The Forbidden Trilogy(210)

Yes, this needed to be done, but what would happen later, when everyone realized I'd seen into their most private thoughts and secrets? No one liked being around someone who could do that. It had been hard enough before, when everyone could pretend to forget about my abilities, but they couldn't pretend anymore. Would I have any friends left when this was over?

A scan of Desirai's and Brad's minds revealed what I'd expected. They didn't do it, they didn't know anything about who did, and they were happy and in love. Also, their short story idea was pretty awesome, and I told them so.

Brad smiled. "Thanks! But, um, sorry we couldn't be more help."

Ha! Now people were apologizing for not being the bad guy. This seriously sucks.

I wanted to duck out of there and continue my search, but I was also a friend and needed to act like one. Even though the scan had already revealed the answer, I asked, "What have you been up to, Brad. Anything exciting?"

He grabbed Desirai's hand, and a twinge of jealousy shot through me, but I kept my fake smile plastered onto my face. "Well, yeah, actually. I've been thinking of interviewing paranormals, like for television and radio, putting a spin on what we can do, getting it out into the world so you guys don't have to hide anymore."

"I think that's a great idea. If anyone can do us justice, it's you."

"Thanks, but I'm not sure about it yet. The world may not be ready to know about you guys, and I don't want to put any of my friends in harm's way by outing you. I'm talking to Father Patrick and Bernard about it, and we'll be talking to some of the other people with para-powers to see if it's the best idea. When you've found Ana, and this is over, I'd love to talk to you about it too."

"Sure. Let's talk later. Have fun writing your story."

Next, I went in search of Greg and Gary, who were playing chess in the rec room. "Hi, Greg, how's the cheek? I'm so sorry about what happened earlier."

He shrugged. "I'm fine. Douchebags will be douchebags, no matter where you are."

Judging by Gary's frown, he didn't have such a nonchalant attitude about it.

"If it's any consolation, Bernard had a serious talk with Curtis. He won't do it again."

Greg snickered. "Yeah, we'll see. Don't worry about me, Sam. It looks bad, but really, I'm fine. I just have some big decisions to make."

I nodded and wondered if one of those decisions involved leaving. Where would they even go? The world didn't know about paranormals yet, and from what I'd seen in the news, gay relationships weren't exactly embraced by the mainstream public either. The real world would target them on two fronts. But, it was their decision, not mine. Greg's power to mentally hack into and take control of electronics wouldn’t raise as many eyebrows as his partner's power over metal. They could probably hide their abilities, but how long could they hide so many parts of themselves for the sake of fitting in? Would they even want to?

They consented easily enough while I scanned their minds. No information about Ana, but, as suspected, they were considering leaving. How hard it must have been for them to be judged for their love. People were so stupid sometimes. What did it matter whom a person loved, as long as it didn't hurt anyone else in the process?

Two more checks on my list, and then I went in search of Norm and Robyn. This interview made me the most nervous, as they clearly had something to hide, and part of me dreaded learning any more secrets about my friends.

They cuddled on the couch in the media room, watching a comedy. Made sense; Norm had always been a funny guy, quiet until you got him on stage, but then he could make anyone laugh. He'd been a favorite in our talent shows at Rent-A-Kid.

But today neither laughed at the shtick on television. God, it couldn't be them, could it? That just doesn't make sense. "Um, guys, it's time. I need to scan you."

Robyn looked at Norm, and he nodded. "Before you begin, there's something we want to tell you."

My skin turned cold and clammy. This was it. Were they about to tell me what happened to my daughter? Oh God. I clutched the list of names in my hand so hard it tore.

Robyn burst into tears. "We're pregnant!"

My shoulders slumped and my body released all the tension it had been carrying. Relief and disappointment battled for control of my heart. On the one hand, I was glad my friends hadn't betrayed me. On the other, if they'd known something, I might be closer to getting my daughter back. Damnit! I'm getting nowhere.

Robyn bit her lip and had a hard time looking me in the eye. Of course, she'd just revealed something huge.

"Wow." I hesitated. "Sorry, it's just a lot to take in. How long have you known?"

Norm took Robyn's hand. "About a week. We didn't plan it. We were careful and everything. It just—"