Vaaslo's old friend in New Orleans has called him with a strange case - a vicious crime scene that vanished, replaced inexplicably with a pristine and peaceful room. The only witness has also disappeared, popping out of existence before a startled detective's eyes.When Vaaslo and the others arrive in New Orleans, they learn that similar events have been occurring all over the city, and that some of the people involved are remembering two different realities at the same time. Adding to the confusion is a sudden outbreak of seismic activity, intermittent tremors that rock the city more forcefully each time they happen.Stephanie feels the events are connected to her recurring dream: dozens of disheveled, injured people, pressing in on her from all sides and staring at her as though she should understand their unspoken purpose. The landscape where they stand is a smoking expanse of dead earth, and the only sound is the lone voice of a teenage boy - "Make a wish!"Her dream is particularly intense, but its imagery provides few clues. What is she meant to wish for? What's causing the double realities that plague the New Orleans police department? And will the ground shudder apart beneath the city before Stephanie deciphers the boy's cryptic demand?