by Tena Stetler
“No, wait. Do you know a Benjamin Bonchard? I guess he went…”
“Yes, Ben was an old flame of your mother’s until she came to her senses senior year, and I made my move.” He chuckled. “Why?”
“I had a strange encounter with him this afternoon.” Pepper brought her dad up to speed with recent events. “It seemed almost like he’s still got a thing for her.”
Duncan roared with laughter. “After nearly forty years, that’s ridiculous.” He sobered and said, “The use of dark magic is troublesome…Are you sure about that?”
“Positive.”
Duncan paused. “He was never a very talented warlock but seemed harmless back then.” A door banged on her dad’s end of the line.
“Is that Mom?”
“Yep.” He filled Klaren in on the details of the conversation so far and handed over the phone.
“Hi, Pep, how are you?” her mother asked warmly.
“Good. I heard Pops fill you in. Was your breakup with Ben amicable?”
“It was so long ago. But as I remember, he wasn’t happy—furious in fact, blamed your father. Why?”
“He’s best buds with Tom Green. Dad gave me a synopsis of your research to date. No skeletons in the McKay closet. Plenty of ghosts, though.” Pepper giggled and continued. “Seems to me, he is the common denominator. I’m going to dig a little deeper, see if he ever left town, was married, any kids. Psycho tendencies. Stuff like that.”
Lathen eased onto the sofa beside her, shaking his head. “No. I don’t want you digging around anymore.” He reached for the phone. She pulled away and waggled a finger in warning, tapping the speaker icon on the phone. “Mom, you’re on speaker, so Lathen can hear your thoughts.”
“Lathen, nice to almost meet you. Our little girl hasn’t told us a thing about you. However, Gwen has filled in some blanks.”
“What—Gwen…I’m going have a talk with her.” Pepper huffed.
“Pep, we gotta find out what you are up to somehow. Anyway, I agree with Lathen. I’d rather you didn’t do any digging. Let me. Your encounter may have put him on alert. With all you have to do for the rescue and rehab, you don’t want him causing mayhem. If he’s teamed up with a relative looking for revenge, I’d like to know who, before we get blindsided.”
“Unless he’s in cahoots with Tom Green. Then it is an ongoing situation. I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall.”
“But it’s been quiet for a while, right?” her mother countered.
“Yes, but…” Pepper heard her mom cover the mouthpiece on her end of the phone. There were muffled voices, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. “Hey, I’m still here.”
“We know you are, dear. Trying to hammer out a few details on an idea. Tell you what. We’ll get it all figured out and call you back. Meanwhile, spread around that I will be at the grand opening. But don’t get near Ben again. Please.”
“Okay. Pops is coming too. Right?”
“Of course, he wouldn’t miss it for the world. But let’s keep it quiet.”
“Oh, I see where you going with this. You think he’s capable of…” She picked at the hem of her shirt. “What would be his point after all these years?”
“I don’t know what to think. Lathen, keep an eye on our girl. Make sure she’s safe.”
“I’m doing my best, but your daughter is a bit headstrong and well—stubborn.” Lathen held up his hand to fend off a swipe from Pepper as she leaned across the sofa, the rocker bucking her backward as he stifled a laugh.
“Oooh, don’t we know it. I blame it on the McKay Irish genes. Take care and be careful. We’ll be in touch.”
Pepper ended the call and shoved up from the rocking reclining couch. “Guess we better get back at it.”
“Yep. Want to see how the marine clinic is coming along? Got most the equipment installed, and it’s looking good.” He caught her hand and entwined their fingers while they strolled down the path to the marine area.
****
The days and nights blurred together as Lathen, Pepper, contractors, and volunteers worked feverishly on the clinics and habitats for the center. The barn was renovated into an indoor aviary with holding cages for injured and rehabbing birds. Lathen designed and supervised the building of the marine clinic and rehab center on the McKay beach from the ground up. It was no easy feat, but he was pleased at how the clinic integrated with the habitat, along with the ocean pool and water system. Pepper’s background in marine biology was invaluable. They spent long nights until the sun came up poring over the plans, inventing solutions to specific problems for filtration. He crossed his arms over his chest and surveyed his creation with pride.
To the plans, Lathen added an outdoor aviary at one end of the barn, for the nice weather. Pepper disagreed they needed it, but he maintained better to build it now than wish they had. His position was the same at the mammal habitat. He built a few permanent quarters separated from the temporary ones for injured and rehabbing animals. Better to build now and not need them, than to need them in the dead of winter and be unable to build them. Besides he knew Pepper’s heart. There would always be a disabled creature she couldn’t bear to send to a sanctuary, even Gwen’s.
On the marine facility they agreed. Extra wash tubs with sprayers, stainless steel counters, examining tables, and rehab pool supplied by ocean water with optional filtration system in the event the ocean’s water at their beach was compromised or contaminated. She wanted a locked cabinet for medicines in the aviary, mammal, and marine habitats. Gallons of the dish soap necessary to clean oil from feathers and skin with dispensing ports at all the tubs and counters.
Against Brandon’s suggestion, Pepper maintained a private office in the cabin. But the files and day to day business would be in the main office Lathen designed as an addition to the mammal habitat. By the first of July, they were ahead of schedule and set the grand opening date for September to coincide with the autumn equinox. One of only two days of the year that the day and night are exactly equal, in balance. Coming to Lobster Cove had balanced her life, so she thought the timing fit. At least it sounded good as they worked on a draft for the fliers. When Pepper went into town, she made sure to mention that her mother would be attending the grand opening.
Around noon on Friday, July 3rd, Lathen hobbled through the barn converted to a finished aviary and glanced out the door at the other projects scattered on the land. All were well ahead of schedule. And the addition to Pepper’s cabin was finished. Working on it in between projects had been a piece of cake and kept him from sending workers home when any of the projects stalled. But the fourteen-hour days and strenuous work had taken a toll on his back. The damaged nerve in his leg was screaming for relief. He leaned against the wall and reached for his phone to let Pepper know what he was thinking. She agreed.
Fifteen minutes later, he had all the volunteers and contractors gathered in front of the mammal habitat as Pepper walked out the door and stood beside him. “Everyone, could I have your attention? Pepper and I want to thank you for all your hard work and keeping us ahead of schedule. So we are knocking off early today, and I don’t want to see anyone here until Wednesday morning. Enjoy a few days off.”
A cheer when up from all the workers.
“See you all at the Lobster Cove Fourth of July celebration, tomorrow. Now get out of here.” Lathen smiled as the employees beat feet to their cars.
Pepper slung her arm around Lathen’s waist and hugged him.
Lathen groaned. “Not so hard.”
“Hurting? Want to use the newly installed whirlpool in the mammal habitat?”
“No, I want a hot tub installed in the cabin,” Lathen grumped.
Pepper pursed her lips and a brow winged up. “Not a bad idea. Want me to…”
“I was only kidding.” He leaned over and kissed the corner of her mouth.
“I’m not. We can seal off part of the exercise room for a hot tub, use it year around. It would be great to soak in,
relax aching muscles, and with all the large double-insulated windows you installed in the front, enjoy the scenery. And I can think of lots of alternate uses for it, some therapeutic. Others—” She slid her hand over the bulge beneath his zipper and laughed seductively. “—not so much.”
“Add it to the list. Right now, I need to lie down and stretch out, before my back locks up,” he said, limping toward the house. He never figured out why the wolf genes hadn’t completely healed his injuries. If he ever returned to the pack, maybe the family doctor could…Well, that wasn’t going to happen—unless things with Pepper worked out, then an introduction would be required. Wouldn’t that just beat all?
“I’ll join you,” Pepper said.
Chapter Thirteen
Fourth of July Celebration
—Not for the Faint of Heart
By midmorning on the fourth of July, the fog and clouds had burned off, and the sun shone brightly in a clear blue sky. Main Street was lined with spectators waving flags of all sizes, waiting for the parade to begin. Several including Pepper and Lathen brought chairs and sat in front of the throngs of people standing behind them on the corner of Main Street and Oak Avenue. Looked like the whole town had turned out. Small children played along the street waiting for the festivities to begin, their faces painted in a red, white, and blue motif.
Pepper was decked out in a red and blue tank top with white glittery stars scattered over it, blue jeans, and red shoes. She had a light sweater tied around her waist. Lathen was dressed in the red striped shirt Pepper had laid out with his blue jeans and boots. After the stimulating massage she’d given him yesterday and a few painkillers, he was mobile and feeling better. Over the past couple of weeks, Pepper encouraged him to bring over some of his clothes and personal items for the nights he stayed with her, which was quite often these days.
The thought of how to get the hot tub and have it installed without Lathen’s knowledge bounced around her mind. She never used magic frivolously or for personal gain, but this wasn’t only for her. It would ease his pain, and he’d done so much for her. And if their relationship worked out the way she hoped, he’d be a permanent fixture in her life. But getting the tub and installation without his knowledge, now that was the quandary.
“Hey, babe. What you thinking about?” Lathen asked.
Yanked out of her thoughts, she smiled over at him and said, “Nothing, just vegging.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Hear the high school band tuning up? They must be ready to start the parade.”
She listened but shook her head. “I don’t hear anything.”
“You will.” He pointed down Main Street, and a few minutes later the band turned the corner from Pine Avenue onto Main Street. Next appeared a vintage car club, floats from various businesses in Lobster Cove, and finally the equestrian club atop their noble Andalusian steeds.
Pepper twisted in her chair and said, “Did you know the Andalusian was known for its prowess as a war horse? The horse came from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. Nobility prized the breed and used it as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government. Kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses.”
“Liked the horses, huh?” Lathen asked, his eyes twinkling.
“Of course.”
After the last one had passed by with red, white, and blue streamers braided in its mane, Pepper and Lathen folded up their chairs and strolled toward the town square. People gathered around the few food vendors or spread their picnic lunches out on the grass and enjoyed the social atmosphere. Frisbees zoomed across the grassy area, volleyball nets popped up, teams chosen, and games played over the course of the afternoon.
Without warning, a ripple of alarm skittered up her spine. Pepper whirled around just in time to see Benjamin Bonchard saunter through the crowd, headed right for her. She grabbed Lathen’s arm, inadvertently jerking him away from his conversation with Mike and Jean, a couple of volunteers that helped at the center. Lathen eyed her with mild irritation as his brows knitted together.
“Excuse us for a minute,” she said pleasantly. Taking a few steps from the couple, Pepper jerked her chin in Ben’s direction and whispered, “That’s him, and he’s headed this…” Before she could get the words out, Ben was at her side, grabbed her free hand, and a disturbing awareness zinged up her arm and across her shoulder. By the time it reached her temple, she felt lightheaded and yanked her hand free as Lathen stepped in front of her, forcing them both to take a step backward.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Lathen said, eyes narrowed, tense and watchful. “I’m Lathen Quartz. And you are?”
Caught off guard, Ben flicked a steely gaze to Lathen. “Ben Bonchard, clerk and recorder’s office,” he said sharply. In a sudden switch of demeanor, his eyes softened and his voice became cordial. “I didn’t know you were with Pepper. We met a few days ago. She left without the information she was seeking.” He thrust a piece of paper at Pepper. “This is the gentleman’s name and phone number, who can assist in your records search.”
“Thank you,” she said coolly, taking the paper from his grasp with her thumb and index finger.
He stared at her hand momentarily, then returned his gaze to her face. “I hear Klaren will be attending the wildlife center grand opening. You must be excited. Shame your father won’t be accompanying her.”
“That hasn’t been decided, yet. Mom will be here to help me wrap up a few things before the opening,” she said airily.
The corners of his mouth turned up in a solicitous smile. “While she’s here I’d like to get together and catch up. Tell her I’ll be in touch.” He nodded to Lathen, wandered through the crowd, and disappeared.
“What was that all about?” Lathen asked.
“Hell if I know. This sounds ludicrous, but it felt like a warning. Trying to scare me?” She shivered at the memory of his touch. “He’ll learn I don’t scare easily. Too bad you didn’t shake his hand. Maybe I could figure out if he controls the dark magic or it controls him.”
“Thought about it. But he would have learned more about me than we want him to know. He’s got an agenda. The less he knows about us, the better.” Lathen wrapped his hand around hers and gave it a squeeze. “Want an iced mocha?” he pointed to a booth behind the gazebo. “Then we mingle and visit before the boat decorating contest.”
At dusk, the mist rolled in, but it didn’t dampen the revelers’ enthusiasm. Pepper and Lathen followed the crowd over to the harbor where several boats were lined up and decorated with different kinds of patriotic colored lights. A variety of bulbs burned steady, while others flashed, chased, and twinkled. One pleasure craft had a flag draped over the bow made up of red, white, and blue lights that blinked in time to “The Star Spangled Banner” playing in the background.
After casting votes for the best display, they returned to Lathen’s pickup and drove the short distance to the Sea Crest Inn, where everyone gathered for an ice cream social to benefit local charities. Local bands presented the entertainment for the evening. Music ranged from country to rock and roll, and even a group that did a respectable job on the 1812 Overture as the spectacular fireworks display exploded in the night sky.
They found the best view of the fireworks and Lathen stood, his arms wrapped around Pepper’s waist, as she leaned into him. During a lull in the fireworks, someone tapped on his shoulder. He craned his neck to see Matt Redmond, the maintenance supervisor for the Sea Crest standing beside him.
“Sorry to bother you,” Matt said sheepishly. “But the ice cream machine is froze up. We’ve tried all the usual fixes, nothing works. Any chance you could take a quick look at it? We still have people in line that bought tickets. It’s for charity, you know.”
Glancing around, Lathen sighed and whispered against Pepper’s ear, “I’ll be right back, don’t move.” He tightened his arms around her for a moment, then released. “Sure, Matt. Lead the way.”
Matt looked apologetically at
Pepper. “I won’t keep him long. Promise.” Then he strode through the crowd with Lathen close behind him.
The ice cream machine was about ten yards from her. Pepper watched him lean toward it, then step behind the machine. She turned her attention back to the shower of colorful lights bursting in midair.
A cold shiver ran up her spine as goose bumps crept up her arms. Pepper reached down to untie her sweater from her waist, and someone grabbed her around the middle and covered her mouth with a hand. Excruciating pain exploded through her temples. Instinctively, she sank her front teeth into the palm of the hand covering her mouth. He cursed and shook his hand free. She screamed, stomped backward grinding her heel onto his foot, then whirled around, elbows out, and connected with the bridge of his nose. A split second later, she shoved her knee up hard into his groin. Blood spurting from his nostrils, hands cupping the family jewels, he yelled a stream of curses as he hit the ground and curled into a fetal possession. A big burly man pounced on the attacker, yanked his arms behind his back, and pressed a knee to his ass as the attacker writhed in pain.
The burly man glanced up at Pepper. “You all right?”
Bent over at the waist, forearms resting on her thighs, palms together, she gulped in air and said haltingly, “I’m okay. Thanks.” As she battled to keep the magic furor at bay, her hands tingled. She shook them out and clasped them tight together. Can’t release magic among mortals.
Pepper’s scream brought Lathen bounding through the crowd, just as Pepper landed the final blow and Sven, the big burly man, subdued Tom Green.
“What the fuck are you doing here? Restraining order mean nothing to you?” Lathen snarled, jabbing the toe of his boot in Tom’s ribs. Leaning over, his arms enveloped Pepper calming her angry energy. “You okay?”
