by Sonia Parin
“And the Shadow?”
“Put to rest. In its current state, it really couldn’t be held accountable for its misdeeds, so the coven resolved to set it free with a cleansing.”
Luna leaped up on the couch.
A cleansing. Sounds like a day at a spa. I wouldn’t mind that myself.
Perhaps I could suggest adding another addendum to my agreement. Periodic day spas...
Yes. For the both of us.
Mirabelle’s orb sparkled. Unused to seeing such chirpiness from her, Lexie frowned and roused her intuition. “I’m not going to like this,” she murmured under her breath.
“Of course, there is still the matter of compensation. Constance... aka Arianne Mackenzie was wrongfully accused of casting a spell and creating the Shadow... among other misdeeds and misdemeanors.”
“And she was imprisoned for it all,” Lexie added, “But why are you telling me this? Surely the Council of High Chairs gets to decide how to compensate her?”
“They do... And they have.”
“Right. All’s well that ends well.”
“Yes, I thought so too. And I’m overjoyed to hear you being so enthusiastic.”
“Huh?”
“In exchange for dropping the lawsuit she has a right to lodge against her false persecution for a crime she wasn’t responsible for and subsequent imprisonment, she has agreed to settle.”
“Good for her. Sounds like everyone comes out a winner.”
“Yes, we think so too. We were heading toward a public relations nightmare, but as you so aptly put it, all’s well that ends well. I’m only glad we were ‘All’ able to do our bit for the cause.”
Lexie groaned. “This is where I wave my pom-poms? Rah, rah, rah?”
“Yes, indeed. It’s so refreshing to see you getting into the spirit of it all.”
Lexie glanced over her shoulder at Lucy. “This doesn’t mean I’m in it for the long haul.”
Lucy shrugged.
“If that shrug is meant to suggest you’re not in it for the long haul either, I’m not buying it. I know your type. You’ll never be happy in retirement.”
Her spectral grin said it all.
“So you’re going to stay on and haunt the theater?”
Lucy gave a firm shake of her head, rose a couple of inches and gestured with her hands.
“Oh... I see. You’re going to be a mentor. Well, just so we’re on the same page, I was roped into doing this. The High Chairs appear to be under the false impression they can use me as their bargaining chip, something I’m determined to correct just as soon as I find a way.”
Lucy drifted over to admire the flowers Lexie had been sent. Something about the specter changed.
“You miss this.”
Lucy tilted her head and gave a small nod, but quickly shrugged.
“At least you get to watch the play.”
This time she sighed silently.
“What?”
Lucy made an open hand gesture and to make her point, she ran her ghostly hands through the flowers.
“It won’t be the same now that you’re a ghost?”
Lucy clapped and again her hands went through each other.
“I see. You won’t be able to clap. Sorry... I don’t think there’s anything I can do about that.”
Lucy gave a gracious bow. Lexie imagined she was wishing her... telling her to break a leg.
“Thanks.”
Lucy bowed again and turned to leave.
Octavia stepped forward and whispered quickly in Lexie’s ear.
“Hang on,” Lexie called out.
Lucy doubled back.
“I can’t promise anything... but I can only try.” She whispered into her ghostly ear.
Lucy sprung back, her hands held against her face.
“Yes, really. I mean... I think I can pull it off.”
She watched the specter drift off to find her seat.
“I’m sure it will work,” Octavia assured her.
“Five minutes, Miss Mackenzie.”
Lexie sighed.
Luna appeared and leaped up onto her lap.
“Where have you been?”
“I can’t believe you didn’t bring me here before. This place is splendid. Full of little hidey-holes to explore. I’m having such an adventure. Oh, and they have a catwalk above the stage. You didn’t tell me they had a catwalk. I’m going up there again.” She leaped off and scampered away.
At least someone was happy. Lexie checked her reflection. If she had to be honest with herself... being on stage wasn’t so bad.
“Lexie!”
“Mom!” Lexie didn’t think she’d ever seen Morgana looking so happy.
“If you only knew how I’ve lived to see this day. I knew if I held on to my dream, it would eventually come true.”
Lexie wondered if her dreams would ever be fulfilled. First, she told herself, she’d have to decide what they were.
Octavia stepped forward and whispered in Lexie’s ear. “Oh, there’s an idea. We could combine them both.”
“What’s that dear?” her mom asked.
Octavia stepped back and stood at attention.
“You have dreams, I have dreams. We all have dreams. Here’s mine.” Lexie held out her hand and a scroll appeared. “I wouldn’t mind getting your blessing for it as a special gift for my stage debut. Perhaps some wonderful... motherly approval? You know me. I’m fairly uncomplicated and undemanding and I am giving you everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”
Morgana clasped her hands against her chest. “Anything for you.”
“Anything?” She quickly added an addendum.
“Of course.” Morgana waved her hand over the scroll. “Done.”
“Brilliant. Thanks, Mom.” Lexie handed the scroll to Octavia who’d just earned Lexie’s eternal gratitude. A blessing from the High Chair herself to never interfere in her life again. And a special treat for Miss Lucinda Cunningham.
Jonathan and Grant appeared at the door.
Seeing Morgana, Jonathan took a cautious step back.
Morgana slanted her gaze toward him and gave him a small smile.
“I see you have your entourage with you today. How supportive of them. Grant O’Rourke, of the O’Rourke Group. How lovely to see you. And Jonathan.” Turning toward Lexie, she gave her a brilliant smile. “Well, I must take my place. Thank you for the front row seat.”
“You’ll be in good company.” Lexie grinned and watched her mom leave.
“You look very pleased with yourself,” Jonathan remarked.
“Morgana has just agreed to play host to Lucy.”
“What? What do you mean host?”
“Oh, Lucy was overjoyed to experience today but I could tell something was missing... She knew she wouldn’t be able to enjoy the full spectrum of emotions. But with a little help from mom, she’ll be able to clap to her heart’s content. Lucy is going to temporarily possess Morgana Mackenzie.”
Both Grant and Jonathan gave her a standing ovation.
“Are we late,” Catherine chirped.
“Oi, we can’t possibly be late. Unlike some people, I don’t have a personal assistant, so I made sure to check the invitation several times,” Mirabelle exclaimed. “It definitely said to be here at eight sharp.”
“Relax, you’re on time.”
“Right, well... I see everyone else arrived before us. Did we miss anything?”
“No, you’ve arrived right on time to see the highlight of the evening. Keep your eyes on the front row seat.”
Lexie wondered if Lucy would rise to the occasion. She smiled as she pictured her mom floating several inches above her seat...
She turned to Octavia. “I hope I didn’t go too far.”
“I think you’ll find Morgana will appreciate the experience of being possessed by the incomparable Miss Lucinda Cunningham.”
Mirabelle sighed. “Octavia always seems to know what to say.” She swooped down on Lexie. “Name your price
.”
Lexie laughed. “Knowing I have something you want is priceless.” It might actually give her some leverage. Lexie knew better than to hope this would be the end of her adventures with her cousins. Next time, however... she wanted to be able to call some of the shots.
Rising to her feet, Lexie scooped in a breath. “Well, I guess the show really must go on.”
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Witch Cast - Book Three - A Mackenzie Coven Mystery. The next book in the series is Witch Charm.
If you wish to receive news about new releases, please follow Sonia Parin on BookBub or drop by Sonia Parin’s Facebook page.
Alexandra Elizabeth Mackenzie has a long way to go before she ascends to her rightful position as High Chair of the American Continent and all Circumferential Domains Pertaining to the Mackenzie Coven, aka… well, she’ll think of something.
Other cozy mystery books by Sonia Parin
A Deadline Cozy Mystery
Sunny Side Up
Snuffed Out
All Tied Up
The Last Bite
Final Cut
Sleeping with the Fishes
A Kink in the Road
The Merry Widow
Dying Trade
An Evie Parker Mystery
House Party Murder Rap
Murder at the Tea Party
Murder at the Car Rally
A Dear Abby Cozy Mystery
End of the Lane
Be still my Heart
The Last Ride
The Last Stop
The Last Dance
A Mackenzie Coven Mystery
Witch Inheritance
Witch Indeed
Witch Cast
Witch Charm
Witch Trials
Witch Namaste - A Mackenzie Short
Good Witch Hunting - A Mackenzie Short
’Tis the Season to be Creepy - A Mackenzie Short
Jingle Purrs - A Mackenzie Short
Potion Heist - A Mackenzie Short
Witch in Exile
The Power of Two and a Half - A Mackenzie Short
Witch Fairy Tale