Before She Dies (Alexandria Novels 3)

By seven, she stood in the hotel staring at the ballroom decorated with drapes of orange and black fabric, pumpkins, and black and white lights that gave off a spooky glow. There was a buffet table on the long wall and three bars set up around the room.

Angie deserved real credit. Not only had she cajoled the Regis into donating their ballroom for the night, but she’d also managed to get a band to donate their services, the caterer to give her a great deal, and a decorator to dress the room for a nominal fee.

Angie had called upon all the areas rich and elite to come and be entertained, so they’d open their wallets. And it appeared they had come in force.

Charlotte had worn her hair loose and curled around her shoulders. She’d chosen a sleek black dress that skimmed her curves and dipped low in the back. High heels and diamond earrings and bracelet completed a simple and elegant look. She’d been unable to bring herself to wear a costume as Angie had requested, but she had compromised and purchased a lovely mask to carry and wear if need be.

Angie, wearing a sleek red dress, wore a red witch’s hat and makeup that made her green eyes pop like a cat’s. “I should be grateful for the mask.”

Charlotte smiled as she saw a group of noted businessmen and their wives chatting. They were dressed as members of the Starship Enterprise. “I’m feeling underdressed.”

She smiled. “Good.”

“You’ve outdone yourself, Angie.”

“So far it’s going well. I think it will be a profitable night.” A waiter passed with a tray of champagne and both women declined. “I was hoping your girl, Sooner, would be here by now.”

Your girl. “She’s late?”

“By almost an hour. I’d asked her to be here early for set up.”

“That surprises me. She was looking forward to this.”

“Tips alone would be generous.”

“Have you called her?”

“Twice. No answer.”

She opened her slim black purse and checked her cell. No calls. Worry crept up her spine. “I can go track her down.”

“She was my big draw. I mean the clowns are fun and the juggler entertaining, but people like the idea of walking on the dark side.”

“The dark side?”

“You know what I mean. I don’t care how rich or famous someone is, they are just as curious about the future as the next guy.” Angie waved away her concerns. “She’s likely forgotten and working late at her shop.”

“Then why doesn’t she answer her phone?”

“Maybe she turns it off during readings. I mean a cell sure would break the vibe.”

That made sense. Sooner, like her, had been raised never to break character. “I’ll have a seat at her table and fill in until she gets here.”

“She was going to read tarot cards. Do you have cards?”

“No. I generally don’t carry tarot cards,” she said, smiling. “But I can read palms.” Maybe Sooner had just blown them off. She was young and pretty and men loved her. And she’d missed that one appointment with Charlotte.

“You can read palms?”

Angie’s relief prompted a smile. “You haven’t heard the tidbits about my carnie days?”

“I had, I kinda thought you’d cracked a joke, and it had gotten blown up.”

“No. No joke. I worked the circuit when I was a kid with my family.”

Angie laughed. “One day you’re going to have to tell me all about it.”

The band filed onto the bandstand in the corner and started tuning up. “It’s not so very interesting.”

“Charlotte, you were raised in a carnival and not in high society as we’d all thought. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s interesting.”

Charlotte let her gaze move across the room. “Where’s my table?”

“The red draped one over there. I’ve posted a sign, and I think you already have a line.”

Charlotte arched a brow. If you’d bet her two weeks ago she’d be here now, reading palms, she’d have wagered everything she owned against you sure she’d win. And yet here she was with no time to fret or worry but simply to perform. “Okay.”

“Are you any good at this?”

“I used to be pretty good back in the day.”

“Kinda like riding a bike?”

“Let’s hope.”

Angie stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. “So were palms your thing or did you read cards?”

“Angie, do you want me to trip down memory lane or read palms?”

“Honestly, I’m dying to hear your story. But I can wait.”

“Good.”

As she moved toward her table, her worries about Sooner grew with each passing minute. Had Grady told Sooner the truth to drive a wedge between her and Charlotte? No, you wouldn’t do that. You know Sooner’s too curious and direct. If you told her about me, I’d be the first person she’d find.

She flipped open her phone and called Daniel’s cell. It went to voice mail on the first ring. She listened to his deep clear voice, “You have reached Detective Daniel Rokov. Leave a message.”

“Hey, this is Charlotte. I’m at Angie’s thing. Sooner never showed. Might not be anything, but something doesn’t feel right. Could you send a car by her shop?” She dropped her voice a notch. “I appreciate it, Daniel. Thanks.”

She closed the phone, knowing Rokov would take care of the matter. A sense of calm washed over her anxious nerves when she thought about him. Like it or not, he had worked his way under her skin.

She moved toward her table, stopping and chatting with people she knew from the community. She made a point to ask folks for their names, what they thought about readings, and what they hoped to gain. She filed away the tidbits and invited all to stop by and visit her so she could read their palms. She’d been working the crowds since she was thirteen, and it was something she did better than anyone.

Judge Lawless and his wife appeared at her table. “Counselor.”

Charlotte’s grin was broad and welcoming. “Judge and Mrs. Lawless. Have a seat, be my first customers.”

The judge looked grim and his wife reserved. Neither looked as if they wanted to be here. But the judge understood politics and never missed an opportunity to shake the right hands.

He pulled two twenties from his pocket and tucked them in the fish bowl on Charlotte’s table. “It’s for charity?”

“All proceeds go toward the children’s cancer wing at Alexandria Hospital.” She grinned and waved her hand toward the seats in front of her desk. “This is an opportunity you cannot pass up.”

Mrs. Lawless smiled coolly. The judge scowled.

Charlotte sat. “Now who is going first?”

The two looked at each other, he nodded, and Mrs. Lawless sat in her seat. “Me, I suppose.”

Charlotte grinned. She’d heard faint rumors that the couple’s marriage wasn’t doing well. Some said he’d moved out, but the judge, to her knowledge, had not spoken of a separation. No doubt her past, like their separation, would soon be churning on the rumor mill for months.

“So let me see, what you have going on here?” She studied the deeply rutted lines in the woman’s palm. “You have a very strong lifeline. You’ve lived many past lives.”

“I have?” Polite but not impressed.

“At least eight.” Charlotte traced the line. “And I think you’re going to live a long life.”

Mrs. Lawless stiffened a little. “Good.”

“Not impressed, Wellington.” The judge rolled his eyes and walked away.

Mrs. Lawless sighed as she watched her husband walk away. “He can be blunt.”

“I’ve noticed that in court.” He had a reputation for being a real hard-ass and most attorneys groaned when they drew Lawless.

Charlotte suspected the judge’s wife was just as hard a sale as him. However, she’d met, welcomed, and conquered similar folk. “Let’s try this again.”

Without her husband looming, she relaxed a little. “

Sure.”

Charlotte traced the woman’s lifeline. “The judge has promised you a vacation, but he is hesitating.”

Mrs. Lawless’s eyes narrowed. “We’ve canceled some of the best vacations. No secret there.”

She glanced at Mrs. Lawless’s small diamond engagement ring sandwiched against a larger, brighter solitaire diamond. Life had been good to them, but she still cherished the ring he’d given her on their wedding day. “But he loves you very much. Vacations don’t matter to him, but you do.”

Mrs. Lawless stiffened and pulled her hand free.

Charlotte knew she’d hit a nerve. “I see more. Don’t you want to hear it?”

She hesitated. “I’m not sure.”

“A faint heart never wins.”

Challenged, the woman extended her hand.

“I see vacation pamphlets lying about the house and notes on trips.” When Mrs. Lawless didn’t respond, Charlotte knew she’d missed the mark and quickly turned the negative into a positive. “These pamphlets are old. From vacations never taken.”

Mrs. Lawless’s grip softened. “Yes.”