The Daughters of Maine

by Tish Thawer

  Kenna watched her sisters leave then quickly bolted from the couch to lock the door behind them. “Come on, Pepper, let’s check Karina’s tea.” The scruffy mutt followed her as she moved from cabinet to sink to hearth, making her tasks a little more bearable with each loving swipe of his tail. “I don’t know about you, but I think something bad is happening. Karina is constantly brewing this tea as if she’s aware of some impending doom that will soon be set upon us all.” Kenna stirred the ingredients just as Karina had showed her, making sure they continued to steep just right. “But every time I ask her about it, she just tells me not to worry. It makes me so mad!” Kenna threw the spoon onto the floor, then quickly bent to retrieve it. Full of guilt, she walked to the sink and continued confessing to her pup. “I just don’t think it’s fair. Mama said we were all charged with keeping each other safe, and it’s like they don’t think I can do it. Like my magic isn’t strong enough.”

  Kenna rinsed and dried off the spoon, then spun around and placed it on the table. “I’ll show them.” Pepper laid down in his usual corner once he felt her magic start to rise. A small whimper escaped him as Kenna spread out her hands, casting a thick layer of fog over the kitchen table. “Block me from their magic sight, let me be a witness this night. Charged to protect us sisters three, forever the watcher shall I be.”

  Kennedy remembered the exact moment her spell had sparked to life the bone-deep need to always protect her family. Then, after Karina was taken and everything went to hell in a hand basket, she was left traipsing from lifetime to lifetime, honing her mental and physical abilities to get the job done. Her sisters never knew she’d cast that spell and still didn’t to this day, but the even bigger secret was how it actually hurt her soul when she couldn’t do her job.

  “You with me, Hardy?” Nielson asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Yeah. Sure. I’m good.” With a slight shake of her head, she continued through the double doors, hoping she could pull this off without revealing her magic to her boss. She’d clearly need to dive in way deeper than just posing a few routine questions, and prayed to the Goddess that he’d remain none the wiser.

  Kennedy followed Nielson down the stairs and through multiple doors into the research wing. They were waved through and ushered into the office of a Dr. Weaver, which was nothing more than a glass box within a larger glass box.

  “Dr. Weaver, I presume?” Nielson asked the forty-something professor, her coiffed brown hair and white lab coat neatly in place.

  “Yes. Hello. Please come in.”

  “Thank you. I’m Agent Nielson, and this is Agent...Kennedy.” He opted for her first name instead of her last, then gave her a quick just go with it smile. “So what can you tell us?”

  Kennedy took a seat in the corner, hoping she could just listen while letting Nielson take the lead. The lovely professor explained that their family study was one of the longest running, spanning almost sixty years, and boasted one of the largest research teams on the entire East Coast, and, of course, that they’d never had anything like this happen before.

  “You said that the genealogy study had just opened up. Is that the first time you actually saw your participants face-to-face? When they came in to give blood,” Nielson asked.

  Kennedy smiled, knowing exactly where he was going with this.

  “Yes. That’s correct,” Dr. Weaver confirmed.

  “Do you happen to have any cameras in the lab that would have recorded the procedure?” Nielson stared straight at the camera in the corner of the office, but waited for the professor’s response.

  “Yes, of course. You’ll have to excuse me for a few minutes, though, while I retrieve the footage from the security office.” Dr. Weaver nodded, excused herself, then left the room.

  “This should cut straight to the chase,” Nielson boasted. “And once we get an image of this Trin person, hopefully you can quickly decipher how and why she’d have your sister listed as her own.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Kennedy remain seated, not wanting to disturb the spell she’d silently been creating. If Trin’s blood was here for whatever research purpose or genealogy search she’d been using to find them, Kennedy was determined to get rid of it. They couldn’t risk their blood being traced back through time, and honestly, she was pissed as hell that Trin had put them all at risk like this.

  Nielson turned away and continued to scan the small office space while they waited for Dr. Weaver’s return. Kennedy, on the other hand, took another deep breath and grounded herself down through the chair, past the layers of concrete, and firmly into the earth. To any onlooker, her eyes would remain open, because it was her third eye she closed to cast her spell. “Through blood and bone, find what’s mine, throughout time, the sacred line.” Kennedy’s astral body floated from the chair and into the main lab, soaring directly towards the glass cabinets where all the blood was stored.

  Magical lines of swirling energy were twisting and buzzing above one batch in particular, but no one vial was being precisely pinpointed. Kennedy strengthened her spell with a boost of power, hoping her boss didn’t interrupt her concentration.

  Again, snapping lines of energy raced back and forth, up and down, twisting and turning until they were nothing more than a jumbled mess.

  “Here we are,” Dr. Weaver’s voice floated to Kennedy’s ears.

  Kennedy’s astral body returned to her physical one just as Nielson inserted the disk and hit play on the computer. The footage was redundant, as patient after patient came in, stated their names for the camera, then filled out paperwork and sat to have their blood drawn.

  “Is there any way to fast-forward to Trin’s arrival?” Nielson asked.

  “No, I’m sorry. The recordings are only by date, and this is the day we have on file for Trin’s sample.”

  “Got it. Guess we’ll just have to watch until she arrives, right?” Nielson asked.

  “Yes, unfortunately. Would you like something to drink while you wait?” Dr. Weaver offered.

  “No thank you, but don’t let us keep you. If you have other things to attend to, please feel free. I’ll text you once we’re done.”

  Dr. Weaver nodded and left the two of them alone, having closed down the lab until their investigation was over. Nielson slid a chair in front of the desk and motioned for Kennedy to come closer and take a seat. “Okay, let me know when our girl shows up?” He patted her on the shoulder then dropped into her previously occupied seat against the wall, put on his sunglasses, and crossed his long legs out in front of him, clearly intending to take a nap.

  Normally, Kennedy would razz the crap out of him for a stunt like that, but right now, the more privacy she had, the better.

  She watched hour after hour of the clinical trial but had yet to see Trin on the screen. Nielson had stirred behind her a few times, but said nothing. Kennedy turned around, ready to wake his ass up and demand that he go get her something to eat, when suddenly a familiar voice sounded through the speaker. “Trin Hartwell.”

  Kennedy spun around and froze as she stared into Ann Putnam’s eyes.

  Chapter Six

  Kennedy’s magic flared as her protector side sparked to life. Within minutes she’d located “Trin’s” case file, pinpointing the vial identification number which held Ann’s blood. Casting a quick sleeping spell, she made sure Nielson wouldn’t wake up as she took care of the situation. Once the blood was safely in her pocket, she destroyed all of Ann’s records including her footage on the film. Lacing her work with a layer of magic, she assured none of the information would be missed. As a matter fact, it was now as if it had never existed at all.

  Kennedy walked back to Nielson and placed her hands at his temples, molding the words she’d need him to say to Dr. Weaver to bring this case to a close. Seconds later, after lifting her sleeping spell, Nielson woke and texted the professor, alerting her that they were done and asking her to return to the lab.

  “So, you’re confident that this person isn’t Trin Har
twell,” Dr. Weaver asked.

  “Yes, ma’am. We’ve identified the imposter and will be taking measures to secure her and correct your records once we have her official statement.” Agent Nielson explained exactly as Kennedy had manipulated it in his mind. “Thank you again, we’ll be in touch.”

  No, we won’t, Kennedy thought. The moment they stepped outside the lab, Dr. Weaver’s memory of this entire morning would be erased, leaving Kennedy to work the same magic on Nielson during their return flight.

  “I still think it’s odd that we were sent out here for a case of identity theft,” Kennedy made small talk as they left the campus, needing a little more information before she’d feel comfortable bringing this to an end.

  “Well, when you receive upwards of a million dollars to finish a sixty-year study that will impact the nation’s health and wellness boards, not to mention taxes and insurance companies, you don’t mess around with tampered records,” Nielson summarized. “This study is government funded and therefore something like that gets noticed. Dr. Weaver notified us right away per their procedures.” He shrugged.

  Shit! Kennedy took a deep breath, hoping it’s hadn’t gotten too noticed yet, or she’d have to dig even further to clean up this mess.

  “Who else knows about the case?” she asked.

  “Just you, me, and Dr. Weaver so far. She agreed to not notify the Board of Directors until we had answers. Once we get back, I’ll put out a bolo on the imposter, get her statement, and book her for identify theft. After that, it’s just a simple report to the University and all should be good.”

  Kennedy sighed in relief. Yes, all would be good––in about thirty minutes actually, once she erased the entire case from Nielson’s mind.

  “Okay, so do you want to tell me why I just saw Ann Putnam’s mug on the security footage at the University of Maine?” Kennedy snapped into her phone.

  Caris rolled her eyes and Trin shook her head as they both stared at Caris’s cell that was blaring Kennedy’s voice from the speaker.

  “Well, like I tried to explain before you hung up on me, we think she went there and used all our information as a way to possibly track us down,” Caris explained.

  “Interesting, but why Maine? Why wouldn’t she go to somewhere in New York when she was at one of her art shows as Kit. I don’t get the connection,” Kennedy admitted.

  “We don’t either but had planned to do a little more digging after you returned and we had a chance to do a ritual to help with our magic and sisterly bond.” Trin cringed, preparing for Kennedy’s response.

  “Actually, I like that idea a lot, but how about we take this pony show on the road?” Kennedy quipped.

  “What do you mean?” Caris asked, looking at Trin and shrugging her shoulders.

  “I mean, why don’t you two meet me in Maine, and we can take it from there. The Ann I saw in the footage was from the here and now, which means she could still be in the area.”

  Trin looked at Caris and raised a shoulder in agreement. “I’m okay with that,” Trin answered. “I can clear my schedule for the rest of the week, which would give us six days including the weekend.”

  “Same here, I’ll call in a sub for the rest of the week,” Caris confirmed.

  “Do you think Jason will be able to join us?” Kennedy asked.

  “I doubt it. They’re already short-staffed at the station, so I don’t think he’d get approval for four more days off after just returning from vacation,” Trin stated.

  “Well, that’s okay. If we need him to join us, he can always just come up on his next day off if we’re still there,” Kennedy replied. “I’ll call and get us a hotel near the University and meet you there tomorrow night. You’re closer than me, so I’ll put the reservation in Caris’s name so you guys can check in first.”

  “Okay, Kennedy. Sounds good. Is there anything you want us to grab for you?” Caris asked.

  “Actually, I plan to take the 95 out of here and dip into Ipswich on my way up. It’ll only add about an hour to my trip, but I think whatever ingredients we bring, getting them from our true home will only add to the potency of our spells, so I should probably be asking you that question; do either of you have something specific you want me to pickup?”

  Trin’s heart sank as she watched Caris’s eyes fall to the floor. She knew they were both thinking about Lillian and her magic shop and how all the chaos that surrounded them had led to her death. Trin still carried the guilt of that and couldn’t quite bring herself to ask the obvious question.

  “Do you know who is running Lillian’s shop now?” Caris asked, clearly the braver of the two.

  “No, I was hoping you could tell me. You were always closer to her than I was,” Kennedy’s voice had dropped to a whisper, acknowledging just how hard it was for all of them to talk about this.

  “I think it was passed to her daughter, Miranda. Just like us, they were always able to find one another in their continuing lifetimes.”

  Must have been nice, Trin thought to herself, still trying to get over the pain of being the demon’s target all this time. Bound and mislead by Ann time-and-time again was the only ‘life’ she’d known, and whether she wanted to admit it or not, it had left some pretty deep scars. “If you could grab me some nightshade, I’d appreciate it,” Trin stated somberly.

  “Um, okay. Are we trying to poison Ann, or just question her?” Kennedy asked.

  “I guess I’ll decide once we find out what she’s up to.” Trin walked away from the conversation and into the kitchen.

  Caris sighed and quickly added her request, “I just need a couple more altar candles and some lavender oil. Other than that, I’m good. Just be careful and text me once you leave Ipswich. I love you, sis.”

  “Love you too, and please tell Trin I’m sorry if I upset her. I wasn’t trying to,” Kennedy whispered.

  “I will, and I don’t think it’s you that she’s upset with. We’ll see you soon.”

  Caris pressed the end key and shoved the phone into her back pocket. “Hey, are you okay?” she asked Trin as she entered the kitchen.

  “Yes. I’m just frustrated. I thought all this mess with Ann and Heinrich was over, but between my dreams and now this, I can’t help but feel like we’re still being yanked around like a bunch of puppets, and it pisses me off.” Trin threw the wooden spoon she’d been stirring her tea with into the sink.

  “Trust me, I know just how you feel.” Caris hugged her sister then poured herself a cup of tea, sipping on the calming mint and lavender infusion. “I know you’re upset that Jason can’t join us, but I think it will be good for just us three to spend some time together away from here. Kinda like a mini-retreat.” Caris smiled hesitantly, hoping to diffuse Trin’s anger.

  “You’re right. We need to look at this as a way to get to the bottom of things while giving us a real chance to bond and solidify our magic.” Trin nodded. “Thanks, Car. I guess we better get packing.”

  “I’m sorry you can’t join us, babe, but Caris and Kennedy both agreed that we can do our bonding ritual first, which will hopefully help us find Ann quickly and put an end to whatever it is she’s up to.” Trin explained to Jason through the phone. “With our magic on point and our hearts aligned, we should be in and out and back home by the weekend.”

  “I get it, honey, but you’re right, I hate that I’m not going with you.” Jason sighed. “Just promise me you’ll be careful and text me before and after you do anything when it comes to Ann.”

  “I promise.”

  “I love you, Karina. Call me when you get there.”

  “I love you too, and I will.” Trin hung up and relished the warmth that had settled in her chest. Jeremiah had always had that affect on her, and she knew without a doubt, he always would.

  Chapter Seven

  IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS

  1692

  “Jeremiah, my love, I have to run to town to make my deliveries; is there anything that you need me to purchase while I’m the
re?”

  “Karina, I thought we both agreed that we need to lie low with all that’s been happening lately. I’m more than happy to continue accumulating our herbs from the woods, and there’s nothing I need otherwise that I’d risk your safety for.” Jeremiah reached for Karina’s hand. “You’re the only thing that matters to me. You and your sisters, of course. You are all my family now, even though you still refuse to make it official.” He winked.

  “My heart, body, and soul are already yours and will be until the day I die and even beyond. I don’t need a ceremony or ring to know that.” Karina leaned forward, placing a kiss on his lips and walked towards the door. “I’ll be back soon, but if you want to use my scrying bowl to keep an eye on me, I won’t mind.”

  “It’s like you know my heart’s intent even before I know it myself.” He smiled shyly and waved goodbye, then retrieved the bowl even before the door had fully closed. Filling it half-full with water, he sprinkled the top with lavender snips and rose hips, then concentrated on the face of his beloved.

  The vision of Karina appeared swift and clear, helping to put his mind at ease but also sparking his lust. He stared at her shapely figure longingly as she walked on the path that led from their home to the edge of town, carrying her basket of wares. Glancing around the room, he confirmed that Kara and Kenna were still out by the river gathering flowers and moss to dry, before working a little magic of his own.

  “With sensual energy as your guide, stoke my desire as it flames to life. Pierce her heart and her core, reminding her of my love once more.”