“Ahh. You were just wired up and needed more sleep.”

I scoop him up, and he wraps his tiny fingers around my neck. He’s passed out by the time I put him on the small mattress. I return to the sofa and log out of my laptop. Ashley will be here soon, anyway.

The deadbolt on the door slides, and the doorknob turns. The young instructor enters the apartment on the balls of her feet and places her backpack on the floor.

“He’s still asleep?” she asks, her eyebrows arching.

“Yes, but he woke up from his nap. We played for a while, and he got tuckered out. I put him back to bed.” I close my laptop and stand.

She grimaces. “Was he a problem for you?”

“No. I mean, he was wound up, but he listened to me after I spoke with him.” Who am I kidding? The invisible hands helped, too.

Ashley crosses the room and hugs me. “Thank you so much. I knew he would benefit from a mother with experience.”

“More like the stern hand of a grandmother, but you’re welcome. I had fun. When Aidan woke, he complained about his stomach. Said he was itchy inside.” I stuff my laptop into my backpack.

“He’s complained about his tummy since we moved to Bearsden. The pediatrician said he was fine. I think it’s a reaction to the move. I’m hoping he’ll settle in after a few more months.” She’s silent for a moment. “Would I be imposing too much to ask you to watch him every Monday afternoon? Until the semester is over.”

“Sure. I can work while he sleeps.” I put on my fleece jacket, swing my backpack over my shoulder, and turn the doorknob.

“How could I repay you, Gwyn? Please, let me.”

I grin excitedly. “I’ll think of something.”

Chapter fourteenA Safe Harbor

“Gwynedd,” Archie says. “That was a misguided risk you took. The boy could tell his mother about your wee magic skills. How will you explain yourself?”

“Don’t you think I planned an explanation? I called my spell invisible hands. He’s two, so he probably doesn’t know what the word means. Whatever he tells her, it’ll sound ridiculous.”

We’re on the way to the Fellowship meeting, strolling through the Green. The November chill has returned, sending a shudder down my spine.

“I wouldn’t tell anyone in the coven, especially Leslie or Trinity. They’ll have a strong opinion on your poor choice. What about what you saw? Are you sure you imagined it?”

I recall the faint mossy aroma. “Oh, yeah. The hallucination vanished when I blinked. Being in that apartment gave me the heebie-jeebies. Brought back so many memories. I don’t know why I thought it wouldn’t affect me.”

“Are you all right? You hadn’t been there since…”

“Yeah. I’m fine. The initial shock is over. I’ll cope better each time I go. She asked me if I would watch Aidan every Monday. It’s the least I can do.”

He squints at me. “I know what you’re up to. Ashley is so overworked, Gwyn. Promise me you won’t steal too much of her time. She has so little of it.”

“Is that what you think of me? Of course, I would love to pick her brain on Welsh folklore. But I want to help her out. I like her a lot. At first, I thought Jeff shouldn’t date a slightly older woman with a kid. Now I think they belong together. IF it lasts.”

“I’m sorry I questioned your true motives.” He grasps my hand. “You’re so cold. Where are your gloves?”

“I didn’t expect the temperature to drop so much. But I have you to keep them warm.” I kiss his cheek.

A notification dings on my cell phone—a text from Ronnie.

Ronnie: Hey. I’m not coming tonight. Tell Trinity I’m sorry.

Me: She’ll understand. Rest your feet.

Ronnie: I know the coven wants to fight this new ordinance, but I hope it passes.

Me: I get that. Take care of yourself.

“It’s Ronnie. She’s not attending the council meeting. These kidnappings have her so scared she can’t sleep. But I think she doesn’t want to come because she wants the curfew ordinance to pass.”

“No need to add to her stress. The rest of the coven will be there.”

We arrive at the city municipal building on Main Street and shove our way through the mass of townies crowding the chamber. Shane was right. This is a touchy topic. Tyler and Zoe wave to Archie and me to come sit with them. They’ve saved a couple of seats for us. Tanner, Spence, and Skye are sitting nearby. A quick scan finds Leslie and Agnes near the front.

Mayor Jessica Devine taps her gavel and calls the meeting to order. They work through the agenda, discussing the prior week’s minutes and move onto old and new business items. The townies grow impatient, babbling over the council members’ discussions while others hush them for their rude behavior.

The Fellowship has little to fear because our allies, and one of our witches, Elijah Jackson, is there to guide the council to the correct decision.

But Alys Morgan pressed hard to add this ordinance to the agenda. She chats with John Erickson frequently, who is seated next to her. He nods repeatedly. Meanwhile, Elijah confers with our other allies on the council. I scan the chamber, searching for pale-blond hair, and I spot Courtney a couple of rows behind us on the other side of the hall. She taps her fingers on an arm, her chest rising at erratic intervals. When they get to the emergency agenda addendum, Mayor Devine speaks.

“Before we vote on this ordinance, I want to announce there will be no public comment. This is an emergency ordinance.”

The crowd erupts. Townies and my fellow witches grumble and mutter obscenities, some shouting at the city council. Not allowing public comment is unusual. I can’t believe our allies went along with this. Mayor Devine hammers her gavel several times.

“Order in the chamber. You will remain quiet while one of the council members introduces the ordinance. I now pass the meeting to Elijah Jackson.”

I lean into Archie. “Why is he presenting?” I whisper.

“Let’s listen to what he has to say before we vilify him.”

Tyler leans forward in his seat and faces me mouthing, “What the fuck?”

Zoe’s eyebrows leap, and she shrugs.

Elijah angles his head down and adjusts the microphone. “Good evening, residents of Bearsden. I’m sure you are all aware of the recent kidnappings of our precious children. The police have been diligent in their ongoing investigation, but insufficient evidence exists to connect the cases as of yet. Alys Morgan, along with John Erickson, encouraged us to consider this curfew for minors as an added safety measure. We recognize most parents already accompany their young ones, and so far, the kidnappings have occurred with parents nearby. The passage of this ordinance will allow the city to place more officers on the streets to deter those responsible.”

“Elijah is supporting it?” I whisper. “Did he share this with anyone in the Fellowship?”

Archie rubs his chin. “Not that I was told. If he told Trinity, she didn’t mention it.”

I search for our coven leader’s burgundy hair in the mass of people and find her sitting next to Shane, who’s shaking his head. Trinity’s arms are crossed, an epic scowl pulling down the corners of her mouth. I think they’re both as surprised as all of us.

Mayor Devine continues her explanation. “During our executive session prior to this meeting, we discussed the dark situation our town is in. If the Baby Nabbers ring is responsible, we must do what we can to keep our residents safe. Is there a motion to pass the ordinance?”

“I make a motion. We vote on Ordinance #535,” Elijah says, his deep voice filling the chamber.

John Erickson raises a hand. “I second the motion.”