Page 49 of Fated By Fire
“Ms. Ross,” Blackthorn says, his voice smooth and chilling. “So glad you could join us.”
“Mr. Blackthorn,” I say, then clear my throat when the words get caught. My throat is too dry, too tight. “It’s good to meet you in person at last.”
He gives a nod. “Please, have a seat.” He gestures to the chair across from him.
I hesitate, then sit down, my hands clasped on the table in front of me to stop myself from fidgeting.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve asked you here,” he says. “The truth is, Ms. Ross, you’ve exceeded our expectations. You’ve done something no one else could.”
“I was a little concerned, to be honest. I don’t seem to have delivered any of what you were hoping for.” My voice is cautious.
“Quite the contrary.” He smiles; it makes me uncomfortable. “You accessed the vault at Craven Industries. A feat that should have been impossible.”
I tilt my head. “I don’t understand.”
“Of course you do,” he says, his tone condescending. “The security measures—none of it worked on you. You walked right in as if the vault was waiting for you.”
I don’t respond. My mind is racing. How does he know that?
“Tell me, Ms. Ross,” he continues, his gaze boring into mine, “did you feel anything when you were near the artifact? Anything… unusual?”
“Well…” I pause, not sure how to explain what I experienced. Or even if I want to. I’m getting more and more uncomfortable. “It felt a little like electrical interference,” I eventually say, hoping it’s neutral enough to answer his question without sounding like kooky.
“Yes. Yes. Electrical interference.” He nods as if this is precisely what he was hoping to hear. “And did you have any kind of physical response to this?”
“Physical response?” I blink at him. The man and woman behind him have exchanged glances. “I… I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Tingling of the extremities, heart racing, shortness of breath… that sort of thing.” He’s looking at me intently.
“Well… I guess you could say that,” I agree, not adding that it felt like I was feeling another heartbeat, a sensation of being drawn toward it irresistibly.
“Good. Good. Very good.” He’s nodding some more. I half expect him to start rubbing his hands together. “This is going to be very useful to us.”
“How could it be useful?” I’m growing increasingly confused.
“Because you’re the key, don’t you see?” His eyes are bright, a bit maniacal. My confusion is mingling with a twist of fear.
“The key to what? Mr. Blackthorn, none of this is making any sense to me. If you’d just tell me what this assignment is about, I’d be able to help you more.”
“Oh, you’ve already provided exactly what we were hoping for. Just as your mother did when she—”
“My mother?” I grit my teeth. “How does this relate to my mother? You said you had information about her.”
He chuckles, leaning forward. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.” He steeples his fingers. “What you encountered in that vault is an artifact called the Heartstone. It’s an ancient relic, one of immense power. And you, Ms. Ross, are going to give us access to it.”
My stomach drops. “Access to it?”
“Your mother knew the significance of this assignment,” he says, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “She knew the Heartstone’s power, and she knew what it could do. She knew too much. That’s why she disappeared.”
My heart stops. “Disappeared,” I whisper. “Where is she? Do you know where she went?”
“That’s not relevant right now, Ms. Ross,” he says smoothly. “What matters is how you can help us.”
“Stop.” I raise a hand. “Just… just stop! I’m not doing anything until you tell me what happened to my mom!”
“You’re not in a position to make demands, my dear.” He smiles smoothly, the picture of calm. “You will do as we tell you.”
I shove my chair back and stand. “I think this meeting is over,” I say, although I’m suddenly aware that I have no power here right now.
