Free 12 Days At Silver Bells House by Jennie Jones

young girls in town who had a truly magnificent talent. Kate recognised the style of Gemma’s drawings instantly, and although there were no direct associations in the work, she knew each piece represented various aspects of the mystical philosophy, Karma. ‘Good heavens, you’re good.’ Blue pools with dancing dolphins sending ripples on the water to four corners. Representing the earth.
    â€˜I haven’t travelled yet,’ Gemma said. ‘So I wasn’t sure if I’d got the meaning right.’
    Another drawing showed the dolphins beneath the water, as though in an ocean of complex undercurrents. A third showed a beach, full of people watching the ocean and the dolphins. Some pointing, many holding hands. All gathered in a semi-circle, sending their varied karmic ripples in all directions. ‘This represents the community,’ Kate said. ‘And the altruistic effect of so many lives coming together and blending, regardless of the problems.’
    â€˜Wow. How’d you know that?’
    Kate smiled, and looked up at the blue-eyed girl. Wow right back. The kid wore ripped shorts, an old T-shirt and a broad, chirpy smile. She would be a stunner in about five years, once she’d grown into her athletic slim frame.
    Kate closed the sketchpad and handed it back. Talent. Pure and trustworthy. ‘What are you going to do with this skill?’
    Gemma shrugged. ‘Don’t know. I’m experimenting at the moment. I’d like to go to Paris though. One day. Maybe.’ Another shrug, and a darkening of her blue eyes. Perhaps she didn’t believe in herself, Kate thought. Or perhaps her parents would never be able to afford to send her to college, let alone Paris.
    Kate made a firm mental note to discuss Gemma Munroe with Sammy and make sure the girl was given a chance. Somehow. Anyhow. Before someone like Fat Jacques got hold of her. He’d pounce. And probably destroy the natural ability while pimping it out to the highest bidder. Another reason she was torn about The Decision and whether to let her hard work go, or to fight for it. Her world had been coloured by greed, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to be part of it anymore. Her own karmic pond had many ripples, all criss-crossing.
    â€˜Nice to meet you,’ Gemma said, flicking her skateboard with the toe of her foot and flipping it up in the air. She caught it neatly with her free hand. ‘Best go. Bye, Grandy.’
    â€˜Watch yourself on the road,’ Grandy said.
    Kate sat on the bench next to Grandy as Gemma bounced down the steps to the road and sprinted down Main Street, waving at Mrs Tam as she passed the petrol station.
    â€˜That’s serious talent.’
    Grandy nodded. ‘The best kind. Still untouched. Needs to see the world a bit though.’
    Kate glanced his way. She’d only known Grandy for a short time, but he had a way of appraising all around him with an astounding accuracy. Grandy Morelly, the soul of Swallow’s Fall.
    â€˜You’re looking well, Grandy. How’s life?
    â€˜Happening. How’s yours?’ he asked.
    Kate pulled a face. ‘Topsy turvy crazy.’
    He chuckled. ‘Thought it might be. Got the look of the lost and lonely about you.’
    Kate pulled her straw hat off and ran a hand over her head, checking her ponytail was still tailed. ‘I’m okay,’ she said in an off-hand way. ‘So what’s been going on in town? I hear there’s a feud.’
    â€˜The sun wouldn’t know which side of town to set without a few sparks to light its way.’ He glanced at her, his watery-blue eyes full of humour. ‘We’re movers and shakers here in Swallow’s Fall though. Two new things have happened in the last three months.’
    Kate curled a leg beneath her on the bench and turned to face Grandy.
    â€˜Your Jamie moved in, and we’re expecting another young man soon. The one who’s just bought