Welcome to the Farm: AIR Series Box Set, #1

By Amanda Booloodian

Werewolves, fairies, elves, and so much more-they all live around us, hidden in plain sight. Protecting mythological creatures isn't an easy job, but using my powers as a Reader, I work as a field agent for the clandestine agency to keep them safe.

 

Stonecoat (AIR Series Prequel) - Gran and I find a person straight out of mythology, I realize there's more to this world than I ever imagined. Can we avoid being thrown in prison long enough to help Gran's new companion?

Shattered Soul (AIR Series Book 1) - My elven partner Logan is showing me the ropes. Relocating a troll and interviewing a werewolf should be a normal day. When shots are fired and a fairy turns up dead, our day turns into a nightmare. With my powers raging out of control and a target on my back, will I be able to protect the Lost?

 

Redcap (AIR Series Book 2) - My powers and Rider's keen werewolf nose sense a creature that doesn't belong, but our progress slows to a crawl when the wicked winter weather makes an appearance. Can we find the pixies, stop the goblin rebellion, and identify this new threat before I freeze to death?

 

Broken Paths (AIR Series Book 3) - When a routine call starts with a gun pointed at me, I know it's going to be a bad day. I go undercover to track a killer. It's risky, especially with a drug addict at my side, but we will put an end to the monster responsible-even if it costs my life.

 

Stolen Sight (AIR Series Book 4) - Suck my soul out? I'll get over it. Try to kill me? Whatever. Send me a dead bunny? Watch your back. The arrival of deranged gifts tell me that I've been marked for death, and I'd like to return the favor. The trouble is, can you kill someone if they aren't alive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Booloodian
• Release date: Mar 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9781947382138

Book preview

Welcome to the Farm

License Notes

Copyright © 2017 Amanda Booloodian

Cover Art by Deranged Doctor Design

Formatting by Michael Booloodian

Published by: Walton INK

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN-13:978-0-9973353-4-7

All rights reserved

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions, please contact Walton INK.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Walton INK

booloodian.com

Contents

Stonecoat

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Acknowledgments

Shattered Soul

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Complete Works

Acknowledgments

Redcap

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Broken Paths

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Acknowledgments

Stolen Sight

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Acknowledgments

Complete Works

About the Author

StonecoatTitle Page

Dedication

Dedicated to all of my friends and family who have provided support and encouragement.

Chapter

One

The monotonous click click click of the too-old keyboards might as well be a company jingle. Keying in thousands of numbers into a spreadsheet wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I became an accountant. Mom called it paying my dues, but I think I just ended up in a crappy job. Occasionally, I would get the chance to analyze the data.

How sad is it that I spent my work hours wishing to analyze data?

It's a job, though. Not glamorous or exciting, but hey, at least you're sure to have nightmares with a clickity clack sound in the background. Oh, and you'll be able to pay the bills.

Two people walked by my cubicle and I paused long enough to watch them. Aside from lunch, it was sure to be the highlight of my day.

My phone rang, which was a welcoming change.

This is Cassandra Heidrich, with Simpson, Stone, and-

Cassie, this is your grandmother.

Hi, Gran, I'm glad you called. Mom mentioned-

Sorry, sugar, there's no time. I need you to pick me up.

Um, I'm at work right now.

It's an emergency.

I sat up straighter and came out of the work-related stupor to which I had regressed. Is everything okay? What happened?

No time to explain. Get on over here.

Where are you?

Home, and I'll expect you here in five minutes.

My heart began to beat faster. Ever since her third husband passed away, she'd been living alone in a two-story house that was far too big for one person.

Are you hurt? Should I call 911?

What you need to do is get over here, Gran said.

Right, I'm on my way.

Gran hung up and I snatched my purse from my desk drawer, paused for two seconds to tell my boss I had a family emergency, and then ran out of the building.

There was no way to make it to Gran's in five minutes, but I damn well tried. Our town wasn't exactly large, but it was a college town. For the next three weeks, we were stuck with idiots who walked in front of cars and created more traffic than necessary. Since I had attended school here for most of my college years and had been one of those idiots, I knew how to avoid the worst of them.

Stop signs became more of a suggestion than a rule as I flew through town. Keeping an eye out for the police wasn't easy, but I was ready to explain how that light really had been green when I entered the intersection, or claim my accelerator stuck. Generally, the lies would come easier, but my brain couldn't spare extra thought. Right then, it was busy trying to shove down different scenarios of finding Gran injured. The trouble was, when I knocked one thought out of the way, another took its place. Each one was worse than the previous.

When I screeched to a stop in her driveway, risking whiplash or house damage with my sudden stop, I was pretty proud of myself for not being in tears. However, the shaking in my hands gave me away.

Tearing out of the car, I ran up the steps and came face to face with Gran leaving the house.

Gran, are you okay? I asked while looking her over. No blood, no bruises, and not a rumple in her shirt.

I'm not hurt, I'm in a hurry, Gran said. You look like you've seen a ghost. Now give me a hug and let's scoot on out of here.

After hugging her a bit more tightly than I normally would, I tried to calm my nerves.

So, what's the emergency? I asked, trying to make the comment passive to hide my panic over her expected condition.

I'll explain on the way, Gran said as we got into the car.

I'm going to need to know where we're going to get us there.

We're headin' south.

I need more than that to go on.

Gran was quiet for a moment. Go towards Mares County, whichever way is fastest.

Once we were making good time on the highway, Gran appeared more at ease.

You mentioned something about your mother, Gran said.

Oh, yeah, I said, she thought we should get together sometime soon. Maybe have dinner at your place.

Gran sighed. You mean she wants to snoop around.

I think she's worried about you. It was a sentiment that I shared.

Does she want to bring that husband of hers?

Probably, but she didn't say one way or the other.

That man is the dullest person I've ever met. I'll never understand why your mother ended up with him.

Bob was definitely not the most exciting person around, but he was nice and didn't pry. Since Mom married him before I was out of high school, these were essential qualities, so I didn't say anything in response.

Did she tell you she wants me to move in with her? Gran asked.

No, I lied. Mom had mentioned it several times, usually accompanied by phrases like, 'she's getting on in years,' or 'she needs to learn to ask for help.' Personally, I didn't think Gran needed any help. I worried about her, sure, but Gran was always on the go with friends and she's active. Mom tried to make it sound like Gran was getting too old to be on her own.

Humph, Gran said. You'd think that a family full of psychics would be better at lyin’.

I'm not a psychic, Gran, and Mom tries to forget about the whole thing.

She wasn't always that way. Gran looked out the window and sounding a bit further away. There was a time when I thought she'd outpace me.

I've never seen that side of her.

It was a long time ago. Gran seemed to come out of her reverie. And you are going to outstrip us all.

I'm a Reader, Gran, not a psychic.

I know very well what you are, young lady, and I know you've stopped using your gifts.

Once again, I didn't say anything. Gran was right. I hadn't read the Path in ages.

It's none of my business, Gran said. No, that's wrong. You’re my granddaughter, so it is my business. You had one bad experience, but you shouldn't be hiding away.

My fiancé convinced me and everyone we knew that I was crazy and tried to have me committed. I gripped the steering wheel hard. I hadn't thought of Zander in a month and I didn't appreciate the reminder. That's more than a bad experience.

I suppose, Gran said, not sounding remotely convinced, but if you don't open yourself up to it again, it's not going to be there when you need it. Your mother is a prime example.

I let out an exasperated breath and rubbed my head.

You're okay, though, Gran said after sitting quietly for a while. I know you'll be fine.

This was the most aggravating part of my grandmother. She'd say something, sounding like she knew exactly what would happen. If it were a premonition, it would happen. She'd never been wrong. If I wanted to know if it was a prediction of the future or Gran making an assumption, I'd have to ask.

Sometimes, it was better not to know.

What are we doing out here, Gran? I asked, desperate to change the subject.

We're pickin’ someone up.

My frustration levels rose, but I tried to keep my voice level. How is that an emergency?

If we don't pick them up the moment they arrive, bad things are going to happen.

I shifted in my seat, frustration leaking out. What kind of bad things?

Turn off the highway here, make a left, then a right at the sign.

I waited for more, but Gran remained focused on the road. Gran? The bad things?

What? Oh, the bad. It'll be the end of the world as we know it.

I rolled my eyes at her dramatics. You're saying that if we don't pick up this friend of yours that the world is going to end?

Don't be so dramatic.

My mouth dropped open to protest, but I never got anything out.

The world isn't going to end, Gran said. It's going to change. That's why I said the end of the world as we know it.

I closed my mouth and shook my head.

Well, things are going to change anyway. They always do, Gran said. You passed the sign! Gran twisted in her seat and looked back.

There isn't a stop sign anywhere around here. In fact, there's nothing around here. Which was true. There weren't even any cars on the road, and the road itself was lined only with farms and the occasional tree line.

I didn't say stop sign. It was that blue sign back there. Turn around.

Right, I said, turning around.

Once I found the correct road and was moving in the right direction again, Gran appeared satisfied.

So, what can cause the end of the world as we know it? I asked.

Just about anything, really, Gran said. Most recently, my world was turned over by your grandfather passin’ away.

Are we picking up a friend of his? I asked.

Gran laughed. I doubt that, and it's not my friend. I've never met them before.

You're telling me we're going out to the middle of nowhere to meet a complete stranger?

Not going, Gran said, we're already out in the middle of nowhere. Pull over up here, before the bridge.

I did as she asked, making sure the parking brake was set since we were on a hill. Gran, I don't think this is a good idea.

Gran opened her door and got out. Before I had made it out of the car, she was already moving towards the bridge.

Gran, wait a minute! I scurried after her. This isn't smart. There's no one around. You could be out here waiting for a deranged lunatic to show up.

Darlin', you've got to relax.

Does that mean that things turn out okay? I asked.

I'll let you know when I find out.

No one was out here. I eyed the trees around the creek ahead. It was only us. Maybe Mom was right and Gran did need looking after. Gran could do what she wanted out here, but I was going to have to talk with my mother and let her know what happened.

You're going to get dirty if you move into the ditch, I said. Why don't we stay on the road?

Cassandra Anala Heidrich, I don't know what's happened to you. Gran turned to me and put her hands on her hips. Do you remember when the boy next door said something mean and you made him take it back?

That was a long time ago, Gran.

You threw him into a mud puddle and sat on him until he apologized.

I was young.

And that girl who was mean to your friend Willow in high school?

You mean the girl who kicked my butt? Mom grounded me for two months. I remember.

The point is, you never put up with anyone doin' somethin' you thought wasn't right. You weren't afraid to jump in and get your hands dirty, despite getting’ hurt. You stood up for yourself and others.

I crossed my arms, more out of embarrassment than frustration. That was a long time ago, Gran.

You've been cowed, lettin' others push you around and tell you what to do. You let that man Zander frighten you.

My face felt like it was burning with humiliation mixed with a healthy dose of anger. That's not fair!

It's not, is it? Well, you let me know when my Cassie gets back. For now, I'm going under the bridge.

Gran walked through the tall grass and made her way through the ditch. She had never spoken to me like that before. My grandmother was sweet, baked cookies, and helped her only granddaughter anytime I needed it. When Mom and I fought, Gran was almost always on my side, and she always had time for me.

Now she was telling me I was unnerved and was letting people beat me down. That wasn't my Gran.

That wasn't me, was it?

I sniffed. Maybe I'd meet with Mom this evening. Now, though, I needed to be strong and take care of Gran when she found out no one was meeting her.

After a few steadying breaths, I followed her. My good heels were immediately ruined, sinking into some sort of sludge that ran through the ditch. Cringing, I caught up with Gran as the grass turned into rock and concrete.

Should we be here? I asked.

Tsk, tsk, Gran said, shaking her head.

I meant, is this legal.

Does it matter? Gran asked. What's the worst that could happen?

Getting a ticket, getting arrested, getting shot for trespassing.

You're soundin’ more like your mother every day.

I didn't have to be a mind reader to know that Gran didn't mean it as a compliment.

There's no one here, I said. How long do we need to wait?

Only a few minutes. I think we need to move back, though. Closer to the edges of those metal beams.

We moved as far away as we could while still being under the bridge. My stomach was twisting around and I felt like I was going to be sick. Anticipation of who might show up was only a small part of my trepidation. What Gran had said was causing most of my discomfort. Had I really changed that much?

Thinking about the last two years wasn't helpful. Gran and Mom had dragged me away from college during my senior year. The whole time they had argued with Zander about my sanity. It was worse when they got me home and had to spend time fighting with me, trying to convince me I hadn’t lost my mind. After a semester off, Mom had me transfer schools and finish up my degree out of state.

I was still me, right? I mean, I knew Zander was wrong, and I knew what I could do. My powers were real, not make believe.

A small, forgotten part of me squirmed. If that was true, why had I avoided reading the Path for this long?

I didn't let people tell me what to do, right?

That was even worse to think about. The click click click of fingers on keyboards rang through my head, but that was life, wasn't it? Grow up, get a job, buy a house, get married, have kids. Sure, I wasn't ready to jump into dating anyone, and after leaving my fiancé, I couldn't imagine myself ever getting married. The rest, though, I could do that.

Is that all there was for me?

Dry your eyes now, Gran said lightly. We're about to have company.

Blinking, I noticed my tears for the first time. Great, now I was crying in public. Well, public was pushing it, but I was outside of my house anyway.

I don't see anyone, I said after wiping my eyes with my sleeve. And I didn't hear a car.

I don't think this person is arrivin’ by car, Gran said.

They're walking? I glanced behind me, expecting to see someone sneaking up.

Sit still and watch. Gran pointed a finger.

There was nothing there. Trees rustled a short distance away, but nothing else. Then pressure began to build in the air.

Something’s wrong. I closed my eyes. It felt like the air was pushing at me from all directions, compressing me.

Another minute, darlin', Gran said.

When I opened my eyes, she appeared completely untroubled, but she was watching intently straight ahead. I turned to see what might be coming through the trees. A bright light hovered ahead of us, underneath the other side of the bridge.

It was moving. The thick air squeezed me, putting my stomach in even worse distress than I had managed on my own.

The light grew dim, but it was expanding in size and moving in a circle. It was a whirlpool of air, but standing upright.

What was this thing? What had Gran brought me to? Something inside told me to run, get away. A smaller piece, one that I was good at ignoring, wanted me to move closer. The whirling mass grew almost to twice my height. Then there was a flash of light and the heavy air flew away as if a balloon had been popped. Feeling light headed, I clasped my hands to my skull, trying to get rid of the feeling I was going to pass out at any moment.

Don't be foolish, Gran said.

Hey! I said, offended by her words. Looking up, though, I saw that she wasn't talking to me.

The swirling mass had been replaced with a large rock and Gran was walking over to it. I watched her while letting my head clear.

Hello. Gran rapped her knuckles on the rock. Nothing happened, so she did it again.

What are you doing? I whispered, but I wasn't sure why.

Gran sighed, took a few steps back, and then she crossed her arms and tapped her foot. Listen up, Gran said, using the voice that always made me snap to, knowing that she meant business. You are going to stand yourself up and stop being silly.

Nothing happened and she tapped her foot again. I take time out of my day to come all the way here and this is the way you behave? Get yourself up, introduce yourself properly, and stop this nonsense. Gran let about three seconds of silence pass by. This instant!

Gran, what are you- There was a scraping sound and I stopped talking.

That's better, Gran said encouragingly. Stand up. Get yourself together.

The scraping continued and the rock moved. Layers and layers of colored rock began to come apart. My breath caught when an outline didn't appear as much as became noticeable, like it had always been there, but I hadn't been paying enough attention.

That outline appeared to be a person.

Chapter

Two

The rock uncurled itself and rose up. I'm pretty sure my heart skipped a few beats in terror, as it continued to grow and take shape into that of a person, man or woman, it was impossible to tell.

But it kept rising. It quickly loomed over the small figure of Gran standing next to it.

Gran took what might have been the thing's hand and patted it gently. That's good of you. Come on now, you're comin’ home with me.

It wasn't until Gran led the rock monster over that I found my voice. Well, I screeched anyway. The creature stopped moving when I made the noise. It towered over me looking lanky and lined with colors like a sedimentary rock. It stared at me and then began to shrink.

No, no, no, Gran said, patting its hand. Cassie, dear, you've frightened him. She kept her voice light and friendly. Smile and say something nice, so he doesn't stay scared.

I tried to say something. My eyes were wide and my breathing was stunted. It was scared of me? What is this?

Gran was right, though. There's one thing about being a Reader that I couldn't seem to turn off. If someone was experiencing an intense emotion, I could tell, even if I wasn't viewing the Path. Intense might not be the right word. All-consuming might be better. Right now, I was feeling hints of fear, and I knew it wasn't coming from Gran. This skinny, tall creature in front of me was terrified.

It's okay, I said, finding my voice again. It was shaky and what little smile I could produce was weak and forced, but it slowed the creature's movements all the same. I'm sorry. I was startled is all.

Gran patted its hand again and tugged on the rock. Let's get you out of here. She dragged again. Come on.

It still wasn't budging, even though the traces of fear I felt had disappeared.

Cassie, dear, why don't you go back to the car and bring it closer, Gran said.

You want me to leave you alone with this thing? I managed to keep my voice light, but the idea of walking off without Gran sat uneasily. It's not that I would have been able to do anything if this giant rock attacked, but at least she wouldn't be alone.

Darlin', go on. I don't think he's going to move much with both of us starin’ at him.

But-

The car, Cassie. Gran used the same buoyant tone, but there was a promise of a stern talking to hidden beneath the surface.

I wavered, but in the end, I did what Gran said. She would know if anything was about to go wrong, right? While squelching through the ditch, I convinced myself the universe would give Gran a grand revelation if the day was about to go terribly wrong, but I listened intently and was poised to run back the moment I heard any sign of distress.

It wasn't until I got into my car that I realized, yes, Gran might know if something was about to go wrong, but if things were going to get bad, she'd probably send me away.

With that realization, I shoved the car into gear and brought it as close as I could so Gran could jump in quickly if needed. The windows were rolled down so I could hear what was going on around us. My heartbeat was frantic, but increased to a dangerous pitch when Gran came up through the ditch, holding the hand of the impossibly tall hunk of stone as though it were a frightened child.

My whole body was trembling when Gran opened the back door and ushered the beast inside. For my part, I kept my eyes straight ahead. My grin would have been manic instead of friendly and that would help no one.

My car squeaked and dipped low when the rock got inside. It had compressed itself again to fit. When it scooted itself across the seat, I heard the fabric tear. It didn't bother me much, though. Right then, I was more worried about getting out of this situation with Gran and me alive and unharmed.

Once the thing was settled, Gran jumped into the front seat.

Where are we taking this thing? I asked, trying not to be obvious about staring at our new passenger through the rear-view mirror.

I'm surprised at you. You saw the person behind us move and act like an intelligent being and you're here treating it like an animal. I really thought better of you. Gran shook her head. Go to my house.

Gran's words drove a significant amount of my fear away, turning it first to anger, which quickly shifted to embarrassment. When I thought about her words, I felt shame overtake all else. Once again, Gran was right.

From the passenger seat, she twisted to talk to the thing...no, person…the person in the backseat. Closer to the highway, more cars began to show up on the road. Gran motioned for the stone man to lower itself. From the mirror, I saw that he sunk and looked more and more like any other large rock.

After that, Gran sat straight, but still spoke to it... or him, even though there was no response beyond the scraping noise of rock against rock as it adjusted itself. When a large military-looking truck drove by followed by other vehicles, all with lights and sirens, Gran tensed. Her new friend in the backseat ground himself more tightly down and made a new noise that sounded more like nails on a chalkboard than it did rock against rock.

Gran responded by talking quietly and even reaching into the back seat to pat the stone.

Does it, uh, he or she, understand you? I asked once things settled down again.

He, Gran said, and I don't think he understands the words, but the tone of voice helps get the idea across.

Do you know what he is? I asked. Or where he came from?

No idea what his race is, but I expect we can look him up on the Google.

Um, I'm not sure you can Google ‘rock person’ and expect to get good results.

We'll see, Gran said before turning her attention to the person in the back seat.

Person. I had to remember that. It might look like a large stone monster, but it was a person. I was going to have a hard time wrapping my brain around that idea.

Do you know what that bright swirling light was? I asked when Gran faced forward again.

I expect it's a way they travel, Gran said.

Travel? I've never seen anything like this. Where did he travel from?

I’m not too sure where he’s from, and I don't know that many would be able to say they've seen somethin' like this. Takin' note of your reaction, I'm sure we'd have heard about it.

My face began to turn crimson and I focused on the road. I'm sorry. It was a bad reaction.

It was you not thinkin'. Not really seein' what's in front of you. You've been doing a lot of that in these last months.

She wasn't wrong, so I didn't reply.

I think things will get better now, though, Gran said. We both needed a little excitement back in our lives.

We've got that in spades now, I said under my breath.

Gran laughed. I suppose we do at that.

The person in the back seat made a noise. Instead of sounding like rock grinding together, the noise was smooth rocks gently gliding across one another.

Is that...Do you think he's talking to us? I asked.

Now you're thinkin'. Gran seemed more pleased with her statement than I thought necessary. It could be. Hopefully, we'll be able to figure it out.

You think we can get a translator that knows rock? It was meant to be a joke, but there was a twinge of distress that got loose.

We won't know unless we try, Gran said.

She sounded serious. I glanced over at her, and she looked content, as though this were an everyday occurrence.

We're almost to your place, I said. What are we going to do when we get there?

We'll need to get him inside, Gran said. You'll have to drive into the garage. I don't want my neighbors feelin’ the need to get nosy about my business.

What are you doing with him after that? I asked.

Doin’ with him?

Yeah, I mean, it's not like he'll live with you forever, right? Mentally, I was crossing my fingers that the answer was no, but after seeing Gran in action today, I wasn't really sure what to believe.

What comes next is up to him, I guess, Gran said.

This didn't lighten my anxiety over the issue, but I drove into the driveway and jumped out. Thankfully, Gran's last husband had updated their garage door, so I punched in the key code and then moved my car into the shadowy depths of Gran's garage. Once the outside world was shut firmly away, Gran spoke with the man in the back.

Leaving them to work things out for themselves, I let myself into the house. Since Gran really did have neighbors that would take note of activity inside the house, I went ahead and closed a few of the lacy curtains, but I kept the blinds open to let in some light.

With that done, I went to find Gran in the kitchen. If she had made it into the house with the rock man, she would bring him straight there and try to get him to eat or drink something. Gran was born and raised in the south, and there were certain customs that she performed routinely. To her, the first and foremost course of action was to be a gracious host and make sure your guests had everything they needed.

The stone man looked awkward sitting at the table. He watched me when I entered so I made sure to move slowly and tried my best to look pleasant when I sat down across from him. At least, I assumed he was watching. Sitting across from him was the first time I'd had the chance to get a good look at the man while not filled with fear.

Don't get me wrong, I was still afraid of him, but it was no longer a terror that left room for nothing else. Levels of curiosity now had space to breathe.

It's possible that he had eyes. He appeared to be looking around, so that indicated eyes, but I didn't see anything on his face that resembled them. There were two slits, and when he turned his head, I saw others in the back. Nose or ears maybe?

As I got used to him, I began to see how beautiful he was. His entire body was made up of layers of colored rock. White and dark gray rock banded his middle section. His head was a blue-gray color with lines of white, and scattered across the surface, what appeared to be flecks of crystal. Those might be his eyes, I supposed.

His arms and legs were mostly dark grays with hints of red. They somehow looked…harder. I had a feeling that if he had been human, I might have wondered if he lifted weights to build muscle.

Do you have a name? I asked, as Gran sat a glass of sweet tea and a plate of cookies in front of him.

He looked from me to Gran and back to me again.

I don't think he understands anything that we're sayin', Gran said.

We need to call him something, I said.

Rocky? Gran suggested.

She had given me an idea and I grinned. How about Dwayne? As in, The Rock.

Gran chuckled. Dwayne it is.

The newly minted Dwayne poked the glass, pushing it forward an inch or so. It looked like he was unsure what the glass was for. Gran and I both demonstrated by drinking our own tea. That's when I noticed Gran's face fall.

Have you spoken to your mother today? Gran asked.

No, why? That had been my plan earlier in the day when I thought Gran might be slipping mentally, but after everything that had happened, I realized Gran was more stable than I was. Somewhere in the past two years, I had lost myself.

She'll be here any minute. Gran looked at Dwayne, as though sizing him up. I don't think she's going to be happy once she meets our new friend.

She'll flip. I think it's better if she doesn't know anything about him. Can we hide him?

There’s too much of him. I’m not sure we can convince him to scrunch down in the yard and I’ve no idea how to ask him to stay quiet. Unless we could talk to him and explain things, there’s no hidin’ him.

Maybe if we keep her out of the kitchen, it'll be okay. There was no way for me to sound convincing, even to myself.

I could hear a car drive up and tried to think fast.

Okay, keep her in the livin’ room and find an excuse to get her to leave, Gran said. You get the door. I'll be right there.

Chapter

Three

The doorbell rang as I stepped into the living room. Hi, Mom, I said after opening the door. She looked flustered, which was never a good sign.

Is everything all right? she asked.

Uh, yeah, why wouldn't it be?

Teddy, Mr. Simpson that is, mentioned that you had a family emergency. Where's your grandmother and why did no one call me?

Like me, Mom knew where Gran could usually be found, and she went straight for the kitchen.

Gran's fine, I said, but she didn't even pause. Hey! It came out without thinking. I raised my voice and my panicked tone wasn't a good one to use with my mother. There was no turning back if I wanted to stop her from going into the other room. Why would Mr. Simpson tell you anything? You're working at a rival firm. Are you spying on me? It did the trick and she turned around.

What on earth are you talking about? she asked.

Why were you talking to my boss? I put my hand on my hip, but I'm pretty sure I didn't pull off a glare.

Of course I'm not spying on you. Wherever would you get an idea like that? Now, is your grandmother all right?

Now that I had entered this line of questioning I actually was wondering why my mother was talking to my boss. I told you, Gran's fine, and I got the idea that you were keeping tabs on me from the fact that you were talking to my boss.

Cassie, we're old friends. He was concerned that we had an emergency and he wanted to make sure everyone was okay. We also had a few things to discuss about an upcoming conference.

Oh. I felt slightly deflated and Mom grabbed hold of that.

Imagine what I felt like hearing this from someone else instead of you. If something happens to my mother, you have to call me.

Anala, it's good to see you, hun, Gran said, entering the room. What are you two stirrin’ up a fuss about?

Cassie was about to explain what happened today. She gave Gran a hug and looked her over. You look okay. Did you have a bad spell?

A bad spell of what? Gran asked.

Well, I assumed... She apparently wasn't ready to let Gran know that she was worried about Gran's age. I thought that something happened, and since you both look well, it must be something else.

Great, she was going to use this against Gran. It was my mistake, I said.

Mom looked at me expectantly.

Uh, Gran called the office and wanted a ride to the doctor, so I thought there was an emergency. It was almost true. It turned out that Dee Dee couldn't take Gran to the eye doctor.

Gran nodded and gave me a thumbs up while Mom was concentrating on me.

You thought that was an emergency? I was worried sick after I heard, Mom said.

Not worried enough to call. Had she planned to use an emergency and her own concern to guilt Gran into moving in with her?

She loved to be in control of everyone, so it was possible, but that was pushing things, even for Mom.

Sorry, Mom, I said, trying to sound sincere. That talk we had about Gran the other day made me jump to conclusions. You know, the one where you thought-

Well, Mom broke in, it looks like everything is fine here. Looks like we both jumped to conclusions.

It was petty, but I smiled at my small triumph.

Since I'm already here, what are you all doing for dinner? Mom asked.

I have plans tonight, Gran said, but I'd love to have dinner with you two another night. She skillfully took mom’s husband, Bob, out of the equation.

I thought we could chat, though, Mom said.

A light sound of stone sliding across stone came from the kitchen and Mom looked up.

Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something, I said, once again thinking wildly, at my apartment. Since you're still in town and have a few minutes, could I borrow you?

What do you need help with? Mom asked.

Swallowing hard, I knew I was throwing myself under a bus to get Mom out of the house. Decorating advice. I was thinking about getting a new living room set.

That sounds like fun, Mom said.

She really did want to control everything.

Mom looks okay, and I do have a bit of time, Mom said.

A loud crunching noise came from the other room.

What is that noise? Mom asked.

Refrigerator, Gran said quickly. It started making that sound yesterday.

Would you like me to take a look, or ask Bob to stop by? Mom asked.

I wouldn't dream of being a bother. Someone is comin’ to fix it tomorrow, Gran said.

Mom nodded reluctantly. Well, I guess Cassie and I will go. I still want to be home to make dinner for Bob tonight. I'm happy everyone is all right. Mom hugged Gran, and she looked sincere for the first time since she'd arrived.

Maybe Mom really was anxious about Gran and thought she had a reason Gran shouldn’t live on her own anymore.

Which to me sounded fishy. There was a way for me to cheat and see if she was only concerned, but I was nervous to try. Giddy, but nervous.

For the first time in almost two years, I closed my eyes and reached for the Path. Relaxing, I stretched my mind to the edge of its knowledge. When I reached forward, I came to a mental cliff. Once I reached that point, I jumped to break free of the mundane physical world.

I went nowhere. I might as well have been trying mentally to jump out of quicksand. There were no vibrant, glittering overlays of the Path.

Was I so far out of practice that I had lost my abilities? Like Mom, had I pushed them away?

Cassie, dear.

I blinked out of reverie. Yeah, sorry. I'm ready to go.

Once Mom was satisfied with a decorating plan, she hastened away, content in the knowledge that she and I would be spending the weekend going through every furniture store in town. She even threatened me with the prospect of going to the city to the larger showrooms. I had a feeling it was going to be a long two days.

Jumping in front of a bus might have been an easier experience than my evening. I love my mother, and for the most part, we got along fine. At least we had since I left school the first time, but I needed time on my own to think about the day.

Not to mention, think about my life.

There was still some nagging worry about Gran, so I called to make sure that she and Dwayne were getting along. She assured me all was well. It didn't really ease my concern, but that worry no longer lived in the forefront of my mind.

Featuring center stage in my thoughts was the fact that Gran was disappointed in me. She didn't say those exact words, but she wanted the old Cassie back, which was almost the same thing.

Part of me wanted to rationalize this away. People grow up, change, and mature. It's a part of life.

Was that what had happened to me? She said that Zander had frightened me, and she wasn't wrong. He proposed and I knew I couldn't plan a wedding until he knew the truth about me, so I told him. I explained what a Reader was and I explained to him about the Path that overlaid our world.

Lesson learned. Never tell someone studying to be a psychiatrist that you see things that other people can't, even if they are ready to commit themselves to you for life.

After that, I shut down. I had let someone convince me that I was crazy, and it was obvious I wasn't making the best choices in my life, so I put myself on cruise control and let my mother steer the way. She hadn't moved me in a bad direction, but it wasn't my direction. At least not the one I had wanted.

What do I want now?

There was a knock at my door. Deep in contemplation, I hadn't been aware of the noise at first. At the second knock, I brought myself back to reality and answered the door.

Hello? I hadn't meant it to be a question, but seeing two men, one looking casual and the other in a crisp suit, threw me off. Despite it being late in the day the man's suit looked as though he had come straight from the dry cleaner. Both were tall, but everything from the clothes to the looks on their faces screamed contrast.

Are you Miss Cassandra Heidrich, license plate number FNK 006? The suited man sounded stuffy and self-important.

I don't know my license plate number, I said, not confirming my name. Who are you?

Agents Peterson and Seale, Treasury Department. Agent Peterson displayed an ID, and sure enough, it had his name on it, but it had been a long day and his pompous ‘I'm better than you’ tone immediately brought out my bad side.

That's nice, I said.

May we come in? Agent Peterson tried to take a step inside as he said the words, but I stood my ground and didn't open the door any farther.

No, I said.

Agent Seale grinned and it was hard not return the look.

Agent Peterson looked confused for a moment, but rallied. We would like to ask you a few questions.

Since I pay my taxes, I said, and no federal auditor in his right mind would show up at someone's house unannounced, especially at this time of the evening, I'm afraid I'm going to need a bit more information first.

We're not here about taxes, Agent Peterson snapped.

I'm pretty sure I just said that, I said. Oddly, I felt a bit of a thrill. I'm also aware that you're not Secret Service since they're under Homeland Security, and besides, no respectable politician would show up in a crappy apartment complex like this. I smiled politely at Agent Peterson to antagonize him that little step further.

Peterson didn't look amused. Listen-

Respectable politician, Agent Seale interrupted. That's an oxymoron, isn’t it?

Agent Seale looked much more agreeable, so I turned to him and tried to ignore his partner.

I've always thought so, I said.

Sorry to interrupt your evening like this, Seale continued. We work for one of those little departments that no one's ever heard of, so when everyone moved to Homeland Security, we were left behind. Not that I mind. It's much quieter this way.

I nodded and tried to think of something to say. Agent Seale didn't seem too bad, but if I were overly friendly to one, I’d have to stop aggravating the other. And aggravating agent Peterson was too much fun to let go.

If I could have read the Path this would have been a perfect time. I'd be able to learn exactly how far I could push Peterson's patience. Gran was right once again. It was time for me to practice Reading.

I'm still not sure what you do, I said.

We're here to question you, Peterson snapped.

You're really not a people person, are you? Once again, I plastered on a smile, trying to make it look innocent, but I'm not sure I succeeded.

Agent Peterson, Seale said. Can I have a word?

Peterson looked torn between calling me out or going with his partner. In the end, he begrudgingly went down the hall.

Well, that was fun. It had been a long time since I'd stood up to an obvious bully.

The conversation the partners had was animated. When Peterson looked my way and gestured, I gave him a winning smile and a small wave.

With Seale facing me, I could see when he lost his jovial look. That was when I actually started to worry. Why had the federal government shown up on my doorstep in the evening? Maybe it hadn't been the smartest move to antagonize the guy. They didn't look like they were going anywhere anytime soon, so I caught Seale's eye, nodded, and then went back inside.

Gran would have a fit if she knew I wasn't being a gracious hostess. At the same time, I don't think she would have treated Peterson any differently. Although, she would probably have been more subtle about it. She'd had more practice.

My tiny kitchen didn't see regular use, but I poked around for something to serve in case I decided to let the pair into the apartment. Unless Peterson's attitude changed, though, there was no way I was going to invite him in.

There was a knock on the door again and I sighed. This time I checked the peephole before opening the door. Seale stood in the hall alone.

Chapter

Four

Opening the door halfway, I smiled. Hello again.

Good evening. My partner wanted to apologize, but I told him it might be best if I pass on the message for him, Seale said.

Agent Seale lost some points for telling tall tales. I'll bet he did. I crossed my arms. You're not a great liar, are you?

Seale laughed. The sound was fascinating, almost musical, and I couldn't help but loosen up.

Sometimes a lie is too big to hide, Seale said. What he wanted to do was arrest you.

Crap. Really? I didn't do anything.

Then I reminded him that arresting you for obstruction would mean a lot of paperwork, which I wouldn't be helping him with.

I'm surprised that stopped him, I said.

I might also have hinted that arresting such a lovely young woman for obstruction would, quite frankly, make him look bad, especially since he didn't ask you anything.

My stomach was twisting, but I tried not to show it. If it makes him look bad, I'm all for helping out.

Seale chuckled again. Sorry for taking up so much of your time, but would you mind answering a few questions?

I gave Seale a long look. It would be so much easier if I could reach into the Path and find a hint of what emotions he might be having. Was he anxious to grill me, or was he eager to get home for dinner? It was possible his Path could tell me. He was a head taller than I was and wiry thin, but when I saw the look he had in the hall, while he spoke to his partner, it seemed like he wasn't someone to mess with.

If I can. I hesitated for a minute, debating on asking him inside. In the end, it might earn me some brownie points with Seale and possibly even cause more agitation with Peterson. Would you like to come in?

He looked startled by the question, but nodded. I'd love to, thank you.

My kitchen was too small to make anyone comfortable, so I led Seale into the living room and excused myself to the kitchen. The cookies Gran had sent home with me were the only things I could really offer to a guest other than sweet tea. I hated to give up Gran's cookies, but it was my own fault for having nothing else in the house.

When I returned to the living room, Seale was singing I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady. The few lines that I heard were sung beautifully and it lifted the atmosphere in the room, but he stopped when he noticed my return.

I wasn’t sure if you drink sweet tea, I said, setting his glass and a small plate of cookies on the coffee table in front of him. But please, help yourself.

Thank you, Seale said. I hope you didn't go to any trouble.

What can I do for you, Agent Seale?

He pushed blond strands of hair out of his face and I noticed that the top of his ear was thicker and misshapen. It stirred up an almost deja-vu feeling and I stared at him, trying to catch the memory that tried to shake free.

Seale cleared his throat.

Sorry, I said. I think I was lost in thought. Have we met before?

Not that I recall. Seale looked as if he was sizing me up and we had a moment of awkward silence.

Awkward for me anyway. How can I help you?

It's a long shot, but there was a disturbance today outside of town, and your car was seen in the area.

I tried to keep my face normal while my mind jumped through mental gymnastics. What did they know? How did they know it?

We were wondering if you had seen anything odd in the area, Seale said.

Like a man made out of rock perhaps? Odd as in, what? I asked.

Anything out of the ordinary. Something you wouldn't expect.

You know, I did see something, I said, wanting to misdirect. There was this military-looking vehicle with lights and sirens, followed by several other cars with lights and sirens. Is that what you're talking about? I think I could describe the vehicles if you need. At least the first one.

I don't think we'll need that, Seale said, smiling.

I'll bet you don't.

Before those vehicles went by, did you see anything else? Seale asked.

Nothing but farms and cows, I said. At least that I noticed. If I had more to go on, I might be able to help.

Seale shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. Likely you would know if you'd seen something. A person out of place, or animal maybe.

These men were looking for Dwayne. What the heck did Gran drag us into?

I'm afraid I can't think of anything out of the ordinary, I said.

These cookies are amazing. Did you cook these? Seale asked.

Um, no, they’re from my grandmother.

Seale nodded. What about your passenger today? Is it possible they saw something?

My mouth almost dropped open, but I managed to stop myself from looking too surprised. I didn't say anything about having a passenger. How did you know someone was with me?

Someone in one of the cars you mentioned happened to notice. Seale's face didn't betray anything.

Was he trying to catch me up in something? Did he think I wasn't truthful?

I wasn't, of course, but did he know that? Why did I invite him in?

No, I said, I mean, I can ask her, but I have a feeling if she saw whatever it is you're looking for, she would have pointed it out to me.

That is usually the case, Seale said. Maybe if you give me the name, we can swing around and have a chat with her.

No, no, it's no trouble. The words came out almost as fast as I managed to stand and grab my phone. My hands were almost shaking when I clicked Gran's name to dial. It'll only take a minute.

Gran picked up the phone on the second ring. This is Margaret.

There was a sound of grating stone against stone in the background. Gran, I'm so glad I reached you.

Cassie, I'm glad it's you. This thing-

Sorry to call so late. There is a gentleman here from the government. I tried not to emphasize the phrase, but I'm not sure I managed it. They saw us when we went for our drive, and he wanted to know if we noticed anything odd.

Gran cackled and I smiled, but surreptitiously turned down the volume on my phone so the sound wouldn’t travel. The grating noise stopped at least.

Did he say what type of odd he was lookin’ for? Gran asked.

I looked at Seale. You said anything that looked out of place, like a person or animal?

He nodded, but his laid-back expression appeared more rigid than it had been. Sounds about right.

He said if we saw anything, we'd know, I said.

It was a lovely ride and I appreciated it. I saw what you saw, Gran said.

She said she saw what I did, I said to Seale. Did you want to ask her anything else?

I think that covers it, Seale said.

Thanks, Gran, I said. I hope everything is going okay this evening. Let me know if you need anything.

I'll do that, Gran said. Now mind your manners and get back to your guest.

I grinned. I'll do that. Night, Gran.

After I had hung up the phone, I turned back to Seale. Sorry we couldn't help you further.

It was a long shot, Seale said.

There were some other cars on the road, but I didn't pay much attention to them, except for the ones I already mentioned.

Those do stand out, Seale said, standing up.

Yeah, I'm sure it's the paint job. It probably wasn't the best time for sarcasm, but I was nervous.

Luckily, Seale took it well and chuckled. We have a few more people to chat with this evening. Thank you for your help, Miss Heidrich. Seale moved towards the door.

I thought of Gran, knowing full well that she'd grill me about this visit. Wait a moment and I'll see you out. I dashed into the kitchen and picked up the plastic bag that held the last few remaining cookies and hurried back to Agent Seale.

Sorry I couldn't help more, I said, handing over the baked goods. But take these to go.

I couldn't do that, Seale said.

Maybe one will boost your partner's mood. I'm pretty sure I didn't make his evening any easier.

I don't know what's gotten into him lately, but a cookie couldn't hurt. Thank you.

When he was out the door, I had expected to relax a little. If anything, I was tenser, because I didn't know where the agents were going next. Would they go to Gran's? I didn't tell them her name or where she lived, but they'd have that information available to them. Would they come back here?

Our government knew this stone person had arrived. My realization of that fact was slow, but I was catching up now that I didn't have to hide my fear and panic. There was an area of the government, our government, that worked on weird things like this.

Does that mean Dwayne is an alien? Do we have an X-Files department?

Had Gran and I done something wrong?

That's what it came down to. I'm pretty sure lying to a federal agent was frowned upon, but do they send you to jail for something like that? If Agent Peterson had his way, I'd probably see bars for that small transgression. At least if I was caught.

As far as I knew, the lie was the only thing I did that was technically wrong. Gran hadn't even lied.

So far, I didn't think I was in serious trouble. If nothing else, I could claim I was irrational due to an alien invasion.

I'm not sure if the government knowing about the rock man made me feel better or not. Were the agents good guys? If so, then why was it so important that Gran and I got to the man first?

My brain ran round and round in circles, but I didn't get anywhere. There were no answers, only more questions.

Sleep was hard to obtain and even harder to keep that night. The next morning I trudged into work ten minutes late and felt like I had been on a bender. A few people peered up from their cubicles as I passed by, but no one said anything about my tardiness.

When I first woke up, I had been determined to forget that the previous day ever happened. Now that I was at work, clicking my mouse repeatedly in my impatience to wake up my computer, I realized that sticking my head in the sand was all I had done for over a year.

It would be easy to continue that pattern, but that led me straight to the life my mother was creating for me. It wouldn't be a bad life, but as I clicked in the first string of numbers for the day, I realized that this wasn't where I wanted to be.

My phone rang and I glanced at the time. Three hours of my life had been sucked away by strings of numbers.

This is Cassandra Heidrich, with Simpson, Stone, and-

Sorry to interrupt, dear, but I checked the Google and I think I found someone who can help us out.

Help us out with Dwayne? I asked, confused. Do we even know what type of help we need?

That's a silly question, of course we do, but there's a catch.

Of course there was. What kind of catch?

The woman who can help needs to be picked up before noon and has to be back home by three.

Today?

Yes, Cassandra, today. Now hurry on up and go get her.

Can't Dee Dee drive you over?

With those folks you had over last night, I'd rather not drag her into it. Besides, she is tolerant of many things, but I'd never hear the end of it if Dwayne wore out the shocks on her car. He's not exactly a light fellow.

I'd have to leave work early again. Mom will flip her lid.

"Well, I suppose I could take