That was all going to change now, though. She’d made her decision.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out the folded paper with the phone number on it. She had to try three times before she got the numbers right with her shaking hands. She brought the phone to her ear and tried to swallow, but her mouth had gone completely dry.
After a few rings, the line picked up.
A young man answered. “Rathmoore Academy, Headmaster Torquenado’s office.”
She was surprised at how afraid she felt. “Hello. My name is Corey Proctor. Doctor Clarity Glowden suggested I call?”
“Oh, yes. The headmaster has been expecting to hear from you. One moment.”
There was a small click on the line during which Corey rubbed her clammy hands on her pants, hoping this wasn’t a mistake.
“Miss Proctor,” a silky voice with a smooth Spanish accent filled her ears. “I am so glad you called. Clarity has told me all about you.”
“Yes, I… I… wonder if I could come in, and… um… speak to you about getting a magical tutor?” She felt like a little kid, begging for help.
She could hear the smile in his voice. “Of course. How would this morning work for you?” Something in his tone eased away all of her worry. She took a deep breath and started over, forcing her shame away and not letting it see the light.
The sun poked over the edge of the world, spreading its welcome warmth on her skin, and for the first time since she could remember, Corey felt like things might just turn out all right.
As if sensing the change in her mood, Kojak sidled up under Corey’s free hand and flipped over for belly rubs.
Corey smiled and ran her fingers through the dog’s thick fur. “Who loves ya, baby?” she whispered.
Acknowledgments
It’s so hard to write acknowledgements. The writing itself isn’t a challenge; it’s the worry of the inevitable forgotten shout-out that causes me the most angst. The book is done! I made it to the end! This should be the easy part. But, I know there are always so many people to thank. And so, to those of you who I have missed, please know that your name is forever printed on the full-page spread I purchased in the New York Times edition of these acknowledgements in my mind. xoxo
First thanks forever to Mike, for everything, always. None of this happens without your love and support.
For my family, who suffer my declarations of “I’m on a deadline” with patience and understanding while eating take-out.
For Lisa Manifold, who is always available on the other end of the line and has probably listened to me read from these pages more than anyone should have to. Thanks for being the best partner in paranormal crime I could ever align myself with.
For Bernadette, Stephanie, Shannon, and Lisa (who deserves a second mention), Alex, Lori, Nathan, Connie, Amalie, Andre, Kess, Tony, Sandra, Susan, Jenny, Jeri, and Jen. I seriously want to hug you all on a daily basis for putting up with me and being in my corner.
To my partners in The Midnight Coven, I don’t know how I got lucky enough to have fallen in with you ladies, but I am so glad I did!
And finally, to every one of my readers and fans. Thank you for making this author adventure so exciting. It seriously can’t happen without you, and I’m grateful to be able to spend my time writing stories for you to enjoy.
xoxo
Corinne
Colorado
August 2019
About the Author
Corinne O'Flynn is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy, mystery, and all things paranormal. She loves witches!
Her work includes the Witches of Tower Hill paranormal suspense series featuring the award-winning GHOSTS OF WITCHES PAST, the Witch Island murder-mystery series of which DEATH COMES ASHORE is the first installment, the Aumahnee Prophecy urban fantasy series, The Expatriates fantasy adventure series, as well as a collection of paranormal romances with the Midnight Coven: FOREVER STILL, IMMORTAL OATH, and the upcoming WICKED TRUTH.
She is also a publisher with Wicked Ink Books, whose titles include the award-winning anthologies, TICK TOCK: Seven Tales of Time, OFF BEAT: Nine Spins on Song, and DEAD NIGHT, Four Fits of Fear.
She's a native New Yorker living in Colorado who wouldn’t trade life in the Rockies for anything. She is a self-proclaimed scone aficionado, a professional napper, and she has an entire section of her kitchen devoted to tea. When not writing, she can be found hanging with her husband and their four kids, playing board games, knitting, reading, or binge watching some fabulous shows (while sipping tea).
Stay in touch!
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Also by Corinne O’Flynn
Witches of Tower Hill Series
Ghosts of Witches Past
The Midnight Coven
Forever Still (Vampire Brides)
Immortal Oath (Vampire Mates)
Wicked Truth (Cursed Coven)
(coming soon!)
The Expatriates Series
Song of the Sending
Promise of the Scholar
Soul of the Sword
(coming soon!)
The Aumahnee Prophecy Series
with Lisa Manifold
Eamonn’s Tale
Marigold’s Tale
Watchers of the Veil
Defenders of the Realm
Keepers of the Prophecy
(coming soon!)
Tales From The Veil Series
The Portal Keepers (Short Story)
The Gimcrackers (Short Story)
Short Stories
Suicide High (TICK TOCK: Seven Tales of Time)
One Final Death (OFF BEAT: Nine Spins on Song)
The Fog Queen (Shiver Me Timbers)
Things That Are Just True (DEAD NIGHT: Four Fits of Fear)
Non-Fiction
Finding Gratitude by Looking Back
(Gratitude 540 Anthology)
(Oct 2019)
Death Comes Ashore Page 22