“Mr. Simon.” Stan emerged from the shadows; it was incredible how well he could hide in them, considering his size. “It’s time.”
Simon nodded and let Stan show him to a side door he’d left open for him, leading to the back of the auditorium.
The show was on.
***
The light in the yellow brick row house flickered in the early evening, announcing its occupant was at home. Shanna knocked on the door, nervously clutching the lacy collar of her shirt as she waited for a response.
The door opened a few inches, and a wrinkled face with lively blue eyes showed above the security chain. “Yes?”
“Ms. Kerby?” Shanna said. “You don’t know me, but I’m Shanna. Shanna O’Connell.” She wasn’t sure why she was bothering with all the information, as if the surname should mean something more to Frances Kerby.
“I’m not buying whatever you’re selling.” Despite her rejection, the old lady sounded calm and patient.
“I’m not selling anything. I …” A glint on Frances’s wrist, as she held the door, caught Shanna’s eye. “I see you have a pentacle charm.”
“This thing?” Frances looked at her bracelet. “Neighbor gave it to me. Such a kind young lady, she is. Says it’s for protection. I’m not sure how a little thing like this can protect, but surely, it can’t hurt.”
“I have one, too.” Shanna extended the hand with her own charm bracelet.
“Oh, these are lovely.”
“Thanks.” She smiled. “I made them myself.”
“And so many, too. What are you, a witch?”
“A little bit, yeah.”
“Huh.” Frances relaxed, leaning on the wall inside. “Never been visited by a witch before. What occasion warrants this?”
“Actually, it’s quite interesting. A very distant ancestor of yours was a witch, too. She had a quarrel with my family.”
Frances raised her thin eyebrows. “And you came to challenge me to a witchy duel, to settle the score, once and for all?”
Shanna laughed. “No such thing. I only need your help.”
“Hmm.” Frances looked around, then took off the security chain. “Come in, then. Let’s see if I can help you over a cup of tea.”
Shanna glanced at the street. “My dog is waiting in the car—”
“Then, by all means, he’s invited, too.” Frances waved at Jinx. Shanna went to get him, and he sped for the door like a rocket.
“Don’t you witches usually have cats?” Frances asked, half-heartedly fending off Jinx’s attacks of affection.
“We’ve expanded our choices over centuries,” Shanna said as she followed Frances into the living room.
“That’s good to know. Always loved parrots, myself. They’re terribly clever.”
“A parrot would be as viable a companion as any.”
Frances disappeared into the kitchen. “So, this helping thing.” Her voice came from behind the corner. “I hope it’s not too complicated or taking too long. I’ve some important news to watch on the TV soon.”
“It’s not complicated at all.” Shanna graciously accepted the cup of tea. “You only have to forgive me.”
“For what, dear?”
Shanna recounted Caitriona’s actions and how the curse came about.
