It was quiet, but I could tell it was going to be a scorcher, especially by Michigan’s standards. The humidity was already building, which meant I was going to need a fan if I expected any relief at all in my tent. Thankfully, Dolph had obviously been thinking ahead because one of the box fans we kept at the ready was already waiting for me in front of the tent flap.
I plugged the fan into the strips running between tents and flicked it on, sighing as I pointed it at me and sank into my chair. My mind was busy, a million different thoughts buzzing. I kept circling back to the same place.
“What are you thinking?” Max asked, taking me by surprise when he appeared in the opening.
I shot him a look before shaking my head. “Make a noise next time. You’re quieter than Nixie when she’s playing with her dolls.”
Max snorted. “That’s a creepy comparison.” He looked serious as he moved deeper into the tent and planted himself in the chair across from me. “How are you?”
I recognized a loaded question when I heard it. “I guess I’m okay. How are you?”
“I’m doing extremely well.” Max’s smile was warm. “I have everything I ever wanted. Er, well, mostly.”
I pursed my lips, amused. “Because you have Kade?”
“I don’t have him,” he stressed. “But he no longer hates me. I’m considering that a win.”
“He never hated you,” I said. “He was angry … and afraid … and broken-hearted. He didn’t understand why you weren’t around when he was a kid.”
“We talked about that the other night.”
“You did?” I was impressed. “I’m proud of you guys. I thought you would hold that conversation in until you both exploded and made a mess of things. That is the male way, after all.”
Max snickered. “I like to think I’m more than a normal man.”
“Hey, I wasn’t man-bashing. I happen to love men. Like … a lot.”
“Like my son.” Max’s grin widened.
“Especially your son.”
“I’m glad for it.” He turned earnest. “I think you two are a perfect match.”
“Did you think that before or after we started sleeping together?”
His lips curved down. “Let’s not get crude. You know I don’t like it when you’re crude.”
“You like it when Luke is crude. It seems a little sexist that you don’t like it when I’m crude.”
“Ha, ha.” He wagged his finger, eliciting a grin. “I’m not falling for that. As for liking Luke’s crude comments over yours, that’s not entirely untrue. The boy has a certain spark. I don’t know how to describe it.”
“He’s uncouth and blunt.”
“That’s definitely part of his spark.”
I snickered. I couldn’t help myself. Then, something occurred to me. “Do you remember the first time we talked like this?”
Max’s eyes twinkled, but his smile slipped away. “As a matter of fact, I do. Why are you thinking about that?”
“I have been for the past two weeks,” I admitted, rubbing my hands over my knees. “We don’t spend much time in Michigan. This is the first time we’ve been back in … years.”
“That’s because Michigan’s economy was especially hard hit in the crash a decade ago. Most of the municipalities couldn’t afford a circus.”
“And now we’re doing two shows in Michigan back-to-back.”
He nodded, calm. “We are.”
He was waiting for me to give voice to my concerns. I recognized the move and waited. “The last three times we’ve been here, it’s been to the west side of the state.”
Realization dawned on Max’s face. “And you’re worried because we’re returning to your old stomping grounds.”
Was that it? Was I worried? I recognized the sense of unease growing in my gut, but I wasn’t sure it was fear. “We’re going to be really close to the area where you found me.”
“Do you think any of your old crew will be hanging around?” Max was calm as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs at the ankles. “Are you worried you’ll see them and return to a life of crime?”
Oh, geez. What a kidder. “You think that’s funny?”
He shook his head. “No, but I think you’re worked up about something. I’d like to know what that is. After all, my children are happy right now. Even though his magic is unfurling faster than he envisioned, Kade is happy. I want you to be happy, too.”
“I am, for the most part.”
“But?” he prodded.
“But … I can’t help thinking about the past now that we’re about to be staring it down in a way that I didn’t think I ever would again,” I admitted. “It’s not that I fear the past … or that I’m ashamed of what I did. Okay, maybe I am a little ashamed. I stole things and stuff. I lied and told people fake fortunes for money. That probably wasn’t a good thing.”
Max didn’t look bothered. “You were trying to survive.”
“And yet when you plucked me from the street the first words you said to me were, ‘No more stealing.’”
“That’s because I love the wallet you tried to lift. Kade got it for me as a gift when he was sixteen.”
That was part of the story I’d never heard. “Seriously?”
He nodded. “Despite that, the stealing was probably a poor idea. I’m glad you outgrew that. It might’ve become annoying if you were trying to rip off our visitors. Can you imagine the Yelp reviews?”
A laugh bubbled up. “Oh, you’re in a funny mood today. I love it when you’re in a funny mood.”
“Yes, well … I always fancied myself a part-time clown.”
My smile slipped. “That is a freaky thing to say. Now I’ll have nightmares.”
“You’ll be fine.” He sounded so sure of himself I believed him. “Tell me what you fear about returning to Detroit. By the way, we have been through that specific area before. You were with us, although it was only a year after you left your life on the street. Have you forgotten that?”
I shook my head. “No. I guess I try to pretend that the person living on the street, the smart-mouthed hood rat who tried to lift your wallet, wasn’t real. That was someone else, a different person.”
“You are a different person. You’re allowed to grow and mature. You’re one of the loveliest people I know.”
“Oh.” That was kind of touching. “Are you just saying that because you think of me as one of your kids?”
“No. It’s true. As for going back, I don’t think the issue is you. I think it’s Kade. You don’t want Kade to see that side of you.”
I hated how well he could read me. “I … .”
“No, no, no.” He shook his finger. “You don’t have to hide your fears from me. I already know them.”
“Because you invaded my mind?” The notion set me off, even though I’d been known to delve into people’s minds on more than one occasion. It was almost a daily occurrence, in fact. When the tables were turned, I found it invasive.
“I have not invaded your mind.” Max refused to back down. “I simply know you better than most. In fact, in some ways, I know you better than anyone.”
“I think Kade and Luke would offer an argument to that,” I said dryly.
“Perhaps.” His smile was back. “They know you differently. Luke is your brother, Kade your love.”
“And what are you?”
He shrugged. “I like to think I’m your second father. I know I can’t replace the one you lost, the one you already love and guard close to your heart. He would want me to watch over you. I knew that the second I laid eyes on you, even though you were all knobby knees and elbows.”
“I wasn’t eating all that well on the street,” I admitted. “You fattened me up pretty quickly.”
“You filled out. I was happy to see it. As for letting your fear of Kade finding out about your past take over, you need to let it go. He knows most of it. What’s left is merely details.”
It felt like more than details an
d still … he was right. “I don’t know what I did before I met you,” I admitted, grinning. “I’m glad things are going well for you.”
“I’m glad they’re going well for you, too.” He flicked his eyes to the tent flap as if he anticipated an arrival. I wasn’t surprised when it opened to allow Kade entrance. The woman with him did surprise me.
“Bay?” I straightened in my chair as the blonde slid around Kade. “Is something wrong? Do you need a reading or something?”
She snorted. “Trust me, I don’t want to know my future. If I have to see how many times Aunt Tillie gets arrested before it’s all said and done, I’ll probably cry.”
Max chuckled. “Your great-aunt is a gem.”
“She’s … something.” Bay looked momentarily perplexed and then shook her head to dislodge whatever dark thought she’d latched onto. “So, I come bearing gifts.” She held up a large leather tome. It looked old, and I was interested the second she flashed the cover toward me. It featured a compass needle and runes.
“What is that?” I asked, intrigued.
“It’s an old book we had in the library at The Overlook,” she replied. “It’s all about the four corners … and the runes that go with them. I thought maybe we might be able to find some answers.”
We were finally getting somewhere. We had only one problem. “I have to work this afternoon.”
“Oh, I know.” Her tone was breezy. “I thought I would sit in here and go through the book and we could exchange information if I find anything interesting during your readings. Otherwise I’ll keep quiet and out of your business.”
I’d had worse offers. “We can probably make that work.”
“Definitely,” Max agreed, getting to his feet. “Let me know if you find something. We’re not here much longer, and I believe we’re due for something else to happen before we leave.”
He wasn’t the only one who believed that. In fact, I felt it in my bones.
28
Twenty-Eight
Having Bay in my tent turned out to be more fun than I thought. She sat in the corner, the book open on the floor, and offered increasingly hilarious tidbits when she recognized anyone coming in for a reading.
“What are you looking for?” I asked a young man who came in with a cute girl attached to his arm. He was young — eighteen or so, if I had to guess — and he had a bland face that bordered on handsome but didn’t quite make it.
“We want to know our future,” the girl said, adding a giggle for good measure.
“We definitely want to know our future,” the boy agreed.
“We think it’s going to be good.” The girl couldn’t stop giggling as she wiggled her hips.
“Very good,” the young man said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “I’m thinking there’s going to be a lot of sex in my future.”
I didn’t as much as arch an eyebrow. I’d heard much worse than that over my years reading fortunes with Mystic Caravan. Bay, however, seemed to know the young man and woman, and was having none of it.
“When did you two start dating?” Bay asked, causing the boy to jolt when he realized she was in the tent.
He slowly peered around my shoulder, and when he found Bay sitting on the ground he swallowed hard. “Hey, Ms. Winchester.”
Bay’s expression was hard to read, but I recognized a hint of mischief flitting across her features. “Hello, Nelson. Haven’t seen you around in a bit.”
“I’ve been busy.” He avoided direct eye contact with Bay.
“This is Nelson Lyons,” Bay offered by way of introduction before her eyes landed on the girl. “And Rosie Summers,” she said, her lips quirking. “I haven’t seen you since ... well, I think it was around Halloween. You were dressed as a nurse ... .”
“A sexy nurse,” Nelson corrected.
Bay ignored him. “You were dressed as a nurse and taking Donovan Jackson’s temperature with your tongue.”
Nelson’s smile slowly slipped. “What does that have to do with anything?”
I wondered that myself.
“I’m merely concerned that something is up.” Bay didn’t rise from her spot or close her book. She did, however, furrow her brow and stare hard at Nelson. “You haven’t by any chance been making wishes in wells again, have you, Nelson?”
The young man’s face turned so red I thought he might be having a heart attack. “I haven’t been near that well since ... well, you know,” he sputtered. “Why would you think that?”
“Nelson?”
Hmm. Something was going on here. “Well, sit down,” I suggested, gesturing toward the chairs across from me. “How long have you guys been dating?”
“Shouldn’t you already know that?” Rosie challenged, attitude on full display. She kept darting odd looks in Bay’s direction. I would have to get to the bottom of this little dust-up. I hated being out of the loop.
“I like getting the basics out of the way so they don’t cloud the reading,” I answered simply.
“Oh.” Suddenly placated, Rosie bobbed her blond head. She had masses of flaxen curls that told me she was very interested in her appearance. Half of telling fortunes was reading people, and Rosie was an open book. Nelson, well, he was something else entirely.
“We’ve been together two weeks,” Nelson said, his smile returning. “It’s been the best two weeks ever.”
Rosie’s giggle was back, and this time there was something grating about it. “It certainly has been a great two weeks, pudding.”
Pudding? I barely managed to keep a straight face. “Cut the deck.” On instinct, I held out the tarot cards to Rosie. Bay clearly knew something about Nelson, and he was uncomfortable around her. He wasn’t the one I sensed trouble from. That award went to Rosie.
Rosie dutifully cut the deck and watched as I dealt the cards. Bay, who had been intent on the book for hours, watched as I worked. She didn’t say anything, but it was obvious she was curious.
“Let’s see what we have.” I studied the cards with interest as I reached out and brushed against Rosie’s mind. To my surprise, I found it relatively well shuttered, which wasn’t normal unless I was dealing with a paranormal or a human who understood about psychic invasion.
The first card was the World, and it was inverted. “You’re feeling unfulfilled.”
“No, that’s not true.” Nelson was firm. “I’m very fulfilled.”
I risked a glance at Rosie and found her staring at me with intent eyes. She was listening.
The Temperance card was next. It was also inverted. “You’re drowning in emotional extremes. One minute you’re happy, the next you’re sad.”
Nelson looked to Rosie curiously. “That doesn’t sound like me either. Does it sound like you?”
“Shh.” Rosie pressed her finger to her lips. “I want to hear what she says.”
The Wheel of Fortune card. “Things will change, and quickly.”
The Emperor, inverted. “You’re not feeling nearly as warm as you pretend.”
Knight of Wands. “Despite that, you’re excited about something to come. You’re feeling adventurous, reckless.”
I flipped another card, my mind focusing as a picture began to take shape.
King of Cups reversed. “You’re feeling moody, unappreciated. You’re prone to taking and giving bad advice.”
“Does any of this make any sense to you?” Nelson whined.
“Shut up,” Rosie hissed, intense. She looked ready to bolt. Clearly I was getting close to something.
Nine of Cups reversed. “You’re smug, feeling empowered and think there’s no stopping you.”
King of Swords. “You listen to your head rather than your heart.”
Page of Swords. “You’re naturally curious, and that’s gotten you into trouble.”
The images in my mind were slowly starting to meld with the cards and I finally saw faces emerging. Ah, geez. There was more going on with this girl than I realized.
King of Pentacles reversed. “You�
�re willing to use your sexuality to get what you want, which is how you ended up here.”
“Hey, I’m all for her using her sexuality,” Nelson offered. “I happen to like it.”
I ignored him. He wasn’t part of this.
Nine of Pentacles. “You’ve been living beyond your means. You spend when you shouldn’t spend.”
The Tower. “You’re heading toward a reckoning.”
And, finally, the Hanged Man. “You’re about to sacrifice yourself to the whims of others.” Without hesitation, I leaned forward and grabbed her arm before she could pull away and slammed my consciousness into her head, muttering under my breath as I forced the truth from the dark corners of her somersaulting mind.
“What’s going on?” Nelson asked, alarmed. “I ... what’s happening?” He reached for my hand, the intent to shove me away from Rosie clear, but Bay intervened and stopped him.
“No, Nelson. Let her finish.”
“But she’s hurting Rosie.”
“She’s not,” Bay argued, her gaze on the young girl now. Instead of balking or running in fear, Rosie stared directly into my eyes. She was practically daring me to continue.
“Where are they?” I asked once I was done ransacking Rosie’s mind. “What do they plan to do?”
“What are you talking about?” Nelson whined. “I don’t understand what’s happening.”
“I don’t understand either,” Bay admitted. “I ... .” Whatever she was about to say died on her lips as Rosie finally mustered the strength to jerk away from me.
The girl took a deliberate step back, heaved out a sigh and glared. “Don’t ever touch me again! Do you understand?”
She sounded dark, dangerous and in control. “I understand that you’re in over your head,” I replied. “You need to escape from this situation before it takes you down.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Rosie hissed.
“I know exactly what I’m talking about ... and you’re in big trouble, little girl.”
“What is it?” Bay asked. “What’s wrong?”
I didn’t answer her. I couldn’t. I had to focus on Rosie. If I broke eye contact, she would run, and there was every chance we wouldn’t get her back until it was too late.
Freaky Witches (A Mystic Caravan Mystery Book 7) Page 27