I glanced at Kull as I ate. He seemed somehow less dark. Maybe slaughtering the spider had put him in better spirits, although it was most likely due to the Dr. Pepper. I hoped his better attitude lasted, as I was sick to death of putting up with his antics. How did Heidel and his men stand to be around him?
I needed to buy stock in the Dr. Pepper Corporation and possibly find a way to hook Kull up to a continuous Dr. Pepper IV drip.
Brodnik and Rolf filled Kull in on the last two days, but I only half-listened. Nothing eventful had happened until just before we came back, when the princess had been attacked.
“The attacker was looking for the ring?” Kull asked.
“Yes,” Rolf answered. “It’s the ring that Olive wears now.”
Kull knit his brows in concentration. “The fairy ring?”
“Yes,” I answered. “The princess believes the larger stone won’t function unless it’s put together entirely. Whoever took the stone is also searching for the ring.”
“This is strange indeed,” Heidel said. “Who could this person be?”
I had a few theories but none I could prove. “The only person I can think of is Jordan Young,” I said. “He got bailed out of jail days ago, and I don’t think the human authorities are treating him as a suspect any longer.”
“Why not?”
“He had an alibi. He was selling drugs at the time of the first murder.”
“But what about the second murder?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t been in contact with him. But the two murders do have one thing in common. There was an unusual substance found on both bodies—the same type of drug Jordan was selling.”
“Then if the human authorities do not see him as a suspect, perhaps we shall have to speak with him,” Kull said.
“I agree, but let’s not act just yet. There’s still more. Whoever the killer is, they may be working with Madame Glitter, the palm reader. The flowers found in Mr. Kaufman’s eyes are the same kind that her girls have been passing around. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Plus, I’ve seen her hanging around Mr. Kaufman’s shop on more than one occasion. I’d like to know why.”
“Then we shall head to her shop first,” Kull said.
“No, wait,” I stopped him. “I don’t want her to suspect that we think she’s involved, so I’d like to go alone. I’ll ask her for a reading and then go from there.”
“Alone? Is that a wise idea?” Brodnik asked.
“Yes, is it?” Kull said, sighing.
“I’ll be fine,” I said. “Besides, what will she do to me, throw a bag of love dust in my face?”
“Love dust?” Heidel asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Colored sand with perfume. She charges twenty bucks for a small bag—and I’m the one who gets chewed out for being a rip-off.”
Kull crossed his arms. “I don’t like this—I never like it when you go off on your own.”
I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something I would regret. On the one hand, he thought I was invincible and could bring back the dead, and other times he worried over me as if I were a newborn baby. I would never understand him. Thankfully, I would never need to understand him.
I finished my food and stood. “I’ll be back soon,” I said and headed away from them, ignoring Kull as he protested.
Sure, I thought, come with me, Kull, and wave your shiny sword around. Let’s see how long it takes before Madame Glitter calls security.
Without the crowds, navigating the cobbled paths was an easier ordeal, and I made it across the grounds to Madame Glitter’s tent much faster than I’d expected. A girl wearing Gypsy clothing—a red bandana, high-heeled boots, and a full skirt—stood outside. She smacked on a mouthful of gum as she held her phone, scrolling down the screen. As I approached, she looked up, eying me suspiciously.
“Is Madame Glitter here?” I asked.
“No.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“She’s busy.”
“Do you know when she’ll be back?”
She shrugged.
“Can you at least tell me if she’s inside the tent?”
“Sure. She’s in there. She won’t see you, though.”
What? Who made these rules? “What if I pay to see her?” I pulled a wadded ten-dollar bill from my pocket. Thankfully, I’d been off world, or else I would have splurged my tip money on something like groceries. I showed her the cash.
She raised an eyebrow. “Ten bucks? Really? Do I look desperate to you?”
I hesitated, not understanding her attitude. How could she so easily dismiss ten bucks? I would have clamored at the chance to earn that much. I doubted her moral scruples were responsible for the attitude. Sheesh, maybe I needed to rethink my career choice. The trouble was—I couldn’t afford to offer her any more.
“How about a trade,” I said. “I’ve got some handmade knit scarves back in my booth. They’re very popular—”
“No good.”
“Collectible figurines?”
“Nope.”
I should’ve let Kull come with me—he was better at bargaining than I was. He’d probably offer her a whole can of Dr. Pepper. Maybe two if she asked nicely.
“Look, I really need to see her. It’s urgent. I can pay extra if I need to, but it will have to wait until later. This is really important. Like life-or-death important.”
“Fine,” she said, finally taking the money. “She’s inside. Don’t tell her I let you in.”
Chapter 18
I entered the Gypsy’s tent. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. A few candles lit the small space, illuminating the dark burgundy cushions arranged on the floor, the Buddha statue, the small table with a gazing ball and Tarot cards lying haphazardly beside it. Behind the table were several shelves stacked with odds and ends—an urn, a few empty flower vases, and several incense holders. Smoke snaked up through the air from burning incense sticks. The place reeked of incense, as if someone were trying to mask the odor of cigarette smoke clinging to the walls and fabric-covered cushions.
A muffled voice came from behind a
