“Escape? And rob me of the pleasure of your discomfort when you’re forced to free me?” He smirked. “Here I will be when you return to liberate me.”
I had an unwelcome qualm. Could Krampus be right? Had I overstepped my authority as a guardian angel in training? And why hadn’t Saint Peter briefed me on the Interdimensional Treaty, if there was such a document? Damn, I squirmed like a blind southern mouse on the run. I gave myself a mental shake. I was on a mission, and I’d see the job done to Heaven’s satisfaction and absorb any repercussions.
I left Skywalker guarding my prisoner and wafted over to the Hazard residence. As I passed through the front door, Carson confronted me with his sword of light. His piercing eyes halted my progress into the living room. Flanking him, and poised for battle, stood Jade and Cloe, swords drawn and ready.
“Whoa, it’s me.” I threw my hands into the air to shield myself from their aggression. “I come in peace.”
“Sorry for the greeting, Scarlett.” Carson sheathed his sword, and the others followed suit. “We didn’t expect you. You said you could handle this on your own.”
“I didn’t expect to be here.” I lowered my hands and relaxed my defensive stance. “I was riding by and spotted the pagan spirit, Krampus slip out of Lynette’s bedroom window. He’s taken up residence in this house, and claims Lynette invited him to do so, giving him squatter rights. I handcuffed him to my trusty steed, Skywalker,” I said. “Krampus claims I have to let him go according to the rules of the Interdimensional Treaty. That’s why I’m here. For clarification on the matter. I need your help.”
“He’s lying,” Cloe said. “I’m not allowed to interfere with Lynette’s free will, but I keep a close eye on her. I was present at the beginning. She did not invite Krampus into the house, Finn did. He opened the portal, and Lynette and the others took part in the game. This participation allows Krampus to harass the kids. They’ve loosened many pagan spirits into the town. Only the original players can close the portal by closing the board game. Until then, you’ll have to release Krampus.”
“Well, that sucks,” I declared. “I caught Krampus fair and square, and now you’re telling me I have to turn him loose to continue his harassment? You could’ve shared this information sooner.”
Cloe shrugged her winged shoulders. “Those are the rules, Scarlett, and honestly, I don’t care for your snooty attitude.”
Geez. So my personality sucks. Oh well, I’d have to worry about that later. At the moment, my options were limited, so I played by the rules and returned to my prisoner in the neighboring yard. His self-assurance irked the hell out of me, but I removed the handcuffs from around his wrists.
“I wouldn’t get too cozy around these here parts,” I twanged in my best southern accent, as I unlashed the whip from around his neck. “Watch yourself because I will be on your six like a kudzu vine.”
Krampus wasted no time with words. In a flash, he soared off into the darkness. Bone-tired, I mounted Skywalker and headed for the salon for a much-needed rest. Tomorrow morning, Jolene would arrive from Wyoming, and we’d put my plan into action.
Chapter Seven
Christmas in Dixie
Morning dawned crisp and cold. I didn’t linger in the silence of the salon but wafted outside to where Skywalker waited in daybreak’s early light. He tossed his head with impatience as I mounted. Gathering the reins in my hands, I pointed him west. “Jolene’s plane is scheduled to land in Albany right about now.” I gave him a gentle nudge with my boot heels. “If we hurry, we can catch her before she leaves the airport. She will pitch a hissy fit, but she and I have a cat to steal.”
Over the soybean and peanut fields, we zoomed. Up and around farmhouses and neighborhoods. Straight down the middle of Highway 82 in Sylvester until we reached the county line and the city limits of Albany.
The airport sat on the outskirts of town, a few miles from the central business district and provided a transportation connection to the metro Atlanta area and beyond.
I arrived just as Jolene was departing from the plane. Twenty minutes later, she emerged from the terminal and loaded her bags into the trunk of a rental car and climbed into the driver’s seat. Grandma Tucker motioned for me to join her on the front hood, so I tied Skywalker to the back bumper.
“Would you mind keeping an eye on Jolene while I take a short trip?” She fluttered a hand over her heart. “My husband surprised me on the flight out here.” She giggled. “He has received permission from the Boss for us to enjoy a short visit together at Ruby Falls. I wouldn’t ask, my dear, on such as short notice, but it’s our anniversary.”
I sent her off with my best wishes for a happy reunion, and eager to share my progress with Jolene, I popped into the passenger seat just as she was turning onto Newton Road. “We need to talk,” I said without preamble.
“Holy shit,” she screamed and veered onto the shoulder of the paved road. Her foot hit the brakes, and I passed through the windshield as the car skidded to a stop. Hanging on to the windshield wipers with the tips of my fingers to keep from sliding off the hood, I stared back at Jolene’s horrified visage through the thick glass.
“Damn you to hell, Scarlett Cantrell,” she hollered, and then added a few more choice swear words to her tirade. “I swallowed my gum because of you. And,” she added with a snarl, “I almost wrecked the car.”
I resumed my seat in the vehicle. “You’re right. I make rash decisions without thought to the consequences of said decision. You and I are a lot alike.”
“What are you doing here?” At least her voice had normalized. “We agreed to meet at Billie Jo’s. Care to explain the winged-horse tied to the back bumper?”
“I’m here because I needed to talk with you, ASAP.” I removed the cowboy hat and rotated my neck to ease the stiffness. “I believe I have whiplash from that stupid stunt, Jolene. And Skywalker is part of the commissioned equipment for this mission. Any more questions before we get back on the road?”
“Okay, I’m listening. Tell me what’s so important that you had to scare the crap out of me.” She swung the blue Chevy SUV onto the road, eastward toward Whiskey Creek.
“It’s about the cat,” I began.
“What cat?”
“Billie Jo’s cat,” I reminded her. “The one we discussed last night at your house. The cat will keep dark spirits away. You agreed, remember?”
“I remember,” she said without taking her eyes off the road. “But I don’t believe Billie Jo will adopt a cat.”
“She has too. It’s part of the plan.”
Jolene gave me a quick glance. “I get what you’re saying, Scarlett, but it isn’t easy to convince Billie Jo. She’s stubborn and has an iron will. And now with a baby on the way, we should axe the cat idea.”
“I can’t axe Zeus,” I replied.
“Zeus?” Her eyebrows slanted in a frown.
“The perfect pet for Billie Jo.”
“Not happening, Scarlett, so forget it.”
“He’s big, black, and beautiful.”
“A black cat?” Her tone reflected doubt.
“Yeah, Zeus is the perfect poster cat for witches.”
“Are you calling my sister a witch?”
Our gazes clashed. “Billie Jo doesn’t have the tongue to be a witch. Deena however is another story.”
“Deena’s a wonderful sister whom I love very much and would walk to the ends of the Earth for,” she finished her sentence with emphasis.
“Okay, enough about your wonderful sisters whom I adore,” I wheeled back at her. We were driving at a good clip, and it wouldn’t be too many more miles before we needed to make a right onto the red dirt road leading to Billy Ray Boone’s pig farm. And Jolene hadn’t agreed to snatch the cat.
“About Zeus,” I began again. “He needs a good home, Jolene. Not an easy life for the big guy. Living your entire life in a barn eating mice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Have a heart, Jolene.”
She shot me the evil
eye. “I’m not stealing a cat in broad daylight, Scarlett, when there are homeless felines at the Humane Society. We can swing by the pound if you wish and pick out a black one. If Billie Jo objects, I’ll find it a home before Sam and I return to Wyoming next week.”
The gleam in her eye told me I’d lost my bid for the barn cat I’d affectionately named Zeus. I could accept that. You win some, you lose some, but I wouldn’t go down without one last try. I resorted to trickery.
“Would you mind driving by the Jorgensen’s dairy farm?” I inquired in a perfunctory tone after a pause. “I’d like to check out the area for any sign of Krampus and the gang.”
“Yes, I mind, Scarlett.” She released a heavy sigh. “I’m bushed from my flight and want a quick nap before I head over to Billie Jo’s. Added to that, my parents want me to attend the annual church Christmas play tonight. Tomorrow is the Main Street Christmas parade. Daddy’s playing the role of Santa, and Mama expects me to join the fun. I need sleep.”
“The better question would be whether Lynette’s situation can wait.”
“I can’t win with you,” she replied with another heavy sigh. “But make it quick, okay? The coffee on the plane tasted like muddy water, and I’m in dire need of a caffeine fix.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off with a hasty, “Take the next right.”
Tires squealed as she hit the brakes and jerked the wheel to the right causing the rental vehicle to slide sideways onto the dirt road, releasing a cloud of red dust. “Shit, Scarlett,” she screamed as the car bounced down the pot-marked lane. “You could’ve warned me sooner.”
I detached my squashed self from the passenger side door and darted a worried glance behind me, and through the red haze spied my trusty steed, Skywalker. “Slow down, Jolene. Skywalker is eating dust.”
She lifted her foot off the gas, and the car slowed to a reasonable speed. “How far is the Jorgenson farm? I’ve never been out this way.”
“The Jorgenson farm butts up next to the Boone property.”
“From the offensive odor, I should’ve guessed,” she accused. “I’m pulling over, and you can ride your horse the rest of the way.” She parked under a towering pecan tree and killed the engine. “I’ll wait for you here.” She leaned her head against the backrest and closed her eyes.
“I’m doing this for Lynette, you know,” I informed her.
One eyelid popped open, and a blood-shot eye stared into mine. “You’re not scouting for Krampus and the gang. We’re here to steal the damn cat.”
I shrugged. “Not steal, Jolene. Rescue.”
The other eyelid popped open. “I’m too tired and achy to put up an argument.” She swung open the driver’s door and staggered out.
Skywalker pranced with anticipation the instant I sprang into the saddle. “How about joining me for a ride?” My blood vibrated with urgency. At this early hour, most farmers fed their livestock. Occupied with the chore, Billy Ray Boone posed no threat. Jolene could snatch the cat without much trouble if we hurried.
“Is that possible?” she asked with a smart-ass grin. “I mean he is a ghost horse, and, well, I’m not a ghost any longer.”
A tingle tickled my nubs. I guess that was a yes from Saint Peter. I extended my hand to her. “It’s possible.” Jolene grabbed my hand, placed a foot in the stirrup, swung a leg over Skywalker’s hunches, and settled behind the saddle.
“Hold on,” I advised. “He’s a bundle of energy this morning.”
She clung to my waist. “Take it easy, okay? I’ve got jetlag, and the shakes from caffeine withdrawal.”
Skywalker unfolded his wings and took a giant leap into the air and sped toward the large red barn in the distance. Through the clouds we flew, Jolene clinging to my waist and laughing with hysteria until we settled in the tree line surrounding the farm.
She slid to the ground with an audible sigh. “I’ll never get on that ghost horse again. I’ll walk back to the car.”
“It’s three miles away,” I reminded her. “And he’s not a ghost horse. Skywalker is an angel in the Order of the Guardsmen. He holds a higher rank than I do.” I tied the leather reins to a shady tree with a patch of grass and pointed to the big red barn to our north. “That’s our destination. Keep a low profile.” I untied the whip from the saddle back jockey. “I’ll scout ahead and run interference if Billy Ray appears. Zeus is in the barn. I’ll meet you there, okay?”
Jolene jerked a quick nod. “You’d better make sure I don’t get caught, Scarlett. I’m in no mood to revisit the Whiskey Creek jail. Sam would kill me.”
“You won’t get caught if you remember to keep a low profile and watch for Billy Ray. He’s a mean one.” I tapped her on the shoulder. “And try not to make too much noise.”
She wrinkled her nose. “God, the smell. It’s searing my sinuses.”
“Bacon on the hoof,” I said with a sigh of impatience. “Give me several minutes, then skirt around the pens to the barn.”
I left her pinching her nose and wafted around the stinky pens to scout out the layout of the farm. Squeals and grunts of hogs eating ignited the early winter morning, and I followed the noise until I spotted a fat bald man in a pair of stained overalls and a flannel shirt pouring feed into long troughs. A black shadow of evil, from which demon eyes pierced through me, encircled the man. The coiled whip vibrated a warning.
Billy Ray Boone.
He’s destined for Hell. Soon. How do I know? The black mark tattooed on his meaty brow. I’d seen it once before on Detective Larry Grant when Jolene and I were investigating my death, but that’s an old story and should be told elsewhere. Take my word for it, Billy Ray Boone bore watching. One sniff of Jolene and she’d be on his radar. Not good. Not good at all.
Out of my peripheral vision, I spied Jolene disappearing through the barn door, and several mischievous imps screamed with rage. Claws poked Billy Ray in the ribs. The man’s head popped up and swung toward the closing barn door. Black eyes narrowed like a wild bull about to charge. The pail in his hand clanged to the ground.
Damn, he’d spotted Jolene.
The whip sprang to life. Whoosh! It zipped across the barnyard and struck a pig dead on its ass. Startled, the pig screeched and turned on its neighbor, igniting a stampede of enraged hogs, and knocking Boone against the unlatched gate and to the ground.
Pigs scattered in every direction.
“Son-of-a-bitch,” Boone bellowed, launching himself out of the stinky mud and toward a group of fleeing pigs.
Satisfied with the results, I skyrocketed across the yard, through the side of the barn, and barreled into a stack of hay. The bales tumbled onto the floor, and I somersaulted through the air until I smacked into a mound of bagged corn. Cats scattered in every direction, yowling their protest at the sudden raucous. I staggered to my feet and surveyed the dim interior of the large barn. Besides the hay and bagged corn, an old beat-up and dented tractor occupied one corner of the building. Barbed wire and wood posts were piled high in the other, and several empty stalls for livestock lined the opposite wall.
Weak sunlight filtered through a cracked and dirty hayloft window, and yellow feline eyes peered at me from every nick and cranny. A chill skittered up my spine as Jolene’s head popped over the hayloft railing.
“We have a problem,” she said in a low voice.
I motioned for her to come down. “Yeah, and his name is Boone.” When she didn’t climb down the ladder, I wafted up to the hayloft. “I created a distraction, but Boone’s a wily bastard. He won’t be fooled for long. He knows you’re in here. Get out now.”
“I found your cat.”
“Yeah? Then grab him and let’s scram.”
“He’s drunk.”
I shook my head for clarity. “Drunk? The cat?”
“Yeah, Boone’s operating a still up here.”
“Moonshine?”
She nodded. “Yes, corn liquor. I tasted it. Nasty, but your cat likes it. He’s passed out cold.”
“We don’t have time to discuss Boone’s illegal enterprise, Jolene,” I reminded her. “You can’t let him corner you in this barn. He’s dangerous. Grab the cat, and I’ll see if there’s a side or rear door.”
“I checked. There’s only one way in and one out,” she said, pointing to the double front doors. “That’s my only exit.”
That was a chilling thought.
I wafted past her and over to the window. A risk but doable. “Here’s your exit.”
She joined me at the window, her gaze glued on the two-story drop. “Your idea stinks. I’d rather face Billy Ray and the cops.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” I protested. “You stay here, and I’ll fetch Skywalker.” I buzzed through the wall, dashed back to the tree line, and bolted into the saddle. In a jiffy, Skywalker and I soared through the golden-edged clouds until we reached the opened hayloft window. Perched on the window ledge dangled Jolene with Zeus held close to her chest.
“Stop!” A man’s shout rang from within the barn.
Damn. Boone. Of all the bad luck.
“Jump on, Jolene,” I prompted over the rushing sound of Skywalker’s wings. “I’ll catch you.”
Jolene dotted the sign of the cross over her chest. “Sweet Jesus, here I come!”
I caught her flailing arm as she vaulted out the window and heaved with all my might until she straddled Skywalker’s flanks. With a shout of victory, we sailed over the barn and galloped over the clouds toward Jolene’s rented car.
Chapter Eight
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Billie Jo fell hard. Not a whisper of dissent. No wrangling, or hysterics. One glimpse of the dirty, drunken barn cat and she caved like a sinkhole.
No kidding.
Love at first sight. A rare occurrence for humans, believe me.
Billie Jo and Zeus. A match made in Heaven. Well, with Heaven’s help, I mean.
Jolene blamed it on the pregnancy hormones, but I suspected chemistry came into play. Chemistry works in mysterious ways with men and animals and pregnant women.
Jingle Bells and Krampus Spells Page 5