The Beckoning of Broken Things (The Beckoning Series) (6 page)

“What does Rafe have to do with you?”

“Ask him yourself. When he gets out of isolation, that is.”

I frown, perplexed.
This is a trick. It’s all a trick. Tricks and lies.
The electricity streams into my fingers. This is the time I can do things. This is the time I can shape the light into form. I try to visualize something horrible happening to Armando. Only thing is, the drugs are affecting me. My imagination is definitely affected.

“Can’t seem to make sense of anything, Light Rebel?
Brain not working as it should? Pity. I would have liked to tussle with you.” A mocking laugh erupts from his flaming face.

I strain to focus.
Struggle to collect my thoughts. Even in this ether world, I’m affected by the drugs, the doubt, my sense of betrayal and injustice - all of it.
Now is not the time. This is not the time, nor the place, to deal with this evil man.

Armando’s face falls, as if disappointed. He must have hoped for more of a showing from me. These goddamned drugs must be time-released or something because my attention and awareness are wavering. The ether world is growing
blurry. I can barely make out the faces of the collective. Armando fades away. My consciousness drifts, as if billowed by winds. I reach for the only thing I know I can trust. I reach for the muzzle of my dog, Sober Dober. His dream-self licks my face, delighted. His wings sparkle. This animal, this canine companion - he’s the truest friend I have ever had. I hug him to me. He wriggles and wags his tail. He slurps my face with his wet tongue. And then I am ripped away from him, too. I think I’m still streaming with light as I fall into a dark, dark place, unconscious, broken, extremely sedated, but alive.

In the morning, I wake up and utter a small groan.
The sleep of the sedated.
All Smiles sits in a chair next to me, intently watching me. The sun is streaming through my bar-covered window. It makes a striped pattern on my bed. I study this pattern for a moment, wondering how I could paint it. Then I shake my head.
Why in the world would I want to remember this place?

“Good morning, Ms. Engles.”

“Morning,” I say, swirling my tongue inside of my paste-filled mouth. “What time is it? Don’t you ever sleep?”

“Oh, it’s about 8am. And we had a busy night last night. I’ve been up all night. Just thought I’d keep an eye on you.” His warm smile grows even wider.

“Oh, well, uh, thanks.” I push myself up to sitting. “I’m not used to waking up and seeing someone watching me. Did I need watching? I slept like the dead.”

He glances away and stands up, wandering over to the Blue Tray of Doom. Only this time he just hands me a paper cup of water
, poured from a stainless steel pitcher. “Well,” he begins, not meeting my eyes. “I’d rather it was me watching you than anyone else.”

“Okay. And why is that?”

“You were, uh…you did…you were…you’re…”

“Out with it, All Smiles. The day has barely begun. And I must have a full schedule today at this resort.” I rub my eyes and stretch.

“Is that what you call me? All Smiles?” He beams at me.

“It seems to fit. You’re actually happy
, and you work
here.
I don’t know what your secret is, but I wish I had some of what you’ve been drinking.” I swing my pajama clad legs over the side of the bed. “So what was I…did I…and am I?”

“You…” He cocks his head and stares at me, his chocolate eyes piercing. “That light thing…I was coming down the hallway in the middle of the night
, and I saw light coming out underneath your door. I thought maybe you were awake. But you were sound asleep. And you were all lit up, glowing like a lightning storm. Take a peek at the effect you left.” He strides over to the bed and lifts the corner of the sheet.

My white sheets are scorched brown.
They stink like burnt cotton. “Oh, no, did I do that?”

He nods.

“And you saw that?” I grab my head with my hands. “Please, please, please don’t lock me up more than I already am. I can explain.” I bite my lip. “Actually, I can’t explain it. But please…now you see why I don’t belong in here.” I look at him, desperation filling my eyes.

“Yes. I do see that.
It was hard to miss. Thank goodness the lightning show finally stopped. I held vigil here all night, afraid someone else would come in and see you like that. I was prepared to haul you into the bathroom if I heard anyone.” He sighs. “You and Rafe. You’re different alright.”

“What do you mean? How is Rafe different?”

“Don’t you know? Can’t you people with different abilities sense another’s abilities?”

“Well, if we can, I don’t know how to do it, especially with Haloperidol streaking through me.”

“Yeah. About that.” He glances toward the door. Gets up and looks in the hallway, his head turning right and left. Comes back to my side and whispers to me. “I know it was you who messed up Dr. Bellows. I would have, too. The guy’s not very nice. He uses and abuses. He does way more harm than good. Ask Rafe.”

“How is he? Rafe, I mean?”

“He sure took the fall for you. He’s a good guy. Anyway, I’m willing to sneak you something innocuous like ibuprofen in order for you to keep a clear head. You haven’t been on it that long so there shouldn’t be any withdrawal from the Haloperidol. Dr. Bellows is going to be out for a while. You really clobbered him.” He laughs and shakes his head. “Damn, girl, remind me to not ever be your enemy.”

I smile.
He’s got the warmest demeanor I’ve ever seen.
Why in the world does he work here, then?
“Is he badly hurt?”

“Nothing that time and modern
medicine won’t lick.” He chuckles. “But yeah. He’s hurt.”

“What happened to Rafe?”

All Smile’s face falls. He shakes his head side to side. “Damn. It shouldn’t be that way around here. I mean, people are all different. Rafe’s unique. He’s got gifts like you do. And when he confessed to hurting Dr. Bellows, he got locked up good and tight. It was just an excuse to get him off the floor. He’s super nice, but he pisses off a lot of the staff since he gets so many special privileges. I tell you what, though, without Dr. Bellows here to protect him, he’s going to be fair game for the rest of them. Not that Dr. B did him any good.” His head shifts side to side again. “Damn.”

“What are his special abilities?”

“I think it would be best if he told you. He doesn’t open up that easily, and I don’t want to betray any trust. They’ll let him back on the floor sooner or later, and you can ask him yourself.”

“I hope to not be here that long. I have, um…” I stare out the window. “I have responsibilities to take care of.”

All Smiles nods. “I’m sure you do. That’s why I want to help you keep your head clear.”

The morning nurse marches in the room with the real Blue Tray of Doom. “Good morning, Matthew.”

“Good morning, Alice. Say, I’ll see to Ms. Engles’ meds. She’s had a rough night. Nightmares.”

Alice glances at her watch. “She should have been given these an hour ago. Doctor’s orders. You know that.”

“I do indeed.” All Smiles reaches for the tray and pats her shoulder. “I’ll take it from here. We’re all a little bit disorganized. It was a rough night.”

Alice flicks her eyes over to me
and back. “I heard it was,” she whispers to All Smiles. “You’ll have to tell me all about it - out there.” She tosses her head toward the hallway.

“I will, I will. I’ll tell you all about it.” He smiles and guides her toward the door. “I’ll take good care of Ms. Engles, don’t you worry.”

After she left, All Smiles turns to me. “She’s a nosy busy body. Let’s just flush these down the toilet, and you can get up and ready for your day, okay?” He yawns. “I’ve gotta get me some shut eye.” Yawns again. Rubs his eyes. “I’ll be sure to get back in time for your next meds. I’m rooting for you, Ms. Engles. I’m on your side.” He makes his way out into the hall, whistling.

After he leaves, I take time to gather my thoughts.
I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to deal with Armando Navid, but deal I shall.
So much power! If he’s got El Demonio’s power combined with his own…
I shudder at the thought. And then there’s Daniel - trapped in darkness with every evil creature that exists.
I’ve got to speak with him.
I was able to communicate, mind to mind, in Dr. Bellow’s office.
Maybe I can do it again? Maybe I don’t need the diamond earrings to keep in touch.
I settle back onto my chunky, uncomfortable, hospital grade pillow and pull the covers up to my neck. I close my eyes and breathe slow and deep. In breath. Out breath. In breath. Out breath.
Daniel?

Cariño.

You can hear me?

Loud and clear.

No drugs. And no earrings. This is just my mind caressing your mind.
I’m greeted with silence and then a wave of arousal. It slams through me so hard I’m grateful I’m on the bed. If I were anywhere else, I’d have done a face plant. The image and sensation of my dangerous lover are so vivid it’s as if he’s right here, right now. Invisible hands trace delicate patterns along my face. Invisible lips envelop mine. It’s as if his abdomen, hard and ripped with muscle, settles over my belly. His legs push mine wide. And then I feel his…his…his erection, piercing me, hard, slick and slow. A moan escapes. I writhe on the bed, my hands reaching down to my silky lips to assist the process. My fingers start sliding along my wetness. It’s as if Daniel is inside of me, and I can reach right through him to stroke my tender folds.

The door bursts open, slamming against the back wall.
I cease my exploration, panting, and try to assume nonchalance. Only thing is, I am very aroused, extremely wet, and wanting more.

An orderly backs in
, pulling a wheeled cart topped with covered dishes. He maneuvers the cart into my room, turns around and stares at me. “Sorry about the noise. I didn’t mean to scare you. Matthew said you had a rough night and requested that you be brought breakfast.” He cocks his head and studies me.

He’s an ordinary looking guy with close
-cropped blond hair and a ruddy complexion. He looks to be in his early thirties.

I’m sure my face is flushed. I’m still trying to
calm my breathing. My heart is beating hard and fast.

“We don’t usually give special service around here so I wouldn’t expect this on a regular basis.”
He sets the plastic covered plates a little harder than is needed on the functional, industrial dresser next to the bed. “Got it?”

“Got it.”

His eyes slide back over to me, and he regards me sidelong for a long, burning moment.

I think guys just know when you’re aroused. They can smell it
, they can sense it, and they can feel it, even if they don’t know what “it” is. “Don’t you have better things to do? I’d like to get ready for my busy day.” I flash a caustic smile in his direction. Without another word, he departs.

I
pick at breakfast for a minute but give up on what’s offered - cardboard tasting oatmeal and cold toast.
So much for the special service.
Instead, I head to the shower to ready myself for the day. Once inside the shower stall, I attempt to contact Daniel.
Can you still hear me?

Yes.

What was that arousal thing that just happened? Was that you?
I swear I can hear him laughing.
Well? I’m still in the mental hospital. I almost got discovered pleasuring myself.
More laughter.
Daniel. Tell me if you’re okay.
Thick, weighted silence fills my head.

The real question, amorcito, is
are you okay?

Today I am. This place is horrid. I’ve been trying to keep the electricity to myself but last night I…
I scramble my thoughts, not wanting to remember or reveal last night.

I’m waiting.

I don’t want to share - it was awful.

Dulzura, the only thing keeping me alive in here is you.
Please tell me what happened.

Okay. Well. I…I…

Please, love.

He sounds so soft in my head, so vulnerable, I relent.
I had a therapy session with this guy named Dr. Bellows. He’s a real ass. He’s the head dick around here. He tried some therapeutic process with me. I descended down a staircase. I came to two doors. One of them was where you are. I tried to find you.

Yes, I felt you.

I wanted to kiss you. I…

You what?

I’m not sure this is a good idea, telling him that Dr. Bellows kissed me. Not with him where he is.

Are you where the Numina said? In your dark world?

Yes.

Why did you cast yourself in there?

Are you trying to distract me?

Maybe.

What is it you don’t want to tell me?

Dr. Bellows, he…

He what?

I thought you were going to kiss me. I could feel you. I know it was you. Only…

Only what?

I can feel the burn of his growing anger
like a hot coal burning through my belly.
Calm down. I took care of it.

You took care of what, Marissa? You have to tell me. You don’t want me to concoct a story. Not with where I am right now.

I take a deep breath, square my shoulders and focus on the water pelting my head. They sure don’t make these showers a luxurious experience. The water is zinging and pricking my skin like tiny needles. I turn the faucet down to a trickle.
He kissed me. When I was in a trance, he kissed me.
An onslaught of energy slams through me. I steady myself against the shower stall.
Calm down, Daniel.

I’m going to kill that man. I’m going to get out of here and tear him limb from limb.
No one touches you like that but me. No one!

I gulp.
Daniel…

What?

His response tears through my mind like a knife.
Daniel, I took care of him.

What did you do?

I…I couldn’t help it. The energy just ripped through me, and I shoved him across the room. He fell against the wall and was knocked out cold.
The raging, storming energy flooding my mind subsides. My muscles unfold into more of a relaxed stance. I didn’t realize my shoulders had been holding my ears up.

What did they do to you?
Did they lock you into isolation? Increase your drugs? Are you okay?

Better than okay. A new friend
took the fall for me. I’m worried about him, though. But the nurse in charge of me - All Smiles - that’s what I call him. All Smiles is going to find a way to keep me off the meds. He says he’s on my side.