I stayed where I was.“The grandson who tried to poison my customers?That one?Not the granddaughter who tried—and failed—to unwind my wards or to curse my home last night?Not that one?”
Her face turned to stone as her right hand with the ring began to move.“You will call the police and tell them that you were mistaken and you’re dropping all charges,” she hissed.
I felt the spell try to bore through my ward, but it was like trying to knock down a six-inch thick steel door with a fist.
“That was cute.”I smirked.“A Swan thinking she can curse a Corey.”
“Catherine?”Bracken shuffled around the corner of the building.He was outside the ward, which made me a little nervous.“My goodness, it has been a long time, hasn’t it.Look at us with our gray hair.”
She gave me an evil grin before holding out her hand and clasping his.“You need to help me convince this girl to have my grandson released.He never poisoned anyone or anything.Do you understand me?”she sneered, both of her hands wrapped around his.
He smiled genially.“You said that quite clearly, so I do indeed understand.It’s an interesting thought.I’m the one who found the poison, though, so it would be odd for me to deny its existence.”
Her eyes went wide as she tried and failed to pull away from him.
“More interesting to me, though, is how you stole our family grimoire when we were children.How did you do that?”
Her face went rigid.“I.Did.Nothing.”Her face smoothed, the fight dead in her.“I went over to your house after school, pretended to go to the bathroom while you found us snacks, then slipped it into my backpack.I said I had a stomachache and left with it.”
“Ah.”He patted her hands and let go.“Of course.”
She stepped back, her gaze flicking between Bracken and me.“You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
I sat on the top step and patted the spot next to me for Bracken.“We do, though.”
Bracken sat beside me and nodded.“You’re a nasty piece of work with limited magic, even when you try to use relics like that ring on your finger.”His voice exuded concern.“It saddens me that you’ve taught your children and grandchildren to envy and hate as you do.And for what?You could have left us alone and your grandson would still be safe and sound at home.Your jealousy has poisoned your family, as your grandson poisoned our food.”
He sighed.“I wish, rather than believe, that you’ll leave here, mend your ways, and take care of your own.That really is the best course of action for you.”He patted my knee.“You don’t want to mess with this one.”
I gave her a serial killer smile, all teeth and dead eyes.“You really don’t.”I shooed her away.“Move along now.You’re loitering.”I brought up a wind that nearly knocked her down.
With a final glare, she hurried back to her car, a car that looked suspiciously like the one that had picked up her granddaughter last night.
She raced into traffic, nearly causing an accident.
Bracken stood, giving me his hand.“She’s not done.”
“No way,” Carter said.“That old bitch won’t be happy until you’re both dead.”
Bracken nodded sadly.“Pity she’ll have a lifetime of frustration ahead of her.”
A few people, one of whom was holding a gallery shopping bag, came out the front door.We smiled and nodded as they passed.
“Thank you for helping,” I murmured to Bracken, knowing he’d hear me.
“Anytime, my dear.You know that.”
“And thank you for relieving Hester’s fears,” I added.I patted Carter’s back in thanks as we left him at his post near the door.
“It’s understandable,” he said.“She has very little innate magic but more heart than most wicches.I can think of quite a few wicches who’d be much better off if they had a little less power and a little more compassion.”
“Like us?”I asked.
He shook his head.“We need our magic to keep all the rest in line.”
I laughed.“Oh, good.Hester kept your tea and muffin ready for you.”
He nodded.“Kind woman.”
