the whole business ofprecogs tends to be kind ofa crap show,” he muttered “Imightberighttoday,andImightbewrongtomorrow”
“YouwererightaboutFrank”
“Maybe,maybenot,”Walkermuttered.“It’sreallytooearlytotell.”
“No, not at all. We cantell alreadythat we have a problemonour hands. So now it’s just a matter of figuringout the details.”
“Well,”Walkeradded,“IhopeKim’sokaywiththedetailsbeingabitsketchyatthemomentbecauseIhighlysuspectthat thistailwillwanttotalktousbutprobablyhasnoknowledgetoshare” “Yeah,youthink?”
“Yep,consideringthewaythey’removinguponus.Plus,they’lljustbethelocalhiredthugs.”
“Howdoyouwanttoplayit?”Calumasked.
“Goodquestion.”Walkersighed.“Personally,I’mallaboutjustbustingitwideopenandaskingwhatthehelltheywant.”
hat zy ght od er or tI ue of en to he est um he he hat
“Sounds goodtome” Calumlaughed “Ifnothingelse itwouldgive us a goodidea whotheyare Bythe time we brace them,they’lleitherbeaggressiveashellorproclaimingtheirinnocence.Myvoteisthey’llpretendtobeinnocent.”
“Let’sfindout,shallwe?”Walkerasked.“We’lljustconfrontthemthenandseewhatwe’vegot.”Withthathelookedover atCalumandadded,“I’llgrabthisclosestguyinthree,two,one.”Withthat,Walkerturnedonthespotandquicklysnatchedthe manbehindhimandpinnedhimagainstthewallaroundthecorner.
Thestrangerdidn’tevenhaveachancetoopenhismouth,andhestood,glaringathim “Whyareyoufollowingus?”Walkerasked,histonehard ThemanlookedathimandingutturalEnglishtriedtoplayitcool.“Notfollowing.” “Yes,youare,”Walkerstated. Themanshookhisheadseveraltimes.
Walker stepped back to study him and decided to go all-in “Did you have something to do with that young man’s disappearance?”
Thestrangerglaredathim,startingtolosesomeofthatinnocence,butagainshookhishead. Atthatgiveaway,Walkersmiled.“We’lljustseewhatyourpartnerhastosayaboutthat.”
“Nopartner,”hesaid.
“Yeah?Idon’tbelieveyou,”Walkerreplied.
JustthenCalumcamearoundthecorner,pushingasecondman,whowasprotestingattheroughhandling Whenhesawhis partner,hesubsided “Nowthatwehavebothofyouhere,”Calumannounced,histonethreatening,“Isuggestyoustarttalking” Thesecondmansneeredathim.“Whyshouldwe?”
“Because we’re lookingfor thatyoungman,” Walker replied,raisinghis voice,“andwe’re notgoinganywhere until we findhim.”
Atthat,thefirstmanstartedtogetnervousandmumbledsomething Thesecondoneturnedtohimandyelled,“Shutup” “Ididn’thaveanythingtodowiththat,”thefirstguywailed “Honest” “Idon’texpectmuchinthewayofhonestyfromscumlikeyou,”Walkerstated,glaringathim.“Nowtellmewhathappened tothatyoungman.”
“Nothing,”thefirstguysaid,“atleast,nothingIknow about.”Heturnedandlookedathis partner,whowas now openly glaringathim.
“Soundslikeyoutwoareonadifferentventurehere,”Walkernoted “No,no,notatall,”thetalkativefirstguyargued “Idon’tknowwhattheproblemis” Buthispartnerstillglaredathim.
Walkerpointedtohispartner.“Apparentlyhedoes,andhe’sjustnotwillingtotalk.”
Thefirstmanstartedtosaysomethingbutthenfellsilent.
CalumlookedoveratWalker “Soundslikeweneedthelocalauthorities” “Yep,”hemuttered Hesteppedbacktopullouthisphone
Thefirstmanwailed,“Wait.Youdon’tunderstand.Ican’thavethelawinvolved.”
“WhatdoIcare?”Walkerasked.“You’refollowingstrangersintown,soyouobviouslyknew youwereheadingforthis. Whatdifferencedoesitmaketomeifthelawpicksyouupandtakesyouinforalittletalk?”
“Ofcourse we’ll wanttofindsomeone who’s honestandclear inthis town,whichwill take a little bit,Iwouldguess,” Calumnoted “We’llprobablytalktoafewofthem,butweareboundtofindatleastone,right?”
Atthat,thefirstman,hisAdam’sappleinhisthroatbobbingupanddownnervously,muttered,“Ididn’thaveanythingtodo withtheguydisappearing.”
“Sowhyareyoufollowingus?”Walkerasked.
Heshrugged.“Iwashired.Theygavemeacouplehundreddollarbillstokeeptrackofwhereyouwent.”
“Nowweneedtoknowwhothatwas,howtheycontactedyou,andhowIcancontactthem,”Calumdeclaredinaless-thanpleasanttone
Thetalkativefirstguyshookhishead.“No,no,no,itdoesn’tworkthatway.Iwon’tgetpaidifyoucontactthem.”
“Soundstomeasifyouwon’tgetpaidatallifyourpartnerherehashissaybecausehe’lljustturnyouinforgivinghimup tothelaw.”Walkerturnedandlookedatthesecondman,whowasstillglaring,andthenWalkerlaughed.“Yeah,heknowsthe score.Themissingguyisyoung,andhedoesn’treallyunderstandwhatthisisallabout.Butyoudo,don’tyou?”Walkerasked thesilentguy
Now the second guyspoke “That’s interestingnews to me Youdon’tknow whatyou’re talkingabout None ofthis is a problem.”
Walker frowned.“Maybenotfor you,butitmightbefor somebodyelse,particularlyifpeoplearelookingfor somebody who’sgonemissing.”
ce er he n’s his g” we ed ly s. , ” do nup he ed a dy
“Idon’t know anythingabout the youngman,” the second guyrepeated “We were just hired to watchyouguys You’re strangers,andnobodytrustsstrangersaroundtheseparts.”
“Now nobodywill hire the two ofyouto watchstrangers for no reasoneither,” Walker stated, glaringathim. “Ireally don’tgiveashit,sowecanjustcallthelocalLEOsandletthemdealwithit.”
“Goahead,”thesecondguyprodded,“asifanybodywillcare.”
“Right,becausewe’restrangers,”Walkerrepeated “Absolutely”
Just thena voice filled his head. Tell him McClintock would care. Walker shuffled that around for a moment and then receivedahardpokefrominside.Heglared,yetfollowedthroughwiththesuggestion.“I’mthinkingMcClintockwouldcare,” hemurmured,andtheresponsewaselectric.
The second guyturned nervouslytoward the first one “Well, shit,” he muttered The two hired local thugs bothlooked slightlysick
“So, will youtalknow?” Walker asked, curious as shit now and wonderingwho this McClintockguywas, giventheir reactiontohisname.
“Look.Theyjustwantedtoknowwhatyouwereupto.Nobodyherelikesstrangersintown.” “Idon’tbelieveyou,”Walkersaid.
“That’sallI’vegotforyou,”thesecondguyrepliedinexasperation “Wegotaphonecall,tellingusitwasworthacouple hundredbuckstofindoutwhatyouwereuptobecausethey’dheardaboutstrangerslurkingintown”
“So,that’showyouguystreatvisitors,isit?”Calumaskedcuriously.“Isawalotoftouristswhenwecameintotown,and twomenlikeuswillhardlycauseallkindsofheadachesforyou,unlessyoudeservethem.”
“Butwedon’tknowthat,”thesecondmanarguedsmoothly.“Andobviouslyourbossesdidn’tknowthat.”
“Right,”Walkerquippedindisgust “I’vegotamessageforyouandyourbosses We’rehere,andwe’lldowhateverwe wanttodo,andnothingtheycandowillstopus Now,withthatoutoftheway,ifweseeyouonourtailsagain,we’llhaulyou tojail.How’sthat?”
“Youdidn’thaulustojailnow,soIhighlydoubtthatthreatheldanywater.”
“MaybenotbutMcClintockwillbeinformed.”
Atthat,theybothlookedateachothernervously.
“Isuggestyougetlost,”Calumstated,releasingthesecondman “Remembertotakethatmessagebacktoyourbosses”
“We also want the young man returned to us,” Walker added, “and, if we find out you had anything to do with the kidnapping,believeme,thislittlemeetingtonightwillbetheeasiestofthethingsyou’llfaceinthenexttenyears.”
And,withthat,bothmentookoffandracedaroundthecorner.
WalkerlookedoveratCalum.“Whatthehell’sgoingon?”
“I’mnotsure,”Calumadmitted,thenlookedoverathim “Wheredidyougetthatnamefrom?”
Walkersnorted “IwouldhavesaidTerkel,buttherewasanextrafemininepush,likeanimpatientpokewhenIdidn’tfork overthename,soI’mprettysurethatwasAshleyinmyhead.Andwhatthehellisthatabout,whenpeoplecanjustturnupin yourheadandstarttalking?Youknow,forsomebodywho’sveryantisocial,Ashleysuregotpushyinahurry.”
Calumlookedathimandsmirked.“Shedidn’tpopintomybrain,”hesaid.
“Yeah,believeme.Inoticed.However,thename McClintock didprovokeaveryinterestingreactionfromourtails.”
“Itsuredid,butnowIjustwanttoknowwhothisMcClintockguyis,”Calumadmitted,“becauseitsoundsasifhemightbe thepoweronthisislandandsomeonewhowouldbegoodtohaveonourside”
Walkergrimaced.“Doesn’tmeanit’sapowerthatwouldbeonoursidethough.Itcouldjustbeanamethatraisesalotof fear.”
“Sure,whichalsomeans,chancesare,he’snotoneofthegoodguys,andthat’sawholedifferentstory.”
“Exactly,”Walkermuttered,“andwedon’treallyhaveverymuchtogoon”
“So,arewegoingtothemotel,orareweheadingbacktotalktoourladyhealerwhogaveusthename?”JustthenCalum’s phonerang.Hepulleditfromhispocket,lookedatthescreen,andsmiled.“Hello,Ashley.”
“Youdon’tneed to come backhere,” she stated, her tone clear and crisp. “McClintockis waitingfor you.” She quickly gave himan address. “You’ve got twentyminutes, so get your butts over there,” and, withthat, she ended the call. Calum lookedoveratWalker.“Idon’tknowwhathergameis,buthermethodologyiscertainlyclear.”
“WhoisthisMcClintock?”Walkermuttered
“We’re supposed to go find out, apparently,” Calumreplied, punchinginthe address she’d givenhimto his phone The address came up as onlya few blocks away. “It’s nearby, so let’s go take a lookand see whatthis guyhas to do withthis mess,” Calumsuggested. “Ifnothingelse, the factthathe gotthatkind ofresponse fromour tails makes me curious to meet him.”
“Youmightbecurioustomeethim,”Walkercountered,“butthatdoesn’tmeanthatweshouldbewalkingintothis,trusting her.”
“True,andthat’s apointI’mquiteawareof,”Calummuttered.“However,I’mnotsurewehaveawholelotofchoiceat thispoint.”
“Yeah, butwe also don’tknow, and Ihate to saythis, butwe don’tknow thatshe didn’thave somethingto do withthat young man’s disappearance” Somebody smacked him psychically on the side of the head In his brain, he roared and smackedbackalmostinstinctively Anoddsilencecameinhishead,andthenhemuttered,“Enoughofthat,”hesnapped out loud.
AtCalum’sfrown,Walkerglaredathispartner.“Shejustsmackedme…hard,soIsmackedherback.”
Calum was dumbfounded for a second, then his eyebrows shot up. “Wow, you guys have an interesting relationship already”
“It’snotarelationship That wouldbebuiltonrespect”Therewasanoddpulseinhisjaw,thenalaughrippledthrough, andhesighed.“NowIthinkshe’slaughingatme.”
“Yeah,itsoundslikeit,”Calumaddedcomfortably.“Thisisgettingmoreandmorefascinatingbythesecond.”
“Gladyou’rehavingfun,”Walkermuttered.“Ican’tsaythatIam.”
“I’mdefinitelyhavingfun.Thisismesmerizing.Okay,let’sgo.”And,withthat,theyheadedofftoMcClintock’saddress.
“Youmightbecurioustomeethim,”Walkercountered,“butthatdoesn’tmeanthatweshouldbewalkingintothis,trusting her.”
“True,andthat’s apointI’mquiteawareof,”Calummuttered.“However,I’mnotsurewehaveawholelotofchoiceat thispoint.”
“Yeah, butwe also don’tknow, and Ihate to saythis, butwe don’tknow thatshe didn’thave somethingto do withthat young man’s disappearance” Somebody smacked him psychically on the side of the head In his brain, he roared and smackedbackalmostinstinctively Anoddsilencecameinhishead,andthenhemuttered,“Enoughofthat,”hesnapped out loud.
AtCalum’sfrown,Walkerglaredathispartner.“Shejustsmackedme…hard,soIsmackedherback.”
Calum was dumbfounded for a second, then his eyebrows shot up. “Wow, you guys have an interesting relationship already”
“It’snotarelationship That wouldbebuiltonrespect”Therewasanoddpulseinhisjaw,thenalaughrippledthrough, andhesighed.“NowIthinkshe’slaughingatme.”
“Yeah,itsoundslikeit,”Calumaddedcomfortably.“Thisisgettingmoreandmorefascinatingbythesecond.” “Gladyou’rehavingfun,”Walkermuttered.“Ican’tsaythatIam.”
“I’mdefinitelyhavingfun.Thisismesmerizing.Okay,let’sgo.”And,withthat,theyheadedofftoMcClintock’saddress.
ASHLEYPROBABLYSHOULDN’T haveletthemknowthatshecouldtalktothemtelepathically,butknowingthatatleasttheonewho workedforTerkelwouldhaveunderstood,shehadassumedtheotheronewouldaswell.Still,itseemedthatshe’dsurprised Walker,andthatwasokaytoo.Shehateditwhenpeoplegotsosmugandcomplacentthattheyforgotthatpeoplewerearound whocoulddoallkindsofthings.
Still,sheshouldn’thavesmackedhim Thatwasuncalledfor Thefactthathe’dturnedaroundandhadsmackedherright backwas hilarious, yetalso admirable Notthatshe would ever condone anybodysmackinga ladyinreal life, butshe had certainlydeserved it, and a smackenergywise atthatlevel wasn’tlike a physical assault. Itwas a nudge to mind your own business,likeaboundariesreminder,whichmadeheractionevenmoreunacceptable.Shehadn’thonoredWalker’sboundaries atall,soitmadesensethathewouldn’thonorhers.
Yet she had to admire somebodywho could learnas quicklyas he had, and, since she had tested it slightlyalready, it lookedasifhehadmanagedtoshutthedoorbetweenthem Thatwasokaytoo Shecouldpushitopenifshehadto,butshe wouldn’twanttopushtothatlevel ifshedidn’tneedto Whatsheneededwastocall McClintockandtolethimknow these guyswerecoming.Shequicklydialedthenumberthatsheknewbyheartandsmiledwhenheanswered,histonejolly.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,sweetheart?”
Shechuckled.“It’snicetoknowthere’salwaysawarmwelcomewhenIcallyou.”
“Hey,therewouldbealotwarmerwelcomeifyou’dletmeintoyourlife,”heteased,withhiscustomaryhappy-go-lucky energy,“butyouwon’tletmegetinthedoor Whyisthat?”
“Nothankyou,”shesaid.“Thatisnotaconversationwe’llbehavingbecausewe’resimplynotmeanttobetogether.”
“Ah,butyoudon’tknowuntilyoutry,andIknowyou’vegotallkindsofskills,”hemuttered.“Still,it’salittleunnerving thatyouwon’tevengivemeashot.”
“Nope,Iwon’t.Heads-up.Twomenarecomingtoyourightnow.Igavethemyourname,andtheyuseditwhenspeakingto acouplemen,whowerefollowingthem”
“Interesting,”hereplied,histonesharpening “Whyweretheybeingfollowed?”
“I’mnotsure,”shemuttered.“ButIdoknow thatyournamecreatesallkindsofreactions,and,inthiscase,thetwotails wereparticularlydauntedatthethoughtofyoufindingoutwhattheywereupto.”
“Oh, great.Weretheymymen?”
“Idon’tknow You’llhavetoask Idon’thavepicturesanddidn’tevenchecktoseeifIknewthem,”sheshared,“whichis alsokindofcurious Ifoundmyselfmoreconcernedabouttheothertwo Thatinitselfwasinteresting”
“So,whatisthisIhearaboutsomebodygoingmissing?Isthatrelated?”heasked,histonestillbrisk.
“Ihadanappointmentscheduledforayoungmanwhoneededhealing,”sheexplained,hertonesoft.“Hedidn’tshowup, andthatwastwodaysago.”
McClintockponderedthat.“Anyideawhathappened?”heasked.
“No,butIcantellyouthat’swhatthesemenareherefor Theyoungmanisthebrotherofafriendoftheirs,”sheshared, tryingtobemoredirect,“sothey’relookingforhim”
“That’s understandable,” he replied. “When a person goes missing, you would like to think that somebody would be lookingforthem.”
“Exactly,”shemurmured.“Idon’tknowwhohiredthetwotailsandwhatfor,andtherewasnosignoffoulplay…upuntil thenewguyswerefollowed”
“So,theyconfrontedthesetwolocals?”
“Theydid,indeed,andthetails’storywasthatstrangersintownweren’twelcome,buteventuallytheyadmittedtobeing paidtofindoutwhatthetwoguyswereupto.”
“Curiouserandcuriouser,”McClintocksaid,withnoinflection.
“Exactly,whichiswhyIsentthenewguystoyou.”
“Soundslikemaybethey’reherenow,”headded,“I’mjustwalkingtomyfrontdoor Well,lookatthat Avehicleispulling upandparkingoutsidemyfrontdoor”
“Good.Ifyoucanhelpthemoutsomehow,Iwouldappreciateit.”
“What’sthisyoungmantoyou?”
“Somebodywhocametomeforhelp,”shestated,hertonecalmandnotgivinganythingelseaway.“YouknowhowIfeel
