Prologue Page 2 revised

Meg could feel the man gently rub her back as if to let her know that he would protect her. She seemed to relax with his touch and tried to concentrate long enough to figure out what was happening around her.

The ambulance arrived and as the EMT’s rushed towards Meg,
the man caring for her leaned down near her face and whispered in her ear.

“You must heal.”

That was it. Nothing more. He seemed to vanish into thin air.

“Strange” Meg thought to herself. She tried hard to concentrate on staying awake.

A flashlight was shined in her eyes and made her sick.

“She is running a fever, but the rest of her vitals are stable....”

The light dimmed and Meg drifted off.



“A female approximately 16 years of age with no identification was found injured in the public restrooms at a rest stop along Interstate 84 this morning. Sheriff deputies are asking for your help in the case. They are considering her a possible kidnapping or runaway. If you have any information please contact the Multnomah county Sheriffs office. No word yet on what her injuries are.”

Meg opened her eyes as she heard the tv in the background. “Ow” she moaned as she raised her hand to touch the area above her ear. She felt the bandages. Her hand traced the contours of her face and she felt her broken nose, swollen eyebrow and lip and the gash across her check. When she glanced down her arms were full of scrapes and bruises. Her back ached and with each breath her ribs protested.

“Welcome back!” came an over enthusiatic exclamation from the short, round, red headed nurse.

Meg hadn’t noticed her in the room and glanced her direction. She attempted a weak smile, but felt too groggy to respond.

“Your food tray is right here. Let me help you sit up so you can eat.” said the nurse as she wheeled the tray towards Meg.

“You really should get something in your stomach. It’s a little bland though, we don’t want to shock your system too fast.”

Meg followed along without protest. After the food was in front of her and the nurse left the room, Meg lay her head back on her pillow and closed her eyes.

“What is happening?” she thought. She could feel a surge of panic rise in her chest when she realized that she had absolutely no idea.