The Mind Games by Lori Brighton Read Free Book Online Page B

so I slipped off my tennis shoes, leaving them beside hers. The doors were open, white curtains billowing on the breeze. The living room spread into the kitchen, an open floor plan. The place was uncluttered and clean, the walls painted a light blue. The plush couch was white, and a variety of shells were placed on glass tables around the area. All in all, it was actually a comfortable and welcoming place that put me at ease the moment I stepped inside.
    “Sit.” She waved toward the couch.
    But I didn’t want to be at ease. I wanted to find Lewis. I settled impatiently on the sofa, watching the way the white curtains fluttered on the wind. “Father Myron said you could answer some questions for me.”
    “Depends upon the questions.”
    I rubbed my aching forehead. In the corner of the room a clock ticked, the sound like a hammer tapping against my skull. “Listen, I don’t have time for games. I have someone to save.”
    She moved into the kitchen and started filling a tea kettle. “Yes, Lewis. Of course.”
    I stiffened. “You know him?”
    She nodded. “You needn’t worry. He’s fine. He’s healing well.” She set the kettle on the stove. “You can’t move him now. He needs rest and healing, and he’s getting that at the compound.”
    “He’s in jail! It’s not a freaking spa!”
    She lifted a brow, making me feel guilty for raising my voice. “Yes, but he’s safe at the moment. If you move him now, you risk injuring him more.”
    I surged to my feet and paced the room. It smelled like vanilla and the scent was oddly distracting. I had a feeling she was trying to manipulate me into calming down. “So I’m just supposed to just sit here?”
    “No, you train, you prepare.”
    “Yeah, everyone keeps telling me to train, yet no one actually offers any advice.” I rested my hands on my hips. “So, will you help me?” It was a dare. I fully expected her to mutter an excuse; to mention something about the time getting away and how I should probably call my mother.
    Instead, she inclined her head. “If you wish.”
    I certainly hadn’t expected her to agree, but I admit the relief I felt was immediate. I sank onto her couch. I sure as heck wasn’t going to stay at my mom’s while Aaron was there. I hadn’t asked, but I hoped Sierra would let me stay with her for the week.
    “Why am I so special?” I blurted out.
    “Everyone is special.”
    I sighed. Great response, old wise one. “I understand,” I said. “But they keep saying I’m different. Why?”
    The kettle let off a shrill whistle and she went to work, preparing our tea. “What is your power?”
    “My what?”
    She headed toward me, a tray in hand. “Mind reading, yes. But specifically, what is your specialty?”
    I wasn’t quite sure what she was asking. Instead of responding, to give myself time to think, I took a sip of the hot tea, burning my tongue in the process. Flinching I set the cup back on the saucer. Her questions and roundabout way of answering mine was making my headache worse.
    She settled next to me. “You’ve heard that all mind readers have special gifts.”
    “Yeah.”
    She sipped her tea with ease. “Well, what is yours?”
    I scratched the back of my neck. “I don’t know. I mean…a few things.”
    “Exactly.” She set her cup on the saucer and used silver tongs to drop a cube of sugar into my cup, then hers. “Most people only have one special ability. Two if they’re lucky.”
    I’d heard it before when traveling with Nora. All mind readers had a specialty that made them unique. Which was great, if we worked together. Of course instead, everyone fought, guarding their secret power like it was gold.
    She took a sip of tea. “Tell me about the last time you had something wonderful happen?”
    I picked up my cup, wrapping my fingers around the warm porcelain. My island had been wonderful, but that life hadn’t been real. I searched through my memory, realizing how sad it was that I could think of