Lydia bit her lip, still unsure of how her presence was going to help. “I’m not sure how I can help you. I don’t have any control over my visions and very little over what you’re calling my telekinesis. On good days, my visions point me to things that are going to occur. I can’t pick what I want to dream about, and even further, sometimes outside forces and decisions can alter the outcome. I don’t see how I’m going to be any good to you.”
The general rose from the table. “Give me two weeks, Lydia. If in that time I haven’t helped you learn to control your gifts, then you can leave, although I wouldn’t suggest it. I’m not sure that you can take care of yourself yet.”
Lydia crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. “I’ve been doing just fine for thirty-eight years.”
The general raised his brow. “You and your aunt have been running for half of it. Don’t be naive in thinking that the bad guys don’t know about you. They will be coming for you, if not today then another day. Your gifts are too much of a temptation for him to ignore.” The general picked up his coffee cup and gulped the remaining contents. “I just want to return the favor you did for my girls. Please indulge me.”
Lydia pushed from the table and covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her yawn. It had been a long day. Even longer since they’d traveled here. “You’ve got two weeks to prove to me that you can help. After that I’ll decide if I want to stay.”
The fine lines in General Lister’s face softened. “I knew you were a smart girl. Now let me show you to your quarters.” He pulled the door open and started walking down a long corridor. Each of them followed, their gaze taking in all of their surroundings and quizzical looks of those they passed. “I’ve taken the liberty of calling ahead and sent someone into town to pick you up some necessities since I didn’t even give you a chance to grab a change of clothes.”
She held up her arms. “What you see is what you get. All I have is this dress and the contents of my purse.”
He stopped in front of a door and turned the knob, pushing it open. He stepped out of the way, letting Lydia cross the threshold first. She stepped into the decorated room. It wasn’t as sterile as the rest of the building. The walls in the living space were a crème color accented by brown suede furniture and a flat-screen television on the wall. A few end tables and lamps accented the room. It was a nice room, a comfortable room, nothing like she’d imagined. To the right stood a small kitchen that would only hold a few days’ supplies. A fridge, microwave, and small oven made up the tiny area. And then she spied it, the Holy Grail for all Bennetts. The coffee maker. The tiny kitchen, as small as it was, still gave her peace of mind that she could stay holed up in her little room if she ever felt the need. The general walked to another door leading off the main room and pushed that door open. Lydia stepped inside. A queen-sized bed stood in the middle of the room. A rich chocolate and burgundy comforter, inlaid with greens, covered the bed. Lydia ran her hand against the silky comforter and picked up a bag that sat on top of it. She thumbed through the contents.
“You can go into town and get some other things, but this should hold you over for a few days.”
Lydia nodded and wandered over to the dresser. Four picture frames stood atop of it. She picked up the first one. It was of Elizabeth and Mike. Lydia smiled and whirled around to face the general. “How, when?”
The general put his arm around Lydia’s shoulder. “Elizabeth thought it would be a nice touch, to remind you that you’ve got family waiting on you.”
Lydia clutched the picture to her chest and lowered her head. All the anxiety she’d felt about leaving them behind drained from her body. “Thank you.”
The general gave her a light pat on her back. “You know, once Elizabeth marries Mike, that makes us family too.”
He turned and left her in the bedroom. “Gentlemen, if you’ll follow me. You two have the rooms on either side. Briggs, yours is on the left, and Thompson, yours is on the right.”
Rick cleared his throat and approached Lydia before following the general. “I’ll be back in the morning to take you into town. Try and get some rest.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. The warm contact and innocent gesture made her insides feel all gooey. She hadn’t expected to like the overbearing man who’d invited himself along, but she was starting to see him in a different light. His concern seemed genuine.
Lydia nodded. “Thanks.”
She needed rest so she could clear her thoughts and think straight. For once in her life, she wished for a vision-free night so she could have a good night’s rest. Lydia followed Rick to the door and flicked the lock. She was ready to collapse on her feet. It seemed as though days had passed since she was at the wedding. She glanced down at her watch and rubbed the face. It was the one her brother had given her, the one all the Bennetts wore—the one with the tracking device. They’d find her if she was in trouble, and that made her rest a bit easier. There were people that cared about her. She wasn’t alone in the world anymore.
Chapter 6