I chuckle. “So, what’s new? I’ll be paying you back in the Otherworld at this point.”
“Splendid.” Leslie pats her partner’s hand. “Thank you, dear. I recognize how hard it is to refrain from your colorful prose.”
She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”
About that time, Courtney and her husband approach Archie on the far side of the room. He has been talking with Alys Morgan, glancing at me repeatedly as if he’s pleading with me to rescue him.
“I’m going to talk with Archie,” I say, spying on their interaction. “I’d like to meet the new council members.”
My hedge witch mentor snorts. “Sure. Whatever you say, Gwyn. You’re concerned with the blond councilwoman.”
“Oh, Agnes,” Leslie says. “Don’t make trouble.”
“Trouble is my middle name.”
I give her the bird on the down-low and push my way through the crowd. When I get to Archie, he’s shaking John Erickson’s hand. I squeeze between him and Alys Morgan.
“Good evening,” I say, forcing a smile.
“John, this is my girlfriend, Gwynedd Crowther. She’s actually working on a degree in public policy.”
He shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you. When you’re finished with your degree, you should check the city’s job list.”
“I’ll think about it,” I reply. “Hi, Courtney. Thanks for coming. It helps the Fellowship’s image to have a council member and his wife in attendance at these open houses.”
A sweet smile curls her mouth. “This is fun. The Fellowship should do it every year. I hope you’ll consider it.”
“I’m sure we will after tonight’s success,” Archie says, stroking his goatee.
John nods. “I agree, and I bet the city could come up with some funds to help next year.”
“Gwyn, this is Alys Morgan. Councilwoman, my better half.” He winks at me.
I offer her my hand, and she shakes it reluctantly, her arrogant blue eyes glaring at me. What’s she angry about?
“We’ve met, actually,” I say. “I bumped into her in front of Mitchell Hall recently.”
Archie shoves his hand in his pockets. “Oh, you didn’t mention meeting her.”
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.”
