Damned and Defiant by Kathy Kulig

employee, was showing Dante a variety of crystals, describing the various properties of each one. She was a couple years younger than Haley and had long black hair that Haley knew was a wig. She also had a short red wig. There was nothing wrong with her hair, which was naturally chin-length brown. Today she wore leggings, boots and a red glitter T-shirt.
    “Looks like you’re in good hands,” Ambros said, nodding to Leane.
    Dante shot him a cold look. It was easy to see the tension between the two men. There had always been that tension between them and she could never figure out why. “Hello, Ambros.” They shook hands stiffly. Maybe Dante was suspicious of Ambros’ exoteric practices. But Haley studied many of those disciplines herself and Dante didn’t seem to have a problem with her.
    “Haley said you’re looking for a particular crystal,” Ambros said to Dante. “What do you need it for?”
    Dante stared at him without giving an answer at first. His lack of response should’ve appeared rude but Ambros didn’t seem to take it that way. “I’ll know when I see or feel them.”
    Ambros gave a sage nod. “If you don’t find what you’re looking for, ask Leane. I’ll be doing a hypnosis session with Haley. We won’t be long.” He glanced at Haley. “Let’s get started.” He walked to his office.
    Dante waited until Ambros was out of the room. “What are you doing the hypnosis for?”
    “It might help me remember what happened when I blanked out in the desert.”
    Dante’s eyes widened. “What’s the point? That was months ago. You’re fine now.”
    “I want to remember what happened.”
    “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Haley. What if it’s bad?” He looked worried. How sweet.
    “If it’s bad, I’ll deal with it. It’s a memory. It can’t hurt me.” She kissed him on the cheek.
    “What if it does?” The tension in his voice was like a brittle tree branch in a storm, ready to snap.
    No wonder his horses had a problem with him. The man was on edge all the time. “I’m doing it anyway. I’d rather know the truth. You don’t have to wait if you need to go.” Irritated, she turned away to go to Ambros’ office but Dante grasped her arm.
    “I don’t mind waiting. I hate to see you relive a frightening experience.” Her guard still up, she studied him for a moment. He did seem to care. She’d give him the benefit of the doubt. This time.
    “I’ll be fine, don’t worry, and I won’t be long.”
    * * * * *
     
    In Ambros’ office, Haley reclined in a big comfortable chair but in her mind she was floating above the earth. Swirls of wispy clouds drifted past her, giving her the sensation of movement. Other than that, she didn’t feel anything but peace and harmony. The very words Ambros used to guide her into a relaxed state.
    Fear of what she might discover if the hypnosis worked entered her mind. Ambros must have noticed her body tense. He was the only person in Sedona who knew her history. Through hypnosis and months of trust, she’d finally confided in him. Even under hypnosis, she knew he couldn’t force her to reveal her past unless she trusted him and felt compelled to. He’d helped her deal with the murder of her mother and come to terms with her father’s crime. Ambros said it was her parent’s karmic destiny and that Haley should forgive him. Forgiveness was something she hadn’t been able to do yet. She doubted she ever would, but finding happiness in her life, even love in spite of the tragedy was her dream.
    “Relax now. No harm will come as you revisit your experience in the desert. Do you understand?” His words were soothing, gentle, almost singsong.
    “Yes, I think so.”
    “No harm will come to you. If the memories are too intense, I will bring you out. All right?”
    “Yes.” She did trust him. Taking a deep breath, she released it slowly as he’d taught her in meditation and relaxed.
    “Good. Now you’re going to move back down to Earth,