Ripples in the Shadows

by Kathy Dexter

  Ally whistled. “How beautiful!” She touched an impish-looking elf dressed in green and sitting on a yellow-red toadstool.

  Hunter admired a baby dragon emerging from a cracked glass egg. Several delicate fairies hung from chains, reminding her of the creatures romping around the magic mirror’s frame.

  “Uncle Gabriel?” Kat called.

  A tall man with golden red hair, wearing safety eyeglasses and a protective apron, hurried from a space out of view. He tore off thick gloves and hugged Kat. “Good to see you.”

  Kat disengaged and introduced Ally and Hunter.

  He spoke to Hunter. “I read about your plans for coming to Mystic Lake to start your book tour.”

  “I meant to contact you before this, but events kind of got in the way,” Hunter said. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you. Or anyone else from my past.”

  “But you found your sister.” His bright blue gaze probed hers. “A positive step.”

  Kat interrupted. “Twyla Temple was supposed to meet us here.”

  “Haven’t seen her.”

  “She may have stopped at Sarah’s booth for supplies for the séance,” Kat said. “I have a few items to pick up there as well. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  When she left, Gabriel offered Ally and Hunter coffee. They settled on stools around a table holding several glass objects.

  Hunter picked up a unicorn on hind legs, pawing the air. “This looks like the ones on the mirror in Riley’s cottage.”

  “Unicorns are a specialty of mine and the mirror a personal project.” Gabriel filled three cups from a pot on a burner. “Did Riley tell you about its unique properties?”

  “I saw the wings move on the purple fairies. And then some kind of electrified energy zapped me. Too bad it didn’t quite break through the dark enchantment that veils my memories.”

  “Maybe I can figure out some way to intensify the magical force.” Gabriel looked thoughtful. “As long as it doesn’t endanger you.”

  “Why did you create the mirror in the first place?” Ally asked.

  “It was a gift for Riley when she and her mother came to Mystic Lake,” Gabriel said. “The only way I could make sure they stayed safe.”

  Hunter remembered Clarissa using the same words. “What danger threatened them?”

  “My brother Gideon.” Gabriel’s eyes darkened to a navy blue. “He wanted to steal their magic.”

  Ally clutched Hunter’s arm, but kept her attention focused on Gabriel. “How is that possible?”

  “I tried to find out.” Gabriel rubbed the jagged scar that zigzagged along his jaw. “That’s how I got this.”

  Ally yelped. “Your brother attacked you?”

  “I thought he’d changed from our younger days.”

  Hunter sipped her coffee. This could be her chance to find out what happened back then. Would he tell her? “Like when you robbed the museum with my aunt Miranda?”

  Gabriel flinched. “She told you? We were stupid and reckless teenagers.”

  Hunter prodded. “Why steal from the museum?”

  “Miranda said it was payback. Her parents cut off her allowance after her last speeding ticket, which involved property damage. They were tired of paying for her wild ways––graffiti sprayed on hundreds of buildings, slashed tires, street racing, shoplifting. . .Our parents had to be sickened, embarrassed, and horrified by our behavior.”

  “So the break-in was Aunt Miranda’s idea?” Hunter wanted to laugh at the irony. Her aunt rebelled against Mary and Angus Hawthorne’s attempts to control her, yet felt no compunction about regulating Hunter’s every move.

  Gabriel answered her question. “Yes, but we didn’t have to go along.”

  “Why did you?”

  “We couldn’t resist the thrill, the danger. Seeing if we could get away with it. With Reenie’s magical ability to turn off the alarm, we felt invincible.”

  “What did the gang intend to with the stolen goods?” Ally asked.

  “After her parents suffered for a while, Miranda planned to give everything back. But Davy Jones had other ideas. He stuffed a couple bags with as many valuables as he could. Said he knew a fence who’d give him a good price. When Miranda argued with him, he threatened her with a knife. That’s when she set off the alarm.”

  “The police came.” And Miranda pretended to be her sister. Hunter dug her nails into the table. “But you and your brother weren’t arrested. Why not?”

  “We were in the library when we heard the sirens. We escaped out a side door while the police chased the others.”

  “And your mother gave you an alibi.” Hunter guessed it didn’t matter since the Hawthornes had dropped all charges.

  “You stayed out of trouble after that?” Ally fingered some of the glass pieces on the table. “Took an interest in this instead?”

  “I learned my lesson. I thought Gideon had, too.” Gabriel’s hands rounded into fists. “Now he’s planning to rob people’s magic instead of museums.”

  Hunter tensed, touched her amulet as though to be sure it was still in place. After all, Davy Jones had tried to take it. “Could your brother’s plot include the theft of enchanted objects?”

  Gabriel leaned forward to take a closer look at her pendant. “The blue amber of your dragon is quite rare. Guard it well.”

  Hunter straightened. A hazy idea solidified. “Max Winters showed me several imitation pieces during a tour of the museum. He said some of the local artists use the fake material to create items for the museum’s shop. Have you worked with amber as well as glass?”

  Gabriel touched one of the fairy necklaces. “All of these have been carved from various gems and resins. A lucrative sideline for me both here and in the museum’s store. I used the artificial blue amber in this.”

  Ally examined the jewelry in detail. “What wonderful craftsmanship, Gabriel! Not just the fairy, but the necklace itself is quite intricate.”

  “Lots of practice. Not as dangerous as hot glass and twice as profitable.”

  “Since the material is cheaper?” Ally asked.

  Gabriel nodded. “And less time consuming. Plus I can do some of the carving at home, while I have to use the furnace here for glass.”

  Hunter opened her purse and reached into a small pocket where she kept the blue amber from the museum. She put it on the table. “Max Winters gave me this imitation resin. Could you make a copy of my amulet?”

  Gabriel fingered the amber. “Will you leave your necklace with me?”

  Ally shook her head. “She never takes it off. It protects her.”

  “As it did at the book signing? And other times?”

  “Yes.”

  “Let me try a sketch.” He opened a drawer in the table, pushed a few items aside, and pulled out paper and a pencil.

  Hunter lifted the amulet so that he had a clear view. In a few moments, he’d drawn a duplicate image, including the chain.

  When he finished, Hunter asked, “How soon can you make this?”

  “You have a plan?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m free this afternoon to work on it. My mother told me you’re staying at Riley’s cottage. I can finish by dinnertime if you’re available.”

  Hunter agreed to an eight o’clock delivery.

  “Can you bring the amber fairy as well?” Ally opened her wallet. “How much?”

  As Ally and Gabriel completed the transaction, Kat and Twyla arrived. Kat made introductions.

  “You ladies are welcome to talk here,” Gabriel said. “But I must start a new project.” He winked at Hunter and picked up the sketch and blue amber.

  “Your aura glitters with generosity, my friend.” Purple earrings dangled below the short, purple-streaked hair of a young woman who seemed to float along the ground toward Gabriel. Red-violet sneakers barely touched the floor. Tight black pants and black sweater covered in silver stars and moons completed her outfit. “Hunter will find your gift most beneficial.” Twyla stood on tiptoe and
kissed him on the cheek.

  Ally’s mouth fell open. “You know about––”

  “The blue amber?” Lights in Twyla’s eyes flickered from mauve to orchid and shades of lavender.

  Gabriel’s chest rumbled with laughter. “Looks like another skeptic, Twyla.” He bobbed his head in farewell and then moved toward the back of his shop.

  The purple iris flowers in Twyla’s earlobes hummed with a low frequency. She smiled at Ally. “You’re making sure your friend Hunter isn’t swindled by a con woman.”

  Ally frowned at Kat. “You told her.”

  “Twyla knows such things without me saying a word.”

  “A faithful friend is a rare bird.” Twyla’s violet eyes sparkled. “One to be valued.”

  “Then you won’t mind if I attend the séance?” Ally asked.

  “I insist. Your honesty and good heart will attract the spirits from the Other Side.”

  Ally surveyed Twyla’s outfit. “Should I wear something purple?”

  “Not required.” Twyla’s laugh chimed like small bells. “Except for me. Purple amplifies the effluvium from the Universal Ether and allows me to connect more smoothly with the astral planes.”

  “O-kaay.” Ally huffed a breath. “I don’t think I understood any of that.”

  “But you’re willing to open your mind to the possibilities. For the sake of your friend. And you’ve accepted her out-of-the-ordinary talents with the dragon amulet.”

  “How did you––”

  Twyla pivoted toward Hunter. “You, your friend, and Kat must arrive before nine tomorrow night. Two more will be there to complete the circle for the séance.”

  “Who else is coming?” Hunter asked.

  “I don’t know. The spirits are in charge of that.” Twyla floated a couple of steps toward the entrance and the congregating crowd. She swiveled to look at Hunter.

  “Bring Gabriel’s gift and your father’s ring to the séance.” Twyla’s words floated gently in the air. “Don’t fly tonight. It’s not safe.”

  CHAPTER 40

  H UNTER LED THE WAY to a back table at The Lucky Horseshoe. Ally sat to her left and Kat on the right.

  Jake Tanner hustled over. “No menus tonight, ladies. Your dinner’s on me. When Miss Ally called to say you were comin’ for an early dinner, I rustled up my special lasagna. It’s almost ready. What can I get you from the bar?”

  “You’re much too generous, Jake,” Hunter protested. “At least let us pay for our drinks.”

  Jake raised a hand to halt further argument. “Nope. I owe you big time for what you did for my sweet Livvy.”

  “Kind of you to include us,” Ally said, “but I think Hunter’s the only one entitled to the free meal. She protected the children at the museum.”

  “Not quite accurate, Miss Ally.” Jake chuckled. “I saw you pummeling Sylvia West, straddlin’ her in your Henry costume. Livvy was impressed, too.”

  Ally’s face reddened. “I got carried away.”

  “Nice goin’.” Jake turned to Kat. “You, too.”

  “Not sure what you mean.” Kat frowned, green and blue embers kindling deep in her eyes.

  Jake looked around his tavern, then took the fourth chair and angled in close, lowering his voice. “All kinds of magic happenin’ in Mystic Lake, includin’ folks who morph.”

  Ally leaned closer. “Morph?”

  “Change from human to animal usually. Know a few in the Spirit Winds tribe. And your trick, too, Katelyn Sloane. Or should I call you Shadow?” He flashed a toothy smile.

  “You notice too much.” The frost in Kat’s voice contradicted the flames in her eyes.

  “Comes in handy in my line of work. I saw Shadow at the museum, biting and scratching those idiots attackin’ the little ones with their burning hate and their hurled stones.”

  Kat flinched when he touched her arm.

  “Sorry. One of them rocks hit you pretty hard, didn’t it?”

  “Almost healed, thanks to Gran’s herbals. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’ve had to conceal my magic for several reasons. I don’t want others to know I can shapeshift.”

  “No problem. I’ve zipped my lips shut about some pretty weird stuff. And I hear a lot of secrets from those who let drink loosen their tongues.”

  “Any of those loose tongues mention someone out to steal magic?” Hunter kept her remark offhanded.

  “Can’t think how that could be possible.” Jake glanced around the room as though checking to see if anyone was listening. His voice shifted a little, morphing into the host of a party. “So what would you VIPs like to whet your whistle?”

  Ally beamed. “Beer for me.”

  “Another here,” Kat said.

  Hunter made it three.

  Jake gestured to his waitress. “Lucy, our best brew for my guests.” When she returned moments later with three filled pint glasses, Jake turned toward the kitchen. “Gotta check the lasagna.”

  After her first swig, Ally sat back and stared at the other two. “Sisters finally reunited. Has to be tough to be torn apart for so many years.”

  “The question is why.” Kat stared into the contents of her glass before taking a long swallow. When she looked up, she nodded toward the door. “Uncle Gabriel just arrived.”

  Gabriel spoke to Lucy, who had finished serving drinks to a couple at the bar. She disappeared into the kitchen. Gabriel glanced around the room, smiled when he saw the three women, and ambled over.

  Kat waved him to a chair. “Join us for dinner.”

  Thanks, but I already called in an order. Lucy’s getting it for me. On my way home, I planned to stop at the cottage to deliver these.” Gabriel took three small packages from his coat pocket and distributed them. “Hunter’s request, Ally’s amber fairy, and a gift for Kat as well.”

  Hunter tucked the package into her purse, while Ally and Kat opened theirs.

  “It’s beautiful, Gabriel.” Ally had Hunter assist with the clasp, then leaped up to run to the bar’s mirror for a look. She clapped her hands in delight.

  Kat gazed at a purple unicorn with purple wings unfolding, ready for flight. “F-for me? It’s so delicate.” Her finger trembled as she touched the finely etched lines.

  “It won’t break. I’ve made sure of that. I started it after your last visit to Mystic Lake. A late birthday gift.”

  “Thank you.” Kat barely breathed the words. She reached over to hug him.

  Lucy arrived with a brown bag. Gabriel gave her a couple of bills and stood to leave. “Please come by the shop any time. Family’s important.”

  All three women clamored their thanks and promised to stay in touch. They waved as he headed out the front door.

  “Here you go, ladies.” With the help of his waitress, Jake deposited a basket of warm, yeasty bread, bowls of salad, and three plates crammed with lasagna.

  “Oh, Jake, you’re my friend forever.” Ally grabbed a utensil and carved out a cheesy sliver. She gently eased the hot layers into her mouth. After she devoured another forkful, she gave a thumb up. “You da man!”

  “Delicious, Jake. Your cooking is incredible.” Incoherent mumbles followed as Hunter shoveled in more of delectable bites.

  Jake beamed. “Let Lucy or me know if you need anything else.” He returned to the bar to handle a rush of customers.

  The women ignored conversation for awhile, concentrating instead on inhaling food and drink.

  Hunter was the first to push her partially empty plate away. “I can’t swallow another bite. You think Jake will be hurt if I ask for a doggy bag?”

  “Hope not,” Kat said. “I’m asking for one, too.”

  “Totally stuffed.” Ally barely restrained a burp.

  “Let’s have another beer.” Hunter waved to Lucy.

  When the waitress hurried over, Hunter requested a second round of drinks and boxes for the leftovers.

  Ally patted her stomach and groaned. “I won’t have to eat for another three days.”

  “Foo
d will fortify you for the séance.” Kat’s eyes shimmered in the ambient light.

  “Think I might get nervous meeting a few spirits?” Ally threw back her head, her laugh tinged with mockery. “Hah! My innards are stronger than that.”

  “Besides, you don’t believe in psychics,” Hunter mocked.

  “Too many charlatans out to make a buck.” Ally elbowed her friend. “Someone’s got to look out for you. Make sure you aren’t scammed.”

  Kat’s voice grated. “Sounds bossy to me. As if you don’t trust Hunter to make her own decisions.”

  “Yowza! I’m acting just like Aunt Miranda.” Ally put a palm on each cheek and shook her head.

  “Yeah. Knock it off.” Hunter’s lips quirked.

  Kat’s gaze swiveled from one to the other. “Good to have a friend to watch your back.”

  Hunter’s insides stiffened. She reached across the table to touch her sister’s hand. “And a sister. You and I have each other now. I’ll watch your back anytime.”

  Had Kat teared up? Hunter sniffed and rubbed at her nose with a knuckle. Then she raised her chin. “Miranda better explain why she’s allowed us to lose each other for ten years.” Hunter checked her phone. She’d left several more urgent messages. Still no call back. Not like her aunt at all.

  Kat tilted her head, a Shadow gesture. “I remember the Masquerade Ball when Aunt Miranda demanded you return home where you’d be safe.”

  Ally’s brow furrowed. “I thought you’d gone from the room.”

  “Eavesdropped outside the door.” Kat’s smile was one-sided.

  “Then you burst into the room with blood on your paws. The samples Logan took identified Davy Jones as one of the men trying to rob the museum.” Hunter stared at her sister. “Your eyes. I was sure I’d seen them before. So I reached into my memories, fought against the dark enchantment, and lost.”

  “That’s when you groaned, isn’t it? I sensed your pain.” Kat squeezed Hunter’s hand. “You fought back. Even defied Miranda, insisted you weren’t going home and would search for your past in Mystic Lake.”

  “I had to break free. Despite everything Aunt Miranda has done for me.”

  “Did Aunt Miranda check up on you, quiz you about friends, where you’d been, show up at odd times?”