He straightens his vest. “Whatever did you do?”
“Never you mind. Plan on the training happening in the distant future for now.”
He drops his clipboard. “Well, if you aren’t in need of my assistance, I’ll be in the magic room.”
“Just as well,” I say, placing my dishes in the sink. “I have a research meeting with Dr. Duffy at his house now. Have a pleasant afternoon, Mr. Yeats.”
“May the rest of your day be productive, Ms. Crowther.” The familiar strides to the magic room.
I put on my fleece jacket, grab my backpack and umbrella, and walk briskly up Drummond Lane to the brown bungalow. When I get to Seamus’s, I raise my fist to knock, but the door opens wide before I do.
“Please, Gwynedd. Come in out of this damp, dreary weather.” Seamus motions me into the foyer. “Let me take your umbrella and coat.”
“Thanks. I can’t believe it was warm enough for shorts yesterday,” I say, rubbing my arms vigorously. “I’m so cold.”
“Then a cup of hot tea is what you need. Please, find a seat at the dining room table, and I’ll bring us a pot. The cups and tea bags are already there. Pick whatever you like.”
I set my backpack on the floor and sit while he retrieves the teakettle from the kitchen. I choose an Irish blend to try something new. When he returns, limping without his cane, he fills our cups. He places the kettle on a trivet and sits down, smiling at my choice.
“An excellent blend. I hope you enjoy it.” After adding honey to his tea, he waves his hand over it, prompting the spoon to twirl. “You don’t have to hide your magic here.”
I blush and do the same. “Leslie gets pissed off when I display my skills overtly at home. Archie worries I’ll forget to hide my witchcraft when I’m around Unremarkables.”
“A definite concern, but I imagine you’re competent enough not to commit such an error in judgement.”
I chuckle. “You don’t know me very well, Seamus. I’ve had my share of fuckups. Like sneaking into your house and hiding under your bed.”
He bursts out laughing, and strands of black hair spill onto his forehead. “I had quite the laugh after I left, knowing you were under there.”
I bet you did. “Are you sorry I found out you were watching out for me?”
“It was a quandary, I must say.” He takes a sip of his tea, staring at me over the cup. “But I’m pleased you know of my existence. I spend less energy on hiding my true nature. So, tell me of your experiences with intuition and the magic you sensed.”
I share my experiences with the first two kidnappings, stopping to sip my tea occasionally. Then I elaborate on the prior night’s events.
“When I crossed the unusual stream of energy, I followed the residue throughout the Pumpkin House until it ended on the back porch—where you were standing.”
I stare into his eyes, hoping to observe any signs of guilt, and the corners of his mouth raise a little.
“You suspect I am the witch employed by the Baby Nabbers? Do you honestly believe I would commit such an evil thing, Gwynedd?” The Irish professor drops his cup on the saucer and chooses a tea bag. “Please, help yourself to another.”
“No, I’d have to pee all night.” My eyes roam around the sparsely furnished home. “And no. I don’t think you are working for the kidnappers.”
“What motivation would I have? But I am stumped. How did you sense the residue, but I did not? Curious.”
I ponder his question for a few seconds. “Could my magic radar have more to do with being a mom than a witch?”
“Hmmm. A mother’s intuition. Could be an accurate assessment. Perhaps I was arrogant in believing I could help you.”
“No. I’m grateful you’re willing to teach me what you know.”
A seriousness crushes his pleasant demeanor. “I can’t divulge the ways of the cat sith, Gwynedd. We are a solitary lot.”
Well, that blows. “I understand.” My gaze falls to my teacup.
Seamus lays his hand on mine. “I am truly sorry. Shall we continue our research?”
I pull my hand into my lap, and he sits back in his chair, a look of embarrassment crossing his visage.
“Sure, but another thirty minutes is all I have. Then I have to meet Archie for dinner. We’re going over his research of some obscure Scottish folklore after.”
His eyes drop to an open textbook, and he slides it across the table, being careful not to touch me. How can I continue this friendship if he keeps wanting for more?
Archie closes the last reference and sits back on the brown leather loveseat. “Another dead end. We’ll keep searching. I don’t want to ruin your mood further, but have you spoken with Tyler about your Samhain conversation with Richard yet?”
“No,” I say, falling back on the loveseat cushion. “I was letting him stew a bit.”
“He’ll be at Agnes’s in the morning, no? And we have dinner tomorrow with him at Spence and Tanner’s house. It could be a delicate situation.”
“Yeah. I suppose I should call him now. Can you referee if I need some interference?”
He raises a corner of his mouth. “I doubt it will come to that. But I’ll be here if the conversation turns…unpleasant.”
I pick up my cell and pull up Tyler’s name in my contacts. As I tap the green phone icon, my heartbeat takes off and my hand trembles. I don’t care what anyone thinks about me, except for my son.
“Hi, Mom. I wondered when you might call.”
