Stones: Theory (Stones #4) by Jacob Whaler Read Free Book Online Page A

fault he died. I put him in harm’s way when I left him and Yarah alone back on Yarah’s world. Jhata would never have come if I had stayed. I should have been able to protect Leo from her.” Both hands go up to cover his eyes. “Just like Dad. I couldn’t stop Ryzaard from killing him either.”
    “But you
can
stop torturing yourself.” Jessica’s fingers find his arm and gently squeeze. “You did the best you could. You came back to Earth and saved ten million people from dying in Ryzaard’s nuclear nightmare. Leo would have agreed with that. Now, just let it go, and move on.”
    “Let it go. Move on.” Matt repeats the words like a mantra. “It’s not that easy. All the people close to me end up . . .”
    “No Matt.” Jessica’s hand goes over his lips. “Don’t say it. Bad karma.”
    “You’re right.” Matt vents all his frustration in a single, short exhale. “Let’s spend the night here and then move on at first light.”
    “Where to?” Jessica’s fingers find his hand and close tightly around it.
    “I’ve been thinking about it. Maybe we could hike the Appalachian Trail.”
    Jessica giggles. “All the way to Maine? With an eight-year-old?”
    “It would give us good cover.” Matt looks for the orange dot of Betelgeuse above the belt of Orion. “Just another family out on a summer excursion enjoying the wonders of nature. We could take it slow all the way through autumn.”
    “Why Shinto?”
    Matt turns his head. “Huh?”
    “Why is Ryzaard using Shinto? It doesn’t make sense.”
    “Good question,” Matt says. “We know his goal. Complete takeover of the world so he’s the only one in control. Once everyone joins Shinto, I suppose he’ll use it as an instrument to manipulate the masses.”
    “But
how
will he do it?” Jessica rises up and straightens the blankets on Yarah. “Brainwashing?” She throws one over to Matt.
    “That’s pretty much what I’ve been seeing in the dreams. Huge gatherings of people. Mass ecstasy. Ryzaard in control.” Matt sighs as he looks up at Sirius, brightest star in the night sky. “He’s got a master plan, thinking way ahead. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shared the details with me.”
    “So, what do we do?” Jessica leans over Matt, her face directly above his.
    “First this.” He reaches up with both arms and pulls her down until her warm lips spread out against his. Then he gently lifts her over Yarah, depositing her on the ground next to him. “You need to rest. So do I. Hopefully, I won’t have the dreams tonight. We’ll figure it out in the morning.”
    With a finger, Jessica draws a line down Matt’s forehead and the bridge of his nose. “Do you think the dreams are coming from the Allehonen?”
    “No idea.” Matt slides his hands under his head. “It may just be my Stone, giving me glimpses of the future. A possible future. I’ve tried to reach out to the Allehonen for contact, help, anything. Nothing but radio silence. Almost like they don’t care.” A cold chill runs down his back and turns into a tremble. “Ryzaard’s whole operation has gotten so massive. Sometimes I think he’s actually going to be able to pull it off.” He rolls over with his back to Jessica, eyes drifting shut.
    A split second later, a sharp blow between his shoulder blades jars him awake and forces a cough.
    “Hey, what was that all about?” Matt says.
    “You,” Jessica says. “I’m not going to lie here and watch you melt into a puddle of tears.”
    “Yeah, but—”
    “Matt, listen to me. Don’t waste time worrying about how it’s all going to work out. It’s OK, not being able to see the whole picture from beginning to end.” The heel of Jessica’s hand caresses his spine. “Ryzaard’s tried so many times to kill you. Maybe he can’t. Maybe it’s your destiny to destroy his plan and save humankind.”
    “So, I’m some kind of superhero? That’s not a very comforting thought. Too much pressure. I’d rather just . .