Damned and Cursed (Book 9): Witch Trial

by Glenn Bullion

  "What?"

  She laughed.

  "Yeah, that's what I said." She studied the picture again. "It looks like witch words to me, though. Can demons even write?"

  "I've never seen one with a pen, that's for sure. Anyway, I can at least look at it. Bill a few quick hours."

  "Why bother? It's not like we have a witch in our back pocket that can read it for us, anyway."

  Alex was silent. Leese didn't mean the comment to start a fight, or cause tension. She was simply stating the obvious.

  "Still," he said carefully. "Let me know when you're done. I'll check it out."

  "Alex," she said. "Look, we…shouldn't take this one."

  Leese was glad he couldn't see her cheeks turning red. Sister or not, she wasn't in any position to tell her brother what to do. Demons LLC was his business. He chose the clients, with organizational help from Cindy. She was a nobody who interviewed people and took notes. That was all. Even her use of the word we was a far stretch.

  "Why not?"

  "I just…." Words refused to come as the awkwardness stretched. "It just doesn't feel right. And I know that sounds stupid."

  "No, it doesn't," he said. "But what do you mean?"

  "He said he's just curious. About demons. There's no way. No one is just curious about demons. He didn't want to tell me. And when you want to hire someone about the kind of stuff you do, there's no way you keep secrets. I don't trust the guy."

  She waited for the inevitable response. Another lecture about boss and employee. A reminder that the best cases to take were the ones that only needed time and research, and not a field trip.

  "Okay," he said.

  Leese blinked.

  "Really?"

  "Yeah. It sounds like he's got the wrong guy, anyway. You didn't tell him witches were real, did you?"

  "Of course not."

  "Cool. Just log the stuff for history. I'll send him an email."

  She didn't think it would be that easy.

  "I will. And thanks, Alex."

  "For what?"

  "For listening to me."

  He was quiet a moment.

  "I'm sorry about earlier. About Kevin."

  "It's not your fault. Well, some of it is. But he should have talked to me. You just figure out where he is, and you and I will be friends again."

  Alex laughed at the joke.

  "I'll do my best."

  CHAPTER 17

  Kevin let out a deep yawn as he turned off the hot water. The morning shower had done little to wake him after running across Sanders the night before. He'd spent nearly every night of the past week with Marie, and she was difficult to keep up with. She stayed over Martha's occasionally, much to her annoyance. Martha still kept a cautious eye on the werewolf, but the ice had thawed somewhat. She even laughed occasionally.

  Oscar and Sebastian still kept their distance.

  He thought he heard voices downstairs as he brushed his teeth. There was no TV, so Martha was talking to someone. He listened intently as he dressed. A few laughs, some raised, excited tones.

  Stepping into the hallway, he approached the small chair and desk against the wall. His old coat, his witch's cloak, hung on the back of the chair. His backpack was on the seat. He reached to his latest experiment and wrapped it around his waist.

  The voices grew louder as he walked downstairs. The front door was open, letting in the morning light. Shadows moved about in the kitchen, and he could smell and hear the sizzle of bacon.

  "—always wanted to meet Barbara Stanwyck."

  "Such a wonderful woman. In the movies, I thought she was taller."

  "Yeah. When I was a little girl—"

  The conversation stopped when Kevin arrived. He narrowed his eyes in confusion as Martha and Marie chatted. Marie was flipping bacon while Martha whisked pancake batter in a mixing cup. The last thing he expected to see was the two women laughing and talking.

  "It's about time you got up," Martha said.

  "Does he always sleep this late?" Marie asked, nudging Martha.

  "Not usually." She arched an eyebrow. "What did you two do last night?"

  "Oh, would you stop? I told you, I'm older than you. And I like older men."

  "You're in luck, then. Nothing in this town but old men." Martha smiled at Kevin. "You want some breakfast? Could you make some of those eggs of yours? Then—"

  Martha stopped. Silence fell across the kitchen, except for sizzling bacon. Her gaze was fixed on Kevin's stomach.

  "What?" Kevin said, then realized what was happening.

  Marie turned from the stove, confused.

  "Huh? What's going on?"

  She fell silent as well.

  "Kevin," Martha said, her tone gravely serious. "What are you wearing?"

  "Oh, come on," he said. "I'm just trying something—"

  "That's a fanny pack," Marie said, pointing.

  A look of horror crossed her face. Kevin shook his head, annoyed at first. But Martha took on her own mortified look, and he couldn't stop the smile.

  "Why are you wearing that?" Martha said.

  "I'm trying to come up with something to hold my magic. Something besides a big backpack or coat."

  The two women laughed. There was nothing like time and poking fun at someone to bring people together.

  "And that is what you came up with?"

  "You'd be surprised," he said. "It actually just holds portals. Portals to—"

  "Oh, Kevin, dear," Martha said. "You look—"

  He held up a finger, quieting her.

  "I couldn't fit my makeup in that thing," Marie said.

  "Well, look," Martha said. "You don't need your magical fanny pack—" Marie burst out laughing at the phrase. "In the kitchen. So, you tackle those eggs. We'll have a good breakfast."

  Kevin did his part, making a mass of scrambled eggs with cheese. Martha and Marie continued to get chummy, talking about old movies and their youth. It was a relief to not be surrounded by tension. His stomach grumbled from hunger, and they started setting up the table just in time. He tore into the food topped on his plate.

  "Hey, Kevin," Marie said. "Guess who's coming out with us tonight?"

  He held off answering by taking a drink of orange juice. He was hoping to talk Marie into staying in a night, maybe watch a movie. But she was already making plans.

  "Who?"

  Marie pointed.

  "Martha."

  Martha shook her head while waving her hand.

  "No. I don't think so."

  Marie wouldn't let up.

  "Why not? I bet you know all the fun spots."

  Kevin held in a laugh. He thought they'd already found every fun spot in Sanders. Marie liked to visit bars, but not only to be social. She was always taking notes, studying to make her own bar better.

  "Fun spots," Martha said, smiling. "When you get to be my age, the fun spot is closest to the nearest toilet."

  "Martha, I am your age."

  "Well, not all of us have the fountain of youth in our blood."

  "Don't be a bore." She touched Kevin's arm. "There's this club I saw when we were driving last night. I want to check it out."

  "Why don't we stay in? Just one night? We'll order a pizza, watch a movie."

  "Ah," Marie laughed. "I'm wearing you out."

  "No, that's not…." He hesitated. "Yeah. You're killing me."

  "Okay. Then how about—?"

  A knock came at the open front door. Kevin turned and looked to see an older woman he didn't recognize standing on the front porch. Martha peered around Kevin to look for herself, a puzzled frown on her face. Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. It was Marie, with her nose turned up slightly, sniffing the air.

  "Smells like burning trash," she said. "And sour milk."

  Martha nodded, not at all surprised by the comment.

  "It's because she's a witch. We all have a certain scent. Werewolves can pick up on it. And with enough time, so can vampires."
/>   "Really?" Marie gestured to Kevin. "Why doesn't he smell bad?"

  "He's different. He's a full-blood. A different scent."

  "Want me to go answer it?" Kevin said, standing up.

  Martha snatched his wrist and held him steady. He looked down to see her features turn pale. Panic filled her eyes.

  "No," she said. "I'll get it."

  Kevin and Marie locked eyes, both noticing Martha's reaction.

  "Am I human again?" he asked, trying to joke.

  The humor fell flat.

  "Yeah. Do not say you're a witch. Okay? We do the same thing as last time. Your ex is a witch."

  "Sure."

  "Hey," Marie said. "What's going—?"

  "And you," Martha said. "You can be honest."

  Marie flashed a look that suggested she wouldn't do anything else.

  "Well, that's good to know."

  Kevin sat back down next to Marie as Martha left the kitchen. Just like the last visit from Aggie, her demeanor changed as she approached the door. He couldn't tell what was fake or genuine anymore.

  "Caroline?" she said. "Is that you?"

  Caroline greeted Martha with a bright smile.

  "Hi, Martha."

  The two hugged. Kevin watched the scene carefully, while Marie turned her attention back to breakfast. The two witches were all smiles as Martha led Caroline into the house.

  "What are you doing here?" Martha asked. "Wow, I'm getting all kinds of company lately."

  "Everyone's missed you."

  Caroline noticed Kevin and Marie. He smiled and waved politely, but otherwise said nothing. Marie didn't bother with a gesture at all. She devoured another piece of bacon.

  "Caroline, these are my friends. Kevin and Marie." She hugged Caroline by the shoulders. "This is Caroline, an old friend."

  Kevin studied her. Caroline didn't seem anything like Martha's other friend, Aggie. Caroline had bright, playful eyes, and a warm smile. She eyed Kevin and Marie carefully, then leaned across the table to shake their hands. Her grip was soft and gentle.

  "Nice to meet you."

  The familiar sound of light, quick steps filled the living room. Sebastian ran down the stairs, with Oscar not far behind. The two cats stopped at the doorway to the kitchen. Their hesitation would have been adorable any other time. They wanted to approach Caroline, but instead stared menacingly at Marie. Marie kept her stare locked on the felines.

  Caroline glanced back and forth, putting the pieces together quickly.

  "Is she—?"

  "Yes," Martha said. "My friend Marie here is a werewolf."

  "I don't bite," Marie said, with a sly smile. "At least not while wearing clothes."

  Caroline let out an easygoing laugh. She was completely comfortable with Marie. She turned her attention to Kevin.

  "And this young man?"

  "I'm human," he said, calling up the story he cooked up for Aggie. "My girlfriend…ex-girlfriend is a witch. I met Martha through her."

  "Oooh," Caroline said, covering her mouth playfully. "Were you teaching again?"

  "Of course not." Martha sat at the table, and motioned for Caroline to do the same. "You know I'm forbidden from teaching."

  Kevin eyed Martha curiously. Forbidden. Such a strong world.

  "Still," Caroline said. "That hasn't stopped you from getting in trouble before."

  "Those days are behind me."

  "I'm sure they are."

  Martha let out a quiet laugh as she resumed breakfast. She offered a plate to Caroline, who declined.

  "So," she said. "What are you doing in town?"

  "Aggie called me." Caroline glanced at Marie. "Is it…okay to say?"

  "Sure. You can talk freely here."

  "Aggie needs help. She's up north dealing with…." Another uncomfortable look for Marie. "A werewolf problem."

  "She told me. She stopped by over a week ago. That's still going on?"

  "Yeah. She's almost called the entire coven."

  "Oh, wow. I thought she would have handled that by now."

  "Well, you know. Some things take longer to deal with than others."

  Kevin watched Martha and Caroline carefully, trying to be discrete. He glanced at them over a forkful of pancakes. Something was happening between them.

  "That much trouble?" Martha asked.

  Caroline nodded.

  "It's bad. But you know Aggie. Those beasts won't even be able to howl, when she's done with them." She looked at Marie. "Sorry."

  "It's okay. Whoever they are, they're not friends of mine."

  "I'm staying at the hotel over on Tenth Avenue. You remember?"

  "I do," she said, smiling. "You had your wedding reception there."

  Caroline rooted through her purse and pulled out a pen and sheet of paper.

  "I'll be in town another day before I start driving again. Here's my room number. You should stop by tonight. We'll have dinner, go see all our old haunts."

  "That would be great."

  Caroline regarded both Kevin and Marie.

  "It was nice meeting you both." Her eyes fell on Kevin. "Be careful around this one," she said, nodding toward Martha. "She gets in a lot of trouble."

  "Oh, stop," Martha said, laughing. "Compared to you, I'm an angel."

  The two friends walked to the door, laughing and talking. Kevin tried to get Marie's attention, but she was more interested in breakfast. Since she wouldn't join in his eavesdropping, he kept an eye on them. A few hugs, some more talking. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at all. Just two friends, catching up on old times.

  Kevin couldn't shake the bad feeling he had.

  Martha strolled back into the kitchen. Without a word, she grabbed her glass and went to the fridge. She poured more orange juice.

  "Is everything okay?" Kevin asked.

  "Yeah," she said, shrugging. "Why wouldn't it be?"

  "It sounds like those werewolves are tearing shit up."

  Martha laughed.

  "Aggie must have lost her touch. She wouldn't have needed the entire coven twenty years ago." She shook her head with a smile. "Ah, I've missed Caroline. She used to live here in town, a long time ago. But then the decision was made for us to spread out. We actually argued on who would stay."

  "She seems friendlier than Aggie."

  "Aggie has a lot going on. Many covens look up to her. I wouldn't want the pressure she's under."

  "Do you miss being part of the group? Or the coven?"

  Her smile faded. A look of deep sadness flashed through her eyes.

  "Sometimes. Being a witch…." She glanced at Marie. "Heck, even being a werewolf, I'm sure, it can be isolating. Being with other witches, creating magic, there's nothing like it."

  "Maybe one day I'll have a coven."

  More sadness.

  "Maybe."

  She finished her orange juice and reached for her coat on the back of the chair.

  "Where are you going?"

  "I have some errands I have to run. And if Caroline and I are having dinner, I'll have to buy some wine. Witches and wine. Stay away from that combo. I'll see you both later."

  Martha left. After the front door closed, Kevin stared at Marie over the table.

  "What?" she said.

  "Did any of that seem weird to you?"

  "Besides that witches love killing werewolves, not really."

  "A lot of witches seem to come through here, even though we're not supposed to gather."

  "Martha's very important." She gestured to the pictures all around them. "She knows a lot of people."

  "Since when did you two become buddies?"

  She smiled.

  "After I dropped you off last night, we talked for a while. Then we watched some old movies. Believe it or not, we have a lot in common. I can relate to being cautious around humans. I've had my own share of hunters coming for my head. I guess it'll be just me and you tonight. Unless she wants to bring Caroline with us."

  "Marie, I don't know," Kevin said. "That
couch looks very comfy."

  "You're supposed to be young. Parties, drugs, alcohol, dancing, sex. These things haven't changed since I was your age."

  "I'd rather make potions," he said, smiling. "I still have more…."

  His trail of thought wandered off as something caught his eye through the kitchen window. A man and woman were carrying a couch through the back door of the house behind Martha's. They set it near the gate next to their garbage bins. The couple shared a few laughs. The man stretched across the cushions, apparently one final time, while the woman shook her head at him.

  "What's going on?" Marie asked.

  "Come with me a sec."

  He led Marie outside, across the yard. His pace quickened when the couple turned to leave. They were nearly back inside when Kevin drew close enough to shout for them.

  "Hi! Are you throwing this couch out?"

  The couple turned and approached. The man wore a look of fake sadness, while the woman playfully pushed him by the shoulder.

  "Yeah. It's not the easiest thing I've done. I'm Jay. This is my wife, Dani."

  Kevin introduced himself and Marie. Marie kept quiet and waved politely. Her nose twitched as she took in their scents. He'd gotten used to her habits over the past week, gestures that a normal human would overlook.

  "What's wrong with it?" he asked.

  "Nothing, really. Just a little old and beat up. Dani replaced the couch upstairs, so the old one went to the man cave." He ran a hand along the arm of the couch. "So, old Betty here has to hit the curb."

  "Betty," Dani said. "You named the couch? When the hell did you do that?"

  "You don't worry about it."

  Dani laughed. Kevin smiled at the easygoing couple. She looked at him with such warmth, love. He leaned in for a kiss, then twisted her and gently tossed her on Betty the couch.

  The scene reminded him of Leese.

  "Do you guys mind if I take this? If you're throwing it out?"

  "Knock yourself out," Jay said. The couple waved as they headed inside. "I hope she treats you well."

  Kevin stood at one end and gave it a test lift. It wasn't too heavy, and Martha's house was only right across the alley.

  "Would you give me a hand?" he asked.

  Marie didn't move. Her only gesture was to put her hands on her hips.

  "You want me to help you move a couch?"

  "Please?"