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“I need to get out of here,” I said quietly. “I have a feeling that the reporters are going to descend upon me soon. Either that, or a mob is going to come for my head.”
“It’s because no one knows the truth,” Simon said grimly. “If everyone knew what was really going on, they’d lock themselves in their houses in fear.”
“What are you going to do now?” Sarah asked.
“First, I’m going to call Marie,” I said. “I just hope she’s found another seer who can help us. At this point, we can’t afford the luxury of waiting until we can find one that we can trust. I’m willing to take a risk at this point.”
Simon looked unhappy with my answer but he didn’t object. Ryan was expressionless and Sarah looked worried, but I ignored all of them as I dialed Marie’s number.
“Marie, it’s Caitlin,” I said when she answered. “Any news of finding another seer?”
“There’s one, but I’m not sure we can fully trust her yet,” she answered. “I’m trying to get some more information about her before bringing her in.”
“We don’t have time.” I quickly told Marie what had happened. “I think my father’s involved somehow. We have no time to spare. I can’t wait around for a seer who’s entirely trustworthy. The one you found will have to do.”
After we discussed what our next steps would be, I hung up the phone. Everyone was watching me expectantly.
“We’re going back to Connecticut. Marie found a seer who can help to put me under hypnosis.”
“Does she think the seer is someone we can trust?” Ryan asked.
“Almost, and that’s good enough,” I answered. “We need to get moving.”
“Wait, you’re just leaving?” Sarah asked in dismay. “Jenny’s parents will be here soon. Marcus said they’re taking her body back to Florida. We should all go down there for her funeral.”
Sarah didn’t seem to realize the significance of what had happened. As much as I wanted to be there for Jenny’s funeral, I had impending disaster looming. Besides, I was sure her parents would hear the rumors about my involvement and I didn’t know if they would welcome me.
“Sarah,” I said gently, trying to make her understand. “I’m pretty sure my father was involved in Jenny’s death somehow. We need to stop him before he kills anyone else. We need to stop him before this gets too big for us.”
Sarah took a deep breath before answering. “I know. I guess I just feel like it can’t get worse than Jenny dying.” She looked at me grimly. “I guess things can get a lot worse before this is over.”
I was relieved that she didn’t seem to think badly of me for leaving. I already felt like she was holding me responsible for Jenny’s death, but I didn’t blame her.
Simon, Ryan and I quickly packed for our trip to Connecticut, making sure to only take essentials. I slipped the palladium coin into a small compartment of my bag. Ryan had asked me a few t
imes where I had put the palladium, but I had told him I hadn’t felt comfortable sharing details about it with anyone. The only person who knew I was taking it with me was Simon.
Sarah stopped me in the bathroom as I was gathering my toiletries.
“I never asked you if you’re okay,” she said. “How are you doing?”
“I’m surviving. More importantly, how are you doing?”
“I’m still kind of in shock.” Sarah’s expression turned concerned. “I’m worried about Marcus. I went downstairs while you were at the police station and he’s not doing well.” She hesitated before continuing. “I told Grant what really happened, but not in front of Marcus.”
“I think it’s best to keep Marcus out if it,” I said. “He has enough to deal with. I don’t think he can handle any more.” I bit my lip, trying to find the words that would convey my feelings. “I’m sorry. I know I failed Jenny, but I promise I won’t let anyone else get hurt.”
Sarah frowned. “What are you talking about? It’s not your fault.”
I looked at her, not wanting to bring up the fact that I knew she blamed me, so I just nodded.
“Wait,” she said, grabbing my arm before I was able to leave the bathroom. She took a deep breath. “I did blame you at first. And I’m so sorry for it. I was just so grief-stricken over Jenny’s death that it was easier to blame someone. So I blamed you because it was easy. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I blame myself. You were right to put the responsibility on my shoulders.”
“Don’t,” Sarah said fiercely. “Don’t carry the guilt around. You tried to save Jenny. Your guilt will make you do something stupid. Don’t sacrifice yourself because you think you’re at fault. Because you’re not.”
I reassured Sarah that I would be careful, trying to cover the fact that she was right. I was willing to do anything to avenge Jenny’s death and destroy my father, even if it meant the end of my life. At least it would be for something worthwhile.
