Witchtown

by Cory Putman Oakes

  “Well, I guess that means I need to hire Lois back,” she mused.

  “What about Teresa?” I asked.

  “I think I’ll keep her on as well,” Brooke said, with a small sigh. “I’m learning to delegate.”

  I made a mental note to tell Gayle.

  “And the rest of the money?” Brooke continued. “Should I transfer it to your account?”

  “Actually,” I said, “I’d like the rest in cash.”

  Later that day, I addressed an envelope to Rafael Diaz, Haven #NE86C, Nebraska.

  I included no return address and no note. Just the cash. Ten thousand eight hundred and sixty-two dollars and ninety-seven cents. Plus a few caraway seeds to keep the mail carrier honest.

  It was time for Rafe to have his freedom.

  I had already found mine.

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to my wonderful husband, Mark, who has never wavered in his support from the second I said the fateful words “I think I want to be a writer . . .” And to our kids, Sophia and Alex, for inspiring me (slightly) more often than they drive me crazy.

  To my super agent, Sarah LaPolla, for immediately getting this book, loving it almost as much as I do (which is a lot!), and working tirelessly to make it a reality. I am ever grateful to be your client.

  To my fantastic editor, Christine Krones at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, for acquiring the book and helping me to push it even further toward all it could be—and for introducing me to Bat for Lashes. Darkness and clouds forever!

  To everyone at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt who worked so hard on this book: Ann Dye, Mary Magrisso, Ann-Marie Pucillo, Toni Rosenberg, Jim Secula, Sarah Sherman, Kelly Dubeau Smydra and Tara Sonin.

  To Jennifer Thermes, the artist behind the beautiful map and the herb illustrations throughout the book.

  To the wonderful KidLit community of Austin, Texas, most especially Cynthia Leitich Smith, Nikki Loftin, Mari Mancusi, P.J. Hoover, Jo Whittemore, and the fine ladies of the Lodge of Death.

  This book required a lot of research, and I would like to thank the following people for each enriching the book in their own way:

  Beth Ebbing Johnson at Sacred Moon Herbal for being so friendly and welcoming, for answering my stupid questions, and for keeping me supplied with every herb under the sun and moon.

  Ginger Webb at the Sacred Journey School of Herbalism for her wonderful herb walks, which helped me to see the world through the eyes of an herbalist.

  Sasha Buntman of Midnight Jewitch for answering all of my questions and supplying me with a fantastic must-read list that answered other questions I hadn’t even thought of yet.

  Dr. Rachel for taking the time to talk to me about her practices and beliefs (and for introducing me to the secret menu of super-caffeinated drinks at Jo’s — I may never sleep again!)

  Caitriona O’Ceallaigh for helping me brainstorm Gayle’s bakery and for her wonderful website, Recipes for the Pagan Soul.

  Lee Klancher for knowing exactly what kind of motorcycle Rafe would build (down to the very last detail!) and for helping me make the cornfield ride slightly more realistic (don’t try this at home, kids!).

  The folks at Llewellyn who put out the Sabbats Almanac every year; The writings of D.J. Conway, Laurie Cabot, Silver RavenWolf, and Scott Cunningham; David Hoffmann and Jamie Wood; and Jordan Yin.

  My mother. For being nothing like Aubra. (See, Mom? I told you nobody would think this book was about you!)

  And last but not least I’d like to thank YOU, wonderful reader. There are so many amazing books out there—I’m honored that you chose to spend some time with mine. I hope you enjoyed it!

  Darkness and Clouds,

  C.P.O.

  SingularReads.com

  About the Author

  Photo © 2016 by Sam Bond Photography

  If CORY PUTMAN OAKES lived in Witchtown, she’d spend all her time at a corner table in the Crescent Roll, eating scones and working on her next book. Before Cory decided to write full-time, she worked as a lawyer and a university lecturer. Prior to this, she earned a degree in psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles followed by a law degree at Cornell Law School. Cory likes baking, running, and sneaking in reading time whenever she can. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their two kids, and their pets—no witches.

  Learn more at www.corypoakes.com

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