hot bath in order to feel clean again.
“I’ve experienced this type of deep-rooted hatred once before,” Celeste said, after she’d finished describing what she had seen. “I think what’s unsettling is the female has to be Lea.”
“You did say this was her pen.”
“And I also told you how Kelly’s husband gave Lea a couple of shots about her maxed-out credit cards and her car being repossessed.” She looked across the room to the gnome on the mantle. “What I find strange is that Lea came off…dominant.”
Maxine chuckled. “Yes. She wanted him in position or he would be punished. You said his aura turned a dark red. That might indicate sexual thoughts.”
Her cheeks grew warm. “It’s none of my business what people do in their bedroom or if they like to get their kink on, but what strikes me as odd is that Lea’s husband is supposedly a big-time attorney. He works for one of the largest law firms in Chicago and last year made partner. I can’t see a man like him allowing his wife to dominate him in the bedroom.”
“I can,” Maxine said. “I once knew the CEO of a multi-billion dollar corporation who spent his days ordering people around and dealing with the stress and pressure that went along with his position. But, in the privacy of his bedroom, he wanted to give up all control and let his partner take the lead.”
“I couldn’t imagine John going along with me telling him to get into position or he’d be punished,” she said. “It’s not our thing.”
“Nor mine, which is why that marriage didn’t last past four months.”
Celeste stared at the other woman, waiting for her to crack a smile to indicate she was joking. When there was nothing, Celeste asked, “You’re serious?”
“Yes, and I trust you’ll keep that private information to yourself. While he’s no longer a CEO and has retired, he has children from a previous marriage and I highly doubt he would want them to know about his sexual…preferences.” Maxine winked. “Pick up the notepad and make a few bullet points.”
“You said ‘that’ marriage. I take it you were married before the CEO,” she said, grabbing the paper and pen from the floor.
“Seven times.” Maxine lifted a shoulder. “I might be psychic, but I’m a lousy judge of character when it comes to men.” She looked to the notepad. “Did you draw anything this time?”
Celeste ran her hands over the dried ink. “No.” She showed her the paper. “As it is, I can hardly make out my scribbles. What does a black aura mean? I’m assuming it’s a sign of a person with a dark personality.”
“Absolutely. I’ve seen black in a few peoples’ auras. Not all of them were bad, but their spirits were cold. What’s interesting is there are usually other colors present. With what you described, I’d say the woman definitely has a dark, unforgiving soul.”
“Combine that with the need for money and we have a possible murder suspect.”
“Yet no evidence,” Maxine reminded her.
“I’m already working on that. I called Ian and asked him to look into Sandra’s phone records, bank and credit card statements.”
“You didn’t tell John, then.”
Regret gnawed at her as she looked away. “No. I was going to, but the timing wasn’t right.” She glanced to the unicorn clock. “Speaking of which, I need to go to work.”
Maxine rose, then walked her to the parlor door. “Don’t wait too long to tell him.”
“You don’t understand,” Celeste said.
“I understand more than you think. Remember, I’ve been married more times than I care to admit.”
“Did your marriages end because of your gift?” Celeste asked, then shook her head. “Sorry. That was a rude question and clearly none of my business.”
“You’re fine.” Maxine put an arm around her shoulder. “And no, my marriages didn’t end because of my gift. I simply picked the wrong men for me. Promise me one thing,” she said, handing Celeste her parka. “Don’t