Hold of the Bone Read Online Free

finally ready to engage the real work, the work that matters here.” She presses a hand between Frank’s breasts.
    Frank closes her eyes against the solid heat. In a voice that sounds too small to be her own, she says, “I don’t know what that is.”
    â€œThat’s alright. You don’t have to know right now. All you have to do is be open. It will come to you, I promise. It’s been waiting a long time.”
    â€œYou keep saying ‘it.’ What’s ‘it’?”
    â€œYour life,” Marguerite answers.
    â€œWhat have I been doing the last fifty years?”
    The mambo smiles. “Preparing.”
    Frank studies the buildings across the street. “What about this talent? What’s that look like?”
    â€œI’m not sure. But you’ll know it as it begins to manifest. Which, I’m surprised it hasn’t already.”
    â€œHm. Like porn? I can’t explain it, but I’ll know it when I see it?”
    â€œThat’s a crude analogy, but yes.”
    Frank nods. “I hope it’s not going to manifest as traumatically as it did last time. I don’t know that I’ve got another Mother Love in me.”
    Marguerite cocks her head as if listening. “It doesn’t have to. You weren’t prepared for that. It was a shock.”
    â€œUnderstatement.”
    â€œBut now you know better. I think it will go much easier if you accept this. The harder you resist, the more difficult you’ll make it.”
    â€œWhat if I just walk away, like Darcy?”
    Marguerite shakes her head. I don’t think you have that option. Even your latent ability is so much stronger than his.”
    â€œI hear you, Marguerite, I really do, but I’m not understanding a goddamned word.”
    â€œI know. I understand this is completely illogical, and irrational, but logic and reason will no longer serve you as they have. At thisstage of your life, in this transition if you will, it is heart that matters most.”
    The mambo’s hand slides to Frank’s chest again. Warmth rises from Frank’s groin but spreads. It confounds her, coursing through her belly and torso, shooting down her arms and legs, tingling out toes and fingers.
    â€œYou feel that?”
    Frank nods. Marguerite removes her hand, but the heat remains.
    â€œTrust that. Seek it. And when you find it, don’t ignore it. If you come from here,” she taps her knuckles on Frank’s forehead, “you will struggle and inevitably lose. But if you come from here,” she presses gently against Frank’s breastbone, “I promise the path will be clear.”
    The mambo digs in her purse and presents Frank a white business card. “Call me. I’ll help however I can.”
    Marguerite stands. Frank studies the familiar card.
    â€œOh. One thing I am certain of, you will always have help along the way. It may not look like you expect it to or even want it to, but it will always be there.”
    Frank offers a wry smile. “Like you?”
    â€œYes. Take close care, Lieutenant.”
    â€œFrank,” she reminds, but Marguerite is already crossing the street. She considers the card in her hand, thinks about leaving it on the bench. Instead, tucks it in the pocket over her heart. Above, a lone vulture circles the City of Angels.

Chapter 4
    Frank walks back to her car but doesn’t go anywhere. She sits and stares down First Street. Two old Asian men argue past her. A black woman clicks by in heels, and a wino of indeterminate ancestry pokes through trashcans. She checks in with Lewis, who doesn’t need her, then Caroline. “Hey. It’s me.”
    â€œHi,” Caroline answers. “Where are you?”
    â€œHeaded to the station. You?”
    â€œI’m at the hospital. I got paged right after you left.”
    â€œAnything serious?”
    â€œI doubt it. Just a first-timer who’s read everything on the