His brow crinkles. “Then why the constipated look?”
I glance back at the door to the obstetrics ward. “I don’t know.”
Chapter twenty-threeA Protector’s Promise
Sunday morning, I practice repeatedly with Agnes and Seamus’s crystals in Leslie’s magic room, focusing on Ronnie and her newborn, Luna. Each time, the white magic snakes through the air like a boomerang. Mr. Yeats stands by, ready to catch me in case I become dizzy from the overpowering energy. Until my intuition kicks in again, I won’t know if this work has increased its strength. It’s all I can do for now. I set the crystals on the wooden table.
Mr. Yeats collects herbs from the shelf. “A protection pouch is a given. If there is a nefarious witch still out there, a spell prepared specifically for such a person will surely shield Ms. Baldwin’s baby.”
“That’s my hope. Somehow, the bog figures into all of this, but I don’t know how yet. Witches do enjoy the woods. She could live near there under a masking spell, like Skye suggested. I appreciate your assistance in preparing the pouch.” I collect a few herb jars and place them on the table.
Mr. Yeats grinds the mugwort. “You have more ingredients than I remember. What are you putting in this one?”
“Black salt, cinnamon, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, mugwort, juniper berries, red sandalwood, clear quartz, and black tourmaline chips.” I chuckle as I open a jar. “Everything but the kitchen sink.”
He straightens his back. “Why in all the Otherworld would you put a sink in the pouch? Clearly, it’s too big for the small sack.”
I laugh, spilling the black salt. “Oops. It’s a phrase.”
He scowls at me. “Look at the mess you made. Don’t worry, I’ll clean up the salt. You have important deeds to complete today.”
“Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Yeats.”
“You’re most welcome, Ms. Crowther.”
We finish creating the protection pouch and I stuff it in my purse. After a quick lunch, I drive to Derek and Ronnie’s house, taxing the speedometer of my Prius. I don’t have time to stop before my shift, but the safety of my best friend’s baby comes first. When I arrive, Derek is waiting for me at the door.
“What is this all about, Gwyn?” he asks.
What the fuck do I say? I can’t tell him the truth. He would worry. And I could still be completely wrong about everything. “I want to leave a blessing in the room. Something special for Luna to help her sleep.”
“Sure. She would appreciate you taking the time. You go ahead to the nursery while I’m eating lunch. Would you like something?”
“No, thank you. I ate before I left the house because I have to get to Mystic Sage.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.”
Derek walks into the kitchen, and I dart to the nursery. I remove the protection pouch from my purse and place it on the diaper changing table. When I summon my power, the amber glow seeps from my fingers. I recite the words, “Elements of fire, water, earth, and air, protect sweet Luna with your care. Keep her safe within your arms and protect her from the witch’s harm.” I go to the window and tuck the pouch under the pull-down shade valance.
Derek calls from the kitchen. “I’ve gotta go, Gwyn!”
“I’m coming!” As I rush out of the room, my insides twitch. I glance back at the window. Am I overreacting?
As we’re getting in our cars, I wave bye to Derek. My stomach does back-flips the entire way to work. Jeff is bagging a customer’s merchandise when I enter.
“Thanks for shopping at Mystic Sage.” He logs out of the cash register. “You’re late, Gwyn.”
I dart behind the counter, removing my purse and jacket. “I’m sorry. Had to stop by Ronnie’s house first.”
“Oh, is she home? I thought she’d stay another night at the hospital.”
“She did, but Derek just left to pick up her and the baby.”
He grins. “They must be high on a cloud. Why did you stop by if she wasn’t home yet?”
“Uh…I wanted to bless the room before Luna slept there.” I hesitate but decide to ask him. “Jeff, is Ashley still upset I read her late husband’s book?”
“No,” he says, looking away. “She’s sensitive about him. Don’t let it bother you.”
“Phew. That’s a relief. She appeared rattled when I saw her at North Basin on Wednesday.”
His eyes widen. “Oh, I didn’t know she went there that day. Why did you go? It was raining on Wednesday.”
“I was looking for a glove Ronnie lost on her last hike there. She was trying to get her pregnancy moving.”
He chuckles awkwardly. “It seems to have worked.”
“Did you know Ashley was going for a hike?”
“No, she didn’t tell me.” He messes with his hair and walks toward the crystals room. “I need to work on inventory. Shane wants me to finish up a shipment on his day off.”
“OK. I’ll be here.” He sure ended that conversation abruptly.
The entry door dings and Alys Morgan strolls in. I smile and wave. My phone vibrates—a text from Seamus. My chest tightens.
Seamus: Good afternoon, Gwynedd. I hope you are well.
Seamus: I am embarrassed by my social blunder.
