Page 26 of Jacob Michaels is Not Here

“So?” I asked desperately as things around us picked up speed.

“Maybe they weren’t wrong.” Carlita shrugged. “Running water has a way of clearing away a lot of evidence—probably why so many dead bodies get dumped in rivers and oceans.”

“So…?”

“Even your friend in the cloak can’t sense things that happen in moving water.” Carlita winked. “Traces of magic just get swept away.”

Then everything came to life at full speed around us. The manager of Lounge walked past us, still wringing her hands and looking concerned about what was to come with Carlita’s routine. The fans started circulating air again, the shimmering was gone, and life was as it had been before Carlita had done her magic. My eyes stayed on Carlita’s for several moments as I considered her words. Carlita stared back, looking like a regular drag queen and not an Oracle—not that there had been much to differentiate the two. Other than the shimmering and whole time stopping stuff suddenly, anyway.

“I have so much to do before Friday, honey!” Carlita announced dramatically. “Nine o’clock. In case you and Lucas want to come to see it. I’ll make sure you have the best table in the house.”

Smiling, I nodded.

“I’d like that.”

Carlita grinned and gave my shoulder a squeeze before stepping around me and heading back toward the stage stairs again. As if she had a sudden thought, she turned to me once more, the spotlight hitting her, though I knew it wasn’t just because the technician had seen her approach the stage. An Oracle creates his or her own lighting. They’re very dramatic—Oracles.

“It could be a romantic evening, ya’ know.” She suggested. “Dinner, a show…maybe a walk along the Maumee? Whatever you decide, of course. I’m sure you’ll plan a wonderful date for you and Lucas.”

Chewing at my lip, understanding the implication, I nodded at her.

Carlita winked once more and then she was strutting up on the stage to give her song another run through. Oracles and drag queens are always interested in getting every little detail perfect. That’s why people trust them.