Chapter 55: Cassiopeia

After breakfast, Mom drove Cassie home to Eryn's farm. Margo Woods always carried herself with an air of confidence that rarely got ruffled, but today, Margo seemed agitated and when she was agitated, she wouldn't be deterred. Suddenly, Cassie regretted the half hour drive, in which she would be at her mother's mercy.

"Cassiopeia," Mom started. Cassie rolled her eyes, bracing herself for the impending lecture that was cued by the use of her much despised and apparently non-birth name. "You need to make some reconsiderations where your career is concerned. I hate that you've inherited your father's gift, but having it means you need to be careful and your line of work."

"Mom."

"Let me finish," Mom said. "I know you love your job as a private investigator, and I also know you've lost so much in recent weeks. I just want you to think about it. You've always laughed when I voice my concerns, but your job is dangerous, and I don't want anything more to happen to you or anyone else."