Cross Waves, page 9
She focused on the energy, drawing it from the ceiling to prevent the wood cross beams from bursting into flames. Out of control. My God, they had to stop, or she’d kill him.
He smiled, and the sight nearly stopped her heart. “Sweetheart, I’m not afraid of anything you can do. Ever.”
“Rolf, this isn’t a joke. You heard Peter. My talent is off the charts. Everyone’s afraid of me. And now… Tonight…” A hot rush of tears flooded her eyes, distorting his features. “I’m too dangerous.”
He smoothed each corner of her eyes with his fingertips, wiping the tears away. “I’m a selfish ass. We won’t do this right now. You’ve been through enough today. We need to make sure you’re okay. And we need to find Julia and Percy. This can wait.”
“But I don’t understand. You hate being near me.”
“Never. I hated my loss of control around you. But I’ve never hated you. I acted that way to protect you.”
“To protect me? From what?” All the hurt she’d felt over the past eight years came rushing to the surface. Colors danced in front of her eyes in frenzied circles, and she clenched her hands and fought for breath. “You were my best friend when we were kids, and suddenly we became teenagers, and you wanted nothing to do with me. On my eighteenth birthday, I finally dredged up enough courage to tell you how I felt, and you hurt my feelings so bad, I wouldn’t come out of the house for a month. My brothers and dad wanted to kill you. And every time our paths have crossed since, you made it more than clear how you felt. You certainly didn’t want to partner with me on this mission.”
“I know, and I’m sorry for it. I said what I did to keep myself from taking what I shouldn’t have. I thought I was strong enough to stay away. But the truth is I’m a selfish bastard. Tonight has shown me you could be snatched from me in an instant. And I need you too much to ever let that happen.”
He didn’t say he loved her. Only that he needed her. Still, after believing he hated her for far too long, the words sank into her heart and filled the scars he’d left there like a healing balm.
“Rest now.” He moved her back against the pillows, tucking the afghan around her shoulders. “I’ll get a fire going. We’ll talk about this later.”
He turned his back and opened up the grate on the stone fireplace. An array of colors flickered around him. On the surface, he seemed okay, but the colors in his aura gave her an intimate view of how he struggled to control his emotions. Rolf needed the break from the conversation as much as she did.
He stacked kindling and paper in the grate, lit a match, and threw it on the pile.
They’d find Julia and Percy, wherever they were being held, she vowed. She’d go to Corvey and figure out what she needed to do to get her talent under control. Then she’d show Rolf what he’d missed out on for all these years.
16
Discovery
Rolf crouched in front of the stone fireplace, lit a match, and tossed it onto the small pieces of kindling he’d crisscrossed on top of each other. Nights were chilly in Flagstaff, even in the middle of summer. Building a fire would not only keep the cabin warm but give him much-needed time to regain control of his emotions.
The kindling erupted into flames, reminding him of how he’d erupted earlier tonight, nearly destroying everything he’d worked so hard to master. He kept his back to Geneva, but he knew exactly where she’d positioned herself on the couch behind him. His mind sought hers, even as he fought against it. He wouldn’t rush her. He could at least give her that. She needed time to understand and accept him for what he was before they established a portal. Once they linked their minds, there would be no going back.
He added another log to the fire and watched as the kindling sparked and flamed around it. The fire gave off heat, but none of it penetrated the ice around his heart. He’d nearly lost her tonight. When he’d seen the figure flee into the woods outside the cabin, he’d nearly given into the raging darkness inside him. Nearly allowed it to destroy his humanity. The only thing that had stopped him was the knowledge Geneva was inside the cabin alone and could be in grave danger.
He studied the flames and admitted what he’d denied for far too long. He had to link with Geneva to contain the dark inside him. There was no way around it. He wasn’t strong enough to protect her from what he’d become. When he’d forced his way inside her mind, he hadn’t thought he could call her back from her dream state. Yet somehow the dark in him tracked the last bit of her light and stopped it from disappearing altogether. He’d bound her to him and refused to let go. Then he called until she heard his voice and listened. If she hadn’t…well, he’d hate to imagine what would have happened to both of them if she hadn’t.
“Rolf, what is it?”
Her soft voice slid over his skin, warming it. He took a breath and turned. She leaned toward him, the blanket sliding from her shoulders. Silky blonde hair fell around her face, framing it. She smiled tentatively, but when he didn’t smile back, it melted away.
“Have you changed your mind already then? Are you worried what happened tonight will happen again? I gave you my word. I’ll go to Corvey. I won’t try to trace Julia and Percy.”
“That’s not it.”
“What then?”
He had to tell her. To describe his cursed gift and hope she’d not desert him. To make himself vulnerable as he’d never done before. To risk losing her and his sanity. His cell phone buzzed, and he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. “It’s Peter. I should take this.” A small reprieve.
She nodded, and he answered the call.
“You can call off the chase. We’ve found Percy and Julia.”
A surge of relief tunneled through Rolf’s veins, and some of the weight on his shoulders lifted. “Are they okay?”
“Yes, they were discovered wandering outside our Cleveland headquarters an hour ago, dazed but unharmed. They have no idea what happened to them while they’ve been gone. We’re sending them to Corvey for evaluation.”
“Any leads on their kidnappers?”
“Negative. They remember nothing. Their minds have been wiped.”
“Their minds are reinforced, aren’t they?”
“Yes, but even reinforced minds can be wiped clean. It’s extremely rare, but I’m aware of at least two instances in my time with the CMU.”
“What’s the last thing they remember?”
“Boarding the plane in Cleveland. Whoever did this didn’t leave them any chance of discovery, I’m afraid. They’ve suffered a trauma and should be evaluated at Corvey to make sure they’ll make a full recovery. Speaking of which, how’s Geneva?”
Rolf’s gaze met Geneva’s. “She’s fine, but we had another little episode. She was hit with a dose of illusion energy, followed by dream energy, both activated from crystals I suspect were planted by Julia and Percy’s kidnappers. It was not a pleasant experience. We’ll go to Corvey. I’ll make sure Julia’s all right while I’m there.”
“I’m not going to ask how your partner managed to escape harm. You can fill me in later with a full report. Get to Corvey. But be careful. Our kidnappers are still out there, and they want Geneva. Who knows what other crystals they have at their disposal.”
“We’re on our way.” He ended the call.
“Julia and Percy are at Corvey?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“Thank God.” Her pupils dilated, dwarfing the blue of her irises. The fire crackled and popped behind him as the energy in the room rose a notch. “So, it’s time, then.”
The fear surging through her body became his own. He came to her then, taking her into his arms. He could do this. Set aside his selfish desires. Tame the darkness for a few more weeks until she was well enough to know her own mind. Let her go if she chose to leave him.
The beast opened his mouth and gave a silent roar at the thought, but Rolf hushed it into silence. There would be time enough to tell her his secret after their visit to Corvey.
17
Corvey Institution
Orange energy glistened outside the famed Corvey Institution, a testament real healing took place beyond its sand-colored doors. Geneva wrapped her arms around herself and fought a shiver as she stood in front of the building and eyed its unassuming doorway. The government-run psych facility was an important component of the CMU—it was where they brought drained talents and burned-out hackers after catastrophic missions or years of service. It was also where those who “went rogue” were sent for further evaluation.
Rolf pushed the door open, and she entered the wide, airy lobby by his side. Cool air greeted them. She looked around at the blue walls and vaulted ceiling and swallowed the sudden nauseous feeling in her throat. He linked his hand with hers, reminding her she wasn’t alone. This time, she would not be held against her will. This time, she would be brave. This time, she had Rolf. A protective Rolf who seemed to like and care about her.
She sucked in air, eyeing several efficient-looking nurses who sat behind a long rectangular reception desk. The one closest to her, with auburn hair and a bright smile, looked up from her computer. “May I help you?”
Geneva tried for an answering smile. “Yes, I called earlier. My name is Geneva Erickson. I’m self-admitted. I’ve been having a…a slight issue with my talent and would like an evaluation.”
The nurse eyed her with interest, before looking at the computer, her fingers tapping the keyboard. “Whoa. You’re a class ten talent. What did you say your trouble was?”
Rolf stirred next to her. “She didn’t. We’d like to talk to the doctor. We’re also here to see my sister, Julia Jorgensen, and her partner, Percy Withers. They were admitted today.”
The nurse went back to tapping keys. “Yes, your sister and her partner are on the fourth floor. That’s also where you’ll be staying while you’re here.” She nodded at Geneva. “Diane can show you to your room.”
A young nurse with short dark hair, a clear complexion, and what appeared to be a ring tattoo on her middle finger appeared from out of nowhere. “Follow me.” Her tone was brisk and clinical.
Geneva swallowed another shiver. She remembered this—remembered the silent hallways and countless rooms. Remembered promises the doctor who’d conducted her examination had made. Promises he hadn’t kept. “Cooperate, and I’ll let you talk to your father,” or “Just one more test, and you can rest and enjoy a dish of ice cream.” Never mind Geneva had lost her mother in a nightmare that would haunt her for the rest of her life. Eventually, her dad had been permitted to come and get her, but by then, the damage had been done.
“What is it?” Rolf entwined his fingers with hers and squeezed. Heat spread from their joined hands up her arm until it reached her heart, as they trailed the silent nurse.
She sucked in oxygen. She could do this. “A few uncomfortable memories, that’s all.”
He didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t need him worrying about her. He had enough to worry about locating Julia and Percy, making sure they were okay, and trying to find their kidnappers. “I’m fine.”
She moved along, following the nurse down a long hallway until they stopped at a bank of elevators that opened as they approached. Diane waited for them to enter, following behind. The elevator moved smoothly between floors until it stopped on the fourth floor. The doors opened, and they faced rose-colored walls. Except the rose wasn’t paint; it was the color of the energy floating up and down the corridor.
Rolf squeezed her hand. “What do you sense?”
Madness. “There are some seriously ill patients in this section of Corvey.”
Nurse Diane stopped in front of an open room and gestured them to go inside. “Your sister is in here. I’ll check with the doctor about your examination and be right back.”
The nurse left, and they entered the room to find Julia propped against pillows on her bed, reading a magazine. Her long dark hair looked just as luxurious as always, but the normally serene expression on her perfectly oval face erupted in excitement the moment she saw them.
“Oh my God. Finally, someone I know.” She set the magazine aside and held out her hands to Rolf, who let go of Geneva long enough to give his sister a quick hug.
“Are you okay?” Rolf studied his sister. “We’ve been worried about you.”
“I’m totally fine. Passed all the tests with flying colors. I told Peter as much. Except for missing three days, I feel great.”
He moved aside so Geneva could hug her friend. “You don’t remember anything?” Geneva asked.
“I wish I did. They must have tampered with my mind to get me to cooperate, but the doctors here can find no evidence of implanted thoughts.”
“What about Percy?”
“Same thing. He’s next door if you want to talk to him. Think you guys can get us out of here today?”
Rolf shook his head. “Unlikely.”
“Why not? If this is your idea of punishment because I started an investigation without you, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. Believe me when I say I never want to see another crystal for as long as I live.”
Geneva patted her hand. “It’s not you. It’s me. Remember how I told you I got lost a few times over the past couple of years when trying to trace people’s energy?”
“Yes, what about it?”
Geneva nodded. “It’s happened twice more—both times in Arizona when I was looking for you and Percy. The second time I nearly wound up in a coma. I want to get checked out before I use my talent again.”
“But I thought you completed testing last month and passed?”
“Yeah, but Peter told me I’ve gotten stronger. I need to know how much stronger. I need to know if I can control whatever’s happening to me. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
“Of course.”
The nurse from earlier entered the room and looked at Geneva. “I hate to interrupt, but if you’re ready, the doctor is available to see you now. He’s just down the hall. Come with me.”
Geneva stood and wiped her hands on her jeans.
“I’ll go with her,” Rolf said, coming up next to Geneva. Waves of calming blue color surrounded her.
“I’m sorry, but that’s not permitted,” the nurse said, her expression severe. “Having another talent in the room can interfere with our equipment.”
“Tough,” Rolf said, staring down the nurse. “I want to be with her.”
The nurse frowned and glanced at Geneva. “We can’t guarantee accurate test results if your partner is in the room.”
Geneva looked at Rolf. She wouldn’t let irrational fear take over. She could do this. “I want accurate results. I need to know I won’t accidentally hurt you or anyone else. Please. Stay here and talk to Julia and Percy. See what you can find out.”
Rolf nodded slowly, reluctance carved in the hard lines on his face. He turned to the nurse. “How long will it take?”
“A few hours at the most. I can let you know when she’s finished.”
“Come and get me if there’s the smallest issue.”
“Absolutely, I will.” She turned to Geneva. “Follow me.”
Geneva gave Rolf and Julia one last glance before trailing after the nurse, her heartbeat drumming in her ears. She passed two patients whose auras alternated bright pink and dark gray—a deadly combination. Psychopaths. She held her breath, carefully avoiding any contact. She didn’t need crazy tarnishing her energy before the examination.
The nurse stopped in front of a beige door and turned the handle, gesturing for Geneva to enter. The room was large, with windows covered by white shades and pale green walls. There was a long counter that held a few medical supplies next to a sink, but other than that, the room looked quite homey. In the center of the room, a brown leather recliner was positioned next to a sleek coffee table, which held a fern and several magazines. A small table with two chairs sat in the corner. The nurse gestured Geneva to one of the chairs. It all seemed quite…normal. If anything could be called normal in her world.
“Make yourself comfortable. The doctor won’t be long.”
Geneva had only just calmed her nerves when the nurse returned with a small tray and set it on the coffee table. “Sorry, I nearly forgot. You need to take 500 milligrams of Amphersan before the tests can be administered.”
“What is it?”
“Nothing to be afraid of. It’s a mild depressant designed to relax your muscles and lower your inhibitions. It will allow you to fully open your talent so we can gauge the strength of your ability. Make sense?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. It will take about thirty minutes for the medicine to take effect, and we can begin the tests. The doctor will be in shortly.”
The nurse left the room, and Geneva took the drug and waited. She could tell as the drug began to work because her limbs felt heavy. Oranges and pinks shifted and blended in the corner of the room until she could hardly tell them apart. Or why it mattered. She closed her eyes. When she opened them, a thin man in a dark suit towered over her. For a moment, she was five years old, fighting the boogeyman.
“Hello, Geneva,” the figure rumbled, his oily voice causing the hair on the back of her neck to rise.
She rubbed her eyes, her stomach twisting as if it tried to get loose—far away from the man in front of her. The man who’d held her captive for months and made her relive her mother’s death until she’d broken down and bawled like the baby she was. The man with whom she pleaded but who wouldn’t let her go home to her family. “Dr. Grimshaw?”
“Yes, my dear.” The doctor laid a possessive hand on her shoulder.
Geneva shrank from Dr. Grimshaw’s long, bony fingers, which curled against her. Her stomach twisted until she thought she’d puke. Memories flooded her mind. Dr. Grimshaw forcing her to use her talent until she’d passed out. Over and over and over again. Dr. Grimshaw, who thought it great fun to experiment on her when she was young and defenseless and couldn’t say no.
“So happy you remember me. It’s been a long time since we last met.”
