“It was the same as before,” Elizabeth said to Persephone. “I told you, I just saw blood.”

“And a knife,” Cindy’s father said. “You said you saw a knife.”

“Who was holding it?” Jake asked.

“I couldn’t see. It was just a knife and the blood. That’s all,” Elizabeth insisted unsteadily.

“And me,” Jake said. “You knew it was me.”

But Elizabeth shook her head. “I didn’t actually see you, not either time.”

“But you knew the vision was about me, didn’t you? That first time you saw it.”

She couldn’t deny it.

“Am I going to die? Is that what it means?” Jake demanded. “You’ve got to tell me!”

“I don’t know. I didn’t see that part,” she said, starting to weep.

“That’s enough,” Gideon said. “Stop harassing her!”

“Maybe she didn’t see it,” Cindy’s father said grimly, “but you’d better have a care, son.”

Jake nodded, obviously more than frightened.

“If I just knew who to watch out for . . .” Jake tried weakly.

But Elizabeth gestured helplessly. “I’d tell you if I knew. But he’s right. You should be careful.”

“Maybe you already know. Is there someone who wishes you harm?” Tilly asked him.

“No one,” Jake insisted, although Elizabeth could have named a few. Persephone might have known at least one as well, if her cough meant anything. Jake apparently didn’t notice. “I’m the kind of fellow everyone likes.”

“Then maybe it isn’t you who . . .” Andy’s mother began, and caught herself.

“Yes, maybe it’s someone else’s blood,” Cindy’s mother said, picking up the argument.

“And maybe no one is going to die at all,” Andy’s mother concluded.

No one believed that, though. Elizabeth could see it on every face, even Madame Ophelia’s, although she was trying to remain calm.

“I should really get you home,” Gideon said.

“Perhaps you will wait a few minutes,” Madame said in the tone that brooked no argument. “I should like to speak to Mrs. Bates in private.”

The others started to file out, obviously reluctant but too used to obeying Madame to argue. Jake lingered until last. “What should I do? What if you have another vision and you need to warn me?”

“Do you have a card?” Gideon asked practically.

Jake reached into his pocket and pulled one out. Gideon produced his own and they made the exchange.

“You’ll tell me if you see anything else, anything that will help me?” Jake asked almost desperately.

Elizabeth nodded, not quite meeting his eye.

Persephone escorted him out of the room, closing the door behind them, leaving Elizabeth and Gideon alone with Madame Ophelia.

“Mr. Bates?” Madame said by way of dismissal.

“I’m not leaving her in here alone again,” he said, matching her iron will with his own.

Madame turned her gimlet gaze to Elizabeth, who said, “I didn’t tell Mr. Miller the truth.”