Grave Lies: A Psychic Investigator Mystery (Mercury Mediums Book 1), page 28
They’d be risking far more public exposure than the Mercury Group typically liked. But how many more people could they help? Could it ever be enough to guide the dead when they could also serve justice?
If her partner sensed these thoughts as they entered the Mercury Group’s office, she didn’t mention it.
“We’re here to see Dari,” Zandra said to the receptionist.
“I’ll let her know.”
By the time their handler emerged, Penny was getting antsy, and Zandra’s knees were bouncing. Dari had made them wait almost an hour.
“Thanks for making an appearance. I’ve got five minutes.” The woman gestured for them to follow.
“They’re rolling out the red carpet, aren’t they?” Zandra muttered under her breath.
Yeah. This was not a great sign.
They went into Dari’s office, but she didn’t invite them to sit.
“I apologize for not making it yesterday,” Zandra began. “The case in Coldwater—”
Dari lifted her hand. “I’ll stop you right there. Put it in your report. I’m sure someone will read it eventually, if they feel that’s necessary.” She sat against her desk, crossing her legs at the ankles. “I told you things were changing around here, and that it was largely out of my control. Unfortunately, since you didn’t bother to show up when we asked, this is now completely out of my hands. I’ve been asked to inform you that you should await further instructions. The Mercury Group will let you know when you’re needed.”
Zandra sputtered. “What about our special assignment? I was given guarantees.”
“So was I.” Penny’s stomach was starting to twist.
Zandra shot her a glance that said, Don’t freak out. We can handle this.
“There’s really nothing else for me to tell you,” Dari said. “You’re off active duty until you hear otherwise. Your paychecks will continue. But Mercury is going to decide how they want to use you. If you’ve got a problem with that…?” Dari didn’t even bother to finish the sentence.
When they got back outside, Penny finally opened her mouth. “I don’t even know what just happened back there.”
“It’s a power play.”
“Please tell me you have a plan. We can’t let them do this.”
Zandra wiped a hand over her face. “I don’t know what’s going on right now any better than you. But there have been upsets within the company before. I’ve always managed to ride it out, and things go back to normal.”
“Or, we could call their bluff. We could…leave.”
“And go where?”
“I don’t know. Strike out on our own?”
“That’s not realistic. You’ve been with Mercury for, what—three months now? Four? This is my life.”
“So the Mercury Group comes first? Rather than our partnership?”
Zandra paused. “I don’t think that’s a fair interpretation of what I said.”
Wasn’t it?
Zandra was right that this wasn’t the kind of life Penny was used to. She hadn’t grown up among other para-sensitives. Now that she’d made these connections, she wasn’t ready to give them up. But she didn’t fully trust the Mercury Group, either. They’d given her little reason to.
Zandra’s eyes darted over the sidewalk. “Let’s give it another month. See what they ask us to do next. Can you agree to that?”
“If the alternative is that we can’t work together anymore? Then yeah. Of course.”
But Penny didn’t know how long that reasoning could last.
Watch for more books in the Mercury Mediums series, coming soon!
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And don’t miss the Penny Wright trilogy. Find out how Penny became a Mercury Medium…
Also by A.N. Willis
The Penny Wright Series
Devil’s Night: The Haunting of Eden
Angel Eyes: The Haunting of January House
Demon House: The Haunting of Demler Mansion
How Much It May Storm
1943: When Dinah sees a young soldier out in the snow—a soldier who supposedly died in the last Great War—she follows him into the woods. But what she discovers will force Dinah to confront the dangerous darkness hiding inside those she least suspects… A chilling historical ghost story.
The Byrne House Duology
Evelyn is the last to see her classmate the day he disappears—just a pale face in the tower window of the mansion across the street. She vows to find him. But once she opens this door, there’s no going back… A supernatural gothic tale with a thrilling historical mystery.
Under Glass and Stone
Doors of Gold and Rust
Complete Duology Set
About the Author
A.N. Willis writes supernatural suspense and gothic mysteries where the past never stays buried. She’s also the author of the sci-fi adventure The Corridor. To get exclusive content, learn more about her books, and hear about her new releases, sign up for her newsletter.
A.N. Willis, Grave Lies: A Psychic Investigator Mystery (Mercury Mediums Book 1)
