Page 36 of Mountain Man’s Mystic Touch

“It is.”

“Are the vendors in danger?”

“I don’t know.”

The answer does not reassure her, but false reassurance would be worse.

“I need you to follow every closing procedure exactly,” I continue. “Do not remain alone after the other vendors leave. If you see him or anyone behaving unusually, contact security rather than approaching them.”

“I understand.”

“And keep your phone accessible.”

“I said I understand.”

Her tone is calm, but the air around her feels different. I cannot explain how I know that. Perhaps I have spent too much time listening to her describe energy as if it is observable.

Loralee picks up the rose quartz and rolls it between her fingers.

“Take this.”

“No.”

“It’s not for emotional healing.”

“That was its purpose yesterday.”

“Today it’s for protection.”

“I have protection.”

Her gaze moves toward the equipment on my belt. “Yes, you appear adequately supplied.” She considers me, then places it on the counter between us.

“Think of it as a reminder.”

“Of what?”

“That observation and intuition are not enemies.”

“I don’t need an object to remember a conversation.”

“Then leaving it in your pocket will cost you nothing.”

“I’m not putting it in my pocket.”

“Fine.”

Loralee returns to her notebook. She does not press the stone into my hand or tell me the universe will punish my refusal. She leaves it on the counter and directs her attention elsewhere.

I should walk away. Instead, I look down at the pale pink stone. The stone is small enough to disappear inside my palm and harmless enough to carry without consequence. I am less certain about the woman offering it.

I pick it up. Loralee does not raise her head, but one corner of her mouth tightens as she suppresses a smile.

“This changes nothing,” I say.

“Of course not.”

I place the rose quartz in my pocket. The weight is almost imperceptible. I feel it for the rest of the day.