The Playing Fields First Draft

Epilogue

     "The Playing Fields disappeared."

     Claire was watching the rain fall from the window when Seanna broke the news. It was supposed to be part of the new normal that came about after Claire and Mari were rescued from the Playing Fields. For the past few weeks, the two women lived in a paranormal hunter safehouse, Seanna believed that the Unseelie Court would go after them for their part in exposing the Playing Fields to the human world. The paranormal hunters managed to take Donella and her team into custody with the Playing Fields secured by a team of paranormal hunters.

     Or so they thought.

     "At least we know of its existence." Seanna said, with an optimism that Claire wished she could force on herself. "If we could find them once, we'll find them again."

     The paranormal hunters were killed, Donella and her team escaped. It wasn't going to be an easy time for Claire and Mari now. Mari looked at Claire, who continued to look at the rain outside. Claire didn't want to think about Donella the Playing Field, or even about the possibility that Donella might come after Mari and her.

     The meeting was supposed to discuss Claire's results on the psychic examinations. Much to Claire's excitement, the psychic powers remained with her after leaving the Other World, and Claire felt like the powers were at the same level as before. Seanna guessed that Claire could have a rating over one hundred, possibly allowing the younger Fischer sister to join the paranormal hunters.

     Awkwardly, Seanna coughed to get Claire's attention. "Well, enough with the bad news, I have the results of Claire's exam."

     Immediately Claire's attention turned from the rain to Seanna. "What is it?" Claire asked.

     Senna handed the envelope to Claire. "You're going to have to find out yourself." Seanna said, as Claire took the envelope, and ripped it open.

     There was a sense of excitement that seemed to wane as Claire read the letter. "100." Claire said, plainly. "I'm among the top paranormal investigators, but too weak to join the paranormal hunters." Claire seemed to deflate as she considered it to be another reason for her mother to call Claire a failure.

     Seanna didn't have to be a psychic to know what her little sister was feeling. It was something that was common in the past several years. At one time, Seanna was the only one Claire would go to whenever their mother emotionally abused her. That is, until Seanna joined the paranormal hunters and their conversations slowed to once a week, and later to none at all.

     "At least you know what you're doing now." Mari said, lightly.

     "Oh?" Claire asked.

     "Your rating will give you access to the best jobs a paranormal investigator could get." Mari replied. "Rick only rated at 83, and that barely got him good jobs."

     "How did he get so many?" Claire asked.

     "He was experienced and charismatic when he could put on the show." Mari's smile was cracking. It was clear that she missed her cantankerous partner.

     "Gotcha." Claire said with a reassuring smile. "Then let's go into business together."

      Mari raised an eyebrow. "Why would you want to do that?"

      "We're friends now, and besides you have the experience that I sorely lack in all of this." Claire replied. "I need you in on this."

     "That sounds like a better idea than striking it out on your own, Mari." Seanna added.

     Mari shrugged. "Sure, just remember that Rick worked from home, so we didn't have a fancy office or anything."

     Claire grinned. "Then I'll apply for the investigator license."

     While the rain outside continued, sunlight began to poke through the clouds.