The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) by D.N. Simmons Page B

situation. Natasha took several deep breaths, but continued to listen before speaking.
    “We have tried to call her cell phone, but Rachel is not answering. She has never spent the entire night out without calling to let us know that she was safe. I don’t want to delay, I know that the police will not help us, nor do I want them involved for two reasons. They will only complicate matters and Rachel is a grade school teacher for children with developmental disabilities. I do not need to explain what will happen if this goes public,” Elise stated.
    Natasha nodded.
    “I know what risks you take every time you touch something, I am aware of the visions that you may see, some are unpleasant, but I must ask this of you.” Elise leaned forward, looking directly into Natasha’s eyes. “Will you help us, will you connect with Rachel?”
    She knew that she was asking a lot. If something horrible had happened to Rachel, Natasha would see this, that is, if Rachel was still alive. Elise was fully aware of the horrors Natasha had witnessed before through her visions.
    “Elise, I want to do whatever I can to help you. Do you have the object you want me to touch?” Natasha asked.
    Elise nodded and handed Natasha a gold locket on a thin gold chain. Natasha took the locket and examined it. She admired the intricate engravings on the locket, she opened it. Inside was a tiny photograph of Rachel and a woman whom Natasha suspected was her mother. The two women looked almost identical, only one was older. Natasha closed the locket as she closed her eyes. She wanted to clear her mind of any rambling thoughts so that she could form her connection with Rachel. Two seconds later, Natasha felt the unmistakable sensation that comes with the mental connection. She knew that Rachel was alive. Natasha opened her eyes and looked at Elise.
    “Rachel’s alive. Look, Elise there’s something I must tell you,” Natasha began as she handed the gold locket back to Elise. Everyone in the den paid close attention to her, patiently waiting for her to speak.
    “You aren’t the first person to ask me for my help in finding a missing member. Do you remember Warren and Adrian?” She paused for a second to allow Elise to back track into her memories, then she continued without waiting for a response. “Well, their Pack leader, Xander contacted me last night. One of his Pack has been missing for a few days. They’ve been searching the city for her, but were unsuccessful. And now you’re telling me you’re in an identical situation. Earlier this morning, I had a vision of the female wolf.”
    Elise remained silent and she waited for Natasha to continue, then gestured for her to go on.
    “Well, their member was located in a dark cell that didn’t have any windows. It appeared that she was being starved. I don’t know the reason why she was kidnapped or why she’s being held. Perhaps they want money. I suppose you haven’t received a call for ransom have you?” Natasha asked. She silently hoped that a ransom kidnapping was all it was and nothing more.
    “No, not yet. No one has attempted to contact me. This doesn’t make any sense, they must know that Rachel is a shape-shifter, but how did they know this?” Elise asked, as she speculated on various possibilities.
    “I don’t know. I mean... how would they know?” Natasha asked perplexed.
    “Want a Valium?” Sergio asked Natasha.
    Natasha looked at him and shook her head. “Why would I need a Valium?” she asked.
    “To help relax you. Hopefully, you’ll fall asleep quickly,” Sergio stated flatly.
    “Sergio, we have to be patient. I know that this is eating at you, but we must stay focused and calm. We know that she’s alive and that is a huge relief,” Elise said.
    Natasha looked at her, noting the roundness of her belly. She wanted to put her hand on her stomach, wanting to feel the babies inside.
    Elise’s eyes focused on Natasha, she studied her gaze and smiled. “You may touch