Cast the Cards

“Ask her to marry us?”

Clark nodded. “We’re not going to be happy with anything less.”

“No.” Carey shook his head. “Let’s get her well first. The rest will keep.”

***

Noise. A steady beep accompanied by a whoosh. Breathe in, breathe out. She became aware of her chest and her heavy limbs. She flexed her toes. Tensing the muscles and releasing, she worked her way up her body. The pain she waited to crash down never occurred. Fighting with her eyelids for dominance, she managed to peel them back. Her lips smacked together and her eyes adjusted to the dimly-lit room. Beside her monitors kept track of her vitals.

Hospital. A glance down at her arm revealed the I.V.

“Are you awake?” a familiar voice whispered.

“Yes.” Pain formed in her throat. She cringed.

A more familiar head leaned in to her sight line.

“Clark! You’re here.”

“Careful, it’s been a week or so since you were lucid enough to talk. Here.” He held a straw to her lips and she drank, grateful for the relief.

“I wouldn’t drink too much too fast. After you collapsed I called Carey and he got the others over to you. It was touch-and-go for a bit, but you made your choice and it was honored.” His fingers were cool against her brow. She basked it in for a moment, resting her head against the pillows. “And you?”

“I get to stay as long as I help catch criminals.”

Her eyes popped open. “Wait, you can stay?”

“They’re taking an aggressive stand on the evil quota.”

Tears ran down her cheek as she smiled. I get to keep them both. “Wait, what about the sites?”

“Mass graves in all, twenty-two bodies to match the major arcane of the tarot.”

“But why?”

“Because they were more than a few screws loose.”

She snickered and groaned. “A little more detail.”

“Not sure. With their I.D. they uncovered their place.” He wolf-whistled. “Chockfull of all things strange. Tarot cards, Runes, Crystal balls. These guys were the mayors of crazy town. I’m not sure how it all meshes together to mean something, but that’s your department.”

Her mind itched to delve deep into the findings.

“Yeah, you’re fine I can see you’re all ready thinking about work.”

“Sorry.”

“Mmhmm. You should hit the call button. Let them know you’re awake. A lot of people have been waiting to talk to you.”

“Of course.”

She pressed the call button and watched as he disappeared.

“Ms. West, someone will be with you immediately.”

A part of her believed she was going to die on that dirty concrete floor in a river of red. Knowing she’d taken down the Tarot Card Killers would have been enough to let her move in if it hadn’t been for Carey. He was unfinished business she couldn’t leave behind.

Epilogue