Page 41 of Dark Visions

“Sounds good,” he said. “And Michael? Thank you. I know things have been strained for a while, maybe the word is different for us, but I miss my big brother.”

“I miss you too, Christopher. See you tonight.”

He ended the call and followed the nurse down the corridor to another waiting patient. This one was an adult who had stepped on a piece of lumber with a rusty nail protruding from it. A simple cleaning of the wound and a tetanus shot was all that was needed. A motor vehicle wreck came in moments later, sending the quiet calm of the emergency room into complete distress.

Three hours later, when he had time to breathe, he hit redial.

“It’s about time you called, baby,” said the seductive voice. “I have some fun planned for tonight.”

“I can’t,” he said resolutely. In fact, he thought, I can’t ever do this again. I won’t risk my brother’s career and life.

“You can,” she said calmly, “and you will.”

“Don’t threaten me, Deborah,” he said casually. “I won’t hesitate to tear you apart.” He had no remorse in his voice at all, no regret.

“But I’m certain this is the couple,” she said sweetly. “I’ve done my research.”

“You haven’t done any research at all, Deborah. You and I both know that. You never do your research. You’re just a sick, twisted human being. Don’t call me again. I’m done.” He ended the call and immediately deleted her number, blocking it as well, from his phone.

Change your life. Change your life.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Aislinn, Kane, Flip, and Adam sat across from one another in a large booth at Martinelli’s, their favorite Italian restaurant in the city. It was Flip’s first time, but he immediately made himself at home ordering a large order of calamari, an order of bruschetta, and a tomato and mozzarella salad, all as his appetizer.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat so much,” said Aislinn, smiling at the big man.

“Oh, this is just for starters,” he said, grinning at her. “I seem to consume calories at what my doctor describes as ‘an alarming rate.’” He winked at Adam, and he rolled his eyes.

“You might be a big man, but you don’t want to be obese!” said Adam.

“I don’t have an ounce of fat on me,” smiled Flip. “Besides, for some reason, I’m ravenous tonight. I think that visit with the doc made me feel better, and I get really hungry after exerting myself.”

“Feel better? Feel better how?” asked Kane.

“I don’t know, brother. I can’t really explain it. It’s like everything she said made me feel normal. Like all the wheels clicked into place, and my mind isn’t foggy anymore. I see things clearly, or at least clearer than I did. Does that make sense?”

“It makes perfect sense,” said Adam. “I’m able to hide my gift. It just makes me look like this incredibly competent and gifted doctor.”

“You are competent and gifted,” smiled Aislinn.

“Thank you, Aislinn, but I guess what I’m saying is I can hide my gift within my profession, and to some extent, so can Kane. But I can see where it would be harder for Flip unless he was alone.”

Aislinn looked toward the front door to see a tall, lean auburn-haired man walk into the restaurant. He possessed intelligent, kind eyes. Dressed in jeans and a sweater that hugged his frame, he looked directly at her and smiled, making her blush and a bit uncomfortable. Kane stood, and for a moment, Aislinn was worried he took the gesture wrong.

“Spook! Over here, brother,” he called.

This was Spook!? This tall, good-looking man was the computer geek they spoke of? Aislinn could definitely get used to being in the company of these men. She felt like the prettiest girl in the room with the first four months of the hunk calendar. Women in the restaurant all looked their way, yet none of the men even noticed.

Spook pulled Kane into a brotherly hug, and then Adam, and finally Flip, slapping his back in a playful gesture.

“You must be the beautiful Aislinn I’ve heard so much about,” he said, smiling at her. She nodded and shook his hand. Aislinn was relieved that she only felt calmness emanating from his body.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sp-Spook?” she said questioningly. “Is there another name I should call you?” The guys laughed and sat down at the table.

“My real name is Van Rogers. You can call me Van or Spook. I answer to both.”

“Okay then, I like Van. It suits you,” she said with a smile.

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