Note: Quotes indicate verbal speech, single quotes indicate thought, and colons indicate telepathy.
This story takes place about a month or so after my previous story, What You Don't Know Can Hurt You.
would like to thank my beta reader, Kristin, who provided me with amazing amounts of praise and encouragement. I don't think I would have written this much without her constant support. Thanks, Kristin! I would also like to thank Laura, who was kind enough to supply me with a tape of Hitchcock in action.
Chapter One
Carrie Morgan's apartment, San Francisco
Carrie tossed and turned in her bed, trapped in the midst of a horrible nightmare. She was standing in the foyer of the Legacy House, once again facing the monster produced by the demon that had possessed Adam. This time, though, she couldn't even move, much less use her telekinesis to stop it. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out. The demon came closer, closer, until it was just inches from her. It raised a clawed hand at her face--
And Carrie awoke safe in her own bed, gasping for air. She glanced over at her alarm clock, which was blaring away on her bedside table.
"6 AM already!" She was just about ready to roll over and go back to sleep, when she remembered why she had set her alarm early. 'I've got a session with Alex today before classes.' she reminded herself. With a groan, she hauled herself out of bed and into the shower.
******
Angel Island, San Francisco Bay, the Library of the Luna Foundation Mansion
Alex Moreau groaned as the block of wood Carrie was floating abruptly dropped to the table.
"That's the fourth time today you've dropped it, and we've only been at this for an hour!" She exclaimed. Carrie closed her eyes for a moment, and rested her head against her hand. Alex's expression softened. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"About what?" Carrie asked, not raising her eyes. Alex rolled her eyes; once again, Carrie reminded her of a certain Dutch Precept!
"About what's got you so distracted, that's what." Alex reached across the table and put a hand on Carrie's shoulder. "I'm a pretty good listener." She commented with a smile. Carrie looked up cautiously.
"Promise you won't laugh?"
"Of course. I never laugh when a friend is being serious." Alex replied.
"I've been having this nightmare lately--every night recently. I didn't think it was bothering me that much, but…." Her voice trailed off.
"What have you been dreaming about?" Alex asked with concern.
"It's the same every time--I'm face to face with the demon that possessed Adam. Only this time, I can't use my powers, run, or even scream." The redhead shivered at the memory. "It keeps coming closer and closer until I wake up."
"It's probably stress-related." Alex stated.
"Gee, what gave you that idea?" Carrie asked with a strained smile.
"I would think it will eventually go away on its own, but I know someone you can talk to: Rachel Corrigan. She's with this House, but you haven't met her yet. She's a psychiatrist, but you can trust her." Alex replied. Carrie glanced at her skeptically.
"I don't know about seeing a shrink--I got sent to one after my mom was killed, but it didn't do any good." Just then, an unfamiliar voice interrupted.
"Well, I don't know which 'shrink' you saw then, but we're not all the same." Carrie and Alex turned in their chairs to face the newcomer, a tall blonde woman with a purposeful expression on her face. The woman walked over to Carrie and extended her hand. "I'm Rachel Corrigan. You must be Carrie Morgan." Carrie nodded as they shook hands, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I've been hearing some interesting things about you and your friends." Dr. Corrigan commented. Carrie glanced questioningly at Alex.
"We only told her you had some interesting abilities. Derek thought you should be the one to fill in the details." She responded. "Well, I'll leave you two to get acquainted. I'm sure there's plenty of research for me to do anyway." She smiled wryly as she rose. "I swear, if I spent any more time in the Control Room, I'd turn into a computer! Carrie, why don't you come for dinner and we can try this again afterwards?"
"Thanks. That would be nice." Carrie replied. Alex left for the Control Room, and Rachel turned the chair next to Carrie so they were facing each other. "Now, why don't you tell me exactly what it is you kids can do. From what Nick told me, I'm quite intrigued."
******
Angel Island, Derek Rayne's office
Derek stared down at the mysterious package on his desk. It had come in the mail today, with no return address. He picked it up and examined it for the umpteenth time. Nothing had changed--the address was still neatly typed on the front of the envelope, untraceable. He had had Nick scan it for explosives; one can never be too careful, especially in Derek Rayne's line of work. Apparently, the package was harmless. None of this explained the Dutchman's extreme reluctance to open it.
Finally, he had had enough. He ripped the flap of the envelope open, and pulled out a slim, leather bound book, not unlike the Journals each Legacy member was required to keep. Derek opened the book carefully for closer inspection, and a slightly yellowed photograph fell to the floor. He knelt to retrieve it, but froze when he saw who was in the picture.
'Why would someone send me a picture of her after all these years?' He asked himself. The sound of his office doors sliding open recalled him from his reverie.
"Derek, I got those reports you wanted." Nick commented as his precept rose from behind his desk. He immediately grew concerned upon seeing the shocked expression on his Precept's face. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm fine. Just a little tired." Derek replied shortly. He took the reports Nick offered him, and, with one last glance in his Precept's direction, Nick left. Derek returned to his chair, and attempted to concentrate on the reports Nick had brought. It was all in vain, however. His thoughts kept returning to the photograph and its unknown origin.
Finally, Derek pushed the reports aside, and picked up the book that had been included in the package. He opened it, and began to read.
******
The Library
Rachel Corrigan sat in shock as she looked at the young woman sitting across from her. It had taken a few floating objects (only for short distances), and an actual teleportation to get the psychiatrist to believe Carrie's story, but she finally admitted there could be no other explanation.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you made all that up," she commented with a slight smile. At that moment, a maid entered the room with a feather duster. The conversation paused until she had left.
"You'd probably try to have me committed or something, huh?" Carrie asked, returning the smile.
"Well, I'd at least try some very intensive therapy." The psychiatrist replied. Just then, Carrie glanced at her watch.
"Whoa, I can't believe it's that late already! I have class in a few minutes--it was nice talking to you." Carrie said to Rachel as she rose.
"I guess I don't have to ask if you need a ride." Rachel commented dryly. Carrie shook her head with a smile, and vanished in a flash of light. Rachel sat in her chair, trying to absorb all she had been told.
******
Derek Rayne's office
Derek put the Journal down on the desk in front of him, and put his face in his hands. 'If what she says is true…..' he thought to himself. Just then, Alex entered the room.
"Hey, Derek…" she began, but trailed off when she saw the expression on his face. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing." Derek replied with an attempt at a smile.
"Are you sure? No offense, but you look like you've just seen a ghost." Alex said with a skeptical glance.
"I'm fine. Was there something you wanted?"
"Just to let you know that package you were waiting for from Rome finally got here. I put it in the Control Room for now." She replied, coming closer to the desk. Her eyes lit on the book lying face down on the blotter. "What's this?" She asked, picking it up. "An old Legacy Journal?"
"No," Derek said, reaching out and taking it from her hands. "I'm sorry Alex, but I do have a lot of work to do."
"Okay, well, I'll talk to you later." Alex said, moving towards the door. After she had left, Derek rose from his chair and gazed out the picture window behind his desk. The amazing view of the city skyline had always calmed him down before, but it was not working now.
******
Angel Island, the Kitchen
Alex walked into the kitchen to find Nick kneeling on the floor, rooting through the bottom shelves of the refrigerator. She laughed as she stepped over him and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket.
"Hey, Nick," She called as she sat down at the table. She got a grunt in reply. "Has Derek seemed a little, I don't know, strange to you lately?" she asked.
"Stranger than usual, you mean?" Nick asked as he poked his head above the counter. Alex smiled.
"So you've noticed it, too."
"Yeah, he did seem a little out of it earlier when I brought those reports to him." Nick said thoughtfully. "It was a little while after he got that package."
"What package? The one from Rome?" Alex asked.
"Nah. The one that came earlier. It was more an envelope, really. He had me scan it for explosives. Funny, he seemed a little apprehensive about it."
"He had a journal on his desk next to an envelope, but he said it wasn't a Legacy Journal. I wonder if that could be it."
"Probably." Nick replied. Just then, the intercom buzzed. Nick went over and hit the button. "Yeah?"
"Nick, it's Derek. I'd appreciate it if you'd hold my calls for the afternoon. I've got some very important business to take care of." He cut the connection before Nick could reply.
"Here we go again!" He exclaimed. Alex smiled wryly in agreement.
Neither of them noticed the silent observer who hovered just outside the door and had heard every word.
Chapter Two
An office in an undisclosed building
"Yes, James, what is it?" The balding, portly man asked as his assistant poked his head in the door.
"I-I thought you'd want to know, sir, we h-heard from our agent in the L-legacy House." The man replied nervously.
"And what was her report?" His boss asked curtly.
"Both of your 'shipments' arrived today, sir."
"Ah, right on time. I wonder if Derek has opened them yet?" The man asked rhetorically, steepleing his hands in front of him.
"Our agent said they were both opened, and Dr. Rayne sequestered himself in his office directly after receiving the envelope, sir."
"Very good." The man glanced up to see his assistant still lurking in the doorway. "Is there anything else, James?"
"It would appear that the young guest, Ms. Morgan, has been having nightmares."
"And why would I be interested in that?"
"Well, sir, they were about the demon from that urn. The one you tried to--" His boss silenced him with a wave of his hand.
"Yes, yes, I remember. That will be all, James. Keep me informed." His assistant quickly edged out the door, leaving his boss sitting at his desk, deep in thought.
'Ms. Morgan's nightmares will certainly make my plans much easier.' He thought to himself with a smile.
******
Ami Jackson's dorm room, Cambridge University, London
Ami didn't even flinch as a flash of light appeared in her small room.
"Hi, Carrie," she said without even looking up. Her friend sat down on the bed across from the desk and waited patiently for Ami to finish the Calculus problem she was working on. Finally, Ami circled her answer, put down her pencil, and turned in her chair to face Carrie. "Don't you have homework, too?"
"I'm done already." Carrie replied with a slight smirk.
"Why do I not believe you?" Ami asked with a shake of her head. "Now, what's on your mind?"
"Why can't this just be a social call?"
"Because it's 9 P.M. here. Normally, you'd 'path me first to see if I was busy." Ami replied. Carrie avoided meeting her eyes. "Come on, what is it?" She prodded.
"Well, I keep having this weird nightmare." Carrie began hesitantly. "Alex noticed I wasn't concentrating today during our session, and she had me talk to Dr. Corrigan. Don't worry, she's a member of the Legacy, too." Ami smiled and nodded encouragingly. "Anyway, these dreams are about that demon that possessed Adam."
"The one that attacked you on the stairs of the Luna Foundation?" she asked. Carrie nodded in reply. She brushed her hair back nervously as she continued.
"I can't talk to Adam about this--I'm too embarrassed. I mean, it's been over for months, and I'm still having nightmares." Ami reached out and put a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"I understand. Besides, Adam would probably blame himself for not being able to control that thing in the first place." She remarked. She would have said more, but there was a sudden knock at her door.
"Who is it?" Ami asked.
"Pizza guy!" came the answer in a voice doing a bad imitation of Jim Carrey. Both girls glanced at each other and rolled their eyes. Ami quickly opened the door to let a red headed young man carrying a steaming pizza box into the room.
"Megabyte--this is an all girl's dorm. How did you get in here?" she demanded.
"Probably had to bribe someone." Carrie commented. Megabyte ignored her.
"Ami," he said, opening the box with a flourish. "I remembered you were studying for a Calc test, and thought you might like some of this left over pizza from work." Ami smiled warmly. Carrie glanced from one to the other, and smiled.
"Ah, am I interrupting something?" She asked innocently.
"No!" Ami exclaimed quickly. Megabyte just smirked. "Why don't you have some, Carrie? There's plenty here for all of us."
"I wish I could, but Alex invited me to dinner at Angel Island. Have fun, guys. See you later." She replied, and disappeared in a flash of light.
"Why don't we invite Adam and Kevin to have some pizza? Or Jade, maybe?" Ami suggested nervously. Megabyte only shook his head ruefully.
******
Angel Island, the Library
Alex was just reaching for a book off top shelf when it suddenly floated into her hand.
"Hi, Carrie," She said with a grin before she turned around. The redhead tossed her backpack into a nearby chair and peered over Alex's shoulder at the book in her hand.
"A Geographical Study of the Roman Empire." She read. "Hmmm, sounds like fun." She remarked sarcastically. "What do you need that for?"
"We got a weird artifact from the Rome house earlier today. I'm trying to figure out exactly where it came from." Alex said as she walked over to the hologram.
"Can I help?" Carrie asked as she followed. Anything would be more interesting than her biology homework.
"Sure." The hologram hissed as Alex walked through, but Carrie came up short.
"Ah, Alex?" she called after a moment. The hologram parted abruptly, and she stepped through as it reformed behind her.
"I'm sorry! I keep forgetting you're not cleared." Alex said with a rueful smile. Carrie grinned in return. Nick suddenly stepped through the hologram behind them.
"What's she doing here?" He asked jokingly, pointing in Carrie's direction.
"She offered to help with this artifact. We can use all the help we can get." Alex returned.
"Careful, there, Care. Unless you actually want to spend the next three weeks locked up in here!" Nick remarked with a grin.
"I can think of worse things to do." Carrie said as she bent over the glass case that contained the artifact. It was a slim metal rod that shone from the lamp directly above it. There were some symbols on the side, but the rest of the surface was smooth. "Looks harmless enough." She commented, glancing up at Alex questioningly.
"Yeah, but we all know danger comes in all sizes. I've been trying to identify where it came from, but so far, no luck." Alex replied.
"Where did the Rome House find it?"
"It was donated to them with some other artifacts, but this is the only one they can't identify."
******
Taphini Island, The Ship
Adam was stretched out on one of the ledges, eyes closed, when the Ship suddenly whistled with concern. He cracked open one eye.
:I'm fine.: He told the alien computer. It whistled again, more insistently this time.
:No, really, I'm fine.: He assured it as he stood and walked over to one of the viewports. He stared unseeingly at the fish swimming by for a few minutes.
:Adam?: He smiled as he recognized the sender.
:Yes, Ami?:
:Megabyte brought over some pizza; why don't you join us?: She asked, causing Adam's smile to widen.
:You're sure I won't be disturbing anything?: He 'pathed.
:Of course not. There's nothing to disturb!: Ami declared with a nervous, out-of-character giggle. Now Adam was really intrigued.
:I'll be right over.: He replied, and teleported out.
******
Angel Island, the Control Room
Carrie paused for a moment in her study of the symbols on the artifact. She rubbed her temples tiredly, which did not go unnoticed by Alex.
"You okay?" She asked with concern.
"Yeah. All this 'scholarly work' is giving me a little bit of a headache." Carrie responded with a smile. Alex grinned in return.
"You'll never make a researcher with that attitude, young lady!" She scolded lightly. "Why don't you stretch your legs for a while?" she said, nodding her head in the direction of the hologram.
"I think I will. Thanks." Carrie responded, and walked through the hologram into the Library. She leaned against a wall for a minute to collect her thoughts. 'Funny, I feel better already.' She thought to herself with a rueful smile. She had just walked into the hall to stretch her legs, when her stomach suddenly grumbled. A laugh from behind caused her to turn around and come face to face with the maid who had been dusting in the Library earlier.
"That happens to me all the time." The young woman, who Carrie recognized as Alice after a moment, remarked. "Cook just put out some fresh fruit in the kitchen." Carrie thanked her, and headed for the kitchen.
When she walked in a few minutes later, she came up short upon seeing Derek already sitting at the table. He was sipping a cup of coffee, but his clothes were rumpled, and his face looked worn. Unfortunately, he saw her before she could leave him in peace.
"Hello, Carrie." He greeted her with a shadow of a smile. "Don't me keep you from getting something to eat, by all means." Carrie edged in cautiously.
"I didn't want to disturb you, Derek--" she began, but he abruptly cut her off.
"Nonsense. You could never disturb me." He said, this time with a real smile, which Carrie found herself returning before she realized it. She grabbed an apple from the bowl on the counter, and joined Derek at the table.
"Are you okay? You don't look well." She remarked with concern.
"I'm fine. It's just been a long day." He responded, staring out the window.
"I know what you mean." Carrie agreed. Derek's gaze was on her in an instant.
"Please elaborate," he invited. Carrie hesitated a moment.
"Well, it's these nightmares I've been having--they're about the demon from that urn. The one that possessed Adam. They've been coming more and more often, and I haven't been sleeping well lately. Then, I got two exams back today, and I did badly on both of them!" She exclaimed, resting her face against her hands. "I feel like I can't do anything right!" She exclaimed. Derek reached out and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She glanced up with a grateful smile.
"There's something I need to ask you--" he began, but Alex's voice suddenly intruded.
"Carrie? Where'd you disappear to?" Her voice carried into the kitchen. Derek and Carrie exchanged smiles.
"Playing hooky, Hmmm?" the Dutchman asked lightly. Carrie nodded.
"I'd better get back there--I was supposed to be helping her with that new artifact from Rome." She told Derek as she rose. She began to walk out of the kitchen, but suddenly turned back. "I'm sorry, you wanted to ask me something?"
"It can wait. You're staying for dinner, right?" Derek replied. Carrie nodded, and then returned to the Control Room. Derek watched her leave, a curious expression on his face.
Chapter Three
Ami Jackson's dorm room, Cambridge University
Adam, Ami, and Megabyte sat in a circle on the floor, munching contentedly on pizza. They had made small talk at first, but then quickly lapsed into silence. Adam glanced from one to the other of his friends and smiled. Ami obviously wasn't comfortable being alone with Megabyte.
He was just about to make a graceful exit, forcing the two of them to be alone together, when an insistent beeping sound filled the room. Each of them scrambled for their pagers, unsure of who was being called.
"It's mine, guys," Megabyte declared. "Dad needs to talk to me. I'll see you later." As he disappeared in a flash of light, Adam turned to Ami.
"Any particular reason you're not comfortable around Megabyte?" He asked with a smile. Ami wouldn't meet his eyes.
"I don't know…it's just been that, lately, our relationship is different." She said, suddenly becoming very interested in the floor.
"Ami," Adam reached out and took her hand. "It's okay, you know. We're all getting older, and things are bound to change between each of us. We just have to take things as they come." He said, just before Megabyte interrupted.
:Guys, Dad needs me to go with him to see Carrie. She needs to know about something.: Adam and Ami glanced at each other uneasily. Their friend sounded shaken.
:Should we come, too?: Ami asked.
:No, but we may need the whole team later. Just wanted to let you know.: He broke off before either of them could question him further.
"I wonder what that was all about?" Adam wondered. Ami nodded in puzzled agreement.
******
Angel Island, the Dining Room
Everyone was laughing at one of Nick's jokes when Dominic, the majordomo, entered the room. He walked over to Derek, and they conversed in low voices for a moment. Dominic then left the room, while Derek stood and addressed the table.
"It would appear that we have some guests. Carrie, would you please come with me? This will only take a minute." Carrie rose confusedly and followed Derek out of the room. She wasn't sure what to expect, but seeing Megabyte and General Damon waiting in the living room certainly wasn't it.
"What happened?" She demanded upon seeing their expressions. "Is everyone okay? Why didn’t I feel anything?" She wondered. The General shook his head.
"Everyone is fine. This isn't about any of the Tomorrow People." He assured her.
"Then what is it about?" Carrie asked. Father and son glanced at each other with great unease.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news." The General eventually spoke up. "It appears that Jack Staller was abducted from his cell last night." Carrie gasped and turned pale. Derek quickly stepped forward and put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Who is this man?" He asked quietly. Damon glanced sideways at Carrie.
"I still find it hard to talk about." She told him with a weak smile. She turned to Derek and took a deep breath. "Jack Staller was the leader of a group of rogue telepaths in Los Angeles who attacked people and turned them into vegetables." She paused for a moment, and the General jumped in.
"He attacked several high-ranking diplomats, along with myself. He also went to the trouble of having Carrie kidnapped." Derek's arm tightened around Carrie's shoulders as she went on.
"I managed to get away, and teleported to the Ridge just as Staller was about to use his powers on Kevin. He managed to teleport away, and I tripped Staller up as he ran down the stairs." She shut her eyes for a moment, reliving the memory. "He fell down the stairs, and ended up in a coma. They locked him away in a psychiatric hospital." She finished shakily. Derek glanced at Damon with concern.
"But you didn't kill him," Damon reminded her gently. Carrie shook her head.
"No, but I still almost took a life. I actually wanted to hurt him--he was attacking the only family I had." She said, looking up at the General. "I barely had control over my powers, so I just lashed out at him." Derek and the General moved over to a corner to discuss what would come next, as Megabyte tried to reassure Carrie. After a few minutes, the two men came back over with a temporary solution.
"For the time being, I think it would be best for you to stay here, Carrie. Staller, if he's conscious, won't know to look for you here." Derek told her. Carrie nodded.
"I don't really want to be alone right now." She agreed. Surprisingly, Megabyte reached out and put a comforting hand on her arm. They were both suddenly disturbed by the feeling of being watched. They both glanced around, but neither noticed anything.
******
An office in an undisclosed building
The balding, portly man stood over the motionless figure in the hospital bed, and gazed at him with nothing but contempt.
"If you had gotten it right the first time…!" He declared, shaking his fist at the unconscious man. Once again, his assistant nervously poked his head in the door.
"Mr. Hitchcock?" The mousy man asked. His employer waved him in. "The Legacy has been notified of Mr. Staller's disappearance, sir. Also, Ms. Morgan will remain on Angel Island, at least for the time being."
"Very good." His assistant scurried out the door.
'As soon as that artifact takes effect, things should begin to move along nicely.' Randolph Hitchcock concluded, smiling with self-satisfaction.
******
Angel Island, the living room
Once Megabyte and General Damon had returned home, Adam brought up telepathically that, just in case something happened, there should be another teleporter present. As the team leader, he had volunteered for the first shift. They were now sitting on the couch; their conversation had lapsed into silence.
"Have you heard from Kevin?" Carrie suddenly asked. Adam shook his head.
"No, but I know he's having a rough time of it lately."
"Yeah. I can't imagine having to choose between my family and my powers." Carrie said, with a slight shiver.
"At least he's got Ruth." Adam remarked. "He can always stay with her."
"Yes, but to know that your parents are afraid of you, that's got to be an awful feeling." Suddenly, Rachel Corrigan stepped into the room.
"Here you are. Carrie, Derek needs to talk to you." She said, walking over to a nearby chair and sitting down. With a word to Adam, Carrie stood and went in search of the elusive Precept. Adam rose to follow her, but Rachel stopped him.
"Not so fast, Mr. Newman. I'd like to talk to you if you don't mind." She requested.
"Sure, what about?" Adam asked.
"Well, I’d like to know more about your feelings about being a teleporter. So far, all I've got is Carrie's point of view, but I have to know more if I'm ever going to be able to help you down the line." She replied. Adam stiffened slightly, which did not go unnoticed by the psychiatrist.
"Where should I begin?" He asked without emotion.
"How about your "break out"? That seems to be the beginning of everything." The doctor said. Adam took a deep breath. This was not going to be easy.
******
Angel Island, the Library
Carrie glanced around as she entered the library, but there was no sign of Derek. However, the metal rod from Rome had somehow found its way onto the long table. As soon as she stepped into the room, it began to glow, surrounded by an odd green light.
Intrigued, Carrie moved closer. The light increased as she neared it, and her hand moved out of it's own volition towards the object. As her fingers brushed the surface of the rod, a collage of images assaulted her mind.
After a moment, Carrie realized that these weren't just any images, but her own memories. Specifically, they were her own worst memories--memories of Jack Staller and the demon that had possessed Adam. She shivered as she was forced to relive one terrifying moment after another. Fortunately, she was suddenly jerked back to reality.
She was still in the Library, but now Derek was shaking her by the shoulders, calling her name urgently. She looked around blindly for a moment, unsure of her surroundings. She broke into sobs, tears streaming down her cheeks. Derek pulled her close as she finally released all the pain and fear she had smothered for so long.
Derek held her until her sobs quieted, and eventually Carrie pulled away, her face flushed the color of her hair. She refused to meet Derek's eyes as she apologized.
"I can't believe I cracked like that." She said quietly, still shaken by what had happened. "I'm so sorry--" Derek cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"You have nothing to be sorry about. I was only able to get a general impression of what you saw, but even I was shaken by it all." He confessed, winning a smile from Carrie. "Come on, let's get you as far away from that artifact as we can." They both left the Library for the relative safety of Derek's office, with Derek stopping in the kitchen to ask Nick to take care of the metal rod.
******
The Living Room
"So you broke out during a sailing accident?" Rachel asked for clarification. She stood and walked a few paces across the room before turning to face Adam.
"Yes. I shouldn't have gone out, but one of my friends had a new boat, and …." Adam's voice trailed off as he shrugged "Well, you know."
"Indeed I do." Rachel said with a smile as she thought of some of the things Kat had felt were too good to pass up. She paused for a moment before asking the all-important question: "How do your parents feel about your being a Tomorrow Person and living on the island?"
"They're dead." Adam stated flatly.
"So who took care of you?" Rachel asked.
"Foster parents." He replied. Rachel shook her head.
"You're not a very good liar, Adam." She told him, crouching in front of him to hold his gaze. "What are you so afraid of?"
"I'm not afraid of my past, Dr. Corrigan." He declared in clipped tones.
"I understand, Adam. There are some things in my past that I don't want my friends to know, either." She said, but the words had no effect. Adam just sat there mutely, despite Rachel's best efforts. Suddenly, her phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket, and turned away to answer it. It was her daughter Kat, who wondered when her mother was coming home.
"In a little while, honey, I promise. There's just some things I need to take care of first." She told her daughter. When she turned around after saying goodbye, Adam was gone.
******
Angel Island, the Control Room
"Jackpot!" Alex Moreau declared as Nick walked through the hologram.
"What did you find?" Nick asked, hoping this case had finally been solved.
"I was finally able to identify that rod as a type of ritual wand used in ancient China." She declared, stretching her arms over her head.
"What's an artifact from China doing in a shipment from the Rome House?" Nick wondered.
"I've got a friend of mine there looking up the records from the donation. Hopefully they'll turn up something." Alex answered.
"Unless whoever donated that stuff used an alias." Nick reminded her.
"You have a devious mind, Nick Boyle!" Alex exclaimed. "Why can't this be just a simple mix-up for once?" she wondered to no one in particular.
"Because it's never that easy." Nick stated, just as the phone rang.
******
Angel Island, Derek Rayne's office
Derek sat at his desk, with Carrie in a chair across from him. He knew now was not the 'appropriate' time to bring up what had been weighing on his mind, but he felt a strange urgency driving him. It was almost a sense of impending danger.
"Carrie, how well do you remember your mother?" He asked suddenly, startling the young woman sitting across from him.
"My mother?" She asked in surprise. Derek nodded. "Not very well, I'm afraid. I was only seven when she was killed, and things have kind of faded a bit." She said sadly.
"Do you remember anything specific about her death?" Derek asked, further startling Carrie.
"Well, I blocked out most of it, but I do remember following her into the park where she was supposed to meet someone. She had told me to stay in the motel room, but I never listened." Carrie remembered with a slight smile. "Why do you ask?"
"Someone sent me this in the mail this morning." Derek explained, sliding the photograph across his desk. Carrie picked it up, and her blood ran cold.
"Who would send you a picture of my mother?" She asked him, her eyes wide.
"I'm not sure." He answered. "But whomever did also sent me her journal." He added, gesturing to where the book lay on the side of his desk. Carrie stared at it for a moment, her eyes riveted on the slim leather volume. "Here." Derek said, handing it to her. She looked at him, surprise clearly written on her face. "By rights, it should be yours anyway."
She opened the book slowly, and began to read. Derek watched her changing expressions, patiently awaiting the revelation that was to come.
******
The Living Room
Rachel Corrigan threw up her hands in disbelief. She knew she had made Adam uncomfortable, but, based on what she had heard from Carrie, she never expected him to run away. She realized it had been a while since she had checked in on the others in the Control Room, and began to move towards the door just as a flash of light caught her attention.
"Dr. Corrigan?" Ami asked. The blonde psychiatrist nodded, still reeling somewhat from seeing a teleportation for only the third time. Ami smiled in understanding. "I'm Ami--Adam said he needed a break for a while, so I agreed to 'stand watch', as Megabyte would put it."
"Yes, I'm sure Mr. Newman 'needed a break'. I was just about to check in with the Control Room, if you're interested?" She commented. Ami frowned slightly.
"I think I should stay with Carrie, just in case." She said after a moment's consideration.
"I believe she and Derek are discussing something of 'monumental importance'. They'll probably be busy for at least another week or so." Rachel stated, drawing a smile from Ami.
"In that case, if you don't mind the company….." The pretty British girl replied with a smile.
"Not at all. Allow me to show you the way." Rachel replied, ushering Ami out the door.
Chapter Four
An office in an undisclosed building
"James?" Randolph Hitchcock called as he pulled on his coat.
"Yes, sir?" His assistant nervously poked his head in the door.
"I do believe it's time we paid a visit to the San Francisco Legacy House." Hitchcock stated as he walked out the door of his office, his assistant behind him. "Be sure to alert our agent of our arrival." He instructed his assistant, who immediately flipped open a cell phone.
'Finally, the tables will be turned on Derek Rayne as he gets to watch what's most precious to him be lost forever!' Randolph Hitchcock declared to himself.
******
Angel Island, Derek Rayne's office
Carrie put her mother's journal down on the edge of the desk with shaking hands. She kept looking at the walls, the floors, anything but Derek's face.
"This says that I'm--" She fumbled for words. Derek leaned forward in his chair. "That you're--, that we're--" She finally met his eyes, but hers were wide with shock and confusion. She just couldn't finish the sentence.
"Your mother quite clearly acknowledges me as your father." Derek finished quietly, rising from his chair and walking around the desk to face Carrie. He knelt in front of her chair, and grasped her hands in his. Tears began to roll down Carrie's cheeks, and Derek himself felt a lump rising in his throat.
"It's funny," Carrie began, looking at Derek. "I remember Mom telling me as we drove into LA that, as soon as she had talked to someone there, we'd be on our way to San Francisco. Do you think…?"
"I certainly hope that was what she was thinking." Derek told her as he pulled her close. Father and daughter both burst into tears.
******
En route to Angel Island
"We're about ten minutes from Angel Island, sir." The driver of the limousine told Hitchcock, who smiled sinisterly.
"Instruct our agent to put the second part of our plan in motion." He instructed his assistant.
"Yes, sir, of course, sir." The mousy man replied, once again pulling out his cell phone.
"Thomas, I'll want you to come with us--you'll go around back with James." Hitchcock instructed. His driver nodded wordlessly.
Hitchcock leaned back in the luxurious cushions of his limousine. He was finally going to get revenge on Derek Rayne, and the man suspected absolutely nothing!
******
Angel Island, the Control Room
Alex hung up the phone, a quizzical expression on her face.
"What's wrong?" Nick asked, glancing up from his computer console, where he was trying to decipher the symbols from the rod. Alex shook her head, and ran her fingers through her hair as she sat down next to him.
"Well, my friend from the Rome House went through the records of the donation, but you were right, the benefactor did use an alias." She stated tiredly.
"You were actually expecting this to be easy?" Nick asked with a lopsided grin.
"I just wanted this one to be an innocent mix-up for once." She returned, socking him lightly in the arm. Rachel and Ami suddenly came through the hologram. Alex grinned as she saw Ami gazing around the room with awe.
"Impressive, isn't it?" She asked with a chuckle.
"Yes. I was in here before, but it still seems so…complicated." The girl commented, just as the computer beeped, signaling the translation of the symbols was complete. Rachel, Alex, and Nick looked towards the main screen, while a sudden flash of light in the corner caught Ami's attention. It faded to reveal a familiar girl of medium height with light brown hair.
"Jade, what are you doing here?" She asked, mentally calculating the time difference. It would be early morning in London, but still too early for Jade to be up.
"I was bored." Jade replied petulantly, already tuning Ami out and wandering off to look at all the computer equipment. Ami caught her by the shoulder of her jacket.
"Hey, wait a minute. You should be home in bed, you know!" She scolded. Alex, Rachel, and Nick exchanged amused glances. "Does your mother know where you are?"
"I left her a note!" Jade exclaimed, shaking off Ami's grasp. "Besides, I can make my own decisions." Ami sighed, mentally asking any and all heavenly bodies listening to give her patience enough to deal with this girl. Her plea was cut short, however, when the lights went out.
******
Derek Rayne's office
Carrie pulled away in alarm as the room was plunged into darkness. Derek glanced around with concern.
"The emergency generator should have kicked in by now." He said after a few minutes. They both rose. Derek found his way around his desk and pulled a flashlight out of a drawer. He flicked the switch, and a beam of light pierced the darkness. "Stay close." He told his daughter as they both moved cautiously in the darkness towards the door. Derek cursed to himself when they reached it.
'I should have insisted that they install a manual release!' He exclaimed inwardly, pushing uselessly at the computerized door. Carrie edged past him.
"Let me try." She said, placing her hand against the door. "Computers are Megabyte's department, but I should still be able to give the doors a shove--there!" She exclaimed as the doors slid open just enough for them to slide through.
They moved down the hallway cautiously, the flashlight not totally eliminating the possibility of an unseen threat. Carrie tried telepathically to contact the others, and was surprised to find two of her teammates so close by.
:What are you guys doing here?: She 'pathed.
:I took over for Adam.: Ami replied. :Jade just showed up a few minutes ago.: Carrie relayed this information to Derek, and he nodded.
"Tell them and my team to stay put. It wouldn't do any good to have us all running around here in the dark." He instructed, and Carrie passed the message on. They moved more quickly now, both driven by a strange sense of urgency. A sudden crash sounded as they passed by the library. Derek was about to go charging in, but Carrie put a restraining hand on his arm.
"You need to get to Nick and the others and figure out what's going on. Let me handle this. It's probably on of the servants who got scared." She whispered. "Besides, I have an ace up my sleeve, remember?" She added with a smile. Derek scrutinized her for a moment, and then relented.
"Just be careful." He cautioned. Carrie nodded as she entered the darkened room.
******
The Control Room
Ami quickly relayed Derek's instructions to the rest of the group, and watched as they discussed them amongst themselves.
"I should be out there checking the perimeter!" Nick exclaimed agitatedly.
"Come on, Nick. Derek should be here in a few minutes, and then you can have it out with him." Rachel pointed out tiredly. Alex suddenly pressed her hands to her head and cried out, as if in pain.
"What's wrong, Alex?" Ami asked in alarm. She had heard from Carrie about the Sight, but this was her first real experience with a Seer.
"Someone's coming!" Alex exclaimed, not opening her eyes. "Someone evil--my God, it's Randolph Hitchcock!" she cried, reaching out and gripping Nick's arm. "We have to warn Derek!"
"What's happening? Who's Randolph Hitchcock?" Jade whispered at Ami's elbow.
"I don't know. But we'll get through this, I promise." Ami whispered back consolingly. They watched as Nick pulled his gun from his holster and headed out through where the hologram should have been. Alex and Rachel soon followed.
"You should go home, Jade." Ami told her. "We may need you as backup later." The younger girl stubbornly shook her head.
"No way. You should 'path Carrie and the guys, though." She pointed out. Ami couldn't believe she hadn’t thought of that. Adam and Megabyte soon joined the two girls in the Control Room, but Carrie was another story.
******
The Kitchen
Carrie moved as quietly as she could through the darkened room, thankful for the dim moonlight that filtered through the blinds. A sudden movement in the corner of her eye caused her to spin around, and to come face to face with a hand holding a gun of some kind.
Instinctively, Carrie telekinetically pushed outward, and knocked the gun from the intruder's hand. It clattered to the floor on the other side of the room. The figure lunged at her, and caught Carrie off guard. The two of them fell to the floor, with Carrie banging her head on the edge of the table as they went down. Dazed, she laid where she had fallen, while her adversary rolled to his feet, and scrambled for his gun.
He had it in his hands and pointed at her before she realized what was happening. Carrie froze in the action of rising to her feet, but her attention was not on the person holding the gun. Instead, she was focusing on the figure coming up behind him with a frying pan.
Adam swung with all his strength at the intruder, hoping their block against killing didn't include defending themselves or their friends. Fate must have smiled on him, because, in the next instant, the masked figure was sliding to the floor, unconscious. Carrie stood shakily, and threw her arms around him. Adam chuckled under his breath.
"Now we're even." He told her with a smile as she pulled away. Carrie looked at him with a confused expression. "The museum, remember?" He prompted.
"How could I forget?" She replied with a smile. A thought struck her as they pulled the intruder into a sitting position against the wall.
:Where are the others?: She 'pathed.
:Ami and Jade are with Alex, Rachel, and Nick. Megabyte and I split up to look for you and Derek.: He stated. :We tried to 'path you, but I guess you were otherwise occupied.: He added with a smile. Carrie nodded absently as she stared at the intruder. She looked around the room carefully. None of the windows were broken, and she didn't think the intruder had been wandering around the House for very long. She knelt in front of the figure, and pulled off the ski mask which had covered his face. She gasped as she recognized the face of her attacker in the filtered moonlight.
"Alice!" She exclaimed under her breath. Adam looked at her, confusion written on his face. "She's a new maid that just started working here when we met Derek and everyone." She explained. Adam nodded.
"I guess her resume has more than just cleaning houses on it." He deadpanned. Carrie stared at him in surprise for a moment before an urgent telepathic summons intruded.
:Guys, come quick! You've gotta see this!: Megabyte exclaimed. Adam and Carrie were on their feet in an instant.
:What do we do about her?: Carrie asked. Adam considered it for a moment.
:Where are the towels?: He asked. Carrie retrieved some from a nearby drawer, and helped Adam tie the 'maid's' wrists and ankles together.
******
The Library
During his search for Carrie and Derek, Megabyte had ended up where he had started, in the library. He was greeted by a very different sight than when he had left, though.
The odd Chinese rod from Rome had found its way into the library once again, and was also glowing again, only this time it was also hovering above the table.
'Aw, man!' Megabyte thought to himself. 'What am I supposed to do about that thing?' The red haired computer hacker rubbed his temples slightly. There was some kind of buzz in the room that was giving him a headache. Ignoring the pain, he quickly contacted his teammates, and they all assembled in the library. Carrie pushed the rod telekinetically several times, but it had no effect. Everyone found it hard to concentrate from the buzzing noise the rod produced. They stared at the rod for several moments, trying to figure out the best way to retrieve the artifact without damaging it or themselves.
They didn't have to think for very long, however, because a sudden squeal from Jade caught their attention. Every teleporter whirled around to come face to face with Alice the maid. She had one arm wrapped around Jade's neck, and the other hand was pointing a gun at the girl's head.
Chapter Five
The Foyer
Derek had just entered the front entryway when the doors were flung open. He threw his hands up to shield himself, but there was no barrage of fire. Derek quickly flattened himself against the wall and watched as the lights abruptly came back on, and his old nemesis Randolph Hitchcock stepped through the door.
"Derek!" His old enemy cried upon seeing him. "How kind of you to meet me."
"What are you doing here?" Derek asked coldly. The smile faded from Hitchcock's face.
"You always get right to the point, Derek. I've always admired that, so let me follow suit. I'm here to finish what I started with that scroll." Hitchcock told him with a smug grin as he pulled a gun from beneath his coat. Both men were momentarily distracted by Nick, Rachel, and Alex suddenly appearing around the corner.
Nick immediately aimed his gun and would have fired, except he suddenly felt something cold poking in his back. He turned around slowly to come face to face with the barrel of a gun aimed by a small, mousy man. Rachel and Alex stood together against the wall, trapped by Thomas, Hitchcock's driver.
"We've got them, Mr. Hitchcock." The mousy man called out as he motioned for Nick to place his gun on the floor. The ex-Navy Seal complied, his eyes never leaving the gun pointed at his heart.
"Very good, James." His employer replied. "I hope you have figured it out by now, Derek, but just to be clear--try anything and your little "family" will cease to exist."
******
The Library
Everyone froze for a moment, unsure of how to react. They were surprised further when the lights suddenly came back to life.
:Teleport, Jade!: Several telepathic voices urged her at once.
"I-I can't!" She wailed miserably. She had tried several times, but she was just too frightened to concentrate, and that weird buzzing sound was annoying her. Alice's grasp suddenly tightened around her throat.
"Mr. Hitchcock warned me--no talking behind my back, or the kid gets a new airhole!" the former maid exclaimed, pressing the barrel of the gun closer against Jade's forehead. The girl shivered in fear.
"Hold on a minute--we mean you no harm," Adam told her, moving forward with hands raised in peace. Alice dragged Jade backwards a few steps.
"No way are any you getting close enough to try anything." She commented. "Now, Red, get that thing down from there." She instructed, jerking her head in Megabyte's direction. With a quick glance at his friends, the computer hacker scrambled up on the table and reached for the rod. The closer he got, the louder the buzzing noise became. There was a hissing noise as his fingers finally brushed the artifact's surface, and he jerked his hand back in surprise.
"Come on!" Alice exclaimed agitatedly. "Get that thing down already!" Her attention was centered on Megabyte as he reached for the rod again, this time with a handkerchief protecting his hand, and Carrie saw her chance. Telekinetically, she pushed at the gun in Alice's hand.
The gun jerked in her hand, but Alice tightened her grip. However, her arm loosened around Jade, and the girl twisted out from under her captor's grasp. Ami caught her by the arm, and yanked Jade out of danger.
Carrie pushed harder at the gun in the woman's hand, and managed to fling it across the room. Megabyte, meanwhile, had grabbed the rod, which he tossed to Adam, who gingerly put it in his pocket. Megabyte then jumped off the table and directly onto Alice. They both fell to the ground, and, together, the teleporters were quickly able to subdue her.
:What do we do with her now?: Megabyte 'pathed once they had secured her arms and feet with cord from the Control Room. Adam frowned thoughtfully.
:I think the best thing would be to take her to your dad. She knows about us, too much to be safe with the police.: He replied.
:Tell your dad to send some backup while he's at it.: Carrie added. :Well, something's sure got the others occupied, right?: She asked when her teammates looked at her in surprise.
:I hadn't noticed, but we haven't heard from them in a while.: Ami commented. :Something's got to be wrong.: They conferred further, and Megabyte and Ami eventually disappeared with their adversary in tow.
:Now, let's see what's going on out there.: Adam remarked as the rest of the team headed out the door.
******
The Foyer
"What do you want, Randolph?" Derek asked from his place against the wall, his voice and eyes filled with ice. The balding man simply laughed.
"Isn't it obvious, Derek?" Hitchcock asked. "You stole what was most precious to me, and now I'm going to take away what is most precious to you." Derek caught the eye of his head of security, who was seated across the room, along with Rachel and Alex. Hitchcock's assistant was guarding them, while his driver had been sent to check for others in the House. Nick nodded his head slightly, indicating he was prepared to follow his Precept's lead.
"I didn't kill Alicia, or order her death, Randolph." Derek told him, trying to keep his adversary talking for as long as possible.
"That may be what you tell yourself, but we both know what really happened that day!" Hitchcock exclaimed.
"What do you think happened?" Derek asked. His enemy looked at him curiously, but answered his question.
"Alicia was in love with me, and you couldn't stand it! You sent her into that cavern when you knew perfectly well it was dangerous!" He cried. "You not only took her life, but the lives of our children--all of our heirs! For that, Derek Rayne, I will take the life of your child and heir!"
Derek felt his blood run cold. How could Hitchcock possibly know about Carrie? Unless--
"You sent me Grace's journal, didn't you?" He challenged.
"Yes. When I discovered who Carrie Morgan really was, it was as if Fate had dropped the perfect instrument of revenge in my lap!" Hitchcock exclaimed. "All I had to do was drop you a little hint and let my artifact take affect!"
"Your artifact?" Derek questioned. Neither man was aware of the trio of teleporters who were hiding just inside the living room doorway.
:We've got to distract them somehow!: Carrie exclaimed. She would have leapt forward and done the job herself if Adam hadn't stopped her.
:We need a plan, first.: He pointed out reasonably. Carrie nodded, barely containing her anger. :If we free Nick and the others first, we'll have more backup.:
:But then Hitchcock might hurt my father!: Carrie cried fearfully. The other two teleporters stared at her. They had reached the room right after Hitchcock's declaration.
:Your father!?: Jade squealed mentally. :When did you find this out?: she demanded.
******
The Library
Three flashes of light filled the room, fading to reveal Ami, Megabyte, and General Damon. They glanced around cautiously, but there was no one in sight.
"Where are we, Megabyte?" His father asked.
"The Library, Dad." was the quick answer. General Damon rolled his eyes exasperatedly at his son, who shrugged as if to say 'you asked'.
"Someone's coming!" Ami whispered excitedly, and the three of them ducked down behind some furniture.
Thomas, Hitchcock's driver, stealthily entered the room, gun at the ready. He edged past the General's hiding place, and Damon emerged just as quietly, his own gun drawn. A quick blow to the back of the head, and Thomas sunk to the floor. Ami and Megabyte emerged as the General picked up the other gun and put it on the table.
"Is there any of that cord left?" Damon asked. His son retreated into the Control Room, and returned with a roll of electrical cord. A few minutes later, their attacker was restrained. "Try to contact the others." The General urged.
:What's going on out there?: Megabyte sent.
:Plenty.: Adam returned through their link. :Where are you guys?:
:In the library. We just took care of some idiot with a gun.: Megabyte replied. :Where are you?:
:In the living room.: Carrie supplied, along with a mental image of the situation. :We can sure use two more sets of hands.:
:Three more.: Ami replied. :General Damon came with us.: Relief flooded to her telepathically.
:We're on our way.: Megabyte assured the others as they made their way towards them.
******
The Foyer
Tension was building as the situation dragged on. Hitchcock looked at his watch and sighed angrily.
"James!" His assistant jumped a mile.
"Yes, sir?" He asked quickly.
"Where is Thomas? I sent him to find that brat nearly half an hour ago!" Hitchcock exclaimed.
"I-I don't know, sir. This is a huge house, maybe he hasn't found her yet." The mousy man offered. His employer turned away from him in disgust.
"None of this would have happened if Staller had gotten it right the first time!" Hitchcock cried, catching the attention of the trio hidden just inside the living room doorway. "All he had to do was stay out of trouble until it was time for the final attack, but he took matters into his own hands!" Carrie and Adam glanced at each other worriedly. Jade just looked confused.
"And then there was that bit with the urn, sir--" James offered.
"Don't even mention that!" Hitchcock told his assistant. "I hired incompetents, and paid for it by having the urn and its contents fall into the hands of the Legacy almost immediately!" He exclaimed. Now all three teleporters looked worried. The situation improved, though, when Ami, Megabyte, and the General joined them shortly afterward.
:So what's the plan?: Megabyte asked, but no one had an answer. Except his father, that is.
"We need to split up. Megabyte, Jade, and Ami, you three take care of that man holding Nick, Rachel, and Alex. I'll handle this Hitchcock guy." He whispered.
"And we'll get Derek out of danger." Carrie finished, gesturing to herself and Adam. The General nodded.
"You two get to Dr. Rayne and then clear out. That goes for all of you--do what you have to, and then get out of the way." The General instructed as he stood, and crept up to the doorway, his gun drawn.
:He means 'Let the adults handle it.': Megabyte groused as the team split up. Everyone ignored him, each focusing on their own assignments. They quickly moved into position, with Megabyte, Ami, and Jade creeping through the kitchen and around to the other side of the foyer. Adam and Carrie kept close behind the General.
For his part, Damon stood just inside the doorway, watching for his opportunity. Hitchcock strode around the foyer impatiently, waiting for his driver to return, presumably with Carrie in tow. The General waited until the man had his back turned, and then moved quickly, pressing his gun into his back. Hitchcock froze in surprise.
"Drop the gun." Damon told him coldly, and the weapon abruptly dropped to the ground. The clattering sound was enough to distract James from across the room, and the teleporters moved into action. Adam and Carrie helped Derek to his feet, and into the living room, while Megabyte poked a finger in the other man's back. Startled, James dropped his gun, and Jade picked it up gingerly.
She gladly turned it over to Alex while General Damon and the Legacy wrapped things up. Everything fell apart, however, when the General began to lead Hitchcock out of the foyer. The madman spotted the Chinese rod, which had fallen out of Adam's pocket as he had helped Derek. Hitchcock twisted out of the General's grasp with surprising strength, and had the rod in his hands the next instant. Everyone froze, uncertain of what he was planning to do with the artifact.
"You had no idea what you had here, did you?" Hitchcock questioned delightedly. "Not only does this rod affect psychics, but it is also useful for escapes, if you know how to use it!" He declared, murmuring a few words in a foreign language, and tossing the rod into the air.
A blinding flash of light overwhelmed the Legacy members, teleporters, and General Damon, as well as Hitcock's assistant. When they were able to see straight again, they found that Hitchock had escaped once again.
Nick ran outside, quickly followed by the General, but Hitchcock was long gone. Fortunately, his assistant was as loyal as his employer. When faced with the threat of possible jail time, James spilled everything he knew about Hitchcock's operations. Derek knew that Hitchcock would keep the most important information to himself, but perhaps the Legacy could use this information to slow him down in the future.
Once all the dust had settled, and James and Thomas had been sent to join their accomplice, the Legacy initiates, teleporters, and the General found themselves sitting at the long conference table in the Library--the only table long enough to accommodate everyone.
"Can someone please explain to me why my son and Ami showed up at my office this morning, with a prisoner, and told me that you people were under siege?" Damon asked exasperatedly. The teens exchanged smiles up and down the table.
"Randolph Hitchcock was an old friend of mine before his fiancee was killed; he blames me for her death. He has tried to take revenge once before, with a lost Dead Sea Scroll, but that is a story for another time." Derek replied with a smile. "I must say," he went on, "that I am very surprised and pleased by the resourcefulness of all of you." He gestured with his hand to include all the teleporters, but he kept his eyes on Carrie.
"Without your help, Hitchcock may have very well won and destroyed us all. You have our thanks." He finished, and everyone rose from the table. They would have headed to their homes for a well-deserved rest, but Jade suddenly spoke up.
"Wait a minute! What about what you found out, Carrie?" She asked mischievously. The older teleporter glared at her, but Derek took over.
"I assume most of you figured it out from Randolph's statement, but it would appear that, in a way, I owe him. He returned to me something I never knew had been lost--my daughter." He extended his hand with a broad smile, and Carrie moved to stand beside him. Smiles were evident throughout the group as everyone gathered to congratulate them.
Standing next to her father, Carrie felt something she had only felt at the Ship before--an overwhelming sense of coming home.
The End?? What do you think? :-)