Into the Fire

by Victoria Smith

  “Who are you?” She put her foot on the bottom stair and opened her mind.

  “Your aunt. Don’t you recognize me?”

  “You’re supposed to be dead.” Olivia couldn’t figure it out. This was indeed her aunt, but nothing made sense.

  “Oh that. Well, a little fib was necessary, so I wouldn’t be murdered. Though my time of death is close. Very close. I’m glad you made it. I’ve known you were coming for days.” She held her arms out again, and this time Olivia went.

  “Mom, Dad, and Marcus . . .”

  “I saw. I know. I’m so very sorry.” Her Aunt Jane wrapped Olivia into a strong hug that negated how frail she seemed.

  “I just . . .”

  “I know, child. You require what this place offers. It has always been yours.” Aunt Jane stepped back, dropping into a rocking chair near the front door.

  “Thank you.” Olivia sat in the chair beside her and grasped her hand. “Did you fake your death? Why?”

  “I thought you knew. I thought that was why you stayed away.”

  A sick feeling filled her stomach. “Knew what? I don’t understand.”

  “About your godfather and how corrupt he’d become. I went to see him when your marriage hit the bricks.” Jane took a deep breath, coughing on the exhale. “I thought you hated me for what I did.”

  Olivia waited, confused by what her marriage had to do with Dan and why Aunt Jane thought she hated her.

  “When Sandy announced his preferences had changed, I wasn’t surprised. I knew he wasn’t being honest with himself or you. I recognized Kenneth when he brought him to Thanksgiving dinner. It took me a while to remember, but when I did, a lot of things made sense. Dan broke up your marriage. Kenneth is his son.”

  Olivia closed her eyes, fighting down the nausea. Did she really want to hear this less than two minutes after showing up? Kenneth had coerced Sandy. Kenneth was Dan’s son.

  “I don’t get it.”

  “I was the midwife for the birth of his son. Dan swore me to secrecy, more like threatened, but that was when he was actually doing good things, before he changed. He said his affair was a mistake, but he wasn’t going to walk away from his child. He was all noble and caring, like the lies he tells the people, like he really used to be. He took the boy as soon as I’d finished cleaning him up, but he left his mother behind. She hemorrhaged and died a few hours later. Her heart was so broken, she refused to fight.” Aunt Jane sighed. “Who knows what kind of childhood that boy had?”

  Olivia had to work hard at not feeling bad about poor Kenny’s formative years. She did feel bad for what the kid probably endured, but the man had purposefully wrecked her marriage and poisoned her. Actually, Dan set that in motion. She still believed Kenneth really loved Sandy. She’d seen it in his eyes.

  “Dan didn’t feel Sandy was good enough for you. He’s obsessed with perfection. No one could ever be good enough. I confronted him about his son and his actions. He, of course, denied everything and let me walk out of there, but I knew it wouldn’t be long until he had me killed. He wanted to know who I’d talked with about my accusations, and if you knew. He didn’t believe me when I said you knew nothing. I conveniently passed on, thanks to a faked heart attack, and have been keeping my eye on him ever since. He’s so far gone now. He’s up to things that should be left alone and hurting people. He’s abusing the trust given to him, while still believing he’s doing the right thing.” She reached for Olivia’s hand again with a sad-sounding sigh.

  They sat in silence for a long time. Olivia shouldn’t have been surprised. Truthfully, she wasn’t. The connection between Dan and Kenneth was somewhat of a shock. The rest, not so much. Dan had tried to talk her out of marrying Sandy so often, she’d almost taken him off the guest list.

  “What did you say about your time being close?” Olivia already knew.

  She’d known it when she hugged her. By this time tomorrow, Aunt Jane would be dead. Her life threads were severing. Olivia didn’t know if she could stand another death, even one that would be as peaceful and accepted as Jane’s.

  “I’m old. Older than most. The only reason I haven’t gone sooner is because I’ve been waiting for you. I knew you would need me one more time.”

  “What if I hadn’t come?”

  “There wasn’t much chance of that.” Jane patted her hand. “I must show you where everything is.”

  Olivia followed her into the house. The charm and comfort of the cabin eased her knotted muscles and calmed her confused mind. She’d always loved this place. It soothed her soul. She’d made the right decision to come here, even if it meant leaving Luke behind.

  “Sit.” Jane patted the floral print couch beside her.

  Olivia did, nervousness filling her.

  “Why are you so worried?” Jane put a hand on her shoulder.

  “I couldn’t save Marcus. I couldn’t save Mom. Dad didn’t want to live. What if I’ve lost my gift?” She choked back the tears, knowing once she started she’d never stop.

  “You haven’t. I would know. Marcus and your mother, well, their spirits were damaged before their bodies gave out. My nephew’s grief and guilt stopped him from continuing in this life. Some people aren’t strong enough to live without the one they love, even for others they love as much. Your dad wasn’t weak, except when your mother was concerned. He loved her so. I don’t think he was wise to give up, but you’re grown. Hopefully, you can eventually understand and forgive him.” She patted Olivia’s hand.

  “They were only missing a few days. I don’t understand why they couldn’t hold on a little longer. Dad’s organs were decades older than they should have been, and Marcus . . .”

  “Dan did terrible things. I don’t know what, only their pain. Eventually, you will face him and bring justice to your family.”

  “I know,” Olivia said. “I have to figure it out.”

  “You must heal. You’ll know when the time is right. People will come here for your help shortly after you cremate me. They will know you can help them, and you will. Then, a challenge comes. I’m not sure what or how, but it will tax your body, your mind, and make you once again question your abilities. Know you can face it. You’re stronger now, both in your heart and in your abilities. You will find the answers. You must.” Aunt Jane reached for Olivia’s other hand.

  Olivia believed her, but her stomach churned with worry over the prediction. She wasn’t sure she could heal anyone again. Either she couldn’t, or she didn’t want to. And she certainly wasn’t up for any kind of challenge.

  Aunt Jane chuckled. “Ah, child. In my youth, having abilities was considered a blessing. I think a part of you curses the heritage of gifts, and that shouldn’t be. It never used to be a burden. In my younger days, these skills were revered, cherished, celebrated.” She patted Olivia’s hand. “I know you’re angry with yourself for trusting Dan. It was hard for me to see him for what he really is, too, especially when I remember how things used to be.”

  “So much should have never happened. If I had realized how sick he was, maybe I could have done something to stop him before it came to this.” Olivia watched the tear drop onto their joined hands.

  “You can’t blame yourself. There’s enough finger pointing going on. You’ll do what’s right. Rest a while.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Luke slammed his fist into the garage door. Why were he and his brother not allowed to be happy? Jillian and Theo were leaving. He’d walked away to give them time alone, as Matt’s pain soaked into him and mixed with his own. Jillian was the best thing to ever happen to his brother, even though neither wanted to admit what was obvious to Luke. It was likely Matt would never see her again, just like Luke may never see Olivia again.

  He ignored the crush in his chest and tossed a greasy rag into the trash. He and Matt would leave in a few hours. They’d been successful in gathering a few people they could trust, but Luke held no hope they’d take Jenner out for good on the first attempt.

  Sti
ll, they had to try. There were a lot of people undergoing pain because of that sadistic bastard and his quest for perfection. Things might not be great in any sector, but theirs was a complete and terrible mess.

  “Ready?” Matt stuck his head in the door.

  “Yep.” Luke closed and locked the garage and everything in his head and heart not related to the task at hand.

  ~ ~ ~

  When Olivia opened her eyes, a light mist seemed to hang around the room. Aunt Jane was still beside her, her eyes closed. Olivia reached over to make sure she still lived. Aunt Jane chuckled.

  “Not quite yet, child. Just resting. How do you feel?” Aunt Jane didn’t open her eyes.

  “Okay.” Olivia rubbed her neck as raw emotions flooded her again. She stood, going to the window to peer into the heavy darkness surrounding the cabin.

  “You lie.” Aunt Jane laughed. “It will all be okay. You’ll see. Now help me. I’m sure you’re starving.” She got up, slowly making her way to the kitchen.

  Olivia followed, confused and a little shaky, as Aunt Jane told her where to find the things she would need. She wouldn’t put it past the old woman to heal Olivia’s mind while she slept, but there was no evidence of that. Aunt Jane was very powerful. Olivia’s father said she had gotten every gift prominent in their family and had mastered each. The only thing she couldn’t do was start fires, though Olivia had tried to teach her, once she’d honed her own skills.

  “I don’t think we should have coffee at this hour.” Jane filled two glasses with ice and water instead and turned to the refrigerator.

  “Probably not a good idea. Though as tired as I am, it wouldn’t stop me from sleeping.” Olivia accepted the glass and the sandwich Jane passed to her.

  “I knew you were coming today. I didn’t know when,” Jane said when Olivia took the plate of sandwiches.

  “I’m going to tell you again, because I don’t think you really heard me the first time. You will heal here. You will be tested here as well, but your skills will grow as you use them.”

  Olivia doubted that, but didn’t say anything.

  Jane tapped the side of her water glass, her eyes vacant. “Franklin. Frank will come. He wants to help, but he is so caught up in his own agenda. If he refuses to see the truth, there will be failure.”

  “Frank? Dan said Frank had contacted him about the psychic testing program.” Her stomach turned.

  “Yes. Frank’s heart is in the right place, but, like Dan, he still believes he’s doing the right thing. There’s a fine line between good and evil. You already know that.” Aunt Jane patted her hand. “You’ll have other help, too. There is too much in the way, too many choices yet to be made. I can’t tell you more than that.”

  Olivia didn’t really want the future insight. As much as Aunt Jane’s predictions became the truth, Olivia always wondered if they came true because after Jane told you, you worked to make it so. At least she hadn’t given any real revelations about the outcome of this situation.

  Olivia nodded, though she hadn’t asked for the information. They sat at the table and ate, Jane growing wearier with each bite. Olivia was ready to suggest she go to bed when Jane got up.

  “Your room is as you left it. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Will you?” Olivia asked.

  “Maybe. I don’t have much longer. If I don’t wake, know you are loved. You’re a strong, capable woman, and you can handle anything thrown at you. Don’t hide forever. Great things wait for you. Great love, too. The love I’ve always seen for you.” She paused, studying Olivia for several long seconds. “I think you might have already found that, though there are barriers between you now. Those will be up to the two of you to tear down. Both stubborn. Both strong.” She shook her head and kissed Olivia’s cheek before shuffling out of the room.

  Olivia sat at the table until the ice in her glass melted. The only time she got up was to store the uneaten sandwich half and wipe off the table. Her thoughts swirled with everything Aunt Jane said. Despite already burying her aunt once, Olivia mourned her impending death. Wasn’t she supposed to have anyone alive who loved her?

  She pushed thoughts of Luke out of her mind. Leaving him had been the right decision. She wasn’t sure if it had anything to do with love. Maybe she needed to figure out if those feelings related to him awakening a precious part of her being, or if there was more between them. There was no way she could separate her emotions if she shared his bed every night.

  She got up to peer out the window at the stars. A sense of peace and contentment filled her despite the pain still throbbing inside. Habit had her scanning the darkness surrounding the cabin for signs of someone watching, but she didn’t have to worry much about that. No one had found this place in years.

  But apparently, they were about to.

  Olivia shook her head, checked the doors, and went into her room. She’d spent a lot of time at this cabin, including every summer and many holidays, so Aunt Jane could help her hone her healing and empathy skills. She started to pull the blankets back on the bed and stopped.

  Had she brought Sandy here?

  She sat down hard, trying to remember. Her heart beat faster and her hands shook. She wouldn’t be safe if she had. Eventually, Kenny would get that information out of Sandy, if he hadn’t already.

  Calm seeped in around the anxiety. Aunt Jane’s voice in her head assured her Sandy had never set foot on her property. But did Sandy know about her inheriting the cabin? Olivia was sure she’d kept it from him. Their marriage was already over when Aunt Jane died. She’d kept the cabin a secret, just in case. Sandy wouldn’t know where to find her. Looking back, she guessed she must have known a time would come when she’d need the safe place. Maybe that had been Jane’s doing, or maybe it had come from somewhere inside herself.

  She crawled into bed, sure she would toss and turn despite the weariness in her bones and heart.

  ~ ~ ~

  Bright sunlight poured through the window when Olivia opened her eyes. She went to the bathroom across the hall, wondering how Aunt Jane fared this morning. She’d seemed so tired and frail last night, but judging by the smell of brewing coffee, she was up and around this morning.

  Olivia went into the kitchen, calling out to her aunt. She didn’t answer. The pot of coffee hadn’t been touched, the timer flashed twelve minutes until auto-shut off. Both doors remained locked. With a sick dread gnawing her chest, she paused at the closed door of Aunt Jane’s room.

  Her knock went unanswered. She opened the door quietly, expecting a made bed and a foolish feeling at her panic. Only that wasn’t what she got.

  Aunt Jane was dead.

  Chapter 11

  Luke went over the plan as they traveled through the night. The few people they’d gathered would meet in the woods not far from the gate. The most recent report was that the current administration had gone ape-shit over Olivia breaking into the facility. The whole thing smelled like crap.

  Jenner had to know they were on the move. Neither he nor Matt had been named as accomplices, but Jillian had, which was ironic since the two women had barely met.

  There was a lot in their favor, but more against them. Luke wasn’t sure how they were going to pull this off or if they’d live through it. Not that he cared. Okay, maybe a part of him did—the part that wanted Olivia.

  Matt glanced at him, but didn’t speak. Luke had denied his attempts to communicate telepathically since Olivia left. He didn’t want anyone else in his head. All this emotional connection crap was too much for him in a world where everyone you loved died.

  They stopped near a huge oak tree. Matt laid his hand on the bark and closed his eyes. Luke scanned the area around them, opening his senses. Their group was close, waiting with the same anxious hyperactivity filling him.

  “Not a lot of activity nearby over the past few days. There haven’t been any patrols. A few vehicles, mostly transports.” Matt ran his hand down the bark and stepped back.

  “Good
. That’s better than we’d hoped.”

  “Or we’re walking into a trap.”

  “Probably. Fuck, yeah. Let’s go.” Luke headed toward the gate.

  ~ ~ ~

  Jillian pasted on a patient smile and faced the officer at the window of the van. “Can I help you?”

  “Security checkpoint, ma’am. Identification and vehicle registration. Now.” His face was expressionless.

  “No problem.” She handed him her fake ID and registration.

  He tapped the papers on the door and nodded before heading to the patrol car behind her. She had to resist the urge to stomp the gas and hightail it out of here. The IDs were perfect. There was no way he’d figure out the deception. She was better off going through the proper channels for now.

  She glanced at her passenger, Gloria, the mother of one of the serum kids she’d agreed to take across the border. Gloria’s hands shook as she fiddled with her seatbelt.

  “Easy. We’re fine.” Jillian touched her arm.

  “But what if . . .?” Tears filled Gloria’s eyes.

  “We won’t pull this off if you fall apart. Think about the final outcome and nothing else.” Crying wasn’t going to get them across the border.

  Gloria nodded, turning her head toward the window.

  “What’s your purpose for traveling on this road?” The officer handed Jillian her information.

  “I’m taking my aunt to visit my cousin, her daughter. She’s had a difficult pregnancy and the birth will be risky. Our tour papers are on file. Here’s the permit.” Jillian grabbed the falsified documents from the visor and handed them to him.

  “You should have given this to me with your identifications.”

  “You didn’t ask.” Oops. She probably shouldn’t have said that. “I mean, I forgot. My aunt, she’s a midwife and is really worried the baby will be born before she gets there. Her certification is on record with our tour papers.”