Marked: Thoth's Legacy ~ Book One

by S. E. Jackson

  Izzy cast an incredulous look to Jasmine but chose to ignore her question. “Cass, I can explain.”

  “I deserve chocolate. And caramel. Maybe caramel dipped in chocolate. No, make that double-dipped. And, and…” Cass paused then her smile grew wide. “And some hot bodied man to serve it to me while I lounge.” The grin wiped off her face, a deep frown in its place. “But he can’t have any of my chocolate. It’s mine.”

  “I’ll get right on that,” Izzy tried to look chastised while grinning. “Milk chocolate or dark? Or maybe you want white chocolate?”

  Cass contemplated the question seriously. “All, I want all the chocolates.”

  “You going to forgive me if I get you chocolate?”

  “Don’t forget the caramel. And the man.”

  “I can manage the chocolate and the caramel. Not sure about the guy though. Those are a little harder to obtain.”

  “Fine. Just chocolate and caramel then. He would probably try to steal my chocolate anyway.”

  Izzy’s smile was solemn, “As if I would pick out a man so uncouth…”

  Just as the friends made up, a group of ladies entered the shop chattering amongst themselves. Unbeknownst to anyone in the store, a wisp of air laced with a message slipped past the door along with them.

  “Excuse me, miss!” One of the women called Izzy over gesturing toward a display of candles. “Do you have any…”

  Izzy had barely made two steps towards the customer when the woman’s next words were drowned out. All Izzy could hear was Agnes’ voice screaming, “YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE WHAT THAT BITCH DID!” Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately for business, only the two witches present could hear her message.

  Cass and Izzy exchanged a look. The customer gazed at Izzy expectantly. Most likely awaiting an answer to her question. Izzy, however, had no idea what she’d asked. Frustrated, Izzy raised her forefinger to the woman while she glanced around for Jasmine.

  “SHE HAS GONE TOO FAR THIS TIME!” Agnes was still ranting. Izzy made an attempt to listen with one ear, but customers did come first.

  Izzy called out to Jasmine when she spied her across the room, Izzy called out to her, perhaps a tad too loudly. “JASMINE! Can you help this customer please?” She made an effort to lower her tone.

  “SHE BAILED THAT FIEND OUT OF JAIL THIS MORNING!”

  Smile more a grimace than a pleasantry, Izzy turned back to the customer and apologized. “I’M SO SORRY.” Izzy knew she was shouting again by the customer’s wide-eyed expression. “JASMINE WILL BE RIGHT WITH YOU!”

  Izzy quickly turned and darted to the storage area in the back where Cass had already escaped.

  “YOU NEED TO COME AND SEE ME JUST AS SOON AS YOU CAN. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING!”

  Agnes knew better than to send a message during working hours. It was hard to maintain a low profile when you were shouting at your customers. Agnes broadcasting a rant of this magnitude set off alarm bells though.

  But, Izzy couldn’t make sense of her what she was trying to impart. She had just swung past the threshold to where Cass had stopped to listen just as the message finished. Blessed silence, Izzy thanked the goddess while she rubbed at her ringing ears. “What was all that about?”

  “I have not a single flipping clue what she was going on about.” Cass scowled. “Just a lot of screaming and carrying on, if you ask me.”

  “Who did she say was in jail?”

  “That’s just it! She never said. She just went on and on about how someone – also no idea who – bailed someone else out of jail and how we need to do something about it.”

  “That’s crazy,” Izzy shook her head. “And to send that here? While we’re working? The woman is off her rocker!”

  “Oh, I’m sure you’ll tell her just that, next time you see her.”

  “I will,” Izzy declared. “Well,” her voice lost its sureness, “I will say something. Maybe not that direct. But something, dammit.” Izzy’s voice sounded weak, even to her own ears.

  “Yeah,” Cass egged her on. “That’ll teach her. She won’t mess with the likes of you now, will she?”

  “Shut up,” Izzy rolled her eyes. “You’ve made your point. And I don’t see you stomping out of here on the way to tell her who’s boss.”

  “She’s not my mother,” Cass countered.

  Izzy laughed hysterically. “Oh! Oh! That’s rich. I want to see you tell Seraphine off! I do!”

  Cass’ eyes rounded. “Hell to the fuck no! Mama would tear a strip off my ass, she would.”

  Izzy tried to contain her hilarity, but Cass’ comical demeanor was too much to take.

  “So, are we going?” Cass asked to hopefully change the subject.

  “Go where?” Izzy grinned.

  “Hello? To the library?”

  “Oh, no. I’m at work. And I mean it, Agnes needs to learn to respect that. I’ll go see her tonight though. You want to come too.”

  “I have to admit, I do want to know who was in jail. And who’s a bitch? Inquiring minds,” Cass raised her eyebrows up and down comically.

  Izzy didn’t crack a smile, “I hate not knowing what’s going on. This is going to kill me to wait.”

  “Me too!” Cass sighed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Izzy

  Not bothering to knock, Izzy pushed open the door and stormed into Agnes’ house, Cass less than two steps behind. “We’re here!” Izzy called out.

  Agnes responded instantly. “I’m in the kitchen! What took you so long? Is Cass with you?” Just as they turned the corner into the room, they saw Agnes standing at the stove.

  “Oh, good. You’re both here.”

  “Agnes,” Izzy held her hand up before Agnes could speak. Her voice shared her displeasure. “You can’t send messages like that. Not during the day and especially not when we’re working! I was helping a customer when all of a sudden you started shouting in my ear.”

  “I know, I know. I didn’t think. When I heard what had happened, I just reacted.” Agnes sheepish apology gave way to frustration. “It’s just…she’s driving me mad. The woman appears to have lost her mind and she’s trying to pull me down with her!”

  “I’m confused,” Cass interjected. “Who is?”

  “Maeve,” Agnes sneered. “That cagey cow picked up her saggy ass up and marched down to the station to bail out that good-for-nothing Gideon out of jail! That’s who!”

  “What?!” Izzy and Cass cried in unison.

  “Back up. Gideon was arrested? On what charges?”

  Agnes cut a glance at Cass. “The sheriff came by last night to say Gideon had been locked up, charged with two counts of first-degree murder.”

  “Last night? And that didn’t warrant you to send a message?”

  “He was in jail. I figured it could wait until today.”

  “But now that Maeve bailed him out? That can’t?” Izzy wasn’t entirely successful in hiding her derision.

  “Watch your tone, young lady!” Agnes quelled her with a look.

  “Okay, fine. Whatever.” Izzy waved away the argument with a small nod of apology. “Let’s stick to what we know. Gideon has been charged with murder.”

  “Two counts,” Agnes interrupted.

  “Two counts.” Izzy parroted. “And you say Maeve bailed him out? That can’t be good. I mean, we all know he’s the bad guy, but she clearly doesn’t. Do you think she’s under a spell?”

  “No, I do not. She’s always been this stupid. Ever since second grade and Marvin Pendergrass. A boy looks in her direction and she loses all sense.”

  “Even if that’s the case. Shouldn’t we try to help her?”

  “Absolutely not. She gave a blood oath to that man. She’s as tainted as he is, as far as I’m concerned.”

  “Then, why the drama?” Cass and Izzy were both close to pulling out their hair.

  “Because she’s a stupid heifer, that’s why!” Agnes had an answer for everything.

  “Let’s forget about Maeve f
or a minute.” Izzy decided nothing would be accomplished by following that path with Agnes. “You said the sheriff charged Gideon with two counts?”

  “Yes. Two counts.” Agnes agreed, “Edith and Ava. From what he told me, I gathered he has more than just circumstantial proof this time.”

  “What did he say? Did he tell you what they learned?” Things seemed to have moved awfully fast in a short span of time. As much as Izzy wanted to think Gideon was behind all of it, something didn’t seem right. “He thought Edith was electrocuted, and we know Ava was stabbed. All the television shows I watch, the murderer uses the same M.O.”

  “Well, your guess is as good as mine,” Agnes shrugged. “The sheriff was being cagey but he appeared confident in his findings.”

  “Psst, Marked!” A gnome stood precariously on the window’s ledge jumping up and down.

  Eyes wide, she watched the gnome teeter on the edge of the sill. She twitched her head then pointed outside hoping to escape Agnes’ attention. “Not now,” she whispered.

  “I wonder where Maeve got that kind of money?” Cass pondered out loud.

  “Put a mortgage on that house of hers,” Agnes snapped. “Foolish old crone. The judge doesn’t consider that slimy bastard a flight risk, per what the sheriff told me, so bail was low considering what they charged him with.”

  “That is interesting.” Izzy tried to keep up with the conversation.

  “I have a message for you!” the gnome hopped up and down, trying to get her attention. “I am told it is of utmost importance.” He stretched as tall as his short legs would allow. “You must come straightaway!”

  “I just can’t believe he’s already back on the streets.” Agnes grabbed Izzy’s hands. “I think you should come back home for now. My sixth sense says you’re not safe.”

  “Not now,” Izzy whispered to the gnome.

  “Yes now! Your safety is in jeopardy!” Agnes shouted.

  “Yes now!” The gnome repeated. “Hanzbag said it’s important!”

  Izzy glared at the kitchen window. She was going to kill a gnome if he got her stuck at Agnes’ house. Cass nudged her and Izzy went back to her conversation with Agnes. “I’ll be fine. Plus, you hate Dodger,” Izzy reminded her.

  “I don’t hate him. He’s just not the most pleasant smelling of animals,” Agnes hedged.

  “You despise him and you know it. And Dodger goes wherever I go.”

  “You can bring him. Just move back for now.” Agnes relented. The concession was a major one for Agnes and Izzy respected the offer to the point, she almost caved.

  “I appreciate the thought. Really I do,” she hurried to say when it appeared Agnes was about to argue further. “But, I’ll be fine.”

  Izzy shot a glance to Cass begging for help.

  “I’ll check in on her often, I promise.” Cass laid a hand on her chest. “I’ll even start bunking over there more.

  Agnes sighed. “You girls are my heart. Take care of each other if you’re going to deny me the privilege.”

  “Cass, do you mind giving Agnes and me a second?”

  Cass appeared startled. “Oh, sure. I’ll just go outside and wait for you.”

  “Thanks, I’ll be right out.” Izzy hated to hurt her friend’s feeling, but Agnes would never tolerate the conversation Izzy wanted to have while Cass stood alongside them.

  Once Cass left the room, Agnes asked, “What is it that you need to talk to me about?”

  Izzy listened to Cass’ footsteps as she walked away. The moment’s pause allowed her to gather her thoughts. “You know that earring of yours you found at the store?”

  “Of course, I do. It’s one of my favorites.” Agnes narrowed her gaze. “What about it? Someone else isn’t trying to claim it, are they?”

  “No, no. Nothing like that,” Izzy assured her. “It’s just, I had a vision when I touched it. It was so upsetting that I actually asked Cass to get rid of it. As usual, Cass does what Cass thinks is right.” Izzy studied Agnes.

  “I don’t know what you think you’ve seen. You are aware some visions connect because of your environment? Something around you or with you makes you feel safe enough to have them.”

  “Agnes,” Izzy shook her head, “I don’t believe that was the case this time. Neither do you, do you?”

  “What are you implying?”

  “I’m not implying anything. But, I do have a question.”

  “Then just ask it,” Agnes bristled. “Stop this nonsense and just ask already.”

  “Were you there? In the woods that night when Edith died. Did you see her?”

  “I was,” Agnes stared into the eyes of the child she had raised and told her the hardest thing she’d ever had to say. “I was there. Not completely there but yes, I saw her. And, I didn’t help. I just watched.”

  “Why?”

  “There are things you don’t know. Things you cannot know. But, I will tell you, I have occasionally had reason to use marijuana.” Agnes’ expression shut down. There would be no further discussion on this topic. “Strictly for medical purposes.”

  Izzy gasped, “What? Why? What’s wrong?”

  Agnes raised her hand, palm, outward. “No. We will not discuss it. I will tell you most anything, but not this. Don’t ask it of me.”

  Izzy nodded and gulped, tears coming to her eyes in frustration. “So, you were high? Is that what you are saying?”

  “It is.”

  “Did you see who did kill her?”

  “I did not. I was in the circle you see. She ran there as well. It was just too late.” Agnes raised tear-laden eyes to Izzy. “It was too late.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us before?”

  “I didn’t know how. I told the sheriff. But, I didn’t know how to tell you or any of the others. Please forgive me.”

  “Of course. Absolutely. Oh, Agnes, I have to admit. I’ve had such a hard time with this. I’m glad you told me.” In a rare familial gesture, Agnes reached over and pulled Isadora into a hug.

  “You’re my baby. Of course, I would tell you.”

  Izzy stared at her solemnly.

  “Well, not right away obviously.” Agnes let out a watery laugh. “But I did tell you. I want points for that!”

  Izzy let a smile play at the corner of her mouth. “So, if the sheriff knows. Did he arrest Gideon from what you told him?”

  “Oh, no! Not at all. I don’t know what he’s learned. But he did say Edith’s body is being released. They haven’t been able to find any family to notify, so the sheriff’s office has agreed to release her back into our care.”

  Izzy nodded. “What about Ava?”

  “The sheriff said her son called a few days ago. We are not to try to attend her funeral or contact him in any way. He doesn’t want the coven near him, their family or her service. Poor Ava. Alone with all those hateful non-believers.”

  Izzy started to speak, but Agnes shook her head. “She turned her back on us, I know that. Still, I can’t turn mine on her.”

  Agnes surprised Izzy. Her heart must be softening as she got older. In years past, she wouldn’t have been so forgiving. “Okay, about Edith then. She wanted to be cremated, right?”

  “Yes,” Agnes agreed. “She always said she didn’t want to rot in the ground like an old vegetable once she passed.”

  “In the meadow then?” Izzy concurred. “We should hold a meeting. See who wants to attend and if there are any special requests. Some might want to try to connect one last time or send their blessings to her.”

  “Edith would like that. She always said you were such a thoughtful child.” Agnes reached and took Izzy’s hand, squeezing it.

  “I need to go,” Izzy explained as she turned to leave. “Let me know if you need me to do anything. And,” she paused in her thoughts and glanced to Agnes who was quietly watching her. “keep in touch okay. No quiet times for a while.”

  “I won’t wander off. I promise. Same goes for you and Cass.”

  Izzy pressed her hand
over her heart. “Blessed be, mother.”

  ◆◆◆

  “Here, little gnome man,” Cass called softly into the night. “Come see Cass. I know you are out here.”

  Izzy shook her head. “I take it you figured out there was a gnome in the kitchen?”

  “Well, duh,” Cass' eyes rolled back so far Izzy was worried they would stick there.

  “Whatever. I have to go to the woods, it seems,” Izzy told Cass as they exited Agnes home. “Hanzbag sent for me.”

  “I want to go!” Cass squealed. “Maybe he’ll let me see him this time.”

  “I don’t know that he has a choice about that, so don’t get your hopes up.” Izzy hedged. “Plus, I thought you had another date.”

  “Goddess no, I canceled that!” Cass shuddered. “He was a toucher. Always putting his arm around me, holding hands. A cuddler!” She shuddered again. “Total sicko.”

  Izzy laughed. “Well, in that case, I guess you can come along. Just don’t be surprised if nothing happens and you’re bored.”

  “With a murderer on the loose, we should probably start a buddy system anyway.”

  Izzy snorted. “You are kidding me, right?”

  “What? It won’t hurt,” Cass argued.

  “I’ll concede, things like going to the woods, buddies would be a smart move. But, the grocery store? What’s he going to do? Snatch me in the frozen food aisle?”

  “He could,” Cass jutted out her chin, “You don’t know.”

  “Fine. Buddy system it is. I hope this thing wraps up soon though.”

  “Me too,” Cass sighed. “What did you have to talk to Agnes about?”

  “I’ll tell you on the way.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Izzy

  As they reached the meadow, Izzy aimed her flashlight and scanned the spot where she and Cass had picnicked a few days before. Hanzbag was nowhere in sight.

  On the drive over, Izzy had filled in Cass on Agnes’ revelation from earlier. “I can’t believe Agnes does drugs.” Cass’ mimed an explosion with her hands on each side of her head. “That’s just wild.”