by Cindy Stark
Her answer left them all in silence.
She scrambled for thoughts to keep them on track. “But I am good at using natural herbs that help with mental clarity and sleeping potions.”
Timothy stood, and her stomach recoiled. “How do we know you’re not lying and using magic on us right now?”
She kept her features even, refusing to let him rile her. “If I was doing that, then we wouldn’t be sitting here. Instead, I’d use magic to make you all like me.”
Mrs. Tillens and Mrs. Lemon nodded. Tony, who sat next to Mrs. Lemon narrowed his eyes and frowned at her.
Peter nudged Hazel with his knee, and she sensed his guard relaxing. Things were going well.
Cora raised her hand, and Margaret pointed to her.
“Why did you come to Stonebridge in the first place? Why live somewhere that has a history of persecuting witches?”
Hazel swallowed and nodded. Cora wanted the citizens to know what kept them there. “My great-something grandmother was Clarabelle Foster Hardy.”
A gasp rolled through the room, and Hazel understood quite well that they’d all heard of the famous witch.
“I came to Stonebridge because I wanted to learn more about my history. I’m sure you’ve all experienced something similar. We do DNA tests and study our family trees in an effort to know more about ourselves. I didn’t intend to stay, but I fell in love with the cobblestone streets, gorgeous trees, and old bridges. There is a charm here that calls to me.”
“Me, too,” Anya Worley agreed. Hazel’s neighbor had stayed in town even after everyone believed she’d killed her husband.
Hazel nodded. She was connecting with these people on a deeper level, and it felt good.
Tony Lemon stood. Mrs. Lemon tried to pull him back down into his seat, but he resisted. “You say you’ve never sold magically-poisoned tea in your store before. What about other items…say, specifically, bee sting balm?”
Her face grew hot, and her mind scrambled for a way out. But she could see none.
She glanced over the expectant faces in the crowd. “Let me answer that question with a question that I’d like each of you to seriously consider. Let’s say that friends and neighbors, people you dearly loved were suffering. And let’s say that suffering was caused by someone in your family’s line. Would you not do what you could to help?”
Murmurs echoed throughout the room.
Tony folded his arms and grinned in satisfaction. “Is that a yes, then? You did use magic on us without our consent?”
She worked to keep her emotions in check. Losing her temper now would not help anything. “I did not use magic on anyone. I created a salve to help with the stings, to help ease others’ suffering. That does not make me bad or evil. In fact, I would say the opposite. I accepted the threat that would come from using magic, in order to help others.”
Some nodded. Others shook their heads in disappointment.
She could only hope that, with time, they’d see reason.
Then Samuel stood from his seat in the back and began to stride forward. Her heartbeats paused, and the darkness and evil in his soul blanketed the room. “Tell us, Hazel Hardy. Are there other witches in Stonebridge?”
Her blood chilled. She didn’t want to lie to these good people, but she couldn’t out her friends and endanger their lives, either. She opened her mouth to deny the existence of others, but Beatrice caught her attention with a small nod. She didn’t want her to lie.
Hazel met Samuel’s gaze with a sharp one of her own. “I’m not comfortable commenting on that.”
Samuel’s chuckle held no warmth. “Why not? If they’re all good, upstanding people as you suggest you are, why hide?”
She could sense the ground she’d gained with the townsfolk slipping, and hot irritation grew inside her. “I can tell you why I hid, Samuel. I’d not even been here a day when I encountered the animosity against witches. Unfounded animosity, truth be told. I would wager most people in this town haven’t had a negative encounter with a witch throughout their whole lives, quite possibly extending to many generations back. I wanted to experience this lovely town but telling the truth could have been deadly for me.”
People looked away, letting her know she’d lost their support.
Samuel grinned. “Sounds like an excuse to me.”
Her ire boiled over. “Does it, Samuel? Are witches safe in this town? What about Sarah Parrish?”
Some in the back rows stood to leave.
Black hatred shadowed Samuel’s features. “Everyone knows Sarah died in an accident. You’re using that as another excuse to lie to us all.”
Peter gripped her hand, and she tried to rein herself in.
Samuel inhaled, puffing out his chest. “We’re a quiet, peaceful town. At least we were until you arrived. You’re not wanted here, witch. I suggest you and your black soul leave us to our own.”
The ferocity of his words slammed her and left her reeling. Her mind couldn’t process a single, defensive thought.
Cora stood in front of her pew, and defiance radiated in her eyes. “I’m also a witch.”
The declaration sent a wave of gasps throughout the room, and everyone turned in Cora’s direction.
Lachlan gaped at her in horror as silence descended upon the room, and Hazel’s heart broke for her best friend. Cora glared at Samuel and didn’t witness Lachlan’s reaction, but she’d hear of it sooner or later.
However, Luca noticed his nephew’s response, and he jabbed a sharp elbow into Lachlan’s ribs. “Man up, or you don’t deserve her.”
Lachlan stared at his uncle for several long seconds and then stood next to Cora. He wrapped an arm about her waist, and she leaned into him.
Hazel’s emotions soared.
“I’m also a witch,” a soft voice echoed, and Fauna stood.
Not so many gasps this time.
“Hazel saved my life, and I’m honored to be one of her kind. My family lived in Stonebridge for many generations, up until recently. This place is as much our home as anyone’s.”
Faces softened, and people began to whisper and nod.
Mrs. Tillens gripped the pew in front of her and pulled herself up, her lavender dress complimenting her silver hair. “You can count me in, Hazel, dear.”
Hazel shot her a quizzical look. “You’re a witch, Mrs. Tillens?”
She shrugged. “I am if you are.”
Hazel was pretty certain she wasn’t, but she appreciated the sentiment.
Peter released Hazel’s hand and got to his feet. “I realize this isn’t my show, but as the person in charge of the town’s security, I think we’ve covered enough ground tonight and given everyone something to think about. I’m sure if you have honest, polite questions, you can stop by the teashop, and Hazel will do her best to answer.”
Mayor Elwood arose from the side of the room and headed to the front where he stopped next to Hazel. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder, and she warmed from the support. “Good people of Stonebridge, I think it’s time we let go of past prejudices and start judging others by their actions instead. I can vouch for Hazel being a fine citizen of this town, and I believe we are lucky to have her, Cora and Fauna living amongst us. Look into your hearts, and you will know the right thing to do.”
Several stood and clapped, followed by more. The crowd broke, and Samuel and Timothy glowered as they headed toward the back. Tony followed, but Quentin remained where he sat with an angry look on his face.
Hazel glanced over her shoulder and gave the mayor a grateful smile. She’d never realized she’d have so much support in this town. Perhaps the prophecy had been right.
Cora strode to the front with Lachlan in tow. She wrapped her arms about Hazel.
A second later, Fauna joined them with tears of happiness brimming in her eyes. “I can’t believe I did it.”
Hazel shook her head, fearful for the young woman. “You shouldn’t have.”
“Yes, she should,” Cora argued. “We all
should. We’re doing this for us, for our ancestors, and for future generations.”
Hazel’s heart swelled with pride for her amazing friends. “I love you, both.”
Peter interrupted them by placing a hand on Hazel’s shoulder. “I think it’s best if we leave now. Cora, Lachlan will see that you get home safe. Fauna, we’re giving you a ride.”
Fauna shook her head, causing her turquoise-tipped blond hair to swing. “I’ll be fine.”
“No,” Peter insisted. “Not tonight. Emotions are high, and I’ll feel better knowing you’re not out alone.”
Hazel agreed, and Fauna finally acquiesced.
The next few days would reveal if the town had accepted them, or if they’d just opened a huge can of nightcrawlers.
Hazel sent up a silent prayer on their behalf.
Seventeen
Hazel stood over the cauldron of boiling water on her stove and added bits of anise seed for protection and alyssum, also for protection and to moderate anger, which would hopefully help certain people in town. She followed the directions for the peacemaking spell in Clarabelle’s book exactly as written. She had no idea if it had worked for her great grandmother since things hadn’t turned out so well for her in the beginning, but as far as Hazel knew, the latter part of her life had been better.
At least, she hoped so.
Clarabelle had had a child. Otherwise, Hazel wouldn’t be alive today.
Perhaps, she’d found some joy there and had lived the rest of her life in peace.
If nothing else, Hazel appreciated the opportunity to openly use her caldron again. She might have some folks in town after her, but at least she no longer needed to hide.
Hazel dropped gardenia into the water and it filled the air with its intoxicating scent. If she gained nothing else from her experiment, the concoction permeated the house with a wonderful smell.
She glanced at the clock, noting Peter wouldn’t be home from work for another thirty minutes, which gave her time to finish the spell and start dinner.
An eerie chill crept over her, and she glanced up, looking out the darkened kitchen window near the table. Her pulse thudded in her ears, making her more afraid. She opened her senses and searched for signs of life, of malice, but again, nothing registered.
The protection spells she’d created were still firmly in place.
Probably just her nerves. Ten days had passed since the town had asked their questions, and, so far, nothing had come of it. People seemed okay.
And why shouldn’t they?
They’d been living amid witches the entire time. Their lives were enhanced by having loving, caring women who treasured all souls and the earth in their community.
Maybe all the townsfolk needed was education and a chance to understand.
Unable to shake the lingering feeling of unease, Hazel moved to the window and closed the blinds. Doing so created a cocoon of warmth and light in her kitchen, with the calming scent of gardenia all around.
Her own little haven, safe from the world.
She stirred the concoction, enjoying the ritual.
Then her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen. Cora. Then smiled.
Since Cora had announced her heritage to the crowd, she and Hazel had been back to talking every day instead of sending a select few, secretive texts that had to be deleted immediately.
Hazel answered with a smile in her voice.
“Hazel?”
Cora’s hushed whisper echoed raspy in her ear, rooting panic deep within her. “Cora? What’s wrong?”
“Someone is…here.”
Hazel’s pulse skyrocketed. “What do you mean, here?”
“Outside. I hear him. Or them. Someone is trying to get into my house through a window in the back bedroom.”
Hazel flicked off the stove and strode toward the coatrack. “You have wards in place?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I’m worried they won’t hold.”
Or worried that Timothy would know how to break them. “I’m coming. I need to call Peter and alert him, too. Put your phone on silent, and I’ll call you right back.”
“Okay.”
Hazel was certain she heard tears in her voice. “Hide. Barricade yourself any way that you can.”
“I have.”
She grabbed her keys and hurried through the front door. In the back of her mind, she knew she also put herself at risk by leaving the house, but Cora needed her.
Hazel pressed the call icon by Peter’s number and unlocked the car door. She dropped into the driver’s seat just as Peter answered. “Someone is trying to get into Cora’s house. I’m headed there now.”
“No.” Peter’s voice boomed through the line. “Let me take care of it. You stay safe.”
“Can’t. I’m closer, and she’s my best friend.”
“Hazel,” he pleaded.
“Please hurry, Peter. I need to go now and call her back.”
She ended the call and shifted her car into gear. Gravel flew as she sped away.
Hazel inhaled deep, and hopefully calming, breaths and returned Cora’s call. When her friend answered, relief washed over her. “Peter’s on his way. Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I can still hear the noises, but no one has breached the wards yet.”
“Good. You’re a strong witch. Your spells should hold.”
Hazel’s tires squealed when she cornered too fast. “I’m only two blocks away.”
The next several minutes were a nightmare for Hazel, but the sound of Cora’s voice kept her sane.
She killed the lights on her car before she turned onto Cora’s street. When she was close enough to see Cora’s house, nothing seemed amiss except the light on her front porch was out, leaving shadows and unwanted thugs to sneak around her house unfettered.
“I’m here,” she whispered. “Protection spells are still holding?”
“Yes, but his attempts are more forceful now.”
Cora paused and banging sounds echoed through the phone. “What are you going to do?”
Hazel’s nerves popped like cold water on the bottom of a heated cauldron. “I’m not sure. I don’t want to risk encountering him if you’re not in immediate danger. I guess I’ll just stay here and—”
A dark figure strode from the side of the house to the front door, and she inhaled a sharp breath. “Holy harpy. I just saw someone…a man, I think. He came around the house and went to your front door.”
Cora’s fear leapt from the other side of the phone. “I hear him.”
If Hazel could sneak up on him, she could get a better look. “I’m not hanging up, but don’t say anything unless I say it’s okay or if you’re in big trouble.”
“Why?” she whispered.
“I’m going to get a closer look. Sneak up on him and see if I can tell who it is.”
“Hazel, don’t,” Cora warned. “Wait for Peter.”
“If I wait for Peter and the perp hears sirens, he’ll run. I can’t chance not knowing who’s threatening you. Now, be quiet.”
Hazel’s nerves forced her to double check that her car’s interior lights were in the off position. She dimmed the screen on her phone to the lowest setting and held the phone close to her chest with one hand while she carefully opened the door with the other.
Outside, her thin pajama pants did little to keep the frigid air from assaulting her legs. Her breaths formed into tiny white clouds in front of her face. And if the temperatures weren’t low enough to freeze her, the thought of encountering a witch-hater surely was.
She steeled her nerves and used the cover of the shadows to her advantage, too.
As she neared, a soft, intermittent hissing caught her attention. She narrowed her gaze and struggled to identify the sound.
The animosity radiating from the man echoed loud and clear, but the hissing…
A spray can.
The man was tagging Cora’s door.
Someone had done that last
April to poor Rachel Parker’s door when she’d been accused of using witchcraft to kill nasty old Albert Winthrop.
Hazel wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same person.
She crept closer while his attention was focused elsewhere and anchored herself between two large pines. Clouds parted, allowing the moon to shed a little light.
She struggled to make out the words. Stay…and die…
Her heart thudded hard enough to make her stomach turn.
He finished and straightened, allowing her to see the final word.
Witch.
A wave of thick hatred forced her to take a step back. Her leg brushed a branch, and it rebounded into place.
It created the tiniest of sounds but enough to make the man turn.
“Who’s there?”
Hazel froze and allowed only the slightest breath into her lungs.
He took two steps closer as if to see better.
She prayed the pines offered enough shadows to camouflage her. Unfortunately for him, being in the open moonlight showed her exactly who he was.
Tony Lemon.
Another step.
She clamped her lips shut to keep from making any noise.
“I see you.”
Adrenaline flooded her veins, but she didn’t move. Tony had said he’d spotted her, but he seemed to be looking too far to her right.
Maybe he was calling her bluff, trying to flush her out. She prayed it was so.
He remained still for another few moments and then moved toward her. Not directly, but close enough that he’d find her when he arrived.
Hazel wished she dared to remain, to crouch down to hopefully avoid detection, but her instincts raged.
When he was within ten feet of the pines, she turned and ran.
“Stop,” he hollered, fury coloring his voice.
She kept on running. Her shoes hit the pavement, and a few seconds later, the sound of his doing the same echoed behind her. She’d ridden her bike all spring and summer, but the exercise hadn’t whittled her into good enough shape to outrun Tony.
Her car was close now, and she wished she’d had enough distance between her and her assailant to jump inside, start the engine, and drive away. But she doubted she’d get the door fully open before he was upon her.
