I Can Hear You (7 page)

I thought about telling her any kind of alcohol would work, even though I didn’t drink.  Instead, I asked for water.  When she handed me a glass, I replied, “Thank you.”

“Let me get the key and I’ll show you to the apartment,” Brian said.

“Thank You.”

Mikal

“Commander,” Avis said as he bowed his head.

I turned so I could address him.  “Yes Avis, what do you need.”

“Commander, I ah…I ah”

“Avis!  I don’t have all day, spit it out,” I said in a stern voice.

“Yes sir.  I lost the transport crystal.  I must have dropped it when I engaged the two Santiarns.  I returned to the alley, but it wasn’t there.  I’m sorry sir.”  He bowed his head waiting for punishment.

The transport crystal allowed us to move from one realm to another.  It looked like a smooth white stone that contained magic, which opened the portal.  The stone would turn into a clear crystal while it’s magic was being accessed.   Only my people could use the transport crystals. They had to have Cusasleon blood flowing in their veins.  Still, this transgression could not go unpunished.  I didn’t need my men to think I was weak, even if I was known for being fair.

“You are forbidden to return to the human realm until further notice.  You are to report to Damien at the training fields first thing in the morning.  Understand?”

“Yes, Commander, thank you, sir.”  I turned and headed toward the castle.  I needed to speak with the Elders.

“Come in Mikal.”  Risya called before I could even lift my hand to knock.

She was one of the oldest remaining elders and the one I would seek out first.  She was easy to talk with, but sometimes I was left with riddles.  As I entered the chambers, I found her standing near a window wearing a white toga styled dress.  Her hair had long since faded to gray and was piled on top of her head.  Her actions and dress made her appear regal even with the deep wrinkles set in her face.

“Thank you, Risya.”  I closed the door as I entered.

“You’re troubled,” she stated.

“Yes.”

She turned and gazed at me before finally speaking.  “What would you like to know?”

I couldn’t help the smile that briefly made an appearance before my face turned expressionless once again.  “I worry that we’re losing the war with the Santiarns.  I’m afraid we can’t keep the Humans safe much longer.  They are increasing their forces and the last few times I’ve tracked them, they’ve led me to the same girl.”

“I see.”  She turned and looked out the window while I patiently waited for her to say more.  When she finally turned back to me, she said, “Around 1000 years ago, one of the seers foretold the future, a prophecy of sorts.  It was told that a human would determine the outcome of the war, depending on which side she took.  Although, this human is actually no human at all.”

“What does that mean?”  I asked as I scrunched my nose and my brows drew together in concentration.

“That’s all I know, Mikal.  We have been waiting for someone to make themselves known.”

“But the law states that no Human is allowed here, nor are we allowed to interact with them.” 

“This is true.”  She hesitated, “There is one here that you could talk with.”

That got my attention.  “Who is that?”

“Desambriel.”

Desambriel, also known as Des, is the once great warrior who was forbidden from entering the human realm indefinitely.  I’d heard rumors that he had dated a human woman, but that happened before I took over as Commander.  The rumors stated that he had been stripped of his warrior title, forbidden to travel to the human realm and he was stripped down and whipped for his transgressions.

“Thank you.”

While I was walking the grounds outside the Castle, I noticed how beautiful the flowers were.  Unlike the human realm, the weather was always warm and the flowers were always blooming here.  Nothing in my world resembled theirs; at least I didn’t think so.  As I walked around trying to figure out my next move, Lukke walked up beside me.

He nodded, “Commander.”

“Hey, Lukke,” I said distractedly.

“What’s wrong, Mikal?”  Only Lukke could ask me something so casually. 

“I think I need to make a trip to visit a civilian called Desambriel.”  I glanced at Lukke from the corner of my eye, wondering if he recognized the name.  By his widening eyes, my question was answered. 

“If you’ll permit it, Commander, I’ll accompany you.  I’ve heard that he lives in solitude and does not welcome visitors.”

I nodded confirmation.  “Gather supplies and I’ll let the stable hand know that we will need two Cefis readied for the trip.”  Lukke nodded before he hurried away.

I met Lukke at the stables and after mounting the Cefis, we were on our way.  We had several mountains to cross before we would arrive at Des’ home.  It would be an uneventful trip as our realm was a peace-loving place.  We passed by several waterfalls with luscious blue grass.  Yes, this place was unlike the Human realm.

Two hours later, we came upon a little bungalow that sat in the middle of a field that had flowers blooming.  As we neared, I hopped off my Cefis and grabbed the reins.  As Lukke took them from me, I trekked off toward the bungalow.  A male that looked about my age walked out onto the porch with a scowl on his face.

“You’re not welcome here!” he called.

“Sir, I just need a moment of your time.”  I called back to him.

“I have nothing to say to you.  Please leave.”

“Des, just hear me out.”  He could tell by my posture that I would not take
no
for an answer.  The weight of the war rested on my shoulders and I would not let one stubborn man get in my way.

When I got to the front porch, I could see the scars peeking out from under his shirt.  They ran up his neck and down his hands.  The only place that remained untouched was his face.  He had brown hair and dull brown eyes that spoke of a hard life.

“What do you want?” he demanded and I bristled.  How dare he talk to me in that tone!  Before I could reprimand him, I caught myself and held my tongue.  I needed his help.

“You are aware of the war?” I asked.

“I am.  It’s the same war that’s been going on for centuries.”  He crossed his arms and held a stern look.

“It’s not the same.  Before, we were keeping the humans safe and it was relatively easy.  Ornias has upped his efforts and now we are lucky to keep them at bay.  Risya spoke of a prophecy about a human that will decide who will win.  She suggested that I speak with you.”  Immediately, he shut down even more if it were possible.

“I can’t help you.  Leave and don’t come back.”  He turned and went inside, slamming the door behind him.

“I think we’ve wasted our time, Commander.”

He was probably right, but I didn’t come all the way here just to give up so easily.  With sure steps, I marched to the porch and yelled through the door.  “Des, I am not leaving until you speak with me!” Nothing. Pounding my fist on the door, I yelled, “Des, I repeat, I am not leaving until yo…” the door opened and his hate filled face stood almost nose to nose with me.

“Why don’t you go home and just leave an me alone.  Haven’t you all taken enough from me already?”

I sighed, not wanting to discuss whatever happened.  “I’m sorry Des; I didn’t have anything to do with what happened to you.  Right now I just want to take care of our people and the humans.”

“Fine, you can come in, but he,” he pointed at Lukke, “stays outside.”  One look at Des and Lukke knew not to come any closer, at least for now.

Walking into his small bungalow, it felt warm and cozy compared to the cold walls of the large castle.  I took a seat on the worn couch as Des took a seat in a nearby chair.

“What can you tell me about humans?” I asked as my eyes scanned the room and then came back to meet his.

“What do you want to know about them?”  He sat back and interlocked his fingers in front of him.

“There’s a prophecy that a human will determine the outcome of the war.  I don’t know how to search for such a person and when I find this human, it’s against our laws to interact with them.”

Des burst out laughing.   Anger rose within me but I held my tongue as I sat clenching and unclenching my fist.   “Let me see if I understand what you’re saying.  It is against our laws to have contact with a human, yet you need to find one and interact with him or her in order to win this war against the Santiarns?”

“Yes.  I don’t want to see the Santiarns take over the human realm, but it’s comforting to know they can’t enter ours, not without someone with Cusas’s blood accompanying them.”

“I don’t know how to help you Commander.  At one time I loved a human female.  She was perfect in every way.  I didn’t seek her out, though; I was drawn to her and couldn’t stay away.  I’m sure you know the rest.  Our people discovered us and they forbid me to go back to the human Realm.  They stripped me of my title and took my transport crystal. I’ve lived here alone ever since.  That’s all I know.”

Disappointment swept through me, knowing he didn’t know more and couldn’t help.  Slowly scanning the room and letting the disappointment go, my eyes took in the living area until my gaze landed on a picture in the corner of the room.  My heart pounded and I tried to control my breathing.  Without taking my eyes off the picture I asked, “Who’s that?” 

Des followed my gaze and I felt him shut down.  As the silence grew between us, he reluctantly said, “That’s Amaya, the human I fell in love with.”

“I’ve seen her,” I said absently.

“Impossible!” he roared. 

With his outburst, I jumped up, my eyes shot to his and my hand automatically reached for the hilt of my sword. With sword drawn, I stared at him and slowly said, “I would not lie,” in a deadly voice.

“The last Commander made a point to tell me that she had been assassinated!” He seethed.  “Besides, she would not look like that now.  Nineteen years has passed.”

“I suppose, but I know I’ve seen her.”  My eyes connected with the eyes of the picture and I realized that she was different, in subtle ways.”

“You need to leave!”  Des demanded in a low tone.

I got to my feet and after nodding to him, I said, “Thank you for all the information you’ve shared.”

When I walked out the front door, I found Lukke waiting.  Without a word, we mounted the Cefis and headed back toward the castle.  I now had an idea of whom I needed to find, I just didn’t know how. 

We arrived at the castle just in time for last meal, Lukke and I handed the reins of the Cefis to the stable hand.  As we entered the great dining hall, we were greeted by a few of the females. 

Tassha came over to me, grabbed my arm and tugged me toward a chair at the great table.  I couldn’t help but smile at her.  Unlike Nanya, Tassha wasn’t a warrior.  She’d grown up with noble parents who owned a few of the local shops at the market.  She always had perfectly styled black hair and brown eyes.  Brown eyes were the most common for the Cusas, unlike my Turquoise ones.  There were a few others with my eye color, but not many.

“Hi, Commander,” she purred after I took a seat.

“Tassha, I hope you and your family are well.”  The servants filled the table with food and I filled my plate.

“We are all well,” she smiled.  When I glanced up, I noticed Nanya staring at us with jealousy on her face.  She wanted to be my mate but I wasn’t ready to make that decision.  Too much was going on right now.  “Commander,” she hesitated, looking around to make sure nobody overheard her, “Would you like some company tonight?”

Even though I rarely showed emotion, I couldn’t help letting the corner of my mouth twitch.  “Maybe.”  She smiled back at me, knowingly.

Amber

Waking up the next morning after a fitful night’s sleep, I stretched, trying to get the kinks out of my sore muscles.  The events of last night came crashing down on me as the thoughts of the nearby neighbors bombarded my mind, making my head hurt. 
Where were you last night?  You didn’t come home until 1 am.
Then there was
If I don’t leave now, I’m going to be late. I hope he doesn’t find out about Dave.
  They just kept coming and coming. 

I made a mental list of everything I needed to do today.   Go to the bank, get a car and purchase an IPod so I can drown out the thoughts of the neighbors.  After I reluctantly got out of bed, I took a good look at the apartment.  It had one bedroom, one small bathroom, a small-outdated kitchen and a living room with an old leather couch.  The walls needed a coat of paint, but to me it was great.  I didn’t care how old it was, it felt lived in, comfortable.

After I took a long hot shower, I heard a knock on the door.  I quickly dressed and with my hair still in a towel. I answered the door and found Brian’s wife, Vanessa, standing there.

“Good morning, Amber.  Would you like to come down to the house for breakfast?”  She was nervous and I heard
I hope she doesn’t think I’m intruding.

“Thank you.  Let me take my hair down and I’ll be right there.”  I hurried and brushed my teeth and then took off the towel and rubbed my hair as dry as I could.  With my hair still damp, I headed downstairs.

Vanessa had bacon, eggs, toast and coffee ready.  Coffee was the first thing I went for.  After drinking a half a cup, she asked, “Is there anything you need to do today, somewhere I can take you?”  Overwhelming warmth flooded my body.  Brian and Vanessa were two genuinely caring people, especially to offer help and comfort to a stranger in a time of need.

I thought about her offer as I turned it over in my head.  I knew she sincerely wanted to help, but it was unlike to me accept any.  I finally gave in and said, “Thanks.  I need to go to the bank and I need to get a car.  Also, Brian never told me how much rent would be.”

“Now don’t you worry about that, dear.”  She smiled and I couldn’t help but smile back,

“I insist.  I have money so don’t worry about that.  It will make me feel better if you let me pay.”

She stared at me and then finally relented.  “Okay, how about $200 a month?”

“That’s very cheap Vanessa, especially for here.”

“Yes, but the apartment needs a lot of work and it’s a garage apartment.” 
You also remind me of my daughter.

I smiled and said, “Okay then, $200 a month.  Are you sure?”

“I’m very sure.  It’s just sitting there empty.  My daughter used to stay there while she was in college.  When she graduated she took a job four hours away from here.”

“Thank you.”

After having a delicious breakfast, I headed back to my apartment to get ready and to call Sarah.  The police called Becky’s mom last night, but I owed it to Sarah.  I pulled out my cell phone, swiped the screen and tapped her picture.  It only rang once before she answered, “Amber, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Sarah.”  I sat on the bed and rubbed my tear-filled eyes.  “Becky’s missing.”

“I know.  Trina called me a few minutes ago and I was about to call you.  I’m so sorry, Amber.  Do you know what happened?”

“No, I don’t.  She yelled for help but I couldn’t find her in time.”  The tears rolled down my cheeks.

“Do you think it was one of those things---those creatures--- you told me about?”

“I don’t know.  Detective Woodard said they’ve had an increased number of kidnappings recently.  Look Sarah, I’m going to stay here for a few days, maybe longer.  I have to look for Becky the only way I know how.  I’ll be back soon to get some of my things.”

I heard her sigh and after a few moments she said, “I understand, Amber.  I still worry about you, though.”

I couldn’t help the partial smile that lifted one side of my lips.  “I know Sarah, but honestly, I’m safe.  The detective offered to let me stay in an apartment above his garage.  I never doubted his offer was sincere, you know?”

She chuckled but it held no humor.  “I know what you’re saying.  Even with your
ability,
promise me you’ll be safe.”

“I will.  Take care Sarah and I’ll see you soon.”

Vanessa drove me to the bank and after I transferred everything into my name, I had my debit card, $1000 in cash and was on my way to the car dealership.  I whispered a silent
Thank you
to my mom for taking care of me.  She made sure I was financially secure.

I bought a used blue Volkswagen that reminded me of Becky and her car.   After I paid Vanessa the $200 I owed for rent, I thanked her for the lift that morning.  I drove the city streets listening for Becky’s voice but all I heard were random thoughts, fights, temper tantrums, threats, you name it and I heard it.

I continued driving the streets day after day.  Before I knew it, two weeks had past, then three. It’s as if Becky had disappeared, along with my hope of finding her alive.  I wasn’t that naïve; I knew the chances of her being alive were slim.  I also didn’t want to think about what could be happening to her if she still lived.  She’d be forever changed, like I am now.

I saw the demon creatures everywhere and they looked right past me.  Zira’s words made sense now.  I could understand what they said in their screechy voice.  I knew they weren’t demons but I didn’t have a name for them yet…yet I would eventually.  I saw a few of the warrior men and I could feel that
everyone
was searching for me, but thanks to my protection necklace, I would remain safe…I hoped.

Vanessa and Brian were wonderful and invited me down for dinner every night.  I was helping Vanessa set the table one evening when Brian came home.  He was solemn and quiet, not his normal self.  I took one look at him and my face dropped.  I heard him! 
How do I tell this girl that I think we found her friend?  I can’t let Amber see her.
  He thought of the horrific way she was killed and how he had found her body.  I lost it!  I started screaming, “NO! NO! NO!” as I backed away from him, tears ran down my face.

“Amber,” he said as he slowly walked toward me.

I held my hand up to stop him.  “No!  It’s not her, it can’t be!  It can’t be!” I screamed to the top of my lungs as my body slumped forward and I fell to my knees.

He wrapped his arms around me, trying to offer comfort but I didn’t want any part of it. 
I’m so sorry, Amber.  I hoped that it wouldn’t be her in that abandoned warehouse. Sometimes I really hate this job.

“What abandoned warehouse?  I want to see it!”  I demanded before I realized what I’d done.

He froze and slowly asked, “How did you know we found her in an abandoned warehouse?” 
What is she not telling me?

“Do you know who did it?”  I demanded as the tears continued to freely fall.

“We have a suspect.”  He still eyed me as if I might be the enemy.

Wiping my nose with my sleeve I demanded, “I want to see this person!” 
Not happening.
  “I can help you.  Please, trust me Brian,” my voice turned softer as I begged.

“How?  How can you help me?” he asked and I smashed my lips together.  History proved to me many times over what happens when I say too much.  I knew to keep my secrets close.  Reaching into my pocket, I grabbed the stone that had given me so much comfort these past weeks.  I felt the warmth and tingling in my hand and when the sensation slinked up my arm, I let it go.

“Please, can I just see him?” I pleaded.  I heard him debate with himself. 
This is a bad idea.  She’s too emotionally involved.  The Captain will have my head!
  “Please Brian!  I have to do this!”  I would’ve got down on my knees if I thought it would help.  Instead, I waited and listened as he debated the subject in his own mind.

After standing there in silence for what seemed like forever, he finally relented, “You can see him, but I can’t let you in the room.  I understand your need for closure, Amber.  Just remember though, he’s just a suspect, that doesn’t mean he did it.”

I threw my arms around his neck and anxiously whispered as my heart beat erratically, “Thank you!  Thank you, thank you,, thank you!”

We ate dinner in silence and later that night while lying in bed, I cried for my friend as I let our memories flood my mind.

The next day I stood outside of the interrogation room looking through a one-way mirror while Brian talked with the suspect.  My gift was growing by leaps and bounds now that I’d turned eighteen.

A demon creature stood behind the suspect whispering in his ear and instead of fear, I felt hate burn through my veins.  With his presence, I knew that Becky had died because of me.  I had no doubt.  I heard his every word as Brian questioned him.  He answered one way but I heard the truth!  He killed her!
Yes, I killed the pretty girl.  I enjoyed the screaming and the begging.  I enjoy it with all the girls I kill.  They’ll never find the bodies that I buried near the edge of the park.  Stupid cops, they think they know everything.

He couldn’t understand why he hadn’t buried Becky with the rest of them, but I knew.  The demon creature wanted me to know.  The same moment I thought that, he looked up and caught my stare.  When he cocked his head to the side while looking at me, I broke eye contact and looked back at the suspect.  As far as he was concerned, I was just a normal person. 
Thanks Zira
, I thought,
for giving me the protection necklace.

Brian appeared moments later shaking his head.  “I know he’s the one but he’s not giving us anything.”  He sounded defeated.

Gathering my courage, I said, “He did it.  He buried all the girls he murdered near the edge of the park.”

Brian looked at me with suspicion again, but right now I didn’t care.  Now that I knew he did it, it didn’t matter how much I exposed myself.  He needed to pay!  “How do you know that?” Brian demanded.

“Just ask him and see what he says.”  I kept my eyes on the middle-aged man with the two-day-old beard.  His dirty brown hair was tangled and his eyes were crazy.  Now that I was mad, I couldn’t hear the screech of the demon creature, but I could hear the whispering as he stood with his hand on the man’s shoulder. 
It’ll be fine; they’re too stupid to figure it out.  I’m so much smarter than they are
.  The demon creature, or
other,
was his conscience, telling him that everything was okay.  Asshole!  Maybe I didn’t know who or what he was, but he was messing with the wrong species!

As Brian entered the interrogation room, I watched the suspect’s look change from cocky to afraid. 
How the hell does he know that?  Does he know about all twenty-one of them or just a couple?  What about the one I have right now.
  His mind wondered as I listened to
everything! 
He thought about the girl he had tied up on a bed.  I wanted to cry as I wondered if this had happened to Becky.  NO!  I chastised myself, turning my sadness into resolve.

As I listened to the suspect think of a young redheaded girl, a building flashed in my mind and I saw her location.  Happiness spread throughout my body as I realized I had my mom’s gift.  When I glanced back into the room, the demon creature was staring straight at me and it made me wonder if he knew I’d had a premonition.  I averted my gaze and noticed Brian heading for the door.

“Amber, I need to speak with you in private.”  Brian grabbed my arm, led me to an empty room and closed the door.

Sitting down in a metal chair, I watched Brian take a seat across from me.  There was no table, no mirror in the room, only empty chairs.  “Did he tell you the truth?”

“No, but I could tell I’d hit a nerve.”  I nodded.  “Amber, I need you to be honest with me.  How did you know I found your friend in a warehouse and about where he buried the others?”  He stared intently into my eyes.  He and his wife had been so good to me but my time with them was over.  The least I could do is get justice for Becky.

“I hear things.”  I averted my eyes.

“What do you mean?  I don’t understand?”  We sat there silently and he said, “Come on Amber, you can tell me.  I know you weren’t telling me everything that night in the alley.  I’ve seen many bad things in my life and if we can get just one bad guy off the street, then everything I see or do is worth it.  Help me,” he pleaded.

“I will.  I know my time with you and Vanessa is up.” I gave him a sad smile.  “Becky brought me to The Club for my eightieth birthday and they just let us right in.  I normally avoid crowed places, big cities, so us coming here was a first.  Some guy asked Becky to dance and that was the last time I saw her.”  I collected my thoughts as I told him the truth.  After today, I knew I’d never see him again.  “I was on the dance floor when I heard her scream for help.  She said,
side door exit
, so I shoved people out of my way trying to get to her.  When I opened the door I didn’t see anything.  That’s when I noticed there were two of them.”  Tears filled my eyes and I hastily swiped them away.  “I found her shoe and a puddle of blood.  The rest you know.”