Mrs. Hubbard’s face darkened to a deep red.
“I do have a beautiful garden.” She fanned herself, nodding toward Susie Brown.
I left them alone, letting Lilith work her makeup magic and disappeared into the house. It was time to make good on what Riule had done, especially since I had just cleared Mrs. Hubbard’s and Mrs. Brown’s memory.
No one was in the courtyard so it was prime spell time to help Mrs. Hubbard, plus it was dusk, leaving the shadows of the trees dancing around in the courtyard, perfect time for a little magic.
I moseyed over to Mrs. Hubbard’s garden, keeping one eye out for anyone who might have come out of their home and just so happened to skim my hand over the tops of the faded, shredded plastic petals that were holding on by a thin piece of twisty tie.
“Eldo, aldo, zippity, tak,” I whispered, putting the vibrant colors back into the garden.
I stopped and turned around when I walked safely past Mrs. Hubbard’s. The courtyard was still quiet, giving me one last pass by Mrs. Hubbard’s garden. I blew a long steady breath over what I had just created. Other batches of plastic flowers popped up where there was space, creating a sea of vibrant colors and a plastic garden that just might give Mom a run for her money.
Chapter Twenty-One
The party had gone as wonderfully as I thought it would. Everyone mingled and no one said a word about witches or witchy things. Mom did a good job covering it up, though she did think this was going to be my worlds colliding job. Boy was she wrong.
I had all the makeup lined out on the display table as I talked about each product. Of course I used my witch skills for each product description to pop into my head. Lilith was the rock star of the night. She used different women from the party to demonstrate the makeup as I introduced it. She really did have the mortal touch of applying makeup, something I truly didn’t have. Thank God my Witchy Hour had to do with SKUL and not makeup.
“That was a big success.” Drea’s eyes about popped out of her head when I totaled up the fifteen thousand dollar night. Little did she know witches could buy stuff up and make money appear out of thin air. But she didn’t need to know that. I needed a way into the inner workings of the Platinum group and she was my ticket. “I’ve never been to a party like this. I took a lot of notes.” She winked. “No wonder Tawny has kept you a little secret all this time. You are like a gold mine for her.”
“Not really.” I played coy.
“I took several pictures and I’m sending them to Tessa as soon as I get home. Does she know how much you are selling?” she asked while taking more snapshots with her phone. “Now that she’s in charge and the cat is out of the bag that you are the new Mystic Girl, she shouldn’t let this golden opportunity pass her or the company by.” She nudged me.
“I get it.” I laughed. “Tessa Fawn has a lot on her plate to deal with other then a little old diner owner.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, sweetie.” She pointed her finger at me. “Tomorrow. Three o’clock sharp.”
“I’ll be there.” My eyebrows rose in obvious pleasure. The night was a success on all fronts. Now it was time to let Mick know all about it.
“Are you okay?” Mom walked up and asked. “I mean, did we impress her?”
“More than you know.” I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed. “I could never thank you enough.”
I was one step closer to getting my family out of danger. I had succeeded with the informant but Mick still held the diner secret over my head. One step closer to figuring out how the drugs were being smuggled out was almost mine.
“Do you mind if I kept all this up while me and some of the girls visit a little bit longer?” Mom asked.
“Some of the girls?” I asked looking around. No one had left. They were all enjoying the open bar and food, not to mention all of them were all dolled up in Mystic Couture makeup. Who would want to go home when they could be here? “I need to go somewhere anyway.”
“Thank you, honey.” Mom wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “Not only for having the girls over tonight, but for Mrs. Hubbard and Susie.”
“You are welcome. But I should thank you for having all your friends and making this a success.” I gave her one last squeeze, letting her go back to her socializing.
I had to get the information about the airport to Mick. Maybe he could look into something or have someone there while Drea did what she needed to do at three.
“I wondered what time we were going to visit your little friend,” Vinnie said in a not-so-happy voice. “It’s my understanding he is dining at Jeff Ruby’s Restaurant.”
“Downtown?” I questioned. “Why would he be there?” I questioned even more due to the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant. It was like Vinnie wanted me to go. He didn’t hesitate or stall out once, knowing it was Mick. Within moments we were there. I wanted Mick to be able to set up his people at the airport tomorrow when Drea would be sending her orders. Not that I believed Drea was a drug smuggler. Far from it. But she had the inside scoop and that was what I needed to figure out who the bad seed was.
“Somehow I’m going to regret you bringing me here, aren’t I?” I questioned the upfront parking space we had scored. Vinnie was being far too nice about taking me to see Mick. Maybe my little “manual” threat had scared my familiar into listening to me.
Normally we had to be a little inventive, but not tonight. Not here. It made me wonder. I put Vinnie’s odd behavior in the back of my head and ran a hand from the top of my head and down my body, letting the outfit of choice appear. I couldn’t have gone into Jeff Ruby’s with regular clothes, even though I had just come from the party. I stepped out of the car when Vinnie opened the door and let the cute long-sleeved zebra cocktail dress drop to thigh length, exposing the cute crinoline underneath about an inch. The black leather jacket and black high heels complemented the outfit along with my long black hair swept into an elegant ponytail.
“Thank you,” I thanked my familiar and fanned my hand over my face. What good was being a Mystic Couture Platinum gal if I couldn’t wear the makeup?
“Maggie?” Mick called from the curb in front of the five-star restaurant. He stood there, peering at me intently.
My heart felt an unwelcomed surge of excitement. I was supposed to be here for a job, not for pleasure. Couldn’t I mix the two? After all, our worlds were colliding whether he knew it or not.
“Mick,” my voice was breathy. I couldn’t contain the tingle of excitement within me. He looked so handsome in his black pants that were tapered perfectly at his ankles. His white button-down had been replaced with a nice, fitted v-neck grey sweater, tight in all the right places. His hair was perfectly coiffed and begging for me to run my hands through it.
Vinnie beeped, bringing me out of my thoughts. I knew he didn’t like how I was looking at Mick. He was right. I had a job to do. Mick wasn’t the prize. Freeing my family from the threat of outing our little secret of how the diner got there was.
“You really are playing the part.” The woman stepping out from the taxi was a very dressed-up Sherry. Slowly her hands opened and closed in a pathetic attempt at a clap. “Bravo.” She grabbed Mick by the elbow, “Ready?”
“What are you doing here?” Mick pulled away from Sherry. She didn’t bother trying to hold on to him, she pulled out a compact—Mystic Couture of course—and reapplied her lipstick.
“Sorry I’m late.” Abram jogged up behind us. “Sorry.” Abram smacked Mick on his back, “I won.” Abram turned his attention to me, placing his hand on the small of my back. “We are going to be late for our reservations.”
“Enjoy.” Sherry snapped the compact shut, placing it back in her purse.
Safely inside and at a table only magic could’ve gotten us, I sank in the chair and ordered us a cocktail.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked a stupid question I already knew the answer to, Auntie Meme. “Never mind.” I shook my hand in the air.
“Yo
u obviously needed saving.” Abram dug into the bread without offering me a piece. I couldn’t help but notice how he had cleaned himself up. His unruly blond hair was neatly combed. His normal dirty mechanic clothes had been replaced by a pair of dark khakis and blue suit coat.
“You look nice.” It was my way of thanking him.
“You do too. Are you going to tell me what all this is about?” he asked with a mouthful of the delicious homemade yeast rolls.
The waiter brought the two Maker’s and Cokes, setting them down on the table.
“I need this.” I picked it up and let the good ole Kentucky bourbon glide down my throat.
“Your mom, sister, and Auntie might be ignoring what is going on with you, but I can’t. For starters,” he gestured toward Mick and Sherry who I couldn’t stop staring at, “Those two have got your goat. I have never seen anyone get your goat in all the years I’ve known you.”
I tried not to focus on the romantic red walls, sconce lighting, candlelit tables, and smiles around the room when I looked at Mick. He and Sherry seemed to be deep in conversation with their chairs next to each other and they looked like a beautiful couple. Not that I expected Auntie Meme’s little attraction spell she put in Mick’s gravy and biscuits was going to get me in his bed. Not that I wanted in his bed. I shook my head and grabbed a roll.
I paused, wondering if I was going to regret telling Abram about my little secret of SKUL. “I came across a package from a drug dealer or something and put myself in the middle of a SKUL investigation.”
“SKUL as in Secret Keepers of the Universal Laws?” Abram’s mouth dropped.
“Yes.” I grabbed the drink and took a good long sip. “I’m helping them solve a crime, because I blend in.” I said it fast in fear of someone hearing.
“What?” Abram fisted his hand and tucked it nicely in his other hand. “You aren’t even trained.”
“I know. But I agreed to help them because I might go into the police business.” I sucked in a deep breath.
“Police business? You mean become a police officer?” Abram shook his head. “You don’t even know the proper terms.”
“I’m trusting you as my long time friend not to say anything to Mom or Auntie Meme. I let you go off to college and figure out what you wanted to do.” I pointed at him. “I deserve the same treatment. And if I find out you told, I will never speak to you again.”
“I promise.” He took a long sip from his cocktail before diving back into the bread.
Over Abram’s shoulder, I saw Sherry get up. My little bowel trick with Tessa had worked so well, I wondered how it would work on sweet Sherry. I rubbed my nose and excused myself from the table when Sherry disappeared down the hall in the bathroom.
“What are you doing?” Abram turned around in his chair. “Oh no you don’t.” He protested when I got up. “Don’t you dare go and confront his girlfriend.”
“I’ll be right back,” I assured him. “Order me a big steak while I’m gone.”
Mick was one big smile when I walked up and eased myself down into Sherry’s chair, which was right next to his. I crossed my legs, exposing more thigh than I needed to.
“Tomorrow I’m picking up Drea Philpot and taking her to the airport to deliver her international packages to the airport.” I grabbed the champagne flute Sherry had been drinking from and downed it. “Three p.m.” I set the glass back down and slowly stood up letting the cocktail dress naturally fall along with Mick’s eyes. “Sherry might be a minute,” I mentioned from over my shoulder.
I’m not completely convinced I talked Abram into the idea that I knew what I was doing. I didn’t. I did enjoy every single ounce of my steak dinner watching Mick sit alone while my spell was making good on poor Sherry’s bowels.
I didn’t want to give Abram too many details in fear he would show up like he did tonight when I was working a sting for the investigation, hoping he’d use his common sense the next time Auntie Meme asked him to come find me.
“You really think Mick can keep you safe while you are doing all his work for him?” Abram asked a good question.
“Yes. I do think he will keep me safe. I’m not in danger. I’m not meeting bad people. I’m just trying to get information that will help them get the bad people.” I sucked in a deep breath. I wasn’t sure if I really did believe Mick would keep me safe or if I was trying to make myself feel better. It was true. SKUL wasn’t asking me to be in the middle of the danger. They just wanted me to get the information on how they shipped the makeup overseas. That was it.
Mom and Auntie Meme were peeking from behind the window curtains and when they saw me look at them, they quickly moved away like I couldn’t see the curtains swooshing back and forth.
When I walked into the brownstone, I knew something was up. The lights were dimmed, the candles were lit, and Mom and Auntie Meme were hunched over the family room coffee table.
“Were you on a date?” Mom smacked her hands together in delight.
“Did your friends leave?” I asked a more important question.
“They did and they loved the party.” Mom picked up the burgundy spool of thread and used her finger as the spindle as she unrolled the thread with her other hand. Auntie Meme cut the thread in long strips as Mom continued to uncoil it.
“Do you mind leaving Abram out of my life?” I asked Auntie Meme directly. “I know you don’t like Mick and I get that. But let me figure it out by myself.”
“Whatever.” Auntie Meme snatched some thread out of Mom’s hand.
“What’s going on here?” I asked and noticed all the long stems of herbs from Mom’s garden, letting Auntie Meme off the hook, hoping she got the blatant hint.
“I still feel something isn’t right with your two worlds.” Mom’s fear was dark and stark in her eyes. It chilled my bones. “Until I feel at peace, we are going to be doing protection spells.”
Mom scrunched down over the table. There were catnip stalks used for happiness, lavender stalks used for healing, prairie sage used for protection neatly piled in bundles across the top. The cut pieces of thread were longer than each bundle. Mom gestured for everyone to grab a stack of the herbs and tie them up.
Like I had done many times before, I ran the burgundy thread the length of the bundled herb and wrapped it around tightly. The tighter the better because as the herbs dried the bundles became more dense. Mom didn’t pick the thread color by accident either. Picking the comfort color meant power and she was telling the world that we were in power. Not the other way around.
That was something hard to swallow for me. If I couldn’t use my witchy powers on Mick, he was in control of the situation. Give me power, I continued to say with each wrap about the bundle.
“Is everyone at the end?” Mom asked holding the bundle between her knees and the two ends of the string in her fingers.
Everyone nodded and got into the same position as Mom.
“Power of the maiden.” Everyone closed their eyes as Mom’s voice soothed us. “Power of the mother. Power of the crow.”
With a deep inhale through the nose and exhale out of the mouth, we all opened our eyes and piled our bundles on top of each other in the middle of the table. Mom ran her open fingered hands, palm down, over the bundle and an inaudible whisper escaped her lips instantly making the bundles dry.
Chapter Twenty-Two
I’m not sure if Mom had us on high alert from her little ritual or if it was the full moon, but no one was sleeping. Every little nighttime noise, whether it was inside or outside, seemed to be electrified. The uneasy feeling everyone was getting from my two worlds colliding rested on all our minds while the idea of it coming to an end soon clung to mine.
If I could get a look at Drea’s shipment going out, maybe we could find the answers there. It all made sense. If she was able to by-pass the airport security by going straight to the tarmac, maybe that was where our answer was. Our, meaning SKUL. Then I would ask Auntie Meme to erase any memory of me from Mick and the
two worlds would be copasetic again. No more SKUL. No more undercover work. No more Mick.
It had to be that simple. The life of my family and future of our family depended on it. Depended on me.
Like the day before, I got up and headed to The Brew.
“I have to leave the diner a little early because I have a meeting at three p.m.” I let Auntie Meme know so she wouldn’t be surprised when I up and left after I got the diner cleaned up.
Most days I would hang behind and talk with her about the funny things customers would do or say after they got a little dose of the daily special. Not today. Today my mind was preoccupied with having calm between the two worlds.
I found myself a little clumsier today in anticipation of meeting with Drea and wondering if Mick would show up. I hadn’t heard from him and it was just like him to show up without me knowing, like he had done over the past few days.
Auntie Meme kept a watchful eye on me. Every time I turned around, I would catch her looking through the pass through. Lilith felt it too. She wasn’t her playful self. She kept to herself and her side of the counter.
Like most days, the diner was packed the entire time. I cleaned as the day went on so it would be much easier to get out of there. When Vinnie pulled up to the curb, I knew it was time to go. I gave Auntie Meme a quick kiss after I put my apron back on the hook and left.
“It seems everyone is on edge around here.” Vinnie’s doors locked. “I know where I need to go.”
I didn’t bother telling him Drea’s address. It was already pulled up on his screen when I got in, along with Drea and Dan’s status read out. They lived in one of the up and coming middle class neighborhoods on the east side of the city, Crescent Hill. It was a community that was beginning to host local events like historic Old Louisville. Crescent Hill had a downtown street lined with eateries and shops where historic Old Louisville didn’t. The homes in Crescent Hill were bungalow homes. They were very cute and inviting.
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