Deadly Vision (27 page)

Fallon stared down at his hand, not sure why she couldn’t pull hers away, when the scene changed and she was staring at another set of hands, clasped around a clean white cloth. They were older, with a few scars criss-crossing the back. She gasped and jerked back, snapping back to Jane’s kitchen as her back collided with a stool.

“Jesus, Fallon. What the hell’s gotten into you?” Jane was standing in front of her, waving her hand in front of her face. “Jackson was only trying to help.”

Fallon pushed herself up and took a shaky step forward. “I’m sorry. I thought I saw a spider drop onto the floor beside my foot. You know how much I hate those things.” Jane and Jackson looked down and Fallon sighed in relief. At least they wouldn’t think she was completely crazy…yet.

“I don’t see anything,” said Jane. “Are you sure…”

Are you sure she’s the one?

“What did you say?” gasped Fallon.

Jane arched her brow and gave Jackson a concerned look. “I asked if you were sure you saw a spider.”

Fallon looked down, unable to process the words. Someone else was talking to her. A dark voice that seemed very far away.

She’s the one. My next salvation.

“Damn it, Fallon, you’re scaring me!”

Jane was practically screaming at her, but her voice didn’t seem to register. Fallon looked up and forced a smile, knowing she had very little time left. “You know, come to think of it, I did bang my head when I tumbled over my handlebars. I guess it’s got me a bit confused.” She turned to Jackson and flashed him her best smile. “Would you do me a favour and grab me another bottle of soda? I’m just going to pay a quick visit to the ladies room and then I’ll meet you out on the deck.”

“Sure thing. But are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor or something?” He looked over at Jane as if seeking support. “You could have a concussion.”

Fallon waved her hand, trying to ignore the way Jackson’s body had become transparent. “Nah. I just need to sit down for a bit and re-hydrate myself. But I’d love the company, if you don’t mind babysitting me for a while.”

Jackson
chuckled and gave her a sweeping bow. “It would be my pleasure,” he replied. “You go ahead to the bathroom, and I’ll save a patio chair for you.”

Fallon smiled and pushed past him, hoping her feet would carry her far enough away before the full force of the vision hit. She made for the doorway off the living room, knowing it led down a short hall to the bathroom.

The ground shifted and she stumbled, landing hard against the wall. Half of the room had faded away, leaving only a few feet ahead of her still solid. She lunged forward, grabbing the cold handle as she flung herself inside the room. She had just enough strength to close the door behind her, before her world disappeared and she fell to the ground in a crumpled heap.

* * * *

Gil stood on the corner of the deck, stunned. He’d done his best to leave Fallon to her new
friend
, but when she’d finally ditched the guy and made for the kitchen, he’d been unable to stop himself from following her. He’d lagged behind just long enough to give her a sense of freedom before weaving his way to the far door. What he’d heard had caught him completely off guard. She’d been arguing with Jane over her attraction—or should he say, lack of—for Jackson. Relief washed over him and he’d planned to walk away, when Jane had said his name. He’d stopped and listened, his chest tight, his pulse racing, as Fallon had admitted, first her sexual relationship with him, and then her love.

Now he was standing on the deck, shaking. Though he’d assured himself she still wanted him, to hear her say it was more than he’d hoped for. Now he just had to find a way to get her to say it to him.

You’re an idiot if you think she’ll admit anything to you.

He snarled and pounded his fist on the railing. The voice was right. Fallon would keep her feelings a secret unless she had no doubts about his. And he didn’t know how to tell her how he felt. How do you tell someone you love them, when you’ve spent the past six months hiding from them, from the truth?

Carefully.

He smiled at the thought and turned just as Jackson walked out of the door and headed over to one of the tables Brad had set up around the deck. He watched as the man set two drinks down on the table and pulled another chair over to his side. He was obviously expecting company.

Gil turned away and headed for the other door. The last thing he needed was for Fallon to catch him spying on her, even if he had ventured to the deck first. Knowing the kind of mood she was in, she’d only see it one way…her way. He wove his way into the dining room when Jane stomped to a halt in front of him.

“What the hell’s going on?”

Gil looked the woman up and down, but it didn’t look like she was drunk. “I’m sorry, but I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

Jane sneered at him and palmed her hips. “I’m talking about Fallon. What is this case doing to her?”

The first inkling of fear prickled his skin as he quickly scanned the room. Fallon wasn’t there. “Why? Did something happen?”

Jane flipped her head up and gave him one hell of a cold glare. “You mean besides you fucking her?” She sighed and motioned towards the kitchen. “We were talking in the kitchen and she completely zoned out on me. Like she was somewhere else. I’m worried. She’s acting strange.”

“Did she say anything, or tell you what was wrong?”

“No. She gave some lame ass excuse about hitting her head while she was riding and then scurried off to the washroom like some frightened mouse.” Jane shook her head. “I can understand her trying to ditch Jackson, but…she’s never lied to
me
before.”

Gil nodded and grabbed her arm. “Where is she now?”

Jane shrugged. “I don’t know. I suppose either in the bathroom, or out on the deck with Jackson. Unless she decided to sneak away.”

Gil shook his head and dropped his hand. “I just came from the deck and she knows better than to go out alone. Where’s your closest washroom?”

Jane pointed to the hallway off to her left. “Through there, down the hall on the right.” She stepped in front of him as he tried to walk by her. “Wait! What’s wrong with her? Is it something to do with the case?”

Gil placed his hands on her shoulders and gently eased her out of the way. “Just do me a favour. Keep everyone away from here until I figure it out.”

Jane nodded as Gil moved past her and down the hall. The door to the washroom was closed, but he could hear someone inside. He inched closer and pressed his back against the wall as he leaned over and listened. The noise was muffled, like someone breathing through a cloth over the phone. He reached under his arm and touched the grip of his gun, wanting to know it was close if he needed it.

“Fallon?” He tapped lightly on the door, hoping she’d answer it. But nothing inside the room seemed to change. “Fallon? Are you in there, baby?”

Gil cursed the silence that answered his plea and bolted over to the other side of the door. He waited just long enough to grab his Glock, before twisting the knob open and swinging the door aside.

* * * *

Fallon stumbled across the pavement, finally slamming into a parked car. The images faded in and out of focus, making it hard to keep her balance. She glanced down at her hands, not surprised to see the glare of the road through them. She was trapped in the vision, but just barely.

“Sorry, Sue, but I’m going out with Steve tonight.”

Fallon jumped at the sudden voice, the sound harsh and loud in her head. She looked across the road, only to realise it was a parking lot. Rows of cars were stacked across the pavement, spreading out in a kaleidoscope of colour. The rain was still light, making small dark circles on the asphalt. But like her vision, it was only beginning.

“I know Steve’s still legally married. But he’s promised me it’s over.”

The woman laughed and Fallon looked over to her right. The girl was young and blonde, and if not for the fatigue darkening her eyes, she could have been mistaken for a model. She was wearing a dull blue nursing uniform with plain white sneakers and a dark shoulder purse. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and the makeup she’d applied this morning was smudged on her face.

“Don’t worry, Sue. I’ll double check everything. You know me better than that. Look, I gotta run. I’m a mess and I need to stop by the apartment before I meet Steve.”

The woman clicked her phone shut and headed for a vehicle further up the lot. It was a small red hatchback, but Fallon was too far away to see the make. The woman stopped at the back and slipped her purse off her shoulder.

“Damn it, where are you!”

Fallon watched the girl dig through her purse, tossing item after item back inside. She was obviously looking for something, but Fallon’s head was too fuzzy to figure anything out. The rain was getting heavier, and a sudden gust of wind made the hairs on her arms and neck prickle.

“Salvation. Soon, it will be yours.”

The eerie voice whispered in her head just as a dark shadow moved across her. She turned as
The Priest
stepped in front of her, his long black jacket blowing in the breeze. She caught his scent on the wind. A heady pine musk mixed with a hint of cigar. There was another aroma mixed in as well. A sickly sweet scent that made her stomach turn and her head spin. He was standing too far ahead to see his face, but she’d come to recognise his silhouette. How he held his arrogance in the line of his back, and the way he cocked his head to one side as if listening to some hidden voice.

“Finally!”

The woman held up a set of keys and shook them once in victory, still oblivious to the man flowing towards her.
The Priest
didn’t make a sound as he covered the wet pavement, stopping a breath away from the woman’s back. Even as the girl stepped forward, he moved with her, slipping one hand over her mouth as another snaked around her waist. The girl’s body stiffened in surprise, before slumping against
The Priest
’s chest. She tried to call out, but her voice was smothered by the distant sound of thunder. All she could do was watch the bastard lift the limp woman in his arms and carry her back to his car.

“Your altar awaits. Soon, your soul will be saved.”

He was laying her in the back and covering her beneath a blanket, smoothing his hands along her side. Fallon cringed at the sensual way he touched her, like he was her lover, not her captor.

She pushed off the car and moved towards him, fighting the constant pitching of the scenery. Her name echoed off in the distance, but she kept moving, needing to see more, to memorise every detail. She stopped a few feet behind him, wondering what would happen if she reached out and touched his jacket.
The Priest
reached up for the hatch, but froze as his fingers grazed the metal. He dipped his head slightly and twisted his shoulders. A chill ran down her spine as he stood poised behind his car, waiting. Then in one smooth movement he turned.

* * * *

Gil slipped into the room, sweeping the small space with his gun. Fallon was sprawled on the floor, her hair covering her face. He took two steps in before toeing the door closed and clearing the space behind. As much as he wanted to go to her, he needed to make sure she was safe first.

He inched past her, peeking into the shower stall and closet before holstering his gun and kneeling down beside her. She was panting, gasping, her body twitching. She moaned and he wasn’t sure if touching her would hurt her or bring her out of whatever she was going through.

“Look out! Behind you. Run!”

Her words were pushed out with a groan as she rolled on the floor. Gil reached out and gently brushed the hair back from her face. Sweat beaded her brow and her eyes were open, but dull. She looked scared, but didn’t react when he waved his hand in front of her.

“Fallon?”

“No. Don’t. Stop.”

Gil pulled his hand back when she flinched and gasped, breaking free from her trance as she bolted up with a soundless scream. He grabbed her shoulders, catching her before she fell back to the floor, her face white, her body shaking. Gil cradled her against his chest, smoothing her hair with his hands as she collapsed against him, her eyes drifting shut.

“Fallon?” She mumbled a reply, whispering his name as she drifted off again. Gil clenched his jaw to stave off a curse. He had no idea what to do next. “Fallon? Can you hear me?”

Her eyes fluttered and she rolled her head back, swiping her lips with her tongue. “Help. Gil.”

Gil nodded, though he knew she wasn’t watching him. “Sure, baby. Just tell me how to help you,”

Fallon coughed and whimpered. She shook her head. “No. Her.”

Gil fought the helpless feeling surging through him. He hadn’t felt this out of control since Charlie had died. “Fallon. You’re not making any sense. Who’s ‘her’?”

She moaned again and slowly opened her eyes. “The woman…in the parking lot.” She grimaced and grabbed her head. “Oh, God.”

“What woman?” He gave her a small shake when she started to fade again. “Fallon. What woman?”