I recoiled as I assessed my options. He had to be at least 250 pounds. His muscled torso was obvious even under his heavy winter jacket, which I guessed was from prison workouts and not the YMCA. His neck tattoos and hard expression backed that up.
I was no match physically, but I was a witch. I had other powers to remove him, if necessary.
If only I could remember how to use them.
Too bad I was a failed witch who couldn’t remember more than bits and pieces of a dozen or so everyday magic spells. Nothing useful to repel a home invasion.
“Mom? Aunt Amber? Somebody come to the door,” I turned and yelled in the direction of the dining room. Surely a household of witches had my back.
Or maybe not. No one answered my call. They couldn’t hear me above the peals of laughter and clinking of glasses. I turned back to my adversary.
He smiled his gold toothy grin. “Sounds like you’re having a party.”
“You’d better get going, or you’ll never make it back to the highway with the way the snow’s piling up.” I kept my voice calm and pointed to his vehicle, a gleaming black Cadillac Escalade SUV parked haphazardly in the middle of the driveway.
Probably stolen.
He leaned into the doorway, so close that I smelled coffee on his breath. “Nah. I’m in the right place. I’m here to meet someone.”
“Like I said, the inn is closed. There’s no one here…” I involuntarily stepped back, repulsed by his closeness as he towered over me.
He frowned and stomped the snow off his boots, leaving crusts of snow imprinted with boot treads on the front porch. Whatever his criminal intentions, at least he had some semblance of manners. I pushed the image of yellow crime scene tape out of my mind as I looked hopefully toward the driveway. But there was still no sign of Tyler’s Jeep coming up the hill.
Nothing.
My heart thudded in my chest.
Other than Tyler we weren’t expecting any visitors, and people didn’t just drop in for impromptu visits on Christmas Eve. Not even locals because the Witching Post Bar and Grill was closed for the holidays too. Anyone who had missed the ‘closed’ sign at the foot of our long, unploughed driveway would soon abandon any attempt to drive up it.
Our inn was also on the outskirts of town, miles from the main highway. Most people couldn’t find Westwick Corners even when they were looking for it, let alone get here in the snow. I also knew everyone in town, and the few visitors expected had already arrived earlier today. None of them were this guy. A mistake wasn’t likely.
My heart thumped.
It really was a home invasion.
I stepped behind the door and started to close it. What the hell had I been thinking? The festive season had made me let my guard down.
The man stepped forward. Now half his body was planted firmly between the door and the doorjamb. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic’s horrible.”
I pressed back, hoping to dislodge his foot. “I think you’re at the wrong—“
He ignored me and kept repeating himself. “So glad I finally made it. The snow’s really sticking now. I barely got my Escalade up the hill. They aren’t so hot in the snow.”
I stared past him to the Escalade. It was kind of nervy to just leave it in the middle of our unploughed driveway. He had managed to make it up the hill in a foot of snow yet couldn’t be bothered to drive another twenty feet or so to the parking lot. I brushed away my annoyance. It hardly mattered since we weren’t expecting anyone.
Except for Tyler, who was now an hour overdue. What if something bad had happened to him? Or worse, what if something was about to happen to us? At least Tyler would see the black Escalade as a possible warning that he was walking into an ambush.
As sheriff, Tyler could take care of himself. But even a cop wouldn’t expect a home invasion on Christmas Eve.
Despite the cold, I was sweating. I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand and willed myself to regain my composure.
“Are you lost?” My pulse quickened. Since Westwick Corners was so off the beaten track, that had to be the explanation. “Take a right at the bottom of the hill, drive about five miles and then turn left at the junction. That will get you back on the highway.”
He didn’t move an inch.
And my backup posse was already drunk and out of earshot.
3
“You gonna let me in?” The stranger’s penetrating green eyes locked on mine. A grin slowly spread across his face, and he held out his hand. “Aah…you don’t know who I am, do you? I’m Dominic, Merlinda’s partner.”
Partner seemed an odd choice of words for this roughneck, but maybe language was a little more formal where he came from. I was vaguely aware that Merlinda had a boyfriend back in Vanuatu, but Dominic’s accent sounded more Texan than South Pacific. Then again, Merlinda rarely mentioned him, so I knew next to nothing.
“Merlinda’s boyfriend?” I released my death grip on the doorknob and shook his hand. Yet another interloper was joining us on Christmas Eve. So much for my cozy family celebration. “She never mentioned you were coming.”
“You sound kind of disappointed.”
“No. It’s just that, well…never mind.” Now that I was no longer afraid for my life I could study Dominic a little more objectively. He was good-looking in a rough, bad boy sort of way. And the dusting of snow that coated his close-cropped dark blonde hair gave him a certain charm.
Dominic inched his hulky body forward until he completely blocked the doorway. “Merlinda has no idea I’m here. It’s supposed to be a surprise. Pearl knows all about it, though. She’s the one who invited me to dinner tonight.”
My mouth dropped open. Not just because Dominic had flown all the way here on the flimsy basis of a dinner invitation, but because Aunt Pearl was the most anti-social person I knew. She hated visitors of any kind and went to great lengths to avoid people. It was a constant source of friction with guests at the inn. Why was she suddenly so hospitable? Something didn’t add up.
Aunt Pearl’s enchantment with Merlinda had completely altered her personality. It wasn’t just that she had invited a stranger to dinner. She had invited Dominic on Christmas Eve. I wasn’t sure what was more unusual, Aunt Pearl’s invitation or her forgetting to mention it.
Even Rudolph, Donner, and Blitzen weren’t roadworthy with the blizzard tonight. It also meant that Dominic wasn’t just here for dinner. He would have to stay with us overnight or possibly even longer. The town’s only snow plow wouldn’t see any action until the snow stopped. That would be Christmas Day at the earliest.
But dealing with the fallout was Aunt Pearl’s problem. She made safety impossible at the best of times, so this could be a lesson learned. As I opened the door and motioned Dominic inside, it struck me that Merlinda hadn’t even planned on being in Westwick Corners for Christmas. She only happened to be here because her flight had been canceled. When exactly had Aunt Pearl invited Dominic?
Dominic ran a palm through his hair. “Pearl really never mentioned inviting me for dinner?”
I shook my head and stood back as he brushed past me inside. “I’m afraid not.”
Dominic held his palms outward in apology. “I meant to grab some wine, but all the stores are closed.”
I waved my hand in dismissal. “No need. We’ve got plenty to drink.” Our well-stocked bar could always be replenished from the Witching Post Bar and Grill if needed. Food wasn’t an issue either since Mom always made too much. Maybe that was why Aunt Pearl had neglected to tell Mom. Or maybe they had both just neglected to tell me.
At any rate, with enough food and alcohol I could get through this.
Puddles pooled on the hardwood floor as Dominic kicked off his boots.
A spell could easily restore everything back to normal, but I was annoyed by his thoughtlessness. He was sloppy and the polar opposite of perfect Merlinda, yet I didn’t really like either one. Maybe I was the one with the problem. I was getting crankier by the minute.
&nb
sp; I fake-smiled and took Dominic’s coat and hung it on the hall coatrack before leading him into the living room. I called out. “Merlinda, you have a visitor.”
Merlinda’s eyes widened in shock when she emerged from the dining room. She stood in the doorway for a moment without saying anything. Then she tottered over to Dominic in her high heels and hugged him.
He bent over and kissed her on the cheek.
She broke from his embrace and frowned. “You’re supposed to be in Vanuatu. How did you get here in the storm?”
Dominic shrugged. “I flew into Shady Creek this morning. I meant to surprise you earlier, but with the storm and all, I barely made it. I’ve been traveling for more than five hours trying to get here. The roads are a complete mess.”
“But I was coming home for Christmas,” Merlinda said. “You knew that.”
Dominic shrugged. “I know, but I planned to arrive before your flight left. With the storm and all, I didn’t think I would make it.”
“Good thing my flight out was canceled or we would have missed each other.” Merlinda looked even more refined and princess-like when contrasted with her tattooed boyfriend. They made such an odd couple, and Merlinda didn’t seem all that thrilled to see him. Her happy, effervescent mood from moments ago had evaporated.
Dominic’s account struck me as odd. I wouldn’t forget Tyler’s travel plans in the same situation. Instead, I would be counting the days until his return. Dominic didn’t act like a lovesick boyfriend either. Something didn’t add up, but my alcohol-infused brain wasn’t quite up to the analysis right now.
I had no idea how long it took to fly from Vanuatu to Seattle and then onto Shady Creek, but it was a long haul flight, probably at least twelve hours. Add on the drive to Westwick Corners in winter, and the idea of a surprise visit seemed awfully strange.
My shoulders slumped as I visualized Tyler still caught outside in the messy weather. He could miss all of Christmas Eve dinner and our special West family holiday celebrations too. I had been looking forward to sharing it with him.
“Five hours of driving is a long time,” said Merlinda. “Shady Creek is only an hour away.”
Dominic nodded. “The highway was a total mess. I was lucky to get the last SUV at the rental agency.”
I flashed back to the Escalade outside. It seemed more fancy than snow-worthy, and I’d never seen anything remotely like it at Budget or Enterprise, especially not in Shady Creek. I suspected Dominic was lying, but why? It was a minor detail, but it also implied there was more to his story.
Suddenly my night looked a lot more interesting, even with Tyler late. What did gorgeous Merlinda see in this tough guy? Other than being fit, he was kind of scruffy and average looking. Nothing wrong with that, but Merlinda could date any guy she wanted. Whatever did she want with this one?
4
The aroma of roast turkey and seasonings wafted toward us as we headed into the dining room.
I paused at the dining room doorway and ushered Merlinda and Dominic ahead of me. I felt a pang of sympathy for Tyler, still stuck working outside in the cold. My stomach growled and reminded me that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
“First things first.” Dominic spotted the mistletoe as they passed under the archway. He wrapped his arms protectively around Merlinda. He pulled her close and kissed her.
“Ouch.” Merlinda suddenly pulled back, a pained expression on her face. She leaned against the doorway and doubled over in pain.
“What’s wrong, babe?” Dominic brushed away a lock of Merlinda’s dark hair and tenderly tucked it behind her ear.
“Stomach cramps. Pearl gave me some of her special milk thistle tea, though. I think I’m feeling a little better now.” Merlinda looked up into Dominic’s eyes and kissed him.
Dominic and Merlinda blocked the dining room doorway, and I was stuck behind them as long as they remained under the mistletoe. The contrast between gorgeous, model-thin Merlinda and rough-looking Dominic was startling.
Dominic’s arrival had an upside since his presence could disrupt the odd dynamic between Merlinda and Aunt Pearl. Now Aunt Pearl had to compete with Dominic for Merlinda’s attention.
Aunt Amber suddenly appeared on the dining room side of the doorway. She stood inches from the couple. Wrapped in their embrace, they were oblivious to her presence.
“How sweet.” Aunt Amber floated a few feet off the floor behind the couple and reached above her head to adjust the mistletoe. She tore off a sprig of the mistletoe while Dominic and Merlinda kissed. A piece of the plant fell onto Dominic’s head, but he appeared not to notice.
I wasn’t sure if Aunt Amber’s comment referred to the affectionate couple or if she meant it as a jab at Aunt Pearl, who never made tea for anyone.
“Aunt Amber, get down!” I was alarmed at her blatant use of witchcraft in front of strangers. Aunt Amber was a top executive at the Witches International Community Craft Association and should have known better. Normally, she was such a stickler for rules. Maybe it was the effects of holiday cheer, but her flagrant disregard of WICCA regulations was alarming.
“Don’t talk to me like I’m a dog, Cendrine.” Aunt Amber hissed. “Show your aunt some respect.”
I shrugged. “I just wanted to protect our family secrets. And keep you out of trouble with WICCA.”
Aunt Amber sighed and rolled her eyes. “I’m not in any trouble. And I can take care of myself just fine.”
Everyone seemed a little testy and on edge tonight. Holidays did that to people.
I glanced at Merlinda and Dominic. Still wrapped in their own little world, despite being in the middle of our little spat, they remained oblivious to Aunt Amber’s shenanigans.
“What’s the big deal?” Aunt Amber’s feet were firmly planted on terra firma once more, but she still looked annoyed.
“We have a guest, remember?” It was unlikely but still possible that Dominic was unaware that his girlfriend was a witch and that Pearl’s Charm School wasn’t some time warp finishing school. But even if he knew of Merlinda’s witchy talents, he didn’t know about ours. I wanted to keep it that way. At least, I hoped that Merlinda hadn’t revealed our secret. At any rate, we certainly shouldn’t reveal special talents to a stranger.
“Oh, lighten up, Cen. It’s Christmas.” Aunt Amber walked unsteadily beside me. She was on her fourth booze-laced eggnog by my count. A little holiday cheer and all the rules fell by the wayside.
Merlinda broke from Dominic’s embrace and frowned at me. “What’s going on?”
I cursed my own stupidity. Merlinda and Dominic hadn’t noticed Aunt Amber’s levitation, but they had certainly noticed our raised voices.
Before I could answer, Aunt Amber handed Merlinda the sprig of mistletoe. “You need this, hon. Mistletoe has protective qualities. You’re safe as long as you carry it.”
Dominic rolled his eyes. “You don’t need a dead plant to protect you. Your Vanuatu stalker can’t harm you here. Especially not with me to protect you.”
Dominic’s promise seemed pointless since Westwick Corners was pretty much deserted in December. I doubted that even a stalker would make an effort to find the place. Merlinda hardly needed protection. Still, it begged the question. “You have a stalker?”
“It’s really nothing. Dominic is exaggerating.” Merlinda turned back to Dominic and smiled. “You’re right. I am safe here. Any threats are thousands of miles away.”
“What kind of threats? What exactly do they want from you?” Merlinda’s life seemed so picture-perfect, and I couldn’t imagine anything troubling her. What could possibly be sinister in an island paradise like Vanuatu? I imagined a sleepy South Pacific island without a cloud in sight.
Merlinda shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. Dominic will protect me.” She broke from his embrace and smiled.
“Anybody wantin’ to hurt my babe has to come through me first.” Dominic gripped Merlinda’s arm firmly and steered her into the dining room. He escorted her to the dining
room table and held out her chair. Once she was seated, he sat down beside her.
Aunt Amber and I followed the couple into the dining room. Christmas dinner suddenly seemed a lot more interesting.
“I’ve been planning my surprise visit for weeks. Pearl knows all about it,” Dominic said. “Almost didn’t make it because of the snow, though. I’ve got a big surprise for you, babe.”
Merlinda looked a little apprehensive though she managed a slight smile. “What kind of surprise?”
Dominic didn’t answer. Instead, he slapped his palm on the table. “Now where’s Pearl? I’m dying to meet Merlinda’s mentor in the flesh.”
I smiled at the thought of my law-breaking, trouble-making aunt as anyone’s mentor. I also couldn’t wait to see Aunt Pearl tear into Dominic. Aside from hating men, she would consider Dominic a threat, vying for her star—and only—student’s attention. Which made her invitation to him even more puzzling.
“I think she’s in the kitchen,” I said. “While we’re waiting, can I get you something to drink?”
“Got any beer?”
I headed into the kitchen where Mom and Aunt Pearl stood with their backs to me. Mom stirred a large pot of gravy at the stove while Aunt Pearl busied herself at the counter slicing Mom’s special Christmas cake and arranging it onto a large platter. Aunt Pearl had stacked the platter with dozens of slices, enough for a small army. Enough to get them all stinking drunk too. Mom’s Christmas cake oozed with booze.
Aunt Pearl knew that none of us would actually eat the cake. Instead, we would divide and conquer, stashing our uneaten pieces in every nook and cranny of the dining room until we could retrieve and dispose of them later. It was kind of unfair to serve it to guests, but I’d leave that to Aunt Pearl. She had invited them after all.
Despite Mom’s talents in the kitchen, her alcohol-laden Christmas cake was horrible. Mom didn’t take criticism well, and we just didn’t have the heart to tell her how bad it was. So year after year, we hid our intense dislike for the cake, and Mom made more and more of the stuff. She truly believed we couldn’t get enough of it.
Christmas Witch List--A Westwick Witches Cozy Mystery Page 3
