Sense of Evil - Kay Hooper [92]
“No, but I've been thinking about that.”
“I'm almost afraid to ask.”
“Oh, it's nothing definitive. You know how Bishop and Miranda are when it comes to seeing the future. Maybe they did see this and knew that Rafe needed to be part of it; maybe that's why they made sure he'd survive Helton's drunken paranoia. But even if they did, they'd hardly tell me anything about it.”
“Probably not,” Isabel agreed wryly. “They feel very responsible for what they see and the actions they take or don't take, so they don't say a whole lot about it to the rest of us.”
“One of these days,” Hollis said, “I'd love to talk to them about the whole philosophical question of playing God.”
“Good luck.”
Hollis smiled faintly, but said, “Getting back to the point I wanted to make, I think there's a very simple reason why you and Rafe reacted to each other so instantly and on a basic chemical and electromagnetic level.”
“I guess you're going to tell me even if I don't ask.”
“Yes. It's that balance thing the universe tries to keep going. In your case, you needed something outside yourself to be whole, balanced. And so does he. I think you two were meant to be a team, Isabel. Just like Bishop and Miranda. The two of you together are potentially . . . greater than the sum of your parts. A perfect balance, something the universe keeps aiming for and so often misses.”
“Hollis—”
“I don't know why I believe that, but I do. Maybe it's the sparking thing. Or just the way you talk to each other, as though you've been close for years. All I know is that I believe what I believe. And I think the only difference between you two and Bishop and Miranda is that it took them years and a lot of tragedy to figure things out.”
“What makes you think I—Rafe and I—can get there any faster or easier?”
“You do. You charge at things head-on, Isabel. It's your instinct as sure as Rafe's instinct is to protect. So stop holding back. Stop being afraid. Trust yourself.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“Yeah, it is. Like I said, I'm not the one falling in love and trying to cope with all this. But the universe put me here for a reason, too, and maybe it wasn't to talk to dead victims. Maybe it was to talk to you. Maybe it's not time for me to learn to control my abilities.”
“That's a handy excuse,” Isabel said, not unkindly.
“You don't have to worry that I'll stop trying.” Hollis grimaced slightly. “Okay, you don't have to worry that I'll keep on not trying.”
“I was beginning to wonder.”
“I know I need to learn to control this. And I know I won't be able to if I don't start trying. So I will. You have my word on that. My abilities might be the only edge we've got in this. Especially if it's going to take time for you and Rafe to get this shield thing figured out.”
“The thought had occurred.”
“So we both have a lot of work to do. And Rafe'll have to get a crash course in being psychic.”
Isabel sighed. “Well, after my last little discussion with him, Rafe may not be all that willing, no matter what he said. I don't need any extra senses to know he was not happy with me.”
“If I have to say it again, I will. Subtle is not your strong suit, pal.”
“It comes of being a platinum blonde almost six feet tall,” Isabel said wryly. “Like being a neon sign in human terms, at least according to what the therapists say.”
“Since you've never been able to melt into the background physically . . .”
“Exactly. Another reason I—to use your phrase—charge at things head-on. Usually. Everybody tends to be watching me, might as well give them something to see. Never really got much of a chance to practice subtle.”
“It shows.”
“Yeah, I'm getting that.”
“Mmm. In any case, I've got a strong hunch that Rafe will meet you halfway even if he is pissed at the moment. But only halfway. You're the profiler, so consider this: what is it you have that Rafe needs to balance himself—and vice versa? And I'm not talking about the shield thing. Emotionally. Psychologically.”
“You obviously think you know the answer.”
“Yeah, I think I do. I also think it's something both