After Dark: Chicago Fire (Science Fiction Anthalogies Book 2) by Mark Lee Ryan Page A

Tony
Sunderland. He concentrates and clears his mind but again opens his eyes only
to look around at the familiar surroundings of his own apartment. Jeremy starts
to think that what was a unique skill, has been lost. He is back to plain
Jeremy! He sits in his lounge room and starts to convince himself that the
power he controlled is lost. Jeremy starts feeling sorry for himself. He feels
that whatever grasp of power he possessed was short lived…..and it hurts to
think that it has gone.   
    He sits back and his mind clears.
Jeremy gives some thought briefly to Julie Nancarrow, and  resigned to the fact
that his powers have deserted him, sighs and clears his mind. He stares at the
ceiling, thinking of nothing, he just stares. Then Jeremy is jolted as he finds
himself walking, he looks up at the street sign that reads Third Street. Third
Street he thinks. Where am I? He walks toward a block of apartments and is soon
facing Unit 3, and before he can contemplate where he is, the door opens. A
woman looks at Jeremy and says, ‘Hello Jeremy, I have been expecting you. How
are you?’ Jeremy is dumb founded and whilst pleased that his powers have
returned is miffed as to who this woman is. ‘I am Lauren. Lauren Wilks,’ the
woman introduces herself as.
    Jeremy is polite, but still confused
and adds, ‘Hello. Sorry, but can you please explain who you are and why you
have summoned me? ‘I’m Lauren Wilks but before I changed my name I was Lauren
Sunderland.’ Jeremy is still confused, and looking Lauren in the eye asks,
‘Lauren, I don’t understand. Then he ponders and adds, ‘Lauren Sunderland? Are
you Tony Sunderland’s wife?’ Lauren looks at Jeremy and then after a long pause
adds, ‘Yes, I was married to Tony Sunderland. Well, until he was murdered.’
‘Murdered, murdered, what on earth are you saying Lauren? I mean wow, where,
what….I mean what are you saying?’ Jeremy stumbles and seizing upon Lauren’s
words is now shocked at what he is hearing.
    Lauren composes herself and allows
enough time for Jeremy to similarly get a grip of the situation. ‘My husband
was murdered. I know that and hence the reason I moved here to Elmwood Park,
changed my name and started a new life in the hope that those who pursued Tony
would not know where to find me.’ Jeremy was still in shock. Whoa, he thought.
‘So why do you think this Lauren?’ ‘Think. Think this? Lauren laughs, but is
clearly upset. ‘Jeremy, I know that my husband’s life was taken because he
would not sell his business, and he spoke of being pressured. I know that he
was scared and I believe strongly that Richard and Thomas too may have been
murdered, because none of them wanted to sell. I don’t know exactly what happened.
Tony and I had gone through some rough times but I moved here in fear that
those who pressured Tony, Richard and Thomas may want to harm me.    
    Jeremy feels for Lauren but after some
time advises her that it is time for him to be off. She thanks him and he
slowly heads down the street, trying to piece things together.
     

Chapter 2
    As Jeremy enters the Old Coffee Stop
sitting directly in from the door is Tara and Mrs. Dooley. ‘Good morning’, Jeremy
brightly declares. Tara and Mrs. Dooley smile and invite him to join them.
‘Well you two look as though you are getting along,’ he adds. Jeremy notices
that Mrs. Dooley looks sprite and Tara too is clearly pleased to be in the
company of the old lady. The trio chat for a half hour before Jeremy announces
that he must head off to the office of Carter Gibson. Tara looks at her watch,
gives Mrs. Dooley a quick hug and a kiss and stands to leave also.
    As Jeremy and Tara leave Mrs. Dooley
and slowly walk to work, he asks if she would like to join him for dinner this
evening. ‘Sure,’ she replies quickly, ‘Let’s go to D’Angelo’s Café that seems a
nice venue?’ Jeremy smiles, ‘That sounds perfect. Can we meet around 6.30?’ Tara
smiles and says, ‘I will