Precognitions

By Daniel Ormont

In Volume II, Precognitions, this silly psychic saga continues: Danny “Mouse” Ormont’s world has gone topsy-turvy. Those foreboding visions of his dream girl, Patti Conner, omitted key details. A mismatched pair, their paranormal relationship is set to explode! Shoplifting? Smoking? ...Has Danny gone berserk? Powerless to stop mirroring Patti’s mischievous acts, thank heavens that cockamamie "Mouse" is suspended after stealing cigarettes, attacking heartthrob Mark Parks, if not plagiarizing answers solving the conundrum of time from an elusive book yet to exist! While in the school office, Danny crosses paths with two shady characters, at least one of which leads back to Patti...but how?

The coveted Talent Show trophy displayed in the middle school lobby is the apple of Patti’s eye. She promises to do anything if one of her little pets claims it for her. Reinstated in school, "Mouse", Mark, and the shady ones are all after the same goal. For added insurance, Mark cooks up his own scheme to impress Patti - until Danny appears. But, wait... What monkey business are the shady ones up to? Perhaps the mystical power of the Gemini Promise can keep Patti honest - once and for all. Is Danny running out of time to prove he is her Boy From Tomorrow?

Meanwhile, the suspicious neighborhood fire remains unsolved. With crime on the rise, the whole community is on edge. Some say the extended bus line is to blame; others are convinced it is the local punks. Only Danny’s insight can help him see the light. All the while, in science class, Mr. Foster wants to prove things are not always as they appear at a place Danny and his classmates won’t believe – even when they see it with their own eyes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Ormont
• Release date: Jan 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370499601

Daniel Ormont

Daniel Ormont is a mechanical engineer and former US Patent Examiner. By invite, he attended a cosmology symposium at the Johns Hopkins Space Telescope Science Institute (STSI). He lives on the Delmarva peninsula with his wife and two children. Since a child, Daniel has experienced countless psychic episodes of a personal nature. Acquaintances have shared similar experiences: locating lost items for others, foretelling of relatives' illnesses, intervening to prevent a fatality - only foretold through dreams. For Daniel, it is not just dreams, and he believes each of us possess this ability to various degrees. Daniel remains open-minded to the impossibilities.Guess what? Science may be catching on: Discover Magazine (July/August 2016) reported of the renewed interest in Entanglement, an abandoned idea from the infancy of quantum physics (the study of subatomic behavior) explaining how one particle may instantly influence another without physical contact nor proximity. Now, laboratory experiments are revealing what was once only theorized: the existence of "spooky action" at the subatomic level. (Ref: "Everything Worth Knowing About Entanglement", by Devin Powell.)

Book preview

PRECOGNITIONS

DANIEL ORMONT

(Precognitions: Volume Two in The Boy From Tomorrow series)

Copyright 2016 by Daniel Ormont

Cover Design and Artwork Copyright 2016 by Megan Torello

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Thanks to Mark Coker providing eBook Development Instruction, and

Smashwords Staff providing eBook Technical Support

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are all fictitious and/or used in a fictitious capacity. Any similarities to persons, living or deceased, is strictly coincidental with one caveat. The story is premised upon a thread of truth: my personal run-ins with psychic phenomena. Albeit a compressed timeline, the exaggerated story illustrates how my psychic experiences, in whole or in part, have manifested in various forms since toddlerhood.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author, except for distribution by Smashwords-authorized eBook retailers to their customers. A reviewer may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, journal, and/or the electronic equivalent thereof.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold nor given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your favorite authorized eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. In return, this book is reasonably priced for all to afford their own copy. By respecting the hard work of this author, you help to keep prices low.

Thank you for your support.

Visit my website at: www.danielormont.com

Please write a review for my book at your favorite retailer.

DEDICATION

This story is dedicated to the following individuals

without whom none of this would be possible:

To those on the Ormont Tree:

My parents and my three sisters – for their love, support, and tolerance

…although unaware of the struggles consuming me, especially the teen years.

To those Next-Gen Ormonts:

My wife and my children – for their love, support, and patience

…not fully comprehending the struggles in the aftermath consuming me.

To genuine people like the Strongs and Devonshires:

To second families – for their love, devotion, and kindness above and beyond the call of duty;

For hearts burning with compassion, fighting the good fight to improve the human condition,

…and, for the encouragement and unrelenting persuasion to keep me writing.

To my Cast of Characters:

All my friends I made along the way – accepting me as-is: foibles, blemishes, and all;

For tolerating tons of puns (psst, they still do),

…and, forthwith royally deservant of the lion’s share.

Oh, and Taffy, of course:

…One crazy canine!

CONTENTS

Introduction

PHASE THREE – HAPPENSTANCE

Chapter XXIII: Mirror, Mirror

Chapter XXIV: Full House

Chapter XXV: Deja View

Chapter XXVI: Poker Face

Chapter XXVII: Burning Issues

Chapter XXVIII: Pass the Buck

Chapter XXIX: Bad Friday

Chapter XXX: Sweet Desserts

Chapter XXXI: Ice Cream Social

PHASE FOUR – DISCOVERY

Chapter XXXII: Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Chapter XXXIII: Effect and Cause

Chapter XXXIV: Big Bad Wolves

Chapter XXXV: Button, Button…

Chapter XXXVI: Pin the Tale

Chapter XXXVII: More Than Meets the Eye

PHASE FIVE – VICISSITUDES

Sneak Peek! Chapter XXXVIII: Guardian Angel

About Daniel Ormont

Connect with Daniel Ormont

Other Books by Daniel Ormont

INTRODUCTION

Note to the Reader: The story continues, sequentially, starting with Phase Three, Chapter XXIII.

In The Boy From Tomorrow series, a unique story develops over time. Since the storyline is heavily time-dependent, the plot can only be told in the sequence presented here. Therefore, it is highly suggested that one read The Boy From Tomorrow novels in sequential order. Following the plot in this prescribed way, the story unfolds in its natural glory unhindered by any attempt to force each volume to read independently from the next. Therefore, each subsequent novel plays a unique and integral role providing seemingly random hints that, together, forge a synergy across time. In short, the story grows to become an entity greater than the sum of its individual scenes.

I believe the reader will find this a quick read. Knowing your time is precious, it is my philosophy that reading should be a pleasure – not a burden. With narration held to a minimum, I let the characters speak for themselves. Similarly, description is provided only when essential to the story. My style permits the reader the freedom to picture events staged in one’s own imagination…unbiased by mine.

* * *

I trust the reader will enjoy this epic adventure that questions the illusion defining the terrarium in which we live. I hope the story will inspire many to think outside the asphyxiating box of conventional wisdom. If we are afraid to challenge the norms and dare not ask what if…, then we are doomed to anesthetize ourselves into stagnation and complacency. A mind should wander free to dream without fear of ridicule or repercussion. Those who dreamed to fly and dared to try, bought their tickets to the sky with blood, sweat, and tears. And, those who tried to keep them down were left behind, stranded on the ground.

I believe we all possess the potential to experience psychic episodes, to various degrees. A brush with what lies beyond (whether interacting with past apparitions or future aberrations) is often subtle and quickly dismissed, if noticed at all. The majority will remain true to their convictions, decidedly incredulous to the evidence I present to a jury of my peers. However, I am confident teenagers, especially middle schoolers, are at the optimum age to be most receptive to such nuances. Adolescence is the age of exploration. Their budding minds are opening to new and abstract concepts beyond the constraints of the concrete, physical world. Their mental faculties acute; their uncanny memories astute – often fortified with picture-perfect instant recall, to boot. And, when freed from distraction, the youthful dreamer is poised to catch sight of the ever-elusive window to future glimpse.

PHASE THREE — HAPPENSTANCE

That which lurks around every corner…

CHAPTER XXIII

Mirror, Mirror

Greater Boston, Late 1970s:

Say now, I’ll be a-havin’ me the stuffed cabbage and a salad, Mrs. Ormont said.

A waitress, dressed in a color-coordinated uniform, hovered beside the Ormonts’ table. And, what kind of dressing?

Ranch, please.

I’d like the strip steak with a loaded baked potato, Mr. Ormont said.

The waitress scribbled madly on her pad. How would you like your steak prepared?

Medium will be fine.

Your steak also comes with a salad. …What dressing for you?

Ranch is fine for me, too.

I think I’ll try the open-faced, hot turkey with french fries, Danny said.

Would you like gravy with that?

Yes, over everything, please.

And, to drink?

Three colas, Mr. Ormont said. Oh, and a round of water.

Very well, the waitress remarked. I’ll be right back with your drinks.

Well, tonight we’ll be sleeping in our own home once again, Mr. Ormont observed.

Took quite a spell, Mum replied. ’Tis well worth the wait, I imagine.

We were fortunate the Devonshires could put us up for so long.

"You mean, put up with us for so long, right Dad?"

The waitress returned with their drinks and a bread basket. Danny snagged a roll and was about to sink his teeth into its pillowy softness when a firm hand grabbed his wrist. Not so fast! Mum scolded. First, we be a-sayin’ Grace.

Danny could not stifle his hunger. Since when did we start saying that?

Sakes! Need yea remindin’? Mrs. Ormont frowned. Since we be a-havin bountiful wonders to be tankful fir.

Son, better do what your mother says.

The disheartened boy returned the roll to the bread basket, placed his hands together, and bowed his head. His parents repeated the same ritual, prepared to give thanks.

We give tanks fir the food of which we partake, Mrs. Ormont began. And, fir our house which He did not forsake. Amen.

Amen, Danny and his father declared.

I must say, Mr. Ormont said. The neighborhood sure has been quiet lately.

His son smiled, I guess the winter put a chill on things.

My soul, Denny, why don’t yea avoid folks like Stinger?

I try to avoid him. The boy retrieved his dinner roll. Thing is, he doesn’t avoid me.

Mum’s right, he’s nothing but trouble.

Stinger? Danny dropped his butter knife in mid-spread. Is that who started the fire?

He’s the prime suspect in my book. Mr. Ormont tore open a croissant in disgust.

But… Danny buttered his roll, maintaining his composure. Do they know for sure?

No, Mum sighed. The authorities be doing their best.

Mr. Ormont shook his head. I’d hate to see how this affects our insurance rates.

His son stroked his jaw. What do ya mean? That’s what insurance is for, right?

Yes, but now we’re a risk, his father explained. File one claim, and your rates increase.

Danny laughed. You mean you pay for insurance, but you can never use it?

That’s right.

That’s crazy!

"That’s reality."

And, what happens when they catch whoever done it?

Be it all the better.

Mr. Ormont pushed his chair back and smiled. I’d sure like to see Stinger sent to jail.

Heavens, Al, he be merely a juvenile…

A juvenile delinquent, you mean! His father’s callous words brought Danny visions of Patti behind bars. Clank! Danny’s knife slipped out of his hand. You seem awfully jumpy tonight, son, his father remarked. Got ants in your pants?

Denny, be a tad more careful, Mum frowned, rummaging through the bread basket.

I’ll try, Danny laughed, itching to learn more. Tell me again. If they catch the person…

The entire neighborhood would benefit, Mr. Ormont said.

How?

People track these incidents. The cows, the fire…

But, it didn’t hurt the entire neighborhood.

Aye, that it does, Denny.

I don’t understand…

You’ve got a lot to learn about life, young man, Mr. Ormont remarked. Danny knew this statement meant his father was about to impart some tidbits of wisdom. More than the neighborhood, it weakens our community.

Danny grabbed his soda. Mysteriously, his arm jerked and smashed the glass on the floor.

Land sakes! Mum said. What the devil be wit yea tonight?

* * *

Hey, stop that! Patti’s friend slapped her wrist. A compact shattered on the floor of the cosmetics aisle.

Look what you made me do, Cheryl!

What were you thinking?

It’s called hide and seek.

It’s called stealing! You were going to drop it into your purse.

Aw, it’s just one little packet of eye shadow. The store won’t even miss it.

It’s still wrong.

Hey, they have plenty more. Patti reached for the display. We just want one.

Et-a-hem… A store clerk cleared his throat. Can I help you ladies?

No, thanks. Innocently, Patti ran her extended hand through her hair. We were just looking.

Indeed… The clerk quipped with a suspicious eye. That’s what I thought.

* * *

Here we are…two salads.

Careful, dear! Mum warned the waitress. Afraid we rightly had a wee accident.

Oh, no problem, the server smiled. It happens to the best of us. The young lady brushed the broken glass out of the aisle with her foot and motioned for a bus boy. Your food will be coming right out. Nothing could sour the waitress’ demeanor. I’ll bring you another drink.

Dad, tell me again, Danny asked. You know, what you said about the community and all?

A community is only as strong as its weakest link.

What’s that supposed to mean?

How it pains me to say this, but I fear Stinger’s bad reputation be a plague.

How so?

Neighbors move away... His mother chewed upon a forkful of greens before completing her thought. It makes the neighborhood unstable.

But, others will move in, right?

The news jumped all over the story about the fire. Mr. Ormont pointed his fork at his son with fiery eyes. The reporter enjoyed calling it arson. He couldn’t use that word enough.

Mum nodded in agreement. Spreads bad tidings ‘bout our community.

Danny took a long drink of water and cleared his throat.

Would you want to move to such a place? Mr. Ormont asked.

The question festered in Danny’s head when their dinners arrived. The waitress opened a stand, rested her tray, and began to serve. Let’s see, a strip steak for the man of the house, the waitress announced, centering the plate before Mr. Ormont.

The Ormonts eyed their son eager to continue the discussion.

Stuffed cabbage for the first lady…

Hold your thoughts, son.

And, the hot turkey for the young squire.

A veritable banquet, Mum said, wide-eyed.

Steak sauce for you, sir? the waitress offered, replacing Danny’s refreshment.

Certainly.

The waitress rested the bottle on the table. Will there be anything else?

No, I think we’re fine for now.

Well, then…I’ll be back to check on you soon.

Is that how you want people to view our community? his father asked, drowning his dinner in steak sauce.

Gee, it’s not the neighborhood that’s bad, Danny considered. Just a few bad apples.

Pity... Mum sliced into her entree. Truth be told, a few bad apples be a-spoilin’ the whole bunch.

Danny considered his mother’s words, blindly reaching for his drink. Once more, his arm jerked wildly, thrusting his glass to the floor.

Denny! Mum shouted. ’Tis twice now!

* * *

Patti! Cheryl shouted, jerking Patti’s arm once more. What’s with you?

Hey, don’t make a federal case out of this, her companion barked. Just slip this into your pocket.

"I, uh, like the color you chose for me. But, I don’t want it that badly."

It was worth a second try. I hate waiting in line.

I’ll just pay for this, and we’ll be out of here.

You know, I bet you could walk right out of here, and no one would know.

Oh, yeah…right. Cheryl rolled her eyes.

No, really! Patti coaxed. Just walk straight into the mall. Piece of cake.

It’ll never work. Besides, some of these places are alarming their stuff.

Don’t be such a coward. They’re only alarming the big stuff, not this.

Since you’re so smart, why don’t you do it?

I’d do it in a heartbeat…if this were my color, that is.

C’mon, Patti, get real, Cheryl challenged. I dare ya!

* * *

The Ormonts finished dinner in silence. But, when the family was ready for their check,

the waitress could not to be found.

That ought to cover it. Mr. Ormont tossed two twenties on the table. "Now, let’s leave before someone causes any more damage." All eyes fell upon Danny as he slunk down in his seat.

Mr. Ormont headed for the door with Mum trailing close behind. The pair did not wait for Danny. The boy wriggled out of his seat, spilling his water across the table where the money lay. Unable to find a clean