Thin to win, my grandma always said. The woman loved her blackjack. Finally, Esmeralda picked up the deck and quickly laid out the pattern. “This is a Celtic cross. I like to use it for a first reading. It gives you an idea of what each card and position means.”
She pointed to the first card. Then her finger started shaking. “You need to avoid the friend, she’s the one who’s dangerous. Some are silver and the others gold.”
“What?” I switched my gaze from the cards to Esmeralda’s face. Her eyes were staring at a spot on the wall, not looking at the cards at all. The phone rang and she blinked, then answered, “South Cove Police Department, Esmeralda speaking.” She smiled at me and picked up a pen, tapping it lightly on the paper. “Sorry, he’s out for the week. Can someone else help you?”
The caller must not have liked the answer because I heard a string of curse words come out of the tiny speaker on Esmeralda’s Lady Gaga headset. She pushed the button off and returned her attention to me. “Sherry’s been trying to reach Greg all week, but he’s put her on a no-call list.”
“That was Sherry?” I asked, already knowing the answer. Thankfully Esmeralda pretended not to hear me.
“So that’s your reading. You’re going to be pretty lucky this week. Did you understand the cards?”
I wasn’t quite sure how to answer. Apparently, Esmeralda had thought she’d explained the reading, but instead I’d gotten the scary voice singing the friendship song. Totally creepsville. Since she appeared to be waiting for an answer, I nodded and lied, “That was great.”
Then I remembered my decision to be more friendly, more neighborly. “Hey, do you want to come over some night and watch a movie or something?”
“Why would I do that? I have a television, you just didn’t see it when you dropped off Maggie.” She looked at me, confused.
“I just thought maybe it would be nice if we did something together.” I stumbled over my words.
“Oh, my dear, you’re lonely. I have a terrific women’s group I meet with on Wednesday nights to help them deal with being single. You could come with me, the girls would love to meet you.” She leaned forward.
“No, I mean, I’m fine. I just thought . . .” I gave up explaining and stood. “Thanks for the reading, Esmeralda.”
“I’ll tell Greg you stopped by when he calls in. I’m sure he’ll get in touch as soon as possible.”
As I walked out of the station, feeling like a complete fool, the friendship song echoed in my head. Something was ringing true with Kent’s murder and the stupid song, but for the life of me, I couldn’t put my finger on it.
I took Emma for a long run as soon as I got home and yet my mind still didn’t feel settled.
CHAPTER 23
Darla had called three times to make sure I remembered the dress rehearsal. The last time, I’d been in the shower when the cell rang. Thinking it might be Greg, trying to call off because of work, I stepped out of the water, my hair still soapy, and dripped over my wood floors to the nightstand to answer the phone.
“Oh, hey, it’s just me. Did I already call you about the rehearsal?” Darla sounded distracted, worried.
“Yes, you did. Now, stop calling. Greg said he would be there, and he will do his best. You know he has an investigation going on, right?” I shivered as the water started to dry on my skin.
“What’s going on with the investigation?” Now I’d woken the sleeping tiger. No longer did she sound distracted. Now it was all Katie Couric focus.
“I’ll talk to you when I get there.” I clicked off the phone and ran back to the shower, trying to stay on my feet on the slippery floor. Twenty minutes later, I was dressed in jeans, ballet slippers, and a South Cove Rocks T-shirt. I had plenty of time to walk to the winery. Emma lay cuddled on her porch bed, her foot on the new chew toy I’d given her before my shower. I grabbed the tote that held my dress shoes for the costume. The silver ankle strap pumps weren’t my style, but for once, I’d play the shoe girl. I had to admit, they were cute. I’d look good even if I couldn’t walk.
Coming into town, I spied Greg’s truck parked in front of Vintage Duds. He must have come back early from Bakerstown, I mused. Walking by, I considered stopping in, just to find out what he was talking to his ex about, but I kicked the bad angel off my shoulder and kept walking. Greg was a big boy. If there was something going on between him and Sherry, he would have told me. He had the moral compass of a recently crowned Eagle Scout. And I could trust him.
I said that last part aloud, just to make sure I heard the comment. Man, I was really going to need a beer after this practice was over. The streetlights came on and I realized how dark the walk had been. Too late to take the Jeep, I kept walking. Besides, Greg would probably drive by at any moment and take me the rest of the way. But he didn’t.