Drake Sisters 07 - Hidden Currents

away. She felt safe there, held there, not captured, but sheltered. Tears blurred her vision and she blinked rapidly so she wouldn’t lose sight of him.
    Jackson, al too aware of their audience, gathered her into his arms, pul ing her against his chest, his arms wrapping her up so no one could see her face. He knew El e’s family loved her, but she would be so embarrassed to be seen in a moment of weakness. Pride was a big thing to El e and, where he’d already been through the first stages of trauma and knew what to expect, she had no idea that these moments would come at the most unexpected times.
    El e burrowed close to him, her face tight against the hol ow of his shoulder. He stood, taking her with him, sitting in a chair with her on his lap, his arms effectively sheltering her from everyone.
    â€œKatie,†he asked softly, “are you al right?â€
    She nodded. “He didn’t get inside my head. I pul ed away as soon as I felt him. I think we both recognized we weren’t alone at the same time.â€
    â€œThank you for working on El e. I can feel a difference already inside her brain, with just the one healing. When you worked with her, could you get an idea of the damage?†Jackson real y wanted an answer, but even more, he wanted to divert attention away from El e until she could recover enough to face everyone.
    As soon as he asked the questions Libby leaned in, anxious to hear the answer. Kate took a thoughtful sip of tea, taking her time, assessing the situation before she spoke. As always she brought a sense of calm, of peace to the room. She looked up serenely and smiled at Matt as he settled beside her, slipping her hand into his. She looked pale, but very much Kate, elegant even in her white blouse and faded, soft jeans. She wore no makeup and no one would ever guess that she wrote bestsel ing murder mysteries sold worldwide.
    â€œI’m not going to try to minimize the damage to her, especial y as I know we need El e at ful strength. The lesions are deep. She needs rest and she needs to relax and not use any part of her talent. I healed the first layer, but there are several. I’l work on her again tomorrow.†Before Matt could voice a protest she tightened her fingers and looked at him, eyes pleading for understanding. “I’l be more careful next time.â€
    â€œI thought we could send a little message next time,†Jackson said. “Although I don’t know if it’s possible. He’s obviously trying to harass El e. Abbey, you can work with animals, can’t you?â€
    She frowned, puzzled, but she nodded her head. “Fairly easily as a rule.â€
    He indicated the dog. “What about Bomber?â€
    Abigail held out her hand to the German Shepherd and let him come to her, sniffing her open palm. The dog looked up at her with adoring eyes and wagged his tail. She stared into his eyes for a few moments and Bomber instantly lay down at her feet, stil looking up at her eagerly.
    â€œHe’s very responsive. He actual y has a psychic energy al his own.â€
    â€œHe alerts to Gratsos’s psychic presence,†Jackson explained. “His ears go forward, his hair goes up, he stands and points, and gives his intruder bark. He knows before any of us when Gratsos sends his energy toward us.â€
    â€œYou think we can use his energy to attack Gratsos when he intrudes on El e,†Abigail mused, her expression thoughtful. She glanced at Sarah.
    Jackson noted al the women were looking to Sarah. Even El e stirred and sat up a little, turning her head, looking toward Sarah as if for the final verdict.

    Tyson leaned forward, his gaze on Damon. “It’s al about energy waves, right? It would work. Be kind of funny, have the son of a bitch touch El e’s mind and get a protection dog in his face, al teeth and roar.†The grin faded. “But is it worth it? Is he going to just shrug it off and ask if that’s al we’ve got?â€
    Sarah shook her head. “Gratsos was able to give El e the sensation of choking her. She feels his fingers closing around her throat.â€
    â€œIlya can do things like that,†Joley admitted, turning to smile up at her fiancé. “Only much nicer things, of course.â€
    â€œSo can the dog attack him?†Jackson asked.
    â€œI think it could be done,†Sarah said. “Abbey could connect Bomber with Gratsos