by Julie Parker
What? What did he say? If the idea hadn’t been so utterly ridiculous, I might have thought they were talking about Logan. Not mine, but the other Logan.
“If he wants to keep his mommy out of the clink, he’ll talk all right,” the other fed threatened.
Holy crap! It was Logan. I reeled away from the wall and took some deep calming breaths. As much as I wanted to rant and rail, I knew I must remain silent. Did the other Payton even realize she was jumping through time and space with a rat? How awful for her.
Back I went, to lean against the wall and hear more of the toxic conversation.
“The charges against her were dropped. And thanks to us, they even overlooked the fact she managed to mysteriously get out of jail before turning herself back in,” the driver said with doubt.
“We only helped her in exchange for information from the kid. Who’s to say her case couldn’t be reopened?”
That explained why Logan’s mom hadn’t been in the picture. She’d been in jail. At least, his mom in this world had been.
“So let’s go and wake up the lush then, and shake some information out of her.”
That was my mother they were talking about. Well, not my mother exactly, but still.
“And when we tell her we just happened to lose her daughter, then what?”
Thank goodness for that driver and his voice of reason.
“This has all been for nothing, then. We have zilch…no specimens, no new information on the well, zip, nil. What a colossal waste of time.”
“Maybe not entirely,” the driver’s voice was soft. “We have her.”
To my shock and embarrassment, he suddenly pointed right at the window, and at me.
Chapter Eleven
Even as I began to run, the word “specimen” haunted me. Is that what I was to them, some science fair project? I dashed into the woods behind the cabin, opting for the safety and obscurity offered by the trees instead of the wide-open dirt road. My pursuers’ tread was heavy and fast on the ground behind me. At this rate I’d never outrun them, even as scared and desperate as I was. They were both big guys, and seemed in good condition, maybe even more fit than me.
Before I completely ran out of breath, I decided to stop. Something the driver fed had said earlier raced through my mind. He’d said “other powers” when referring to me. The other Logan had undoubtedly squealed about my wish granting talent, but after the little show Pauly and I had put on, they were re-thinking my capabilities. Perhaps I could scare them into leaving me alone. How I was to go about it, I had no idea.
They stopped a short distance away from me. I was glad to see them puffing just as hard as I was. While I watched them carefully, another thought crossed my mind. The opportunity I’d desired was now here before me. My questions about what these fellows knew or suspected about the well could be answered.
The driver looked at me and then at his comrade. “Told you she was alive. The little girl’s probably fine too, but was smart enough to leave town, unlike you.” He aimed that last part at me.
“What do you want?” My breath was ragged and my voice sounded anxious.
The other fed came up before me, a snarling look on his face. “You know what we want.”
Oh boy, I hoped they weren’t going to start wishing. That’d be six wishes between them both, if they knew the rules. God only knew what part of the world I’d end up in once they finished with me. As I struggled with that thought, the driver spoke to me.
“Tell us what you know about the well.”
Oh, if you only knew…. “Tell me what you know first,” I countered.
When the other man made a move to smack me, the driver put a restraining hand on his arm. “Wait,” he said to him.
“I don’t know how it works,” I blurted out, sensing danger. Blast my small size. If I was as big and strong as Logan they wouldn’t dare intimidate me. I remembered how he’d fought for me at the bear pit. All those guys he’d taken on without a second thought. That was how Logan was, though. When challenged, it was as if he threw on a coat of armor, turned off all his emotions—except rage—and went to town. These two clowns would be nothing to him. He’d drop them in moments, especially if he thought I was in danger. I sighed. How I missed him. This forced time apart was hard. I didn’t do alone well.
“All I know is sometimes wishes come true. Most times, they don’t. There are variables, lots of them, and I haven’t figured out what they all are.” It was the truth. They could take it or leave it.
“Which ones do you know about?” the driver asked, looking at me expectantly.
I wasn’t sure how much I should reveal. Would it make a difference? What would happen if these two could put everything together and the well granted them wishes? I now knew the risks and responsibilities of that ability. Consequences were inevitable. I silently hoped I wasn’t going to change this world forever with what I told them. There wasn’t much else I could do. I had to give them something, otherwise I may wind up back in that room upstairs in the decrepit cabin. Logan would never find me then. “I think the moon has something to do with it. Like a wish has to be made on the day or night of a full moon.”
“Twice in a blue moon,” the other fed said.
Not once in a blue moon, but twice. Very rare indeed. Now, I hadn’t thought about that. Perhaps it was the reason why Lord Nelson’s wish had taken so long to be granted.
The driver gave his partner a warning look. “What else?” he directed my way.
It was clear their knowledge was considerable. If I made stuff up they’d probably see right through me. “You need to get wet with some of the water.”
“We know that one too,” the other fed snapped. “Tell us something we don’t know.”
“I’m trying,” I said. “I told you I don’t know much about it.”
This time the other fed did reach out and grab me. Both of his meaty hooks latched onto my arms and squeezed tight. “You’re a liar.”
“I am not.”
“Get your damn hands off her.”
There is something to be said for perfect timing. If this had been a movie, I think it would be too coincidental, but it really happened. I stole a glance around the brute and saw my knight, my love, my hero—Logan—strong and tall, striding up behind the pair. Just as I had silently prayed, he’d come. I was beginning to think that after all the time we’d spent together, he’d developed a sixth sense about me whenever I was in danger and needed him. Whatever it was, I was never so glad to see someone in my life. Though loath to admit it, I had been afraid. All this time I’d been trying to play it cool and convince myself I could do things on my own. And I had. I’d handled things with Pauly and gotten us out of danger. I’d stood on my own and faced my demons, not to mention a drunken mother. But I had to admit, it felt good to have Logan covering my back. We were a team. Together, invincible.
“Now you’re gonna get your ass kicked, tough guy,” I couldn’t help but gloat in the face of the startled bully. I don’t know what rat-Logan was like, but my Logan could kick some serious ass.
Unfortunately, the closer Logan got to me, the harder he was for me to see. I caught a glimpse of a swinging fist right before the lights went out and I faded into oblivion, only to land a moment later with a bounce on my bed. I was home, safe and sound, while Logan fought two feds in the woods behind an old abandoned cabin.
By the time I made it back it was too late. Breaking my own rule, I’d hitched a ride, first into town, and then to the turn-off to the cabin. Luck had been with me and I’d arrived safely. I wish I could say the same for Logan.
When I ran up to the place I’d last been, I entered upon a surreal scene. It appeared Logan had delivered a terrible thrashing to the other fed before the driver had shot Logan. From where I stood, yards away, I couldn’t tell if he was alive or dead. The driver stood by the other fed, who was keeled over like Logan, although he didn’t sport a bullet wound in his chest.
The language that shot f
orth from my mouth, aimed at the driver, was scathing and vile, and I will not bother to repeat it here. Just writing this now makes my lip quiver and my hands shake, so fearful am I that Logan is once again facing danger at this very moment. Visions raced around my mind, all of them terrible. A life without Logan…unfathomable to me. Never to hear his deep voice or feel his soft touch upon my skin. Never to kiss his sweet lips again. I shook my head, refusing to accept this fate. My thoughts focused on rage instead. Tangible, uncontrollable rage. Who were they to decide who should live and who should die? How dare they? Were the secrets of that damned well worth Logan’s life? As I longed to rush to him and hold him in my arms, to stop the seep of blood onto the cold, forest floor, I knew that I could not. I could only watch hopelessly from a distance. My hands gripped into fists as I let rage sweep over me. I welcomed it. It cleared my mind and allowed me to focus. The heat of my glare, if it became a physical thing, would surely burn through the driver, who regarded me solemnly.
He tucked the gun he held into his belt behind his back, and then raised his hands to appear gentle. “I didn’t want any of this to happen, kid.”
His voice may have sounded contrite, but there was no mistaking the cold, determined look in his eyes. Those eyes spoke volumes to me. Telling me things he would never speak aloud. Whatever it took, no matter who or what got in his way, he would have his answers. The precious well was all that mattered. Several deep breaths later I asked the fateful question. “Is he dead?”
“Not yet. But he will be if he’s not taken to a hospital right now.”
“Then take him.”
He regarded me thoughtfully. “You’re pretty broken up about a guy who turned you in to the feds.”
“Look, there’s a lot more going on here then you know.” Dare I tell him? What other choice did I have? Caution battled with urgency. There wasn’t much time.
“I know you can grant wishes, and disappear.”
“Oh, I can do a lot more than that,” I baited him, making my voice soft and mysterious. “I can take you places you can’t even begin to imagine. Make your wildest dreams come true.” I crept as close as I dared, lest I be sent whirling through space again. From where I now stood I could see the pitiful, strained—but welcome, all the same—breaths Logan took. Faint hope remained. Hang on!
“That’s a big promise you make considering I only get three wishes.”
So, he did know the rules. “I am not from this place, this world.” Time was running out for Logan, and I had to talk fast.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I am not the Payton Wren from this dimension. And that is not the same Logan McCullough.” He was intrigued; I could tell by his gleaming, beady-eyed rat-faced look. Come closer, little rat…take the bait…. “We came here through a tunnel by the graveyard. It leads to other worlds, other dimensions. There’s so much more to all this then just a lousy wishing well. It’s the find of the century. Just think of it.” Come closer….
“It’s not true. It’s too fantastic to be true.”
But a magic wishing well was believable? “I can prove it.”
“How?” He practically rubbed his hands together in glee. Closer….
Now was the moment of truth. The time to see if what Logan and I had talked about could actually be done. “You need to make a wish. A very special wish.” I crossed my fingers that he would take the bait.
“I don’t want to waste a wish. I could make one right now and you couldn’t stop me.”
“True. But before the words are out of your mouth, I’ll disappear again. You’ve seen me do it, it’s another one of my powers. Next time, I won’t come back. If I did it would be too late. Logan would be dead. There would be no point.” I let him stew on that for a moment. “Your choice. All I’m asking for is one wish.”
He looked at me, and then at Logan. I got ready to run in case he called my bluff.
“All right, kid. You win. One wish and then you spill your guts.” Looking at Logan, I didn’t find his choice of words amusing.
“Oh, I’ll do better than that. I’ll take you there and show you what I mean once you make your wish.”
“Okay, let’s do it.” Trap sprung.
I closed my eyes for a second and prayed that Logan would forgive me for what I was about to do. “I want you to wish that you, me—my name is Payton—and Logan, all of us, go back to the medieval world Logan and I were last in.” It was the only way for me to save Logan, without a doubt.
“I don’t see how—”
“Just do it.” Do it now!
“All right,” he said with a sigh. “I wish that Payton and Logan and me return to the medieval world that Payton and Logan were last in. This better work.”
I repeated his words while doing the genie thing, elation coursing through my veins. It had to work. Moments later, we were transported back to the medieval world. I was fairly certain, because we landed right out front of the old manor house Logan and I had spent so much time at. I’d learned the hard way that looks can be deceiving. There was only one way to be sure beyond all doubt. I had to try and heal Logan.
My heart beat frantically, everything depending on this moment. While the fed looked around in wonder and disbelief, I rushed over to Logan, who was lying lifeless on the ground. When I didn’t go spinning through space, I took it as a good sign. The wishing gift I’d possessed had disappeared, along with that former world. I knelt and laid my quivering hands upon his chest, pressing firmly. My breath held, and I would swear that even my heart stilled in anticipation. At last, the familiar electric sensation overtook me. As the power began to course down my arms and into my fingertips, I welcomed it gratefully. I watched Logan anxiously, desperate for any signs of life. Time seemed to slow, and then to stop altogether. Birds and animals ceased to move or make any sound. The very trees defied the wind, remaining motionless. The entire world held its breath.
Logan jolted, and ever so slowly his eyes fluttered open. “Payton,” he gasped, and miraculously, he began to heal. Our gazes locked and held, not only our minds joined in that instant, but our very souls as well.
The fed walked over, his heavy, crunching footsteps gaining my attention. I heard his startled gasp as he viewed what was happening. “Wow, kid. You’ve healed him.” Was that a tinge of fear mixed with awe I detected in his voice?
Logan shook himself and slowly sat up. I helped him to his feet. When he gazed around I could see defeat creep over his face. He knew what I had done. “We’re back.” His desolate tone revealed much.
“I had to do it. I had to heal you.” Please understand.
“You can’t make my final wish come true now. We could have made it home.”
I felt a prickle of defensiveness. “It would be hard for you to wish if you were dead.”
Logan let out a gigantic sigh. “Don’t get worked up. I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at me. If I hadn’t gotten shot….” His voice trailed off as his eyes landed on the fed. “You! You’re the idiot who shot me.” Rage suffused his face and his hands bunched into fists. I knew exactly how he felt. Before he could make a move, the fed had his gun out and pointed at me.
“Stop or she dies.” Beads of sweat covered his face. He wasn’t as confident as he would have us believe.
Logan stopped, and pushed me safely behind him.
“What precisely did you mean when you told her she couldn’t make your wish come true now?” the fed demanded, his voice slightly hitched.
Feeling brave, I ignored the gun and stepped up beside Logan. We would face this together, just as we had faced all danger together. “He means I can’t grant wishes here, in this dimension. And now you’re trapped, just like us.”
Chapter Twelve
The fed’s expression revealed his rage, but I didn’t care. He could wave that gun around all he wanted, he was no longer the one in control. If he killed Logan or me he’d never make it home. He was on our turf now. Just as I thought this, a horrible pain suddenly grip
ped my chest, making me clutch my sides and sway. Logan’s deadly wound, now healed, had become mine. It made me drop to the ground in agony.
I’d forgotten about that part.
Logan, quick as a flash, knelt beside me. “Don’t touch me,” I warned. I wouldn’t have our sacrifice be in vain.
“What the hell?” yelled the fed. He stood over us, scowling, no doubt thinking this a ruse.
“Back off,” Logan snapped. His eyes glittered dangerously, but when a groan escaped my lips, his attention focused solely on me.
The fed, still holding the gun in his hand, took advantage of the distraction. Before either of us saw it coming, he suddenly smashed the handle of the gun to the side of Logan’s head. I screamed as Logan rolled away, unconscious.
I got up on my hands and knees, wanting to go to him, desperate to help, though wary I’d do more harm than good. I couldn’t heal him…yet. Not when I was still loaded with pain. Before I could move any closer, the fed stepped between us. He lifted his booted foot, braced it against my shoulder, and shoved me backward into the dirt.
“Son of a…,” I gasped as I fell.
I’d been so sure we held the upper hand. How could things have gone so horribly wrong? Helplessness engulfed me. Were Logan and I forever to pay the highest price? Wasn’t good supposed to triumph over evil?
The fed regarded me, his lips twisted in a mocking grin. “Something tells me if you can’t grant wishes, then you also can’t disappear. If you do though, he’s dead.” He coldly gestured to Logan. “Now, I want some answers, and you’re going to give them to me. You can start by telling me where the hell we are.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “We’re in hell. Don’t be fooled by the peaceful landscape. Here, not everything is as it appears. We are in great danger. You must listen to what I say very carefully.” I began to ramble on, gibberish, my voice becoming softer and softer. The fed, as I hoped, came closer to hear my words. He tucked his gun in the back of his pants and knelt beside me. The pain in my chest was unbearable. Every soft word I spoke was an effort.