Free The Soul Thief by Leah Cutter Page B

walls, while a tall bookcase filled the fourth, its shelves lined with drying pottery, as well as a few books. Under the cloying sweet smell of incense lay the earthy scent of clay.
    Most of the pottery pieces were little figures, like matching sets of suns and moons, horseshoes, and clusters of stars.
    “Today’s a day full of luck,” Eddie explained as she walked over to the sink in the corner and washed her hands. “All these pieces will bring folks even more luck, particularly when made on a day like today.”
    Franklin had no idea if any of Eddie’s work would actually bring a body luck. He also didn’t think that was what her gift was, to make small figures. She should be working like Julie did, to cure folks, heal them.
    However, he knew it weren’t polite to say anything. Not that he ever would. He’d told her once that the spirits could move her more if she’d let them.
    She’d claimed to be too old to learn new tricks.
    “So how are you?” Eddie asked, stepping back from the sink and drying her hands. “I’m glad to see you. Both of you,” she added, glancing at Franklin. Then she put her towel down and stood with her hands on her hips. “But I can tell this isn’t a social call. You got something you need.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Julie said. She drew Franklin forward. “We need to know the history behind that blade of yours. The one you gave me last year. To help protect me from the creature.”
    Eddie shook her head. “There ain’t much to tell, I’m afraid. I got the knife from an antique dealer in town.”
    Franklin sighed. He really hoped this wasn’t going to be a wasted trip.
    “Should we go talk with him?” Julie asked.
    “Naw, fool didn’t know what he had.”
    “What did he have, ma’am?” Franklin asked.
    Eddie shrugged. “All I knew was that it was an object of power. So I took it before he could sell it to someone who might misuse it.”
    “Can you tell us anything else?” Julie asked. “Anything at all?”
    “Well,” Eddie started, then sighed. “I always kept that knife in a circle of protection. I didn’t ever leave it out. The only folks who ever saw it were people from our group.”
    “Why did you keep it hidden?” Franklin asked. “What made you feel like you had to do that?”
    “The knife was powerful,” Eddie said. “When it was outside the circle, I felt sometimes like it was calling to me.”
    “And you just gave it to Julie? Without any instructions?” Franklin asked. He wouldn’t give in to his anger. But he also was never coming back here again. He’d be happier if Julie never came back either.
    “I knew she’d give the knife to you,” Eddie told him sharply. “And I knew that you’d be able to take care of it.”
    Franklin shook his head, bewildered. He hadn’t known that he needed to do something more with that knife. He’d given it to Darryl for protection.
    And look what had grown out of it.
    “Thank you, ma’am,” Franklin said, reaching for Julie’s hand and tugging her back toward the door. “Y’all have a nice day.”
    They was halfway back across the yard before Eddie stuck her head out of her studio. “Wait,” she said, following after them. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. But I know someone who can.”
    Franklin waited, his patience just about run out.
    “Her name’s Beulah. She lives up at the end of Old Mill Road. You’ll find the turnoff for it at the end of Main Street. She’s…well, she’s kind of odd. But I think she’ll be able to tell you something about the knife. You’ve touched it recently, right?”
    “Been stabbed with it,” Franklin said dryly.
    “Oh,” Eddie said. “Then yes, go talk with Beulah. Tell her I sent you.” Eddie paused, then looked squarely at Franklin. “May I?” she asked, reaching toward his injured side with her hands spread wide.
    “Thank you, ma’am,” Franklin said.
    Eddie didn’t actually touch him. He still felt the warmth from her palms radiating his