She ran her fingertips over the flocked wallpaper, fingered the gold ropes that held back the drapes and petted a stuffed sheep on a shelf as she faced out the front window. “This room is comfortable.”

Adam thought it was bizarre, like a throwback to some magical dystopian preteen novel. But what did he know?

“I’m glad you think so. Before we start, let’s handle the business end of this.” Rune rattled the fringe of coins on her scarf. “I’m a fortune-teller. You have to cross my palm with silver.”

Elle looked stricken. “I don’t have any money.”

Rune turned to Adam. “C’mon, buddy, you’re sleeping with her. Pop with a few coins.”

Adam’s well-disciplined temper rose. “Damn it to hell. Did you talk to Deputy Dave? What did he tell you?”

“I haven’t seen Deputy Dave today. What makes you think I have?” Rune’s voice developed a pleased, singsong tone.

“You know that we... Wait, is this one of your guesses?” Adam had been conned. Conned!

“Madame Rune does not guess, she divines.”

Adam was already tired of that line.

Rune continued. “Since you’re sleeping with Elle, you should cough up the coins.”

“We’re not having sex,” Elle informed her. “When I sleep alone, I scream.”

Adam wanted to tell her to stop feeding Rune material. Because Rune looked so wickedly pleased.

“I knew that.” Rune took her hand and kissed it. “You can pay me when you find out who you are and can access your funds.” He shot a look at Adam. “Or Mr. I’m-Not-Paying-for-Lunch can do it in advance.”

She went toe-to-toe with Rune. “Adam doesn’t support me. He doesn’t own me. Tell me what you’re charging, and I’ll see you’re paid back. Or if you’re charging a lot, I’ll leave and figure this whole amnesia thing out for myself.”

Rune backed up like a Doberman under attack from a Pomeranian. “I’ll take an IOU.”

“I don’t want to put you out.” Elle wasn’t taking bullshit. “I don’t need any favors.” She poked her finger at Rune’s chest. “How? Much?”

Adam crossed his arms and leaned against the sideboard. Now he was enjoying himself.

“I can’t guarantee success, so—how about forty dollars for the first half hour and twenty dollars every half hour after that?”

“Wowza.” Elle was taken aback. “Do you really make that much?”

“More. You’re getting the friends-and-family rate.” Rune stood on sure footing. “I’m good at what I do.”

“I’ll pay you when I’m recovered, which I will do—” she was fierce in her determination “—either in one lump sum or in payments as I am capable. For what it’s worth, I don’t think I’m wealthy—I know I’m good with a budget—so it’ll probably be payments.” She offered her hand.