“Do you think I’m being stupid?”
I held up my hands. “I think that’s a loaded question. No one goes through life without being stupid about something. It seems you’re mostly worried about somehow upsetting Bay because she’s used to having you in her life.”
“That’s true.” He absently sat in the chair across from me. “I love her.”
“You love all of them.”
“How can you know that?”
It was a complicated question. “I can do things.”
“Like Bay and the others?”
“Different things,” I clarified. “Although, in your mind, they’re probably similar.”
“Yeah, well ... .” He exhaled a shaky breath. “What did Winnie say? I mean ... did she leave happy?”
“I’m not supposed to tell you that.”
“But you’re going to.” He was matter-of-fact. “You like Bay and you want to help, so you’re going to tell me the truth.”
“I’m going to tell you what you need to know,” I corrected. “First I need your left hand.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why? You’re not going to do some hocus-pocus and make me squawk like a chicken, are you?”
“That’s not on the agenda for the day, but I can make it happen if you’re so inclined.”
He sighed and did as I asked. “What are you looking for?”
“I just want to see.” I closed my eyes and slipped into his brain, smiling when I found a memory that suited me. I recognized teenage Bay right away, and the way she looked at Terry was almost heartbreaking.
“Thank you for keeping them safe and … doing whatever you did out there,” Terry said to Tillie, who looked weary and beaten down.
“I didn’t do anything,” Tillie countered. “You saved them. You put your life on the line to take out the man with the gun.”
“And you made it storm.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Tillie winked. “Get a good night’s sleep. Winnie, Twila and Marnie woke up long enough to see what all the fuss was about and then went back to bed. They plan to cook up a storm for their hero tomorrow.”
Terry’s cheeks flushed. “I’m nobody’s hero.”
“Oh, no?” Tillie cocked a challenging eyebrow. “Look around, Terry. You have three fans who say otherwise.”
He shifted his eyes to Bay, who was already asleep with her head on his shoulder, and then to Thistle and Clove, who slept on the other side of him.
“Take care of our girls,” Tillie said, climbing the stairs. “They’re going to be unbelievably obnoxious tomorrow.”
“Why is that?”
“They were right about someone evil staying at the inn. We’re never going to hear the end of it.”
“Yes, but they were wrong about who was evil,” he pointed out.
“They won’t remember that part,” Tillie said. “All they’ll remember is the way their blood pumped and how happy they were to curl up with their hero on the couch for the night.”
I was choked up when I opened my eyes. “You are a good man.”
He met my gaze without flinching. “I know what I want. The thing is, I need it not to hurt Bay.”
“You’ve always known what you want,” I insisted. “Before, you put Bay first because you worried she was too young to understand. Then you put your needs on standby because you didn’t know how she would react as an adult.
“What’s funny is that you think of those girls as your daughters,” I continued. “You never thought of it as missing out on having your own family, because they were your family.”
He rubbed his forehead with his free hand. “I just want to know that I’m not going to screw this up. I don’t want to lose any of them.”
“But especially Bay,” I surmised, grinning at his discomfort. “You’ll be fine. She loves you no matter what. Besides, she has her own love match to worry about. What makes you think she’s going to worry about your relationship with her mother?”
His expression turned withering. “Oh, please. You’ve met them. You’ve seen how they are. They’re all up in each other’s business. That’s not going to change.”
I barely managed to swallow a chuckle. “So, what you’re really worried about is the teasing.”
“No.” He was solemn. “I need to make sure this isn’t going to screw up things.”
“And if it will screw up things?”
“Then ... .” He was at a loss for words.
I couldn’t take his misery. “You’ll be fine,” I repeated. “Nothing in life is ever perfect, but you’re already a member of this family. The Winchesters take family very seriously. You’ll never be allowed to leave.”
The relief washing over Terry was palpable. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
KADE SLID INTO THE TENT mere seconds after Terry left. He looked as tired as I felt.
“I don’t suppose you’re due for a break?”
I smiled. “I think I can swing one. Why? Do you want to sneak back to the trailer and compete for an hour or so?”
It took him a moment to comprehend what I was suggesting. “No, but now that you brought it up ... .”
My smile slipped. “Oh. If you’re not here for that, what are you here for?”
“Now I kind of want to do that.”
I poked his side as I stood. “You’re making me nervous.”
He chuckled as he leaned over and nipped at my bottom lip. “I want you to see something. I’m a little disappointed in myself that I didn’t come an hour ago so we could enjoy your idea.”
“Well, we have a long life ahead of us,” I said pragmatically. “It seems to me we’ll have plenty of time to do that going forward.”
“Good point. I ... .” He sensed movement behind us and swiveled quickly, his hands going up in a protective stance. I was mildly impressed. Even though he didn’t immediately call to his magic, he looked ready to wield it if forced.
Bay and Landon pulled up short in front of us, their eyes bouncing from face to face as they absorbed the scene.
“Are we fighting or talking?” Bay asked finally.
“Talking,” I replied, resting my hand on Kade’s arm. “He’s just a little nervous. He’s had a busy few weeks.”
Bay nodded, seemingly unbothered by the fact that I didn’t expound. “We’ve all had busy weeks,” she agreed. “I know how that goes.”
“Try living on the same property with Aunt Tillie,” Landon drawled, tossing his arm over Bay’s shoulder and grinning. “So ... how are you guys today?” His eyes remained on Kade as my boyfriend carefully unclenched his hands. “Doing okay?”
“I’m fine,” Kade said finally. “I ... well, I’m fine.”
“Good.” Landon ran his tongue over his teeth before focusing on me. “You good, too?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I challenged, part of me wondering if he was digging for specific information I couldn’t quite identify.
“I was simply asking.” Landon was calm. “I understand you went to the Dragonfly with Bay and Aunt Tillie this morning. That couldn’t possibly have been comfortable.”
“Oh.” I relaxed a bit. He was simply worried that I was emotionally overwhelmed. It was almost sweet how concerned he was. “It’s fine. I’m used to people bickering. Everyone at the circus isn’t biologically related, but you’d be surprised at the way we all fight.”
“So much fighting,” Kade wagged his head. “I blame Luke for most of it ... and Nellie.”
“That’s funny.” Bay’s expression was bright. “I blame Thistle and Aunt Tillie.”
“Well, there you go.” I grinned. “What’s going on with you two? Have you seen our witches?”
“No, but that’s part of the reason we’re here.” Bay turned solemn. “Landon checked their credit cards and they haven’t been used at any gas stations in the state. That’s both north and south.”
I pursed my lips. “They could be using cash.”
“T
hey could,” she agreed.
“But who carries that much cash in this day and age?” I finished, sighing. “You think they’re still in the area.”
“I think it’s likely,” she conceded. “Whether they’re dangerous or not, though, is anybody’s guess. I simply don’t know.”
“Well ... I guess the only thing we can do is keep on the lookout for them.” I rubbed the back of my neck, thoughtful. “Odds are, they won’t make a move until after dark. Although ... we have no idea who they want to make a move on.”
“Yes, well, you’ve been invited for dinner,” Bay said. “I ran into my mother, and she couldn’t stop blathering about how you’re the real deal. Like ... the biggest deal ever. I think she wants to adopt you.”
My cheeks burned under her intense scrutiny. “Oh, well ... she just stopped by for a little fun.”
“Don’t bother.” Bay was resigned. “I know Chief Terry was here, too. They’re both freaking out a little bit now that they’re gearing up to start dating, aren’t they?”
It was a difficult question to answer. “I can’t tell you what I talked about with them. It’s against the rules.”
“Uh-huh.” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “This is going to be a nightmare. They’re acting like children.”
Instead of commiserating with his girlfriend, Landon looked amused. “I think this is going to benefit me.”
Bay was dubious. “How?”
“He’s going to need advice on how to woo a Winchester. Who better than me to give him information?”
“Marcus,” Bay answered without hesitation. “He’s dating the most difficult Winchester and he’s the easiest man in the world to get along with.”
Landon made a face. “No. I’m essentially his partner. He’s going to come to me ... which means I can lord it over him.”
“Yes, you’re a real paragon of virtue.” Bay patted his stomach. “You need to come out with a group for dinner tonight. Otherwise my mother is going to melt down and it won’t be pretty.”
“I guess we can come for dinner.” I felt put on the spot. I had no idea why she was so worked up about dinner. “Should we bring anything?”
“Just your appetites. Oh, and Nellie. Make sure he’s in the crew. If he’s not, Aunt Tillie will make us all pay.”
“Speaking of Nellie, I haven’t seen him all day,” I noted. “He usually stops by to chat. He’s not getting into trouble, is he?”
Landon snickered. “I think it depends on what you mean by trouble.”
“Well ... .” I turned suspicious. “Why?”
“Come over here.” Bay motioned for me to follow her, so I did. When I got to the tent flap, she scanned the crowd for a long beat and then pointed. “There they are.”
“They?” My stomach did a little somersault when I realized exactly who “they” were. Sure enough, my gaze fell on Tillie first. She wore leggings with what looked to be huge sharks on them, their maws open in a variety of different places. Around her waist she had cinched a utility belt that held a walkie-talkie and a variety of other items, including a canteen. The combat helmet was back, a small flask tucked into the band at the top. I couldn’t see the whistle, but I was convinced she was wearing it because the ensemble wouldn’t be complete without it.
“What is she doing?” I asked finally.
“Watching for evil witches,” Bay replied, her lips quirking. “Your buddy is helping her.”
“My buddy. I ... .” I groaned as I shifted my eyes across the aisle and found Nellie. He was dressed in a bubbly pink dress with a full skirt and a low bodice to show off his hairy chest. His muscular arms were on full display as he made a series of complicated hand gestures. “Is he doing the whole military movie covert operation hand thing?” I asked, already resigned to the answer.
Bay nodded. “Yeah. They’ve been over the entire circus as far as I can tell.”
“I can’t even. What will people think?”
Bay shrugged. “People who don’t know them will think they’re crazy and give them a wide berth. People who know them will know that they’re crazy and give them a wide berth. Either way, no one is going near those two idiots.”
I blew out a sigh. She was right. “Well ... at least we know we’re safe now that they’re on guard.”
“They’re calling themselves Team Nettle.”
“Team Nettle?” I was confused. “Why?”
“That’s what they came up with. It’s supposed to be their names together, but both of them wanted to be first so they couldn’t come up with a proper mash-up. Instead, they went with nettle because it has serrated leaves and stinging hairs. They thought that fit their partnership.”
I didn’t want to laugh. It would only encourage them if they found out. I couldn’t stop myself. “Oh, geez!”
Bay’s grin widened. “There are all different kinds of families, huh?”
“Yeah. There really are.”
“I’m kind of glad for mine ... at least today.”
She wasn’t the only one.
25
Twenty-Five
Despite seeing snippets of their past, I was nervous when we parked in front of The Overlook. The circus was still open, so only a few of us could escape for dinner. I left Melissa in charge of my tent, collected Luke, Kade, Max and Nellie, and then headed for what I was sure would be a loud meal.
The parking lot was only half full, so we didn’t have trouble finding a space. Most of the women (and a few men) visiting the area arrived via bus, which made things easier when worrying about people disappearing. They didn’t have convenient transportation at their fingertips.
On the front porch, I raised my hand to knock but the look Luke shot me stilled my motion.
“What?”
“It’s not a house,” Luke pointed out. “It’s a business. You don’t have to knock.”
“Yeah, but ... they live here.”
“Fine. Be a weirdo.”
I considered following through for form’s sake, but the more I thought about it, the odder it seemed. Instead, I pushed open the door ... and stepped right into Wonderland. That is if Wonderland included screeching witches.
“I’ve had it with you, old lady!” Thistle bellowed from somewhere inside the house, but I couldn’t see her.
“Oh, you’ve had it with me?” Tillie called back. She sounded as if she was in an entirely different room. “Perhaps I’ve had it with you. Have you ever considered that?”
“I’ve had it with both of you,” Landon barked, his voice growing louder as he strolled into the room. He pulled up short when he saw us. “Welcome to the zoo.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing at his weary expression. “Is this a bad time?” I finally asked.
He shook his head. “No. It’s always like this.”
As if to prove the statement, Bay hurriedly slid into the spot next to him. She didn’t look surprised to see us. “Oh, hey. Just one second.” She held up a finger and fixed her full attention on Landon. “You promised me a favor. You can’t back out now.”
“I thought you meant a private favor,” Landon countered. “You didn’t mention arresting Aunt Tillie. Besides, you’ve snuck out of the house twice this week without telling me. I’m not sure you deserve a favor.”
She rolled her eyes. “Come on. Don’t be a spoilsport. You promised me weeks ago that you would do whatever I wanted if ... well, you know.”
“I don’t know.”
“You know.” Bay was serious. “You definitely know what I’m talking about. If you deny it, you’re full of crap.”
I rubbed my hand over my chin, my mind going to a dirty place. Given the way Kade and Luke averted their gazes I had no doubt they were thinking the same thing.
“It wasn’t that,” Landon snapped, his eyes on us. “Get your minds out of the gutter. The favor I asked of her was extremely tame.”
“It was,” Bay agreed. “There was nothing dirty about it. Weird, definitely. Dirty, no.”
“It was not weird.” Landon made a face. “Lots of people have pots and pans in their home to cook with. I didn’t think it was a big request.”
“We eat here every night ... and morning.”
“Yes, but with pots and pans we could occasionally sleep in.”
Bay narrowed her blue eyes to glittery slits. “Is this an elaborate way to fill our refrigerator with bacon?”
“Hey, when the zombie apocalypse comes you’ll be glad I stockpiled bacon.”
“Oh, whatever.” Bay shook her head. “You promised you would allow me to cash in my favor whenever I wanted. I need it now. She’s out of control ... and a total menace.”
“You act like that’s a new thing,” Landon said. “She’s always out of control. It doesn’t matter, though, because I’m not arresting her. I have more important things to worry about than Aunt Tillie running off the rails.”
Even though it felt as if we were intruding, I found the interaction fascinating ... especially given the fact that I could still make out the occasional curse as Thistle and Tillie screeched at each other in the other room.
“This really is a zoo,” Luke noted, causing me to laugh. “I thought nothing could be louder than a drunken bonfire before a busy work day. Apparently I was wrong.”
He was definitely wrong.
“Maybe we should go,” I suggested to Bay. “You seem busy. We don’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She made a face. “This is normal. Besides, if you leave before eating, my mother and aunts will melt down. That’s a lot more terrifying than what’s going on out here.”
Envisioning that was difficult.
Ever gallant, Max stepped forward. “We’re looking forward to the meal. We wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
Well, that settled that. Max was in charge and we were staying.
THE TABLE WAS PACKED WITH people, so we had to crowd together at the end. Between guests and family, there wasn’t an open seat.
Tillie sat at the head of the table, but instead of looking regal it was obvious she was making plans to terrorize Thistle the second she got a free moment. By luck or happenstance, I couldn’t be sure, Max sat at the other end of the table. He made sure to keep Nellie to his left. I didn’t think it was a coincidence that he kept Nellie close.
Freaky Witches (A Mystic Caravan Mystery Book 7) Page 24