Page 11 of Dark Medicine

CHAPTER SEVEN

Caroline Brennan looked identical to her sister, Angela. Both women were short, around five feet; both had gray hair with their once strawberry blonde peeking through; both had bright, curious blue eyes; and both studied the paranormal, parapsychology, and dreams. The only major difference was that Caroline moved slowly and painfully. It was apparent that time had not been kind to the elder sister.

“I’m so glad you were all able to join us this evening,” said Caroline, setting down the glasses of whiskey.

“Well, we’re happy to be here and to meet you finally,” said Aislinn. “But I’m afraid we’ve discovered some things that might indicate this has nothing to do with the paranormal.”

“Oh, really,” said Angela sadly. “Are you sure, dear? I was so certain that you were fae.”

The disappointment in Angela’s face was visible. She loved it when she or her sister were able to prove that things happened outside of logic and reason. Sometimes, fairies, Gods, angels, gremlins, or anything else you could imagine, might just be the reason if you opened your mind to the possibilities.

“I’m afraid so, Angela,” said Kane. “It seems we were all near some strange pink dust on an Army base at one time or another. The same base.”

“Oh dear!” said Caroline. “That sounds ominous indeed. Pink dust, you say. Any idea what it could be?”

“No clue yet, but we’re trying to track down what sort of things came in and out of the depot. It’s a weapons storage facility, but there could have been anything going through there.”

“Well, that does put a different spin on things, doesn’t it? How are your nightmares coming along, dear?” asked Angela, staring at Aislinn.

“I’ve followed your suggestions and found a few things on my own, and it has helped me some. The nightmares still happen, but I’ve learned to tap into other things as well. For instance,” she said, looking at Fiona and Adam, “I was able to see the meeting of Adam and Fiona.” Adam shook his head at Aislinn but said nothing.

“I think in the end, the only thing that will help with the nightmares is not touching anyone. Not a very good plan if I want to live in the real world. Kane being near me or with me is the best weapon I have. Everything seems to right itself when he’s around.” Aislinn looked up at Kane and kissed his cheek. However, Fiona looked at Aislinn, frowning.

“No, not a good idea at all to never touch a soul, dear. You must have human contact in order for you yourself to remain human,” said Caroline.

“I’m sorry, Aislinn, but do mind if I ask what your gift is exactly?” asked Fiona curiously.

“When I touch someone, it seems I’m able to see visions of the future, mostly if they will commit a murder or other heinous crime, just by touching them,” she said solemnly.

“That must be awful!” said Fiona, covering her mouth. Her own gift had been exhausting and frightening as a child, but to see the nightmares of murders must be devastating.

“No more so than having to endure the illness or disease of someone else while you heal,” said Aislinn with a wry smile.

Fiona nodded and smiled at her. Caroline pushed herself carefully from her chair, pausing to straighten her old body. She stood and limped awkwardly toward Fiona. Her crooked arthritic fingers tangled against her palm, her knees painful from the short walk.

“Let me have your hand, child,” she said, reaching out with a weathered, wrinkled hand.

Fiona slipped her long fingers into the old woman’s palm. She felt the pain of her arthritis and squeezed her hand tighter. Fiona knew it was a test, but she could do this for the sweet woman. Her joints screamed in pain, and sweat broke out on her face. The agony that the woman was suffering was unbearable, but it would be short-lived for Fiona.

“Fiona! Fiona, what are you doing?” yelled Adam. He watched the scene unfolding and felt helpless as Fiona worked her healing magic.

“I’m h-helping Caroline,” she said with a pained smile. She released the older woman’s hand and bent over, her body racked with pain. She took in long shuddering breaths and then straightened once more, her face pale but the pain gone.

“I’m… I’m pain-free,” said the older woman. “All the saints of Ireland, I’m pain-free.” Caroline did a deep knee bend, bouncing back up quickly. She rotated her arms in a helicopter-like formation and wiggled her fingers back and forth.

“You did that on purpose?” growled Adam.

“I had to see if her gift was real. Many claim they are healers but cannot heal. Her gift is genuine, but not one she was born with.”

“We already knew that!” yelled Adam, holding Fiona close.

“It’s alright, Adam,” said Fiona with a weak smile. “I knew what she was doing. Look at her. She’s standing straight. Her fingers are straight. She’s better now.”

“What about Angela?” asked Aislinn, staring at Fiona.

“She doesn’t have arthritis,” said Caroline. “She’s always been the healthier of the two of us.”

“That’s right, dear,” said Angela. “I’m grateful that you helped my sister, Fiona. Perhaps now she will come visit me in America.”

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