Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Henry took off at a fast run, and I more or less fast-walked toward the scream. There were several people in a circle, but no one seemed to be upset. It was then, I realized the shrieking came from some sort of sound equipment. Though the second time it was a bit lower.
I took a deep breath and found Abigail, Tommy, Mara, and Jasper standing at the outside of the circle nearest the library. Tommy had his headphones on for the moment, which was a good thing.
“Hey, you made it just in time,” Mara said. “They are about to start.”
“What was that noise?”
“Cry of the banshee,” Abigail said. Then she went on to explain some of what was about to happen, I was still curious.
This town was great at celebrating all types of holidays and religions without bias.
I’d never known such a place. Though more than once I’d been told the Scots love any reason for a party.
The speaker squeaked a bit, and everyone groaned.
Tommy’s ear mufflers helped to dampen sound.
I didn’t blame him. Tonight, he was dressed in his favorite sweater, which Abigail had knitted for him.
It was gray and had orange pumpkins with green vines around the chest. The young man loved any sort of seasonal wear.
His second favorite jumper was brown with red reindeer.
He wore it nearly every day last December.
Without him realizing, my friends and I encircled him, so that he felt safe and had enough space. That was something I understood better than most. I wasn’t the biggest fan of crowded spaces.
“Good evening, I’m Marigold MacAllen, the head of our local Sea Isle coven, and we welcome one and all to our Transition of Souls event.
” Some clapped and others whistled. “Tonight, we pay homage to those who have gone before. We give thanks for their sacrifices, and I’m not talking about those virgins on altars. ”
People around us laughed, some a bit uncomfortably.
“For those who may wonder, we are light workers.
There are no such sacrifices in our practices, but we know some may be nervous, so I made a small joke.
Tonight is also about you. It is a chance for you to let go of anything that may be holding your soul back.
Any doubts you may have or anything that has brought you grief.
We encourage you to write it on our special paper and toss it into the magic cauldron.
When you do, say these words ‘I let thee go.’ You might be surprised by how good that feels.
“There are several stations with the special paper and pens for you to use. We encourage you all to participate, and to give each other some space at the cauldron to let go of anything that may be troubling your souls. But first, we sing to our ancestors.”
Women and men joined her on stage. Then they broke out in a Celtic tune, which I didn’t understand a word of but could appreciate for the beauty of the sounds. Tommy took off his earmuffs. He loved all kinds of music.
They sang three songs, and then there was some sort of ancient reading. While I didn’t understand the words, the feeling of them was evident. This was a cleansing and between the words and songs, I was there for it all.
The words moved through me, and my heart felt a bit lighter. And I’m well aware of how that sounds. I have this theory that when many gather with truly good intentions all involved can feel the results.
Then it was time to write down what weighed on our souls.
Part of me was truly ready to let go of my past. My trust issues with partners being the main thing.
I’d had disastrous experiences with my husband and the few men I’d dated since he died.
While I still didn’t think I was ready for anything serious, I felt like I might be ready again if love did come along.
Maybe even with a certain constable.
The pieces of paper weren’t that big. So, I just wrote: Let go of the past. I understood that was a broad saying, but it felt right.
The glow emanated through the crowd, but I couldn’t see the cauldron from where we’d been standing.
When it was our time, we moved forward. It was magnificent.
It had been made out of iron and was several feet across.
The wood underneath had been positioned with lights so that it looked like it was really burning.
There was steam and bubbling in the water, but no heat.
Like my friends had promised, as soon as the paper hit the water, it dissolved instantly.
“That was magical,” I whispered to Mara as we walked away.
“It always is. I missed it last year. Did you feel it when you tossed in your paper?”
“I did,” I said. Though psychologically I understood the phenomena of what happened, it was fun to think it might be a witchy cause.
“I wish we could talk about it,” Jasper said. “I don’t know about you, but I had one too many things to let go of this year. Though I’ve made progress with my business and personal life.”
“I’d say you are more than successful on both counts,” I said. “You are all incredible human beings with successful businesses. Maybe this witchy thing works.”
They chuckled.
Once everyone had placed their notes in the cauldron, music started playing.
The witches invited everyone to dance. There was no form or pattern to the movements.
I wasn’t much of a freeform dancer. I could barely do ballroom steps.
But I moved around in circles with my friends until we all nearly fell down in fits of laughter.
That happiness followed us down the hill, as we took a shuttle, except for Abigail and Tommy, who were being driven home by Henry. We were the only ones in the van, which was being driven by Mara’s grandfather.
“I’ve an early morning, or I’d be saying let’s take this party to my place,” Jasper said. “I’m getting so old. There were days when I could party all night and go straight to work the next morning. Now, if I’m not in bed by ten, I have to close the shop early the next day for a nap.”
“It happens to us all,” I said. “But let’s definitely plan one of our nights of fun. We haven’t done it in a few weeks.”
“After All Hallow’s Eve, I’ll have a lot more free time,” Mara said. “I don’t know why I volunteered for so many committees. I should know better.”
“You can’t help yourself,” I said. “And you did an amazing job with the haunted house.”
She sighed.
“What?”
“You were right about people being curious about that poor man dying in there. We’ve grossed more in the last few days than they did the last four years. But I don’t like thinking people are so macabre.”
Jasper shrugged. “I mean, we’re just as guilty. We watch all the murder shows and listen to the podcasts. It’s human nature to be curious.”
“He’s right,” I said. “Being scared like that is a safe way to experience those emotions but knowing you won’t be hurt.”
“Except in this case, someone was,” she said. “I guess whatever helps the charities isn’t a bad thing, but it still makes me feel uneasy. Do you have any more info about the case?”
“No. Not really. And that isn’t me keeping info from you. In the pub, you saw the worst of it.”
“She told me about that on the way up,” Jasper said. “The boss sounds like a nasty piece of work.”
“I don’t know him, but I won’t disagree. Hopefully, Ewan will learn more tomorrow morning. Which reminds me, anyone want to go on a road trip tomorrow afternoon?”
They both cocked their heads and their eyebrows went up.
I giggled.
“What time?” Jasper asked. “And where are we going?”
“I’m off tomorrow,” Mara said. “I’m in wherever it is.”
I told them about the estate sales.
“But the sales are over,” Jasper said and was obviously confused.
“Right, but I thought I could speak to the families of the estates or the companies who ran the sales. Just to see if they noticed anything unusual. Likely, nothing will come of it, but Ewan’s a bit short-handed.
I thought I could help. Besides, it gives me a chance to see more of Scotland, which I promised myself after we were so busy this last year. ”
“Has this been sanctioned by Ewan?” Mara asked curiously.
“I don’t need his permission to ask questions about anyone in my autopsy suite, but I will probably text him when we’re on the road to let him know.”
They burst out laughing.
“And I figure there is safety in numbers.”
“I’m in,” Jasper said. “I had planned for the assistants, Tommy and Suzi, to close tomorrow anyway. She’s doing it all this week, so I can work on new recipes.”
“Um. Don’t forget one of your best taste-testers, here.” I raised a hand.
He grinned. “I’ll bring a few in the car for us to try.”
“Excellent,” Mara said. “The Scooby Gang rides again.”
A few minutes later, we were down the hill. I thanked Mr. Wilson, Mara’s grandad for driving us.
“Always a pleasure, missy. And you all be careful with your snooping tomorrow.”
“Always.”
He snorted.
After dropping Mara at the pub, we headed up the hill to my place. Jasper insisted on walking me home. But as we drew closer, it was easy to see someone sat by the door. The figure wasn’t moving.
I sighed. “Not again,” I whispered.