“You want her to be safe, don’t you?”
She nodded again.
“It’s simple, Natalie. All you need to do is take a few steps, and hand Haley over to us. Anna will take her from you, and then you can go on, move on with your life.”
She didn’t doubt him once. She didn’t ask him how he knew all this. She believed every word, because she was under his spell. It was truly fascinating to watch.
I knew he was lying. We all knew he was lying. Everyone knew, except for Natalie, who was still under his spell. I didn’t dare utter a single word, for fear of breaking the spell. I felt sorry for her. I knew she had a long road ahead of her; kidnapping charges, and a legal trial. Even if she didn’t end up in jail, her ex would most likely never take her back. And Mason Henderson would never speak to her again. But it was what needed to be done to save Haley.
She surprised me when she momentarily turned her gaze to me. My heart practically leapt out of my chest. I walked towards her as she inched closer to me, but I kept my gaze towards Ace. The spell could not be broken. Her eyes fixed on his again, and we all met in a small circle. I gently peeled little Haley from her arms. Haley was crying, and Natalie was still in a trance, under Ace’s control.
“Good job,” he said. “You did the right thing, Natalie. You’ll be fine.”
I backed up slowly. Two detectives rushed to me and took Haley from my arms. That’s when a vision overwhelmed me: Ace’s eyes pulled away from Natalie’s and the spell broke. Natalie slowly retreated to the edge of the cliff. Ace tried to reach out to her but he failed, and she jumped.
“Ace,” I called out. “Don’t break the spell. Please don’t let go of her until she’s safe.”
He cleared his throat. “You will be fine, Natalie,” he said. “Officer Webb will take your arm now and lead you back to the cottage.”
Officer Webb scurried over and took her hand. Ace did not break eye contact. He stayed with her as they both led her toward the trail in the woods. A female officer still had Haley in her arms, and was trying to comfort her. We all followed Officer Watts and Natalie down the path.
“You two did a fantastic job,” Detective Thurber said quietly as we headed back to the cottage. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “Most people do. We’re kind of freaky. It’s hard to believe.”
He laughed. “Well, you saved a little girl today, so keep up that freaky stuff, will ya.”
I smiled wide. “Yes, definitely, Sir.”
I beamed. I never thought I’d ever be so proud to be a freak.
38
We didn’t even get to say goodbye to little Haley. I didn’t mind too much -- I was just so happy that she was safe, and back in her mother’s arms. I only held her for just a few seconds, but little Haley will forever have a spot in my heart.
Following a tedious few hours at the police station, answering questions, and filling out some forms, Simone, Ace and I were finally released.
We grabbed a quick bite at a deli. Both Ace and I were suddenly famished -- we scarfed down our roast beef sandwiches. Simone laughed. “Do you kids ever get fed?”
While we were chomping down on our sandwiches, Simone went kind of emotional on us. “I’m so proud of both of you, my little wizards,” she could barely choke out the words. “You both did such an amazing job today. I never stopped believing in you.”
We both stopped eating, our mouths full of food, and nodded. It was both sweet and awkward.
We hopped back on the plane, and took our usual seats. “It’s been quite the eventful day,” she said, pointing out the obvious. “I don’t want you to go to bed too late tonight. School tomorrow.”
I smiled. How did she expect us to ever fall asleep after a day like this?
I fastened my seatbelt, and turned to Ace. “You were amazing.”
He smiled. “So were you.”
It dawned on me then. Ace was a good guy. He wasn’t the villain I’d made him out to be. I’d done that because I was afraid of him, scared of the power he had over me, and because of my own prejudices. When he’d kissed me, he’d just been a typical boy who likes a girl. I don’t think he even realizes how intoxicating he can be. And as far as those rumors about him, my instincts tell me that there’s a lot more to it, and I’m sure that one day, I’ll know the full story.
I shrugged. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” I said. “And besides, it was all you. You saved Haley.”
“I needed you, too,” he admitted. “I was trembling in my booties.”
I laughed. “Really?!”
