There was movement at the observation window. Lily turned her head and saw that a small crowd of medical personnel had gathered there. The power of the music had reached out into the hallway.

Allegra sang as if she were creating a thunderstorm with the energy of her talent. When she finally stopped she was drenched in sweat. Her eyes were hot. It was clear that the effort had pushed her close to exhaustion.

Byron moved forward and put a supportive arm around her. She sagged against him.

There was a stunned silence in the space. The crowd at the window stared, openmouthed.

Victor was the first one to speak.

“I’m not a great aura reader,” he said. “But Chandler looks a little stronger.”

Lily tightened her grip on Chandler’s hand and opened her senses. Hope bloomed deep inside her.

“A lot stronger,” she whispered.

One of the doctors walked through the doorway.

“I’m a damned good aura reader,” he announced. “I can tell you that Mr. Chastain’s aura has stabilized, at least for now. The damaged bands are still in bad shape, but the deterioration has halted.” He looked at Allegra. “Any idea how long the effects will last?”

Allegra raised her head from Byron’s shoulder. “No, I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve never dealt with a case like this one.” She looked at Lily. “Byron and I will stay here in Vegas until your son and our daughter arrive with the artifact. In the meantime I’m going to get something to eat and some rest.”

“Yes, of course,” Lily said. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

Allegra smiled. “It’s what I do. If your husband’s situation starts to deteriorate again, call me immediately. I will try more therapy.”

The doctor looked at Allegra. “When you’ve had some rest, would you be willing to examine a couple of other patients here at Halcyon Manor?”

“Yes,” Allegra said. “I just need time to recover.”

“I understand,” the doctor said. “Thank you.”

Lily watched Byron guide Allegra out of the room. When the door closed behind the pair she turned to Chandler.

“It’s going to be all right,” she said. “North will be here soon, and he’ll have the artifact.”

She felt a whisper of energy and knew that Chandler understood. She also sensed that his panic had receded. He was calm now. It was as if he was in a more peaceful, meditative state. That alone was a very great gift.

“Thank you, Allegra,” Lily whispered.

CHAPTER 20

Looks like Loring left town in a hurry,” Sierra said. “There are still a lot of clothes in his closet and there are dirty dishes in the sink.”

It was after midnight and it was raining again. Another wave of storms had moved in off the Pacific. She and North were standing in the second bedroom of the rustic cabin that Loring had rented from the owner of the town’s small grocery store. It was obvious the doctor had used the room as a home office. There was a desk near the window. A couple of file cabinets stood against one wall.