Scarred: The Dream Catcher Book 2

Copyright © 2012 Traci K. Bauler

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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Cover art by Mandy Lea Hegemeyer

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7699-2 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7700-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7701-2 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012922243

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/27/2012

Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

For my dad,

whose encouragement

and love have

spurred me on.

1

A coffin. Danny shivered. What if he wasn’t getting out of this box? What if it was meant to be his coffin?

He opened his eyes and stared into the darkness around him. He knew Rand was angry that he wouldn’t join the cult, that he wouldn’t share all of his visions. In fact, that’s why he’d ended up here, locked inside a cold box that was barely long enough for him to lie flat.

He sighed and tried to adjust his body so that he could stretch out his legs. However, just like every other attempt, there was little relief.

How had this happened? How does someone get kidnapped into a cult? That’s just not normal. Of course, nothing about Danny’s life had ever been normal. He thought about his parents, wishing they were still alive. More than anything, he yearned for more time with them. Then he thought about Rand. He had believed that Rand was dead, only to be kidnapped by him. And to make matters worse, Rand was groping for Danny to become the new Spiritual Ambassador for the cult. Danny felt breathless. What kind of person would kidnap his own cousin and then bury him alive? Rand had been like a brother; Danny’s eyes stung.

Shaking his head, Danny sighed. Being stuck in this metal crate reminded him of his limited existence – no matter how hard he dreamed, he felt confined. It didn’t seem to matter to anyone that he didn’t want to be a part of the Shinar. It didn’t seem to matter that he didn’t believe what they believed, or that cooperating with them would forfeit his own belief system.

Then there was God. What was he up to in all of this? Danny wanted him to reach down and wipe the cult off the face of the earth. He wanted rescue. He wanted peace to live his life unhindered. All he had ever wanted was to be normal, but normal felt out of reach right now.

He knew that he wouldn’t get out of here until Rand was ready to release him. Audrey had already tried to help – to no avail. He hoped she hadn’t gotten into too much trouble for trying to unlock this box. He still remembered her sweet voice calling out to him as they were dragging her away. That had been the last sound he’d heard for a while. Then the recording had begun, a recording of a man speaking monotone words about all of the wonderful feats of the Shinar.

Over and over again, Danny heard the recorded voice drone on in an attempt to convince him of the victimization the cult had endured, the darkness of the world outside these sheltered walls, and the need to fight back. Danny shivered each time the voice spoke of the reality of the invisible world. This they had right; Danny saw it more often than any other person he knew. However, the way they saw it was a bit creepy. Their Spiritual Ambassador was apparently their channel to the otherworld, the man who would carry their messages back and forth between them and the spirits that governed their communities.

Danny’s chest started aching. He didn’t want to be this man, this prophet. He didn’t want to spend his days speaking with demons and giving the Shinar glimpses into the future through his dreams. He didn’t want to be severed from God.

Danny trembled. How many times had he been threatened to cooperate, forced to listen to this recording? How many days had he been left like this, alone? How many more could he stand?

Payton gingerly walked through the withered cemetery, stepping over the graves as he went. Grace had called and asked him to meet her here. He could see her a few feet away, sitting on a stone bench in front of a large headstone, and nerves overcame him. Why had she decided to call him instead of the pastor? He licked his lips.

She turned and smiled at him, her cheeks damp with tears. As he approached, he smiled back, knowing that his face was full of sympathy. He felt guilty, however. All of the pain she’d experienced could have been prevented if only he’d been able to solve the case sooner, if only Danny had been found. Now he doubted whether or not they’d really be able to find him.

He sat down beside her and gazed silently at the headstone before them, and he knew then who they were, and why Grace had asked him to come. The name on the headstone was Sanchez. The two deceased had died twelve years ago today - Danny’s parents, Ramon and Joyce.

Payton wondered if Grace had come to the gravesite every year on the anniversary of their death. He wondered if Danny had always been with her during years past, if this was the first time she’d had to come alone. So, he sat there with her in silent understanding of why she’d called him.

He stayed a tear as he stared at the bright sunflowers adorning the foot of the gravestone. He didn’t know what to say, but he also knew it wasn’t necessary for him to speak. She simply needed someone to sit with her and mourn with her, someone who understood, who was going through some of the same trials. So, Payton sat with her, not only wanting to prove she wasn’t alone, but also trying to convince himself that he wasn’t alone either.

They died less than a week before his fifth birthday. Grace’s voice was strained. He turned to look at her as she stared lifelessly at the headstone, his throat tightening as he thought about Danny.

She continued in a soft voice. He only has a few memories of his mother. He could hear tears in the words as she shook her head in disappointment. Her voice dropped to a painful whisper. And she was so amazing.

Payton tried to hold back the tears, but he felt one slip down his cheek as she turned to look at him. He fidgeted in his seat and looked away. He couldn’t imagine not knowing his mother, but to him that wouldn’t have been a tragedy. He kept that remark to himself, however, and shyly looked back up at her.

First the death of his parents and having to adjust to a new life, then having to deal with Rand’s sudden interest in the cult, Rand leavin’ us, and now this… She struggled with the next word. Kidnapping. She sighed and looked back down at the headstone. Danny’s been through more trauma than any kid I know.

Now trauma was something Payton could relate to. He felt the hurt in his heart, the ache for Grace and Danny, the anguish for himself and Audrey, his sweet sister.

She shook her head and wiped away a tear as she turned to glance at him once again. He met her sad and apologetic eyes. I know y’all are doin’ your best to find him. The tears flowed down again. But I just don’t know how much more of this he can take. Her gaze dropped. "I don’t know how much more I can take."

Payton wanted to apologize for not finding Danny. He wanted to tell her everything would be okay, that it wouldn’t be long now, but his heart wouldn’t let him utter empty promises. He felt broken down, and he almost couldn’t stand the pain growing inside his chest.

She let out a forced laugh and swiped at her eyes. But I guess I should be thankful, right? she said shakily. If Rand hadn’t begged me to let Danny stay over that night, Danny would have died with his parents.

Danny felt tired, so completely sapped of energy as he stared blindly up into the darkness. He wished he could just sleep hours on end, dulled to his queer existence, numbed to the hunger pains growing in his stomach. However, sleep wouldn’t come, and when it did, it was fleeting and often terrifying.

He’d been seeing demons in his mind, caught in the midst of battles between darkness and light. It seemed that the darkness was expanding in his dreams and weighing heavier on his heart each time he closed his eyes. So, why sleep with the darkness? Because it was better than staring into the blank world thinking, pondering over and over again why and how and what. It was better than wondering when the world would end and when he’d be set free. It was better than listening to that monotonous recording that continued to play through the darkness.

His dry tongue passed over his cracked lips, and he tried to swallow, but the effort was hardly worth it. His throat ached with thirst. Turning over onto his side, he wondered what Audrey was doing. Was she in the kitchen or sitting on her bed thinking of him? Was she talking to Carine, one of the few friends they’d made in this place? Maybe she was praying. He closed his eyes, seeing her wavy soft tresses and glittering green eyes. He smiled, wishing he could be where she was, see her, and be near her. He didn’t care where she was or what she was doing; he just wanted to be there too. He wanted to be close enough to take her hand in his. He wanted to hold her, but all he had was this cold steel box and this darkness.

He wondered why Audrey was still here at the hideout. Why was Rand keeping her? Was she a hostage or leverage of some kind? Leverage for what, though, for him? He honestly didn’t know why Rand had tried to kill Payton, or why he’d kidnapped Audrey. He wished he knew why. What was Rand’s motive, and what would Payton be willing to do to get her back? Would she end up being the bargaining chip that would force him to stay here forever? He shivered.

Rand was smart, and Danny knew Rand had a plan. However, what could Rand possibly gain by threatening a detective? Danny wished he knew more, that he could somehow do something to change the circumstances. He knew Payton was looking for Audrey, and she seemed to truly believe that he’d find her. Danny prayed that he would. Audrey had been thrust into the middle of a crazy battle that she knew little about, and he hoped she could get away from it soon and go home unscathed, even if he wasn’t able to go with her.

That thought took his breath away, though. He didn’t want to be stuck here, and he didn’t want to lose Audrey. Maybe he’d get to leave when Payton came looking for her. Maybe Payton was looking for him, too. He hoped that he wouldn’t be left behind, that he could go home one day and hug Aunt Grace tight, that he could spend his life thinking of ways to please Audrey rather than how to find his way home.

He forced another swallow as he pictured her modest smile in his mind. If only they could find a way out of here. If only they could run and find their way home. If only they could be together, far from Rand and this awful place. But even then, would he forget? Would he ever be able to live without thinking of the Shinar again?

He shivered, chilled by the truth. This place was quickly becoming a part of who he was. Even if he tried to ignore it, even if he could find a way to please God here, it was still shaping and defining him. Try as he may to push it away, this place and the cult were still here. He knew in the depths of his soul they’d remain a part of him for the rest of his life.

2

Rand paced through the woods that stretched out behind the adobe building. This place had been a refuge for him for so many years. He admitted there had been times he’d wanted to run away and be reunited to his family, times that he’d questioned the motives of the Shinar, but this community had protected him and matured him. He owed his life to these people and wanted to see their dreams fulfilled. They had given him a home, a place of guidance over his own Gathering, and a hope, something he had longed to share with Danny.

Crossing his arms, Rand grew frustrated as he thought of Danny’s abrasiveness. How could the boy not see the potential of the Shinar? How could he refuse his fate, turn away from the blood-brother who’d helped raise him? Rand remembered the times he’d held his baby cousin while he mourned for his parents, the times he’d watched over him during the night, the times he’d protected him from death. Rand suddenly shivered, even in the hot Texas humidity.

He uncrossed his arms and rubbed his hand along the rough bark of a tree. He missed his mother dreadfully, and he knew Danny did, too. He sighed. Did he have the right to force Danny away from her, away from the woman who’d taken him in as her own son?

Rand froze, his chest tightening as he ground his teeth. Of course he had the right! He had done more than enough for that boy to deserve the right! He knew that Danny had changed during his absence from home, that the boy had even defied him and become a Christian. Rand balled his hands into fists. He had to do something to adjust Danny’s rebellion, something to correct his disrespectful attitude. Locking Danny in the metal crate in the cellar had been the last resort.

A hint of guilt poked around in his gut, but Rand forced it away. This was necessary. If Danny refused his position as Spiritual Ambassador, it could mean the death of the Shinar. There were only a few Gatherings left now, and they needed their Prophet in order to unite and survive.

So, there really was no other choice. He’d wanted Danny to choose this, to choose him, but the boy obviously needed convincing. Little time remained for Danny to make the right choice, so Rand refused to feel guilt over using tough love. Danny needed to grow up. He needed to claim his destiny and claim his title. Danny was the long awaited Pallas, the man of understanding that would lead the Shinar into the bright future that Rand knew stood before them.

Payton pulled onto the freeway feeling forlorn when he saw Cole’s car drive by. Where was Cole going? Payton tried to convince himself not get involved; they had pulled him from the case for a reason. Cole was like a brother, and Payton trusted that he could handle the case. The man was a Texas Ranger for crying out loud. He’d been called in to take over the case after Rand had laid Payton up in the hospital. However, Payton still felt the muscles in his neck tense, curiosity and anxiety tugging at him. He knew he needed to stay out of it, but then he found that he was already trailing behind. He exhaled slowly; a little spying wouldn’t hurt. He just wanted to know where Cole was going, what the next step was for the case. More than anything, Payton wanted Danny and Audrey home.

His phone vibrated, startling him. He pulled it from its clip and looked at the caller ID; it was Cole. Had he been caught?

Taking a deep breath, Payton tried to calm himself. He put on his earpiece and answered the phone.

I know you don’t really wanna hear this, Cole said steadily, but you’ve been rescheduled to meet with Dr. Nevaeh tomorrow morning.

Oh, Payton said, relieved that he hadn’t been caught as he tried not to think about the fact that he’d have to see the doctor again.

How has your day been? Cole asked, seeming to pay close attention.

Fine, Payton felt awkward. I met Grace at the cemetery. Danny’s parents died twelve years ago today.

Oh, that’s right. Cole’s voice was soft. How was she?

Payton sighed softly, knowing that this day was probably more painful to Grace than most people could ever understand. She’s handling it, but it’s been a tough road, and who knows how much longer this could take.

True, Cole’s voice was barely audible. Then there was silence, and Payton could tell Cole was focusing on the road. Then Cole spoke again. You goin’ home now?

Yeah, I’m… Payton paused; he didn’t want to lie. …back in my car.

Cole’s car exited the freeway. I’m on my way to another interview, so it might be awhile ‘til I see you. Payton quickly followed, trying to keep up without getting too close. Who was the interview with?

Okay. Payton tried to sound interested but left out. He was only a few cars behind Cole now, and he knew he’d have to be pretty careful to keep from being spotted.

He cleared his throat, curious about yesterday. Did you talk to Berenger? Why did he give me Kelly’s name?

There was silence on the line for a few moments before Cole answered. Trust me brother, it’d be better for you to just stay out of it for now.

Payton wondered what that meant. Had he blown his chances at getting put back on the case? His grip tightened around the steering wheel. Once again, he’d been shut down and refused. But he couldn’t just sit by and wait - not anymore.

You know what you could do though? Cole’s voice was quiet, and Payton waited eagerly to hear what he had to say. Get online and look up everything you can on Douglas Kelly. Cole paused.

Payton felt his shoulders relax. Finally he was going to be allowed to do something. He knew he should probably turn around and get to work on it right away, but he had time. If he was careful, he could listen in on a bit of the interview first and then sneak back and have this information before Cole even got back to the house.

I think Kelly’s name is going to lead us to someone else. Cole said calmly. Possibly to the real name Berenger was hinting at.

Danny longed to stretch out his legs, to somehow ease his cramping joints and stiff muscles, but relief eluded him. He wrapped his arms around himself, wishing the constant chill in the air would go away. He wondered how much longer they’d leave him in here. How long would it be until he’d get a drink of water? He could feel his swollen, dry throat as he thought about how great it would feel to be gulping down a refreshing glass of water, but that just made it worse.

He didn’t even know how long he’d been in here, but he’d run out of things to keep his mind occupied. He’d long ago tried to focus his thoughts on anything but that blasted recording. He’d prayed over and over again, and now it just sounded so redundant every time he prayed again. He’d tried to sing songs he could remember, compose a letter to Aunt Grace, and quote Scripture. Unfortunately that one hadn’t lasted very long; he’d never really thought about memorizing Scripture being important until now.

He shifted, once again trying to stretch out his legs as he tried to think through things of the Bible that he didn’t quite understand. His mind was so tired, though, that he couldn’t make sense of anything. He sighed again. What else could he do to keep his mind busy, to keep himself from thinking about death or demons or darkness?

So he started thinking of the different stories of the Bible, about the birth of Christ and how frightened Mary had probably been, about Peter and John and the other disciples and what they’d thought about when Jesus died. A hoarse cough tormented his aching throat. If he could just get out of here, just feel the sun for one minute. But he knew even that wouldn’t be enough; he wanted out, and he didn’t want to ever come back again. He wondered if there was anything he could do to prevent this from happening again. That is, if they ever let him out.

His heart became heavy, and he decided to change his train of thought. So, he let his mind wander to David and Goliath. However, David had seen victory and become a king, and Danny doubted the potential of victory here. Then, he thought of Joseph, a dreamer like himself. Joseph had become somewhat of a ruler too, right? But hadn’t he ended up rotting in prison for a while first?

Danny hated this. Why did God let things like this happen? If God really cared, couldn’t he just give victory and comfort without all the turmoil and pain? He knew questioning God was wrong, but at the same time, wasn’t he supposed to be honest with his maker?

So why? Danny stared off into the dark, listening with his heart as he tried to keep his mind quiet.

For glory. Then there was silence.

To bring you glory, but couldn’t there be another way? He tried to slow down his beating heart.

And growth. Danny didn’t understand. Okay, he did, but he didn’t want to accept the fact that suffering actually did spur on growth. He’d heard repeatedly that the struggles in life would make him stronger and more like Christ, the Son of God. Now he was starting to see the truth in all of it, and he wasn’t sure he