Page 10 of Professor and the Seer
She glanced at him. “Was it for personal gain?”
He blinked. “Yes and no. I mean, the research is a pet project of mine into the roots of some arcane legends, so personal in a sense, but I planned to share the knowledge so everyone could better understand where magic originated.”
“I’d say that’s a far cry from demanding Powerball numbers or stock market money-making tips.”
“Wait, do people ask you for that?”
“Not anymore.”
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that it was because she kept herself aloof.
“It must be hard,” he murmured.
“It is,” she agreed.
“Your sister mentioned you don’t leave your apartment much.”
“Because I can’t always control the flow of possibilities.”
“Surely there must be a way to stifle the visions.”
“I’d love to find a way before I go mad. It’s gotten so much worse since the portal opened and blasted me.” An admission that left her lips downturned.
“I know you don’t want my help, but I know someone discreet who might be able to guide you. A seer by the name of Betsey.”
Frieda cast him a sharp glance. “Never heard of her.”
“Because she doesn’t advertise her gift.”
“Yet you know of her.”
His lips curved as he admitted, “Because she’s my great-grandma.”
4
The news John had a seer in the family dropped my jaw a second before the frown hit. “Wait a second, if you have a grandma who can predict things, then why is it you wanted me to help with your history stuff?”
“Because Grams can’t see the past.”
“Neither can I. And a good thing too,” I muttered. Bad enough trying to keep the future straight.
“Yeah, I’m beginning to wonder if it’s even possible. I mean I’ve seen it referenced a few times in my studies, but those seers lived centuries ago. I’ve seen nothing to indicate anyone currently has that ability.”
“Did your great-grandma warn you about staying away from me?”
“Nope. And just so you know, she’s the one who claimed I’d live to be an old man.”
I snorted. “Either she was bullshitting you or she ignored some of the branches. You should ask her to peek again.”
“Can’t. Gram’s power is strange in that she only sees a person’s future once.”
“Once?” How relaxing.
He nodded. “Soon as she takes a gander, that person then becomes a blank to her.”
“Probably how she stays sane,” I muttered.
“Could be she’s found a way to harness the ability. I’ll be honest, I never asked. She can be a touch grumpy. If you want, I could take you to visit.”