Best of Intentions

by Michelle Cary

  ****

  “Well?” Eric asked for what seemed to be the hundredth time since they’d left the house.

  Devin refrained from rolling his eyes at the impatience his buddy was showing. Nobody wanted to find Tess more than he did, but conjuring visions wasn’t an easy task anyway. Throw in some pressure and the fact he hadn’t had any kind of a real vision since the accident and it was damn near impossible. “I’m trying, but it’s not like ordering a pizza, you know. It takes the right combination of emotion and setting to make it work.”

  “This isn’t the time to be bullshitting me, Devin. Tess could be in serious trouble and you’re still trying to convince me you have some magical abilities. Either you can do it or you can’t, period.”

  Devin knew Eric was as worried as he was, but there wasn’t any way he was going to take that kind of crap from him. “I’m doing my best here, but without her invoking the amulet’s powers, I can’t find her as easily. Give me something to work with.”

  “Like what?”

  “You said her truck was still at the hospital parking lot. Let’s start there.”

  Eric glanced at him then back at the road. “This better lead to something tangible or I’ll have your ass nailed to my office door.”

  Now Devin did roll his eyes. “Whatever. Can we please go to the hospital?”

  Eric practically flew through town, skirting traffic and blowing red lights with his blue light and siren running the entire way. White knuckled, Devin held on to anything he could get his fingers around and prayed he wouldn’t be involved in another accident. One had been quite enough.

  Eric wrangled the car into the parking lot and slid to a stop mere inches from where yellow crime scene tape now quartered off Tess’s vehicle. Already asking questions before he was completely out of the car, Eric’s voice filled the air. “Have you guys found anything yet?”

  The two uniformed officers searching the truck both shook their heads and the older of the two stepped forward. “No, sir. The vehicle is unlocked, but we don’t believe she ever made it inside.”

  Devin walked around the front of Eric’s cruiser and stopped. The explorer’s door stood wide open and her purse rested on the driver’s seat. The vision of Tess he’d had before flashed through his mind and he nearly gasped as he realized his precognition was correct. He raced toward Tess’s truck, sliding to a stop at the crime tape, when an officer prevented him from going any further. “I’m sorry, sir, but you need to step back.”

  Eric held up a hand, signaling the young officer to back off. “It’s okay, O’Riley, he’s with me.”

  Devin looked at Eric, waited for him to nod his permission then ducked under the tape and rushed to the truck. He headed up the passenger side first and walked around the front, stopping at the driver’s door. Closing his eyes, Devin placed his hand on the door handle. He sucked in a quick breath as a flood of images raced through his mind. Trying his best to pick out scene identifiers, he started to make a mental list, but it was the last scene which pushed him back into reality. His eyes flew open and he raced toward Eric. “They’re in a church.”

  “A church?” Eric asked, with a touch of sarcasm in his voice. “What in the hell would they be doing in a church?”

  Devin shook his head. “Damn it, I don’t know, but if we don’t find them soon, Tess is going to end up a sacrifice.”

  Eric’s eyes grew wide. “What?”

  Devin nodded. “You heard me. She’s lying on a table surrounded by candles in the front of a sanctuary. She was unconscious and covered in white cloth. Tori was standing over her with some type of knife or dagger in her hand.”

  “Fuck!” Eric slammed his hand against the hood. “Do you have any idea how many churches there are in Mechanicsburg?”

  Devin looked up to see another man heading toward where they were standing. Eric spoke to the man and proceeded to introduce Devin to Detective Kendal. He gave Devin a quick nod then turned his attention to Eric. “I have a box here of all the stuff we found in Victoria Daniels employee locker.”

  “Let me see.” Eric took the box and began rooting through the contents, setting the items on the hood of the car.

  Devin watched one item after another assemble on the box and couldn’t pick up the bible Eric sat out fast enough. As he thumbed through it, a piece of paper fell out. He dropped the bible and bent to pick up the paper. Much to his surprise, it was a flyer for the New Hope Holy Resurrection Church. He stared at the flyer as more images flooded his mind. Whatever was taking place was happening inside this church. “Eric.”

  Devin shoved the flier in Eric’s face. “They’re here.”

  Eric scanned the paper then looked at him. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  They quickly gathered up Tori’s belongings and put them back in the box. Devin was already in the passenger seat by the time Eric had stopped giving out orders and slid behind the wheel. “I dispatched uniforms to meet us there,” Eric said as he drove out of the parking lot and headed away from the hospital.

  Chapter Fifteen

  By the time they’d made it to the Church’s lot, Devin’s connection with Tess was gone, completely severed by some unknown factor that made Devin’s skin crawl in fear. Even if she removed the amulet, once the joining was complete the only way for their connection to be broken was for one of them to be unconscious or worse. The worse is what he feared most and he found himself wishing he could somehow give up his powers in trade for Tess’s life. That wasn’t likely considering the circumstances. He glanced over at Eric in time to see his back disappear out of the car. Quickly, Devin joined him as he popped the trunk.

  Eric ripped off his coat and slid on a protective vest. “I want you to stay here and wait for the uniformed officers,”

  “Oh, no.” Devin shook his head. “I didn’t come all this way to get benched during the last play. Besides, cops aren’t supposed to go into a dangerous situation without back up.”

  Eric wrinkled his brow and yanked his glock from its protective sheathing. “Where in the hell did you hear that?”

  “Only every television police drama I’ve ever watched,” Devin replied, hoping his answer didn’t sound nearly as stupid to Eric as it did in his own ears.

  Eric gave his answer a snort and shook his head. “I know I’m gonna regret this, but here.” He handed Devin a bulletproof vest, much like his own. “Put this on and stay close.”

  Hugging the sides of the building for protection, they headed toward the sanctuary doors. Eric tested the door. It gave, opening toward them. Quietly, they slipped through the entrance and inched down the hallway leading to the sanctuary.

  Devin’s heart nearly stopped when the altar came into view. Just as he’d envisioned, Tess lay unconscious across a table with white sheets covering her. Tori scurried around her lighting candles and mumbling prayers.

  Eric looked back at Devin and nodded toward the scene. “Is that what was in your vision?”

  Devin nodded. “So what are we going to do to stop her?”

  Eric searched the foyer. “I need to find a way to get around behind her. I’m sure there has to be a back way.”

  Devin took a step forward and Eric grabbed him by the arm. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going to distract her while you find a way back there. Now get moving.”

  For a second Eric remained fixed in place, staring at him. Then he patted Devin on the shoulder. “I was wrong about you. Watch your ass, okay, cause I’d like to have the chance to properly apologize later.”

  “Done. Now go.”

  He waited until Eric was out of sight then slowly entered the sanctuary. Every muscle in his body shook from fear, but he wasn’t concerned with his own safety. After all, he’d survived a bus accident that took everybody else. After cheating death once, he was ready to face it head on, if it was indeed his time.

  He was half way up the aisle before Tori noticed him. She raced around the table, picked up the hand
gun and pointed it at Devin. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

  Devin raised his hands above his head, making sure she knew he wasn’t armed. Many a time during his career he’d toyed with the idea of acting. Now he was about to find out how good he really was. “I’m Arthur and I was hoping to speak to the priest.”

  She cocked her head to one side and looked him up and down. Devin was thankful the light was dim enough to help mask his features. The last thing he needed was for her to figure out who he really was.

  “Reverend Fallsworth isn’t available right now. You’ll have to come back another time.”

  Devin slid into the pew closest to him and sat. “But I don’t really have any place to go. If you wouldn’t mind I could sleep here tonight.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him as if she were sizing him up a second time. “You don’t look homeless to me?”

  Quick Devin, think on your feet, man. “I’m not, exactly. My girlfriend moved to town a couple of months ago for a new job. We haven’t seen each other since she left. I figured I would surprise her, so I caught the bus and rode down here. Only I was the one who was surprised. That tramp was in bed with another man.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” She lowered the gun and set it on the table. “So why are you here?”

  “I don’t have enough money for both a hotel room and a bus ticket which means I don’t have any place to stay and I can’t get another bus out of town until tomorrow. I was walking around for awhile, but it’s really cold outside and I could use some guidance. When I stumbled across this place, I knew God was calling to me.”

  Her look softened a little more. “I’m sure he was. God calls to all of his children and when they hear his call, they’ll be saved; guaranteed to join him in the heavenly kingdom and walk beside him.”

  “Are you a minister here?”

  “Me?” She shook her head. “No. Like you, I’m simply one of God’s children who answered his call.”

  Devin caught movement out of the corner of his eye and knew he needed to keep her talking; keep her distracted. “So, um…what are you doing with that woman?”

  She tensed a little. “I’m giving her the greatest gift one could hope for and by doing so, giving the Lord my offering of a sacrifice.”

  My God, the woman was completely off the deep end. His stomach churned at her words and Devin forced down the bile gathering in his throat. “A sacrifice, huh? I didn’t know people still did those things.”

  “They do, but not nearly as much as they should. And with it being Easter in a few days, she’ll make the perfect offering. You know Christ was killed for our sins. The least we can do is offer ourselves back to him as sacrificial lambs. Just as Jesus rose from the grave, so too will her spirit rise.” She picked up a bowl containing what Devin could only assume was holy water and began to sprinkle it over Tess.

  When Eric’s figure came into view mere feet behind Tori, Devin slipped from the pew and slowly headed toward the altar. “I’ve never seen a sacrifice performed before. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get a closer look.” As he neared the steps, he found the pastor lying on the floor near the front pew with his eyes closed and one hand clinging to a compress over a wound.

  As much as he wanted to help the man, he knew it wouldn’t them any good if he lost his focus and let Tori get the upper hand. He took another step forward, only to kick a small glass bottle at the base of his feet. Keeping his eyes fixed on Tori, he bent to pick up the container. It was a medicine bottle, like the ones used in hospitals for dispensing shots. He glanced at the wording. “Propofol? Isn’t that a sedative? Guess she isn’t going to feel anything, huh?”

  “Just because she’s sacrificing herself to the Lord doesn’t mean she should suffer.”

  “What about those of us who love her, Tori? Don’t you think we’ll suffer if she dies?” He stepped into the light, revealing himself to her.

  She looked up and frowned. “Wait a minute. You’re not some brokenhearted boyfriend. You’re Devin, Tess’s musician friend.”

  “That’s right, and you need to step away from Tess before you hurt her.”

  She shook her head. “No. You don’t understand. I’m giving her the greatest gift a friend can offer. While I stay here and continue God’s work, she’ll be walking side by side with the Lord.”

  “No, Tori. All you’ll be doing is murdering an innocent person. Choosing who lives and dies isn’t your call to make. Now please, step away from Tess and we’ll get you the help you need.”

  “I am not sick,” she wailed and quickly picked up the dagger. “And I have to finish what I started.”

  Arms outstretched, Tori raised the dagger over her head.

  Centering himself, Devin concentrated on the dagger, using his telekinetic abilities to hold the knife above her head, preventing her from moving forward. With his arms by his side, his palms facing the ground, Devin drew on the earth’s power, channeling it. He began to chant “By the powers of Air and Fire, Earth and Sea. I bind you Tori, three times three.”

  Tori’s eyes grew wide and she fought against the invisible hands holding her in place. “I knew it,” she screamed, shaking her head. “I told Tess you were a witch, I told her she was in danger.”

  Despite Tori’s ranting, Devin never wavered. Knowing Tess’s life hung in the balance left him no room for error. He continued on, concentrating on completing the spell. “I bind you Tori from doing harm. Harm against others and harm against yourself. I bind you Tori from doing harm. Harm against others and harm against yourself. I bind you Tori from doing harm. Harm against others and harm against yourself.”

  With her arms locked above her head, Tori continued to scream. “No. I’m God’s servant, protected by his love. Your Satanic ways can’t harm me.”

  Eric appeared from the shadows behind her, his eyes wide as he glanced from Devin to Tori and back.

  Devin caught the look of shock and awe on Eric’s face. Later he would have to explain, but for now, it was time to finish the task at hand. He kept his gaze locked on her image and completed the spell. “Now, Eric!”

  Eric lurched at Tori, wrapped his arms around her waist and attempted to drag her away from Tess.”

  Tori screamed and kicked out, knocking over several of the candles in the process. Fire caught the bottom of the cloth draped over Tess and immediately began to climb. Devin rushed forward, ripped the shroud from her, and attempted to stomp out the flames. Eric struggled to maintain his grip on Tori. The fire slowly consumed everything around them, scorching the carpet and leaping to the curtains. "Devin, get Tess out of here!” Eric yelled from across the room. Black smoke rapidly filled the room, making it nearly impossible to see. Somewhere between the smoke and flames, he could see Eric wrestling with Tori. Time was quickly slipping away from them and it wouldn’t be long before the billowing smoke snuffed out the remaining oxygen in the room. He raced to the altar, scooped Tess into his arms and hurried down the aisle closest to him. The thickening smoke burned his throat and filled his lungs. His strength began to wane and he wasn’t sure they were going to make it. The fact Tess remained unconscious only added to his problem. All of her tiny one hundred ten pound frame was dead weight in his arm. When he was sure he’d collapse, he found the exit and stumbled out into the night, sucking in a cold drag of fresh air through his violent coughs. He fell to his knees, his lungs burning from the smoke. Two uniformed officers rushed toward him. “Sir, let me help you with her. Are you all right,” one officer asked.

  Devin shook his head and barely managed to cough out the word ‘I’m fine’ to the men. He motioned to the door. “Eric-Detective Parker-still inside and another man.”

  “Can you handle her on your own?”

  Devin nodded. “Go help them. I have her.” I hope. Through everything that had taken place, Tess never stirred. That alone would be enough to make him nervous, but when he couldn’t connect psychically, Devin was once again on his feet and stumbling toward the waiting amb
ulance. His one comfort came from feeling her heartbeat mixing with his own. It was faint and slow, but it was still beating. Tess was the only thing left in the world that mattered to him. If she was gone… He pushed away the ominous picture as two paramedics intercepted him. Before he could say anything, one worker lifted Tess out of his arms while the other guided him to the back of the ambulance.

  “Sir, are you hurt anywhere?” the medic asked while he checked Devin’s blood pressure.

  Devin shook his head and continued to cough. “I’m fine. Help her.” He pointed to Tess.

  “My partner is working on her and as soon as I get you a blanket and oxygen, I’ll help him.”

  With an oxygen mask covering his face, and a blanket wrapped around him against the cold, Devin stared at the two men assessing her condition. “Pupils are dilated. Breathing’s shallow and skin’s clammy to touch. Looks like some kind of drug overdose,” one said to the other.

  “I agree. Too bad we don’t know what type.”

  Devin ripped the mask from his face. “There was an empty vial of Propofol lying on the floor inside.”

  The two men looked at each other, then tore into their equipment, quickly starting intravenous fluids and calling the hospital for more assistance.

  Devin could do little more than watch and pray she’d survive. If there’d only been something more he could have done. “She is going to be okay, isn’t she?”

  The one paramedic nodded while he worked. “Hopefully, but the sooner we stabilize her and get her to the hospital the better.”

  “We have two more,” a voice yelled, causing both Devin and the medics to turn and look.

  The two officers carried the man Devin had seen lying on the floor, while Eric trailed behind them. Burns covered the side of his face and arm, and he was coughing violently, but he was very much alive.

  A second ambulance raced up as the men reached them. Two more medics appeared and took over the men’s care.

  Eric, also holding an oxygen mask to his face, joined him. He removed the mask. “So what was all that in there?”