“We have a motion to vote on Ordinance #535,” the mayor announces. “All in favor, raise your hand.”

Every council member, including Mayor Devine, raises an arm. “Ordinance #535 passes unanimously. Thank you all for attending this council meeting. I’m elated at the community involvement. For those of you who are disappointed by the passing of this ordinance, we will consider a future vote to overturn our decision once the criminals responsible for the kidnappings are arrested. Let’s leave on a positive note. The authorities will capture them. Eventually.”

“I’d like to say a few words,” Alys Morgan says. “I introduced this ordinance because I love children. Every precious child in this town deserves to have a safe harbor, and Bearsden should provide one. I appreciate the feedback I received from everyone on the council. Thank you for your support.”

The council members and the mayor reply, a chorus of “you’re welcome” and “thank you” echoing in response to Alys.

Elijah speaks into the microphone. “I motion to dismiss the meeting.”

“I second the motion,” Alys says, grinning.

Jessica Devine strikes her gavel. “Meeting is adjourned.”

Many residents moan, but at least half praise the vote with applause. Alys Morgan smiles smugly at John Erickson. He searches the townies in attendance. Looking for his wife, I assume. She’s still sitting, sighing in apparent relief. I look between them in confusion. Two plus two is not adding up…to anything. If my suspicions surrounding Courtney are true, why would she be relieved at the increase in police on the streets? All four of our phones vibrate, and Elijah pulls out his cell. We get up to leave and shove against the throng of residents to make our way to the exit.

“Trinity sent a group text,” Archie says. “She’s calling an emergency meeting at the Pumpkin House.”

Zoe clenches her teeth. “Oh, no. Elijah’s in big trouble.”

“I’m sure he had a good reason for going along with all of them.” Tyler holds the door open for us. “Perhaps he was the sole no vote and didn’t want to have to explain his choice.”

I zip up my fleece jacket. “Well, I certainly would like to know why he voted yes, but our council allies voted yes as well. Elijah must have told them our concerns—the possibility of a witch aiding the Baby Nabbers.”

“What are you talking about, Mom?” Tyler asks. “A witch could be helping the kidnappers?”

“Whoa. Do you know who it is?” Zoe’s eyes pop out. “Is it Shane’s wicked ex-girlfriend, Cordelia Davenport?”

Archie glances at me. “Gwyn has a few suspicions.”

“My witch’s intuition has pointed toward someone, but right now, it’s weak and not giving me any useful information. Trinity will probably mention it at the meeting. Before you accuse me of keeping secrets, I wasn’t. I haven’t discovered anything yet.”

Gradually, the residents following us trickle down to zero, and our witch colleagues come into view ahead. When we arrive at the Pumpkin House, we enter the foyer to find everyone standing, Trinity at the front of the small circle.

“Someone else take a head count,” she says. “I’m too fucking tired and mad.”

That’s not a good sign. Elijah isn’t here yet. Leslie and Agnes aren’t either.

Skye scans the circle. “Nine. One of those missing is Ronnie. She stayed home.”

Trinity shifts her weight onto her right foot. “Yeah, she told me. We can’t expect much from her for the next couple of months. She’s damned uncomfortable. I remember my last trimester. Could not sit on my bottom for weeks. Had to pee every five minutes. Couldn’t find a position to sleep in without my arms pinching.”

“I’m really glad I don’t have to go through that,” Spence says, grimacing. “Can’t imagine not sleeping. I need my beauty rest.”

“Is that what you call all that twisting and turning you do all night?” Tanner asks, snorting. “I’m lucky to get four hours at a stretch.”

Skye chuckles. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“Now that’s the positive about sleeping alone,” Shane says. “When my head hits the pillow, I’m out until sunrise. But I much prefer a companion to wake to.”

“Aye. My exact sentiments, Shane.” Archie smiles at me.

The front door opens, and Leslie ambles in. Agnes and Elijah are right behind her. They join the circle, and Trinity crosses her arms, glaring at our gentle giant witch with a laser-green stare.

“What the fuck, Elijah? I’m so angry, I could spit.”

“I am sure he will explain,” Leslie says. “Although I must express my disappointment.”

Agnes cracks up. “Stop pretending you didn’t flip out all the way here, sweetheart.”

“Let’s give Elijah the benefit of the doubt, shall we?” Archie asks, nodding in his direction.

Elijah rubs his hands together, confidence exuding from his visage. “Before we met in executive session, our allies and I had a private discussion. I warned them about Gwyn’s recent intuition feeling. It wasn’t enough to convince them the kidnappings are supernatural related, and I agree. Even if an evil witch is helping the Baby Nabbers, Unremarkables are still involved. I realize the increase in police patrol units will hinder our visits to the Seelie Fae, but I think it was the right thing to do.”

Leslie nods, a reluctant sigh escaping. “Indeed. Elijah made the correct choice. He would have been a lone vote, which would have brought attention to him…and us. We must move past this and create a plan to visit the Celestial Gardens to keep the children entertained until the police apprehend the kidnappers. It may require the use of masking spells to sneak by the officers on patrol.”

“Even with the extra cops on the street, a witch could slip around them,” Tanner says.

“You fucking know it,” Agnes replies. “Gwyn, Leslie said you have suspicions concerning Courtney Erickson—the council member’s wife, and an expelled coven member.”

Spence and Skye blurt out. “Courtney?” The young witches share worried glances.

“Yes,” I reply. “My intuition tells me something’s up with her, but I can’t say she’s involved with the kidnappers.”

“Courtney was such a mess when she was a grad student,” Skye says. “But she seems friendly enough. She waved to me at the meeting.”

Zoe nods. “Me, too. She looks happier than I ever remember. I can’t imagine what reason she’d have for doing something like this.”

“Should someone check her banking account?” Spence asks, his eyes widening. “She could have several thousand reasons for it?” He rubs his money fingers together.

Tanner scowls at his partner. “Sure, she screwed up, but give her a break. She has matured and is trying to make a life in Bearsden.”

“I’m willing to allow Courtney some leeway on that account,” Trinity says. “But we shouldn’t give her a total pass, either. Who knows what she’s hiding?”

Tyler crosses his arms. “I don’t know her at all, so I can’t decide if she’s trustworthy.”

He isn’t aware of her time in the coven, either, which wouldn’t improve his impression of her.

“What about you, Archie?” Spence asks. “I mean, she made all those accusations against you.”

“Aye,” he replies, glancing at me. “But not all of them were false.”

Shane yawns. “We all have our own opinions about the young woman, but let’s be open-minded as well. It’s late. I recommend we end this circle and head home.”

“I second that motion,” Archie says. “Since we’re following Robert’s Rules tonight.”

“Leslie, what say you?” Trinity asks, gesturing to her.

“No need for my staff.” The Elder waves her hand. “You are dismissed.”