Vision Hunter
The Pendent
Prologue
The sound of a piano playing could be heard throughout the house. Its haunting melody filled the night, captivating and enchanting.
Skilled hands flowed over the keys. With each passing second the intensity built, a crescendo mirroring the turmoil of the young woman whose hands commanded the keys. Hands moving faster and faster, never wavering, never stopping each note building upon the last, until finally the power of the piece reached its peak, overflowed then receded leaving only an echo thick and heavy in the air.
Ciara McDonald closed her eyes in an attempt to hold back the rush of emotions flowing within her, as fierce and intense as the music which had filled the room only moments before.
Breathing harshly, heart pounding, she ran a hand roughly through her hair, the long chocolate strands damp with sweat, before placing a trembling hand briefly on her temple. She winced as pain flared, hot and white. 'Christ why does it hurt so damn much' she thought wearily.
She stood and walked slowly across the room, her bare feet silent against the wooden floor. Reaching the dresser she picked up the phone and dialled un-surprised when despite the late hour it was immediately answered.
"Hello."
"Teddy, its Ciara, We've got a case. Get everything ready I'll be there in a couple of hours."
She hung up not waiting for a response, satisfied that Teddy would make sure that everything she needed would be in place by the time she arrived at the airfield.
Stepping from the shower Ciara wrapped her body in a large white towel, then walking into the bedroom she climbed onto her bed and laid back, relaxing into its familiar embrace. Taking a moment to clear her thoughts, she closed her eyes then reached deep within herself allowing the vision to once again fill her being, take over and draw her in.
She saw a boy, little more than a child of nine or ten, running through the woods, could feel the fear and terror coursing through him as he tried to escape his pursuers. Ciara could hear his heart beat as he ran, felt his fear as if it was her own. It was all she could do to stay within the vision as she felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest, every feeling and emotion intensified as it echoed back to her. Her heart sped up in response.
Ciara retreated briefly from the vision, took a calming breath and then, after only the briefest of moments was drawn back in.
The boy froze suddenly and looked around with terror filled eyes. He listened to the growls and barks of the dogs chasing him and could tell that they were getting closer. He darted behind a tree and pressed a hand his mouth, frantically trying to stop the sob building within him from escaping.
"Find the boy, he cannot be allowed to escape," A gravelly voice called from deep within the woods. Answering shouts called out in response.
Chest heaving, thoughts frantic the boy launched himself from behind the tree and ran. He continued to run, hearing the barks of the dogs as they caught his scent. His mind raced, hoping and, praying that he would be rescued, that someone would save him.
Seeing a light ahead he pushed on, drawing on an inner strength that he didn't know he possessed. He pushed through the trees and darted into the road
"Stop please." He whispered, arms outstretched towards the approaching car, willing it to stop. Closing his eyes, he braced himself, but stood firm as the car approached
"Please... please." He prayed anxiously, his body trembling with fear.
The car screeched to a halt, the sharp squeal of the tires echoing the shock of its driver. The driver stumbled from the car and ran towards the child. He knelt and grasped the boy by his arms, holding him steady when it looked like he was going to collapse.
"What are you doing out here kid?" his asked, his deep voice and emerald green eyes filled with concern.
"Dean?!"
"It's a kid Sammy!" the man, Dean called back his eyes never leaving the child before him.
The boy glanced fearfully towards the tall man, before returning his gaze to the man holding him. His eyes filled with tears but he knew instinctively that the man wouldn't hurt him. "Please help me... they're coming ... please."
Dean looked stunned as the trembling boy began to sob.
"Who's coming after you?"
"The bad men..." He trailed off, eyes darting frantically towards the edge of the forest. He could hear the barking of the dogs as they continued their search for him and was afraid that they would hear him.
"Okay little man let's get you out of here," he started to lift the boy into his arms, pausing as he flinched away.
"You know we can't stay here right?"
The boy nodded.
"You can trust me kid I won't let the bad men get you ... I promise."
He stiffened as a shot rang out. "Son of a bitch!" he cursed violently.
Ignoring the boys mumbled protests he lifted him and ran quickly to his car. A moment later the engine roared to life and they pulled quickly away.
He glanced quickly into the rear view mirror, letting out a deep breath as he noticed that the road behind him was clear. Returning his attention to the road, he looked ahead, his eyes catching the sign Missouri 2 miles.
Ciara drew herself from the vision, her hand pressed against her chest, the boys fear lingering as the vision lifted and her eyes returned to their normal green.
Breathing harshly she drew a hand over her face, feeling the wetness of tears which had fallen unnoticed whilst she was caught in the unyielding power of the vision.
She could still feel the child's emotions and knew that she had to find him and fast. She knew that he wasn't out of danger; the vision was proof of that.
Caira thought about the child's good Samaritan, his eyes clouded with concern and anger all at once as he had held the injured boy and instinctively knew that he would watch over him, keep him safe. She would be there soon and she would do whatever it took to find the people responsible for hurting this child and bring them to justice, her kind of justice.
Fingering the pendent at her throat she smiled coldly nothing could save them now.
tbc