his face in another psychic dream. You can’t give him away—or her away,” he added.
“Do they think that Emmy killed Randy?” Betsy asked. She picked up the mug of tea that Evan had poured for her and took a hesitant sip.
“They seem to. But that doesn’t mean that I do, Betsy. I really think you ought not to go to that place again.”
“But I want to. Even if I’m not psychic and they won’t be helping me to develop my powers after all. The people are nice to me, honestly. I really don’t feel I’m in danger there … except that …”
“What?”
“Something happened to me yesterday. I thought it was just a horrible accident—”
“What was it?”
“I got shut in the steam room by mistake. The steam came on and I couldn’t get out. I nearly passed out before Bethan and Michael came to rescue me. They said the door had stuck before and they didn’t seem at all worried. In fact, I get the feeling they thought I was being silly and hysterical.”
Evan looked at her sharply. “So who knew you were going to be in the steam room?”
“I’d just left Rhiannon, so she knew. But then anyone only had to look at the staff schedule to see that I was supposed to be cleaning the spa at that time. I almost didn’t make it to the spa. Rhiannon kept me doing other things. I had to rush.”
“I really wish you wouldn’t go back there, Betsy. Take that scare as a warning. If somebody does want to get rid of you, there are plenty of easy ways to do it at that place.”
“I’ll let them know about Emmy Court tomorrow and how she tricked me. It won’t be easy to admit that I’m just ordinary after all, but I’ll do it. When they hear that I’m not psychic, I’ll be safe, won’t I?”
“You’ll be safer if you don’t go back at all.”
“No. I’m being silly again. I’m sure that steam room thing was just an unlucky accident. Michael said the door had stuck before, didn’t he? And he was going to get it fixed right away. ‘Can you imagine how one of the guests would freak out if it happened to them?’ he said. He can be funny if he wants to, can’t he? A bit shy, of course, but sweet. And Bethan’s nice too. Those two will take care of me.”
She took another sip of tea. “And you say you don’t think that Emmy killed Randy. Then that’s all the more reason for me to keep on working at the center. I can be your eyes and ears for you, can’t I? I’ve always wanted to help you with your work. Maybe I can track down the killer for you and you’ll get all the credit for once.”
“Betsy, you’re something else.” He ruffled her wet hair. “I’m going to get a towel to dry you off. You’re dripping like a wet dog.”
When he came back, Betsy was sitting on the chair, hugging her knees to her. She looked about twelve years old.
“Come here.” He flung the towel over her head.
“Ow,” she yelled playfully. “Let me out. You’re suffocating me!” She pushed the towel back from her face and looked up at him. One minute they were both laughing, the next she was somehow in his arms and he was kissing her. Her lips were icy but her mouth was warm and inviting.
“I’m sorry—” He broke away and stepped back from her. “I don’t know how that happened.”
“Don’t apologize,” she said, still looking up at him adoringly. “I liked it. I’ve been waiting a long time for you to kiss me, Evan Evans.” She slipped her arms around him, pulling herself close to him again. “Hold me. I’m still so cold.”
He could feel her slender body shivering. He wrapped his arms around her. “You should never have come out in this storm, you dafty.”
“I know. I didn’t stop to think. I was in a real panic again. Don’t make me go home again tonight. I’m scared of going back there alone.”
As if on cue the room was lit with blue light and a great crash of thunder shook the house. Hail bounced off the pavement outside.
“No, I can’t send you home in this.” Evan hesitated. Part of his brain was whispering that this whole thing might have been one of Betsy’s famous schemes. But he could feel her body shivering against him. He glanced up the stairs. “All right. You can sleep in my bed. Come on.”
She allowed herself to be led up the stairs and scrambled into the bed, pulling the covers over her. “I’m still freezing,” she muttered.
“You’ll soon get warm. That Welsh quilt is terrific. Half a dozen sheep have been stuffed into that.” He grinned at her.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“I’m not rightly sure. I don’t have an armchair or a sofa yet.”
“Don’t go, Evan. Stay here with me. Come on, there’s room.”
Evan gave an embarrassed laugh. “Look, Betsy, I’m only human.”
“No, it will be all right, honestly.” She patted the bed beside her. “I just want to feel warm and safe.” She sat up, hugging the quilt to her. “I promise I’ll behave myself,” she said. “Honestly, Evan. I mean that.” She looked up at him, her big, blue eyes holding his. “Look, I know I’ve tried everything under the sun to get you to notice me, but now that I’m here and I could have what I wanted—I know you love someone else. It’s okay. I’m quite trustworthy. And if you really want to know and promise not to tell another soul in the whole world—I’m still a virgin. I’m not going to lead you astray.” She gave him a little smile.
Cautiously Evan climbed in beside her. He hoped that he was quite trustworthy too. He wasn’t at all sure of it. He was sure Betsy didn’t realize how many times he had thought about being with her and what it would be like. Now she was here and all he could think of was Bronwen.
