“That’s just it, I can’t control the … other,” I admitted, tears swamping my eyes. “It started happening when I was ten. I saw flashes and it haunted me. My parents kept trying to get me to talk about it, but I couldn’t.
“Then one night the neighbor’s house went up in flames and I saw it before it happened,” I continued. “I told my parents and they checked. It was too late to help the woman who lived there. It overwhelmed me and … well … I blew up a light bulb.”
“That must’ve been difficult,” Bay clucked, her expression sympathetic but free of judgment. “What did your parents say?”
“Oh, they were fine,” I said hurriedly. “I mean, they were surprised, but they went out of their way to make sure I knew that it wasn’t my fault. They were always good that way.”
“That’s good.”
“They weren’t my real parents, though.” I felt guilty even uttering the words. “That came out wrong. They were my real parents. They weren’t my birth parents. I have no idea who my birth parents were. They dropped me off at a fire station in the middle of the night. I have no memory of them.”
“How old were you?”
“Four.”
Bay took me by surprise when she stroked the back of my head. It mirrored something my adoptive mother did to soothe me whenever I was upset. “You believe they abandoned you because of your abilities, don’t you?”
“Why else?”
Bay shrugged, noncommittal. “It could’ve been a number of things,” she replied. “Perhaps they were trying to protect you because they knew someone might come through them to try to use your powers. Perhaps they knew they weren’t equipped to give you the life you deserved, so they opted to give you the best chance they could. You may never know why they did what they did.
“In truth, though, they might’ve done you a favor,” she continued. “They might’ve put you in the system so you could get help. I’m a firm believer that things work out as they’re supposed to. That’s why I let Landon go without a fight when he opted to leave.”
“Did you know he would come back?”
“No. I felt in my heart he would, but I didn’t want to keep him if he didn’t want to stay.”
“That’s how I want to feel about my parents,” I said. “I can’t help but wonder. Do you think they were like me?”
“In witch families, the power is handed down from the mother,” Bay explained. “Boys sometimes get hints of magic, but they’re never as powerful as the girls. Perhaps that’s what happened to you.”
“Do you know any telekinetic witches?”
“Yes.”
“You do?” I couldn’t stop the hope from expanding in my chest.
“Aunt Tillie can move things with her mind if she puts a lot of effort behind it,” Bay offered. “I have on one or two occasions. It’s draining for us. It doesn’t sound as if it’s draining for you.”
“I try not to do it at all,” I said. “I don’t want people to notice. It pops up occasionally. That’s what happened with the diner door when you noticed it flying out.”
“I figured as much, but I didn’t want to push you.” Bay looked thoughtful. “It also happened at breakfast the first morning after you arrived … and the morning after you found us dancing in the field. You didn’t realize it – and I don’t think anyone else did, so don’t panic – but your spoon stirred in your coffee mug without you touching it.”
“Oh, my … .” I felt sick to my stomach. “I can’t believe you noticed that.”
“It’s fine.” Bay dismissed my potential freakout as if I were two years old and throwing a tantrum. “I understand why you’re looking for answers. I understand why you don’t volunteer information to anyone who asks for it. You should be careful. This is a dangerous world.”
“But?”
“But you’re not alone.” Bay’s smile was soothing. “You have help if you need it. You have us if you ever need to talk. You won’t be here forever. Whether Bigfoot is to blame or one of Penny’s suitors flipped his lid, you will eventually leave this place. But we’ll always be here if you need answers. Don’t forget that.”
“Do you have the answers I need?”
“That’s a good question. I’m not sure I can answer it.”
“Can you help me find my parents?”
“I … .” Bay broke off and shook her head. “There are a few spells we might try, locator spells and the like, but I doubt very much they’d lead you to what you’re really seeking.”
“And what do you think I’m seeking?”
“A place where you belong,” Bay answered without hesitation. “You need to give this job time, Charlie. You can’t get every answer in the exact moment you ask the question. You need to reach out to others and let them help you.”
“And how am I supposed to do that?” I challenged. “We’re searching for paranormal beings and hoping magic is the answer to certain questions. All the while I’ll be keeping a big secret from these people. How can I trust them if they can’t trust me?”
Bay shrugged, her expression enigmatic. “I think that the easiest way to hide is to become the thing you believe is hunting you. Insulating yourself in this group was a smart move.”
“But I’ll never be able to trust them,” I groused. “How am I supposed to build a life if I can’t trust people? How am I supposed to get a Landon of my own if I’m always lying?”
“You don’t always have to lie,” Bay pointed out. “You merely have to protect yourself until you get a better feel for the people you’ve surrounded yourself with. When it comes down to it, I’ll bet there are a few you can trust in that group.”
“Laura?”
Bay immediately started shaking her head. “You’ll never be able to trust Laura. She reminds me of a girl I went to high school with. She’s a user and manipulator.”
“Then who?”
“I think Millie is more than trustworthy,” Bay offered. “Watch her a bit. I think she’s keeping lots of secrets.”
“She reminds me of Tillie.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I know you’ve only seen us complaining about Aunt Tillie, but we’d be lost without her.”
“Who else?” I asked. “Do you think Chris will be okay with it?”
“Chris seems to be a man searching for something only he can explain,” Bay replied. “I think Jack will be your greatest ally.”
I balked, frustrated. “He’s a jerk.”
Bay smiled. “All men seem like jerks until you understand where they’re coming from. I’m not telling you to confide in Jack right away. Simply … get to know him.”
“So he can be more of a jerk?”
“So you and he can learn that trust is reciprocal,” Bay corrected. “It’ll be okay, Charlie Rhodes. I can’t see the future like you, but I have faith. Now, come on. It’s almost time for dinner, and I think we both could use the fuel. We need to decide where to look next in this investigation. I’m convinced Bigfoot isn’t the culprit.”
“I still believe in Bigfoot,” I admitted as I trailed her toward the downtown hub. “I’ll always believe.”
“I believe in Bigfoot, too,” Bay said. “I simply don’t believe Bigfoot murdered Penny Schilling.”
“Do you have any idea who did?”
“No, and she’s not around to answer the question for us,” Bay replied. “That’s why we have to work together. Sometimes the dead rely on the living to provide answers. That’s our job.”
“Okay, but you still haven’t told me what everyone was doing naked in the field the other night,” I prodded. “Was that a spell?”
Bay shook her head. “Sometimes being naked is a form of magic all its own.”
“I’ll bet Landon told you that.”
Bay chuckled. “He might’ve made the suggestion. Come on. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”
Twenty-Eight
I texted Millie to tell her I’d ride back to The Overlook with Bay. The blonde witch drove
around a bit so I could get myself together before facing her family and my team. I didn’t mean to cry, but it was such a relief to share my story with someone I couldn’t help myself.
Bay was a good listener. She went through everything with me from the beginning. Her more pragmatic approach when it came to my birth parents was much different from my scorched-earth policy, but I understood where she was coming from. I couldn’t accept it … or forgive them … but I got it.
By the time we reached the inn I was breathing normally. Bay assured me that no one would notice I’d been crying. I was thankful for her presence. The Overlook was quiet when we entered. I was ready to make my escape – I figured a shower and change of clothes would allow me to shake off the remnants of an emotional afternoon – but the sound of voices in the library drew Bay’s attention. I made the mistake of following.
“Hey, sweetie.” Landon sat on the couch, a drink clutched in his hand. He looked happy to see his girlfriend. He lifted his chin to accept her kiss and made room for her on the couch. “Where have you been? I expected you an hour ago.”
“I was hanging around with Charlie,” Bay replied calmly, tipping Landon’s glass so she could see inside of it. “Whiskey? Did you have a hard day?”
“It’s always a hard day when I’m separated from you.”
Bay made an exaggerated face. “Smooth talker.”
“No, he’s telling the truth. He’s done nothing but worry about where you were for the past hour,” Jack said, his presence taking me by surprise as I shifted my eyes to the other end of the room. He sat on one of the leather chairs in the corner, a drink in his hand. He looked happy and relaxed. I hadn’t seen him since this morning … and I wasn’t keen to make up for lost time.
“Yes, well, he’s a sap.” Bay tapped her finger against Landon’s cheek. “Strangely enough, even though I saw you just a few hours ago, I missed you.”
“Yeah?” Landon’s expression was hard to read. “I stopped by the newspaper office to surprise you with a doughnut from the bakery. You weren’t there.”
“I was there for a bit, and then I had something else to take care of.” Bay remained strong in the face of Landon’s accusatory tone. I felt my own annoyance bubbling up. It was almost as if he didn’t trust her. Given how she’d taken care of me, I wasn’t sure I could put up with that.
“What did you have to take care of?” Landon asked.
“Things.” Bay flicked her eyes to me. “Do you want a drink, Charlie?”
“I can get it.” I shuffled toward the cart, making sure to avoid eye contact with Jack. I could feel his gaze on me, but the last thing I wanted to do was deal with him. “Do you want something, Bay?”
“I’ll take a Jack and Coke, Thank you, Charlie.”
“You’re welcome, Bay.”
Landon pursed his lips as he glanced between us. “Why are you guys being so formal?”
“It’s called being polite,” Bay answered. “You should try it sometime. It does wonders for personal relationships.”
“Uh-huh.” Landon didn’t look convinced. “Where were you, Bay?”
“I told you I was doing stuff,” Bay replied icily. “I wasn’t getting in trouble, so there’s nothing to get worked up about.”
“See, the fact that you’re announcing that makes me nervous,” Landon admitted. “Why won’t you tell me where you were?”
“I was working. I didn’t realize you were my keeper,” Bay shot back, her blue eyes flashing. “Why are you being such a pain in the butt?”
“Because there’s a murderer out there. You took off, and I couldn’t find you,” Landon gritted out, his cheeks flushing with color. “When you love someone – especially as much as I love you – it’s natural to want to know that she’s safe.”
“You could’ve called or texted,” Bay argued.
“I did. Eight times.”
“Oh.” Bay looked abashed as she dug in her pocket and retrieved her phone. Her expression was sheepish when she glanced up. “I didn’t hear it because I turned it off.”
Landon muttered, draining his drink. I wisely mixed two Jack and Cokes and carried them to the couple before taking mine to the empty chair and wishing it swallowed me whole.
“I’m sorry.” Bay sounded earnest as she wrapped her hand around Landon’s wrist. “I didn’t mean to turn off the phone. I went to get coffee and got distracted by the cemetery.”
“You were in the cemetery?” Landon’s anger fled. I had to wonder if it was because he thought she was talking to ghosts rather than me. “Why were you there?”
“I like to think while I’m working, so I cleaned off Uncle Calvin’s grave. Then I cleaned Grandma Ginger’s before running into Charlie. After that we talked a bit and I lost track of time. I didn’t do it to punish you.”
“I know that, sweetie.” Landon rested his hand on top of Bay’s head. “I’m sorry. I don’t like worrying about you. It makes me crazy. Your vehicle was in the parking lot at the newspaper office, so I thought you were in town with Thistle and Clove. They said they hadn’t seen you, though, and by the time I got back to the newspaper office you were gone. I thought you were here, but … .”
“Charlie and I went for a drive,” Bay volunteered. “We were just chatting. I didn’t realize how long we’d be gone.”
Landon arched a dubious eyebrow, but ceased all forms of argument. “Well, it’s done. You’re here and you’re safe. They made pot roast for dinner. All is right with the world.” He kissed the top of her head. I had a feeling Bay was looking at a serious conversation later, but Landon was smart enough to let it slide while he had an audience.
“All will be right with the world if you massage me later,” Bay corrected, earning a smirk from Landon. “I want lotion and everything.”
“Fine.” Landon obviously didn’t want to engage in an argument. “You’re just lucky they made cake to bolster my energy.”
“They always make cake.”
“Not red velvet.”
Bay brightened considerably. “Score!”
“You’re easy to please, sweetie. That’s one of my favorite things about you.”
We lapsed into comfortable silence. All I could think about was taking a shower. Even though I knew it would mean drawing attention to myself, I drained my glass and got to my feet. “I’m going to get cleaned up.”
“Are you okay?” Bay asked pointedly.
I nodded and averted my gaze. “I’m fine. Just tired. It’s been a long day.”
“You don’t want to miss the pot roast and cake,” Landon said. “Make sure you don’t fall asleep.”
“I have no intention of missing the pot roast and cake.” I was thankful to make my escape. I made it back to my room door – and the emotional freedom so tantalizingly close on the other side – before being stopped by a hand on my arm. I wasn’t surprised to find Jack behind me when I turned. “What?”
If he was bothered by my tone, Jack didn’t show it. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Why would you think otherwise?”
“Because your eyes are red and puffy, and all of your makeup has washed off.”
Of course it had. I knew I shouldn’t have believed Bay when she said I looked perfectly normal. Given the circumstances, that was impossible. “I’m fine, Jack.” I forced myself to remain calm. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“Where have you been all day?”
“Why do you care?”
The question obviously caught him off guard, because he jerked his head back. “I … you’re my responsibility. I’m head of security.”
“Oh, well, I didn’t realize that being head of security also made you my babysitter,” I groused. “For the record, I was working most of the afternoon. I ran into a few suspects and shared the information with Bay.”
“You ran into a few suspects?” Jack was flabbergasted. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you call me?”
“Because we’re here looking for Bigfoot, not inv
estigating the many corners of Penny Schilling’s complicated love life,” I answered. “I told Bay. I’m sure she’ll share the information with Landon.”
“Why didn’t she already do it?”
I shrugged. “Perhaps she wanted privacy. You’ll have to ask her. Now, if that’s all, I need to take a shower. I wasn’t lying about it being a long day.”
Jack worked his jaw for a few seconds. Finally he snapped it shut and offered me a curt nod. “As long as you’re okay.”
“I’m fine, Jack.” I forced a tight smile. “I made it through the day without a babysitter. I didn’t put the moves on anyone, including you. That should make you happy.”
The corners of Jack’s mouth tipped down. “Listen, if you’re still upset about what I said this morning … .”
“I’m not upset.” That wasn’t a lie. I was far too drained to be upset. “I just want a bath.”
“Knock yourself out.” Jack looked furious as he swiveled, taking the steps with an attitude I couldn’t put a name to. I was fairly certain I heard him muttering as he descended the stairs.
“I am so sick of people,” I muttered, slipping my key in the door. “I can’t wait for this case to be over.”
“Something tells me you won’t have to wait long,” Tillie announced, appearing in the hallway, her combat helmet firmly in place and a whistle in her hand.
“What makes you say that?” I asked, eyeing the whistle.
“Intuition.”
“Well … okay.” I pushed open the door. “I’m dying to ask … what’s the deal with the whistle?”
Tillie’s smile was tinged with mayhem. “I like to put my lips together and blow.”
Wait … was that an answer?
BAY SHARED the gossip about my interaction with Jim Green and Phyllis Grimes while I was upstairs, so that by the time I joined everyone at the dining room table both groups were mired in heavy discussion. I preferred it that way.
The only open seat was between Jack and Landon. I took it without complaint, but focused on my plate rather than my dinner partners.
“Well, that can’t be normal,” Winnie noted, shaking her head. “I always knew Phyllis Grimes was wrapped a little tight, but I didn’t think she’d go off the rails like this. I knew marrying Bob would backfire on her – the guy had a wandering eye in the womb, I swear – but she can’t seriously believe that denying the fact that he can’t keep it in his pants will make anyone believe her.”
Witchy Dreams Page 73