He wrapped me into a huge hug, and this was what was all about—giving people a home that they could love.
Dottie openly cried. “I never thought I’d love it so much.”
I hugged her, too. “You’ve made me proud.”
Dooley handed me a check, and it was exactly enough to cover expenses but nothing extra.
That was okay with me, like I said.
While they explored their new home, Liam walked me outside.
An old Range Rover arrived. I glanced at Liam. “Are you expecting anyone?”
He shook his head.
Through the windshield I saw Rufus. I hadn’t seen him since Sadie’s funeral, but Malene had made a point to tell everyone in town that he was the new spell hunter. He’d become sort of a local celebrity.
Yes, I still had that memory spell hidden, tucked away in my bathroom. No, I hadn’t given it to him. Was it wrong of me? Maybe so, but I wasn’t ready for him to know who he was, and to be honest, I didn’t think he was ready either.
Trust took time to be earned, y’all. And if you don’t believe me, go tell a complete stranger all your deep dark secrets and see how it feels.
Not gonna do it, are you? Can’t say I blame you.
Rufus parked and greeted Liam with a handshake, then turned to me.
“I’ll go check on Dooley,” Liam said.
Which left me alone with Rufus. “You got some wheels,” I said.
He hiked a shoulder to his ear. “I did. I’ll be needing them, and I also got my own place.”
“You’re not staying at the bed and breakfast anymore?”
He shook his head. “No.”
I nodded appreciatively. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to me. Today’s the day I’m supposed to pay Sykes, and I don’t have it.”
Rufus’s eyes widened. “Look, about that—”
A rumbling cut him off. Over his shoulder, I saw a limousine pull up. “What is this, Grand Central Station?”
Rufus reached for me. “Listen, Clementine, there’s something I have to tell you.”
I waved him off. “Let me deal with this first.”
The limo ground to a stop beside us, and the door opened. Sykes stuck out his head. “Well, hello, Clementine.” His gaze cut to Rufus. “John.”
Rufus nodded. I threw my shoulders back, my spine taut. “Sykes, listen, I know why you’re here, and I’m just going to tell you—I don’t have the money. I don’t have the twenty thousand. You’ll have to take the business, but I’m afraid you won’t get anything out of it.”
Sykes smiled, his lips winding all the way to his ears, I swear. “I won’t be taking your business.”
“What?”
He handed me the contract that Sadie had signed with him. “It’s yours. The company belongs to you.”
I was so confused. “But how? Why?”
Sykes nodded to Rufus. “We have a new spell hunter who’s going to help us out. He is working off your debt.”
