Full Blast by Janet Evanovich & Charlotte Hughes

Mike Henderson.” He rubbed a hand over his head, smoothing out his rumpled hair. “You’ve probably seen my byline.”
    “Destiny Moultrie,” she said in her husky voice. “And, no, I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your articles. I’ve just moved to Beaumont.”
    “You just moved here?” he repeated. “Well, then you probably haven’t had a chance to dine at our best restaurants or see the sights. I could—”
    “I don’t eat out much,” Destiny said. “I’m a vegetarian.”
    Mike smiled broadly. “A vegetarian? Well, now, isn’t that a coincidence. It just so happens I’m a vegetarian, too.”
    Jamie tried to suppress a smile. Mike lived on fast food and probably wouldn’t recognize a zucchini from a cucumber. “Um, Mike, about that article—”
    “Yeah, yeah.” He reached into his pocket. “Here’s my business card, Miss Moultrie.”
    “Call me Destiny,” she said, taking the card.
    “If you should find yourself in need of a tour guide, I’m the man for the job. Oh, and use my pager. That’s quicker.”
    “Thank you, Mike.”
    He was still smiling as he backed from the room and closed the door.
    “Nice man,” Destiny said to Jamie.
    “Yes, Mike can be very, um, charming,” Jamie said. She motioned for Destiny to take a seat. “Thank you for coming right over,” she said. “I have something I want to discuss with you.”
    “Have you decided about the job?”
    “I’m still thinking about it.” She paused. “Something terrible has happened.” Jamie debated whether or not to tell her about Luanne and decided to hold off.
    Destiny leaned forward. “Oh, my, what is it?”
    “I was hoping you could tell me.”
    Destiny shook her head. “I haven’t had any more visions if that’s what you’re asking.”
    “Nothing about the man in uniform who was supposed to question me?”
    “No, nothing. Why?”
    Jamie leveled her gaze on the woman. “I was questioned by the chief of police this morning about a murder that took place last night.”
    Destiny simply looked at her. “I’m not surprised. Who was the victim?”
    Jamie told her what she knew.
    Destiny listened carefully. “I’m not getting anything on it, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come to me later.” She suddenly glanced behind her. “Ronnie, I asked you to wait in the car.”
    Jamie looked up at the vacant spot behind her. “Your dead spirit came with you?”
    “Sorry. Just ignore him.”
    Jamie nodded as though it were an everyday occurrence to have a dead spirit in her office. “Destiny, I don’t know anything about psychic ability; in fact, I don’t really believe in such things.”
    “I know that, but I hope you won’t let it stand in the way of giving me a job. I am perfect for it. I have feel for what people really need help with. I can help them, Jamie. I’ve done this sort of thing before with a lot of success.”
    Jamie considered it. If an advice column pulled in more readers, it could only mean more revenue for the newspaper. “Tell you what. I’ll announce the new column in an article and see if we get any responses. If we get a significant number, the job is yours. As long as you realize I have editorial control on what goes out,” she added.
    “Are you going to announce to your readers that I’m psychic?”
    “The jury is still out on that one.” Jamie wasn’t sure how the citizens of Beaumont would accept it.
    “Don’t forget, I want to be referred to as the Divine Love Goddess Advisor. I think it’s catchy, don’t you?”
    Jamie didn’t have a clue. Probably folks would laugh her right out of town. “You realize I’m going out on a limb here.”
    “I won’t let you down,” Destiny promised.
     
    VERA WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR TWO HOURS later. Jamie sat back in her chair and stared, her mouth agape. “Wow!” The gray was gone, and her hair cut in a flattering style.
    Vera preened. “Susie colored it, added a light frosting, and then cut it. She says this haircut is