by Doug Welch
* * *
Voices echoed in the basement as I emerged from the room. Alex and Dan stopped talking. She had a relieved expression as she saw me step into the basement. Dan's eyes narrowed and he studied me intently.
Something about my look alarmed Alex, and she said, “Are you alright Paris?”
I wasn't sure what I was, but ‘alright’ wouldn’t fit.
I ignored her question.
For some time, I’d been opening my senses, trying to experience the 'mind glow' and had finally succeeded.
Now I stared at my sister, mesmerized by the glory of her mind.
It seethed with impossible colors, sounds and tastes. I knew I didn’t see her mind but experienced it. The impossible combination nearly overwhelmed me so I pulled my senses back, and snapped once again to reality.
I shook my head. “What's the status with the house?”
“I drove Alexandra's truck,” Dan said. “It's parked out front and I've removed the police tape. The place is all yours. Also, I told the Chief I was picking you up to bring you to the house, so you're free to move around. As far as the police know, you were never here. What do you plan to do?”
“Get out of this mess,” I said.
Dan’s eyes widened. “Very well. Do you need my help?”
“Maybe...yes. I need you to pick up some items and bring them back here. Then I need you to park Alex's truck about a mile down the road. Can you get one of the officers to drive you back to the police station?”
He looked apprehensive. “Sure – What’re you planning, Paris?”
“It's better you don't know.”
“Can I help?” he asked.
“No, if we succeed, I'll be sure to see you. If we don't...” I shrugged.
I walked to the living room and looked out the window. Alex and Dan followed me. “They're still here,” I said.
“They've surrounded the house,” Alex said.
“No matter. Dan should be able to leave without trouble. – Right?” I watched him.
“Right – you two be careful. I'd never forgive myself – I failed Jenny. I don't want to fail you.”
“Whatever happens, Dan, it's not you're fault.”
He left.
“Did you..?” Alex said
“Yes... and more,” I replied.
Her eyes widened. “Define more.”
“Later, I have to leave. I'll fill you in when I get back.”