Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (26 page)

“Oh just wait, dear. It gets
much
better.” She giggles. “When we performed the spell, it opened up a Power Well that somehow made our family ascend and become one with
our
power,
and
with all the power of our ancestors. What made the whole thing so amazing was that the ghosts of our ancestors also
appeared
before us, like some sort of ‘changing of the guard’. It just so happens, that was the moment Mr. Russo chose to sneak behind the house. The poor man must have been scared out of his wits. I know
we
were until we knew what was going on.

“One of the ghosts came forth to speak. It was Chloe, Dru, and Dhelia’s mother, Moira. She told us so many things, but the one thing that’s the most important in this whole story, is when Chloe’s twin sister Cassie died at birth, her power automatically transferred to Chloe. But none of us knew anything about it. Can you guess what her power is, dear?” Gram beams, unable to hide her pride.

“I don’t have any idea.” Hunter shrugs.

“Let’s just say this...when the family ascended and received this extra charge of power, Chloe was holding on to Samuel. Can you guess what it is
now
?” She’s trying so hard to get him to figure it out. It’s like watching someone tell a joke for the first time, praying the captive audience gets the punch line.

Hunter looks around the room as he thinks. His attention keeps going back to Pap. Then it hits him. He looks at me in dubious awe. “You’re a Healer, aren’t you? It wasn’t a miracle...it was
you
who saved your pap?” His eyes widen.

I really hate when someone puts me on the spot.

I shift in my seat. “So they keep telling me. It’s still hard for me to believe, but my mom told us I got Cassie’s gift, and Morgan got hers. Some magical ‘twin thing’ in our bloodline.”

“And what a way to find out. This is so incredible. You must be so
thrilled
to have a Healer in the family.” Hunter shakes his head, unable to take his eyes of Pap.

“Well, I was never
really
meant to die right now. The entire time I was in a coma, Moira was with me. She told me what was going on. My getting sick was necessary for Morgan and Chloe to return home. But then they needed to think I was almost dead so they could do what they did to find out about their powers. It was all part of some greater plan devised by a higher power.” Pap’s shoulders go back, holding his head high. He’s so proud of the family who were desperate to save his life.

“That brings me to the
other
thing Moira mentioned. The ‘prophecy’.” Her eyes fill with a searching look. She turns to Hunter. “Oh my god...‘
The man of many shapes
’.
You
are a part of the prophecy,
too
!”

She gets up from her chair and leans over, wrapping her arms around him. “I can’t believe it didn’t hit me immediately when you showed us your gift. There’s an ancient scroll called ‘
The Gemini Prophecy’
. The entire family is in it, and now I believe you are, too, dear. The line that mentions you says,
‘The man of many shapes shall form, a union between Believers’
. This is so extraordinary.” Grams eyes overflow as she solves another piece of the riddle.

“Well, it certainly does make sense that it would be me. How many
‘men of many shapes
’ do you know?” He chuckles.

You’re kidding me! He’s part of the Prophecy? As if it wasn’t overwhelming enough on its own.

So you mean to tell me, we were
meant
to find each other?

It was all part of the master plan?

I turn to Hunter. “It would appear as though you’re
destined
to be in my life. I guess that means I’m
stuck
with you.”

His face lights up—then turns to my family. “Okay, so who plans to show me this so called ‘
prophecy
’? I’d like to see what sort of trouble your ancestors have gotten me into.”

After learning about Hunter’s secrets, I suppose I’m a hypocrite for still being upset; for wondering if I’ll ever be able to trust him. No matter how you look at it, I was just as dishonest with him. So why do I
still
feel this way? I’m not upset like I was last night. The heartbroken feeling has dissipated, yet I can’t ignore the lingering sadness.

Aunt Morgan and I left the house a little while ago, so I told Hunter we’d talk later. Right now, we’re on a mission to warn Michael.

The decision had been made—though not a unanimous one—to tell him about my vision. He needs to know what his father’s planning.
Before
someone gets hurt.

I’m sure he was more than surprised when Aunt Morgan called him—but he never wavered. She said he sounded relieved to hear from her.

I thought we might form a game plan on the drive over, but Aunt Morgan hasn’t spoken a word since we left. I can only imagine what’s going through her mind right now. By her white knuckles gripping the steering wheel, I’d say it’s good old-fashioned jitters.

We pull up to Michael’s designated meeting place. Starbucks, of course. Seems to be the Russo hot-spot.

Her hands shake, turning the car into the parking lot.

“Are you okay?” I’m not used to seeing her so unnerved.

She exhales, staring straight ahead in a trance-like state. “I just don’t know how to face him now that I know the truth. It was easier when I thought I hated him. But
now
...everything’s changed.”

Just as I open my mouth to speak, Michael taps on the driver’s side window, startling us. I follow her lead out of the car to greet him.

“Hello, Michael. You look well.” She sounds genuine enough.

“Hello, Morgan. You look well yourself.” He pauses, turning to me. “Hi Chloe. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. How about you?”

“Well...maybe you should ask me
after
we’re done talking.” He smiles, gesturing for us to walk ahead of him.

After ordering two Mocha Lattes and a Grande black coffee, we take a seat near the back where there’s more privacy.

Only seconds after sitting down, Michael says, “Okay, Mo. Let me have it.”

She shakes her head, swallowing her first sip of blistering coffee. “No, Michael. That’s not why I asked you to meet us. There’s something we need to warn you about.”

Her concerned tone jolts him into an elbows-on-the-table position.

“What is it? Oh god, I hope it’s not your dad? Or the boys...are the boys okay?” The terror in his voice matches his dilating pupils.

“Dad and the boys are fine...it’s nothing like that. It’s, ah...well, it’s about
your
dad, actually.”

“Oh. What did he do
now
? Or should I even ask?” He hangs his head.

It’s clear how humiliated he is over his father. But who wouldn’t be? The man’s an embarrassment.

“I’m not really sure how to tell you this.” She leans back in her chair, rubbing her forehead.

Michael lifts his gaze to hers. “It’s okay, Morgan. Really. After everything I’ve heard,
nothing
would surprise me. Just give it to me straight.”

Aunt Morgan squints, exposing a hint of crow’s feet. “Do you want the long or
short
version?”

“
Definitely
the short.”

She glances my way, then back to Michael. “Okay. Let’s just say...your dad came by our house last week and saw some ‘things’ he shouldn’t have. Magical things. He went to the FBI, Michael. He’s had an agent investigating us for
weeks
, and he told them we’re performing human sacrifices for crying out loud. When the FBI told him they’re planning to close the case, your father got pissed, and threatened to take matters into his own hands. The main reason I’m telling you this, is because of what he plans to do sometime in the near future.”

“What do you mean? What’s he planning?” Michael asks, his voice quivering.

“I’m not sure
what
it is, but he’s with Father Gabriel when it happens. But whatever it is, they cause an enormous fire that kills them both.”

“
What
?” His hands fly up to press against his temples. “Wait a minute. How do you know all of this?” Michael stares into her pale eyes, waiting for an answer.

Aunt Morgan turns to me, then back to Michael. “Because Chloe’s a Seer, Michael...and she saw everything last night. Well, not
everything
. She didn’t see
where
or
when
the fire takes place...or if anyone is there besides your dad and Father Gabriel when it happens.”

“A
Seer
?” He turns to me with wide eyes. “Wow, that’s wild, Chloe. I had no idea.”

Aunt Morgan snaps her fingers. “Michael, focus on the bigger picture. Do you think there’s any way you can get through to your father?
Before
things get out of control?”

He takes a huge gulp off coffee. “I honestly have no clue. You know how he is, Morgan. And I haven’t spoken to him since the night I found out about the letters. But I could probably guess what he’s up to...what he’s
always
threatened to do if your family ever hurt anyone.”

Oh, this can’t be good. My stomach spasms.

“
Hurt
anyone? Michael, we would
never
hurt anyone, and you know that. He’s so clueless about who we are and what we believe.” She grips her coffee so tightly the plastic lid pops off.

“I know that, Morgan...but he’s a stubborn old man. And in
his
eyes, if you aren’t Catholic, you’re a Satan worshiper. Bottom line. There’s just no in between.” His voice gets louder, so he looks around to see if anyone’s listening.

“So, what has he always threatened to do?” I jump in. My curiosity getting the best of me.

Michael hesitates.

Unease creeps up my spine.

“Well. He always said he’d get Uncle Gabriel to perform the most powerful exorcism there is.” Embarrassment spreads across his face from his father’s ignorance.

“An
exorcism
? You have got to be kidding me.” Aunt Morgan bursts into hysterical laughter.

“I’m glad you find it so amusing.” He pauses, but then laughs himself.

“He truly thinks we’re possessed?” She shakes her head.

“He does. And he always has.”

“I hope I get the chance to one day educate him,” Aunt Morgan adds with dry sarcasm.

“I suppose I’ll need to suck it up and talk to him.” He exhales with a huff. “I had no intention of ever speaking to him again. But I also can’t let him hurt anyone. I’d never be able to live with myself if that happened.”

“Then you’ll talk to him tonight?” I ask. 

“Of course. I’ll go there as soon as we leave. Just promise me someone will let me know if you see anything else, okay?” He looks back and forth between Aunt Morgan and me.

“We promise. I just wish I knew how to trigger a vision. I’m
really
out of practice. And I never learned that part.”

I’m such an idiot for abandoning my gift.

Wow. Did I actually just say that?

“My dad seriously has the FBI investigating you? Do you know for how long?” Michael rubs his eight-o’clock shadow, surprise moving back across his face.

“Oh, yes. He called in a favor with his buddy, the governor, and
he
pulled some strings. It started when he heard how sick my father was. He just assumed I’d have to come home, so he went to them right away. But not to worry though...it all worked out okay in the end.”

“Well I’m glad. But speaking of your dad, how’s he doing? Has he come out of the coma yet?”

“Oh. I guess you really
haven’t
talked to your parents then. Let’s just say...he’s made a full recovery and is already back home now.” Aunt Morgan smiles, conveying the family’s wonderful news.

“Wait a minute. I thought he had a brain tumor and needed chemo or radiation when he woke up?” Michael seems more confused than ever, mouth gaping open.

“True. He
did
.” She checks to make sure no one can hear her. “But it just so happens our Chloe here, isn’t
just
a Seer...she’s also a Healer. The night we brought Dad home from the hospital to perform a healing ritual, is actually what your father witnessed. Only, he must have gone back home before he saw how it ended. To be honest, we didn’t even know Chloe could do this until that night. It’s all so bizarre, but I can fill you in on all the details another time.”

“A
Healer
? Like the kind you see in movies?”

“Well, for the most part, yes.” Their eyes lock for a few seconds. Aunt Morgan darts a glance at me, breaking the connection with Michael.

“I don’t even know what to say. I’m so glad your father’s okay, Mo. You guys are something else...and I don’t mean that in a
bad
way.” He throws back another gulp of coffee.

“I guess there’s really not much you
can
say. We’re blessed.” She glances back at me. “Are you about ready? We should let Michael go talk to his dad, while we go home and start practicing.”

“Sure. Sounds good.” I’m sort of looking forward to it.

“Practice?” Michaels asks in a curious tone.

Aunt Morgan giggles. “Yeah, my mother seems to think we’re missing a few things about our powers...and there has to be a way to
make
Chloe have a vision. So, we’re practicing.”

“Sounds like fun,” he says.

“Well, it should be
interesting
to say the least. Mom always has something up her sleeve. If you like, stop by when you’re done at your parents. You can fill us in. And the boys will be there too, and I’m sure they’d like to talk to you.”

“Really?” He gulps, eyes glazing over like a donut. “Then I’ll be there for sure.”

We get up from the table with drinks in hand. As soon as we make it to the car, Michael reaches for the handle on Aunt Morgan’s door. He pulls it open—and she hesitates—as if she wants to say something. But doesn’t.

“Thank you, Michael,” she says almost inaudibly, leaning down into the driver’s seat.

“So I’ll see you guys later.” Michael smiles, pushing the door shut behind her.

There’s nothing disingenuous about this man. He’s kind, soft-spoken, and sensitive. I can see why Aunt Morgan fell for him all those years ago.

Before we pull out, I place my hand on top of hers. “He’s a good man. I think I get it now.”

She turns to me, her eyes filling to the rim. She sighs. “Tell me about it.”

She puts the car in reverse, the tires squealing as she throws it back into drive to pull out.

On the ride back home, I’d have to say she looks relieved by our visit, sitting more relaxed behind the wheel. It’s nice seeing a smile on her lovely face again. Even an unexpected one.

When we make it back to the house, Ash, Aidan, and Pap greet us, sitting on the porch enjoying the perfect evening, Sinatra filling the air as they read the New York Times. It had been raining a lot lately, so they’re taking advantage of the peacefulness before the next storm blows in.

“So, how’d it go?” Aidan asks, apprehension coating his alto voice.

Aunt Morgan sits on the railing across from him. “It went as well as can be expected, I guess. Michael didn’t plan to speak to his father again, but he agreed he doesn’t really have a choice. He should be there any minute.”

We all turn to look at the Russo house.

“Will he let you know how it goes?” Ash asks.

“He’ll come over when he’s done. We should cross our fingers it goes well.” Aunt Morgan’s hands shake, staring across the street.

I wish she’d talk about what’s on her mind—what she’s going through.

“Where’s Gram?” I look to Pap.

“Oh, she’s in the back getting ready to help you work on those visions of yours. She has some
crazy
ideas in her head. If you ask me, she’s a little
too
excited to dig into your mind for bad news.” Pap scowls.

“I don’t think she’s excited for the
bad
news, Pap. She’s excited to help my ability grow. You know how she is about magic.”

“I guess so,” he says. But he still looks annoyed with his face scrunched up in distaste.

“It’ll be okay, Pap. Just have a little faith.” I bend down, kissing him on the forehead.

“Come on, Chloe. Let’s go find your gram,” Aunt Morgan announces, disappearing into the house.

The second we walk through the kitchen door, the sweet sound of Gram’s singing permeates through the air. As we enter her restored botanical sanctuary, I notice she’s surrounded herself with candles, incense, and pacifying music I can’t quite place. Makes me wanna curl up and take a nap.