A low murmur went up through the crowd as people started whispering in agreement. Nick smiled as he watched Maddie take over the crowd. She had a calming presence, even if she didn’t realize it. She was a natural when it came to being a leader, although fear often held her back.
“She seems okay,” Cooper noted, moving up beside him. “I expected her to be a nervous wreck.”
“She’s better at this stuff than she realizes,” Nick explained. “She just ... gets in her own head. I wish she could see how great she is.”
Cooper pursed his lips. “Something tells me, after a few years spent with you telling her every day, it’s going to sink in.”
“Yeah. I certainly hope so.” Nick inclined his head. “Let’s move to the back. I want to watch Maddie and have a clear view of the other psychics at the same time.”
“Do you think our killer is here?” Cooper was legitimately curious.
“I think that if our killer is smart, she’s still here. Nobody left, right? You checked.”
Cooper nodded. “Yeah. Everyone listed as attending the conference is still registered at the hotel. I also had Boone check for outgoing flights just in case. They’re all still here ... at least as far as I can tell.”
“So, unless our killer somehow managed to sneak onto the property — and back off again — without anybody noticing, our killer still has to be present.”
“So, that means we still have a shot to close this.”
“A shot,” Nick agreed. “We need Maddie and Hannah to come up with that list they promised. Honestly, I think it seems likely that Velma turned up some dirt on one of her peers. Now, that dirt could’ve come in the form of fraud ... or theft ... or something else. It could be any number of things.”
“Velma strikes me as the sort of person who would gladly strip someone’s livelihood away,” Cooper noted. “She would’ve found joy in hurting others. It wasn’t just that she was on top, but that she had to keep others down while she was at it.”
“I think that’s a fairly apt conclusion,” Nick agreed. “The thing is, someone was willing to kill to keep a secret. If word leaks out that we’re investigating the psychics as suspects, this individual might be willing to kill again.”
“I’ve been thinking the same thing myself.” Cooper was deadly serious. “Maddie and Hannah might make appealing targets during tonight’s festivities ... and beyond. We’re going to need to keep an eye on them.”
“I always keep an eye on Maddie. You can bet I’ll be extra vigilant tonight, though. I think it’s a pretty safe bet that our killer is watching.”
“And listening.”
“That means we have to do the same.”
“So let’s do it.”
They bumped fists and split so they could watch the show from different angles.
In the center of things, Maddie had begun to settle. “When Hannah and I first came up with the idea for a seance, it was following a conversation about Velma. Now, I didn’t know her. I’m sure some of you did. I’m also certain that there were probably hard feelings associated with a few of those meetings.”
That statement drew an appreciative chuckle from some.
“The simple fact of the matter is that Velma was a human being and nobody deserves to die the way she did,” Maddie continued. “I’m sure there was fear ... and maybe even some regret. If anybody’s spirit decided to linger, though, I would have to believe it would be hers. That’s why I think, with all of us together, we might be able to make contact with her.”
“I think that’s a fabulous idea,” a fiery redhead intoned from the front of the group. She was young, probably in her late twenties if Maddie had to guess, and she carried herself with an air of importance. “I would like to volunteer my services for this task. I’ve led hundreds of seances at this point and I believe I’m uniquely qualified.”
Maddie and Hannah exchanged quick looks. Hannah held out her hands and shrugged, which Maddie took as silent agreement.
“And you are?” Maddie prodded.
“Cadence Carpenter.” The young woman’s smile was so wide it almost swallowed her entire face. “I’m the premiere psychic in Nashville.”
“Is that saying anything?” a voice asked from somewhere in the back of the crowd.
Cadence jerked her head in that direction, narrowing her eyes, but it was suddenly quiet. “If you don’t think I’m doing a good job you can always relieve me of my duties.”
Maddie licked her lips and then nodded. Honestly, she didn’t want to be in charge. She preferred the idea of someone else absorbing the responsibility. That would allow her and Hannah to watch from a safe distance.
“I think that’s a fine idea.” Maddie smiled and stepped to the side. “Since you’re an expert, I can’t think of anyone who would do a better job.”
“Great.” Cadence’s eyes flashed with importance as she moved to the center of the group, essentially using her diminutive hips to box out Hannah and Maddie. “I’m going to need a few people to help. We’re also going to need candles. It’s going to take us about fifteen minutes to set up.”
“Everyone is welcome to come into the saloon for a drink while we’re waiting,” Hannah offered. “A little bourbon might loosen everybody up.”
That earned an appreciative chuckle and people plodded in that direction without complaint, leaving Cadence and two others to set up for the show.
“Do you think this is a good idea?” Nick asked, snagging Maddie’s elbow as she moved to follow the others inside the saloon. “I mean ... don’t you want to be in control of this?”
Maddie solemnly shook her head. “No, because I don’t happen to believe that Velma’s soul is hanging around.” She kept her voice low. “We
