Page 8 of No Artful Refusal
Marlene’s normal chuckle turned brittle around the edges as Devyn hurried toward the kitchen.Something was wrong and she hoped she could sort it out and support her dear friend before things upset her further.
Pulling a small plate from the cabinet, she loaded it with several chocolates from Marlene’s special stash.Her favorites were the dark truffles dusted with espresso powder.After adding a couple of sweeter truffles for herself, Devyn poured two glasses of water as well.
Back in the sunroom, she set the plate close to Marlene and hoped the treats lifted her mood.
Several minutes ticked by in silence.Marlene’s brow furrowed and Devyn did her best not to push.“Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together,” she reminded her mentor.
“We always do, don’t we?”
Devyn smiled.It was very true.Year by year, whatever life threw at them they managed to handle with tenacity, patience, and humor.Nearly always landing on their feet.“Ready to tell me about the vision?”
“A possible future,” Marlene grumbled.Her gaze lifted and locked with Devyn.“It’s terrible wondering if I’ve ever been useful.”
“Of course you have.For me, and countless others.”
Marlene sniffed.“Well, this time around, I’m not sure seeing the future is helpful.It’s been gray around the edges lately.”She sipped her water.“And then moments like that.”She flicked a hand toward the hallway.“It’s a wonder I haven’t broken all of my teapots at this rate.”
“This has happened often?”Devyn queried cautiously.Worry, unproductive as it was, swirled low in her gut.
“That’s the wrong thing to focus on,” Marlene assured her.“I’m fine.”She bit into another truffle.“Let me start over.”
“Okay.”
Marlene finished the candy as she gathered her thoughts.“I saw something a few weeks ago.It didn’t make sense.Wasn’t clear.No flashes or anything abrupt or harsh.Soft as a dream, like a wisp of fog floated right through the room as I watered plants.”
Marlene’s visions ranged from immediate to long range.“Something a ways off,” Devyn supplied.
“Yes.Exactly.”She massaged her hands.“The vision was clear enough from the start.It was just too soon to call the police.”She frowned.“You know, I’m still not sure the crime has happened.”
“But it will?”
“Yes.I feel pressure.”Marlene touched a spot at the base of her throat.“Pressure that tells me time is running out.”
Though Marlene focused her talents on clients seeking information about their future, sometimes other information came to her completely unbidden.Usually about people close to her, but not always.On those occasions she took copious notes, and if necessary, she called in anonymous tips to the police or the appropriate agencies.
Was this a personal connection presenting differently, or a random situation intent on using Marlene as the conduit?Clearly, her friend was battling a physical illness, but was there a bigger problem affecting her psychic gifts?
It was hard for Devyn to stay quiet with so many questions rolling through her mind.She quickly tamped down her concerns before Marlene noticed.“Together we can sort it out,” Devyn said.“Have another chocolate.”
“Good idea.Thank you.”Marlene bit into the confection.The sigh that followed was pure contentment.Gradually, she relaxed, from her face to her toes.
“What I’ve seen is a robbery,” Marlene began.“Either it has occurred or will soon.”She shook her head, frustrations creeping back into her face, gripping her shoulders.“It will happen.I’m sure of it.That was my vision a moment ago.”
Several minutes ticked by as Marlene stared at her feet.
“What will be taken?”Devyn prompted.
“A painting.One of my mother’s works.Before she met my father.”Marlene’s lips curled into a smile full of memories.“It’s a small canvas.Twelve by twelve, or so.”She used her hands to frame out the size.“For ages, we’ve loaned it to a local college museum.I have a framed print.Given the choice, I preferred for the original to be cared for properly.”When she lifted her face to meet Devyn’s gaze, her eyes were shimmering with tears.“Now it’s gone.Or almost.”
“It must be very special.”Devyn couldn’t think of a single material object in her life with ties strong enough to cause such an intense reaction.
Marlene nodded.“If I received a warning to protect the painting, I didn’t recognize it.And I should have.That’s on me.”
“Something like this, if you were warned, you would’ve noticed.”
“Maybe so,” Marlene allowed.“I know it’s gone.”Her hand came up to rest over her heart.“They haven’t called yet, but I know.It hasn’t been on display for about six months.They rotate it in and out, usually with the change of season.”
“Why don’t we call the museum?”Devyn suggested.“Once we have confirmation and a timeline, they can get the police involved.”
