Page 48 of Dark Medicine

“Maybe Dan can get something for us. They aren’t allowed cell phones of their own, but he may be able to do something that you could tap into with your wizard ways,” said Uri, smiling. Spook looked up at him, shocked, and then burst into laughter.

“That’s a good one, Uri. Thanks.” Uri nodded at the younger man and smiled. “So, Kane, what did you mean that we would be an army?”

Kane took a deep breath and sat at the bar in the kitchen, looking at his friends. Flip still had not returned with Mrs. Henry and their children, but he would fill him in later.

“Some of us are soldiers. That’s what we were trained to do. Others to heal, and others, well, skills we’re still exploring,” he said, looking at Adam. “I think we can provide a valuable service to those that can’t help themselves.

“Moore is crazy, certifiable, but he had one thing right. We’re able to do things no one else can do, and if I’m right, and I think I am, the others out there would add to our little band’s skills that would be unstoppable by normal forces.

“I have no desire to take on our allies or even some of our enemies, but, well, let’s take, for example, this situation. If Dan Henry were just anyone and called us telling us his wife and children were being held captive, think about how we could have helped him.”

There was silence in the room as Spook took in the words and tried to block out the data streaming through his brain. There were days that it nearly drove him mad, and he wondered if he would be able to tolerate it on a daily basis as a job. Kane’s explanation resonated with Spook. Helping those that couldn’t help themselves. That’s something he would willingly go mad for.

“You know that I’m in,” said Aislinn, sidling up to him.

“Me too,” said Fiona. Adam looked at her with surprise and protectiveness and then smiled, knowing he would do the same.

“Ditto, brother,” said Adam. “I’m not sure what it looks like, but I suppose we’ll figure it out as we go.”

“You can count on me, Kane, all of you. It’s time I served the right way once again. I’d be honored to help in whatever ways you need me. My contacts are still solid, and besides English, I speak Russian and Czech fluently.” Uri stood a little taller, a little prouder, and his wife smiled up at him.

“I c-can help,” said a tiny voice from behind them.

KellyBellumstood in the hallway, her lean teenage frame in shorts and a t-shirt, despite the chillier mountain temperatures. She had long blonde hair and pretty brown eyes in a face filled with innocence.

“Oh, baby, I love that you want to help,” said Uri, “but this is very dangerous, and these people are special.”

“I’m special too, Daddy,” she said quietly.

“Honey, I know you are. You’re my special girl.”

“No, Daddy, I’m special. Like them,” she said quietly.

Uri’s face went white, beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead. His wife gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

“K-Kelly…” He couldn’t get anything else out.

“Kelly,” said Adam, “why do you think you’re special like us? Are you able to do something that others can’t? Something unique?” She nodded her head and stepped forward into the living room. This sweet, shy teenager was showing extreme bravery considering the situation.

“I-I don’t want anyone to scream,” she said quietly, “especially you, Mom.”

“I promise,” said Melanie, walking closer to her.

“You have our word that no one will scream. We’re just going to sit here, and you can show us why you’re so special,” said Adam.

Kelly Bellum nodded her head once more and then moved against the wall, a painting of the local area hanging behind her, the soft gray wall below her waist. She closed her eyes, and there was a vibration in the room. Adam and Kane focused on Kelly’s body, never looking away. At first, it was as if they were looking at a mirage. The image was blurred and wavy, and then it was clear.

Kelly Bellum was able to blend in with her background. Her bottom half was gray like the walls, her top half showing the painting. If you looked very closely, you could see a wavy vision, but you had to know what to look for. She waited and then walked toward the sofa, the background blending with her body perfectly. She sat on the sofa and once again blended into her surroundings.

Kelly stood and moved to the middle of the room, reappearing as the sweet teenager she was.

“Kelly,” said Kane slowly, “when did you discover you could do that?”

“After second grade, I think,” she said quietly. She looked at the shocked faces of her parents and sucked in a breath. “I didn’t want you to hate me. I didn’t understand it, so I hid it. I’ve never used it for anything terrible, I promise. I mean, I used it once to see if Tiffany and Rachel were talking about me in the locker room, but I promise that’s all. Please don’t hate me!”

“Honey,” said Uri, walking toward his daughter, “I don’t hate you. I could never hate you! This isn’t your fault. It’s Colonel Moore’s fault. I didn’t think we were there when the experiments were happening.”

“We were,” whispered Melanie. “I mean, you and me. I mean, what I mean is that I was pregnant with Kelly when we left. Could it…”

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