lounge the day away with a good book. How about you?”
“I plan to reorganize my room, smudge our cabin, and go on a nature walk.”
“And visit with your ghostly friend, I’ll bet.” He turned to face her. “Are you going to wait until your dad and aunt get here before sending the non-hostile ghosts on their way as well?”
“Probably.” Meredith stacked her things and picked them up. “Once the menagerie of menace has been banished, the other ghosts should be able to cross into the light on their own.” She headed toward her room. “Enjoy the day, Oliver.”
“You too,” he replied, returning his attention to the kitchen counter and the coffee pot.
Meredith placed her new clothing into her duffle bag and set the calligraphy stuff under her bed. She waited a while before checking to see if Oliver had gone back upstairs. He hadn’t, but she could hear him in the bathroom, where the stacked washer and dryer were tucked away in a closet. As quietly as possible, she slipped out of the cabin.
When she reached the saloon, she glanced down the dirt road to make sure Oliver hadn’t followed or watched her leave. Ridiculous, really. Why would he follow her, and why would he suspect she was up to something? He’d had a disastrous encounter with trio of trouble, and he didn’t want to have anything more to do with ghosts.
Meredith slipped into the saloon and froze. Alpin leaned casually against the bar, his legs crossed at the ankles, and his hands in the pockets of his slacks. He wore his long blond hair tied back, and he was immaculately dressed in a tailored suit. Daniel faced him, and it appeared the two were deep in conversation.
“I thought you were going to call,” she said as she approached.
Alpin turned his unnaturally pale blue eyes her way. “I had to come at some point in order to give you the diamonds, and it’s better that we talk face-to-face before you embark upon your journey.”
“Oh, sure.” She nodded. His presence sparked all her nerves, and a burst of adrenalin hit her bloodstream. It’s because he’s not human. He is much, much more. “It’s nice to see you again.”
He tipped his head her way. “And you.”
“How are things going with the Baiscne clan’s transition?”
“As well as can be expected under the circumstances.” Alpin studied her. “Boann sends her good wishes for your undertaking. She wants you to know how much she regrets that she could not help you.”
“Please assure her I understand completely. I would never jeopardize her contact with Fáelán, Regan, and Conan.” She approached the two, curious as hell to know what they’d been discussing. “I am very grateful to you for stepping in to help.”
“Daniel has also expressed his gratitude.” Alpin smiled. “I’m glad to help.”
She drew in a breath. “It smells like summer rain in here,” she murmured.
“Yes, it’s from the ionization of oxygen. That always occurs when we Tuatha take a Journey of a Single Step.” He drew out a small leather pouch from his pocket. “Here are the two uncut diamonds.” He handed the pouch to her, and she took it.
“When you make that step, you must concentrate fully upon your destination while focusing on one of the gems. Fix in your mind an image of where you want to be and when. The risk lies within the fickleness of the human mind. If any other thoughts intrude during the process, that will affect the outcome. You must concentrate on one thing and one thing only.”
“Familiarity and intent are the keys, Meredith,” Daniel added. “Alpin and I have been discussing the matter. You and I need to walk to my claim several times until you know the area well enough to imagine yourself there.”
“All right.” She stared at the pouch resting in her hand. “Do I need to do anything with the diamond? Am I supposed to hold it in my hand, or should I set it on the ground?”
“Either will work,” he said. “It’s entirely up to you.”
“If you hold them, we can keep the diamonds after the magic is spent, lass. Alpin tells me they must be flawless in order to work. They’re quite valuable.”
Her gaze flew to Daniel. What did he mean? She’d need one to go to the past, and one to return. Did he figure she’d leave one with him when she returned, and she’d keep the other? “How does this work? Does the crystal transport the time traveler automatically, or