by Jaye Wells
I was almost at the threshold when Cap’n snorted and shook himself violently. “Kate?”
“I need you to move!” I yelled. Tugging him by his collar, I pulled him the rest of the way out the door as the fire gave chase. Sweat poured down my forehead and trickled down my back. “Come on!”
He stumbled in my grasp toward the railing. I tried to urge him over the side, but he balked. “We’ll be poisoned!”
“Better than getting flash-fried!” I bumped him with my hip. His arms windmilled for a moment before he tumbled ass-over-elbows into the sludge below. Once I was sure he bobbed back up and was out of the way, I sucked in a breath and jumped.
The water was cold despite the warm summer day, and thick; it was like jumping into a barrel of oil. I sputtered up toward the surface. I had to use my hands to swipe away the worst of the pollution to be able to look around. Cap’n was about five feet away, and judging by the slowness of his movements and the wincing frown on his face, his injuries were making it hard to paddle. I swam toward him instead of the shore. Grabbing him by the arm with my right hand, I stroked with all my might toward the shore. Behind us, the flaming houseboat was floating toward the main channel of the Steel River.
I labored toward the shore. Next to me, Cap’n was sputtering and cursing, but he didn’t fight me. He kicked his good leg and moved his arm to help move us forward. It felt like it took forever to reach the side of the channel. My feet touched bottom and I used the leverage to help push Cap’n out of the water. He cleared the lip of dirt and fell onto his back, panting. I glanced over my shoulder one more time.
The burning houseboat had come even with the police river cruiser, which was a good two hundred yards from where we were.
“Kate, come on.” I looked up to see Cap’n leaning over and extending a hand toward me. “Quickly now.”
I scrambled up out of the water with his help. My knees hit the shore and I spit to clear the taste of pollution and stagnant water from my lips. Commotion to my right caught my eye. I looked over and saw Lanky lying on the shore not fifty feet from us. Beyond him, in the distance, Shorty was struggling to regain his feet. They both looked like those ducks you see after an oil spill—covered in black oil and shell-shocked. I couldn’t blame them, I felt pretty shitty myself.
I didn’t hear the explosion. But I sure as hell felt the wall of searing heat slam into my body. The concussion knocked me to the ground and made my hearing go fuzzy.
I don’t know how long I stayed down. But when I opened my eyes, I couldn’t see very well. They throbbed painfully, as if blood vessels had burst. I blinked a few times to try to clear my vision. A blurry mass lay to my left. Realizing it was Cap’n, I crawled toward him. Each movement felt like a new injury, but soon my fingers touched something solid. “Marty?” I couldn’t hear myself. “Marty!”
A hand touched my face. I blinked again and my eyes finally cleared enough to see Cap’n’s face in mine. He looked like hell with a gash bleeding freely from his head and his face streaked with sludge. “Are you okay?” he mouthed. He’d probably spoken out loud, but the only sound in my ears was high-pitched static.
I swallowed hard and nodded. Despite my confusion, I was pretty sure I didn’t have any serious injuries. His face changed from relief to shock, and he pointed behind me.
I turned slowly. My mouth fell open.
The river was on fire.
A week later I hefted a box from the trailer I’d rented to move our meager possessions into the new house. The move made the still-tender burns on my arms flare painfully. According to the doctor who’d treated my wounds, we were all extremely lucky to be alive—although I doubted Lanky and Shorty would have agreed with the sentiment.
Lanky, whose real name was Earnest Tuttle, and Shorty, aka Fred Higgins, had been arrested for conspiracy to distribute illegal Arcane substances, attempted murder of two police officers, destruction of public property, as well as couple of fuck-you charges courtesy of the EPA. It had only taken the fire department an hour to get the fire under control, but by that time the full brunt of the BPD and the media had descended on the river. After giving our initial statements, Cap’n and I had both been rushed off to the hospital. I hadn’t seen him since.
On my way to the front door, I paused to watch Danny climb the tree in the side yard. With a determined look on his face, he scrambled his feet against the bark. A wave of some strong emotion rose in my chest. Pride mixed with hope and a lot of love.
This house was a dream realized. After years of struggling, I’d finally gotten us far away from the place where all our old nightmares lived. We could finally start building some semblance of a normal life.
A few days earlier I’d been officially sworn in as a full-time patrol officer with Danny and Pen looking on. I’d start walking my new beat on Monday night. That morning, Danny and I had a date at Meadowlake for a tour.
“Hey, Kate!” he called. “Look at me!” He’d finally reached the tree’s lowest branch and was hanging from it like a monkey.
I smiled. “I see you, buddy. Great job!”
I continued into the house and set the box filled with plates and cups on the kitchen counter. Pen was at the sink, looking out the front window with a smile. She’d been watching Danny, too. “I think he approves of the new digs.”
I laughed. “I might never get him out of that tree.”
She adjusted the rubber gloves and got back to scrubbing the sink with cleaner. “We should make the beds first. Where’s the bedding?”
I ran my hand through my hair and nodded. “They’re in one of these boxes somewhere.”
She paused and stared at me for a moment. I tilted my head. “What?”
“I’m so happy for you, Katie. This place is perfect for you guys.”
Warmth spread through my midsection. But before I could answer, a knock sounded at the door.
I walked over to open the screen and found Baba standing on the porch. “Hi, neighbor. I brought you a housewarming gift.” She held out a platter of cookies.
I took the offering and held the door open with my hip so she could shuffle in. “You didn’t have to do that.” If anything, I owed her a gift for convincing the landlord to rent to us.
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
Pen came forward and introduced herself. The old woman shook her hand, but her gaze moved back and forth between us. “You didn’t say you had a partner, Kate.”
I frowned but then her meaning hit home. “Oh, no.” A laugh escaped my lips. “Pen’s my friend, Baba. We’re not together.”
She looked unconvinced. “Wouldn’t be a problem if ya were. I’m hip.”
Pen bit her bottom lip. “I’m just here to help Katie unpack.”
“Hmph.”
The awkward moment was interrupted by the sound of running feet a moment before Danny burst through he door. “Did someone say cookies?”
Baba smiled down at him. “You must be Danny.”
He paused and looked up at the old woman. There was a streak of dirt on his cheek, and the starchy scent of boy sweat emanated from his skin. “Yes, ma’am,” he said solemnly.
Baba’s lips twitched, but she schooled her features. “My name is Baba. I’m your neighbor.”
Danny looked her over, taking in the broomstick skirt, peasant blouse, and long gray hair. “You kinda look like a witch.”
“Danny!” I called, mortified.
Baba threw back her head and cackled. “It’s okay,” she said to me. To Danny, she said, “As it happens, I am a witch.”
His eyes widened. “What coven do you belong to?”
Baba shot me a curious look. “I’m a solitary witch. I grow herbs in my garden and use them to make homemade remedies and special teas.”
When Danny still looked confused, I explained. “It’s a different type of magic than what wizes use, kiddo.” I didn’t mention that Mundane magic was way weaker than the kinds Adepts created. No sense offending the woman after she’d done so much
to help us.
“Actually,” Baba said, “that’s the other reason I came by. If you want, I could do a simple clearing ceremony to invite positive energy into the house.”
“Um.” I hesitated. “That’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t allow magic in my home.”
The old woman froze. “But you’re an Adept.” She sounded suspicious, as if she thought I was pulling one over on her.
I crossed my arms. “When I left the covens, I swore off magic of all forms.”
Baba’s eyes narrowed and her mouth pursed to the right. “You’re serious?”
When I nodded, she made a sound I couldn’t interpret. “All right,” she said slowly. “But I’m not talking about cooking any of them dirty potions or whatever. Just smudging the house with sage.”
I shook my head. “It’s still ceremonial magic. Like I said, I appreciate it, though.”
“Suit yourself.” She shrugged. She didn’t sound offended so much as amused and a little patronizing. She turned to Danny. “Hey, kiddo, you want to come see my witch garden?”
He nodded eagerly.
The old woman looked to me. “That okay?”
I paused. I knew she was asking if hanging out in her garden broke my no-magic rule. It felt like a test. If I refused, she’d declare me one of those neurotic parents who kept their kids in a metaphorical bubble. “Go ahead,” I said finally. Having the kiddo out of my hair for an hour or so would allow me to make some headway on unpacking. Plus, a garden full of herbs wasn’t exactly the same as feeding him a magic potion. “Just be back by supper.” I looked at Baba. “We’re ordering pizza to celebrate. You want to join us?”
The woman’s face cleared and she smiled. I passed the test. “Absolutely.”
I wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but she seemed relieved. Could it be that my witch neighbor had been feeling a little too solitary?
After the pair left hand in hand, Pen came to join me at the door to watch them go. “She’s quite a character.”
I blew out a breath. “Leave it to me to end up next to a witch.”
Pen laughed. “There are worse sorts of neighbors.”
Recalling the potion freaks who’d lived next door to us in the apartment building, I nodded. “No shit.”
For the next hour or so Pen and I worked together to get the basics of unpacking handled. We were just finishing making Danny’s bed in the upstairs guest bedroom when a male voice echoed through the house. Pen shot me a curious look as I turned to go check out the new arrival.
When I walked into the living room, I found Cap’n limping through my new kitchen. He saw me and paused beside the table.
He leaned heavily on a cane, and his right arm was in a sling. “Looks like you’re moving up in the world.”
I laughed. “And you look like you got your ass kicked.”
He shrugged. “Just a little run-in with some potion cooks.”
I smiled at him. “How ya doing, Cap’n?”
“Didn’t you hear? I’m officially a free man.”
“Good for you.”
He nodded. “All things considered, Chief gave me credit for the final day of my service.” A dimple appeared in his cheek.
“How do you feel about that?” I asked carefully.
The corner of his mouth lifted. “Pretty damned good, actually. In addition to the pension, I’m looking at a nice little settlement for my injuries.”
I nodded because I’d been contacted by my union rep about my own settlement. It would be enough to cover my medical bills, as well as help with the down payment on Meadowlake for Danny.
“Wow, Cap’n. It’s like the end of an era.”
He shifted on his good foot, as if to alleviate pain. “I’m leaving tomorrow for Montana.”
My eyes widened. “So soon? I can’t believe you’re ready to walk away so fast.”
“And never look back. This place has been home to every tragedy in my life, Kate. It’s time for a fresh start.”
“Fresh starts are good.” I found it ironic that my own new beginning was leading me down the same path Cap’n was so eager to abandon.
“Don’t look so sad, Prospero. A lot of good things happened here for me, too. And I wouldn’t trade a single heartbreak or happiness. It’s just time for me to close this chapter.”
I nodded because emotion was clogging my throat. He limped forward.
“You got big things ahead of you. And I have no doubt you’ll make your mark on this city.” His lips twisted into a wry smile. “I mean, besides setting the river on fire.”
A shocked laugh escaped my lips but I quickly sobered. “Keep in touch, okay?”
“I will as long as you promise not to step foot on a river patrol boat again.”
Lips twitching, I saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
Before I could brace myself, he pulled me into a gruff hug. When he pulled back, his eyes were red-rimmed and shiny with tears. “Take care of yourself, kid.”
With that, Captain Smiley turned and limped away with his head held high. I watched him go with mixed emotions. On one hand, I was sad I’d probably never see him again. But on the other, I felt hopeful for both of us. He was about to embark on a new adventure that would allow him to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. And I was starting on a journey that would be neither relaxing nor restful, but would damned sure be an adventure.
“Kate?” Pen called from the door to Danny’s bedroom. “You okay?”
I turned to look at my best friend. I couldn’t blame her for her question, considering I had tears leaking from my eyes.
Just then the door banged open and Danny ran into the room. Baba followed him at a more leisurely pace, an indulgent grin on her lips. “Kate! I got these for you!” He had a clump of wilted daisies in his grimy fist.
I accepted the offering as he barreled into me for a hug. I wrapped my arms around the kid, inhaling the earthy aroma of dirt and the starchy sweat from his skin. And I knew that from that moment on I’d associate that scent with happiness.
“You know what?” I said, looking at Pen over his head. “I think we’re gonna be way more than okay.”
Pen crossed her arms and leaned against the doorjamb. “In that case, I think this calls for a celebration.”
Danny pulled back. “Pizza!”
With that, my best friend, my little brother, my new neighbor, and I gathered in the kitchen to debate the merits of toppings. Looking around at all of them, I couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest chick in the world. Even though Baba was a new addition to the group, she already felt like family. Granted, ours wasn’t a traditional family, but considering I was an Adept who’d grown up in a dirty magic coven who had just been sworn in as a cop, I’d never done anything the normal way.
Yeah, I decided, our fortunes had definitely taken a turn for the better. From now on, I would leave the past where it belonged and focus on the future, which was looking brighter every day.
Meet the Author
Photo Credit: Emily Tirado
Raised in Texas, USA Today bestseller Jaye Wells grew up reading everything she could get her hands on. Her penchant for daydreaming was often noted by frustrated teachers. She embarked on a series of random career paths, including stints working for a motivational speaker and at an art museum. Jaye eventually realized that while she loved writing, she found facts boring. So she left all that behind to indulge her overactive imagination and make stuff up for a living. Besides writing, she enjoys travel, art, history, and researching weird and arcane subjects. She lives in Texas with her saintly husband and devilish son. Find out more about Jaye Wells at www.jayewells.com.
Also by Jaye Wells
PROSPERO’S WAR
Dirty Magic
Cursed Moon
Deadly Spells
PROSPERO’S WAR SHORT FICTION
Fire Water
SABINA KANE
Red-Headed Stepchild
The Mage in Black
Green-Eyed Demon
Blue-Blooded Vamp
SABINA KANE SHORT FICTION
Violet Tendencies
Rusted Veins
If you enjoyed
FIRE WATER,
look out for
RED-HEADED STEPCHILD
SABINA KANE: BOOK ONE
by Jaye Wells
Sabina Kane is half mage, half vampire, and all attitude. Despite her red-headed stepchild status in the vampire community, she remains loyal to the vampire leaders who raised her to be an assassin.
When a routine mission uncovers startling secrets that could destroy the uneasy truce between vampires and mages, Sabina must find a way to prevent an all-out war. Helping Sabina navigate this treacherous world are a high-maintenance hairless cat demon, a prognosticating nymph who used to work in faery porn, and a mysterious mage with an agenda…
1
Digging graves is hell on a manicure, but I was taught good vampires clean up after every meal. So I ignored the chipped onyx polish. I ignored the dirt caked under my nails. I ignored my palms, rubbed raw and blistering. And when a snapping twig announced David’s arrival, I ignored him too.
He said nothing, just stood off behind a thicket of trees waiting for me to acknowledge him. Despite his silence, I could feel hot waves of disapproval flying in my direction.
At last, the final scoop of earth fell onto the grave. Stalling, I leaned on the shovel handle and restored order to my hair. Next I brushed flecks of dirt from my cashmere sweater. Not the first choice of digging attire for some, but I always believed manual labor was no excuse for sloppiness. Besides, the sweater was black, so it went well with the haphazard funerary rites.
