Witch Swindled in Westerham

by Dionne Lister

  “How is he?” Concern weighed in her voice.

  “Not good. He hasn’t regained consciousness. We’re at Princess Royal University Hospital. They’ve taken him for tests.” I bit my fingernail. Gross habit, but something I was prone to when stressed.

  “We’ll be there in a minute. Are you in the waiting room?”

  “Yes. See you soon.” The line cut off.

  A baby started crying, and I resisted the urge to cover my ears with my hands. My phone pinged with a message. It was from Olivia. I still felt so bad about abandoning her, but it wasn’t even a choice.

  Let me know when you have some news. Ernie says he’s so sorry. If you need anything, let me know. Liv xx.

  Thanks. Just waiting for them to run some tests, and it wasn’t Ernest’s fault. Sorry again about leaving. I hope you get to enjoy the rest of your party. Xx

  But had it been? Or was it Camilla’s fault, or something random? I was sure once Angelica arrived, we’d have more answers.

  The baby was still crying when a minute later, Angelica, Beren, James, and a leggy brunette came from the direction of the toilets. I thought William didn’t have a girlfriend? She looked like a freaking supermodel—at least five foot nine, slim with an elegant way of moving that had captivated at least half the poor sods in the waiting room… including me. Her dark locks were styled in loose waves that fell to her waist, and she made jeans and T-shirt look like a million bucks. Don’t get me started on her stunning-even-without-make-up face. Well, if he had a girlfriend, at least she was worth losing to. Hang on. Where did that come from? He was the last person I should want to date. Get a grip, Lily. It must be the shock of seeing him struck down. Yep, I was going with that.

  Angelica peeled away from the group and approached the reception. I stood and accepted a quick hug from Beren. “Hey. Are you okay?”

  I nodded and resisted the urge to cry. There was no use being a mess until we knew what the prognosis was.

  James introduced the stunner. “Lily, this is Will’s sister, Sarah.” I should not feel as relieved as I did, especially when the poor girl looked as worried as I felt.

  “Hi, Lily. It’s nice to finally meet you. William mentioned you once.”

  Once? Okay. That wasn’t exactly an endorsement. “Um, okay. It’s nice to meet you too.”

  She lifted her hand to her mouth in such a floaty way: it was like she was in a music video, and she wasn’t even trying. Sigh. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. He never talks about anyone, let alone women, and he’s not much of a talker to start with. That was actually a huge compliment.” She smiled, revealing perfectly straight, super-white teeth.

  I laughed. “Yep, that sounds like William.” Come to think of it, he’d never mentioned he had a sister, but then again, he wasn’t trying to be my friend. Acquaintances didn’t bother sharing that information. I looked at my shoes and ignored the uncomfortable little squeeze of my heart.

  Angelica joined us. “Come with me. They’re letting us use a private lounge on the second floor while we wait.” She looked around at the coughing, groaning, crying, and, in one case drunk, occupants of the room. Her lips pressed together, and her nose twitched. This must be her displeased expression while in poker-face mode.

  We were buzzed into the section you only get into once you’re admitted, and Angelica led us to a lift. I hurried to keep up with her. “How did you manage to swing a private room?”

  She looked at me as if to say Really? We’re witches. Remember? Yes, I totally got all that from one raised-eyebrow glance.

  We got into the lift. “So, what now?” Hopefully this question wasn’t as stupid as the last one.

  “James will sort everything out once we have some privacy.” Angelica’s authoritative tone soothed my nerves. At least someone who knew what they were doing was in charge.

  The lift dinged, and we exited. Angelica turned right. We hit the end of the section of hallway where it doglegged right. A few doors down was one labelled Private Lounge. It wasn’t plush, but it had comfortable-looking vinyl armchairs, a TV, sink, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, and a small basket full of toys in the corner next to a bright-red child-size table and two chairs.

  “Now what?” Sarah asked. It just occurred to me that she must be a witch too. I wondered if she used a spell to stay slim. An anti-hungry spell would be awesome. I’d have to ask Angelica if it were possible.

  James mumbled a few words. A white doctor’s coat with ID hanging from the pocket appeared over his jumper and jeans, and a stethoscope dangled around his neck. Impressive.

  “Nice threads. Totally believable.”

  “Thanks, sis.”

  I had to ask. “So what now?”

  “I’m going to find William and do an examination. I’ll only need a few minutes to figure out what happened. I’d bet anything, he got hit with a spell when he was delving into Ernest’s thoughts. But I’ll let you know everything when I get back. See you soon.”

  “Be careful,” I called as he walked out.

  Beren and Sarah had taken seats next to each other and held hands. She must be so worried. I know how I felt when James was missing. I never wanted to feel like that again. I went over to them. “Sarah, he’ll be okay. James will do whatever it takes to figure this out.”

  “Thanks, Lily. I can’t imagine not having him around. He’s so strong, always there when I need him. We were close growing up, and my parents would die if anything happened to him.”

  “Where are they?” Shouldn’t they be here worrying like the rest of us?

  “I haven’t told them. I wanted to find out more first. I don’t want to worry them for nothing. You know how parents are.”

  Goddammit! I didn’t know how parents were. I could assume my parents would’ve worried over James and me if anything had happened to us, but now I’d never see it for real. I guessed they would’ve been in a total freak out when he was kidnapped. “Yeah. I know.”

  Angelica took a seat, and I wandered to the window and looked out over the parking lot. Not exactly a great view, but better than sitting in a chair staring at everyone’s morose faces. How many of the people wandering around down there had just said goodbye to a loved one for the last time? How many were coming to visit a new baby? Tragedy, joy, and hardship were playing out all around us all the time, and I never stopped to notice. How many people were in here suffering all alone? Maybe I could spend some of my spare time visiting patients or even people in nursing homes. Hmm. I’d have to look into that later.

  I spoke without turning from the window. “Ma’am, if this is Camilla’s doing, will she also be charged with attempted murder?”

  “Provided we have proof, yes.”

  “Who’s Camilla?”

  Beren answered Sarah’s question. “Just someone we’re investigating, but don’t worry, we’ll catch whoever did this.”

  Anger flared deep in my belly, the kind that begot grudges. I wasn’t quick to hold one, but if someone were truly evil, I wouldn’t stop till they went down, especially if they hurt someone I cared about. How much did I care about William?

  “Lily, please shield your thoughts. I can hear what you’re thinking, and I’m sure you don’t want me to know everything about you.”

  My cheeks heated, and I turned around. Ma’am shook her head. “You’re not witching too well, dear. You need to be more aware of who’s around you and what’s going on.”

  “You’re right, but I’ve just had a shock. Thanks for not wanting to eavesdrop.” I reached for the witchy river of power and mumbled the thought-protection ditty. Fine, now I could think in private.

  The door opened. James shuffled in, shoulders slumped and dark circles under his eyes. He had the “tired doctor” look down pat. He didn’t look well. I hurried over and met him halfway. “Are you okay? You look terrible.” My stomach clenched.

  He grinned. “I’m tired, but it’s because I had to delve quite deep. Camilla is almost the master, or mistress, of bu
rying her secrets, but I’m the absolute master. She’d set a trap in case anyone tried to read Ernest’s thoughts. Her magic was all over William. But there’s nothing illegal about her protecting Ernest, and she could argue she wasn’t targeting anyone, rather just protecting her employee. So we haven’t got her yet, but we will. We’ll have to figure out a way to crack Ernest’s mind or find proof somewhere else. There has to be some.”

  “How’s Will?” Sarah asked.

  James took the stethoscope off and handed it to Beren. “He’s still out of it. The spell put him to sleep and froze his brain in that state. Beren, you’ll have to heal him.”

  Beren smiled. “Finally, something I’m good at.” James handed him the rest of the outfit, and he put it on. “Doctor Beren DuPree reporting for duty.”

  What the? He was related to Angelica? “How are you two related?” I looked from Beren to Angelica and back.

  “She’s my favourite aunt, my dad’s sister.”

  How come I didn’t know this? I was always the last to know anything. “Oh. Nice to know.”

  “Well, I’m off. My patient needs me.” He winked and turned to leave.

  “Good luck,” Sarah said.

  The door shut after him, and I went back to the window. Waiting was not my strong suit. James joined me and gave me a light shoulder bump. He spoke quietly. “How are you doing?”

  I shrugged. “Okay, I guess. I was pretty freaked out at Olivia’s. I didn’t know what was wrong.” I took a deep breath. “I thought he might die, and somehow I feel like it’s my fault, even though I know it’s not. Maybe if I hadn’t been friends with Olivia, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “That’s ridiculous. How do you figure that?”

  “If I were the PIB, I would kidnap him, question him under controlled circumstances where I wasn’t rushed, wipe his memory, then put him back where I found him.” I almost laughed. It sounded like I was talking about a thing or pet rather than a person.

  “And this is why you should be working for us full-time.”

  I shuddered. “Nope. Sorry.”

  “Well, it was worth a try.”

  “How’s Millicent?” I couldn’t believe I was going to have a niece or nephew. I smiled.

  “She’s still nauseous, but she doesn’t vomit every day. I feel so helpless—there’s nothing I can do.”

  “Just make life as easy for her as you can, and if she needs to complain, just listen. I can’t imagine what it would be like to feel sick all the time with no way to feel better.”

  James laughed. “Remember the night I came home drunk from Gordo’s sixteenth birthday?”

  Oh, God, did I remember. I’d been twelve, and Mum was still alive. “You were so sick. You vomited, which made me vomit, which made you vomit, which made me vomit. Poor Mum. I don’t think she got much sleep that night.”

  “Yeah, the party was fun, though.” He sighed. “God, I miss them.”

  “I know.” He put his arm around me, and I leaned against him. “Thanks for looking after me after… everything. You were the best brother ever.”

  “Were? What about now?” He leaned away and regarded me with mock horror on his face.

  I giggled. “You’re overparenting now. I need a brother, not a father. I’m twenty-four. Please don’t be so bossy. I looked after myself for years before I came here. Don’t forget that.”

  “I know. It’s just hard to stop myself. I worry about you, Lily. And I feel responsible for bringing you here.”

  Yes, it had been his fault in a way, but then, it may have happened eventually anyway. “Look, if people are after me here, they would’ve come to Australia. It’s not like there isn’t a plane leaving every other hour.”

  “True, but being involved in PIB stuff probably makes it more dangerous. Today, for instance.”

  “I wasn’t in any danger.” I glanced at Sarah, then turned back to James and whispered, “Will William be okay?”

  “Beren’s the best healer we have. I’m sure he’ll have him walking through that door at any moment.”

  I turned. Sarah had been looking at James and me. She gave me a shy smile. “Sorry. I just… I just hope my brother comes back like yours did. Will told me all about James getting kidnapped. You must’ve been petrified.”

  “I was. I’d say James was too, but he was unconscious for most of it.”

  “I hear you saved him.”

  “She sure did.” James grinned. “I have the best sister ever.”

  “Aw, shucks.” I gave his hand a squeeze, then sat in the chair next to Sarah. “From what James says, Beren will have William back here annoying us in no time.”

  Sarah laughed. “You know my brother well, I see.”

  “Ha! Not super well, but well enough to have argued with him a few times. How did you survive growing up with him and not doing him any damage?”

  “I have the patience of a saint.” She winked. “He’s not actually that bad. He’s just a worrier, you know? He does have a good heart under that cranky exterior. Also, working away from home mostly, I don’t see him that much. That helps.” She grinned.

  “What do you do for work?”

  She hesitated, then said, “I’m a model.”

  “I knew it! You have that look. You’re gorgeous and elegant, even in jeans and a T-shirt. I’m totally jealous, by the way.”

  “Thanks, Lily. And thanks for being nice about it. Most women give me dagger looks when I tell them. And many of the girls in the catwalk world are insecure—it’s hard to make friends. You have no idea how stressful it is when everyone is judging you on looks alone and whether you can fit into size 4 jeans. Most girls look at each other as a threat, someone who’ll take their next job from them. Not that I’m complaining. I have a couple of good friends—one’s a make-up artist, actually—and it’s a dream job if you can get past the superficiality of it. Who doesn’t want to get paid for wearing gorgeous clothes and having people fawn all over you?” She laughed.

  “Now I’m even more jealous. Sheesh.” I grinned.

  The door opened, and Beren entered, pushing William in a wheelchair. Relief poured over me. Thank goodness he was okay.

  William had dark circles under his eyes, and even Beren walked with less spring in his step than usual, although he was smiling. Sarah jumped up and ran to them. She bent down and threw her arms around William. “Oh my stars! Are you okay? Your eyebrows are singed. What happened?”

  “I’m fine. Give me some room.”

  Sarah stepped back, and William gingerly stood. He walked slowly to a chair and sat.

  “You don’t look so fine.” I shook my head. “What happened with Ernest? He’s not a witch too, is he?”

  “No, he’s not a witch. Camilla definitely booby-trapped his memory. I tried to get in, and there was a flash of light. The next thing I know, I’m here, and my eyebrows suck.”

  I snorted. “Sorry, you sounded so funny saying it. But seriously, you’re probably lucky there wasn’t more damage. You could have been badly hurt.” My smile faded, the relief of seeing him awake disappeared, and the idea that he could have been killed made me pause. Nausea slid up my throat. It was partly my fault. I should have insisted on being with him, just in case. This wasn’t a game, and I’d do well to remember that.

  James slid his arm around me. “It’s okay, Lily. He knows what he’s doing. And this wasn’t your fault, so don’t blame yourself.” Ah, my brother, he knew me so well.

  Will stared at me, his cranky expression back. “No, it wasn’t your fault. I should’ve known better, put up a stronger defence spell, just in case, but I got cocky. Never underestimate your opponent. First rule of PIB.”

  “Is the second rule not to talk about PIB?” We both smiled, and James laughed. “Sorry, I joke around when I’m stressed. It’s my go-to thing.”

  “What are you talking about?” asked Beren. “You’re always joking around. I don’t think you know how to be anything else.”

  “Yeah, you’re pro
bably right. So, now what happens?”

  Angelica, who had quietly observed our reunion, stood. “William, James, and Beren, I want you to have tomorrow off. We all need to regroup and think about our next move. Once we’ve done that, we’ll have a meeting and decide what we’re going to do. Sarah, feel free to take William home, and make sure he rests.”

  “I’ll do that. Thanks, Angelica. Once I tell Mum what happened, he’ll be trapped on the couch with never-ending bowls of soup.” She smirked, and William scowled. Sarah pushed the wheelchair to her brother. “Sit. And I don’t want any arguments.” Ooh, she could be tough when she wanted. Nice. I didn’t feel so sorry for her having to grow up with him now. Seemed like she could hold her own where he was concerned.

  Now that things were sorted, I couldn’t wait to get out of there. “I should probably call Olivia, let her know William’s fine. Also, what happens with Camilla now? Will she know what happened?”

  Angelica’s poker face was back with a vengeance, and so was her no-nonsense voice. “We can discuss this later, Lily. Let’s go.” Yes, Ma’am. I didn’t think saluting was such a good idea, so I hugged James goodbye instead, then followed her out.

  “Um, how am I getting home? Didn’t you use the toilet?”

  She raised her brows. “I did no such thing! It’s a cubicle.”

  “But doesn’t it have a toilet in it?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t touch it.” She shuddered. Potatoe, potahto.

  “I have my wallet. I’ll catch an Uber.” I wasn’t quite sure how I felt, knowing everyone else was witchy enough to travel, but I was useless and had to get home the normal way. Actually, I did know: like a baby in a group of adults. Is that how they all saw me?

  “You can’t. There’s no one watching you. I can travel you back. It’s not far, so it won’t drain me too much. Then I’ll take you to get William’s car. You can drive, can’t you?”

  “Of course. I can even drive a manual. They’re cheaper, and that was all I could afford, so I learnt quickly. Sink or swim. Um, will people find it weird that we walk into the bathroom but never come out again?”