Voices

Chapter One

Chicago O'Hare International Airport: Thursday, 8:30 A.M.

After two hours of waiting, the melodious voice of the airport P.A. system filled the air, urging all passengers going to Los Angeles on Flight 59 to be at Gate 11. The plane was ready to board. Elrenia Kitrusen remained in her seat as the long line of eager passengers gathered in front of the check-in desk. She waited as the businessmen on their cell phones hurried up the aisle. She waited as moms bearing strollers and toddlers boarded. She waited until the line dwindled to about twenty passengers before picking up her backpack.

A delicate voice whispered, "Stop."

Elrenia jumped at the unexpected sound of the Boy Voice in her head. Her heart raced like the L train downtown. It would happen again. It always did. The Voices always came like a chant. Until she obeyed the warning. She counted the number of passengers ahead of her, trying to calm herself.

Eight. Seven. Six. Five.

"Stop! Now it was the Woman Voice, her voice louder and more commanding.

Elrenia flinched. The woman too? Now, she knew things were really serious. She gripped her seat to fight the urge to get up and run. She scanned her surroundings, looking for something suspicious. A group of teenage girls were giggling in a corner to the right. A guy was texting to the left and a couple was chatting in front of her. She went back to counting. Four people before she reached the check-in desk.

Don't go! the Boy and the Woman Voices cried in unison.

Three.

The palms of Elrenia's hands began to sweat. She told herself to walk away, to get out of there before it was too late. But her feet disobeyed her brain's orders and instead moved forward to the check-in desk.

Two.

Don’t go in there, the Woman Voice pleaded.

Elrenia shook her head, trying to jostle the Voices away.

One.

The woman at the desk smiled and held out her hand for Elrenia's boarding pass. She obediently handed it over, and then headed toward the walkway.

She'd taken five steps when a stern male voice ordered, "Stop, Elrenia! Turn back NOW!"

Elrenia froze. The Alpha Male Voice had spoken. She bit her lower lip as tears welled in her eyes. Her temples throbbed. The white walls of the walkway spun around her. What was she supposed to do? In this day and age, if a person opened his or her mouth about something like this, the powers that be would shout Terrorist! The trouble was that the Voices were never wrong.

Ahead, the door of the plane lay wide open, waiting, but she couldn't board. Not after that last Voice. Elrenia counted to three, turned on her heel and headed back toward the check-in desk.

A dark-haired man was approaching at a fast clip, his open jacket flapping behind him like wings. It's now or never, Elrenia thought. She took a deep breath and held up her hand. Stop! Don't board this plane!

The check-in staff's knockout smile disappeared as she spun toward Elrenia. The man stopped in his tracks, eyes wide.

Something bad is going to happen, said Elrenia. Don't board this plane.

The check-in staff stared at her as if she was insane. She turned to the man and her smile reappeared. Nothing is going to happen, Sir. It's safe to board the plane. She held out her hand for his boarding pass.

Elrenia shook her head. Before the man could say a word, two men in security uniforms approached the desk.

The bigger of the two asked, Do we have a problem here?

The woman nodded at Elrenia who froze like a statue as the men headed toward her.

One took hold of her arm. You have to come with us, Ma'am.

Unable to find her voice to protest, Elrenia felt her face warm, knowing she had made a scene. All around, people stopped whatever they were doing and gawked at her. But she had done what the Voices told her to do. Or not to do. You better be right, she told the Voices. Or I won't see the light of day again. The man that was about to board the plane stared at her, his fist planted on his hip. She shook her head and mouthed, Don't.

The officers escorted her to a room on the top floor and the big man slammed the door.

His partner got in her face. Do you want to tell us what was going on down there?

Jones, Elrenia read his name on the badge. I heard Voices, she blurted. This better be real, you guys.

The big guy, whose nametag said he was Smith, leaned against the long table at the corner. What voices?

The Voices talked about the plane… Something bad is going to happen.

What's going to happen? asked Smith.

I... Don't... Know.

Is this some kind of a sick joke? asked Jones. Because it's not funny.

The door burst open. The man from the check-in desk came in, all flustered. What's going on here?

Smith glared at the newcomer. And who are you?

The man flashed his ID and Smith's face changed from suspicion to respect. They gathered together in a corner, talking in whispers. A few minutes later, Jones and Smith left.

The new guy closed the door. I'm Marshall Maxwell with the FBI. So, tell me what happened. His smile, showing off heart-melting dimples put the grin of the ticket woman to shame.

When Elrenia didn't respond, he tried again. You mentioned voices. What exactly did you hear? He leaned against the long table. Elrenia was about to open her mouth to speak when he added, The truth, now. The killer smile made the words stick in her throat.

Elrenia remembered reading somewhere that eyes are mirrors to the soul. In his sea green eyes, she saw a very confident man who would stop at nothing until he got what he wanted. She shivered, wondering what he saw in hers.

Well, Elrenia Kitrusen?

You know my name? As soon as she said that, she felt stupid. Of course, he knew who she was. He was with the FBI.

He smiled and waved her to one of the two chairs beside the table. Why don't you take a seat? He waited for her to settle in before taking the other for himself. Listen, there's nothing for you to worry about. I'll protect you from the... Voices. Just tell me what happened.

Elrenia almost burst out laughing, but restrained herself. How was she supposed to explain this without sounding like a cuckoo bird? She let out a sigh and decided to go with the truth. The truth will set you free, or so they said. I hear Voices.

What did you hear?

Something bad is going to happen. Unable to meet his eyes, Elrenia stared at the white wall just beyond his left ear. But I don't know what.

When did you hear these voices? he asked. You were on your way to board the plane. And you were the last person in line.

Was he watching her? Elrenia lifted her head. I heard the Voices while I was waiting in line.

He furrowed his brows and shot her a suspicious look. You heard the voices while you were waiting in line, but you remained standing there anyway? What made you change your mind?

She crossed her arms, tapping her side with nervous fingers.

Did you really hear voices or did you make this up? This is not something to be taken lightly, Miss Kitrusen. He rested his elbows on the table. Do you have something against the airline? Is this what this is all about? Because right now, you've just cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not to mention the whole airport is shutting down. And that's what? Millions if not billions.

Elrenia swallowed hard. I've nothing against the airline or the airport.

Then tell me what you know.

You won't believe me, she said.

Try me.

Elrenia's fingers stopped fidgeting. She had no choice. She sighed. I hear Voices.

I know, he said. You already told me that.

No, she almost yelled. "I mean I... Hear... Voices."

He studied her face. "What do you mean by... Voices? Who are... They?"

Elrenia lowered her head and stared at the floor. A little boy, a woman, and a man.

Three? He held up three fingers.

The sharp, skeptical sound of his voice made her look up. See, I've told you. You don't believe me.

Who are these people? Family? Friends?

I don't know. This isn't easy for me. Her voice cracked and wavered. I'm not a bad person. I'm really not a terrorist.

He glared at her. Who said you are?

Oh come on, that was the first thing that came to my mind when those guys appeared. I know you're thinking the same thing, too.

You're something else, Miss Kitrusen... Can I call you Elrenia?

She nodded.

Let me get this straight, Elrenia. You heard Voices telling you something bad is going to happen to the plane, but you decided to board anyway. And at the last minute, something made you turn around and scare the life out of me.

I didn't mean to—

He didn't give her a chance to finish. Tell me honestly, what will happen to the plane?

His grave tone made Elrenia shudder. I'm telling you the truth, Mister... She wondered how to address an FBI agent. Special Agent Maxwell, I—

Please call me Marshall.

Okay, Marshall, I'm telling the truth. I really don't know what will happen to the plane. But the Voices—

What exactly did the Voices say about the plane?

Nothing.

Nothing?

Anger replaced her panic and her voice raised a notch as she said, Listen, I could have just bolted and then none of this would have happened. But I couldn't live with myself should something bad really happened to those innocent passengers. If you were in my shoes, would you just shut up and walk away, or open your mouth and get yourself thrown in jail or locked up in an insane asylum somewhere?

Marshall pressed his lips together and leaned back in the chair.

I'm sorry. Her voice softened a little. I really don't know how else to say this. The Voices only surface to warn me of the presence of danger. Then, they're gone. They don't explain what, when, where, how, or why. But they're never wrong. Not once have they ever been wrong.

This wasn't the first time? He bent forward a little too fast and almost fell from his chair. He quickly grabbed the edge of the table.

She shook her head. She could tell Marshall didn't believe her, but she couldn't blame him. Who would believe such a tale anyway? If it hadn't happened to her, she wouldn't believe either. I'm sure your men are gathering all the information they can about me. Soon, you'll know more about me than I know about myself. I'll let you be the judge then.

As if on cue, the door opened.

Chapter Two

Marshall Maxwell strode toward the railing. He looked down at the chaos perpetrated by the small, pretty woman. Was she crazy? A person badgered by imagined Voices, destined to end up in a loony bin? Or were the Voices real? Some weird sixth sense that protected her from harm? He hadn't heard of this happening.

The chaos went on down below, and so did the chaos in his head, because one last question had popped up. Was Elrenia part of a weird terroristic act to get at the man he'd been assigned to protect?

Marshall!

He leaned against the guardrail and faced his partner, Karina Shane, heading his way.

She stopped inches from him. She doesn't look like a terrorist.

That's what she said. He covered his face with his hands, feeling very tired. He hadn't slept since he got the disastrous phone call three days ago. Now this madness at O'Hare about some Voices. He shook his head. What did you find out?

She didn't have any problems with the law. Never been arrested. Not even a speeding ticket! She owns a home and a florist shop in downtown Chicago. It's legit. There's not an ounce of malice in her. What do you make of this?

Marshall pinched the bridge of his nose. Honestly, I don't know.

Did she disclose anything?

It's the craziest thing.

Karina jerked her head toward the door. What happened in there?

Marshall hesitated. She hears Voices.

What voices?

Voices that appeared out of nowhere and warned her not to get on the plane.

Karina took a shuffling step back. Now, you're freaking me out.

The corner of Marshall's lip curved up into a half grin. I felt the same way. It's absurd. But... Marshall cleared his throat. I believe her.

You're serious?

He nodded.

So, what now? We've questioned all the passengers and cabin crew. Not one had any connection to Al-Qaeda, Atomic Iran or any other hot button cell we know of. Just a normal crop of civilians trying to go home, or on vacation or whatever. None of them are suspicious.

Do you think it's... Him? asked Marshall.

Nooo! Karina shook her head like crazy. It can't be Alex. We covered our tracks pretty well, if I say so myself.

But that's the explanation that makes the most sense.

But how? Karina stood beside Marshall and rested her elbows on the guardrail. Unless he has some kind of a magic ball.

I begin to wonder, said Marshall. Remember what happened at the shack?

How could I forget? Karina snorted. We almost got killed getting Jake's hide out of South America. He better make good of his promise or I'll strangle him.

Marshall smiled. Don't worry, he'll bring Alex down. He crossed his arms. I'm sure of it.

Karina sighed. Fine, if it's Alex, how did he find us? I admit I wasn't surprised when his men ambushed us in Florida. I was actually expecting it. But Chicago... Who would have known we'd be here?

I don't know either. Marshall scratched his head. But we were lucky Welo and the others came to Florida when they did. Or we'd be fried.

That's for sure. Karina rubbed her arms. I thought Hans was a genius when he suggested we skip Atlanta and come all the way here instead.

Marshall thought so too. How about the plane? Did you find anything suspicious?

We've checked, said Karina. There's nothing.

I want to see it for myself. Marshall pointed at the door. We better bring her with us.

You think she knows something?

I don't know anything anymore, said Marshall. Where's Jake?

Don't worry. He's in good hands. She smiled. I actually thought I saw fear in his eyes when I told him about all this.

Yeah, right. Marshall pushed his body away from the railing.

Chapter Three

11:30 A.M.

We turned this plane upside down, inside out, and still, can't find anything wrong with it, said Karina as she led the way through the aisle. The avionics in the cockpit is fully operational. The wings and ailerons are flawless.

Elrenia watched them from behind, nervously fidgeting with her backpack strap.

Karina tapped her fingers on one of the seats. No holes or punctures in the fuselage. The landing gear is intact. And so are the engines.

Marshall stopped in his tracks. Are you sure you've checked everything?

Marshall, please, Karina groaned. Everything on this jet is in working order. Why don't you ask your friend what the problem is? She pointed at Elrenia.

Marshall fixed his gaze on Elrenia. She dropped her hand to her side. I've already told you I don't know what's going on.

Marshall raised his voice. You've got to have some kind of idea. They found nothing on this plane, Elrenia. Are you sure your Voices are telling you the truth here?

I never told you what you would find or not find! I just said the Voices warned me not to board this plane. That can only mean one thing... There's something on this jet.

Marshall rubbed his stubbly chin. Maybe it's not the plane... He turned to his partner. Have you checked outside?

Karina nodded. Our guys searched the whole place with a fine tooth comb. There was nothing on the landing. Or the runway. Or the taxiway. Nothing! Zip.

You heard her, Elrenia, said Marshall. There's nothing wrong... Anywhere.

I should have just walked away. Elrenia shook her head. I really should have.

A voice came from behind interrupted them. There's nothing, Marshall.

A man wearing one white glove approached. Elrenia headed toward the front. She stopped as she heard hurried feet behind her.

Listen, this is nothing personal, said Karina. We're on a very tight schedule.

This is crazy, said Elrenia.

Even if you did hear something, this time it was wrong, said Karina.

No, no! You don't understand. The Voices have never been wrong. Not once.

Karina's mouth gaped open, but nothing came out.

I know you don't believe me. Nobody in their right mind would. Elrenia sat heavily in a seat. So, what now? Send me to the funny farm?

Marshall believes you. Karina grinned. If that counts for anything.

Elrenia frowned. But you don't.

Before Karina could speak, the gloved man called her. Without a word, she walked toward the galley.

What'd you find, Welo? asked Karina.

Zip. But they do have good food, though. He opened one of the lids. Smell this.