by Kelty Kells
“Wait, so that is why everyone left?”
“Not everyone, obviously, but a lot of them, yeah.”
I want to ask about it—about everything, if I’m honest. Cole knows more about this stuff than I do. He has even admitted that he knows information about the occult club that used to meet in town. All I’ve been able to dig up is that it was composed of people like us, people with psychic powers. I’ve asked about them and what they used to do, but he’s done nothing but dodge my questions.
I doubt tonight’s going to be any different, either.
Still, it’s worth a shot.
“Do you think it’s because of that club?”
Sharp gray eyes dart to me. “Don’t.”
“What?” I try to give him my most innocent puppy dog eyes. No one can resist my puppy dog eyes. No one. “I’m just asking about—”
“I know what you’re asking about, and I’m not . . . look, I’ll tell you about it when I’m ready, okay?”
Okay, so maybe Cole can resist them. Dang it.
I huff and flop back against the sofa, crossing my arms over my chest to pout. “I don’t understand. What’s the big deal?”
“That’s exactly why I’m keeping it to myself.”
The clock tower downtown chimes, signaling the hour. The dull knells echo across Mooring Cove. It’s nearing ten, late even for me. As if the chimes awaken the need for rest in me, I yawn.
“I need to go.” Cole sets his half-empty bottle on the small table next to the chair and stands. “Just . . . look, I know it’s frustrating, but for now, lay off. I’ll tell you when I can.”
“I need to know this stuff, especially if we’re solving cases from around that time.” I stand to follow him to the front door, rubbing exhaustion from my eyes. “Keeping me in the dark isn’t helping anyone.”
As he pulls his heavy coat on, he sighs and turns to me. “Listen to me. I know what I’m doing. When I left town, it was so I could learn about this stuff to keep others safe, okay? You think information doesn’t hold power, but this information does—and a lot of people out there are willing to do anything to get it.”
My lips tug into a deep frown. “Wait, what?”
“You heard me. We’re not the only ones with these powers, and others are more than willing to kill to get their hands on what I know.” His shoulders sag. In that moment, he looks so thoroughly exhausted, more so even than me. “Please, just trust me. I want you safe. The less you know, the better.”
I huff and cross my arms over my stomach. “You know you’re going to tell me eventually, right?”
He offers a small smile, that cute dimple shallowly pinching into his left cheek. “Maybe. For now . . . Look. I’ll think about it, okay?”
I suppose that’s better than nothing. “Fine. But I’m not gonna stop asking.”
“Yeah, yeah. I know. Nosy Karen.”
“Hey!”
His smile widens into a grin. “I’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest.”
“Yeah, fine. You too.”
As I watch him trudge down my gravel drive toward his silver Mazda, I can’t help wondering what sort of information he has and why people would kill for it.
I suppose I’ll find out eventually.
Sooner than later would be better.
Boy, am I wrong about that.
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About Kelty Kells
Kelty Kells is the author of the Coffee House Clairvoyant series and delights in bringing Karen Peters and her zany adventures to life. Kells is also the author of an epic fantasy series and numerous other titles and are currently in the midst of developing a cartoon series, Lantern.
The author currently lives in Colorado with their spouse and two rotund, chonky kitties, Middii and Eva.
Learn more, sign up for the newsletter, and discover new Mooring Cove secrets at www.keltykells.com!
Secrets from Mooring Cove
Solution to Previous Puzzle
