“The book made a slight reference to the fact that he disappeared soon after the King died.” I continued. “It also suggested that Queen Sidra had commissioned him to paint a few pieces, but those have never been seen.”
“I will look into it while I do my own research.” Milton said
“So what did you find out?” I asked. “I’m assuming it has something to do with your recent hacking mission?”
“I’ve thought about this for a while,” he started. “We have always assumed that this witch was some black magic criminal, right? Here’s the thing, if she is, then there is no way she wouldn’t be on Fairlia’s Secret Service radar.”
“So you hacked into their system to find out if there have been any witches with records?” Riah asked
“No, I hacked in so I could find out about the healers that are seemingly in good standing,” he answered. “Healers are a rare breed. All Fae have some healing abilities, right?”
“Yes, to a certain extent.” I answered
“There are a few though that are born with extraordinary healing powers, and they are needed only in the most extreme cases. This witch has to be on the up and up. There is no way she would be traveling within the realm of the Fae as well as here without causing suspicion unless she was a bona fide registered healer.”
“But why do Fae healers have any reason to come here?” I asked
“There are some things, herbs and such that do not grow in Fairlia. It’s perfectly acceptable and permitted quite often without question for healers to visit here almost undetected.”
“There’s a registry of healers?” Riah asked
“Yes.” Milton replied excitedly. “As of right now, there are five healers listed.”
“Five? That’s it?” I observed
“Like I said Willa, those born with healer abilities are quite rare. They are observed and diagnosed almost from birth.”
“So you have whittled it down to five potential witches?”
“Yes,” he replied with a huge smile
“Milton this is incredible.” I said. “This morning we had nothing and now not only to we have a possible clue about the Fae Sanctities but we also have narrowed the field on finding out who this witch is.”
“I’m going to check into the travel records and see who has been going to a certain realm more than usual or even has come here on multiple occasions.”
“Fantastic.” I said. For the first time in a long time, things were finally coming together.
We had chatted for another hour before I rose to leave. After saying goodbye to Milton, Riah and I walked back to the main area where we were greeted by Veronica. She was Mathias’s secretary and Jeremiah’s true love.
Petite with short dark hair and big brown eyes, Veronica looked more like a pixie than a vampire. I had been slightly jealous when I first met her, not only did she work with Mathias, but she also seemed to enjoy her job. The only reason sparks didn’t shoot off of my fingers was because I knew she returned Jeremiah’s feelings.
If only I could figure out a way to get those two together.
“Hey V, are you coming over for my birthday Hugh Grant movie night with all of us girls?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said before she was interrupted by the beeping of her phone. “Excuse me for one second.”
I waited patiently while she turned her attention to the phone call. When she started talking though, my attention immediately focused on her voice, and I shamelessly eavesdropped.
“Yes sir,” she said. “I will be sure to tell her. Would you like to talk to her? She’s standing right here.”
I froze when I heard Veronica say this. Mathias was on the phone. He was a few feet away from me and not only that, he had obviously mentioned me. I was just about to walk over and grab the phone out of her hand, but Veronica’s reply stopped me dead.
“I will tell her. Have a nice day sir,” she said before she disconnected the phone.
“That was Mathias. He said to tell you Happy Birthday,” she said brightly
“That’s it?” I asked, my heart pounding
“He also wanted me to tell you,” she started
“Tell me what?”
“To behave?” she said almost like a question
“Really?” I replied my fists clenching by my sides. I had the urge to punch something again. “He said happy birthday and to behave?”
“Yes, I think he’s worried about you,” she said while she busied herself straightening papers on the reception desk.
“Sounds like it.” I snorted. “Of course, if he was truly concerned, all he had to do was talk to me, especially considering I was a few feet away.”
“He sounded a bit preoccupied.” Veronica said noncommittally
Preoccupied, too preoccupied than to get on the phone with me for a few minutes and wish me a happy birthday. He was way too busy even to try to get in touch with me once to ask about the wellbeing of his dog Oscar.
I made my mind up right then and there to be too preoccupied to give him the time of day when he returned.
Feeling resolved and trying desperately to ignore my aching heart, I looked at Veronica, “Ready for an evening of girly fun? Personally I can’t wait to stuff myself with junk food and sugar.”
“Sounds good to me!” she said
Later that night as I looked around my living room I realized how quick life can change. A year ago I was dancing in my bakery with Jon, Eric and Polly getting drunk off of champagne and tequila shots. This year I was hanging out with assorted female family members and new friends, eating, drinking, laughing and watching movies while lounging in my pajamas.
Cupcake, my giant brown and white St. Bernard dog, looked up at me from his position by my feet and gave me an adoring look before laying his down and letting out a massive yawn.
“Happy Birthday to me,” I said softly
Chapter Three
The next week after my birthday seemed to fly right by with alarming speed. Between working on the bakery’s opening, researching our new leads, and preparing for the arrival of the Fae I was completely unprepared when my phone rang early one afternoon.
“Hello?” I answered distracted. Jeremiah, Riah, Milton and I were poring through some new books Milton had uncovered regarding Patcoena’s work.
“Hey girl!” A voice yelled in my ear. Polly had not only been my employee at my old bakery in Yuma, but she was also one of my best friends. After arriving on the island, I had been shocked when Polly made an appearance here and into this newfound world of mine. Unbeknownst to my parents and I, Polly was a wood Nymph. She had stumbled upon us in Yuma and decided in her own twisted way to keep an eye on us.
When we left so quickly, she had figured out we were in trouble and had called Queen Sidra. Polly and her parents had been originally exiled from Woodlia, the Nymph sanctuary because Polly’s parents were a bit shady. My Fae grandmother had graciously allowed for them to come back to their home after she deemed that Polly had performed a great service to her.
“Hi.” I replied happily. “What are you doing?”
“I’m sitting here in the throne room darling,” she answered
“What? I thought you weren’t coming until later this afternoon?”
“Did you not notice the time Chica?” she answered. “Yeah, I got here a few hours early. You are not going to believe what happened to me.”
“I’m on the edge of my seat.”
“So I got woken up this morning by a freaking Koala bear hanging off my branches,” she said
Polly, being a wood Nymph, was also part tree. When wood Nymphs come into this world, their souls are tied to a tree that sprouts simultaneously when they are born. To rejuvenate both the tree and their own spirits, wood Nymphs had to become one with their tree and slumber from time to time.
“All right, you have my attention.” I answered
“Apparently I have a new neighbor. He’s some guy from Australia. I mean, I’m all a
bout the Eucalyptus tree, it smells great, but did he have to bring an animal with him? So anyway, there I was sleeping comfortably and boom, some little furry gray haired animal is swinging from my limbs.”
“Awww, aren’t they soft and cuddly?” I asked
“No.” she yelled. “They are not soft and cuddly. His fur was like a freaking brillo pad.”
I started laughing hysterically. “What’s wrong with that? He can scratch your itch.”
“You're hysterical,” she said. “Get your ass here.”
“I’m right across the way in the Guardian offices.” I replied. “I will be there in two shakes.”
“Later.” Polly said as she hung up
“What’s going on?” Riah asked, looking up from one of the books.
“I have to leave boys. Polly is in the house.” I replied
Riah groaned and rolled his eyes. Polly had developed quite a crush on Riah. Not like it was any surprise. I always said if James Dean and Marilyn Monroe had a son, Riah would be the result. His shoulder length dirty blonde hair waved slightly around his chiseled face. His dark blue eyes, full mouth and killer body pretty much would make any woman swoon.
“Can you please talk to her about something for me?” Riah asked
“Sure.” I replied uneasily. Oh God, what did she do now? I asked myself
“Can you please ask her to stop sending me pictures of flowers?” he asked exasperated
“Flowers?” I asked perplexed.
“Why on earth is Polly sending you pictures of flowers?” Jeremiah added his face a mirror image of mine.
“Oh she wants my opinion on what flowers she should put in her wedding bouquet when we get married,” he answered
Jeremiah, Milton and I all laughed. Only Polly would do something like that. It’s why I missed her desperately.
“I will talk to her.” I answered. “Of course you can always pull her aside tonight at my party.”
“Willa.” Riah said. “I adore you but I am not meeting up with all of you at Copa’s. I can’t do it; I’m sorry.”
“You promised you would come.” I reminded him
“I think it would be better for everyone if I stayed away from there,” he said
“Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t you supposed to be there because Granny Winnie thought it would best to have a few extra Guardians around?”
“Yes, but Frank, Leona and Veronica will be there as well as forty or so off duty Guardians.”
“I want you to come.” I said. “It’s a night for fun and it wouldn’t be the same without you there.”
“Jeremiah’s not going.” Riah whined
“Hell no,” Jeremiah said. “I will be playing poker with my dad, Cormac, and Milton.”
“Exactly,” Riah asked. “Poker, that’s more my thing.”
“I’ll let you do a body shot off of me.” I offered
“Done,” he said quickly. “I’ll be there around eight-thirty, nine o’clock?”
“See you there.” I said shaking my head. As I made my way out into the reception room, I took a deep breath and pictured the courtyard. Two seconds later I teleported myself there and was immediately enveloped into a bear hug.
“Willa Tree!” Polly shrieked
“Oh my gosh. It’s so good to see you Polly.” I returned her hug just as fiercely. When I took a step back, I took a good look at her. Her dark hair had grown out slightly since I had seen her, but it was still spiky, shaggy, Goth chic. Polly’s ripped black jeans and faded Queen t-shirt looked almost tame in comparison to what she usually wore.
“I’m assuming the shirt is a cheeky nod to my grandmother and not the seventies rock band?”
“You like it?” she asked twirling around
“I love it.” I answered. “So you ready to blow this pop stand?”
“Hell ya,” she said. “Let’s make some tracks girl. Oh, hold on let me get my luggage.”
On the front steps were four large suitcases, two small traveling cases, and what looked to be a mound of camping gear.
“Are you camping out?” I asked. “You’re doing it solo if that’s your plan.”
“Willa, I can’t sleep inside. It makes me claustrophobic.”
“Polly, even though the weather’s warmed up it’s still a little chilly at night.” I reminded her
“I’m a tree Willa, not a pansy,” she said. “Is it all going to fit in your golf cart?”
“Uh, no,” I answered. “It’s a golf cart, not a minivan.”
“Shoot.” Polly said. “Maybe you can call Riah…”
“Not to worry, I got it.” I said. I closed my eyes and pictured my guest room then I teleported Polly’s mountain of luggage there in less than a minute. I was hoping like hell Cupcake, or Oscar had decided not to take a little snooze in the room because it would scare the crap out of them.
OK, probably, just Cupcake.
“I’m done.” I said as I looked around satisfied when I saw everything had disappeared.
“That is so freaking cool.” Polly said shocked
“Come on let’s go into town, and you can check out the new bakery.” I said as we walked over to my golf cart and got in to leave.
“If you can teleport why do you even use this thing?” Polly asked. “I mean its kick ass for sure but teleporting? That’s friggin’ holy shit awesome.”
“Well, unfortunately, it also tires me out.” I replied laughing as we took off. “Besides, driving this makes me feel normal. Not quite such a freak.”
“Sweetie, it doesn’t matter what you drive; you're still going to be a freak.”
“True but I was hoping this would provide me with a bit of cover.” I answered
“Yeah, the golf cart on steroids is totally the way to go if you want to go undercover.”
“Shut up and put on some tunes biatch.” I laughed
We drove the short ride into town laughing, chatting and singing along with Pink. Even though, I loved my new family and friends, Polly was my best friend. She had known me before I was Princess Willa with the freaky hybrid powers. She knew I liked to break out into song for no reason. She understood my kooky jokes and one liners.
She got me. I didn’t have to explain anything or go over my history with her. If I said ‘Remember the guy from the grocery store...’ she would finish my sentence and joke about it with me. If I were having a bad day and didn’t want to chat, she would call me a moody bitch and say talk to you later.
I missed having her in my life yet I still hadn’t confided to her about the single most important thing. The one thing I thought about every waking minute of the day. I still hadn’t told her about Mathias. The only person who was aware of the two of us was my father. He had guessed it after we came back from our rescue mission. I had a little breakdown after watching Serena killed and witnessed some pretty gruesome sights.
Mathias didn’t leave my side for two days. He sat next to me in blood soaked clothes the entire time. We didn’t speak. He just took care of me while I tried to deal with what had happened. Everything just clicked when my father started thinking about it. Things started adding up in his mind when he watched us interact together.
I was extremely apprehensive to have Polly around when Mathias came back. I knew she would figure out in a heartbeat what was going on, and I was not looking forward to the Spanish Inquisition that she would probably put me through once she did.
I decided to deal with that later and continued singing about raising my glass and pulled into the town square.
“Oh, it’s so stinking cute here.” Polly said as she looked around. Three blocks that butted up to the edge of the sea bustled with activity. Cute shops, restaurants, and small business with clever names lined the cobbled streets.
When I pulled up near the bakery, Polly let out a shriek, “Scrumptious Skye Confections? Oh Willa I love it!”
I smiled as I looked at the narrow three story building that housed the bakery. For over three hundred years this build
ing had served the islanders delicious treats. From my great-grandfather all the way down to me now. For a girl who had grown up with no relatives, I had embraced my deep roots here with open arms.
When we walked into the bakery, my mother immediately drew Polly into a long, hard hug, and they both talked animatedly for a few minutes while my dad and I looked on grinning.
“So are we all set for tonight mom?” I asked
“Yes, I can’t wait to kick up my heels,” she answered. “Your grandmother, Gussie, Rhoswen, Julia, Veronica, Leona, Frank, and I will meet you girls at Copa’s around eight?”
“Cool sounds good.” I said
“Your grandmother is coming out with us tonight?” Polly asked
“Yeah, she’s a drop it like it’s hot champion.” I grinned
“But can she twerk?” Polly asked
“I’ll pay you to teach her.” I said
“All right, raining dollar bills y’all. I love it.” Polly smiled
“We have to go home and get settled. Have fun tonight dad.”
“I will Willy.” he said. “You keep an eye on your mother. You realize tequila makes her clothes come off.”
“Oh, good one Mac, I’m so stealing that tonight.” Polly said
We exchanged quick hugs and for the next hour Polly and I drove around the island. I pointed out different points of interest while she put the music on high. When we pulled into my driveway, she looked at me for a second.
“This is your house?” she asked
“Yeah,” I answered “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing, it’s great but it’s so isolated,” she said
“Just wait until you see the view.” I replied. When I opened the door, she went right through the foyer into the living room. All three sides of the back of my house were covered in glass. An outside view of the sea was absolutely stunning. I pinched myself every day when I looked out at the churning waves.
“Ok, I see why you live here. Wow, it’s beautiful,” she said
“Thanks.” I said. I turned when I heard the pitter patter of paws on the wood floor. Cupcake and Oscar must have investigated the arrival of Polly’s luggage earlier and stayed there.
“Polly...” I started
The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* Page 37