Meows, Magic, & Mayhem (Lake Forest Witches Book 4)

by Madison Johns

  “Can we please get back to the witches?” Petunia said in exasperation.

  “Oh, yes, that was why we came here in the first place,” Aunt Maxine said, as she rolled out the dough and placed it into a pie pan. “It appears that Estelle and Maria Hoodwink are in town.”

  Petunia froze. “It looks like I'll be leaving town until they leave.”

  “Sorry, but we’ll all have to deal with them until they decide to leave town,” Aunt Maxine said.

  “Why are they in town, anyway?”

  “Hard telling with them, but I expect you to be tolerant of them, Petunia. While your potions are becoming more reliable, Estelle and Maria are old hands in the spell department. The last thing Lake Forest needs is all-out war between the witches in town. The residents in town barely tolerate us as is.”

  “Except when they come into Mystical Remedies by the truckload,” Wanda said, referencing the potion shop Aunt Maxine owned.

  “With any luck, I won’t run into either of them,” Petunia said.

  “If only it were that easy,” Aunt Maxine began. “We’re having dinner with them. It’s a full moon tonight.”

  “Is there a significance between the full moon and Estelle and Maria?”

  “No, but you’re a member of Witches Affairs and it’s expected that we all co-exist, even if we don’t much care for all of the members,” Aunt Maxine said.

  “Fine, but I hope I won’t be out too late. I’m entering my cats in the Lake Forest Cat Show tomorrow.” Petunia wasn’t sure who looked more shocked, her aunt or her aunt’s kooky friends. “You can close your mouth any time now. I have flies in the house, thanks to my cats making holes in my screen.”

  “I just can’t imagine why you’d want to enter your cats in that competition,” Aunt Maxine said. “Taking four cats to that show will be a lot of work.”

  “Or having four cats in the show,” Wanda added.

  “That’s where the apple pie comes in. Noah promised to help me with my cats if I baked him an apple pie.” Petunia mixed cinnamon with the apples. “Or was it to help me take them there? Anyway, you get the point.”

  “That you lost your mind?” Aunt Maxine proclaimed.

  “You could help me out by enrolling your cat, Princess, too.”

  “It would be bad enough having one cat that used to be a human in the cat show.”

  “Pansy won’t cause any problems, I swear.”

  “I wish I could say the same for Princess, but unfortunately I have an idea she’s plotting her great escape.”

  “Where does she plan to go, since she’s a cat?”

  “To your grandfather’s house.”

  “And do what? Tell him that you turned her into a cat more than thirty years ago?”

  “I’ve been getting along with Alfred since he came back to Lake Forest after leaving that nursing home he was living at. I just don’t want to have problems with him again.”

  “I wouldn’t worry. Grandfather doesn’t really believe in witchcraft. And the less he hears about it the better.”

  “That settles it,” Wanda said. “Petunia will be entering Pansy, Sassy, Merlin, and Gem in the Lake Forest Cat Show. Maxine, you’ll be entering Princess. I can hardly wait to see what happens.”

  Aunt Maxine sighed. “I hope you know that I’ll need you to help me manage Princess at the show. And by that I mean both of you, Wanda and Hazel.”

  “They might as well help, since they’re practically your shadow.” Petunia laughed.

  “I’ll leave you to your pie making,” Aunt Maxine said, as she stood. “I’ll expect you to meet me at Mystical Remedies at dusk. Don’t you dare come up with an excuse not to go with us to see the Hoodwinks.”

  “I’ll be there, I promise,” is all Petunia could say to that.

  “What that pie needs is some of my special sprinkles,” Wanda insisted.

  Aunt Maxine sighed. “Leave Petunia alone. She doesn’t want anything near a potion to be ingested by Noah.”

  “Besides, I like Noah just the way he is,” Petunia added.

  Petunia finished up the pie and off it went to the oven.

  Pansy jumped on the table as Petunia was cleaning up. “Do we really have to go over to see those awful Hoodwinks?”

  “That makes two of us dreading it, but we have no choice in the matter. Are you sure you want to be entered into that cat show?”

  “Of course. Wait until that Merlin sees my first place ribbon. He’s going to be so jealous.”

  Petunia had a feeling there was more competition between her cats than she had thought.

  There was a knock on the door a few hours later and Petunia opened it to a delivery man from the pet store. Noah helped carry the cat carriers inside and shook his head after the man left. “I don’t know why I volunteered to help you tomorrow.”

  “You work for pie, remember?”

  “That’s right. I hope the pie is ready.”

  “I’m sure you can smell it. Come along, mister.”

  Noah sat down at the table and Petunia set down a slice of warm pie for his inspection. She then brought the vanilla ice cream to the table.

  “Aren’t you eating a piece?” Noah asked suspiciously.

  “I made the pie for you.”

  “You might as well have a slice, since you made it.”

  “I’m really not in the mood for pie.” That was the truth since Petunia couldn’t get her mind off of Estelle and Maria.

  “I hope you didn’t add any special spices. Is that why you don’t want a piece?”

  “Don’t worry. I’d never try to enchant you.”

  “Too late.” He winked. “You’ve enchanted me from the first moment I met you.”

  “I’m going to be sick. You two are nauseating me,” Pansy said.

  “Well, nobody said you had to stay.”

  Pansy raced from the room. “I think I’m in over my head. Why did I ever think taking four cats to a cat show would be easy?”

  “Because Petunia Patterson doesn’t think like that. You’re spontaneous. It’s one of your best qualities.”

  “Thanks, I think. I hope you’re not trying to butter me up for something.”

  He forked a piece of pie. “Actually, my parents will be here this week for a visit.”

  “And how does that relate to me?”

  “I mentioned your name and they insisted that I introduce you to them. You know how parents can be.”

  Petunia swallowed the lump in her throat. “Actually—”

  Noah’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I forgot. How insensitive of me.”

  “It’s okay. I hardly expect you to remember that my parents died in a car accident when I was twelve. I only told you once.”

  “I know. I can’t imagine what that did to you at that age.”

  Petunia didn’t want to remember, but perhaps it was time to let it go. “I was staying with Aunt Maxine while they were gone. I always had a great time with her. We’d stay up late and watch old horror movies and have popcorn.”

  “I can see that you’re close to your aunt.”

  “Yes, but that night when the sheriff showed up at the door to report that my parents died, my life changed completely. They were such great parents and they weren’t concerned that my aunt was a witch, or that I preferred to stay with her instead of traveling with them.” Tear now blurred her vision. “My mother was caring and kind. There wasn’t one night when she wasn’t traveling that she didn’t tuck me into bed and read me a story. I know it sounds silly.”

  “I don’t think it is. She sounds like she was a great mother. What was your father like?”

  “He was strong and cunning like a fox. He did well in his business up until he died.”

  “What business was he in?”

  “He had a trucking business.”

  “What happened to it after his death?”

  “He had a partner who paid my father’s half into a trust for me. That’s how I was able to buy this house. It still hurts so
metimes, though, that my parent’s lives were cut short and I wish I could have then back somehow. If only for one last hug.”

  “I’m sorry, Petunia.” Noah squeezed Petunia’s hand. “In some respects I imagine they are looking over you.”

  “Thank you, Noah. I needed to hear that. I’ll be happy to meet your parents.” Petunia stood up. “You can take the pie home if you like. I have to meet my aunt at her shop at dusk.”

  His brow shot up. “Oh?”

  “It’s witchy business tonight. It’s a full moon.”

  “Does that mean you’ll be riding your broomstick tonight?” He laughed.

  “Just for that, I should fly past your window tonight,” she kidded.

  Noah picked up the pie and headed for the door. “Please don’t fly a broom tonight. I’d hate for you to fall and break that pretty nose of yours.”

  Petunia shook her head as she closed the door behind Noah. Just then Pansy came prancing up. “What’s going on inside that witchy head of yours, Petunia?”

  “Nothing you’d care to know about.”

  “I was listening at the door to the kitchen. I didn’t know your parents had died when you were that young.”

  “Yes, and I hardly think this is something you’d care to listen to. I’m over their deaths.”

  “I can’t imagine that’s the case, but I’ll drop it if you’d like. Besides, don’t you have a plan to meet up with the Hoodwinks later?

  “Don’t remind me. It’s certainly not something I’m looking forward to.”

  “I’ll be there to protect you. I’m a magical cat, don’t forget.”

  “You are? Magical how?”

  “Well, I figure since you turned me into a cat, you might have given me magical powers.”

  “Powers to annoy me?”

  “Besides that, I mean. I’ll let you know if my magical powers show up. Right now I’m your lucky charm. Just think about all the good things that have happened since I’ve had my great transformation.”

  “Like what?” Petunia asked with a raised brow.

  “You met Noah, for one, which is a good thing even if he’s a lug-head."

  “I hardly think you had anything to do with that, but that was a good thing. Who else would I solve mysteries with?”

  “Me!” Pansy cleared his throat. “And don’t forget you realized you were a witch.”

  “That’s also the reason you’re now a cat, don’t forget.”

  “I know that, but I’ve become accustomed to my existence as a feline. I’m going to blow away the competition at the Lake Forest Cat Show.”

  Petunia smiled at Pansy and as his eyes lit up, she carried him outside with her and did the one thing she had promised herself that she’d never do, go in search of a car and she knew just where to find one. It would be so much easier to transport her cats to the cat show tomorrow if she had some wheels. She could hardly expect Noah to use his car.

  Petunia held Pansy’s leash as they walked down the sidewalk. At least now she wouldn’t have to worry about Deputy Cartwright threatening to ticket her for her cat being off leash and to toss Pansy into the pound.

  “Where are we going, Red?”

  “To see Lucy Winters, silly.”

  “Why there? I thought you had to go with your aunt tonight and meet up with the super witches.”

  “I do, and why not start with visiting Lucy? She’s been living in Lake Forest forever. Besides, she has a car.”

  “Why do we need a car?” Pansy asked.

  “Because I don't think Noah's car is big enough for four cat carriers. I hope you’re the lucky charm you claim to be since there’s a family curse, which is why I refuse to drive.”

  Chapter 3

  Lucy Winters was standing on her porch watering her flowers when Petunia and Pansy climbed the steps.

  “What a surprise, Petunia,” Lucy greeted her. “Do you have another potion to try out on me?” she asked, serious as can be.

  “I hardly think you need another one since you’re the spryest senior citizen in all of Lake Forest.”

  “Only thanks to your arthritis salve. If only I could get a batch for some of my friends. We’d tear up the town then.”

  “I don’t think that sounds like a good idea … tearing up Lake Forest, I mean. I rather like it the way it is.”

  “I suppose you’re right, I’d hate to find myself locked up in jail.”

  “I should hope not!”

  Lucy paused for a moment before she finally said, “Well, come on inside and we’ll chat. It’s not every day you drop by with that adorable cat of yours.”

  Petunia settled herself on Lucy’s plush sofa and accepted an ice tea although she didn’t really care for it. She didn’t want to remind Lucy that she’d prefer a glass of ice water instead.

  Lucy sat opposite Petunia and asked, “So, go ahead and ask me.”

  “What makes you think I wanted to ask you something?”

  “I know you too well, Petunia. I know what that sparkle in your eye means. You’re ready to set out on another adventure and need me to come along to supervise.”

  “I wish that was the case, having you along, I mean. I wondered if I could borrow your car?”

  “My car?” Lucy frowned. “But I thought there was some family curse that prevented you from driving. Isn’t that the reason you only walk or ride your bicycle unless you’re with that handsome Noah, who does all the driving?”

  “Yes, but it can’t be helped this time. I’m entering my cats in the Lake Forest Cat Show tomorrow.”

  Lucy’s eyes widened as she asked, “Cats, as in all of them?”

  “Yes, I think Pansy is a shoo-in for the winner.”

  “I hardly think they’ll let him enter. He doesn’t even have a pedigree.”

  “What?” Pansy shrieked. “I’m just as good as any old cat with a pedigree. I’m a magical cat!”

  “Would you please be quiet. I can’t think with your rambling, Pansy.” She sighed, gaining Lucy’s attention. “I suppose I won’t find out until I enter Pansy.”

  “Whatever you think is best, Petunia. I’d just hate to see you disappointed when Pansy doesn’t win.” Lucy paused. “But I hope your aunt never finds out I loaned you my car. I can’t live without those potions of hers.”

  “But what about the potions I can give you? You’ve been wanting to try out my new wrinkle dementia cream.”

  “Dementia Cream?” Lucy shouted.

  Pansy shook his head at Petunia. “I mean a cream to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.”

  “Make sure you make good on your promise to give me that whatever-you-call-it cream. That’s the condition of borrowing my car.”

  “That works for me.”

  Petunia and Pansy walked outside, watching in wonder as Lucy backed out an orange Hummer! Petunia exchanged a look with Pansy, each of them with widened eyes.

  Lucy slipped out of the driver’s seat.

  “When did you buy this monstrosity of a vehicle?” Petunia asked.

  “A few weeks ago. I haven’t had the chance to drive it yet.”

  “How do you even climb into the driver’s seat?”

  “If you remember, you gave me a potion that makes me quite limber.” Lucy smiled. “The Hummer should be plenty safe for you, Petunia, even with a curse.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  When Petunia struggled to get into the driver’s seat—even the slight running board didn’t help that much—she told Pansy, “Perhaps I should take one of my own potions so I can get into this Hummer?”

  “That doesn’t sound safe, look what happened to me. I think Lake Forest has too many cats that used to be humans.” Pansy laughed at his own joke.

  “You might be right for once.”

  “Once?” Pansy scoffed. “Head over to your aunt’s house before this conversation gets out of hand.”

  Petunia hopped back down. “I had planned to only take the Hummer tomorrow. We can walk to Mystical Remedies. I’m quit
e certain my aunt is there.”

  Lucy raced into the garage, returning with a small stepladder. “Here try this.”

  “All I have to do is cross the street,” Petunia insisted.

  “I think it’s a better idea to get used to the Hummer before you take it to the cat show tomorrow,” Lucy suggested.

  “Fine, but I hope you know I can’t parallel park. I smacked right into a parked car the last time Aunt Maxine made me drive.”

  “I vaguely remember.” Lucy laughed.

  Petunia drove across the street and she must admit it was rather nice to be above all the other vehicles on the road. Luckily there were no cars in the front of her aunt’s potion shop so Petunia pulled to the curb. Up and over the curb the Hummer went and Petunia slammed on the breaks when it was heading straight for the door of Mystical Remedies. It stopped right in time, though, and Aunt Maxine, Wanda, and Hazel raced from the shop.

  “Is it safe to look now?” Pansy asked.

  “Of course it is,” Petunia replied, as she slipped out of the driver’s seat and inspected the front of the Hummer. “Good, I didn’t do any damage.”

  “Where on earth did you get this Hummer?” Aunt Maxine asked with a tap of her foot.

  Petunia shrugged. “I borrowed it from Lucy.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” Aunt Maxine said. “Wanda, be a dear and park the Hummer properly would you, a crowd is beginning to form.”

  Petunia turned and indeed a crowd was forming with her snoopy neighbor Cora leading the pack.

  Wanda backed the Hummer off the front of the shop and parked it easily at the curb, depositing the keys into Aunt Maxine’s hand.

  Petunia frowned. “I suppose I don’t have much experience driving.”

  “Not with a Hummer, anyway,” Wanda said.

  “We’ll be returning the vehicle to Lucy. I simply cannot allow you to drive it again,” Aunt Maxine exclaimed.

  Petunia carried Pansy inside and set him down on the counter.

  “I hope you know I’m going to see Estelle and Maria under protest,” Petunia proclaimed.

  “Don’t take that tone with me, young lady,” Aunt Maxine said with a notable frown. “We’re all part of Witches Affairs and as such, we all need to get along.”