Familiars and French Roast

by Jinty James

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  Pineapple Coconut Balls Recipe in Metric Measurements

  Pineapple Coconut Balls Recipe in US Measurements

  Familiars and French Roast – A Coffee Witch Cozy Mystery – Maddie Goodwell 5

  By

  Jinty James

  Copyright © 2018 by Jinty James

  All rights reserved

  No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.

  CHAPTER 1

  “This must be it.” Maddie peered through the windshield of their coffee truck.

  A large house, hinting at Craftsman inspired architecture and built of light colored stone, sat in the middle of a clearing. Douglas firs and a big oak tree surrounded the dwelling.

  Diamond beveled windows twinkled in the late afternoon summer sunshine.

  “It’s the only house we’ve seen in the last five minutes,” Suzanne said. “And it is on the outskirts of Estherville.”

  “Just like Autumn told us,” Maddie replied.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie agreed.

  “Do you think we’re at the right place, Trix?” Suzanne turned to face the fluffy white Persian sitting in the back.

  “Mrrow.” Trixie dipped her head to indicate yes.

  “If Trixie says this is it, it must be,” Maddie commented with a grin.

  Maddie, Trixie, and Suzanne (Maddie’s best friend since middle school) operated Brewed from the Bean five and a half days per week. Usually, they were parked in the square at Estherville, a small town one hundred miles from Seattle. But this afternoon, they were starting their second catering job, at a self-help retreat.

  Autumn, the group leader, had booked their services for the weekend, starting Friday afternoon and finishing Sunday afternoon.

  “Oh, look.” Suzanne pointed.

  The stone gate was engraved with the name High Trees Court. Underneath, a small sign announced in thick pink lettering: Embrace Positivity, Banish Negativity, and Live!

  “We’ve definitely come to the right place.” Maddie eased the truck through the open gate.

  They drove up to the house. To the right, a parking area with only one car – an old-fashioned but immaculate white VW bug with a big sunflower sticker on the trunk – greeted them.

  “Plenty of parking,” Suzanne said with satisfaction as Maddie parked as close to the house as possible.

  “Do you think we’re too early?” Maddie frowned as she turned off the engine.

  “Maybe you should have done a Coffee Vision spell before we left Estherville,” Suzanne said.

  “Mrrow!” Trixie agreed.

  Ever since she was seven years old, Maddie had been able to see the future – or the possible future – in the next twenty-four hours, on the surface of a freshly made coffee. It didn’t matter if it was instant, drip, or a latte she now made in their coffee truck, Brewed from the Bean.

  It had all started when she’d visited the local second-hand bookshop and bought a crumbling old copy of Wytchcraft for the Chosen for one dollar. Until recently, that had been the only spell she’d been able to master. But a few months ago, when she’d turn twenty-seven – or seven-and-twenty as the ancient tome had stated, she’d been able to execute some new spells – so far at the rate of one per month, after each full moon.

  “Tomorrow night is the full moon.” Suzanne looked excited. “Did you bring Wytchcraft for the Chosen with you?”

  “Yes.” Maddie kept her voice down, even though they were still in the truck and the windows were rolled up. So far, only Trixie and Suzanne knew she was a witch. And Trixie wasn’t just a cat, she was also Maddie’s familiar.

  “Mrrow.” Trixie sounded approving.

  “Where is it?” Suzanne asked, her blue eyes lively.

  “In my overnight bag.”

  “Awesome!” Suzanne grinned. “Tomorrow night we can go through the book and see which new spell you’ll be able to do.”

  Before Maddie could say she wasn’t sure that was a good idea, a tall woman who looked to be in her thirties hurried toward their truck. Her flowing auburn hair was swept back from her forehead with a bright yellow bandana, and she wore a pink and white tie-dyed top and skirt. The whole effect should have looked garish, but instead she looked elegant and graceful.

  Maddie and Suzanne jumped out.

  “Oh, good, you’re here,” the woman said. “I’m Autumn.” She shook their hands.

  “I’m Maddie and this is Suzanne,” Maddie replied.

  “Hi!” Suzanne’s strawberry-blonde ponytail bobbed as she greeted Autumn.

  “Mrrow?” Trixie stared at them through the truck window.

  “Ohh.” Autumn’s expression became as soft as melted creamed coconut. “She’s gorgeous. She is a she, isn’t she?”

  “Yes,” Maddie replied. “Her name is Trixie. Is it okay if she stays with us here? She’s very well-behaved and can walk in a harness. Otherwise, I can take her to Mom’s for the weekend.”

  In fact, that was what Maddie had planned on doing in the first place, but the feline had other ideas. She’d insisted on accompanying Maddie and Suzanne today. Maddie didn’t know whether it was because Trixie wanted to stay with her for the weekend or if somehow, her powers as a familiar had warned her to be by Maddie’s side for the duration of the retreat.

  “She is just darling.” Autumn smiled. “Of course she can stay with us. She’s a Persian, right?”

  “Yes,” Maddie replied.

  “Trixie usually comes to work with us in the truck when we’re at the town square in Estherville,” Suzanne added.

  “I bet some of your customers come back just to say hello to her.” Autumn waved at the cat.

  Trixie placed a paw on the window and tapped.

  “I’d love to her meet her properly,” Autumn said.

  “Of course.” Maddie smiled as she opened the truck door. Trixie usually had that effect on humans. She didn’t know whether it was her natural feline charm or her ability as a familiar – or perhaps both – but whatever it was, people usually warmed to the Persian right away.

  “Autumn says you can stay with us here.” She picked up Trixie and stroked her velvet soft fur.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie replied softly, a slightly smug look on her face.

  “Trixie, this is Autumn, the group leader for the retreat,” Maddie said.

  “May I hold her?” Autumn asked.

  Maddie heard the longing in the woman’s voice. “Sure. If it’s okay with Trixie.” She looked down at her familiar.

  “Mrrow.” Trixie wriggled in Maddie’s arms, as if wanting to go to Autumn.

  “You are such a sweetie,” Autumn murmured, closing her eyes as she held Trixie.

  Maddie and Suzanne looked at each other. Usually, Trixie didn’t have quite that much of an impact on a stranger.

  “Thank you,” Autumn said quietly, before gently handing Trixie back to Maddie. Maddie wasn’t sure if the group leader had been talking to the Persian or Maddie.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie said softly, as she nestled back in Maddie’s arms.

  Autumn smiled at the cat, then said: “I guess I should show you around. All the attendees will have their own bedrooms, but I’ve put you two – three – into a large room.”

  “That sounds great,” Maddie assured her. “Thank you.”


  “We’ve got the organic French Roast you requested,” Suzanne said.

  “I’d love a cup right now,” Autumn replied, “but we mightn’t have time. The ladies will be arriving soon and I wanted to get everything set up before then.”

  “Of course,” Maddie replied. “I’ll just put Trixie’s harness on, and then we’re ready to work.”

  Trixie stood patiently on the truck seat as Maddie buckled her turquoise harness into place. Then she trotted by Maddie’s side as they entered the house.

  “Isn’t this place great?” Autumn didn’t wait for a reply as she led them through the mahogany paneled hall, their footsteps echoing on the wooden floorboards. “I wanted to hold the retreat somewhere with character in this area, and I couldn’t believe it when I found this house on a website. It’s absolutely perfect for my workshop.”

  “What exactly will the participants be doing?” Suzanne’s snub nose wrinkled in curiosity.

  “Lots of things,” Autumn enthused. “Yoga, walking through the woods, communing with nature, getting in touch with our inner selves, and oh, special breathing of course. As well as plenty of techniques to get rid of the negativity in your life and replace it with positivity.”

  Maddie hoped they hadn’t made a mistake by accepting this job. Autumn had contacted them a couple of weeks ago, asking if they were available to cater a weekend function. Since they’d recently branched out into catering, as well as running the coffee truck in Estherville, they’d thought it was a good opportunity, but now, Maddie wasn’t too sure.

  But it wasn’t as if she could criticize Autumn’s workshop. After all, she was a witch. And recently, she, Suzanne, and Trixie had solved four murders. She just hoped that this weekend would be nothing more than a pleasant self-help retreat with good coffee and good food.

  Autumn led them into the large kitchen. Pine cabinets lined the room. A huge granite countertop dominated the rest of the space, and there were two ovens and a large refrigerator as well.

  “Wow,” Suzanne murmured.

  “There should be plenty of room to prepare the meals,” Autumn told them. “And the crockery is included in the rental.” She opened one of the cabinets. Stacks of white china plates and bowls lined the shelves.

  “It looks like we’re all set,” Maddie said cheerfully.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie agreed.

  “I’m sure Trixie would love to join in with some of the workshop activities,” Autumn remarked, bending down to look at the cat. “Like yoga.”

  “Mrrow,” Trixie said agreeably.

  “If you’re sure,” Maddie replied, a little hesitant. What would the other workshop attendees think of Trixie participating?

  “We’re all going to have a wonderful weekend, Maddie.” Autumn smiled at her. “And you and Suzanne are welcome to join in when you have time.”

  “That’s very kind of you,” Maddie replied, wondering if she’d be able to twist her body into a pretzel.

  “Thanks!” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed. “I’ve always wanted to try yoga.”

  “The first yoga session will be tomorrow morning,” Autumn informed them. “Tonight, it’s all about getting to know each other, relaxing, and entering a state where everyone will be more receptive to the channels of positivity swirling out there.”

  “Well, I guess we should start setting up,” Suzanne suggested. “We can bring in all the supplies, and start getting everything prepped for dinner.”

  “You did buy the ingredients I asked for?” Autumn queried.

  “Yep. Plenty of organic salad stuff, fruit, and lots of French Roast coffee. Oh, and my organic health balls.”

  This was the first time Suzanne had made organic health balls. Her little treats of goodness had become a popular item on their menu, but when Autumn had requested organic and vegan everything, Suzanne hadn’t blinked an eye. Instead, she’d practically bought out the entire organic aisle at the grocery store in Estherville, mixing up health balls for the retreat with enthusiasm.

  “What kind?” Autumn asked eagerly.

  “Maple Macadamia, and my new Pineapple Coconut flavor.”

  “They sound delicious,” Autumn enthused. “I can’t wait to try them.”

  “They are delicious,” Suzanne assured her. “I’ll save a few extra for you.”

  “You are a dear.” Autumn smiled at her, then headed out of the kitchen. “I’ll be in the great room if you need me,” she called.

  Maddie, Trixie, and Suzanne looked at each other.

  “We better unload the truck,” Maddie suggested.

  “What about Trixie? Should she stay inside?” Suzanne asked.

  “Trix?” Maddie bent down to the cat. “What do you want to do?”

  “Mrrow.” Trixie turned toward one of the bottom cabinets and started sniffing it.

  “I guess that means she wants to stay here.” Suzanne grinned.

  “I’ll just take the lead off her harness.” Maddie unbuckled the turquoise nylon. “Stay here while we bring the supplies in, Trix.”

  Trixie didn’t answer, seemingly engrossed in whatever she could scent at the base of the cabinet.

  “I hope there’s nothing gross in there.” Suzanne shuddered dramatically. “Like a dead mouse.”

  “Maybe we shouldn’t open that door. Just to be on the safe side.”

  “Deal.”

  Maddie and Suzanne walked out to the truck. Dark gray clouds rolled overhead.

  “Suzanne.” Maddie nudged her friend.

  “It doesn’t look good.” Suzanne glanced up. “The sky was blue when we got here.”

  “And now it’s getting darker by the second.” Maddie frowned. The air suddenly seemed so still.

  “Then we better hurry before it starts pouring.” Suzanne hopped into the back of the truck.

  It took them a few trips before they brought all the food in. Their little refrigerator had been too small to store all the supplies, so they’d invested in a couple of coolers for the short trip from Estherville.

  “Once we put all this stuff in the fridge, we can get the coffee going,” Suzanne said. “I’m dying to find out what this French Roast tastes like.”

  “It’s supposed to be quite dark,” Maddie said, glancing down at Trixie. The Persian was still sniffing around the base of the cabinet.

  “Mm. I do like dark coffee sometimes,” Suzanne replied, flinging open the silver door of the refrigerator and bundling in a big bag of organic salad.

  “I don’t know if you’ll like this one.” Maddie took out blueberries, cherries, and raspberries and placed them on the granite counter. “It’s supposed to be oily as well.”

  “Oily?” Suzanne scrunched her nose. “Now you really have me intrigued.”

  “We should make a cup for Autumn,” Maddie suggested as she emptied one cooler of food and started on the next. “Make sure it meets with her approval before we serve it to the attendees.”

  “Any sort of coffee you make is great.” Suzanne touched her arm. “Don’t worry. And you could do a Coffee Vision spell!”

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” Maddie cast a swift glance around the kitchen, but no one else was there. “I don’t think we should talk about … you know … while we’re here. We don’t want anyone else to overhear.”

  “Well, based on what Autumn told us this workshop is about, I don’t think you’ll have any problems if someone did accidentally overhear. I mean, it does sound a bit New Age, doesn’t it? I like Autumn, though,” Suzanne said.

  “So do I,” Maddie replied.

  “And so does Trixie.” Suzanne grinned. “I think Trix might have a cast a magic spell on Autumn already. Did you see how she reacted to Trixie?”

  “I know,” Maddie said thoughtfully. She was used to people being charmed by Trixie as soon as they met her, but Autumn’s reaction had been a little different. Did Autumn have magical powers herself – or some kind of intuition? It would definitely explain her response to the Persian. And Maddie wo
uldn’t put it past her familiar to deliberately charm the retreat leader.

  “Mrrow?” Trixie abandoned the closed cabinet and sat at Maddie’s feet, looking up at her.

  “Do you want something to eat?” Maddie asked softly. She’d brought Trixie’s food with her, as well as a water bowl, litter, and her special blanket.

  “Mrrow.” Trixie’s turquoise eyes gleamed.

  Luckily, the food was in a bag Maddie had already fetched from the truck. She found a deserted corner of the kitchen and spooned some beef and gravy into Trixie’s bowl.

  “There you go.”

  “Mrrow.” Trixie looked pleased as she started to eat.

  “I better go and get the rest of Trixie’s things,” Maddie said, “before it starts raining.”

  “And our overnight bags,” Suzanne said, shutting the fridge door. “I just realized Autumn didn’t show us where our bedroom is.”

  “We can go and ask her.”

  They hurried to the truck to grab their belongings. Once they were back inside the kitchen, Trixie licked her lips. Her food bowl was empty.

  “Want to come see Autumn?” Maddie asked her familiar.

  “Mrrow!”

  Maddie smiled as she buckled the lead onto Trixie’s harness. She’d love to take the harness off, but didn’t think it was a good idea right now. And she didn’t know how the other attendees would react to having a cat at the workshop.

  They headed out of the kitchen. To the right they could see a furnished room.

  “Maybe that’s the great room,” Suzanne murmured, carrying her overnight bag.

  Just as they entered the large space, empty apart from a big leather lounge suite, armchairs, and coffee tables, they heard Autumn’s agitated voice.

  “I told you, now is not a good time to call me.” Autumn paced the pastel blue carpet.

  Maddie, Trixie and Suzanne stopped in their tracks at the same time Autumn saw them. She waved them forward.

  “Don’t contact me again this weekend.” She ended the call and took a deep breath. “What can I do for you ladies?”

  “We didn’t mean to intrude,” Maddie began hesitantly.

  “But we were wondering where our bedroom was,” Suzanne added. She hefted her overnight. “So we could put our bags in there and start making the coffee.” Her eyes lit up. “And give you first dibs on my health balls.”