Lucas ignores him. “Syl, whatever he’s rambling on about doesn’t matter. It’s the past. The future is what matters and yours is limitless. I’ll make sure of that.”

I rest a trembling hand on Moose’s head. “Lucas, do you believe in me, as a psychic?”

His brows fly up. “Of course I believe in you, even when I was the only one. You make this world a better place.” He points at Thomas. “And this jerk wants to shut you down. We’ve worked too hard, there’s too much at stake to let him do that.”

“You didn’t answer her question,” Thomas says. “Do you believe in Sylvie’s gift?”

Lucas crouches in front of my chair, palms hot on my knees. “No matter what this guy has said, how he’s preyed on your insecurities, I’ve always been in your corner.”

“I know. But I need you to answer that question.”

“It never mattered to you before.”

His face blurs. I blink and tears track down my cheeks. “Now it does.”

“He’s done a number on your head.” Lucas walks toward the door. “Let’s go, Sylvie. I’ll stay with you through the show and take you back to LA. We can talk all this through later, in privacy.”

“What if I do my show in Portland without any prep?” Lucas’s silence is my answer. I dry my cheeks. “Please leave.”

He stares, incredulous. “You’re not coming with me?”

“I need some time to think.”

“Syl, I’ve always been straight with you. And I’ve always explained that every dream has a price.”

The familiar words make my insides ache. “Yeah, but I’m not sure if I can pay it anymore. I need some time to figure out who I really am and what I want.”

Lucas runs a hand through his hair. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“No . . . Yes. Do you remember the kid who came with me to LA? Danny?”

“I never met him.”

I wince. “His last name is Archer. Could you try to find him? Please?” Lucas nods then glances at Thomas. Regardless of what he believes, he’s worried about me. “I’m good, really.” He looks back one last time before he leaves, his expression forlorn. What have I done? Lucas has been my only family for years. A lifeline when I desperately needed one. This is how I repay his kindness? My face burns. And is he right? Has Thomas twisted my mind? Has the stress and pressure warped my perceptions? Am I about to throw my career away? Maybe. But my world has changed.

Lucas thinks I just picked Thomas over him. Only I didn’t. I picked me.

“Does the name Birdie mean anything to you?” Thomas quietly asks.

He has a strange look on his face. I join him on the couch. “Should it?”

Thomas types the search: Birdie Murder Oregon Police Neighbor Smell. Top hit . . .