by Cadie Snow
As soon as they left, Jaime suggested looking in the Book of Shadows. “There is still a lot we don’t know, but we might have enough to go on. Let’s see if we can find a way to break this spell.”
Jaime didn’t need to call the nurse to know that Harper hadn’t improved. Her cousins were supervising her care, and would have informed her if there had been any improvement. She couldn’t afford the time for a visit, as much as she wished to assure Harper that she was doing all she could.
But would it be enough?
At Iris’s home, Jaime went into the living room and Olivia followed. Without hesitation, Jaime called forth the Book of Shadows and placed it on the pedestal. She took a breath. “Okay, help me look. We have to find an answer. There has to be a way.”
Jaime combed through the book, and Olivia stopped her a few times to look more closely at a spell. But nothing seemed to fit. There were too many types of curses and methods to break them. She narrowed it down to cursed objects, but there were still too many.
“I have an idea,” Jaime said. “We’re looking at it the wrong way. Think about it…Elizabeth’s demise was a consequence of love.”
“That seems like a contradiction.”
“Yes, it is,” Jaime said. “That’s what we’ve been missing. We have to find spells related to jealousy.”
“Brilliant.”
It took a bit of time, but Jaime turned to a section that related to vengeance. Then she narrowed it down to vengeance because of jealousy. She put her finger on a page. “That’s it.”
Olivia read it out loud. The spell was used to undo that type of curse. “For a curse derived from jealousy to maintain its power, the evil must be written on an object that will endure, so the spell will last. The written curse must be found and destroyed by melting in an incinerator. Any living person affected by the evil must witness the burning and chant the revocation of the original curse.”
“The curse was written, not spoken,” Jaime said.
Olivia stared at her. “But it’s a dress.”
“There has to be something we missed,” Jaime said. “I’ll need your help. We need to bring the dress here so we can examine it. But we have to be careful that we aren’t intercepted. That dress must stay in our possession. It’s our only chance to find the enchanted writing and break the curse.”
Chapter 6
Jaime called to let Lily know that she wanted to pick up the dress the next morning. And she checked to see if there had been any other ghost phenomena in the shop.
“I’ve locked the storage room,” Lily said, “and forbidden any of my staff to in there. That thing scares me, even if the closet is latched. I’m afraid that whatever is in there might get out.”
“It’s smart to stay away,” Jaime said. “I’ll take the dress off your hands; you shouldn’t have to deal with that.”
It was preferable to go directly to the shop, but Jaime didn’t want to deal with the supernatural at night. She couldn’t afford to fail this time. Daylight would be an advantage in avoiding the threatening shadows and transporting the dress to a safer place.
It was a busier evening than usual. Ian was over for dinner and Eve was spending the night with Abigail. The good part was that Ian would help cook dinner and entertain the twins. He got along well with them, and Jaime had cautioned her boys about using any powers in Ian’s presence.
Dinner was spaghetti, and the sauce was a family recipe. While Ian took care of the final touches to the sauce, Jaime made salad. Her mind was on Harper, as she feared the worst. Olivia had promised to call after she got home and talked to the nurse.
There hadn’t been any word from Olivia, but that could mean a lot of things. Yet Jaime filled in the blank with dire thoughts. If Harper’s condition had improved, she assumed that such good news would have been shared without delay.
“Are you thinking about something?” Ian said.
“I can’t get Harper off my mind,” Jaime said. “I may be a witch, but I don’t have a magic wand to make her better. And the process is frustrating.”
“I understand…but you’re getting there. You were going to tell me what you learned from the visit to the plantation.”
“That was helpful,” Jaime said. “Maggie Swenson was cordial, and she shared what she knew.” She told Ian all the details, including about the letters and what she’d learned.
“There are clues there, but it’s not enough, is it?”
Jaime tossed the salad, and she stared at the lettuce leaves like they might foretell the future. “I’m frustrated, but there is a ray of hope.”
“Witch stuff?”
“You could say so.” Jaime shared what she’d learned in the Book of Shadows. She knew he didn’t believe all that stuff, but he certainly listened well. Maybe he was more perceptive than she thought.
Ian got plates from the cupboard, looking thoughtful. “I don’t like the idea of you going to get that dress alone.”
“Olivia will be with me.”
“Not that,” Ian said. “You don’t have any protection. I should be there.”
“I don’t think you can protect me from ghosts.”
“No, but there are dangers in the real world,” Ian said. “After all, Lily is afraid of something in the shop. That could fall under the sheriff’s jurisdiction.”
“I think you’re stretching it, but what do you have in mind?”
“I can go with you,” Ian said. “I’d stay outside, of course. But just in case, I’d be there.”
“Okay, if it makes you feel better.”
Andrew and Landon came in from the front yard and raced through the kitchen.
“Hey, no running in the house,” Jaime said. “And we’re going to eat soon, so wash up.”
The meal was ready, so Jaime needed to let Abigail know. It was a big deal because Eve was spending the night. A family dinner should make her friend feel comfortable and give her a chance to get to know the rest of Abigail’s family.
“I’m not sure you met Eve at the birthday party,” Jaime said.
“Hmm, I couldn’t say. There were so many kids, and relatives, too.”
“Anyway, she is Abigail’s new best friend,” Jaime said. “I’m not sure what I think about that, but we both know that I’m overly protective. Maybe you can let me know what you think.”
Before Jaime called her downstairs, Abigail came into the kitchen with Eve following. “We’re hungry.”
“I’m sure you are,” Jaime said, then smiled at Eve. This time, she had her dark hair tied back, but her skin was still so pale.
Eve looked up with wide brown eyes. “I appreciate you having me over, Ms. Sanders.”
That was a mature statement for a young girl, so caught Jaime’s attention. “I’m glad you could come. And please…call me Jaime.” She introduced Ian, and he said hello. It was impossible to tell from his reaction whether he noticed anything unusual about Eve.
The boys returned and took their seats. Dinner was served and Ian chatted with Jaime. It didn’t escape Jaime’s notice that Abigail was completely absorbed in conversation with Eve. The snippets she overheard were about school, teachers, or other normal topics.
What Jaime couldn’t figure out was why Abigail was so riveted. It was almost as though Eve had cast a spell over her, but that was ridiculous. Even having Ian over didn’t distract Abigail. It wasn’t anything to worry about—or that was what Jaime tried to believe.
Eve’s presence was unnerving, but Jaime couldn’t figure out why.
After dessert, the kids were excused and Ian helped with cleanup. Usually, they helped with dishes, but Jaime was glad to have a chance to be alone with Ian and talk. “So what did you think?”
Ian raised his brows. “About what?”
“What was your impression of Eve?”
“Oh, that,” Ian said. “She’s quiet, except for talking to Abigail. But many girls that age are shy. She is a little pale. Have you met her parents? I wonder if they make sure that she gets
outdoors enough.”
That was a good point. Jaime had been so involved that she hadn’t found a free minute to follow up on meeting the parents. Earlier, Eve had just appeared at the door, as if she’d come on her own. But that couldn’t be. Jaime was sure that she didn’t live that close.
Before Ian left, the phone rang. It was Olivia at last. “I was wondering…”
“I’ve been with Harper.”
“From the sound of your voice, I can tell it’s not good.”
“The nurse and cousins are doing a good job of caring for her,” Olivia said. “But I wanted to be with her for a while. The fever won’t come down, and I’m concerned.”
“I’m terrified about her worsening condition,” Jaime said. “I’m picking you up in the morning, so I’ll come early to visit Harper.”
“That’s a good idea. She’s asking for you.”
“I promise I’ll sit with her and try to encourage her…let her know how much she means to me,” Jaime said.
“Harper wants to talk to you,” Olivia said. “She’s a bit delirious from the fever. But she is adamant about seeing you.”
Guilt riddled Jaime. She felt awful for not being with Harper every second during this trauma. Yet the outcome and Harper’s recovery—if that was possible—rested on Jaime’s shoulders. She had to remember that. The actions to break the curse took priority over all else.
Ian overheard most of the conversation. “Do you want me to stay?”
“I’m exhausted,” Jaime said. “Once the kids are tucked in, I’m going to bed. I’ll need all the strength I can muster to deal with things tomorrow.”
Ian gave her a quick hug before leaving. “I’ll meet you at the shop in the morning.”
Jaime ran her hand through her hair then sighed. She really was tired. The boys were watching television, but it was bedtime. She ushered them upstairs to bed, despite protests. Once their lights were out, she went down the hall to Abigail’s room.
Muffled whispers caught her attention. It didn’t sound like girl talk. Jaime’s curiosity was aroused. She sensed a somber mood and picked up vibrations that were foreign to her. She leaned closer to the door to listen.
Eve was chanting. Her voice revealed experience and confidence. If she was familiar with witchcraft, that was news to Jaime. She looked down and realized there was no light shining underneath the door. It was dark in Abigail’s room.
Using her psychic ability, Jaime opened her mind and encompassed the communication flowing behind the closed door. Eve was repeating an incantation, while Abigail was silent. Jaime perceived ill intent, and other spirits listening.
The tone was dark, something Jaime was familiar with. She’d learned about black magic while growing up, since witches had to be equipped to deal with the dark side. Panic gripped her. She should have taught Abigail more about it, but Jaime hadn’t dreamed her daughter would need the knowledge so early in life.
Jaime had every right to pry into her daughter’s activities if she sensed danger. She had an implement to unlock the bedroom doors. She hadn’t used it before to enter without asking, but this was an unusual circumstance.
Without further hesitation, she opened the door and took in the scene. Abigail was staring into space, unmoving. Eve sat across from her on the floor, waving her hands to cast magic. That much, Jaime recognized. She stepped inside and closed the door.
“What’s going on, Eve?”
“It’s a game.” Eve’s dark eyes seemed to glow in the dim light. She smiled, but it was more of a grimace.
“You aren’t telling me the truth.”
Abigail stirred then looked up at Jaime. “Mama…why are you in here?”
“I’m your mother, and I don’t like this at all,” Jaime said. “What did Eve tell you?”
“She’s showing me magic,” Abigail said, “then I’m going to show her mine.”
Eve stood, and there was a shadowy aura around her. The girl was a threat; Jaime just didn’t know how. “Who sent you?”
“Mama, please…you’re upsetting her.”
Eve dashed to the door. “Don’t worry about it. I’m leaving. You can deal with your crazy mother.”
Abigail rushed after her, so Jaime followed. Yet when they reached the front door and looked outside, Eve was gone.
“Now you’ve done it,” Abigail said. “Eve won’t ever speak to me again.” She ran up to her room, sobbing.
The evening had turned into a disaster. Not only was Abigail distant, now she was furious with Jaime. But Jaime hadn’t had a choice; whatever Eve had in mind was bad. There was no time to figure that out, as Jaime had more pressing issues.
Jaime didn’t want to go to bed angry, but Abigail wouldn’t unlock her door. “I’m sorry you’re upset, honey. We’ll talk about it. What Eve was showing you was dangerous.” But her plea to open the door went unanswered.
The next morning, Abigail came down to breakfast looking a little better. Whatever influence Eve had over her had seemed to fade. She was bleary-eyed but the dark shadow around her had gone. She went to Jaime and put her arms around her waist. “Mama…”
“It’s okay, honey,” Jaime said. “You haven’t been educated in the dark arts. I thought to save you from that a little longer. We’ll have to spend some time together, and I’ll share more about the dangers of those practices.”
“It was like I was in a trance.” Abigail sat at the table, her shoulders sagging. “But I liked Eve.”
“I know you did,” Jaime said. “But you need to stay away from her. She was controlling you, but you’re stronger than that. Your power can protect you. And do you still wear the talisman I made for you?”
Abigail lifted the crystal pendant dangling on a gold chain. “I wear it all the time, like you told me to.”
That was something. It might have been worse last night if Abigail hadn’t worn that protection.
Breakfast proceeded as usual and the kids went off to school. It was a relief to see Abigail acting normally again. She really was a strong girl with great potential. Once her powers developed, she’d be less vulnerable.
Jaime dressed quickly, anxious to visit Harper. She was greeted at the bed and breakfast by several cousins. Harper had an army of family looking after her.
Sophia pulled Jaime aside and said, “I have to tell you something.”
Jaime hoped that it wasn’t more bad news about Harper.
“I talked to Olivia last night,” Sophia said. “She told me about the written curse, and I think I can help.”
“Please, anything you know might help.”
“You probably wonder how something in writing could be in a dress,” Sophia said. “Well, other than a label or something—but I don’t think they did that back then.”
“What should I look for?”
“Tailors often stitched messages into dresses,” Sophia said. “It’s been done for centuries. The message can be scratched or engraved on a very thin sheet of lead. That plate can be rolled up into a tiny tube and sewn into the dress.”
“Amazing,” Jaime said. “I wouldn’t have known that.”
Sophia gave her a hug then left, not wanting to delay her. Jaime proceeded upstairs to visit Harper, unsure of what she’d find.
The nurse came out of the room, then saw Jaime and opened the door wide. “She’s waiting for you.”
Harper’s rash had spread, covering her neck and face. She was as white as the sheet pulled up to her chin. She rested against the pillows, appearing too weak to sit up.
“Jaime, I’m glad to see you.”
Jaime gave her sister a loving hug, then pulled back. “You look terrible, honey.”
Harper’s brown eyes sparkled with life, despite her debilitated condition. “I’m sure I do. I don’t seem to be getting any better.”
“I’m working on it,” Jaime said. “You’re too ill to listen to all the details. But Olivia and I have a plan. I want you well soon.” Her heart was breaking; she had to make good on her promise
but wasn’t certain she could before it was too late.
Harper reached for a glass of water, so Jaime helped her take a sip from the straw. After licking her dry lips, she leaned back. “I have to tell you something.”
“I’m listening…what is it?”
“The dress is communicating with me,” Harper said. “It wants me to come to it. I can’t do it on my own; you’d have to bring me to it.”
Jaime was stunned.
“I hear the call, day and night,” Harper said. “I can’t sleep or rest. You must take me.”
“The dress is not talking to you,” Jaime said. “That’s the fever. You’re delirious, and I’m not surprised.”
“I swear the dress is reaching out to me,” Harper said. “I fear I won’t have any peace unless I go to it.”
Jaime reeled at the power of the evil. It reached Harper at such a distance and affected her mind. Yet there was no doubt that the peace Harper would find with that dress would be what Jaime wanted to avoid at all costs. She could not let Harper die. If the curse wasn’t broken and the dress—or whoever was bound to that dress—was obeyed, then Jaime would lose her beloved sister.
Chapter 7
Jaime did her best to calm Harper, but the stress spiked her fever—she was burning up. The nurse was down the hall, so Jaime waved her over then said, “Get some ice. We have to get the fever down.”
With her sister in capable hands, Jaime went downstairs. There wasn’t a minute to spare; she had to block the power of the dress. Sophia was talking to another cousin, so Jaime grabbed her arm. “You have to go up there and keep an eye on Harper.” She relayed what had happened, so her cousin could take over.
Olivia was in the kitchen but was ready to go to Lily’s shop.
“We have to handle this without delay,” Jaime said. “On the way, I’ll tell you what happened upstairs.”
While driving to town, Jaime shared the revelation about the dress’s lure.
“It’s a good thing so many relatives are around,” Olivia said. “I don’t think the dress can get to her through all of them.”