by CC Dragon
“They became our problem, big time. Thanks,” my aunt said.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea any of this was going on. I’ll be talking to Serena’s parents before we pass judgment. I’m sorry you ladies had to deal with this.” He glared at his cousin.
“We? Who is we?” Serena asked.
“Claudia’s business was almost ruined because of you. She had to babysit your boyfriend. They patched him up. You’ve been trying to get in here since you arrived in town, and now, I know why. A human hunter with no self-control. Claudia and I will decide what the consequences are. Esme, Claudia and I will collectively cast the spells needed so we can’t undo it unless we all agree. Fair enough?” he asked.
I nodded. Esme and my aunt nodded, as well.
“No! That’s crap. You can’t touch Ryan!” she shouted.
“Oh, yes, we can. Or I could hand him over the South Carolina police, along with his confession. Would you like that better?” I asked.
“We could turn you over to the police for that, too,” Iris said. “Murderer.”
“Like I’d stay in jail. If I can kill someone with a remote spell, I’m obviously really strong. So, I’ll overcome whatever you do to me.” She struggled against Esme’s binding spell.
I stepped up to the bratty little witch. “I really thought you were interesting. Your major. Your focus. It was all a lie to get into my café and my coven. To get your boyfriend back. What was the plan once you got him out of my basement? Run off and go on a killing spree?”
“No, I never wanted to kill anyone. Our plans were none of your business.” She sneered at me. “He’d do anything for me. You have no idea what that’s like. Poor single witch and her coffee shop with her hippie aunt and her friend who lives life like a cat more than a human. And those twins. How do you stand it? Surrounded by so many dull, boring humans. You have real powers, Claudia.” She shook her head at me.
“I’ll take good humans over murderous witches any day.” I looked at Bran. “Can you contain her at home? I don’t want to put her downstairs with Ryan.”
“She won’t get away from me. See you at midnight.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
I tried not to blush. In a flash, he and his cousin were gone.
“What was that?” Violet asked.
“Nothing. He’s forward. We had one date,” I said.
“Looks like a good one,” my aunt said.
“It was nice enough until we had to interrogate Ryan with a truth potion. Not exactly normal,” I said.
“But you’re a good team,” Esme said.
I shot her a look but shook off the scrutiny. If Bran and I worked out, we worked out. If not, we could still be good allies.
“Can we watch?” Ellen asked.
“No, Esme and I can handle Ryan. We’ll have enough witnesses and send the punishment to the council. They will no doubt approve it, but any alterations can be made quickly. Thank you, everyone, thanks for being here. It is good to know I wasn’t crazy,” I said.
“You were right, but that hunter… Vinny will want to kill him,” my aunt said.
“Well, he can’t. Even if we hand him in to the police, he wouldn’t get a death penalty. At most, it’d be manslaughter. We’ll give him a better lesson our way.” I flopped into a big chair as the coven meeting broke up.
“Your silence and support is appreciated, ladies,” Esme said.
Iris and Violet stood in front of me. “That girl is crazy,” they said.
“I don’t want you spending too much time with her.” I rubbed my forehead.
“Is she going to be free to roam around?” my aunt asked.
“Bran and I have to finalize the punishment. Now, we know she killed Mrs. O’Conner, as well. How could she be so reckless with her spells?” I sighed.
“I’m glad to see you’re working with Bran.” Esme smiled.
The twins grinned. My aunt nodded. So much for my private life staying private until I figured out if there was any future in it.
23
Esme and I arrived around nine p.m. with Belle as another witness. She was a gypsy witch but a powered witch nonetheless and independent of my coven. Ryan was less cooperative, but he couldn’t do much against our magic bindings. A young handsome man answered the door. A butler? Really?
“We’re here to discuss the sentences of the criminals,” I said.
“Miss Crestwood, please. Esmeralda.” The butler bowed.
“This is Belle Andrews,” I informed him.
“The master is in his library. The other criminal is being held in the solarium.” He led the way.
We all followed and found ourselves in the solarium. Serena was still immobilized and shouted against her invisible bonds. Esme moved Ryan next to her so they could see each other, but both were bound in their own spells so they couldn’t touch or even hear each other.
Ryan’s anguish was clear, but they needed to understand what they had done was wrong. There were consequences, even if the human world couldn’t prove it or understand what happened. They called Mrs. O’Conner’s death natural. That gave them peace. But we couldn’t let these two get away with their crimes.
I turned and the butler was gone.
“I feel underdressed,” Belle said.
“Don’t worry about it.” I was in jeans and a sweater. Nothing fancy about me.
“Ladies, welcome,” Bran said as he walked in.
The guy was still in a suit and looked at ease. Dark hair, dark eyes, and handsome features—I could do worse. He was definitely worth spending time with. Friends or more, who knew, right now
“We need to talk about what punishment we’ll hand down,” Esme said.
“Agreed. Well, my cousin’s parents are very concerned that she deceived them. They won’t be back until next year but have trusted me to hand down whatever sentence I see fit and to oversee her custody. I’d like to hear your thoughts on punishment first,” he said.
I studied the cocky girl. “Bind her powers for three years. No magic. Restrict her to school, your home, and a charity place to volunteer and other acceptable close-by places only. Make her volunteer. Make her go to school. Coven meetings should be mandatory. Continue her work with Esme so she understands spells before she can use them, again. All of that for a year and then assess if she is ready for more freedom to see if she can be trusted and has learned.”
“Three years without magic?” an older man asked as he walked up.
“Ladies, my cousin Vern—a vampire,” Bran introduced.
“Hello,” I said. “Yes, three years. One for every human she killed. In the third year, maybe we could restore some basic powers to see if she uses them responsibly. But she’d need to be closely monitored. Like parole.”
“Magical parole.” Belle smirked.
“She has to be held accountable,” Esme said.
“Did I miss anything?” a handsome young man asked as he entered.
“My other cousin, Harry. He’s a werewolf,” Bran said.
“Claudia, Esme, and Belle. All witches,” I said.
Harry bowed and smiled. He locked eyes with me for a split second, and I felt an odd tingle but then Harry stared at Belle.
“I’m a gypsy witch,” Belle said.
“What about the hunter? He killed the werewolf. That’s okay. But two humans?” Vern shook his head at the trapped man.
“Killing werewolves isn’t okay,” Harry said. “There are wolf runs and natural packs where wolves can run free from humans and hunters. He could’ve captured the werewolf and relocated him to a sanctuary,” Harry said.
“As long as they don’t attack humans, witches, or wizards—that’s fine,” I agreed.
Esme cleared her throat to keep us on track. “I think Ryan needs at least two years of imprisonment. He knew his job, and that it wasn’t a free pass to accidentally kill anyone. Even if it was involuntary manslaughter, there have to be consequences. But he and his girlfriend were on a spree of some sort. He was im
pressing her with his werewolf hunting skills.”
“Imprison him where? Not in my basement,” I said.
“We have a dungeon,” Bran replied.
“A legit, guarded dungeon?” I asked.
“Would you like the tour? We have time before midnight,” Bran offered.
“I would,” Belle said.
“I’ll go on faith, for now. I prefer to keep an eye on them,” Esme said.
“I’ll stay,” Vern said.
Harry offered his arm to Belle. She blushed and stuck near me.
“I’ll go, too,” I said.
We followed the men.
“I’m sorry,” Belle said and looked at me.
“No need,” Harry said.
“Harry, I’m not sure how much you know about the gypsy culture. Belle is a Romanichal Gypsy, and unmarried women aren’t allowed socialize with single men. Certainly not touch them. Most girls marry very young, but Belle is a rebel. She pursued a career and helps people, but her reputation is still important,” I said.
“How fascinating. How are you two related?” Harry asked.
“My aunt married a gypsy man. Belle is his second cousin. We became friends as kids. I’m a bad influence.” I grinned.
“No, you saved me. I would’ve run off rather than marry young. You showed some of the gypsies that Gorger girls could be good and close to the family and have a job.” She loosened her grip on my arm and walked a bit faster.
“Gorger?” Harry asked.
“Non-gypsy,” I filled in.
“I can’t wait to see this gypsy wedding,” Bran said.
“You’re bringing him?” Belle asked.
“Why not? He’s never been to one. It’ll be a cultural experience,” I said.
“He’ll think we’re trash,” Belle whispered.
“No, he won’t. He’ll ask a lot of questions. Don’t be ashamed of where you came from. You don’t have to marry a gypsy, but you are one.” I patted her arm and walked ahead with Bran.
The dungeon lived up to its name. Dark and cold, the walls were rock, and there were no windows. Bran conjured a light ball, and I did the same as we wound through the corridors. Finally, a large room opened. There were cells separated by rock walls. A man stood taller when he saw Bran.
“A guard, even,” I said.
“I employ a few vampires myself. My family is old and reclusive. We aren’t perfect or sweet. Humans fear us. But we are generally good. The few exceptions who are disturbed or evil are housed here,” Bran said.
Belle and Harry walked along. I hung back.
“You don’t want to see?” Bran asked.
“Your family isn’t a freak show. I’m sorry you have to do this to any of them,” I said.
“At least look at an empty cell to be sure you’re okay with Ryan staying here for two years. We don’t deny quality food, clean water, or health care. Entertainment and luxuries are restricted,” Bran said.
I walked by a full cell to an empty one.
“I see it. I see the animal. Get it out!” the old man shrieked from the occupied cell.
Harry waved it off. “He doesn’t like werewolves. He has the sight, but no control over his mind or mouth.”
I nodded and looked in an empty cell. It was dark and gloomy, but the bed looked fairly comfortable. There was a small desk along with a sink and toilet in one corner. It wasn’t overly cramped.
“What do they do for showers? What do they do all day?” I asked.
Bran smiled. “If they cooperate, there is a shower down the hall. If they try to run, they can use the sink in their cell plus soap and a washcloth. There is a drain in the floor. It’s set up so we don’t take them out if they can’t be trusted. “
I nodded.
“As for what they do all day? They can request books from the library. But I think Ryan would benefit from some looped video rehab,” Harry said.
“Rehab?” Belle asked.
“There are people who want peace between werewolves and humans. To stop the hunting and create a better dialogue,” Harry replied.
“They should only be hunting werewolves who murder and refuse to take measures during the full moon. We have potions or confinement,” I said.
“Some werewolves want an island to themselves. Just werewolves. So they can roam free and enjoy the shift. Fight, play, and mate,” Harry said.
“Mate?” Belle said softly.
I smiled at Bran. “I’ve no objection to that sort of thing. I can’t imagine all werewolves would want that. Plenty have human family, as well as were family.”
“But is this acceptable?” Bran asked as he gestured to the empty cell.
“I think so. Thank you for offering to house them,” I said.
“Shouldn’t Serena get some time down here too?” Belle asked.
I nodded. “I think so. Even just a week or two to scare her.”
“Her parents wouldn’t like it,” Harry said.
“Tough. They’ve entrusted her to me. I think a week down here will scare her. Show her how bad the punishments could be.” Bran checked his watch. “We should go up.”
We made our way back to the solarium. An old wizard stood before the two criminals.
“Ladies, my great uncle Dutch. He is the family peacekeeper. He’ll record the crimes, the punishments, and take it to the witch’s council for approval.”
Dutch bowed. “The reading of the charges.”
As he droned on, I looked up at Bran.
“What?” he whispered.
“That kiss on the cheek at the coven meeting. Now, people think things,” I whispered back.
“Good. It was important to stake a claim before the other men in my family met you. My brother is dashing. My cousin is handsome.” He nodded.
“And Vern is eternal?” I teased.
He grinned. “Exactly. You can end things whenever you like, but I won’t have any men in my family moving too fast and snapping you up while I’m taking my time.”
“I’m not one to rush things either. But, at the wedding, you will meet my uncle who has heard about that kiss,” I warned him.
“I’ll handle him,” he said.
“Gypsy men fight dirty. A lot. Just so you know.” I was trying to find a way to say be on your guard without making it sound like I thought he couldn’t handle a fight. Of course, he could; he was a wizard.
“I can handle myself without magic if I have to. But I don’t intend to fight with anyone,” he said.
“Good plan,” I giggled.
“Shh,” Esme whispered.
“Now, the accused have a chance to speak briefly. To beg for mercy or deny a charge. First, Serena.” The old wizard waved at her.
The soundproofing came off.
“Please let me go. Bran, please. They were accidents. Things happened too fast at the mall. I was scared. And I got the spell all wrong. I never meant to kill anyone. But I need to learn, not be punished,” Serena cried.
The old wizard waved at her, and her voice was silenced. Then, Ryan could be heard.
“Let me out of here. You have no authority over me!” he shouted.
“Want to be handed over to the police? You still have warrants. You can go into the prison system,” I said.
He glared at me and began yelling threats.
The old wizard waved at Ryan to silence him.
“Both of you have been accused of ending human lives when your lives were not in imminent danger. That is illegal in the magical and human realm. The proposed penalty for each of you is as follows…”
The old wizard read over what we’d discussed.
“You’re sure you want to go to a gypsy wedding?” I whispered in Bran’s ear.
“I want to see you in a fancy dress and have a new cultural experience. The Equinox Ball will be fun for you,” he whispered back.
True, it was a fair trade of experiences. I couldn’t wait to see his face when he saw the brides’ dresses.
“If anyone present d
oes not agree that these consequences are fair, please declare your objection, now,” the old wizard said.
The silence was clear.
“The sentences are passed. There will be three members who cast the spell so it can’t be undone by one person.” The old wizard waved us up.
Bran, Esme, and I focused on Serena first. The energy from our three spells wove red and green lights around the girl. We finished with her and worked on Ryan. Blue lights zipped around him until the spell took full hold.
The wizard had us sign a scroll and then disappeared.
“That was quick,” Belle said.
The old wizard returned. “Approved.”
“That was quicker.” Harry laughed.
“No objections?” Esme asked.
“No, they did think you could be harder on the girl. A week in the dungeon could be a month instead, but they left that to family discretion because she is under twenty-one. I’ll put this in the family files. We take custody of Ryan and Serena.” The old wizard bowed to us. “Ladies.”
He disappeared and so did the two criminals.
I felt odd. Ryan had been in my basement for so long that I felt responsible. Part of it was relief, but I also felt like I’d failed to fully understand who I had living in my building. He could’ve killed vampires or hurt humans. I was lucky it wasn’t worse.
“You okay?” Belle asked.
“Fine. Just glad it’s over. Justice for Mrs. O’Conner and those humans at the mall.” I sighed.
“We have a midnight snack set up in the small library. Tea, cheese, crackers, cake, and wine,” Harry said.
“I could use a bite,” Belle said.
Esme stared at the empty space where Ryan had just been.
“You okay?” I asked her.
“I need to see the dungeon, now,” she said.
Vern nodded. “I’ll take her. You kids go get a snack.”
We walked into the small library, which was a huge library to me, and there were footmen dressed to serve. I wanted the full tour.
