Margo now had a grim look on her face. It almost seemed as if she wanted to stop. She took a bit longer to reach for the last card. When she flipped it, she seemed very confused at first and then she looked to Rachel with a bit of bite in her stare. If the woman was putting on an act just for effect, she was doing a damn good job.

This is the Fool, Margo said. She still looked genuinely confused, looking back and forth between the cards and then to Rachel again. With the Moon and the Devil, this does indeed point to trickery of some kind. Throw in Death and…it redirects the entire thing to the person who asked a question of the deck.

Rachel found herself unable to speak, but Peter asked the very thing she was thinking. She was relieved to hear the skepticism in his voice. Meaning what, exactly?

That death is in your future, Rachel. She stopped here, her bottom lip quivering a bit. She looked confused, maybe even a little scared. Whether or not this was all an act, it was clear that Margo was not saying this lightly. And based on what I see here, it may be very soon.

Well, Peter said, clapping his hands one single time. Thats certainly very cheerful but its also a fine example of how Im not right all the time. No way in hell should we have done this reading. Her grandmother is sick. So thanks for this little burst of sunshine.

Wait, Margo said, her voice a little shaky now. One more card to round it out.

I think youve done enough, Peter said. He was getting irritated, which was not something Rachel had expected. He took Rachel by the hand, clearly upset. As Rachel got to her feet, she could not take her eyes away from the cards. She watched as Margo flipped a fourth card. And though Rachel, now being led out of the kitchen, could not see the card, Margo explained its meaning.

There is also unforgiveness in your future. Perhaps because of this sickness.

Rachel remained quiet, but Peter, angry beyond belief now, had a quick retort. Go to hell.

Peter led her out of the kitchen, where the rest of the party was in full swing. Rachel looked one last time back at Margo and did her best to ignore the look of abject fear on the womans face.

You okay? Peter asked as they joined the rest of the party.

Yeah. That was just spooky as hell. Thats all.

I know. Sorry. I shouldnt have even suggested it. With Grandma Tate and everything, I should have known better.

Its okay, she said.

I mean, you dont buy into that bullshit anyway, right?

No, she said, doing her best to show him a smile. Not at all. But I do want to get out of here. Can we start saying goodbyes?

Of course.