Beth shook her head. “No. It was too big to steal. There was no way I could get it out of the library. That librarian has eyes on the back of her head. I copied the spells I needed, and a few others, but I had to leave the book itself. I hid it in the shelves, but when I went back, it was gone. I’ve tested a few of her spells and hexes, and they work perfectly.”
Danner’s face tightened with anger. “Yes, I imagine they do.”
“Well, if the heirs to the gifts are in this town, I’ll find them,” Beth said confidently.
“You’d better,” Danner said softly, touching Beth’s forehead with a red finger.
Beth felt pain bloom and spread through her whole body. She screamed, and the other consciousness in her head shrieked as well.
“This isn’t a vacation in the future, Beth. You’re here to work. Get me the HELL out of this prison. You succeed and I will grant you any wish. If you fail, I’ll turn you inside out and laugh while you writhe in agony.”
A moment later Danner was gone and the amulet was closed.
Beth fell to her side and put her sweaty head on the wood floor. Danner’s presence had cooled the room to the point that the floor was cold to the touch.
I won’t fail, Beth thought to herself. I can’t.
The Harvest Festival
Every year all of Barrington’s townsfolk came out to the festival grounds to help set up. The young boys were particularly busy setting up booths and hauling items. Dean and Luke were no exception. John Barrington had them nailing booths together and stringing lights for three days.
“Some summer vacation,” Luke grumbled. Normally good-natured, all this work had kept him away from Sadie from morning ‘till night, making him irritable, especially when all he could do at night was drop into an exhausted sleep because of all the physical labour. He hadn’t seen her in two days. She’d come to visit him at the site a couple of times, but it wasn’t enough for him. The absence of her presence, and physical contact with her, was hard. He was suffering through withdrawal. He worked harder.
Dean silently agreed. It was backbreaking work, and he hadn’t seen Nathalie much either. She was taking advantage of his absence to spend some time with her girlfriends.
The boys had caught up after being separated for a couple of weeks. Best friends since the cradle, they told each other everything. Dean told Luke about the change in his relationship with Nathalie.
“Finally,” Luke had laughed, punching Dean in the arm. “You can stop mooning like a lovesick character in one of Shakespeare’s plays and stop talking about your feelings. For God’s sake man, we’re guys!”
“And you’re such a nerd Luke…Shakespeare’s plays…” Dean had laughed.
Luke reciprocated with news of his relationship with Sadie, but leaving out all the odd happenings.
“Good for you man,” Dean had replied. “It would be nice to get to know her. We’ll double date and have the girls get to know each other.”
The boys had just been sent back to the stable to help the gentleman who would be running a horseback riding activity for the fair. He was new to town and not like anyone they’d ever met before.
Wayman had an overwhelming presence. Tall, big, black hair, he was capable and confident. What they loved about him was his seeming mischievousness.
“Hello boys,” Wayman greeted them as they arrived. He was shoeing one of the horses, working in a rhythmical and systematic way. It was hypnotizing to watch Wayman work.
“Hey Wayman,” they said in unison, staring at him. Time seemed to slow down in the barn. The noise of the festival’s set up activities faded away and became muted. You could hear the buzzing of the flies and smell the hay and sunshine as the warm summer wind blew through the stable. Days of physical activity took its toll. The boys felt themselves grow sleepy.
“Have a seat for a few minutes while I finish up. The barn’s pretty much done. We just need to put up the signs and set up an admissions line. Then we’ll set up my quarters in the top corner of the hayloft.”
The boys sat on bales of hay stacked against one of the barn’s walls. It was so peaceful.
“You sleeping here?” Luke asked, concerned. Now was fine but come September and October, the nights got pretty cool.
“Yep.”
“I’m sure we can find you other lodging,” Luke said. “You could stay with us,” he said sleepily.
“No need to worry about that, Luke,” Wayman said with a laugh as he hammered the shoe onto the horse and then shooed her into the padlocked field to graze. “The barn has everything I need. Plus, I think my lady will be more comfortable out here. More private, if you know what I mean.” Wayman winked and smiled his white, cheeky smile.
Now that the boys had girlfriends, they knew exactly what he meant. They all laughed together and eventually got back to work, both boys wondering who the woman was who had caught Wayman’s eye, and what she looked like.
August
Thursday, August 1
The Fairgrounds
The Barrington Harvest Festival opened with the usual flood of people on August first. Dean and Nathalie met Luke and Sadie outside the fairgrounds at dusk. Nathalie and Sadie smiled at each other. It was a good start. Nathalie had always felt a bit sorry for Sadie. In this town witches were anathema, and being a Kellar branded you instantly. Even though no one believed in witches anymore, the town’s famous history kept the fear and suspicion alive in every person’s subconscious. Sadie was gorgeous when she didn’t smile and stunning when she did. Her face glowed with happiness as she stood beside Luke with her small hand wrapped in his big one.
Sadie was just as pleased as Nathalie. She had never had a girlfriend before, and she had always respected Nathalie. She was a nice girl who never took sides. She was practical and friendly with everyone. Dean had his arm around her and they seemed delighted with each other.
They walked through the fairgrounds, chatting and looking at the different booths. Nathalie smiled and nudged Dean as they watched Luke try to win Sadie a big, stuffed pig. He tried to sink the basketball, but it wasn’t working.
“This is painful,” Dean said, “and embarrassing.”
“I swear, Sadie. I can play basketball. Ask Dean!” Luke wailed as his third shot bounced out of the game stall.
Sadie just smiled. “Sure, Luke.”
“Dude, you know it’s rigged,” Dean yelled laughingly.
The stall owner gave Dean a dirty look.
“Just buy it for her,” Nathalie suggested.
“What! Where’s the chivalry in that?” Luke protested. It cost a lot of money, but he eventually won the pig.
They arrived at the huge food area, where you could get a variety of things to eat. The smell of hotdogs, popcorn, and deep fried things wafted through the air. A large, square bake table full of goods from The Royal Crust Bakery dominated it. It was doing brisk business and they watched as the sales girls rushed around bagging pastry. Off to the side was a booth representing the candy factory. Beth was serving drinks from a huge brown barrel with a tap screwed into it.
Nathalie was astonished. “Dean, did you know Shaemus was planning a booth this year?”
“Nope,” he said curiously, looking in the direction Nathalie was pointing in.
“It’s some sort of chocolate drink.”
The sign over the barrel said:
Limerick Candy Factory
Presents…
O’Malley’s Chocolate Coffee Liquor!
Try some FREE!
Dean and Nathalie looked at each other and walked over. Luke and Sadie drifted over to the bake table. “We’ll be right with you. I’m hungry,” Luke announced.
As they approached, Beth watched Nathalie in an unfriendly manner before looking at Dean and giving him her most dazzling smile. She was wearing a slim-fitting white dress that left nothing to the imagination. The thin material accentuated her slenderness and gave off the appearance of fragility. Her long, wavy blond hair was free and casca
ded down her back. The dress was cut low in the front and she radiated sexuality. There were a lot of men standing around the booth looking at her in a hungry sort of way. Nathalie checked Dean’s expression and then was mad at herself for doing that. He was just smiling back at her in his usual Dean friendly way.
Beth turned and got them each a cup of the chocolate liquor. “Drink up,” Beth said cheerily, although her laugh seemed forced. Beth was looking back at the bake table. They sipped their drinks while Nathalie quizzed her.
“I didn’t know Shaemus was planning a booth,” Nathalie said casually.
“I’m sure he don’t, er, doesn’t share all his plans with you, Nathalie.” Beth replied with arched eyebrows.
“Hmmmph,” Nathalie replied, finishing her drink. It was surprisingly good. She looked at Beth with feigned disinterest. “Well, then. Thanks for the drink, Beth. See you tomorrow.”
Luke and Sadie had joined them. Beth offered Luke a cup and he took it with glee. Sadie was looking at Beth with a slight frown, and Beth’s eyes kept sliding to Sadie. When she saw Sadie assessing her, she took a step back and turned her back on them.
“This is delicious,” Luke said to Sadie, licking his lips.
Sadie just gave hers to Luke, who gulped it down.
They turned to leave. Beth touched Sadie’s arm as she passed by, but then seemed to think better of it. Startled, Sadie glanced at her, but Beth had already turned away and was pouring more samples for other customers, and Luke tugged her away.
“That girl was behaving strangely,” Sadie said thoughtfully.
“What girl?” Luke asked. He hadn’t even noticed Beth.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Never mind.”
The fairgrounds closed at nine o’clock and then most visitors headed to Barrington Town Circle, the center of town, to have a drink and listen to music or do some dancing. Town Circle had dancing until eleven o’clock. The town band played Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights while the festival was open, culminating in the largest dance of the year at Halloween.
The two couples headed to the dining area to have a drink and do some dancing. Dancing took place in and around the covered Rotunda, in front of the band. The circular white structure was beautifully decorated with twinkle lights and white flowers. Many couples were already dancing and Nathalie noticed that a few of the single men were bowing and asking the single ladies to dance. A few married ones were doing the same.
Even she was feeling carefree tonight. It looked like they all were.
They all watched in astonishment as their school principal, Linus Green, asked Miss Kathy, a grade eleven math teacher, to dance. The band was playing old swing music and they watched as the couple got on the floor and began to dance, and laugh.
“Well, that’s interesting,” Nathalie said, taking Dean’s hand.
“Yeah. Isn’t he married?” Dean asked with a frown.
The four of them weaved their way through the tables surrounding The Rotunda and found an empty one. A waiter materialized out of nowhere. “Can I get you folks anything?” They all ordered coffees and sat back to enjoy the music and festive atmosphere.
Nathalie looked around and everyone seemed a bit glassy eyed. It’s hard work to get the fair set up, she thought to herself. She grabbed Dean and dragged him, protesting, to the dance floor. “Swing me around!” Nathalie shouted over the music. Dean laughed and grabbed her, twirling her around until she was dizzy. They didn’t know the steps, but spinning your partner around seemed to be a big part of it, so they just did that. Nathalie laughed when she stumbled and he caught her, holding her close. The band started to play a slow song and Dean tightened his grip.
She noticed that Luke and Sadie were on the dance floor as well, to the shock of the town gossips that were gawking. A Kellar and a Barrington dancing together! Ooooh! That sight alone will make history, Nathalie thought, and wondered how many nosey camera phone owners were taking pictures.
Dean turned her chin, smiling at her, and she forgot about everyone else. They danced two songs together during which time Dean pressed himself against her and discreetly kissed the side of her neck. She was flushed and tingling. She couldn’t wait for the private “good night” portion of their evening. Their time alone had been short but sizzling since they returned from the beach.
The slow songs ended and Nathalie looked around in embarrassment, but no one seemed to notice them. Everyone was smiling and laughing at their partners. Some of the men were bowing to the ladies, who were flushed with pleasure. Many linked arms and walked back to their tables. A few of them slipped away into the private trees of the park.
Sadie and Luke were hugging and laughing. The sight was so intimate that Nathalie looked away. Dean smiled and kissed her on the mouth. They headed back to their table to sit down. Sadie and Luke came and drank their coffees quickly and then rose to leave.
“It’s been great, guys, but it is time for me to take Sadie home,” Luke said with a smile and a slight bow. Sadie’s white skin got a bit pink but she got up in her usual dignified manner.
“Goodnight Dean, Nathalie,” she said formally. After a brief hesitation she smiled at Nathalie a bit shyly. “I hope we’ll see each other again soon.”
Luke and Sadie held hands as they left, crossing the street and cutting through the narrow alley beside the library. Nathalie and Dean watched as Luke swept Sadie up into his arms and bent his head to kiss her as they disappeared into the dark passage.
“Wow, he’s…besotted,” Nathalie said. She turned to look at Dean who was staring at her and twirling her hair around his finger. He pulled her close and kissed her. Nathalie looked around to see if anyone was watching, but no one was paying any attention to them. Too much laughing and revelry was going on. Town Circle was wild with activity.
“I understand besotted. So…” Dean whispered into her ear, kissing the side of Nathalie’s neck. “Do you want to go somewhere quiet and make out?”
“Oh yeah,” Nathalie whispered back.
Hannah watched numbly as Luke danced with Sadie and then took her in his arms. She had spent the evening at The Rotunda taking notes of the opening day and interviewing different people to get their impression of the fair for The Barrington Bugle. When they left together and she saw Luke pick Sadie up and kiss her, Hannah’s heart exploded with fury. The sheer intimacy between them was almost illicit to see publicly. How dare she? She raged. How dare she steal Luke from me? Hannah was beyond furious. She had to do something about it, but what? God, she wanted to kill Sadie Kellar.
Friday, August 2
Limerick Candy Factory
The next day Dean came into work in his dark blue suit. He’s just gorgeous, Nathalie thought as he approached her with a big smile. They couldn’t kiss in the office so they just stared at each other. Even though they had spent hours the evening before moaning together (as Nathalie liked to put it), she never had enough. Dean’s mouth was like a drug.
He smiled down at her. “How would you like to go horseback riding with me? Wayman tells me that Monday is very slow right after work so we can take a couple of horses for a few hours. Is it a date?”
Nathalie loved horses. “You are such a sweetheart! Absolutely, Mr. Croft, it’s a date!”
“Then I shall take my leave to make the arrangements, Miss Parker.” Dean bowed and kissed her hand while Nathalie laughed, and then he was gone to see his clients.
Beth seethed as she watched Dean and Nathalie together. Her feelings for the tall, handsome youth had grown into a full-blown obsessive crush. She hated Nathalie Parker more and more every day. She would enjoy hurting that girl.
Sunday, August 4
The Kellar Residence
The bells tolled and the faithful walked, shuffled or stumbled (depending on what they did the previous night) to the large stone structure called St. Thomas of All Angels, which was Barrington’s Catholic Church. It wasn’t a large church, but it was big enough to accommodate most of the visitors coming to the
fair and wishing to celebrate Sunday mass.
Sadie heard the bells and groaned. The call to the faithful happened every Sunday morning at nine o’clock. Normally Sadie had been up for hours, but not today. She and Luke had gone out again, the night before, with Nathalie and Dean to have supper in Town Circle and dance the night away. Luke had walked her home and had climbed the trellis into her room once she had said goodnight to her aunt and uncle. They had curled up together whispering, giggling, and kissing. It was three in the morning when Luke had left, despite her protests. “My aunt never checks on me or comes in,” Sadie had told him, kissing his neck and holding him tighter. “So there’s no danger.”
Luke had crushed her to him, kissed her soundly, and let her go. He had hopped out of her bed and grabbed his jacket. “It’s not your aunt I’m worried about, Sadie. It’s my mother.” Luke had shivered. “She’s got a sixth sense and eyes at the back of her head. Trust me, if I’m not back soon, I’m toast.” Luke had climbed down the trellis, bowed and blown her a kiss before disappearing around the house.
Now however, Sadie’s head was pounding and she felt lightheaded. She smelled burning and was so sweaty she had soaked through her sheets. She swung her legs out of bed and swayed as she stood up. The house was hot and steamy. Her aunt must be cooking on the hearth again. She could hear her aunt humming…or was it chanting? Sadie couldn’t tell through the pounding in her head. Showering was her only goal. Maybe that would help.
Sadie left her room and stumbled to the bathroom. She closed the door and put her hands on the sink to steady herself. She looked into the mirror above the sink and saw a sweaty girl with tangled black hair, but a second later she was blinking at a new image. In the mirror was an incredibly beautiful girl that looked like Sadie but wasn’t. She was smiling, but in a cruel way, and her icy violet eyes were cold and evil.
“Well, this won’t do,” the girl said before Sadie blacked out.
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