“And you think I’m sick.”
“You are sick.”
“Then you’re just as sick as me, buddy,” Max said, snickering. “Still, I’m so happy for you and Ivy I almost feel jealous.”
Jack lifted an eyebrow, surprised. “Jealous of what?”
“Don’t ever tell Ivy I said this because I’ll deny it and then beat you senseless, but sometimes when I watch the two of you together, I get this weird feeling I can’t describe,” Max said. “I think it might be yearning.”
“I thought you were happy with your lot in life?” Jack challenged. “You’ve got honeys on every corner, right?”
“Yeah, and I enjoy not being tied down,” Max said. “I’m pretty sure I’m not ready to commit to someone full time, and that’s okay. I’ve got plenty of time to settle down when I’m finally ready.
“The thing is, I didn’t think I would ever want to settle down until I saw you and Ivy together,” he continued. “The other day, for example, you were sitting in the living room reading a magazine and she poured herself a cup of tea. Even though there was plenty of room on the couch, she sat on your lap.
“You didn’t invite her to do it, but you seemed to expect her to do it,” he said. “You lifted the magazine and made room for her, kissed her cheek, and then proceeded to flip through the magazine together. You never said one word to each other, and yet you were completely joined and happy.”
“I don’t remember that, but I’ll take your word for it,” Jack said. “I feel … in tune with her … for lack of a better way to describe it. I didn’t know it was possible. There are times I reach out to grab her hand and realize she’s already reaching for my hand.
“I like it when she puts her head on my shoulder, or whispers something silly that only I’ll get,” he continued. “I feel sad when I can’t touch her … and before your head goes in a dirty direction, I mean that in a respectful way. I love her. I think I’ve loved her from the moment I met her.”
“You guys have something special, that’s for sure,” Max said, bobbing his head. “The dream walking thing is weird. When I first heard about it, I thought Ivy was making it up. I couldn’t understand how anyone could think they were sharing interactive dreams.”
“And now?”
“I think it’s obviously happening,” Max replied. “I don’t know how to explain it, but something is different about Ivy over the past few months. She seems … .”
“Magical,” Jack supplied.
Max snorted. “I was going to say powerful, but I guess that fits,” he said. “She’s definitely growing into something, and I’m thankful you’re there to grow with her instead of trying to stifle her.”
“I’ll never leave her,” Jack offered. “I won’t do what I did that day at the hospital after she was shot again. That was wrong. I want you to know that. I made a mistake and I will never do it again.”
“I know that,” Max said, his eyes kind when they locked with Jack’s contemplative brown orbs. “I was really angry with you that day and said some horrible things. I don’t regret saying them, but I know you were hurting, too. It’s okay.
“Ivy understands and she forgives you,” he continued. “I forgive you, too. I don’t doubt for a second that you love my sister. I know you’ll always take care of her.”
“I will,” Jack confirmed. “It’s not just for her, though. It’s for me, too. She somehow … makes me feel whole.”
“Well, that’s great,” Max said. “I think you do the same for her.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so,” Max said, running his tongue over his teeth as the nursery popped into view and he squared his shoulders. “Never tell my sister we had this chick conversation. I’ll never live it down.”
Jack chuckled. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“Your secret is safe with me, too,” Max said.
“What secret?”
“The love secret.”
“That’s not a secret,” Jack said. “I’m telling her tonight. I’m going to wait until after the party and then … tell her. I have no idea how, but I’m not holding back any longer. I don’t care if people think it’s too soon. I want her to know how I feel.”
“I’m glad for you both.”
“Thanks.”
The two men exchanged awkward smiles and then Max cleared his throat to signify that the time for being schmaltzy was over. “So … um … do you want to help me pick out a honey?”
Jack rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you’re fully capable of doing that yourself.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Jack blew out a sigh. “Fine. I just want to keep an eye on Ivy all night. As long as we stick close to her, I’ll help you pick out a woman.”
Max’s smile was impish. “Let the games begin.”
THE SOUND of terrified screams as Michael led another group of children through the haunted greenhouse an hour later was music to Ivy’s ears. She bounded toward Jack, who had his head bent together with Max as they leaned against a tree, and grabbed his hand.
“What are you doing?”
Jack couldn’t help but smile at her sparkling eyes, excitement wafting in his direction as her intoxicating presence almost barreled him over. “I’m talking to your brother. What are you doing?”
“Did you hear the kids screaming? They’re having a good time.”
“I heard them,” Jack said. “Why aren’t you in there showing them around? You’ve done like five groups in a row.”
“I have, but I needed a small break,” Ivy admitted. “I’m starting to lose my voice.”
“That’s because you do that scary raspy thing when you give the tours,” Max said, winking at a blonde as she walked past him. She was dressed in a genie costume and even though it was cold, she didn’t bother to cover up her midriff. “You should talk like a normal human being.”
Ivy made a face, which was completely lost on her brother because he couldn’t be bothered to look in her direction. “I saw that.”
“You saw what?”
“The way you looked at Ally Peterson,” Ivy replied. “She’s dating Jordan Turner, so don’t get any ideas.”
Max finally shifted his gaze from the blonde in question and focused on his sister. “She’s dating Jordan. She’s not married. Heck, she’s not even engaged. That means she’s open for offers.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Jack and I are only dating and we’re not open for offers,” Ivy pointed out. “I think Jordan and Ally are the same way.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Max replied. “You might not be open for offers. That doesn’t mean Jack isn’t.”
“Don’t drag me into this,” Jack warned. “I refuse to play that game.” He turned his warm eyes to his girlfriend. “I’m definitely not open for offers from anyone but you.”
“That’s very good to know,” Ivy said, giggling when Jack tugged her closer so he could give her a hug. “You’re definitely going to have a cauldron full of offers later tonight.”
“Oh, and you just made my night, honey,” Jack said, kissing her cheek. “A cauldron, though?”
“That’s what we’re using to bob for apples in the back of the greenhouse,” Ivy replied. “Later on I thought we could put a blanket on the floor and bob for something else.”
“Oh, I’m totally going to barf,” Max lamented. “What is wrong with you two? I’m standing right here.”
Jack ignored Max’s theatrics. “I think you just gave me something new to look forward to,” he said, rubbing his thumb against Ivy’s cheek. “You’re going to keep your witch dress on, right?”
“Oh, geez,” Max muttered. “Now I’m going to have visions of you two playing cowboys and witches going through my head all night.”
“Oh, please,” Ivy intoned. “You’re going to spend exactly twenty minutes searching for a honey and then disappear with the first one that crosses your path. You’re not going to
have anything but your own antics going through your head.”
Max beamed. “That does sound nice, doesn’t it? I can take my honey for a walk to that little field across the way. The moon is beautiful tonight. It almost looks as if there’s some red on it.”
Ivy shifted here eyes to the sky. She hadn’t noticed the moon tonight. “It’s a full moon. It’s a blood moon.”
“What’s a blood moon?” Jack asked, genuinely curious.
“It’s a witch thing Aunt Felicity used to tell us about when we were kids,” Max answered. “It has something to do with four eclipses happening in a row.”
“It’s supposed to be magical,” Ivy said, using her fingertip to trace Jack’s palm. “It’s supposed to be a powerful time when almost anything can happen. I forgot about it. I used to pay attention when I was a kid, but … .”
“But what?” Jack prodded.
“But nothing,” Ivy said, shaking herself out of her momentary reverie. “It’s stupid.”
“Tell me,” Jack prodded.
“It’s just … for a second I thought the blood moon might be a reasonable answer for why I’ve been seeing things,” Ivy explained. “Magic is supposed to be really strong during a blood moon transition. Supposedly, if you believe the old tales, good magic and bad magic can bleed over into one another during a blood moon.”
Jack slipped a strand of Ivy’s hair behind her ear as he considered the statement. “Do you believe the old tales?”
“I’m not sure I even remember the old tales,” Ivy admitted. “I didn’t remember the eclipses until Max mentioned the moon looked red. I’m not sure how much of that stuff I believe.”
“Really?” Jack challenged. “Even after everything you’ve seen?”
“I don’t know what to think,” Ivy admitted. “All I know is that I don’t want this night to be ruined. If I think too much about the other stuff, the night will go down the toilet.”
“Well, no one wants that,” Jack said, giving her another hug and kiss on the cheek before releasing her. “I promised to help your brother find a honey, but I swear I’m going to take a bunch of kids through the greenhouse with you before the night is over.”
“Okay,” Ivy said, shaking off the remnants of her doldrums and returning to her happy countenance. “How about I take the next tour through alone and then you can join me after that?”
“That sounds like a plan.”
“That sounds like a really boring way to spend an evening,” Max corrected.
Ivy cuffed him before skirting away, giggling when Max scorched her with a death glare. She practically skipped over to the greenhouse, disappearing around the edge of the building so she could enter the structure through the side door and not draw unnecessary attention to herself.
Jack watched her leave, his eyes lingering even after she disappeared from sight. When he finally turned his gaze back to Max, he found the other man staring at him. “What?”
“You’d better tell my sister soon, because you’re so goofy and in love it’s starting to give me a sour stomach.”
“I’ll get right on that.”
Twenty-Two
Ivy was lost in thought when she turned the corner of the greenhouse and headed for the door. A hint of movement caught her attention in the trees behind the structure and she pulled up short so she could study the area. She stared so long without seeing anything she almost convinced herself she imagined it. Then she saw a flutter of fabric. It looked like the edge of a cape.
“Hello?”
No one answered.
“Hello?” Ivy took a hesitant step forward. For some reason – and she had no idea why – she could feel someone staring at her. She considered walking into the woods and confronting the individual, but she knew that would be a bad move given the circumstances. Instead she reached into her pocket to retrieve her phone – she had every intention of calling Jack for backup – but it became unnecessary when a small figure hopped out of the trees.
Ivy jolted and then sighed when she realized who she was looking at. “Brandon McKay! What are you doing?”
The small boy flashed a sheepish grin when he caught Ivy looking at him. “I wasn’t doing nothing.”
“You were obviously doing something,” Ivy argued, striding forward and grabbing his hand. “Do you want to tell me what it is that you weren’t doing?”
“I … no.” Brandon shook his head.
Ivy cocked a challenging eyebrow. “You know I’m very tight with a police officer, right?” She knelt down so she was on eye-level with the child. “I’ll make him lock you up if you don’t tell me what you were doing.” Ivy wasn’t generally a fan of threatening children, but Brandon’s reputation was something straight out of a nightmare. He’d retired more teachers than contract negotiations in Shadow Lake. Er, well, that was the rumor anyway.
“Would he really put me in jail?” Brandon didn’t look convinced.
“He would if I asked him to do it,” Ivy replied. “I happen to know you guys were warned to stay away from the trees. You either need to tell me what you were doing or I’m going to get my friend the police officer and you’re going to have to tell him.”
“But … .” Brandon made a face. “Fine. Do you really want to know?”
Given the way he phrased the question, Ivy couldn’t help but rethink her demand. Ultimately, though, she knew she had to stick to her guns. “Yes.”
“Here.” Brandon held out his hand and Ivy realized he was holding a clump of dirt.
“Why do you have that?” Ivy asked, shrinking away. She had no idea if he had something else in there, but she wasn’t keen to find out. “That’s not a dead animal or anything, is it?”
“It’s just dirt,” Brandon answered. “I’m going to rub it on my sister’s head. She’s dressed up like a princess and I’m sick of her asking everyone to tell her how pretty she looks.”
“Well, that’s a girl thing,” Ivy said, reining in her temper. “Just ignore her.”
“I would rather throw dirt at her.”
“Well, you’re not going to do that,” Ivy said. “I’ll have Jack arrest you if you do.”
“Really? He’s going to arrest me for throwing dirt?” Brandon was understandably dubious.
“I just told you he would do what I asked,” Ivy said, grabbing the boy’s elbow and directing him toward the trees. “Dump it in there … and wipe your hands on your pants.”
“Mom said never to do that.”
“Well, you have her take it up with me if she has a problem,” Ivy said. “I … .” She didn’t get a chance to finish because another figure – this one much bigger – barreled out of the woods and grabbed her arms, snapping her head back and momentarily stunning her.
Brandon was so surprised he dropped his treasured dirt and took an involuntarily step back, gasping out a frightened squeak as he stared at the man.
“What the … ?” Ivy couldn’t make out any features because the man was wearing a grotesque clown mask. Even though his hands were on her, she remained convinced it was a Halloween prank. That feeling only lasted a second when she had a brief flash that made it appear she was looking at herself. That’s when she realized she was in a lot more trouble than she initially envisioned.
“Is that the police?” Brandon asked, her voice ratcheting up a notch. “Is he going to put me in jail? I dropped the dirt.”
Ivy struggled to fight off the man as he attempted to drag her into the woods. She was torn between wanting to keep Brandon safe and worrying about her own wellbeing. Finally, she did the only thing she could do. “Run, Brandon! He’s a bad man.”
“But … .” Brandon’s eyes filled with tears as Ivy cried out, the stranger bending her wrist back as he tried to gain control of her flailing arms.
“Run!” Ivy yelled, the sound immediately being drowned out by screaming children inside of the guesthouse. “Find the police officer. Run!”
Brandon didn’t wait to be told again. He turned on his heel and f
led toward the front of the greenhouse as Ivy continued to struggle against her assailant. Even though she put up a tremendous fight, he was still too strong for her. Before she realized what was happening, she was pulled into the woods and away from the safety her heart desperately needed.
Jack!
“HOW about that one?” Max looked the blonde Wonder Woman up and down. “I think I would like to see if she has a magic lasso.”
Jack had long ago lost interest in the game. “She’s perfect,” he said, pushing himself away from the tree. “Go forth and … let her tie you down with her magic lasso. Wow. There’s a sentence I never thought I would say.”
“Feels good, doesn’t it?”
“Not particularly,” Jack replied. “I don’t really care who you end up with for the night, though. I want to find my witch and get in some spells.”
“Ugh. You’re so gross.”
“I do my best.” Jack moved to walk away from Max but stilled when he saw a small boy in a cape – his hands filthy, as if he’d been digging in dirt – standing two feet away. His hand was shaking as he pressed it to his mouth and his eyes were flooded with tears. “What’s wrong, buddy?”
“I … .”
“That’s Brandon,” Max said, dragging his attention away from Wonder Woman and focusing on the boy as he stepped closer. “He’s a pile of trouble from everything I’ve heard.”
“He doesn’t look like he’s getting in trouble,” Jack said, shuffling closer to the boy. “You’re not getting in trouble, are you?”
Brandon shook his head as a tear slipped down his cheek. “I was getting in trouble, but … Miss Ivy found me and told me to put the dirt back.”
“Miss Ivy, huh?” Jack couldn’t help but smile. “Did she tell on you?”
Brandon shook his head. “She said she was going to tell you to arrest me if I didn’t admit what I was doing. I told her and then … .”
“And then what?”
Brandon’s voice was barely a whisper. “And then a bad clown came out of the woods and grabbed her.”
Jack’s stomach flipped. “What do you mean?” He wasn’t sure if he should believe the boy. It was a night of costumes and screams. He could’ve misunderstood something he saw.
Wicked Fog (An Ivy Morgan Mystery Book 6) Page 18