Wicked Witches of the Midwest 9

by Amanda M. Lee

  My mind briefly traveled back to the incident on the tanker. I could hardly argue with him given what happened. “I’m not distracted,” I countered. “I’m … worried.”

  “About Annie?”

  I nodded. “If she’s really seeing ghosts and they’re telling her not to speak about them to others … well … that’s not a good thing.”

  “I can’t see ghosts, but I figured that out myself,” Landon said, grabbing my hand and resting it against his heart. “You know I have to leave tomorrow morning, right?”

  I nodded. “You leave every Monday morning.”

  “Not if I can help it.”

  That was true. Whenever he got a chance to spend more time in Hemlock Cove he took it. Sometimes he volunteered for assignments in neighboring towns even though they were boring. The distance between his home and mine was starting to wear on him.

  “I thought you were going to try to turn the arson into something worth your time,” I reminded him. “What happened to that?”

  “I emailed my boss and told him about the fire, but it turns out that I’m not nearly as convincing as I thought I was,” Landon said. “My boss doesn’t happen to believe a festival booth fire – even though it appears to be arson – is worth my time. I have to go.”

  “You’re working on that big gambling case,” I said. “That could be big for your career. How is that going?”

  “It’s fine,” Landon said. “It’s boring work.”

  “It’s too bad you couldn’t do the boring work from here.”

  “I agree,” Landon said. “It seems the nights I have to stay away from you are becoming more and more difficult. I blame you.”

  I barked out a laugh. “You blame me?”

  “You’re irresistible,” Landon said, grinning as he leaned forward. “I do blame you, though. Before I met you I was focused on my career. Now I find I want to focus on you.”

  “You’re very cute,” I said. “But you have a job to do. I would never get in the way of that.”

  “I don’t care about you getting in the way,” Landon said. “I care about being away. I’m going to have a talk with my boss. I’m hopeful we’ll be able to figure out a way for me to move here full time.”

  My heart rolled at the admission as hope coursed through me. “Really?”

  Landon nodded. “I don’t want you to get too worked up, though,” he cautioned. “It’s not going to happen overnight. There are some rules we’re going to have to get around and I still have several months left on my lease.”

  “Still … I mean, you would probably be happier here,” I said, working overtime to keep my expression neutral. “I want what’s best for you.”

  “Very smooth,” Landon teased, grabbing me around the waist and pulling me from my chair so I was sitting on his lap. “Would you like it if we lived together?”

  Was he joking? “I think I could live with that,” I hedged. “How would that work, though? Would we get an apartment?”

  Landon shrugged. “I haven’t gotten that far,” he admitted. “I’m warning you right now that things won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take a few months to work everything out.”

  “Still, that’s something to look forward to,” I mused. I did the math in my head. “Maybe we can be together full time by Christmas.”

  “That’s the plan,” Landon said. “This is kind of our first Christmas together.”

  “We knew each other last Christmas.”

  “We did, but we were a little hot and cold at the beginning and we didn’t get really hot until after Christmas,” Landon reminded me. “I don’t think that counts. I’m looking forward to a full Christmas with you this year.”

  The remnants of summer beat down against my skin, yet all I wanted to do was hop in moon boots and make snow angels. “I’m looking forward to it, too.”

  “Good.” Landon gave me a soft kiss. “As for Annie, I trust your judgment. You’ll make the right call when it’s time. I don’t think you should wait too long, though. The longer Belinda lives in the dark, the more likely Annie is to be upset. You need to remember how things were for you at that age and then ask yourself how much worse they would’ve been if your mother didn’t believe you.”

  His words had a chilling effect on our happy moment. “I know. I’m going to do something. I’m just not sure how to approach it.”

  “You also need to figure out what the ghosts want,” Landon added. “I’m not an expert, but something fishy seems to be going on here … and I’m not just saying that because you’re convinced that the ghosts came from the tanker.”

  “I’m going to conduct some research,” I promised. “I’m going to start the second you leave tomorrow. I don’t want to ruin our day.”

  “That sounds like a plan.” Landon pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.

  “I also don’t want to miss the chance to watch Clove melt down,” I added. “I should probably find my phone so I can film it.”

  Landon heartily chuckled as he shook his head. “That sounds mean, but knock yourself out. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long day for everyone.”

  LANDON and I lost track of time on the patio, aggressive cuddling – okay, and a little kissing and other stuff – making for a fun morning. That all changed when I heard someone clear her throat behind us.

  “And this is my cousin Bay and her boyfriend,” Clove gritted out, forcing a smile for the middle-aged couple to her left. “Apparently they forgot we were having visitors today.”

  If looks could kill I’d be scheduled for a mortuary visit in about thirty seconds. Something told me Clove was about to throw her weight in Thistle’s direction when it came time to battle it out for the room.

  “Hi,” I said, stumbling in my haste as I tried to get to my feet. Landon caught me before I could pitch forward and make things worse – if that was even possible – and I extended my hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “This is Maggie and Richard Cornell,” Clove said. “Sam’s parents.”

  Maggie shook my hand and I didn’t miss the hint of amusement that flitted across her features. She obviously recognized Clove’s tone for what it was, although she didn’t seem bothered by what she caught Landon and me doing. “It’s nice to meet you, Bay,” she said. “I’ve heard so much about you. Both of you.”

  Maggie’s smile was pleasant when it landed on Landon, and she shook his hand as well. After exchanging greetings with Richard, we lapsed into uncomfortable silence for a moment. Landon smartly jumped in to save us.

  “How was your trip?”

  “It wasn’t too bad,” Richard replied. “It was about four hours, but we stopped a few times to stretch our legs.”

  “That’s good,” Landon said. “Sam said you live on the west side of the state, right?”

  “We actually live closer to Ann Arbor,” Maggie supplied. “We used to live on the west side when Sam was younger, but we moved a few years ago.”

  “Oh, well, Ann Arbor is a great town,” Landon said. “I’ve worked a few cases there.”

  “That’s right. Sam said you’re an FBI agent,” Richard said. “That must be an exciting job.”

  Landon shrugged. “It has its moments.”

  “What are you working on now?” Maggie asked. “Besides Bay, I mean.”

  Landon had the grace to look embarrassed as Clove scorched us with a dark look. Sam seemed merely amused.

  “I’m not sure Landon is allowed to talk about his cases, Mom,” Sam said. “He’s generally here every weekend visiting Bay and then he comes once or twice during the week for dinner.”

  “And where is your office?” Richard asked. He seemed intrigued by Landon and his line of work more than anything else. “Is it close by?”

  “It’s in Traverse City,” Landon answered. “It’s only an hour away, but I have to maintain an apartment there – for now, at least – so I don’t get to spend as much time here as I’d like.”

  “That’s too bad,” Maggie said.
“It must be hard on Bay for you to be away so often. Plus, well, it’s a dangerous job. That must wreak havoc on her nerves.”

  “I don’t think it’s easy for her, but she seems to find more trouble than I do,” Landon quipped. I could tell he regretted his words when Clove glared at him. If she were capable of shooting fire out of her eyes, Landon would smell like lunch right now. My cousin clearly wasn’t settling into her role as hostess very well. “What I mean to say is that it’s not easy but we make it work. Things will settle down eventually. I’m almost sure of it.”

  “That’s good,” Richard said, shifting his eyes from Landon to the expansive backyard. “This is an amazing setup here. How much property do you own?”

  “It’s quite a bit,” I answered, my eyes refusing to leave Clove as she shuffled from one foot to the other, wringing her hands. She was so pale and nervous I feared she would pass out. “It’s a large parcel of land.”

  “And there’s a guesthouse, right?” Maggie asked. “I believe Sam said that’s where Clove used to live before she settled in with him.”

  “Yes, I still live there with our other cousin,” I replied. “It’s a nice place. You can come see it whenever you want.”

  “I just might do that,” Maggie said. She seemed friendly. She shared her coloring with Sam, although her dark hair was shot through with gray, and she seemed genuinely happy to be here. I couldn’t help but worry that Clove’s manic reaction to everything would somehow turn her off, even though she appeared genuinely amiable.

  “You guys are here all week, right?” I asked, grasping at straws to keep the conversation going. “We’re having a festival downtown. You should check it out.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Maggie said. “Sam told us about the festivals. We’re looking forward to seeing the lighthouse and his new tanker, too. I understand you’re all helping him decorate it.”

  I took the opportunity to praise Clove since she apparently wasn’t capable of forming words right now. “Clove is doing most of the work – just like she did with the Dandridge – but I’m happy to help,” I said. “I’m not the craftiest person. That title belongs to Thistle. She’s a total witch, but she’s amazing with a paint brush.”

  The last part of the sentence escaped before I had a chance to think better about the intelligence associated with uttering it. The look on Clove’s face made me realize I’d said the worst thing possible. Instead of being taken aback by my words, though, Maggie chuckled.

  “Yes, I heard that you, Clove and Thistle are more like sisters than cousins,” Maggie said. “I have two sisters myself. I know how that goes.”

  Every time the woman opened her mouth I liked her more and more. She was definitely more warm and giving than Landon’s mother when I first met her. “We’re extremely loyal, but like to mess with one another.”

  “They definitely like to mess with one another,” Landon confirmed. “It’s just part of the joy of visiting the Winchesters. You’ll get used to it very quickly.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Maggie said. “This inn is absolutely gorgeous. I … .” She broke off, her eyes traveling to a spot over my left shoulder.

  For a moment I worried she’d seen a ghost – or perhaps several ghosts from Sam’s tanker, for that matter – and I was trying to think of an appropriate way to explain what was happening. Thankfully for us it wasn’t ghosts that caught her attention. It was Aunt Tillie and her gentleman caller.

  “Is that Kenneth?” Landon asked, following my gaze.

  Kenneth and Aunt Tillie dated – er, well, kind of – for several months before she broke his heart. A few weeks ago she found that she was jealous and wanted him back. They kind of flirted with reconciliation before Aunt Tillie got distracted by harvest season in her pot field. I hadn’t seen Kenneth for almost two weeks, but his presence was enough to make me smile.

  “That’s him,” I replied. “It looks like they’re having a good time.”

  I had no idea what Aunt Tillie and Kenneth were up to, but Aunt Tillie remained in her leggings and she had on a combat helmet and carried a golf club. Kenneth held a chainsaw and had a whistle perched between his lips. If I didn’t know better I would think they were hunting. I had no idea what they expected to catch with that weird assortment of items, though.

  “Oh, that’s your great-aunt?” Maggie looked excited. “I can’t wait to meet her. Sam has told me oodles about her.”

  I shifted my gaze to Sam and found him smiling, although the signs of tension in the corners of his eyes were obvious. “Yes, she’s a great woman,” I said. “I think you’re going to love her.”

  “What is she doing?” Clove asked. She looked worried. “Why do you think they have a chainsaw?”

  “Whatever it is, it can’t be good,” Landon said. He watched them for a full twenty seconds before turning to me. “Who wants cookies?”

  Richard looked dubious about our reaction. “Shouldn’t you find out why she’s walking through the woods with a golf club and chainsaw?”

  “I only worry if she’s got a shovel,” Landon replied. “That means she’s hiding a body.” He was going for levity but Maggie and Richard obviously didn’t realize he was joking. “I … definitely need a cookie.”

  I patted his arm. “Me too. Let’s eat.”

  What? If you think I’m following Aunt Tillie into the woods when she has a chainsaw, you obviously don’t know me at all.

  FIFTEEN

  I wasn’t keen on returning to the festival on Landon’s last night in town, but Clove was firm when she informed Thistle and me that we were not only expected to attend but be delightful conversationalists as well.

  It seemed as if she was asking a lot given what was going on in our world, but we promised to be on our best behavior. Then we pulled each other’s hair and threatened war when she wasn’t looking. What? That’s the Winchester way.

  I linked my fingers with Landon’s as we followed Maggie, Richard, Sam and Clove toward the festival. Marcus and Thistle were to our right, and I kept darting suspicious looks in their direction, which was starting to irritate Landon.

  “Ignore her,” Landon ordered. “She’s just trying to get under your skin. She doesn’t even care about that room. She’s going to move in with Marcus in a few months. There’s no way she’s actually going to move a pottery wheel – which is ridiculously heavy, mind you – twice if she doesn’t have to.”

  He had a point. Still … . “Did you just meet Thistle?” I challenged. “She’ll do anything to irritate people. That’s her superpower.”

  Landon smirked. “Superpower?”

  “Everyone has a superpower,” I explained. “Thistle’s is making people cry.”

  “Ah.” Landon released my hand and slipped his arm around my waist. “What’s my superpower?”

  “You’re the handsomest man in the land.”

  “I guess I can live with that,” Landon said, puffing out his chest. “What’s your superpower?”

  “I’m dating the handsomest man in the land.”

  Despite the jocularity, Landon’s smile turned earnest. “I think your superpower is that you’re the strongest person I know.”

  “That, too.”

  “You’re also loyal,” Landon said. “What’s Aunt Tillie’s superpower?”

  I tilted my head to the side, considering. “I think it’s that she’s even worse than Thistle.”

  Landon barked out a laugh, delighted. “I can see that,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I know this isn’t what you wanted to do tonight, but I think it’s nice that you’re going out of your way for Clove.”

  “She’s acting a little crazy.”

  “She’s acting a lot crazy,” Landon corrected. “I think that’s a girl thing. For some reason you all become deranged lunatics when you meet your boyfriend’s mother. It must be one of those things that happen when girls get their periods. I can think of no other explanation.”

  Now it was my turn to laugh. “You’r
e a funny guy, Landon Michaels.”

  “I do my best,” Landon said, his eyes twinkling. “I figure we can follow Clove around for an hour and let her know we’re on board for her evening and then sneak out when she’s not looking.”

  “That doesn’t seem very nice.”

  “Probably not,” Landon conceded. “I’m not interested in being nice tonight, though. I’m interested in being naughty.”

  That was a very good point. “You’ll also be long gone when Clove exacts her revenge on me,” I mused. “You’re smart, funny and handsome. You really are the entire package.”

  “And don’t you forget it,” Landon teased, smacking a loud kiss against my lips. He groaned when a familiar presence moved in at his side. He recognized the leggings before he moved his face away from mine. “Why can’t you put on pants?”

  Aunt Tillie didn’t seem bothered by Landon’s attitude. “I’m wearing pants. If I wasn’t, my butt would be hanging out.”

  “And no one wants to see that.”

  “I do,” Kenneth volunteered, raising his hand. His smile was so wide it almost engulfed his entire face. Apparently he was having a good time now that he’d reconciled with Aunt Tillie. “I’m a big fan of the leggings, though.”

  “That’s because I’m master of the universe and everyone should bow down to me,” Aunt Tillie said. “Speaking of bowing down, what’s Clove’s deal? I tried to say something to her when she walked past and she pretended she didn’t know me.”

  Hmm. How should I answer that question?

  “She’s with Sam’s parents,” Landon explained, giving me time to gather my thoughts. “She’s nervous and antsy. She’s also a little annoying, if you want to know the truth. Maggie and Richard seem like perfectly nice people. She’s overreacting.”

  “That’s what she does,” Aunt Tillie said, rolling her eyes. “That’s her superpower.”

  I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. “I told you we all have a superpower.”

  “Yes, mine is making the world a better place for humanity,” Aunt Tillie said. “That’s why I’m here.”