by Lynn Emery
“His Word says so,” Justine said.
“Blessed be His name.” Miss Rose bowed her head. Her prayer in Creole French seemed to glide from her lips and hover in the room. “Amen.”
“We begin.” Pauline nodded to the other two older women.
“Hurry, please. Dr. Mendoza gave instructions that I should stay in bed. I’ll bet she has the staff checking on Chase to make sure he doesn’t get visitors.” LaShaun glanced at the door anxiously.
Miss Rose chuckled softly. “TEA has things in hand. We have members on staff. They’ll making sure we’re not disturbed.”
“Dr. Mendoza is at her private practice clinic until she makes rounds at seven this evening.” Pauline glanced at her wristwatch. “It’s only a bit before noon. Plenty of time.”
LaShaun studied Chase’s face. She brushed his tousled dark hair away from his forehead. “Please, go on.”
Justine nodded, closed her eyes, and placed her hands lightly on Chase’s chest. Pauline murmured along with her, offering pleas to have their prayers heard. Tranquility settled over LaShaun after a time, like soothing balm over a wound. Thirty minutes slipped into an hour, and into two hours. The middle-aged women seemed untiring, though they took turns sitting at different points.
A hand on her shoulder startled LaShaun. She realized Val had come into the room. Val nodded toward the door. She blinked in surprise when LaShaun got up without help. They walked into the hallway where Frank and Ernesto waited. The men’s eyes widened when they looked at her.
“You look… refreshed.” Ernesto stared at her.
“Renewed,” Frank added. He smiled at her. “Traiteurs, you call them in Louisiana. Remarkable. The Creator chooses sparingly when it comes to the gift of faith healing. Despite what a lot of fake ‘preachers’ would have us believe.”
“I can tell they prayed for you, too?” Ernesto asked.
“Probably, or maybe I feel the healing effects of their love and support.” LaShaun felt lighter without the load of guilt weighing on her soul. She stood straight. “Tell me you have solid leads on the location of the children.”
“Not where, but we’ve found out information that sounds promising,” Frank replied with a curt nod. He glanced at Ernesto.
“From interviews with the two women who worked at the community center, and a few other sources, we know the kids have rebelled. Which isn’t surprising. Jonah and his girlfriend made bucking authority their favorite hobby,” Ernesto said.
“So that fits with them taking off on their own. Jonah acted like the leader.” LaShaun flashed on the memory of the eight children forming a circle at his command.
“Teenagers challenging adults. Hell, that’s their job description. I have three of ‘em at home. I suggest you space out offspring by the way.”
LaShaun laughed. “I’ll remember your wise advice.”
Frank gave a grunt. “For the first time, I’m happy to deal with disobedient adolescents.”
“These kids are smart. What move would they likely make? I mean, Legion has infiltrated the area. Drug gangs all around. Who could they trust?” LaShaun looked at Ernesto for the answers.
Ernesto rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Despite his wise-ass, scruffy appearance, Jonah is a brilliant kid. He doesn’t just stumble into his next move based on a whim.”
“Reminds me of you at that age,” Frank said with a twinkle in his green eyes. “So think. What would seventeen-year-old Ernesto do?”
“Hmm.” Ernesto continued to think. His nut brown brow furrowed.
“I know a thing or two about being a smart, conniving teenager. I’d look for people willing to help me. He doesn’t have cash to pay bribes or offer incentives in this poor region though.” LaShaun sighed. Then she snapped her fingers. “But they have psychic gifts.”
“And the local people are both religious and superstitious,” Ernesto agreed.
“What about your TEA insider working at Legion’s clothing factory?” LaShaun turned to Frank.
“Ah yes, Mariela. She’s helped build a select group who know Legion is dedicated to the fallen angel, Diablo.” Frank’s eyes brightened. “We don’t contact her often to avoid suspicion. Yes, he could have met others through her.”
“Jonah has charisma, even at his age. Not just with other kids.” LaShaun nodded. “They’ve cultivated their own squad of allies.”
Ernesto clapped a hand on his forehead. “Mind blown.”
Miss Rose walked out to join them. She pulled the hospital room door closed behind her. LaShaun’s heart froze as she searched the older woman’s face for signs. Miss Rose turned to the set of expectant gazes with an impassive expression.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” she said, her contralto voice resonant though quiet.
“Thank you,” LaShaun whispered. Val supported her as she sagged from weakness. This time with relief.
Chapter 15
That evening, Dr. Mendoza relented and allowed LaShaun to sit with Chase. Dressed in a comfortable sweat suit Cee-Cee had brought for her, she sat in a comfortable chair at his bedside. Luckily, she didn’t know LaShaun had already defied her orders with Cee-Cee’s help. LaShaun only felt a short tinge of guilt at the doctor’s kindness. Cee-Cee glared at Val when she cleared her throat loudly as Dr. Mendoza praised them for following instructions.
“You see. The extra rest has done you much good.” Dr. Mendoza beamed at them all. “Now, not too many visitors. I know Mr. Broussard’s aunts insisted on seeing him, but we don’t want to overdo it. Agreed?”
Cee-Cee raised a hand like she was in grade school. “Hey doc, I was about to leave anyway.”
“His aunts are resting at their hotel, so they won’t be back. We’ll be sure to keep the crowd manageable,” LaShaun replied.
“Excellent. Being surrounded by such love is good medicine, so we won’t be too strict.” Dr. Mendoza’s softer side shone through as she nodded at them. Then she left.
“Don’t lecture,” Cee-Cee blurted out, cutting off Val when she opened her mouth.
Val pointed to them both in turn. “You two are trouble together.”
“Thanks.” Cee-Cee smirked when Val rolled her eyes.
LaShaun kissed Chase’s forehead and sat down again. “If he’d just open his eyes…”
“Don’t get discouraged, girl. Healing takes time. He’s not super human.” Cee-Cee put a hand on her shoulder.
“I know, but.” LaShaun pushed against the wave of doubt rushing toward her like a tsunami.
“That’s how demons work,” Val put in. “They don’t only commit their evil deeds, but they strike us mentally and emotionally. Despair is an effective weapon.”
LaShaun continued to gaze at Chase. His expression, once stiff, had relaxed into the image of a man sleeping peacefully. Then she brushed a hand across her eyes and sat straight. She would undo the wonderful efforts of the twins if she sank into hopelessness.
“What’s our next move?” LaShaun said. She forced her gaze away from her husband to look at the team leader.
“I’ve been thinking for the past few hours. These SOBs attacked your husband spiritually, which leaves traces of… energy. No, that’s not the best word. Sort of like a stream of smoke in the ether. Surprisingly durable in fact.” Val raised an eyebrow at LaShaun.
“Like when one of those military jets flies across the sky. Which means we can follow it like a trail,” LaShaun replied.
“Yeah, but it’s not easy. I brought along a little something to help. It feeds data back to our system.” Val held up what looked like a white finger clip monitor with a digital screen.
“How?” LaShaun blinked at the device.
“Wireless. I set up a modified router so the signal can get past all the medical equipment in here. Fortunately, he’s not in ICU.” Val tilted her head toward Chase.
“Please, go on,” LaShaun said.
“So that’s why you got him in a room facing east. Gives a clear line to our office. I love my p
eople so damn much.” Cee-Cee gave a little dance. “I’ll watch the door. Don’t want a nurse wandering in here and asking what the hell.”
“You mean the TEA had Chase put in this room?” LaShaun stood to observe Val’s movements.
“Our people on staff, yeah. Never know when we’ll need medical attention. The TEA was building up to a direct confrontation with Legion. Their use of this site heated up in the last year or so. Only a matter of time before we had to take some decisive action. Your case just pushed that ahead. At least some thought so.” Val talked as she worked. She placed the monitor on the tip of Chase’s left ring finger. Then she stared at the digital read out for several minutes.
“The debate between Frank and Zack Desmond about waiting versus making moves,” LaShaun replied.
“Complicated and fueled by individual ambitions. The TEA doesn’t want to become an organization bogged down by bureaucracy or politics.” Val positioned Chase’s hand and arm. “Okay, that should do it.”
LaShaun went around the bed to study the device. A series of numbers and symbols scrolled across the tiny screen. “Just when I think the TEA can’t amaze me anymore.”
“I know right?” Cee-Cee said from her station at the door.
“We literally stay up nights thinking of ways to beat Legion and spoil their grand plans.” Val gave a grunt of satisfaction. “Now we need the monitor to stay in place for the next four hours at least. Longer is even better.”
“The nurse will find it when they check on his IV and vital signs.” LaShaun glanced up from the indecipherable codes to look at Val.
“The male nurse working the night shift is one of ours.” Val checked the smart wrist watch on her right arm.
“Damn. No wonder you’re in charge,” LaShaun murmured.
“It takes a village, trust me. After that disaster last night, we better fix our screw-ups.” Val frowned, then her expression relaxed. “Excellent signal getting through. It’s not strong but good enough.”
“Dr. Mendoza might be watching. She knows we’re not the usual set of patients.” LaShaun let out a long sigh. “I’d of been happy with her attention and firmness under different circumstances. She doesn’t miss much.”
“Yeah, she’s not a TEA member. Firmly grounded in science despite her strict Catholic upbringing. But you’ll be here to keep her occupied.” Val took out her cell phone and tapped a message.
“No, I won’t.” LaShaun went to the closet and took out her street clothes.
“LaShaun, you were the one who insisted you needed to be with your husband,” Cee-Cee burst out. She left the door and crossed to LaShaun. As LaShaun tried to pull off the top part of her sweat suit, Cee-Cee pulled the shirt back down.
“Okay, this is craziness, Cee-Cee,” LaShaun hissed. She shooed her away, pushing Cee-Cee by the shoulders. “Don’t make me whip your butt in here.”
“I’m younger, faster, stronger. Take a shot. Listen, to me, girl. You need to rest. Not to mention you should be here when Chase wakes up,” Cee-Cee argued.
Her last sentence stopped LaShaun in her tracks. She let go of Cee-Cee. “You’re right.”
“Thank you.” Cee-Cee straightened her sweater.
LaShaun walked back to stand close to Chase’s bed. She brushed her fingers along his right arm, then gripped his hand. “Why can’t I see the spiritual tug of war going on inside him? My psychic skills are useless with him.”
Val looked at Chase as well. “You know the answer, too close. We’re not psychic robots with an on and off switch.”
Cee-Cee joined them. “We have solid information on where the kids might have gone. Legion is scrambling to find them as well. TEA staff are sorting through a lot of coded messages flying back and forth via the Dark Web. My point is, we’re close. Add in our local contacts embedded in the community and… LaShaun, our analytics tell us we’re a few days away from finding them.”
“That includes the clairvoyants on the team. They have a seventy-nine percent accuracy rating,” Val added. When LaShaun glanced at her, she grinned. “Yes, we track data on everything we do.”
“Seventy-nine percent,” LaShaun repeated and sighed. “When lives are involved…”
Val grew serious. “Factors like the actions and choices of others, even the weather, affect outcomes. Only God knows the future perfectly.”
“Our gifts help us know more than ninety-eight point five percent of the population,” Cee-Cee added.
“You have data on that as well I guess.” LaShaun tucked a corner of the sheets to make Chase’s bed linens neat.
“Of course. Anyway, I agree with Cee-Cee. Your husband will expect to see you when he wakes up.” Val faced LaShaun. “He’ll be confused, anxious. Having you close will reassure him.”
LaShaun continued to stare at Chase. She knew every angle of his handsome face. Every corner and curve of his muscular body. Together they had faced dangers seen and unseen. She could close her eyes and hear his voice, see familiar gestures and facial expressions. LaShaun leaned down, her face close to his. His warm breath caressed her skin. She lovingly touched her cheek to his. Eyes closed, she savored the fierce link they had. Then she stood straight. Val and Cee-Cee moved away like the force of LaShaun’s resolve had pushed them.
“When Chase wakes, have a team member with the knowledge of every step taken give him details,” LaShaun said firmly.
Val pressed her lips together for a second, then spoke up. “You’re coming with us.”
“Chase would make the same decision if I was in that bed. Tell him I’m going to get Ellie back. Give me five minutes to dress.” LaShaun returned to the closet.
Without another word of protest, Cee-Cee and Val left the room. LaShaun noticed that her jeans, shirt, jacket, even her socks and underwear, had been laundered. They felt soft and clean as she put them on. Her TEA issue boots had been spit polished. She smiled to herself. They’d predicted she’d rejoin the search with one hundred percent accuracy.
One full hour later, LaShaun walked out of the hospital. Dr. Mendoza had put forth a valiant effort to prevent her leaving, yet she finally resigned herself that this patient was impatient to be gone. LaShaun’s release papers had “AMA” in bold letters at the bottom, Against Medical Advice. The nurse who had looked in on her most frequently followed them out and hugged LaShaun before she left.
“Don’t worry, señora. I will take good care of your husband. So will two others,” she whispered.
“Thank you.” LaShaun squeezed her hand.
After the fifteen minute trip, they arrived at the staging point once more. The atmosphere in the warehouse was charged. Additional members of the local Matamoros team packed equipment in the Range Rover and Hummer. Ernesto and Frank Miles strode among them giving instructions.
Jennifer approached LaShaun and gave her a hug. Then Cee-Cee came up. She handed LaShaun three items.
“A modified stun gun, your own little Glock. That’s a G43, sweetest 9mm on market in my humble opinion. And finally a sword of Damascus.” Cee-Cee pointed to a plain looking knife. Brown leather covered the handle.
LaShaun raised both eyebrows at her. She tucked the weapons into various pockets of her vest. “Sword of Damascus?”
“Made from steel in the ancient city of Damascus. So I named any knife we have made from Damascus steel a sword. TEA has King David’s sword from the battle where he captured Damascus. I think it was 1010 BC. Or was it 830 BC?” Cee-Cee strapped on a shoulder holster as she talked. “I didn’t pay much attention during history lessons at the TEA school.”
“The date is debated among scholars,” Jennifer put in. “But you should have studied harder.”
“Yeah, yeah. Knowing the exact number of millennia won’t help if some Legion chump tries to jump me.” Cee-Cee waved to another team member, then jogged off to talk to him.
“Is she joking? TEA has King David’s sword?” LaShaun followed Jennifer to the Range Rover.
“In one of several vaults. We don’t k
eep all sacred items in one place for security reasons. Below a certain level, TEA members don’t know what is even in those vaults. Much less where they’re located.”
“God,” LaShaun breathed and stared at her wide-eyes.
“Basically,” Jennifer replied with a wide smile. Then she grew serious again. “We’re going to get Ellie back. Trust and believe.”
LaShaun gazed around at the buzz of preparation activity in the warehouse. “I do. This is one time I wish I had the gift of bilocation, being in two places at once.”
“Hey, I happen to agree with your decision to come with us. The maternal bond with a child is powerful. Grace came to live with my aunt for about six months five years ago. Kris had relapsed on drugs. I had Aunt Helen send me one of Grace’s toys she’d kept in the attic. I’m hoping that gives us an extrasensory breadcrumb to follow.” Jennifer hopped behind the wheel. She checked instruments on the dashboard.
“I don’t get why Kris Evans wanted to be tied down to kids,” LaShaun said.
“Kris was always a planner. Being a single mother gave her a sympathetic cover. She was with the con artist boyfriend, one of several. I think they used Grace in their scams,” Jennifer replied with a grimace.
“She dabbled in the occult from the time she was a teenager. I suspect either Juridicus or Legion steered her to the children. Urged her to adopt them. Wheels within wheels as the twins would say.” LaShaun went around to the back of the Range Rover.
“I didn’t think Kris would slide into real evil. I just thought it was all part of her sex, drugs, and heavy metal phase. But your guess could be right.” Jennifer hopped out of the SUV again. She walked around it, kicking the tires
“Not a guess. My friends and I did our homework on Juridicus. They created a charitable non-profit that includes supposedly helping at-risk kids. Your cousin spent time in New Orleans volunteering for them.” LaShaun turned just as Val and Cee-Cee joined them again.
“Using Legion members to target and indoctrinate psychic kids. Ominous,” Val said with a scowl.