I shrug. “Slipped my mind, I guess.”

“Yes,” Alys says. “We discussed the horrible crime in the Celestial Gardens. I mentioned I wanted to address this with the city council. Now two kidnappings have occurred. John, we must pass an ordinance to ensure the safety of the children in Bearsden.”

Wrinkles form between John’s pale-blue eyes. “I really don’t know what we could do, Alys. The Bearsden PD assigned more patrol cars on the roads, and they’re investigating both kidnappings extensively.”

“We can always do more,” the councilwoman scoffs. “If you won’t introduce a solution, John, I will.”

Archie interjects. “We have an outstanding police department. They are doing as much as they can. This Baby Nabbers ring out of PA has evaded capture. Unfortunately, they are quite skilled.”

“Which is why we must act,” she says, huffing. “If it were your child, you’d feel the same way. Jessica Devine is here. If you’ll excuse me.”

Alys ambles toward the mayor, who is chatting with Elijah in the dining room. I look after her, baffled at her response. She doesn’t even have kids. How the hell did she get voted into office? She’s not personable at all. Oh, now I remember. She ran uncontested.

“So, Courtney tells me she was a member of the Fellowship before,” John says. “I told her I was fine with her returning, but she said she didn’t want to.”

Ha! Because we banned her. I’m sure she didn’t tell you that, dear John, or about being a witch.

Her eyes fall to the floor. “That’s not what I said. I left because I did not belong there.”

At least she’s telling the truth. I’ll give her that. A silent pause captures the moment, and Archie clears his throat.

“Well, I’m chuffed we got to meet you, John. It’s good to know the people managing our town. I look forward to working on projects with you in the future. The Fellowship tries to give back to the community as often as we can.”

“I’d be happy to work with you all.” John pulls out a business card. “Call whenever you’re ready to discuss ideas. Courtney and I are trying to make the rounds with as many locals as possible. Nice chatting with you.”

They say their goodbyes and squeeze through the packed parlor. A huge sigh escapes my lips.

“That was awkward. How did Courtney act with you at first? I missed that.”

“She was fine, Gwyn. I imagine your initial assessment was correct. She’s matured and moved on with her life. I’m happy for her.”

I glance back at her husband. “And found a younger version of you, Dr. Cockburn. Does that bother you?”

“Why would it? I have you. No one else matters.” He squeezes my hand.

Seamus waves to us as he makes his way down the hallway to the back of the house. He must be going outside. I don’t blame him in that layered costume. Suddenly, a wave of unusual magic residue overcomes me, triggering an aura. I touch my flushed face.

“Hot flash?” he asks. “I thought they subsided.”

“They have mostly. But this isn’t a hot flash.” I turn around and scan the area, raising my hand inconspicuously to identify the source. But I can’t. The feeling dissipates. “An aura took over, but it’s gone.”

“We’ll be cleaning up soon, and I promised Elijah I would join him outside for a while. We should have plenty of time together after the open house.” He winks at me and heads out back.

The iced tea I drank has finally caught up with me, so I head to the bathroom. But on the way, I pick up on the trail of the magic. Putting my bladder aside, I meander through the foyer to the dining room and into the parlor, following the stream. I stop when I end up outside on the back porch. Seamus is leaning against the railing watching the children play with Elijah and Archie.

“You look spectacular in that witch’s costume,” he says, his eyes roaming down my torso until they arrive at my spike-heeled boots. “How ever do you manage those?”

I chuckle. “It’s a challenge. I bought them two years ago for Halloween. Actually, I was wearing them the night I discovered I was a witch.”

“Was that before or after you and Archie became…close?”

“After.” I swallow and lower my eyes. “But we split up for a while after the Winter Solstice Celebration. We got back together over the summer.” I shouldn’t have told him that. What was I thinking?

“May I ask what caused the split?” He leans forward on his cane.

I peer up at his haunting eyes but don’t reply. Since I’m about to pee myself, I cut the conversation short.

“Excuse me. The iced tea is calling.” I point toward the house. “Enjoy the remainder of Samhain.”

He smiles warmly. “And you as well, Gwynedd.”

I rush back inside to the bathroom just off the kitchen. As I approach the door, the aura returns. I jump when the door swings inward, revealing Courtney.

“I’m sorry, Gwyn. Have you been waiting long? My stomach was a bit nauseous.”

I stare at her as the wave of warmth fades. “No. But I do need to go badly.”

She exits the bathroom, smiling. “It’s yours now.”

I dart in and slam the door, barely getting my panties down in time. While I’m washing my hands, a sharp pain stabs me inside. I’ve got to stop using collagen in my tea. Suddenly, the sound of yelling and footsteps rumble in the distance. I dry my hand on the towel and scuttle up the hallway.

The guests have crowded together on the porch and in the street by the time I exit the house. Trinity is comforting a woman who has collapsed on the sidewalk, sobbing. I shift next to Ronnie. She’s clutching Derek’s arm.

“What the fuck happened?” I ask, catching my breath.

“She says someone snatched her two-year-old daughter when she turned around to pick up the candy she’d dropped. There were so many people clogging the sidewalk, no one noticed who took her.”

Sirens pierce my ears as the police cars pull up. This won’t help our image at all. A familiar thread of magic weaves through the crowd cramming the porch, spiraling toward the street. I grab my stomach as the pain pinches inside and observe the anxious townies. They hold their children close, worry contorting their faces—all except for Courtney. She expresses a different sort of angst, both fear and anger present in her eyes. Does she know something?

Chapter tenBad Impressions

Detective Jack Schmidt directs Officers O’Connor and Wilson to interview the remaining onlookers, mostly adults without children. The parents skedaddled home with their kids as soon as the police units parked. It’s futile. No one saw who absconded with the preschooler. Trinity climbs the steps to the front porch and gestures for the coven to huddle together on one end, away from the ears of Unremarkables.

“This is disconcerting,” our leader says. “There were townies standing shoulder to shoulder on the sidewalk. Yet no one saw who took the child.”

“I can’t listen to this.” Ronnie twists her crimson locks. “Derek, take me home.” She moves toward the porch steps.

“Goodnight, everyone. The kidnappings are stressing her out. Don’t take it personally.” He follows Ronnie down, clasping her hand.

“She’s right to be concerned,” Trinity says. “Gwyn shared she sensed strange magic residue at the last kidnapping. She believes a rogue witch may be helping the Baby Nabbers. The Bearsden Police Department hasn’t revealed any of its investigation, either. It’s a hunch, but keep your eyes and ears tuned. Let’s clean and lock up. This open house did NOT go as planned.”

After splitting up the leftovers, we put all the tables, chairs, and toys away in dead silence. The coven disbands, and everyone exits the Pumpkin House, somber expressions replacing the former joyous ones. Archie and I speak to Tyler and Zoe on the paver sidewalk out front before heading home.

“Goodnight, dear,” I say, hugging him. “We’ll chat sometime this week. OK?”

He frowns at me. “Sure. I’ll call you when I have time.”

Zoe smiles as she hugs me. “Goodnight, Gwyn.”