Gifted Connections 4

Jaxson I called out in my head.

Blake, he responded in relief.

Remember when we were looking for Miranda? I asked him. We might need Darren to figure out where we are. I don’t have an address, but there’s a human trafficking ring here. They plan to move them soon.

Give me the details, Jaxson said immediately.

I peered out of the window Lincoln was looking out of. We’re in a run-down neighborhood, I explained. In the backyard, approximately fifty feet from the property line are train tracks. There’s a billboard sign advertising a strip club called Diva’s and Diamonds nearby, and they got food delivery from No. 1 Chinese, and their address is…I rattled off the address on the receipt.

Okay, Jaxson said. I’ll get this information to Darren, and I’ll let you know what's going on. And Blake?

Yes, I inquired.

I love you, he said. Be safe.

Love you, too, I responded. I am.

“Let’s get the kids,” I insisted to Lincoln before I took off running towards the stairs, swerving around the men.

“What’s your plan?” Lincoln asked as he followed me.

“More like a prayer,” I told him. “I think we need to be by the victims, and I don’t want to be that far from the children. I want to be able to see if they give us any indications where we are.”

I spotted the kids then. “Okay… Harry and Alex, let’s go,” I scooped Harry up. “Put your head on my shoulder. No peeking. Okay?”

He nodded, and I took off in the direction we had just come from. “If my gifts work here, maybe I can compel them,” I stated.

“It won’t work,” Alex stated glumly from Lincoln’s arms. “I can’t even look in their heads.”

“It’s worth a try,” I insisted. “I was able to talk to Jaxson.”

I stopped short when I got back to the kitchen. “Where are we?” I asked the man closest to me.

He started and looked around but then went back to grabbing chains from a duffel bag off the floor.

“Where are we!” I insisted.

He frowned looking around once more.

Great, just great! He could hear me, but I couldn’t compel him to talk to me.

“What’s wrong, man?” one of the other men asked.

“Nothing. I just need some sleep,” the first man stated with a shake of his head. “I thought I heard-” he shook his head once more. “Never mind.”

“What are we going to do?” I asked in desolation.

“What about your other gifts?” Lincoln inquired.

“One way to find out,” I told him as an idea popped in my head. “Let’s go!” I took off running down the steps.

Two men were busy placing rags on the victim's faces. I assumed it was c

hloroform. I looked around desperately. There were only two exits. There were the stairs, and then there was a storm door leading outside, but it seemed like it had a padlock on it.

“Can you hold him?” I asked Lincoln, holding out Harry to him.

“Close your eyes buddy,” Lincoln stated before reaching for him.