She shrugged. “It’s not my story to tell, but I will say that ever since you came along, I’ve seen a lightness in him that wasn’t there before. I even caught him whistling this morning, if you can believe it. You’re good for him and good for this case.”
I laughed, the sound more scornful than I intended. “I haven’t been very good at anything in my life.”
Estelle angled her head, considering my statement. “Well, maybe you haven’t found the thing you’re good at yet. That’s the fortunate thing about life, you can always try something new. Just because you aren’t good at one thing doesn’t mean you’ll be bad at another. Not if you find what you’re meant to do.” She gave me a sly smile and leaned closer. “Or the person you’re meant to do it with.”
What if she was right? I was caught in a vicious circle, repeating mistakes and doing things the way I’d always done them. It wasn’t until I’d stepped out of my comfort zone that I finally felt useful. Maybe the potential my mother had always wanted me to achieve didn’t look the way we’d thought it would.
“Thanks, Estelle. You can tell Abrams I’m ready to go. Something tells me, after last night, I’m going to be on research duty for a while. I’ll have time to go through everything here.”
Estelle’s eyes went wide with sympathy at the mountains of paper. “Better you than me, dear.”
***
Abrams unloaded my bags from the carriage while Vivian stood in the doorway, her hands balled on her hips, counting each bag.
“How long are you planning on staying?”
“The duration of the case, I assume. Be careful with that one, Abrams.” I gestured to the oversized bag clinking loudly as he set it down.
Vivian cocked her head. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Of course. Did you think I wouldn’t bring it?”
“Will we need that much?”
“It’s better to have more than you need, don’t you agree?”
“Naturally.”
Abrams furrowed his brow, his head bouncing back and forth as he tried to follow our conversation. He hefted the bag over his shoulder.
“What’s so important about this one? Is it full of deadly potions?”
I picked up the last of my bags and followed him inside. “No, that’s the wine.”
He burst out laughing and shook his head. “I hope there’s some in here for me. It’s been a long week.”
Vivian grinned. “There’s more than enough. I’ll get us all a glass, and we can make an evening of it. I’ve been dying to try out the new tarot deck my grandmother sent me.”
She showed Abrams where to store the bags, then disappeared into the kitchen. The sound of a cork popping could be heard from the séance room where Abrams and I sat around the oval table. He peered warily over his shoulder.
“Is it true that Miss James can see ghosts?”
“Yes, all her life. They can’t hurt you though. You’re fine.” He didn’t seem convinced.
A knock sounded on the door, and I rose to answer it, but Abrams held up a hand.
“Let me. It’s late, and with last night’s threat, you shouldn’t answer it.” He pushed through the hanging beads to enter the waiting area. The door opened, and I strained to hear the muffled conversation.
“Where is she?”
Recognizing Derrick’s voice, I turned as he entered the room. Abrams remained behind him. It seemed the poor guy wouldn’t be getting that glass of wine after all. He was probably stationed on the stoop, standing guard. I’d have to sneak him a glass later.
My eyes locked with Derrick’s, and warmth spread through my chest. He looked exhausted, his clothes rumpled after a long day at the agency. There was tension around his eyes, but he relaxed when he saw me. Offering him the chair next to mine, I resisted the impulse to smooth the wrinkles from his jacket. Any excuse to touch him.
“All settled in?” he asked at the same time I asked how his meetings went. Our questions collided, canceling each other’s voice out.
I chuckled and answered first, “Yes, all settled. Vivian’s playing hostess. Can you stay for a glass of wine? Maybe some dinner? She has a new tarot deck. If you’re lucky, she might read your fortune.”
