The Elders (Mind Dimensions #4)(63)

I nod. “That’s what I was going to work on next. What I did with these cops, I’ll do with the ones attacking the Temple from the front.”

Rose’s mouth trembles in an attempt to smile. “Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?”

I consider it. After a short pause, I say, “There is, actually. It would be very helpful if you could pull Caleb in and tell him to work with me. I have no idea why he’s not under the bad guy’s control, but since he’s not, I could use his help, even if I don’t know how yet.”

“Consider it done.” Rose makes a visible attempt to pull herself together. Taking a breath, she says, “I wonder why this Pusher didn’t make us, his targets, commit suicide. Why this attack?”

“Don’t know,” I say, puzzled. “That would have been the simplest solution.”

“It seems as if, for some reason, we’re not accessible to this person, just as you mentioned Caleb isn’t.” She looks thoughtful. “I wonder why.”

“A mystery.” I gesture for us to start walking. “It’ll have to take a number.”

“Yes, you’re right. It doesn’t change anything.” She falls into step beside me. “Where are we going?”

“Caleb’s at the front of the temple,” I say. “I have to warn you, it’s not pretty out there.”

“Let’s go.” She’s clearly struggling to keep a stoic expression on her face.

We don’t talk on the way. Instead, I spend the time pondering what Caleb and the Enlightened could possibly have in common. What is protecting them from the Super Pusher? If my mind weren’t in such turmoil, I might be able to figure it out, but as is, I have no clue.

When we exit the Temple, Rose takes a look at the scene and silent tears stream down her cheeks. I don’t comment on them, not wanting to embarrass her.

Instead, in an effort to distract her, I say, “Don’t pull him in yet.” I nod toward Caleb. “He might attack me.”

“Okay.” She sniffles. “How do you want to do this?”

“Let me Guide the cops and the young monks. Then you bring Caleb in as I walk back to my body.”

She nods, and in the hour that follows, I enter the mind of every cop on the scene and give them the following instructions: Do not fight the monks. Take down Kate’s people, but do not use your guns. Use Tasers and cuff them.

“I think you should have them killed,” Rose says after Reading one of my police targets. “You’re making it that much harder for the officers and without good reason.”

“Until I know who’s controlling everyone, I want a nonlethal solution,” I say. “Some of them are innocent, and George is actually my relative.”

She looks unconvinced, so I add, a little unkindly, “Unlike for some people, family means something to me.”

Her shoulders sag, and I feel like an ass. Since I can’t say anything to salvage the situation, I proceed to override the young monks. I order them to attack Kate’s team alongside the cops. Under no circumstances are they to fight their fellow monks.

“Wait until I disappear in the forest before you pull Caleb in,” I tell Rose after I’m done.

“Go.” Her voice sounds more confident; she must’ve regained some composure. “If Edward survives—”

“Should I pull you in next time I’m in the Quiet?” I ask and begin walking away.

“Only if you need me,” she says.

I take it as a no and proceed to walk toward the forest. My walk soon turns into a jog. Though I know no time is passing outside the Quiet, I’m anxious to see what will happen.

The trip back to my body happens in a fog. When I get there, I touch my frozen self on the forehead, barely registering the expression of fear on his/my face.

The sounds of the forest instantly return, and I keep running as fast as I did before I entered the Quiet, ignoring the pain from all the scratches on my body.

As I run, I listen. There are definitely fewer shots sounding in the distance, which is a good start. I don’t hear any explosions either—something else that gives me a modicum of hope.

I run, aware of the fact that, in real time, the situation at the Temple is changing, and hopefully for the better.

Then something I least expected happens.

My phone rings.





Chapter 20





I always thought cell phones wouldn’t work in the middle of the woods.

I take out my phone and stare at the incoming call uncomprehendingly. According to Caller ID, it’s Eugene.

I accept the call, mentally thanking the cellular tower deities of the woods, who are, more than likely, my Enlightened grandparents. They must have a booster or something for the Temple. If they don’t, I’ll have to buy Verizon stock when I get out of this.

“Eugene, where are you?” I bark into the phone. One of the cops looks at me worriedly. He must’ve mistaken the excitement in my voice for danger. Ignoring him, I continue, “Have you made progress?”

“We’re about to enter the woods via the road Hillary suggested,” Eugene says. “Regarding progress, I’m afraid it’s a long and disappointing story—”

I don’t hear the rest because I phase into the Quiet. Whatever the long story is, I’ll have to wait to hear it from Eugene’s lips after I walk over to his car and pull him in—which will be much easier than carrying on a conversation while running through the forest.