“Sounds like a plan. Shouldn’t take me more than fifteen minutes to finish the paperwork here. If you’re leaving now, I’ll join you when I’m done.”
“Join me? It might take me fifteen minutes to stand,” Cass complained.
Jasmine bustled through, as energetic as only a teenager can be, “I’m done with the front. Okay if I leave?”
“Sure, don’t forget to clock out!” Izzy called after her as Jasmine walked back toward where they kept their personal items. She returned moments later with her purse. “You want to lock the door behind me?” she asked Cass.
“I think Cass is dead on her feet today,” Izzy informed her. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Everything is okay with the store, right?” Jasmine asked quietly as they walked the few feet to the front of the shop.
“We’re fine. We’ve been making record sales in fact.”
“Yeah, the murder is all anyone talks about lately.”
“Oh?” Izzy hadn’t related higher sales due to what happened. She realized how naive she’d been. “It never occurred to me that anyone outside our small group was even discussing it.”
“There hasn’t been a murder in Wits’ End in years!” Jasmine’s voice got excited. She tamed it quickly at the surprised look on Isadora’s face. “I’m sorry. It’s your Mom that was arrested, wasn’t it?”
“Agnes wasn’t arrested,” Izzy corrected her. “They’ve just detained her. I’m sure she’ll be out any day now.” As they reached the front, Izzy unlocked the door then pulled it open for Jasmine to leave.
Jasmine darted her a glance then looked down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Nothing to be sorry for,” Izzy’s voice remained cheerful. “Go on now, have a good night. Didn’t you say something about going out with that new boyfriend tonight?”
Jasmine grinned, “He’s taking me out for dinner and a movie. I can’t wait!”
“Have a good time then,” Izzy smiled warmly at her. “But, stay safe!”
Jasmine laughed and waved as she left.
Isadora pushed the door back closed and locked the front door again. She retraced her steps to where Cass still sat on the stool.
“Kids,” Isadora shook her head.
“What were y’all talking about?”
“It seems Edith’s murder is the talk of the town. AND, Jasmine thinks our bump in sales recently is because everyone is coming to see what’s going on with the witches. With us being the only store owners, I guess we’re the easiest to watch.”
“Huh,” Cass thought about it, “smart kid. She’s probably right.”
“Yeah,” Izzy agreed. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
◆◆◆
Hours later, Izzy rested with her back against the grass in Wren’s backyard. An empty plastic cup lay abandoned at her side. Her hands raised in the air, a swarm of lightning bugs followed her silent cues, seemingly dancing at her whim. Isadora’s slightly off-center smile was dreamy. Both she and the insects were in complete accord.
“You used to do that all the time when you were a child,” Wren smiled as she watched. “I never figured out if the lightning bugs just naturally sought you out or you them.”
Izzy tilted her head a bit toward Wren, “I don’t call them if that’s what you’re asking. They just come.”
“Isadora, Queen of the Lightning Bugs,” Cass laughingly announced.
“Hush, you,” Izzy scowled. She stretched her hands open and let her arms fall wide. The lighted bugs scattered, a few stayed, continuing to dance for their pleasure.
A slight breeze brushed by, carrying a now familiar voice with it.
Friends can help you, just be sure they are your friends.
“Who are you?” Izzy sat up halfway, almost shouting the question. The wind remained silent. Izzy wasn’t overly surprised by that.
Wren took a sip of her drink while she eyed Izzy. “Did I make the drink too potent?”
Izzy turned her black look in Wren’s direction. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me,” Wren offered.
“Ever since,” she swallowed hard and then pressed onward, “ever since Edith.” She couldn’t make herself say died. She missed Edith. More than she would ever have imagined. They hadn’t been overly close, not for years. But, the loss had left a void nonetheless.
Isadora noticed both her friends were eying her cautiously. “I’m not bonkers. I’m not,” she insisted as their faces didn’t change.
“Cass, you can vouch for me. The little man I saw?”
Cass’ face shot straight to surprise. “He’s here?”
Izzy shook her head. “No, not him. I hear voices too, on the wind. They say stuff. Like fortune cookie crap. That plus the little men, there’s more than just the one, by the way, they’re driving me nuts.”
Wren’s face had changed as well. From skeptical to interested. “What type of fortune cookie kind of crap?”
“The voice, it’s a woman’s every time. It always comes with a gust of wind. This time she said “Friends can help you, just be sure they’re a friend or something close to that. What the hell does that mean?”
Wren nodded. “And the little men?”
“Gnome, or gnomes now actually. At least, that’s what he said he was.”
“You can see gnomes? And they’re talking to you?” Wren looked surprised.
“Yes,” Izzy could feel her chin jutting out, almost daring Wren to call her a liar or worse.
“What are the gnomes saying to you?”
“The first one,” Cass spoke before Izzy could answer. “He called her Marked.”
Wren’s eyebrows went up at that.
“I ran into five more at Agnes’ house. They asked me if I was ready to go to war.”
“They declared war on you?!” Wren and Cass asked at the same time.
“No,” Izzy was quick to correct them. “They want to go to war on my behalf. One of them said I needed to be on guard and protect the key. But I don’t have any key. The whole thing is just bizarre.”
“Well, I would have agreed until you mentioned the key,” Wren looked pensive.
“What key?” Isadora demanded.
“What’s that around your neck if not a key?” Wren shook her head. “We all knew it had magic. But gnomes and sylphs?” Wren nodded. “Very interesting.”
“Sylph? What’s a sylph?”
Wren smiled then. “The woman’s voice on the wind? My best guess is that’s a sylph. They’re air spirits. Listen to them. They can bring wise counsel.” Wren’s smile widened. “Tell me about the gnomes though. I’ve always wanted to meet one.” She jerked toward Cass. “Wait, did you see him too?”
Cass shook her head dejectedly, “No, he just threw pine straw at me.”
Wren’s laughter shouted into the night. “Well, that’s more interaction with a gnome than I’ve ever had.”
Izzy changed the subject. “What are we going to do about Maeve?”
Wren shrugged, “What do you want to do about her?”
“She’s trying to take over. Agnes is still in jail. It just feels like we should do something.”
“Nothing to do but go and see what she’s up to,” Wren didn’t seem too concerned. “It is what it is. Maeve does what she does. Agnes will be out of jail soon surely. And then everything will be back to normal. Just let it play out. You’ll see.”
“I don’t think I’m capable of not worrying.”
Wren patted her on the arm. “I’ll send you home with more of my brew. That seemed to work for a while.”
“Don’t forget about me,” Cass interjected. “I need to keep my mind off things too!”
The women laughed.
“Absolutely, what was I thinking?” Wren winked as she stood. “Well ladies, I don’t mean to run you off, but this old woman needs to find a bed. You’re welcome to stay if you’re not safe to drive.”
Cass shook her head. “I just had the one glass, and
that was a while ago. I’ll drive us home. Thanks though.”
“Good girl,” Wren smiled. “Let me get you some brew to take with you. I’ll be right back.”
“There’s more,” Izzy whispered to Cass.
“More? How much more?”
“Remember the earring?” Izzy kept her voice low.
“You said you located its match?”
“Yes.” Izzy didn’t want to say it. Didn’t want to tell a soul as it felt like she was betraying the one woman who had been there for her – more than even her own mother. “It was at Agnes’ house.”
Cass gasped. “No, maybe it just looks like it.”
“I touched it,” Izzy explained. “It’s the same.”
“Maybe she found it. Maybe she’s holding it for a friend.” Cass gasped again. “Oh! Maybe someone planted it there when we had our shindig the other night.”
Izzy nodded, “That’s possible.” Relief swept over her, the…what had Wren called it? The sylph appeared to be right. Sometimes all you needed was a conversation amongst friends. “I can see that happening. I’ve been so worried. I’m glad I told you.”
“You can talk to me anytime. You know that, don’t you?”
Isadora’s smile shined from her eyes as she gazed at Cass. “Yes. Thank you for that. And you know the same is true, right? I’m always here for you too.”
“Of course!” Cass laughed. “We’re the Dream Team!”
Wren walked out at that moment, two bottles of her new brew tucked in her arms. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re in better spirits.” She held out one bottle to each of them. “Take one glass to set your troubles aside. Everything will look different tomorrow. My promise.”
“Thanks, Wren.”
“Yes, thank you for letting me tag along with Cass. I appreciate it.”
“I enjoy both of your company. Come back again sometime!”
“I’ll host next,” Cass offered over her shoulder as they walked to her car.
“Can’t wait!” Wren called as she watched them leave. “Drive safe! And call me when you get home.”
“Yes, Mom!”
Wren laughed. “I am not your mother. But I can still worry about you. Now git!”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Izzy
Izzy turned off Maeve’s driveway and parked in the grass next to Cass’ red car. The graveled lane which traveled from the street all the way up to the house was open except for two vehicles near the top. Everyone appeared to have lined their cars on either side of the main drive, making it easier if anyone needed to leave.
The yard was packed with cars, the entire coven in attendance. Izzy shut off her car’s engine and climbed out. Most of the group had gathered next to the house in Maeve’s side yard. Izzy glanced around as she joined the small party-like atmosphere. She hated being late but it appeared she was the last one to show.
Cass stepped away from the crowd and approached her. “I was about to send out a search party.”
“I’m here, I’m here,” Izzy hurried over. She lowered her voice. “What have I missed?”
“If something was missed, we both did. I just got here myself.”
“By my count, I think everyone is here except Agnes of course.”
Cass agreed. “I believe we were waiting on you. Three people have already asked me where you were and I’ve been here less than five minutes.”
“Who’s the guy? This is a coven meeting, right? What’s up with their clothes?” Izzy realized she was peppering her friend with questions and made herself stop. Everyone had turned out in their usual attire, flowing dresses from some of the older crowd, jeans and such for the younger set. Maeve and her guest, however, were dressed to impress. His suit was fitted and showed off his thin stature to its best advantage. Maeve’s dress, while flowing like the others, was vibrant and screamed seduction.
Cass made a soft tsking sound as she too noticed the disparity in their clothing. “Someone’s been playing with glamours.” She shook her head. “This whole gig reeks if you ask me.”
“I wonder why he’s here. We’ve never allowed a man in our coven. Surely, she’s not proposing we start now. I thought our bylaws prohibited it.”
“They do,” Wren interjected as she approached the duo.
“You’ve been here the longest. What have you heard?” Cass demanded.
“Not much,” Wren conceded. “She’s been keeping her cards close so far.” Wren cast an appraising eye at Izzy. “She has asked about you several times. Even he did once. What’s up with that?”
Izzy shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. She’s up to something though. I told you last night. Something feels off.”
The woods surrounding Maeve’s place snagged Izzy’s attention. Until that moment, she had forgotten about the man she’d seen on her last visit. She hadn’t mentioned him to Cass or Wren. The present hardly seemed the best time.
“Well?” Cass turned her query back to Wren. “What’s he like? Is he her boyfriend or something?”
Wren coughed to cover her laugh. “No, I don’t get any vibe of besottedness on his side. Hers, perhaps.” Wren appeared reflective. “He’s slick. You know that freshly oiled used car salesman slick? If I had to describe him, he’s that.”
The man in question stood surrounded by several of the coven members. Izzy watched as he worked the crowd. Gwendolyn tittered as he whispered something in her ear. He pulled away and moved to another group, casually putting his arm around Winifred as he spoke with her. Pride radiated from Maeve as she noticed him moving from woman to woman, with maybe just the slightest twinge of jealousy.
Maeve must have felt her eyes. Her focus shifted and honed in on Izzy standing with her friends. Maeve waved. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she shouted as she made her way over to Izzy. “I want to introduce you to a friend of mine.”
Izzy’s shoulder began to itch and then burn as Maeve strode in her direction. “Come,” Maeve grabbed Izzy’s hand and tugged, “come meet Gideon.”
Izzy attempted to jerk her hand back, but Maeve held on. She couldn’t reclaim her hand without creating a spectacle. Izzy threw a look toward Cass then grudgingly allowed Maeve to lead her toward the guest. The closer they came, the more Izzy wanted to snatch her hand back. Get away from him, the pair of them.
If based on looks alone, Gideon made a fairly good impression. He was tall and lanky. Dressed impeccably in a silk shirt and trousers with an almost old European flair about him. He was most definitely not from Wits’ End, Izzy thought. His dark hair was flecked with spots of gray, but the color didn’t make him appear old at all. It enhanced his looks if anything.
“Gideon,” Maeve called out. “Look who’s here. I want you to meet Isadora.”
“Isadora? What a lovely name. I was hoping I might find you here tonight,” Gideon smiled congenially, his Southern drawl holding an edge of charm to it.
Maeve looked confused for a moment but then quickly pasted her smile back in place.
“That’s nice of you to say. Gideon is it?” Izzy forced out. A trapped sensation came over Isadora. His words replaying in her brain. “You were hoping I was here? I don’t know you, do I?”
“You don’t remember me, princess?” His questions were quiet but heard nonetheless. A memory long buried tried to force itself into her conscience. He reached out, his fingertips coming to rest on her shoulder obliterating the thought. Heat from his skin penetrated through her shirt to her birthmark there. Pain sliced through Izzy’s skull. She closed her eyes to keep from showing any outward signs of weakness.
Cass, who had silently followed Maeve and Izzy across the yard, spoke up. “Hey, Iz. Can you help me for a sec?”
“Sure,” Izzy opened her eyes to face him. “I’m sure you’ll excuse me.” She forced a smile as she pulled away, stepping over to Cass. She looked back toward Gideon. “I’m sorry, my friend needs me. It was a pleasure meeting you though.”
“What was that about?” Cass asked her between cle
nched teeth.
“I don’t know, I don’t know.” Izzy chanted. “I know him. He says I do. I almost remembered something but then he touched me. My shoulder is killing me, Cass.” Izzy rubbed the spot in question.
“We’ll find out who he is. Surely, someone here knows.”
Maeve banged the side of an empty pot with a metal spoon to focus everyone’s attention in her direction. Cass and Izzy settled back in the outskirts of the crowd. Maeve stood on a table several feet away. “Ladies? I need you to listen for a moment.” The chatter died down almost instantly.
“I called this meeting tonight because Gideon needs our help.” Maeve cast her eyes across the lawn to make sure they were listening. “He’s the current president of the Southeastern Council of Witches.”
Izzy was confused. There was only one council and only one president. She’d spoken with the current president less than twenty-four hours before. She doubted Gideon had taken over during that short interim. Something was up.
Maeve continued, “He has a lot to tell us. It is our duty as members of the Council to let him speak and offer our assistance. Gideon,” Maeve nodded toward the man and with his help, climbed down from the table.
“Ladies,” he began. Cass nudged Izzy and rolled her eyes when several of the older ladies of the coven tittered like young girls when he spoke.
“I want to thank you all for having me at your little soiree.” He took a sip from a glass of wine he was holding. “As Maeve stated,” he nodded toward Maeve, and she smiled. Izzy about choked, Maeve was smiling? “I’m the current president of the Council. Being President was never my goal nor desire. Yet, we are in uncertain times.” He spoke as if to each member. “I’ve come tonight to ask, no - plea for your help. We on the Council need you to assist us in a grave matter.”
Gideon paused again in his speech. Izzy watched him close. He was good. If she didn’t know him for the fake he was, she might have believed him. In truth, she had no proof that Agnes hadn’t lied either. But between, she and Maeve and a man she knew from naught, Agnes would win hands down every time.
Marked: Thoth's Legacy ~ Book One Page 9