The Queen of Witches

by Brandi Elledge

  “I’m Jamison. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tandi,” he said as he shook her hand, then he started sliding in the booth on my side. So much for pulling up a chair like Talon had done and Tandi had suggested.

  I could refuse to move and make things awkward, or I could just scoot over. Manners won. “Oh. Okay. Here, let me just move over and make some room for you.”

  About that time, Jenny sauntered over to the table and set a hot plate in front of Jamison. She placed her palms on our table, leaning so close to him I thought for a second she was going to kiss him.

  “Do you need anything else, big guy?” Jenny all but purred.

  “Jenny, he doesn’t need mouth-to-mouth. As you can see, the man is still breathing. Why don’t you give him some space, unless you’re trying to see if he can guess what you had for lunch?” Tandi asked.

  Jenny glared at Tandi, and one side of Jamison’s mouth twitched like he was trying his hardest not to laugh. When Jenny straightened away from him, he said, “Not right now, Jenny, thanks.”

  As Jenny turned to walk back to the kitchen, Tandi slapped her hand on the table. “Hold the phone. Where’s our food? We were here way before he strolled in.”

  Jenny looked at Jamison like he was a piece of meat and when she finally peeled her eyes off of him, she muttered, “I figured waiting a little while wouldn’t hurt you.”

  Tandi growled, “That’s it, you good for nothing little—”

  “I’m sure your food will be right out, Tandi,” Jamison said. “Jenny probably didn’t mean to slight you because that would be catty, and she seems like a real sweetheart.”

  Jenny stammered, “Y-yes. Yes, you’re right. I'm very sweet. Tandi, Charlie, your food will be right out.” And she scrambled away from the table.

  Tandi unwrapped her silverware from her napkin, pointing a fork at Jamison. “I really hate her. I mean, there is like no love for her. I should have thrown my butter knife at her.”

  I gave Jamison a serious look. “When she’s really fired up, she likes to throw things. It’s best not to rile her any further to avoid possible injuries and to be able to leave this establishment in one piece.”

  Jamison let out a big belly laugh, causing Tandi to give him her legendary stank eye.

  In her scary voice, she asked, “What? You don’t think we’re capable of unleashing terror?”

  He put his hands up in defense. “No, I know you mean what you say. It’s just funny. Here’s two well-put together, beautiful ladies sitting in a family diner, speaking with major southern drawls, and to hear you say you’re going to unleash terror on someone—even if the would-be victim is a catty waitress—well, that’s just funny.”

  Tandi said, “Yeah, well, if you do have connections with a higher organization, now is as good a time as any to make a suggestion on who you should take out.” At my frown, she said, “Hey, Jenny’s had it coming for a long time. You know, before you…” Taking one finger out, she made a slicing motion across her throat. “...you should put a whole bunch of fish heads in the bed with her while she’s sleeping to really convey a message.”

  “Oh, lord in heaven.” I put a hand over my face and was surprised to hear Jamison chuckling. Giving him what I knew must have been a guilty look, I said, “I heard demolished, and my imagination went rampant. I’m sorry.”

  He shoveled in another bite of eggs. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Imagination is great for the soul. I used to pretend that I was Sir Lancelot when I was little.”

  We all laughed at that until our food arrived, and then we started eating. When Jamison wasn’t staring at me, which was ninety percent of the time, his eyes would roam the diner like he was looking for someone. I could tell by the weird look on Tandi’s face she was about five seconds away from giving Jamison the third degree and was just thinking of a way to ease into her interrogation. I could see the train wreck coming; I just didn’t know how to stop it, or if I really wanted to.

  Finally, in between bites, she said, “So, Jamison, who is it that you keep looking for? A girlfriend?”

  Unfortunately, I was taking a sip of sweet tea and started coughing on her last question. Jamison took me by surprise when he started patting me on the back. His touch was warm but other than that, nothing remotely interesting happened. I was starting to wonder if I’d imagined the jolt he gave me earlier. I waited for the tingling sensation but it never came.

  “I thought there was someone here that I knew, but he must’ve already left.” Jamison took up more than his fair share of the booth seat. His leg was practically touching mine when he stretched out.

  I had stopped coughing, but he was still rubbing small circles on my back, so I twitched in my seat until he dropped his hand. His proximity flustered me. Not just because he was the most handsome boy I’ve ever seen but because his touch was almost comfortable. Like he knew me. I had been feeling so alone and depressed here recently that a comforting touch from a perfect stranger was more than startling.

  Tandi slapped the table. “Well, color me intrigued.”

  “Dang!” I looked at my watch. “I’ve got to get to work.”

  Jamison pushed his plate away from him. “Where do you work?”

  I sized him up, silently rating his stalker potential in my head. The town was small, so technically if he wanted to find out where I worked, he would have no problem getting the information.

  I wadded up my napkin and put it on my plate, along with my dirty utensils. “I work at a shop on Main Street called Broom Sticks. They sell mostly natural herbs for anything that might ail you or help you in a natural, organic sort of way. Along with some knick-knacks. My brother hooked me up with the job, and so far I love it.”

  “Well, maybe we can talk at a better time. Thank you, ladies, for having dinner with me,” he said as he signaled Jenny for the check. “I’m sure that I will see the both of you around.”

  “What are you doing here, if you don’t mind me asking?” I blurted out.

  His mouth opened and closed before his eyes searched my face—for what, I didn’t know. Several seconds go by before he said, “I work with my family, and we’re looking for an antique piece that is extremely valuable. We think it might have turned up in this town.”

  Tandi said, “If you don’t know where to start, Charlie could help you. She’s great at finding things.”

  My mouth dropped open. What in the world was wrong with Tandi? I somehow knew where that missing kid was, and now she thought I could find anything. She had called me twice this week looking for her car keys. And why would I help this boy? He might find out about my flaw. I thought about the card in my pocket. Maybe I should call Talon and request more information before Tandi started outing me to everybody.

  Tandi leaned forward in her seat. Subtlety clearly not being her strong suit. “It wouldn’t hurt to help look.”

  Jamison cleared his throat, breaking me from my thoughts. “I actually could use the help. Even if it was just as a tour guide.”

  “This town is so small you don’t need anyone to show you around, and I’m not sure if I’m adequate for the job. Perhaps someone else would be better suited—”

  “Yes, but I assume you probably know everyone and could open up some doors for me. I’ll pay you a hundred dollars for every day you help me find what I'm looking for.”

  Tandi squealed. “Heck, yeah! When does she start?”

  Still in a daze, I found myself utterly speechless. Why would this man pay me that much money when he isn’t even sure that I can help him?

  Jamison smiled at Tandi, and she winked in return. Let the conspiracy begin.

  “How about right after you close? I can meet you at work,” he said.

  I glanced at Tandi, who was nodding her head so fast she looked like a bobble-head doll. “Well... I guess. We close at eight.”

  “Brooms Sticks on Main Street at eight.” Jamison stood up from the booth. “I’m going to go find Jenny and take care of the bill. It’s the least I
could do for both of you allowing me to eat with you.”

  I was about to tell him no, that I could pay my own way, but yet again, Tandi beat me to the punch. “You’re right. You couldn’t have found better companionship in this whole measly place, so we won’t argue with you, but I do ask that you don’t tip that flat-faced, high-forehead, bucktooth Jenny too much.”

  He chuckled as I slid out of the booth, muttering a quick goodbye to the both of them. I headed to work, thinking about how crazy today was. Talon’s offer couldn’t have come at a better time if he’d planned it. Then again, maybe he did plan it. His offer was a little too good to be true. The more I thought about it, the more conflicted I felt. It would be so nice to wake up surrounded by people like me. I wouldn’t have to hide who I’d become. I would feel connected… speaking of connections, I did feel a crazy one to Jamison, or maybe it was just my overactive teenage hormones. Either way, maybe I could help him find what it was he was looking for then decide if I should take Talon up on his offer.

  Chapter Four

  I was dusting off the glass cabinets that held some of my favorite trinkets. The whole store was neat, but the little golden elephants were my favorite. Elephants were so loyal and family oriented. Ever since I had lost my parents, I’d needed something. Craved it. I thought back to Talon and his offer; maybe they could be my herd. I heard the cowbell ring over the door of my shop. I looked up, and Brandon, my ex, walked through the door with a bouquet of red roses. His dark brown hair was perfectly styled, even during the harsh rainstorm we were currently suffering through. With his big brown eyes and perfectly asymmetrical face, he looked like the perfect, charismatic quarterback of Peu Springs who everyone seemed to love.

  Just four hours earlier, I would have said he was the hottest thing in our small town, but that was before Talon showed up and definitely before Jamison.

  Brandon handed me the bouquet of flowers. “Hey, pretty girl. I wanted to come by to see if you wanted to go to that fancy restaurant with me tonight after you close shop? I know it’s your favorite.”

  I had told him a million times that we weren’t a couple anymore, but he refused to really believe someone could actually dump him.

  “Brandon, we’re over, and I try not to make a habit of going out with ex-boyfriends.”

  He took a step forward and wrapped his hands around my back while I crossed my arms over my chest, ensuring there was at least some space between us.

  “Please, let go of me.”

  “No. You’re my girlfriend, and I can hold you if I want to. There are a lot of girls in this town that would be honored to be in your position. Maybe you need to remember that.”

  Something in me snapped. Ever since I broke up with him, he had been showing up everywhere he knew I would be. His head tilted towards mine, and I knew I was going to have to dodge another sloppy kiss yet again. He was becoming more and more aggressive since the breakup. Enough was enough. I put a hand on his face, trying to shove him away. I wanted him to leave me alone! I was shocked when I realized I had screamed this to the top of my lungs after a string of curse words.

  He stopped right before his lips touched mine. His eyes glazed over, and then confusion wove over his face. He jumped back from me. “Who the hell are you?”

  “Are you serious?”

  His eyes held a bewildered look. “I don’t know you. Why was I holding you? Did you do something to me?”

  My hand covered my mouth. Did I do something to him? I really wanted him to forget about me and move on, and now he was looking at me as if I had two heads. He gave me a disgusted look before storming out of the shop. I slid down to the floor, my back resting against the counter. I was out of control. I wasn’t upset that I clearly just did something to Brandon. In my mind, he had it coming. He should feel thankful that I didn’t set him on fire like I did the family album. I’m upset that I had zero control. What if I accidentally harmed someone that I loved? I would call Talon and tell him I’d take him up on his offer. I didn’t care at this point what the training entailed. Tears trailed down my face. I wish my parents were here. I wish they could help me figure out what was wrong with me.

  That’s how Jamison found me hours later. When the cowbell rang again, I almost banged my head on the counter.

  “I’m sorry I frightened you.” Jamison put both of his hands in his jean pockets, as if to put me at ease. If he noticed I’d been crying, he didn’t say anything. He nodded towards the roses now scattered across the floor. “You don't strike me as a rose kind of girl.”

  I stood up on shaky legs. “Well, Jamison, who I don't even know your last name, what kind of flower do you think I like?”

  “Daisies.” His forehead crinkled as his eyes roamed over my body like he was checking for damage. I wanted to say I wasn’t hurt on the outside, but there was something very wrong on the inside. His nose was flaring as he took deep breaths. “And it’s Bradford.”

  “What’s Bradford?”

  He smiled. “My last name.”

  He came to stand right before me. “You want to talk about what just happened?”

  Did I? I chose to remain silent. How could I go wrong with that option?

  He sighed before he changed the subject. “You ready to help me find what I’m looking for?” He pulled out an envelope, placing it on the counter. “That’s the first week’s payment.”

  I frowned. “A hundred dollars a day? That just sounds crazy. Besides, how do you even know that I can help you find what you’re looking for?”

  “Let’s just say that I have a good feeling about you.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest as my toe tapped the floor.

  “Okay, okay. How about because I know that you might not be exactly what you seem, and that’s because I’m not exactly what I seem, either. And as far as the money, well, you’re worth it. Even if you don’t contribute anything to finding the lost object, at least I’ll be in your company.”

  I had stopped listening after he said that I might not be “exactly what I seem.” What was going on? Was I a freaking beacon? A homing device? Did everyone all of a sudden know that I was different? I grabbed hold of the counter to steady myself.

  “Whoa, are you okay? Talk to me. What’s going on?”

  “I… I don’t know anything anymore. I think you need to leave.”

  “Charlie, I think you do know what I’m talking about, and I also think you’re in need of a friend right now, so I can either wait here with you while you call your friend Tandi, or you can give me a shot.”

  When I didn’t say anything, he walked to the door, flipped the sign to closed, and turned the lock. I should have been freaked out by his authoritative demeanor, but I was too busy wigging out over the fact that men in hazmat suits might show up at my door to cart me off to a lab. I was over here frying bigger fish.

  He stayed on the other side of the room, perhaps to look less threatening, if that was even possible for him. “I know I’m right about you, but aren’t you even a little curious to see how I know I’m right?”

  “Another boy showed up today. His name is Talon. Are you friends? Or part of the same marketing team? Scouts for freaks?”

  His blue eyes met mine. His jaws clenched and for a moment, I didn’t think he would answer me. Finally, he released a breath. “Talon was here? They work fast.”

  “Who’s they?”

  He shook his head. “Is there somewhere we could sit and talk?”

  What could it hurt? “I have a little break room in the back.”

  “Lead the way, love, and if you don’t like what I’m saying at any time, I’ll leave. All right?”

  Catching the hopeful look in his eyes, I nodded. “Come on back, and I'll make you a cup of coffee while we talk.”

  He followed me back to my little quiet place, which was all pink floral walls, white cottage furniture, and a matching couch.

  He started tugging on his snug, black T-shirt. “Are you going to confiscate my balls at the door?�
��

  I laughed. “This room is a tad girly.” At his eye roll, I said, “Okay, it's probably the most girly room in America, but with a name like Charlie, it’s pushed all my girly instincts into overdrive. The owner of this place told me to decorate the break room anyway I like, so I did.”

  He stared at the pink walls as if they were closing in on him. “I think I can manage in this room for short periods of time. I'll just focus on what you’re saying, and I won’t let my eyes roam off of you for any reason.”

  I stopped pouring his coffee and looked over my shoulder.

  Jamison threw his hands up. “Hey, my extreme attention to you is just to help me keep my manhood.”

  I seriously doubted this man had any problem with his manhood, but I refused to go down that road. I needed to focus. I handed him his coffee and sat on the opposite end of the couch. So many questions ran through my head, but as I looked at him, I hesitated. Where to begin?

  “You found me in a weird state of mind. It’s been a rough day.”

  “I couldn’t smell any blood, so I knew that you weren’t hurt. I figured if you wanted to tell me, you would.”

  “An ex-boyfriend is having a hard time being an ex.”

  His eyes turned to steel. “Do you need me to handle it?”

  “No.” That was part of the problem. I think I handled it. Wait. Did he say smell?

  “It’s not hard reading your facial expressions. You would be a horrible poker player.” He gave me a smile riddled with encouragement. “What is it you want to know?”

  After clearing my throat, I asked, “How could you smell if I was hurt? I might not be a poker player, but I’m going to ask you to lay out your cards first. You need to know that I hate lies. Tell me exactly what… what you are.”

  He took his first sip of coffee, studying me over the rim. He leaned back against the couch cushions, grinning at my apparent discomfort. “What do you think I am?”