Sinners and Saints

Sinners and Saints Chapter 52 - (I) Can't Get Next to You

The water shimmers and I see a living room.  Terra cotta walls in a red so shocking and soothing at the same time that I’m instantly drawn to them.  Vigas.  Nichos.  Vibrant blues and yellows and reds and blacks. 

Like you tore a Georgia O’Keefe painting off the wall and flung it out there. 

There’s half of a crocheted afghan in a Navajo pattern in cream and turquoise on the Southwestern style sofa and a large mug, still steaming, on the table beside the sofa.  

I don’t see any people, but it looks like someone just got up and is coming right back. 

I hear a door open and some rustling, like someone is coming in with bags in hand, and the clicking of nails on tile. 

“Rupert, no,” I hear a woman call out and then a big pink nose comes into the water so close that I jump back.  A tongue comes out and the vision dissolves in a flurry of dog-drinks. 

“What did you see, angel?” Drake asks me. 

“Well, if that really was the Goddess – she likes Southwestern style and has a dog named Rupert,” I chuckle, “Other than that I didn’t see a darn thing.  Let’s get back to JJ.” 

Drake goes invisible again and we slip back inside the curtain. 

There’s a standard Tarot layout set up on the table between them and Michael junior is interpreting the cards for her. 

“You will be changing careers soon,” he tells her, “Something for which you must travel extensively.  But it will be temporary.” 

This sounds like he’s reading my past instead of Jojo’s future. 

“You will come into money unexpectedly which will do much to ease your anxiety,” he continues, “And put your dreams into motion.  It will not bring you true satisfaction, however, until you are united with the man you love.” 

I snort in my head. 

“This man has a dark past, but will be your life-partner and will never stray from you.  But you must accept him as he is and not try to change him.  Together you will raise many children.” 

Aw – even if this is a load of horse-feathers, I’m glad Jojo got a good reading. 

She and I switch places and I hand over my card again. 

“Let me see your hands, Bethany,” Michael junior says.  I give him my palms and his eyes grow wide. 

“You,” he swallows, “A powerful evil is attracted to you,” he says reluctantly, swallowing again. 

“Very attracted,” the powerful evil whispers in my ear. 

“Um, excuse me one moment,” Michael junior leaves the room.  We hear him call softly to someone and then hold a furious, hushed conversation.  They’re both speaking a foreign language, but the gist of it is he wants to stop the reading and the woman he’s arguing with is berating him for blurting out something that would normally scare people silly and have them file a complaint with the Chamber of Commerce. 

Drake is chuckling softly next to me, so I’m pretty sure I’ve got it right. 

“I am so sorry about that,” the woman sweeps into the room, “I am Rosella and I own this shop.  My son is still learning the craft and sometimes misinterprets the signs.  I hope he didn’t frighten you.” 

“Sounds like he hit the nail right on the head,” Drake whispers in my ear and I elbow him to shut up. 

She looks to be in her mid-forties with dark brown hair braided down her back.  She’s wearing worn jeans and a black turtleneck.