Free The Final Omen: Second Sight Book Four by Heather Topham Wood Page B

dad disapproved of Jared and insisted he was to blame for her life being constantly in danger. Her dad was also irate over the lack of development in her case. Without any eyewitnesses and physical evidence, it seemed unsolvable.
    Another source of contention with her dad was the fact she wanted to continue using her psychic gifts. Although most of her visions were of past events instead of premonitions of the future, they were still helpful for solving missing persons cases. Declan and Jared were trying to convince her to take an extended break, but she was ready to go back to work. With school being on hold and having to give up her job at the doctor’s office because of her injuries, she needed something to feel normal again.
    Jared’s cell phone rang and he excused himself as he wandered into the back bedroom to take the call.
    Darlene looked at Kate affectionately and said, “I’m not trying to smother you. It’s hard for me to let you go. I feel like we’ve had too many close calls and I can’t stand the thought of losing you.”
    “I get it, Mom. But Jared is a good guy and he’s not going to let anything happen to me. Plus, I’m going to need your help fixing up this place, so you’ll be with me all the time.”
    Darlene gave her daughter a genuine smile. Her mother loved projects and Kate would provide one to ease the thought of not having her under the same roof. “Besides, with me out of the picture, you can ask Dan if he’d like to move in.”
    Her mom’s boyfriend had been a semi-permanent fixture at the house and it was getting to the point where Kate was feeling like a third wheel. Luckily, Declan and Jared were usually around to act as a buffer. As much as Darlene protested Kate leaving, she understood her mom would most likely enjoy the privacy.
    “I don’t think we’re at that point. But who knows? Maybe one day. I never thought I’d find someone after your father and I was wrong.”
    Her secret smile brought more joy to Kate’s already good mood. Darlene had taken the divorce hard and it was uplifting to see her in love. Things were changing. Bliss was in reach for them all. The only thing left for them to be all truly happy was to find out who tried to kill Kate.

Chapter Ten
    “Only the daughter of Darlene Edwards would be able to move in and throw a housewarming party a week later,” Julie remarked as she stood next to Kate in Jared’s backyard. Their backyard, she mentally corrected herself. She had to keep reminding herself she lived with him and wasn’t only an extended houseguest.
    The furniture had arrived mere days ago and she worked frantically to set up everything to get ready for the party. Most of the furniture was assembled and boxes she hadn’t unpacked were hidden away in the spare bedroom. The weather had held up and her idea to have the party in the backyard worked out. It didn’t take much to have a June picnic: Set out food and a keg and people will arrive. Their patio furniture hadn’t been delivered yet, but the rental tables and chairs were adequate.
    “Are you kidding? The second my mom got back from Florida, she was decorating the house. She also put at least a month’s worth of dinners in our freezer. I’m offended she has little faith in my homemaking skills,” Kate said and popped a cocktail meatball in her mouth.
    “Well, by her reaction to the news of you moving in with Jared, she’s probably trying to ensure he eventually proposes to you.”
    “Since I don’t have a dowry, I guess having my mom cook and clean for us is the next best thing.” Jared made eye contact with her from across the yard. He was talking to a couple of buddies he’d invited over. He grinned in her direction while she gave a short wave back. His smile still could make her feel giddy.
    “How did it go telling your dad about the move?”
    “Not great. We argue all the time now. He wouldn’t come over today and says he’s no longer helping me out financially.” Kate