Devil's Advocate (The X-Files: Origins #2)(30)

“We have to tell people,” declared Melissa. “We have to tell the sheriff and, well … everyone.”

“No,” said Dana and Corinda at the same time.

“Why not?”

“Because they’ll think I’m actually certifiably insane,” said Dana.

“That doesn’t matter,” said Corinda. “People have thought I’m an oddball since I was three years old. Who cares? It’s just proof of their small minds and the blinders they choose to wear. No, girls, the reason we don’t tell anyone about this, not yet at least, is that we don’t know who the killer is.”

“Which is why we have to tell the police,” insisted Melissa.

“No,” said Dana, getting where Corinda was going with this.

“Why not?” asked her sister.

“Because,” said Dana, “if we tell the police, the killer will know that we know.”

Melissa said, “Again, so what? We don’t know who the killer is, so it’s not like we’re ratting on anyone in particular. We’re not naming names.”

“The killer won’t know that,” said Dana. “If it gets out that we know this because I’ve had some kind of weird psychic flash, or that Ethan told me about his uncle’s case files, then the killer’s going to wonder what else I know. He’s going to wonder what happens if I have a dream of his face or his name, and he’s going to have to do something about that.”

“Yes,” said Corinda quietly. “It would focus all his attention on you, Dana.”

“I wish you could grab more details out of your visions,” said Melissa. “Like maybe a name, an address. Anything.”

“It takes time,” said Corinda, “even for me. There has to be a proper alignment of universal factors for these things to come to me.”

“I wish I understood what was happening to me,” responded Dana.

“Visions aren’t usually that precise,” said Corinda. “They’re often clouded with symbolism and all sorts of cryptic elements.”

“It’s driving me nuts,” said Dana.

Corinda swirled the cold tea in her cup. “You joke, but visions have broken a lot of minds over the centuries.”

“And gotten some burned at the stake, I bet.”

“That, too. And while we don’t have to worry about that kind of thing, the reaction by the unenlightened is often negative and hostile. You saw some of that in the gym yesterday.”

Dana glanced at her. “The fact that you know that is really creepy.”

Corinda looked pained. “I know. I’ve been creeping people out all my life. It’s not fun. Those of us with gifts are often made to feel like we’re evil, or sinful or wrong because this is part of who we are. However, I don’t recall asking for this burden, and I suspect you didn’t, either.”

“Not on your life,” said Dana. “Not in a million years.”

“Which leaves us right where we were,” said Melissa.

They sat and thought about it for a bit as the flow of people in and out of Beyond Beyond continued with the regularity of a tide. Angelo walked past carrying a red metal toolbox. He glanced at them, and Dana met his eyes. It was only for a brief moment, but there was an electric connection that she felt all the way down to her toes. His face was serious, unsmiling, almost troubled, and as soon as he noticed her looking at him, his gaze darted away. Why? Was he embarrassed? Did he not like what he saw? Was there something about her? Dana didn’t know. Whatever it was, Angelo moved away quickly and vanished into the back.

“What should we do?” asked Melissa, oblivious to the exchange.

Corinda snapped her fingers. “Got it,” she said. “Sunlight.”

“Right,” agreed Melissa at once.

“Why?” asked Dana. “What’s he got to do with this?”

“With the murders?” asked Corinda. “Nothing. But he has a gift, too.”

“Which is what?”

“That series of classes he’s giving? Psychic Emergence? It’s for people who have, or think they have, gifts like yours. He has a talent for helping people cultivate their gifts, develop them. I bet he could help you.”

Dana felt apprehension rise up in her chest. She wasn’t sure she wanted her “gifts” to get any stronger. But what if Sunlight could help, though? And what if, by helping her focus her visions, Dana could prevent the murder of another teenager?

“Okay,” she said uncertainly, “let’s try.”

A line was forming at the front register and Corinda stood up. “You girls go find Sunlight. I’ve got to work; then I have back-to-back readings.”

“But—” began Dana, but Corinda cut her off.

“After you see Sunlight, go home and meditate on this. I will, too, and then come back tomorrow so we can compare notes and make a plan.”

They agreed. Corinda touched Dana’s cheek.

“Be strong, little sister. You’re becoming powerful, and that is always a frightening process. Have faith in your own power and trust the larger world. It holds all the answers.” And with that she was gone.





CHAPTER 29

Scully Residence

5:54 P.M.