* * *
A loud knock at the door about six o’clock startles everyone. Kayla opens the door to find two police officers outside. “We’re looking for the young lady who made the 911 call last night,” one of them says.
Everyone points to me. Thanks guys.
“I made the call, officers,” I admit. “Is there a problem?”
“You reported the medical emergency in the alley?”
“Yes.”
“Well, the man died, but not before he claimed you had hurt him with your mind.” The other officer behind him tries to stifle a smile.
“I’m sorry to hear he died, but how could I hurt him with my mind? That’s ridiculous. What about the other man? He seemed hurt as well.”
“He was transported to the hospital. We need to speak with your parents.”
“I’m not with my parents. This is a track-and-field team. We’re on our way to Calgary to attend a meet. You can speak with our supervisor, Justin Macintyre.”
I sit on the bed, listening as Justin assures the officers I had nothing to do with the man’s death. I had gone out for a walk and returned all scared and called 911. He told them I didn’t dare stay with the man because I was only sixteen, so I had come back to the room and called for help. The officers seem to buy the story.
I’m amazed at how Justin maturely handles the situation, proving when he wants to, he can behave like a decent guy. I look for the future concerning his presence at the delivery. I see the clearing through his eyes, but the view is from a distance, as if Justin is watching from up on a hillside. Chris and I stand near the stone table. Chris crumples to the ground along with all the hostages. I pull out of Justin’s head. He definitely needs to be with us at the meeting to transfer the diamond, or many people will die, including Chris.
Chris and his group arrive at our motel shortly after the officers leave. The night before, all I wanted was to be near him, to try to understand his actions, but this morning as I watch him storm over to me with dark clouds of anger on his face, I’m not so inclined.
The force of his exposed mind hits me hard. You attacked two poor defenseless men and killed one! How dare you use your powers like that!
“That’s not what happened,” I say. I roll my eyes as I try to appear unaffected by his anger and disappointment, but inside, my heart thuds and I feel my cheeks flame.
Why don’t you tell me what happened then?
“I didn’t kill the guy. He had a bad heart anyway. He and his friend shouldn’t have tried to kidnap me. I was only protecting myself.”
Protecting yourself means staying put in your room and not venturing out after dark! And what about Justin? What did you do to him?
“Save it, Chris. I don’t want to hear this from you, of all people.”
“What does that mean?” he asks aloud.
“Whatever you want it to mean. We better hit the pavement if we’re going to make it to the clearing tonight.” I try to change the subject, but I inadvertently dig my hole deeper.
“What are you talking about? What clearing?” Chris asks in confusion.
“Isn’t that where we’re headed?” I ask.
Justin jumps in. “I thought we were going to the Death Clan’s caves. What’s all this about a clearing? Do you have something you need to tell us, Calli? Are you working for the Death Clan?”
“If I was, you’d already know, wouldn’t you, Justin?”
“You little bit—” Justin moves toward me with his hands outstretched, as if he wants to squeeze my neck.
Chris jumps in front of Justin before he can get his hands on me. I don’t flatter myself one bit by thinking Chris is protecting me. He’s merely keeping the peace.
“I’ve seen the clearing in a vision, complete with floodlights and tents, and all the clans, and the delivery,” I say over Chris’s shoulder, drawing the attention of everyone.
“And you think we’re going to reach this place by tonight? Your visions are four weeks out, Calli, remember?” Justin points out.
I hate to admit it, but he’s right.
Shanika jumps in with, “What happens when the package is delivered?”
I respond casually, “Doom, destruction, and the end of the world . . . stuff like that.”
“Don’t be stupid,” Justin scoffs. “Tell us what happens!”
“Aren’t you worried my visions are somehow related to a witch? Chris is. Maybe my visions are null and void. Who knows? After all, I’m the new girl. What the hell do I know about your world?”
Chris turns away from me and issues orders over his shoulder for everyone to be ready in a few minutes. He leaves the room and stands outside my window, where he puts his thoughts to the front of his mind. I look away. I don’t want to acknowledge him at the moment.