The Quickening Read online

  “Be on your toes, Tiffany,” Aura said. She laid a gentle hand on Tiffany’s forehead. “You are loved and precious to me.”

  Tiffany felt the warmth of her words surround her heart. “I love you too. Thank you for everything.”

  Aura smiled. “Go to work. Angel and I are off on our trip now.”

  “I don’t have any appointments scheduled. I’m hoping to get some paperwork done.” Tiffany hugged her and then pulled Angel close. “You be good for Nana, okay?”

  “Okay.” Angel’s arms came around her neck. She covered her face in tiny kisses. “Love you, Mommy. See you.”

  Tiffany left them at the door, grateful that her daughter was secure in the love that surrounded her. She must be doing something right.

  *

  The ferry that crossed to Bremerton wasn’t too crowded this time of morning, as most of the traffic was coming into Seattle, not going the other direction. Kat pulled her car behind a bright yellow Hummer and turned the engine off. She went to the upper deck in search of coffee. After standing in line, she found a bench seat by the window and stretched her legs out.

  Someone from an earlier run had left a copy of the Seattle Times on the seat in front of her. Kat reached for it, curious to see what kind of article Rob had written about the body in the alley. Her fingertips grazed the edge of the paper before she changed her mind. Today, Kat would leave the ugly headlines alone. Old habits were hard to break, but she was willing to try.

  She was on vacation and on her way to see Tanna.

  No, her name is Tiffany. She must learn to think of her as Tiffany. Kat had formed a thousand questions in her mind, but found few answers that satisfied her. She was restless and almost couldn’t control her legs, which bounced with suppressed energy. Finally, she couldn’t stand it anymore and went out to the rail of the boat.

  Hundreds of jellyfish floated in the water below amongst the green algae and seaweed that covered the surface. The wind was chilly, smelled of pungent salt, and cut straight through her light shirt. Kat shivered but stayed on deck. The rocking of the ferry seemed to help with her need to pace, almost soothing her.

  Almost.

  *

  After she parked at Haven, Tiffany received a text from Sunny to come over to her house instead. Tiffany was content to leave the undone paperwork on her desk for later. She turned the car around and made the short drive to the Victorian.

  She felt a slight alteration in the air, a feeling akin to déjà vu. A quickening of the spirit when you know something shifts in your conscious. Once she tried to concentrate on the feeling and grasp the meaning, it slipped away from her.

  When she let herself in the front door, the comforting smell of sage and herbs greeted her. Sunny’s warm energy reached Tiffany, and she smiled. She didn’t care why she was here; she was just happy to come.

  “Good morning! I’m back here.” Sunny’s voice sounded from the kitchen.

  Tiffany joined her and poured herself a cup of tea before sitting at the table. “It’s beautiful out, isn’t it?”

  “Mmm.” Sunny tilted her head and stared at her.

  Tiffany felt her energy bump up against her psychic shields. “What are you looking for? You know, if you asked nicely, I just might tell you.”

  “Not always, Tiff. You want us to think everything is well and good. You’re gifted enough to even make us believe it most of the time.”

  “Why are you trying to get into my head?”

  “You look tired.”

  Tiffany rolled her eyes at her. “That’s just a nice way to say I look like crap.”

  Sunny smiled. “I think you’re spread too thin lately. You should take some time off.”

  “I was just thinking that before I dropped Angel off at your mom’s. However, it’s not feasible right now. I don’t have any choice but to keep working.”

  “You need to recharge, Tiff, or you’ll burn out.”

  Tiffany studied Sunny’s expression, the “I’m done being reasonable and I’m going to get my way” look. It was better to give in now and renegotiate later. Say, after she got some solid sleep. Then she caught a trace of Sunny’s thoughts. “You already cancelled my appointments?”

  “Yes.” Sunny’s firm tone transitioned seamlessly to soothing. “I checked, and none of them for the next week are your regulars or favorites.”

  “Isn’t that kind of presumptuous?” Tiffany knew Sunny was trying to help, but it irked her nonetheless. Her independence had been so hard won. She despised it when others tried to take over or tell her what to do, even if they were her closest friends. She needed to make her own decisions.

  “The fact you are projecting such a defensive emotion tells me I’m right. But I also have a proposal for you.”

  “You know I can’t afford to take time off.” Even as Tiffany’s irritation began to rise, she felt Sunny’s calm energy butt up against it.

  “You haven’t listened to the rest of my proposal yet.”

  Sunny was right. Tiffany sighed. She was exhausted and couldn’t work up enough energy to argue. “So you and your mom planned this whole thing.”

  “Pretty much.”

  Tiffany got up to refresh her tea. “Because you love me, blah, blah.”

  Sunny laughed. “I knew you would listen to reason. Now, here’s what I’m suggesting. At our last business meeting, we discussed working on cold cases with Kat.”

  Tiffany pointed at her. “You talked about it. I left.”

  “In any case,” Sunny continued, “we’re all convinced that you’re the best qualified for these. And I also know working on them is going to cost you the most emotionally.”

  “Thank you for acknowledging that, but realistically, both you and Shade can do it as well.”

  “Yes,” Sunny said. “But you’re better at reading photos.”

  “Didn’t you just say that I needed to rest?”

  “From the healing sessions, yes. The cold cases are different. You’re not attempting to change the physiology or genetic imbalances of someone who is ill.”

  Tiffany didn’t mind donating her time to people who needed it, such as their clients for paranormal investigations. She also didn’t mind working with people who couldn’t afford to have sessions at the office. In fact, she considered it part of her sacred duty, her life’s path. But she needed those formal appointments for her livelihood. Keeping a house and raising a young daughter by herself wasn’t easy. There were always unexpected expenses. Tiffany chose her words carefully. “Let me see if I have this right. My schedule is cleared of paying clients, so I can work on cold case files. Is that correct?”

  “Absolutely.” Sunny beamed at her. “But I’m not done yet.”

  “Please go on.” Tiffany waved her hand. “Because I’m confused.”

  “Well, Jordan and I have decided since this is a personal project, and you’re the best to have working on it—we want to pay you a salary. This is your first paycheck. We’ll see if you want to continue with the cold cases after the week is over.” She passed a check across the table.

  Tiffany was shocked and shook her head. “This is too much.” She wanted to cry.

  “Actually, it’s not, honey. I’ve done some research on what other paranormal professionals make in various fields. Apparently, we don’t charge enough.”

  “It’s not about the money for us. It never has been,” Tiffany said.

  “I know that. But when we took over, we kept my parents’ business model. We never adjusted anything for ourselves.” Sunny leaned forward. “They were financially set because of my father’s practice and published works. The paranormal investigative side wasn’t their only source of income. This was a hobby for them.”

  “So what are you saying?”

  “I’m telling you that Skye Trust will be paying you a salary, in addition to the money you make on your private clients—whether you like it or not.”

  “But that’s the fund your father set up for your family.”


  “Hush. Listen to me. The money is also there to further my father’s research, to extend his legacy. I don’t mind telling you, there’s plenty of it. You don’t have anything to prove anymore, Tiff. You’re worth every penny, believe me.”

  Tiffany took a deep breath. She could almost feel layers of stress on her shoulders begin to dissipate. “It still feels like charity.”

  “It’s not. Why can’t you let yourself want more, Tiff?”

  “That’s a good question. Let me think about it later because I’m a little stunned. We might have to argue later. I’m not sure yet.”

  Sunny laughed. “So, are we good?”

  Tiffany nodded.

  Sunny checked her watch. “Damn, it stopped again. What time is it?”

  “It’s almost nine.”

  “Great. Let’s get set up in the dining room. Kat’s on her way. She should be here any minute.”

  “Today? We’re going to start now?”

  “Jordan is going to be here later. She’s interviewing a few certified counselors for the teen mentoring program at Haven this morning. Shade and I both have clients today that we couldn’t reschedule.”

  “I feel funny doing this by myself,” Tiffany said.

  “Why? You’re perfectly capable.” Sunny turned and studied Tiffany. “Oh, that’s right—we never talked about how nervous Kat makes you. Her energy is different isn’t it? I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

  “I didn’t touch her. But when I came out of that elevator and saw her standing there? The reaction hit me instantly. My heart started pounding; my palms got sweaty. My first inclination was to run the other direction.”

  “Do I need to point out that’s exactly what you did? Honey, there isn’t anything dark about her that I can sense.” Sunny put her file down. “Have you considered that you may be attracted to her? She’s a tall, blond drink of fabulous, don’t you think?”

  After Sunny so casually said it, Tiffany felt an answering tug in her belly. If she went on pure physical appearance, Kat was certainly magnificent. “I haven’t had sex with anyone in so long, I wouldn’t know attraction if it slapped me upside my head. Besides, I can always live vicariously through yours and Jordan’s trysts. Or, if I’m in a really adventurous mood, pop in on one of Shade’s.”

  “Get out! You don’t, really?” Sunny’s cheeks flushed. “I didn’t realize. I should have, but didn’t.”

  Tiffany was mortified. “Crap! I didn’t mean to blurt that out. Don’t be sorry. It’s not all your fault.” She blew out a breath. “God, I’m embarrassed. Okay, I’ll be honest with you. I can read Jordan’s thoughts. She hasn’t mastered her blocks yet. And since I can be a little voyeuristic sometimes, I didn’t shut down right away.”

  “Pervert.” Sunny laughed. “Stop it. I’ll be more careful to shield in the future. And please, whatever you do, don’t let Jordan know. She gets freaked out enough when she thinks that Mazie is around.”

  Tiffany knew Sunny was referring to her ghost in residence in the Victorian. “Does she still mess with her?”

  “Yes, as often as she can. Now swear to me.” Sunny held out her pinky.

  “I promise,” Tiffany said solemnly while she linked her finger with Sunny’s. “I’ll never let Jordan know, that I know you guys have wild monkey sex in the kitchen.”

  Sunny pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “God, Tiff.”

  The doorbell rang and Tiffany startled. “That’s weird. I’m so used to just walking in, I never even think to knock.”

  “That must be Kat. I’m late, so I’ll let her in on my way out.” Sunny gave Tiffany a quick hug.

  “Do we still have an investigation tonight?” Tiffany asked.

  “Yes, the Wilson house. I’ve already done the preliminary interview. Don’t worry about the cold cases. You’ll do awesome. See you later; love you.”

  “I hope so. Bye. Love you back.” Sunny left her standing alone in the room.

  Tiffany felt dizzy for a second. There was that shift in the air again. Aura’s words came back to her.

  Something that looks threatening, isn’t. Another looks innocent, and isn’t.

  So which one was Kat?

  *

  Kat waited on the porch after she rang the bell. In a moment, she heard the sound of high heels approaching from the other side of the door before it opened.

  “Hello, Kat. It’s nice to see you again. Go on back. Tiff’s in the dining room setting up.” She pushed past Kat to go down the stairs.

  “Wait. Aren’t you going to stay?”

  Sunny turned and winked. “I’ll leave you in Tiffany’s very capable hands. Jordan will be here in about an hour, and Shade and I will follow after our appointments. See you.”

  Kat watched her get into her car and drive off. While she was stoked to see Tiffany again, she was also uncharacteristically nervous. How was she going to layer how she felt about Tanna alongside having her first face to face with Tiffany, who looked exactly like her dream counterpart? She didn’t want to look like an ass, or appear incompetent on this job. Kat detested being unprepared, and there was no way to know for sure how this meeting was going to go. Her racing thoughts stopped the second Tiffany stepped into the hall to greet her. Her hair was pulled back and her face scrubbed clean, making her appear much younger than the twenty-nine years Kat knew her to be. She looked shy and unsure. Kat’s stomach muscles tightened, and she felt a definite increase in her heart rate. Kat dropped her keys, and the noise caused her to flinch when they hit the floor and slid across the polished boards under a table. She walked over and had to get on her knees in order to retrieve them.

  “Um, hi,” Tiffany said and crossed her arms. “I guess you’re stuck with me today.”

  “Good morning.” Kat’s voice was hoarse and she cleared her throat before entering the dining room, taking note that Tiffany was careful to keep space between them as she finished lighting white and purple candles on the sideboard.

  “What are those for?” Kat inhaled the smell of lavender.

  “Purity and protection. Would you like some tea or coffee?”

  “Coffee, if you have some. Black, thanks.”

  “I’ll be right back. Please sit down.” Tiffany left the room.

  Kat’s legs felt weak. She was grateful to take a seat. She rubbed a hand down her face. Her physical reaction was totally inappropriate for the situation. Desire hit her swiftly and without mercy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt it this intensely.

  That’s not to say she lacked female company. Kat had lovers, but they were essentially “friends with benefits” encounters. This ache was like falling into the ocean with no lifejacket or scuba gear.

  Tiffany returned and placed a steaming cup in front of her. “Here you go.” She walked to a chair on Kat’s left. “I don’t want to shout across the table. This is where I usually sit.”

  Kat felt blood rush to her eardrums and fill them with the sound of her rapid pulse. She searched Tiffany’s face and eyes for any signs of recognition, but was disappointed. Her expression held what? Curiosity, perhaps. She knew Tiffany was gifted clairvoyantly, but could she read Kat’s thoughts? Probably not, Kat decided, since she wasn’t running away or covering herself.

  “You really don’t remember me?”

  Tiffany looked a little bewildered. “No, I’m sorry. Where is it you think you know me from?”

  Kat debated how much should she share. She felt a gentle tingle along the top of her scalp. “Can you read my mind?”

  “No, I’m not getting any thoughts, but that’s not terribly unusual. Some people have natural barriers. I can sense some basic intentions. Believe me when I tell you, it’s much better for me when I can’t read you. I apologize for trying to peek. It’s a habit. Though most aren’t as perceptive as you are.”

  Kat wasn’t in any way psychic like Tiffany, Sunny, or Shade. She was unable to connect with spirits in the present. But her sixth sense was heightened enough to let her k
now when people were trying to get in her head. “What can you see?”

  Tiffany shrugged. “You’re gifted, but I can’t see what that ability might be, or if it’s just undeveloped yet. You want something, but I can’t tell what, and you’re nervous.”

  The rising morning sun cleared the top of the houses on the other side of the street and shone into the dining room through the stained glass windows. There was stillness in the air, a sense of waiting, anticipation. They stared at each other until the space between them became charged, almost electric, and filled with unasked questions.

  Tiffany tried to act cool and professional but was mesmerized by the colorful fire the sunlight created as it reflected off Kat’s diamond nose stud and the several gold earrings she wore in each lobe. From the moment she’d arrived, Tiffany had felt the attraction. It only intensified after Kat crawled under the hall table to retrieve her keys, showing her perfect ass in designer jeans. But that was nothing compared to the heat that reflected in Kat’s dark eyes. It was a little nerve-wracking to be stared at like that, as if she were being hypnotized. As if Kat wanted to swallow her whole.

  Uh uh. While she thought the look was sexy as sin, it was starting to make her feel awkward. She broke eye contact and took a drink of water.

  “So,” Kat said. “Uh, Jordan told me you would be best for this job.”

  “That’s flattering, but we can all do it. The three of us just take different paths to the information.”

  “My mother always told me there was more than one way to get to Cleveland.”

  “Mine only had directions straight to Hell.” Tiffany cringed when the remark fell out of her mouth. She’d better get down to the business at hand before any additional stupid comments fell out. “I’ll answer your questions and then we’ll get started, okay?”

  Kat nodded. “How does this work?”

  “Sometimes when I touch an object, it’s like I’m seeing a movie of the energy that remains embedded in it. Other times, I see still pictures of a person, or places that might be attached. I might also see symbols, which are meant to remind me of something, and then I have to decipher what they might mean.”

  “Like a symbol of fire might mean something different to you than it does me.”