Rebuilding Me

REBUILDING ME

Lightworker Series, Book Three

Smashwords Edition

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and situations are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locations is entirely coincidental.

Dedication/Acknowledgements

To my muse, for not giving up on me.

To my husband. Your support and encouragement means everything to me. I love you.

Thank you to Elaine, my editor, and Michelle Cornwell-Jordan for your feedback on the story. I hope you both will forgive me for everything I’ve put poor Courtney through…

Thanks to Lourdes Gutierrez for writing my bio.

Thank you to the online writing community for your supportive words, retweets and advice. I also want to say thank you to my fellow bloggers for helping me get the word out.

Thanks to all my amazing readers, my street team, and mailing list for your support.

Thanks to Vicki, Crystal S., and for all you do to help us get our work into the hands of readers. Your events are so much fun, and I can’t wait to take part in more.

Finally, thank you to NaNoWriMo for getting me in touch with my muse.

Prologue

Elaine Wilson stood outside her boss’ office, the dead eyes of her latest assignment playing through her mind. The file she’d read after meeting with her only made the effect more haunting. Would she be able to help someone so damaged? It would certainly be her most challenging assignment yet.

Elaine knocked on the door, assuming as professional a demeanor as possible.

Come in, came the booming reply.

Elaine stepped into the room, taking a seat on the other side of the desk. I’ve gone over the information you gave me and have meet with her twice.

Your assessment?

She sighed. To be honest, it’s not great. She seems to be suffering from severe PTSD. I’d guess she’s been dealing with it to some degree for months with no treatment. She’s only gotten worse with her loss. I think she’ll require some intense treatment and will probably have to stay here for months.

It’s that bad?

She nodded. Yes, sir. She hasn’t said a word to me, and she doesn’t seem to notice that she’s being locked in her room. All she does is stare into space with dead eyes.

Mr. Warner shook his head. Such a shame. I was hoping it was just temporary shock and she would be recovering from it by now.

Elaine sat back in her chair. I’m afraid not. She’s been almost catatonic both times I’ve seen her. We have a contact, yes?

He nodded. I’ve got their number here. I promised not to use it when she joined, but there’s no getting around it. I’d like you to go and get them after I’ve called. You should join us so you can explain what they can expect.

Of course.

Excuse me just a moment while I make the call.

Elaine stood and left the room, sticking close by in anticipation of his call. She studied the slip of paper he’d given her with an address scrawled across it in messy script. She hoped she’d be able to help.

***

Joann Thompson finished folding a sheet, setting it on the pile of fresh linens on the couch. She picked up another one and got partway through before the phone rang. She hurriedly finished folding the sheet and tossed it aside. A third ring sounded before she snatched up the receiver. Hello?

Hello. Mrs. Thompson?

Yes, this is she. Who’s calling?

It’s Christopher Warner, Mrs. Thomson.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she nearly dropped the receiver. Hello, Mr. Warner. What can I do for you?

She couldn’t imagine what this man could want from her. When she thought about it, she realized she hadn’t had any contact with him since the day she and her husband agreed to adopt their daughter.

I know this call must come as a huge surprise to you, but it’s important that I speak with you and your husband as soon as possible.

Mr. Warner, if you’re thinking of asking us to take in another child —

No, it’s nothing like that, he cut in. I’m actually calling in regards to Courtney.

She could swear her heart skipped a few beats at the mention of her daughter. She collected herself as she braced for the worst. Is she all right? What is she doing with you, anyway?

Courtney hasn’t been hurt, he assured her. She’s here, but I’m afraid I can’t talk about the rest over the phone. Is your husband around? If so, I can send someone for you right now.

Yes, he’s here. Her heart pounded even harder as the possibilities raced through her mind.

I’ll have someone there in a few minutes. Talk to you then.

The line went dead and Joann hung up the phone, taking a moment to collect herself before calling out to her husband. Andrew, get down here! Hurry!

Her husband raced down the stairs and into the living room. What’s the matter?

Mr. Warner just called about Courtney. He wouldn’t tell me anything other than she’s safe with them. He’s sending someone to get us so he can talk to us in person.

What would she be doing with them? You don’t think she started following in her birth parents’ footsteps, do you?

She shrugged. I know as much as you do about this. I’m not sure what to think.

A young woman with dark hair suddenly appeared beside them, causing them both to jump. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson?

Yes. What’s going on? His tone hardened as he stared at the strange woman.

I’d rather answer that when we get back. She gave them a pleading look. Trust me.

They exchanged a look, and Mr. Thompson nodded. Okay.

***

Mrs. Thompson burst into the office, fixing a demanding look on Mr. Warner. Where is our daughter?

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, please, have a seat and I’ll explain.

They did as asked. Mr. Thompson fixed the man with a hard stare while Mrs. Thompson folded her arms across her chest.

Courtney, as you might have guessed, has started working with us. I’d promised her that I wouldn’t involve you in that unless… something went wrong on a job, but I believe this calls for an exception.

What’s happened? Mrs. Thompson’s voice raised in pitch as she demanded an answer.

Mrs. Thompson, Elaine broke in. My name is Elaine Wilson, and I was asked to evaluate your daughter after she came to Mr. Warner in a panic. I’m sorry to tell you this, but she hasn’t been entirely honest with you about what’s happened since she discovered the truth about her background.

She’s been practicing her abilities since you told her, Mr. Warner broke in. That led to a situation I think it’s time to tell you about.

The pair explained Lauren’s attack, how they believed the transfer took place, the things Courtney had said, and her mission gone wrong. With every word, the Thompsons grew more agitated. They sat in stunned silence as they tried to process it all.

Oh, my God. Where is she now? Mrs. Thompson shifted in her chair, casting an expectant look from one to the other.

She’s being confined to a room upstairs for the time being, he explained. We’re afraid that if we let her come and go freely in her state, she could get herself into trouble.

Your daughter seems to have been dealing with PTSD for some time now without anyone knowing it, added Elaine. I’m afraid that recent events have triggered a far more severe episode. She’s shut down for the most part.

What the hell did you people do to her? Mrs. Thompson asked, her voice raising in accusation as she fixed a hard stare on the woman.

We’ve done nothing. As I explained, one of the people Courtney was being hidden from managed to find her and used a powerful dark object to take over your niece’s body. This same entity managed to do the same with her boyfriend. As soon as she found out the effects were irreversible, she closed herself off.

So what are you going to do about this? Mr. Thompson demanded, his arms folded across his chest as he shifted in his seat.

Elaine moved to sit closer to them, looking him in the eye, then his wife. I’d like to keep Courtney here for a while to try pulling her out of this. We already worked out a cover to explain her absence, and I really do think I can help her.

Why didn’t she tell any of this to us? I don’t get it. Mrs. Thompson’s voice rose in frustration.

She probably thought you wouldn’t approve of her doing so. Plus, she was working through a lot of trust issues. She hadn’t officially decided to join until a few days ago.

We would have objected, yes. I don’t like this… Mrs. Thompson’s voice trailed off. Her eyes widened. So that’s why she was late that night!

I’m sorry? Elaine raised an eyebrow at the woman.

That’s right, said Mr. Thompson. She’d been attacked and Sam was covering for her when he said it was his fault she was late getting home. He shook his head. The poor kid. Are you sure there’s nothing that can be for him or my niece?

I wish there was. I’m so sorry to tell you that, but it’s the truth. Elaine gave them an apologetic look, wishing that she didn’t have to give them such news.

We’ll take good care of her, Mr. Warner promised them. We just need you to back up our story should anyone ask about her.

Mrs. Thompson sighed, a look of resignation in her eyes. Of course. Anything she needs. Can we see her?

Elaine shook her head. I’m sorry, but that’s not going to be possible right now. She’s in a fragile state, and I think that she needs time first. Seeing you could trigger another episode like she had with Mr. Warner.

Mrs. Thompson closed her eyes. You’ll call us?

Of course. I should be getting back to work now, so why don’t I take you both home? We’ll talk again as soon as anything changes. Elaine stood and waited for the pair to follow.

They both followed suit, Mr. Thompson glancing toward Mr. Warner. You too?

Mr. Warner nodded. Absolutely. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

They agreed, and Elaine took the Thompsons back