Page 23 of It takes a Psychic

A small cluster of cheerfully inebriated people spilled out of a narrow lane and into their path. They wore T-shirts emblazoned with the logo of a sports team and it was clear they were celebrating a win. Mugs of beer were raised on high as they half sang, half shouted a college song.

“On to victory, on to victory, we never stop and we never run…”

Leona came to a sudden halt. “Damn.”

Oliver rezzed his senses, took her arm, and steered her around the small throng. “Just a bunch of kids from out of town. They aren’t interested in us.”

The small group went past, paying no attention to them.

“Thanks,” Leona said. “That really is a handy little trick you’ve got there.”

“It has its uses,” he said.

He did not realize that he must have sounded grim until she shot him a quick, searching look.

“You don’t seem too happy about it,” she said.

“You know the old saying.There’s a dark side to every talent.”

“What’s the dark side to yours?”

“This isn’t the time for that particular discussion.”

“I understand.”

That gave him pause. “Got a problem with your talent for picking psi-locks? Strikes me as a very convenient skill set.”

She stopped in front of a door and gave him a cool smile. “As you pointed out, this isn’t a good time to discuss the subject. If you’ll give me your address, I’ll make sure your coat gets returned to you.”

“Keep the coat,” he said. “I’ll pick it up the next time I see you.”

“When you invite me to the Rancourt Museum to examine the crystal? Excellent.” She paused as if a thought had just struck her. “Do you live in Illusion Town?”

“I’ve got an apartment in the Emerald Zone. Close to work. The museum and the Foundation headquarters are located in the EZ.”

Her eyes glinted with renewed suspicion. “I still find it hard to believe that I’ve never heard of the Rancourt Museum. Where, exactly, is it located in the Emerald Zone?”

He braced one hand against the doorframe and smiled a little. “Down below in the Underworld, of course. For security reasons.”

“It’s so easy to hide stuff in the tunnels.”

“Even an entire museum.”

“Apparently. Well, thanks, again, for the rescue tonight.”

“Anytime. I’m going to be out of town for a few days.”

“That priority you mentioned earlier.”

“Right. But if you’ll give me your phone number, I’ll call when I return and we can set up a date.”

“A date?” she repeated, as if the word were unfamiliar.

“For you to examine the pyramid crystal,” he said, going for smooth.

“Right. A date.”

She opened her evening bag and took out her phone. When they exchanged numbers, he got another little thrill. This made it all so much more real. Hewasgoing to see her again. Soon.

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