“Marley, thank you for coming. Please have a seat.” She gestured to one of two chairs on the opposite side of her glass-topped desk. Can I get you anything?”

“No, thank you, I’m fine.” I smiled politely, wondering what the hell this was all about.

“Alright, I’ll give it a try. Thank you.” I replied.

“Tea?” She asked Doc.

“Yes, please.” He answered her while curiously studying the contents of her book case.

Dr. Hopkins reached over to a file cabinet that served as a provisional countertop and retrieved two small teacups, sans handles, and set them in front of Doc and myself. I watched as she poured steaming hot tea into our tiny tea cups from a beautiful beige cast iron tea pot.

“Thank you both for coming,” Cat addressed the both of us. “Marley, how have you been these last couple of weeks?” She asked me in a somewhat maternal tone. For a split second, I wondered if she was calling me into her office for counseling.

“Fine.” I took a cautious sip of my tea before continuing. I wasn’t sure just quite how much information I wanted to reveal. I didn’t exactly think they would approve of my vigilante tactics. “I’ll be better once we all know who’s responsible for the recent murder.”

“That’s why I wanted to see you today.” Cat spoke slowly and quietly. She annunciated each syllable and spoke with purpose. I admired that about her, I tend to talk before I think. “Do you really think it’s wise going rogue the way you are? What’s in it for you, Marley?”

“Well, not only is it personal for me, but it’s a story. One that could really help my future career in journalism.” I could sense her disapproval as I continued. “I don’t mean to sound callus, but it’s a tough field to break into. I’m not exactly a Mensa candidate, but I’m good at this.”

“She does have a point,” Doc interjected. “If she cracked this case and was the first to take it to print, she could pretty much write her own ticket. At least in Greenbriar, anyway.”

“Well, I certainly can appreciate an ambitious woman who’s not afraid to go after what she wants. You don’t exactly sound like you can be swayed, so I’ll get on with why I asked you here today.” She paused longer than seemed necessary before continuing.

“Do you believe in extra sensory perception?” she asked frankly.

“Like ESP?” I giggled. “Psychic abilities? Woooo.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud yet again. Even though, I was the only one. “Oh, you’re being serious.” I looked over at Doc, and he was not smiling and neither was Cat.

“I’ve never really given it much thought, to be honest. I guess it all seems like hocus-pocus to me. I was raised Presbyterian, so…no. Not really. No.” My voice trailed off.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to be insulting. I’ve just never had any experience with… the supernatural, shall we say?”

I heard Doc give a little chuckle next to me. “I’m guessing it’s not what you may have pictured, Marley.” He spoke up with that permanent look of subtle amusement on his face. “ESP is a sort of a feeling or a dream that Cat sometimes has. She’s not communicating with the spirit world or anything,” he smiled broadly.

“He’s absolutely right.” Cat said. “Typically, when I have these feelings, they’re for good reason.” Her self-assured tone, made me want to buy whatever she was selling. Yes, I may be gullible, but I wanted to trust her.

“Ok. I’m afraid to ask, but why are you telling me this?” I asked, looking Cat dead in the eyes, not completely sure I wanted to know the answer to my own question.

Cat slowly, walked around to the front of her desk, taking an informal seat directly in front of me. I could sense that whatever she was about to say, was going to be delicate. She gently picked up my hands and placed them in hers. They felt cool and papery. Her voice had a slight tremble as she began to speak.

“Marley, I think you’re a exceptionally unique young lady. You have a very strong energy force that surrounds you.”

I looked at her curiously. “Energy force?”

“Well, you have a very innocent soul, a bright spirit, if you will. I believe that you are truly a kind and benevolent person and that this energy you have reflects that. In other words, you’re pure of heart. This is a unique quality. It’s unusual to come by. People with bad intentions or evil in their hearts will always be drawn to your light.”

I felt immediate confusion settle in. “I’m not sure I understand?” I asked, trying to remain calm.

“There’s simply no way of putting this delicately, Marley. I believe that you are in eminent danger.”

“Danger?”

“Yes. Someone wishes you harm. Listen, I’ve been having these sorts of visions, if you will. About you. They are vague and unclear, but there is no mistaking the central message.” She took another deep breath before continuing. “Evil is upon your doorstep.”

I stood up, overtaken by the sudden wave of fear that had just penetrated my bones.