Chapter 16

“Who’s the psychic here, you or me?”

Chief Black had just commented that Dr. Fischer seemed upset by something. “He used to be solid, steady. Every other time I saw him, nothing seemed to faze him.”

“And today? What was different? Could you tell what he was thinking?”

It was the Chief’s turn to be indignant. “That’s your area. I just saw what I saw.”

“Aha. The rational mind confesses its limitations.”

“We use psychology all the time. I never said I was psychic. Did you manage to pick up anything?”

“Like you, I noticed his agitation. But his thoughts were in synch with what he was saying. He felt like an open book to me. He wasn’t keeping anything back.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. He’s got a big chip on his shoulder. He works hard, he’s idealistic and successful. But instead of getting credit, he feels people are blaming him instead. That whole devil thing really bothers him. I’ll tell you, I can relate …”

“What do you mean?”

“Being psychic. It can be tough …”

“Don’t tell me you’re letting Peaches get to you.”

“Peaches—shmeaches. It’s more the everyday stuff. Regular people …”

“Women?”

“Hey, you’re pretty slick with the psychology, Chief. Or was that a psychic observation? Speaking of slick, that Jurevicius can hulyeh-hulyeh with the best of ’em. I never knew there were already so many biotech products out there. Pretty bizarre stuff, too. Maybe they can figure out a way to turn off my psychic gene.”

“Really? You’d want to do that? I think it’s a gift.”

“A gift with strings attached.”

“And you don’t think it’s tampering with … you know … what you said in there?”

“Go ahead, Chief, you can say it. ‘God’s creation.’ Don’t be afraid.”

“You’d let them try to fix your DNA. You’re not against biotech?”

“Nah. I was just trying to get a rise out of Dr. Fischer. Which worked by the way. Did you notice?”

“I did,” the Chief admitted. “But you said nothing useful came of it. Did you figure out what’s going on between him and Master Quentin?”

“I think it’s just what he said. He feels Quentin judges him … for not being quiet enough. Tampering with nature. Making money. Being in a business that employs armed guards. It goes way back. A long-standing feud. Now Quentin may need his help, but is acting too proud or stubborn to accept it graciously. Dr. Fischer feels vindicated, but it’s a lousy situation with the school and the kids and the girl. He really feels bad about that girl.”

The Chief perked up. “Really? Do you think he knew her?”

Bruno thought it over. “I don’t think so. It was just her … face. That emptiness. And the fact that they found her in the meeting house. He was shook up. Horrified, really. Same way I felt about it. I just figured it was a normal response.”

“But you actually saw her,” the Chief persisted. “It’s not likely he ever did, unless he deliberately went down to the morgue. Was he … I don’t know how to ask this? Was he picturing her face or just thinking about it in a general way?”

“This kind of reading is pretty fuzzy. It’s emotions. Not words. Not pictures.”

“Is there any way you can tell if he actually saw her face?”

“I can try to do a remote viewing. But then I see what he’s seeing and hear what he’s hearing. But it’s not possible to dredge up a memory, unless it happens to be in his consciousness while I’m connected with him.”

“It’s worth a try, I guess.”

“I’ll need a photograph of Dr. Fischer. Preferably a recent one where he’s by himself.”

“No problem. You already have one.”

“If I do, I’m not aware of it.”

“It’s in your hand,” the Chief indicated the annual report. “Those things always have photos of the execs. I guess your friend Rhonda must’ve known what she was doing. Anticipating your every need. She’s cute. Maybe you should ask her out.”

Bruno pursed his lips like a hamster. “No, noo, nyo way,” he protested, trying to imitate her accent.

“Not nice,” clucked the Chief.

“I like Rhonda,” Bruno protested. “But she’s not my type. Too high maintenance.”

“She’s just dressing up for work. Besides, with what we’re paying you, you can afford to buy her a few trinkets,” said the Chief.

“First you’re psychic. Now you’re a shadkhan, a matchmaker. How do you know she’s available?”

“Because I’m Shotgun Buddy Black and something tells me the two of you are made for each other.”