Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams

Author:Alayna Williams
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Tarot cards, Mystery & Detective, Fantasy fiction, Secret societies, Contemporary, Fiction, Fantasy, Criminal profilers, Mystery fiction, Victims of violent crimes, Crime, Missing persons, General
ISBN: 9781439182796
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2010-05-25T00:47:28+00:00

Chapter Twelve

TARA STARED at the shadows of tree branches on the ceiling. Beside her, Cassie lay curled up in a tight ball, asleep. Maggie lay perpendicular to her, as long as she could stretch out, shoving Tara to the edge of the bed. In the living room, Martin snored softly on the couch. All was quiet, but her thoughts raced.

Adrienne was after her. She hadn’t told Harry. . . How could she tell him that a member of a secret society of women was harboring enough of a grudge to try and chase Tara down? He’d send the men with the white coats after her for certain.

She’d called Sophia this afternoon, when Harry and Martin and Cassie had been outside with Maggie. Sophia had picked up on the first ring. Unnerving, that habit of hers.

“Adrienne has been at your house,” Sophia told her.

Tara swallowed. “Is Oscar okay?” If that bitch had hurt Oscar, she’d tear her throat out.

“He’s fine. He’s with me. He’s eaten two chicken sandwiches from the drive-through and is taking a nap.”

“What the hell does she want from me?” Tara dimly remembered her as a tall, grubby girl who rarely spoke. They’d probably exchanged a half dozen words that she remembered.

“She thinks you’re competition for the title of Pythia.”

“Whoa. Back the truck up.” Tara shook her head. “What?”

“She knows Juliane was the Pythia’s chosen successor. Juliane’s gone.”

Tara’s jaw hardened. “I want nothing to do with Delphi’s Daughters. Period.”

“I know that. But Adrienne sees things differently. She sees you as competition.”

“Well, the Pythia needs to jerk a knot in her tail.”

“It’s not that simple. The Pythia has. . . faded.” Sophia’s voice broke. Tara couldn’t imagine what it cost her to admit it. Sophia had always been unquestioningly loyal to the Pythia. “She’s not what you remember her to be. Her power has greatly diminished.”

“What are you telling me? That the Pythia has no control over Adrienne?”

She hesitated slightly. “Yes.”

“Shit.” Tara rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Look, I’ve got a bigger problem. I need a favor, but you’ve got to tell me if you’re going to be able to help me.” Tara was out of options; she had no choice but to ask.

“Anything.” There was no hesitation.

“I need you to hide someone for me. A girl. And you have to tell me honestly whether or not you can do it.”

Sophia had listened quietly to Tara’s request for sanctuary for Cassie and the laptop.

“Of course,” she said. “Meet me tomorrow.” She’d specified a meeting site several hours away, and Tara had scribbled the information down in a hurry.

“Sophia,” Tara said. “You might want to bring. . . reinforcements. There’s a strong likelihood I’ll be followed. And not by Adrienne.”

Sophia laughed her bell-like laugh. “Dear child, we will see that she’s safe. Don’t worry about us.” Her voice lowered in seriousness. “Worry about your current situation.”

Cassie had been reluctant to be handed off to another caretaker. Tara had told her, “It’s the only choice. Sophia can keep you safe.”

“Where will I be going?” The girl’s eyes were large with anxiety.

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