She shrugged. “I can’t speak to everyone, but I’ve been aware of something different about me since I was a kid. I think the first time I predicted something, I was about the same age as this girl who was taken.”
“Taken? You’re sure?”
“No, actually. I shouldn’t have put it that way. All I know for sure is the little girl from that home is alive, and for whatever reason, she can’t see.” Dawn had finished her coffee and noticed that Luca’s cup was empty too. “I should let you get home. You already worked a full shift, and you must be tired.”
“Yeah, and I should let you get back to work. Thanks for meeting me. I didn’t know if there was anything you could do or not, but I figured if there was a possible lead you could give us, it would be worth pursuing.”
“I doubt the police will welcome my help, so it’s a good thing I know you, in case I get a vision later.”
“Do you think you might?”
“Anything is possible.”
They threw their cups into the recycling bin. Luca held the door open for her, and she stepped out ahead of him.
“Remember, you can’t let anyone know that I asked you to get involved, but I’m grateful you were able to answer a couple of questions for me.”
“I’ll remember. And there’s something I’d like you to remember too.”
“What’s that?”
She turned back to tell him, but her words died in her throat.
Blood. All she could see was blood.
Then everything went dark.
Chapter 4
“Give her some space.”
“You give her some space. You’re crowding her.”
“I’m a cop. I know what I’m doing.”
“I’ve been a firefighter for ten years. You’ve been a cop for, what? A day?”
“He started Monday, dear.”
“Ma, you’re not helping.”
“Okay, everyone move back. I’m older than all of you, and I was a firefighter before you were born.”
The voices woke her up, but she couldn’t decide if they were voices in her head or actual real voices. They were still arguing. She decided to chance it and opened her eyes.
“There she is. Can you tell me your name?”
A man who looked a lot like Luca but about thirty years older was hovering over her. Concern flickered in his eyes. She had an instant feeling of comfort and protection. It was a good feeling. Not something she was used to.
“Dawn Forest.” Ugh, her voice sounded like a frog.
She heard a snicker but couldn’t see who was laughing.
“Shut up, loser.”
That sounded like Luca.
