Fledgling (30 page)

Chance pulled up into Kenny’s Auto Shop and sauntered over to the side of the building. Kenny was stacking some loose tires against the back of the brick wall.

“Hey, Kenny. I was wondering if that heater hose came in yet?” he asked, leaning against the edge of the lime green building while watching passing cars. His eyes combed past some finches scavenging near a grassy meadow. Scurrying onto the oily gravel, they darted back and forth in a hungry relay race. He looked back at Kenny who was standing and staring at him.

“Something on your mind?” Kenny asked in amusement.

Chance frowned and shook his head, “Naw, it’s nothing.”

“Sorry, man. I just got a call from Arney and he said the shipment was delayed-maybe a couple more days.”

“Oh, okay. Yeah, I gotta take off. When did you want me back?”

Kenny scratched his head, and smiled. “You that eager to get back to work? Like I said-enjoy some time off and I’ll see you in a week, say.”

Chance shrugged and turned. “Kay, see ya’.”

He jogged back to his truck and as he fired up the engine a black flying form flew overhead and landed on Kenny’s sign.

He shook his head. Now he was on the lookout; every animal was suspicious. This was going to be a challenge.

The shiny black truck crawled onto the highway and sped to Ana’s house. Blurred wilderness fell behind until he crawled onto her driveway. A cloud of dust caught up, placing a hazy veil around his windows and he waited for it to settle before opening his door.

He darted up the walk and counted five squirrels clamoring around a grove of firs, and detected some kind of small furry mammal hidden in the nearby field. His senses were on fire, everything throwing an alarm.

Before he realized, Ana was by his side, looking curiously at him.

“So, what did you do today?” she asked as they walked out to his gleaming black truck.

“Not much. I was totally bored, so I caught a good two hour nap on the couch. How ‘bout you?”

“Oh, Eva and I played a couple card games. Then I finished my portfolio. Mom wants to take it to work. I guess she knows some people who may need a photographer. We’ll see.”

“That’d be cool. Hungry? Ready for some burritos?”

“Yeah, I didn’t eat lunch, so I’m starving.”

They drove to a Mexican restaurant in Sandpoint. From their booth they heard the sound of soft Mariachi music filling the air. The waitress approached wearing a red shirt with her hair slicked back into a bun.

“Hi, can we have two iced teas to start? Thanks.”

Chance peered at Ana over the top of his menu. “So, was it hard not stargazing last night?”

“No way. When I thought about some guy out there watching me, I was more than happy staying indoors. I’ll be relieved when your grandfather thinks he’s gone, or that it’s safe again,” she said staring at the menu before her. “I’m a little freaked out. Your grandfather said his
own brother
killed their father and probably his brother too. Who knows what kind of nut job is out there looking for you.”

Goosebumps rose on her arms, and she tried smoothing them down with her hands. “I hope you’re taking his advice seriously, Chance. You aren’t using your powers anymore…right?”

He reached his hand out to hers, warming her cool fingers under his. “Don’t worry, Ana. I don’t want you hurting yourself from the stress. Try not to think about it.”

“Yeah, right. That’s easy to say. And that isn’t an answer. Are
you
keeping your mind off of it?” she asked, her shoulders tensing.

His gaze went to the approaching waitress. She placed their drinks on the table and waited with her book ready to take their order.

“I’ll have the smothered chicken burrito.” Ana snapped her menu shut and pinched up her face like she tasted something sour.

“And the beef taco dinner platter-thanks.” Chance handed their menus to the waitress, waiting for her to walk away before addressing Ana.

“Look-I understand. You’re worried. I think everything should be fine. Let’s just try not to think about it tonight. Let’s just enjoy our time out together.” His hands crept across the table, and cradled hers delicately. “Hey, you know you look really pretty tonight. It’ll be hard sitting next to you in the dark theater. I’m not sure which I’ll be watching more.” He lifted her hand and kissed each finger.

Small goose pimples rose on her skin again and she brushed her hair behind her shoulder, muttering, “Smooth talker. I can’t resist you,” she rolled her eyes.

Chuckling in victory, Chance lifted his eyebrow and kissed the top of her hand.

Their first dinner date seemed to move them past their worries and concerns. Ana walked out of the restaurant full and drowsy. Chance was happy to lead her to the truck, and she allowed him to navigate for her. The setting sun made the sky glow azure, and thin clouds streaked across like pulled taffy.

“Now, what movie were we seeing again? I forgot.”

“You know, that one about the self taught rocket scientist. With that guy you like…”

“Riiiight. I hope I can keep my eyes open, that food made me sleepy.”

“Your
normal
tired?”

“For the most part. There was a really noisy bird outside my window early this morning. It wasn’t you, was it?” Ana asked, cocking her head.

“Innocent.” He lifted his hands up.

Caw, caw.

They began walking down the gray street to the parking lot. A couple of ravens were pecking at a pile of crumbs in the dying light beside the street corner. And perched on the bed of Chance’s truck was a solitary crow. Before she realized it, Chance was gone from her side using inhuman speed and darted through the lot. With a triumphant smile, he stood beside his truck holding the surprised crow in his hands. It began pecking at his fingers and cawing in surprise.

“Chance?! What are you
doing
?!”

“It could be him…the…the guy!”

The bird was staring wide-eyed, turning its head around trying to figure out what was happening. It continued to caw and Chance pinched his fingers around its beak, silencing it.

Disturbed and a little doubtful, she glanced from the bird to Chance. “Um, it looks
just
like a frightened bird to me…”

“You said this morning a bird was cawing outside your window…and I’ve noticed crows around,” Chance explained, feeling the wind let out of his sail.

“Um, I may not be as knowledgeable as you about animals, but I
do
know that crows are like the most common bird,
riiight
?”

Heat radiated from his cheeks as the wind let out of his sails, and he grew embarrassed. He examined the frightened bird in his clenched hands, then Ana’s bewildered look.

He threw the bird into the air, watching it fly into the nebulous sky and rubbed his temple, staring at the ground.

“That was embarrassing. Okay, so maybe it’s been bothering me more than I’ve let on. It can’t hurt to be observant and cautious.”

Ana hugged him and whispered, “Don’t be embarrassed. I agree-it can’t hurt that you’re trying to look out for us. At least you didn’t hurt the bird.”

“I guess I ate
crow
tonight.”

Their laughter rose through the darkening parking lot, as a nearby light flickered and went out. The dark flying form had since disappeared, but its noisy protest could still be heard.

Chapter 36.

“Come over,” Chance’s voice pleaded through the phone.

Ana stretched out on their couch lounging in the ratty shirt and flannel pants she had slept in. Eva sat on the floor in front of her, watching cartoons and eating dry cereal from the box.

“But I’m not even dressed.”

“Perfect.”

“Ugh. Well-I could drive over after a shower. Give me an hour…or so.”

“I love you even when you’re dirty. Okay, okay, I’ll wait and try to be
patient
.”

“Me, too-see you soon,” Ana laughed before shutting the phone.

It took another ten minutes to get enough motivation to pull herself off the couch. Her slouching silhouette slunk through the house, like she was part of the Adam’s Family.

Later, her erect figure reemerged from the bathroom with wet hair and a rejuvenated step. She tugged through her empty drawers, realizing it was time to do laundry. After locating a fresh pair of jeans and a plain white tee, she brushed out her tangled chestnut locks and lumbered down the stairs, shoes in hand.

Melissa greeted her in the kitchen, “Decided to scrape yourself off the couch? You look freshened up. Guess the shower did the trick. What are you up to today?”

“I’m headed to Chance’s now. I get the feeling we’re just going to wind up bored together. But that’s better than being bored alone.”

Ana sat on the edge of her seat and leaned over to slip on her shoes. Half way through she had to sit up when too much blood rushed to her head, making her dizzy.

“Well, I hope you have a nice time together being bored. If you’re looking for something to do you could always help me organize my closet,” she half joked.

“Have fun with that,” Ana said rising to her feet. “Oh, I think I need to stop for gas. Can I please have some gas money?” Ana batted her eyes.

“Oh, and you’re ready to leave me high and dry when it comes to my closet? Thanks.” Melissa bantered and grabbed her purse off a kitchen chair, pulling out her wallet. She handed Ana some folded bills and said before letting go, “I have a couple photography job prospects lining up for you. I’m getting to know lots of people from working at the bank. Anyways, soon you’ll be covering your
own
gas bills.” Melissa smirked and released the money.

“I guess that’s fair.” Ana admitted and added, “I appreciate it all Mom, thanks.”

“Well, you know I’d do anything for you.” Melissa pecked her cheek and Ana left looking for her keys and wallet.

After finding her belongings she began the drive to Chance’s house. A mile or two past the city limits she pulled off into a gas station that butted up against the base of a pine forest.

As Ana leaned against the side of her van pumping gas she observed the landscape across the highway. A wide grassy stretch extended up to a cluster of birch trees shielding the dark winding river.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a dark form walking toward her.

From the porch Chance watched ominous clouds tumbling through the atmosphere. He felt electricity in the air, raising the hair on his arms. His impatience was palpable, making him pace, unable to keep still. He wished he were in the meadow training and not on restriction.

If Ana was here at least his attention would be more readily engaged. Where was she anyway?

He held the claw-like remain his grandfather gave him as he paced. His thumb traced along the arch, creating friction; blue light glinted.

Ringing came from his back pocket and he flipped his phone open. “Where have you been?! You said you were coming over after a shower? It’s been over
three hours
!”

Silence.

Chance’s eyes squinted, and his skin tingled in warning. “Hello? Ana?”

A voice answered him, but it wasn’t Ana’s.

“I’m sorry…Ana’s busy right now…busy turning blue. I think she needs a doctor,” the pubescent voice chuckled.

“What?! Who is this?! What’s happened to Ana?!” Chance’s veins flared out of his neck as he roared into the phone.

“Is that how you talk to family? Play nice, Chance.” Chance could hear the voice was being thrown to stay deep and smooth, but a couple high pitched tones broke through the condescension. A young teenager, definitely.

His body released its tension except for the hand holding the phone, which was coiled so tight, his fingernails were opaque, “What do you want?”

“To meet you. Come join us. We’re at the top of the mountain just north of your home. You can’t miss us-not with
your
eyesight. Oh, and uh…you might want to hurry-she
really
isn’t looking good.”

Chance could tell the boy was smirking and his temper flared. His energy no longer blue, turned into a burning red inferno, licking at the air around him as it radiated beyond his body.

“If you hurt her…” Chance growled through pursed lips.

Cracking broke through.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to threaten me.”

The connection went dead as Chance frantically yelled into the phone.

Birds burst high from their perches as a booming howl tore across the mountainside.

Chapter 37.

Chance tore through the house and ran upstairs to his grandfather’s room. Without knocking, he burst through the door.

Niyol was facing him as he sat at the end of his bed. His face was pale, his eyes wide.

“He has her, Grandfather! They’re at the top of the mountain-just north of the house! I have to get her-save her!” Chance said in one breath.

Niyol stood and opened his mouth to speak, but Chance brushed past him to his bedroom window. The curtains were yanked off the rod as he shoved the window open. In one smooth movement he flung himself from the window, dropping down.