Gifted Haven: Gifted, #4

By John R. Sankovich

A fresh danger rises. To defeat it, she may have to make a pact with her archnemesis.

Rebecca Stevens despairs of ever returning to a normal life. Gifted with telekinetic powers, the talented teenager shoulders the burden of protecting her small town from a dangerous psychic enemy. But when her deadly foe makes contact offering a truce to fight a new threat together, she suspects she's being led into the steel jaws of a lethal trap…

With her mentor struggling to control their own powers and Rebecca's closest allies in turmoil, the young hero fears making a single misstep will destroy them all. And after attacks threaten her own home and family, she's terrified her only remaining option is an uneasy alliance with the one person who wants her dead.

Can Rebecca battle two enemies and still keep her community safe from harm?

Haven is the fast-paced fourth book in the Gifted superhero urban fantasy series. If you like troubled heroes, breathtaking plot twists, and pages packed with epic action, then you'll love John R. Sankovich's frightening faceoff.

Buy Gifted: Haven to make a stand today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Sankovich
• Release date: Dec 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201898489

John R. Sankovich

Even as a young child I was always conjuring up stories and filling them with colorful characters, sharing them with anyone and everyone who would listen. Since then, I’ve progressed quite a bit to formulating longer and more complex stories and sharing them with much larger audiences. When I'm not writing, I'm an avid Carolina Panther fan, video game player, and a Walking Dead aficionado. I wouldn't be able to do this with the support of my family, wife, two daughters, and son. Along with our zoo at home with 3 dogs, 3 frogs, a turtle, leopard gecko, sugar glider, a cat, and numerous fish. You might be surprised that with all these possible distractions, I still manage to write on a daily basis.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The sudden appearance of her house, and the cacophony of noise as she arrived, sent Rebecca for a loop. She stumbled for a moment before Blink grabbed hold of her.

Got ya there. Blink’s warm hands grabbed her as he looked at her. His gaze softened as she straightened and shook her head. Did The Collector really get Trinity to let him go? What happened? Blink squeezed her shoulder, and she focused on him. His trademark smile spread across his face as he brushed her hair off her sweaty forehead. You’re safe.

Her power pulsed, steadied her, and she nodded. I know.

Haley dashed from out of nowhere and crashed into Rebecca’s stomach. If Blink didn’t have a hold on her shoulder, the small girl would have taken her to the ground. Now that the adrenaline faded, exhaustion seeped from every fiber of her body.

Rebecca, I was so worried. I saw you on the news. Haley looked up at her. Did you really fight all those people?

I didn’t have any other choice. Rebecca pried Haley’s arms from around her as she shuffled toward the dining room. They attacked me. She dreaded what she knew she would face. Sure enough, everyone sat around the table, watching, waiting, and silent. She ran her hand through her hair and took the empty seat at the table. Her knees bounced, and she took a deep breath.

Becca, you’re safe. What happened at the park? Her father spoke first. His voice soft and measured. He stared at her over his glasses.

He turned in Quinn. Rebecca shifted her gaze to Yasmine. Why did your father call off Trinity?

Yasmine shrugged. I don’t know.

They had a chance to take down public enemy number one, and they didn’t do a thing. Anger flashed through her, her gift twined within her fury as she clenched her fists. Her energy wanted to explode as she replayed the moment. The Collector’s smug smile, the way he begged her to attack him. The cameras and press waiting for her to show her true self. He knew he had her in an impossible situation.

What’s in the envelope he gave you? Haley hovered right at Rebecca’s elbow.

I don’t know.

Open it, Haley said.

I will, eventually. I want to enjoy getting everyone back home in one piece. The crinkle of the envelope in her pocket filled her ears. She wondered if anyone else heard it. What did he want to tell her? Why the envelope? Why not just say it in front of all those people? Besides, they locked Quinn up. We should celebrate. She knocked on the table. What’s for dinner?

Alex laughed. Only you would mention dinner at eleven at night.

Gwen screamed from upstairs. The high pitch reverberated through the house. Yasmine jumped out of the chair and hurried out of the room. A little too quickly, in Rebecca’s opinion.

There’s leftovers in the fridge. Rebecca’s father stood and gave her a kiss on top of her head as he passed by. I’m happy you’re home.

Me too, dad. She shivered at the sensation of being home after everything she went through the last forty-eight hours. Sleep clawed at the back of her mind, but her stomach continued to grumble. Food first.

Haley, it’s bedtime. You can ask Rebecca all the questions you have in your head in the morning, her father called from the hall.

Come on, I can stay up later. Not like there’s school tomorrow. Haley yawned.

Rebecca’s father returned to the room with a scowl and pointed toward the couch.

Haley dropped her head and stomped toward the couch. Rebecca, I’m glad you’re home.

Her father stood there until she was on the couch, then tucked her blanket around her before leaving the room.

Me too. Rebecca went to the refrigerator and pulled out the leftovers. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes. She grabbed a plate and threw her food in the microwave. She leaned against the kitchen island and stared at the yellow light as it cooked. Her stomach clenched as the scent of seasoned meat wafted into her nose.

Alex grabbed his phone as it chimed. Sis, looks like we’ll have to catch up tomorrow. Yasmine needs help with Gwen.

I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to sleep until Christmas. She stretched, her shoulders popped. The microwave beeped, and she took out her food.

Only two weeks away, Alex said, as he bounced up the steps.

With only Zoey, Billy, and Blink left, Rebecca sat at the table with her meal. I couldn’t have done this without you guys. Rebecca took a bite, the taste exploded in her mouth, and she wiped her chin as a bit of juice ran over her lips. She laughed. After a few more bites, she looked up at them. We won.

At what cost? Billy asked.

You know The Collector is playing some angle. Zoey twisted her index finger in her hair. The pink and blond blended perfectly.

She knew this would come. She swallowed and leaned in her chair. The stiff back dug into her shoulder blade. They watched her, each one looking for answers she might not have.

Why didn’t you take him out right there? You had the chance. Zoey narrowed her eyes at Rebecca.

Too many witnesses. If I attacked when he wasn’t a threat, how would that make me look? Like the violent one those people tried to make me look like? It was a lose-lose situation.

So. This isn’t a popularity contest. If it was the other way, The Collector would have killed everyone without hesitation, Zoey said.

That’s what makes us better than him. We don’t kill. Blink tapped his finger against the aluminum can in front of him. If Rebecca attacked him, when he just saved Peakside from the one behind all the violence, the public would have turned on her immediately.

They know who The Collector is. They remember his attack on Peakside. Zoey stood. I’m just saying you had a chance to end this. I hope it doesn’t come back and bite us in the ass.

Billy flicked the pop top of his soda. The metal twang caused Rebecca to flinch. Babe, we both agreed to stand by Rebecca. We can’t question her decisions now.

I know. Zoey clenched her jaw as she tightened one of her pigtails. Sorry Becca. I wasn’t there so I can only go by what I saw on the television.

No. I want you all to speak your mind. This is a team. It’s not just me deciding everything. Zoey, I really wanted to, but there were so many cameras on me, I didn’t want to look like the attacker. Maybe it’s wrong, but if it is, I’ll have to live with that mistake. She pulled the envelope out of her pocket and set it on the table. The corner was folded, and the tip shivered in the breeze from the ceiling fan. I haven’t read this because I fear what it might say.

I’ll open it. Zoey leaned toward it, but Rebecca snatched it and tucked it into her pocket for safekeeping.

No, I will. I just can’t do it right now. I need to clear my head. Rebecca finished her mashed potatoes. Her stomach gurgled in thanks.

Not letting the silence drag on, Billy stood and joined Zoey. We’re glad you’re safe. He draped his arm over Zoey’s shoulder and squeezed. Rebecca, we trust you. If you need our help with anything, just ask. We’re on the same team. You made the best decision you could. Billy took Zoey’s hand and kissed her knuckle. You ready to head home, babe?

Zoey waved and smiled as she and Billy left.

Once the door shut, Rebecca went to the sliding glass door. The night beckoned to her; the clouds hid the moon and stars, leaving her backyard shrouded in darkness. In her pocket, she ran her thumb along the folded corner of the envelope.

Blink put his hand on her shoulder. I never had time to thank you properly for saving Natilee.

When he squeezed her shoulder, a bit of tension left her body. She bit her lip to contain the tears from falling. I understand she’s important to you. She taught me about this world. I just wish we could have gotten to her sooner. How’s she doing?

I can’t tell. I think she’s in shock and has been sleeping since I brought her here. He really got under her skin.

In the reflection, she saw him fight back tears. She wished she could help him with the loss. She just needs time.

I hope so. She’s… He turned away as he wiped his eyes.

She spun to face him, hating that it was her idea to send them into the lion’s den in the first place. Hopefully, Blink wouldn’t blame her for the state of Natilee. Want me to talk to her?

He raised his head hopeful. I think she would appreciate that.

Blink… Her words failed her.

He cocked an eyebrow. Yes?

I should have helped you when you first came to me. Quinn had taken all of Rebecca’s focus. Maybe if she listened to how desperate Blink was, she could have saved Natilee too. I’m sorry.

You made your choice. I accept that. Blink smiled and headed toward the back room. He hesitated at the door, his hand on the knob for a minute before he took a deep breath and entered the room. He quietly shut the door behind him.

Alone, Rebecca looked around the house. Dishes cluttered the sink, the garbage overflowed, Haley slept on the couch, her small blanket pulled up tight to her chin. Rebecca turned back to the backyard. Where was Jester? Did Quinn kill him? Did Trinity take him to the pound? He had been missing for a couple of days now, and she missed him. She pressed her palm to the glass. The winter wind rattled the door and the tree branches swayed in the darkness. The wood creaked with each gust of wind.

Sis.

A jolt of fear shot down her spine and her gift rose in a shield as she faced Alex. He stood in the entryway, an empty baby bottle in one hand and a dirty diaper in the other. She smiled and her gift faded. You look busy.

Yeah, fatherhood is great, but there are some parts I could do without. He studied the overflowing garbage can and mumbled, I forgot. He squished the garbage down and then pulled the plastic ties up to seal the bag. Using the ties, he hoisted it out of the can. The bag bulged awkwardly over his shoulder as he headed for the back door.

The moment he slid it open, a sharp blast of winter nipped at her exposed arms. She shivered as Alex disappeared out of sight. A crash and a grunt, and he reappeared from the shadows. I can’t believe how much garbage we go through. He scratched his head and continued to the kitchen, and prepared a bottle for Gwen.

Alex, you’re a good father.

Alex paused and glanced at her. Thank you. I learned from the best.

Rebecca joined her brother in the kitchen and jumped onto the counter next to him. Just like they used to do when he had chores to do, and she would remind him of everything he missed. Do you think we will ever get back to normal?

Yeah, eventually this will become the new normal.

I mean like before all this happened.

No. He tested the bottle against his wrist. Why would we? This isn’t something we can make go away.

Don’t you miss going to school, doing normal life things.

Sis, that was great then, but now things are great too. Just different.

Really? How do you figure? She kicked her feet.

We’re still a family. We have each other, we’re healthy and safe. I have a great daughter and girlfriend. I’m living my best life. He checked the bottle again.

For how long? Her heels clicked against the cabinet.

Alex set the bottle on the counter and turned to her. He grabbed her hands. Rebecca, I know you have a lot on your plate. Every time anything goes crazy, you jump into the middle of it until it’s fixed. That’s great, but when was the last time you just had some time for yourself.

Me time? She laughed. What was that?

Yeah, time for you to just be you. Not the hero of Peakside, just you. Rebecca Stevens, teenage girl.

I can’t do that anymore. Everywhere I go people notice me.

Alex frowned. You’re famous around Peakside, but what about outside of it?

Rebecca stared into her brother’s eyes. He made some good points, and she wondered what it would be like to blend in. Could she do that still? It had been so long since she was the shy younger sister of Alex Stevens, the popular jock at Peakside High. Sounds like you have a plan?

He shook his head. No plan, just want you to think about being the teenager you are. He hugged her. You don’t always have to be the one to step up when a crisis happens.

Who else would do it? She embraced Alex back. The warmth and love emanating from him calmed her more than she would ever admit to him.

I don’t know, but… He pulled away from her. You need to be a kid. Let Trinity handle The Collector. You’ve done everything, I’m just saying you could use a break. He grabbed the bottle and tipped it to her. There is a lot more to life than your powers. He rounded the corner, and she heard him rush up the steps. Coming, Yasmine.

She remained on the counter, her legs swaying for a moment as she stared at the dim light from the dining room. Maybe her brother had a point. There was a peace coming. Maybe she could go on a vacation. She laughed, the sound hollow in the silence. That would be the day. She jumped off the counter and made her way to bed. The moment she entered her room, she sat on her bed and pulled the envelope from her pocket. She tapped it against her palm a few times before placing it into her bedside table’s drawer. She flopped back on her bed and smiled. A two ton weight vanished from her shoulders as she stared at the ceiling. Her gift tingled in her fingers and she rolled her blanket over herself. Alex had a good idea. Tomorrow she would try to be a regular teenager.

CHAPTER TWO

Luckily, Rebecca heard the door creek before Haley pounced on her. The small girl jumped onto Rebecca, her knees landed on Rebecca’s chest and she gasped and tickled the girl as she fought for breath. The girl squirmed and squealed as Rebecca overtook her and then climbed out of bed as Haley hiccupped.

Brat, Rebecca rubbed her chest.

I know you are, but what am I? Haley stuck her tongue out, but hiccuped again, and laughed.

Rebecca faked like she would tickle her again and the girl rolled off the bed with a thud. Haley’s giggles came from the other side of the bed. Now out, I need to get ready.

Haley poked her head over the end of the bed. Why didn’t you read what’s in the envelope?

You shouldn’t read people’s minds without their permission.

It’s hard when your thoughts scream at me. Haley looked at her hands. A hiccup rocked her shoulders.

Rebecca put her hands on her hips. They don’t scream.

Haley laughed mid hiccup and made a run for it. Rebecca let her go and mentally locked her door behind the girl. She stared at her bed-side table. After a restful night, could she handle the contents? No. The Collector had to be trying to get into her head. She wouldn’t let him have the satisfaction. She took a shower and dressed. When she emerged from the bathroom, sun streaked across the floor, a rarity this late in the year. She went to the window and looked down. Two new cars were parked in the driveway. Who was here? She grabbed a sweater and headed downstairs.

At the top of the steps, she froze. She recognized Ulysses’ voice already.

So far, he’s kept his promise. None of his people are in Peakside, Ulysses’ voice boomed from the living room.

Rebecca swallowed the bitter taste at the back of her throat. Why would he be here? She put her hair in a ponytail and made her way down the steps.

Evan smiled at her the moment she rounded the corner into the living room. Ulysses sat on the couch, Gwen in his arms as he fed her a bottle. Yasmine sat next to him, a smile on her face as she watched Ulysses feed her daughter. Rebecca glanced at the door to Natilee’s bedroom.

Rebecca, can we talk for a moment? Evan approached.

Nope.

I understand what’s wrong, but you have—

I’m hungry. She spun on her heels and hurried around the corner to break the line of sight and to gather herself. No way she could talk about this now. The betrayal remained too fresh. Just seeing Ulysses and Evan made her heartbeat quicken. Her gift stirred within as she searched the cupboards and found her breakfast drink mix. She stirred the mixture with milk and leaned against the counter. Sun beckoned to her as it stretched across the backyard. Mentally, she opened the sliding door and made her way out before anyone could try to speak to her. She shut the door and rubbed her arms against the chill in the air. She sat at the dew covered picnic table and drank her breakfast. Leaves littered the grass. Somewhere out of sight, she heard an animal dash through the trees nearby. For a moment she hoped to see Jester return, but nothing emerged from them. With her drink finished, she raised her face to the sun. The light warmed her, her gift spread to her limbs, the familiar tingle. The sensation comforted her and gave her the strength to face the questions they would confront her with the moment she went back inside. A stiff, chilly wind blew across her face, rattling the leaves on the patio. She grabbed her glass and headed back inside. Already, dark clouds covered the sun. At least she got a moment of vitamin D.

Evan cornered her in the kitchen as she set her glass in the sink. I need to apologize.

For what? Evan shut his mouth and stared at her for a moment. Was he thinking of an excuse for letting the person responsible for so much suffering go? Let me help you. Apologizing for letting The Collector go, or was it the betrayal of not trusting me to do the right thing? Maybe I’m forgetting something else you did? Her gift pulsed, ready for use as she stared into Evan’s weakened gaze.

I understand your frustration—

Frustration? Her gift mixed with her anger. He killed my mom. He’s responsible for so much trouble. The attack on Peakside, all those soldiers he killed. I’m pissed off. You took my revenge away from me. She clenched her fists to keep her gift from sending Evan a painful message. I thought you were on my side.

It was an order. He averted his gaze. Even he didn’t believe he made the right choice.

Rebecca raised her hands. Fine, you be good soldier boy. I don’t care. Just don’t come calling me when he turns on you guys, again. She stormed through him and right into Ulysses, holding Gwen over his shoulder as he burped her. Because he will turn on you. This is part of his grand plan. You can’t trust him at all. She stopped, stared at the older man, her gift thrashed within. She clenched her fists to keep the energy contained and, with a deep breath, she stepped forward. What are you doing here? Don’t you have a town to protect?

Ulysses’ smile faded. He looked at Evan and back to Rebecca. After a moment, he handed Gwen back to Yasmine. I’m here to visit my granddaughter.

What else do you want? Rebecca folded her arms to calm the rage within.

I deserve that. This is purely a friendly visit. No business. No other motive involved. I swear. Ulysses raised his hands in surrender.

I’ll play along. Rebecca stormed to the couch and flipped on the television. A news station reporting some sort of incident in Peakside. Rebecca raised an eyebrow at Ulysses.

Trinity has it covered. Ulysses played peek-a-boo with Gwen, which got a smile from the baby.

Stress crawled through Rebecca’s shoulders as she flipped the channel to some cartoons. Alex was right, she needed to just be a teenager, let the adults handle their stuff. After a few minutes of zoning out into the cartoon, she laughed at the screen and relaxed. Nothing more normal than cartoons in the morning.

Evan darkened the entrance to the room. Sir, we have to head back. There’s been progress on the incident. He eyed Rebecca, maybe hoping for her to chime in. When she didn’t, they left the room without another word.

Rebecca kept her gazed locked onto the cartoon in front of her. Be a normal teenager, her mantra for today. Yasmine, later, want to go to the mall? I want to get Alex a Christmas gift.

Sounds good. I can’t believe Christmas is so close. This year has flown by. Yasmine swaddled Gwen as the baby’s eyes drooped shut.

I’ll see you later. You two have fun at the mall. Ulysses followed Evan out of the house.

Yasmine set Gwen down next to Rebecca, her slight form wrapped tight. Can you watch her? I need a shower before we go.

Of course. Rebecca placed a cushion between Gwen and the edge of the couch and kicked her foot up on the table. After a few commercial breaks, the door opened to the room Natilee had slept in. She emerged, her hair in a messy bun, deep black circles under her puffy eyes. She raised a hand and shuffled to the couch and hesitated, listening, her ear cocked toward the front door. Rebecca noticed how chapped her lips were as she asked. Is Ulysses gone?

Yeah. Rebecca turned off the television as some superhero cartoon started. Natilee sat next to her.

Anyone else here? Natilee fidgeted with her shaky hands. She picked at her cuticles as she pulled her legs up under her.

Yasmine and Alex are upstairs. I think my dad took Haley out grocery shopping. So you’re safe. Rebecca took hold of Natilee’s hands and Natilee met Rebecca’s gaze. The fear there sent a shiver through Rebecca. She’d never seen her look so lost and confused. She missed her confident mentor. Her heart cracked a little to see Natilee now.

Her shoulders sagged, and she shut her eyes. I want to thank you and apologize for underestimating my father. She chewed on her sore lips as she continued to search the room like someone could be eavesdropping. Are you sure we’re alone?

Yes, you’re safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you. You are family. There is nothing you need to apologize for. You introduced me to the hidden side of the world, and without you, I wouldn’t be as comfortable with my power as I am. Rebecca noticed large welts and scars from something on her arms. What did they do to you?

Natilee stared at Rebecca. Blood trickled from her bottom lip from the chewing. My father was in my head every chance he had. A few strands of hair blew free of her bun. I remember Blink taking me to the camp, then being met by Vivian. She led us to my father’s cabin… She glanced down at her fingers, which twitched. Tears trickled down her cheeks. I remember seeing my dad for a moment, then I saw my mom. She shook her head as tears dripped onto Rebecca’s fingers.

Isn’t your mom dead? Rebecca straightened and squeezed Natilee’s hand. A piece of paper fluttered off the coffee table.

Yeah, I was little when she was killed. But he was in my head, and she was there. Talking to me, comforting me. Then she would die. Natilee stood and paced the floor. My dad used his power to manipulate me. I tried to warn Blink, but my father had other ideas. He…

Blink emerged from the back room, pulling a sweatshirt over his head. Natilee, you don’t have to do this He bent over and pulled Natilee into a tight embrace. You’re safe here. Now we can both move on.

She screeched and broke from them and paced the room. I didn’t know what I was doing. He messed with my head. She banged on her skull and pulled a clump of hair out. He made me do and say things I shouldn’t have. I made you go along with my dad’s plan, because he needed you to flush out Quinn.

Gwen woke up and screamed. Rebecca pulled the girl to her chest and tried to calm her with pats to her back and then stood to soothe her with the motion, but the cries continued.

Natilee covered her mouth with her hands, eyes wide with guilt.

Rebecca raised her hand. It’s okay. I got this.

Blink stepped closer to Natilee, who eyed him but didn’t move. Why did you rescue me? I’m not worth it. Her bottom lip quivered. They did something to me. She bit the cuticle of her thumb.

Natilee, I will always be there for you. You saved me from a life that wasn’t worth anything. Blink dropped his hands when he realized she wasn’t into him touching her. I care about you.

Natilee stared at them silently. Her hands twitched. I wish I was worth the risk. I can’t help you guys with anything.

Sure you can. Blink looked at Rebecca. Right, Rebecca?

No, my dad and his people messed with my mind. I don’t trust myself not to turn on you. Natilee slumped to her knees. Tears raced down her cheeks. I’m no good. Rebecca stepped forward but stopped as a gust of wind rose against her. The drapes fluttered as Natilee raised her head. Her eyes glistened with tears. Keep away from me. I’m dangerous.

Rebecca’s gift rose in response. Buzzing through her as she faced the anger of Natilee. Natilee, no you’re not. You dad messed with your head. You’re part of our family. We trust you.

The wind howled through the hallway, knocking over a vase, and a few pictures crashed off the wall.

Rebecca, is Gwen okay? What was that sound? Yasmine called from upstairs.

She’s fine. Rebecca’s gift rose to fight back as the wind grew stronger, rattling the house.

Gwen. Alex stomped down the stairs. He fought against the pressure from Natilee’s ability, but couldn’t gain an inch. Becca, what’s going on?

Wind howled through the house. Alex, I have it under control. She unleashed her power on Natilee, wrapped her telekinetic grip around Natilee’s frail body. She squeezed, and Natilee’s eyes narrowed. A mask of fury rose and Rebecca intensified her power, determined not to lose this fight. Natilee’s pulse vibrated like a hummingbird.

Natilee grinned like she wanted the challenge.

Blink, get her outside before she takes down the house. Rebecca couldn’t risk Gwen getting hurt.

Blink nodded, grabbed Natilee’s arm, and they vanished. The wind died down immediately, and Alex fell to the floor as the pressure vanished. He jumped up and took Gwen from Rebecca.

She’s fine. I kept her shielded. Rebecca headed for the backyard. Stay inside.

Becca.

Rebecca turned to her brother. I got this.

I know. But be careful regardless. Her aura is damaged.

Damaged?

Yeah. Alex handed Gwen off to Yasmine, who whisked her back upstairs. I noticed it the moment Blink brought her home. I don’t know what it means, but someone really messed with her. Be careful.

I will. She slid open the back door and found Blink over a prone Natilee. Her gift rose as a precaution as she approached. What happened?

She collapsed the moment I got her outside. Blink knelt next to Natilee and tried to shake her. Natilee?

Natilee stirred and her eyes popped open. What happened? Where am I?

You almost rose a tornado inside the house. Blink brushed the hair out of Natilee’s face. What do you remember?

All of it. Natilee sat up. The wet grass made her shirt stick to her body. Her spine outlined by the fabric. Once I got mad, I lost control. Was anyone hurt?

No. I stopped you before you could. Rebecca stood over Natilee. I’ve never seen you lose control. The idea of a damaged aura haunted Rebecca. She glanced at Blink, who matched her worried gaze.

Blink helped Natilee to her feet and she couldn’t stand on her own, so he led her back into the house. Let’s get you something to eat. That will help. Blink looked back at Rebecca. Fear filled his eyes, and she could only nod. The idea of Natilee being a loose cannon wasn’t a good thing for anyone around her.

The low rumble of thunder came from above, and Rebecca stared at the imprint of Natilee’s body in the grass. How could she help her friend? Rebecca entered the house. Blink was cooking