“Is this Skeeter’s real office?”

“The pool hall office is just a front. The guys in the other room had to prove themselves trustworthy to be here.”

“That can’t be too true since Skeeter has me questioning them. I thought you said Skeeter could read people’s characters?”

“And I also say they could change, although it’s rare. But some will change if there’s a powerful enough incentive. Like greed.”

I suspected a lot of people would change for greed.

“The first guy will be in here soon. Where do you want to do this?” Jed asked.

I stood in the center of the room, spinning around to take it all in. “If I sit at the desk, I’ll show more authority, but I’ll have to get up to force a vision.” I turned to study the sitting area. “If I sit there, they might want to sit next to me and . . . be more inclined to talk.” My voice trailed off. I knew why some of them might want to sit by me.

“I think the sofa area is a good idea.”

“But let’s turn on the lamp and turn off the overhead light. So it’s more . . . comfortable.”

“Good idea.”

I nodded and sat on the sofa close to the table, setting my glass on a coaster. “Is it gonna be that bad?” I asked.

“With most of them? No. And I suspect Skeeter will send the easy ones first to get you warmed up.”

My nerves kicked in. There were eleven men in the other room, so this could very well go on all night. But I didn’t have time to dwell on it.

Jed opened the door, and the first man walked in. He paused in the doorway, but Jed said, “Come on in, Seth. As Skeeter probably told you, Lady would like to meet you. Lady, this is Seth Moore.”

So much for starting with the easy ones. Mr. Moore was on the questionable list.

Seth moved toward me, his eyes moving from the empty chairs to the sofa. I’d chosen where to sit strategically. If the guy I was questioning sat next to me on the sofa, it would be easier to reach over, grab his hand, and have a vision. But it also meant he would probably be more forward. It was a double-edged sword.

He sat on the cushion next to me.

Jed shut the door and took a seat in the chair opposite of where I sat.

“Seth, thank you for meeting with me.” I clasped my hands in my lap, hoping my trembling didn’t show. “I’m a very hands-on investor, and I think it’s important for me to get to know the men who work closely with Mr. Malcolm.” I crossed my legs and leaned toward him. “And perhaps you’d like to know more about me too.”

His eyes were glued to my cleavage. “Yeah . . .”

“I’ve been studying everyone since I walked into the conference room, and I can tell that you are a man who will be instrumental to Mr. Malcolm. Tell me about your position in the organization.” I cast a quick glance at Jed, and he tipped his head slightly with a tiny smile.

The alcohol on his breath loosened his tongue. Seth spent several minutes telling me how important he was to Skeeter, which had something to do with fencing stolen goods in his pawnshop.

“I’d love to know about your prior experience. An enterprising man such as yourself has surely worked his way up the ladder.”

He filled me in on his petty thefts and burglaries, none of which was useful information.

“I have a question,” Seth said, leaning toward me.

Jed’s jaw tightened.

“I’m listening.”

“Why do you always wear a veil?”

I should have expected that. Reaching my hand to my chest, I said, “I was in an accident that left me with a terrible scar. I’m embarrassed to be seen with it, so I cover it with a veil.”

“I’m sure you’re beautiful without it.” He reached over and put his hand on mine.

Jed shifted in his seat as though he was ready to pounce, but I grabbed Seth’s hand and held it between both of my own.

“Can I read your aura?”

“What?” he mumbled, his eyes on my chest again. It was easy to see which part of me he found most beautiful.

“I know it sounds new-agey, but I read auras. You’re such an interesting man, and I’d love to read you.”

He leered at me. I suspected the fact that I was still holding his hand gave him courage. “I’d love for you to read me.”

“Thank you.” I lowered my voice. “You sit still. I’ll be quiet for a bit while I concentrate, and then I’ll blurt out some nonsense before I tell you about your aura. Don’t worry—it’s all part of the process.”

“Okay.”

I cast a glance at Jed, who seemed tense. I could hardly blame him. Who knew what would pop out of my mouth and what this man would do afterward? Jed was in a terrible position of both having to protect me and maintain damage control.

“Then let’s get started.” I closed my eyes, wondering what to focus on. If I tried to find out if he was connected to Mason’s attempted murder, what would I see if he wasn’t involved? I supposed it was worth a try. I concentrated on his connection to Mason’s murder and the inky blackness gave way to a gray haze. I squinted, concentrating harder until a fuzzy image appeared.

I was sitting in lawn chair, holding a beer in my hand. A man sat in the chair next to me with a beer of his own.

“You gonna mow the lawn?” a woman screeched behind me.

I took a guzzle from the can. “Quit your naggin’, woman.”