A Deep and Dark December(13)
“Is this leading somewhere because I have a lot of work to do here, Cerie?”
“I’ll let you get back to your X-rated imaginings of my niece in a moment.”
He let the grin go, liking how it stretched little-used muscles. “That would be nice.”
“At the first clap of thunder… blink, blank, bloop.” She passed a dramatic hand across her face. “Nothing.” She lowered her hand and leaned forward. “Reading Bessie’s always been like reading a news flicker, which is why she’s one of my best customers, you understand. So you can imagine my concern when she went blank as the side of a barn.”
“I’m still not seeing as how this is police business.”
“It’s not. It’s Erin business. And if you’re meaning to make Erin your business you better work on that properly or stop putting her in the starring role of your own private porno. Got me?”
He had no business making Erin his business. Fantasizing about her was one thing, acting on it was another. “Get around to it or get out of my office so I can do my work.”
“Donald said the same thing’s been happening to him off and on all day.”
“Donald.”
“You remember, Erin’s father. Boy, it’s a good thing I’m the only mind reader in the family or you’d be staring down the double barrel of Grandpa December’s shotgun. I’m telling you. That shotgun’s not the only thing Donald inherited from Grandpa D.” She put her hand to the side of her mouth. “Both he and Erin got Grandpa’s terrible temper.”
“How does this relate to Erin?”
“If my ability went on the fritz and Donald’s too, then Erin’s must have as well.”
He jerked upright. “Erin has an ability?” Why didn’t he know this about her?
“She doesn’t like anyone to know so this will have to fall under client confidentiality.”
“I’m a cop, not a lawyer.”
She waved that away. “Whatever. The point is, I’m worried for Erin and I need you to help me keep an eye on her. Since you seem to like eyeing her, I figured you’re the perfect one for the job. Plus, I trust you.”
“Thank you. I think. Just what kind of secret ability does Erin have?”
A commotion out in the front office caught their attention.
“White bread and fruit punch,” Cerie mumbled.
“What?”
“Here he comes. The most staid man in the county, maybe the state. He won’t be much competition for you.” She winked. “But Donald likes him so that could be a potential problem.”
“I would ask what you’re talking about, but I have a feeling I’m better off not knowing.”
“Erin has visions,” Cerie hurriedly whispered. “Of the past and future.” She pressed a finger to her lips. “Remember. Mum’s the word.”
He opened his mouth to ask her more, but Keith Collins appeared in the doorway.
“Oh. Hello. I didn’t know you’d be here,” he said to Graham.
“It’s my office.”
“I’m looking for Erin—”
The bathroom door opened and Erin walked out, towel drying her hair. “Keith.” She stumbled to a stop. “What are you doing here?”
Cerie repositioned her chair to take in the scene. “This ought to be good.”
Graham stood up and came around his desk. He had an overwhelming urge to drag Erin out of the room and ask her what the hell her aunt had been talking about. Erin had the ability to see the past and future? How?
“So it’s true,” Keith said, crumpling a little in his starched white shirt.
“What’s true?” Erin asked.
“You’ve been arrested,” Keith answered.
Graham folded his arms. This whole business was getting ridiculous. “Who says she’s been arrested?”
“It’s all over town,” Keith said. “Carol in produce told me that Janet from the pharmacy’s son told her that he saw you being taken to jail in the back of the sheriff’s car. So I came right down to bail you out.” He fidgeted a little in his Lucky’s Bag N Save apron, his employee of the month pins winking under the florescent lighting.
This was why he couldn’t wait to get out of San Ray. He studied Erin. And wondered why if she had this supposed ability, she’d kept it a secret all these years. “Goddamned small town.” And then he realized he’d answered his own question right there.
*
Erin inwardly sighed. Keith really was a nice guy. She wished all over again that she could like him more. Guys who would overlook her aunt’s quirkiness and offer to bail her out of jail weren’t thick on the ground.
“Humph. I knew it!” Aunt Cerie said, glancing between Keith and Erin.
Damn it. She’d lowered her defenses and her aunt had read her thoughts about Keith. She shored them back up and turned to Keith. “I’m not under arrest. I’m a witness.”
Cerie drew up in her chair and folded her arms, glaring at Erin. “I hate that you can block me out.”
“A witness?” Keith crossed the room in two long-legged strides. He put his hands on either side of her face. The gesture was meant to be endearing, but was ruined by the coldness of his hands and how they always smelled like the bottom of a freezer. “My poor angel face.”