TWO
Once everybody was back at the road—we’d parked in a spot where the trees hid our vehicles—I unleashed my annoyance on Aunt Tillie.
“Just what was that?”
She was the picture of innocence. “We did what we came to do. It worked like a charm. I don’t see what the problem is.”
“First, we don’t know that it worked,” I started.
“Knowing us, it probably didn’t,” Thistle added.
“I’ll give you a tail if you’re not careful,” Aunt Tillie warned her. “You’re on my last nerve.”
Thistle had heard her fair share of threats from Aunt Tillie, and she was unmoved. “I’d look cute with a tail. Make sure it’s a cat tail. I’ve always thought I would make a fabulous cat.”
“You do like licking your own butt,” Aunt Tillie agreed on an eye roll.
“We have to see Mrs. Little in action tomorrow,” I said. “Then we’ll know if the spell worked. I don’t think doing a little dance is appropriate considering the circumstances.”
Aunt Tillie shot me a dubious look. “Who did a dance?”
“I saw you through the window. Don’t bother.” I raised my hand to her face before she could argue. “It doesn’t matter. It’s done. Now all we can do is wait to see if it worked.”
“I’m an expert on this sort of thing. It worked,” Aunt Tillie shot back. “I could do it professionally.”
“What can’t you do professionally?” Thistle asked. “I’m asking for a friend.”
“You’re definitely getting a tail!” Aunt Tillie stomped away from us and toward her truck, Crusty scampering to keep up with her. He likely knew we wouldn’t be keen on him riding with us. Just because the little monster said he was on our side didn’t mean I believed him.
“You should give her a break,” Evan admonished, causing me to jerk my eyes to him.
“Excuse me?” I was incredulous. “Why should we give her a break?”
“Because she feels bad about what happened with Margaret. She blames herself.”
“She should. We’re the ones who keep bringing the paranormal to Mrs. Little’s doorstep. It’s no wonder she lost her mind after all the things she’s seen.”
“She’s still a terrible person,” Evan argued. “Are you forgetting the fact that she tried to steal the site of your future house so she could get ahead in the Hemlock Cove real estate game? She wants to own the entire town so she can anoint herself queen.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” I said stiffly. “She needs to give Mrs. Little a break.”
“That’s what she’s trying to do. She talks big, but she feels bad.”
“Whatever.” I waved my hand. There was only so much I could take tonight. “We’re heading back to the inn for hot chocolate.”
“And cookies,” Clove said.
“And cookies,” I agreed. “Landon is there. I think we’re done for the night. You don’t have to stick around in case you have plans with Easton.” I was purposely trying to bait him. The way he narrowed his eyes told me he was well aware.
“I’m going to ride back with Tillie,” he replied. “I want to make sure she’s okay. Plus, I don’t trust that clown.”
“That clown is creepy,” Thistle agreed. “Why is she keeping it around?”
“What are the alternatives?” I asked. “She can’t let that thing loose to run around town. We’ll have a Chucky doll situation before we even realize it.”
“I guess.” Thistle didn’t look convinced. “Let’s get going. I want my hot chocolate. Then I want to go home.”
“So you can become a hermit again?” I challenged as we headed toward my car. “You’re spending all your time holed up with Marcus instead of hanging out with your family.”
