The commuter car was waiting by the curb just in front of the gargoyle-topped gate. What Malibu noticed first was the number etched on the back door: 499. Two nines—double the positive energy, if Annika Eagle Feather were to be believed. As she eased into the back seat and glanced back toward the gate, she was reminded that Luciana’s address was 36, or four nines. The positive omens were inescapable. Although, how far could you take it? If you’re actively looking for something, it must be more likely you’ll see it. Luciana had a cat on her lap and cats have nine lives. See! Consider: some ancient people believed the cries of a heron foretold of good fortune, or that bats in the attic signaled wealth. Of course, it was ridiculous, almost pseudo-religious hogwash.
She had to admit, however,
