by Rose Pressey
Hot breath blew on my neck. I attempted another scream, but no noise could escape the tight grasp of the hand. My legs scraped along the cold wet ground. Crunching from what sounded like boots pounded the ground as we moved away from the coven. A strangely familiar earthy scent hit my nostrils, but not from the soil; it came from my kidnapper. The size of the hand let me know my assailant was a male. But who? The person who broke into my house and the store? The person who had been following me? It had to be. Was it Cooper Garret? A fog entered my brain, keeping me from thinking clearly. Possibly from lack of oxygen. My face and neck throbbed under the pressure.
My name carried across the night air. The group was calling for me. Maybe they thought I had run off. Surely, they knew I wouldn't do something like that. I was committed to helping Mindy. We moved through the woods. When we reached the clearing, he dragged me up the embankment and over to the road. We were headed toward a dark sedan with dark windows. The trunk was open, which didn’t bode well for me.
When we reached the car, the man dumped me into the backseat. Thankfully, he hadn’t put me in the trunk. Oh, my God. I was being kidnapped. My hands or face weren’t covered, but as I tried to open the door, I realized it had the child safety locks on—good for kids, bad for kidnap victims.
The man jumped in the front seat. As he turned the ignition, I reached my hand over my head, and with all my might, whacked the guy on the head. I had been right—my abductor was a man. He had dark hair and wore black pants and shirt. I only saw the back of him. What a sleazeball.
“What the hell,” he cried out. “Don't hit me.” The man pulled away from the side of the road; gravel and dirt flew out from behind the car.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
I continued whacking him over the head with my fist. Sure, he'd kill me later, but at least I could say I tried. Maybe I'd even leave some bruises. We drove down the path, swerving from side to side. I looked over my shoulder out the rear window and saw flashlights moving in our direction. They were too late. But maybe someone would notice the car speeding away and realize that my car was still parked in the same spot.
Maybe they'd realize I hadn't left of my own free will.
“Who are you and what are you going to do to me?” I hit again.
“Stop it. Don’t hit me.” He reached for my arm, but stopped when the car swerved again. Either I’d cause him bodily harm, or we’d crash.
“I'm your father! Now stop punching me.”
I let out a gasp. “What!” I stared into the rearview mirror, searching his eyes for some kind of memory of how my father had looked the last time I saw a picture of him. Eyes that looked just like mine glanced back at me. We had the same wide eyes.
“What?” I repeated. Disbelief washed over me.
“I'm your father.”
“How do I know you’re my father and not some deranged killer?”
“Well, I was there when you were born at St. Joseph's Hospital. Your mother's name is Sylvia. And I'm Phil.”
“Anyone could find out those details. I’m going to need more proof than that. Why did you kidnap me? Couldn't you have just come to my house and introduced yourself?”
“I came by, but I didn’t have the nerve to say anything. I didn’t want you to turn me away.”
“Yes, well, this was a much better option. Were you the one spying in the window instead of knocking on the door like a normal person?”
“I didn't know what to say. I was afraid you wouldn't talk to me.”
“Well, you were probably right about that. So you decided to kidnap me instead?”
“I didn't kidnap you. I saved you from those people. I don't know what the hell that was all about, but it looked like pure evil to me.”
Words failed me. My father, who I hadn't seen in forever, had suddenly reappeared and was trying to save me from what he thought were Satanists.
“What did you think they were going to do? Sacrifice me?”
We zoomed down the road. His speeding away was his best attempt to save his daughter, I supposed. “All of a sudden you care about me? You took off and now you are coming to save your daughter? Does that make up for not being there for me for all these years? I needed a father and you weren't there,” I yelled. Rarely did I get this angry, but I was livid. “Now turn around and take me back.”
“I didn't mean to ruin anything for you. I know I haven't been there for you. I just want to talk to you. That's why I came to your house. But, like I said, I didn't have the nerve to knock on your door. I was going to talk to you tonight, though. I was planning on it when I got to your house. You were leaving, so I followed you. Then when I saw all those people in the circle with the candles and the chanting, I didn't know what to think.”
“They're witches, Phil. Not some crazy cult wanting me to drink their Kool-Aid.”
“Are you a witch?”
“No. I am not. Well, I don’t know what I am.”
“Why are you here with them?”
“It's complicated, all right. I was helping them, or they were helping me, I'm not sure which. But I really need to go back.”
He slowed the car, then made a sharp turn. “I apologize,” he said softly. “I hope you accept.”
I needed answers from this man. Was he really my father? I let out a deep breath and ran my hand through my hair, pulling a few leaves out. “Yeah, I accept,” I said, begrudgingly.
I didn’t accept, but I’d say anything to get out of this situation.
“Can we talk later? I have a lot going on right now, as you can see. I really don't need the added stress. Although, I’m not sure what there is to talk about. I'm an adult now. You're off the hook officially. Not that it mattered to you when you were on the hook anyway.”
He didn't respond to my statement. Instead, he said, “I promise I won't take up much of your time and I’ll try my best not to make your life any more complicated than it already is.”
We neared the spot where everyone stood by my car. Some people were in the woods with their flashlights looking for me.
“Can I come by sometime?” he asked.
“Sure, but bring a picture ID. Come by tomorrow evening, if you want. We’ll talk.”
He looked like my father and, deep down, I knew it was him, but I wouldn’t let the jerk off the hook that easily.
“Thank you, Larue. You look good. Just like your mother.”
Ugh. Not compliments. Flattery would get him nowhere.
“Thanks, you look good too, I guess,” I muttered.
“Although, I think you have my eyes,” he added.
“Yeah, I noticed when I was punching you. Did I hurt you, by the way?”
“No. I've had much worse.”
“I bet you have.” I smirked.
“Anyway, I'm sorry again.” He glanced back in the rearview mirror.
“Let's just drop it. I'll see you later.” Coven members gathered around the car as we pulled up.
The group crowded around the car as I opened the door. How embarrassing was that. I didn't know how I would explain what had just happened. A crazed mad man attacked me and pulled me out of the woods. My father was lucky he hadn't been attacked by those women. They could stick up for themselves if they had to, or so I’d heard. I climbed out of the car, but I really wanted to crawl under it.
“I'm all right. I'm all right,” I said, as I closed the door.
“Are you sure? For goodness sake, what happened?” Dixie asked. “I turned around to see where you were and you were just gone.” She gestured with her hands. “We thought maybe you had changed your mind until we came out and saw your car still here.”
“Oh, well.” I paused, trying to choose my words carefully. But there was no easy way to explain it. “That was my father.”
They looked at me, then at the car’s taillights that grew distant.
“Um, he thought you were Satanists and were going to harm me.”
A few chuckles rang out from the group. I was still embarras
sed, but glad they could laugh at the situation, too.
“I didn't know your father was around,” Dixie said.
“I didn't, either,” I mumbled. “Can we go back to the spell now?”
I pulled my hair back, brushing out more leaves. I knew by the stunned expressions that I looked a wreck. I still couldn't get over the fact that my father was back. And what a way to see him again. At least I knew who had been spying on me. Was he the one who had broken into my store and my house? Could he have taken the money from me? I didn't want to believe it, but anything was possible. After all, he had left me at a very young age. I didn't know him, and I didn't know if he could be trusted. He could be on drugs, for all I knew. But that didn’t explain the dark shadow figure that I’d seen. It was definitely not of this earth.
We trailed back toward the circle, moving along the dirt path through the trees until we reached the opening. It was late and I was cold, but I still wanted to do this for Mindy. She needed my help, and I hoped she’d do the same for me if ever in the same situation. The least I could do was endure a little cold weather, for heaven’s sake.
After the hike, everyone took his or her position in the circle. This time, I joined them. Hanging around in back had gotten me in trouble and I didn’t want a repeat. I glanced over my shoulder. The gang stood behind me. I’d lost sight of them in my attack. A lot of good they had been but, then again, they were ghosts, not capable of doing a lot to ward off an attacker. I held hands with my circle neighbors and joined in the chanting.
The wind picked up, whirling around our feet. We traveled down the path with the tall trees hovering above us, whispering in the stir of the wind. The branches of the oaks and pines were draping over us as if they were scrutinizing our every move from high above. In the distance, animals howled, just like last time. A mist of rain began to cover us.
“We must hurry,” Dixie said into my ear. “You'll light the candles, one by one. Start with this one, and light the others from it. Place them in the dishes around the points in the circle. Then with the salt, draw a line in the ground. Place this powder all around the circle, as well. Then sprinkle the flower petals around. Once you're done with that, come back to the center of the circle and recite this chant.” She handed me a piece of paper.
The wind picked up and I tightened my grip on the paper. Keeping my grip firm, I opened the paper and studied the words for a few seconds. I lifted the first candle, then the second, placing the first in the holder. I moved to the next candleholder, trying to remain steady in the wind, and placed the second candle on the ground, carefully lighting the other. I’d never understand how the wind didn’t blow out the candles.
The heavy downpour was holding off, but any second the heavens would unleash the rainstorm on us. I tried to hurry, but the faster I moved, the more my hands shook. Anxiety consumed me. In spite of having done this before, I still didn't know what to expect this time. Would it work? I prayed it would. I moved on to the third and fourth candles, then took the salt in my hand, drawing a careful circle on the ground. Everyone watched my movements. No pressure, no pressure at all.
Dixie nodded for me to continue, so I placed the other powder around the circle. I wasn't sure what was in this mixture, but it had the smell of sage. I then sprinkled the flowers around. The wind whirled and howled louder. All eyes remained on me. I glanced over the crowd and noticed my ghost friends watching. Mae looked interested, but worried expressions covered Anthony and Seth’s faces. It was so sweet of them to fret about me. I couldn't tell them not to.
When I finished, I handed the bag back to Dixie, then took my place in the center of the circle. I took a deep breath and unfolded the paper. One last time, I read over the words. Then in the loudest voice I could gather over the howl of the wind, I recited the words. The group chanted with me, speaking the words with me to aid in the spell.
Within a few seconds of finishing, the wind stopped…just like that, it was gone. The rain fell in buckets. My hair stuck to my body and I shivered under my wet coat. I ran for the car, following everyone else out and trying not to fall.
“I'll call you, Larue,” Dixie said.
I waved. “I'll talk to you in the morning.”
“Please be careful, Larue.”
“I will, I promise.” I hopped in my car and took off down the road, following the other cars as we made our way down the dirt path, with only the headlights to lead our way.
“That was something else. I didn't know you were so good with the witchcraft. Karyn’s right, you have a natural knack for it,” Anthony said.
“How in the world would you know? As far as I can tell, I’ve done nothing special. But I'll do whatever I have to do to save my friend. She would do the same for me.”
“Are you sure?” Mae asked.
“Yes, actually, I am sure. She helped me last time with Callahan. But even if she wouldn’t, I have to save her and stop Cooper before he has a chance to get to Callahan, too. No telling what else he will do. I can't let him stay here and destroy Magnolia.”
Chapter Forty
I wanted to call Mindy right away to see if the spell had worked. If she answered and had something snippy to say or a wisecrack, I'd know she was her old self again. Then again, no answer could mean she was just sleeping. And if I woke her while sleeping, she would be extremely cranky. So, I'd have to wait. At least until the sun was up. It was late and I needed rest anyway. I wanted to be fresh for tomorrow and look my best. I’d go see Callahan and attempt to explain myself again. It was time to come clean, celebrity ghosts and all. Plus, I needed to tell him about Karyn, if he didn't already know.
In a small town like Magnolia, word spread quickly. Just as I was positive word would spread that I talked to spirits. Or, at least, claimed to talk with them. More than likely, people would just think I was nuts. I traveled the short distance home, trudged inside, slipped into pajamas, and fell into bed.
I woke in the middle of the night with a soft touch on my cheek and a caress of my hair. The scent of spicy cologne tickled my nostrils. My mind couldn't fully register what was happening. Was it Callahan? What was he doing in my bed? I needed to open my eyes. Finally, I forced my eyelids open. And saw him in my bed. Not Callahan, but Anthony, my love-struck ghost.
“Shhh,” he said.
“Anthony,” I yelled as I pulled the covers close around my body, tucking them up under my chin. “What are you doing in my bed? Get out, right this minute.”
“I wanted to see what it would feel like. Just one time before I go.”
“What? You’re leaving?”
“You're right, Larue. I need to move on. Oh, how I wish I had been alive in this time so I could have met you. I would have made you forget all about Callahan. Or if you would have been around in the Fifties. I bet you would have saved me from the accident. You would have talked some sense into me and I would have never gone.”
“Anthony, we never know what might have been. I think you're an incredible guy. I bet if you had been alive, Callahan would have had a run for his money.” I winked.
He pressed his lips to mine, and a warm sensation spread across my mouth. Warm, not cold. Then he was gone. He’d be happy now. He'd play music all day long with Elvis and all the other legends of rock ‘n’ roll.
I drifted off to sleep again. When I woke in the morning, I didn't know if I had dreamed it, or if Anthony was really gone. I found a single red rose on my pillow and I knew. I never understood how they did that, but I was grateful to have met him.
Jumping out of bed, I didn't waste any time picking up the phone and dialing Mindy's number. It rang, and rang some more. No answer. I wouldn't panic. Not yet. I’d give her a chance before I went and hunted her down. After showering, I dressed in my gray wool pants, cream sweater, and favorite black heels. I wanted to look my best because Full Cup Coffee Shop was getting a visit from Larue Donavan. I’d explain the situation…I'd tell him all about talking to ghosts.
Seth and Mae were sitting
on the sofa, laughing, when I came out of the bedroom.
“Where's Anthony?” Seth asked right away. “Was he in your bedroom? I’ll clobber him.”
“He's gone,” I answered.
“What do you mean, gone?” Mae asked.
“I mean, gone. Like you two should be. He went into the light. Poof.” I gestured with my hands.
They looked to each other, in shock.
“I can't believe it. I thought he'd be the last to go.”
“Well, never underestimate the powers of a good medium. I’m good what can I say?” I winked.
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him he could see Elvis and play music all day long.”
“And that's all it took?” Mae asked.
“Isn't that enough? It beats hanging around here, not having anyone to talk to but other ghosts and me. I realize change can be scary, and you don't know what to expect, but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and go for it.”
“Kind of like sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and tell someone the truth about yourself? No matter the outcome? A leap of faith that the person will understand and accept you for who you are and what you do?”
I stared at Seth. He winked.
I didn't need a two-by-four upside my head to know what he meant. He wanted me to tell Callahan. Seth was right—I'd known that for some time, basically since I first saw Callahan. I knew if our relationship were to go any further, I'd have to tell him. Today was the day. But first, I had to find Mindy and see if she was all right. I couldn't wait to have my old friend back. As much as she annoyed me with the fitness classes and the nosy spying, she was the best friend a girl could have. I grabbed my coat and purse.
“You guys coming?” I smiled.
“We sure are.” They marched toward the door.
They were dying to know what had happened to Mindy too. Er, maybe not dying, but excited, to say the least. When I stepped onto the porch, they were already in the car. Maybe when all of this was settled, they'd realize they needed to cross over too. I think Seth just wanted to see Callahan happy. But what Mae wanted, I had no idea. Maybe she was just looking for a reason to go back. After all, she wasn’t here because she wanted to be. I bet it takes a lot of energy to go back and forth between worlds.