The Thought Keepers: Ability

Chapter 16: Into The Psychic's Den

The car ride was unnaturally silent. Jade was driving for once, and she was quiet as she focused on the road. Her pensive face set me on edge, but not more than what was coming. 

Dante set next to her in the passenger seat, gnawing on his cuticles. He looked oddly rejuvenated, as if his time at home perked him up. Maybe he was avoiding everyone all the time because he was homesick, and seeing his parents made him feel better. 

I could feel Carson's curious gaze on me, but I didn't feel like talking at the moment. I kept thinking about everything leading up to my fight with Violet. What I had done wrong, and where things went sour. Although Sela was the catalyst to our disagreement, it happened long before she walked in. 

I felt relief for the first time in days simply by being in Violet's presence. Her house was always a safe space from judgment, grief and anxiety. I could forget about my father's absence and my mother's disapproval. I could hide away from Uncle Ethan's watchful eyes and just be a normal teenager. 

From second grade to freshman year of high school I went to Violet's house every day after school like clockwork. We would talk about whatever came to mind and soon enough it would be dusk outside, and my uncle would be hunting me down with threatening texts to call the police.

After freshman year, Violet became more serious about music and started a band with three girls. I figured the reason I was never well-acquainted with Violet's band members was because she wanted to focus on her music without distraction. I respected that she wanted to focus on her craft and never questioned her. But if I had paid more attention, I would have noticed that Violet was pulling away from me. I was just too wrapped up in my own problems to see it.

"I've never seen you so quiet before," Carson commented after a while, tired of the silence. For a second I thought he was talking to me, but then he leaned forward to inspect Jade. "What's wrong, Jade?" 

I settled back into the seat, closing my eyes as she answered. "Nothing." 

From her tone, his prodding was not appreciated. But like a true little brother, he kept going until she snapped. "I'm guessing the meeting with her parents didn't go well?" 

"I don't want to talk," Jade made clear, taking a deep breath in. "So, mind your own business." 

Surprisingly, Dante interjected. "Drop it, Carson. It's not a great time." 

I looked at him with interest. It sounded a lot like Dante was defending Jade, the person he disliked the most. For him to do that, something serious must have happened. 

Carson looked equally intrigued, but he dropped the subject as requested. The car passed onto the bascule bridge between Groton and Stonington, and I tried not to glance down at the glistening water, where the ghost of my father resided. 

Ms. Price lived on the outskirts of Groton, near the Long Island Sound. It was alarmingly close to the Stonington Institute where my mother stayed. I wondered if I should tell her about Uncle Ethan before or after I risked my life to find him. I decided to pick the easy option, and call her when it was all over. 

"My Dad assembled an investigation squad to look for your uncle," Carson informed suddenly, crossing his arms. "I think we'll find him before they do, but I can't know for sure. I'll let you know if I hear anything else." 

I nodded, not moved in the slightest. Considering how much Robert hated my family, it was unlikely for him to put his all into the investigation. Still, I appreciated Carson's honesty, especially after our earlier conversation. 

"We're gonna find him," Jade declared, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror. Although she was exhausted from whatever happened in Seoul, she still found the time to reassure me. I couldn't help but smile at her.