by Jinty James
“Really?” Maddie held her breath.
“Yep.” Suzanne nodded. “You two have fun, and make sure I’m the maid of honor.”
“Suzanne!” Maddie blushed. “We’ve only gone out a few times.”
“It’s a shame Luke had to work today, otherwise …” Suzanne waggled her eyebrows.
“Stop that!” Maddie threw a pillow at her. She couldn’t even think about Luke and herself in the same hotel room, even in this kind of situation – at the request of the police.
Suzanne laughed. “Okay, I’ll stop teasing. But it would be so cool if we were sisters one day.”
“I know.” Maddie smiled at her friend.
“Do you think you’ll ever tell him about … you know … Wytchcraft for the Chosen and the fact that you’re a witch?”
“I don’t know.” Maddie shrugged, her lighthearted mood turning somber. If she and Luke were meant to be together, surely he would understand if she showed him the ancient tome and told him about her limited ability (so far) for spell casting?
But what if he recoiled from her in horror? Suzanne was the only person she’d told and luckily, she hadn’t reacted badly. Her friend had been super supportive since day one. But Maddie knew some people viewed witches with suspicion, while others didn’t believe in paranormal anything. And she and Luke had spent minimal time together so far. She didn’t know what his views were on the supernatural.
“I don’t think he scares easily,” Suzanne said. “But it’s your decision. I’ll be there for you no matter what you decide.”
“Thanks.” Maddie gave her a grateful smile.
“What should we do about the full moon on Monday night?” Suzanne asked. “I can come over to your place and see what happens.”
“Okay,” Maddie replied. “Maybe there will be a new spell I’ll be able to cast.”
“That would be so cool.” Suzanne grinned. “And I know Trixie will be up for it. She might even show us which spell you should try from the book.”
“True,” Maddie replied. “She did that last month, remember?”
“Yep.” Suzanne nodded.
Maddie yawned. “I think I’ll take a nice soak in the tub – unless you want it first?”
“Go ahead.” Suzanne flopped down on the bed and turned on the TV remote. “I’ll see if there’s anything interesting to watch.”
Maddie relaxed in a warm bubble bath, the jasmine scented foam lifting her spirits. It was a shame she didn’t have pajamas to wear tonight or clean clothes for tomorrow, but right now, the hot water was doing her good.
When she finished and put on her clothes again, she found Suzanne engrossed in a legal drama.
“Your turn,” Maddie said, sitting down on the other bed.
A commercial break came on, upbeat music playing.
“Okay.” Suzanne got up and headed toward the bathroom. “Let me know what happens with that show.”
Maddie allowed herself to get wrapped up in the fictional story of a woman accused of embezzlement. Once Suzanne finished in the bathroom, the end credits were rolling.
“She was innocent,” Maddie told her. “And the guy who stole the money was caught.”
“Good.” Suzanne slid into bed. “I just hope they find today’s killer as quickly.”
“Me too.” Maddie turned off her bedside light, guessing that it probably wouldn’t be that easy.
***
The next morning, Maddie and Suzanne ate a quick breakfast in the coffee shop, but to their disappointment, they didn’t spot any of the other competitors who had made it through to round two.
Just as they finished their meal, Maddie’s cell phone rang. She answered it, Detective Rawson’s voice making her wary at first, until he told her the news they were waiting to hear – they could now go home.
“Yay!” Suzanne cheered when Maddie ended the call. “I can’t want to get out of these clothes.” She plucked at her green t-shirt.
“I know what you mean,” Maddie said ruefully. If her Coffee Vision came true, she didn’t want Luke to see her in two-day old clothes, even if last night’s jasmine scented bubbles had lingered on her skin.
“I bet Trixie will be pleased when we come to collect her.”
“So will Mom,” Maddie replied. She appreciated her mother looking after Trixie, but she wasn’t used to pets.
Two hours later, they arrived at Maddie’s parents’ house.
“It’s good to be back.” Suzanne stretched as she got out of the car.
“Yes.” Maddie wondered if Trixie would be cross with her for leaving her overnight, despite their telepathic “conversation”. It was the first time they’d been apart since the Persian had scampered into her life just over a year ago.
Before Maddie could knock on the door, it swung open, her mother smiling at her.
“Here she is, Trixie,” her mother said, looking down at the fluffy white cat.
Trixie rubbed against the older woman’s gray slacks, then lifted her head to greet Maddie, a pleased expression on her face.
“Mrrow.”
“I’m sure Trixie knew you were arriving – she kept trotting to the front door. And I know you didn’t want her going outside in a strange neighborhood.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Maddie bussed her mother’s cheek. “I really appreciate you looking after Trixie for me.”
“It was no trouble at all,” her mother declared. “Was it, Trixie?”
The cat looked up at Maddie’s mother and gave a demure, “Mrrow.”
“Hi, Mrs. Goodwell.” Suzanne bounced up to the porch. “Hi, Trixie.”
“Mrrow.” Trixie rubbed herself against Suzanne’s jean-clad leg, then looked up at Maddie.
“I missed you,” Maddie murmured, crouching down.
Trixie jumped into her arms and snuggled against her, her raspy purr filling Maddie’s heart with warmth.
“I’m glad she’s not mad at me for not coming home last night,” Maddie remarked.
“You’ll have to tell me what happened.” Maddie’s mother gestured for them to come in. “I’ve got all of Trixie’s belongings ready for you, but you girls must want something to drink.”
“That would be great, Mrs. Goodwell,” Suzanne said.
Once they were seated at the kitchen table that sported a vase of yellow daffodils, Maddie quickly filled in her mother on what happened. Through the kitchen window, she spied her father mowing the lawn and waved to him, the drone of the lawnmower a familiar weekend sound.
“That’s wonderful that you made it to the final round, dear.” Her mother beamed. Then her face fell. “But it’s terrible that you’re mixed up in murder – again.”
“I know,” Maddie replied. Her mother didn’t need to tell her that.
“I’m sure the police will figure out who did it,” Suzanne said, her tone lively.
Maddie risked a glance at her, but Suzanne didn’t elaborate.
“I’m sure they will, too,” Maddie’s mom said. “And you girls should be safe here in Estherville. The killer probably lives in Seattle.” She frowned. “I just hope they catch whoever did it before next weekend – I don’t want you girls to be in danger for round two.”
“I’m sure we won’t be,” Suzanne reassured her. “There’ll probably be police there in case the killer shows up.”
“I just hope he – or she – doesn’t want to murder someone else.” Maddie shuddered. Trixie must have sensed her uneasiness, because she nestled deeper in Maddie’s arms.
After they drank their hot chocolate – the day was cool enough to enjoy it – they said goodbye to Maddie’s mother. Trixie showed a marked disinclination to hop into her carrier, so Maddie held her securely while they walked out to the car, while Suzanne carried Trixie’s belongings.
“Your mom seems really taken with Trixie,” Suzanne said as they set off to Suzanne’s house.
“I know,” Maddie replied, looking at the Persian in the rear-view mirror. “What did you do to her, Trix?”
&n
bsp; “Mrrow,” Trixie said smugly, looking pleased with herself.
“Maybe she didn’t do any actual magic,” Suzanne said slowly. “Maybe she just used her natural feline charms to enchant your mother – the same ones any cat has.”
“Broomf!” Trixie looked indignant.
“Sorry, Trix,” Suzanne replied. “I know your charms are super impressive.”
“Mrrow.” Trixie seemed mollified.
“I’m just glad Mom’s warmed to her,” Maddie said. “I might have to ask if she can stay the night next weekend when we go back to Seattle for round two – just in case something else happens.”
Trixie looked like she didn’t know whether to be happy or sad at the news.
“Like another judge being murdered.” Suzanne nodded.
“I hope not.” Maddie grimaced.
***
Maddie pulled up outside her house. She and Trixie had dropped off Suzanne, and all Maddie wanted to do was to flop on the couch and relax.
Then she remembered the Coffee Vision spell she’d cast last night. Luke might drop by today!
“Come on, Trixie.” She carried the cat to the porch and set her down on the ground while she unlocked the door.
Trixie scampered inside, seemingly glad she was home.
Maddie had a quick shower and changed into clean clothes, before loading the washing machine.
Before the cycle finished, the doorbell rang.
“Hi, Luke,” she said breathlessly. He stood in front of her, wearing jeans and a charcoal t-shirt.
“Hi, Maddie.” He smiled down at her, warmth in his green eyes. His auburn hair was cut short in a way that suited his attractive features.
“Mrrow!” Trixie came to the door and looked up at him, tilting her head to the side.
“Hi, Trixie.” Luke bent down to stroke her.
The Persian practically fluttered her whiskers at him, rubbing her cheek against his hand and allowing him to pet her.
“Come in,” Maddie said, holding the door open, stifling a giggle at Trixie’s behavior. She was also a little envious of her cat. Right now she was getting more attention from Luke than Maddie was!
Luke followed her into the kitchen, Trixie importantly leading the way.
The Coffee Vision spell had worked! Over the years, Maddie had realized that the spell only showed a possibility of what could happen in the next twenty-four hours – it wasn’t absolute. But she was glad that the vision she’d seen last night in the cup of coffee had come true.
“Would you like a latte?” She gestured to the espresso machine in the kitchen.
“Sure.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “But that’s not the reason I stopped by. I wanted to say hi.”
“Hi,” she replied breathlessly.
They stood staring at each other for long seconds, then Maddie busied herself with the machine. Trixie hopped up onto a chair at the table, looking from Maddie to Luke and back again.
The machine hissed and burred as Maddie pulled an espresso shot and steamed the milk, certain her cheeks were burning. Why did Luke have that effect on her?
She handed him the coffee, her fingers brushing his. He sat opposite Trixie at the kitchen table.
“Thanks.” He smiled and lifted the latte glass to his lips. After an appreciate sip, he placed it back down on the table and turned all his attention to her.
“How was Seattle?” he asked.
“Unexpected.” Maddie took a deep breath and sat down next to Trixie, too keyed up to make herself a coffee. She filled him in on what had happened yesterday, finishing with, “And now I have to go back to Seattle next weekend to compete in round two – the final round.”
“Wow,” he said softly as he absorbed her news. “How are you and Suzanne?”
“We’re okay,” she replied, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “You know your sister – she seems to take everything in her stride.”
“I’ll call her later and make she’s all right. But what about you? Do you still feel like competing next weekend?”
His perceptiveness was one of the qualities that attracted her to him.
“Yes and no,” she answered. “I was so nervous yesterday at the beginning of round one that at first I didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed that round two was postponed. As well as feeling awful that Margot was killed, of course,” she added hastily. She didn’t want to make light of the judge’s death – it had been a terrible thing.
“But now … I don’t want to chicken out of the final round. I would be disappointed in myself if I did. And Suzanne has been very enthusiastic about this competition.”
“I know.” He chuckled. “But don’t let my sister talk you into something you’re not comfortable with.”
“I won’t.” She smiled at him, her heartbeat fluttering. This wasn’t the first time since they’d started dating that she’d wondered if Luke “got her”. So far, the signs were promising. But what would happen if one day she told him about her witchy abilities?
Don’t go there.
It was way too soon to even think about it.
Until now, Trixie had been quiet, seemingly content to let the humans talk. Now, she nudged Maddie’s arm, demanding to be petted.
“She’s a cutie.” Luke smiled at the cat.
“And she knows it.” Maddie smiled at Trixie and then across the table at Luke.
Her gaze caught his and held.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you, Maddie.” He cleared his throat. “I should be able to free up my schedule for next weekend and go to the competition with you and Suzanne.”
When she didn’t say anything, he added, “If you want me to.”
“Mrrow.” Trixie answered for her, looking pleased.
“Yes, I’d like that,” Maddie replied, sure she was blushing again. She’d only hesitated because she’d been a little overwhelmed at the thought of Luke there, watching her from the audience for the final round. She was flustered just sitting across from him right now! It had been amazing that she’d been able to talk to him coherently on their dates so far – at least she thought she had.
“Great.” He smiled.
They chatted for a few more minutes, Luke telling her about his rush order which had been the reason why he hadn’t been able to go to Seattle with them yesterday, and how he’d finished it a couple of hours ago.
“I better go.” He looked regretful as he pushed back his chair. “I’ll call Suzanne and check she’s okay.” He paused. “Would you like to have dinner Wednesday night or will you be too busy practicing your mochas for Saturday?”
“I’d love to,” she replied quickly.
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed for her.
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” he told her, as she walked him to the front door, Trixie trotting behind her.
“Okay,” she murmured, already wondering what she would wear.
“I’ll see you then,” he said as he stood on the front porch.
Maddie nodded.
“Unless I stop by Brewed from the Bean before then.” He grinned. “I’m sure you’re going to win the competition next weekend – your barista skills are amazing.”
“Thanks.” She told herself to breathe. They were only a couple of inches apart. Was he going to kiss her? He hadn’t so far, despite their dates.
She held her breath, but after a nanosecond it seemed that the moment passed.
“Well, I’ll see you.” He walked slowly down the steps.
“See you,” she echoed, watching him head to his car. Why hadn’t he kissed her? Would it ever happen?
“Broomf,” Trixie grumbled, twining around her legs.
“I know, Trix.” Maddie sighed. “Broomf.”
CHAPTER 5
Maddie and Suzanne opened up the truck on Monday morning at seven-thirty. Trixie had decided to come too, and sat on her stool inside the truck, “supervising”.
“You’ll have all week to practice for Saturday,” Suzanne remarked as they
watched their first customer – a jogger – stagger toward the truck. It was amazing how many joggers didn’t carry water with them.
“I thought maybe I could practice for an hour every day,” Maddie said, after Suzanne handed the sweating exerciser a bottle of water.
“Unless I persuade all our customers to order a mocha.” Suzanne grinned mischievously.
“Suzanne!” Maddie couldn’t help laughing.
Her friend quickly sobered. “Luke called me yesterday to check I was okay.” She peered at Maddie. “Are you sure you want to go through with the competition? It’s okay if you want to drop out.”
“What did he say to you?” Maddie frowned.
“Nothing.” Suzanne waved a hand in the air. “He was just being a caring big brother. But he did say it was your decision whether to carry on with the competition or not, and that he would support the choice you made.” She paused. “And so would I. You’re the one competing, not me. He’s right. It’s your decision.”
Warmth flooded Maddie at Luke’s thoughtfulness.
“And my decision is to compete next weekend,” Maddie stated.
“Yes!” Suzanne’s ponytail bounced. “But you know I would have supported you if your answer had been different.”
“I know.” Maddie touched Suzanne’s arm. Before she could say anything more, a shadow loomed over them.
“Good morning, Maddie and Suzanne. And Trixie.” Detective Edgewater stood in front of the serving window. In his sixties and portly, he had been the detective in charge of the previous murders in Estherville.
“Hi, Detective Edgewater.” Suzanne smiled at him. “Would you like your usual?” Her gaze strayed to the empty plastic domed plate, her expression falling. “We don’t have any health balls this morning, unfortunately – it was a busy weekend.”
“So I heard,” he replied, pulling out his wallet. “I’ll just have my usual.”
“Coming right up.” Maddie busied herself making a vanilla cappuccino for the detective.
“And how are you, Maddie?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“I’m okay.” She looked up from the espresso machine and attempted a smile. “It was a shock for both of us finding Margot Wheeler like that.”
