Talisman

by S.E. Akers

  Colorful freshly fallen leaves swirled around me as I barreled across the mountainside. I couldn’t help noticing what a particularly beautiful fall day it had turned out to be. It made me wonder where Bea would be taking me. Would there be an autumn? We could be going to some deserted island for all I knew, or worse — another cave. Tonight’s fall sunset may be my last.

  I’d better drink it in before we leave this evening…

  With the Riverside estate swiftly coming into view, I reduced my speed down to a light jog. I approached the palatial manor with the same sense of awe I always did. An intimidating, wrought iron fence wrapped around all eighty-four acres of the heavily wooded and secluded grounds. Towering brick columns connected the sections of iron and gave the stately property the appearance of an impregnable fortress.

  I know what part I’ll be scaling, I noted confidently.

  The automated main entry gate lay up ahead. Cautiously, I veered to the right and followed along the perimeter of the landscape, staying well hidden amongst the bushes. The main house was visible just off to my left. It looked just as grand as I remembered from the countless company parties and events my family had attended here over the years. Though there weren’t any festive decorations hanging or white lights twinkling, the house was still impressive nonetheless. The massive Neoclassical home had been custom built by Harper Riverside about ten years ago. A timeless, deep crimson brick covered its façade while a decorative copper roof sat atop the magnificent mansion, gleaming like a shiny crown. Its front entrance welcomed all its visitors with a pretentiously embellished portico supported by eight colossal fluted columns, which I would swear soared higher than most of their trees. Ornate pediments topped rows and rows of meticulously framed windows — and I would bet my right hand that the showy and elaborate black shutters flanking them had never swung the first functional inch either. As always, the grounds of the estate looked just as immaculate. Its landscaping was constantly being updated by their gardeners. Today, a variety of colorful mums were resting in every fancy planter and dotting all the surrounding beds for as far as my eyes could see. It was truly breathtaking. I could stand here all day and fantasize about what it would be like to live in a house like that, but there were other sights to be seen. Particularly, another grand but smaller building located on the property — the guesthouse.

  The guesthouse was located towards the rear of the property, nestled beside a small pond. It was a miniature version of the main house — same brick, roof, and finishing touches, but only a quarter of its size. I crept towards the gate to scope out the scene. There were no black SUV’s parked outside or vehicles of any kind for that matter. It appeared that no one was there, but I decided to maintain my stealth-like approach, just in case.

  Climbing the wrought iron rails would be a huge mistake. With no time to waste, I hurried over to one of the brick columns that linked the sections and scaled the twelve-foot pillar. I jumped down and landed in a cluster of bushes on the other side.

  With a watchful eye, I dashed over to the rear of the guesthouse. I peeked into all the windows as I made a sweep of the perimeter. I found myself doing a double-take when I passed by an electricity meter. The numbers on the analog display were spinning rapidly for some reason. Curiously fascinated, I laid my hand on it, only to watch the digits pick up an insane amount of steam.

  Weird. I guess it’s registering…ME? The whirling dial slowed back down to 000014 kWh as soon as I removed my hand. I’d actually turned the damn thing over.

  Ooops, I cringed, feeling kind of bad about the unforeseen mishap. But then again, I figured the Riversides’ could afford it.

  I hadn’t spied anyone stirring inside the house, so the coast seemed clear…at least for now. A shiny brass knob on the front door greeted my eyes when I arrived at the main entry. I allowed my hand to pause over the decorative oval-shaped knob, which had been engraved with the initial, “R”.

  Let’s see if Tanner’s right. I clutched the brass knob and after a few focused seconds, I felt a subtle vibration, followed by a distinct “pop” that rang out. I grinned and thought, Cool, as I turned the knob of the now unlocked door. With utmost caution, I edged inside.

  I didn’t have any time to waste. It was already pushing 4 o’clock, so a thorough but speedy search would be prudent. An assortment of anally-matching suitcases and trunks sat stacked in the corner of the foyer.

  That’s as good a place as any to start. I went to rummaging through the bags (all 18 of them). Not here, I thought as I kicked the side of a large Louis Vuitton trunk.

  Next, I headed into the front parlor. I’d wasted so much time on the luggage I thought, Screw it, and went to ransacking the pristine and posh room. I checked under the sofa and chairs, inside drawers, looked in every decorative container, and behind pictures that were hanging on the walls. Clearly desperate, I even rooted around in the dirt of a large planter that held a massive ficus tree. Still nothing.

  I darted across the foyer to check the study. Swiftly, my eyes traveled around the room, scrutinizing every inch of it. I automatically honed in on an elaborate mahogany desk that sat off to the side of the room. Lying on top of it was an unusual looking chest that practically cried out for a much closer inspection.

  Though the Riversides’ had decorated the house with numerous opulent accessories, this container didn’t strike me as something Elisa Riverside would pick out to go with the home’s décor. This has to be it. The chest was crafted from a strange wood and boasted an almost ancient feel. The markings on its surface looked more like a hodgepodge of strange symbols, rather than a patterned design. It was certainly a grandiose container but not overly gaudy like most of the other accessories I’d seen.

  Always in the last place you look…

  I took a deep breath and slowly raised the lid. Empty, I pouted wearily as I stared at the burgundy velvet lining. Though as disappointed as I was, I did spy a distinct impression had been left behind. I ran my fingers along the soft, cross-like outline. The shape and size of the indentation were identical to the object in my dream.

  The hilt… It did lead him here. He must have it with him, I rationalized, empty-handed and crestfallen.

  As I lowered the lid, my ears alerted me to the familiar and uneasy sound of a gun cocking. My head flew up instantly. There in the doorway of the study stood one of Lazarus Xcavare’s men, pointing a revolver at me.

  “Well, well, well . . . We’ve been looking everywhere for you. Ms. Wallace, isn’t it?” the man asked.

  I was more startled by his acknowledgement of who I was, than by the fact that he was pointing a gun at me (which I felt confident wouldn’t pose a problem).

  I guess the cat’s officially out of the freaking bag now.

  “Are you going to come quietly?” the man sneered. “Or am I going to have to use this on you.”

  I knew this guy was human because he wasn’t putting out any sort of supernatural vibe like I’d sensed coming from Ferrol. Though realistically, if he were a Talisman — why would he need a gun? But what I couldn’t understand was how he’d managed to sneak up on me like that.

  In an insolent manner, I shrugged, “Go ahead,” and flashed a fearless smile.

  “If that’s what the lady wants,” Lazarus’ henchman grinned.

  As I heard the shot ring out, I thought, I’ll take care of you in a second.

  Suddenly my eyes exploded when I felt the bullet pierce my shoulder, followed by a horrible burning sensation coursing through my body like a flame racing along a line of gasoline. The fiery pain sent me stumbling backward, where I crashed down into a chair sitting behind the desk.

  I looked over at my shoulder. Damn! I’m bleeding… I was blown away, literally. That bastard actually SHOT ME! The bullet was lodged deep in my shoulder. Carving a diamond from my skin felt like a slight scratch compared to this savage agony. I struggled to prop myself up on the desk. My body wa
s growing weaker by the second and my mind was racing, trying to stay ahead of the horrific pain.

  How could this have happened?

  Out of breath and grappling with the bullet’s hellish sting, I looked over at my assailant, who was taking out his cell phone and laughing.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention that these are special bullets. Iron bullets . . . with a diamond-powder coating. Very expensive to make, but I guess Lazarus was right when he said that, ‘you’d be worth their cost’. Only the best for you,” he sang with a devilish hum.

  I scowled at the man who seemed to find a sick kind of pleasure in watching me suffer. The sharp, burning ache from the diamond powder was starting to subside, but I was now left with feeling the grueling, power-draining effects of the wretched iron.

  The man started punching keys on his phone. “Oh, I’m Karl. I should’ve introduced myself properly . . . before I shot you. That was rude. You’ll have to excuse me. I don’t have Lazarus’ manners.”

  His call was short and sweet. Helplessly, I listened to Karl inform the party on the other end that, “he had found me”, made a few cracks about my current frail state, and then hung up the phone. He tucked his cell back inside his jacket and holstered his gun.

  “Okay, time to go for a little ride,” Karl announced.

  Just as he’d begun his approach, a knock at the door halted his steps. Karl rushed into the foyer. He reappeared and pointed to me.

  “Not a word!” Karl ordered with a stern glare and then charged back into the foyer to greet the unexpected visitor.

  As I wrestled with the crippling pain, I prayed it was Tanner, though I seriously doubted he would choose to knock.

  I knew who it was the second I heard their voice. Harper Riverside.

  “WHERE is Lazarus?” Harper Riverside demanded, whom I could tell had entered the house. “I know he’s backing out of the sale, and I need to speak with him TODAY! It’s awfully funny how he spent all day yesterday going over safety records that were almost impeccable, and then the mine has several explosions out of the blue — THIS MORNING! Hell, all the air level readings were normal! I demand to speak to him NOW!”

  “He’s not here, Mr. Riverside,” Karl insisted, “and as you can see by our luggage, we’ll be departing today. Mr. Xcavare truly regrets that the mine didn’t meet his criteria. He’s a stickler when it comes to the safety of his mining operations. He values the lives of his workers just as much as his own.”

  I gripped the desk so hard my knuckles turned white. What a crock!

  “My mine is SAFE!” Harper Riverside raged, clearly offended. “I don’t know what happened. I’m ready to retire, and I won’t allow this deal to fall through because of some freak explosion. I’ll hold him to it — I SWEAR! My attorney’s already told me to say the word, and he’ll hold Lazarus’ ass to the fire!”

  Harper Riverside stepped into the doorway of the study. Karl grabbed his arm swiftly and attempted to pull him back. “I think you had better wait for him up at your house, Sir,” he warned.

  Harper Riverside jerked his arm away from him. “This is MY HOUSE!” he roared, “and don’t tell me where I’m going to wait for someone. I’ll wait for him wherever I DAMN WELL PLEASE! You’re a guest in my home . . . Don’t you forget THAT! Now, I suggest you call and tell him that I’m here . . . I’m not leaving until I speak with him and neither are YOU!” he added and poked Karl firmly with his finger.

  I became increasingly alarmed as I listened to Mr. Riverside bossing around a man who had just SHOT ME. The next thing I knew, Harper Riverside had entered the study with Karl right on his heels.

  Still oblivious to the fact that I was in the room, let alone hunched over the desk and bleeding all over it, Harper Riverside continued ranting. “Personally, I think there’s more going on here than meets the eye, so you’d better lawyer-up or get him on the phone now!” Harper Riverside demanded. “As far as I’m concerned, the sale’s a done deal! The only way he’ll break it is OVER MY DEAD BODY!”

  After firing off his ultimatum, Harper Riverside finally noticed me.

  “Shiloh Wallace? What on earth are you doing here?” he asked, puzzled by my presence. Mr. Riverside became more than a bit rattled when he noticed the blood pooling on top of the desk. “Are you . . . blee—bleeding?” he stammered. Harper Riverside turned to Karl. “WHAT HAPPENED TO HER?”

  Karl said nothing. The next thing I knew, he was pulling something out of his jacket — and I was pretty sure it wasn’t his cell phone. As soon as Karl’s hand reappeared, he pointed his gun at Harper Riverside.

  “Wh—What do you think you’re doing?” Harper Riverside gasped.

  “Breaking the deal,” Karl insisted with a shrug of his shoulders and a blasé grin, “in the manner you specified.” Within less than a second, a loud shot rang out, and a stream of smoke rolled off the tip of the gun.

  Wide-eyed, I watched Harper Riverside fall to his death on the spot from one fatal shot, right between the eyes. The appalling image triggered all the same emotions I felt on the night that I’d found Daddy in the bed of his truck. In spite of all the clashes I’d ever had with the cocky quarterback, my heart instantly ached for Mike.

  Karl burst into laughter and looked at my shoulder. “And you think you’ve got it bad,” he scoffed. “At least he went quick . . . though I can’t say the same about your father.”

  My feeble frame trembled with rage as I tried desperately to compel him to let me go. Oddly, none of my attempts worked, which they should have. After all, he was a stranger who meant absolutely nothing to me.

  “When Lazarus found out your father held the title to Shiloh Ridge, he figured he could buy him off with a couple of million . . . But when your father refused, repeatedly, Lazarus suspected something,” Karl revealed. “We went out to the mine and offered your father ten million in cold-hard cash, and he still said ‘no’. Lazarus was tired of wasting time and tried to compel him . . . Oh, you’re familiar with that, aren’t you?”

  My glare intensified while I listened to him rattle off the details about the night of my father’s death.

  Karl continued snidely, “Sure you are. Well, anyway . . . Your father couldn’t be compelled. No matter how hard Lazarus tried.” He shook his head and sat down on the edge of the desk. “That is, until we discovered why,” Karl added as he pulled my father’s diamond necklace out from underneath his shirt.

  My eyes exploded with fury. I wanted to string the cold-hearted bastard up with it, right then and there. My hands clinched into two flaming red fists as a tear rolled down my cheek. I sensed the sky outside churning and felt the thunder’s formidable roar mimicking the wrath of my emotions.

  “That infuriated Lazarus. He knew the diamond was protecting his mind — so he poisoned him. Your father really left him with no other choice.” Karl shuddered and added, “That powder from his lapis lazuli is some pretty wicked stuff. You’ll see. Lazarus has concocted a special brew just for you. I think it’s fitting you leave this earth . . . the same way your daddy did.”

  I knew I was weak, and my mobility was limited, but as soon as that son-of-a-bitch said “daddy”, every ounce of what little energy I held started to swell. It was evident that the storm brewing in the sky outside was fueling my willpower. Desperately, I attempted to summon a bolt of lightning straight through the roof. It shook the house when it hit, and a loud “BOOM” pounded the room. Karl jumped, but he was only startled by the jolt. The lightning hadn’t penetrated the house. I tried it again and again, feeling the surge of power taking a toll on my frail body. Nothing! Every one of my attempts had failed. No matter how hard I’d tried! I couldn’t understand why the lightning wouldn’t break through the daggone roof!

  Karl laughed. “I see why Lazarus wants that wand so bad. You’re a lively little thing,” he remarked and then yanked me out of the chair.

  Karl’s face hardened into a vile scowl right before
he backhanded me. And I felt every bit of it, too. He’d used enough force to send my weakened body sideways, causing me to smash down hard on the top of the desk. Dazed, I caught a glimpse of a lamp that had been accidentally turned on when I’d knocked it onto the floor. Then it hit me.

  The copper roof… It’s drawing the lightning and carrying the electricity away. As I focused on the illuminated light lying on the floor, suddenly a “bulb” of my very own ignited, blinding every cell in my head.

  Karl jerked me up by my hair. “Got any other tricks up your sleeve? Huh?” he growled into my ear. Then he slammed my face down against the hard mahogany desktop and raised his gun. “I think I’d better plug you with a few more bullets before we leave to meet Lazarus — just to be safe.”

  Without delay, I mustered all of my remaining energy and summoned one more bolt. However this time, I concentrated on the electrical meter located on the side of the house. As soon as the bolt struck my mental target, all the lights in the room intensified and flickered. I quickly extended my arm towards the illuminated light on the floor. The lightning jumped from the lamp and landed in my eagerly awaiting hand. Swiftly, I grabbed Karl and shoved all the bolt’s voltage into his chest. The force of the blast blew him straight across the room and right through the side of the brick house. A cloud of dust swirled in the now, dimly lit room. I’d blown the power. The only light streaming into the study was from the hole in the side of the house, left by Karl. Though I was still extremely weak, I was safe — for now.

  I reached down to close Mr. Riverside’s eyes on my way out, respectfully. Karl was lying on the ground outside, reeking of burned flesh. I stared at the charred hole in his chest while I thought about how I’d struggled with the notion of taking someone’s life. The idea that being a Talisman and knowing the Wand of Adamas was a weapon I’d be forced to use would ultimately turn me into a killer. But at that moment, I realized the gift I’d been given didn’t make me a killer — they did. Karl, Lazarus, whoever wanted me dead, or coveted the wand. Something I felt was more a part of who I was than anything I’d ever known before. I waited for the inevitable pang of guilt to strike like it always would, causing my nerves to twinge restlessly, my head to cloud, and my heart to weigh me down. But to my surprise and sheer relief, it never came. As I gazed into Karl’s lifeless eyes, I realized—without a shadow of a doubt—Yeah, I can do this.

  I snatched my father’s diamond pendant off his neck. A small tear formed in my eye as I held it up to the sun. I looked back down at the man on the ground. Still extremely pissed, I took my foot and kicked him square in the face. I struggled to regain my footing. I was really too weak to have done it, but I just couldn’t resist. I tucked my father’s necklace securely in the pocket of my jacket as I staggered towards the dreaded iron fence.

  Breaking in was a heck of a lot easier than breaking out of the Riverside estate, what with the gruesome toll the iron bullet was taking on my body. My exit was far less graceful than my entry. Once I’d managed to get back over the daggone thing, I staggered to my feet, now faced with the worst thought of all. Somehow I have to get back to the cave. Ugh… Tanner’s going to be sooo PISSED!

  My speed was markedly slower, and I struggled to keep going every step of the way. Any attempt to rally some extra strength was met with even more agonizing pain. I had to stop several times to curb some of my exhaustion. By the time I’d reached downtown Welch, I knew there wasn’t any way I could make it back to the cave in my present condition or at my current pace. With two supernatural stalkers hunting me, I had to find some place to hide so I could contact Tanner and hopefully find something to use to dig out the bullet. I honestly didn’t know which one I was dreading more — removing it or calling him.

  As I staggered down Welch’s main street, I pulled the hood of my jacket over my head for some much-needed concealment. I walked close to the buildings, ready to dart inside one of them if I happened to run into Lazarus or Ferrol. With my head aimed at my feet, I used my peripheral vision to scan the street for any approaching threats. Just as I lifted my head to check my location at the corner of McDowell and Wyoming Street, I ran into someone (injured shoulder first, of course) coming out of Rosemary’s Market & Pantry.

  I staggered backward and held my breath, trying to muzzle my scream from the intense shooting pain I’d received from the bump. I secured the hood of my jacket and resumed my pace, focusing only on the ground in front of me. Whomever I’d run into, the contents of their two grocery bags now littered the sidewalk. I didn’t care about manners—not today, not right now—so I kept on walking.

  “Excuse me! How freakin’ rude!” a female called out.

  The voice stopped me cold. I would know that bitchy tone anywhere. Katie… I turned around and knelt beside her, where she was gathering up her groceries from off the ground.

  “Oh, don’t bother NOW! I’ve got it!” Katie snapped in a huff, not even looking my way. As soon as I reached over and placed a can of soup in one of the bags, she spotted my left hand, the one that donned the golden topaz ring. Katie stared at my hand for a second and then dropped the groceries she was bagging.

  “SHI!” Katie cried out, just before she grabbed me. Considering my injury, the hug was really too damn tight, but she wasn’t about to let go.

  “I’m so sorry, Shi! I shouldn’t have been so pissy about you not calling me this week. I was a real bitch yesterday! I just missed my best-bosom friend. I wanted to be there for you, and you wouldn’t let me! PLEASE forgive me! You have to!” Katie pleaded as she rocked me back and forth.

  I was in so much pain from her pressing on my shoulder that I couldn’t even speak; she’d completely stripped me of my breaths.

  Katie pulled away from me. “Shi? Shi? What’s wrong?” She looked curiously at the horrible expression on my face and then noticed me staring at her shirt. She glanced down to find blood all over the right side of her pink blouse. My BFF shrieked when she realized it was coming from my shoulder.

  “Shi, what happened to you?!?” Katie screamed out. “SHIT! You’re bleeding!” She quickly covered her mouth to contain her gags.

  I shushed her. “Katie . . . I need help. I have to get out of here.”

  Katie whipped out her cell phone. “You need an ambulance.”

  I knocked the phone out of her hand. “NO!” I insisted.

  Katie snatched up her phone. “But you need a doctor!” she urged.

  I put my hand over her cell to block her call. “Are your parents . . . at the shop?” I asked, trying to talk through my pain.

  “No,” Katie replied. “They went to Bluefield. They won’t be back until around seven or eight tonight. Why?”

  “I need to lie down. Katie, just help me there. Please don’t call an ambulance. Please — Just trust me,” I begged.

  Katie was wrestling with what she should do: do what I asked or ignore my request. She let out a disgusted grunt as she threw her phone back in her purse.

  “Aw, crap! Come on.” Katie pulled me to my feet. She carried her grocery bags in one arm, and wrapped her other around me, guiding my frail frame down the street.

  “What happened to you?” Katie asked, still stunned.

  “I sort of got . . . shot,” I answered frankly.

  Katie stopped in a jerk and whipped her head around. “You got SHOT? How the hell did THAT HAPPEN?”

  “With a gun, Katie.” My pain didn’t seem to hinder a bit of the amusement I’d found in her question.

  Katie continued, “Well, I figured that much, smartass . . . But where were you?”

  If Katie was going to help me, I at least owed her the truth.

  “I was at the Riversides’,” I confessed.

  Katie stopped abruptly again and cried, “Mike Riverside SHOT YOU?”

  “NO,” I snapped. “One of Lazarus Xcavare’s guys, Karl, did.”

  Katie didn’t move. “Why in the heck
did he do that?” she asked, clearly dumbfounded.

  “Because . . . I have something Lazarus wants,” I admitted reluctantly.

  “What? Shiloh Ridge? I heard your daddy left it to you, and that you weren’t selling it. Ace Barlow’s been runnin’ his mouth all over town. Hell, the whole town thinks you’re nuts for turning down the money. You mean they SHOT YOU over a PIECE OF LAND?”

  I had to tell her. We were almost at her parent’s shop, but Katie wasn’t taking another step — not without a good reason. And unfortunately, the only thing that would satisfy her was the truth.

  “No. Not for the land, but for what’s buried underneath it,” I confessed.

  Katie rolled her eyes and resumed pulling me down the street. “What? COAL? Ughhh . . . I think there’s more than enough to go around. No one needs to go all gangster over it.”

  “No, Katie . . . not coal. A diamond. A very powerful diamond . . . that’s in the shape of a long wand. That’s what they want. That’s what they came to Welch for in the first place. Not to purchase a mine, but to locate a stone — a magical stone.”

  Standing in front of the store, Katie inserted her key into the lock and paused long enough to shoot me a “you’re flippin’ crazy” look.

  “A diamond? A ‘magical’ diamond? That’s powerful?” Katie questioned critically. “I thought you proved in class the other day that there aren’t any diamonds around here, Shi . . . Isn’t that right?”

  I took a deep breath to rally what energy I had left. “Katie, I don’t have time for this,” I snapped. “It’s your choice to believe me or not. I’m not asking you to. All I need is for you to find something to pick this bullet out of my shoulder, round up some sea-salt, dump it in some water, and pour it in the freaking wound!”

  Katie unlocked the door and shook her head. “What you need is a surgeon . . . and probably a shrink!” She pushed open the door and helped me inside. I hobbled over to a nearby jewelry case. Katie turned around to lock the door and giggled, “So, tell me . . . What kind of magic tricks does this ‘diamond’ actually do?”

  My BFF’s laughter ceased just as soon as she turned back around. Bright lights were radiating from all the diamond gemstones — in every jewelry case, throughout the store. The sparkling spectacle soon dwindled into a soft, steady glow. Katie stood there, mouth gaped and virtually frozen, while her eyes scanned the entire room. I called over to her several times, but she remained firmly locked in a stupefied trance.

  Katie muttered, “What the f—”

  “KATIE,” I yelled, snapping her to attention. My bosom friend stared at me skittishly, almost like she was too scared to look at me, let alone touch me. “I think I’m about to pass out . . .” I mumbled. Sure enough, my eyes shot into a flutter. Then within a matter of seconds, I’d completely lost my center and was falling weightlessly to the floor.

  Katie quickly grabbed me, jolting me back into what little awareness I had left. She helped me to the back room and laid me down on the couch.

  “Shiloh, I—I still think you need an ambulance,” Katie insisted in a low voice, looking nervously at my wounded shoulder.

  I reached out for her and accidently grabbed her diamond pendant. I used it to pull her closer.

  “No, Katie . . . I told you what I needed.” My eyes were starting to become heavy again. “PLEASE, TRUST ME,” I begged.

  Her diamond cast an intense shine while I held it in my hand. Katie noticed it too. Clearly alarmed, she quickly jerked away and grabbed the store phone off a nearby desk.

  I struggled to pull the amethyst from my pocket. I didn’t know what Katie was going to do, so I gave the stone a tight squeeze and with my last ounce of strength, directed my thoughts to Tanner. The next thing I knew, I felt the tumbled stone release from my hand, and I watched it hit the floor as I helplessly lost all consciousness.

  My mind drifted into darkness. Soon, I sensed a soft glowing light through my closed lids, though nothing more notable than a flame from a lonely candle. Then I felt the touch of someone’s hand sweeping up and down my face, caressing it gently. I opened my eyes, struggling to adjust them to the dimness of my surroundings. I was lying down on some sort of soft cushion while sheer panels of cloth draped down from the ceiling all around.

  A voice called out, “Shiloh . . .”

  My eyes tracked the sound of the voice. To my surprise, I spotted Adamas sitting beside me. He’d called me by my name. I wasn’t a bystander, not this time. The wand’s former owner continued to stroke my face while he directed his words to me. His touch was comforting, and it warmed my soul just like Daddy’s would. Somehow he must have sensed I needed it.

  “Shiloh,” Adamas spoke, “the time has come for your journey to begin.”

  Awestruck by his presence, I didn’t, nor couldn’t speak.

  Adamas continued, “This wand and all of its powers, Shiloh . . . that is your destiny. You must protect it the way I have done throughout the centuries. I know this gift will bring forth many challenges, so be wary little one. The diamond’s powers will keep your body strong and your mind clear. Let your soul guide your decisions, for it will never lead you astray. Many of them will be difficult, for this path you are taking is not a straight one. Every bend will force you to question yourself along the way.”

  Adamas then took my hand and squeezed it passionately. The tone in his voice became somewhat grave as he added, “Guard your heart, Shiloh, and be vigilant with it. One day, it will deceive you . . . and you will be forced to pay a harsh price.”

  With that announcement stinging my ears, Adamas leaned over and kissed my forehead tenderly. “For now, I leave you with this. Keep the wand safe, and it will do the same for you. Those who seek to claim it will be watching your every move. Know that the painful decisions you will be forced to make are not selfish ones. They never are. You must never think you are making these burdensome choices out of greed, but to protect it . . . as well as those you love. There is a difference. Far more wonders await you, but understand that the wand itself can only divulge these secrets, when it feels you are prepared and worthy of its trust. Share your thoughts with it and hear its pleas. Never fear them, for they will guide and comfort you along your way. Know that even in your darkest hour, when you feel all hope is lost, it will always seek a way to protect you. The wand will always be watching out for you . . .”

  And with that, he was gone. I may have been alone in the room, but for some strange reason I could still feel his presence within my heart.

  Gradually, I roused from my comatose state. My eyes flickered open to find Katie hovering over me. She was sitting there, attentively rubbing a rag drenched in salt water over my shoulder. I didn’t even sense the slightest twinge of pain anymore. I looked at my arm. Not only had Katie cleansed my wound, but she’d taken out the iron bullet as well. I closed my eyes and smiled. My best friend had trusted me. She had believed me—beyond the realm of reality—and for that I was truly grateful.

  Katie tapped my shoulder. “I think it’s all healed. Are you feeling better?”

  My eyes panned down my arm. Katie had even wiped the sea-salt & water elixir over the spot where I’d carved out the diamond for Samuel earlier.

  “Yeah, it is. Thank you, Katie . . . not just for pulling out the bullet, but for believing me.”

  “Your welcome,” Katie replied with a heartfelt grin. “You owe me one for digging that thing out,” she added as her body did a quick shake. “That was gross. SERIOUSLY!”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. She’d always been easily nauseated by the sight of blood. Asking her to remove a bullet must have been more than a stretch. I was strangely curious about what had changed her mind.

  “Why did you believe me?”

  Katie smiled and stroked a few lingering strands of hair from my face. “I saw it in your eyes,” she replied honestly.

  “What? The truth?” I asked as I pu
shed myself up to a sitting position.

  “No. I mean I saw it for real! These bizarre white streaks started swirling in your eyes and I freaked. At first, I thought you were having a seizure or something, but then they glowed . . . like my diamond when you grabbed it, right before you passed out and then well, I just knew,” she announced, beaming the most sincere smile I’d ever seen.

  Katie tossed me a shirt. “Here. You can change into this and get rid of that bloody one. You’re lucky ’ole Julia had me pick up our dry cleaning before I came into the shop today.”

  “Thanks,” I replied as I whipped off my blood-soaked tee and put on her navy blue button-up shirt.

  Katie plopped down on the sofa beside me. “Okay . . . Now that you’re all healed and cleaned up — spill it!” She pointed to me and demanded eagerly, “And don’t leave out A THING!”

  Just as I’d told Samuel, I revealed every crazy thing that had happened over the past week. Katie was floored. I was actually surprised by how she took it. As chatty as what my BFF normally was, all she could say whenever I would stop to take a breath was, “Damn”.

  When I’d finished, she threw herself back against the sofa and announced, “I’m soooo jealous.”

  I let out a laugh. “Jealous? Because I’m a supernatural with powers or the fact that I’m on two Talisman’s Most-Wanted list?”

  “Hell no! I’m jealous because you’ve been gettin’ to run around with that hottie Professor Grey all this week,” she sighed and added, “Damn . . .”

  I shook my head. “Yeah, well . . . I think there’s more to Professor Grey’s charm than meets the eye. I’ve noticed too many females are quick to fall under his spell.”

  Speaking of Tanner Grey…

  I searched my pocket for the amethyst, but it wasn’t there. I dug my hands down into the sofa cushions looking for it.

  “Katie, have you seen a tumbled purple stone? I think I had it in my hand earlier.”

  Katie pointed over to the desk. “It’s over there. You dropped it right before you passed out. It was glowing a couple of times while you were out.”

  I cringed at the thought of Tanner receiving the image I’d sent him of me lying on Katie’s parents couch all bloody. I felt even worse knowing I hadn’t returned any of his mental messages because I’d passed out. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind — he had to be livid. I grabbed it without hesitating. Might as well get this over with.

  “What are you doing?” Katie asked.

  “I need to contact him,” I answered as I waved the stone in the air.

  Katie looked puzzled. “What? On that?”

  “Yeah. I can speak to him with it and send him my thoughts.”

  “Really? How’s the reception?” Katie quipped.

  I jabbed her with my elbow. “Funny,” I laughed dryly. “I’m really dreading this. I’m sure he’s way past furious right about now.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Tell him there wasn’t a tower where you were . . . Or better yet, that you went over your minutes,” Katie teased.

  My eyes narrowed as I shrugged off her cracks and directed my thoughts to Tanner. I felt the overwhelming need to express a deep feeling of regret as I apologized to him. I let him know I was okay and would be heading back to the cave, pronto. I ended the transmission with another apology. I figured it couldn’t hurt, though I seriously doubted it would help.

  Suddenly the store’s doorbell started buzzing. We both jumped and grabbed our chests in unison. Seeing how silly we looked, we started laughing uncontrollably. Katie hopped up.

  “I put the ‘CLOSED’ sign in the window. It’s probably UPS. The driver called earlier to make sure someone was going to be here to sign for a delivery. It’s an engagement ring that Charlie Fisher ordered. I think he’s going to give it to that waitress, Naomi. I’ll just be a second.”

  As Katie headed off to the front of the store, I sat there grinning. I knew there was something going on between those two…

  Katie charged back into the room, bracing herself against the doorframe in a huff. “It’s not UPS! It’s Lazarus! And some creepy, pale guy with long black hair!” she blurted frantically.

  I sprang to my feet. “SHIT! They have to know I’m here or can at least feel something. That Ferrol guy’s a hunter!”

  I looked at the clock on the wall. I’d only been here for roughly a half-hour. No one saw me leave the guesthouse… Something must have led them here? But what? My energy?

  Katie rushed me over to the back door. “Go, Shi!” she urged. “I’ve got this. I’ll distract them so you can get a head start.”

  “No, Katie!” I objected fiercely. “They’re too dangerous! Lazarus already killed Daddy. Who knows what he’ll do if he finds out I’ve been here and thinks you’re trying to trick him. NO WAY!”

  “Didn’t you say he killed your dad because he saw the rough diamond around his neck?” my BFF posed with a gleam.

  I reluctantly nodded back. “Yeah. So?”

  “Well, I don’t have a diamond from Adamas . . . or you. See — I just have this one.” Katie held up the little cut and polished diamond pendant that she’d had for years. “I’ll tell him that we closed up early for the day and go straight home. Simple.”

  “NO! I can’t let you do that!” I protested.

  Katie put her hand on my cheek and smiled. “You’re not letting me do anything. I’m doing it because I want to help my bosom friend and because I know in my heart that she would do the same for me.” Katie kissed my forehead and pointed to the back door. “Now, shut up and get out of here. Just call me later, so I’ll know you’re safe.”

  I nodded back as she headed for the front of the store. If she was dead set on helping, I couldn’t let her go out there defenseless.

  “Wait,” I called out. “Come here and let me see your diamond.”

  “Why?” Katie asked, confused.

  “I’m going to try to transfer some of my protection to it. Lazarus will never suspect it, since its didn’t originate from a Talisman.” I took hold of her diamond pendant and closed my eyes.

  “Can you do that?” Katie asked.

  “Tanner said ‘I shouldn’t do it’, because sometimes they were unpredictable, but he never said I couldn’t,” I affirmed confidently. “Hell, I’ve got to at least try.”

  “Okay, but hurry up,” Katie pleaded. “The longer I keep them waiting, the more suspicious they’ll be.”

  With that, I closed my eyes and focused on my psychic powers of protection and sent them into Katie’s sparkly diamond stone. All I could think about was making sure Lazarus stayed out of her head and keeping her precious soul safe. However I did notice that it felt a little different this time. I sensed the diamond being charged and the powers transferring, but the gemstone vibrated in my hand — the others born from my flesh never did that. Once the light had faded, Katie tossed me my jacket, gave me a hug, wished me luck, and hurried off to the front of the store.

  The heavy metal door slammed to a close behind me, slapping my already worrisome heart with another fearful jolt. I hope that worked. If not, she’s going to be the one needing all the “luck”. Please, Katie… Just get them out of there quickly!

  My head started to throb as I headed down the alley. I pressed my hands into my temples to force the pressure to subside. The next thing I knew, the sound of Tanner Grey’s voice calling out my name, over and over, flooded my mind. I whipped around in all directions to look for him, but he wasn’t there. Immediately, I realized he was “returning my call”.

  His message was short & sweet. “Little girl . . . Get your ass to Beatrix’s house — NOW!”

  The angry bite in his tone rocked me straight into a cringe.

  I knew it… Definitely “livid”. Once all of my muscles had relaxed, I was off and on my way — apprehensively headed for Bea’s.

  Chapter 25