Freaky Ways by Amanda M. Lee

Author:Amanda M. Lee [Lee, Amanda M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WinchesterShaw Publications
Published: 2024-08-06T00:00:00+00:00

16

SIXTEEN

Briar Brimstone’s storefront—a new age shop, typical for seers, I’d ascertained—was on Roosevelt Street. It was in the heart of what looked to be an art district, which made the area seem more welcoming.

“Who knew Phoenix had such a hippy-dippy area?” I mused as I parked.

Raven looked around. “I could never live here,” she said in a low voice.

Rather than turn off the truck engine, I slid my gaze to her. “Are you considering staying with your family?”

The question seemed to catch her off guard. “Why would I want to stay here? That’s not what I was saying.”

I forced myself to remain calm. Raven was my friend. I’d grown to think of her as a sister of late. “I hate to be a Debbie Downer,” I started.

“Since when?”

I ignored the snark. “Your family will never give you the respect you deserve,” I insisted. “Your cousins—even though they seem like nice girls—really don’t get it.”

“Girls?” Raven arched an eyebrow. “You do realize those ‘girls’ are a thousand years older than you?”

“I guess, in theory, I do realize that. But they haven’t really lived in all of that time. I think they’ve dreamed about it. I’m not even sure they could because they can’t think for themselves. That’s why you’re their hero.”

“They weren’t raised to think for themselves,” Raven shot back.

“Neither were you, but look at you.”

“You’re wrong.” Raven’s eyes were full of fire when they locked with mine. “I was raised to think for myself. My mother was not one of the sheep.”

“You never talk about your mother.”

She didn’t say anything.

“At first, I thought it was because you didn’t like her,” I admitted. “I assumed that you had some sort of falling out with her. That was before I understood the dynamics with your father and brother.

“Then, briefly, I assumed she died, because of the way you danced around the question I asked in the House of Mirrors the other day,” I continued. “But I don’t think she’s dead.”

Raven’s eyes narrowed.

“I think she’s alive and she made people believe she was dead when she escaped,” I pressed. “You know she’s alive, maybe not where she is, but perhaps you have a way you can get in touch with her.”

Raven rolled her neck. “She’s dead,” she said. “She’s been dead a long time.”

“You said that once.” I leaned closer so the AC could hit me square in the face. This conversation was making me hot … and not in a good way. “You’ve said various things about your family over the years. I’m starting to think there’s one official narrative and there’s the truth.

“Sometimes you stick to the official narrative, and that’s okay,” I continued. “Other times, you’ve slipped up. Your mother is alive, isn’t she?”

“It’s none of your concern.” Her tone was icy.

“Raven—”

“Poet!” She shouted. “Leave it alone.”

Was I angry that she was shutting me out? Hurt was the word I didn’t want to lay claim to. I thought we were close. I understood the secret she was keeping she had likely held for a very long time.

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