“How rough?” Aja’s mom asked cautiously.
“While in the service, he had charges brought against him for sexual harassment against some female recruits. All three recruits were transferred out of his division and, unfortunately, I won’t be able to get the military records without a huge fight.
“But what we might have here are some statements of a few girls at the detention center that he arrested. Pretty much all the girls he took in complained of abuse.” Maggie looked down. “But none of the girls were believed because of their past.”
“Just like me,” Aja said softly. “What about the pictures we found? Were his fingerprints on them?”
Maggie shook her head. “No, they were clean.”
“Do you think we can stay here now that the restraining order is done?” Aja’s mom asked.
“It might be a good idea to spend tonight out. He was pretty mad. Give him some time to cool off.”
Aja’s mom nodded, then got a faraway look. “Hilary Lewis is coming tonight.”
“Did she call?” Maggie asked.
“No,” Aja’s mom said. “I just know.”
“We can ask her about Julia,” Aja said, not acknowledging the weird look Maggie had given her mother.
“Maggie, please stay for dinner. I’m making a lentil loaf.”
Aja scrunched her face. “Again? Can we call out for pizza or something?”
“What time are you expecting Hilary?” Maggie asked, a tiny note of sarcasm laced her voice.
“Oh, I don’t know that.”
“Trust me, Mom’s hardly ever wrong,” Aja said, a little protectively.
“With the psychic stuff?”
“Yes,” Aja’s mom said. “When I’m clearer, I’ll do a reading for you free. I so appreciate all you’ve done for Aja.”
“So you can’t see how all this is going to turn out?” Maggie half-joked and sat back on the couch.
Aja looked at her mom and said, “It doesn’t work like that. Usually you get a feeling from a spirit or sometimes you see things, like in a dream. They may or may not come true.”
Aja’s mom smiled and puffed with pride.
Aja went on. “Like the tsunami in Japan. I had a dream months before it happened. I saw a big wave going over a shoreline. In the dream, I didn’t know where it was. It was just a dream. But then, after it happened, I saw the exact same image on the news. It scared me, really.”
“Forgive me if I’m skeptical,” Maggie said. “I’ve never been a big believer in that.”
“Yeah, I understand,” Aja said and glanced at her mom. “Most of the time I try to ignore it.”
They heard a car pull up and a car door shut.
Aja’s mom looked at the clock. “That would be Hilary.”
Chapter 41
Early the next morning Aja rolled off Mrs. Wells’s couch before anyone else woke up. She managed to get a little sleep, despite Clara’s painting of a huge eye that was positioned over the couch. It seemed to watch Aja all night.
Aja wanted to get to school extra early to use the library’s computers, because she’d never gotten the chance to check out the scholarship website.
Navigating Mrs. Wells’s bathroom was a riot. There were old-fashioned perfume bottles all over the counter. Aja did not want to accidentally knock one into the sink. Clara had photos of old movie stars and cross-dressers all over the walls. Aja brushed her teeth and tried to figure out which ones were really men. All of Aja’s mom’s friends were on a scale of strange to bizarre. This was a woman who told everyone that when she died, she wanted to become a carbon diamond. Just like her personality. Fake, gaudy, and flashy, but on the other hand you loved having her around. Aja wondered if her mom had a siren song that attracted all the weirdos whenever they got to a new town.
Before classes Aja only managed to complete three of the scholarship forms by the time school started. She’d gone to all her classes, ignored all of Walker’s calls and texts, and headed straight home after school to finish the rest of the applications. She was looking forward to spending an evening at home. Clay Richards wasn’t allowed near her, and she had nothing else to do but study.
She came in the front door and saw that her mom had the door to her “temple” closed. Probably with a client. Aja put her ear to the door and heard her mom’s voice. She felt relieved, safe. It felt good. Even a full plate of lentil loaf sounded good.
Her phone rang, and Aja quickly punched the silence button. She didn’t want to make her mom mad during the reading. Aja glanced at caller ID. It was Lauren Jensen.
“Hello,” Aja whispered as she ran into her room.
“Aja, it’s Lauren. Can you come by and see Dad tonight?”
“I don’t know. What did Edna Jones say?”
“I haven’t asked. I’ll call her now. Can you come by?”
“Is your dad okay?”
“He keeps saying that Mom needs him. I think he’s becoming delusional. It’s like he’s talking to her.” Lauren quietly sobbed. “His mind has always been so sharp that it’s really hard to watch him decline.”
Aja didn’t want to tell her that her father was right. Mrs. Jensen was near her husband, wanted to cross over but was afraid to go alone. They’d always done everything together. Aja had an idea. She hoped her mom didn’t have another client tonight. “Lauren, can you come by my house tonight?”
“I don’t know. I hate to leave Dad.”
“He’ll understand. Go ahead and call Edna. I need to check on something here, so call me in about thirty minutes, okay?”
“All right, but what do you have in mind?”
“You’ll see,” Aja said. She unloaded her homework and sat at her desk, making sure the curtains were closed. Although Clay Richards wasn’t allowed near her, she still got creeped out thinking about him watching her.
Finally, after twenty minutes, the door to her mom’s office opened and Aja jumped up to ask her mom about Lauren Jensen. She was surprised to see Officer Smith turn and give her mom a hug. The officer dabbed at tears.
“Wow, I didn’t believe before. Thank you. I feel better knowing she’s at peace,” Officer Smith said, then seemed surprised and uncomfortable to see Aja. “Your mom has a gift,” was all she said.
“I know,” Aja answered. She sensed the presence of a spirit dissipating like a wisp of smoke.
“Mom, do you have anyone scheduled tonight?” Aja asked.
“No, I was going to make dinner.”
“Good, I need a favor,” Aja said, then turned to Officer Smith. “Is there any way you could use your police skills to find a person?”
“Depends,” Officer Smith said, warily.
“Do you remember the girl Julia that ran away from Ms. Lewis?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Aja,” her mom warned. “We’ve just had a session. I’m sure Officer Smith wants some time to think.” Her mom handed Smith an audio CD of their session. “That’s so you can listen later, too.”
“Thanks,” she said, and held it next to her. She turned to Aja. “I can’t go looking for someone unless I have a reason. I’m sorry.”
“I understand, but…”
Her mom cut her off firmly, “Aja, later, okay?”
Aja backed down while her mom showed Officer Smith out.
Her mom came in looking exhausted. Aja knew most sessions wrung her out and took a piece of her soul, like what Aja often felt when she allowed the spiritual feelings of others in.
“Let me clear my head, then can we do a nice yoga session before dinner?”
“Who’d she see?”
“Her mom.”
Aja knew not to ask details. Most of the time, her mom didn’t remember specifics about sessions since the spirits, memories or visions came to her as she read. Much of it forgotten after the meeting. She was only the vessel of communication.
“Mom?” Aja said. She didn’t want to ask her this favor, especially seeing how fragile her mom looked now. Her phone rang. It w
as Lauren. “Can you do one more reading tonight? Please?”
Chapter 42
Lauren Jensen came by as Aja and her mom were downward dogging in yoga. Her mom agreed to visit with Lauren only if Aja did a full hour of yoga with her.
Her mom turned on her back, eyes closed, and sighed. “You still owe me thirty minutes.”
“Deal,” Aja said, getting off the floor. “And I’ll make dinner.”
“Fair enough.” Aja’s mom held her hand out for Aja to pull her up. “I hope I can find the energy to do her reading.”
“I appreciate it,” Aja said. “Besides, all those rallies you’ve taken me to all these years, come on, you so owe me.”
“They were character building.” Her mom stood and filled her lungs with a deep breath that went to her toes.
Aja let Lauren in. “Lauren, I want you to talk to my mom. She may be able to help with…” Aja paused. “I think she’ll help you get some closure.”
Aja’s mom welcomed her. “I do want to warn you that sometimes, if the passing is recent, the loved one may not come. Often, they’re still finding their way.”
Lauren looked skeptical. “This is why you wanted to see me? I don’t know; I really don’t believe in this.”
Aja’s mom went on. “And she doesn’t want to leave your father now.”
“Just try, Lauren,” Aja said
Lauren stiffened. “This goes against everything I believe in. I mean, really? You summon…ghosts?” She whispered the last word. “They don’t exist.” She wilted on the couch crying. “But then I do believe in God and heaven.” With tears in her eyes, she said, “I don’t know what to think anymore.”
Aja’s mom directed Lauren to her “temple” and closed the door behind them.
Aja’s phone buzzed soon after they’d gone into the room. Walker again. She ignored it and began to pull out veggies to cut for dinner. Slicing through an onion that made her tear up, Aja thought she heard a noise in the front of the house. Was it a knock at the door? She froze. No, Clay Richards wouldn’t be that stupid. The familiar fear crept through her body. Knife in hand, she went to the front door and peeked out the side window.
There was a familiar vehicle parked in front, and Aja relaxed. Walker’s sky-blue Buick was behind Lauren’s car on the street. Aja wasn’t ready to talk to him, but if he knocked again he’d no doubt bother her mom and Lauren.
She quietly opened the door and stepped onto the porch, knife in hand.
Walker looked at her then the knife. “Whoa, I knew you were upset, but not that mad.” He smiled.
His smile melted Aja’s resolve a little. What was it about him that could get through Aja’s protective shield? “I’m making dinner, and mom’s with someone. And yes, I am still mad at you.” Aja stepped outside and closed the door behind her.
“Didn’t you get my messages? Kendall took the jewelry.” He put his hands in his pocket and looked down. “I’m sorry I doubted you.”
“Yeah, I talked to Janie.” She tapped the knife against her leg. “I am so sick of being the easiest to blame when something goes wrong. I’ve always tried to do the right thing.” She thought of the forty dollars she stole. “What’s going on with Kendall? Is Mrs. Poston pressing charges against her, like she did me?”
Walker shrugged. “No, I don’t think so. I’m not sure she even knows for sure Kendall did it. No one’s seen Mrs. Poston since all this happened.”
“Hasn’t anyone checked on her?”
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about it.”
Aja looked over Walker’s shoulder. “Where’s Kendall now? Hiding in the bushes, waiting to write obscenities all over my car again?”
Walker gave her a puzzled look, and Aja told him why she suspected her.
“I’m sorry, Aja.” He rolled back on his heels like a kid caught in the act. “Kendall is back in Chicago. For good.” He held a hand up. “This time it’s really over; she crossed a line that I can’t forgive. I’ve tried to break it off with her nicely, but she wouldn’t leave me alone. This time I put my foot down. We’re done.”
“I don’t know, Walker, my name is mud at the residence center. What about my reputation? She runs off to Chicago, and I have people wondering if I have the mark of guilt on me.”
He looked away. “I know you didn’t do anything.”
“Am I allowed back there? No. Do I have a job? No.” Aja waved the knife as if to make a point, realized she probably looked like she was going to stab Walker. She didn’t need the neighbors to have another tidbit of gossip on her. “Come in, but be quiet so we don’t disturb Mom.”
They worked together in the kitchen slicing and dicing. Aja drizzled olive oil over a bowl of sweet potatoes, white potatoes and onions, mixed it with garlic and rosemary, then poured it on a cookie sheet. She put it in the oven.
“What else are you eating?” Walker asked.
“Chicken and salad,” Aja answered, pulling a tub of organic greens from the refrigerator. “Have you eaten?”
Walker shook his head. “Is it real chicken or a tofurkey blend?”
“It’s real. Free of hormones and antibiotics.” Aja handed him the tub and grabbed tomatoes, mushrooms and carrots to slice. “You’re welcome to join us.”
“I don’t want to impose. I just wanted to check on you and apologize.”
Aja really wanted to stay mad at him, to stay focused on school and leaving Texas. But he was so damned mouth-watering. “You didn’t eat Janie’s special at the residence home tonight?”
“No.” Walker rinsed the vegetables and began slicing the tomatoes. “I just came from school and thought I’d check on you before I went to see my grandparents.”
“It’ll be past their bedtimes before too long,” Aja said. She wasn’t sure how Lauren would feel if she saw Walker here. Especially since she was already reluctant about doing the reading at all. “Let’s just stay in the kitchen, out of my mom’s way.”
Aja took a cast iron skillet and put it on a hot burner. She poured olive oil and scooped diced garlic into it. She took three chicken breasts and added them to the sizzling mix. The smell of garlic filled the small kitchen.
“There’s nothing like garlic cooking,” Walker said, inhaling. “I’d love to stay, thank you.”
They worked quietly for a few minutes slicing, dicing, and mixing the salad. Finally Aja asked, “Does Edna know that I’m innocent?”
“I don’t know.” Walker chopped the carrots harder. “Kendall was so freaked out, she begged me not to say anything.”
“What about Mrs. Poston? She knows I didn’t do it, right?” Aja held the spatula up that she was using on the chicken.
“I don’t know,” Walker sputtered. “Like I said, I haven’t seen her.”
“So you’d rather protect a thief then go to bat for me.” Aja flipped a breast too hard, spattering oil on the stove. “Didn’t your grandmother say anything to her?”
Walker set the knife on the cutting board and faced Aja. “My grandmother hates scandals, and after the scene in the dining room, she’s embarrassed. She left the jewelry in Edna’s office to give it back. I think she’d rather sweep it all away. Forget about it.”
“And just blame the hired help. Keep it simple.” Aja scooped another breast and tossed it over making a bigger mess. “You know the charges against me haven’t been officially dropped yet.” At least her curfew had been dropped thanks to Maggie.
Walker sighed. “I was planning on visiting my grandparents later. I’ll talk to them and Mrs. Poston on your behalf.”
“And Edna Jones?” Aja pointed the greasy spatula at him.
“Yes, and Edna.”
“Good.” Aja heard voices in the living room. Lauren’s reading was finished. “Can you keep an eye on the chicken? I’ll be right back.” Aja hoped Walker got the hint that she wanted him to stay in the kitchen.
Lauren was at the door, clutching the CD Aja’s mom had given her. Aja could feel Mrs. Jensen’s presence still in the room,
and it stopped her in her tracks. The strength of it surprised Aja. She immediately sensed that Mrs. Jensen was conflicted, hadn’t been ready to die, and still needed her husband near her. But she didn’t want him to leave his children and grandchildren either.
“I can’t lose both of them,” Lauren cried. “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea coming here.” She glanced at Aja but didn’t acknowledge her. Instead she turned and ran out the door.
Aja’s mom leaned heavily against the doorframe. “I need to lie down.”
“Are you okay?” Aja asked.
“Four readings in one day is too much,” Aja’s mom said. “Mrs. Jensen wants her husband with her.” She shook her head. “She was strong, having just passed. She’s still too connected here.” Her mom looked past Aja. “Walker, I didn’t know you were here.”
Aja could tell her mom was spent. Being a psychic, her mom usually knew when someone was here or on the way. “Dinner will be ready soon,” Aja said, going to her. “Why don’t you lie down or meditate for ten or fifteen minutes? I’ll come get you when we’re ready.”
Aja’s mom nodded and allowed Aja to lead her into her room. “Aja, Mrs. Jensen wants you to talk to her husband. Tell him she misses him, but she’ll wait. She kept saying ‘As you wish.’ I couldn’t figure that out.”
Aja smiled, remembering Mr. Jensen doting on his princess bride and the famous line from the movie: As you wish.
Chapter 43
Aja and Walker washed the dishes when they finished dinner. Aja’s mom was quiet and subdued during the meal. She didn’t even push Aja for the extra yoga time owed to her, just excused herself and went to bed.
“I guess I should be going,” Walker said, drying his hands. “I promised my grandmother I’d stop by tonight.”
“Maybe I’ll go with you and talk to Mrs. Poston.”
Walker hesitated. “Let me talk to everybody first.”
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