Casey’s mouth dropped. “You want something…from us?”
I couldn’t call myself a veteran of these types of cases yet, but some definite patterns were emerging. If people saw an opportunity to get what they wanted, they would use it as a negotiating chip. They didn’t always want money. Sometimes they just needed someone to listen to them.
It happened at the shelter too. I never thought finding homes for animals would prepare me for a job in unusual investigations.
Marnie nodded, and lowered her gaze to Persephone. “We’ve been discussing your relationship with your cat in the paranormal community.”
Now it was my turn to gasp. “You’ve been talking about me?”
“There are a few theories in the community about why you’re able to communicate with Persephone.” Marnie’s expression brightened. “I’d love to ask you a few questions about your relationship, but I’d like to do your reading first. That might answer some questions and point us in the right direction.”
Casey clapped her hands together. “Oh, this is so cool.”
Marnie motioned for us to follow her behind a purple velvet curtain. My heart was pounding. I was used to people thinking I marched to the beat of my own drum, but I wasn’t comfortable with people—strangers—talking about it.
But that came with the job. I made no bones about my claim that Persephone was my partner, and we’d proudly added the tagline solving crimes only a cat can crack to our business presence.
We entered a small room with two chairs positioned around a round table with scarves draped over it. Stones were strategically positioned. Amethyst, rose quartz, and others I didn’t recognize.
“Usually I do the readings one-on-one, but friends are invited to stay, if that’s okay with the person who’s having their cards read.”
Casey turned to me. “I’m okay with you staying for my reading, Addie.”
I was terrified. Not only did I have no idea what to expect, but Marnie had been studying me. I needed Casey here. “I’m okay with you staying, too.”
Marnie smiled. “The two of you have been friends for a while.” It wasn’t a question.
“We’ve worked together for a couple years.”
“Addie’s the best boss ever. She does amazing things at the shelter. And this new venture with Persephone is so much fun.” Casey smiled the same way she did when I thought something was impossible, and she insisted there was a way.
“I’m sensing a deep connection,” Marnie motioned to the table. “Who would like to go first?”
“Casey,” I said before she had a chance to volunteer me.
“I’m so excited.” She slid into the chair.
Marnie settled in across from her, and opened a box. There were several decks inside, and she considered Casey before taking one out. “You booked a love reading. As you shuffle the cards, think about your specific question. It’s best if you don’t ask a yes or no question, and give the guides a chance to explore your question fully.”
Casey took the deck from her. “Where is he? That’s my question.”
Marnie laughed. “You don’t have to say it out loud.”
“I broadcast my life on the internet—this is nothing. I’m twenty-two. I’m not necessarily looking for a husband…yet. But I’d like to find a guy who doesn’t get a soap opera style case of amnesia after the first or second date.”
Marnie instructed her to cut the deck, and choose a pile. Casey confidently chose the one on the right. Marnie picked up the cards and laid them out one by one.
“You shouldn’t settle for anyone who makes you feel like less than a goddess,” she said.
“Amen.” Casey turned to me. “I told you she was good, Addie.”
“But you have to pay attention to the messages the universe is sending to you.” Marnie tapped the second card, which was the Three of Swords. “You might have a few more of the soap opera guys to go before you find the one. He might shower you with gifts, but be careful. He could also only be out for himself.”
“Is this one of the heartbreakers? Because that doesn’t sound like the guy she should be spending forever with,” I said.
“It doesn’t have to be forever.”
“Waiting for the right guy can be frustrating, especially if your friends are finding their life partners,” Marnie continued. “Keep sending your light into the world. Show them you’re independent and self-sufficient. Letting someone into your life is a bonus, not a necessity. And make sure you hold him to his promises. But you’ll have to drop your guard a little bit. Once you find him, things might happen fast. Don’t give up, Casey. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Casey nudged me. She was practically glowing. “I love all this.”
Having Casey go first made me feel a little more comfortable, but I worried we were wasting precious time. At least, the word was out, and once the readings were done, we could sift through the messages.
“Addie, you’re next.” Marnie considered her box of cards for my deck.
“Do you use a different deck for every reading?” I totally wasn’t stalling.
“I match the cards to the energy of the person I’m reading for,” she said. “Every reading is different.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t book you a love reading.” Casey grinned at me. “I thought guidance would be best for you.”
“Thank you.” That was a relief.
Marnie instructed me to shuffle the cards as I thought about my question. Unlike Casey, I didn’t say mine out loud. I wanted to see where Marnie would go if I didn’t give her a big red arrow.
Especially since she’d already been interested in me.
Maybe it was good for me to be on the other side of the investigation. Now I’d understand why everyone got a little weird when me and my cat came knocking.
I cut the deck and wrapped my arms protectively around Persephone. She’d jumped into my lap when I took the cards.
Marnie laid out more cards for me than she did for Casey and considered the results.
“You are a very kind person,” she said softly. “You have strong ties to your hometown and your past.”
“I’d always thought of it as being scared to move on,” I chuckled nervously.
Marnie nodded. “I’ve lived in Rappaport my entire life. I understand. The six of cups is a card of charity, which signifies your work at the shelter. It also represents reunions, which I think in your case is reuniting people with their lost things. The eight of pentacles signifies achieving goals. Sticking to the plan, even when it’s frustrating. I sense an issue with self-confidence.”
“We always tell her how amazing she is.” Casey gave me a warm smile. “Maybe you can get through to her.”
“I see that you worry about juggling your new responsibilities with your existing life.” She tapped on the next card. “Prioritize what’s important. Delegate the rest. Eventually, you might have to make a choice between your two jobs. This is also a card about making space for things, like love.”
Casey hummed, but I didn’t look at her.
“You pay great attention to detail, and you are a hard worker. The challenges you’re facing now will only broaden your qualifications. But don’t be a pushover—especially in the beginning of this new career. You have an amazing gift for sticking up for people and animals who can’t stick up for themselves. That voice is needed. And like Casey, you should also keep your eyes open for new opportunities. No one else can do what you do, Addie. Your work is valued.”
I had this weird tingly feeling. It was nice to hear someone say those things. I often felt overlooked working with shelter animals. Not that I was looking for the spotlight, but to get the recognition that what I did was important, even from a deck of cards, felt good.
“I see weddings and babies in your future.” Marnie smiled. Casey nudged me. “And possibly a romantic interest from your past making an appearance. The three of cups is a celebration card, so it could simply mean the successful completion of a project.”
“Finding Cupcake.”
“It’s a good sign,” Marnie said.
“Did you think of me differently before you read my cards?”
“No. I sensed that you were telling the truth about your abilities, but some people think you’re making it up.”
“Are any of those people in Rappaport?”
“Word’s just getting out that Persephone is here. Some residents have strong opinions about Cupcake. Not sure everyone will be sorry he’s gone.”
Casey gasped. “Can the cards tell you if any of them would’ve taken Cupcake?”
“It’s not good practice to read people without permission.” Marnie stacked the cards from my reading, taking all the good vibes with her. “I operate by the motto, do no harm.”
“But there’s a cat missing.” I didn’t want to sound desperate, especially after she’d told me I was more than capable of solving this crime on my own. “Every moment counts.”
“Yet you’re here. Why?”
I sighed. There was no easy way to say this. “Because Rosamund thinks you could be a suspect.”