Page 51 of The Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium

“She’s the Satan-worshipper?” Blue Eyes gasped. “What are you doing here? Grooming children? Selling drugs?”

“Emma!” Josie frowned. “Come on. She let you pet her dog.”

“I’m just here to buy groceries,” Talula replied calmly.

“We won’t stand for your disgusting lifestyle!” Emma jabbed a finger at Talula.

Talula made herself stand up straight. “Does that mean I can’t support local farmers?”

“Of course you can,” Josie said with a cutting shut-up look at Emma. “Go ahead.”

With a nod, Talula walked her bike past the two women. After they were out of earshot, she whispered to Simon, “Sorry about the petting.”

“We shall not speak of it.”

Talula glanced around, noticing nearby vendors and patrons had watched the exchange, their reactions mixed. Some seemed thoughtful, others disapproving. But two looked downright delighted to see her.

Anna darted out from behind the Navarro’s Organics table to throw her arms around Talula. “You’re back!”

“Sorry I ran away before,” Talula mumbled, moved by Anna’s enthusiastic greeting. “It was just…a lot.”

“I know.” Anna gave Talula a big squeeze before releasing her. “It’s good you came back.”

“Very heroic,” Emilio added.

“We have something for you.” Anna’s eyes twinkled, and she presented Talula with a cardboard box.

Talula peeked and gasped. A half dozen jam jars gleamed at her. “This is too much!”

“You have one week to pick your three favorites,” Emilio said.

“Why can’t they all be my favorites?” Talula playfully pouted.

“Because we’ll be serving your favorites at Samhain.” Anna smiled. “With homemade biscuits.”

Talula’s mouth watered. “I didn’t know you guys did biscuits!”

“Anna’s been practicing.” Emilio rubbed his belly. “I’ve been quality-controlling.”

Talula looked over Anna’s shoulder and saw a colorful new sign.

Navarro’s Organics Presents Our Homemade Jam and Biscuits!

Available ONLY at the Samhain Festival

Touched, Talula blinked sudden tears from her eyes. In a sea of anti-Samhain petitioners and boycotters, Anna and Emilio were broadcasting their support. “I can’t thank you guys enough.”

“Don’t thank us.” Emilio shook his head. “Just keep fighting the good fight.”

“But you can introduce us to your handsome friend.” Anna gestured at Simon.

Simon puffed out his chest with a smug hrmph.

After several minutes of Simon melting under Anna and Emilio’s compliments and rubs, Talula packed up her haul and said goodbye.

“One more thing before you go, hon.” Anna leaned in so she could speak quietly. “I heard some customers say they’re boycotting any business that isn’t anti-Samhain.”

Anger flared in Talula. “That hasn’t happened to you guys, has it?”