“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.”
Lying in Archie’s magnificent Victorian walnut bed, I contemplate my next steps. I haven’t told him Seamus has agreed to instruct me in the cat sith’s ways of strengthening intuition. He’d tell me it’s a bad idea, and anyway, it isn’t his concern. I’m the one trying to improve my skills to root out the rogue witch in town, if one actually exists. While he’s brushing his teeth, a notification lights up my phone, and I pick up my cell from the nightstand.
Seamus: Good evening, Gwynedd. How would Friday at my house work for training?
Me: Our usual time?
Seamus: Yes. 3:00 p.m. works well. Wear loose clothing.
Me: Great. See you on Friday.
Seamus: I look forward to our training.
Archie hops into bed. “Who was that?”
I can’t lie to him, but I don’t have to tell him everything, either. “Seamus. He’s just confirming our regular schedule for Friday.”
“Gwyn, you’re entitled to do as you please, and I realize you don’t want to hear it again. But…if Seamus has romantic affections toward you, spending more time with him is the last thing you should be doing. You should consider taking a break.”
“You worry too much,” I say, stroking the whiskers of his goatee. “Everything is under control. A pause in our research may not be a bad idea, though. Until after Thanksgiving. I have a ton of schoolwork to catch up on.”
He leans down, his lips nearly touching mine. “That will leave more time for…our research.”
He kisses me, and the woodsy scent of his cologne entices me as I caress his chest. He slides a hand up my inner thigh.
“Mmm. Explore away, professor.”
Chapter fifteenA Mother’s Intuition
Sunny weather continues through Wednesday, providing warmer temperatures than usual for early November. Resident complaints regarding the ordinance have calmed as they accept the new normal. The increased presence of Bearsden Police units is noticeable. As I drive to Ronnie’s home, I pass three or four sets of patrols monitoring the area. It’s a double-edged sword the town must grapple with—less privacy versus a sense of safety. But are we safe? Not if a nefarious witch is involved.
When I arrive at my best friend’s home, Derek is loading his SUV with an athletic duffle bag. I park on the street and walk up the driveway to talk with him.
“Hey, Gwyn,” he says, shutting the back car door. “I’m glad you could give her a visit. I am so worried about Ronnie. She’s becoming a hermit. The baby hasn’t even arrived, and she keeps saying her mother’s intuition is sending her bad vibes. Can you talk some sense into her?”
“It’s not an irrational fear, Derek. Even Unremarkable moms possess inner instincts that signal when their children are in danger. But I’ll chat with her about it.” I pat his arm. “Don’t worry. She’ll come around once the baby is here. She will be way too busy to think about anything but sleep and changing dirty diapers.”
“I hope you’re right. I have to get to the fitness center. My cardio class starts in twenty minutes. Thanks, Gwyn.”
