Together they raced down the corridor and out through the service door. When they reached the jagged tear in the construction fence, Sierra pulled aside the raw wire edges so that North could get through with Matt.

She followed and then stopped and turned to survey the boarded-up building.

“I think the energy is fading,” she said.

North lowered Matt to the sidewalk and looked at the apartment house.

“You’re right,” he said.

There was some paranormal light emanating from between the cracks in the plywood-covered windows but the glow was rapidly weakening. Within a minute or two it was no longer visible.

“What in the world just happened?” Sierra whispered.

“I think we encountered the first working example of a paranormal weapon,” North said. “Some sort of grenade that exploded with currents of dark light.”

“Energy from the dark end of the spectrum? But you were able to control it, at least long enough for us to get clear of the explosion zone.”

“I used to have a talent for manipulating that kind of energy.” North rubbed his temples. “Luckily I still have a little left.”

“A little? Looked like a lot to me.”

“Not for long. Never mind. There’s another reason I was able to handle that light grenade.”

“What?”

“I recognized the paranormal signature,” North said. “Pretty sure my grandfather built it.”

“Your grandfather?”

“Long story. No time for it now. Stay here with Harper. Call nine-one-one.”

“Where are you going?”

“Back inside that building. I need to get that light grenade.”

“Are you crazy?” Sierra said. “You just said you think it’s some kind of explosive device.”

“It is but it’s no longer active, at least not right now. If I’m right, it will have to be recharged before it can be activated again.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The light in that box was coming from the dark end of the spectrum,” North said. “I told you, that’s my area of expertise.”

“Yes, but you can’t be an expert on paranormal weapons. You just said that box is the first working version of one that you’ve come across.”

“The weapon is unique,” North admitted. “But I was able to resonate with it. I can handle it. Look, I know you’ve got a lot of questions. I can answer some of them, but now is not a good time. We need that box.”

Sierra groaned. Unstable clients. Hazard of the business.

“Fine,” she muttered. “Go get the box.”

CHAPTER 12

It was clear Sierra had made an executive decision to trust him, at least for now. Probably because she didn’t have much choice, North thought. That was not a particularly inspiring realization, but it was nothing if not logical.

“If I don’t come out with the box in five minutes, call Victor Arganbright immediately,” North said. “He’s got a couple of agents on the ground here in Seattle. They’ll take charge.”

“Go for it,” she said. “You’ve got five minutes.”

“On my way.”

“And, North? Be careful.”