by Cadie Snow
Yet life didn’t tend to work according to one’s personal timetable. Jaime had learned that much. She’d been burdened with having to tell her mother that Nefarious had re-emerged, after a period of inactivity. Credit for that went to Elijah, her monster of an ex-husband.
“I don’t know how I could have married him, Mama.” But Jaime really did know. A sorcerer didn’t go around wearing an identifying tattoo. The trouble was that they looked like anyone else. Any person could be part of the criminal group and remain undetected.
That made it tricky not to fall into a trap. But if Jaime had given heed to her gut instinct, she would have called it off before committing to marriage. There had been signs; she’d just ignored them—to her detriment. She’d nearly been killed before ruling the coven for a month.
But Jaime wouldn’t let that happen again.
A filmy shape in a long white dress floated nearby. The ghost was a friend who inhabited Jaime’s forest. “I see you’ve taken an interest in my affairs,” Jaime said, realizing the ghost had overheard the conversation.
“A friend should be interested, don’t you think?” Dahlia said. “And I must say that you seem different. It’s like you have an aura or something.”
Jaime smiled. “So it did work. You can perceive my protective shield.”
“Are you expecting trouble?”
“Trouble has already found me,” Jaime said. “I need the shield to keep it away.”
“The sorcerers?”
“How did you know?” Jaime said.
Dahlia batted her eyelashes and lifted one transparent hand. “Anyone in this town remembers Nefarious and how the group has terrorized good people through the centuries.”
“Yes, I imagine so.” A chill ran up Jaime’s spine. Nefarious was an organized crime ring, only with magical powers. That meant that things were going to get a lot worse before they got better.
Chapter 2
That night the kids had a sleepover at their cousins’ house and Jaime went to a concert with Ian Carpenter. It wasn’t a date exactly, even though it was an evening event. The two had grown up together, attended the same schools, and lived in the same town.
Ian was a close friend who wanted to be more than that. Jaime was aware of his intentions, but he understood that she only wanted friendship. Too much had happened in Jaime’s life, and two previous marriages had left her disinclined to try it a third time.
Jaime dressed in a summer floral-print dress and curled her hair. Ian had attended the yearly concert with her before; they’d made it a tradition—except for when either of them was attached. Ian had been married once, but it hadn’t lasted.
The bell rang and Jaime went to answer it. “You look handsome,” she said, smiling at Ian. He’d worn a sharp-looking blazer with creased slacks. It suited him better than his sheriff’s uniform.
“And you are gorgeous,” Ian said, kissing her cheek.
It was a mystery why Jaime hadn’t ended up with Ian. He was well built and tall, with brown hair and eyes. He was downright loveable, and he was so good with the kids. They accepted him like part of the family, and he’d make a wonderful husband—for the right woman.
It seemed that Jaime had been married when Ian had been free and vice versa. She didn’t know what she’d do without him in her life. Yet she couldn’t allow the nature of their relationship to change—for several reasons. It wasn’t that Ian wasn’t desirable, but Jaime held back from letting her emotions guide her.
On the way to the playhouse, Jaime said, “I’m excited about tonight’s performance. I rarely go out. I mean…with the kids and all. I tend to stay home or do family stuff.”
“This is a chance for you to enjoy yourself, then,” Ian said. “At least once a year, you can be my date.”
The way Ian smiled touched Jaime’s heart. He was such a good guy. It would be a nice evening, fun for both of them. She loved concerts and had little opportunity to attend. It seemed her life was too hectic to include social events.
It wasn’t far to the Gilmer Arts Playhouse, a small local theater. The performing band, Jazzmatic, had a full horn section. The concert included jazz and funk songs from the past fifty years, along with current top-forty favorites.
At past events, attendees stood and danced, unable to resist the energy of the performance. Jaime was sure that tonight would be no different. When they arrived, Ian guided her to a seat near the front. The theater was lit with soft lavender and white light, giving it a warm look.
The event got underway, and it wasn’t long before the high-energy band had the audience dancing in the aisles. Ian stood and moved to the beat, pulling Jaime up beside him. The rhythm was invigorating, making them laugh and sway to the tunes.
Jaime was pulled into the joy of music and lost track of time. The two hours sped by. After the encore, Ian suggested they go out for coffee and dessert. Sweet Stop was open late and served the best key lime pie. That was too good an offer to pass up.
The pie went well with hot coffee, and it gave Jaime a chance to catch her breath. “That was so fun. I don’t know why we don’t do it more often.”
“We could,” Ian said, then touched Jaime’s cheek.
It would be so nice, but that wasn’t Jaime’s life. She had so much to deal with, and it seemed that it all brought danger along with it. She had no right to pull Ian into the dealings of the coven. Any intimate relationship would be in the direct path of evil.
“It’s too dangerous.”
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Ian said, frowning.
“First of all,” Jaime said, “I know you don’t believe in witchcraft…”
“I’m not opposed to the idea. I just have no firsthand experience.”
“It’s different when you have…powers.” Jaime leaned forward. “I took the role of coven leader when my aunt died. A whole package comes with that. I can’t make you part of it.”
“Shouldn’t I be allowed to decide that?”
“Ideally, yes.” Jaime gave him a weak smile. “It’s just that you don’t have enough experience with these things to make the right decision.”
“I’ve been around you,” Ian said. “And recently, I admit your life has encompassed more drama. But…”
“We’re friends…really close friends,” Jaime said. “And that means everything.”
“You drive a hard bargain.” Ian motioned toward the rest of the pie on her plate. “Are you going to eat that?”
Jaime laughed. “Of course not. You always get the rest of mine.”
Conversation on the way home was lighthearted banter, and it seemed that things hadn’t changed between them. That was until Ian walked Jaime to her front door. He put his arm around her waist and kissed her. And the tender touch made Jaime desire more. She put her palm on Ian’s cheek. “Goodnight,” she said softly.
The next morning, the kids were home and the house was filled with activity. Jaime shooed the twins upstairs to dress for school, while she made breakfast. On the way up, the boys wrestled to be the first one up. She didn’t know where they got all the energy.
Abigail was in her room, deciding what to wear. The daily outfit selection took priority over eating, but Jaime would make sure she came downstairs in time. A knock on the door alerted her that a visitor had arrived.
“Hey, sis.” Harper entered the kitchen. “I figured I could just come in. I knew you’d be up for the kids.”
“Sure, let me get you some coffee.” Jaime got two mugs from the cupboard and poured the hot brew. “What’s the reason for the early visit?”
“Vic is taking me to the lake, and I want to borrow that lacy swimsuit cover-up you have.” Harper sipped her coffee. “It goes perfectly with my new swimsuit.”
“I’m shorter than you.” Jaime laughed, as that hadn’t stopped Harper from borrowing clothes before.
“It can be short. It will be over a suit, so it won’t matter.”
“You can borrow it,” Jaime said. “But I want it back.”
“Don’t I always return things?”
Jaime raised her brows but didn’t comment.
Harper ignored her. “How was the concert last night?”
“Amazing! I need to get out more, do adult things.”
“With Ian?” It seemed that Harper was psychic, too.
“I’m drawn to him,” Jaime said. “I can admit that to you. But things just haven’t worked out.”
“Can you be more specific?” Harper poured cream into her coffee.
“Think about it,” Jaime said. “When I was young, I fell in love. I married Liam, over the moon to have a family and the normal life I wanted. If only tragedy hadn’t befallen us.” Jaime welled with tears at the thought of her first husband’s death. A drunk driver had cruelly taken the man she loved.
“Ian dated, too,” Harper said. “I don’t recall him hanging around waiting for you.”
“It wasn’t like that back then.” Jaime thought of earlier, more innocent times. “I don’t think Ian and I viewed each other that way. We were young, so sure that life would provide whatever we wanted.”
“Then you were widowed, but Ian was married.”
“It’s a trick of fate, I swear,” Jaime said.
“That marriage was a mistake from the start,” Harper said. “It’s too bad Ian suffered such a heartbreak when she left him.”
Jaime agreed.
“Then…there was Elijah,” Harper said with a grimace.
“Yeah, don’t remind me.” Jaime sighed. “I must have been blind. I even thought he’d make a good father for my kids. In my defense, I did not know that he was a sorcerer until over a year after I divorced him.”
“Don’t feel too horrible,” Harper said. “A sorcerer is like a chameleon and can appear to be just about anything—until you see through the façade.”
“And we tend to see what we want to see,” Jaime said. “I did, anyway.”
“Which brings us back to Ian.”
“I’m not ready for another relationship,” Jaime said. “And Ian is too nice a guy to get involved with me.”
Before Harper could argue, the conversation was interrupted. Andrew raced into the kitchen and slid into a chair. He grabbed a box of cereal. “I got it first.”
Landon was right on his heels. After taking a seat next to his brother, he reached for the cereal. But Andrew lifted it out of reach.
“Boys, please,” Jaime said. “Share with each other.”
The boys managed to get cereal into their bowls, but not without spilling some onto the table and the floor. At the age of ten, they were still rowdy, and Jaime doubted that would pass for a few more years. She was reminded again of their father, Liam, as they had his dark hair and blue eyes.
“Manners,” Jaime said. “We have a guest.”
“Hello, Aunt Harper,” the twins said in unison, only temporarily distracted from the cereal fight.
They were normal young boys, except for one thing. Each had developed powers. As if to affirm that, Landon moved the milk carton away without touching it. His telekinesis had improved over the past year, and he used it more frequently.
In defense, Andrew sent a wave of electricity at the table. It was a tiny spark, intended to warn, not injure. That skill had surprised Jaime. Electrokinesis was a rare ability, but a latent talent she’d discovered she had, too. Andrew had been cautioned about using his power, since it wasn’t a good idea to start fires or mess with electronics.
“What have I said about when and where to use your powers?” Jaime said.
“Mama…” Landon whined. “He took the cereal first. It’s only fair that I get the milk.”
“I wish I had kids,” Harper said.
While the boys began to munch on their cereal, Jaime turned to her sister. “You need a husband first.”
Harper laughed. “I’m aware of that. I’m trying.”
“Are you referring to Vic?”
Harper rolled her shoulder. “It’s not serious between us. But…you never know.”
Jaime stood and moved toward the stove. “I’m making breakfast. Can you stay?”
“Let me just run upstairs and get that swimsuit cover-up,” Harper said. “I told Vic to pick me up here, and he should be here shortly.”
“Oh, good. I’ll get to meet him.” Jaime looked up to see Abigail, finally dressed. She wore the same thing that she seemingly wore every day, jeans and a cotton shirt. But Jaime dared not comment. The one time she’d pointed that out, Abigail had sighed and explained how each outfit was different—as if explaining it to a child.
“I’m scrambling some eggs,” Jaime said. “Would you like some?”
Abigail shook her head. “I’m not very hungry. I’ll just have toast.” She seemed a bit distant, but then, Jaime hadn’t been with her much since the party. She’d have to fix that.
But when Harper came back, Abigail’s mood shifted. She looked up to her aunt and had previously commented on how she was more fashionable—or cool, as Abigail called it. “Hey, Aunt Harper.”
“Hey yourself.” Harper sat down. “Mmm, toast looks good. Want to make one for me, too?”
“Sure.” Abigail popped another slice in the toaster. “Why are you dressed like that?”
“I’m going to the lake,” Harper said. “I have my swimsuit underneath these shorts.”
Abigail smeared jelly on her toast. “I wish I could go. But I have school.”
“Maybe sometime I’ll take you, on the weekend or something,” Harper said.
“Really? Promise?”
“Sure, we’ll plan on it,” Harper said.
It was good to see Abigail behave like her old self. It seemed that the teenage years came with a morose side. Jaime preferred to see her daughter having fun, not moping or sinking into a quiet mood. Harper was a good influence. But she was the cool aunt, not the mother who had to enforce the rules.
The boys went upstairs to brush their teeth, and Abigail nibbled her toast. Then the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Harper said, and headed for the door. She returned with a blond, athletic guy. “This is Vic.” She waved a hand. “And this is my sister Jaime and her daughter Abigail.”
Abigail looked up, clearly impressed with Harper’s date.
“Good to meet you,” Jaime said. “Would you like some breakfast before you go?”
“No, thank you, but nice to meet you, too.” Vic smiled, showing perfectly white teeth. He reached out and squeezed Jaime’s hand. “We have to get going, so we’ll get food later.”
Vic took Harper’s hand and started to leave.
Jaime caught her sister’s eye and raised her brows. She mouthed, “Nice.”
Harper grinned. “Catch you later.” She looked at Abigail. “And don’t forget about going to the lake with me…soon.”
When the front door closed, Jaime scooped eggs onto her plate and sat at the table. Abigail studied her toast, already in a world of her own. It was too bad that teens didn’t come with an instruction manual. Jaime was going to have to cross the chasm that was beginning to develop between them.
After the kids were off to school, Jaime cleaned up the kitchen then went to pick up Olivia. She was anxious to find out what Lily’s trouble was and to help if she could. The bed and breakfast had been thriving under Olivia’s ownership. It was still early in the day, and guests were in the dining room or on the terrace, enjoying morning coffee or breakfast.
Jaime found Olivia giving instructions to her maid and cook. “I’ll be back later. Just proceed as usual in my absence.”
“It’s busy around here,” Jaime said.
“Summer is a good season, lots of tourists,” Olivia said. “Shall we go?”
“I doubt this will take too long, in case you need to get back,” Jaime said.
“It’s fine.” Olivia walked out to the porch. “It’s convenient anyway. I need a Victorian side table for one of the bedrooms. I want to rearrange things in there. I should be able to find what I ne
ed at Lily’s.”
On the way, Olivia chatted, sharing anecdotes about some of the guests. She clearly enjoyed the tourists who stayed with her, many of whom returned for another visit. Jaime was only half paying attention. She was curious about Lily and was more focused on whatever had frightened her than on Olivia’s humorous tales.
Downtown, Jaime looked for a parking place. The summer months brought the town to life, which was great for local business—even if it did create challenges for the locals. There was an empty spot in the public lot, so Jaime pulled in there.
“Do you have any idea what frightened Lily?”
“I guess we’ll just have to see,” Jaime said, “because I haven’t come up with anything. Unless it’s her medical condition. Remember, she had some tests not too long ago. I hope the doctors didn’t discover anything more serious.”
“Lily could have told you that over the phone.”
“True,” Jaime said. “And she said she wanted to show me something—unless it’s copies of her test results.”
“I don’t think so,” Olivia said. “Let’s go find out.”
Jaime walked down the main street to the door of the brick building with Lily’s Antiques painted in yellow on the window. When she opened the door, the familiar musty odor greeted her. Olivia followed her inside. A wide variety of antiques for sale were stacked along the walls, on shelves, and on the floor.
Lily had been collecting for over twenty years and made a good living at it. Her shop was well known beyond the boundaries of Blairsville, and shoppers visited in the hopes of finding special items, some quite valuable.
“Hi, Lily. I brought Olivia with me. I thought she could be of assistance.”
Lily was a lovely woman in her forties, with stunning green eyes and short brown hair. The reading glasses she frequently used hung around her neck on a chain. “It’s good to see you both.” She hugged Jaime then Olivia.
“Come, let me show you.” Lily was friendly but seemed nervous—which wasn’t like her.