Bailed Out (The Anna Albertini Files #2) - Rebecca Zanetti Page 0,71
“Who do I need to hurt because of that article?”
I sighed. “I’m at fault and don’t be mad at Clark. He really did try to be the voice of reason.”
We both looked at Clark. He had stopped twitching and appeared almost back to normal with his creased black shorts and blue golf shirt. His eyes were clear and his shoulders relaxed, and he smelled a tiny bit like sage.
My Nana bustled behind him and raced toward Sean to hug him. “Now, you take care of Clark out there on the course, Sean. I mean it.”
“Yes, mom.” Uncle Sean was more careful with his hug to her. Then he clapped Clark on the shoulders. “Let’s go. I want a chance to practice putting.” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “Clark’s staying at our house, and you’re more than welcome.”
I grinned. “Thanks, but I’m staying with my folks tonight. I’ve embarrassed the family again and need to give mom a chance to handle me.”
Sean winced. “Out of my three sisters, she’s the most dangerous. Always remember that.” Then he all but dragged Clark out the door.
Nana grinned. “Being the most dangerous is a good thing.” Her reddish-blonde hair curled around her shoulders, and her pale skin was a little pink today. She was short at my height and had the loveliest green eyes. They were as clear as any pure emerald. “I like Clark.”
“Me, too.”
“He has a very bright aura. Have you noticed?” She gestured me toward the wooden staircase leading down.
“No, “I sighed. I’d tried to see auras my whole life but had never managed to see them. It was supposed to be easy. “I’ve been trying really hard but still haven’t seen any.”
She followed me, her footsteps light on the stairs. “Stop trying so hard.”
I reached the bottom and turned right into a magical room with pyramids, waterfalls, crystals, cushions for meditating, and a comfortable table with a soft blanket. “I don’t know how to stop trying so hard. It’s what I do.”
Calming music poured through the invisible speakers.
“I know.” She lit some sage and wafted the wand over me. “This is your time. Take a deep breath, relax, and try to go inward.” Then she saved me again before setting down the fragrant bundle. Her small hands kneaded my shoulders. “Oh, my. You are tense.”
“I was covered in dead people,” I admitted. “It’s a little creepy.”
She patted my back down, smacking my shoulder blades. Then she stepped back. “All right. On the table. Let’s work with your chakras and make sure they’re open, and nothing unnecessary is clinging to you from the ashes.”
I plopped up on the table and relaxed, shutting my eyes. My mind wandered to Aiden, to the case, to my family as Nana did whatever she did to move the energy through my body. I wasn’t sure if I believed in Reiki or energy work, but I always felt better after working with her.
Or maybe it was just being with her in her space. Either way, I let myself sink into the relaxation.
When she was finished, I felt more centered and slightly off balance. Of course, I never lay still that long. I followed her up to her bright and shiny kitchen with its stainless steel appliances for a cup of magical tea. Well, it was huckleberry tea, but it tasted magical.
She sat at her round table and gestured me to sit. “Want to talk about it?”
“Sure.” I gave her the whole story from the night before, told her about the case so far, and then gave up the truth about Tessa and Nick.
She sipped her tea. “Tessa is doubting her worth? That’s not good. I’ll need to get her in here.”
I nodded. “Totally agree. I think she and Nick would make a great couple.”
Her mouth twitched slightly. “Well, he’s not Irish, but even I can see he’s a good man. Speaking of good Irish men, how is Aiden Devlin?”
I drank more of my tea. “I think he’s trying, but he’s definitely still keeping secrets. What do you see in his aura?”
“It’s good,” she said. “Bright and pure with some darkness throughout, which I’d expect. Everyone has shadows, and he has more than his share, but I don’t see anything bad. It can’t be good for him to keep secrets.”
Oh, I’d give anything to get Aiden into Nana’s energy room, but even I couldn’t expect that much of a miracle. “I think maybe my job makes him a little nervous,” I admitted.