The Shadow Box: Paranormal Suspense and Dark Fantasy Thriller Novels by Travis Luedke & Rob Cornell & Andrew Butcher & Sean Poindexter & M Joseph Murphy & Steven Ramirez & Shane KP O'Neill & Simon Okill & Craig Schaefer & Kristopher Norris

Author:Travis Luedke & Rob Cornell & Andrew Butcher & Sean Poindexter & M Joseph Murphy & Steven Ramirez & Shane KP O'Neill & Simon Okill & Craig Schaefer & Kristopher Norris [Luedke, Travis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-01-06T06:00:00+00:00

Caroline,

I know you’re not supposed to accept gifts from clients, but I won’t tell anyone if you don’t! I’ve decided I’m not going to attend our sessions anymore. You’ve helped me to understand myself better than I used to, and I think things with my dad are going to improve from now on.

I’m not upset as often as I used to be and I think it’s time I try to face my problems alone.

Thank you for everything. I wish you the best for the future.

Nicolas Crystan.

At the surgery, he entered the appointment at the usual time and handed over the card and chocolates. He let Caroline know it would be his last session.

‘I trust your decision, Nicolas.’ She sat across from him and nodded understandingly. ‘I’m going to have to sneak these chocolates out of here, or they won’t let me keep them.’ She tittered. ‘If you feel like you want to see me again in the future, then call the reception and we’ll sort out an appointment. There may be a waiting list, though.’

‘Thank you, Caroline.’

Caroline had the rest of the hour before the next client was due, so she and Nick chatted like friends until the time was up. They parted with a handshake and warm smiles.

On his way out, he hoped he wouldn’t regret the decision. He could see that he’d been living a stunted life, not quite an adult, since moving out of his dad’s house. So now it was time to sort himself out.

The afternoon passed by with Nick in a happy state. He did some food shopping, spending a little more than usual, and when evening arrived, he realised something. I’m not bothered about seeing the future. At least not now.

It had occurred to him that he could try to use his ability at will and maybe even direct it to see if he’d ever meet Juliet again, if things with Kerra would go well, and to discover if and how Ryan would cover up the death of Aldrich.

No. Just let things unfold as they should for the time being. Although he was certain he’d use his ability again at some point, and that he wanted to, it just didn’t feel right at the moment.

The evening came. It was time. Nick drove away from Maw Street and around the corner, going over the plan in his head. He would tell his dad about Aldrich’s ability, but not about Juliet’s or his own. He’d lie and say Juliet had searched him out, telling him that she remembered Samantha Crystan pulling over to ask her for directions to Grendel Manor on the day Samantha disappeared. It was a different fabrication from the one he’d told his brothers on the day they went to the manor, but he hoped they wouldn’t realise that.

If his dad asked why Juliet never went to the police, Nick would say she was young at the time, only seventeen, and didn’t know what to do. Also, he’d point out that it wouldn’t have helped; Samantha would have been dead by the time Juliet said anything.