Wildcard

PART TWO - Tuesday, 12th April (ii)

Ryan cut and shuffled the Tarot cards at breakneck speed.

"Poker player?" Jake chanced.

"Love it," Ryan replied.

Jake could tell he was grinning. "Me too. Given a Braille deck, I'll play any man under the table.

"Ooh ... fighting talk," Ryan replied, chuckling. "There we go. All done."

"Excellent. Now lay out any seven cards in a line on the tray."

There was a little scuffling, and then Ryan said, "Ready."

Jake reached down and flipped the first card, feeling the dots on the bottom corner.

Ryan moved closer. "They make Tarot packs for blind people?"

"There are plenty of seers who can't see, Detective." Jake concentrated on the card. "It's the ten of Cups, but it's inverted. That indicates domestic disharmony, shattered dreams, and a broken family life. Things went wrong with your father right back in your childhood, and the rift never healed."

"True," Ryan whispered. "But I don't want to talk about it."

"That's okay." Jake flipped over the second card. "Eight of Pentacles denotes an apprenticeship. An older man will come into your life, bringing wisdom and insight of a kind that your peers lack. Initially, you'll think him 'over the hill', but if you can find the humility to accept his help, he'll accelerate your career without any thought of self-gain."

"W-When will that happen?" Ryan dropped to his haunches, seeming more engaged. "Is it soon?"

"A while away, I think, so be patient and watch your life unfold."

Jake tipped the third card. "Ahha ... Three of Pentacles. It represents teaming up, which will likely be in a working capacity. You'll form a useful alliance before the year's out that will dramatically enhance your career."

"I'd not team up with any of them," Ryan muttered. "Like you say, I'm not a p-p-people person, so given the choice, I work cases alone. With speaking being such a struggle, collaborating isn't ideal for me."

Jake smiled as he flipped the next card. "Well, you say you wouldn't team up, but the third and fourth cards are almost always linked, and this fourth one is the Four of Wands."

"M-Meaning?"

"Meaning a deep sense of community, home life, and celebration. Don't make the mistake of shunning the chance when the opportunity presents itself because something about that workplace liaison will lead you to the love and security you've always craved. She's out there waiting for you, Detective. You've only got to look."

"No way." Ryan got to his feet as if somehow offended. "I'd never dream of letting my professional and p-private lives get interwoven. If it all came apart, the fallout would be unbearable."

Jake spread his palms. "You chose the cards, Ryan – not me. I just say it how it is."

Ryan's phone beeped, and he scuffled in his coat. Jake wondered if he would need to leave, but after a short pause, he said, "So, come on, then – what's the fifth card say?"

Jake turned it and felt the dots, sadness filling his heart. "It's the three of Swords."

"We've not had one from that suit," Ryan responded cheerily. "What does it mean?"

"I'm sorry to say that this card's all about emotional suffering, heartbreak and mourning."

"Oh ..." Ryan blew out a slow breath. "Makes sense, I suppose. No one's p-parents go on forever, do they? You were right about Pa. He is poorly, and I w-wanted to thank you for telling me and apologise for not believing it. Turns out he'd asked Dad not to distract me with it while I was taking my exams, but I'd rather know the truth."