by Amy Hale
Colt stood his ground. “You’re not as intimidating as you think you are. And you’re certainly not the genius you claim to be or you’d have shut your mouth several minutes ago.”
They stared at each other for a few moments longer, then Wes stepped back and glanced at Jane nervously. “I’m sorry, Jane. That was rude and disrespectful of me. I went too far.”
Rachel stood up then. “You owe Brett an apology too. He may not be gifted, but he’s an important part of this team. He’s more man than you’ll ever be.”
Wes cleared his throat and directed his gaze at Brett. “Hey, sorry, man. I don’t know what got into me.”
Brett gave him the thumbs up sign while holding the t-shirt to his nose. Rachel sat back down next to him and pulled the shirt away.
“The bleeding has slowed.” Her face searched his. “Are you in pain?”
Brett grinned. “If I was, would you kiss it and make it better?”
She squinted her eyes and pointed a finger at him. “Don’t push your luck, bucko.”
He frowned. While he had no qualms about seeing Rachel in her bra, he wasn’t keen on everyone else getting an eyeful. “You need another shirt. I have a t-shirt in my bag over there. Please wear it until I can get this one washed for you.”
She nodded and retrieved his bag, placing it in his lap. Finding the shirt he wanted, he handed it to her. She slipped it over her head, and he smiled.
“What?” she asked. “Why are looking at me like that?”
He leaned in close. “You look good in my shirt.”
“Don’t get used to it, moron. This is a one-time thing.” She turned her head to keep him from seeing the small smile forming on her lips.
Jeremy looked over one of the maps Dr. Weston had given them, while the rest of the crew ate lunch. He was studying the area intently.
“Hey, Brett, can I borrow your cell phone? I need to look something up.”
Brett passed his phone across the small table they were occupying. “What’s up?”
Jeremy typed quickly as he glanced between the map and the phone. “I think I know of a better place to call home for a while. A place with electricity and running water. We could actually cook, have beds… All that jazz.”
“Sounds good.” Brett looked around the large room they’d been occupying for the better part of two days. “But just about anything would be better than this dump.”
“Hey now. You’re not dissin’ our crib, are you?” Wes swung one of the folding chairs around backward and plopped down next to them, resting his chin on the back. He looked at the map on the table.
Jeremy grinned. “Nah, man. We love sleeping on the floor of Casa Crapola.”
Wes chuckled. “That’s an apt description if I ever heard one.”
Jeremy handed the phone to Brett. “Look at this satellite image.” He pointed to an octagon-shaped, white object surrounded by a thick cluster of trees. “That’s the place. My uncle took me there once. There’s plenty of room for everyone and we’d have privacy.”
Brett inspected the image closely. “Jane. Colt. Take a look at this!”
They approached the table, and Colt leaned down to view the photo.
“What is it?”
“It’s a new home base, if you all are interested. It’s private, safe, and hopefully still fully functional,” Jeremy explained.
Colt’s eyes shifted to Jeremy. “You’ve been there?”
He nodded. “Yes. My uncle owns the property. He took me with him once when he was planning to develop the area. It was a cool place. He was going to add on to that building and turn it into a camp of sorts.”
“He never followed through?” asked Jane.
“No. He died before he was able to make it happen.”
She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Jeremy.”
His expression hardened for just a moment, then he closed his eyes. Opening them again, he looked up at her. “Thanks. He was one of a kind.”
Colt frowned. “When were you last there? It may not be empty anymore.”
Jeremy rubbed the back of his neck. “True. I was there shortly before I was taken by the organization, so it’s been a few years. But my uncle only passed away recently, so I don’t think there’s been time to really do anything with it.”
Considering this information, he nodded. “It’s certainly worth looking into.” Colt zoomed out the image to see the exact location. “And it’s not terribly far from our destination in Tennessee.”
Jane looked around the room. Several pairs of eyes looked at her expectantly. She was expected to lead them, and every move they made, every loss or victory, would rest on her shoulders. The load was almost more than she could bear. But deep in her heart, she knew something had to be done.
Clearing her throat, she straightened her spine and took a deep breath. “This is it, everyone. If you’re coming with us, we need to know now.”
For several moments, no one moved.
Wes slowly got to his feet. “I’m in.”
Elana and Kyler exchanged a look, then she spoke up. “Count us in.”
Cameron shook his head. “Fine. Go get yourselves killed. I don’t care.” He threw open the front door and stomped out into the cold, rattling the hinges as it slammed behind him.
Jane turned her gaze on Jocelyn. “And you?”
Her face was pale, and she looked terrified. “I…” She shook her head. “I can’t.”
Disappointment clouded Jane’s features, but she certainly understood. There were moments when she felt the same fear.
Colt placed a hand on the small of Jane’s back. “Brett, Jeremy, and I will plot out the directions and determine our travel time. Hopefully, if we leave soon, we can make it before dark.”
Jane nodded. “I’ll make sure we have everything we might need. Anything that’s missing we can grab when we gas up.”
The mood was solemn as everyone silently prepared themselves for whatever fate held for them next.
Less than two hours later, the van was loaded and Colt was running down a mental checklist. Everyone appeared to be ready to go. Cameron and Jocelyn stood by the end of the long dirt driveway as they watched the activity before them. Cameron’s demeanor was of bored indifference. The entire event was nothing more than a huge inconvenience to him.
Jocelyn’s distress was obvious. She bit the inside of her cheek as she carefully took in the face of each of her friends. She worried she’d never see them again. While she wouldn’t claim to be close to any of them, they were still the only friends she had. She locked eyes with Jane, and her pulse leapt. It could have been nothing outside of anxiety, but she felt sure something was very wrong.
Jane approached slowly. “Well, I guess we’re about ready to go.” She gave Jocelyn a genuine smile. “I wish you the best, Jocelyn. I hope you find peace and happiness, no matter where you end up.”
In a rare show of affection, Jocelyn wiped away a tear and smiled back. This gave Jane all the encouragement she needed to pull her in for a hug. But she hastily dropped the embrace when Jocelyn gasped and struggled to get free.
Her hands on her stomach, Jocelyn turned and ran back to the house. Jane looked at Cameron, and he only shrugged, so she ran to catch up with her. Once they were both inside the house, Jocelyn let out a sob and collapsed on the sofa.
Jane spoke softly. “I’m so sorry. What did I do? Did I hurt you?”
A deep breath, followed by a loud sniffle, was all the response Jane got. Just when she believed she’d have to leave without an answer, Jocelyn sat up straighter and looked Jane in the face.
Wiping her eyes, she motioned for Jane to sit next to her. “We need to talk.”
Jane cautiously perched on the edge of the cushion, making sure not to touch the young woman, just in case.
“I’m sorry I freaked out back there. It’s just… I don’t like to be touched. It causes visions.”
Jane understood the fear of having visions all too well, even
though hers were more of the dream variety.
With another deep breath, Jocelyn continued, “Often, when I come into contact with someone, I get a glimpse of their future. It’s not always a bad thing, but…” She paused. “Sometimes you just don’t want to know.”
Jane tried to stay calm, but building anxiety was causing her to fidget.
“When you hugged me, I saw something.” Jocelyn’s eyes searched Jane’s face. “I’ll admit it wasn’t like my usual visions. It was like a brief flash of something.”
“What did you see?” Jane wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer, but she had to ask.
“A large graveyard.”
Jane fought back the bile that rose in her throat. Her dreams. Jocelyn saw something that matched her nightmares. She would lose those she loved unless she altered the course they were on. The Curators had to be stopped—there was no doubt in her mind about that. What she did doubt was the need to involve everyone else. Maybe there was a way it could be done without endangering the life of everyone she loved.
Jane cleared her throat. “Do your visions always come true?”
“So far, but there’s a first for everything. So whatever you do, please be very careful. Don’t take any unnecessary chances. You’re blessed, Jane. Keep your little family close. Protect them at all costs. In truth, that’s all that matters.”
Jane agreed. “I will. I promise.” She stood to leave, but before walking out the door, she turned back to Jocelyn. “Do me a favor. When this is all over, if you decide you’re tired of being alone, please find us. We’d love to have you in our family too.” Without waiting for an answer, she crossed the threshold and closed the door behind her.
Colt was almost to the porch when Jane emerged. His eyes held a look of concern that always fueled her urge to run into his arms. Right then, she gave in to that impulse. His surprise at her action was quickly replaced by a comforting hug and a kiss on the top of her head.
“Is everything okay, beautiful?”
She buried her face in his chest. “No, but it will be soon.”
He placed an index finger under her chin and tipped her face up to meet his eyes. “Anything you need, I’m right here. Always. You know that, right?”
She gave a slight nod. His hand moved from her chin to her cheek, and he stroked her soft skin. “I mean it, Jane. Anything. I’d give my very life if that’s what it takes, but we will save your friends and stop these people once and for all.”
She stared into his eyes. She was determined it wouldn’t come to that. How could she choose between saving him or saving her friends? She wasn’t yet sure what she needed to do, but she had faith the answer would come to her before it was too late for them all.
The sun had set behind the mountains when they reached an impassible spot on the interstate. They’d been driving for almost five hours and were close to the camp Jeremy’s uncle owned. All that stood between them and the possibility of a real bed was a small rock slide. Colt slowed the van and put it in park. Brett pulled up behind him and did the same. Everyone exited the vehicles, except Caesar, who was asleep on the back bench seat surrounded by his toys.
Blake walked to the pile and kicked a large rock with his boot. “I think we could clear this out pretty quickly if we work together.”
Jeremy, Blake, Jane, Rachel, and Wes formed a line in front of the pile and started using their gifts to systematically clear away the debris. They’d only been working a couple of minutes when they heard a loud rumbling sound from their right. Jane glanced up just in time to see another, larger rock slide heading straight for them. Her first instinct was to drop what she was currently doing and push a protective bubble around them all, but despite her quick thinking, it wasn’t fast enough. A large boulder broke through her weak barrier and hit the van broadside. The sickening sound of metal versus granite filled the air.
Jane screamed. Blake and Wes ran toward the spot where the van had once been. The large, 15-passenger vehicle was being pushed down a hill by the force of the immense rocks rolling behind it. She ran to the edge of the road, unable to believe what she was seeing. With dawning horror, she realized the van wasn’t empty.
“No!” she screamed as she forced the image of the van to fill her mind. The black, angry swirls surrounded the shape of the van and swallowed it. She willed the black cloud to pull the van up and away from the ground, out of further harm from the slide. She moved it to a clear, partially-flat spot on the hill.
“Caesar was in there,” she wailed as she started down the hill.
Her friends were right behind her as she slipped and slid down the incline. She couldn’t reach him fast enough. Though it only took a couple of minutes, it felt like time had slowed to a crawl.
She called his name as she reached the large sliding door that was now bashed in. “Caesar, can you hear me? Are you hurt?”
Her cries went unanswered. She grabbed the door and pulled, trying to open it. A loud moan echoed through the van, but it didn’t sound like Caesar. She turned to ask for help with the door, then realized no one was behind her. Facing the van once more, she noticed the driver door sustained less damage, so she ran to that side and yanked it open. She heard the moan again, then a whisper.
“Jane. Don’t, Jane. Just leave,” begged the whisper.
She yelled into the van, “What? Who is that? Where is Caesar?”
The whisper laughed. “Where he belongs. Where they all belong.”
Icy fingers of fear walked up her spine. Intuition told her to turn around, but it took every ounce of strength she had to make it happen. When she finally pivoted away from the van, she froze in place. A large cemetery was spread out before her. Each headstone loomed larger than life, the names of everyone she loved stared back at her. She clutched the van behind her to keep from collapsing. When she pulled one hand back, it was covered in a warm, sticky substance—blood.
Jane jumped back and looked at the van. She heard the whisper once more.
“Their blood is on your hands. You are to blame.”
Colt shook Jane awake. “Baby, wake up! You’re having a nightmare!”
Jane gasped as her eyes flew open. She sat up and frantically looked at her surroundings. They were in a small room. A set of bunk beds lined the wall opposite of the full-size bed she and Colt were occupying. Rubbing her face, she felt the evidence of tears.
Colt tucked a strand of hair behind her ear so he could see her face. Bright moonlight flowed through two small windows at the top of one wall, creating a soft light in parts of the room. Jane clutched at Colt’s arm.
“Where are we?”
He frowned. “We’re at the camp. The one Jeremy told us about.”
Jane looked around the room once more, taking in the familiar furnishings and decor she’d admired when they’d arrived earlier in the evening. Relief rushed over her in waves, and she started to cry.
“Sweetheart, what’s going on? Talk to me.”
Jane wrapped her arms around Colt’s neck, gripping him tightly. She wept softly, not daring to let him go. He ran a soothing hand over her back while whispering words of comfort into her hair.
“It’s okay, beautiful. I’m here. Whatever it is, I’m here and I’ve got you.” Colt placed light kisses on the crown of her head.
She loosened her hold and pulled back just enough to look at him. “I hate these dreams. They’re sheer torture, Colt.”
He wiped a fresh tear away with his thumb. “I’m sorry. I wish I could drive them away.”
“I know. I wish you could too.” She gave him a weak smile. “But as long as you are here to hold me, I’ll get through them.”
He laid back on the mattress and pulled her to him. She placed her head on his chest and snuggled into his side. She took comfort in his steady heartbeat, the rhythm a confirmation that, for that moment, they were okay.
Everyone was exhausted when they arrived at the dark, ominous looking building the previous evening. It took Jeremy a few wrong tu
rns to locate the breakers and generators, but they were pleased to see that despite being out in the middle of nowhere, there was plumbing and electricity, thanks to generators, solar panels, and a well. Colt couldn’t help but be impressed with Jeremy’s knowledge and ingenuity in tight situations. He seemed to be a natural when it came to adapting and surviving. It was sad that boy of only nineteen had need of such skills, but the entire group was thankful for his resourcefulness.
The first morning at the camp turned into an enthusiastic event. Jane, Colt, and Rachel enjoyed cooking everyone a hot breakfast in the well-furnished commercial kitchen. The pantry was loaded with canned and dry goods, which were a welcome sight. Grocery runs wouldn’t be necessary for at least a couple of weeks.
A large dining area adjoined the cookery and gave everyone room to spread out and enjoy the extra space. Vending machines were still in place near a set of double doors, and one even had a full supply of sodas and bottled water. In fact, the entire set up was remarkably well stocked. It was wonderfully convenient, yet worrisome at the same time. Jane was concerned about the owners, whoever they may be, coming back to finish whatever it is that had been started here.
Another pleasant surprise was the condition of the building. In her mind, she pictured it as another rundown property, or at the least, needing an update due to its lack of occupants. Instead, they were greeted by clean rooms, modern furnishings, and what appeared to be somewhat recent renovations. It was baffling. She decided to ask Jeremy more questions as they cleared away the breakfast dishes.
“Jeremy, was this place so…” she gestured around her, trying to find the right words “…meticulous when you were here last?”
He looked around. “No, not quite,” he said hesitantly. “It wasn’t dilapidated by any means, but I don’t recall it being this functional either. My uncle must have made more progress than I thought.”
“Is there a wife or children, anyone, that will be back soon to finish what he started? We may need a back-up plan for other accommodations, and I want to be prepared.”