Clarity by Kim Harrington Read Free Book Online

smirked. “Maybe because you were too busy mocking my new friend?”
    Mom came into the room, scrunching her damp curls with her hand. “Justin spoke to me on his way out. His father has offered to pay us for any appointments lost by your working with the police.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
    I lifted my chin and straightened my shoulders. “Yes. It’s the right thing to do. And, to be honest, it feels good to use my gift for something more than a cheap tourist thrill. No offense.”
    Mom rubbed my arm. “Well, if you want to do this, it’s all right with me. Justin assured me that you will be taken care of and not put in harm’s way. He’s such a nice boy.”
    “Nice?” I snapped. “He cheated on me!”
    “One time,” Perry said. “One mistake.”
    “I’m not getting into this again.” I turned to leave. Mom blocked my way. She grabbed my hand and reached out to Perry with her other. “Come, fruit of my loins, we’re going for a walk.”
    “Where?” Perry whined.
    “Down the boardwalk. We’ll grab something to eat for dinner.”
    I wagged a finger at her. “You’re going to check her out, aren’t you?”
    “Whatever are you talking about?” Mom replied sweetly.
    “Madame Maslov. You want to spy on her.”
    She threw her hands up into the air. “Fine. Guilty as charged. You coming or not?”
    Perry and I exchanged a look.
    “We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said, chuckling.
    The first thing that hits the senses when you arrive at the boardwalk is that classic scent: a mixture of salt water, sunscreen, cotton candy, and Monty’s pizza by the slice. The Eastport boardwalk stretches across three blocks, and includes one arcade, two bars, and a handful of shops and restaurants.The only children’s activity is the old carousel and the line for that is always long.
    Tonight, as the sun lazily sank toward the ocean horizon, the boardwalk was bustling. Crowds were darting in and out of shops and eateries, and there were a few rollerbladers and cyclists, as well as two street performers. There wasn’t usually this much action on Monday nights; the weekenders would be back home by now. But it was the week of July Fourth, making this an extended weekend for most, and the boardwalk businesses were booming.
    Including Madame Maslov’s.
    The storefront’s large plate-glass window featured a pink neon sign advertising PSYCHIC READINGS . A line of people trailed out the door, waiting to get in. I took a peek through the window, but saw only a long red curtain. Madame Maslov’s so-called readings probably took place behind that.
    Perry sat on a bench, busy stuffing his face with blue cotton candy and watching the girls walk by. Mom paced back and forth in front of the shop. I had a horror movie Netflix double feature waiting for me at home, but now I felt my night slipping away.
    “Well, we came, we saw, what else do you want?” I asked Mom, my hands in the air. “She’s doing a great business. We can’t compete with her location. Our coupon is making the rounds. That’s all we can do at this point. Let’s stop stalking and go home.”
    Mom wrung her hands and stood still. I hoped she was seeing it my way so we could walk back. Then Maslov’s door opened and a familiar face looked out.
    It was Stephen Clayworth, the only child of insanely rich Cecile and Dallas Clayworth. Whereas most guys his age were wearing T-shirts and flip-flops, Stephen went for labels rather than comfort. He was head-to-toe preppy, from his linen, button-down Ralph Lauren shirt to his leather sandals.
    Stephen was not one of my biggest fans and I couldn’t blame him. He’d graduated with Perry this year, but almost not, thanks to me. He’d started a fight with Perry over some girl. And despite Perry telling me not to get involved and my solemn oath to only use my power for good … I may or may not have tipped off a teacher that Stephen had cheated on a final. Okay, I did do it. But