To Catch an Angel

by Jody Sharpe

  7

  The Wiley Ways Of Psychic Ladies

  GG took the idea from a plot in one of the Connor Diamond Series best books, Connor Diamond and the Magic Crystal Ball.

  Gram has summoned Mr. Jamie Bond to the parlor for tea to discuss the angel, little Emma Rose, tabloids, and money. Since Elena told us how superstitious he was we dressed in gypsy attire complete with colored scarves and lots of bright shiny beads. There is a candle burning on the table and a little crystal ball lava lamp plugged into the wall next to it. I sit on the sidelines with Blue on my lap, a red scarf like mine tied around his head. Jamie sits in the darkened parlor downing the hot tea he wants mixed with six lumps of sugar, all the while staring at big but harmless King sitting next to me. King is wearing a scarf with dogs and cats on it. On the man, a little brow of sweat is forming and his shirt is wet under the arms.

  “That dog doesn’t bite, does he?”

  “Not usually,” Gram says sighing. “However, he did bite the mailman once.” Jamie shifts nervously in his chair, waiting but never taking his eyes off King. There is a long silence.

  He looks at me, “Your cat is cross-eyed, you know.”

  “He’s in a trance,” I say softly.

  Gram begins, “Are you aware, Mr. James Bond, that we are the wisest psychic ladies in town. Did you know we speak to spirits?”

  “Yeah,” says Jamie shifting. “ Elena told me. Call me Jamie; I get teased about my damn name all the time. And listen, I’m from Riverton, so I don’t know many people here since Elena moved out to that house on Meadowbrook. But she told me about you psychics. She said your daughter here babysits my kid for free. Thanks. What’s your name?”

  “Maggie,” I respond politely even though I already introduced myself at the door.

  “Maggie, you’re all kinda weird. Do you dress like this all the time?”

  Not getting a response he points to old Cookie lying on the floor sleeping peacefully with scarf on her head and her latest cartoon diaper peeking past the dress. “That dog looks dead.”

  “No, in a trance, just like the cat. Did you know that people fear my grandmother and great grandmother’s powers,” I whisper loudly to him.

  Gram lies the lie she must, “We are in touch with spirits, sir, and they are in touch with the angels in town. They talk to us each day. My mother, Madam Norma here is one of the most famous psychics in California. She will speak into this crystal ball and summon them.”

  GG uses a gravelly voice, “Oh spirits and protective angels, are you here? Please tell us what to do about Mr. Bond here wanting to make money from his daughter’s vision.”

  She looks down deep into the oily crystal ball rubbing her hands around it. She moans, “Ummmm.” Then she pretends to listen to someone talking to her by placing her head next to the ball.

  “Ah, they have spoken. The spirits say the angels are telling us you must remain quiet about this now. If you do, money will line your pockets. They say the child needs to be protected. You must promise never to say her name or show her photo to anyone in the media. She is a gift to us all, and the angel came to her to send a message to the world. Do you promise, Mr. Bond?”

  “I thought you guys were gonna get me money; that’s what Elena said. She said you talk to angels. Hell, I need it bad,” says Jamie clearly upset now. “I want money for me and,” he hesitates… “ And, uh, for Emma Rose, too.” We glance at each other, knowing he’s only thinking of himself.

  Just like the plot in the book, GG hands him the big fake-out. “Yes, what? Oh yes, the spirits say there’s an eight-foot angel standing behind you.” Jamie jumps turning around in his chair.

  GG continues, “The angel insists you must be quiet now or he will send King here to be with you night and day to make sure you don’t say a thing. He will fly King there on angel’s wings. Right, King?”

  King jumps and barks. Jamie looks like he might soil himself, leaping up and running behind Gram’s chair.

  “Oh, he won’t hurt you,” Gram tries gently to fake soothe his mind putting her hand on his. “Remember, now the angels want it a secret. Then I promise you, you will be the richest man in all of Riverton.” She leads Jamie back to his chair. He looks at King with wide-eyed fear. King stares him down and licks his lips. What Jamie doesn’t know is that we have a dog treat under the table waiting for him when we are finished. GG’s got him trained big time.

  “I don’t know. Why would they make me wait?” Jamie Bond isn’t stupid but he is naïve. Elena says his superstitious mind makes him turn the car around if a black cat runs in front of it. He throws salt over his left shoulder when he spills it and thinks Mystic Bay is a psycho place where only witches and mentally ill people live. He believes it all. He’s really afraid of gentle, wouldn’t-hurt-a-fly, King. Well, maybe a fly.

  GG encourages Jamie to sit down in front of the table again as she takes his hand, “Look into my eyes, Mr. Bond.” Jamie does as told and GG starts to hypnotize the unsuspecting Jamie. “You are tired, your eyes grow weary but you are listening to me so deep in your soul. Listen, listen! My voice is strong and you will do what I say now and not speak to anyone about Emma Rose and the angels. You will protect your little daughter for many years. You will be a better man and look for work. You will feel rich with blessings.” She speaks in a almost a whisper, “Now, wake up refreshed, remembering everything the spirits and angels have told us.”

  Jamie wakes up and GG continues in a soft voice as if she didn’t hypnotize him.

  “The angels know you are a good man. You will have a bank account opened at Pacific Trust Bank for you and Emma Rose tomorrow with two hundred dollars in it. You can use one hundred of it now, but must leave the rest there and wait. More money will come every two weeks till things are better for you financially. It will be wonderful.” GG is smiling, delighted with her act.

  “Just don’t let that dog come live with me? Promise?” I can tell he’s afraid to turn around in his chair. “Is the angel gone? Make him promise. I’ll be quiet then. But I need more money than just one hundred dollars while I look for work.”

  “Oh, you will, dear Mr. Bond. Right, King?”

  King jumps and barks again and Jamie’s eyes almost pop out of his head.

  “You ladies and that dog scare me. Please tell the angel to leave and get the dog out of here so I can go now.”

  “Of course, Mr. Bond. Why, that angel just flew away and now King, ‘Le supper’! She claps her hands.

  King gets up and trots into the kitchen, knowing that’s his signal to wait for his dinner.

  Jamie stands up. “Well, goodbye I guess. You psychics are sure different.” With newfound confidence since King is gone, he stretches. “Can’t wait for my money for sure. You ladies promise, right?”

  “Oh yes, dear Jamie,” says Gram. “Why, I think you’ll be getting a new car, too.. Stay in your apartment at night unless you’re looking for work. The angels will be watching. They’ll tell us if you’ve kept your part of the bargain. Or else King will surely have to be flown by that eight-foot angel to live with you and we would miss him, wouldn’t we, dears?”

  GG and I say, “Yes,” in unison.

  “ Oh dear, that won’t be fun for you, Jamie Bond.” Gram smiles a half smile.

  “What? Oh God, okay. Goodbye. Thanks, I guess.” Jamie almost runs out of the house to his waiting beat-up truck. Gram goes to the front door and waves.

  “Goodbye, Mr. Bond. Stay safe and mums the word!”

  She puts her long fake black nail-polished finger to her lips. Jamie drives away like a racecar driver driving a lemon…exhaust pluming.

  Sitting down, I can’t help it. I start crying and laughing at the same time. GG gets up, holding on to Gram. They do a standing waltz. Gram laughs, “The old fake crystal ball trick always works for people with bad intentions. Sorry to put angels in the mix today, but I think they understand our motives.”

  GG says, “The power of suggestion will help for awhile, I hope.
It’s the best I can do.” King comes back out wondering where his dinner is. GG taught him “le supper” means dinnertime, but he already ate. “King, you deserve a treat!” King almost smiles. She reaches under the table for the dog biscuit. Blue tries like heck to take the scarf off, his head rolling around the carpet. I take it off laughing. “Good trance moves, Blue.” Cookie still lies on the carpet with her apparent dead dog trick. Gram speaks in a loud voice, as Cookie is pretty deaf, “Treat time.” Cookie slowly gets up and stretches.

  I look at my dancing great grandmother and grandmother standing, arms in motion like they’re on Dancing With The Stars. “You two, that was total genius! But you know we can’t really trust that guy. Now what?”

  “Mr. James Bond just might surprise all of us,” GG says with a glint in her psychic eyes.

  8

  Past Meets Present

  The wind is blowing. Emma Rose and I are picnicking again by the stream. The trees sway their rhythmic hum, soothing my soul. I can see their reflections in the rippling water. This week Elena was thrilled as Emma Rose said “Angel” and “Mama” again. Looking toward the direction she’s pointing, my heart dances. Jeb is there once more. His golden coat flies up with the breeze. His eyes sparkle at me and I feel joy rather than heartache. Getting up slowly, taking Emma Rose’s hand, the little girl lets go and starts to run. “Angel chase butterfly.” She runs after a yellow butterfly giggling with delight. After a few seconds she stops. I look for Jeb, but he is gone. The angel appeared to her again and she said three words! The angel beckoned her to chase the butterfly with her…how lovely, how extraordinary! Why am I present to see this miraculous sight? What do I have to do with angels calling?

  It’s been a long night at the restaurant and it’s only ten. I’ve talked to Noah every day this week. We’ve talked very little about his book tour, mostly about Emma Rose and Patrick’s sightings of the angels. Gram and GG are thrilled I’m seeing Jeb. “It’s another blessing from the angels,” says GG. Noah has a friend whose dad is an entomologist. He’s calling me tomorrow about the bee I spotted. He wants a photo of it if possible, but I haven’t seen it since the day I met Noah. Jenny and I were going shopping for my maid of honor dress tomorrow, but Jack and Stella have called us all to meet again at two. This time the meeting is at Hannah’s house behind their store off Main Street. We’re meeting to discuss what to do before the media gets wind of the sightings, since Emma Rose has had her second encounter and Patrick has painted a watercolor. Guy, Bette, Stella, and Jack emailed us all that the angel is a wonder to see… more beautiful than the first one. Noah tells me his psychic vibe says Jamie Bond will keep quiet. He thinks he’s an odd kind of guy, almost comical, and he’d make a great character in a novel. That’s pretty funny. Still it’s hard to believe he’ll really keep his mouth closed, but we will see.

  Noah’s picking me up at work before eleven if his plane gets in on time and I can hardly stand the waiting. There is a couple at the bar and a few customers in the restaurant including Doc Nathan and his wife Terry. They’re paying their check when I see a guy walk in the restaurant. What? It’s Brian, my ex! What’s he doing here? I feel the rush of nerves run to the pit of my stomach. He looks the same, brown hair, mustache, and blue green cat-like eyes; still as good-looking as ever. My ex orders a beer and Tad pours him a draft. The claws-out Missy, wearing black leather jeans and a tight halter-top, starts talking to him.

  “What on earth are you doing here?” My voice is raised, walking up to him, interrupting her. “I’m working.”

  “Hey, Maggie. Your Grandma said you were here when I called your house. Why’d you change your cell number and email? I’ve been trying to call you for at least a month. I need to talk to you.”

  “I’ve nothing to say. So leave.” I turn to go, but he holds my arm.

  “Maggie, please. I’ll wait till you’re ready to go home. I’ve something important to tell you, please.” He looks dejected. Heidi must have broken up with him. He so hates to be alone. I try to pull away, but he keeps hold of me.

  Tad pipes up, “Hey, you heard the lady. She’s wants you to leave. Anyway, she’s got a new boyfriend.” I look at Tad who’s smirking while Missy’s mouth parts in surprise.

  “Oh yeah, that was fast,” Brian says, obviously upset, letting go of me now. “What’s his name?” I can’t speak, but Tad’s happy to announce, “He’s that good looking guy who comes in for take out a lot, Noah Greenstreet.”

  “Noah Greenstreet from New York?” Missy seems utterly amazed. “The player of the western world? You better run, Girl. He dumped my friend Gwen. He’s even worse than Mr. Tad Jones here.”

  “I heard that,” remarks Tad with a laugh as he pours her another glass of Merlot.

  Missy looks me up and down. “You’re not his type at all. I doubt he’s ever dated a server. He likes tall, pretty blonds, sophisticated like me, although I never met the jerk.” She laughs, taunting me, taking a sip of her wine.

  Brian is incensed and yells loudly, “Maggie is a thousand times prettier than you!”

  “Hold it down now,” says Tad, “or Jack will come out here. You’re both fine looking women, okay?” Missy gives Tad a look that would kill and storms off her chair to another one at the end of the bar.

  Brian looks at me with that little lost boy face that always drew me in. “Look, Maggie. Yes, I’d like to be back in your life. I realize I’m a major screw-up for breaking up and dating Heidi, but that was short-lived.” He whispers in my ear, “I found out your mother, Lyla Jasmine, might just lead me to your real father. I have some big leads.”

  When I get my head out of a fog, I realize I fainted. Now I’m lying on the couch in Jack’s office with Brian and Doc Nathan standing over me. Jenny is kneeling down holding my hand while Jack is pacing back and forth.

  “Maggie, are you okay?” Brian sounds sincere. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Doc Nathan, our next-door neighbor says, “She’s okay. But here, Maggie dear, drink some water.” Doc Nathan helps me take a sip from the glass. “She’ll be all right,” he remarks. “Maggie, rest awhile and drink water and go home to bed, okay? No more work tonight. Jenny, can you take her home?” Jenny says, “Of course.”

  “Maggie, call me if you need anything and I’ll come over.” He starts to leave, but there’s a knock at the office door. It’s Noah, upset and clearly worried. He was going to pick me up and now our night is ruined. We were going to sit under the stars and moon bathe. His face says it all. He’s wondering who Doc Nathan and Brian are.

  “They told me you fainted, that some guy upset you. Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Who are you?” Noah looks Brian over.

  “I’m her boyfriend, Brian Morris. And you?” Brian is mad.

  “You’ve got it wrong, dude, I’m her boyfriend, actually.” Boyfriend? We only had two dates and talked on the phone everyday for a week. I try to get up but feel weak and sit down again. Jack and Doc Nathan talk low to both men.

  “She needs rest now,” says Doc, looking at Noah.

  “Can you take her home now?” Noah says.

  “Yes, sure. Is she all right?” He helps me up. Doc Nathan continues. “She’ll be fine, but call me with any problems.” He gives Noah his card. “I live right next door to Maggie.”

  Brian gets up almost trembling. He gives Noah a dirty look, and then shifts to me. “Call me when you wake up. I’m staying at the Riverton Inn Motel. I need to talk to you before I head back to LA tomorrow. You know my cell. Take care, Maggie.”

  He looks at me with such a hurt expression that I almost feel sorry for him. He looks at Noah. “And don’t call me dude.” He leaves and everyone looks at each other. Jenny starts to laugh. “Chalk one up for you, Noah.” There’s some chuckling between the men which is funny since I’ve just fainted, but I go along with it. “Sorry…it’s like a bad reality TV show.”

  Noah helps me up with his arm around me.
Jack walks out to the door with us. “You don’t have to come to work tomorrow, Maggie.”

  “I’m fine Jack. I’ll be there just as always. It was just a shock seeing him is all.”

  Brian says he knows who my mother is; I never told him her stage name. He’s somehow found out clues about my real father. Tears form in my eyes. Why? I don’t care about my parents. As we walk to the restaurant door, Tad and Missy walk up. “You okay, Maggie,” asks Tad.

  “Yes, I’m fine really. Tad, you know Noah.” I don’t introduce Missy. I just ignore her like she’s a fly on the wall, but of course, she has to get her two cents in.

  “ Hey Noah, I’m Missy, Gwen Anderson’s friend from New York. I told your poor little Maggie here, I heard you were a real player then, a real jerk to Gwen.”

  “Missy, come on.” Tad is furious, I can tell. She tweaks my anger, but I relax and have to laugh out loud when Noah retorts, “Player? You’ve got it wrong. I was immature once, that’s true. Now, I’ve found myself lucky to be mature enough to find a lovely, quality woman. You should try a healthy relationship sometime.” Missy is silent as we finally leave, but Tad calls to me, “Take care, Maggie.” Missy gives him a swat with her purse.

  I close my eyes as Noah drives in silence the block and a half to my house. We walk in and find King waiting; Gram and GG are obviously asleep. King walks up the stairs to my bedroom with us. We find the cat in his usual spot on the bed. King settles down and Noah pets Blue. “I’ll be right back,” I say to the sweetest man ever as I go into the bathroom.

  When I come out, he’s standing looking at me. I must be a real vision wearing my black sheep pajamas. They’re my favorite, white with black sheep all over them with red bows around their necks. They’re so soft and I’m so tired; I just had to put them on.