Free Better Read Than Dead by Victoria Laurie Page B

blue eyes rimmed smartly with wire glasses that only accentuate his good looks. He has an infectious smile, a machine-gun laugh, and most of his clientele are madly in love with him. In fact, were he not gay, I might have made a bid for him myself once upon a time.
    As psychics go he’s one of the best I’ve ever known. His readings are freakishly detailed, peppered with humor, and always full of hope. No matter how desperate the situation, Kendal will give you the silver lining. I respected him immensely for his talent, his wisdom, and his positive attitude. Plus, even though he played for another team, he was still nice to look at.
    We met in the driveway, and he gathered me up in a tremendous hug that, I’ll admit, I badly needed. Setting me down he stepped away and immediately said, “What’s happened?”
    “Nothing I want to talk about,” I said dismissively. I didn’t want to be read tonight; I just wanted to get this stupid reception out of the way and go back home to bed, which I might never leave.
    Kendal looked at me for a long moment. I was familiar with the look; it’s the faraway stare most psychics have when we’re gathering intuitive information. “Kendal, really, just leave it alone,” I pleaded.
    “It’s not over, sugar, even though you think it is. . . .”
    Against my will my eyes welled up and I turned quickly away and walked over to his car, where I waited to be let in. After a long pause I sneaked a look at Kendal, who smiled apologetically at me, shrugged his shoulders and hit a button on his key chain, unlocking the door. I climbed in without a word and Kendal joined me a moment later. Without further delay we backed out of the driveway and headed downtown toward Detroit.
    “Did you bring two sets of tarot cards?” I asked as he drove, remembering our little tutoring session before the reception.
    Kendal tapped his left pocket and said, “I’ve got it all covered.”
    “You sure I’m going to be able to pull this off?” I asked apprehensively.
    “Sugar, if anyone can pull this off, you can. Really, it’s a piece of cake. Trust me.”
    Anytime someone says the words “trust me,” it’s a pretty good indication that you’d be wiser to head for the hills. I squirmed as we got off at the exit for downtown, and took calming breaths as we drove into the parking structure across from the casino.
    “So what’s the scoop on the bride and groom?” I asked as we walked toward the casino. “I mean, it’s a little odd to have a couple of psychics entertaining at your wedding reception.”
    “They’re getting married on Halloween, so I doubt having us attend is odd for them.”
    “Good point.”
    We headed into the Plaza Casino and through a brilliantly lit foyer. We found the concierge desk, and Kendal asked about the wedding reception. We were directed down a corridor to the left of the foyer and made our way briskly to the appointed ballroom. As we walked through the double doors my eyes got large looking at the lavish decorations and opulence of the place.
    I don’t know what I imagined—something like little pumpkins for centerpieces, and orange and black streamers in a cacophony of bad taste—but the room had no trace of that kind of thing anywhere.
    The tables were dressed in brilliant white tablecloths with ornate floral designs and votive candles demurely providing much of the lighting. The chairs were wrapped in huge chiffon bows of autumn rose, and soft pink Christmas-tree lights wrapped every pylon, and hung in a drapelike fashion from the ceiling.
    The bridal party was to be seated at a long table on a large dais, raised slightly so that even those in the back sections could see the bride and groom clearly.
    Over to one side was an extravagant table with a large ice carving of a mermaid and tray upon tray of crab claws, jumbo shrimp and oysters. The opposite side of the room held the dessert table, literally strewn with small confections of chocolate, and in the