Chapter 1
As I watched the tree pass by the Window, I mused once again on the events that had brought me to be sitting here on the way to the airport. If someone had told me two years ago that I would be in a horrific car accident and survive it with my brain re-wired internally to the point where I not only saw the dead but could interact with them as if they were alive. I would have told them that they needed to be institutionalized. A year ago, me and my fiancée got hit in the side by a drunk semi-truck driver. My fiancé died on impact while I was put into a coma like state for six months with my brain changed not only in the way it functioned but how I thought of things as well. Oh, did I mention that after the whole incident I found out that I had been reborn several times over and that every person that I had ever been before were now personalities that wouldn’t shut up in my head and took over whenever they chose to? Yea it sucks but if all of that had not happened, I wouldn’t be here right now watching trees go by as I was heading to the airport to help a secret organization who’s sole purpose it to stop another organization from taking over the world. Yes, I’m just that damn lucky,
A gentle shake of my knee startled me while causing me to yelp at the same time. Looking over I saw a small smile set into the hard planes of the leader of the small squad I had been put with, face. Duncan McDuff had been the one to offer me the chance to help once it had been found out what all I could do. If you had the fortune to get past the tough as nails, Military trained, rough exterior like I have you’d find a soft inner core that showed compassion, tenderness and fierce unyielding loyalty. At first, I couldn’t figure out why he was so protective over me until I met his daughter who had passed away ten years ago in an accident a lot like mine. This would be the first time I would be going with the squad out into the world instead of just telling them where the object or person they were looking for would be. Needless to say, the rest of the squad was not happy with the idea, but Duncan had put his foot down when I told him that the personality wouldn’t tell me anymore.
His salt and pepper hair was cut short and close to his head. The color of his hair and the lines around his dark deep-set eyes were the only things that could tell his age at all. Everything else could easily belonged to a man half his fifty years. A strong hard jawline cam down to a slightly dimpled chin while his thick corded neck was abruptly met by his big thick shoulders. Thick powerful arms ended in huge hands that looked like they could pop a man’s head off his neck without a problem. A wide barrel chest lead to a trim waist. Thick meaty thighs was the only thing visible through his pants. Like a rolling tide I felt one of the rowdier personalities rise out of the shadows of my mind. AS a tittering laugh rang through my head, I groaned inwardly knowing what I was in for next, I heard a honey sweet sultry voice almost purr in my mind.
“Mmm he sure does look good, doesn’t he?” she asked knowing full well that I wouldn’t rise to the bait. “With those big strong hands and all those muscles, I best he would make us all happy.”
With an inward snot I mentally replied, “even if he could you know he wont Jezzi so just let it be.”
“Stop calling me that damn you!” I heard her screech just before the sultry voice returned. “Anyway, how do you know he wont when you haven’t even let me try yet?”
“Because unlike you not everyone is sex crazed nor can they be swayed with sexual innuendoes and light caresses.”
Suddenly I felt extreme determination roll off o her as she said, “we’ll just see about that!” before I could protest, I felt the fog roll over me and an acute feeling of not being in full control that I usually got when one of the personalities started taking over.
As if in a dream I saw my left hand start to slowly move toward Duncan while my body shifted toward him in the seat. As my hand got closer and closer to his leg, I tried my best to try and stop its progress with no success. Then suddenly just before my fingertips would have brushed his leg, a big meaty hand caught my wrist and stopped it cold.
“What are you doing?” Asked Duncan in a cold steel voice.
Once more I tried my best to take over and apologize for what happening but instead the voice that came out was a sultry purr. “I wanted to know just how that muscled leg of yours would feel is all.”
“Well being that for one I know you would never touch someone without permission, and that two that Is not your normal tone of voice that must make you one of her personalities. Also, with the way you are seated and the way that you are smiling I’m guessing you are Lucinda Bradshaw or as she calls you Jezzi.” He said with a little half smile knowing full well that nickname would piss her off to no end.
With a growl she yanked my hand back and folded my arms across my chest before saying “what does it matter who it is in control? I know you don’t have a wife or a girlfriend. I’m sure you are awfully lonely for a woman’s touch and I’m more than willing to give you it.,”
Chuckling he said “my like style choice is none of your business and it does matter a great deal because it is her body and not yours. Furthermore, I not will any of the team do anything sexual with her unless we know for a fact that it is her. So Jezzi your attempts at seducing any of us will go unheeded.”
With a mental growl I felt the fog lift as Jezzi disappeared into the shadows of my mind. Bowing my head, I placed my hands in my lap and said, “Sorry about that. She took over before I could say or do anything.”
With a half chuckle he said, “Its fine I know you are still trying to learn control of them.”
“Yea I just wish...” I started to say.
“Listen I don’t know what it feels like to go through what you do. I have no clue what goes on inside your head, but I do know one thing for sure. A person can only do so much without experience and practice. Having people in you head is new to you. You weren’t bord with it. There is no reason to apologize for something new and different. You will learn and get better and maybe one day you will be able to help others like you.”
Looking over at him I gave a half smile and said “thank you Duncan for being so understanding. I’ll try my best to get better at all this.”
Smiling he said “that is all anyone can ever ask. Now when we get there stick close to me, do not leave my side and no matter what when fighting breaks out hide yourself out of harm’s way.”
“Ok I will.” I said as I turned back to looking out the window.
As silence settled again my mind once more turned to where we were going. The personality in my head wouldn’t tell me her name, nor would she say why it was that I had to go along with the rest of the team to Egypt. All I knew is that some where in the great pyramids and even the sphinx itself were some things we needed to get ahold of before the bad guys did.
Truthfully, I had thought about taking medication to stop the voices, but then they started talking about the past and what happened then. At first, I thought they were lying until the hammer of Thor was found. That’s when the government found me and offered me a job with this team.
“She still won’t announce herself?” He asked as her turned down a side road.
“No, she is rather secretive.” I sighed. “All I know is she is Egyptian, and seemed to have a noble bearing.”
“That could be a few women sadly.” He chuckled.
“Exactly, I tried to do some research but there is just to many.”
“It’s ok we will find out what we need to get then get out.” He smiled. He pulled through an open gate and I began to see airplanes. “How are you with flying?”
“No idea, I’ve never flown before.” I blushed, bowing my head.
“Not to worry, we have you.” He smiled as he pulled up next to a hanger. I went to unbuckle and he placed his hand over the latch. “I know we went over this, but what are the rules?”
“Stick to your side, if we get separated find Mccalister since she is your second in command. Don’t touch the weapons unless Annie takes over. Stay far away from Lucas.” I repeated.
“Thank you, I know you don’t want to be out here, but we need to get this done.” He sighed.
“I will do the best I can Duncan.” I replied with a small smile. He nodded and hit the catch on my belt. We quickly got out of his SUV and I headed for the back. I saw Lucas coming and I walked backwards slowly.
“Lucas!” Mccalister yelled and he stopped, “leave her be and come unload this hear now!”
“I ain’t gonna do nothin!” Lucas yelled back.
“Then you have no reason to be near her.” Duncan said coming up behind me.
“Yea alright.” Lucas said turning back around and heading back to the SUV he had come from.
“Can’t we put a bullet between his creepy eyes?” I heard Annie say from the shadows.
“Sadly no, murder is still illegal. Also hello Annie.” I thought back.
“Hello Abby, don’t worry about anythin, I have your back.” She laughed.
“Duncan will be happy to hear that.” I replied, “Duncan, Annie says hi.” I said looking over my shoulder at him.
His face split in a grin, “Hello Annie, glad to hear you are around.”
“She wants to shoot Lucas...” I frowned. “I told her murder is still illegal.” I said with a small laugh.
“I am not exactly happy he is here. But know Annie is here...” He hurried around me to the back of the SUV. I followed him curious, as he opened the back, I saw my small bag as well as his larger one. Also sitting towards the front was a gun case and I tilted my head. “Will she come out?”
“What’s he got planned?” Annie asked.
“She wants to know what you are planning.” I smiled.
“A gift for her.” Duncan chuckled.
“Alright.” She drawled and I felt her take over. “Duncan ya know I don’t like surprises.” Annie said. With her it wasn’t nearly as foggy. We co existed better than any of the others.
“I know, but I promise you will like this one.” He grinned popping the latches on the case. I felt my mouth frown before she opened the lid. Inside lay an old style rifle and she gasped.
“You didn’t!” She said looking at him.
“It’s a replica, with a couple updates.” He laughed. “Same lever action, larger internal clip, larger caliber rounds.”
She lifted out and I could feel the weight of the gun and her smile. She noticed in the rear view mirror Lucas trying sneak up behind us. She spun us around jacked the lever and had it aim before we had even stopped.
“Lucas! Ya been told boy! One more step and I’ll make sure ya don’t walk straight ever again.” Annie said.
“Woah!” Mccalister said hurrying over. “Annie?” She asked.
“Yup.” Annie smirked.
“What do you mean?” Lucas asked.
“That isn’t Abby, that is Annie Oakley.” Duncan chuckled.
“So it’s true? She has personalities?” Lucas asked.
“We are her past lives boy, and unlike her I don’t take shit from creeps.” Annie smiled.
“Prove it.” Lucas smirked.
“Hector! Toss that can up!” Duncan yelled. Hector was a good man, a father of two. He tossed his drink in the air and Annie didn’t hesitate. She turned and shot four times in quick succession, spinning the can in the air.
“Holy shit...” Lucas gasped as the can landed next to him. Four holes were nearly spaced up the can and she laughed.
“Next time ya think about sneakin, remember that.” Annie smiled. She bent us down and picked up the spent shells, sliding them in my pocket.
“You don’t have to do that anymore Annie.” Mccalister laughed.
“Old habits, I used to collect my shells and put em up on a shelf.”
“I am ok with that.” I thought to her.
“Abby says she is good with it.” Annie chuckled softly.
“Then never mind.” Mccalister chuckled. She was pretty, her blue eyes held both laughter and sadness. Her brown hair hung down her back in a ponytail. I could tell much else as she already had her vest on. Lucas had greasy black hair with a shrewish face. He was on the thinner side, and I was told he was one of the best snipers there was.
“I see Annie is here.” Hector laughed walking up. His of black hair was short to his head and he was built somewhere between Lucas and Duncan. He brown eyes were always smiling as was his mouth.
“I would kiss those lips.” Jezzie said in my head.
“Ya harlot shut your trap.” Annie said out loud making Duncan and Hector laugh.
“What did she say?” Mccalister asked with a smirk.
“That she’d kiss Hector, damn woman needs a permanent cold shower I swear.” Annie said with a chuckle. She turned us to Duncan and handed back the gun, “thank ya Duncan, I really do like it.”
“That isn’t all.” He laughed pointing at the lid. She looked and her jaw dropped. Velcroed into the lid were two revolvers. “Again updated and larger caliber. I also brought this.” He opened his bag and pulled out a gun belt with two holster and bullets already in the holders. He handed it over and Annie softly ran our hand over the leather.
“Thank ya Duncan, I am speechless.” Annie smiled.
“Put it on, that way when we get there, you can get your guns settled.” I thought to her.
“Will she even come out if I am in control?” Annie asked out loud.
“Yes.” Was the only word we heard.
“Then it’s settled, ya got me in spades.” Annie laughed, before putting the belt on.
Duncan closed and locked the case handing it to Annie, “then it’s yours.” He smiled.
“We better get going, our window to land is small.” Hector said.
“What do ya mean?” Annie asked grabbing my bag and slinging it over our shoulder.
“Sand storm is brewing out in the desert. Wheels need to be on ground before it hits Egypt. Otherwise we will have to land and the next city and drive over.” Hector smiled
“The why are we standin around flappin our jaws for?” Annie asked and everyone laughed. We grabbed the gear and headed inside the hanger. A large black jet was waiting, the stairs already lowered. “What the Sam hell is that?”
“A plane Annie, we are going to be flying.” I giggled.
“Nope!” Annie said stopping us.
“Here I will take over.” I said. The cold wave slid over me and I clutched the case to my chest. “Sorry all, she is...uncertain of the plane.” I shrugged.
“I feared that would be the case.” Duncan frowned holding out his hand.
“I have it, I won’t open it at all.” I promised.
“Tell him, that if you even tried I’d take over in a heartbeat.” Annie said.
“Annie says that even if I tried to open the case, she would take over.” I smiled.
“I’m trusting you Annie.” Duncan smirked.
“Great we are bein strapped to a broken useless woman.” Lucas said heading for the stairs.
Before I even knew what was happening, the cold wave hit me, and the fog rolled in. I felt myself drop the case, grab The knife out of Mccalister’s vest, and hurry over to Lucas. We kicked out his knee and the knife was at his throat. “You dare call my carrier broken?” It was her! The Egyptian woman has taken over and was angry.
“I know he made you mad, but we aren’t allow to hurt him.” I thought.
“He has no right! You are not broken, on the contrary you are more suited than he.” She replied.
“Uh Duncan!” Lucas croaked out.
“I don’t know who you are, but let him go.” Duncan said and we saw him walking around where we could see him. “He is an ass, but we need him.” Duncan smiled.
“Annie is a much better shot and faster.” The Egyptian woman said.
“I have no doubt, but we need the second rifle as you will be coming with us.” He said.
“Fine, but listen well Lucas, never call us broken again. Next time, another will not be as forgiving.” She said before pulling the knife away from his throat and slowly stepping back. She spun the knife around my hand and caught the blade handing backwards.
“Dear Lord!” Mccalister swore. “She’s got some firepower hidden in there.”
“We came from harder times, we had to protect ourselves unlike Abby.” The Egyptian woman said with a small smile.
“Please! I need a name! I hate not knowing who you are!” I thought.
As Mccalister took the knife, the cold wave hit me again and I sighed. “No luck?” Hector asked.
“No...”
“Nefertiti.” The woman said.
“Yes!” I screamed dancing around. “Nefertiti!”
“Thank you Queen of the sands.” Duncan said bowing.
“I like that one, I may come out more around him. He knows respect unlike that slimy crocodile.” Nefertiti said.
“Does any of you like Lucas?” I thought with a smile.
“Not even...Jezzie as you call her.” Nefertiti said with a laugh.
“Well Lucas, it’s official. Not even Jezzie likes you and she will have sex with just about anything with two legs.” I said making the others laugh.
“That was rather blunt.” Duncan chuckled.
“Sorry.” I said blushing.
“No it’s good, we need to know what is going on. Blunt is better than nothing at all.” Mccalister said offering me the case. I took it gently and held it to my chest. I followed Duncan onto the plane, and sat near the window. Mccalister sat next to me and I smiled at her.
“Sorry we grabbed your knife.” I apologized.
“If it had been you, I would have maybe worried.” She smiled. “But it seems Nefertiti knows her hand around a blade so I am not concerned.”
“She took over so quickly, I couldn’t warn anyone. I don’t mind them taking over, I just wish they would warn me.” I sighed.
“Annie does right?” Hector asked from across the isle.
“She is the only one, the others just...bulldoze me out of the way.” I shrugged.
“Not that it’s any of my business, but where are your glasses?” He asked.
“Duncan thought it would be better if I wore contacts. They feel funny, but I agree. I don’t need to be blind while we are out there.” I frowned.
“My name is Sheila by the way.” She said holding out her hand.
“Thank you, I was going to ask. I just hadn’t found the right time yet.” I giggled shaking her hand. “Don’t think it Jezzie!” I thought making Annie and Nefertiti laugh in my head. I felt the plane begin to move and I hurriedly buckled
