A Diamond in My Pocket

  * * *

  Morning comes too fast. We meet up with Justin and find his group didn’t have any trouble with their sleeping accommodations, but apparently a good night’s rest did nothing for Justin’s mood. He still glares at me like he’s choking on something nasty.

  Azeel says goodbye and leaves our company to begin his journey home to New York. I can’t help but wonder how Chris is taking his departure. Justin is visibly upset with the idea someone like Azeel is roaming the countryside with insider information concerning our delivery mission. I know he’s only worried about his own neck and not ours.

  We run over hilly farmlands and skirt far enough around the edges of towns to not be seen. We stop for a lunch break by a large river and eat more of our dry granola bars.

  I stretch back on the grass and rest my mind as best as I can, trying to enjoy the pleasant weather and warm sun. I hear splashing sounds and laughter down by the river. I close my eyelids and can tell every time a cloud passes in front of the sun.

  I think about Azeel and hope he will find his family to be okay when he gets home. My mind drifts to Maetha and the day we met at Harold Bates’s office. A particularly dark cloud blocks the sunlight, causing me to open my eyes. I become anxious as I realize my companions are not down at the river anymore. I twist around, finding myself totally alone. Where have they gone? And why is the sky so dark? When did the sun go down, and why didn’t anyone tell me? Somewhere in my brain, I come to the conclusion this must be a vision or dream of some kind. I stand and climb the small hill, discovering large spotlights set up to illuminate the ground. People are entering and exiting several enormous army-style tents. I walk forward, wondering if this clearing is the one from my vision.

  As I near the tent, Maetha comes out to greet me. “Ah, you found me. The diamond is giving you bi-locating abilities.”

  “Bi-what? Where are we?”

  “Canada. Your mind sought out mine and brought you here, and from a considerable distance, too. Impressive.”

  “I don’t remember seeking you in my mind. I only thought of you. Is this where the exchange will happen?”

  “No, you’ve seen the clearing in your vision.”

  “Why is it dark? It’s only noon.”

  “I’m simulating darkness to test the effectiveness of the floodlights.”

  I glance into the shadows and see the Demons creeping around. Interesting that they can be present in the middle of the day. I deduce that during a full eclipse of the sun the Demons would also be a threat. I turn my attention back to Maetha. “Maetha, why did you give my perfume to Justin?”

  “Because he’s not to be trusted.”

  “He’d been seen talking with the Death Clan,” I tell her.

  “Yes. He’s been exceptionally instrumental.”

  “This is confusing. Why are you with the Death Clan? Do you work for them?”

  “No. I work for no one and everyone.”

  “Why are you being so vague? What are you not telling me?”

  “Plenty. Calli, certain elements must align to ensure the success of this mission. I cannot tell you what or when to do anything.”

  “But I need to know when to bring out the diamond.”

  “Follow your instincts and desires. Most of all, follow your heart. You are human after all.”

  “But—”

  She smiles at me. “You need to go back now before you get yourself into trouble.”

  “Will I lose my powers?” As I ask the question, she fades away. I run toward her, and she moves further away. “Wait!” I call out. I run faster, but it doesn’t matter. The sky brightens, and without warning a deluge of ice-cold water covers my face and my body as I’m submerged in water. I panic, kick, and flail for my life, trying to find the surface. I desperately need air, but which way is up? My vision darkens, and my lungs are on fire. Inside the darkness I see Chris swimming toward me. He grabs me under my arms and paddles toward the light. I close my eyes and let my body go.