by Lynn Emery
“Then we’d tip off Legion that we don’t have the kids,” Frank replied, shaking his head slowly. “Let’s slow down a minute and think this through.”
“Could one or both of the women who worked at the center have them?” LaShaun sat forward, the fatigue and pain fading as she saw a glimmer of hope.
“No, we have them secured,” Val replied. “TEA Communications Section is monitoring mobile phone transmissions and the regular web, especially social media.”
“The TEA is holding them? Is that legal?” LaShaun glanced from Val to Frank.
“We questioned them for a couple of hours before handing them over to the police. Let’s just say we have a working relationship with local law enforcement.” Val, back in team leader mode, kept her expression neutral. “
“Damn, you’ve been busy in the last few hours. Thanks for getting right back to it. Did anybody from the team get sleep?” LaShaun felt a prick of guilt at being so hard on them.
“We took turns. Ernesto and Abril turned in right after our meeting. Hey, we’ll take a vacation when we have Ellie back safe.” Val wore a resolute expression that implied she would work her team hard.
“When we have all of the children back safe, not just Ellie,” LaShaun countered. “I intend to get them out of whatever sick plan Legion has for them.”
“Damn right, girl,” Cee-Cee said with force.
“Okay, so I’ve never heard of the Deep Web.” LaShaun blinked at Jennifer.
“Geeks in the know don’t call it that. It’s a group of servers and databases that allow users to browse without having their identity or origin tracked,” Val said.
“Yeah, but Deep Web is way cooler to say, right?” Jennifer gave her a crooked grin.
“If it makes you happy,” Val said in a dry tone. “Back to finding the kids.”
“Cool would be if the Deep Web told us where they are,” Cee-Cee said.
Jennifer sighed. “Unfortunately, we’re not that lucky.”
LaShaun stared into space without speaking for a short time. “Let’s review what we know. The eight kids taken have paranormal abilities. All of them are aware of what they can do. Even more, they can control their gifts.”
“Right.” Frank’s brow furrowed as he gave her a puzzled look. “Go on.”
“If they have some control, that means they don’t just have raw abilities. They’ve honed them into skills they use with purpose, to get what they want.” LaShaun looked at him.
Val stepped forward, her thick ponytail bounced as she nodded agreement. “Another thing, they take initiative. The little girl put a plan in action to protect Ellie. Jonah, the oldest one, gathered the children in a circle to do… something.”
“So they have formed a bond, maybe because they share the experience of being kidnapped?” Cee-Cee frowned at them all.
“The older teens joined up, Jonah and his fifteen-year old girlfriend Marissa. But you’re right, they seem to have become a cohesive sub-group. So you’re thinking the children came up with their own plan? Fascinating. No wonder Legion wants them so bad. Think what kind of potential they represent.” Frank crossed his arms as he lapsed into thought.
“Yeah, and the danger if they’re seduced into believing Legion’s agenda is the right one,” Jennifer said. “I think Grace has grown close to Ellie for sure. She’s a sweet caring child.”
“You talk like you know her.” LaShaun raised an eyebrow at her.
“I do. Kris is my cousin. I’ve only met her adopted children once or twice when they were young. She kept them away from the family mostly. But I sensed they possibly had paranormal abilities early on.” Jennifer said.
“Jennifer Evans! I didn’t make the connection. Oh my God.” LaShaun gazed at her steadily.
“I’m not a double agent. TEA has vetted me from here to heaven and back. Literally.” Jennifer wore a brief grin that faded fast into a grave frown. “As for my cousin, I only met her a few times at family gatherings. We didn’t have many. I won’t go into our long history of dysfunction. Anyway, about the time my faith journey deepened, she slipped into the world of the occult. She’s always been drawn to the occult, got involved in Goth role play games and freaky music.”
“The Lord works in mysterious ways indeed. You’re here to give us added insight into your cousin’s motives.” Frank’s deep voice made him sound like a prophet sharing his vision into a profound mystery.
“Amen,” Val and Cee-Cee said in unison.
LaShaun felt the familiar tingle, but as a lovely comforting sensation. Hope. The word popped into her mind like a pure ray of light. The dread that had settled into her core eased into a calm feeling. An image of the older girl tickling Ellie, caring for her, played before her like a video on a small camera screen. Tears came down. This time of relief. LaShaun started to get out of the bed.
“Whoa, none of that,” Cee-Cee said quickly. She stepped forward to block LaShaun from sliding to the floor.
“I have to see Chase, tell him Ellie isn’t in immediate danger. That at least one child is her protector. He’s probably beating himself up about not being able to save her.” LaShaun swung her legs down, but the hospital bed was tall enough that her feet didn’t touch the floor. Then she realized the team members were exchanging significant glances.
“He’s recovering from surgery, LaShaun. So he’s still out of it, you know.” Cee-Cee stammered over the words.
“You said he would be fine, that his wounds aren’t serious. There’s something you’re not telling me.” LaShaun gripped Cee-Cee’s forearm hard.
“He won’t wake up,” Cee-Cee blurted out.
“Smooth Cee-Cee,” Val hissed. She yanked Cee-Cee hard enough to break LaShaun’s weak hold on her.
“Sorry. I-I, she wanted to know. Aw hell, LaShaun deserves to know what’s going on with her own husband,” Cee-Cee said.
Val stood over LaShaun, both hands on her shoulders. “The surgery wasn’t all that complicated, like we said. They expected him out of the anesthesia, of course still feeling the effects. But he’s in a deep… but not because of the drugs.”
“He’s in a coma. A brain injury,” LaShaun whispered.
“They’re doing tests. If you’re up to it, the doctor can explain the results.” Val gazed at her in silence for a second or two. “That’s all we know.”
“We’re not next of kin, so of course they won’t tell us more. I’m happy Dr. Mendoza revealed that much.” Frank Miles stepped closer to stand next to Val. “Honestly, we don’t think his unconscious state has a medical source. The initial exam showed no visible signs of a head injury. He was talking right before the surgery.”
“There could be internal bleeding that they’ll only see on a scan or x-ray.” LaShaun lay back, all the fight drained from her.
Frank glanced sideways at Val, then back to LaShaun. “True, but our medical team doesn’t think so. We’ve seen this kind of deep sleep before. Has Chase had an encounter with a malicious spirit in the past?”
“Oh God. This is my fault.” LaShaun covered her face with both hands.
Jennifer took over. “I know this is rough after all you’ve been through, that you’re still going through, but focus. Tell us what happened.”
LaShaun dropped her hands. “About four years ago, right before we got married, a demon called Abiku possessed him. But we were able to fight it. Chase has been fine since then.”
“He’s one of the stronger imps,” Jennifer said.
“How you keep them all straight is a mystery to me. They multiply like flies hatching on a corpse,” Cee-Cee grimaced.
“The king demon only selects a handful to dwell among us on a semi-permanent basis. Turned humans carry out most of his evil,” Val said to LaShaun.
“I don’t understand. We freed Chase from that… thing. Abiku never succeeded in taking full control of him anyway,” LaShaun said.
“Even with successful demonic extractions residual effects of possession can leave the victim vulnera
ble to attack later.” Frank huffed in frustration. “But only when someone has called the demon to earth and willingly used them for some selfish purpose. Chase has never been a member of a cult, or taken part in a calling forth ritual, right?”
LaShaun closed her eyes for a second, then opened them again. She twisted her hands together. “No, but I did. I used my psychic abilities for selfish gain or just because I liked screwing with other people. I performed a ritual which provided an opening for the demon in. Pretty much an invitation to our world. I didn’t realize you can’t simply undo such a thing. Not that it would have stopped me at the time.”
“Don’t blame yourself, LaShaun. Your experience is common among us and the reason the TEA steps in to guide young people with paranormal gifts.” Frank nodded when LaShaun blinked at him in shock. “Discovering you have ‘super powers’ can be intoxicating at any age.”
“Yeah, I can tell you stories. There was the time I tossed a bunch of pencils at my math teacher’s head while I was sitting at the back of the class.” Cee-Cee shrugged. “Yeah, I move objects. Anyway, we can swap stories later. How can we fix Chase?”
“Abril is coordinating with two TEA members who can help. You know them. Justine and Pauline Dupart. They’re close by and can get here fast.” Frank took his vibrating cell phone from a jacket pocket. “I need to take this.”
He walked out, and the three women all moved in to be close to LaShaun. Cee-Cee sat at the foot of the bed. Val kept one hand on LaShaun’s shoulder as though trying to give her strength. Jennifer took one of LaShaun’s hands.
“I didn’t know either of them were traiteurs,” LaShaun murmured.
“Huh?” Cee-Cee blinked at her companions with a puzzled frown.
“The Cajun and Creole term for faith healers. They use prayer and herbal medicine to treat illnesses of the body and spirit. The power to heal comes from God alone. True traiteurs never claim they have the ability to heal. The most gifted can perform psychic surgery, but that’s extremely rare,” Jennifer explained.
“Ah, got it. We call them la curandera here.” Cee-Cee sighed. “At least we know help is on the way.”
“They should be here this afternoon. I believe another friend insisted on coming with them. Rose Fontenot. Very strong willed.” Val’s eyes narrowed.
“You tried to convince her to stay home, and she wasn’t having it, right?” LaShaun glanced at the stern take-charge woman.
“I could feel her stubborn drive push through during the video conference like a bulldozer,” Val muttered.
“In other words, you couldn’t order her around,” Cee-Cee retorted with an impish grin.
“Our local team has a solid plan and good data to guide us,” Val replied. She shot a stony look at Cee-Cee and Jennifer.
“Neither the Council nor anyone else has criticized your leadership in this foray, Val,” Jennifer said.
“To my face,” Val mumbled.
“Look, I’m sorry for dumping on y’all about what happened at Legion’s community center. I didn’t want to wait around for more planning either. Hell, I’m to blame for all of this. If I hadn’t been such a greedy, power hungry…” LaShaun chewed her lower lip.
“Girl, you didn’t single-handedly set loose evil on the world. Besides, you’re forgiven. We all are.” Cee-Cee wore a serene smile. She pointed to the ceiling. “The Big Boss says so.”
“Amen,” Jennifer and Val chimed in.
LaShaun wiped tears from her cheeks with the back of one hand. She accepted a tissue from Val. She blew her nose and sniffed one last time. “Amen. Enough with the self-pity. We’ll start working to find the children. Include me in all meetings, video chat or using the speaker on my cell phone. But first, I need to be with Chase.”
****
An hour later LaShaun engaged in a power struggle. While the others had left, Cee-Cee elected to stay longer and offer LaShaun moral support. Still, Dr. Mendoza was unmovable on her decision. The doctor didn’t want her to get sick from the strain of seeing Chase. Instead she gave her a full report, even brought her a picture of him on her cell phone.
“In the morning after he’s stabilized a few more hours and you’ve had a night of rest,” Dr. Mendoza said crisply. She looked at the nurse.
“Yes, ma’am. Understood.” The nurse gave LaShaun a look of empathy. “It’s for the best, señora. We’re taking good care of him.”
“I’ll check on you early tomorrow and we’ll arrange for a wheelchair. Good night.” Dr. Mendoza turned to leave, but LaShaun’s voice stopped her.
“No wheelchair,” LaShaun protested. “You said I have minor bruises and scrapes.”
“I don’t have all the results form radiology just yet. Besides, you’re still prone to dizziness. Nurse, a wheelchair.” Dr. Mendoza gave the pretty nurse a pointed look. She seemed to sense the nurse might give in out of sympathy.
“Of course doctor.” The nurse gave LaShaun a smile, then followed the doctor out.
Cee-Cee waited until both were gone and the door whisked shut. She spun to face LaShaun, a finger to her lips. Then she lowered the bed railing. “Let’s go. I know the room number and location.”
“My new best friend,” LaShaun replied. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She braced herself on Cee-Cee’s offered arm but panted when the room swirled and zig-zagged around as if she was on a fast merry-go-round.
“Whoa, take it easy,” Cee-Cee said, and supported her. “Maybe the doc is right, and this is a bad idea. I could go and report back on—”
“No, no.” LaShaun started to shake her head, but stopped fast when the spinning sensation intensified.
“LaShaun, really. I don’t think you should try to walk.” Cee-Cee frowned at her, her dark gaze filled with trepidation.
“I’ll crawl on my own if I have to, Cee-Cee. Together we fight and win. Always. Chase needs me.” LaShaun exhaled and pushed her hand away. “If you’re too scared of breaking the rules, then go.”
“Oh hell no with that weak attempt to mind game me,” Cee-Cee retorted. “Fine. But your stubborn ass needs a wheelchair.”
“Yeah. Not much help if I pass out before we get there.”
LaShaun took deep breaths while Cee-Cee darted out. Minutes ticked by. LaShaun began to think Cee-Cee had changed her mind. She put her feet on the floor and slowly stood. When the room didn’t spin she smiled.
“What the hell?” Cee-Cee whispered and looked over her shoulder. She came in pushing a wheelchair.
“I almost started without you,” LaShaun quipped. Then she eased into the wheelchair. “I’m not as sore as I thought.”
“Let me check the hall first.” Cee-Cee went to the door and stuck her head out.
After a few seconds, Cee-Cee came back and they set off. LaShaun tensed when they passed two hospital employees, but they weren’t challenged. Neither of them glanced up from the medical chart they were discussing. After a nerve racking trip down to the elevator and through two hallways on the third floor, they found Chase’s room. LaShaun put a fist to her mouth to keep from crying out. A layer of clean white bandages crisscrossed his chest. Purplish blue bruising on his right arm made her wince. Pain shot through LaShaun’s right arm the longer she looked at him.
Cee-Cee wheeled LaShaun close to the bed. “Don’t connect to him or you’ll suffer the same pains, even faint. Our empaths trained us, so I know. In your case, the emotional and spiritual union you two have has the same effect.”
LaShaun glanced at her in surprise. “Well, well.”
“Hey, Jennifer ain’t the only one able to drop knowledge,” Cee-Cee clipped. “I’ll make sure nobody interrupts you. Go chat up the nursing staff for more info.”
Her gaze on Chase, LaShaun waved a hand to signal she understood. She hardly noticed when Cee-Cee left. All of her attention switched to her husband. His chest rose and fell with each breath. LaShaun tried to find comfort in watching that sign of life. Taking her time, LaShaun put her feet on the floor and stood. Then s
he leaned over him.
“Honey, I’m here. Try to open your eyes. Chase, can you hear me? Picture my face and then me standing in front of you. Imagine we’re walking toward each other, like when we got married.”
LaShaun continued to whisper softly for several minutes. When he didn’t move, she started a prayer. At some point, she wasn’t sure when, LaShaun sat down again. Minutes slipped into over an hour. Her eyes shut as she lay her head on the bed, both hands clasped around his arm. The rest of the world slid away. Images of them played out in her mind like a full color video: LaShaun and Chase dating before they got married. Going fishing together. A trip to Jamaica. Chase looking tan and gorgeous on the beach walking toward her. His arms around her as they lay in bed watching an ocean breeze move the curtains. Another hospital, this time with pure joy as Chase held Ellie for the first time.
“Sweetie, come back to us,” a gentle voice urged.
“Hmm, what?” LaShaun’s eyes popped open. She blinked hard in an effort to focus.
“Ah, cher. We are here.”
Miss Rose smiled down at LaShaun. Justine and Pauline stood with her. All wore loving smiles that offered hope. Their hands on her shoulders and back transferred warmth that spread through her. LaShaun cried with relief at the sight of her three friends.
“I feel better already,” LaShaun said through sniffles.
“Oui. There is strength in unity,” Pauline replied softly.
“Can you help him?” LaShaun felt a shadow creep back into the room. She lifted Chase’s right hand to her lips. “He feels far away.”
“The enemy tries to drive us apart with lies. They are trying to break the link between you, Chase, and Ellie. They can’t take control of him, but they can pull him into another realm. Make him believe all is lost.” Justine crossed to stand on the opposite side of the hospital bed.
“God no!” LaShaun gripped his arm tighter.
“Don’t give in to fear and doubt. That only makes their dirty work easier,” Miss Rose admonished. She transformed into a stern maternal figure. “Falling into despair is what the enemy counts on.”
“And that includes feeling guilt and regret,” Pauline added. She nodded when LaShaun looked at her. “You must be as forgiving of yourself as you are of others.”