Rogan.
Rogan’s in trouble.
I have to get to him.
I close my eyes and concentrate.I have to get back to the ether.I have to!I clench my fists, try to empty my mind...
But...nothing.
How did I get there before?It just seemed to happen.What did I do?How did I—
I rush to my father’s desk and riffle through the scattered papers.I don’t know what I think I’m going to find.A book on how to get to the ether?Directions from a map app?
Yeah, right.
But I do find something that draws my attention.
My gaze falls on a file folder.
Victor Rogan.
And another folder underneath it.
Hannah.
The words of my stepfather ring in my ears.
You’re controlled by nature. Nature has led you to Rogan. But the laws of nature also tell us that what controls us can also be controlled.
I’m a rat.A rat in a maze.
And I—
“Ooowwww!”
I cry out as I double over, falling to the floor and into a fetal position.
62
Aknife.
A knife is cutting through my abdomen.At least that’s what it feels like.
But it’s gone nearly as quickly as it came.Still, this is the second time it’s happened.I’m not the hypochondriacal type, but something feels…off.
I need to get myself checked out.
Since I’m back in Chicago, I know where all the hospitals are.I won’t go to the one where I work, though.Dad arranged for me to be on leave while I worked this case for him, and I don’t want them to know I’m in town.
Before I double over again, I grab the two file folders and dash out.I head to my apartment first to change into some normal clothes, and then I grab a cab to an emergency room, leaving the folders at my place.
“Ow!”The blade lances through me again.
“You okay back there?”the cabbie asks.
“Yeah.I’m good.Just hurry.”
A few moments later, he pulls into the ER.I grab a few twenties that I pulled out of my stash at home and throw them into to the front seat, hoping it’s enough.