MC: LaPonte-Karr: Book Three (24 page)

I go back out to the kitchen.  Dad is telling Ben, Steve and Bob what happened.  I haven't heard it so I sit and listen.  Jessie and Little Ben left out quite a bit.  Thank fuck they didn't get all of it.  When he finishes I tell them she's up.  "She's holding onto Kate.  She saw you get shot and saw the blood on Kate.  She didn't understand what happened because of the blood."

"I think what Doc said might be right, she may not have loved anyone.  Seeing Kate with blood on her stomach while she was standing must have shocked the fuck out of her.  Ben was stunned when he got there.  He saw the blood on her and he froze.  Thank fuck Steve was there or Ben would be getting sewn up too."  He gets up and gets beers from the fridge.  He passes them around.

Ben is quiet, I look at him.  He's staring out the window.  I sit on the side of him while my dad goes in to see Tess.  He looks at me, "looking at the water always helps clear my head."  I nod.  This is what my father says when he wants to get you away from everyone else.  I stand up and tell the table I need a minute.  They nod.  I walk into the patio and sit.

Ben comes in and sits looking out the window.  "She saved Kate and the baby.  She's suffering because she sees all this shit happen.  Whatever it takes to get her straight I'll take care of.  She's suffered for us.  Love should never hurt and it's hurting her.  Kate is worried for her.  I'm going to ask Geek to find help too.  It sounds like Max is a help for her, he calms her when nothing else does."

"Yeah.  You know we have money Ben.  She has almost three hundred grand by herself.  Me and Patches aren't hurting.  Te Jess takes care of us."  I don't want him to think we can't or won't help her because of money.

"I know you're set with money.  It's not about that.  She's been through hell and finally come out the other side.  Now she suffers in a different way.  She's suffering because she loves us.  She can't drive; she's stuck in the yard because she has visions about her new family.  We'll take care of it because we take care of our own.  She deserves to be happy without suffering."

"Yeah.  Thank you Ben.  I need to check on them.  I haven't been able to get near her since I got here."  I tell him standing.

"Go hold your girl.  Dinner should be here soon."  He throws chin.

Back at the room dad is just getting up.  Max has his head on Tess' leg.  Thank fuck.  "I need to hold my girl, Pres' orders."  I tell him as he walks by.  He slaps my shoulder then closes the door.  "Thank fuck.  I know you probably need a minute to clear your head but I need to hold you.  I promise not to open my fuckin mouth if I can do that right the fuck now."  She holds her arms open.  I lift her and sit her on my lap.  Fuck that's a whole lot better.  I bury my face in her hair.

I get about twenty minutes then Jessie comes in.  "Dad said to let you know dinner is here.  I'm supposed to go right back but I can't."  We both look at him.  Tess opens her arms and he runs to her.  "You are the strongest person I ever met.  I thought Danny was it, but your heart hurts in order to save people.  Then you fix it and do it all over again.  Thank you for saving mom and the baby.  I'm sorry you hurt in order to do that."  He kisses her cheek and leaves.

"Fuckin kids."  We say together.  I bark out a laugh.  "I've never heard you swear before."

"I guess I never felt the need, sometimes that all that there is to say."  She says, her voice is hoarse and my dick jumps.  I've got to convince it that she's hoarse from crying before I carry her out to the table.

Everyone is already sitting.  Jessie has Tess' seat open on the side of him.  I smile and kiss her head when I sit her in it.  I kiss his too before I go around and sit in my seat.  Darren signs 'thank you Tess.'  Then all the kids do.  Kate smiles with tears running down her face.  Fuckin tears.  I smile over at Tess.

"Where's Patches?"  I ask.

Little Ben says, "He went to take Max for a walk.  He said he needs some air and Max needed to go out."  I nod.  I hope he's alright.  I'm not sure if I should go talk to him.

"Steve's with him."  My dad says.  I nod.

"Sam makes the best food."  Bob says.  I just notice he's still here.  Tess agrees with him.  "You know all the food is Jess' recipes.  It was easier to open the Diner than keep feeding people out of her house.  Saturday breakfast was insane.  It got to like twenty people and VP stopped it.  He kept threatening to put a drive thru window in.  The Diner opened and everyone started eating there."

Everyone starts talking about Te Jess' food and their favorites.  I watch Tess smiling and laughing.  She's good.  Kate smiles at me.

I never felt more helpless than I did today, I have no fuckin idea what the fuck I have to be smiling about but I am.  When I think about it I have a lot to be smiling about.  Tess is ok, Kate and the baby are ok and my dad is ok.  Good fuckin reasons to smile.  I laugh at Aaron trying to stuff a whole piece of bread in his mouth on a dare.  Kate makes him stop; she does it with a smile.  He looks embarrassed and stops.

Finally, fuckin Patches comes in, Max goes to Tess and I watch Patches.  He looks at me and throws chin.  Thank fuck!  The weight of the world is off his shoulder.  I throw chin to VP?  He smiles and nods then sits down to eat.

One week

Tess

We have a meeting today with a woman that can help me with the dreams.  I'm excited and terrified.  I was so scared for Kate.  I can't remember anything but being scared.  When I saw the blood and Danny getting shot I didn't want to see anymore.  I’m so glad everyone is ok.  Well except Danny.  It's so weird; no one thought it was so bad.  I think it's bad, a man SHOT him.  How is that a normal part of anyone's day?  He doesn't ever say anything about it.

Once I finish the PO's I go for lunch.  I have a self-defense class in half an hour.  Evelyn is busy again.  I wait in the line.  Two more people come in behind me.  I watch their feet.  Work boots.  Max sits on my foot.  "You're right I'm good."  I say to him softly.

"You talking to yourself there little one?"  The man behind me says.  Not again.

I look at him then down.  "I get nervous around men or in crowds.  My dog sat on my foot to remind me he's here and will protect me.  I just want to get my lunch and leave.  Please."

"Guy that works with me told me about you.  He's an ass, can't stand the guy.  You do what you need to little one."  I don't look at him.

"Thank you."  I look at the front and see Evelyn smiling at me.  I smile back.  I got this.  I get my grinder and leave.  On the way to the Center I sit at a bench and eat part my sandwich.  Max sits in front of me watching the road.  I take him to the grass to do what he needs to and get to class while Max stays with Anita.  She loves him but keeps trying to feed him.  He won't eat anything she tries.  Thank God.  He'll be a hundred pounds in a month if he eats everything she wants him to.

Rich picks me up today.  He kisses me sending the tingles.  I smile, it's always the same, Rich is tingles and Patches is shivers.  We get in the truck and we go to Security.  We're meeting on the first floor near Steve's office.  I like coming here.  People are always busy.  Rich is in charge of training of all the Security people and the police.  He runs the surveillance room too.  It has a million screens always changing videos.  I don't know how he does it.  It gives me a headache.

When we walk in Kate, Danny, Ben, Steve, Jess, Sally and Doc are here.  "Where's Patches?"

"He's on his way.  He had to wait for Tiny to get to the house."  Danny says.

I nod.  I'm happy he’s still coming.  I don't want to meet without him.  He worries so much already, I want him to be able to ask all the questions he has so he can stop worrying.  Max sits by me and we wait.

Rich

Finally, Patches and the Dr come in.  "I found her in the hallway looking for the right room."  Patches says.  He introduces everyone and tells of their relationship to Tess.  She is surprised when he says I'm his brother and Tess husband.  I smile.

"I thought you were her husband?"  She asks him.

"I am."  He doesn't go into detail and she doesn't ask.

She looks at Tess.  "My name is Dr. Silva.  I am a parapsychologist.  From the reports I've read, you are clairvoyant.  The visions you have would be considered psychic phenomena.  Old timers would call you a seer.  I was intrigued by your recent visions and think I can answer some of the question you have.  The first thing you need to know is you can control some aspects of your psychic ability.  As you grow stronger in your abilities, you can grow stronger in your control.  I see around the table you have a great support system, this is important, not only for your piece of mind, but for your protection as well.  Let's start with your questions.  With your permission, the questions from your family can be answered first, when they are, you'll have calmed and I can answer yours."

Tess nods to her.  "You said she would be able to control aspects of the visions.  My concern is for her physically and mentally.  When she has a vision about a family member she sees them being hurt, shot or raped and is understandably upset to the point of being hysterical.  Just recently she immediately fell asleep in an almost catatonic state.  This was the first time that happened.  Will she continue to have the need to sleep and is it going to take longer for her to bounce back?  Will she always be brought to hysterics and how will this affect her physically and mentally long term?"  Kate asks.

Dr Silva smiles.  "You're Tess' mother figure and a loving one at that.  She will be able to get through a vision without it hurting her physically.  She should be able to control her reactions but she'll need help.  You all will have to learn how to help guide her through a vision keeping her calm and focused.  Once she is stronger she'll be able to walk through the visions on her own but will need to be protected while they are happening.  I believe Tess fell into the catatonic state because her mind could not accept what her eyes were seeing.  She had to shut down to regroup; she has no other defense when she sees something that hurts her deeply.  The fact that she has the ability to shut down until she's ready to accept is a concern, at the same time it is a relief.  It’s good that she can go there as a defense mechanism.  Because she can use it as a defense mechanism, her mental stability is not something I would worry about as far as the visions go."

"Max calmed her almost immediately when nothing else was working will he be able to be her protection when one of us is not around?"  Patches asks.

"Yes, Max is already her protector, use him.  His job will become easier and more focused as Tess gains control over her visions."

"She is able to answer questions during a vision.  Is asking those questions part of guiding her?"  My dad asks.

"Few clairvoyants are able to answer questions while having a vision.  This is a rare ability.  As she learns to control her reactions she will be calm enough to answer those questions.  When I said guide her through, I meant calming her until the vision ends.  Asking questions may not always get you answers and can cause her to look at something her mind is not ready for.  Be careful about what you ask. We can go over that as you're learning to be guides for her."

"Tess has changed the outcome of quite a few of her visions, and then had a new vision that showed a new outcome.  Is there danger for her mental stability in her doing this?"  Sally asks.

"Yes and no.  If she can change the vision and the outcome is not what she'd hoped for she can fall to that defense mechanism into a catatonic like state.  When her mind is able to handle the new information she will come out of it."

"You're skirting around mental stability.  What are you avoiding saying?"  I ask not wanting her to confirm what's going through my fuckin head.

"Very perceptive and I'm sorry but it will confirm what you're thinking.  Many of the stronger clairvoyant psychics fall into a depression.  Tess' most disturbing visions surround your family and their wellbeing.  I believe this will get more intense and more frequent as Tess bonds and meets new people.  If she can learn control before that happens she can function normally and live happily among her new family and friends.  I'm not saying it will be easy but she has a strength in her that I don't see in other psychics.  If she struggles with that control she can fall into depression regularly.  The outcome of her visions can affect that mental stability.  The people that surround her can affect that stability as well.  If Kate was hurt and Tess didn't warn you in enough time, I would probably not be here.  There is always the danger that she would be held responsible for the visions outcome."  Fuck.  That's exactly where I saw her fuckin going.  How the fuck does she know what I'm thinking?  "I also have abilities that are not outwardly evident."  She smiles at me.  I sit back thinking this is fucked up.

"I'm sorry you feel deceived, I don't advertise that I can read initially because I need to see if the client is truly psychic and her support is genuinely interested in assisting or looking for how much they can make.  It is cynical and most definitely skirting on unethical but it is also important for Tess that I know, so I can help her in the areas she needs.  If one of you were looking to cash in on her, I would steer her away and tell her the intent.  Tess knew when I walked in that I can read both her and you.  I asked her to wait for me to tell you."  I look at Tess.  She turns red but doesn't say anything as she looks back at me.

"Can you read people to?"  I ask her.  She looks at the doctor.

"She didn't realize until I came in.  She can if they're emotion is high, love, anger, sadness any emotion that is felt strongly by someone close by she can read.  To know what they're thinking no.  She could easily open herself up to explore that ability but she has no interest in learning.  I'd go as far as saying she has shut it down completely."  She looks at Tess with a smile.  I'm glad she did, she has enough to deal with having visions.  She doesn't need more stress in her fuckin life.  The doctor laughs.  "Every one of them worried over the stress you already have and not adding more.  Not one was worried you'd see what they think or feel.  I'd say you have a very strong support system of people who love you."  She says to Tess.

"Thank you everyone.  I have one question.  When do we start?"  Everyone laughs.  Fuckin Tess.  Me and Patches kiss her cheek.

The Dr laughs too.  "Ben has made arrangements for me to stay until you've gained some control and your family can be effective guides.  I will be like your Sally, a companion guiding you and your family."  She looks at Patches, "we will do our best and go as far as we can.  With such a strong family unit, Tess can learn what she needs.  Ben and Danny will have your back and want you to understand that means in everything."  Patches looks at them.

I crack up.  "This is going to be a fuckin blast!"  They laugh.  Tess hugs Patches laughing.

"Do you have any other questions?"  She asks.

"You know we don't but we appreciate you asking.  I think Tess would like to start now and know what kind of a schedule the rest of us will have.  We already decided we can meet at your convenience.  You just need to give us dates and times."  I tell her.

"Is it possible you have some abilities Rich?"  She asks with a smile.

"Anything is possible but I would not be willing to explore it so it’s a non-issue for me."

"Fair enough.  Tess we can meet right now, you can show me around and where I'll be staying.  I believe it is a shelter not too far from you.  Doc can accompany us.  He is familiar with it and I have some questions for him."  She's answering questions without them being asked out loud.  I can't wait for her to meet the kids.  She looks at me and smiles.  I just laugh.  Fuckin Dr Silva.  This is going to be fuckin entertaining as hell.  She smiles bigger.

"Babe, are you ok with this?"  I don't need to ask.  I can see it on her face.

"Oh yes.  I want to do this right away.  I need to control this so it’s more helpful than dreaded.  I don't want everyone to keep worrying.  I can do this and live happy.  I know it.  I just need some help getting there.  When Dr Silva is gone Sally will help me keep it all straight."  I crack up looking at Doc.

Sally is smiling shaking her head.  "We'll be working on that first."  The room erupts into laughter.

I kiss my girl and turn her to Patches.  He tells her he'll have dinner at six if she wants to invite the Dr.  She smiles hugging him.  She's so fuckin cute.  Thank fuck Patches looks relieved. We file out leaving Tess with the Dr and Doc.

Ben opens a door a couple of rooms down we follow him in.  "Is everyone ok with how this will work?"  We nod.  "If you need coverage let me know.  We'll work it out so nothing gets dropped while we're working through this with Tess."

I fuckin love that he words it that way.  There's no question she's our family, and as part of it, we are all working together for her.  Like Darren and the sign language.  We all nod and file out.