It hit me and I shot to my feet. “The attic.”
“Huh?”
“I saw Mom.”
Evie grabbed my arm. “What?”
“Long story. But I died for a few moments.”
“You died?”
I waved that away. “She told me what I needed was in the attic. Oh, and she loves you.”
Evie looked torn between laughing, crying, and scowling. It wasn’t the most attractive expression she’d ever made. “You think the black book is in Harriette’s attic? And it’s been in Durham the whole time?”
I shrugged. “I think I want to check. We can’t perform the counter spell until midnight, anyway. Are you coming with me?”
“You bet your ass.”
23
DANICA
Ifilled Evie in on everything Mom had said while I drove. Then I told her about the hunt for the sword.
She let out a low whistle. “I know you died, but is it weird that I’m a little jealous? I would’ve loved to see her. Did she look… angelic?”
I shrugged. “She looked normal. Honestly, it could’ve been a hallucination brought on by oxygen starvation.”
“I guess we’ll find out.”
“Unless shewastalking about the attic in the coven’s house.”
“If you really did talk to her, she must’ve known what happened to the coven.”
“I guess.” We were both silent as I drove toward Hope Valley. I glanced at Evie and cleared my throat. “I talked to Gemma.”
“Oh?” Her voice was carefully neutral, and I explained my deal with Gemma, and the witch bone she’d given me.
She nodded, her face blank. I stopped at a traffic light on Hope Valley Road and narrowed my eyes at her.
“You didn’t tell me she kicked you out of the coven.”
Evie stiffened. “She didn’t kick me out… she just suggested I leave.”
I gave her a look, and she reached out, squeezing my arm. “Don’t, Danica. It’s for the best, really.”
“In what realm could that possibly be the best?”
Someone laid on their horn behind me, and I accelerated through the intersection. A woman in a white Toyota ran the red and stuck her middle finger in the air as she passed us. I ignored her, turning right onto Dover Road as Evie sighed.
“You know I’m not fully a witch.”
“So what?”
“Even though Caroline was ultimately responsible for killing so many of us, the fact remains that she wouldn’t have been approached if they weren’t looking for me. Gemma felt it would be a good idea for me to give the others some space. She said I was a constant reminder of what had happened and why.”
Evie threw up her hands at my expression. “I agreed, Dani. I can’t be around the others without being swamped with guilt. And I know it’s something I need to work through, but for now… I just need you to support me.”
