Free Charmed to death: an Ophelia and Abby mystery by Shirley Damsgaard

out a long sigh. "Well, I gave him my number and told him to call me if there are any new developments. Oh, and Darci now knows. I had a dream last night. She heard me shouting and came to my room."
    "What did you dream?" she asked.
    I plucked at the sheet, not answering. Did I tell her about Grandpa?
    Abby continued. "Was it the same as before?"
    I made my decision. "Sort of. But it started with Grandpa and Comacho sitting on the swing on your front porch. They were talking, but I couldn't hear what they were saying. Grandpa was doing all the talking and Comacho was listening. I remember I was afraid Grandpa was telling him our secrets. What do you suppose it meant?"
    "I don't think that part of the dream was necessarily prophetic. My house represents security to you and the detective threatens it with all his questions. What was the rest of it?"
    "I was in the empty field, same as before, only this time I recognized where I was. Wallace Park. I chased the killer again, but he got away in a blue van. I didn't see his face, but for some reason, I know the van was stolen."
    "Interesting. Are you going to tell the police?"
    "Why would I?"
    "Maybe a van was stolen around the time Brian was murdered."
    "Yeah, but it was five years ago. There surely wouldn't be any evidence left by now, even if they found the van."
    "It seems to me, each time you dream, you're getting a little closer to the killer. Each time you learn something new."
    "Seems that way to me too. Oh, and I also did a rune reading."
    "Good for you. What did the runes say?"
    "I'm facing grave danger. If I don't use my resources correctly, the outcome won't be good. But I have the gifts I need. If I use them, success will be mine."
    "Very good."
    "Did you ever try the runes?"
    "Yes, my grandmother tried to teach me, but they don't speak to me like they do you. I have better results scying with a candle."
    "I don't. No matter how long I stare at the flame, I don't get any insight into my questions."
    "Maybe we're trying the wrong element. Your zodiac sign is a water sign, not a fire sign. Maybe a bowl of water, with some crystals to help your concentration, would work." Abby sighed. "I wish we had more time."
    I felt fear squeeze my heart. "What do you mean, 'more time'?"
    "I can't shake the feeling things are happening faster than we think. And I think this is going to be a path you'll walk without me."
    The fear squeezed tighter. "But you'll be there if I need you, won't you?"
    "Of course, always."
    "No matter what?" My voice squeaked.
    "No matter what," Abby said, her tone reassuring.
    The fear loosened its grip a little. I couldn't imagine Abby not being with me. The emptiness I would feel without her would be unbearable.
    "I'm more worried about you right now. How are you? And how's the battle going?"
    "Poorly. If you haven't seen the paper, the legislature overturned the DNR's recommendation on the level of hydrogen sulfide emissions in the air. The argument was made that it would penalize all livestock operations, including those on small family farms. Our group disagrees. We feel the only ones who would have to modify their operations are the large corporations. But the legislature doesn't seem to be listening to us."
    "What are you going to do?"
    "For now, concentrate on stopping PP International from building the new hog confinement. We have good people working on it. If the radicals would work with us, within the framework of existing laws, we might be successful. Instead, someone's being stupid."
    "What happened?"
    "Someone slashed the tires on a truck belonging to one of PP International's managers, the one who oversees their farrowing operation. It happened night before last. Everyone suspects Harley and I know Sheriff Wilson talked to him, but they can't prove anything."
    "I hope Bill put the fear of God into Harley."
    "I'm sure he tried, but I doubt Harley will listen. Edna's worried about him."
    "Abby, are you sure you want to continue with this fight?