Clarity | TMFU

FOUR

THE BEST THING ABOUT SUMMER WAS BEING OUT of school, mostly away from Marianna's reign of terror and my daily dose of persecution. The worst thing was that I was shackled to the family business.

I should have been happy we were busy in the summers. Appointments meant money and we needed money. You know, to live and all. And it wasn't like I had big plans this summer. But I sometimes imagined what it would be like to be one of those girls with no responsibility. To have the freedom to spend the whole summer on the beach. Or lock myself in my room for a day with music on and nothing to do. Simple things that normal girls enjoy.

After Rudi and I got back from Yummy's, the rest of the day's readings went smoothly. And Dad, as Rudi had predicted, had calmed down somewhat. He even let me sleep in the next day, which was unusual. But you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth and all that, so I slept till eleven. I showered, and put on my standard summer uniform: denim shorts and a plain white T-shirt. I dressed conservatively, especially in contrast to my father. I figured I attracted enough negative attention, being a psychic.

When I finally made it downstairs, I found Dad pacing furiously in the foyer.

"Udo, you're going to wear down the hardwood," Rudi said, coming out of the kitchen with a teacup in his hands.

"What's up?" I asked, stretching.

Dad took the mug from Rudi, then settled onto the couch and sipped at the tea. "Our next two appointments have already cancelled."

"Why?" I asked, settling down in my favorite overstuffed chair. I slid the morning paper onto my lap.

"The tourists are fleeing," Dad said, a quiver in his voice. "Word is out about the murder and they're all checking out and heading back home to safety. July is our busiest month. If there are no tourists in July, we can't pay the bills in winter."

Rudi scooted next to him and patted his shoulder. "Don't wig out, Udo. Listen to me. This is what's going to happen." His voice was smooth, with a dash of authority mixed in. "A few will panic, yes. But most of the tourists will stay. And you know how these things are. Ninety-nine percent chance it was a crazy family member or something like that. Not a random killing. Once that news comes out, people will realize they're safe. The rest of the summer will continue as normal. Worst-case scenario our business is down for two days. That's it."

"He's right, Dad," I said, watching Rudi with appreciation. Psychic gifts were great and all, but sometimes I thought Rudi's greatest gift was his ability to talk Dad down from the ledge.

He nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay, that makes sense."

I didn't mind the cancellations. It would be a rare treat to hit the beach with a book for a few hours. I was fantasizing about how I'd spend the rest of my day when I opened the newspaper and my jaw practically hit the floor.

The full-page ad displayed images of just about every psychic cliché: tarot cards, a constellation, a crystal ball, a candle. And it read:

Contessa,

internationally respected psychic,

has come to Eastport!

What does your future hold?

See Contessa today to learn about tomorrow.

118 Rigsdale Road, Eastport, MA

Call now to book your reading!