Page 14 of Betrayed in Blood
“We haven’t tried that.”
“Are you somehow combining your powers to build this construct?”
“Yes.”
“How do you do that?”
Sonja considered the question, but it was Antonio who spoke.
“Our first step is to think about the Nexus, then we reach out to each other. Then we focus on the same room.”
“I noticed when Sonja refocused to answer my question the wall faded back to its original color. Did you do that on purpose?”
She shook her head. “I have to remain concentrated on that image in order to retain it.”
“Hmm. Can you bring Gregor into the construct?”
The group glanced at each other.
“We would need a couple more dreamwalkers to assist with that.” Sonja played with her medallion. “When we plan a construct, each of us brings a portion of it to make it complete.”
“Can you make a construct on your own without the others?”
She shrugged. “Some can, others need more assistance.”
“Maybe you could show us what you can do?” Antonio asked with a definite challenge.
I looked at Sonja. “With your permission?”
She nodded.
I considered the best approach without terrifying them. They had some power, but they were babies compared to what Colantha, Hamilton, and I could do on our own.
Without closing my eyes, Gregor appeared at the table. The others jumped, startled by his presence, and even Gregor’s eyes widened in surprise as he glanced around.
“Welcome, Gregor,” I said. “I thought it important for you to see what I can do with constructs. As my mentor likes to say, prepare yourselves.”
I changed the environment first, settling us at a round table with comfortable rattan chairs overlooking a beach of white sand and soft waves. The air stirred with a light ocean breeze scented with salt and suntan lotion.
Mojitos appeared before everyone with tiny hot pink and lime green umbrellas.
I nodded at Gregor. “Give it a taste. This is a small resort in California that I once visited when I was flush with cash after a successful heist. I always thought they put too much rum in them, but my friend Ginger thought they were perfect.”
Gregor tasted it and, after the shock faded, nodded. “I agree with Ginger.”
I laughed and glanced at the others. “Feel free to drink but keep in mind the alcohol is the real deal.”
They all took a sip. A few smiled and took another, but Nancy made a face and pushed it away. They were all still in their business attire, and giving it some thought, our clothing changed. The men wore faded pink linen shirts with board shorts and sandals. The women were in colorful sundresses.
Joseph stood and disappeared.
The others glanced around, and I shrugged. “I guess that last change was a bit too much for Joseph. He pulled himself out on his own. I’m not forcing anyone to stay.”
Sonja studied me with a new appreciation. “Could you prevent us from leaving?”
I shrugged. “I’ve only attempted it with one person, but let’s give it a go. This will test everyone’s strength.” I turned to Gregor. “If you don’t mind, I’d prefer you stayed for a bit longer.”
Either true to his nature or his role as House leader, he leaned back with his mojito, seeming to enjoy the show.
