First that snide Data comment; now this, straight out ofI Love Lucy. Just when I thought he couldn’t get any more annoying, he surprises me. “Knock it off,” I snap. “Also, I don’t appreciate you implying that there’s something between the two of us, given the history you and Donovan have. And what do you mean, you believe me?”
“I mean exactly what I say.” The smile fades. “I know you were trying to save me from getting hit by that bus, Rune. And I know you never expected me to believe you when you told me the truth. I know you’re cursed to haveno onebelieve you. And before you tell me it’s none of my business, if one of your premonitions foretold my brother’s death, then I damn well need to know about it.”
This is too much. My legs give way, and to my consternation, Cooper leaps up the steps and grabs me by the arm, lowering me onto the built-in bench that makes up three sides of the gazebo.He lets go as soon as my butt hits the bench, like maybe I’ve been dipped in poison. Or, I realize when I lift my eyes and catch a glimpse of his dilated pupils, like he’s afraid of me.
He knows. Heknows.But how?
It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything I’ve dreamed of, since the first time the door to that little room cracked open when I was five years old and I walked through, emerging with knowledge I had no right to possess. But then why am I so terrified?
My vision turns spotty, and I bend, putting my head between my knees. “Whoareyou?” I whisper again to the stained floorboards.
“I told you. A small-town cop.”
“And?”
“What do you mean?” The bench shakes as he sinks onto it beside me, being careful to keep his distance.
I draw deep, even breaths, willing myself not to pass out. Man, what I’d give for a cold towel on the back of my neck right now. Or a shot of bourbon. “A small-town cop and…?”
There’s a long, weighted pause. Finally he says, “That depends. Are you gonna pass out again? Because I’d rather not have to tell you this twice.”
“I’m not going to pass out.” I sit up slowly, hoping I’m not lying. When I blink, the gray static has retreated, replaced with the saturated colors of Sapphire Springs in early fall: the deep blue waters of the lake and the changing leaves of the oaks that overhang it, where Charlotte, the girls, and I picnic on my birthday every year. This is a plus: at least I’m not going to find myself prostrate at Officer Asshat’s feet like a bad Victorian heroine.
Oh my God,Charlotte.What the heck is she going to think happened when Donovan reappears without me? Maybe she’ll be too preoccupied with the girls to notice. Maybe she?—
On cue, my phone buzzes with a text. I dig it out of my purse, and sure enough, it’s my best friend.
CHARLOTTE
Sex spreadsheet guy is back, and he looks pissed. Like, hell hath no fury. What did you say to him? I thought you were going to be open-minded!
Damn it.
Me
I’ll explain later, promise
I swallow hard, then type, aware of Officer Asshat’s eyes on me:
It wasn’t my fault. Not really.
Three little dots, then:
As long as you’re OK. Fair warning, though. The Sinsters have been activated.
Triple damn it.
Me
Duly noted. Catch you by the funnel cakes in 10.
I stick my phone back into my purse and fix Cooper with a gimlet eye. “Start talking.”
He sighs, running his hands through his hair in a gesture that reminds me of Donovan and makes my heart twinge. “I reallyam a cop. But the reason I’ve come to Sapphire Springs—well, it wasn’t just for a job. Not this job, anyway.”
“What are you talking about?“
“Now it’s your turn not to think I’m crazy.” His blue gaze slides sideways, and for the first time, the expression in it is hesitant. “Are you aware of the fact that there are ley lines beneath Sapphire Springs?”
