Page 112 of Gifted

“Yes. I do. He believes he understands our abilities. He thinks he can predict our behavior, but he can’t. He didn’t control Anna, and he definitely lost the battle for you. It may not seem like it, but I actually think we control him more than he controls us. All we have to do is get you to shape his future.”

I stare at him in silence, my heartrate picking up as everything in me steels for battle. It’s time. He may not have accepted it before, but now, somehow, I know he will.

I take a deep breath. “It’s already been done.”

“What has?”

“His future. It’s done.”

For the first time since I saw it, I broadcast the vision that’s haunted me since that first handshake with Clausen the day I arrived.

Daniel’s eyes shoot to mine, wide with awe. “He dies soon,” he whispers. “You’ve known it all along.”

“I didn’t understand then. I saw his death when he shook my hand on the first day. I thought I was seeing the tragic end of a brilliant man.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? You had dozens of chances! It would have changed everything. It would have—”

“Exactly. It would have changed everything. You threw me into this and kept me in the dark so how could I possibly know what to do with a vision like that? I was afraid of giving you hope if there wasn’t any. That what I intended as an advantage would cripple us instead. Plus, I didn’t know what I saw. Bad things happen when I share my visions, especially when I don’t understand them. Look at the result of the knife scene. And then…” I stop, unable to continue.

“And then, what?”

I study my hands. “And then everything changed after your attempt and…” I let my mind finish the explanation.

“The vision that saved my life.” His eyes change again as I show him that one next. “No. That can’t be.”

I swallow. “I don’t know who kills Clausen. We have no way of knowing if it’s you. But I do know his days are numbered.”

“But you saw me here. I’m still here in the future!”

I shake my head. “Not here. In Clausen’s office. I saw your nameplate. Director Daniel Mueller.”

“No! That’s your fantasy, not mine. If I escape, I’ll run. I’d go to my cabin and—”

“And what? Make pies?” I focus on him, force him to finally confront the truth about himself. “You wouldn’t leave, Daniel. You’d shut this place down. You’d expose Clausen for what he was, what his research did to all of you. You’ve been fighting a war your whole life and you wouldn’t retreat in the face of victory. Director Daniel Mueller would end Madison Academy.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. I saw it. And I know you. Clausen was right about one thing. He created a rock, and you’re a creature of this horrible place. It will own you until you destroy it.”

He blinks, considering my words. “You think we can change the game. You think it’s time to go on the offensive.”

“Different people, different situations. That’s from the Daniel Mueller playbook. Clausen’s end is near. We just need to find out how and when.”

He studies me, still in shock.

“We have our ending, Daniel. We can choose to embrace it, or hope it’s wrong. But if you truly believe I can impact the future, then you better get ready because this place is coming down. Clausen’s universe is falling apart and we will be the instruments to make it happen.”

Daniel quiets for a moment and finally lets out a breath. “So, I’m assuming this revelation means you have a brilliant plan to make it happen.”

“The basics, but I need your help. We know Clausen wants to access my ability. I say we let him have it, and he can teach me how to use it in the process. Eager, oblivious Rebecca will gladly become Clausen and his gang’s new best friend while distracting them from you. We can play this right and put you back in the library and gym while we construct all the pieces to bring him down.”

“And you’ll touch them.”

“As often and discreetly as possible.”

A faint smile spreads over his lips. “This seems absurd. I don’t know why I actually believe it will work.”

“Is there anything about our world that isn’t? We’re still playing Clausen’s game, he just doesn’t know we’re cheating.”

“And the queen makes her move.”

I grin. “I believe they call this checkmate.”

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