Page 5 of Unforeseen Mate

“Let’s start with a seven-card spread. Cut the deck into thirds.”

Fallon did as Audrey asked, watching as Audrey picked up the middle stack first, followed by what had been the bottom stack and then what had been the top cards. Using her left hand, Audrey laid the cards out with a card at the apex, two cards below it, three cards below that, and the final card in direct alignment with the first.

“Let’s see what we have,” Audrey said serenely. She turned the first card. “The Moon. This card is generally associated with sleep and dreams. An unusual card to be pulled first. Have you been having any unusual or recurring dreams?”

Fallon nodded. “Yes.”

“Good. Then let’s see what your dreams and tarot are trying to tell you.” Audrey turned the second card. “Ah, now that’s interesting. The Lovers. In this case, it is reversed and can mean mysteries unveiled. It can also represent an unconditional love with the twin flame, signifying a strong bond and harmony between two people.”

A mysterious dream lover?When Audrey revealed the Tower, Fallon was not overly surprised.

“The Tower, an indicator of sudden upheaval, chaos, and change.” She looked at Fallon. “You don’t seem surprised.”

“Not really. I’ve felt this kind of growing wind of change, if you would, for a while now.”

The fourth card was the Six of Swords. “Hmm. Another indicator of transition or a rite of passage. It also generally means the person involved will find a release or resolution and recovery.”

The Seven of Swords was the fifth card, and Fallon frowned.

“I can see from your expression that you recognize the general meaning of this card: betrayal, deception, getting away with something, but,” she said, tapping her finger on the Seven of Swords, “you also have a strong indicator that whatever it is, you will come through to the other side.”

Audrey turned the sixth card and sat back. “That’s curious. The Emperor is associated most often with authority, structure, father or master figures.” She turned the last card. “Well, that’s a good way to end—the Ace of Pentacles, associated with financial opportunity and abundance. This is a very interesting spread.”

Fallon laughed nervously. “I’ll say, but I think it makes some sense when viewed as a whole, don’t you?”

“I do, from a broad overview. I’d say change is headed your way and that it could be frightening at some point, but it appears to me you will be in many ways in a better position than you are now. After all,” Audrey joked, “love and money can’t be all bad, right?”

Fallon smiled. “Right.”

“Would you like me to draw some other cards?”

“No. May I take a picture? I’d like to think about what you’ve seen.”

Audrey nodded and handed her a card as Fallon snapped a picture of the spread. “Call me if you have questions. No charge.”

“Thanks,” said Fallon, paying Audrey, who invited her for tea, but Fallon declined, saying she had other appointments. It wasn’t true, but she needed space to contemplate.

Fallon left the shop and headed to walk along the Thames. She always found water soothing and did some of her best thinking while walking along a river, lake, or ocean shore. It was unsettling to see the tarot confirming her concerns about whatever was coming, but maybe by knowing, she would be able to move peacefully through it.

Throughout her walk, Fallon couldn’t help but feel she was being watched. Yet each time she turned around, there was no one there. Perhaps the tarot reading had been a warning—more so than she thought. Shaking her head, she headed back to the Savoy, never seeing the small, round man scurrying behind—moving from one hiding place to another.

CHAPTER 3

FALLON

The following morning, the front desk had two messages delivered with her breakfast. Both were from the day before. Fallon decided to eat and watch a little international news before seeing who was looking for her. One of the things that was so enjoyable about the Savoy was that their room service was impeccable, the food divine.

Fallon ordered the continental breakfast, which consisted of cereals, yogurt, and a charcuterie and cheese plate as well as an English muffin, black coffee, and water with ice. One always had to remember to order ice if you liked your beverage cold.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast—after all, she was on vacation—she picked up the first message. It was from the museum, asking her to call at her convenience about possibly remaining in London at the museum’s expense to speak with the board and take on another project. That was a no brainer. She loved London, the Savoy was her favorite hotel in the world, and the museum paid extremely well.

She rang the museum director’s phone. “Charles? It’s Fallon.”

“Oh, good, you got my message. I hoped you’d get it before you started to pack.”

“I was planning to stay a few more days. What can I help you with?”

“We’ve had some interesting documents and drawings turn up. We were wondering if we might be able to persuade you to stay on and take a look at them. Your usual fees and accommodations. Please tell me you’ll stay?”

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