Did he even see this stuff?
Then again, I wasn’t sure if this was even real or not. Maybe it’s just a... stress thing, I thought. Edward stepped out of his office, and shut the door behind him. The smoke slowly unfurled and dissipated.
What the hell? I’m pumping out my own special effects, and no one else even gets to see it? I don’t even have words for this. I dropped my head into my hands, and closed my eyes to block out any more stimulation from the outside world. I couldn’t take any more of this hocus pocus shit.
My sensory reprieve was brief. Edward returned with a bottle of cold water. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, and there was an awkward pause as Edward cleared his throat. “Well, now. Let me show you something.” He walked to the bookcase and picked up a small picture frame. “This may not help much, but here’s a picture of your grandmother with Mr. McDonough and I.”
I studied the photo. Edward was on the left, looking roughly the same, with maybe a little more hair. On the right, a man sporting a gray, bushy mustache and beard. Mr. McDonough, I figured. He bore a basic button up shirt, well-worn slacks - comfortable older gentleman clothes.
In between these two stood Edna. The spitting image of Orin’s description, flashing the camera a wry, closed mouth smile. Her hair was graying to a soot color, but still reminded me of my own black tresses. But her eyes told everything – they were the same as mine. Storm cloud gray, full of cunning and mystery. Tall, slim, proud, shoulders back – it gave her an air of confidence.
Edna was clearly a natural beauty, despite her age. Her silver necklace drew my attention; a pendant, shaped like three interconnected spirals. It looked like some kind of ancient, ritually significant symbol. At the same time, it made me think of a fidget spinner, and that made me smile a little. Even warriors needed to occupy their hands every once in a while, I supposed.
“She looks... I don’t know, like she was a real powerhouse, I guess.”
“For all the dark portents surrounding her, Edna could have her pull,” Edward said. When he saw me smile at that, he blushed.
“Why, Mr. Finn. Were you crushing on a client?”
He affected a properly scandalized look for his denial. “Hmm? My word, don’t be ridiculous.” He cleared his throat again, trying to get back to business. “So, what do you think? Will you accept Edna’s inheritance and the conditions with it?”
I made a thoughtful noise, still transfixed on the necklace. On one hand, I had to admit, when it came down to it, I had nothing much to lose. With one exception, I had no specific plans. Not a fucking clue really, what to do with the next year of my life and certainly nothing beyond that. It was a choice between looking for work back in Georgia, or living in a mansion and inheriting a ‘small fortune’. Small if you’re Mark Zuckerberg, that is. Hang out in the same old same old? Or an adventure?
There was, however, the one big hitch to consider. Katie. I dreaded telling her I wouldn’t be back in the States for our summer fling. Sure, Katie would act understanding, but she wouldn’t take it lying down. Would she cut my throat? No. Would she fitch a pit about it all the same? Absolutely, and I couldn’t blame her.
“Can I think about this for a bit?” I asked him. “It’s tempting, but... you understand, I have my reservations.”
“Of course,” Edward nodded. “Tell you what. I’ll be stopping by the estate tomorrow, with your grandmother’s shadow box. We’ll talk more then.” He stood up, and we shook hands, but as I turned to go, he added, “Before we wrap up, I want to say this: try your hardest not to get into any trouble while you’re here.”
“Uh-huh... okay.” This vague yet ominous statement set me on edge. “I’ll try my best,” I replied. What kind of trouble could I get into? So much for having fun.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll need time to let everything settle inside your head.”
Duh. Really? “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Yes. Until then. Do take care.”
I walked outside, and to my own surprise, felt a tickle of disappointment when I didn’t see Weylyn hanging out on the corner. I hopped on my bicycle and pedaled my way back to Cóis Dara. Riding in the fresh air was a pleasant change, but once I set foot in the estate, I couldn’t settle down.
◆◆◆
I sat on my bed for a while, but I felt too fidgety to process this information overload. I was apprehensive. Edgy. I needed a mindless distraction. I opened the hallway closet, and found exactly the ticket - a feather duster. It was time to feed my inner O.C.D. monster, and do some anxious cleaning.
I feathered through about three bushels of dust by the time I finally felt I could sit and think. I plopped into a freshly dusted armchair, and took out my phone. I scrolled to Katie and hit the call button.
Katie may have her quirks, but she was always reliable. She picked up on the second ring, scolding instantly. “Keira Marigold Morrigan, where the fuck have you been? I’ve been going crazy worrying about you.”
“You and my non-existent middle name.” Her trademark tease was a comforting touchstone.
“So, fill me in. What’s the dish from across the pond? Obviously, you managed to crawl out of the airport.”
I could picture Katie, lying on her bed, phone on speaker, laying on her stomach. I already missed her familiar, laid-back ass. “Okay, there’s a shit ton to cover. So, pay attention, and no filing your nails while I’m talking.”
“Thanks for reminding me I
