by J. D. Shaw
Natalie squirmed inside the circle. “I tried to destroy him before he could walk the earth.” She yelled to Vivienne.
“You were going to kill all of us.” Vivienne yelled back, still pinned to the ground. “I couldn’t let that happen.”
“I will have your silence.” Edgar glowered at them both. “You women are always at the root of corruption.”
“You haven’t been a paragon of virtue yourself.” Vivienne spat back. “Murdering your family because you felt guilty after being rejected by your maid.”
Edgar howled with rage.
“Big man you are.” Vivienne mocked him.
“You shall pay for your insolence.” He pointed at her.
“Come and get me.” Vivienne challenged.
Edgar charged at her with murderous intent, stepping onto the silver circle which encircled Natalie. A split-second later, he was on fire, screaming in agony as his spirit form was disrupted by the sacred barrier.
“You should look where you step.” Vivienne felt the pressure holding her down release. She sat upright as he continued to burn, the flames ripping his spectral body apart piece by piece. “You’re not human anymore, silver is like poison.”
“I’ll kill you all.” He cried out in defiance. “Witches.” He screamed and writhed in agony and with a sudden popping sound dissolved into a wisp of dark smoke. It snaked upwards, curling toward the vortex that hovered about twenty feet over their heads.
“One of the portals.” Vivienne gasped and helped Miss Octavia to her feet.
“It’s pulling the dark energy back in.” Octavia nodded. “We have to destroy it.”
“But how?” Vivienne wondered. “I don’t have a spell prepared.”
The portal swirled faster and faster as a jet of black smoke-like energy hurled to the ground.
“He’s re-forming again.” Vivienne cried out.
“Untie the silver rope and I’ll destroy the portal.” Natalie spoke up.
“No, Vivienne. Don’t trust her.” Octavia warned.
“Please, let me right these wrongs so that I might rest in peace.” Natalie begged. “I give you my word.”
“What should I do?” Vivienne asked Octavia, casting a wary eye on the smoke that began to take Edgar’s spectral form again.
“Whatever it is, you better do it fast.” Octavia shook her head. “This is your moment.”
Vivienne looked into Natalie’s eyes. “Swear on Connor’s life.”
“I swear.”
Vivienne darted into the circle and began to untie the silver rope around Natalie. As she did, Natalie’s physical body went limp as her spirit form soared upwards.
“I hope you’re right about this.” Octavia replied.
Natalie’s spectral form drifted over to the now almost fully formed figure of Edgar and embraced him. “Tie us up.” She yelled. “Hurry.”
Vivienne dashed over to their location with the rope in hand. She made a loop and tossed it over Edgar’s head where it came to rest at the base of his neck. She then ran quickly around them, binding them tightly.
“Don’t worry darling. This is only going to hurt for a little bit.” Natalie hissed at him.
“You wretched fiend.” Edgar’s voice boomed. “What have you done.”
“What should have been done long ago.” She looked at Vivienne one last time. “Now toss the end up toward the portal and run as far as you can.”
“Thank you Natalie.” Vivienne tossed the rope upwards where it was caught in the vortex around the portal. It grew taught and yanked both Natalie and Edgar upwards.
Vivienne and Octavia ran as fast as they could to the other side of the patrol car and ducked down as the forms of Natalie and Edgar were sucked into the portal. There was a popping sound and then a blast of wind as the silver reacted to the dark energy. Like a great wheel on fire, the portal spun wildly in the air and then imploded, disappearing into the night sky with a thunderous boom.
After a few moments, the two women peeked over the car and found the cemetery dark and empty once again.
“It worked.” Vivienne smiled. “She sealed the portal.”
“One down.” Octavia nodded. “Goddess knows how many more to go around here.”
“One less entry point into Cayuga Cove.” Vivienne smiled. “I’m happy with that.”
“I wanted to say I’m sorry.” Natalie’s voice startled them from behind.
“Natalie.” Vivienne gasped. “I thought you were destroyed when the portal sealed.”
“The dark magic that allowed me to leave this cemetery has been sealed.” She spoke softly. Her visage was serene. “I’ve returned to ask you for one last favor so that I may cross over.”
“What is it?”
She floated through the car and stood between the cannons. She passed her hand through the cannon on the left. “When Edgar murdered me, he hid my body in the cannon to deny me a proper burial.”
Natalie paused for a moment and turned her face toward the sky. “I only knew bitterness and anger as the years went by and we were forgotten.”
“It is time to rest.” Octavia spoke softly. “You are free now.”
“Where are we going mommy?” Connor bounded from the patrol car and held tight to Vivienne’s legs.
“I’m going someplace far away, my love. Far beyond the stars.”
“The stars.” He smiled and stepped toward her. “Can I go to?”
“Not yet, my sweet darling.” She kissed him on the head. “Be a good boy and mind your manners.” He closed his eyes and fell to the ground in a deep sleep.
“He will have no memory of these events. Will you see that he has the chance to live a full life?” Natalie asked.
“I will.” Vivienne replied.
As the wind died down, Natalie faded away into a wisp of fine smoke that loaded itself into the cannon where her remains were interred.
Natalie’s cannon craned upwards slowly as a bolt of blazing energy erupted from the cannon, burned cross the sky and headed for the gas equipment. A few seconds later, an enormous explosion rocked the ground as the tanker and drilling equipment was destroyed in a massive fireball.
There was a groaning sound as Natalie’s cannon dropped the protective cap and lowered to the ground.
Vivienne watched as a pile of bones tumbled out onto the snowy ground. “It is done.”
“Yes.” Octavia nodded back solemnly.
“But what will we tell people?” Vivienne worried.
Octavia walked over to the area where Natalie’s physical body was huddled next to a faded headstone. A bottle of hydroxybenzene and a note lay on the ground next to her. “She wrote her own ending.”
Vivienne picked up the paper and read it. “It’s a suicide note, explaining why she did everything.”
“It’s more than that.” Octavia pointed to sky. “Look up.”
A single star was just visible in the evening sky. It winked and then disappeared as a mass of winter storm clouds swirled overhead. Thick, puffy snowflakes began to fall to the ground, but when they hit the ground they sparkled like fireflies. Each snowflake lattice connected to the other and in a few moments the entire cemetery was pulsing with a warm, golden light. The bones of Natalie Burdick dissolved away as the energy flared brighter than the fire over at Gus Holt’s drilling site.
“What is it?” Vivienne shouted.
“An early Christmas gift.” Octavia beamed. “Or a miracle?”
The golden glow enveloped them both in a warm cocoon, as the magic pulsed and raced into the town of Cayuga Cove.
The residents could only stand and watch in amazement as the glowing snowflakes danced through the air, passing through homes and buildings with ease.
All of the hatred and bad feelings that had plagued the town was washed away as the spell Natalie had cast dissipated. In the silence of the winter night, peace returned once more to Cayuga Cove.
Afterwards, there were all kinds of guesses as to what the glowing snowflakes had
been. Most believed what the media had reported, it had been an adverse chemical reaction from the fire out by the drilling site. A rare scientific reaction that created a localized ‘aurora borealis’ effect over the town.
“Connor?” Gus Holt’s voice called out from the darkness. “It’s time to come home. You know I don’t like you playing in the cemetery.”
Vivienne approached him. “That won’t be happening anymore, Gus.” She pointed to where Miss Octavia had Connor wrapped in a blanket to keep him warm on the snowy ground.
“What’s going on here?” He asked angrily. He moved toward them and stopped when he saw the crumpled body of Natalie. “No.” He cried out. “What happened to her?”
“She confessed to everything.” Vivienne spoke softly as several police cruisers pulled into the cemetery entrance. “I think Sheriff Rigsbee is going to have a lot of questions for you to answer.”
He dropped to his knees at Natalie’s side. “I just wanted to help her out. I was just being a good neighbor.”
After the patrol cars reported to the scene, Vivienne handed the suicide note to Sheriff Rigsbee and directed him to the body of Natalie. They explained how Gus Holt had been hiding Connor for Natalie and he was arrested for interfering in an ongoing police investigation.
Sheriff Rigsbee informed Vivienne that a new press conference was scheduled that evening to thank the newest local hero for her efforts, explaining the elaborate ruse and clearing her name in the process.
“I won’t feel better until my good name is restored.” Vivienne said as she and Miss Octavia rode back with Sheriff Rigsbee in his vehicle.
“Until then, please try to remember what this feels like Miss Finch.” He replied.
“I won’t soon forget it.” Vivienne agreed.
“Good.” Sheriff Rigsbee replied gruffly. “So maybe you’ll think twice about staying out of police business and focus on your own from now on?”
“Yes sir.” Vivienne gulped.
Miss Octavia held Connor in the back seat. “At least Connor isn’t harmed. That’s a certified Christmas miracle in my book.”
“I don’t believe in miracles.” Sheriff Rigsbee replied as he followed the convoy of patrol cars back to town. “What I do believe is that his crazy mother had enough sense to drop him off before killing herself.”
“So what’s going to happen to him now?” Vivienne asked.
“Our investigation found no other living relatives, so child protective services is taking him.” He explained.
“He’s an orphan.” Miss Octavia sighed.
“But at least he’s alive. He has an entire life to experience.” Vivienne nodded as the lights of Cayuga Cove appeared in the distance.
“I hope you don’t mind another pit stop.” Sheriff Rigsbee asked them.
“What’s one more tonight?” She shrugged.
“Someone at Cayuga Memorial is asking to see you, Miss Finch.”
“Joshua?” She hoped.
“He’s made a remarkable recovery. They’re at a loss to explain it. They’re going to release him tomorrow morning.”
Vivienne looked up as the nearly full moon peeked from behind the clouds. “Sometimes, you just don’t need to know why. You just accept it and say thanks.”
“Now that, ladies, is what I believe to be a true miracle.” Zeke smiled. “And you can quote me on that.
CHAPTER 25
Tuesday, December 24th
Joshua poured Vivienne a cup of eggnog. “I can’t believe Christmas is actually here.”
“It seems like it was only Thanksgiving the other week.” Vivienne marveled. “Of course, it was quite a roller coaster ride to get here.”
“Alive and well.” Joshua raised his glass to her. “Thanks to you.”
Vivienne clinked cups with him. “Well, I may have had a small part in saving the entire town.”
“Which is why I love you all the more.” Joshua gave her a kiss.
Tommy sat curled up by the fireplace, he opened one eye and meowed to let everyone know he was present and then went back to his sixth nap of the day.
“We’re not under the mistletoe.” Vivienne pointed to the archway on the opposite end of the living room.
“So let’s change locations and fix this grievous lapse in holiday protocol.” He wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Sounds like a plan.”
Joshua walked by the Christmas tree and pointed to the ornament of the little drummer boy. “Is Connor really alive or is he some kind of powerful spell?”
“He’s as real as any of us.” Vivienne nodded.
“That doesn’t really answer my question.” Joshua reached out and lifted the drummer boy ornament into hand. “Is it really that easy to bring someone back from the dead with a spell?”
“Don’t go thinking that bringing the dead back to life is common for witches.” Nana Mary shook her right index finger at them both. “It’s one of the most dangerous spells out there and there are strict coven laws about using it.”
“I understand, Nana Mary.” Vivienne agreed. “It violates the flow of natural time.”
“There are usually terrible consequences for even attempting it.” Nana Mary explained. “A mother’s enduring love mixed with all that crazy portal energy. It was a one in a million shot but for some reason it worked.”
“I still say it was a Christmas miracle.” Vivienne argued.
“Given the circumstances surrounding his unusual resurrection, the Elder Council saw to it that a proper paperwork history was created to allow him to slip back into society.” Nana Mary smiled.
“I never would have guessed that Samantha Charles would volunteer to be a foster mother.” Vivienne added. “Although I’m sure she’s doing a fantastic job.”
“So, how is he doing?” Joshua asked Vivienne.
“He and Samantha are doing well. He’s adjusting to his new life in New York, but the amnesia is still a bit of challenge.” Vivienne sipped more of her eggnog.
“It’s probably for the best that he not remember anything about what happened.” Joshua added. “As we found out, the past can be something dangerous.”
“Samantha is going to be bringing him here for the summer when the house is completed.” Vivienne spoke up. “So he can enjoy Cayuga Lake and make some new friends.”
“You don’t think having him here will draw Natalie back from the grave, do you?” Joshua worried.
“She’s at peace.” Nana Mary answered for them.
“Did I mention that I ran into Tristan the other day when I stopped by the hospital to visit Delores?” Vivienne spoke up. “He looks much better, just some residual bruises and a broken arm. He told me Nathaniel is healing up quite nicely and is expected to be released tomorrow morning.”
“Thank the Goddess.” Nana Mary smiled.
“I can’t believe that Nora is running so late.” Joshua looked at his watch.
“It’s definitely not like mother.” Vivienne agreed.
“She’ll be here.” Nana Mary smiled. “Now stop worrying and just relax and enjoy the holiday.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a little flask. “Can I Irish that eggnog up for either of you?”
“Nana Mary,” Vivienne laughed. “Do you know something about why Mother is late?”
“So what if I do?” She dumped some of the flask into Vivienne’s cup. “Just relax and enjoy the holiday.”
“Good advice.” Joshua lowered his cup toward the flask. “I’ll drink to that.”
“Good man.” Nana Mary winked at him.
The front door opened as Nora hurried inside with a large basket in her arms. A festive red and green ribbon was tied on the top handle. She bumped the door closed with her rear and smiled. “Merry Christmas everyone.”
“Merry Christmas.” Nana Mary replied. “You’re late.”
“You didn’t tell them, did you?” Nora asked as she stepped forward.
“Not a word.” Nana Mary smiled. “So, what are you waiting fo
r?”
“What’s going on?” Vivienne asked with a slight hint of concern.
Nora set the basket on the floor as a tiny orange tiger kitten clawed his way to the edge and meowed. “You always say you don’t need anything, but I found someone who needs a mommy and daddy and I couldn’t think of two nicer people who fit that mold.”
Vivienne rushed forward. “Oh, he’s adorable. Where did you find him?”
“He was living out by Whispering Pines. Poor thing was eating birdseed he was so hungry.” Nora smiled. “My plan was to take him to the shelter, but I just couldn’t do it.”
Vivienne picked him up as Tommy strolled over to see who the new visitor was. He meowed loudly.
“Looks like you’ve got a new brother, Tommy.” Joshua laughed.
“What are you going to call him?” Nana Mary asked.
“I suppose having four-legged grandchildren isn’t so bad.” Nora smiled. “It’s good practice for when the real thing happens.”
Vivienne giggled as the orange tiger kitten crawled on top of her shoulders and meowed at Tommy down below.
Tommy meowed back and then walked over to Joshua where he sharpened his nails on his right leg.
“Ouch.” Joshua jumped back. “This wasn’t my idea, buddy.” He pulled Tommy’s claws out of his pants and lifted him up to get a better view of the kitten. “Say hello to your new little brother.”
“Another furry in the family.” Nana Mary winked at Joshua.
Vivienne scooped the kitten up in her hands, feeling his little body shake as he began to purr loudly. He sniffed the air with his little pink nose. “You look like a Sam to me.” She cooed as the kitten reached out with his little paw and touched her nose in response. “Welcome home, Sammy Cat.”
VIVIENNE’S FAMOUS TREAVIS CAKE
(This recipe, created by Virginia Treavis, was a top prize winner at the Cayuga Cove Summer Fair for many years. It is one of the Sweet Dreams Bakery’s top sellers.)
1 box of yellow cake mix
1.7 oz. box of instant pistachio pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream