A Witch's Journey

by Tena Stetler

  “I’m not going to bother you,” Pepper said in a soothing voice, then stepped off the porch. While her pulse quickened, she didn’t sense any danger, so she moved carefully to the middle of the clearing to get a better look. At the edge of the clearing, she spotted a huge furry canine stalking toward her. It fit the description Brandon had given her. She blew out a breath, stopped forward movement, and raised her arms slowly above her head.

  After the dog stopped and cocked its head to the left, it raised its nose in the air, sniffed, still not taking its eyes off her. Not sure how long she stood rooted to the spot, but the dog eventually lost interest and ran off into the woods. Quickly she walked backward to the cabin, extinguished the ball of light, and opened the back door. She stepped inside, closed the door and leaned her back against it. Wow, that dog was ginormous.

  The dry dog food she’d purchased was still on the front floor of her truck. Tomorrow, she’d get the food and fill one of the metal bowls she’d purchased and set it at the edge of the clearing, introduce him to her scent. Time to see if she could bring the dog in closer. If the dog had meant her harm, he would have attacked rather than run off. As it was, he appeared to be warning her off what he perceived to be his territory, and he was wrong. Sure she was dealing with a scared creature; she would shift her encounters accordingly.

  At the kitchen table, she pulled out the financial papers Brandon had given her and studied them. The sums of money overwhelmed her. She put the papers down and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. Having no idea where to start, she decided to check the law firm’s references the lawyer had provided. If they checked out, she’d leave the money management in his hands or the hands of those Brandon trusted. A monthly report sent to her would be required. She might be inexperienced in monetary matters in those sums, but she was no fool.

  She scrounged around for a paper and pen to jot down a to-do list for tomorrow and a long-term list for the first few months. From what she’d seen of the barn, it could be renovated into several roomy enclosures for recovering birds, with an inside aviary and clinic. The larger of the other buildings could be remodeled with several comfortable kennels and connecting outside run for each. The smaller one could be her office and a lab for onsite testing. The aquatic life rehab would require more thought and planning, but she could adapt something close to the shore. According to the plot map Brandon provided, her property spread all the way to the ocean.

  Next she made a list of things she needed to discuss with Lathen. The dog was at the top of the list. Glancing at her watch, she decided it wasn’t too late to give Gwen a call.

  Gwen picked up on the first ring. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, everything is fine, well, really better than fine. You should see this place. As soon as I get Internet service, I’ll send pictures. The cabin is perfect. There is an aviary attached for Kaylee. That’s a long story. But there is a huge barn, needs some work, as do a couple of the smaller buildings, but…Gwen, if I can get the permits, I think this place would be perfect for a rehab center. Which is the reason I’m calling.”

  “Whoa, there girl. One thing at a time. Kaylee made the trip okay?”

  “Yes, of course,” Pepper said impatiently. “She’s been fed and is sleeping in the indoor aviary.”

  “Indoor? Heated?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’m coming up there. No, wait, can’t, Jodi is on vacation this week. But when she gets back, I’m there.”

  “Great. Until then, tell me where to go and what I need to do to get this off the ground. I already have my attorney looking into the nonprofit status. He’s cute, but married with three adorable kids.”

  “Just my luck. Anyway, the town council is your first stop, tell them what you want to do, show them your credentials. Get their support. I’ll look up the state requirements on the Internet and call you tomorrow with the results. How long before you have Internet service?”

  “Soon, I hope. Ooohh—I forgot to tell you about this rugged handyman, I met. He comes highly recommended and will be helping me with the repairs and renovations if my plan gets approved. I don’t know if he is available, but I sure am going to check it out. He is so understanding, knowledgeable, and what a hunk. He’s offered to help me move in.”

  “Oh, honey…your judgement in men…Be careful, he sounds too good to be available or more baggage than…Aw hell, reel him in if you can. What about money? You know it takes…Need to start fundraising as soon as the permits are in place.”

  Pepper sighed, wondering just how much she should tell Gwen, right now. Aw to hell with it. If I can’t trust her, who can I trust. “There’s more than enough money for what I have planned and the property is free and clear of debts. But I’ll still do fundraising. Send me your suggestions.”

  “That’s wonderful, you deserve this,” Gwen said cheerfully.

  As Pepper continued to discuss her plans with Gwen, an idea formed. On the to-do list she’d created, Pepper scribbled the wildlife refuge in Salem and beside it wrote “discuss ongoing contributions with Brandon.” She was sure that her aunt and Colleen had favorite charities they supported, so now there would be one more.

  “Well, I’ve gotta go, make final rounds, and head home. I’m bone tired…I know you will be as soon as the adrenaline wears off.” Gwen chuckled.

  “Yeah, I still have to bring my parents up to speed. Everything happened so fast. I didn’t have a chance to call them.”

  “Oh girl, you are in so much trouble. They don’t even know about the magic—or you were forced to—that you were moving?”

  “Don’t you ever finish a sentence?” Pepper laughed. “What could I tell them? I didn’t know where I would go and didn’t want to worry them. Now, I’ll tell them the whole story.”

  “Better get to it. I’ll talk with you tomorrow. And plan to see me week after next.”

  “I’ll send directions. Night.” Pepper disconnected the call and looked at her watch. It was kinda late, but if she didn’t call, there’d be hell to pay…She hit speed dial three for her parents.

  Her mom, Klaren, picked up before it rang. “Pepper, what on earth is going on with you? I’ve had so many mixed feelings for several days.”

  “Mom, it’s great…now. The magic around Salem on the anniversary of…well, it was out of control. I used my gifts to protect the rehab clinic and sanctuary. There was…Oh, I don’t want to talk about that.”

  “Slow down, Pep,” her mother said.

  “Something wonderful happened. You won’t believe it.” Pepper proceeded to fill her mom in on everything that had happened. She told her about the property and her plans for it. It seemed odd to Pepper that her mother didn’t know Colleen had given up the property and even seemed a bit reserved when Pepper told her the reason for Colleen’s decision. But Pepper chalked it up to being tired and her overactive imagination.

  “Mom, you and Dad need to come for a visit—when I get things settled.”

  “Just let us know when. If you need help, call. We’ll be on the first plane out there.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’m exhausted, so I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay, baby, take care. Talk to you soon. And be careful. Okay? Love you.”

  There it was again, reservation and almost worry in her mom’s voice. “Sure, Mom, love you too.” Pepper disconnected the call and shook her head. You’re losing it, get a grip. She padded toward the bedroom.

  Before turning the lights out, she checked on her bird. The hinges squeaked when Pepper opened the aviary door and tiptoed inside. The room was toasty warm. Kaylee opened an eye sleepily, ruffled her feathers, watched for a second, then closed her eye again. Pepper backed out and closed the damn squeaky door.

  Halfway up the stairs, she remembered her suitcase was at the bottom. She huffed out a breath, went back, and lugged the case up to the loft. After her shower, she dressed in sweat pants and a thermal shirt and crawled into bed, immediately falling into a fitful sleep.

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nbsp; By four in the morning, Pepper gave up on sleeping. Too many things bounced around in her head vying for attention. Money was no longer a problem, and she didn’t know how she felt about that. Sure, you always dream about being rich, but seemed to her, you just exchanged one set of problems for another.

  While she pulled on a pair of worn jeans and wiggled into her favorite oversized purple sweater with a black t-shirt underneath, she worked out the details of a wildlife center in her head. Did she want to rescue and rehab the creatures or did she want to add a permanent placement for aquatic birds? Maybe an area for—no. After working with Gwen, she had a good network of sanctuaries that specialized in caring for animals unable to function in the wild. Working under pressure and on the spur of the moment to save creatures’ lives had always been her strength. Not wanting to spread herself too thin, she decided to stick to the rescue and rehab, leave permanent care to those already prepared to handle that situation.

  Feeling more settled, she ran a brush through her long light red hair, pulled it back in a ponytail, and stepped out the front door into the swirling mist. She jogged down the path to the beach and ran along the shore to the end of her property, then wound her way past the pond and to the outside aviary. When Pepper swung open the door to the inside aviary, she found Kaylee sitting on the counter next to the fish holding tank.

  “Is this your way of telling me you’re hungry?” Pepper chuckled, taking out a large fish, and tossing it into the air. Kaylee watched the fish fly toward the ceiling, then she hopped lazily and flapped a couple times catching the food as it dropped toward the floor. She returned to her perch, taking small bites of the fish, all the while staring at Pepper.

  “I wasn’t gone that long, just needed physical exercise to unwind, get ready for my day. You’re not starved.”

  Kaylee blinked at her several times, then turned her attention to ripping the fish apart.

  Pepper ambled into the cabin, leaving the inside aviary door open. After she fixed a mug of tea, she stood at the kitchen window, holding the steaming mug with both hands, staring out at her property. A loud rumbling in her stomach reminded her it was time for breakfast. Thanks to Brandon, her fridge was stocked. She pulled out eggs, butter, and bacon. She rummaged through the box labeled kitchen stuff, found a frying pan and toaster. Searched the cabinets and found a loaf of whole wheat bread. Plugged in the toaster, popped two pieces of bread in the slots, and pushed the lever.

  A short time later, she sat at the kitchen table and scarfed down a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. Finishing off her second mug of tea, she ran water in the sink, added a squirt of dish soap, and dropped the mug in the water, watching it bob, then sink. What would her first day in the cabin bring?

  Chapter Four

  Just When You Think Things Are Under Control…

  Whap! Fate Slaps You Upside the Head

  Lathen pushed open the door to Maggie’s Diner, waved to the girl behind the counter, and plopped into a blue vinyl booth next to the window. The blue-checked cafe curtains swayed as he scooted to the middle of the seat and relaxed against the back. So far it had been a successful morning. The intermittent leak at the Sea Crest Inn had only taken a couple hours to track down and repair. Patching the drywall after the repair was a pain, but it looked good when he finished. Matt, the maintenance super was pleased. Overflow work from the inn kept Lathen busy during the tourist season.

  Kate sidled up to the cream and chrome table. “What can I get you this morning?” She leaned over, her white polo unbuttoned to show a good bit of cleavage, set a cup and saucer on the table, and poured steaming coffee to the rim of the cup. Kate, born and raised in Lobster Cove, was now just north of thirty years old, single, and still lived life on the wild side.

  “I’d like the blueberry pie, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.” He took a sip of coffee, turned his attention to the pedestrian traffic out the window, and hoped Kate would be on her way. She’d been overly friendly the last few weeks, and he’d considered taking her out, but…Friday night before last had changed all that.

  “Haven’t seen you around for a while. Where you been keeping yourself?” She nudged his shoulder with her hip.

  So much for moving on. “Ms. Denton wanted a lot of work done up at the McKay place before she left and the new owner took possession.”

  “Yeah, I heard there was another McKay witch moving in. Have you met her yet?”

  “Ms. McKay’s niece inherited the property after Ms. Denton decided to move into the cottage on her brother’s property.” He shrugged and took another sip of coffee. “Guess the McKay place took too much time and energy to keep up, so she thought it best to turn it over to a new generation.”

  “That’s a nice way of putting it,” Kate said as the bell on the door jangled, indicating the arrival of another customer. “I’ll be back with your pie.” She winked at him and sashayed off to the new customer, coffee pot in hand.

  In the kitchen, standing behind the pass through, Joe smiled and waved, his eyebrows raised almost to his hairline as he looked from Lathen to Kate and back.

  Lathen blew out a breath and sipped his coffee. This situation couldn’t continue, he needed to talk with Kate before the whole town had him in bed with her. She was back with his pie.

  “Can I get you anything else? Maybe you’d like to stop by my…”

  “No, I’m good.” He scooped up a bite of pie with a bit of ice cream and slid it into his mouth. She hovered over his table for several minutes as he ate the pie.

  Joe hollered from the pass through. “Order up, now.”

  Kate’s lips set in a thin line. Eyes narrowed, she whirled around to face Joe. Lathen chuckled to himself. This is the last time I stop in here until I can set Kate straight.

  Forking up the last piece of pie, he glanced out the window and saw a tall, willowy woman with miles of wavy red hair cascading down her back. When she glanced in the window, her smile radiated in sparkling emerald green eyes as she sauntered across the street. Wiping his mouth, he pushed up from the table, tossed a five-dollar bill down, struggled into his jacket, and rushed out the door.

  He called out to Pepper and caught up with her a block from the diner on Main Street. “Hey, you finding your way around town?”

  “Yes. I’ve met a few people and introduced myself. Everyone seems quite friendly. I was going to call you later.” She stopped in front of the town square and studied the gazebo. “Bet this is nice when it’s all decorated at Christmas time.”

  “It is and for Halloween too.” He paused for a beat and zipped up his coat. “You ready to move the rest of your stuff in?”

  “Yep. There’s not much.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “Whenever you’re available.”

  “Be there late afternoon. I have to stop by the high school. They have an electrical problem. So I’ll be over right after that.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. Halloween is my favorite holiday. No pressure, just lots of fun, decorations, and celebration. Any idea who I should talk to regarding the permits or zoning for the wildlife rescue and rehab? I want to get started as soon as I can get the okay from the town council. The barn is going to need a lot of work. I want to turn it into an aviary, with holding cages for injured birds, indoor free flight, clinic area, and maybe someday an outdoor flight.”

  He nodded. “Got big plans for the property.”

  “Yep. The larger of the two buildings, I’d like to divide it into kennels, and then add outside runs on each with opaque dividers half way up the fencing. Is that possible?”

  “Anything is possible. What about the smaller building?”

  “I’d like to convert that into an onsite laboratory, maybe an office, storage.”

  “How about when I stop by later this afternoon, we sketch out what you want, I’ll work out a quote, and we can go from there?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Hey, I’ll bring dinner, that way you can spend more time checking out the town.”


  “I didn’t realize we were discussing dinner,” she said with a smirk.

  “I didn’t want you to go hungry if we get all involved in planning your rehab.” His smile was short lived as he felt an arm snake around his waist from behind.

  “Surprise,” Kate said eying Pepper over his shoulder. “You didn’t even say goodbye when you rushed out of the diner,” she cooed.

  Lathen sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “Kate, this is Pepper McKay. She moved into the McKay property last night. Pepper, Kate, she works over at Maggie’s.” He wrenched her arm from around his waist and glared at her. This wasn’t the time, but…I need to…”

  “Nice to meet you, Kate. I’ll have to stop at the diner in the near future. I’m kinda familiarizing myself with the town today.” She glanced at her watch. Where had the time gone? “I gotta get back. If you’re too busy this afternoon, Lathen, I can wait.”

  “Not at all, I’m free after stopping by the high school. You like pizza?”

  “I do,” Kate volunteered.

  Pepper looked from Kate to Lathen, her forehead crinkled. “Pizza is my favorite food group.” As she stood in the threesome, clouds obscured the sun, and a fine mist began to fall.

  Pointedly ignoring Kate, he said, “Great, I’ll pick up a large meat pizza and a couple liters of pop on my way over. We’ll get you moved in and spend the rest of the evening working on the plans. Sound good?”

  “Yep. See you later. It was nice meeting you, Kate,” Pepper called out as she turned and sprinted down the street toward her truck.

  The mist increased to a drizzle. Seething, Lathen watched Pepper until she stopped, climbed into her truck, slowly pulled out, and cruised down Main turning left on Maple. He whirled on Kate. While a little voice in his head told him not to make a scene, he ignored it. “Kate, you’re a beautiful woman, but I’m not what you’re looking for.”