“It’s time to wake up, honey bee.”

  There was a quick turn of the face that was an indication Lily disagreed with the statement, and Addison laughed out loud for the first time in a very long time. Addison pressed lips into the hot skin to try and wake up the child. Lily shook her head wildly to fend off the attacking kisses. Addison ignored her and tried to press more kisses to Lily’s face. The child was giggling and fighting off the attack the best she could before she decided to turn the tables and started giving Addison wet and sloppy kisses.

  “Okay! Okay!” Addison called, putting her hands up in surrender. “I give in. You win.”

  “I win?”

  “You win.” Addison repeated and swung the girl up as she stood. “But it’s time for dinner, anyway.”

  “Is Jamsey eating?” Lily took Addison’s hand after she was set on the floor and promptly marched out of the room.

  “I don’t know, but maybe we can stop by after if she’s not there. How does that sound?”

  The grin on Lily’s face answered the question for her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  James had been reclusive since that one evening, and Addison was thoroughly fed up. They were back to their original room arrangements, and Addison had gone in one last time to try and talk to James. The woman refused to even speak or acknowledge Addison’s presence. Addison threw angry words out and left as she slammed door. Stalking through her room with heavy feet, she packed her bag as her brother entered.

  “Hey, sis.”

  “What do you want?”

  Addison didn’t look up from what she was doing, but she did sniffle and wipe her nose with her sleeve.

  “Talk?”

  Addison sent him a scathing look. “I don’t want to talk. I want to go home.”

  She knew she was whining, but she couldn’t have cared less.

  “You can’t go home. You know that better than anyone.” He sat down in one of her chairs and watched as she continued to shove clothes into the duffle.

  “I’m going home to move out of my apartment. I’m coming back.”

  She moved to her small bathroom and pulled out her toiletries. She called into the other room, “Though I don’t really see the whole purpose of coming back if I’m not even going to be treated for the damn disease.”

  She didn’t care that her clothes weren’t folded, that her shampoo was leaking on her underwear, or that her anger was fueling her. It just felt good to feel something other than fear and helplessness.

  “I mean, really, if I’m going to stay here, I might as well be a reason to stay. No point to stay if I’m only coming back to die.”

  Rob finally stood and covered her hands, bringing all her movements to a quick stop. She turned to look up at him before sliding her forehead against his shoulder and sobbing. He wrapped his arms around her and held on tight while the cries stole through her body.

  “You’re scared.”

  She nodded.

  “I know I’m not the one that you want to be here, Addy, but I am here. She isn’t going to be able to do that right now, not for a little bit, and it makes it harder.”

  His words were like honey sliding around her body and sweetly clinging. He might be talkative and unable to shut up most of the time, but sometimes he had just the right words.

  “Right.”

  She stood back up, kissed his cheek, and wiped her eyes.

  “I’m taking Lily with me; I have her temporary custody papers, if you ever get an answer out of James about the adoption, let me know.” She licked her lips. “I’ll be back in a few weeks.”

  “With your truck.” He smiled fondly, remembering her love of the vehicle.

  “Yes, with my truck.”

  He gave her one more tight squeeze before turning to leave the room. “Oh, and Addy? You might want to repack.”

  “What?” She turned to look down at her duffle, groaning when she saw the sticky substance that covered her clothes. “Wonderful.”

  Starting her laundry first, she went and packed a bag for Lily. The girl was bouncing around the room like the real Snow White had just entered and wanted to have a tea party, because she was so excited to be going on a plane again. At least until she figured out James wouldn’t be coming along.

  #

  Jean-Pierre drove Addison and Lily to the small airport outside of the city. Lily was in the back seat, her eyes glued to the scenery and asking six million questions about each plow or farm machine that she saw and what types of plants were being grown. Addison was impressed with her curiosity, but was becoming tired with the constant answers she was required to provide.

  Jean-Pierre’s voice slid over to Addison like honey. “Take it easy when you get back.”

  The soft words made it to her ears, and she turned her head to look at the man. He was a very wise person; it was something she always appreciated about him. He was quiet most of the time, let his wife run just about everything at the house, but when he needed to, he took a stand and spoke up.

  “Do you think I will run myself ragged?”

  “Knowing you, I flat out expect it.” He smirked in response.

  Addison smiled when she turned back to face the front of the car again. “I’m worried.”

  “She’ll be fine. She just needs time.”

  Taking a deep breath, she said, “Time is not something I have.”

  The vehicle became quiet for only a few minutes until Lily asked another question.

  #

  When they arrived home and stepped outside, a wall of heat and humidity hit Addison like a blast from a gun. She held onto Lily’s hand and dragged along their bags when a police car pulled up in front of them. Addison let out a deep breath and closed her eyes, dreading the man who was getting out of the car.

  Heath was in his full uniform and smiled at her. “Hey there, doll.”

  Walking up, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.

  “You’re looking fantastic.”

  “Thanks, Heath.” He took her bags and she looked as though she was going to object. “I don’t need—”

  “Max called, he got delayed, and asked if I could swing by.”

  “Max called you?” Addison cocked her head in surprise. “He didn’t ask Horace or Collins to come by? Are you two best of buds now?”

  The deputy was already walking away to put their two bags in the trunk of the car, took the booster seat that Addison had set on the pavement, and buckled it in.

  “Not really, but we talk sometimes. He does have your old job, you know, at least until you come back. And with both you and James gone, they are a bit short-handed.”

  His face was in the car and Lily glanced at Addison with a questioning look on her face; her hand was still firmly planted in the woman’s.

  Heath smiled at Lily. He asked, “You ready, sweetie?”

  Addison grimaced but nodded to Lily, letting her know that it was okay to get in the vehicle. Once the child was strapped in, Addison slipped into the front seat and laid her head back.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” She gave him a look and a wan smile, hoping to convince him. “Just tired from traveling.”

  “All right.”

  He started the engine and took her to her apartment. After bringing up her bags and the booster seat, he took his leave and shut the door on his way out. Lily stood in the center of the living room, looking around the apartment while Addison took their stuff to the only bedroom she had. There was dust everywhere, nothing had been cleaned. Someone had thankfully come over and taken out the trash that had been left when they’d suddenly disappeared. Probably Max. She sighed and sat on the bed.

  A deep breath and few minutes later, she stood before moving to the kitchen to fill a bucket with water and soap in order to clean her apartment. She’d managed to get permission from James to store her stuff at her house, at least what she wasn’t bringing back, so that she could completely give up her apartment. But first it needed to be cleaned. Lily was seated on the sofa, with the television turned on to the Cartoon Network, watching some ridiculous show. Addison started with the counters and moved to the cabinets, realizing that there was no good food to eat.

  The hours slipped by and she finished cleaning and boxing up most of the kitchen. Lily helped a few times until she became bored and went back to cartoons.

  Standing carefully, Addison swayed into the counter but managed to hold herself up. She was done for the night. She wanted to finish both the kitchen and living room, but that was obviously an unreasonable task. Plopping down onto the couch, she heard the key in her door turn and it slid open when she looked over. Max came in carrying two boxes of pizza, followed by Collins and Horace.

  “Max!” Lily squealed the name at the top of her lungs and ran over to wrap her tiny arms around his legs.

  “I brought food and help.”

  He announced before stepping into the room and smiling down at Lily, who had all her weight on his leg. He dragged her along like a dust rag. Horace took the food from him so Max could pick the child up. He swung her into the air before catching her.

  “Hey there darlin’, what are you doing here?”

  “We’re moving.”

  “Are you now?” He smiled at her and then glanced at Addison, who looked utterly exhausted. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starvin’ like a martian.” Lily answered and grinned.

  She wiggled out of his grasp and sat next to Addison, who was sipping on one of the cold cola’s that had been brought to her. The five of them ate while Addison was filled in with everything that had happened at work in her absence. The scuttlebutt of Station Seven was always entertaining. She knew she wasn’t going back to work, but they didn’t and she really didn’t feel like sharing that with them.

  It was close to midnight when everything was packed in boxes. There was a pile next to the door that would be going back with Addison to the house in Wyoming, and the rest would be going to James’ tiny little house in the morning. The men would be back in the morning with far more people to help her move the boxes and furniture. Max was the only one left, and Lily was passed out in the bed. Addison rested on the couch with her lover’s best friend relaxing beside her.

  “What’s going on, Addy?”

  Her green eyes turned to him and he saw them water, but she held the tears at bay.

  “I’m not coming back.”

  Max nodded, he had assumed as much.

  “I don’t know if James is or not.”

  “You don’t know?”

  “We’re not really talking at the moment.” She gave in and wiped the tears from under her eyes.

  “Did you two have a fight?”

  “No, nothing like that.” She sniffled and smiled. “How did you know?”

  Max took a deep breath and ran both hands over his face and hair.

  “When you two were… you know… there were a lot of questions being asked. That one needed to be answered, the one about you two being together. Cam let it out of the bag. I’m happy though, so nothing to worry about.”

  “Good.” Addison nodded.

  “So, why aren’t you coming back?”

  Licking her lips, Addison took in a deep breath. Her eyes traveled to his face and she shook her head. She looked at the ceiling before glancing back to his face.

  “I have cancer. Basically, it’s incurable, there’s nothing that can be done. I only have a few more months.”

  “Jeeze, Addy.”

  “Yeah, I know. It’s a lot to take in.” She smiled grimly and rested her head on his shoulder. “Thanks for dinner tonight. I was dying, thinking that I had to get up and cook something. Or go out and buy something.”

  “How’s James handling it?”

  “I don’t know, honestly. She has a lot to work through right now, and I don’t think she’s absorbing things very well.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I don’t know when she’ll be out here again. She needs to sort things out before she visits anyone. Trust me.”

  “Okay.” He carded fingers through Addison’s brown hair, just as he would if it was James laying against him.

  “Thank you, though, for being here tonight.”

  He felt her yawn and smiled. “Go to bed Chief, you’re tired.”

  “I’m not the Chief anymore, you are.”

  She squeezed his hand and stood, making her way into the bedroom only to collapse fully clothed onto the bed. Pulling the covers over her weary body, she wrapped an arm around the sleeping child and fell asleep quicker than she ever had before.

  Max lifted his phone, checked the time, and decided to crash on the couch. The guys would be over in a few hours, and he wanted to try and get some of the rooms cleared before Addison woke up. She obviously needed her rest.

  #

  James wandered into the study where she had spent so many hours learning about her gift. She settled in one of the chairs and wrapped snuggly in a blanket. Norma sat at a table, reading a book and didn’t glance up at her. Time slowly ticked by and James perked her ears up at the tune the only other occupant of the room was humming.

  “I didn’t mean to kill him.”

  Norma quirked her lips into a smile before answering, “I don’t believe anyone in this house, except you, ever had any doubt of that. You did the only thing you knew you could do in order to survive. There is nothing wrong with that.”

  There was silence that greeted her, and she went back to reading.

  More time slipped past, and James took another deep breath. “Does it make me a bad person?”

  “I don’t think so. If you’re considered a bad person for killing in self-defense, then I do not want to consider what I would be.” This time Norma did look up.

  This was the most James had spoken in the week since Addison had left. The raven haired woman nodded and chewed on her lip, prompting Norma to ask, “Is there something else?”

  “What if I can’t control it?”

  “The gift of Omnis? I think you’ve shown a remarkable ability to control the powers. Have you done any harm since your life was threatened? Have you been able to keep your telepathy at bay when it was not wanted? You have done remarkably and just because one incident occurred, does not mean that there won’t be another, but you can work to prevent that. And you won’t have to work hard.”

  Norma stayed where she was. She didn’t want to scare James off. She was pleased with the progress the younger woman had made. When the James didn’t speak for minutes on end, Norma stood and stepped over to her.

  James watched carefully as Norma’s heels clicked against the maple hardwood flooring, and she slipped into the seat next to her. Biting her lip, James’ golden eyes fixated on Norma’s face. James was sure that she smelled. She hadn’t showered in a few days at least, but Norma didn’t seem to mind as she sat so close.

  Norma’s jaw was clenched, but her lips were tilted in a smile. “I want you to try something.”

  “A bath?”

  “Well that, but we’ll try this first.”

  Norma’s eyes squinted with laughter, and she took a deep breath.

  “Hold my hands.”

  She held her hands out, palms up, and waited for James to grab on.

  “Now, I want you to start to probe, I want you to look for a very specific memory.”

  “Which one?” James asked curiously; her head canted and her eyes widened as she felt the walls and barricades that surrounded Norma’s mind fall away.

  “You’ll know.”

  “That’s so helpful,” she replied sarcastically and rolled her eyes.

  She took a deep breath and started to sift through the information. Each time she went the wrong way, or what she figured was the wrong way because there was wall that dropped in place, James pushed forward. She was going to find the memory. She’d been bounced around like fish in a plastic baggie being held by a kid who was overly excited. James grew weary of the game and dropped Norma’s hands.

  The pixie gasped when the physical connection was lost, but the mental one raged on. James’ yellow eyes didn’t leave Norma’s face when she finally had the image she wanted. It was a little girl with dirty blonde hair running around the front yard of the house in Wyoming. James grasped onto the memory as it continued to play out even though Norma was trying to break her hold.

  The girl was joined by two other children who were just barely older than her, possibly one or two years at most. They all had stunning green eyes and were laughing as they ran past the green grass and into the field of wheat.

  James had never noticed that field before, she supposed it was gone by now. She followed the three kids and could feel her legs moving as though she was running. Her eyes clearly said she was still seated in the room, on the couch with Norma smiling at her, but there was an overlay of the field in her vision.

  The first girl she had seen suddenly dropped to the ground and started crying. The girl James was seeing the memory from, ran to the child who fell and reared back suddenly when she saw the snake. It hissed before striking once again at the child that was lying on the ground, this time slashing its sharp teeth into her shoulder before it slithered away.

  The moment faded, and James looked up to see Norma crying. “That wasn’t supposed to happen that day.”

  “Did she live?”

  Norma shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes, bolstering herself. James saw the defenses go up physically even though she was nowhere near Norma’s mind.

  “She died a few hours later. There was too much venom and the drugs didn’t get here fast enough. There was no one with the right gift to heal her.”

  “She was Addy’s little sister.”

  It was a blanketed statement, but both women knew it was completely true.

  “It shattered her. Addison was the oldest sibling; she should have been able to take care of her.”

  Norma brushed her fingers once more over her cheeks, making sure there wasn’t any mascara lingering.

  “I was the oldest there, and it was my responsibility. It took both of us a long time to realize that there was nothing we could have done differently.”