Words of Wisdom

by D E Dennis

  No guilt. No anger. No happiness.

  Actually, Gwen was finally giving off the waves of sadness that I had been expecting to feel from her since I got here. Oliver, on the other hand...

  “I was at the beach house both times,” he said, from his place right behind me, and I could feel boiling hot anger. He scoffed. “We used to go there when I was a kid...back when we were still playing at being a family.”

  Kali was clearly taken aback by Oliver Breyfogle’s bitterness but did her best to hide it. “Beach house?” she probed.

  Gwen smiled softly. “It’s a beautiful house right next to the Zinnia Springs Pier on Cherry Lane. We own the beach, so nobody comes out there. So quiet and peaceful,” she said wistfully.

  “And creepy,” Oliver supplied. “That house is totally haunted. I hear creaks and groans all night, but its good when I want to get away from the drama.” He smirked mischievously. “Or knock off school and party with my friends.”

  “So, you were at the beach house with your friends when your parents died?” I sighed. “Well, at least you weren’t alone.”

  He shook his head. “I was alone those times. There was no one else in the beach house but me.” He frowned. “But I didn’t need anyone there. I told you, we weren’t the happy family we pretended to be at Dad’s political rallies. I’m not going to fake like I’m sad for anyone, because it’s past time someone in this damn house was honest!”

  He stormed out and it was just Kali, Gwen, and me left, each of us sharing awkward looks. “He seems very angry,” I said, stating the obvious.

  Gwen nodded sadly. “Daddy was always too busy for us. Always working, campaigning, and politicking. And Mom was forever on our case. She got pregnant me with before she graduated college and gave up her dream of going into politics to take care of me and Ollie as well as supporting Dad’s career...and she did not let us forget it.”

  She glanced at the bottle of perfume Kali was holding. “I think she thought that if she made us into successes then giving up her life for us would have been worth it.”

  “I...I’m sure she loved you both very much,” I said gently. “I’m sure both your parents did.”

  She cocked her head. “You think so?” She reached out and took Radiant Ronnie from Kali’s hands. “Mom thought this was a hobby and a waste of time, but I guess now nothing is stopping me from opening my own shop.” She sprayed the perfume into the air and we breathed it in as it dispersed. “This was always one of my favorites.”

  WE TALKED PERFUME FOR a little longer, but I could fake interest for only so long. An hour later, I pocketed my new perfume and we said goodbye to Gwen.

  “Do you want me to walk you out?” she asked.

  “No, I know the way,” I said. “Besides, I have to get my food container from Chef Tatiana first.”

  She nodded. “Okay, well when you are coming over again?”

  I blinked. “Oh. Um...I’ll call you,” I finally said. “Next time I’m free for dinner.”

  She lurched forward and snared me in a hug. “See ya!”

  We made our escape and hurried out into the hall, and down the stairs. “Next stop: the kitchen.”

  Kali gripped my arm. “She’s never going to talk to you, Mari. Your very existence offends her.”

  I paused on the steps. “You’re right,” I said, keeping my voice low. “But what else can we do? We need to find out where she was when Tad Breyfogle was murdered.”

  Kali sighed. “There’s no other choice. I’ll have to talk to her alone.”

  “What?” I hissed. “No!”

  “I have to,” she said calmly. “I’ll be careful. Make sure I stand between her and the knives.”

  I wanted to argue some more, but I knew she was right. Tatiana’s behavior in the dining room was proof enough that I wouldn’t get a civil word out of her.

  “Fine,” I relented, “but I’m standing outside the kitchen door the entire time.”

  Kali agreed.

  I led the way to the kitchen, stopping just outside the entrance. Kali sidestepped me and went right on in.

  “Hello!” I heard her say brightly. “I was wondering...”

  Her voice faded, and I couldn’t hear anymore. I stood there anxiously, pacing back and forth, for two, five, ten minutes. At thirteen minutes, I was ready to go in.

  “Bye. Thank you,” Kali said, just as I took my first step.

  “No problem, dear. You come back anytime.”

  Kali stepped out into the hallway and grabbed my hand. “Let’s go,” she hissed.

  We sped walked to the front door and stepped out onto the front porch. “I can’t believe it,” I said incredulously. “How do you charm literally everyone you meet?”

  She grinned. “Easy. It’s my natural grace, wit, beauty, and supernatural ability. It’s a lethal combination.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Let’s go.”

  We climbed into my car. “What did she say to you?” I asked as soon as the doors were shut.

  “She said she left the house just before nine to visit a friend here in the neighborhood, and then she went for a walk alone. She didn’t come back until around ten thirty.”

  I shook my head. “She could have gone anywhere during that walk,” I said, “like right back here to murder the mayor.”

  She nodded. “But the same goes for Gwen. She was hanging out with her girlfriend who lives a couple houses down. She could have sneaked away and came back here too. Only Oliver was far enough away.”

  “Yes, but we only have his word for that. He admitted no one was with him at the beach house. So technically, there’s no proof he was there at all.”

  She groaned. “Did we learn anything new? Anything that can help us figure out who killed Tad Breyfogle?”

  I pulled the bottle of Moon Spell out of my pocket, something tickled my memory as I fondled it, but the thought was gone as quickly as it came.

  “No,” I said eventually, slipping the bottle into my purse. “There is something I’m missing. I can feel it, like its right in front of me, but it’s too foggy for me to see it.” I turned to her. “What is your class schedule tomorrow?”

  “I have two classes in the morning and one late afternoon.”

  “That works.” I put my keys in the ignition and started the car. “I’m booked up for the morning, but I don’t have a client booked for after lunch. I’ll get the food this time and come pick you up, so we can talk to Sandy Lake.”

  “Sandy Lake?”

  I nodded. “She’s one of the people who saw the woman in black. It’s a long shot, but like you said, she could have seen something she thought wasn’t important enough to mention the first time I spoke to her.”

  “We’ll figure this out, Mari.” She giggled. “You know this is kinda fun.”

  I lifted my brow. “You’ve changed your tune.”

  She shrugged. “It’s different now. Now we have each other’s backs.”

  THE NEXT MORNING, I woke up earlier than usual. So, like I had for the last few mornings, I checked my phone to see if Paxon had called or texted me.

  I bolted upright when I saw that he had. My clumsy fingers didn’t get my password right till the fourth try but then I was finally in and I quickly opened the text.

  I’m staying at The Grand Hotel. Room 823. Come over tomorrow night at eight so we can talk. Please. I love you.

  Those last three words reawakened a part of my heart that had been withering away, since Paxon walked out on me.

  And I hated myself for it.

  This entire situation wasn’t fair to Arnie, Paxon, or me, but I didn’t know how to fix it. I knew what this text meant. Paxon was tired of waiting and he wanted to have a conversation, The Conversation about where we stood. Whatever happened tomorrow night, I would lose one of them for good. I might still have their friendship, but any hope of a relationship with Paxon would disappear if I chose Arnie over him again. Once I fully gave into a bond with Paxon that would be it. I wouldn’t want an
yone else ever again. I wouldn’t even think about anyone else.

  The bonds empaths form with people are stronger than steel. Without our bonds we are nothing. I was never the same after Kayla’s death broke our bond. The fragile fledging bond I had with Paxon now was already deeper than friendships I had that lasted for years.

  Could I walk into the hotel tomorrow and tell Paxon I was ready to build something that would last? Was that what I wanted?

  These thoughts plagued me all morning. By the time I pulled into the parking lot outside Florida University’s psych building, my bottom lip was pink and puffy from being gnawed on. I texted Kali to say I had arrived and tried to put Paxon out of my thoughts, which was almost impossible.

  It didn’t take Kali more than five minutes to appear. She hopped in the car and greeted me by throwing a sheaf of papers in my lap.

  “What’s all this?” I asked.

  “News articles and obituaries.” She threw her backpack into the back seat and buckled in. “I looked up any and everything I could find about the others who died in the fire and their families. I’ve got a few names and we can track down their addresses tonight.”

  “Sounds good,” I said, impressed. “But first we’re going to speak to Yuri Stevens and Sandy Lake.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  I nodded. “I got you a burger and fries from Chubby Charlie’s. Eat up.”

  Kali didn’t need to be told twice. She went full carnivore on her burger, while I drove through Zinnia Springs.

  Our first stop was Sandy Pleasures. We strolled in and went straight to the checkout clerk. I glanced at her name tag. Marvelia.

  “Hello, can we speak to Sandy Lake? Tell her Madame Moon is here to see her.”

  She squared her shoulders and smiled brightly. “I’d be more than happy to help you with whatever you need. What are your sizes, madams? We have a one-piece suit that would look amazing on you,” she said to Kali.

  “We are not here for bathing suits,” I said. “We just need to speak to Ms. Lake.”

  Her smile became tight. “There’s no need to involve the manager. If there’s some kind of issue, I can help you.”

  “Lady, unless you’ve got information on the person who burned down the building next door with six people inside, you can’t help me,” I snapped, mood swinging into anger in a blink. “Now, stop wasting my time and go get Sandy Lake.”

  Marvelia flinched in the face of my sudden anger. She turned and walked off, stiff and pink like a smacked bottom.

  “Do your breathing exercises, Mari,” said Kali, gently touching my elbow.

  I yanked it out of her grasp. “I don’t need to do my exercises!” I said louder than necessary. “It’s not the fault of a mood swing every time I get mad.”

  “No, not every time,” she conceded. “But this time it is. You can’t read or question Ms. Lake like this. Do your exercises.”

  I crossed my arms, staring her down. “Get stuffed.”

  Kali wasn’t backing down. “Do it or I’m giving you Calm.”

  I scowled at her, wanting to argue some more, but underneath my irrational anger I recognized that she wasn’t bluffing. Properly trained empaths, so therefore every other one but me, knew how to manipulate the emotions of others and make them feel whatever they want. If they press their forehead against yours and send a concentrated blast of bliss your way, you’ll be singing show tunes and skipping down the street kissing every passerby as you go.

  Kali knew how much I hated it when she messed with my emotions, so she wasn’t making this threat lightly.

  I closed my eyes and slowly breathed in on a five count and released. I repeated it until the urge to fling the cash register across the room faded.

  When my eyes fluttered open, Marvelia was back.

  “Ms. Lake was finishing up her lunch, but she’s ready for you now. Follow me.” She lifted the counter and waved us through.

  Sandy was pleased as punch to see me. “Madame Moon, what brings you back?” she said happily.

  I introduced Kali and then got right to it. “I just want to ask you about the woman you saw outside Best Foot Forward on the day of the fire, again. Would you mind if we did another reading?”

  “Oh, not at all.” She fluttered. “Please sit.”

  We sat down, and I put my hands out for Sandy. She grabbed them immediately.

  “Okay, now close your eyes,” I said, a bit curt due to some lingering irritation, but Sandy didn’t seem to notice. She was still a bundle of glee. “Take a few deep, slow breaths and then think back to that Saturday morning. I’d like you to tell me everything you remember about that woman, don’t leave anything out. Even the smallest detail can get us closer to finding her.”

  Soon the only sounds in the room were of Sandy’s measured breathing. She launched into her story, as I requested, she tried to give us more detail by describing the weather and conversations she had, but she ended up saying much the same as before. She had nothing new to add. When she was done, I released her hands with a sigh.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, “but I only saw her for like a minute. She wasn’t doing anything but pacing and fidgeting.” Kali was quick to take note of the grimace following her statement.

  “What do you mean by fidgeting?” she said.

  “She was obviously hot in the getup, I could tell. Super uncomfortable,” she said, “but I told you this last time, Miss Moon. She kept pulling on her dress, hunting down wedgies, and acting like she wanted to wiggle out of her bra.”

  “You said she was pacing.” I jumped in. “Pacing like she was anxious or worried?”

  She bit her lip and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “No...” she said. “No, not worried, but I don’t really know how I could describe it. She just kept going from the side alley between our buildings to Best Foot Forward and then back into the alley. Like I said, pacing.”

  I nodded. “Alright, thank you.” I stood. “We’ll head out now and leave you to work.”

  She walked us to the front door and shook our hands goodbye.

  We found ourselves on the sidewalk, blinking in the harsh sunlight.

  “Yuri Stefens, now?” Kali asked.

  “Stevens,” I corrected absentmindedly. “And there’s something I want to check first.”

  I took off around Sandy Pleasures and stopped when I was behind the wreckage of Veronica Breyfogle’s shop.

  Kali watched me walk back and forth, in and out of the alley. “Getting anything?”

  I looked around at the back entrance of Sandy Pleasures, the clock tower across the street, the dumpster, even the graffiti adorning the walls of the back of the alley. “Nope, nothing,” I concluded. “I guess she was just pacing like Sandy said.” I massaged my temples, fighting a groan. “We knew it was a long shot.”

  Kali toed the concrete with the tip of her sneakers. “Still want to talk to Yuri?”

  I nodded. “Yes. The first time I spoke to her she was in a rush to leave. She got a better look at our woman in black, so maybe if we can sit down and talk with her properly, she’ll give us something that could help us identify her.”

  Kali came over and linked her arm through mine. “Good plan, big sis.”

  We got back in my car and made the short drive to Yuri’s apartment. Her place was a lot closer to downtown than my place was, but that’s where the conveniences stopped.

  “Oh no,” I cried when I pulled up in front of her building. “I forgot about the stairs.”

  Kali and I huffed and puffed up the nine flights of stairs. We were dripping when we finally reached our destination.

  She opened up almost immediately this time and frowned when she realized who I was. “You’re that psychic chick,” she stated. Her eyes flicked to Kali. “Who’s this?”

  “I’m the psychic chick’s sister,” Kali said simply.

  Her frown deepened. “What do you want now?”

  “Same thing I wanted last time,” I replied. “You were on your way out then,
so this time I was hoping you could give us a minute to talk about everything you remember from the day of the fire. Can we come in?”

  “No, you can’t.” She huffed. “You know that day was very traumatic for me. Why do you think I want to keep reliving it? My friends died! I almost died!” she yelled. “Every night, I dream of being trapped in burning buildings with no way out! Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

  I opened my mouth to argue back, but sensing the spike of anger, Kali quickly gripped my forearm. “We don’t want to cause you any more distress,” she said quickly. “We just want to find the person who did this.”

  I took a deep breath. “And we think the woman in black, who you saw hanging around the shop, might have been that person.”

  She scoffed. “The skittish, hairy-legged chick who ran off the second I spoke to her? That’s your main suspect? Did you see that in a psychic vision or something?” She fluttered her hands about and rolled her eyes back into her head until we could only see the whites.

  “Please,” Kali said. “We just want to help—”

  “I don’t want your help,” she hissed, lowering her arms. “I just want you to leave me alone!”

  With that, she stepped back inside her apartment and slammed the door.

  Kali and I exchanged a look. “Should we try again?” she said, raising her hand to knock, but I put my hand on her shoulder.

  “Don’t bother.” I sighed. “We’re not getting anything out of her. Let’s go.”

  I took Kali back to school for her afternoon class and made it back just in time to meet my client.

  That night as I lay in bed waiting to fall asleep, my head was churning. The fire. The woman in black. The murder of Tad Breyfogle.

  Around and around my thoughts went, until just before midnight, I fell into an exhausted sleep. No closer to figuring out what was niggling at the back of my mind.

  Entry Nine

  I TRUDGED INTO THE kitchen the next morning and yanked open the fridge. Kali turned away from the stove to say “good morning.”