Natalia purses her lips, not bothering to humor her daughter with a response. Instead, she looks to Alyssa. “The universe is guiding you to where you need to be in order to help these spirits. The source, god or whatever you choose to call it, demands karmic justice, and you are being used to enact it.” She shakes her head, appearing almost sorry for what she’s communicating to Alyssa. “Nothing in your life moving forward is a coincidence, my dear. Much of what occurs is meant for you to use to right a wrong.”
“How will I know the difference?” Alyssa asks, sounding far too calm for someone who’s just been told she’s a glorified pawn in a real and very dangerous game of chess.
Natalia shrugs one delicate shoulder, her oversize yellow sweater slipping down her shoulder. “I never leave home without my tarot deck. It’s very useful when needing to commune with the universe.”
“I’m not well versed in tarot,” Alyssa says, and Natalia scoffs. “Get yourself a deck that comes with a book. You’ll find that themore you use them, the clearer the answers. From what I’ve gathered of your abilities, you should be able to read them intuitively.”
“Thank you,” Alyssa says before turning to me. “We need to go if we want to save Ashley.”
“One more thing,” Natalia says, her hand and one finger lifted into the air. “These…groups,” she murmurs, eyes narrowing when she saysgroups. “This Order of Providence…It’s bigger than Knox Harbor. Bigger than the whole of Massachusetts,” she explains. “Be sure you’ve considered your life and that of your daughter before you go chasing after something you know nothing about willy-nilly, Alyssa. There are times when, even if our gifts are urging us to intervene, we must refuse the calling. For our own safety.”
Alyssa stares at Natalia for several moments, throat bobbing as she digests the words.
I won’t allow Alyssa to put herself in danger. She’s made it clear how important it is for her to help, but I hope she heeds Natalia’s words and understands that her life is more important than going down dark paths.
I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Alyssa remembers that.
I won’t lose another woman I care for.
Natalia and Corinne both make their way toward the front door, but before Natalia steps onto the porch, she turns.
“You’ll need your friend. The one that was with you when you visited Bee. She’ll be necessary in uncovering some of the missing pieces.” And with that, Natalia is gone.
28
Ten of Wands
The moment Corinneand Natalia had left my house, I called in an SOS to Nina, telling her I needed her help. Thankfully, she and Lanie had just landed in Boston and were headed home to Knox Harbor.
I didn’t give too many details, thinking it best to have that conversation in person. I explained that Nick and I were going to check into a hotel in Falls Haven and that big things were about to go down. She promised she’d be to my room first thing today, and in true Nina fashion, she didn’t let me down. Seeing that Lanie had joined her was a surprise.
“You two are the best, seriously,” I say, pulling my two friends into a group hug.
“She didn’t really give me a choice,” Lanie deadpans. “I was threatened with my life.”
Nina pulls away, rolling her eyes at Lanie, who winks in return.
I smile, grateful for this moment of levity before we get into the heavy stuff.
“What made you come back so soon?” I ask, directing the question to Nina.
She shares a glance with Lanie, who shakes her head. “Nope. You get to tell her.”
Lanie crosses her arms over her chest, and my eyes ping-pong between the two.
“Someone tell me what’s happening,” I say, starting to feel as though whatever I’m about to hear, I won’t like.
Nina sighs. “We have more important things to worry about, but since you asked…”
“Spit it out, Enamored Nina,” Lanie teases.
“I’ve come back to find an apartment or house for rent and arrange for a moving company to pack up my things. It’s time.”
I smile, nodding my head. “That’s great news.” I turn to Lanie. “But why are you acting a bit salty over it?”
She looks at Nina, pursing her lips and tilting her head as if to say,You’re still up.
“I’m heading back to New Orleans for the next month or two. I want to spend time with Chase…and Ian.”
