“This defies physics,” she said. “This stairwell can’t be here. It must be a portal.”
“I don’t know about this,” Zinnia repeated. “Hold on a moment.” She pulled a vial from her purse, cast a spell, and tossed something invisible into the air.
We all waited.
“It’s stable,” she said. “And it doesn’t leave this world.” She looked at me. “Or this time.”
“That’s enough assurance for me,” Bentley said, and he stepped through.
He ran up the spiral staircase, out of sight. There was the sound of a door opening, and then he ran back down.
“Come on, everyone,” he said.
Nobody moved. Persephone asked, “Where does it go?”
“To a flaming Hell dimension,” he said.
Stunned silence.
“That was a joke,” Bentley said. “It goes up to the roof. The house has a patio now. If we hurry, we can watch the sun rise.”
“The sun is rising?” Rhys made some concerned hmm sounds. “Are you sure that being out in full sunrise is safe for someone such as yourself, young man?”
Zoey groaned. “Pawpaw, he can handle bright light, and he doesn’t sparkle. Those are myths.”
“Right,” Rhys said. “I knew that.”
My sister and I exchanged a look.
Bentley took my hand and squeezed it. “Come on, Zara,” he said. “It’s beautiful up there. You’ve got to see it.”
I squeezed his hand, stepped through the portal door, and the two of us led the way up the spiral staircase.
Other than the fact I knew the stairwell couldn’t exist, it felt completely normal and solid.
The rooftop deck was more of a viewing platform than a big patio. The platform was nestled within the peaked roof in a way that prevented it from being seen from the sidewalk. As long as we didn’t stand on top of the built-in wood benches, our heads wouldn’t be visible to passersby.
The three of us who were foxes shifted into fox form, and jumped over the railing to explore the renovated rooftop.
Bentley, Zinnia, and I exchanged a look.
“Shifters,” Zinnia said with a shrug. “They have their ways.”
The black fox had paused her exploration and was looking at me.
I heard Persephone’s voice in my head. “Thank you for welcoming me into your family,” she said, telepathically.
“It’s your family now,” I said, then, “You’re welcome.”
Persephone-Fox winked, then returned to her play, running at full-tilt to catch up with the other two.
When I turned to my aunt, she was watching me intently.
“I picked up something,” Zinnia said. “It sounded like static to me, like when Ribbons was trying to get you to help him cheat at poker.”
“We have a psychic link,” I said. “Persephone and I. It happened in the forest, too. I knew it. I knew I hadn’t imagined it.”
Bentley frowned. “You and Rose have a psychic link? Is it bad that I’m a little jealous?”
I swatted him on the shoulder. “It’s cute that you’re jealous.”
“I’ll get used to it,” he said, the frown fading. “And it might come in handy. She can let you know whenever we’re tied up late on a case.”
“You will not use my sister as your personal secretary,” I said, swatting him again. “Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that the word secretary comes from the term secret-keeper?”
“I do now.” He looked at my aunt and said, “She’s such a librarian.”
My aunt smiled. “She’s a lot of things.”
Three foxes ran by, chirping excitedly.
The sun on my face was warm. The roof steamed as the rain began to dry.
In the light, my memories of the darkest times of my life felt distant, like old stories contained in a book somewhere else.
In another lifetime, I’d spent so much time worrying that I’d screwed up my life beyond salvage. It had felt to me like everyone but me understood what life was all about. While they made plans and looked forward to things, I stood outside, looking in through the glass as they celebrated milestones I couldn’t relate to.
My life had been chaos. Just getting from one minute to the next, always promising myself that any day now I was going to get my act together, but I never did. Whenever good things did happen, they seemed to occur by accident. I was more comfortable with things going badly, because that was what I felt I deserved.
That was how I used to feel.
My life was still chaos, and I was taking things one minute at a time, but it was different now. I wasn’t waiting to get my act together. This was the act. The moment-to-moment chaos, with the good things and the bad things, and all the accidents along the way.
The sun warmed my face, and my body, and my spirit.
Daybreak.
We had the future, and we had the past—there was no denying it—but the most important time we had was now.
On that first dawn of October, I turned to watch the sun rise over the town of Wisteria.
Zinnia and Bentley did the same, flanking me. I don’t know how it happened, but I was holding hands with both of them, as though we were about to cast a spell.
And maybe we were casting a spell, and we just didn’t know it.
Maybe the three of us were hoping that we could hold onto this perfect now, this sunrise, for as long as possible, and that nothing would ever change.
The three foxes bounded back into the viewing platform, changed into human form, and then all six of us were standing together, holding hands, each of us privately wishing that this moment could last forever.
* * *
Thanks for reading WISHFUL WISTERIA by ANGELA PEPPER. This is the 10th book set in the world of The Wisteria Witches Mysteries. Turn the page for an author's note from Angela. For updates on the series, and to sign up for the author's newsletter so you can get a notice when the next book is available, visit www.angelapepper.com.
Author’s Note for Wishful Wisteria
Welcome to the Author's Note at the end of the 10th Wisteria Witches book!
Honestly, I'm a little surprised to find myself here. Maybe you aren't, because you regularly read series that are 10-books long or longer, but I've never written anything this enormous. It has taken three years of my life. Uh, that sounds dramatic. I've actually done other things over the past three years. I wasn't toiling over these books every minute of every day, yet, in a way, I was. Since chapter one of book one, I've always had Wisteria on my mind, picking up ideas and inspiration everywhere.
But before I ramble on about all sorts of personal things, I should probably answer the burning question on your mind.
Will there be more Wisteria? More of the Riddles?
Quick answer: Yes.
Long answer: Even though this tenth book wraps up several storylines, and serves as a closure of sorts, with the characters in a happy place, their perfect moment will not last forever. I will swoop my hand of fate into their lives again to stir things up, for your amusement. I do have some ideas about where and when we will jump back in, but nothing is set in stone, so I literally could not give you a bunch of spoilers right now. Just like Aunt Zinnia, I don't like the idea of rigid prophecies. What would be the fun in that?
How did you enjoy Wishful Wisteria? If things went according to plan, you were surprised and delighted. You probably noticed this adventure was a bit less gory than recent ones. I knew it was time to turn our eyes toward the relationships between the characters. The mystery in this one, while having some twists and turns, was not the major focus. Harry Blackstone's murder started late and ended early for that reason.
Also, unlike the previous two Daybreak stories, Zara wasn't partnered with Bentley in a detective capacity. He and Persephone did all the grunt work, off page, of poison research and alibi checking. That surprised me a little, as I had imagined at the outset of the Daybreak trilogy that Zara would be partnered with Bentley for all three books. But th
en, as I worked with Ms. Rose and got to know her, I realized who she was, and how her presence would change everything. Also, I had not expected that Bentley would turn into a vampire so quickly, but then things got super crazy in Wardens of Wisteria, and... that melee in the cafeteria happened.
On the subject of plotting, I've been enjoying the series "Barry" on HBO. It's a dark comedy about an assassin, played by the rubber-faced and hilarious Bill Hader. What a show! I love it. I was watching some of the behind-the-scenes interviews with the show writers, as I always do with shows I enjoy, and Bill Hader was talking specifically about the plot. He talked about how some shows might drag out a plot line for an entire season, but that Barry had two or three big arcs and resolutions within each season. According to the interview, the show writers themselves get annoyed when watching plots get dragged out, so they decided to write their show the way they would enjoy it, as a viewer.
I agree with that approach 100%, so that's why I will go ahead and "spend the plot dollars" in my stories rather than hoard them for some future rainy day. It's why Aunt Zinnia's planned City Hall trilogy became a duology (albeit two very long books.) If it feels right to have something happen now instead of later, I'm not going to pump the brakes!
Have I paced everything perfectly? Heavens, no. There are a few things I'd do differently if I were starting from scratch. But the great thing about books is they are not 30-minute episodes of television. There's some wiggle room. Books can be as long as they need to be, especially in this age of digital books. Also, some of those side diversions that feel random at the moment will eventually yield gold.
I'm sure some of you thought I'd fallen off a cliff into madness when the mythology of the Four Eves showed up in book 5, Wisteria Wyverns. That was completely unplanned. Who did I think I was? Neil Gaiman? Not at all, but I suspect he has a similar process!
I didn't have anything in my outline about telling you the story of the Four Eves, but I found myself writing it anyway, thanks to those muses or goddesses of inspiration that help move my fingers when I'm at the keyboard. And that book was long, so it's not like I needed the word count! But I enjoyed writing the tale. And then later in the series, when Mahra herself emerged as the villain in book 9, wasn't it way more fun having Zara and Bentley square off against her instead of some Random Bad Gal you'd never heard of before? I believe we all love it when tales are artfully woven, as opposed to painted by the numbers.
Well, that's about enough of me patting myself on the back for being super awesome at book writing, and working really hard for three years to create something I feel proud of.
Would you like to hear a funny story about how Wishful Wisteria reached out from its universe and impacted my life?
This funny story begins with me inside the local public library, which is a lovely place to write and people-watch. Sometimes a library patron with a Pomeranian in a purse makes an appearance! Anyway, I was revising the chapter transition where Zara leaves her library and goes to the thrift store with Aunt Zinnia.
Out in the real world, I took a break to walk outside in the sunshine. On my way to the coffee shop, a colorful rack of clothes on the sidewalk caught my eye. Then, I was magically drawn into a thrift store. And then, I was magically inside the changing room trying stuff on, then I was purchasing four cute summer tops. (Do people normally say tops? I feel like you have to say "cute" if you're going to say "tops." The four cute tops were three blouses and one T-shirt with elastic smocking.) I brought my amazing bargains back to the library, opened my laptop, and continued revising the scene (which had been written a month earlier) in which Zara also picks up some bargain's at Mia's Kit and Kaboodle.
Now, I know that writing about Zara doing things doesn't make them happen in my life, and that's a good thing. I'd love her powers, but not the ghosts. However, I'm certain that I wouldn't have stepped into the thrift shop that day if the idea of doing so wasn't already framed positively in my mind. As of the day in question, I had been living in this town for three years. Exactly three years to the day, strangely enough. (My phone told me.) And while I'd always meant to pop into that store and browse around for the heck of it, I hadn't set foot in there until that day. The whole experience--a positive surprise, sunshine, cute summer tops, coffee, a book coming together nicely--gave me such a wonderful feeling. Happiness.
Remember that book or video The Secret that was popular a few years back? I suppose this was The Secret in action. If you have something positive in your mind, it's more likely to happen, because you'll have your eyes open for the opportunity. You'll be looking for the door that leads to that new experience, that grand adventure or quiet moment of peace. That door that may or may not have been there all along.
(Like the door in Zara and Zoey's dining room. See what I mean? It's a metaphor!)
Now, is my life that much better for having purchased four cute tops for the low price of $29? Sure! Not just because I have new clothes, but because I feel myself becoming more aware of those doors that lead to adventure.
The books have also opened my life in other ways. Writing characters who are not me helps me to understand the struggles other people face. For example, I have friends who are deeply affected by parental alienation, like what happened to Zara with her father.
When I listen to other people and their experiences, I am not thinking to myself "Oh, great! This is excellent research for my book!" That would be kind of horrible. And yet, just by having compassion and patience, I have absolutely gained more chops as a writer. I would feel guilty about this, if not for the fact that the goodness is passed on; When I write about complex emotional issues, it may help a reader who is dealing with something similar. And, if not, at least there are a few good jokes to make people laugh. You can't have too much of that.
As I close this Author's Note for this tenth book, I am lighter. I have lost thirty pounds since I started writing about Wisteria. I am a middle-aged lady who works on a computer, at home, in stretchy pants. How have I accomplished this miracle? Low-carb. No sugar, no grains, lots of steak.
The weight loss is not even the best part. I've had complete remission of all autoimmune or inflammatory issues, including allergies, sun sensitivity, fasciitis, knee pain, swollen ankles, dizziness, sleepiness, afternoon brain fog, anxiety attacks, and more. I have better energy than I've ever experienced in my entire life, plus stable mood, reduced hunger and cravings, and a brain that works as it should.
My current diet goes against the advice of many old-school dietitians and doctors, as well as my nation's suggested food guide. But I've done my research, read the newest research on the subject, and I'm a convert. Improved blood test results confirm what I feel.
I suffered from metabolic disease (like most of the population) that went undiagnosed for years, despite my various health complaints to well-meaning doctors. Once I finally found out what was killing me, I joyfully embraced change. Now I'm happily low-carb for life. So is my husband, who loves all the extra energy and mental focus.
I hope that you don't mind me sharing my health journey with you. I know that diet is a sensitive issue, like politics, or religion, or team sports, or which way the toilet paper roll goes on the toilet paper holder.
The important thing to remember is we're all working toward the same goal, which is health, happiness, and living long enough to have our neurons uploaded to The Singularity. (Joke!)
Meanwhile, there has been zero improvement in the diets of Zara and Zoey Riddle. I have artistic integrity! Also, they are supernatural, so they can take it.
In other news, there is more to my life than reading biology books and writing witch stories! I started doing improv comedy last year, and this year it has morphed into podcasting. You can learn more about my various podcast adventures at my website - www.angelapepper.com.
Lastly, I've spawned a clone of myself. Her name is Angela Jane Pepper. Surprise! Okay, it's actually not a true clone. It's just me. But that's the name I'll be using for some new b
ooks that will be releasing in early 2020. These ones have a slightly darker tone, and while they do have plenty of humor (I gotta be me!), they're not technically cozy mysteries, so that's why the other name.
I have written book one (She Never Told), and I really dig it. Now, before I start Wisteria #11, I'll probably finish books two and three, which are all planned out since the books are interconnected.
Wisteria #11 doesn't even have a name yet, but you and I both know it'll start with a W.
All plans are, of course, subject to change at the last minute!
FLOOPY DOOPS! This is a long note. If I were standing next to you right now, you'd kick me for not spending my writing time on 1-2 chapters of a new book. Or maybe you'd zap me with that butt-biting spell the witches love to use.
Ouch! Okay, I get it. I'll crack open the notes and get writing fiction. Just don't zap me again. I'll behave, I promise. My word is my bond.
Love, Angela
KERCHUNK
Angela Pepper Series Reading Order
Wisteria Witches Mysteries (Note: later books are grouped in mini-series)
#1 - Wisteria Witches
#2 - Wicked Wisteria
#3 - Wisteria Wonders
#4 - Watchful Wisteria
#5 - Wisteria Wyverns
#6 - City Hall #1 - Wolves of Wisteria
#7 - City Hall #2 - Wisteria Wrinkle
#8 - Daybreak #1 - Wardens of Wisteria
#9 - Daybreak #2 - Wisteria Warned
#10 - Daybreak #3 - Wishful Wisteria
...and more to come!
#11 - title to be announced.
NEW in 2020 - The Greenwood Trilogy
Contemporary psychological thrillers published as Angela JANE Pepper
Wishful Wisteria (Wisteria Witches Mysteries - Daybreak Book 3) Page 26