"Maybe we should ask Daniel if he can talk to the police about what’s going on,” Deva suggested.
"But would knowing more really make us feel any better?” Carol asked.
I sighed. "At least if we knew if it was supernatural or human, we’d know exactly what kind of protection we need. I mean, should we pack potions or knives?”
Deva laughed. "Definitely spells, whether they’re human or supernatural. Maybe tonight Carol and I can hit the wine and make a few good potions, just in case.”
It was funny. Sometimes I envied the fact that Deva had moved into Carol’s house. They seemed to have so much time together.Then again, Daniel was definitely the person I wanted as my roommate.
Beth’s phone chimed, and she sighed as she read it. "Mind if we make a quick stop at the office?"
I stopped the car. "Something important?”
"Just some case notes I want to go over tonight.”
"No problem.” I smiled, putting the car in reverse and getting back onto the main road.
As we continued the short drive to the psych office, Beth tapped her fingers on her knees. There was something about the movement that made me think she might be nervous, and her expression said she had a lot on her mind.
"Have there been a lot of cases lately? I know I said I needed more time for wedding preparation, but I didn’t mean you had to do everything yourself.”
Her tapping stopped, and a smile played across her lips. "No, things haven’t been too bad, but I’m glad to hear you don’t mind helping with more cases. If any more come up, I’ll be sure to have you help.”
"Good." The last thing I wanted to do was put more on Beth’s shoulders when she already had so much going on.
"There’s always a need for Karma’s powers!” Carol said, grinning.
I slowed the car down as we approached the small, homey building nestled among a cluster of trees. The psych office was absolutely perfect. It was formerly a home that Beth had gotten for an absolute steal, with two stories, plenty of room for all heranimals, great lighting, and lots of nature. If we were going to hunt supernatural bad guys from anywhere, I wanted it to be from here.
To my surprise, I spotted a car out front.
"Expecting someone?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
She shook her head. "Nope, but people have a way of finding me.”
I parked behind the sleek, black car, noticing that its engine was still running, Beth unbuckled her seatbelt, releasing an audible deep breath. "Here we go." She flashed me a quick smile.
We stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against my skin, and a figure emerged from the building. A woman in an elegant coat strode toward us, her posture poised but her expression frantic.
"Are any of you Beth Ari from Private Psych?" she called out.
My gaze slid over her. She was petite, tiny compared to even Beth, with short, dark hair, and equally dark eyes. Everything about her screamed money and elegance, from her button-down dress to her expensive shoes. So, I was sure she had money, but I couldn’t tell much else, other than that something was wrong. I guess soon I’d know if she was human or supernatural and what she needed with our psych business.
Beth nodded, stepping forward. "That's me. How can I help you?"
The woman took a deep breath, looking between us. "I need to hire you. It's urgent." Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched her Louis Vuitton bag.
"Let's talk inside," Beth said, motioning toward the office door. The professional edge in her voice reassured me that whatever this was, Beth could handle it. I’m sure the woman felt the same way. It was one of Beth’s best qualities.
The door swung open, and the soft jingle of a small bell announced our entrance. That was a new feature that Beth had added, and I liked it. It helped add yet another element that made this house feel more like an office.
The woman, who had been waiting outside, extended her hand as we stepped into the warmth of the office. I could still sense her tension, but she offered her hand like she did this often. It was the kind of confidence that someone in the business world might have, or maybe I was imagining it, trying to use my detective skills to figure her out.
"Trudy Durgin," she introduced herself with a warm, strained smile. Her grip was firm, and she had elegantly manicured nails.
"Nice to meet you, Trudy," Beth said. "This is Emma Foxx.”
"Ah, Karma,” she said, a hint of a smile at the corners of her lips.
