by Cat Larson
I paused to let her digest that little tidbit. “Okay, and?”
“Please tell me you’re not humoring me. I couldn’t take it right now. I’m hanging on by a thread as it is.”
“Samm, I’d never do that about something so serious. I know your family are witches. I know you can all cast spells, with the exception of your father, and I know Violet had something to do with this little guy here. What I don’t know is why you were either in denial about it or were unwilling to trust me with your secrets.”
A part of me lifted, and I felt worlds lighter. My best friend knew and she was still here. There were so many questions, but this wasn’t the time.
“I just wish you would’ve trusted me sooner,” she said. “I might’ve been able to help.”
An idea just struck me. “You can help! I need you to take Fernando back to your place. I can’t risk him staying at the shop in case Damon or Mike comes back for another search. Until we find Violet…”
“Done.”
“You are a lifesaver.”
“Now that that’s taken care of, what can you tell me about Violet’s disappearance?”
I gave her a quick recap—from getting her call and rushing here, only to find Violet gone and Fernando the Frog sitting in a pile of grass, to her taking off in Sal’s car and deserting it in Caledonia, the last real lead I had. I left out the part about Fernando owing money, and how I suspected it was related to my break-in, because one, it wasn’t relevant to the current issue, and two, Sage was going to be responsible for his well-being. I didn’t want her looking at him any differently. Not when I hadn’t a clue what was going on yet.
“Hmm. So, that’s why you were asking me about grass. I’d wondered about that.”
Grass! That reminded me. “Do you know where Mrs. Zweifler lives?”
“Well, yeah, and so do you. But what does she have to do with anything?”
“It could be a clue to Violet’s whereabouts. Don’t ask me how because I have no idea. It’s just a thought right now. And I know where Mrs. Zweifler lives?”
“Remember that cool pink house near the lakefront, with all the wacky sculptures out front?”
“That’s her house?” Growing up, I just knew her as the “weird lady.”
Sage stroked Fernando’s back. “Just let me know what I can do. All you gotta do is ask.”
“You’re already doing so much, you already did so much. You can’t even realize.”
“What are lifelong best friends for?”
I had never felt so blessed and cursed all in one day.
Picking up my purse, I said, “Okay, make sure you take this. It’s how I carry him around outside.” I grabbed the scarves. “And I wrap him in these when it’s cold. Of course, food won’t be a problem as you already know he only eats your blueberries.”
I opened the purse to stuff in the scarves. “And—” I dropped the purse.
My cellphone was inside.
Chapter Fourteen
Thirty seconds after Sage and Fernando left to go to her place, my phone rang. I’d reached the point where nothing could surprise me anymore.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Samm. How are you? Is everything okay? I just had this urgent feeling you needed me.”
“There’s a lot currently going on with me, but I don’t think there’s really anything you can do to help. Where are you?”
“Still in… Honey, what’s this place called again?” she yelled out to my dad. “Xi… Xo… Xu… What?... Well, it’s something that starts with an X.”
“It’s fine, Mom. Never mind.”
“Talk to me and tell me what’s happening. I’m here for you, at least until the hyenas invade the cell tower.”
“I’m not even sure where to start.”
“Just take your time. I’m here for you,” she reiterated.
Hold up here… Something was definitely off. Oh right. My mom sounded supportive and sympathetic. What the heck was up? I guess there were things that could still surprise me, after all. Not that I’d ever doubted her love for me, but come on…
“Maybe I can help get you started,” she said. “How about I tell you what I saw in the clouds this morning?”
“Okay.”
“I felt it was connected with you somehow. I’m not sure how to decipher it yet, but I saw a frog and—”
“A frog?” I almost tossed the phone. “Are you sure? Maybe it was a toad.” Unless seeing a frog was a good sign?
“No, I’m quite sure it was a frog, and it was sitting on a blade of Witch Bane.”
“Witch Bane—what is that?”
“Well, it’s a bane to witches, of course. I’ll need to meditate on the image further in order to determine its full significance, but in the meantime, are you experiencing any personal challenges at the moment?”
“Uh, you could say that.” I wasn’t sure I could handle this side of her. For one thing, she hadn’t even chastised me when I’d asked what Witch Bane was—and I still didn’t know.
“Shall I consult the clouds again?”
I sighed. “I can at least tell you why you saw the frog. Because… well, because my boyfriend is currently one.” It wasn’t the time to share my happy engagement news and tell her said boyfriend was really my fiancé.
“A frog, dear? How is that going to work?”
I hung my head, shaking it. “He wasn’t always a frog, but thanks to Violet’s handiwork, that’s what he is now. I guess that’s what happens when she doesn’t approve of the guy I’m seeing. She spelled him right before she took off.”
“Why didn’t you confide in me sooner?”
“I thought about it, but it’s not like you could’ve done anything. Violet’s not a child anymore. She’s the only one who can perform the counterspell.”
“Hmm… yes, that is quite the hairy situation. And from what I saw, it doesn’t look too good for your frog fellow.”
“What?!” My heart went wild. “What do you mean it doesn’t look good? But you said you still had to meditate on it!”
At least Sage had him now, I reminded myself. Let the boys come back and search all they wanted; they wouldn’t find a hint of a frog, poisonous or otherwise, anywhere.
“Did you master the location spell yet? That’s your best chance of getting the spell reversed. And I hesitate to mention it at a time like this, but are you sure Violet didn’t have a good reason for doing what she did?”
“Mom! Are you condoning her behavior? She can’t go around turning people into amphibians.”
“No, no. Of course not. But I sure would like to meet this beau of yours.”
I grabbed the spellbook that was lying next to the full pot of coffee. “How am I supposed to master a spell I can’t see? I got the book out of the box, but every page is blank. It’s all blank, Mom!” I said, frantically, waving it around.
“It’s not blank. You just have to try harder.”
“Try harder? What is that supposed to mean?”
“You’re obviously blocking it, so you’ll just have to try harder. It’s quite simple, really.”
“I’ve looked at this thing a gazillion times and nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. Spellbook: Gazillion. Samm: Big fat goose egg.”
“What’s your coffee intake lately? You seem a bit high-strung.”
I groaned. “Coffee? You’re asking me about coffee right now? Of course, I’m high-strung. My boyfriend’s a frog!”
“Calm down, dear. You’re not doing yourself any favors by getting all worked up. I’m also curious about your coffee consumption because, as you know, too much is not good for our sensibilities and talents. None at all is ideal. The Hain family thrives on herbal tea.”
“Yes, Mom. I’m aware.” I stared longingly at the rich brew that was screaming Drink me! “And for your information, I haven’t had any in a while. But guess what? The pages are still blank.” I flipped through the mocking book. “What am I supposed to do? Sleep with it under my pillow? Carry it around with me
wherever I go to show it how much I care?”
“Oh no. That’s not feasible. The book can’t leave the shop; I made sure of it. I bound it there until my safe return.”
“What do you mean it can’t leave—what happens if it does?”
“It will simply cease to exist anywhere other than Violet’s shop.”
That explained why it hadn’t been in my purse when I thought I’d brought it to Clare’s. I wasn’t out of my mind. At least, not about that.
“I’m going to give it to you straight,” I said. “I need Violet back ASAP. I need her to change Fernando—”
“Fernando?”
“My boyfriend. I need—”
“Is that Spanish or Italian? Or perhaps, Portuguese? Hmm… or possibly French?”
I ground my teeth. “What does that matter?”
“The history and symbolism of a name matter quite a lot. The meaning will change depending on where it originated. How else am I going to determine if his name is compatible with your name?”
“We can get back to that later, okay? I think there are more pressing concerns than a silly name. As I was saying, I need Fernando turned back into a man pronto. He’s in too much danger right now as a frog.”
“As I said, it’s quite simple. You just have to try harder.”
ARGH!
Fine. “Hold on.”
I stared at the pages with purpose, upside down, then sideways. I squinted, crossed my eyes, then burned a hole clean through it. As focused as I was, I’d probably levitate it long before detecting any words.
I slammed the book down. “If I try any harder, I’m going to burst a vessel.”
“You say this boyfriend of yours is in danger?”
“Yes.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, in that case, I have an easy solution for you.”
My spirits elevated. “You do?”
“Sure. If your love is strong, just let it do all the heavy lifting for you. You won’t have to try so hard then.”
“What? What kind of solution is that?”
“A perfectly simple one. Amor vincit omnia.”
“Wait, what did you say?” I dug out the napkin Griffin wrote on.
“Amor vincit omnia.” They sure sounded like the same words. “Love conquers all. It’s Latin. I used to say it all the time to you girls. You don’t remember?”
“It rings a faint bell…” What else had Madame Zora told Griffin?
“By the way, I heard you made the McGuinnesses a pie. That was very sweet of you. Such a kind, thoughtful daughter I have.”
Huh? Her Pollyanna voice and attitude were really starting to mess with my head. As if she hadn’t pressured me into making the pie in the first place, she was now acting like it’d all been my idea?
Thoughts raced through my mind. Her idea or not, once I’d agreed to make it, the desire to do so had been nearly overwhelming. Was something bigger at work here? Was I “nudged” toward making a pie so I could be in the right place at the right time when I’d delivered it to the pub?
Witnessing the fight between Tommy and Gavin had certainly started a chain of events that’d led me to discover things I wouldn’t have normally been privy to. Had Gavin been the one to poison both Penelope and Jonny? From the information I had, he definitely had motive. And if Gavin was charged with the crimes, Fernando would be off the hook.
“Samm? Are you still there, dear?”
“Yes, but I have to go.” I needed to talk to Damon, tell him everything I knew about Gavin Greyson.
“You’ll do that spell, then? Bring Violet home?”
I hoped he was still at Mrs. Zweifler’s. That way I could chop two snakes off Medusa’s head with one swing. I could talk to Damon and find out more about this grass of hers.
I made my mom a promise I couldn’t achieve, then changed my pants and ran out the door.
The coffeepot remained untouched.
Dragons and centaurs and sea serpents, oh my!
I stepped past the odd assortment of creatures on the way to Mrs. Zweifler’s front door. A Bigfoot Bay patrol car was not parked outside, so whether I’d missed Damon or he’d made a pit stop and hadn’t arrived yet, I didn’t know.
I rang the bell and adjusted my eyes. The house appeared to be in a state of perpetual blush, but it suited the rest of the property well. And in a zany way, I liked it. Always had. I wanted to be normal in a non-witchy way, not in a cookie-cutter-be-exactly-like-everyone-else kind of way.
Was Mrs. Zweifler really crazy like Mike suggested, or just highly eccentric like my sister? I’d never interacted with the lady much while younger. As I waited for her to come to the door, I looked around the yard. There didn’t seem to be anything special about the grass from here. Just your average dormant winter grass.
The door swung open and my head went down. I’d never be mistaken for a basketball player, but right now, just call me Shaq.
“Yes?”
“Hello, Mrs. Zweifler. You probably don’t remember me but—”
She caught me off guard and tugged me inside, probably by lassoing my legs. “Little Sammara Hain. Of course, I remember you!” She chuckled. “Not so little now, are you?”
“Well, no…”
“No longer fun-sized like me,” she said with a wink. “I heard you were back in town. I was just waiting for you to come visit me.”
“I’m sorry. Was I supposed to?” My mom never mentioned anything about visiting her, and if I was supposed to, believe me, I would’ve heard it.
Mrs. Zweifler led me over to the low fireplace and sat me down in front of a tiny round table. I felt like I was in a dollhouse.
“I always love visitors. Remember when you and your friends used to run through my yard when you were a little girl? But for some reason, you never came inside.”
I didn’t recall her ever inviting us. “Um, sorry about that too.”
“Oh fiddlesticks. No need to apologize. Just know that you’re welcome here anytime, anytime. Ooh!” She jumped up. “Where are my manners? I haven’t served any refreshments.”
“That’s not necessary, Mrs. Zweifler.”
“Please, Sammara, call me Trixie. We’re both adults now.”
“Okay, but only if you call me Samm.”
“Of course, of course.”
“Trixie… is that short for Beatrix?”
“Yes, but Trixie is so much more fun, don’t you think?” Before I could respond, she said, “Back in two shakes.”
As I waited for her return, I glanced around the place. It was very colorful; I’d give it that. Nothing drab about the pastel pinks and mints and yellows. And definitely “fun.” It was like an Easter egg exploded.
“Here we are.”
Mrs. Zweifler—Trixie—set down a tray that held a teapot, two cups, and a plate of scones. Hmm. The sugar-dusted bakery looked good, but I’d have to pass on the liquid refreshment. To my dismay, she poured me a cup.
“No, thank you.” I placed the vile stuff in front of her instead. “I don’t care for tea.”
“Don’t like tea? What is this blasphemy I’m hearing?” She smiled then poured her own cup and took a generous sip. “At least try a small taste. My tea is delightful.”
“Okay,” I relented. I guess it wouldn’t kill me to gag some down in an effort not to appear rude. And despite the unusual surroundings, I wasn’t getting a creepy vibe off her personally.
I lifted the cup to my lips, about to take a sip when I spotted a small patch of lush grass out the back window. I set the cup down and got up to take a better look.
“Why is that one patch of grass different than the rest of your yard?”
“Oh, it’s like that year-round, no matter what the weather.”
“But do you know why?”
“I’m not sure, but there must be something special about it since it keeps getting stolen. They keep digging it up, but it keeps coming back, so they keep coming back.”
“Oh yes. I keep telling those nice officers about it too, but they don’t take me seriously. They don’t say it to my face, but I know they think ole Trixie here is nuttier than a drunken fruitcake. But today I got proof.” She waggled her finger. “I caught ’em red-handed.”
“You did?”
“Yesiree. Usually I see them sneaking off after the deed is complete, but today I saw them with their hands stuck in the dirt. Well, I called the authorities immediately, of course. Figured they’d be able to do something about it this time.”
“So, you’ve seen them often, then? What do they look like?”
“Quite tall and lanky, except one of them is a little pipsqueak. Can never see their heads because they’re covered in black hoods, just like bandits. Sometimes they come in pairs, sometimes in a group.”
Wow… black hoods? Was this Tommy’s gang? Jonny…
“Was the short one here today?” I held my breath.
She shook her head, and I exhaled. I didn’t think I would’ve been prepared for her to say yes.
“Just two of them, but that was good enough. I finally got my proof.”
“Do you mind if I go outside and see this grass up close? I’m very curious why these… thieves keep stealing it. It’s such a fascinating story.”
“Don’t mind at all.”
I followed her out the back door. “Say, also curious if my sister, Violet, has ever been around to visit you?”
“Oh yes. She stops by all the time to chat. Such a nice girl. But now that I think about it, it’s been a while since her last visit. I do hope everything’s all right.”
It was starting to get really interesting now. “Did she ever take any of the grass?”
“Now, why would she do that? She’s not a criminal.”
I was standing right in front of it now, and it looked just like the stuff that’d surrounded Fernando on that fateful night. But it also looked just like… grass. Grass that had traveled here from a different season but still grass.
“Then how about—”
