A Trick for a Treat

by A. A. Albright

  I heard a sniffle. ‘You’re right,’ Christine said in a choked-up voice. ‘You should be concentrating on Emily. But I promise you, Kevin, I’ll be doing the same. I’ll find who’s really responsible for this. I swear I will.’

  ‘I know you will.’ Kevin’s voice had taken on a softer tone. ‘If anyone can find out who’s framing Emily, it’s the Wayfairs. And as for you and me ... I certainly don’t want this to be over before it’s begun. We will get together again, Christine. Y’know – when I have time to do more than worry about my daughter.’

  As I heard the back door open, I thought about going in to comfort her. By the sound of it, she was crying her heart out. If it was me, though, the last thing I would want was company. I usually preferred to suffer in my own soggy silence. So I went to my room, showered and changed quickly, and stayed put until Gabriel arrived to pick me up.

  ≈

  To my surprise, he came on a broom, and had tidied himself up. He hadn’t gone full TV persona Gabriel, thankfully. But he had definitely made an effort.

  ‘Hi Wanda.’ He gave me a wide smile that nearly blinded me.

  As I covered my eyes, he jumped down off his broom, conjured a mirror and looked into it in horror. ‘I forgot to undo my tooth glamour after today’s show.’ He waved his hand, and his teeth returned to a less frightening shade of white. His face, however, was fire-engine red. ‘Well, clearly I’ve got this date off to a flying start,’ he said. ‘Let’s begin again. Wanda, you look beautiful tonight.’

  Okay, so now it wasn’t his teeth that were causing me problems. Date? I racked my brain. When had this been scheduled as a date?

  I guess that my distress must have been all too clear, because Gabriel suddenly laughed (albeit a tad hollowly) and said, ‘Hah! You should have seen your face, Wanda! Date indeed.’

  Even while he was speaking, I could practically see the wind leaving his sails. He had clearly reached the same conclusion himself, because he rolled his eyes and groaned. ‘Who am I trying to kid. I can pretend to be the biggest slimeball on the planet on Wyrd News in the Afternoon, but I can’t fake it with you.’ He swallowed. ‘Yeah, I thought this was a date. So ... do you want to knock it on the head?’

  ‘I ...’ I found myself once again searching my brain. This time, though, it was for reasons why this couldn’t be a date. Gabriel was handsome, in the not-too-polished way I loved. He had an amazing personality when he wasn’t being his TV self. He made me laugh. He got on well with Max. He was loyal to the Wayfair coven, and had come through for us, and for me, more than once. ‘I didn’t think it was a date,’ I said honestly. ‘I thought you were just giving me the gossip on the Wayfair versus Plimpton thing. But ... I don’t exactly hate that you thought it was a date.’

  His mouth curled into a tentative grin. ‘I’ll take that,’ he said. ‘And now, before you change your mind, shall we go?’

  He threw his leg back over his broom and gave me a look that was as sweet as it was hopeful. I felt something then. I’m not sure if it was shock that the guy every witch in the world fancied wanted to go on a date with me, or if it was actually romantic. It was just ... something.

  I jumped up behind him, and wrapped my arms around his waist. It felt firm beneath my hands, and he smelled amazing. Either he ate Nan’s apple tart every day of the week (and his toned abs would argue otherwise), or he had cologne that smelled like cinnamon. I breathed in deeply and said, ‘I’m ready if you are.’

  ≈

  Three Witches Brew was the largest tavern in Riddler’s Cove. Since coming back home, I’d learned that if people said they were ‘going down the pub,’ or ‘to the tavern,’ they invariably meant Three Witches Brew. The other establishments were newer, and not nearly as popular, although according to Melissa there was a branch of Lunas’ Nightclub that I had to check out.

  For now, the tavern was a big enough excursion. It was a beautiful old building, the sort of place I’d missed so much while I was in the human world. You could smell the history as soon as you walked in. Ancient books, barrels and tankards lined the walls and shelves, but you knew instantly that these items weren’t here for decoration. Everything gave off a magical air, even the gorgeous polished wood on the bar.

  ‘What’ll it be, Gabe?’ A man who looked about fifty came to the bar with a smile. He had hair so black it was almost blue, and twinkling grey eyes. I knew that he was one of the infamous three brother-witches who ran this place. From what I recalled, he was far older than he appeared. When America began a Potions Prohibition in the Year of the Cuckoo (1920) he and his brothers spent the ensuing years shipping illegal potions across the seas. There were supposed to be ancient passageways, running beneath the bar and leading to several coves along the coastline.

  ‘I’ll have a tankard of your Superbrew,’ Gabriel replied. He looked at me. ‘What about you, Wanda?’

  The landlord’s eyes grew wide. ‘Wanda, is it? Not little Wanda Wayfair?’

  ‘Um, yes.’

  He laughed. ‘You won’t remember me. You were far too young and your parents weren’t exactly big boozers. But I remember you.’ He nodded to a shelf filled with books behind him. ‘My brother Fiodóir found you back here one day when your coven were eating lunch. You must have read every single book. You started to list off all of our drinks’ and potions’ recipes. We wanted to give you a job, but your mammy was having none of it.’

  Gabriel laughed. ‘Seriously? Do you remember that, Wanda?’

  I searched my mind. Like everything since Melissa fixed me, it was there as soon as I needed it. ‘I won’t list off the ingredients for your Superbrew, Ronan,’ I said, winking at the landlord, delighted that I remembered his name. ‘But yeah, I know what’s in it. And now that I’m old enough, I think I’ll try one out.’

  With a laugh, he went to pour our drinks. The place was busy, filled with familiar faces having after work drinks before heading home. Gabriel and I found a booth in a quiet corner, and took our Superbrew there.

  ‘So what is in it?’ Gabriel asked as he took a sip. ‘You don’t really know, do you?’

  I patted my nose. ‘Oh, I know. But like I told Ronan, I won’t share the secret.’

  He gave me a slightly perplexed expression. ‘So it’s true, then? You’ve had the compelling reversed?’

  I took a deep swallow from my tankard, gasping as the liquid hit my throat. Seeing as I knew how much alcohol was in it, I probably shouldn’t drink so quickly. But I also knew about the feel-good herbs which were added to the process, and I really needed some of that right now. ‘You knew about Melissa?’

  He hesitated. ‘Oh. Sorry. I thought that you knew that I knew. It’s not like everyone knows. It’s just ... well, I have vampirism in my family too. Way, way back. I don’t have Melissa’s power, but I’m an expert at testing for it and teaching how to control it. I was the one who confirmed she had it.’

  ‘It feels weird to have you know things about me that I didn’t even know myself a couple of days ago. How many people did know exactly?’

  ‘Honestly, other than your mam, Christine and Melissa, it was just me. But ...’ He hesitated. ‘Your mam did hint to the coven that we should all take it slow with you, when you came back. She didn’t say why, but I think a few people might have been confused about you.’

  ‘Because I went off with them all thinking I was a child genius and returned a total dunce?’

  He shook his head, looking intently at me. ‘Not for a minute, Wanda. With everything you’ve done, people think you’re far from stupid. They were just a little surprised by how humble you were being. And ... maybe by the fact that you didn’t know the words to Witchy Wiggle.’

  I wrinkled my nose. ‘Witchy what?’

  ‘It’s a famous song that was out when you were a kid. You used to love it back then, so Agatha Oster played it while we were eating at your initiation. And while everyone sang along, you didn’t even recognise the song. People said you were probably just exhausted. But ... I figu
red it was because of Melissa’s dark magic.’

  I considered the information for a moment. I supposed I could get all precious about it and throw a hissy fit about Gabriel knowing. But no harm had been done, and I had spent far too long away from my coven. I wasn’t going to waste any more time feeling resentful. I shook my head, trying to relax. ‘Anyway, you said you had a story to tell me?’

  ‘Oh yeah. Are you sure you want to hear it, though? I mean, the last thing you need is yet another reason to hate Justine Plimpton.’

  ‘I wouldn’t worry about it.’ I took a sip of Superbrew. ‘I hate her so much I don’t think there’s any way I could hate her more.’

  Gabriel bit his lip. ‘Yeah, you think that now ... Okay, so believe it or not, your mother and Justine used to be friends.’

  ‘Believe it not,’ I said. ‘There’s no way they were even remotely chummy.’

  ‘Well, they were. They were all in a little gang of friends together at Crooked College, all bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to take on the world. Your mam and dad, the Minister, Christine and a whole bunch of others. But seeing as they were all a bunch of witches, you won’t be surprised to find out that some magic went awry.’

  I gave a ladylike snort (okay, so some Superbrew came out my nostrils, but let’s pretend it was ladylike). ‘When does magic not go awry?’

  ‘Well, your mam and dad, they were like ... made for each other. Y’know? Love at first sight kind of stuff. Then they had some stupid fight – don’t ask me over what – and they broke up. That’s when our beloved Minister stepped in. She and your dad started going out together, which broke up your mother’s friendship with Justine.’

  ‘For obvious reasons. Stupid Justine.’

  Gabriel nodded. ‘Stupid Justine indeed. See, it seemed weird to a lot of people that your dad was suddenly head over heels with Justine, when he hadn’t even looked at her before. My father, in particular, thought it was out of the ordinary. You haven’t met him yet, but let’s just say my dad is astute and leave it at that. Anyway, his witchy senses were tingling, so he did a bit of digging and found out there was a love potion involved.’

  I gasped. ‘Justine drugged my dad. How desperate was she? And aren’t love potions illegal anyway?’

  ‘They are, and with good reason. Justine should have gone to Witchfield for what she did, but she wriggled out of it. She managed to get the blame put on another student. Your mam and dad got back together and lived happily ever after.’ He looked apologetic. ‘Sorry. You know what I mean.’

  ‘It’s all right,’ I said. ‘But there has to be more to the story. Who was the other student? And if you all know it was really Justine, how come this other student never managed to prove their innocence? Details, Gabriel. I need details.’ I gave him a little smile. ‘You’re a lot more forthcoming than this on TV, y’know.’

  He laughed. ‘I’d love to flesh it out, trust me. But I’d be making things up if I did that. I only know the little I know from my dad, and from older coven members who let it slip after a few drinks. The other student was a young Potions’ student from the Minister’s own coven. A guy called Derek, I think. He ... well, he killed himself and left behind a note saying that he’d been the one who drugged your dad. He said he was testing out some new potions, and he hadn’t meant things to go so far. He said he was killing himself because he couldn’t live with the guilt. Your mother and father believed there was more to it, but they could never prove Justine’s guilt. It all just sort of ... fizzled out. But the hatred between Justine and your coven ... that just grew stronger and stronger over the years. And it didn’t help matters when the Plimpton coven started making brooms right after your dad went missing. That was just rubbing salt in the wound.’

  I sat back, thinking that I could really do with A Short Burst of Happiness round about now. I had no idea that the Plimpton coven produced brooms, and not because of a Melissa-sized hole in my memory. I simply never knew. Gabriel had been right. I could hate Justine Plimpton even more.

  ‘See? Not a pleasant story. So what do you say we get another drink, and forget about it?’

  I forced a smile, drained my tankard and stood up. ‘Good idea. My round.’

  Gabriel placed a hand on my arm and shook his head. ‘I’m still doing my best to turn this into a date, Wanda. Which means drinks are on me.’

  ‘Seriously? This was the Year of the Lotus, last time I checked. Not the Year of the Worm.’

  ‘Well, how about I get everything this time?’ he suggested as he stood up. ‘And you can treat me on our second date?’

  Even though he was smiling, there was a seriousness behind his eyes. Once again, I felt the need to remind myself of all the reasons why he was the perfect catch. ‘You’re on,’ I said. ‘But just so you know, I will be taking you somewhere fancy, so you’d better start planning your outfit.’

  I watched him as he wound his way towards the bar. He really was cute. And easy to get along with. I could definitely do worse. Actually, I had done worse. As he disappeared from my view, I sat back and relaxed, looking around at the pictures on the walls. Mostly they were of witches and their cats. Just as I was turning my eye to the stained glass windows, I felt the sort of weight that can only be felt when you’re being stared at.

  At a table across the way, three people were sitting. I had been wrong though. Two of them were not so much staring at me as they were glaring: Will Berry and Mandy Parker. The third person at the table, a woman with eyes just like Will’s, was casting a far more curious look in my direction. I gulped. She had to be Will’s mother. Which meant that Will and his new squeeze were getting serious.

  Mandy – or Little Miss Perky Nose as I had decided to call her – had her hand on Will’s arm, and after a good while of glaring at me, turned to whisper something to Will’s mother. Mandy let out a nasty little snigger at the end of whatever she had said. Will’s mother rewarded her by rolling her eyes.

  I sat back, doing my best not to feel smug. Oh, hell, I was definitely feeling smug. If anyone deserved to have a difficult time with the future in-laws, it was Mandy Parker. The rest of the world might see her as a superstar actress, but I would forever remember her as the girl who threw a cup of coffee at me and rode off with Will on a stupid tandem bike.

  Like Gabriel, she had a well-known surname that she hadn’t yet changed to that of her coven. But despite being known as Mandy Parker, she was very much a Berry in all the ways it counted. Entitled. Annoying. And did I mention her perky nose?

  ‘I see you’re going down in the world.’

  While I’d been doing my combination seethe and gloat, Mandy had managed to approach my table, silent as a witch’s cat.

  I glanced over at the table she’d been sitting at. Will was following Gabriel towards the bar, and his mother was making her way to the ladies’ room.

  I tried to give her a shrivelling gaze. Seeing as she was smirking, I doubt it worked very well. ‘So tell me, Mandy,’ I said. ‘Do you always wait for Will to leave before you reveal your ugly side?’

  She kept right on smirking. ‘I don’t need Will’s permission to speak to you. He should be thanking me, actually, for looking out for him. This is a very difficult time for our whole coven, thanks to you. Will’s poor mother has already had to bury her brother. She shouldn’t have to suffer through looking at your ugly face on top of it.’

  My mouth dropped open. ‘What the hell are you talking about? Me and Gabe got here way before you. And even if we didn’t, I don’t think your coven owns this place. Oh, and also, if you and the rest of the Berrys want anyone to be angry at over Harold Berry’s murder, you should be looking at Will’s dad, not at me.’

  Her nose did an odd little twitching thing. It made her look far from cute. She leaned back to her own table and picked up what was left of her drink. Just as she was about to throw it, her arm was stayed. To my surprise, Will appeared behind her, and he was the one holding back her arm.

  ‘What in Hecate’s n
ame are you doing, Mandy?’ he asked.

  She spun at him, making her eyes grow round and her lip wobble. ‘I was just looking out for you, Will. We’re trying to have a nice evening out together, and she’s ruining it.’

  He gave her a terse smile. ‘Thanks, Mandy. I appreciate it. But listen, could you go and check on my mother? She’s been in the loo for a while, and I’m worried about her. You know, what with her being so upset and all.’

  She gave him a simpering nod. ‘Of course, Will.’ She pecked him on the cheek. ‘Anything for you.’

  As she walked away, Will stayed hovering by my table.

  ‘Seriously?’ I looked up at him. ‘You’re still here? Look, Will, it’s like I told Little Miss Perky Nose – I was here before you guys even arrived. I’m not leaving because a bunch of Berrys tell me to.’

  His lips twitched into an unbidden smile. ‘Little Miss Perky Nose?’ He shook his head. ‘Look, I just wanted to tell you that you’re right. You were here first. There’s no need for Mandy to worry about you upsetting me. Because I couldn’t care less what you and that scumbag do with each other.’

  ‘Funny.’ I smiled. ‘But Gabriel used the exact same word to describe you. And having known you both for quite some time now, I’m inclined to think he’s the one who has it right.’

  ‘Sure. Whatever you think. I don’t really care that you’re dating the biggest creep in the world, Wanda. In fact, I couldn’t think of a better catch for you. He’s even lower on the food chain than that stinking weredog boyfriend you had last time I saw you.’

  I was just about to protest at Max being called my boyfriend – yet again – when Will’s face swung over to the left. That’s what tends to happen when a fist has hit a person from the right.

  I stood up, looking down at Will. He had fallen to the floor, but he was recovering fast, standing up and staring fiercely at Gabriel like he was about to return the favour.