Page 31 of Wolf's Mark

I managed to find a parking spot close to the shop. I was shocked it was open on a Sunday but thankful. The mystery needed to be solved.

Or at the very least put into some kind of perspective.

As I headed to the small store, a strange sense of foreboding surrounded me. It was crazy, but I wasn’t superstitious, nor did I believe in creatures of the night. Horror movies were meant for entertainment purposes only.

The jingle of the bell didn’t bring anyone to the front of the shop immediately. I stood silently, the anticipation and dread killing me. Looking back and realizing Lucia had been genuinelyterrified, I couldn’t even fathom a decent excuse for what I’d seen. Not one.

An older man moved through the curtain, a huge smile on his face. “The lady would like a reading.”

“I actually had one. Is Lucia here? I just need to ask her a couple questions.”

He was perplexed, even annoyed, but finally nodded.

I turned purposely toward a cabinet full of lit candles. Somehow, the light flickers didn’t calm my nerves. Neither did the comforting scents.

The soft whoosh indicated someone had returned through the curtains.

“Can I help you?” Lucia’s strong voice floated toward me.

When I turned around, just as I’d expected, another look of fear crossed her face. She turned as if getting ready to race away and I advanced.

“Don’t go, Lucia. I need your help.”

“I can’t help you.”

“I think you can. In fact, you might be the only person who has that ability.”

Her hesitation was enough that I advanced another couple of steps.

“You don’t understand,” she said. Her voice was just above a whisper.

“No, I don’t. Something happened to me today that I can’t comprehend. I’m a medical examiner. A victim of a horrible crime was brought into my office today for an autopsy, which I did as normal. I walked away for labs and…”

“He came alive.”

I nodded. “That’s not possible. He was dead.”

“As I said, I can’t help you.” Her tone was more defiant, stronger.

“Why? I’m only asking why you gave me the warning.”

“Because you need to stay away from them.”

“Them. Who are you talking about?” I was getting exasperated. The man had joined her and I had a feeling he was her father.

“They are dangerous. If I say anything, they will kill me.”

The man asked her a series of questions in a language I didn’t understand. After she answered, he stormed from around the counter, pointing toward the street.

“You need to go. Now. My daughter cannot help you.”

“But you don’t understand,” I pressed.

“Get out. Do not come back.”

Lucia had fled and I could swear even her father was shaking. I backed away. I had more questions than answers and that was the most unnerving aspect of all.

What if what I’d seen was real?

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