DEATH

RETURNS

BOOK 3 – The Death Card Series

By

J.S. Peck

BEJEWELED PUBLISHING

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Chapter 1

I’d just said goodbye to Mike and Brian, partners in their own investigative agency, who were headed to Boston on another case.  As a psychic, I’d worked with them to solve the murder of my fiancé and tarot card client, and several others all tied together. I knew there was more to come for the Death Card had already reared its ugly head again. And that for me meant another murder of someone I knew or had just met or would soon met.

Mike and I’d agreed there was more to our relationship than his acting as my fiancé and security guard as part of our investigative team. We wanted to explore it on a more intimate level. Unfortunately, this was now on hold since he’d soon arrive back East for an undetermined time. I was feeling a bit low and “down in the dumps” when I heard my cell phone chiming. I hesitated before reluctantly picking it up. “Rosie?  This is Jacklyn from the agency. We have a special request. We have found some of Isabella’s relatives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They can’t afford to come here to pick her up and she refuses to go there unless you are with her. Our job is to make sure we reunite her with her relatives to provide her with a family of her own people. Although this is a bit unorthodox, would you be willing to take her to Santa Fe to meet her relatives?”

Isabella, just 11 years old, is the oldest of the four little girls who were set to be auctioned off at the Purple Passion Lounge as part of their human trafficking scheme.  She became attached to me when I helped them escape, and to be honest, I have strong feelings for her, too.  She has taken to calling me, “Mama” because she wants me to be her mother. That is not going to happen for all sorts of reasons, which she has a hard time understanding.

“Okay,” I said to the agency’s proposal, “but only on one condition!  If I find that Santa Fe is not a good situation for her, I want to be able to bring her back.”  There was a long pause, but I was determined to have it my way and remained quiet. Since her own parents had refused to take her back, I wasn’t about to leave her defenseless with a bunch of strangers.  Isabella was adamant that she didn’t want any part of her family to begin with and therein lay my problem – do I follow the rules of social services or do I follow my heart?

Truth be told, as an intuitive, I didn’t feel good about anything she was heading into, and I wanted to make sure she’d be okay.  At the end of our conversation, Jacklyn and I agreed we’d cross that bridge when and if it came up.

Now, as I looked around, I had to smile for I didn’t know who was more excited about going to Santa Fe – Isabella, my dog or me!  We’d been able to spend a full two days of preparation to get ready for our trip by shopping, and then packing our new clothes into matching suitcases. We were ready to go!  I planned to spend as much time as needed there to settle Isabella into her new family.  In addition, my silky pup, Sweet Pea, was coming with us so I wouldn’t be worried about her being at a dog sitter’s place.  My neighbor was going to watch over my house and water the plants so all would be in good order when I returned.

When Mike had declared his love for me, I had returned my love to him.  However, as delicious a thought of being with Mike brought about, I wasn’t sure I was ready for any long-term commitment at this point. No matter. I still wanted to make sure he knew my plans, that we were headed to Santa Fe.

I felt Isabella’s hand on my arm. For the past few days while getting ready for our trip, Isabella had been tugging on my sleeve every two minutes saying something new to me that she’d learned in English.  Ever since we’d been together last, she’d been furiously studying the English language and driving the woman at the safe house crazy! I was getting a little taste of that already. The surprising thing was Isabella’s English is exceptionally good, and she seems to be a natural linguist.

As we stood together at the airport waiting to take off, Isabella asked with excitement, “When is our plane arriving?”

I could feel eyes on me.  I was aware that we probably looked like a motley threesome.  Isabella, even at the age of 11, turned heads with her Mexican beauty of light coffee skin, dark, silky hair, and shining black eyes over a smile as wide as her face.  She’s so petite that when she holds Sweet Pea, it’s hard to see her behind the dog. I smiled when looking at them for they were drawing attention from those surrounding us.

I, on the other hand, probably looked like the nervous wreck I was with my uncontrollable hair flying around my face, now creased with worry.  I hadn’t been able to reach Mike to tell him of my sudden plans.  It was discouraging to realize how many times I’d tried to reach him but to no avail.  Of course, this is part of his being on assignment – not always available when I’d like. I knew he’d worry if he discovered I was gone from Las Vegas without knowing where I was. Ever since our working together, both Mike and Brian had become very protective of me. Although I didn’t feel I needed their protection, it was easier to just clue them in on what was happening.

I felt someone at my elbow and looked to see a rather large woman pointing at Isabella.  “Are you her mother?” the woman asked.  I said, “No” at the same time Isabella said, “Yes.”  The woman looked from one to the other of us, not knowing what to say. “Yes,” I amended, not wanting to get into a public disagreement with Isabella.  “Why?”

“Mexicans and dogs aren’t allowed on the airplane…”

I was floored. I looked at her in disbelief. Who says these things today?

“Ah, there you are, Mabel,” I heard a voice behind me say with relief.  One look at my face, he added, “Oh, no.  What did she say?”

“Something very rude, I’m afraid.”

“I’m so sorry, please don’t mind her.  She has Alzheimer’s and has moments of saying the most bizarre things.  I hope she hasn’t offended you.”

“Just my daughter and dog,” I said with annoyance.  I looked at Isabella who wore such a pleased expression on her face, I wondered what’d happened.   I reached out and patted the man’s arm.  “It’s okay, really.  I know you have your hands full.”

“Thanks for understanding.  C’mon Mabel, they’re calling our flight.”  They headed toward their gate and I watched them go with sorrow for what they were going through.  I turned to Isabella who was grinning from ear to ear.  “What?” I asked.

“You told that man I was your daughter, Mama!”

“No, I didn’t, honey.”

“Yes, you did.  You said, ‘Just my daughter and dog’.”

I thought about what she’d said and realized I‘d said exactly those words without a thought as to what I’d been saying.  “Oh my, Isabella, I guess I did.”  I gave her a hug and whispered, “But you know that’s not true. You know we’re here together so I can take you to Santa Fe to meet your family, right?”

“I know,” she said sadly, holding her head down.

As I turned away from her, my huge Dooney & Bourke traveling purse fell off my shoulder. It landed with a thud, scattering some of its contents.  My tarot cards spilled and there it was. The Death Card popping up on top, staring me in the face.  “Give it a rest,” I mumbled.  Still the card sat there waiting for me to pick it up.  There was that feeling again that Santa Fe held more in store for us than simply meeting Isabella’s family.  With a sigh, I gathered everything and stuffed it back into my bag.  I could hear our flight being called so we loaded Sweet Pea into her carrier and boarded with all the others who were travelling first class.

Once in the plane, I explained to Isabella we were going to be landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where we’d spend the night.  Then we’d rent a car the next morning and we’d drive the hour or so north to Santa Fe.  “Oh, Mama, I’m so excited!  I’ve never been in an airplane before!” I let go of any scolding for her calling me Mama.  It would be a waste of time anyhow. Ever since I’d rescued her, that is what she was determined to call me.

I smiled at her enthusiasm.  My own enthusiasm for flying had come to an end a long time ago when the seats on the plane became crowded and I’d find myself thigh to thigh with a complete stranger.  Since the dress code had gone out of the window as well, flying to me was more like riding a bus in the sky.  Much less exciting.

“Mama, am I going to see Indians in Santa Fe?  Real live Indians?”

“Yes, Isabella, I bet you will.  Here, let’s google all about them on my IPhone and see what we can find out, okay?”

Isabella looked at me with stars in her eyes.  “Okay!”

I did my magic and with her hanging on my shoulder, I read to her aloud, “Of the 19 Native American communities located in New Mexico, eight are near Santa Fe. All eight are Pueblo Indian tribes and their communities are referred to as Pueblos.

“Many of these Pueblos were established centuries ago such as the Taos Pueblo which is thought to have been continuously occupied for close to 1,000 years. Each Pueblo has its own tribal government, traditions, and ceremonies, and is a sovereign and separate entity. The Pueblos typically welcome visitors and much can be learned about Native American culture by visiting the Pueblos, especially during the specific dances and feast days open to the public.”

“Can we visit a Pueblo, Mama?”

“I think that’s a great idea,” I answered, glad for her curiosity. Yet, I became disturbed by a sudden fear that washed over me.  I had a vision of me standing on a cliff, calling out for Isabella.  Goosebumps ran up and down my body causing me to shiver, making me wonder what we were getting ourselves into.

It was a short flight and before I knew it, we were wheels down, ready to land in spreading Albuquerque. It is a beautiful city and hostess to one of the most magnificent and successful hot air balloon festivals each fall.  By the time we’d watered the dog and loaded into the car I’d rented, we all were dragging.  The day was ending and we were getting hungry.  We headed to the Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport hotel and settled into our room.  It was too late to wander around the city and we were content to order room service, including Sweet Pea’s dinner.

“Oh, Mama!  This room is so pretty.  Look outside and see all the lights!”

It tickled me to watch Isabella run and jump on the bed with Sweet Pea at her heels.  They laid around and jumped off as soon as they heard the knock on the door announcing our food was here. Isabella’s eyes got as big as saucers as she watched the server roll in the tray loaded with plates covered in silver.  She became entranced with the idea of someone dressed in a uniform pulling out her chair and serving her.  I had to smile because I could see how much she liked it. I was sure she’d want more of this kind of attention in the future.

After dinner, we took Sweet Pea for a final walk.  When we returned, I readied Isabella for bed and tucked her into the queen bed closest to the bathroom.  Sweet Pea cuddled with her. I picked up the local newspaper to read in silence while Isabella nodded off.  The weather report said it should be beautiful – not too hot, not too cold.  Good, I thought, I’ve packed the right things for once. As I looked further into the pages of the newspaper, I saw an article about a murder in Santa Fe. As I read the story, I felt goosebumps cross my entire body and became uncomfortable.  I felt as if this murder was somehow tied to Isabella and me.  But how? The thought wouldn’t leave me so I tore the page about it out of the newspaper and tucked it into my purse.

This made me wonder about the status of Isabella’s family.  Were they U.S. citizens or part of the immigrants “protected” under the sanctuary policies of Santa Fe?  Would this cause a problem for Isabella to be here as a visitor?  Someone needing a vista?  Someone who’d need to apply for a green card or what?  How was this all going to work out?  I’d have to check with the agency to find out how they’ve handled other cases for I wasn’t sure what would be best for her. I was surprised at myself for not having done this already.

As much as I was wound up, I knew I needed sleep and changed into my P.J.s and climbed into the other queen-sized bed.  I closed my eyes and let my mind wander.  I didn’t think I’d be able to fall asleep so it was a surprise to wake up eight hours later facing a dancing little girl with Sweet Pea in her arms.  Just by the expression on her face, Sweet Pea looked like she’d had enough so I decided to rescue her.  “C’mon girls.  Climb into bed for a hug before we begin our day, okay?” I had to laugh because I swear at hearing those words Sweet Pea’s smile was wider than Isabella’s.

As Isabella settled in next to me, she looked at me with brooding eyes, “Mama?”

“Yes, Sweetie.  What is it?”

“I don’t want to live with anyone else but you.  I don’t even know these people you’re taking me to. I don’t like them.”

“Now, Isabella, how can you say you don’t like them until you’ve met them?  That’s what we call being prejudice – when we are prejudging someone.  Meaning you are making a decision about them before you even meet them.  Do you follow what I’m saying?”

“Yes, Mama, but I still don’t want to live with them.”

“Well, let’s just take one step at a time.  We’re going to meet them tomorrow for a short visit and we’ll see what happens, okay?”

“Okaaay,” she answered with doubt in her voice.

“Who wants to take a swim in the hotel pool?”

“I do!” shouted Isabella, pulling on my arm.  “C’mon, Mama!  Let’s go!”

Even though I don’t particularly like swimming in a public pool, I was happy to do so for Isabella’s sake.  She jumped into the shallow end like a pro and bobbed up and down with excitement.  She looked at me with pride and said, “Watch what I can do, Mama!”  And with that, she dunked her whole head underwater.  She jumped up quickly, pushing hair out of her eyes and gave a loud laugh.  “Can you do that?”

I laughed and said, “Not me with this hair.  We’d never get to Santa Fe!”

Without hesitation, she nodded her head in agreement, wearing a wide smile.

After we showered and dressed, we nibbled on the freebie breakfast muffin and juice.  Then we dashed upstairs to get our baggage and check out. We were excited to drive north to Santa Fe and see what awaited us.