Accused (Ganzfield) by Kate Kaynak

“Congratulations! You’re a free woman!” He went to clap a friendly hand on my back, but I suddenly had an invisible arm spread wide across my shoulders. Drew didn’t notice that his hand had stopped short. His thoughts bounced over to me. Great! She’s not going to prison for life. And Trevor doesn’t look all bitter and tormented anymore. And he’s no longer avoiding everyone. Things are back the way they should be!
    Feeling a little protective? I glanced at the place where Trevor’s invisible arm remained around me.
    He flushed slightly and nodded.
    I touched his invisible hand, lacing my fingers through his. I get it. He needed to do what he could to keep me safe now; he felt like he’d failed to do so in the airport. Trevor, you didn’t fail me. You saved me. If you hadn’t gotten away, no one would’ve even been looking for us for at least a week. And you’ve… you’ve made me whole again.
    He bit his lip. I should’ve found a way to get you out with me.
    I shook my head. It’s over now.
    Yeah. He didn’t sound convinced.
    We grabbed some burgers from the kitchen and joined Ann and Zack at one of the far tables.
    Maddie, seriously. Are you all right? Ann’s pity and concern gushed minder-loud at me and a few people glanced over in alarm. She flushed and focused herself—apparently she still accidentally projected thoughts from time to time.
    I’m fine! I really was, but I didn’t want to dwell on all the stuff that’d happened when— I shoved that thought away. Let’s talk about something else, okay?
    Like what?
    You two went after Belinda?
    Ann sighed. Rachel saw her in a fancy house down in one of the rich, seaside communities south of Boston. Just a glimpse, really, but I got enough details from her memory. We were able to get a pretty good idea where to find her. Once we got to the area, Zack asked a few people if they’d seen her—she doesn’t exactly blend in—and we found the house where she’d been staying. She’d cleared out by the time we arrived, though.
    What were you two going to do if you caught up to her?
    Charm versus charm, except I’d be there so Zack would be immune to her.
    My eyes widened. You two are shielding together? They must have a special connection like Trevor and I did. Hey, could all minders do this? Did we each have to find the one right person for us—our soulmate—or did we create this special bond with someone and make that person the right one?
    And projecting, Zack told me, a bit proudly. I can hear thoughts, too, when we’re together.
    Nice! Does that mean—?
    Ann blushed and her mind suddenly shielded with Zack’s.
    Oops! Sorry. Didn’t mean to pry!
    She snorted. “Sure you did.”
    I take the fifth.
    Trevor’s invisible arm tightened around me as the conversation lurched to an awkward halt. Crap. I guess having been on trial for multiple murders meant I couldn’t use legal terms like that in a casual chat.
    “So… not guilty, right?” said Ann, awkwardly.
    Dismissed. Basically the same thing. It’s over. I had a good charm lawyer. It’s not like they could’ve actually explained how I killed them, you know?
    “Yeah.” Ann glanced at the people at the nearest table and switched back to mental communication. That reminds me, I need to learn how to fry people’s minds.
    WHAT? I nearly choked on a mouthful of vividly delicious hamburger, which would’ve been such a waste. That was definitely not what I’d expected Ann to say. I didn’t think that was a good idea—Ann was too gentle a person for that sort of thing. And my recent experiences in federal custody weren’t exactly a ringing endorsement for the mind-frying lifestyle.
    There are federal agents watching the gates, Maddie.
    Still? Trepidation tingled through me. I thought they would be gone, what with Colonel Hunter committed and all. Things like that tended to discredit authority figures. How could he still be running things from a mental ward?
    Yeah. Seth’s been