Free Mysterious Gift by Carlene Rae Dater Page B

Okay, now you’ll have to sit still and be quiet for a bit. I’ll let you know when it’s permissible to talk again.”
    Brian sat upright in the chair, tense and waiting for pain. Finally, he managed to relax and rest his head against the back of the padded chair. He heard the murmur of the two men talking behind him but couldn’t make out the words. He was almost asleep when he felt a sharp prick in his scalp.
    “Ouch! What the hell was that?”
    “Ah ha!” Gossling carefully lifted the helmet off Brian’s scalp. “That, I hope, was a probe into the seat of your psychic abilities. We will see. Igor, the ring please.”
    Jack stood in front of Brian, shaking his head. “Okay, here’s how this works. I hope you don’t mind, but we borrowed your opal ring and made a few adjustments.”
    Brian didn’t have time to be angry that someone had come into his room and taken his property because Jack just plowed ahead.
    “It’s a bit technical, and you really don’t need to know it works, but basically, if you turn the opal one click to the right, you’ll block any messages into your brain. Here, try it.”
    He took Brian’s left hand and slipped the ring on his finger. It felt the same, maybe a little heavier.
    “Go ahead, turn the stone.”
    Brian turned it to the left and felt a soft click as it slipped into place.
    “Can you see that little red spot on the stone? Whenever that’s pointing to the left, you won’t get messages. Point the red dot ahead, and you’ll be like a big receiver.” Jack stepped back, ginning. “Want to give it a try?”
    “Okay.” He licked his lips and turned the stone. Jack put his hand out, and Brian grasped it. Thoughts and visions flew through his head along with an instant, fierce headache.
    He snatched his hand back.
    “Jesus, did you really have sex with two women last night?”
    “ Igor! ” Gossling scuttled around to look up at his assistant. His eyes were huge behind his thick glasses.
    “Wow, I thought maybe you’d be able to tell me what I ate for breakfast or what color jockey shorts I’m wearing.” Jack ran the back of his hand across his forehead to mop away the sweat gathered there.
    “You wear underwear? Who cares! I want to hear about the women.” Gossling practically frothed at the mouth.
    Jack patted the older man on the shoulder. “Calm down, Doc. You’ll have a heart attack. Brian’s the strongest one we’ve tested yet.”
    “Yes, yes. But later I want to hear all about your escapade.” Gossling smiled at Brian. “I think you’re ready. It’s lunchtime now, so why don’t you go to the dining room, mingle a bit, and try your new toy. After that, come back here and report.” Gossling started to pat Brian on the shoulder, stopped, and pointed at the ring.
    Brian twisted the stone. The doctor put his hand on Brian’s shoulder, but Brian didn’t get a thing. Relief spread through him like warm honey. “This is fabulous. Well, as long as I remember to wear this ring.”
    “After a time, you might learn to control your visions without it, but for now, my boy, don’t take that ring off. Igor, come.” He pinched Jack’s earlobe between his fingers and led the poor guy away.
    Brian navigated the maze of hallways until he found the elevator. It groaned slowly upward before depositing him in the main hallway. Delicious smells drifted from the dining room, and Brian looked at his watch and saw it was after one o’clock. No wonder he was so hungry.
    The dining room still contained a few late diners. He went to the buffet table and got an assortment of cold cuts, some macaroni salad, and a soft drink. He sat next to a woman he’d met the previous evening but couldn’t remember her name. She glanced up at him, smiled, and continued reading her paperback mystery. Brian checked to make sure the opal rested in the proper place, than accidentally bumped her elbow. Nothing.
    “Sorry.” He moved away and continued eating. His head felt better, too,