“I’m messing with you. What are Tanner and Leslie baking back there?” she asks him.

“Apple and pumpkin pies. Can you smell the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg wafting under the doors?” He inhales deeply and returns to the kitchen.

“Ronnie, is Derek coming?” Elijah asks. “Not that I expected him.”

“Yeah. He kept the fitness center open until 3:00 p.m. He’ll be here soon.”

“Well, I sure do appreciate him volunteering.” His phone vibrates, and he checks the screen.

“Has anyone seen Trinity?” I ask. “Wasn’t she coming?”

“Actually, that was a text from our leader,” Elijah says. “Her daughter is visiting. She said she would stop by later, around dessert time.”

“Of course. She wouldn’t miss freshly baked pies.” I scoop mashed potatoes onto a patron’s plate. “Enjoy your meal, ma’am, and Happy Thanksgiving.”

“You know it,” Elijah adds. “Someone needs to carry the extra butter over to the condiments table.”

“I’ll take it if you can cover the potatoes.” Any excuse to check on Courtney.

Elijah nods. “Thanks, Gwyn. I appreciate it.”

I grab the tub of butter slices and head for the condiments table. Courtney smiles as I approach.

“Thank you, Gwyn. We were running low. People like their butter on Thanksgiving.”

“They’re putting it on everything, so I’m not surprised.” I set the tub on the table and decide to poke the bear. “Have you hiked in the North Basin Creek Park recently? I ask because the Bearsden Police searched the area for the Baby Nabbers a few weeks ago. Did you notice anything unusual? Like near the bog?”

“Uh…” she mutters. “Once or twice. It’s been on the cool side for hiking.”

I squint at her. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Her gaze veers to her husband, who is chatting with a couple of council members. He smiles at her.

“I saw the same as you, most likely,” she says. “Lots of fallen leaves and barren limbs.”

“Sounds about right for late fall.” She still didn’t answer me. “Well, I’m glad you and John could volunteer today. Elijah was short-handed. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.”

“You, too, Gwyn. We’re happy to volunteer at the shelter anytime.”

Shane, my son, and the other young witches are off to the side, chatting, while the patrons eat dinner. Before I return to the food line, I dart over to say hello.

“Happy Thanksgiving. This is the first chance I’ve had to talk to you all.”

“To you as well,” Shane says. “Everyone is having a wonderful time. I’m so glad Elijah puts this together every year.”

“What were you talking to Courtney about?” Skye asks.

“Asked her if she’s hiked in North Basin recently. Did she notice anything out of the ordinary, especially near the bog?”

“What did she say?” Tyler asks.

“Hmph. It’s what she didn’t say. She never answered my question.”

Shane spies on Courtney while she chats with John, who has joined her to help at the condiments table. “Could mean nothing.”

“Maybe you scare her, Gwyn?” Zoe asks.

Skye laughs. “Zoe may be on to something.”

They all snicker, and I throw them a side-eye. When I glance back at the food line, Archie is serving the potatoes—my job.

“I’m going to take my scary ass and get back to work.” I point at my son. “Don’t think I’ll forget this. Remember, you want me to train you in ancestral divination so you can talk with Nain and Taid.”

He chuckles. “Sorry, Mom. But Archie offered to train me, anyway.”

“What?” I glare at my Scottish lover. “Well, it’s your choice, dear. I’ll talk to you all later. Don’t forget to get some dinner.”

I tramp back to the food line and confront my boyfriend. “Did you tell Tyler you’d—” I stop myself, remembering where I am.

“I’d what?” he asks, cocking his head. “Oh, I think I know what you’re asking. I was going to chat with you about the training later tonight. Should I have said no?”

“Or ask me first?” I scowl at him. “It’s OK with me if he’d rather have a man show him.”

“What are you two blathering about?” Ronnie asks. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“Nothing like that.” I lean over to whisper in her ear. “Tyler wants Archie to teach him ancestral divination.”

“Oh. Well, he may want a fatherly figure to train him.” She winks at Archie. “I think it’s a great idea.”

“If it’s all right with you, my love,” he says.

In the distance, one of the entry doors swings open, and Alys Morgan struts in. Derek follows in behind her and approaches us. Elijah darts to his fellow council member and introduces her to Agnes. The councilwoman offers her hand, but my mentor crosses her arms and tramps away. Alys takes over her job, greeting a few stragglers as they enter.

“Hello, you two,” Derek says, and places a kiss on Ronnie’s cheek. “You OK, babe?”

“Yes, handsome. I sit on a stool when I get tired.”

“Great way to garner support from our local politicians,” I mutter.

Ronnie whispers, “We should be happy she didn’t tell her to fuck off.”

“She may have,” Archie says.

“Who are you talking about?” Derek asks.

Ronnie chuckles and points to Agnes plodding toward us.

“Oh,” he replies. “She grumbled a hello when I entered, but the new councilwoman replaced her.”