“Meaning that she has no problem using her wand against another witch if they get in her way,” Hazel added.
Noah took a sip from his tea as he shook his head. Petunia knew it was too much for him to take in, but he’d have to get used to it.
“Daria and Belinda are very nice. I think they’ll be a good resource for information when we go to the meeting.”
“When you go?” Hazel asked. “Only nonmembers are allowed at meetings. No mortals.”
“Looks like I’ll have to check out a few things on my own,” Noah said.
“I’d be careful, Noah. I’d hate to lose you ... I mean a partner like you.”
“I know what you mean. I’m fond of you, too.” He grinned. “But I think I’ll have a run at the dessert table before I take off.”
Petunia waited until Noah left and asked, “Where will the three of you be going?”
“Just checking out the booths that are being set up. I think your aunt could use a good luck charm,” Hazel said.
“I think the three of you can, but why not pick one up for Noah, too?”
“Oh, so you’re worried about him are you?” Aunt Maxine asked. “You need to up your game. I’d hate to see you let that one slip away. Why, if I was a little younger, I’d, oh — never mind.”
Petunia was shocked by her aunt’s response. Even at eighty she showed no signs of slowing down.
Pansy came racing over. “Oh, there you are. That meathead at the hostess stand wouldn’t allow me into the dining room.”
Petunia gave him a small piece of her fish. “I imagine they don’t want cat hair on the buffet.”
“What do people have against a little cat hair?”
“Personally? I’d rather do without it on my clothing.”
“So what’s the plan after dinner?”
“I’m going to an informational meeting about Witches Affairs, and I’m taking you with me. You’ll be a nice accessory.”
“I wish I could say the same, but since there are so many cats here with their witchy counterparts, I might as well go. Maybe we can find out some interesting information.”
“We’re thinking so much alike lately, Pansy, that it scares me.”
When Daria and Belinda stood up and dropped their napkins on their table, Petunia excused herself. From the look on Noah’s face as he gorged on ice cream he could not care less.
Daria waved at Pansy. “Is he yours?’
“Yes, this is Pansy, but what makes you think it’s a he?”
“He has a certain cockiness to his stride, just like a male.”
“Do either of you have a cat?”
“No, I didn’t think it was allowed. It was my understanding that we’d be given a cat after we became members of Witches Affairs. The cat needs to be special to suit the needs of the witch. Not any ordinary cat will do.”
“Trust me, Daria, Pansy is very special, with abilities all his own. I’d be lost without him.”
“It’s about time you say that,” Pansy said. “I like your new friends already.”
“Are you going to your room?” Petunia asked Belinda.
“Yes, but how about we take a look at where the tents are being set up? I’d love to see the wares they’re hocking.”
Petunia and Pansy followed Daria and Belinda to the far side of the dining room, where a sliding door opened to the courtyard. Outside, the sunshine had all but dissipated, though it was still light out. The tents were blue with white signage touting magic wands, potion ingredients and flying brooms, which Petunia thought odd since she didn’t think a witch could pick any broom and fly it.
Pansy pranced right along with them and seemed to be in the best of moods. They had come a long way, Pansy and Petunia.
“Where are you from?” she asked Daria.
“Cats Grove. It’s a small town north of here.”
“You too, Belinda?”
“Yes. It’s a quaint little town. You’d like it.”
“I’m from Lake Forest. It’s quaint too.”
“I think I’ve passed through Lake Forest before on my way to Traverse City,” Daria said, moving a straying lock of hair back in place. “From what I’ve been told, witches at this convention are from all over the country.”
“I don’t think one small town can handle too many witches. In Lake Forest, there’s my Aunt Maxine and her friends Hazel and Wanda, and me.”
“That’s great that you have older witches as mentors.”
“They don’t help me out exactly. I’ve been trying to find my own way, but my potions haven’t really turned out as I want them to.”
“Story of all our lives as newer witches,” Daria nodded. “How long have you known you’re a witch?”
“I found out only recently, though I’ve made potions for some time. It never occurred to me that I had any magical powers at all until one of my potions worked quite well -- a little too well, actually.”
“I’ve been dabbling with wands, but I can’t say if I’ve found the right kind of magic for me,” Daria admitted. “I work as a fortune teller, but nobody thinks of that as a skill a witch would have.”
“Telling fortunes seems important,” Petunia said. “Can you tell me something about me?”
“I’m not trying to use my psychic abilities on you. But as a clairvoyant, I can tell there is something about your cat that is most unusual. I daresay you might somehow be communicating with him.”
Chapter Eight
Petunia’s mouth gaped. Daria had to be the real deal!
“You should know better than to tell her something like that. Not everyone can handle what she tells them,” Belinda said.
“What about you; what is your special talent?”
“I ride brooms badly?”
Petunia backed up. “You had better do better than that.”
“I can cast spells, but I get so nervous when I have to do it in front of others, especially witches when I’m being judged.” She sighed. “Daria goes way beyond what happens in the past. She can also see the future.”
“Should I ask what’s going to happen at this meeting?”
“We’ll be treated as outcasts, but that’s how Belinda and I have always been treated.”
“That’s one thing you’re wrong about. We’re not outcasts; we’re the gifted ones,” Petunia insisted. “I bet that’s why your wand was broken, Daria. But I suppose it wasn’t of much use to you as a clairvoyant, was it?”
“Nope. And it was Belinda’s wand, anyway.”
“I bet someone put a spell on your broom or tampered with it.”
“Actually, that wasn’t my real broom. Mine went missing and I had to buy one at the last minute.”
“This time things will be much different. I promise,” Petunia insisted.
They walked out of the horseshoe part of the building toward a large white tent bearing the name Witches Affairs. Inside, chairs had been set up before a stage, and Petunia made her way to the back row, where she felt the most comfortable because all eyes seemed to be on them. Pansy jumped in her lap, which made her think that even he was nervous.
Belinda and Daria sat on either side of her, and she gave a witch hard stare when she turned to look at them.
Daria waved at the witch, who sat in the row ahead of them. “Hello, Daria and Belinda. I see you’re back for more.” She smiled sadly. “Just like me.”
“I’m Petunia, and this is Pansy.”
“This must be your first time. I haven’t seen you here before.”
“Yes it is. Estelle and Maria paid me a visit to invite me to join, but at the time I didn’t want to be a part of Witches Affairs.”
“Wow, you must be special.”
“Not really, they did it as a favor for my Aunt Maxine I think.”
“I’m Juno. My talent is potions.”
“So is mine.”
“Good, perhaps we can exchange notes sometime.”
“I’m not that good at making them, so I might be the wrong per
son to ask.”
“I can see she fits right in with us,” Juno said. “We’re the perfect misfits.”
“Not this year, ladies,” Petunia insisted.
The microphone buzzed and squealed feedback until Estelle tapped it. “My, but you ladies sure are spread out. How about you all move up to the first two rows?”
Petunia frowned because that was the last thing she wanted to do in this crowd, but she moved to make it look as if she planned to play along.
Once they were again seated, Estelle smiled. “As some of you know, I’m Estelle, and this is my daughter Maria,” she introduced. “While some of you are repeat offenders, I’m happy to see you back again this year. Witches Affairs accepts only the best of the best, and I hope to see an improvement since our last meeting. A few of you are new this year, though I think I’ve met all of you outside of the convention. We have forms to fill out in which you’ll list your special ability. Then you’ll audition before a panel of judges.”
Petunia could almost give it to Estelle. At least thus far she seemed organized. She’d have to find a way to help her new friends pass this year, especially because it seemed someone had gone to the trouble of sabotaging them.
“Witches Affairs was formed more than one-hundred years ago under the names of Witches Club and The Coven. We’re not only a good resource for witches, we’re a tightknit organization. We’re on hand to help one another out. We prefer you keep your affiliation quiet. The reason the witches do so well in Michigan is that we fly under the radar, so to speak, while doing what we do best. Making potions doesn’t necessarily make you a witch, so it’s best to label your businesses under names that aren’t witch-related, as they do in Lake Forest with Mystical Remedies.”
Petunia sat up straight in her chair. Why was her aunt’s shop mentioned? She’d have thought it would be anathema to mention anything associated with Aunt Maxine because she was a suspect in the death of the Grand Witch.
Maria approached the microphone. “I’ll be on hand to help any of the pledges to work on their witching skills.”
“That’s the last thing I’d ever do,” Petunia murmured.
“Shhh, you said that out loud, Red.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I’m having trouble sitting her calmly. Maria is a joke.”
“Be careful; that’s one witch you can’t afford to cross. It would be much better to play nice with her and her mother.”
“That’s easy for you to say.”
“Your aunt is counting on you. I suggest you heed my warning.”
Petunia had to admit that Pansy was right.
“Remember, this organization is here to better all our lives,” Maria continued. “If any of you get into trouble, we’re on hand to help you out in any way that we can.”
Petunia wondered if that meant her aunt, too.
“You’re dismissed,” Estelle said. “Make sure to fill out your form and place it into the box. This year it’s going into a sealed box so nobody knows what talent you have.
The metal chairs scraped and clanked against each other as the would-be witches stood to line up at the table holding the forms. Petunia took her paperwork to another table. She didn’t want anyone other than those she already confided in that she made potions.
She put her form into the locked box and walked over to greet Estelle and Maria, who narrowed their eyes as she approached. “I was wondering how the potion part of the audition will work?”
“You’ll have to work on it beforehand since potions are much different. If you don’t come up with an antidote for our condition, Petunia, both you and your aunt will suffer,” Maria vented before she turned on her heel and stomped out of the tent.
“Don’t let her bother you, Petunia,” Estelle said. “But I do believe an antidote is warranted here. I’ll even promise your new friends a spot in the organization if you can pull this off.”
“I have to know, though, are you taking out your anger at me on my aunt?”
“Of course not! We’re allowing you to investigate, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but you certainly threw a fit when you found Noah and me in the Grand Witch’s office.”
“I’m sorry about that, but I had planned for the detective to arrive before you.”
“And you don’t plan to interfere further?”
“I don’t believe I did to begin with. You were there long before I arrived.”
“What can you tell me about the detective? Why isn’t one on hand at your convention beforehand?”
“I hardly think I could have predicted that the Grand Witch would be murdered.”
“I see. Who is in charge in her stead?”
“I am for now, but there will have to be an election before the convention ends.”
“That’s quick. The woman’s body isn’t even cold yet.”
“All the voting members are here.”
“What happens to my aunt if she isn’t cleared of all charges?”
“She’ll be put on trial, but I must say that it’s important that you clear her. Neither of you will like the punishment.”
“What is the punishment? Not death?”
“No. She’ll be turned over to our prison, where inmates serve out the remainder of their lives.”
“You do realize she’s eighty now. How long could she actually be there at her age?”
“I don’t believe your aunt would do something like this, but all the clues point to her, especially because she forced her way into the office of the Grand Witch. It looks like you have plenty to concentrate on, but please make sure you find an antidote. Your friends are counting on you.”
Estelle started to move away, but Petunia asked, “Could you tell me where you were today?”
“We don’t even know the cause of death or time yet. Once we know those, I’ll answer any questions you have.”
Petunia watched as Estelle walked away. She had a feeling she knew more than she let on. Estelle was already in charge until an election was held. Who decided that?
Petunia met up with Daria, Belinda and Juno, who were chatting outside the tent. “Did you put in your forms?” she asked them.
“Yes, but what were you talking to Estelle and Maria about. Maria sure looked angry when she left,” Daria said.
“I think that’s just her nature. She’s no fan of mine.” Petunia sighed. “Did you know that Estelle is in charge now that the Grand Witch is dead?”
“That wouldn’t surprise me. We’ve known her longer, and the Grand Witch wasn’t in office last year,” Belinda said.
“Do any of you know who the Grand Witch really was or how she came to be elected.”
“I’m sorry, but we’re not even official members,” Daria explained. “You’ll have to find a longstanding member.”
“I’ll do that. I’d better find Noah before he gets himself into any trouble. He is a mortal after all.”
“One fine mortal at that,” Daria added.
* * *
Noah shook his head. He couldn’t believe that he has agreed to come along to the convention. He had expected some unusual things, but because he had only recently discovered that Petunia was a witch, this was almost too much to take in. He vowed that he’d help any way he could. Aunt Maxine didn’t need to be railroaded for a crime he doubted she committed. He doubts about being given the actual autopsy results. The doctor very well may have his own motivations, including protecting the identity of the real murderer.
“You look like a fish out of water,” Aunt Maxine said as she approached. “I hope Petunia hasn’t gotten herself into trouble.”
“I was just thinking that about Noah,” Petunia said. “And do I have some interesting information to share.”
“Let’s head to our rooms. We don’t need anyone listening in,” Aunt Maxine said.
“Where are Hazel and Wanda?”
“Working a wand booth. It seems they offered to help the vendor, who was still setting up and loading merchandise.”
; “How nice of them.”
“Yes. He’s quite a nice-looking young man.”
“You should have joined them. When was the last time you were interested in a man?”
“That’s none of your concern, Petunia, and I have more pressing matters wouldn’t you agree.”
Petunia sighed and accompanied her aunt and Noah to the elevator.
“She has a point,” Pansy said.
“I forgot to ask, have you run across Princess yet?”
“No, and I’m beginning to wonder whether her disappearance is sinister.”
“I hope not. I have enough to worry about with my aunt and her predicament.”
At the room, Petunia and Noah settled on the sofa, with her Aunt Maxine in a chair opposite them.
“So, what’s the scoop?” Noah asked.
“With the Grand Witch dead, Estelle is apparently in charge. She said there will be an election to name a new leader before the convention ends.”
“That shouldn’t surprise you,” Noah said. “Estelle was certainly in charge when she showed up at the scene of the crime.”
“It does make me wonder why they’re pushing for an election so soon,” Aunt Maxine said. “She’s barely cold yet.”
“That’s what I told her. Oh, and by the way, I have to make an antidote for that hair tonic I gave Estelle and her daughter before I’ll be allowed to join Witches Affairs.”
Aunt Maxine tried unsuccessfully to hold back her laughter. “I bet! But did she say how you’ll be able to do this without an area in which to work?”
“Not yet, but she said that if I pulled it off she’d also allow my friends in, too.”
“She must really miss her hair.”
“I’m thinking it’s Maria for the most part. She gave me such a hateful look.”
“That’s to be expected, but try not to let it bother you.”
“Can she be trusted to fulfill her end of the bargain?”
“I can’t say, but I’d also like you to find an antidote and throw away that hair tonic recipe.”
Noah rubbed his brow. “I have a headache now for sure. Remind me to never take any of your potions.”
“That’s something that I’d never do, Noah. The only reason I’ve ever concocted potions was to help people, like Lucy.” Petunia frowned. “She’s watching my cats and Noah’s dog,” Petunia explained. “Why did you give her that skin lotion, though?”
Meows, Magic & Missing (Lake Forest Witches Book 3) Page 7
