I worked on the apple pie while she cut up strips of crust for the top. We worked largely in silence until she suddenly cleared her throat. “I was wondering . . . what all these Guardians and Seers were planning to do for tomorrow.”
I glanced up at her. “What do you mean?”
She wasn’t looking at me, just continued to drag the knife through the thin dough. “I’m assuming they aren’t planning to spend the holiday with relatives, since they’ve been flying in here from who knows where?”
“Um . . . Yeah, I doubt they have plans.”
She nodded once. “I was thinking we should invite them over here.”
“To our house?” Having Guardians over would be one thing—they could eat in the other room, invisible. But what about the Seers? “What about the twins?” I asked.
She shrugged, her rough voice carrying a somewhat defensive edge. “We can tell them it’s a new charity project for the church, or something of the like. Inviting people into our home when they don’t have any family nearby.” She looked over at me, eyes casually narrowed. “A person can’t spend Thanksgiving up in a warehouse.”
I gave her a small smile, touched by this show of kindness from her. “You’re right.”
She grunted. “I’m always right. How many can I expect?”
I ran over the names in my head, speaking them subconsciously. “Well, there’s Patrick, Jack, and Toni.” She nodded, revealing she’d already considered them. “Maddy and Claire. Jason is spending the holiday with his new girlfriend and her family, so . . . then it’s just the new Seers. Dr. Radcliffe, and Alex Perry; he came in this morning, along with Ashley Grey.”
“Alex is the Marine, isn’t he?”
I nodded. “I don’t know much about him. He seemed pretty quiet. I know he’s been on extended leave for the past several months, though. He was suffering from post-traumatic stress. At least, that’s what the doctors put on his record.”
“How else would you expect them to explain seeing auras? So what about the girl?”
“I know even less about her. She’s a few years older than me. She’s from back East, I think.”
“How many more are you waiting for?” she asked.
“Just one. He should be coming in Friday morning.”
She bobbed her head, watching as I finished smoothing the pie filling inside the crust. When I was done, she started taking up the strips she’d cut to make a crisscross top. While she did that, I started preparing the cherry pie.
Once again, her words were unexpected. “I know I haven’t asked too many questions. I’d rather not know about a lot that goes on these days. But these Seers . . . are they all Special?”
I wasn’t going to lie to her. “Yes. They’re Special. And they’ve all volunteered to do something for the Guardians.”
“And does this ‘something’ have to do with the Demon Lord?”
I bit my lower lip before answering. “Yes. But before you start worrying, I’m not getting myself into anything dangerous.” I almost grunted, thinking about the possibility of me doing something dangerous with Patrick hovering around me—it wouldn’t ever happen. If he had his way, I’d always be safe.
“So how are you involved?” Grandma asked.
“I’m going to teach them to travel. That’s it.”
“So . . . they’ve volunteered to do something in the past?”
“And they need me to teach them how to do it. And,” I cast her a sure look, “I promise, my job is completely safe.”
“Mind the filling, dear—it’s terribly sticky.”
I tipped the jar carefully and we went back to working quietly, though the fact we’d had the conversation at all made my heart feel lighter.
***
Sort of surprising me, Jenna and Josie believed Grandma’s simple explanation about the church charity without question. I watched them open the door for the tall Alex Perry, wearing his dress uniform for the occasion. I watched as Dr. Radcliffe shook their small hands, giving them each a warm smile. Jenna thought she recognized Maddy from school, but that didn’t stop her from welcoming the Texan Seer. Claire, Toni, and Ashley Grey were all invited in warmly as well. With Jack, Patrick, Peter Keegan, Lee and her mother, the house was definitely full. Jeanette Pearson was a little confused by all the new faces, but Grandma’s “church charity” cover was enough to keep Lee’s mom from being too questioning.
Everyone was wearing nice clothes, marking the day as special. Claire was wearing her short white dress, the one she’d worn in Las Vegas. Lee was in a poodle skirt, of course, with her hair hanging loose around the silk scarf tied at her neck. Maddy was wearing nice jeans and a classy top, following Ashley Grey’s example. Grandma was in a dark blue dress that flowed around her legs. I was wearing a dress with a plaid theme that reached to my knees. A maroon shrug clung to my shoulders, accenting the lines on the dress and bringing out the darker strands in my blonde hair. Toni was in a white shirt and was even wearing a loose red tie. Jack, Peter, and Patrick had all worn suits. Patrick’s didn’t look exactly new, and maybe it was a little out of style, but at this point I was convinced he could pull off pretty much anything.
The house was warm and the air was heavy with delicious scents. Mouthwatering turkey, thick mashed potatoes, buttery rolls, seasoned stuffing, spicy pumpkin pie—all the best smells in the world. Grandma was preoccupied, trying to get everything in order before noon. Everyone with sense tried to steer clear of her and her obsessive tendencies.
The Guardians and Seers weren’t allowed to bring up anything abnormal, and for the most part they succeeded. I only heard a few slipups, but luckily no one was around to catch them.
Peter looked a little uncomfortable with the present company. Jeanette had abandoned him to help set the table, and Lee was off somewhere—probably with Toni—leaving Peter in a room with Guardians. Before he could slip away I made my way around Claire and Jack, who were discussing the pros and cons of having turkey instead of ham.
“Turkey makes you tucker out, so you can’t eat as much.”
Claire snorted, the sound startlingly stark compared to her fluidly spoken words. “Weak excuse. At least with turkey you can make those delicious sandwiches for days afterward.”
“Turkey sandwiches? What about ham sandwiches? They’re ace! Besides, you can have so many flavorful options when you use ham. Bake it with pineapple, or honey . . .”
Peter was fiddling with his glasses beside the china closet in the living room, but he returned my smile tentatively as I came to stand in front of him. “Kate,” he said, “I hope you’re feeling better.”
“Much better. Thank you.” My stitches were out now, and I was feeling good as new.
He gave me a quick nod, his fingers tightening around the tall glass of apple cider he’d poured for himself. “I’m glad to hear it.”
I reached out to touch his arm, continuing in a softer voice. “Thank you, Mr. Keegan. For looking out for Jenna and Josie. You saved them and me the other day. I owe you.”
His cheeks flushed dimly. “Well, I . . . it was the least I could do.”
I let my hand drop back to my side. “I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you did. You didn’t have to stick up for them.”
His eyes flickered away from mine, falling to look at his drink. He swirled the cider gently in the glass with one rotating hand, his words quiet and smooth. “I don’t want to be your enemy, Kate. And I certainly don’t mean any harm to come to the twins. It’s just that . . .” He glanced up through narrowed eyes. “Selena’s hold is powerful. Even if I didn’t have Jeanette and Lee, I have my other friends to consider. She’ll kill them if I ruin her plans.”
“Has she contacted you recently?”
He pressed his lips tightly together, his eyes darting briefly around us to be sure no one else was listening. “Not for nearly three weeks. In truth, I’m getting anxious. I suppose it’s too much to hope that some Guardian blade did her in at last.”
&nb
sp; I agreed with a sigh. “According to my latest sources, she’s still out wreaking havoc.”
His mouth twitched. “I’d love to kill her myself. I hate living like this.”
“Mr. Keegan . . . can I ask what your last orders were?”
He didn’t hesitate this time. “Nothing too diabolical. I’m just to keep tabs on you and your family, so I can alert her if you try to run.”
I nodded to myself, unsurprised. “I guess it could be worse.”
“Most definitely.” His head tilted to the side. “May I ask a question of my own?”
I shrugged. “It only seems fair.”
“I assure you, it’s nothing terrible. I just . . . I was wondering if . . . that is to say . . .” He released his breath sharply, before beginning again. “One of my friends—one that Selena nearly killed, along with me—his phone was recently disconnected. He’s just dropped off the face of the earth. But before that, we were exchanging letters. It was the safest way for us to communicate with any semblance of honesty. I’m sure the Demons listened to our phone calls.”
I made a hmm sound, but I didn’t know what else to add.
He continued quickly. “His name was Ken. Ken Bridges. I got his last letter two weeks ago, and I’ve been trying to contact him ever since. I think he found out something the Demons didn’t want him to share.”
“What do you mean?”
He shifted his weight, leaning closer to me as he did so. “In his last letter, Ken told me that he’d found out that he was different. That he didn’t see things the same way other Seers did.”
My eyebrows rose. “He was a Special Seer?”
Peter’s eyes grew excited. “You know, then! You know what he was talking about?”
“Yeah. It’s rare, but some Seers are able to see multiple emotions at once—a bunch of colors, instead of a single shade.”
He blinked slowly. “It’s rare?”
“Apparently. Demons and Guardians alike are always looking for those with Special abilities.”
“Abilities?”
“Yes. There’s more to them than increased Sight.” I hesitated. “Peter, are you different too?”
He was staring past me. For a moment I didn’t think he was going to answer. Then his mouth parted. “If I answer yes . . . if Selena finds out, will I disappear too?”
I reached for his hand instinctively, feeling a deep empathy for a fellow Seer. “You need to keep this a secret. If she finds out, you’ll be sent to work for the Demon Lord. Like I was.”
His eyes widened. “You’re Special? That’s why all this security—the Demon Lord himself wants you because you’re different.”
“Yes. And if they had any idea how many of us were here, in the city . . . I don’t think he’d be so standoffish with me.”
“So all of these Seers here today . . . are like us?”
“Most are,” I admitted.
His mouth opened and then closed just as quickly. His eyes became intense. “I probably know enough. More than enough.” He pulled his fingers away, straightening in the same motion. “I should go see if they need help in the kitchen. I’m glad you’re feeling better, Kate.” He turned on his heel, nearly sweeping into Patrick, who’d come up silently beside us.
“Mr. Keegan,” my Guardian said, his tone moderate.
Peter swallowed hard, face defensive. “Yes?”
Patrick’s eyes ran over the guarded expression, the mildly flushed face. I thought he was going to start interrogating the Demon Seer, but in the end he just stuck out his hand. “I didn’t get the opportunity to thank you for your help. Your actions saved Kate’s life. I’m in your debt.”
Peter just stared at the extended hand for a breathless second. Then he lifted his own hand, their fingers flexed around each other. “I was happy for the chance to help,” he managed to say, not quite sure how to take Patrick’s firm gaze.
Their hands fell away mutually and Peter once again excused himself. I watched him walk past Patrick, Jack, and Claire, sliding easily out of the room.
I didn’t realize I was watching his retreat with a frown until Patrick’s finger traced my lips lightly. “Are you all right?” he asked.
I met his questioning look with only the slightest hesitation. “I just feel so bad for him. I can’t imagine what I would do if I were in his position. He’s never had a Guardian to help him with all of this crazy stuff.”
The back of Patrick’s finger moved across my cheek. “I don’t know about that. You seem to be keeping an eye out for him.” He tucked some strands of hair gently behind my ear.
I gave him a wry look, accompanied by a reluctant smile. “Patrick O’Donnell, are you mocking me?”
“Of course not.” His eyes sparkled. “No Demon would ever dare cross a fierce Guardian like you.”
I rolled my eyes. “If only. Then our problems might be solved.”
He shook his head. “Problems don’t exist today. At least, that’s what Jack’s been telling me.”
“Really? I’m excited for the day off.”
“I wish we’d had more time to anticipate the break,” he agreed, leaning in to kiss me. When he pulled back his expression was incredibly soft. “Have I told you that you look absolutely beautiful today?”
I smiled despite myself. “All this flattery. It makes me wonder what you want.”
His hands rubbed my shoulders, his ducked head emphasizing his serious words. “What I want is you, Kate Bennett.”
My palms moved to rest on his chest. “Then I guess you have what you want, huh?”
He gave me a half grin. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
He seemed to think about his question, and something in his face made me wonder if he’d changed his mind at the last second. “What is it you’re most grateful for? Right now, in this minute.”
“This very minute? That would have to be you.”
“Really?” He seemed extremely pleased.
“Hands down.”
Before he could reply Grandma’s voice boomed from the kitchen. “Everyone to the family room, before the turkey gets cold!”
Jack cheered. “Hah! Ham can be reheated easily! Just plop her in the micro, and kazooie!”
“So can turkey,” Claire argued, her French accent clear and superior. “You just have to cut it up first. And there’s no kah-zoo-ee necessary.”
The long table looked a little haphazard, mostly because it was three different tables, all different sizes. Only the tablecloths held the makeshift banquet table together. There was the long outdoor picnic table, the regular table, and a card table tacked on at the far end. Food was laid out everywhere, and mine wasn’t the only stomach to growl as we all filed into the room—no Guardian stomachs, though; they were exempt from that because they never got hungry. They also never got full, so I was adamant when I told Toni I wouldn’t compete against him in a pie-eating contest.
Grandma sat at the head of the table, with the twins on her right side and me and Patrick on the left. Everyone else scrambled to find chairs, and once everyone was seated and Lee had slapped Toni’s groping hand away from the potatoes, Grandma led us in a prayer.
While she thanked God for all our blessings, I let my eyes crack open to steal a glance at Patrick. My whole body warmed when I saw he was peeking at me. He gave me a smile. He reached under the table for my hand. Our fingers intertwined, and at his silent prompting I closed my eyes again. But I swear I could feel his gaze still running over my face. It was wonderful and maddening at the same time.
After a chorus of amens and a yell from Jack to “Bog in!” we started filling our plates. Conversations were plentiful, despite the huge feast. Most comments were about the food, of course, and Grandma looked pleased with the praise. I was glad—I knew not just from her aura that she’d been expecting today to be unbearably hard without Grandpa. I knew partly what she was going through. It was the first Thanksgiving I’d ever eaten in my house, without my parents, without
Grandpa’s easy laugh . . . Patrick’s arm brushed against mine often while we ate, and I tried to focus on him—reality.
Soon enough we were eating pie, the twins offering to dish up some ice cream for anyone who wanted it on the side. I kept an eye on the new Seers, curious to see if they were overwhelmed by my family, but they were surprisingly at ease. Alex was answering some of Maddy’s questions about his hometown in North Carolina, and Claire was deep in a discussion with Ashley. Dr. Radcliffe and Peter were debating about world politics, and Toni was talking to Lee’s mom about the fake trials he was undergoing at the college he didn’t attend.
A perfectly normal Thanksgiving.
We ran out of pumpkin pie and Grandma asked me to run to the kitchen to get the second one. I pushed my chair back, only half surprised when Lee followed my lead. After all, we hadn’t had a chance to talk in private ever since our group date at Aaron’s. Since she was sitting further down the table I reached the kitchen several seconds before her. I was able to locate the pie on the cluttered counter before I heard her step up behind me. “Kate, I need to ask you something,” she fairly whispered.
The laughter and rumble of voices from the next room almost drowned her out. I felt my brow furrow at her seriousness. “Sure. What is it?”
Her clear fingernails were tapping almost nervously against her legs. “Do you think I’m completely odd?” she blurted out.
I decided to be honest. “You’re wearing a fifties outfit, Lee.”
She waved that aside. “Kate, please—be serious. Is there something wrong with me?”
“No, Lee. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you. You’re not odd.”
“Then why did Rodney break up with me last night?”
“What? Why?”
“Shh! I don’t want anyone else to know yet.” She drew in a deep breath. “I made it sound more dramatic than it is. I mean, I sort of went to his house to break up with him. He just got the words out first.”
“Lee, I . . . I’m confused.”
She let a shaky laugh escape. “Join the club—we should get T-shirts! I feel like I’ve been living in the Twilight Zone or something, only it’s not scary beyond all reason.”
Guardians (Seers Trilogy Book 3) Page 18