Death Dates the Oracle, page 11
“I’d love some,” Tru said. She was game to try anything new, and it smelled wonderful. Besides that, it would be rude to turn down someone’s hospitality in their home.
“Sounds lovely,” Eamon said. “Thank you.”
Imari poured cups for all of them, passed the cups out along with a bowl of sugar cubes, then sat at the other end of the big couch, crossing her legs under her and holding her cup with such grace that Tru felt like a big clumsy lump.
Imari, with her dark, flowing curls and burnished skin was honestly the most beautiful woman Tru had ever seen. She didn’t understand why Eamon wasn’t staring at her.
“Go on,” Lucien said. “Tell me how you saved these people.”
Together, Eamon and Tru explained what had happened, Tru filling in the parts about her aunts being oracles and what they could do.
At the end, Lucien nodded. “That’s remarkable. That young man and his father owe you a debt.”
“No,” Eamon said. “They owe me nothing. I was just glad to help.”
“Of course you were. Because you’re a decent human being. But there are those in this world who would have done nothing.” Lucien sipped his tea. “I don’t think I can help you in the sense of removing this gift from you.”
Eamon’s face fell. He sighed. “I see.”
“But”—Lucien lifted his finger—“I might be able to teach you to control it. It all depends on your willingness to learn and how deep this ability lies within you. I’ll need to know more about what you can do.”
Eamon held his hands up. “I’d love to learn to control it, but I’ve told you everything I can do. There’s very little of me involved in it. I just see the hourglasses over people, whether I want to or not.”
“Have you ever tried not to see them?”
“All the time. It’s why I’m wearing this hat. The brim makes it easier to block them out.”
“No,” Lucien said. “Not physically. I mean have you ever tried with your mind?”
Eamon glanced at Tru like he thought the man across from him was a little crazy. “No. I wouldn’t know how to begin doing that.”
“That is what I would like to try to teach you. No promises, you understand?” Lucien put his tea down. “Without knowing the real strength of the reaper blood in your veins or the powers of the reaper who contributed that blood, there’s no way for me to guess how successful this attempt might be.”
“Would it help to know the reaper’s name?” Eamon asked.
“Immensely. I could look him up and see just what his skills were,” Lucien answered. “How would you find that out?”
“My cousin, Callum, has been working on our family’s genealogy for years. He’s been trying to trace all the different types of magic and creatures and whatnot that are behind all of our curious powers. He might be able to tell me. Or he might be able to find out.”
“Then ask him. If he can tell you the reaper’s name, all the better.” Lucien hesitated. “May I ask why there’s been so many different bloodlines in your family? While it doesn’t create issues for most creatures, some do tend to stick to their own kind because, as you are witness to, mixing the bloodlines can create issues with the magic. Occasionally, the original magic disappears entirely, lost to the generations.”
Eamon glanced at the floor, then shook his head. “We’re just mutts. That’s all I can say.”
Tru had an inkling that there was a reason but he didn’t want to say. Maybe because she was there. Maybe it was something embarrassing. Either way, it was his right to share what he wanted and keep the rest to himself.
She just hoped it wasn’t information that could prove useful later. She drank the last of her tea, which had been very tasty.
Lucien cleared his throat softly. “See what you can find out from your cousin. In the meantime, I’ll do a little research on my end. We should exchange numbers as well. Then we can contact each other with what we’ve found.”
While Eamon and Lucien did that, Tru smiled at Imari. “That tea was really good. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome,” she said. “It’s nice to meet new people in the neighborhood, so I’m glad you stopped by. Although I wish it was under different circumstances. Such a gift as Eamon’s sounds like a heavy burden to bear.”
Tru nodded. “It sounds that way to me, too.”
They said their goodbyes and headed back to Tru’s aunts’ house. “Did that make you more or less interested to see what my aunts have to say?”
“After talking to Lucien, more. Definitely.”
“He’s an interesting guy, don’t you think?”
“Intimidating, to say the least. An actual reaper.” Eamon shook his head. “I never thought I’d meet the likes of him.”
“How are you feeling about what he told you?”
Eamon took a breath before answering. “A wee bit hopeful, I suppose. It feels … disloyal to want to remove my ability altogether. That probably sounds like a load of bollocks, but it’s the only family legacy I have of the magic that was once in us.”
“It sounds perfectly reasonable. Getting rid of it entirely might make you feel disconnected from your family, and your family is really all you’ve had for a long time.”
He nodded, smiling. “Aye, that’s exactly it. My family has been there for me. I wouldn’t want to do anything that would seem disrespectful. But at the same time, if I never saw another hourglass, I’d be just fine with that, too.”
“I get the family thing, because I’m in the same boat. I’ve been raised with the expectation that I would be an oracle someday. It’s not just something my family hoped I would do. It’s always been understood that it was my duty. Just like it would be for any daughters I have.” Although those chances were getting smaller and smaller every day.
He gave her a long look. “I wish I could hold your hand right now.”
She nodded. “I wish you could, too.” She’d never thought being unable to hold hands with someone could make her ache inside, but that was exactly what was happening. The comfort of that physical connection would have done wonders for her.
But it was more than that. Eamon had become forbidden fruit. And she’d never wanted a taste of anything so badly in her life.
“The meal was stunning, and that chicken was incredible,” Eamon said. He meant it, too. The salad her aunts had served really had been delicious and full of flavors he wasn’t used to.
He’d texted his uncle before the meal to say he was at Tru’s and wouldn’t be back until after dinner. He was glad he’d stayed. He could talk to his cousin when he got home later.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Delphina said. She made a happy face at Tru. “I love the words he uses. Stunning! So cute.” Then she headed into the kitchen with the big salad bowl, which was mostly empty.
“I probably ate too much.” He put his hand on his stomach. Under the table, Nemo rubbed against his legs. The cat had been hanging around him since they’d arrived. “But it was all so good. The dolmas might be my new favorite thing.”
Cleo grinned. “We’ll make a Greek out of you yet.”
Delphina came back with a platter of flaky little squares speckled with nuts and glistening with some kind of syrup.
Recognition hit Eamon. “Is that baklava?”
“It is,” Delphina said proudly. “Homemade. Have you had it before?”
“I have. There was a chippie near where I grew up that was owned by a Greek family. They always had it.” He smiled at Tru, then at Delphina. “There’s no way it’ll be as good as this, though.”
“Smart boy.” Cleo gave him a wink. “What’s a chippie?”
“A fish and chip shop,” Eamon explained. “Which is how I already know your baklava will demolish theirs.”
Tru laughed. “You’re awfully charming.”
He smiled. He was happy. Truly happy. If nothing in his life changed, he could live like this. There was no question he would prefer a life where being close to Tru and having the ability to touch her were possible, but if that didn’t happen, this was still very good.
Delphina cleared away a few more things. “Why don’t we make a pot of decaf? And while that’s brewing, Cleo and I can take a look at you, Eamon.”
Tru frowned. “But you have a Keurig. That doesn’t make pots of coffee.”
“We have a Mr. Coffee, too,” Cleo said. “It’s in the pantry. Still comes in handy now and then.”
Eamon nodded. “I’m fine with that.”
Delphina patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. It’s not going to hurt.”
He laughed. “Thank you for the reassurance.”
He carried his plate and utensils into the kitchen, where he was promptly shooed into the living room.
Nemo followed him in. Eamon took a seat on the couch and waited for the women. He picked up a small, crinkly ball and tossed it for the cat.
Nemo took off after it. Then he brought it back, carrying it in his mouth.
Eamon pointed at him as he looked at the women. “Do you see this? This cat plays fetch!”
Cleo laughed. “It’s not that uncommon in cats. People think it’s just a dog thing, but it really isn’t.”
Eamon shook his head at Nemo. “You’re a smart little lad, aren’t you, now?”
Nemo dropped the ball. Eamon picked it up and tossed it again. Just like before, Nemo chased it down and returned it.
“This cat is something else.”
Tru and her aunts came in. Cleo and Delphina sat on either side of him. Tru took one of the chairs. Nemo sat on the coffee table, watching. Yardy was in the cat condo by the windows, along with another cat Eamon didn’t know the name of.
Cleo spoke first. “We’re going to have a look at your future. And if you’d like, Del could also look at your past. It may not seem that important to you, but sometimes the past can answer a lot of questions.”
He nodded. “I’m open to anything you think might help. Especially if reveals something that will help Lucien better understand what’s going on.” Over dinner, Eamon and Tru had told her aunts all about their visit to the reaper and his wife.
“That’s the goal,” Delphina said. “To find bits of information that will help solve this whole puzzle of how to make things better for you.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Just sit back and relax,” Cleo said. “The more open you are to the experience, the easier it will be for us.”
“All right.” He settled in.
Delphina rubbed her palms together. “I’ll start.”
She took Eamon’s hand in both of hers, then closed her eyes and emitted the soft radiance he’d seen before.
After a few moments, she opened her eyes again and shook her head, looking at her sister. “Nothing stood out to me.”
“Is that bad?” Eamon asked.
“No, not bad,” Delphina said. “In a way, it’s good. I didn’t see any traumas or incidents that might have contributed to your current ability.”
“My turn,” Cleo said.
Tru leaned forward in her chair. “How far into his future are you going? Are you going to look for me?”
Cleo cut her eyes at her niece. “I’m going to let his future show me whatever it wants to. I cannot direct what is already there.”
“Okay.” Tru sat back and gave him a little shrug as if to say she’d tried.
He didn’t mind. Whatever they found was just more information. Hard to say what might be helpful.
Cleo took his right hand, the same way Delphina had taken his left, holding it between both of hers. She closed her eyes, and the glow emanated from her.
Her brow bent, furrowing into lines that he could only interpret as bad news. Whatever was in his future couldn’t be good.
With the kind of stealth only a cat could achieve, Nemo stretched his way onto Eamon’s lap. Eamon smiled and scratched his head.
“Whoa,” Cleo said suddenly. “Whoa. What the—” She opened her eyes, instantly pinpointing Nemo. “When did he show up?”
“Just a second ago,” Eamon said.
Tru was on the edge of her seat. “What did you see?”
Cleo frowned. “You know I can’t discuss Eamon’s future with anyone but him without his permission.”
“Go ahead,” Eamon said. “You can say whatever you need to in front of Tru. I don’t mind.”
Cleo took a moment, long enough to make Eamon think she didn’t want to share what she’d seen. She wiped her hand over her mouth, then spoke. “What I saw was a lot of darkness. Almost like an illness that was diminishing you more and more every day.”
“Like Alzheimer’s?”
“Sort of. But it wasn’t just your mind. It was your body, too.” There was pain in Cleo’s eyes. She clearly didn’t want to have to tell him this. “But then it changed. And in all of my years as an oracle, I’ve never seen a future change while it was being shown to me. Not once. And that change occurred when Nemo got into your lap.”
Eamon glanced down at the beastie. “Och, this cat changes my future?”
Cleo nodded slowly. “That’s how I interpret it.”
Tru’s mouth was hanging open. “What does that mean? How does Nemo change it?”
“It really felt like Nemo saved Eamon’s life,” Cleo said. “But like I said, this is brand-new for me. I really can’t be sure. But there are other oracles I can ask. And I will.”
“Thank you,” Eamon said. He scratched Nemo’s cheeks, which made the wee cat purr like mad.
Cleo nodded. “But until I do, and until I know more, I think you need to keep Nemo close to you.”
“You mean take him home with me?” Eamon blinked as he tried to take it all in.
“Yes,” Cleo said. “That’s exactly what I mean. He does seem to like you, so I think it’ll work out.”
“But he’s your cat,” Eamon countered.
“We’re never opposed to finding a good home for one of our clowder, outside of a few we consider our personal cats,” Delphina said. “It means we have room for another one who might need a home.”
Eamon picked Nemo up and cradled him in his arms, staring at the stripey orange creature in disbelief. “Did you hear that, lad? Looks like we’re going to be housemates. I hope that’s all right with you.”
Nemo stretched out one paw, putting it squarely on Eamon’s cheek.
He shook his head as he looked at the women around him. “You really think a cat is going to save my life? That he’s some kind of talisman?”
Tru rubbed her temple. “Do you want to take the chance he’s not?”
Eamon smiled and gazed down at Nemo’s sleepy face and quivering whiskers. “No.”
Tru helped her aunts gather a cat owner starter kit for Eamon: a disposable litter box, a jug of litter, a couple of cans of cat food, a Ziploc baggie of dry food, some toys, and a blanket that Nemo was particularly fond of, along with the folder that held Nemo’s health records from his one trip to the vet.
Eamon had gone back to his house to explain things to his uncle and smooth the way for Nemo’s impending arrival.
Tru couldn’t imagine Seamus would have a problem with taking Nemo in. Not considering the circumstances. Actually, she didn’t think he would have minded even without the circumstances. Seamus seemed like the sort of man who’d welcome a pet. Especially one who might be able to benefit his nephew.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Tru shouted. Her aunts were taking care of the rest of the cats—giving medications, cleaning litter boxes, and whatever else the evening routine entailed.
She opened the door. Eamon and Seamus stood there. Seamus was sporting a grin like she’d never seen. He looked ecstatic. She smiled back. “Hello, Underwoods.”
“Hello, my dear Tru.” Seamus put his hands together in front of him. “Where’s the wee moggy? I can’t wait to have him running about the place.” He went straight past her into the house and called out, “Delphina? It’s Seamus. Where are you hiding our new kitten?”
Eamon looked like he was trying not to smile. “I dinna think he’d have this kind of reaction.”
Tru laughed. “I love it. And if Aunt Delly wasn’t already crushing on him, she will be now. The way to her heart is definitely cats.”
Eamon came in and closed the door. “I’ve never had a pet. What if I do something wrong? I don’t know how to look after a cat.”
“Cats aren’t hard to take care of. Just remember, they have minds of their own. You can’t make them do anything they don’t want to do. And they’re most likely to do the thing you want them to do when you no longer want them to do it.”
“So they’re like women, then?”
By the twinkle in his eyes, she knew he was teasing her. She smirked at him. “In some ways, they’re a lot like men, in that they rarely listen and don’t always have the best bathroom habits.”
Eamon’s eyes rounded. “Is he going to poop all over the house?”
“No, he’s going to poop in his litter box. But I was referring to the fact that some cats are diggers and like to do an abundant amount of covering, which can result in litter getting on the floor. And then there are some cats who don’t cover at all, and that gets a little smelly. No clue which one Nemo is.”
“I guess I’m soon to find out. You know a lot about cats.”
“My aunts have been giving me a crash course.” She laughed softly. “Also, me and my aunts are a text away if you need anything or have questions.”
Eamon nodded. “Aye, that’s the most important bit.” He narrowed his eyes. “Do you really think Nemo’s going to save my life?”
“I’ve never known any oracle to be wrong. Whatever’s going to happen, Nemo’s important to you. I don’t think keeping him close is a bad idea.”
“No, I suppose not.”
“Come on,” she said. “Let’s go get him.”
“Seamus or Nemo?”
“Both of them.”
They found them in the living room. Seamus was holding Nemo, who was hanging over the older man’s shoulder and rubbing his face on Seamus’s head. Seamus was smiling and might have been purring a little bit himself. “Look at the wee mite. He already loves his Uncle Seamus, don’t you, lad?”
