by Amanda Uhl
“What are you going to do?”
“I need access to Grace’s mind, and I’ll need Geneva’s help for that. I’ll also need to be alone with her for an extended period.”
“You do realize that would not be wise? Her mind, or what remains, is fragile. All it’ll take is one wrong alteration to see it collapse. You would be trapped, most likely, forever. You were lucky to escape this last time unscathed.”
“I know. But I need you to let me take that chance. Will you help me?”
Peter sighed, but his answer was fast in coming. “Of course.”
David gazed at the older man with affection. “Thank you.”
Peter checked his watch. “You can meet with her around one, and I can give you until five. Will that be enough? It will be difficult to keep her family from her after that.”
He nodded. Peter rose, stretched his long legs and hesitated. “I’ve spoken to Alan. Of course, he is suitably grateful for your latest service. You will be compensated accordingly.”
David shrugged. He would have no use for any amount of money without Grace by his side. Ever since she had been out cold, and he could not enter her mind, he felt bereft, like a lonely raft at sea. He needed her well again.
Peter was uncharacteristically hesitant, strolling to his bedside and staring at him without saying anything.
“Okay, old man. Out with it. I don’t have the strength to surf your mind right now.”
Peter cracked a smile, but it was brief. He leaned awkwardly and patted David on his shoulder. He cleared his throat. “I’m not one for a lot of fine words, as you know. But in case this task you have set yourself doesn’t turn out the way you’d like, I want you to know you’re the best…” His voice broke, and he cleared his throat and tried again. “The best hacker I’ve ever worked with. I don’t have children but if I had had a son…”
He trailed off awkwardly but David grasped his hand with affection. “I won’t fail.”
Even as he said the words, David knew he would be forging new territory. As far as he knew, no hacker had ever attempted what he was about to do. But no other hacker had as much to lose. David had known this moment might come long ago…had, in fact, planned for it. Failure was not an option he would allow himself to contemplate.
David spied his clothes in a bag on the couch opposite. He would get dressed and leave to clear his head and prepare himself mentally by envisioning every step of the task ahead. He could not afford a single error.
After Peter departed, it took some energy and time to convince Geneva to help him. She had resented Grace from the first moment she understood how David felt about her. Those feelings had softened but were still there.
“I won’t do it. Her life is not worth yours.”
He stared at her stubbornly, asking her without words to relent.
“Consider, David. Your chance of saving her is maybe…ten percent. Think of all the people who will be devastated when you’re gone. Your mom, dad, sister, me.”
“I have considered. I need your help. Please.”
He would not budge on the course he had set. Grace’s life was worth the risk, no matter what Geneva believed. David would accept the consequences. If Geneva wouldn’t help, he would find someone else who would.
She stared at him a silent minute more. David could feel the long tentacles of her energy waves reaching out to brush his mind. He allowed her entrance so she could understand the depths he would travel to rescue his Grace. Geneva frowned and shrugged.
“All right. It’s clear I can’t sway you from this mad course you’ve set.”
“Thank you, Geneva. I’m grateful.”
David glanced at his cell phone. He had lost forty-five minutes of precious time. They would have to move quickly. He figured they needed a good two hours with Grace and some. But if they didn’t get a move on soon, even David would not be able to help her.
They took a taxi back to the hotel, where they booked a room and spent the next hour deep in meditation, which improved his energy level and focus. By noon they were on their way back to the hospital. Although it was only ten minutes away, he wanted to start at one on the dot.
David had forgotten Peter’s warning about Claire until he nearly ran into her in the corridor outside Grace’s room, causing her to drop a magazine she had been carrying. He recognized her immediately.
“Sorry,” she said, giving him a wide-eyed look and studying him with interest. “Are you here to see my sister? Are you a friend?”
“I am.”
“You wouldn’t be the great David Jenkins now, would you?” she asked with a wink and a small smile.
David inspected her. Her face contained the same shape as Grace’s but there the resemblance ended. Grace was shorter, curvier and had a unique shade of blonde hair and deep gray eyes. Claire was tall and willowy. Her hair was platinum blond and her eyes a bright blue.
“I would be.” David gave Claire a slight smile. He discovered it was important to him he make a good impression.
“Wow, you’re much handsomer than either Grace or my mother told me. Why would they keep that from me, I wonder?”
When she smiled, he could see a blinding row of perfect white and straight teeth. The effect was not lost on him. Claire was flirting, while her sister lay comatose in the next room. David remembered vividly what Grace had told him that first afternoon. How her sister always went after the same things she did. Was that what this was about? He did not have the luxury of time to figure it out. Besides, he gathered she was on her way downstairs, summoned by the staff to keep her out of Grace’s room.
“I’m sure they’ve had more important things on their minds. Please excuse me.”
He strolled into Grace’s room, feeling Claire’s eyes on his back. David did not bother to turn around to confirm she was watching.
While he waited for Geneva to return from the ladies room, David took a moment to study the woman he now knew he loved unreservedly. Once again, he had to prevent feelings of anxiety and panic. What he was about to attempt would take a cool head. No hint of emotion could leak from him to her. It would be difficult—almost impossible. If there was one thing his association with Grace had taught him, it was even he had powerful emotions.
Grace looked so still and small where she lay in the hospital bed. David took the familiar heart-shaped glass from his pocket, offering a silent prayer for her full recovery. His heart ached at the silence. So much to share. So many more memories to make together. He must succeed.
Geneva breezed in, closing the door behind her and interrupting his ruminations. “Are you sure you won’t change your mind?”
David fingered the glass in his palm, ignoring her. “Let’s get started.”
Geneva gazed at him, her look one of pity. He thought she would launch another argument, but she did not. Instead, she plopped herself into a chair nearby and gestured to the recliner next to her. “Your throne awaits, your majesty.” She smirked.
David sat, reclined the chair and lay back, eyes closed. He positioned himself comfortably. He knew hackers who were forced back into their bodies prematurely because an arm or leg had fallen asleep.
“Here goes nothing.” With her usual flair, Geneva opened a large portal in front of him.
He slipped through effortlessly, David surveyed his surroundings. As expected, only the shell of her thoughts remained. The enemy had wiped whatever he could in those few seconds he had directed his tremendous energy Grace’s way. He didn’t have much time. Her brainwaves were already growing erratic at his forced entry.
David seized control by focusing a narrow energy beam to counter the erratic pattern. At first, there was no change, but gradually the waves calmed and settled. Quickly and evenly, he created tiny pulses of light, forcing them into a steady pattern. This was a crucial step. He held his breath, waiting for the familiar hiss and ping. It did not come. Grace’s mind held and responded. Ignoring the overwhelming relief flooding his mind, David forced himself to contain the rise in e
nergy. Once her brainwaves stabilized and held the pattern he had created, David signaled to Geneva and withdrew through the portal. Part one successful. He breathed a sigh of relief.
“She’s unlikely to make a full recovery David.”
He did not respond immediately. He glanced at the alarm clock beside her bed. Nearly three. They did not have much time. Geneva had already begun the process of neutralizing his energy waves. David needed her on his side.
“We aren’t done.”
“What do you mean? Anything more and neither one of you will survive. Do you have a death wish?”
“I can restore her memories.”
“Are you crazy? You can’t restore her memories. They’re gone.”
“No. They’re not.”
“What do you mean?” Geneva watched him as he lay there fingering the ruby glass. She gasped as understanding dawned. “Is that glass…charged? You stored them?”
He nodded.
“How…when…?”
“Never mind all that. Trust me. I have them. But I need your help or it’ll never work.”
“David, this is risky. Even if you are able to restore them, her mind may not take them back.”
He waited, willing her cooperation. “I need to try. Will you help me?”
Geneva sighed, biting her lower lip, clearly torn. To his great relief, she eventually decided in his favor. “All right. Never let it be said I kept you from your one true love. What do you need from me?”
“Lots of energy and to hold a steady focus. If all goes well, I’ll need about two hours. He glanced again at the clock. “We’d best get started.”
“And if it doesn’t go well?”
“You may need to pull me out. I doubt I’ll be able to do it myself.”
“Why haven’t you asked the cousins for help?”
He shook his head. “Too risky. It’s one thing for me to take this chance. Grace’s life is worth my own. But I can’t ask it of the rest of my family.”
Geneva nodded. “Okay, then. We’d better get a move on. Ready?”
David clasped the glass in the palm of his hand, closed his eyes and prepared himself to unlock its secrets. “As I’ll ever be.”
The orange gateway yawned in front of him, a much narrower opening than before. He re-entered cautiously. The foundation he had set had strengthened. Promising. David readied himself for the transfer.
Over the next two hours, he painstakingly added to the foundation, bit by bit. The work challenged him mentally and physically, since he had to absorb each wave from the glass, examine it for flaws and carefully match it to the succeeding thought. All the while, David waited to hear signs Grace’s mind rejected him. At last, he pulled the final energy wave from the glass and deposited it safely back with its rightful owner. He had succeeded!
Summoning his energy reserves, David managed to pull himself back through the narrow opening with Geneva’s assistance. He lay there sweating and feverish for some time, his breathing labored. The massive energy expenditure after his recent ordeal had been costly. Cool hands touched his forehead. Geneva. David pried his eyes open.
“Sleep, David.” Geneva soothed. “I’ll keep an eye on her. You need to rest.”
“Time?” He managed to croak.
“4:59 p.m.”
A slow smile spread over his face. Peter would be proud. David grasped Geneva’s arm urgently, eyes closed. “Wake me if there’s any change in her condition.”
He could not wait for a response. His mind and body were shutting down. Saying a final prayer for Grace’s recovery, David let himself slip into darkness.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Awakening
Grace floated in a dark place. For a long while she did not particularly know or care she floated. Time passed slowly. Occasionally, voices spoke, but Grace did not know what they were saying or if the words were meant for her. Gradually, one voice separated itself from all the rest, distinct in its persistence. Grace tried ignoring it, but it would not relent, calling at her through the vast emptiness, forcing her to turn toward the sound. Soon the dark turned into gray, the gray into blue, until she moved toward a distant light. Grace tried desperately to still the forward motion, preferring the safety of the darkness. Too late. The voice would not let her go. It joined her there in the darkness, urging her forward, shouting in her mind so Grace could not rest. As she drew closer to the light, she grew afraid. Grace was aware of two things simultaneously: A man’s voice called to her. The man surrounded her in the darkness.
Don’t be afraid. He told her, his voice familiar. I will not let anyone hurt you.
David?
That’s right! She heard the relief in his tone. You remember me. David appeared in the darkness.
Where are we?
You’re sleeping. But this isn’t a dream. You’ve been in a coma, while your mind heals, but sweetheart, it’s time now for you to wake.
How are you speaking to me?
David reached for her hand and held it. A shock ran through her system at his touch. Think, Grace. Remember who I am.
Grace thought and scenes flooded her memory banks like sparks lighting the night sky. David meeting her in the coffee shop…on the beach…his cottage…the first time they made love. His telling her about his profession.
You remember.
How could she have forgotten? David could read her mind whenever he chose. He could talk to her in her head. Panic raced, frightening in its intensity.
Grace, he’s dead.
What? How?
You don’t remember it because he erased many of your memories. But, he’s gone. I promise. He can’t hurt you or anyone else anymore.
How’d you do it?
Not me, Grace, we. We did it together. I’ll explain all, I promise. But it’s important you come to consciousness. Your mind will recover faster that way. Can you push toward the light?
Grace faced the light surrounding them.
Don’t be frightened. We’ll do it together. You won’t be alone.
Okay. She summoned her courage to leave the safety of the darkness.
In unison, they pushed toward the surface where the light was strongest. Grace became aware of other voices.
“She moved her hand. She’s waking up,” Claire said excitedly.
“Dear God.” Her mother cried out. “Oh, holy God.”
Grace opened her eyes. Her mother stood over her, tears streaming down her face. “Claire, do you see…do you see! She’s awake. Grace is awake. I prayed. Oh, thank the good Lord my prayers were answered. Gracie you sure know how to give us all a scare.” She scolded. “Do you know who we are? This is Mom. And this is your sister Claire.”
Grace’s lips spread apart in a smile. “It would take more than a coma for me to forget you two.”
Her family was surrounding her bedside, but the large hands still holding hers belonged to David. He was staring at her intently, love shining from his gray-green eyes.
I don’t want to let you go, but the doctors need to examine you.
Grace nodded shyly. Awake, it felt strange to hear David talking in her head.
You’ll get used to it. He said it gently, releasing her hand and standing so the doctor could get close to her bedside.
The doctor looked into her eyes with a bright light and had her answer a series of questions. When he was done, he smiled and nodded. “Everything is looking fantastic, Grace. Your recovery is amazing. We do see this sometimes, particularly with those patients who have supportive loved ones. We’ll continue to monitor you, but your vitals are wonderful for someone who has endured the head trauma you have.”
He turned to the rest of the group. “She’ll need to be watched for another forty-eight hours, but it appears the worst is over folks. I expect our patient to make a full recovery. Where’s Mom?”
Her mother raised her hand, and the doctor preceded to rattle off instructions. No loud noises or sudden movements. Rest as much as possible. Gradual physical activi
ty. She’ll need to learn to do some things again, so be patient with her. Grace grew tired.
“Let’s continue the conversation out in the hall,” she heard David say. “Grace needs her rest.”
I love you, he told her silently, as he ushered her family out the door.
The words spoken in her mind carried with them a rush of warmth and affection. He loved her. He would protect her at all costs…sacrifice his life for hers. He did not want to live without her.
It was her last conscious thought before exhaustion overtook her and Grace slept.
When Grace awoke next, it was early morning and she was not alone. “It’s about time you woke again. I’ve been dying to talk to you.”
“Hi.” Grace smiled at her sister, reaching out her arms for a hug. “So are you the new Mrs. Walters?”
“Promise me you won’t freak out first. I don’t want to do anything that will send you back into a coma. Your David has warned us to go easy.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah, and he’s pretty intense. I don’t dare disobey.” She laughed. “Seriously, though, he’s not like Greg at all, and that’s a good thing.”
“You mean you flirted with him, and he didn’t take the bait.” Grace said wryly.
“He only has eyes for you, and I mean only. He practically glared at me when I suggested he join Mom and me for dinner yesterday. It was almost like he knew I was testing him, and he didn’t like it.”
Grace had reached for the water glass beside her bed but nearly choked on the contents. “Yeah, about that, I wouldn’t test him. He’s pretty intuitive about stuff like…that.” She trailed off lamely.
No way could she tell Claire David could read minds. As soon as Claire knew, so would their mother and the rest of the world. Grace hadn’t forgotten Sophia’s warning about what the government would do to those who didn’t keep their mind hacker unit a secret.
“So I take it you didn’t walk down the aisle?”
Claire laughed. “No, we didn’t, but we will,” she added quickly, seeing Grace’s frown. “We delayed it until you could be part of it. I couldn’t get married without my maid of honor present, now, could I?”
