Mee-maw had gone back to messing around with her pocket watch, looking even more determined now, as Zoe headed back into the kitchen. Neither seemed to pay me any mind as I slipped away and grabbed the candle from a shelf on the credenza, where Mee-maw had tucked it when the police had come.
I headed up the stairs to my room and closed the door behind me with a snap. Getting Patrick out was the priority, but, between now and then, I needed to figure out what to do about this candle. Given Maude's prediction, there was no question we would need to use it. But with Patrick already in such a fragile state after finding out about her death, and that his father had been the cause of her demise, would seeing her tip him over the edge? And what of my own parents? There was no time for indulging emotions right now. Not when the fate of my coven and so many others relied on our success in taking down Verbena...
And still.
The sound of my mother's infectious, musical laughter filled my head and I blinked back a hot rush of tears.
"Nope. Items have a limited number of uses before the power runs out," I reminded myself softly. It was enough to keep me from reaching for the matches in my bedside table, but I knew one thing for certain.
It wouldn't be enough to stop my grandmother from reaching out to my mother.
The candle was going to have to be mine and Patrick's secret for a while longer. The thing about secrets was, keeping them came at a price. I just hoped this one wouldn’t cost me the trust of the person who had raised me, and loved me the most…
Chapter 5
"So he took the case, then?" Trudy pressed expectantly.
I nodded and took a bite of my roast beef sandwich before continuing.
"He did. He seemed to have it really together, too. Right when we got there, he wouldn't let us tell him anything about the case until we gave him a twenty-dollar bill. That way, anything we did tell him would fall under attorney/client privilege. And then we told him about the Organization and all that stuff. He seems to think that the cops are grasping at straws. He's going there later to meet with them and get a handle on what evidence they have and all. He said, if we play our cards right, he could have Patrick out in the next day or two."
"Ooh, that would be really great," Trudy said with a relieved smile.
"You know what isn't great?" Mee-maw grumbled as she scowled down at her own turkey wrap, hold the mayo and the cheese. "This sandwich. It tastes like sawdust and broken dreams."
"Yeah, well, if you'd eaten more of those in your sixties and seventies, maybe your ticker wouldn't be giving you fits now," Zoe shot back. "You know the rules. Eighty percent of the time you eat like the doctor told you, twenty percent of the time you get to do what you like. We already ate invisibility muffins to sneak past the press, and I saw you grab the one with the most chocolate chips in it. So now it's dry turkey for dinner."
"What's the point of being a witch if you can't even eat what you want? I call BS."
Despite her complaints, she tucked back into her wrap as Trudy turned to face me. "So what's the next move?"
We'd completed our business with Dean Garibaldi half an hour before and had stopped by the library to fill her in on everything that had occurred ever since we'd talked to her last.
She might not be an official part of our coven, but the quick-witted and exceptionally knowledgeable librarian had become an amazing ally and an even better friend over the course of this whole mess. I thanked my lucky stars once again that she'd found us camping out in the library basement that day. Without her, we might never have found the magical compass that had led us to Mee-maw's timepiece.
Her smarts had earned us a chance to take down Verbena. It only seemed prudent to use her big brain to work on the rest of our problems, which seemed to be multiplying faster than the gray hairs on my head lately.
Speaking of problems...
"Hey, Trudy. If you're done eating, can you show me how to use the photocopy machine real quick? I just want to make a duplicate of this contract the attorney had us sign so Patrick can have a copy."
She had the final quarter of her seafood salad sandwich halfway to her mouth and stopped short. "It's super easy. Just stick a quarter in and--" She broke off suddenly and nodded. "Uh, yeah. I shouldn't eat the rest of this anyway. Ethan is taking me to Cassella’s for chocolate martinis and their famous tiramisu after he gets out of his meeting later tonight."
She dropped the remains of her lunch into the white, paper wrapper and then wadded it up before tossing it into a nearby trash can.
Zoe and Mee-maw continued to snipe at each other about Mee-maw's subpar food options as Trudy led me away from the library's little break room toward her office.
I couldn't help but notice that her usual prim and businesslike clothing had taken a bit of a left turn to something I could only describe as Stevie Nicks chic.
"New skirt?" I asked, trying not to grin.
She pulled to a stop in front of the copy machine and turned to face me, cheeks a sudden, pretty shade of pink. "Yeah, why? Do I look silly? Do you think Ethan will like it?"
She smoothed a hand down the black, lacy confection that went all the way down to a pair of pointy, leather boots and a killer heel.
"I think you look great. And I love your hair loose like that."
The dark auburn waves tumbled around her shoulders in a riot of curls that softened her sharp features in the loveliest way.
I found myself wondering if this new Trudy was a result of finding out that her beloved witches did, indeed, exist, or if the change was due to one Ethan Morrisey.
Not that I could blame her if it was the man and not the magic. Ethan was a real catch. In fact, I'd almost caught him myself. But then Maude had come along, and Patrick shortly after. And now anything I might have felt for Ethan beyond friendship had melted away.
"I'm happy for you, Trudy," I murmured, leaning in to grip her hand for a second. "And I'm glad we became friends."
The other woman's eyes grew watery as she squeezed my hand in return. "Right back at you, Cricket. So, in the spirit of friendship, why don't you spill it? What do you want to ask me that you couldn't say in front of Mee-maw and Zoe?"
Quick-witted, indeed.
"I need you to do some research on an item we have in our possession. But I need you to keep it between us for now, all right?"
She nodded and swiped an x over the center of her chest.
I quickly explained about the candle, Maude's prediction about Patrick, and what the candle's supposed power was as she listened intently.
When I was done, she let out a low whistle.
"That's some magic, there."
"Yep," I said, pursing my lips.
"So, you're afraid if Mee-maw finds out, she's going to try to use it to contact your mom," Trudy concluded with a nod. "And you're worried if she does—or if she tries and can't—it's going to derail her and stop her from being able to connect with her magic."
"Honestly? Derailing her would be the best outcome," I said, gnawing on my lower lip. "I feel like having those hopes dashed could kill her. And what if we can connect and it's weird...wrong somehow. Like one of those monkey's paw kind of things, where we can talk to her but it's not really her? It's some twisted form of the person she was?"
I shuddered at the thought and met Trudy's sympathetic gaze.
"I want us to remember her like she was."
“What do you need me to do?” she asked softly.
“If you can check on some of the message boards about that type of magic, and let me know what you find out, that would be great. I would do it myself, but we’re all crammed into the house and there’s only one computer, plus Mee-maw’s laptop, and I don’t want to get caught and have to make up a lie.” I dug in my pocket and pulled out my phone, quickly locating the single photo on it. “I took a picture of it, if that helps.”
Trudy craned her neck and peered down at the image. “That’s good. Can you forward that to me? I won’t post it anywhere, just in ca
se anyone else is looking for it, but I can cross reference against any images online.”
“Done,” I said as I attached the image to a file and texted it to her. “Keep me posted if you come up with anything.” I shoved the phone back in my pocket as she reached for the contract I was holding and tugged it from between my unresisting fingers. “And let’s make a copy of this while we’re here. Just in case they ask.”
Trudy popped a quarter into the machine to make my copy and then the two of us made our way back to the break room.
It was probably my imagination, but Zoe’s gaze seemed almost blistering as we rejoined the group.
“Got your copy made, then, Cricket?” Zoe asked softly.
“Yep. Sure do…right here,” I said, waggling the small sheaf of papers for good measure before stuffing them into my purse.
I hadn’t been imagining it. She knew something was up. I just had to hope she forgot about it before the next time we were alone. Lying to Zoe was one of my least favorite activities, but I really felt like I needed to keep the candle situation close to the vest. At least, until we knew more.
“We should probably get back to the house,” I said with a smile as I picked up the empty brown sack our food had come in and began cleaning up. “I was thinking we could try a couple spells to jumpstart Mee-maw’s magic.”
Mee-maw nodded enthusiastically as she pushed her chair back. “Sounds good to me.”
We said our goodbyes to Trudy, and headed out of the library. The wind had whipped up into a bluster and I tugged my sweater more tightly around my waist as we began the walk back to Zoe’s place.
We’d only made it half a block when a low voice jarred me from my thoughts.
“Cricket? Is that you?”
I turned to see a pretty blonde prancing toward us, a toothy smile splitting her face.
“Oh…hey, Marilee,” I said, trying not to groan out loud. On a good day, Marilee was probably on the FBI top ten most annoying people list. On a day like today, just hearing her overly cheerful voice made me want to drink bleach.
“Gah, I thought it was you! And the whole family is together. Nice. I’d ask how you’re doing, but I can only imagine. You all have been through the ringer lately, haven’t you?” she marveled, reaching out to pat Mee-maw on the back like she was a baby in need of burping. “And you, Dorothea. Between the heart attack and all these vicious rumors…” She trailed off, her narrow shoulders shuddering delicately. “They…are rumors, aren’t they?”
“Which part?” Zoe asked sweetly.
“Well, I am privy to some things, due to my husband’s position at the Sheriff’s Office,” Marilee conceded with a sniff. “I heard about your friend, Patrick. Just when you think you know someone, am I right? But don’t worry, Cricket. You wouldn’t be the first woman to get fooled by a pretty face.”
“Actually, Patrick is innocent,” I said, keeping my tone matter of fact. “That will all be cleared up soon. Then, hopefully the police will stop wasting time on false leads and start focusing on getting the remaining members of this twisted cult in custody.”
Marilee’s ever-present smile dimmed a few watts as she hoisted her purse higher on her shoulder. “Well, whatever the case, hopefully this will all be over soon. I hate all the ugliness. And Cricket, seriously…if you need anyone to talk to, you’ve got a friend in me. Just give me a ring-a-ding.”
“I’ll give you a ring-a-ding,” Mee-maw muttered under her breath.
“I’ll keep that in mind, Marilee,” I chirped back with a nod. “Thanks!”
I put my head down and started walking again, relieved as Mee-maw and Zoe pulled up to flank me.
“Insufferable,” Zoe said when we’d gotten a good distance away.
“She’s a piece of work,” Mee-maw agreed.
But Marilee was the least of my concerns, because we’d just rounded the corner and Zoe’s house was now visible in the distance. Between us and it stood a woman, smack dab in the middle of the road as if she owned it. She was dressed from head to toe in black that seemed almost gray next to the true ebony of her waist-length hair.
We all slowed to a stop as she turned to face us.
“Finally,” she called, her voice filled with a wicked glee. “The witches have returned to their roost.”
She made a beeline toward us, her steps picking up speed the closer she got, and my heart began to hammer.
“Get back,” I murmured, stepping in front of Mee-maw and Zoe, using one hand to usher them behind me as I held the other high in the air. “You don’t want to do this in public,” I murmured, my voice cracking with terror as the witch closed in on us.
“I certainly do,” she replied, now only a few yards away. “May the goddess protect you, and hold you in the light!” she screeched, throwing her hand out.
I braced myself for impact and was just about to launch my own attack when I inhaled a mouth full of glitter.
“What-what the hell,” I spat, blinking furiously as the little specks crunched between my lashes.
“That’s not Verbena,” Mee-maw muttered, yanking her arm from my grasp as I coughed and wheezed.
“Jeez, Crick. It’s just some whacko dressed in a Halloween getup. Pull yourself together,” Zoe hissed as she stepped smoothly in front of me. “Hello, ma’am. Uh, can we help you?” she asked with a smile.
“You’ve already helped me, sisters. Just by being you,” the stranger gushed as she scurried forward. “Sorry about the glitter. I was going to bring some sage to smudge you guys with, but I wasn’t sure if anyone was allergic or anything. I didn’t really think the whole glitter thing through…are you okay?” she asked, her tone an equal measure of concern and apology. “My husband said it was a stupid idea, but he doesn’t get it. Men, you know what I mean?”
I swiped what I hoped was the last bit of saliva-coated glitter from my chin and sucked in a breath. What the hell was it with people throwing stuff at us lately? That literally never happened before we became witches.
“Yeah, no, I get it. We really appreciate your support, but in future, if you could just sort of say a little prayer to the goddess on our behalf, that would be awesome.”
She nodded furiously, sending what I now realized was a wig slightly off-kilter to droop over one eye. “Sure thing. Got it. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you have a lot of us in your corner rooting for you. Girl power!” she shouted and lifted up one fist.
“Girl power,” I echoed weakly. Between the walking around town and my muscles clenching in terror, the not-quite-healed wound on my thigh had begun to throb. “If you don’t mind, we’re just going to head home now…”
“Sure, yeah, absolutely.” She stepped back to make way, beaming at us as we went. “Call on me if you need anything at all. I’m at your service. Stacie Peters. I own the real estate agency on Route One.”
I tossed a wave of thanks over my shoulder, suddenly exhausted as the terror-based adrenaline drained away in a rush.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you did back there,” Zoe said as we ambled the rest of the way to the house. Stacie Peters and her glitter attack had taken away our opportunity for a stealthy return. Already the reporters were waving to their camera people to head us off in front of the driveway. “The bravery…I mean, you should get a purple heart for that.”
“Too soon,” I shot back with a groan.
“I’m being serious, here. Do you know how hard it is to get rid of glitter? And neon green, no less? You’ll be picking that stuff from your hair and teeth for a month.”
Mee-maw cackled and looped her arm through mine. “Our hero,” she said, joining in the fun.
A young female reporter in a pleated, navy skirt was the first to reach us, microphone in hand.
“Ladies, ladies! The public has been waiting patiently for a comment from you all about the recent cult kidnapping. What can you tell us?”
She shoved the microphone in Mee-maw’s face and waited.
“I’m not telling
you jack. Now make room for me and my granddaughters, or I’ll turn you into the vulture you are!”
Chapter 6
"Did you see her face, though," Mee-maw asked with a chuckle. "It was worth it."
I took a long pull off my first cup of coffee of the morning before replying.
Mee-maw's little joke yesterday evening had set off a firestorm of activity. The clip had aired on the late night news. We'd been awakened by the phone ringing off the hook at six am with calls from reinvigorated journalists and local bloggers wanting to know if we were innocent victims of this witch-hunting cult, or Satan worshippers who actually thought we possessed magic. Between the scare with Stacie the witchy real estate agent, my worries about Patrick, and, oh yeah, the actual witch still hunting us, I'd reached my wits’ end. We'd finally opted to do what we'd done the first couple days after our showdown with Finneas, and just unplugged the house phone. That didn't do much to calm my still-jangled nerves, though.
"They were finally starting to get bored and tired of waiting for us to talk. I don't know if you noticed, but there were half as many out there yesterday morning than there were the day before...and now?" I stood on the spindles of the stool I'd been perched on at the kitchen island and peered out the window. "There's got to be twenty of them out there. I just don't know why you couldn't say 'no comment'."
"Well, Miss Smarty-pants, you answered your own question there," she said, touching her index finger to the side of her nose and tapping it twice. "You were so freaked out when that lady came running at us, you were nearly defeated by a handful of neon glitter. I'm not usually one to pass judgment--"
Stealing Time: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel Page 4