Chapter 2 #4
“In another era we could have blamed it all on a rampaging elephant broken out of a nearby traveling circus. It’s almost too perfect, no doubt the scheme would have gone off without a hitch,” I joke, breaking into dry laughter. I hold the phone away from my face when it borders on unhinged.
“He is just plain lucky I don’t have any stray cousins who ran away to join one.
It would really come in handy for plotting our revenge by elephant right about now,” he bemoans with a sarcastic flair.
“Now let’s think outside the… tent. How do we feel about lions?
With nary a tamer in sight? If we’re considering lions, there are some favors I could call in… ”
“Well, if we’re talking about revenge plots, let’s focus on less maiming and more shaming. Send him home with his tail between his legs, if he had one that is. I think that would be most satisfying to witness,” I suggest playfully.
“Now that’s an idea I can really work with.
I think you’re on to something. Ashes, he has got to be up to something, though.
I don’t like it. I’ll keep a close eye on him.
Everyone else will be doing the same. If you’re out and about today, why don’t I take you to lunch?
You’ve been spending too much time alone this week. It’s not good for you,” he coaxes.
“No, not today, but thanks for the offer. I’m not ready to face more scrutiny.
And I have so much work to do at home to get ready for my guests.
I’m not above dropping a few fire ants into you-know-who’s bed.
If you hear any complaints, it’s purely coincidence,” I quip, steering the conversation back to irreverence.
“Are you sure you can’t make it? I excel at running interference.
Hanging out with me is like having a fifteen-hand busybody barrier at your beck and call.
” We both chuckle. I can always count on him to make me laugh.
“You know I can spot them a mile away. They’ve got that hungry gleam in their eyes, like they’ve been offered one of those delicious Pearlhouse Pastries cakes they only make at Yuletide.
How do I know that? I see it every time I look in the mirror.
Takes one to know one. And if someone starts acting too outrageous, we’ll feign some important town business, and you can just hop on my back. I’ll skedaddle us on out of there.”
“I’m sure you would, pony express. Soon. We’ll go soon. But not today,” I answer, trying to mask my melancholy with some giggles.
“Okay, Ada. But call me if that answer changes. Or if you need anything at all. You’re one of my best friends and I hate that I can’t do more to help you. This week has been tough. After everything that’s happened to you, and to Ben and Cara, we need to stick together, now more than ever.”
“I will. And thank you. You do way more than you give yourself credit for,” I assure him.
After we hang up, I slump low in my seat, scrubbing my hands up and down my bare face, surprised to find my cheeks damp.
I exhale a drawn-out breath. Absently, I comb my fingers across my scalp and through my long hair, pulling apart a few knots while I think about what Clancy said.
It was a good conversation. A necessary one.
He feels so deeply troubled that his friends were hurt, that they are still hurting.
But I don’t have the luxury of time right now, nor do I want to face the town just yet.
This house hasn’t seen this many overnight guests since my parents’ funeral.
So many loved them and came to say goodbye.
They were happy to sleep on sofas or on the floor when the bedrooms were all claimed.
It didn’t matter where they slept. They just wanted to be here.
I should check the linen closet to be sure there’s enough sheets and towels for everyone.
And I’ll order groceries to be delivered.
If I get started today, I’ll be ready for everyone when they arrive.
When I finish answering all the emails that need my attention, I finally place my mug and teapot in the sink and head upstairs.
First thing, I open the windows in the spare bedrooms to let in fresh air.
In one of the rooms, the pretty blue feldspar charm I use to attract particulate matter needs magickal recharging.
We call it a “dust magnet” at my shop, selling different sizes and strengths of enchanted charms. This small one should be coated in dust and cat hair, but it’s not.
It’s perfectly clean, meaning all that dander is collecting elsewhere.
I’ll have to thoroughly clean this room today.
Another thing to add to my long list. Normally I would recharge it myself, a small zap would have it as good as new. Now, well…
I pick it up, holding it between my thumb and forefinger, staring at the innocuous little stone. My instincts emerge, ready to pour a tiny amount of magick into it. My skin tingles lightly, a familiar remnant of my magick. Then it fades to nothing.
I blink hard and suck in a shuddering breath.
I squeeze the now useless rock tightly in my hand, a jagged edge biting into my palm.
A welcome distraction to keep me from losing it.
Before I end up in tears, I slip it into my pocket to bring to the shop with me later this week for one of my staff to recharge.
I should check the other ones too. I wouldn’t want witnesses to my dusty house I seem unable to take care of in my magickless state.