Page 62 of Facade

“The police don’t have any leads on either case, but they are also searching for them separately,” Heath said. “And we now know the two are connected. Dr. Prentis volunteers at zoos every summer. She is well known throughout the Republic.”

“You think it might be easier to get a lead on Dr. Prentis, since she’s recognizable,” Jace commented. “And if we find her, we’ll find Charlie.”

“I don’t know how easy it will be, since the police have to be scouring the continent for her,” Heath cautioned. “But yes, they are probably in the same place, wherever that is. We have another direction to look in for answers, and more options to explore. That can only be a good thing.”

“Good point. I’m still working out how to call my visions, and have only had two that pertain to Dad,” Clarke said. “Maybe focusing on Dr. Prentis will give us another lead.”

“It can’t hurt,” Jace said encouragingly.

They still didn’t have a direction to look in for Charlie, or clues to who was behind this. Jace was feeling very positive in spite of that.

Not only did they have proof that Clarke’s most recent vision was accurate for her peace of mind, but Heath was innocent. That was a relief to Jace. Having some idea what had happened also helped. They had part of the picture now.

“Clarke, you asked if we knew someone who had information that could help us understand what happened to Charlie. Is that right? Was that the exact question?” Jace wondered as something occurred to him.

“Yeah, that was it, verbatim,” Clarke confirmed. “And that vision was thanks to you. Focusing on finding clues to Dad’s whereabouts wasn’t getting results. You suggested asking different questions, or rephrasing them.”

“What popped into my head here, is that the wording may be important,” Jace said. “Heath is someone we know. His information told us what probably happened to Charlie.”

“But I’m not involved in what happened at that rest stop. I just knew about it from the research Nadine and I have done on Lauren Prentis. We need to know who has Charlie, and where he is,” Heath said in a considering tone. “You think we should compose a list of questions, and see what kind of inquiries get the best results. I also have thoughts of things to try. Clarke, would you mind if I make a list, and write down possible questions for you to focus on?”

“No, please do,” she said. “This is such a personal topic for me, that half the time I can’t think straight. I didn’t even realize until Jace pointed it out that my vision was such a literal answer to my question. If I hadn’t specified someone we knew, I still may have received a vision, but one completely different. The wording is important.”

“Now that we know that, we can pay attention to phrasing, and specifics,” Heath mentioned, and it made sense. Clarke’s visions were the best resource they had.

“You said you have ideas of other things to try, Heath,” Jace said. “Did you mean alternate ways for Clarke to call visions?”

“Sort of,” Heath responded. “It crossed my mind that Clarke’s power may be versatile. Strong powers can often, in fact usually, do more than one thing, and her power is very strong. If that’s the case here, she won’t be limited to visions that require spending a minimum of an hour in a trance.”

Clarke looked very curious, and interested. “I’m willing to try. Can you elaborate?”

“I don’t think today is a good time to experiment. We should all absorb the revelations, and come at this with fresh, well-rested minds, possibly Sunday, if that works for the two of you,” Heath said. “My thought was to lead you into a meditative state while you hold a pencil and pad of paper. Jace or I will ask a variety of questions, and see if your ability provides answers.”

Clarke looked at Heath like she was having an epiphany. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“What is it?” Jace asked.

“I had my first vision when I was six,” Clarke told them. “Mom had bought me an easel, and a set of watercolor paints. She was on the phone with a friend, talking about a neighbor’s missing dog. I painted what happened to the dog, meaning my power does respond to outside suggestions. It’s been years since I thought about that, but this might work.”

“It’s definitely worth exploring,” Jace agreed. “Heath is also right that it’s been a long day with a lot of surprises. Sunday is good for me, if that works for you, Clarke.”

“Yeah, I’m fine with that,” she said. “We’d better get back, so we’re in the dorms when the boys finish their movie night.”

“I’ll get started on a list of questions, and text 007 on Sunday,” Heath said.

Clarke smirked, finding the nickname amusing. Jace didn’t mind. That was just Heath’s sense of humor, and it was fitting.

With a look of resignation, Clarke put the charm bracelet back on. They donned the jumpsuits, and Heath walked them to the door. Clarke was quiet as they mounted the bike, and waved to Heath, who stood on the front porch.

Motorcycle rides weren’t conducive to conversation, but Clarke remained silent until she exited the bathroom in the public park where they had left her car.

“Are you leaving the bike here?” Clarke asked as she handed him the folded jumpsuit and helmet.

“Yeah, I borrowed it from a friend,” Jace said. “He’ll pick it up in a couple of hours.”

“Does this friend know you were using it to commit assault?” Clarke asked with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

“Excuse me,” Jace said, pretending to be offended. “I detained a citizen briefly, then released him. Seriously, though, I wouldn’t have borrowed it if there was a chance Stan could be implicated in something illegal. Heath would have recognized either of our cars parked at the nature preserve. The bike was the best option for several reasons.”