Generation 18 (Spook Squad 2)

“I might. I might not.”

“And the answer will be found in here,” she retorted, lightly touching her chest, just above her heart. “When I am ready to find it.”

She sensed more than saw his smile. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”

“What a surprise.” She stared at the ceiling for several seconds. Though the bright light was harsh, it did not hurt her eyes or make them water. “Am I a product of Hopeworth?”

His essence stilled. “I have said before that I cannot provide you with answers. You must seek them yourself.”

“Cannot or will not?”

“Will not.”

She nodded. He knew more than he would ever tell; that much was obvious. “I met with a General Frank Lloyd yesterday.”

“I know.”

“How do you know?”

His smile swirled around her. “As I said before, I know more than you comprehend.”

She didn’t bother raging against his obtuse answer, simply because it wouldn’t get her anywhere. “I have a feeling the general and I will meet again.”

Joe’s shadow began to move. Agitation stirred the still air. “Be wary of the general. He sees more than most men.”

“That’s because he’s not exactly a man, is he?”

Joe hesitated. “No, he is not. He is a product of Hopeworth, born and bred to do the bidding of the military. He is not someone you want anything to do with.”

She rubbed her arms. On that, at least, they agreed. “I may not have any choice in the matter.”

Concern churned around her. “You had a premonition?”

“Maybe.”

“Then get the hell away from here. Leave the state, if that’s what it takes.”

“I can’t. At least not until I know my partner is safe.”

“Your partner? The man who has been trying to get rid of you?” He made no attempt to disguise the derision in his voice.

“Yeah, that one.” She shrugged. “He saved my life. Now his life is in danger.”

“Then find him and get far away from the general.”

“Finding him is the problem. His sister seems to think we have formed some sort of mind bond, but when I tried to find him through it, all I got were his emotions and pain.”

Joe didn’t answer immediately, though his essence continued to swirl around her. “Your talents are only now truly developing—and as yet, no one can be really sure which way that development will head. One thing is obvious, though. It will not be standard.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Another riddle?”

“No. A simple truth.” He hesitated. “Maybe this linking with Stern, at least on your side, is one springing more from emotional than rational thought. Perhaps your ability is empathic rather than telepathic.”

“And yet, here I am, talking to you.”

Again she felt his smile. “This is very different. This is something neither of us can really stop or control.”

“Why not?”