Epilogue

Three Years Later

Cole

Time moved on, some things changed, while a lot stayed the same. I still worked at Brian's Sporting Goods, and Bobby still worked at the copy shop. But mostly we did it because both of us really liked our jobs and these days it was a nice break from when we'd be on an assignment that typically involved a demon.

We lived together in our own house now. It was a bit remote but was right in the middle between Hickory Crossing and Sugarfield so our families could visit if they wanted to, and we both had an easy drive to work.

"You're sure it's the same carnival?" I asked as both of us hurried to get dressed.

"Yes, I drove by it on the way home yesterday. I recognized the big tent. It's the same."

"Do you think it's a good idea to go back?" Three years ago, when I was still trying to figure out what was happening to me, going to that carnival had lifted the veil for me on what my abilities could be. It was terrifying, but it was also amazing, and once I was able to control the constant thoughts of other people and press them down into the background, it was all okay.

"Yes. I want to actually go to the carnival this time. They have a lot of different acts, and activities. I mean it's not every day the carnival comes to town," Bobby said with a grin and a kiss to my cheek.

"Then I guess we're going to the carnival," I said.

We drove along the freeway until the big tent and Ferris wheel came into view. The sun was just setting as we excited the freeway and drove along the small country road that led to the empty field where we'd parked last time. "It's nice to get to drive together this time," Bobby said.

"It is, and it's been nice to have a little break from hunting." I looked at the entrance and all the people walking toward it while we drove around looking for an open parking space.

"Is that what we do? I thought it was more like searching," he said.

"Hunting, searching, either way it always ends the same. One more demon sent to where they can never come back."

"One less is always good," Bobby said as he pulled into a parking space. I'd accepted my ability to read thoughts and interpret visions that helped us find other demons who tried to hide among us, but when he accepted the task of being my sword, I knew together we'd be unstoppable. And so far, we were.

"I finally told Mom about Anna," I said. He knew I was going to. We'd talked about it, and I didn't want to keep lying to my parents. His family already knew and while his dad only wanted to know what was absolutely necessary, his mom worked with us regularly. She and her friends, who all possessed different talents, worked to keep the balance between dark and light on the side of light.

"What did she say?" Bobby asked.

"At first, she didn't believe me. But then she said she'd noticed Anna had changed. She'd gone from being friendly but aloof to someone who rarely interacted with anyone in town. She said it made her sad to know she was killed because of her nephew."

"I'm sorry, baby, I know you hoped it would turn out differently than it did." Bobby turned in the seat to face me before reaching for my hand.

"Yes, I did. But we can't change what fate has mapped out for us. We can only follow the signs and hope for the best." There were so many things I'd been shown. Some were wonderful and I looked forward to them, and the life I knew I'd share with Bobby. But some were horrible. And most of those I tried to keep to myself. "Ready to go inside?"

Bobby nodded before we got out of the car and he held my hand while we walked across the dusty parking lot to the entrance. The same two men were working at the entrance; one of them walked over to us wearing a warm smile.

"Good evening, gentlemen. I see you've come returned," he said with a tip of his hat.

"I remember you," Bobby said. "Thank you for your help."

"I don't believe I helped you at all," he said and handed each of us a ticket for entry.

"How much do we owe you?" I asked.

"Complimentary. Go and enjoy the show," the other man said.

"Thank you so much," Bobby said, and took them from him. "Come on, Cole, let's go watch the Flying Galliers." He pulled me along, down a row of carnival games that led to the big tent in the middle.

"The what?" I asked having no clue what he was talking about.

"Acrobats, they're supposed to be really good, and their show is about to start."

I laughed as he pulled me through the crowd that grew thicker the closer we got to the big red and white tent, but then off by itself just past the midway, I noticed another much smaller tent. A large sign promised palm reading and fortune telling. The flaps of the tent were open, but the interior was dark enough I couldn't tell what it looked like inside. Next to the entrance a woman with long dark hair stood leaning against the ropes that held up the tent.

Her eyes met mine, and even at this distance I knew she was not just an act. She was the real thing. Power emanated from her, and I forced myself not to even try to read her thoughts. I knew I wouldn't be able to.

"Cole, did you want something to eat before we go in?" Bobby asked, drawing my attention to him.

"Sure, I could eat," I said and looked back at the tent. The woman who'd been there was gone, but I could still feel her power.

"Let's hurry, I don't want to be late." Bobby led us to the nearest food vendor where we both chose a hotdog and a drink before hurrying to the entrance of the tent. I thought back to three years ago and how this carnival had opened my eyes, and my thoughts.

"Do you think we'd have known that Anna was blocking my powers if we hadn't come here?" I asked Bobby, who was busy eating his hotdog.

"Well, I'd like to think we would have figured it out eventually. But I'm not sure." I followed him up an aisle until we found two open seats and sat down.

"Me either. But I'm happy you figured it out. You were my sword and my guardian all along." He grinned at me around a mouthful of food before leaning in and kissing my cheek.

"Always. There's nothing I won't do for you," he said, and I knew he meant every word.

THE END