by Ann Yost
“You don’t look well,” she said. As she spoke the older man grabbed his chest and struggled for breath. Isabelle hurried to his side.
“Nick,” she shouted, “call 911.”
“No, don’t fuss, my dear,” Arthur gasped. “I’m just tired. Need a cold drink and, perhaps, a chair.”
Nick helped him to sit. A moment later Alice handed Arthur a glass of lemonade. Even after a long drink the man’s face resembled rice paper.
“Let me drive you to the hospital,” Nick said, in a low voice.
“No,” Arthur’s voice was weak but firm. “I’ll be fine. I just need a good night’s sleep.”
“Perhaps it’s your ulcer,” Alice suggested, anxiously.
“Ulcer?” Nick noted his aunt’s surprise. He would have bet his best racer that Isabelle didn’t even know about an ulcer but Alice knew. Did Buzz have any idea how entwined his wife was in the life of his family?
Arthur shook his head. “Suspected ulcer. I think not. I believe I’d like to leave if it’s all right with you, dear,” he said to his wife.
Nick stared at the attorney. Arthur Sneed had always been a dry stick, as loyal as he was polite. It was nearly impossible to believe he was either an embezzler or a murderer. It was equally impossible to imagine him in the trapeze embedded in Leilani Harter. He helped Arthur to his feet and said he’d accompany him home.
“Isabelle and I can manage.”
“I’ll go with them,” Alice reassured Nick. “Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.”
A moment later Nick’s cell phone buzzed.
“Hey,” his brother said. “I’m in the cellar rooting around for the damn blue diamond. It’s hotter ’n hell and I’m thirsty.”
“You want beer?”
“Make it pop.”
Nick spotted Daisy slicing the coconut cake while using her body to protect it from Miss Olive. She was safe enough with half the town out here. He grabbed the soda for his brother and headed for the cellar.
Buzz took a long gulp before he spoke. “You get a chance to talk to Arthur?”
“He’s ill. Aunt Iz just took him home.”
“I can hardly believe he’s mixed up in this.”
Nick nodded at his brother. “There’s no proof of it, yet, but I did uncover a secret.” He omitted the personal details but gave Buzz a brief description of the sexual playpen at the top of Arthur’s house.
Buzz stared at him. “Arthur Sneed?”
“I know.”
The door at the top of the stairs opened. When Nick realized it was Caroline Budd he felt a wave of disappointment compounded by irritation. He felt a sudden, violent urge to see Daisy.
“Caroline,” Buzz said. “Long time no see.”
It was a typical Buzz greeting but the man’s voice contained an odd, strangled quality.
The woman’s already tight lips thinned. She nodded but turned her attention to Nick. “I want to know why Junie’s telling everyone you and Daisy are engaged. You said she’d turned you down.”
His eyes narrowed on Daisy’s sister and he lost his tenuous hold on his patience.
“I intend to change her mind.”
Caroline’s face filled with anguish.
“Please don’t. You’ll destroy her. You’ll destroy us all!” She turned away from him and ran up the stairs, slamming the door behind her.
Chapter Twenty
The townspeople and the Wiccans bonded over their shared potluck supper. First they discussed the recently deceased but the conversations drifted to crafts, spelunking, spell-casting, the economy, retirement and grandchildren.
The full moon appeared at twilight and the picnickers carried their folding chairs to the field outside the courtyard where someone had set up a brazier and lit a fire. The early evening’s sacred circle morphed into an old-fashioned campfire.
Sigrid began to chant. Everyone joined in and laughter erupted when Mayor Hotchkiss tried to harmonize. The chanting turned to “Row, Row, Row your Boat,” and “Green Grow the Rushes, Ho” and “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.”
Daisy watched with a sense of contentment that she knew she owed to Nick. Sure, he’d knocked her off balance and created turmoil in her heart but he’d also taught her to realize how much she belonged here in Mayville. How much she loved it. Almost as much as she loved her family. Almost as much as she loved him.
She wished she could help him see that he belonged here, too. Not out of a sense of duty or even lust but because he was a Bowman. She toyed with the possibility of marriage. Could it work with love only on one side? Yes, she decided. She’d make it work. And, maybe someday he’d let down his guard enough to love her back.
Something of her thoughts must have shown on her face because when he sat down next to her on the concrete lip of the Cupid fountain he slid his arm around her waist.
“Why aren’t you with the crooners?”
She rested against him, leaned her head on his shoulder. “I was waiting for you.”
His arm tightened around her.
“If the offer stands I want to marry you.”
“What changed your mind?”
She told him the truth. “I think we can be happy.”
“Ever after?”
She smiled. “Why not?”
He pulled her against him and hugged her hard enough to bruise her ribs. In that moment, Daisy felt a jolt of pure joy. Everything would be all right. Finally he released her and kissed her hand.
“You’ve made me very happy.”
She grinned. “There’s something I have to tell you.”
“Sure, honey.”
“When you dated Caro I had a crush on you.”
He said nothing and she laughed. “I know you don’t even remember me but I never really got over you.”
“So you’ve still got a crush on me.” He sounded pleased.
She laughed again and shook her head. Then her face sobered.
“It’s not a crush anymore. I’m in love with you, Nick. I think you should know.”
His big, warm hands cupped her cheeks and his lips met hers
She told herself it would be all right.
****
Relief was a tsunami inside him.
She’d promised to marry him.
The stars winked like jewels in the velvet sky. The earth smelled of summer and cut grass. The sounds of the singers warbled on the breeze. Nick pulled his woman against him and rested his chin in the froth of curls on her head. He felt a sense of blessed peace. For the first time in seven years he felt no bitterness or anger or grief or even any detachment. Just a quiet sense of wellbeing. And it was all due to this woman. As her warm curves settled against him his mind drifted back to the tall, thin house on the lake and the sex swing and, as his body reacted to the memory, the peace was replaced with impatience.
He couldn’t wait for the guests to disappear.
He couldn’t wait to touch her again, to hear her cry his name. He couldn’t wait to hear her whisper the magic words.
I’m in love with you.
****
After the townspeople drifted back to their homes with their empty dishes and a warm sense of camaraderie and Wiccans retired to their rooms, Daisy strolled around the back courtyard picking up litter and tidying up the chairs and tables.
Junie arrived too late to help.
“Where’s Nick? Shouldn’t he be helping you?”
Daisy refrained from pointing out that, unlike Junie, Nick was not on the payroll.
“He went up to the mansion to check on Arthur.”
“Oh.”
Junie straightened a chair. “Daze, thanks for tonight. The send-off for Adrian felt like closure.”
Daisy hesitated, unsure whether it was time to reveal Adrian’s identity. In the end, she didn’t have to make the call.
“I know Adrian wasn’t his real name.”
“You do?”
Junie nodded. Her blonde ponytail bobbed. “It was Spuds something-or-other a
nd he was a private detective from Chicago. He was here for a reason, wasn’t he? Something in the cellar?”
Junie’s laughing blue eyes were sober but calm. She’d deduced the truth, or part of it. Junie Budd was growing up. Daisy decided to trust her with the rest of the secret.
“We think he was after a piece of art that was stolen from a Holocaust victim during World War II.”
“Stolen by whom?”
“Theo Bowman.”
“Oh. Poor Nick.”
“He got a letter after his grandfather’s death. Theo said the blue diamond was hidden in the Gray Lady’s cellar. He asked Nick to find it and return it to the rightful owners.”
“I thought you said it was a piece of art.”
“We’re not sure what it is. Blue diamond could just be a code phrase.”
Junie looked thoughtful. “Or maybe the treasure really is a blue diamond.”
Daisy nodded. “That could explain why we haven’t found it yet. The proverbial needle in a haystack.”
“Do you think Adrian meant to keep it for himself?”
Daisy searched her sister’s face for signs of distress but found none. “Either that or he expected a payoff. We’re fairly sure he was working with somebody.”
“You were right, Daze. Adrian was a loser.”
Daisy felt a wave of satisfaction. Junie’s taste in men was maturing, too.
“Daze? I’m not going to Chicago. I’ll stay here with you.”
“There’s no need, Junie. I’m not going to be alone after all. I’m marrying Nick.”
Junie squealed and grabbed her in a bear hug. “I’m so glad! It’s just like a fairy tale! Prince Charming comes to Mayville to meet his Cinderella.
Daisy touched her sister’s soft cheek. “Is that all you have to say?”
“Uh, tres bien?”
“That’s my Junie.”
The Wiccans sorted out the rooms with Sarah Glenn and Cedric downstairs in the former crematorium and the rest of the ladies dispersed among the remaining bedrooms. Junie decided to sleep in the large closet next to the porch. Once everyone was settled, Daisy changed into a nightshirt and took the porch sofa. The vinyl cushions squeaked when she stretched out and she wrinkled her nose. Probably just as well Nick had decided not to come back to the Gray Lady. There was nothing left but the floor.
Still, she missed him.
Weariness engulfed her but she didn’t fall asleep. A week ago she hadn’t thought further than the next mortgage payment. Now it seemed her future was charted and defined in a way she couldn’t have imagined and the key players had all changed. The glow in her heart and the absolute sense of rightness assured her it wasn’t a mistake even though the Budds had never excelled at marriage.
It came down to partner choice, Daisy decided. Her pretty mother had grown bored in the small, Michigan town. Caro and Junie had married on short acquaintance. This was different. Even though Nick hadn’t wanted to settle here. Even though he and Daisy had known each other for only a week.
Daisy ignored the echoes of Budd family failures.
Her marriage to Nick would be different from Budd and Bowman marriages of the past. This time would be a victory for both families.
Drowsiness set in disturbed only by an occasional thunk as Junie rolled into the wall next door. Daisy set her mental alarm clock to oh-dark-hundred and fell asleep wondering where Nick was sleeping and whether he was dreaming of her.
The hot breath on the back of her neck answered the first question. Breath and teeth and the now familiar Nick-scent mixed with whiskey and industrial-strength testosterone.
His weight pressed her down into the squeaking cushions.
“I want you, honey.” She shivered at the feel of lips against her neck. “I’ve wanted you all night. Had to come.” His boozy laugh was thick. “Got to come again. Know wha’ I mean?”
Panic stirred in Daisy’s stomach. She wondered if she’d suffocate in the vinyl before she died of humiliation. The house was full of witches. His lusty words scattered the panic and the rough texture of denim against her bare legs triggered her desire. Strong fingers slid under her belly, stormed the beach head between her thighs and stroked her.
“Oh God, you’re wet.”
She heard his breathing roughen and quicken. With his front plastered against her back she felt the rat-a-tat-tat of his heartbeat. Daisy forgot all about the awkward circumstances as his thick erection replaced his talented fingers. He triggered her climax as he drove himself into her with a gut-deep groan. The pillow muffled her scream. He held her in place as he thrust harder and faster until she couldn’t breathe or think, until she came again and again. She knew he was close when his hand tightened and his body stiffened and his teeth bit the side of her neck. All at once he collapsed and growled his satisfaction into her hair. For a few seconds she didn’t know where his body left off and hers began.
The uncontrolled passion should have frightened her but she reveled in it. It was heavy, uncomfortable, awkward, stifling, heaven.
She wanted to whisper she loved him but it didn’t matter. He already knew.
“Daisy?” She didn’t understand. Nick’s gasps told her he hadn’t yet caught his breath. How could he speak?
“Daisy? Are you all right? I thought I heard a noise.”
It wasn’t Nick. It was Junie. Good grief. She arched up to free her mouth.
“It’s the wind, honey. Go back to sleep.”
“Daisy?” The voice was only a few feet away and Nick was still embedded in her body. Daisy prayed it was too dark to see anything.
“What’s going on?”
Male fingers dug into her flesh and Nick let out an annoyed grunt as he lifted himself off her.
“Merde!”
“Daisy, dear?”
Daisy groaned at the sound of the second, more mature voice. They’d wakened one of the witches. She prayed for a miracle but knew she wouldn’t get it. The overhead light came on as she struggled to pull down her night shirt.
“Gracious goddess.” Daisy winced but Miss Regina wasn’t looking at her. The older lady’s eyes were on Nick’s open fly. “How marvelous! A love tryst!”
Daisy was aware of Nick clumsily trying to zip up. She tried to block him from view and divert the guest’s attention with an awkward apology.
“Miss Regina, I just don’t know what to say.”
“I’m Penelope and there’s no need to say a thing. I understand perfectly.”
“You do?”
“Of course. Tonight’s a full moon. A night for romantic love.”
Daisy wasn’t sure the mating on the sofa could be characterized as “romantic love,” but she didn’t question her luck.
“L’amour, toujours, l’amour,” Junie added, wickedly.
“Mother Nature will always have her way,” Penelope said. “A full moon is a sign of fertility. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if a new soul enters your life nine months hence.”
“Oui, oui!” Junie clapped her hands. “I’m going to be an auntie. Again!”
By the time the Wiccans gathered for breakfast some hours later Nick had disappeared. Daisy only wished she could have done the same.
Prunella passed a shallow plate filled with fluffy scrambled eggs to Sigrid.
“I understand some of us missed all the excitement last night.”
Apparently discretion was too much to hope for.
“These blueberry scones are delicious, dears,” Sarah Glenn said. “Could I have the recipe?”
“Il n’est rien,” Junie said. “I tweaked a recipe from the back of the Bowman’s Biscuit Mix box.”
Prunella was not to be diverted.
“Such a virile young man,” she sighed. “I quite envy you.”
“Nick is Daisy’s fiancé,” Junie put in.
“That’s lovely, dear,” Sigrid said, “but as pagans we require no labels and we make no judgments. We believe in the natural. And there is nothing as natural as mating.”
&
nbsp; “Sig, you’re embarrassing Daisy,” Sarah Glenn admonished.
“Love is a wonderful thing,” Sigrid protested. “Don’t you agree, Cedric?”
The Grand Wizard choked on his toast.
“We were snug as a bug in a rug last night,” Sarah Glenn said. She cast a sympathetic glance at Daisy. “And since it was the former crematorium we had the advantage of nice thick walls. I don’t see Hecate this morning. Did she oversleep?”
“I believe our acting high priestess made a conquest, too,” Prunella said. “That red-headed police officer.”
Jimmy? Had Jimmy spent the night with the girl with the old soul? Daisy shot a glance at Junie. Her younger sister did not seem perturbed.
“A full moon,” Sigrid said. “Few can resist a sign from the goddess.”
The back door opened and closed and Daisy gritted her teeth. She’d hoped Nick had enough sense of self preservation not to come back this morning.
“Perhaps you would like to be handfasted today along with Sarah Glenn and Cedric,” Miss Regina said.
“Or they might prefer a traditional wedding,” Sigrid chimed in. “Either would be lovely.”
“Or perhaps Nick will whisk you off to Las Vegas,” Miss Penelope said. “He seemed in something of a hurry.”
Footsteps crossed from the top of the stairs and everyone turned to greet the newcomer.
“Good morning, Caroline,” Sarah Glenn said. “You look lovely today.”
With her gleaming blonde hair in a loose topknot on her head and a white, lace sundress Caro did look like an angel. A very white-faced, very distressed angel.
“Daisy, could I have a word?”
No one could miss the tension in Caro’s voice.
“Of course.” Daisy excused herself from the table and rose.
“Oh, Daisy dear, I must tell you I invited the good friends who shared the circle with us last night to attend the handfast,” Sarah Glenn said. “I hope that’s all right. Cedric and I felt such a cosmic connection with them.”
“You invited them all?” Daisy couldn’t hide her dismay.
“I didn’t mean to add to your responsibilities. I assured them it was potluck again.”