Her blonde hair was tied back into a loose ponytail. It was nearing the end of October so the days were getting chilly, but not where people pulled all the winter gear out yet. She wore a thick winter jacket, making him think she was the type who got cold easily. The gloves gave that impression as well. Why wear gloves so soon in the year? She wore a light layer of makeup. A touch of pink eyeshadow with sheer pink lip gloss. Or lipstick. He wasn’t positive which one. But her lips were shiny, which made him think lip gloss. The gorgeous tilt of her lips directed his way…

Whatever. He didn’t know why he was focusing on her lips or her looks. Sure, she was a beautiful woman.

But she also claimed to be psychic. Therefore, a nut.

“Detective Holstrom. Thank you for seeing me. I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m friends with Kade and Bailey.”

He gestured at the empty chair next to his desk. “I remember you. Charly with a Y.”

Her lips beamed with a bright smile as she took a seat. “You obviously heard Bailey say that.  Or you heard me introduce myself to someone. No one else but Bailey calls me that. Charly is fine.”

“How can I help you?”

He wanted to get straight to the point and then out of here. Forget the report he should finish. He’d do it tomorrow. Her eyes glittered with disappointment. That what, he didn’t continue her odd conversation about her name? He was sorry he said her name the way he had. The day had been long, and all he wanted to do was leave. Of course, he didn’t have to be rude either.

She averted her gaze, fiddling with her purse sitting in her lap before meeting his tired eyes. He wanted to see her bubbly persona from moments before. Not this sad, weary look. “Well, I assume you remember I’m psychic.”

“I remember you saying that, yes.”

Her lips turned even farther down into a frown, her eyes narrowing in disgust. So now she didn’t want to deal with him. It was a familiar look he saw on people all the time. But he couldn’t blame her for her reaction. He insinuated he didn’t believe her.

He wasn’t saying he didn’t believe her. But it was difficult to believe stuff when he didn’t witness it for himself. Her showing up that day and knocking the glass of tequila out of Kade’s hand could’ve been a mere coincidence. Not because she foresaw him being poisoned.

“I have a crime to report.”

He leaned back in his chair. “In my jurisdiction? Or in yours? Because I know you don’t live in this town.”

She lived across the street from Kade’s new house. It was a good forty-five-minute drive for him. He’d taken the drive many times before it was proven Kade hadn’t killed his wife.

“In mine.”

“Then I don’t know how I can help you. You need to report any crimes that occur where you live in that precinct.”

She shifted on her seat, her shoulders crowding inward as if trying to ward off something he couldn’t see.

“It’s a delicate matter. I thought you might be able to help. But I guess I was wrong. Sorry for taking up your time.”

She started to rise.

“Ms. Yarrow—”

“Don’t touch me!” She flinched, backing up before his hand could make contact with her arm, pushing the chair with her.

Holstrom held up his hands. “I apologize. I only wanted to insist you stay. Is this psychic related? Is that why you’re asking for my help?”

She cleared her throat, nodding.

“Please, have a seat,” Holstrom commanded, glancing around the room, glaring at anyone who dared to watch what was going on. Every person he made contact with averted their gaze.

She gingerly sat down, cowering inward again. He noticed she made a point not to touch anything close to her. Not the desk or the papers lying on it. She barely even sat on the chair with her back resting against it. She was perched on the edge as if waiting to bolt. What a very odd woman.

“Go on.” He pulled his notebook out of his jacket pocket, his pencil poised to take down all the information she could give him. He didn’t foresee getting far because honestly, a psychic? He had a hard time believing it.

“Three days ago I had a vision. A murder.”

(Copyright © 2024 Amanda Siegrist)