Page 63 of Ruled By Fate

Something in the air went wrong, like a spike in the ozone when lightning strikes, but foul, cold, and biting. On the television screen, the woman’s reflection started to distort and elongate until it scarcely resembled a woman at all. Her heels clicked on the floor as she moved closer to Matthews, but then the sound changed — changed to something heavier, less delicate.

Brie turned her head with a silent gasp.

Are those—?

Just for a moment, she could swear she caught a glimpse of giant, black, cloven hooves. It was like a single frame in a fast-paced movie. By the time she blinked, it was already gone.

“No!” Matthews cried. “It isn’t necessary. I’ll get you what you asked for. Please, just stop!”

Brie rubbed her eyes and stared hard at the woman’s shoes. Ice-white skin sheathed in expensive-looking black leather. She looked at the television — a chillingly beautiful blonde.

What the hell is going on?

“Good,” said the woman brightly, handing Matthews a heavy-looking and oddly shaped black briefcase. “I’ll be here on the appointed day to collect. You know how to get in touch.”

She turned on her heel and left.

Dr. Matthews stayed another minute, breathing hard, trying to collect himself. Then, he turned off the light and left, shutting the door behind him, leaving Brie huddled beneath the table.

That’s when she noticed her necklace was glowing.

Chapter Thirteen: The Mystery in the Morgue

?

It’s a trauma response. From my nightmare. Dr. Rogers always said our dreams leak into our waking life the next day. That’s all it was. That’s all I saw.

Get it together, Brie.

…So why did my mom’s necklace start to glow?

She stared at her pendant as the last of the light faded away.

Well, at least the nearest psychiatric facility is only three floors up.

The door opened again, and the lights clicked on. This time, Brie couldn’t help but yelp in alarm. This was met by a moment of silence and then: “Weldon, are you under the table?”

Brie closed her eyes.

Of course.

“Yes, ma’am.” She picked up the DVD and popped up. “I was about to change the discs when this one got away from me.”

Denise looked at her without a trace of humor. “You good?”

The question caught Brie off guard. She didn’t think Denise was the sort to ask about the well-being of her subordinates. “Yes, fine. Why?”

“You’re whiter than usual. And shaking.”

“Oh.” She fumbled for a reply. “Probably low blood sugar.”

Denise grunted. “Do you have any questions about the procedures and policies video?”

Brie unzipped her backpack and pulled out her journal, skimming over her notes and trying to remember if she’d wanted clarification on any particular point.

“You took notes?”

Her eyes snapped up. “Yes, ma’am.”

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