The Hidden Truth

Chapter Three: Slippery Slopes

The laughter coming from the kitchen wakes me up. I open my phone to check the time, noticing I didn't miss any calls but hearing Kenneth’s voice at ten, on a Friday morning strikes me as odd. I thought for sure their office would be open today. I place my key from the nightstand into my pocket and grab the empty water bottle as I head towards the kitchen, slipping my phone into my other pocket.

When I arrive, Mr. O'Shea and Kenneth are sitting at the table playing a game of chess while laughing. That's one thing we had in common. Both of our families enjoyed intellectual games. A tradition I encouraged with Kai. I just hope that she is continuing to use what I taught her to stimulate her mind along with everything else.

Seeing the two of them together made my heart ache for her even more. I place the water bottle next to the sink and I slump into a chair. Both of them turn towards me but only Kenneth offers to grab me a cup of coffee. His father on the other hand gives him a concerned look as he asks, “Do you think that's wise considering the adverse effects it has?”

When he returns with the cup, he places a hand on his father's back as he says. “In moderation it's fine, dad.”

I smile. I would have answered the man myself, but I figured it would sound better coming from his son. The less his father knows - concerning my abilities anyways - the better at this point. Besides, it was one of the first theories we had tested followed by many others. I've heard Kenneth compare me to a pregnant woman once or twice. Although the effects are similar there are major differences between the two.

They continue with their game while I drink my black coffee wallowing in my thoughts. Once or twice I look at their game board, but it isn't until I finish my last drink before I speak. “Why aren't you two at the clinic?”

“Son, that's the joys of working for yourself. Well, truthfully our diverse specialty isn't a huge hit with the community.” Mr. O'Shea says.

“Why not? I figured they would be flocking to your doors.”

“Too many are still afraid to speak the truth. I mean why go to a doctor who's well aware of the stranger aspect of the world when a healer can work so much faster. Not to mention they feel safer keeping the knowledge within their community.” Kenneth replies.

“True, but there’s a lot of things that you two can do that even the best healers in the world don't know about.”

“You're right Michael, but getting that point out there for the world to hear could have a disastrous effect on us.”

I nod. Mr. O'Shea is right. The government has always been trying to shut down anything that sounds remotely strange. From UFOs flying overhead to the food that grocery stores sell. Everything is monitored and controlled. The slightest slip of their cause would get them shut down immediately. I wouldn't be surprised if the government came in like a thief in the night, wiping out any trace of evidence these two are trying to accomplish.

“Now that we are all together shouldn't we discuss the grim situation at hand?” Mr. O’Shea asks.

Kenneth packs up the game they were playing as I swirl around the last few drops of the coffee in my cup. I have no idea how to ask them for help when they already have so many other things on their minds. I start to worry that when I do find the two children it might already be too late to save Kai. Then again if I give up it would show them both that I didn't care enough to try. I hang on to the thought that I have to do something even if I die in the process.

I nod my head still staring in my cup. Mr. O’Shea leads, “We already know that the three of us are limited with helping Kai. So, let's start with what we do know. Ken what information do you have?”