“How do you know?” I whisper, trying to will my stomach to unclench.
I’m meant to be the bridge, the force tying this band of misfits together so they can do their job, and I’m completely sucking at it.
Maybe I was wrong in trying to allow them to come into their gifts naturally. Maybe I should have gone straight for the kill by gifting them all I can see. It’s worked before, and it probably would have worked now.
“Because I can feel it. I may not be one of the five, per se, but I’m bound by the same destiny. I’m still here to support the situation, as is Diana Hawthorne. We’re all connected, and I know things will shift into place when the time is right,” he says.
“I wish I was as sure as you,” I say, fighting back tears. “Right now, I feel like everything I’ve worked so hard for has been for nothing.”
I thump my head against Gabe’s chest, trying to gather up some sort of composure.
“Not to be rude, but what exactly makes you think this is the right path in the first place? I mean, I get what you keep trying to spoon-feed us, but what about you, Morgan? What drives you?” Thea says, her voice sounding more suitable in a lecture hall than the one she typically uses.
Releasing my shoulders, I look up. She watches me expectantly, but there’s something else hidden in her stature that wasn’t there before. Empathy?
“I suppose it’s an innate drive. For as long as I can remember, I could see things—sense things. I have vivid dreams and visions about what’s coming, and I know with every fiber of my being that I’m meant to do something about it,” I say. “I’ve tried to follow the flow and make sense of the pieces that have been dropped. Sometimes they’re crystal clear, but other times, like with you five, things are muddy and muddled, and it’s all I can do to wipe away the confusion.”
“When was the last time you had one of these dreams or visions?” she asks, narrowing her eyes.
I think on it for a moment, allowing my mind to drift back.
“A few days ago, I suppose. Why?”
She shrugs, “No reason, I guess.”
“I don’t buy that,” Gabe says, tilting his head to the side. “What’s on your mind, Thea?”
“Maybe nothing,” she says, shrugging again.
I clench my eyebrows downward. “Have you had a vision?”
Thea snorts. “Shit, no. That’s not my thing. I’m still trying to figure out what in the world would make the universe think I’m humanity-saving material.”
“Then what is it? It seems like you had a train of thought going there,” Gabe says.
Thea takes a deep breath. “Well, it’s just—I called your friend.”
“Friend?” I ask.
“The one you were just talking about,” she says, tipping her head. “Diana. When you all went out, I sorta—well, look it would have been negligent of me to not snoop a bit to figure out what I’ve gotten myself roped into. Her number was by the phone and I—”
“Called her,” Gabe finishes.
“You were able to dial out?” I ask, astounded. “She was still out there?”
“Yeah,” she says. “I mean, I was surprised, too, considering. But she sorta… I don’t know what it was about her. I felt like I’d always known her or something. She knew my name without me ever telling her, and she said I should trust you—give you a chance or something. I’m trying. But anyway, maybe she can help?”
Blinking back surprise, I take a seat on a small folding chair resting against the wall.
I’d never even thought to contact Diana about this.
“She’s way more powerful than I am,” I say, raising my eyebrows.
“Then why not reach out?” Thea asks. “What’s the worse that could happen?”
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. What do you think, Gabe? Could Diana help us with Braham?” I ask, turning to him. “Do you think maybe she’s—”
Gabe kneels down beside me, taking my hands in his.
“She’s not one of us, if that’s what you were just thinking. Diana’s destiny is tied to something else. But it’s worth a try in reaching out. Maybe she’ll get a read on things where we’ve fallen short. She is extremely gifted.”
Nodding tersely, I switch my gaze to Thea. “Thank you, Thea.”
“Hey, don’t mention it. Probably the first time snooping didn’t get me in a heap of trouble,” she says, grinning.
I quirk my lips upward as I see her aura pulse around her in a beautiful pink glow.
She’s shifting.
“It’s getting kind of late. Let’s give Diana a call in the morning if Braham isn’t back. I’m sure—”
“No, let’s call her now,” I say, cutting Gabe off. “I’m sorry, love, but we need answers. Or at least I do. If Diana has some, then I need to talk with her. I should have called her back after everything she and Demetri did for us a couple of weeks ago, anyway.”
Gabe tips his head, sweeping his hand out and silently beckoning me to lead the way.
Getting up from my seat, I walk through the large, open corridor of the back of the sanctuary and into what we now use as a small study. I think it used to be where the priestesses or priests would ready themselves before a sermon. My eyes wander the room, and I can’t help but wonder what else might have struck Thea’s fancy in her Nancy Drew moments alone in the sanctuary.
The two of them follow me in, Gabe standing nearby with Thea hovering just outside the doorway.
Picking up the phone, I dial Diana’s number and hold my breath.
It’s only eleven, but who knows what time she goes to sleep? There’s a good chance—
“You better have a damn good reason for calling this late,” Diana’s voice echoes from the receiver.
“I—uh, Diana? It’s me, Morgan,” I sputter.
There’s a pause, then Diana says, “Still having trouble wrangling your five?”
“You could sorta say that,” I say.
“Yeah, I get the impression things are still going a bit sideways out that way,” she says, almost laughing.
Swallowing hard, I nod. “I guess you could say things are still more difficult than they should be. I was hoping maybe you could shed some light on the situation, actually.”
“What makes you think I can?”
My mind automatically goes back to the first moment I met her, the power she commanded without even knowing it. The power she still commands. I sense it in the waves of energy even connecting to mine through the telephone line.
“If you put your feelers out, would you be able to sense one of the … angels?” I say, my eyes flitting to Thea, who looks somewhat bored. “I mean, if we know who they are and can lend energy to your attempt?”
“Sure, probably,” she says. “Why? Did one of them go missing?
“Yeah. I think he got spooked and ran off. We need to locate him.”
“Alright, well, let’s get a move on, then. The sooner we get started, the sooner I can get back to my beauty rest. I’ve had a helluva day, and I need to drop out of this world for a bit,” she says softly.
“Okay, ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
Closing my eyes, I will over details of Braham to Diana, almost as if a stream of colorful light bursts from my forehead, following its trajectory to her. I know the moment she receives the data. It’s like a two-way port is open between us, and the details stream forth without any more conscious effort on my part.
“Hmmm…” she says. “He’s not far from where you are. He’s… in a deserted roadway or freeway, I think.”
“Sounds about right. I bet he’s gone back to the scene to—”
“And he’s not alone,” Diana says.
My eyes pop open. “He’s not? Who is he with?”
“Turtledove, whoever the Hades she is,” Diana says.
“Turtledove? Can you pick up anything else?” I ask, clutching the phone to my ear.
I wrack my brain, trying to send my own feelers out in search of a being b
y that name—perhaps she’s our fifth.
“And nope. She just kicked me out. Look, whatever it is you’re looking for here, there are forces already at play. Your guy appears to be otherwise engaged right now.”
“Is he in danger?”
“Eh, not so far as I can tell. Seems like a mutual discussion,” Diana offers.
“Can you send me the images you see?” I ask. “Push them from your mind back to me?”
Diana lets out a small puff of air. “Hades if I know. I can’t say I’ve ever done anything like that before. You really gotta show me how.”
“Just try. I know you can do it.”
“Well, that’s a bit presumptuous, but I appreciate the vote of confidence,” Diana says.
“Please?” I plead, opening my eyes and letting my gaze land on Gabe.
He’s taken a seat at the small study table. A book is splayed open under his fingertips, but he’s not reading, just simply fiddling with the pages as he waits.
“All right. How do you do it?” she asks. “I’ve always wanted to, but for some reason, that’s a gift that’s eluded me.”
“Close your eyes. View it with as much detail as possible—anything you can recall. Then push it out to me. Visualize a cord tied from your mind to mine. Send it through the cord and wait for the connection,” I urge.
Diana sighs, “All right, all right. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. Give me a second. This stuff is new to me.”
Gabe watches me, his deep, penetrating stare sending goosebumps over my flesh.
Taking my own cleansing breath, I close my eyes and wait. After a few moments, I get weird flashes of light, but nothing resembling Braham or a woman.
“Are you still there, Diana?” I finally ask.
“Yeah, I’m here,” she responds.
“What’s happening?”
“Dunno. I can’t tell if anything is making its way to you. I’d wager by your question it’s not.”
“No, not exactly,” I say, flitting my gaze back to Gabe. “Dammit.”
“Look, if it’s any consolation, she’s a young Native American woman; she has a pretty old vibe, though. Like she’s got way more knowledge beyond her few years,” she says, then adds, “I can relate. At any rate, I get this location he’s at—it has significance to him somehow.”
“You said it was a road, right?” I say.
“Yeah, looks like a multilane freeway or something.”
“Okay, thanks, Diana. I think I know where he went. I appreciate it. If you think of anything, or pick up on anything else, will you let me know?” I ask.
“Sure thing. Now, can I go back to bed?”
I shuffle in my spot. “Oh my gods, yes. Thank you, Diana, yes. I appreciate your help.”
“Don’t mention it. Say hi to Dr. Richards for me.”
“I—uh, will do?” I say, flicking my eyes to Thea.
“Night,” she says, and then she’s gone.
Setting the phone down, I tilt my head in surprise.
“Thea, you’re a doctor?” I say.
Thea shrugs one of her shoulders.
“Wow, I had no idea. You seem like a…”
Thea raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms in wait.
“Mixed martial artist or stunt double or something,” I finish with a chuckle. “You know, with the whole biker chick thing going on.”
“Huh, that would be a first,” Thea snickers.
“What kind of medicine do you practice?” Gabe asks, standing up and walking around the table.
“Psychiatry,” she responds, an air of smugness wafting through her word. Her slow blink adds to the effect.
“Well, okay,” I say, tugging my lips down in surprise. “Don’t think that would have even made my radar. You hide it well.”
Thea leans against the doorframe. “It’s not intentional. Just not something I usually go broadcasting. Especially when I’m thrown into… unusual situations. I like to hang back and observe a bit. So, enough about me. What did you learn?”
I shake my head. “Not much. At least, not much we didn’t already guess. Braham has gone back to the interstate. He’s probably trying to find his wife. But…”
My eyes narrow as I think about the Native American woman.
“What?” Gabe urges.
“She did say something unusual,” I say.
“Unusual how?” Thea asks, inching her eyebrows toward her hairline.
“She said he was with a Native American woman. I wonder if she’s the fifth? Maybe… What if that’s the reason he was meant to go? I mean, it’s as good a reason as any, right?” I say, excitement building.
“Seems like as a good a reason as any,” Gabe says.
“Would be a convenient twist of fate,” Thea mutters. “But unfortunately, the universe is rarely so lazy.”
She’s not wrong. Maybe it would be a bit too convenient. But it’s worth following up.
“Gabe, I think we should go looking for Braham. Maybe we’ll actually get lucky for a change,” I say.
“Pretty sure that happened about twenty minutes ago,” Thea mutters under her breath, a smirk spreading across her lips.
My cheeks blaze as I meet her expectant eyes.
“In case you’re curious, yes, we could all hear it,” she says, tilting her head knowingly. “Your bedroom isn’t exactly soundproof.”
“Oh gods,” I say, running my hand over my face.
Beside me, Gabe just chuckles. Not a hint of embarrassment hovering in his aura at all. Instantly, I envy him.
“Bea thought it was pretty funny,” Thea offers. “Don’t be surprised if she makes a few remarks at breakfast.”
“Moving on,” I say, walking out of the study area and back toward the sanctuary.
When I reach the front altar, I lean against the wooden slab with my hands splayed out wide.
“Okay, Braham has the Corolla,” I begin, trying to change the subject and return to an air of authority. “If we’re going to find him and this Turtledove, we need to get moving.”
“Who’s Turtledove?” Thea interjects.
I shrug. “She’s the one Diana said was with Braham. The only problem is, we don’t have another vehicle that’s been enchanted.”
“Enchanted?” Thea snorts.
“We performed special incantations to ensure it would follow us if we slipped through veils,” Gabe says.
“Good gods, why wouldn’t you pick a nicer vehicle than that?” she retorts.
“What’s wrong with my car?” I ask, my mouth dropping open.
Thea’s eyes widen, and she shakes her head.
“Anyway, if we’re going to get back to the interstate, it was a fifteen-minute drive. Easily ten miles from here, maybe more. On foot it would take us far too long,” I say, more for myself and Gabe than for Thea.
“I’ll go,” Gabe says.
My head jerks upward, and I blink hard.
“What?”
“Morgan, you’re still thinking three-dimensionally. The vehicle’s incantations were for them—and you,” he says, raising his hand and sweeping it toward Thea. “Not all of us are bound by the same rules.”
My fingertips dance across my forehead, and my heartbeat skips.
“What about Braham and this other lady?” Thea says. “Won’t they need to come back in the ugly green thing?”
Gabe nods, “Braham has the car, though. Remember?”
“Oh, right,” she says.
“So you can do it? Are you certain?” I ask.
His blue eyes watch me with an air of complete assuredness, and my stomach starts to unclench. Taking my hands in his, he whispers, “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Planting a gentle kiss on my cheek, he takes a step back and almost like the shimmer of a sunset on the lake, he vanishes.
Thea breathes out. “Whoa—I mean, what in the… I swear, no amount of seeing this stuff prepares me for seeing the next weird thing.”
I blink back my own surprise. Gabe us
ually opts for passing as completely human, following me in the ordinary escapades only humans can partake in. I forget sometimes he’s something far more.
“Yeah,” I agree, feeling my own sense of awe.
“Now I know I need to get some sleep. My brain needs to process all this,” she says. “You might want to do the same. Who knows how long they’ll be gone.”
Casting me a sideways glance, she swivels around and heads toward the stairs.
9
Braham
From the moment I stepped foot in Morgan’s car earlier today, my insides were screaming at me not to leave the interstate. Not to leave behind the one place where I last saw my wife.
But something inside me—I don’t know, insanity perhaps—allowed me to tag along. Or maybe it was sheer curiosity in the face of adversity. Who the fuck knows?
But after the events of today, I’d say it’s pretty damn clear these people are nuts. Not just kinda nuts, either. We’re talking off-their-fucking-rocker nuts. And somehow, I’ve been swept up into the mix.
Well, not anymore.
The only question now is: do I go back to the wreck? Or do I make a mad dash for home?
Or what’s left of it, anyway.
I swallow hard. Even if Cass is alive, she wouldn’t go back there. She’d continue forward in whatever way she could. But first, she’d wait.
Dammit. To the wreck, it is.
You know what pisses me off even more than abandoning my wife when she probably needed me most? The stress levels have risen to a point where I’m swearing like a fucking sailor. I hate swearing. It’s vulgar and unnecessary.
But here I am.
Braham-fucking-Larson.
I roll my eyes at my lame repudiation. Part of me finds it kinda funny. Granted, Cass would kill me if she could hear me in my head. She’d tell me I need to be careful and watch my language. She’d be right, but I’d still think it anyway, even if the f-bombs didn’t come out my mouth.
When the rest of the sanctuary is quiet, I make my way up the stairs unnoticed. I waited long enough for the others to find a room of their own to claim. Long enough for them to hopefully be resting or sleeping.
Instead, the sounds of pleasure and passion filter into the space.
Clearly, someone’s not ready for rest.
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