Omens (Cainsville 1)

I took a step back. One started unfolding its wings and then stopped. I moved back again as they watched. The other one spread its wings and hopped from the post, sailing down gracefully, grabbing the raven in both claws. With a flap of its wings, it took off.

The second owl stayed for another moment, round eyes fixed on mine. Then it followed the other in silent flight.

"Mrrow?"

I spun. The black cat leapt onto the gatepost vacated by the owl. It arched up, purring. I petted it and checked its back. I saw dried blood, but the punctures had already sealed and weren't tender enough for it to complain when I prodded.

I stepped back to get a better look at the cat. It leapt to the ground, strolled over to the bloody spot on the cobblestones, and began licking it.

"Getting rid of the evidence," I murmured. "Good idea."

I returned to the diner, hoping Larry was still there so I could grab a bucket of water and clean the bloody stones before any kids came to play the next day. When I got back with the bucket, the cat was gone. I cleaned up the blood as best I could.

I opened my apartment door to see yet another business card waiting for me.

ROSALYN Z. RAZVAN, AAP

Professional Prognostication

By Appointment Only

Take Charge of Your Future

The address was for the house across the road.

I flipped over the card. In precise handwriting, she'd written: We must speak. You need my help.

"For a hundred bucks a session, I'm sure." I tossed it into the trash, the same place I'd thrown her nephew's card two days ago. This one would stay put. I needed his services; I certainly didn't need hers.

The next morning, I made my daily call to Howard before heading out for a much-needed walk. His voice mail picked up right way, and I wondered if he was just hitting ignore when he saw my new number. No matter. I'd keep making these calls and he'd keep passing on the messages to James and my mother. My family paid him too much not to.

On my way past the library, I popped in to check the bulletin board. If I planned to stay in Cainsville for a while, I should get more involved. I could join the knitting circle. Or the book club. Or, if I waited a few weeks, lawn bowling season would start.

I skimmed to karate lessons. Join anytime. Weekly at the community center. Five dollars per session.

That I could afford and self-defense lessons wouldn't be a bad idea. I jotted down the particulars.

It wasn't yet ten when I got back to my apartment, but Gabriel's Jag was already out front, and the man himself was on the stoop, talking to Grace.

"Let me grab my notebook," I said, by way of greeting.

"I brought the file." He lifted it.

"Which is good, considering that's what I'm paying you for."

I started to walk past him.

"I meant that we don't need to go anywhere," he said. "If you're uncomfortable having me in your apartment, we can leave the door open."

"Um, no, I know how to scream. And I'm sure Grace would call the cops for me. Otherwise she'd lose the rental."

Grace nodded, not the least offended.

"I'm suggesting we don't do this inside because my apartment stinks," I said. "Despite hours of cleaning."

"Buy an air freshener," Grace said.

"I did. A lovely peach-scented one. Now my apartment smells like rotten peaches. I'm going to paint the place next week."