Page 65 of Training Rain
“It’s not easy, but you get used to it.” Kane pulled into the left lane.
“What are you talking about?”
The younger of the two Lakeland brothers was rough around the edges. He’d been a bounty hunter. In fact his wife Lena had been his mark. That’s how the two had met. He shrugged. “Watching them walk into danger. You’ll always want to protect her and you’ll have to accept that sometimes you can’t. It sucks, but it’s just the way it is with strong women.”
“She says I’m a Neanderthal.”
Kane let out a sharp, short laugh. “Yeah, I can see that. As I said, you get used to it. But you’re never going to like it.”
“Does your wife put herself in danger much? I know she’s powerful, but does she go out in the field much?”
“No. I’m lucky. She reads the future and advises. When we had the kids, we were both going to embrace a less dangerous lifestyle.” He shrugged.
“I guess that plan didn’t work out.”
“We believe in what Joshua and Tessa are doing. I don’t know where this Alliance will lead, but Lena and I both want to give our support. The government needs to be kept in check where psi abilities are concerned. It’s been too easy for them to exploit us in the past.”
Jess gave it some thought. He’d been about twelve when his parents had been convinced that he needed special training. After that, his childhood had been no picnic. What if things could be different for others? “Maybe saving the Breckenridge kid is the beginning of something. “I’m all for keeping America safe, but I wouldn’t mind doing something about the way psi recruiting is done. From what I’ve heard your childhood wasn’t great either. And neither of our stories can compare with what this kid has gone through.”
Kane was already nodding before Jess finished talking. Of course he’d probably read most of the thought before it had been spoken. Jess was used to being around psychics. Most gifted telepaths couldn’t help hearing a few sentences before the words actually made it out of the speaker’s mouth. It didn’t faze Jess. “Something to talk about for sure.”
* * *
The private jettouched down in Nevada. The dirt road made for a bumpy landing but it wasn’t the first time they’d used the road to get to Adianca’s house. The ancient shaman and healer stepped out of a black Hummer. The man with her was familiar. They had met Jon in the summer. He had helped them defend against Banta. As soon as they stepped down from the plane, Rain hugged Jon.
It seemed to Jess the hug lasted a bit longer than was necessary. He bit down hard on the inside of his cheek to keep from being an idiot. He and Kane dragged Troy along and put him in the car. Whatever they gave the kid must have been pretty powerful. He hadn’t said a word or even acknowledged that they were there.
Adianca’s dark Native American skin was wrinkled and weathered from more than eighty years of sunlight. She climbed into the back of the Hummer with Jon’s help. The large vehicle accommodated them all and Jon drove them to the log cabin where Adianca lived and guided the spiritual lives of those who were in need.
The old woman took Troy’s hand. For the first time, Troy looked as if he noticed a change in his environment. He stared down at his hand and the smaller, darker one within.
A knot formed in Jess’s stomach. They knew almost nothing about Troy Breckenridge, and what they did know was not good. He could crush the old woman and from what his father said, he wouldn’t have to touch her to do it.
“Do not worry, Jess McMean. He is not a danger. You have done the right thing bringing him here. He needs rest and comfort. This boy has had neither one in his life. He will not harm me.”
Jess acknowledged the shaman with a nod, but he didn’t lower his guard and he noticed that Rain continued to keep her block in place.
It only took ten minutes to arrive at the log cabin where Adianca lived apart from the other residents of the reservation. She had food on the stove and the entire cabin was scented with onions and sage. The simple great room with the kitchen in the back corner, long farm table and living area set with soft couches and chairs made for a comfortable home. The smell of food immediately had Jess thinking of his own family and how his mother always had a pot on the stove.
They put Troy in a bedroom on the ground floor and they each took turns guarding him. Jess took the first shift, allowing his colleagues to eat. The boy never stirred. It seemed as if he hadn’t slept in years. His feet hung off the bottom of the full-size bed, but in spite of his size, he appeared young and innocent at least in sleep.
He came awake only when Rain brought food and forced him to take some soup and herbal tea. She had a knack for getting him to eat even in his drugged exhaustion.
On the second day in Adianca’s home, Jess woke from a few hours of sleep and made his way toward the kitchen. Joshua and Rain were sitting at the table. Jess had to make an effort not to use his psi senses to find out what they were talking about.
Joshua’s voice carried throughout the room. “I think that’s an excellent idea, Rain.
I’ll make arrangements as soon as possible.”
Rain turned and beamed at Jess.
His heartbeat sped up.Pull yourself together, McMean.Returning the smile, he made his way into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. “What are you two planning?”
It was Joshua who spoke. “Evidently you pointed out that most Alliance agents have had military or paramilitary training. Rain asked if something could be arranged for her.”
Jess turned and stared at her. She shrugged. “I thought I might be able to go through a police academy.”
He wanted to say that he would train her. He wanted to keep her with him all the time. Yet he couldn’t help the bubble of pride her request started inside him. “I agree with Josh. It’s a great idea.”
