Dealers of Light

by Lara Nance

  “Cara, are we close?” Amber shifted her eyes to Shana in a meaningful gesture.

  “I saw the entrance marker. Rolf’s talking to the captain.”

  “What do you think we should do with the stone if we steal it?” Tor asked, going back to the discussion he and Alistair had been having.

  “I really don’t know. Alistair?” Cara leaned over and rubbed Dusty’s head as he snuggled against her legs.

  “It’s powerful, no doubt at all.” Alistair picked up Rambo and cradled the little ball of fur close to his chest. “But Tor’s right. It’s always been associated with evil deeds. I’m just not sure if it’s only because of who held it at the time.”

  “I think it should be destroyed.” Tor cracked his knuckles. “Why take the chance of it falling into evil hands again in the future?”

  “He’s got a point.” Marc rubbed his temples.

  “When we have it, we’ll know,” Amber said.

  “What do you mean?” Cara asked.

  Amber glanced at her friends. “I have this connection when I hold stones. They have auras, just like people. Some are calming, some are energizing. If the stone itself is evil, there will be some sense of darkness radiating from it.”

  “Magic alert.” Shana raised her arms in a goalie gesture.

  “Shan!” Marc set his palms over his eyes.

  “All right, all right. Amber, you do your thing. If it’s evil we destroy it. If it isn’t we keep it. Okay?” Shana crossed her arms over her chest. Everyone nodded. “Great. It’s settled.”

  Cara picked up the hunk of amethyst from the side table and wondered if something so simple might be able to help them. She ran her fingers over the smooth angles of the crystal.

  Marc stood to pace across the floor, sweat popping out in his forehead. “I hate this waiting,” he exclaimed and walked to the bar. He leaned on the top with his elbows, staring at the bookcase behind it.

  Shana stood and crossed to Marc, wrapping an arm around his waist and kissed his pale cheek.

  The engine vibration changed to a slower pitch, as the boat slowed.

  “We must be there.” Cara hopped up to peer out the window.

  They pulled up to the T-head of a dock and the crew handled the lines, tying up the ship without incident. This time of night, no one was on duty at the marina. Lights twinkled in a few of the large houses across the street from the marina, but no people moved about.

  “Safely docked.” Rolf walked in from the side door. “I suggest we get some sleep. The next few days will be challenging.”

  Cara glanced at her watch. Damn, two in the morning. She stretched her arms to the sides, yawning. “I agree, I’m pooped.” She strode past Marc and rested a hand on his shoulder. He gave her a half-hearted smile.

  Hopefully, tomorrow everyone would put their differences aside and come together with a single focus: eliminate Desmond and his Takers.

  ###

  Rolf stood on a road with the sun setting in the distance, and dusty heat seared his nostrils. Glowing red, purple and orange painted the sky in streaks. Against this backdrop, a tall, shadowy structure rose to the sky, piercing the horizon like a dark purple finger. He walked down the road, and a sense of familiarity soaked into his soul. The edifice before him became recognizable. One of the obelisks of Iunu, or Heliopolis, as he called it in later years—the oldest one there.

  His feet traveled at a fantastic pace, carrying him to the base of the tower in a second. He gazed up at its red granite surface, soaring sixty-eight feet in the air. This couldn’t be real. Wheeling around, he searched the landscape and his pulse quickened. Had Sakhet come back, after all?

  A hot wind rose, stirring the sand and rustling the fronds of the palm trees which circled the area where he stood. He covered his eyes with one hand to block the blowing sand. When the wind abated, he lowered his arm and found himself facing an imposing figure who towered over him. The man’s torso was bare, but powerfully built muscles stood out, glistening with oil. A wide collar encircled his throat and a crown of red and white sat upon his head. His knee-length linen skirt was belted with a sash of gold and fine jewels.

  “Atum,” Rolf whispered and fell to his knees.

  “Rise, Bes,” Atum commanded, his voice booming, deep and powerful, reverberating over the area.

  Rolf pushed to his feet and raised his eyes to meet the dark, piercing stare of the god. He opened his mouth, but no words came forth.

  “You know me.” The giant’s voice rumbled.

  “Yes,” Rolf managed. “You are Atum, the Egyptian god of creation.”

  “I am the first, the one who created all the other gods, the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. I am completeness.”

  Rolf’s feet seemed cemented in place. He stared at the tall shape before him in wonder. Suddenly, Atum’s figure shrank to the size of a normal man, his head now level with Rolf’s.

  “Why am I here?” Rolf managed between awe-frozen lips.

  “Walk with me.” Atum’s voice lowered. He set out past the obelisk, through the deserted streets of the city.

  Rolf followed and Atum waited so he could walk by his side.

  “You are an ancient. One of the first to whom I gave the power of touch,” Atum said. “One of my special children.”

  A flash of amazement and enlightenment shot through Rolf. If Atum claimed to have created him, a thousand questions rose in his mind, but he remained silent, waiting for Atum to resume.

  The god continued to a ridge overlooking a valley below—fertile green land that continued to the Nile in the far distance. Atum’s expression held a tint of sadness as his eyes traveled over the distance. Sorrow rose in Rolf, too. He had shared this scene with Sakhet numerous times.

  “Many of my children have passed over the years. Very few remain. This saddens me.”

  “Was Sakhet also your child?” Rolf couldn’t help asking.

  “Yes.” Atum nodded. “Her death pained me greatly. Even more painful was that of my beloved Iusaaset, although it was necessary in our plan.”

  Rolf pondered this news. Iusaaset was considered the mother goddess. How did she die, and to what plan did Atum refer? Were Atum’s children only good or did they include the evil ones? “And Desmond?”

  Atum frowned. “That one is not mine. He cannot make the Light in his own body—an abomination. He belongs to another. One who should be destroyed.”

  So many questions churned in Rolf’s mind. He opened his mouth to speak, but Atum waved a hand, cutting him off.

  “Your time here is short. I have followed your actions and I know the good in your heart. You have remained true over the years and shall be rewarded in time. Your path has been honorable, but you have lost sight of a most important goal.”

  “What goal?”

  Atum turned to face him and his dark eyes bore into Rolf’s like a laser. “You must not let our race die out. The balance of the universe must be maintained. My Iusaaset left the earth for this reason. Our plan must not fail or the world will perish in evil.”

  Rolf’s mind raced. “I don’t understand.”

  “You must not let our race die out,” Atum repeated. His image grew foggy and his voice faint. “Remember…” The sound trailed away into the roar of rising wind.

  A cloud of sand obscured Rolf’s vision again, and he put an arm up to cover his face. Stinging particles whipped into his flesh, and he struggled to walk against the buffeting power of the moving air. “Atum!” He waved a hand in front of him, but his fingers found only the biting particles of windblown sand. “Atum!”

  Abruptly, the buffeting of the wind stopped, and he opened his eyes. Gone were the sandy roads, the tall obelisk and the dust in his nostrils. All that remained was darkness and the legacy of Atum. His father.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  “So, the first step is for Rolf to go to the Guns ’n Ammo store, here, and try to purchase some automatic rifles.” Sean pointed to a map laid out on the dining table with Cara and her
friends gathered around. Sunlight from the windows cast a yellow glow off the walls. “We know the owner is in Desmond’s pay and has sold him quite a few weapons in the past month. We also know Desmond sent out a description of Rolf and Cara to all the people he’s bribing in the different areas. This guy will hopefully recognize you and call Desmond.”

  “What if he just sends police?” Cara asked.

  “Not likely,” Rolf said, gritting his teeth. He knew what Desmond wanted. “He wants to have me himself, to torture me himself. It will be better for him to have his men take me so no one will ever know. Besides, Tor will monitor the police channels and know if they do.”

  Tor nodded. “Rolf will have to fill out an application for the rifles. We’ll expect some type of delaying tactic with this, like telling Rolf he’ll have to come back later. This will give Desmond time to send his men there to capture him. Rolf’ll use Cara’s house for his home address so they’ll think the two of you have come back there. This should make them split and send a group to capture Cara while the others go for Rolf.”

  “And if they do involve law enforcement?” Cara asked.

  “We’ll have to abort the mission and come up with another plan.” Rolf felt confident this would work, knowing how Desmond operated from the past.

  “Won’t Desmond be with one of the groups?” Tor asked.

  “I know him. He’ll put his men in danger and sit back to wait.” Rolf crossed his arms over his chest. “Like the typical murderous dictator.”

  “Cara and her team will go to her house after Rolf leaves the gun store. Then we’ll be ready to spring the trap.” Sean sat back. “Questions?”

  “You’re still willing to let me dim you down?” Rolf patted his longtime friend on the back.

  Sean nodded. “It’s the only way you’ll get into his house. I can disable the alarm system but only if I’m there, and they’ll detect my energy if I’m not a dimmer.”

  “I want you to return to the boat when it’s done. It’s too dangerous for you, even if your Light is only slightly depleted.” Rolf didn’t want Sean in danger because of his agreement to be dimmed.

  “If you want, but the only lingering issue is getting the remaining Takers out of the house so you can go in and retrieve the stone.”

  “I have a plan,” Cara said. “Trust me.”

  Rolf opened his mouth but closed it when she held up a hand.

  “What?” Shana raised one brow.

  “I have to check it out first, while Rolf goes to the gun store.”

  “Is it safe?” Amber frowned.

  “Don’t worry. I promise I won’t put myself in danger.” Cara smiled. “I’ll meet you guys at my house afterwards.”

  “Okay, are we ready?” Rolf’s gaze traveled to each member the group.

  “Yes. I want to get this over with in the worst possible way.” Cara winked at Rolf. “I think luring them out is a good idea. There’s no way we can defeat them if they’re all together, and we have to get the opal secured before Desmond can use it.”

  “Good, let’s get started,” Rolf said. “You know your parts. Good luck.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  “Can I help you?” the tall man behind the counter asked as Rolf walked closer.

  “I have some special needs, and I’ve heard you might be the person to help me.” Rolf glanced around the store. It was a large store with numerous glass display cases around the side. Shelves behind the cases held stacks of ammunition beneath racks of rifles. Crossbows, camouflaged gear, and targets took up the center section. The sulfur smell of gunpowder ripened the air.

  The man squinted at Rolf, eyes only slightly hazy. Desmond’s dimming was running out it seemed. He sported a crew cut, his body big with muscle gone to fat. “Depends. What do you want?”

  “I’m interested in some assault rifles and a sniper rifle.” Rolf met the man’s gaze with a steady stare.

  The man stepped back and crossed his arms, studying Rolf’s face. I think I’ve just been recognized.

  “Assault rifles, huh?” the man said. “Do you know specifically what you’re lookin’ for?”

  “M4’s if you have any, but M16’s will do also.” Rolf turned his head to keep the front door in his peripheral vision.

  “Hmm, and for the sniper?”

  “Heckler and Koch PSG1 or an M40.”

  “You know your weapons, I’ll say that. How many of the M4’s?”

  “Four, if possible.”

  “You have to have a background check in this state.”

  “Of course, here’s my driver’s license.” Rolf handed him the fake ID Sean had made for him with an alias and Cara’s address.

  “It’s gonna take a day or two.” The man held the card up and glanced between it and Rolf.

  “I’d like to expedite the process if possible.” Rolf pulled out a roll of bills and peeled off five one-hundred dollar bills. He placed them on the counter and slid them forward.

  The man’s eyes followed the money. He glanced at Rolf then scanned the store, took the money, and put it in the pocket of his jeans. “All right. I got the M4’s here, but I have to call a friend in the business for the H and K. You got a price limit?

  “No. I just need the guns quickly, with no questions.”

  “I’ll have them all ready to pick up in two hours.”

  Rolf made a show of hesitating before nodding. “Very well. I’ll be back in two hours. I’ll be in a black van and park in the back so you can load the guns.”

  “You got it,” the man said, beads of sweat blooming on his forehead.

  Rolf walked to the door, paused to look up and down the street, and strode away. He got in his car, parked down the block and called Sean. “It’s done. I’m headed back to the boat. We’ve got two hours.”

  ###

  Cara climbed out of the taxi at the address where she had dropped Nicki before leaving Norfolk. If she was lucky, Nicki would still be here. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. She touched the amulet beneath her blouse, hoping it hid her from Desmond and his goons.

  There was no answer, and her heart sank. No way could she find Nicki and her gang if she wasn’t still here. Cara rested an ear to the door and thought there were footsteps inside.

  “Nicki? It’s me. Cara. Let me in.” She knocked again and waited.

  After several seconds, she sighed and turned to leave. The door creaked open a crack. She whipped back. Nicki’s pale face peered through the opening, eyes dull. “Miss Cara?” She blinked several times.

  “Yes, yes, Nicki. It’s me.” She stepped closer.

  Nicki frowned but she pushed the door open. Cara slid inside.

  She surveyed the apartment. Old plates sat on the coffee table and trash littered the floor. Nicki stared at her with sunken eyes, her arms limp at her sides.

  Cara stepped close and put out her arms, the girl fell into her embrace and lay her head on Cara’s shoulder. Her body was even thinner than before. Cara soothed and patted, murmuring words of comfort. She slipped a hand to her portal and let Light flow into the girl. She detected the diminished level of her energy, but it wasn’t as bad as she thought. Desmond would need to renew his hold soon, or people would start to regain their full senses—if they hadn’t already. This might actually work.

  Nicki stepped back and frowned, shaking her head. A spark returned to her eyes. “Cara? What are you doing here?”

  “We need to talk. It’s a long story. Can you call your gang friends and have them come over here?”

  “What?” Nicki glanced about the room and put a hand to her head, rubbing her temples.

  Cara took Nicki’s arm and led her to the sofa. “I need your help, and we don’t have much time.”

  ###

  Desmond climbed the steps to the second floor and entered the room where Carlton worked on the computer. “Any word from those idiots in Charleston?”

  Carlton pressed a few more keys, then swiveled around in his chair, face gone pale. “
I just got an e-mail from the police chief there. Their house was attacked and they were all killed. The police think it happened a couple days ago.”

  “How can they not be sure?” Desmond’s anger rose like a hot poker, stabbing his chest.

  “Because they found out as a result of some calls about a disturbance in the neighborhood, of someone driving recklessly down the streets. They found two of our men dead in a car that had gone over an embankment. They knew it was the general location of our group’s house and checked it out while they were there. The door had been bashed in and the insides trashed, like a fight had taken place. Two more men were dead in the living room.”

  “And the fifth man?”

  “Missing.”

  Anger turned to fury. “Rolf!”

  “Who else would target our people?”

  “How did he manage to kill them all with only the woman to help?”

  Carlton’s cell phone rang and he answered after looking at the number of the caller. He listened for a few seconds then said, “Good job. We’ll be in place when he returns. Did you get any information on his location?”

  He listened and grabbed a pen to scribble on a scrap of paper. “Excellent. You’ll receive a bonus for this information.”

  “Well?” Desmond arched an eyebrow.

  “It’s the owner of the gun store we bribed. He’s identified Rolf in his store this morning wanting to buy assault weapons and a sniper rifle.”

  A heady surge of anticipation triggered Desmond’s lips to lift in a sneer. “How fortunate. He must be planning an attack on us.”

  “So it seems. He killed the group in Charleston, and now he’s coming for us.”

  “I want him.”

  “Of course, Master. We’ll get him for you and the woman, too.” Carlton rose from his chair, the color returning to his face.

  “The woman?”

  “Yes. We have the address Rolf used on his gun application, and I remember it from when we tried to locate her before. It’s her house. They must have returned there.”