With urgency, Sid pressed a tiny vial into her hands. “Take this in case you need it. A brujo can be slippery as fucking mercury.”
She stared at the vial with trepidation. “What is it?”
“A tried and true Fae enchantment. It’s the undiluted version of what I snuck into the pitcher of mojitos. A drop passes his lips and he has to tell you the truth. But be careful, this one doesn’t have the XX exclusive factored into it. This potion could affect you too, so don’t consume it.”
“That doesn’t sound kosher.”
“Estele, you’re the one walking off into the night with a brujo you know nothing about. Don’t you think you owe it to yourself to find out what he’s up to?”
She slipped the vial in her purse, her guilty conscience already bugging her. “Okay, but I can’t promise I’ll use it. Are there side effects?”
“Aside from stream-of-consciousness honesty, it can make you sleepy.”
“It might be useful.” She pulled away. “I better go. Val will wonder what’s taking so long.”
With an abrupt move, Sid wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Estele, you’re a good person. You always mean well. You’re not incompetent, you’re just unpracticed.”
Her heart pounded. Kind words from Sidhe the Fae? This was a first. “Wow, Sid. Where did that come from? You never say anything nice to anyone.”
“That’s right, and if you tell anybody I did, I’ll deny it and put a hex on their drink. Now go. I suggest you slip big coyote a truth bomb ASAP and find out what he’s up to.”
She walked away, but turned. “You know, Sid, I could just ask Val what he’s up to. He might tell me.”
A hiss of disgust sputtered past Sid’s lips. “Why the Fae world should fall and the human realm rise is a total mystery to me.”
Estele returned to the car. Val tilted his head to see past the strands of beads and clutter she hung from the rearview mirror. He flashed one of his winning smiles.
Opening the driver door, she climbed behind the wheel. “What’s the grin for? A minute ago you looked so serious.”
“You’ve been gone for more than a minute. It gave me a little time to think. I’m not sure that I was clear earlier, but I want you to know I’m not disappointed you’re my ally. It occurred to me that I have might sounded that way. You’re a surprise. A dynamo of a witchlet.”
“Witchlet?” She slid the key in the ignition and started the car. “I hope you’re not equating me to Gidget, the girl midget of witches. That’s not PC. I’m a grown woman. Height is not a consideration in the enchantment community.” She put the VW in gear and reversed out of the parking lot.
“Which way are we going?”
“The fairgrounds are on the other side of the freeway next to the beach. There’s only one narrow road leading in that comes to a dead end. Not a lot of choices.”
“Um.” He looked thoughtful. “It sounds like it would be easy to trap large numbers of people.”
“That’s a cheerful statement.” Driving across the highway overpass, she steered the VW over the railroad tracks. “Most people take a bus or shuttle to the fair and avoid the traffic jam altogether.” They turned right on Seaside Lane and drove past several large beachfront hotels. The sun had set and a fat waxing moon was on the rise.
The sprawling parking lot of the fairgrounds was brightly lit and filled with big rigs circled like a wagon train around the midway. The loud hum and strong scent of diesel generators hung in the air. Teams of carnival personnel worked together with the precision of an insect hive to assemble the largest rides first.
She drove to the edge of the lot and parked. Getting out of the car, she looped her purse over her shoulder and strolled around the front of the car. “I love the county fair. The thought that something could go wrong is awful.”
Climbing out of the car, Val followed her. “That’s why we’re here. Let’s take a look around. Maybe we can prevent a tragedy.” He offered his hand. “If anyone asks what we’re doing here, we’re just a couple walking on the beach. Okay?”
“Who would believe I’d walk on the sand in these shoes?”
“Take them off. I’ll give you a piggyback ride.”
“You want us to goof around like we’re on a fun date? That’s going to feel weird after all the ‘ally’ stuff you told me.”
“It’s the least suspicious thing. Besides, we look like we belong together on a date.”
“We do?” That was buoying. Val was a cut above the type of guys she usually attracted. She clasped his hand. “Okay. Where do we start?”
Lifting the chain over his head, Val removed his necklace and allowed the tiny silver dagger to dangle. With a slow wobble, the blade spun counterclockwise and then pointed for a gravity-defying moment toward a group of men assembling a Ferris wheel. “The strongest reading seems to be coming from over there.”
She scanned the area. “Is the pendulum reacting to the workers or the bubble of malevolence?”
He clasped her hand and took long strides headed toward the heart of activity on the midway. “I don’t know yet. Let’s get closer and find out.”
Her ankles trembled. “Slow down, Seabiscuit, you need to bring that gallop to a trot. I can’t walk that fast.”
Val halted until she caught up. “Sorry. I got carried away. There’s a tang in the air. Do you feel it?”
She turned her face toward the sea. “No. All I feel is a salt breeze.”
“Something’s going on. There’s ozone in the air. Lots of it. This is definitely the epicenter.”
A low rumble like a whale call groaned beneath her feet. Pressure built in her ears until they ached to pop. A ripple passed through the ground and spread outwards. For a moment, it felt as if the solid asphalt of the parking lot had turned to pudding. “Wow! What was that? I definitely felt that!”
Lifting his chin, Val glanced around. “Dark forces are rising to the surface. This is what I’ve been talking about.”
They approached the trucks and crewmen offloading and assembling the carnival rides. The teams of men looked preoccupied as they worked. The shrill whir of power tools was deafening.
“Hey!” Val shouted to a man seated on a forklift who appeared to be waiting for orders. “What’s a typical setup? How long does it take to put a Tilt-A-Whirl together?”
The man stared straight ahead with a vacant face and unblinking eyes.
Val persisted. “Has it been a good season? Is fair attendance up?”
The man remained glassy-eyed and unresponsive. Only the tiniest tick of a pulse beneath his ear indicated he was a real flesh-and-blood human and not a carefully crafted wax mannequin.
Leaning closer to study the man’s face, Val glanced at her. “What’s wrong with him?”
Suddenly the man came to life. He blinked and his mouth opened. “Stand back!” The command was barked as he put the forklift in gear and drove behind a big rig.
“That was odd.” Still clasping Estele’s hand, Val walked toward a pair of workers kneeling on the ground assembling a steel barricade. The men worked in silent unity. The task appeared to be a simple assembly effort. One man placed a bolt while the other drove the bolt deep with a pneumatic drill. What was remarkable was the uncanny concentration and precision with which the work was accomplished. There were no wasted movements or conversation. No facial expressions. A machine-like rhythm built. The two men were almost breathing in unison, like synchronized swimmers.
Val knelt beside them. “You guys really know what you’re doing. How long have you been on the carnival circuit?”
Neither man looked up. Even though they were a couple feet away, the men did not acknowledge them in any way. They continued their work uninterrupted. Place-bolt-drill. Place-bolt-drill….
Not giving up, Val kept at it. “Who owns this outfit?”
Nothing. The men ignored them, continuing to place-bolt-drill like automatons.
She felt a shiver of worry. “Maybe we’re the prob
lem?” she muttered. “They don’t seem to be able to see or hear us. Do you think it’s possible we slipped into another dimension or some other tricky state of being?”
Val shook his head. “Wow, that’s even crazier than something I would say. Even if we were ghosts whispering on the wind, would this behavior look normal to you?”
“No, but—”
“May I help you?” a stern female voice boomed from behind them.
Estele was so startled she jumped. “Uh!” Turning, she saw a middle-aged woman with her head swaddled in a pink turban paired with a flowing rainbow-hued tie-dyed caftan.
The woman stepped closer. What might have been a beautiful face looked harsh beneath caked makeup and the greenish glow of a carnival sign. “This is a restricted area. If you’re not part of my crew, under contract, and fully insured, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
Feeling bold, she glanced at Val. “We’re part of your crew.” She squeezed his hand. “Isn’t that true, honey bear?”
The woman narrowed her Cleopatra-lined eyes. “We have a complete crew. I don’t remember seeing either of you dropping off applications at Luther’s office. Who are you?”
“Estele Esposito….” She stalled. “I’m your new psychic medium.”
The woman shook her head and frowned. “No, you’re not. You’re looking at this fair’s only psychic.” Her voice rose. “I’m Madame Shamansky, the all-seeing eye of destiny.”
Estele pushed ahead on a hunch. “Have you checked with Luther? This is a big county fair. There is definitely room for two mediums.”
Wearing a sour pout, Madame Shamansky picked a bit of crimson polish from her fingernail. “Well if Luther says it’s okay, then that’s how we’ll work it. Just for the record, I prefer you use your own tent. I don’t like sharing the stage. I have only two rules. First rule, don’t forget I’m this outfit’s star psychic—always have been, always will be. I am an awe-inspiring woman of mystery. On the midway, you don’t talk to me. We do not get friendly. Rule number two is don’t forget rule number one. Got it?” She pointed at Val. “You, on the other hand, can get as friendly as you like. Just don’t let Luther know about it.” She winked. “What do you do, handsome? Besides look like a toothpaste ad, that is.”
“I work a food truck. Tacos.”
“Rrrrw.” Madame Shamansky lifted her hand in a mock cat claw. “Sounds yummy. Love me a little Latin spice. I’ll be coming around for a taste. Count on it.” She leered. “Do you have a name to go with those broad shoulders?”
He looked bashful. “Valentine.”
“Be mine!” Madame squealed. “I’ll tell you what. I won’t mention to Luther that you two missed the afternoon crew orientation if you won’t mention to him that I’m a cougar on the prowl. Live and let live, right? Though I have to warn you, when provoked Luther can get somewhat homicidal. You don’t want his anger directed at you. Trust me on that. I watched him go off today on the roadies. Scared them stiff.”
Sensing an opening, Estele blurted, “What did Luther say to the roadies to make them feel threatened?”
Madame tilted her turbaned head. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” Crossing her arms, she glared at Estele. “So. You’re a psychic. Prove it. Go ahead. Give me a reading.”
She quailed. “On you?”
“No, the dinosaur in my pocket. Of course I meant me. Before I let you set up shop on the midway, I want to see what you can do.”
Estele glanced at Val and saw he appeared concerned. “Do you have somewhere we can sit? I do my best readings when I’m relaxed.”
Madame Shamansky shot a sly sideways look at Val. “Let’s go to my trailer. I want you to know where you can find me, day or night,” she emphasized. “It’s very comfortable. Plenty of room to stretch out.” With a swish of her caftan, she turned and led them across the asphalt, dodging over electrical cable and scurrying crewmen. “So, are you two an item?”
A long, uncomfortable pause followed.
“Yes,” Val asserted.
“No!” The contradiction flew out of Estele’s mouth at the same moment.
An amused cackle burst from Madame Shamansky. “Yes. No. Which is it?”
Looking at Val for a hint about what to say, she was surprised by the utter neutrality of his poker face. She whispered, “How could we be an item? We just met this evening.”
Madame Shamansky sauntered ahead. “Honey, have you ever heard the saying, ‘Those who hesitate, meditate on the foolish things they regurgitate’?”
Estele stubbed a toe stepping over a thick coil of cable. “What does that mean?”
Madame smirked. “It means you’re going to regret not staking a claim on this dreamboat when you had a chance. That’s my psychic prediction.”
Estele dug deep into her purse, searching for something, anything, she might use as a magical tool to impress Madame Shamansky. Her natural psychic abilities were sharp, but she doubted Madame would enjoy hearing anything truthful she might have to say. She needed a prop or gimmick to work with. Her hand brushed the Heart of Hecate, causing a full-body tingle. At the same moment, her gaze focused on Val. He looked steady and strong. For once she was so grateful to not be facing a challenge alone, as had happened too often in her life. With her fingertips brushing the ruby, it became crystal clear that she was ready for a dependable life partner. Someone she could respect and trust.
Wow, that was unexpected.
Val leaned close as they walked and whispered in her ear, “How are you going to pull this off?”
She turned to glimpse the sparkle in his eyes. “I’ll improvise.”
Val gave her hand a light squeeze. “You’re doing so well.”
“You really think so?”
Madame Shamansky shouted over her shoulder. “I hear whispering. I hope I’m not missing something naughty.”
Pawing the contents of her bag, Estele groped around. “Nope. I’m just keying in for your reading.” There was no way she’d risk taking the ruby from her purse. Her fingers came to rest on an open pack of gum and the vial Sid had given to her.
A moment of conflict tangled her thoughts. It was totally underhanded and unfair to use Fae enchantment to get the truth out of someone. Then again, this was a serious situation. The safety of San Buena was at stake. Was using Sid’s potion any worse than the times she’d done something similar with a botched hex? Not really. After all, there was a bubble of malevolence rumbling below her feet. If Madame Shamansky was an innocent person, telling the truth wouldn’t hurt her. On the other hand, if she were actively involved in an evil scheme, it would be good to know.
With caution Estele twisted the vial open and allowed a few drops to trickle onto the open pack of gum before capping the vial.
“We’re here.” Madame came to a halt in front of a large trailer with a pair of flirty eyes painted on the side along with purple script lettering that read “The All-Seeing Eye of Destiny.” She turned to confront Estele. “What’s your tagline? We’ll need to make you a sign.”
Sucking in a deep breath, she spoke the first words that came to mind. “Um… ‘Estele—Seer of the Akash.’”
Madame pursed her lips as she opened the trailer door. “‘Seer of the Akash.’ Not bad.” A wave of patchouli incense floated from the trailer. “That will work. Come inside.”
Val hesitated. “Should I wait out here?”
Grabbing Val’s wrist, Madame dragged him toward the steps. “You most definitely need to go inside. Get in there and wait for me on the bed.”
Dutifully, Val stepped into the trailer, stooping to avoid smacking his head.
Estele lingered at the door. Drawing the pack of gum from her purse, she held it up for Madame Shamansky to see. “Madame.” She wrinkled her nose. “What did you have for dinner?”
With a dramatic gesture, Madame Shamansky tipped her face skyward. “Tuna salad on an onion Kaiser roll.”
With a dip of her chin, she offered the gum. “That’s what I thought. You might want
to freshen up.”
Reaching for the gum, Madame mouthed the words, “Thank you.” The stick of gum was stripped of its wrapper and chomped between her teeth. She chewed with the same grinding jaw movements as a horse. “Go in.”
Estele climbed the steps with Madame close behind, Shutting the door after she entered.
“I know it’s warm, but I’d like a little privacy.” Madame Shamansky fanned herself. “There’s always some nosy clown hanging around.”
Scanning the trailer, Estele was impressed that it appeared much more spacious on the inside. The compact interior, plain utilitarian kitchenette, and tiny bathroom were decorated in vivid colors and rich textures that lent the space a bohemian vibe.
Val perched on the edge of a foldaway bed draped in purple veils.
“Welcome to Xanadu on wheels.” Madame gnawed on the gum. “This is great gum. Can I have another piece?”
Estele felt a jolt of worry about Fae dosages. “Um… uh, sure.” She pulled the pack from her purse. “Here.”
Madame took another piece.
Val opened his hand. “I’d like one too.”
She recoiled. “No. You wouldn’t like it.”
He nodded. “I’m sure I would.”
Shaking her head, she sat on the bed. “You don’t want this. It’s girly gum.”
“Girly gum?” He thrust his hand out. “Now I insist on trying it.”
“Val, that’s not a good idea.” She shot him a warning stare, but he didn’t take the hint. “I was saving this gum.”
He took the pack from her hand. “I’ll get you more later.” Shucking the wrapper, he folded the stick of gum between his teeth and chewed. “Oh, it is good.”
Biting her lip, she watched in horror as Val chomped the candor-spell-infused gum, adding to the dose of Fae enchantment he’d already imbibed with the mojito.
Madame Shamansky munched away with a dreamy expression on her face. “You know what this gum reminds me of? Those flat boxes of tart candies they used to sell in movie theaters. God, I loved going to the movies when I was a little girl. Back then my dream was to be an actress. Everyone said I was pretty enough. A talent scout told me I looked like a young Ava Gardner. That was back when people knew who Ava Gardner was. I tried acting. Even came close to getting the lead on a few big auditions. The few jobs I got were mostly movie-of-the-week crap, but every now and then I got handed a plum script. I played meaty character parts like ‘woman dies dramatically in elevator’ or ‘bystander crushed during panicked stampede.’ The last job I got was in The Poseidon Adventure 2. Not the original with the Shelly Winters swim scene, the other one. Then I met the late Mr. Shamansky and married a carny twice my age. What the fuck was I think—”
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