Page 10 of Shattering Dawn
“The leg is fine,” Gideon lied. Absently he rubbed his aching thigh. “I’ve got another problem. It’s connected to a new case.”
“Yeah?” Interest sparked in Shelton’s voice. “You know I like to talk about your work.”
“My new client selected me because she found my name on a certain list.”
“I thought you mostly worked by referral.”
“I do. I try to stay off lists. But I know for a fact that I’m on the one my client has, because you’re the one who put me there.”
Chapter Five
“I don’t understand—”Shelton broke off. “Wait, are you talking about that list of people I developed during the career guidance research study I ran years ago?”
“Yes, Uncle Shelton. That list.”
“Well, shit.”
“My sentiments exactly.”
“The study went nowhere because it couldn’t be replicated,” Shelton said. “At least, not without me and my device.”
“A machine only you can operate.”
“What can I say? Crystals are complicated. I was trying to come up with some standard testing and calibration methods that others could use when the agency that commissioned the study pulled the plug on the funding. The project was shelved. A short time later the agency itself disappeared. After years of dropping millions into paranormal research, all of a sudden no one in government wanted to be associated with that kind of work.”
“But you managed to develop a list of people who demonstrated some measurable talent.”
“That’s right.” Shelton paused. “Huh. Wonder how your client found it.”
“We’ll deal with that question later. There is an escalating stalker involved in this case, so I’ve got to set priorities. Did you keep track of the test subjects?”
“No, of course not. That would have been impossible. Hundreds of people volunteered to participate in the study. I worked with several colleges and a couple of military bases up and down the West Coast.”
“What about the people who ended up on your list?”
“I planned to keep an eye on a few of them from a distance, but I got busy with other projects,” Shelton said. “I have no idea where any of those people are now. You say your client is on the list?”
“That’s what she told me. Amelia Rivers. Does the name ring a bell?”
“No, but it’s been several years since the study was shut down. I can dig up my notes if that will help.”
“Thanks,” Gideon said. “They might be useful.”
“You said there’s a stalker involved in this case?”
“Amelia thinks so.”
“Nasty lot, stalkers. Old boyfriend?”
“Amelia is convinced the stalker is hunting her because her name is on that list. What’s more, she claims she and her friends were kidnapped, drugged, and used in experiments designed to enhance their natural abilities.”
“What the hell?” Shelton snorted. “That’s ridiculous. Did she mention UFOs by any chance?”
“No extraterrestrials were involved. I’m pretty sure she’s not delusional.”
“You can’t always tell, Gideon. If she’s on that list it means shedoes have some talent. But one thing I learned in the course of that study was that people who possess some serious psychic ability don’t always have the mental stability required to handle the additional sensory input. A powerful sixth sense can cause an individual to become confused and disoriented. The dream energy overwhelms the normal senses in the waking state.”
“I know.”