Authors: Chrissie Buhr
She patted my hand. “Don’t be embarrassed, child. We’re family. Seeing Billie all flushed and satisfied makes us happy.” She glanced at the teeth marks on my ear and winked. My blush deepened. Kathryn turned to Billie and touched the mark on her breast lovingly. “You are a very lucky girl.” Billie nodded, her eyes shining. Something unspoken passed between them, and I was overcome with curiosity.
Richard put his arm around me, drawing me into an embrace. “Kathryn’s right. We’re very happy Billie and you found each other. Come, sit. Let’s eat and talk.”
Richard and Billie retrieved the food, and Kathryn pulled a bottle of wine from a stylish wine bag. Opening it expertly, she let it breathe and the sweet scent filled the room. Food covered the table, enough for a small army, and all of it smelled delicious. Kathryn poured wine, passing a glass to each of us.
“A toast.” Richard raised his glass and everyone else followed suit. “To the new couple. May the roads rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And the rain fall soft upon your fields.” I could tell it was a blessing of sorts, but I’d never heard it before. I sent an inquisitive thought to Billie and she replied silently.
A Gaelic Blessing, or part of it anyway.
Richard burst out laughing suddenly, causing me to jump. “You little brat!” He roared in laughter at Billie. “No wonder you were so secretive.”
“I told you it would be fun watching them figure it out.” She said to me as we sat and filled our plates.
I must have looked confused, because Richard explained. “She didn’t tell us you were a Sensitive.”
Kathryn beamed at me. “It’s an honor to have you among us.”
Startled, I didn’t know how to respond to her formal statement. Shocked but pleased at their response, I could only mutter, “Thank you.”
Billie touched my arm and smiled deeply. “Welcome to my family.”
And so Billie and I shared stories of how we met and of our time together. I quickly relaxed in their presence, finding them inviting and comfortable people to be around. I even mentioned the silk bed in the clearing and noticed a fond glance between Richard and Kathryn as they shared a memory of their own.
We talked and laughed until little food remained. Richard and Kathryn ate nearly as much as Billie, and I watched the food disappear in wonder. Billie shared our experience at the bar and grill and I joined in Richard’s hilarious outburst when he discovered he had a husband. Kathryn mothered over the young waitress and I sensed her desire to meet the young woman.
“We should take you there for lunch sometime.” I told Kathryn. “Maybe you can meet her.”
Her eyes brightened. “Oh, yes! Let’s do it soon.” We agreed on a Sunday hike after lunch at the diner. We tried to come up with a man to take as Richard’s husband, laughing about the possibilities. Eventually we settled on a simple double date.
I asked about Richard’s cases. “Billie said you’ve had some interesting ones over the years.”
Richard’s eyes lit up, and Billie gave me a warning look. “When he gets started, he doesn’t stop.” But Richard was already launching into a story.
The meal finally ended, and we moved to the living room with our wine. Richard and Kathryn nestled together in a couch across from Billie and I. Feeling quite content, I curled my feet under me and lay across Billie’s lap, my wine forgotten on the table nearby. A tiger-striped cat joined me, purring softly against my legs.
I could tell when Billie’s thoughts shifted to the attack, and I tensed at the memory. Like Billie, Richard missed nothing and noticed my change of mood. “What’s wrong?” He turned serious in a heartbeat. He could sense my fear somehow.
“I told you about the two boys who attacked us last week.” Billie put a protective arm over me at the memory.
Kathryn spoke lovingly to me, reaching over to squeeze my calf. “There’s only one person in this entire city who can beat Billie in a fight. And he’ll always fight on her side. We all will. You have a family now that won’t let anything happen to you. You’re safe.”
Smiling at her, I relaxed knowing that she spoke the truth. I’d seen how well Billie fought, but it surprised me to hear she was that good.
“Have you come up with any ideas?” Billie asked Richard.
“No. I asked my police contact, but age and description aren’t much to go on. Sadie? Did you pick up anything useful?”
I thought back to the night of the attack and shook my head. “I froze up. I remember thinking they were a couple of rich brats pretending to be thugs. I’d say their parents are moderately wealthy. They’re used to getting whatever they want. And they live nearby, or at least one of them does. They were being territorial anyway. Nothing useful, I’m afraid.”
Richard nodded appreciatively. “That’s very helpful. It gives us geography and demographic. Will they do it again?”
“Yes.” I said without hesitating. “They’re afraid, insecure, and angry to the point of raging. Bullies with a sadistic streak who prey on the weak. People like that don’t change easily, if ever.” My voice came out cold, and I didn’t temper it.
Kathryn didn’t speak, but concern radiated from her.
That troubled Richard. “Hmmm. Trying to find them is going to be difficult, but not impossible. I’ll see what I can do. If they’re having any legal trouble I can, uh, help things along appropriately.” I had to smile at that remark. “Have you told Jason?”
Billie replied. “No. He’s out of cell range still. I don’t think there’s anything to be done, but I’d be grateful if you proved me wrong.”
“I’ll look into it. Sadie, if you see them or even think you sense them, call Billie or me. We can have help on the way in minutes.” I nodded appreciatively.
Kathryn joined in the conversation, having observed everything. “We do things our own way, but we do it legally and ethically. We’re not vigilantes.”
“Billie explained it a bit. She said involving the police causes complications for you.”
Richard reassured her. “It does. But if we can do something about it, we will.”
“I’m glad.” I said as Billie ran her fingers through my hair. I was ready to change the subject. “On a lighter note, I entered the race.”
“What race?” Kathryn asked with interest.
“It’s a 10K a few weeks from now.” I smiled nervously. “I’m going to have to step up my training.”
“My girl’s got stamina.” Billie beamed.
“My goal is to finish in the top 50%.” I expressed my excitement.
“I’ll bet you’re in the top 5%.” She said.
“What’s the wager?” I asked, my eyes lighting up in excitement.
She thought for a moment. “A length of silk rope.”
“Is that supposed to make me try harder or throw the race?” I asked, confused.
“If you win the bet, you get to decide what to do with it. If I win, my choice.” Her wicked grin showed all her teeth.
“Deal. I can’t lose!” I laughed. “Run the race with me.” I urged. The room stilled while Richard and Kathryn waited for Billie’s reply. They wanted her to say no.
Billie anticipated my request. “It’s not my thing, beautiful. But I’ll train with you.”
“Ok.” I conceded. “I’d like that. I don’t understand why not racing is a big deal, though.” She looked at me quizzically. Though I answered Billie, my eyes met Richard’s and Kathryn’s “Your friends practically quit breathing when I suggested it.”
She bit her lip and considered her words. “I don’t want to draw attention to myself, and they know that.”
I sighed. “One of those things I’m not supposed to pry about?”
She smiled and nodded sadly. “Are you still okay with that?”
I thought about it for a moment. “I guess it’s fair. Other people have to ask me what I’m thinking or feeling.” Richard laughed. “I didn’t say I like it.” I teased him.
Billie pinched me, and I slugged her leg. Kathryn watched us with a glow about her. “More wine anyone?” She stood gracefully. Richard accepted and I declined, already feeling the alcohol’s effects. “Billie, would you pretend to help me with the wine so I can tell you privately how much I like her?” She smiled widely at me, showing off her perfect white teeth.
I moved off of Billie’s lap so she could go with Kathryn, disturbing the feline sleeping next to me. Billie plucked the wine glasses off the table as she followed Kathryn into the kitchen.
“You’re wife’s a pretty neat woman. I like her.”
“Me too.” He sent an affectionate look towards the kitchen. “Have you ever been open about being a Sensitive before?”
“I didn’t even have a name for it before Billie.” I shook my head. “No. Whenever people realize I know things I shouldn’t know about them, they get scared.”
He nodded. “People fear what they don’t understand.”
“And they’re afraid of being seen for who they are and not for who they pretend to be.”
“True.” He looked at me with interest. “You seem to be courteous, though. Not getting nosey even when you want to.”
I blushed. “I’m trying. But it’s like trying not to eavesdrop on a conversation two feet from me.”
“I understand. It can’t be easy knowing we’re keeping something from you.” I raised my eyebrows at his admission. “You sense that we’re being truthful about why?”
I nodded. “When you talk about it, you sound like mobsters, but I sense honesty and can tell you have good reasons. There’s something different about you. I thought it was just Billie, but you and Kathryn are different in the same way. I’m very curious, but I trust Billie. I’d like you to trust me too.”
“You’re a little different yourself.” He teased, sidestepping the deeper issue.
“I guess I’m in good company.” I said with a genuine smile. Billie’s emotions caught my attention. Pride and excitement. “I wonder what they’re talking about.”
“You.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Oh yeah.” He mimicked. “I’ve never seen Billie fall so hard for someone.”
His words made my heart skip a beat. “She’s incredible. I still can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“It’s not luck, Sadie. It’s you.” I looked at him in surprise. “It would take a remarkable woman to catch her attention.”
“I never thought I’d find someone I could be honest with about who I am. I love it. I love her.”
“I’m glad.” Billie and Kathryn returned from the kitchen with full glasses of wine, both of them grinning like a cat.
You look smug.
I commented as she settled in beside me.
She looked at me adoringly. “I have reason to be. Life is good.” She replied.
“You promised me you’d fill me in on Pearson tonight.” Richard spoke to Billie.
“Yes. I found something this afternoon when you were unavailable. Nothing is conclusive at this point, but the numbers are suspicious. They don’t feel right. He’s up to something, and it’s not about overbilling clients. I think he’s stealing from the firm, but he’s covered his tracks well. It’s going to be difficult to prove.”
Richard ground his teeth. “Son of a Bitch. Do you think you can find proof?”
“With time, yes.”
“Keep digging.” He said.
The word ‘digging’ gave Billie an idea, and she looked at me pointedly. “Richard, how would you feel about bringing in a specialist?” She raised her eyebrows and met his gaze. “We may not need proof. With Sadie’s help, we can corner him, make him think he’s caught, and get what we need to prove it right there.”
Richard nodded thoughtfully. “Excellent idea. Feel like doing a little contract work, Sadie?”
“Um, maybe. What do you have in mind?”
The wheels turned in his head as the plan developed. “You and Billie can communicate mentally, right?” I nodded. “Billie and I confront Pearson about the embezzlement. We’ll come up with a reason for you to be there. You read him, relay the info you gather to Billie, and she uses it against him. Will it work?”
“I believe so.” I thought quickly, wondering if I could pull this off without spilling too many beans about myself.
Billie put her two cents on the table. “She can be your personal assistant for the day. Give Isabel the day off, make it sound like something came up, and bring Sadie in as a temp.”
“It’s on the two of you to pull it off.” Richard pointed out.
“I’ll make it sound like I know more than I do. I have enough information to start an accusation.” Billie thought aloud. “Sadie will pick his brain and fill in the details while she pretends to be just an assistant.”
“Sounds pretty simple.” I said. “When do you want to do it?”
“How about first thing Monday morning. Well’ call him in immediately and have you on your way in time to get to work. Isabel runs a lot of errands, so it won’t look suspicious when you don’t stick around.”
“I’ll call the warehouse and tell them I’ll be late coming in. If I say it’s for a doctor’s appointment they won’t ask any questions.”
Richard looked at his wife. “Feel like taking Sadie shopping, compliments of the firm? She’ll have to look the part.”
“Of course.” Kathryn purred. “Are you free tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” I replied, my head still spinning. People didn’t often surprise me, and I liked it. “I’ll be done training by noon.”
“I’ll pick you up at two, and we’ll have a girls’ day out.” She was genuinely looking forward to it. As was I.
Richard pulled out his cell phone and punched a few buttons. “Isabel. How would you like to take Monday off, paid?” He chuckled as she replied. “I’m contracting a Sensitive to help me with something. I don’t want anyone to know her real purpose, so she’s going to be your temp for the day. You can fabricate your own story about taking a day off. I’ll make her your official back-up in case I want to use her again.” She spoke again, but I couldn’t hear her. Billie and Kathryn could, though, and they listened intently. “You’re not being replaced, dear. She doesn’t have your experience – just one skill that I need from time to time. You’ll get paid for a regular work day. ” Richard looked like a patronizing father while he listened once again. “Thank you, Isabel. I’ll see you on Tuesday.” He hung up.
He explained to me, “She’s part of the family, and I gave her the job because she needed it. Turns out, she’s an excellent personal assistant, just insecure.”
“She’s improving.” Kathryn chided. “She’s young.”