Discern (Mosaic Chronicles Book 1)

by Andrea Pearson

  Her flashlight flared into life, and for a moment, she was blinded. When her eyes cleared, she almost wished the device hadn’t chosen that moment to start working.

  A man leaned against the wall ahead, leering at her. A cigarette dangling from his lip fell when he grinned.

  Nicole tried to sidestep him, but the wall pushed her closer.

  The man grabbed her arm and yanked her to him, breathing onto her face.

  “Hello, pretty.”

  He eyed her mouth, and before Nicole could force him away, his lips landed on hers. She gagged on his suffocatingly disgusting breath and bit him, pushing back. He laughed and pulled her closer with one hand while the other tried to get into her shirt.

  Nicole struggled and broke his grasp.

  She shrieked when his arm fell out of its socket and dropped to the ground with a thud.

  He grinned down at it, then stopped smiling when the other arm fell too.

  “Oh, no . . .” the man groaned.

  A leg collapsed under him and he toppled onto Nicole. Nicole fell to her butt under the weight of his torso, cringing when his head detached and rolled down her back.

  She scrambled out from under his body, grabbed the flashlight she’d dropped, and jumped to her feet, watching as he melted into the dirt.

  Bile rose in Nicole’s throat, but she swallowed it away, gasping for air. Gotta keep going, gotta keep going.

  She turned and continued walking, glancing over her shoulder every so often. The gray apparitions were still there, following.

  Suddenly, the rat shifted its position, digging its nails into her skin. Oh, that would be fantastic—getting some horrid disease from a rotting animal.

  It stopped moving, and immediately, creatures swarmed through the air around her, tugging at her clothes and hair and skin. What were they? Bats?

  Nicole did her best to brush them off as she scrambled forward, nearly falling several times. Her flashlight became a weapon and she batted the little beasts from the air, noting as she did that these were skin-toned creatures, not dark and furry like a bat.

  As she rushed onward, Nicole noticed a few things that she remembered passing earlier. An old sign hanging over a saloon. A huge burned wall, revealing what might have once been a restaurant kitchen.

  A shadow passed through a doorway on her left, making Nicole jump. Then someone yanked her down to the boardwalk.

  “How ‘bout a penny for your food, miss?” a woman with rotted teeth said.

  Nicole shoved herself away from the woman, scrambling to her feet again. “I don’t have any.”

  The woman sneered. “What’s that you’re holding? Looks like food to me.”

  “This?” Nicole looked at the rat. “Sure, take it. Eat it. It’s not helping me out right now.” She offered it to the woman, but was refused.

  The woman melted into the shadows and Nicole continued walking, wondering how far she’d gone and how much farther she had to go. This test was more like a clinical experiment with hallucinations.

  She glanced backward. The ghosts were still there. “Okay, not much farther,” she said, more to herself than to the men.

  And she was right. After a few more turns, Nicole spotted the warehouse ahead of them in the beam of her fading flashlight. She yelped with excitement and crossed the distance at a run.

  The minute she stepped into the warehouse basement, the rat loosened its grip and dropped to the ground.

  “Quick, pick it up!” Professor Coolidge called out.

  Nicole jumped to obey, grabbing the rat as it tried to scurry off. Coolidge joined her and they forced the squirming creature into the box.

  “Let’s go upstairs to discuss,” Coolidge said, motioning for Jason to lead the way.

  Nicole followed the men up, keeping her hand away from herself. She didn’t even want to know what her clothes looked like.

  “How long were we gone?” she asked as soon as they’d reached the main level.

  Jason looked at his phone. “About five minutes.”

  Nicole frowned. “Whatever. We walked for at least three hours.” She motioned to her feet. “I mean, my feet ache—” She looked down and rolled her toes in her shoes. “At least, they did.”

  Coolidge smiled. “The rat manipulates time along with atmosphere.”

  “Why did you tell me to prepare for it to take so long?”

  “Because you needed to believe it would.” He motioned to a table and some benches. “Let’s have a seat.”

  They did so, and Coolidge turned to Nicole. “You did really well. Jason here was pleasantly surprised.”

  Jason glanced at her. “The other two girls fainted and screamed themselves silly. Even some of the guys reacted similarly.”

  Nicole scoffed. “You can’t be serious. Wimps.” She frowned. “How many other people still have to be tested?”

  “You were the last,” Coolidge said.

  Nicole nodded, then leaned forward, still keeping her hand away from herself. “What all did you guys see?”

  “Pretty much everything,” Jason said, “though in a fast-forwarded version. We discussed your reactions compared to how the others handled the test.”

  “It was the same for everyone?”

  Coolidge nodded and smiled. “I appreciated you offering the rat to the woman.”

  “She seemed to think it was food, and I figured, why not? Maybe it would tell the rat I wasn’t intimidated.”

  “Well, you did excellently,” Coolidge said. “Especially compared with many others. Congratulations.”

  He reached across the table to shake Nicole’s hand, but she pulled away, cringing. “Are you sure you want to do that?”

  “It was just water,” Coolidge said. “Pulled from the air, like I said, but don’t worry—it’s not decomposing rat organs.” He grinned. “All part of the experience.”

  Nicole released a breath of air and finally shook Coolidge’s hand.

  “Welcome to the team,” he said. “We’ll be meeting at my place tomorrow for dinner and for everyone to get acquainted with each other. My wife loves black-tie events, so dress up.”

  He told her he’d email her more specifics regarding the dinner and expedition, and after he made sure she didn’t have any more questions, they exited the warehouse.

  The sun was peeking through the clouds for the first time in a long while, and Nicole turned her face toward the warmth. She felt weird, as if she had jetlag. And she sort of did. Her body had just gone through several hours’ worth of stress and physical activity, and only twenty minutes had passed from when they’d arrived at the warehouse.

  Following the others, Nicole got in the car and strapped on her seat belt. “So, that was scary, but it could’ve been so much more intense.”

  Coolidge pulled out of the empty parking lot. He sighed. “I really don’t know what to expect in Arches, but something tells me it’s not going to be pretty. Without knowing what to expect, it’s hard to tell the rat what to create.”

  “Understandable.” Nicole slumped back in her seat. She was done. She’d completed the fourth test. She was going to Arches!

  “Who else is on the team, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “A few of my graduate students, including Sylvia and Jason. Then Austin and you. I still have to choose the third undergrad.”

  Nicole watched the buildings pass. At first, she didn’t pay them attention, but when she recognized the name of the street they’d just turned onto, she sat up. “Let me off here—I’ll find my way back to campus.”

  Coolidge pulled over, and Nicole grabbed her purse from where she’d left it under the seat and hopped out of the car.

  The white-and-glass exterior of Westlake Center gleamed in the sun before her. Nicole breathed deeply, the smell of the ocean entering her nose.

  She grinned. Time for some shopping.

  She’d totally earned it.

  ***

  Nicole received Coolidge’s email the next day. As he’d men
tioned to her, he wanted everyone to meet at his house for dinner.

  The trip itinerary he included showed an early flight out of Seattle on Wednesday morning, with a couple of stops on the way to Moab. Once there, Coolidge would rent several Jeeps and hire drivers.

  The email instructed her to pack things appropriate for a lot of hiking and camping. They’d be staying in hotels part of the time, but depending on where they decided to start digging, they could possibly end up having to set up camp.

  Nicole grinned. It had been a long time since she’d braved the outdoors. This was going to be awesome!

  Coolidge’s email mentioned that he’d arranged for each of the students’ classes to be dropped without penalty. She was just fine with that.

  ***

  Nicole stepped out of her car and into the brisk evening. She pulled her jacket closer, taking care not to wrinkle the elegant, floor-length evening gown she’d bought specifically for the night. Even though she knew her dress made her look pretty and confident, she still couldn’t get over the jitters that were bouncing in her stomach.

  She’d be the only person in attendance who didn’t know her own powers—who’d never really sensed them, apart from the third test the day before. She was Austin’s age, but not even close to his experience and talent.

  What was she doing?

  It hadn’t taken long to find Coolidge’s place. It was a white-paneled house on the shores of Union Bay. The house itself was gorgeous, and at first, Nicole wondered how a university professor could possibly pay for it. Then she remembered who Professor Coolidge was and stopped wondering. He probably did things for people and companies around the world—he didn’t teach at the university because he had to, but because he wanted to.

  Sylvia opened the door when Nicole rang, and Nicole nearly stepped back in surprise. She’d been expecting a butler or another, more official person.

  “I was so glad when Coolidge told me you passed the fourth test,” Sylvia said, showing Nicole where to put her jacket. “And that dress is beautiful. Where’d you get it?”

  “Westlake. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Too bad it can’t come with us to Arches, huh?”

  Sylvia’s tone implied she had something on her mind, and Nicole knitted her eyebrows, head cocked. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing,” Sylvia said, turning to walk down the hall, beckoning Nicole to follow. She paused. “Okay, so a couple of the guys are worried that you’re too prissy.”

  Nicole snorted. “Are you serious? What gave them that idea? Get me near a campsite and they won’t be wondering that anymore.”

  “Well, your purses are Gucci, and you always dress nicely.” Sylvia held up her hands. “Don’t get me wrong—I’m on your side. I think you’ll totally kick trash and shame the men into little boys. I just wanted you to know what they’ve been talking about.”

  Nicole folded her arms. “What does Coolidge think?”

  “He hasn’t said anything. He doesn’t usually—he lets us control the conversation.”

  Nicole nodded. Coolidge was the same in her sessions with the cellists. “Well, I’ll be sure to show them that I can keep up—and beat—any of them with starting a fire or staking tents.”

  Sylvia grinned. “You and me both.”

  They continued down the long hallway, through an open area with a piano in it, and into a plush sitting room where everyone else waited. The men looked fantastic in tuxes, and the women were beautiful in dresses.

  They were still waiting for Jason to arrive. Nicole took a seat and watched and listened. She wanted to see how they interacted with each other before joining the conversations.

  Right away, she noticed that Austin didn’t speak often, but when he did, the others listened. Even Coolidge. Austin seemed a lot more laid-back here in Coolidge’s house than he did on campus. Maybe because he was with people more on his level of intellect?

  While Lizzie had done Nicole’s hair earlier, she’d repeatedly said that Austin wouldn’t be able to keep his eyes off her. And Lizzie was partially right. He did keep glancing her way. Nicole couldn’t help but wonder what he thought about her making the expedition. She wished she could have eavesdropped in on the earlier conversations.

  Nicole’s phone chimed, signaling an incoming text message. It was from Toby. He was asking if they could do something together away from Pete after the expedition was over. Nicole smiled at the “away from Pete.”

  Was Toby asking her out? Obviously, yes. But why had he waited so long to say something? He’d flirted with her just a bit in their first meeting, but hadn’t since then, even though he’d had plenty of opportunities.

  “Toby’s a good guy,” Sylvia said. “And cute, too.”

  Nicole flushed, realizing that the girl had read over her shoulder. She tucked her phone away, deciding to answer him later, and struggled to control her embarrassment at Sylvia’s comment. She glanced up. Austin’s gaze was on her again. It was obvious he’d heard Sylvia—everyone had. They were all staring at Nicole.

  She cleared her throat, putting her hand to her neck and felt heat rising from her skin. Dang it, Sylvia! “Yeah, he’s a good friend.”

  “Looks like he wants to be more than friends,” Sylvia said.

  Nicole’s blush deepened, and not knowing what else to do with her hands, she grabbed the blanket from off the arm of the couch next to her and laid it across her lap. Her hands fisted beneath it. She couldn’t think of a way to respond—not without either confirming that she was interested in being more than friends or rejecting Toby before she’d even had the chance to get to know him. With how quickly things moved in certain circles at this university, she was positive he’d hear either way.

  “Speaking of relationships,” Sylvia said, “I heard that Jenna and Tom are tying the knot.”

  Several members of the group jumped on the new topic, probably sensing Nicole’s discomfort, and Nicole felt a tiny bit of gratitude toward Sylvia for obviously trying to distract everyone. But why bring attention to Nicole in the first place?

  Nicole glanced across the room. Austin’s dark gaze was on her, his expression unreadable. She looked away, not wanting to understand him, not even caring what he thought at that moment.

  Finally, Jason arrived, and Coolidge’s wife, Hayla, invited them into the dining room for dinner.

  Sylvia grabbed Nicole’s arm as they were leaving the room. “I’m really sorry I embarrassed you,” she whispered. “I’ve been told I’m abrasive and speak my thoughts too easily. Most of the time, I’m not aware I’ve done something wrong until after it’s happened.”

  Nicole took a deep breath, feeling her anger with Sylvia ease away. “I was embarrassed, but it’s fine. I’m sure we’ll all forget it soon.”

  And they did. The food was delicious—brisket, shrimp, and loaded mashed potatoes. Nicole ate as much as she could, knowing she’d burn it off quickly when they arrived in Arches.

  After they finished, they retreated to the sitting room again. Nicole waited until no one was talking to Coolidge, then asked him if it would be possible to take her cello on the expedition.

  She rushed on before he had a chance to answer. “The more I thought about it, the more I realized I don’t want to drop symphony. I worked too hard on my audition. And the conductor agreed to keep me in class as long as I practice for the concert in December. But that means I need to bring my instrument.” She took a breath. “On the other hand, cellos aren’t exactly cheap. If you think there’s a chance it’ll get ruined, I’ll leave it behind.”

  Coolidge rested his head on the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling. “It should be fine. One of the professors from Armitage is bringing a lot of expensive equipment. I’m sure we could arrange for you to keep your cello in his air-conditioned shed. It’ll be protected against weather and vandalism.”

  Nicole thanked him and leaned back in her seat, grateful she wouldn’t have to leave behind the one thing that had allowed her to produce
magic so far.

  The others continued chatting as Hayla, Coolidge’s wife, brought around dessert. Nicole responded to Toby’s text, saying yes, she’d like that, then ate her ice cream slowly. Sylvia was right—Toby was cute. But Nicole wasn’t sure she wanted a relationship with him. Not yet, anyway. She needed to know him better first.

  Nicole tried to follow the discussions, wanting to look like she fit in and understood all of the topics. But when Hayla returned to gather the dishes, Nicole jumped to help. She was done pretending to know what everyone was talking about.

  She followed Hayla into a huge kitchen complete with an industrial-sized grill that would’ve made a chef faint with envy. Nicole put the bowls and silverware where Hayla indicated and surveyed the room. Dishes were piled high on the counters and in the sink. Leftover food covered a breakfast table tucked into one corner of the room. A couple of spills on the floor made it impossible to maneuver safely.

  Without asking, she turned on the sink and began filling it with water.

  “Oh, Nicole,” Hayla said, “that’s really not necessary.”

  “Of course it is. This could take you all night. Besides, I’d rather not return to the awkward conversations just yet.”

  “I found them stimulating,” a deep voice responded.

  Nicole didn’t even need to turn to know it was Austin. What was he doing? Why’d he follow them?

  She felt, more than heard, him approach. Her back straightened as she went on the defensive. She wasn’t in the mood for his crankiness or attitude.

  Austin placed a dirty ice cream bowl next to the sink and leaned against the counter several feet away. He folded his arms. Didn’t say anything. Didn’t look at her.

  What was his deal? Was he going to “mood” her into talking?

  Nicole decided not to rise to whatever the challenge was, and instead continued to wash dishes as Hayla put the leftovers away.