“Shut up,” Ink said. “Watch out for Rancourt. He’s probably got a gun.”

The operation was underway, Harlan thought. Olivia had created a distraction. He had to make good use of it.

He took the stopper off the tube and shook out one of the crystals. It fit easily into his hand and gave off a luminous energy, as promised. He made his way through the dripping trees, using the glare of the headlights as a guide. Every yard or two he dropped one of the hot crystals.

The damp ground absorbed most of the sound of his footsteps. But even if he had been stumbling through the undergrowth, snapping twigs and tripping on small rocks, he doubted that the men down on the pavement would have noticed. All of their attention was focused on Olivia.

“All who dare the fog to summon the oracle this night will be lost in nightmares.”

The promise of doom shuddered through the words. Harlan realized he could not tell if she was acting or uttering a for-real prophecy. Ash, huddled in the front seat of the second SUV, was as stunned as the others. He cracked open the front door in order to hear more clearly.

“Shit,” Ox snarled. “Grab her. And use the duct tape to make her shut up. She’s giving me the fucking creeps.”

“She just predicted we’re going to die tonight,” Trev said. “Are you listening? She’s an oracle and she just said we’re dead men.”

“No,” Ink said. “She said we will be lost in nightmares.”

“Same thing,” Trev said. “The Piper told us that once the visions start, we’re dead.”

“We will die for sure if we don’t get her,” Ink said. “Hang on—I’ll reel her in a little closer. Get the stun gun ready.”

He put the recorder to his lips and blew a violent cascade of energy-infused notes. The terrible music once again pierced the night.

In response, Olivia spoke again in a voice that seemed to emanate from another dimension.

“He who summons the oracle tonight summons his own doom.”

“Fucking oracle,” Trev said. “Can’t wait to gag her.”

“The recorder isn’t working,” Ox complained. “She’s not coming closer. If she runs again we’ll lose her.”

Ash was half in and half out of the vehicle. He gripped the wheel with one hand and stared through the windshield, transfixed.

Harlan pulled the door all the way open. Ash almost fell out of the front seat. He gasped and clung to the steering wheel to stop his downward descent.

That was when he saw the gun in Harlan’s hand. He gazed at it, shocked.

“One word and you won’t be any use to me,” Harlan said softly. “Out. Fast. Hands in the air.”

Ash sucked in some oxygen. His head jerked up and down to indicate he understood. Harlan took a step back.