Leslie, Tanner, and Spence break through the kitchen doors, pushing carts with several choices of pies and cookies.
“We’ll make room for the dessert,” Archie says, pulling out a pan.
“Thank you,” Leslie replies. “I suggest you keep some of the main course out for latecomers.”
Agnes joins us and inspects the pies. “I’ve been waiting an hour for this. What took you so long?”
“You know we have to cook them in an oven, right?” Spence asks.
The hedge witch scowls at him. “Don’t be a fucking smart-ass. I came for the dessert. So, it better be good.”
“We have to prepare multiple desserts, Agnes,” Tanner says, placing slices on the food line. “But I’m glad you’re looking forward to them.”
Ronnie inhales the intoxicating aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg. “Fam, this smells delicious. I can’t wait.”
“Wonderful job, Leslie.” Derek massages Ronnie’s back. “Babe, maybe you should grab a slice and get off your feet.”
“I think you’re right. We’ll be over there.” Ronnie and Derek pick up two slices of apple pie and head to the far empty table.
“I can’t take much credit,” Leslie says. “Tanner and Spence baked most of the desserts.”
“Doing my service to the community.” Spence pats his own back on both sides.
Tanner chuckles. “Would have been more of a service if you hadn’t eaten so many of the cookies you baked.”
“I only tasted a few to check if they were done,” he says, throwing his hands up.
“Sure, dude.” Tanner hugs him and kisses his cheek.
Archie lays a hand on Spence’s shoulder. “I’m sure Elijah is more than happy to give up a few cookies for your service.”
We condense the dinner food for latecomers and place the yummy baked goods on the line. Elijah shouts to the patrons.
“Dessert, everyone! Please take your time. There is plenty!”
The families and single people gather at the food line, along with the few council members and their spouses. Suddenly, the sirens of police and emergency vehicles come within earshot, increasing in volume until they’re blaring just outside the building. The murmurs of the shelter’s patrons add to the noise as they speculate about the cause, a few people looking around in alarm as the sirens grow even louder. Alys Morgan doesn’t appear phased at the racket, her eyes glued to her cell phone screen. The double doors open with a bang. Trinity rushes in, an elated grin lighting up her face.
“Praise the gods!” she yells. “They’ve found the kidnapped children! You can’t go outside for a while. So, take your time and enjoy your meal.” She rushes toward us.
Everyone in the cafeteria roars with applause. Whistles echo around the shelter, a palpable relief settling on the room. John Erickson and the other council members dart out the front doors, except for Alys, who remains oblivious, sitting on the stool. Courtney takes a seat with her dessert.
We hug each other at the food line, whooping in exultation. I search for Ronnie in the cafeteria and lock eyes with her. She’s grinning, massaging her belly while Derek holds her close. Agnes wraps an arm around Leslie, smiling. Not many things put a smile on the hedge witch’s face.
Spence wipes tears from his eyes. “I’m so happy for their parents. I hope the kidnappers didn’t hurt them.”
“Let’s hope not, for their sakes.” Tanner hugs his partner.
Elijah rubs his jaw. “Those kids will have a hell of a lot of trauma, sadly. But at least they’re alive.”
“It’s like a Thanksgiving miracle,” I say, touching Archie’s arm.
He clasps my hand. “Aye. A blessed day for their parents.”
Shane, Skye, Tyler, and Zoe dart to the tray line. The coven gathers in a tiny circle while Trinity catches her breath and fills us in on what happened.
“I got here about twenty minutes ago and found all three of them huddled together outside, the two-year-old holding the baby. Pulled out my cell and called the Bearsden Police right away. I asked the kids if they were hurt, but they didn’t answer me—in shock, I suspect. They appeared unharmed…physically. The ambulance is here to take them to the hospital. Their parents arrived, and I came in to tell you all.”
“So, the Baby Nabbers dropped them off?” Skye asks.
Tyler scratches his head. “Why? Wouldn’t that put them at tremendous risk of getting caught?”
“Indeed,” Leslie replies. “The kidnappers could have received warnings the FBI discovered their hiding place and didn’t want to get caught with the children in their possession?”
Shane nods. “A perfect explanation. Better to dump them quickly and move on to another city.”
“You all don’t know criminals very well,” Agnes says, grimacing. “Dump them when they could sell them on the black market? You think the FBI scares ruthless people like them? Fuck no.”
Zoe tears up. “Why can’t we all just be happy the kidnappers returned the children to their families? It’s the police’s job to figure out their reason.”
“I agree,” Trinity says, grinning. “I don’t know about you all, but I’m gonna grab me a slice of pumpkin pie and go sit over there with Ronnie and Derek. Please, join me and give thanks for this miracle.”
Archie grabs a slice of apple pie. “A wonderful idea, Trinity.”
“You all go ahead,” Elijah says. “I’ll check out front and join you in a few minutes.”
Each of us chooses a dessert, and we gather at the cafeteria table, laughing and celebrating the joyous news. I realize I’d forgotten to monitor Courtney, my suspicions flying out the window with the return of the children. I scan the cafeteria and find her chewing on the last bite of a cookie, leveling the nastiest scowl at Alys Morgan, who is still sitting on her stool, sporting a shit-eating grin.
What the fuck is that about?
