“And just so you know,” Karma added, “don’t worry about your visions. You’re stronger than you think. We have someone you can work with.”
Dawn nodded, wondering just how much Karma knew about her psychic abilities. They seemed to know everything about her. Did they know she was helping Luca find the missing girl?
“By the way, that cop, Luca Fierro, is a hottie,” Karma said with a wink.
Well, that answered that.
“I have to run. A polar ice cap is melting, and I’m tired of all the ‘climate change isn’t real’ crap. Now I have to go and bang a few heads.”
They said their goodbyes, and Lynda shut off her monitor. “Isn’t she a kick?”
“She certainly is,” Dawn replied, sitting in the plush leather chair across from Lynda’s desk.
“Now, let’s talk about you.” Lynda leaned forward and pushed a bowl of brightly wrapped candies at Dawn. “I have a sweet tooth. Have one. They’re from the Twists and Turns Candy Shoppe downstairs, and they have no calories!”
Dawn reached for a striped orange-and-white wrapper.
“Oh, that’s a good one,” Lynda said as she reached for a sweet wrapped in shiny blue foil. “Tell me how your week went.”
Dawn popped the candy in her mouth and immediately tasted a blend of orange citrus with a creamy, swirly undertone. “I was thinking of reaching out to one of the community youth organizations that help street kids. I want to be able to help kids on the street and get them away from drugs, prostitution, and gangs.”
“I love that idea, and given your background, you’re the perfect person to do it.” Slipping on her Wonder Woman glasses, Lynda turned back to her computer. Punching the keys like a madwoman, she printed up a sheet and handed it to Dawn. “We have a contact at the Youth Community Center: Tansy Miller. I’ll let her know who you are, and she can plug you in. They’re having an open house this weekend. So you can go and introduce yourself.”
“Is Tansy a caseworker or someone like me?”
Lynda leaned back in her swivel chair. “Tansy is a transgendered former prostitute and former heroin addict. Aphrodite found her on a rainy night in a dark alley. She’d just been raped and was barely conscious.”
“Aphrodite, as in the Greek goddess of love?”
“The one and only. Well, she goes by other names in different pantheons, but our goddesses go by whichever name they like. She likes Venus too. Anyway, Dee Dee brought Tansy into our karma clinic, and after she recovered, we put her in a drug rehab program. Now Tansy’s kicking butt in the Keene Street area where a ton of street kids hang out. I’m sure you know the area.”
Dawn nodded. “Yes, I do. I used to hang out there myself. But I didn’t know goddesses existed—and that they took an interest in grassroots work too.”
“Oh yes,” Lynda replied. “Aphrodite goes out regularly to keep herself grounded, so to speak. She can get rather daydreamy otherwise.” She grinned. “Now, tell me more about Luca Fierro.”
Dawn told Lynda everything about her first meeting with Luca then about him calling her at work. She was embarrassed to mention she faked being sick, but Lynda just gave her a knowing smile and told her to continue.
“You have a remarkable gift,” Lynda said after Dawn had finished her story. “And I know you’re going to help Luca find little Mandy.”
“I hope so,” Dawn replied. “I wish I had the ability of those psychics on TV. They seem to know everything right away.”
“Well, that’s partly true and partly showbiz,” Lynda said. “Besides, you’re just as talented as they are, and you are determined to help. I think your grandmother’s advice was excellent. We do have a psychic division here led by Minerva.” Lynda picked up her iPad and began swiping and tapping. Dawn’s phone beeped. “I just sent you Minerva’s contact info. She’s the best of the best and can help you nurture your ability.”
“Isn’t she in this building?” Dawn asked, checking her texts.
“No, she has her own space. It’s just as wonderful as Karma Cleaners. It’s called The Crafty Candle. It’s a real craft store, and in back—”
“It’s just as huge and amazing as Karma Cleaners?”
“You got it.”
“Minerva? Isn’t she also known as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war?”
“Yes,” Lynda said with a grin. “You know your mythology.” Then she giggled. “Which isn’t so mythical.”
“Wow.” Dawn’s eyes widened. “So, they’re all real?”
“Yes, but they’re all independent. Karma and Minerva have a lot in common and help each other with clients and special projects.”
