New Revelations: Second Sight Book Two Page 4

  “Nice to meet you too, Kate,” he said with an arrogant laugh. Kate hoped this piece of work wouldn’t be the only one able to help her gain control over her second sight. Something about Declan seemed off and she didn’t buy his story that he sought her out only to connect with another psychic.

  Turning on her heels, she spun around and headed away from Declan’s unsettling presence. Although she was trying to move forward after everything she had been through, her trust issues were still firmly ingrained into her persona. She had a very small circle of friends and family whom she let down her guard with. Even Jared—probably the most honest and open person she ever met—had been on the receiving end of her mistrust in the weeks following their fateful first meeting.

  Entering her car, she pivoted to see Declan watching her from the lot’s edge with a bemused look on his face. Something in his expression made her feel exposed and she had to restrain herself from lashing out and giving him the finger. Instead, Kate nodded curtly in his direction before pulling her car out of the parking lot.

  Who was this kid? The anticipation was killing her and she couldn’t wait to go home and try to uncover as much about his background as possible. Her emotions swirled as she raced through the streets. Part of her was optimistic that Declan was telling the truth and they would work together to unearth Max’s location. However, her skeptical side couldn’t be silenced. It questioned Declan’s true motivations, but she couldn’t figure out what his angle might be. With any luck, investigating him as thoroughly would help her avoid opening up to someone who turned out to be bad news.

  Chapter Five

  After she sifted through article after article on Declan Brayden, Kate leaned back into her desk chair and exhaled. With an enormous backlog of missing persons cases he’d been consulted on, it was hard not to believe the psychic’s legitimacy. In newspaper interviews, he provided the reporters with his back story. Four years ago when Declan was eighteen, he’d been in a near fatal ski accident while vacationing in Vermont. Like Kate, he’d been in a coma before awaking with psychic powers. However, unlike Kate, he craved the spotlight. Besides a massive number of television and radio appearances over the years, there were rumors of a potential six figure book deal headed his way.

  Picking up her phone, she dialed Julie’s number. Julie answered on the first ring. “You’re not freaking out over what to wear tonight, are you?” she questioned in lieu of a greeting.

  “No, I’ve been sidelined by a run-in with that scruffy guy I told you about before. Turns out that he’s also psychically blessed,” Kate explained as she simultaneously stalked his Facebook page.

  “Get out!” Julie squealed. Gaining her composure, she continued, “I mean…this could be a good thing, right?”

  “I guess so. He was sort of sketchy, but it probably would be good to know another psychic,” Kate replied.

  “How was he sketchy? How did he introduce himself?” Julie asked in a rush.

  As Kate relayed the story, she couldn’t help but faux gag as she concurrently read the comments on Declan’s Facebook page. His cocksureness shone through by how self-congratulatory he was after helping others out (Who likes their own status updates?). People lavished praise on him and he ate it up.

  Kate wondered what Jared would make of him. She guessed he would have the same suspicions and wonder why Declan would go to such lengths to seek her out. She may have to play down the part about Declan following her around town. Jared could end up insisting she take out a restraining order against him and Kate wouldn’t get the chance to ask the psychic for assistance in finding Max.

  After Kate revealed his name, Julie logged on her computer to check him out too. A minute later, her friend’s cackle erupted through the phone line. “Holy shit! I think I need to tap into some psychic energy. Especially if being psychic involves attracting every hot guy in a fifty mile radius.”

  Kate faked a yawn. “So not my type. Not to mention, I have Jared,” Kate subtlety reminded her.

  Julie broke out into a fit of giggles. “Looking over his pictures, he does come off as a tool. When your Facebook profile is public, you just don’t put that many pictures of yourself shirtless at the beach. I would have loved to been there when you almost pepper sprayed him. It probably shocked the hell out of him since he seems used to girls throwing themselves at him.”

  Kate peered at more pictures of Declan hamming it up for the camera with his arms wrapped around a different girl in almost every one. Her heart sank over the thought that this could be the only one who could help her. On the other hand, she didn’t want to rush to judgment. Maybe deep down inside—beneath the spray tan and bleached teeth—was a psychic with a heart of gold who would do anything to help those who were lost.

  Julie broke into her thoughts. “Not to abruptly change the subject, but I’m so excited for dinner tonight! I bet the guys are going to get on like a house on fire.”

  More likely Gage would try to embarrass her and she’d threaten to set him on fire, but Kate decided to not burst Julie’s optimistic bubble. Instead she tried to change the subject. “What a strange expression, don’t you think? Who really wants to get on like a house on fire?”

  “You sound nervous. Don’t be! We’re going to have so much fun!” Julie enthused and Kate could picture her friend bouncing up and down with excitement. When Kate didn’t reply, Julie continued in a much more subdued tone, “Plus, I made Gage pledge on his Boy Scout’s honor that he’d be on his best behavior. He’s only joking, you know? He tortures you because you make yourself an easy target.”

  “You’re right,” Kate conceded. “I have to grow up if I’m going to be in a mature adult relationship with an older guy. I’ll try to refrain from throwing food if he promises to not make any fart jokes.”

  “Not to cut you off, but it’s getting late. Time to get beautiful. We’ll see you at the restaurant at seven.” Kate hung up the phone still distracted.

  After one last look at her computer screen, she decided to file Declan for later. Instead of hashing things out with Jared tonight, she planned to have a fun night that did not feature obsessing over annoying psychics and missing kids.

  ***

  When Kate walked down the stairs hours later to greet Jared, she couldn’t help, but take a moment to gawk at him. Her body never reacted to anyone the way it did to his. Instantly, her mouth became dry and butterflies exploded in her stomach. Did he have to look that irresistible after probably only ten minutes of preparation? His ebony hair was still damp from the shower and his polo shirt looked new without a single wrinkle in sight. A small amount of stubble had grown on his chin and she wondered how it would feel later against her mouth when he kissed her. Two hours of primping guaranteed he’d feel a little breathless at the sight of her as well, she thought taking another minute to stare undetected at him.

  Her mom and Jared were chatting away as usual. Jared was gazing intently at Darlene while his back leaned against the bar counter. Her mother was telling a story with so much animation she almost dropped the wine glass she held in her hands. It amazed Kate that the two of them got along so well. It wouldn’t seem as though a middle-aged divorcee and a young detective would have much in common. On the other hand, she would’ve never guessed a psychic college student with few social skills would be a great match for a genial police officer either.

  Although Kate would never admit it, it secretly pleased her that her mother liked Jared so much. Sauntering over to Jared, she bumped her hip to his and said lightly, “Were you going to let me know you were here? Or should I worry you prefer my mom’s company to mine?”

  Jared wrapped his arm around her and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “Your mom was just telling me how you were talking about becoming a police officer?” He raised an eyebrow in her direction. She could tell he was desperately trying to keep a neutral expression on his face. Darting a peek at her mother, Kate noticed her covering her mouth with her hand and looking down at the floor.

&
nbsp; As Kate looked at both of their faces, she couldn’t help but feel irritated. Did they have to both act like it was the funniest thing they ever heard? It wasn’t as if she actually planned to be a cop, it was just something she had mentioned while thinking aloud in front of her mother. Her mom should know Kate had a tendency to speak first and think later.

  She untangled herself from Jared’s arms and gave him a frosty smile. “Why is that funny?” she demanded and glared at him. “Afraid of a little competition? I might end up being your boss once I get in the department and start solving all the cases. The only thing you’ll have left to do is go on coffee and doughnut runs for me.”

  He visibly shuddered. “That’s not funny.” His gray eyes quickly scanned her body. Before he spoke, his mouth broke out into a teasing grin. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Kate, but you’re not exactly athletic. Your body is put through hell during the police academy.”

  “I will take that the wrong way. Why would you say I wasn’t athletic?”

  Kate looked at her mother for affirmation. Darlene sighed and walked into the living room without a word to either of them. Probably figured it would be better to not get in the middle of their argument and instead go somewhere peaceful to enjoy her wine.

  “Without any paraphrasing, you have told me before you feel it is fundamentally wrong to run anywhere unless you’re being chased. How are you going to run for miles and miles daily—only stopping to do pushups?”

  Damn, Kate thought, she had said that. At least, it was nice to know Jared listened to the nonsense she was prone to spout out. She shrugged and gave him a condescending smirk. “Consider yourself lucky that I’m allergic to exercise. Otherwise, you might be out of a job.”

  Jared’s gray eyes locked onto hers and he flashed a bright smile. Any irritation with him instantly disintegrated as his gaze drunk her in. A flush sprang to her cheeks and Kate had to make a conscious effort to not start fanning herself in front of him.

  “Not to change the subject, but have I told you yet how beautiful you look?” he asked hoarsely.

  The unseasonably hot weather had allowed her to wear a summer dress that had been hanging in her closet with the store tags still attached. With a peach A-line pleated chiffon skirt and white scoop neck top, it made her look very feminine. Moreover, the forgiving fabric was comfortable enough that her waistline wouldn’t feel restrained after dinner.

  Her features softened and Kate returned his smile. “Have I told you how handsome you look?”

  She ran a finger along his neckline which had the effect of skewing his collar. As she pressed herself closer to him, she heard his breath catch. Her heart was pounding and she met his gaze shyly. It was reassuring to see the desire in his gaze, but not exactly the perfect timing. The news program her mother had turned on after heading into the living room could clearly be heard. Not the best time for sexual tension to be running rampant between them. Clearing her throat, she took an uncertain step backward.

  “Guess, we should head out,” Kate suggested. “We’re supposed to meet Julie and Gage at the restaurant soon.”

  Jared bit down on his bottom lip to silence whatever he was about to say. After a few seconds, he nodded and took her hand. After saying a brief goodbye to her mom, they headed to his BMW parked outside. She loved Jared’s car. It had all of the gadgets she craved but didn’t have in her decade old Toyota. The air conditioning in her car no longer worked and she had to buy a portable fan to plug into the cigarette lighter. Since Kate didn’t have enough money to buy a new car, she was going to have to stick it out with the old beater until she ran it into the ground.

  As Jared rested his hand on her leg, she marveled at how wonderful it felt to be near him. He had this astounding ability to help her forget about anything else. Despite money problems, sinister psychics and missing children, Kate sensed that everything was going to be all right as long as Jared cared about her.

  Although she really wanted to discuss Max and divulge meeting Declan to Jared, Kate wanted to keep the mood light to enjoy their night out. The intensity of how they met had prevented any fun during the first few weeks of their relationship. Giving statements to police about Cori’s kidnapping along with media interviews and post-traumatic stress psych sessions left little time for more pleasurable pursuits.

  “So, is Gage as bad as you say he is?” Jared questioned. He had been drumming on her knee for the past couple of minutes in tune with the song playing over his radio.

  Kate gave a dramatic shudder. “Worse. But Julie thinks the two of you will be fast friends. So who knows? Maybe his charms are only lost on me.” She gave him a serious look. “Is this weird for you? Going out on a date with a bunch of college kids?”

  “No, but I feel old now,” Jared chided. “I never went to college, so school does seem far away to me since I graduated ten years ago.”

  “I’m lucky that I’m totally mature enough to date someone seven years older than me.”

  He shot her a mock serious look. “I love when you make comments that make me feel like a dirty old man.”

  Kate giggled and again appreciated Jared’s silly side. Most guys may have been put off by her sarcasm, but Jared could dish it out as well as he could take it. As much as she had tried to scare him off in the beginning, he had persisted and their friendship had grown.

  Living at home and steering clear of social situations since her coma had the affect of stunting her emotionally. However, the past couple of months had helped her grow immensely. The old Kate would’ve never gone out of her way to use her gift to help out as many people as possible. The old Kate would’ve worried about being labeled the town freak. The new Kate was ready to let her freak flag wave high if it meant getting the missing back home.

  Gage and Julie were easy to spot when they arrived at the restaurant. Although Julie’s hulking he-man of a boyfriend was nearby, it didn’t stop many of the men seated at the bar from shooting the attractive brunette appreciative glances. Julie’s black dress was skintight with a peephole back. With a tall and willowy frame and gorgeous coffee colored hair that looked straight out of a shampoo commercial, Julie was model gorgeous. Instead of gazing adoringly at his beautiful girlfriend and thanking his lucky stars she would even stop to give him the time, Gage was chugging down a beer.

  “Katie!” Gage bellowed upon seeing her. As heads turned towards her to see what the rumpus was about, Kate stopped in her tracks and shot Jared a helpless look. Jared gave her a quick squeeze before urging her forward. The bar was fairly busy and they had to elbow their way through the crowd to reach her friends.

  Walking up to them, she said hello to Julie and gave her a long hug. Once they disengaged, she turned to her friend’s boyfriend. “Gage,” she said as greeting and gave him a terse smile.

  Gage rolled his eyes at her greeting and fluffed her hair. After Kate pushed his hand away, Gage stuck his hand out to Jared and the guys shook hands vigorously. Jared’s pleasant expression never left his face as he genuinely smiled at Gage. Immediately the boys launched into small talk.

  Julie pivoted her body to face Kate and handed her a drink. Kate strived to smooth out the mess Gage had made out of her mahogany mane. Julie whispered, “I ordered you a vodka and tonic. Barely any calories and it will calm your nerves.”

  Kate took a sip and screwed up her face in disgust. She preferred the fruitier drinks with tons of calories. Also, the heat from the hibachi grills was make the temperature unbearable and Kate needed a beverage to quickly guzzle down. “That drink is gross. I’ll see if Jared wants it. Order me a fruit drink instead, maybe a Mai Tai?”

  Julie pursed her lips and shook her head, but flagged down the bartender and ordered Kate’s drink. After she handed over the concoction, she questioned Kate, “So anymore information on boy wonder?”

  Kate tried to send her friend a look to silence her, but of course her detective boyfriend picked up on the sudden tension in her. Jared stopped his conversation with Gage and met h
er eyes. “Who’s boy wonder?” he asked flippantly.

  Kate chose her words carefully. “I was going to tell you about it later because I didn’t want to ruin our date. But remember that guy I mentioned from last week that creeped me out?” At his nod, she continued, “Turns out he’s another psychic.”

  After a beat, he asked, “Really?”

  “Yes, guess he was watching me around the campus to decide if I was a true psychic or not. Definitely a lame way to go about it—but us psychics are known for our eccentric ways,” Kate said and shrugged as she felt his stare on her face.

  His expression remained attentive and Jared didn’t seem to buy into her frantic attempt to blow the whole thing off. “What did he want?”

  “Well, he didn’t say he was interested in starting up a psychic support group, so I’m not exactly sure,” Kate quipped. “He told me to contact him after and I quote ‘realize he’s the real deal,’” she said and rolled her eyes for added effect. Jared didn’t look amused in the slightest and she decided to change the subject straight away. “Let’s talk about normal things tonight, please? Can we table the paranormal nonsense just for the evening?”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Julie said sensing Kate’s discomfort. Jared hesitantly nodded and stuck his hands in the pockets of his dress pants.

  “Well then…” Gage started breaking the uncomfortable silence. After an awkward moment, he gave Kate a long look. “How’s thirteenth grade going at the community college?” he asked with a chuckle.

  Before Kate could unleash a string of expletives, Julie intervened by pinching Gage’s arm hard. “Stop being a jerk.”

  Jared shifted from side to side and cleared his throat. “I think the waitress is signaling us that our table is ready.”

  The foursome moved towards the hibachi table with seating for ten and Kate hoped they wouldn’t be stuck with any of Franklin’s degenerates. She once got stuck next to this guy with the worst body odor ever. Luckily, when they arrived at the table they only saw a couple who seemed too busy making googly eyes at each other to be too much of an annoyance. Gage went for the end seat, but Kate elbowed him out of the way to score it first. From the gleam in his eye, she guessed he was contemplating his payback. Jared sat next to her while Julie and Gage sat parallel.