Authors: Rose Pressey
It all made sense. Nancy Richards was Sydney’s mother. She’d given us a fake name.
“Maybe I can do something to get the magic back for your mother,” Tom said in a sweet voice.
Even I sensed the appeasement in his voice.
“Who is your mother?” Tom asked. I knew he wanted her to acknowledge what we already knew.
“There’s nothing you can do. You have no influence at the Organization. It’s too bad, though, that would have kept you alive. My mother is Nancy Richards. I believe you met her, although she used the name Alice Harlan. She’s been working at the Plaid Peacock. She came to help me eliminate you.”
“Nancy is your mother?” Tom asked as if in shock.
“You bastard. You ruined our lives and now you don’t even remember her.”
“When did they take the magic away, Sydney?” I asked.
“Five years ago. Tom was a trainee back then just like me. She performed one little negative spell and they punished her for life.”
“Why did you wait until all this time?” I asked.
I’d seen many movies where the victim was able to talk themselves out of being murdered. Obviously, it only in worked in the movies, because Sydney wasn’t about to loosen her grip on the weapon. She didn’t answer and silence surrounded us. Even the birds had stopped chirping and the leaves didn’t budge.
“Never mind that. Move it.” She pointed.
“Did you plant those bottles of potion in my café?” She’d left the tainted potion on the kitchen counter to set Tom up. The Organization would easily blame him and she knew it.
“You catch on quick.” She smirked.
“Sydney, your mother had her magic taken away for a reason. She wasn’t being punished without cause.”
“That’s what you claim. There was no cause. You decided she shouldn’t have her magical rights, and that’s the way it happened. You deserve every bad thing possible to happen to you, Tom Owenton. And I intend on seeing to it that that happens. I will put an end to you,” Sydney said.
Okay, this was scarier than any situation I’d ever been in—and I’d been in some dire situations every time I got in the car with Mary Jane. Sydney was erratic and she could go off at any moment. I had to stop her.
“We can talk about this Sydney, if you’ll put the gun down.” Tom held his hands up in surrender.
“Shut up,” Sydney snapped.
As we neared the car, something red caught my attention. My eyes widened when I spotted Rory peeking out from behind a tree. I couldn’t believe he’d found us. He held my gaze for a second, then hid behind the tree. Sydney had no idea that Rory was hiding behind a tree trunk. Tom hadn’t noticed either.
Sydney was so engrossed in her conversation that Rory was able to slip around behind her. He needed to hurry. Tom still hadn’t noticed Rory as we marched ahead toward the car.
I held my breath as I watched Rory move even closer. For a moment, I couldn’t see him until I finally spotted his face peeking out from behind a tree. When I glanced to Tom, he was watching Rory out of the corner of his eye. He motioned at Tom. Thankfully, Tom didn’t react. He was no amateur. I wondered how many life or death situations he’d been in over the years. If we got out of this situation alive would he go back to the Organization? Surely, they’d want him back. I held my breath as I watched Rory move from one tree to the next. I prayed Sydney wouldn’t hear his movements.
Rory glanced around and spotted a discarded plastic
Diet Coke
bottle. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but at least it was full. He grabbed it and stretched his arm back with one giant thrust, then he tossed the bottle in the opposite direction of Sydney catching her attention. Would a Diet Coke bottle really save us? No way.
Sydney jumped when the bottle made a loud thud. When she spun back around, Rory and Tom simultaneously tackled her. As Tom held her down, Rory made a dash and grabbed the gun. Once it was securely in his hands, he pointed it at Sydney.
I hurried over beside Rory as he hovered over Sydney. “What do we do now?”
“You will pay for this,” Sydney said. “I’ll finish you off just like I did Mr. Wibble.” Her jaw and fists were clenched tight.
“Oh, shut up, you cow,” I snapped. Mary Jane would be so proud.
Her black eyes glittered like a snake’s as she scowled.
“You really did kill Mr. Wibble, didn’t you? You took the knife from my café to make it look like Tom did it. I can’t believe you’re so evil. Were you planning on killing me, too?” I asked.
She smiled, but didn’t answer. “You shouldn’t leave your doors unlocked. You never know if your neighbor might be a killer.” She cackled. “Sure, I slipped into the café looking for a weapon. I’d told Mr. Wibble to meet me there. He thought you wanted to talk.” Her callous words made my stomach turn.
How could she be so cold and evil?
My stomach turned. I cringed as the image of Mr. Wibble’s lifeless body flashed through my mind for the millionth time. A chill ran up my spine when I realized how easily Sydney had killed him. She
wouldn’t have hesitated to kill me. I had no doubt that she would hold a grudge, since she’d waited all these years to seek revenge against Tom. Rory stood perfectly straight with his shoulders back and met Sydney’s glare. In spite of Sydney’s threat, he didn’t falter.
Tom stood beside Rory. This was one time when they didn’t seem to detest each other.
Sydney continued, “When you least expect it. That’s when I’ll get you.” She laughed. “You’re not very bright, are you?”
Tom dialed nine-one-one. The next couple of minutes went by in a blur. We were guided over to the police cars by a couple of officers while police escorted Sydney away in handcuffs.
She still ranted about her mother not performing magic. “She deserved that magic!”
Clearly, the police wouldn’t know what the heck she meant; they’d think she’d lost her mind. Killing Mr. Wibble was a good example of that. Only Sheriff Jasper knew of the magic. The magical court would need to step in to handle this one.
I looked to Rory. “
What are you doing here?”
“I came to help.” Rory never ceased to amaze me. When someone needed help, he was always one of the first people there offering to lend a hand, even if it meant risking his life. Even if it meant helping Tom.
“How did you know where we were?” I asked while wrapping my arms around his waist.
He paused, then finally said, “I followed you. I was worried that something wasn’t right. My feeling was spot on, but I’m sorry I had to follow you to confirm that” Rory draped his arms around me in return.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you’re here. I know all about gut instincts.”
The lights twinkled around the park. The flowers were brighter than ever and a balmy breeze covered the area with their sweet scent. Just then, I realized how magical Mystic Hollow was… and looked. Why I’d never seen it before, I wasn’t sure. Sometimes things can be right under your nose and you never take notice. I suppose I always took Mystic Hollow for granted. You never know what you’ve got until you almost lose it. I was much happier now that I knew of my magical roots.
Tom left with the police, but they let me leave with Rory. Would I ever see Tom again? Would he take off without saying anything? Or was he in Mystic Hollow to stay?
On my way back to my house, I dialed Grandma Imelda’s number. I didn’t really expect her to answer, but to my surprise, she answered on the first ring.
“Grandma, are you on your way back?”
“I am, dear. Any news?” Her voice cracked.
“As a matter of fact, yes. We discovered who murdered Mr. Wibble. It was Sydney Whitman, the new Organization trainee.”
“It sounds as if they need to watch who they allow to be in the Organization.”
“Yeah, maybe they will from now on,” I said.
“So tell me how you found out what happened.”
I let out a deep breath. “Where do I even start? Tom trailed the magic. And I talked to a ton of people. In the end, we found the killer before the police even got started with the investigation. But I guess we had a little help from the magic world.”
“I’ll be home soon. Stay safe, please.”
Normally, it would make more sense for me to tell her to stay safe, but recently, being in Mystic Hollow didn’t necessarily mean anyone was safe.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Grandma Imelda had called before her flight home. She’d told me that my sensitivity was increasing at warp speed. That’s why I was feeling magic so strongly all over town. When someone was using it nearby, I’d feel it. When there was a particularly strong spell, I’d feel it.
I was sending out a magical aura. Mary Jane was sensitive to my wavelength, apparently, and it was affecting her when it never had before. Grandma Imelda didn’t know why. But that was why Mary Jane had almost overdosed on happiness. What would happen next? I had no idea.
I’d just walked in the kitchen for a tall glass of lemonade when the doorbell rang. Fighting off magical killers was dehydrating work. My nerves were still on edge, so when I reached the door, I peeked out the side curtain. I didn’t trust anyone at this point. Tom stood in front of the door looking as sexy and mysterious as ever. I waved and unlocked the door. A feeling of sadness overwhelmed me. His car was parked in the driveway with luggage taking up space in the backseat.
When I looked at him, I asked, “So, I’m guessing by the luggage that you’re not sticking around?”
He attempted a smile. “They need me at the Organization.”
“I’m glad they finally came to their senses and realized just how much they do need you.”
Tom reached out and stroked my cheek with his hand.
“Mystic Café won’t be the same without you.” I touched his hand.
“I think Mary Jane will be upset that I’m not around to get rid of the dirty dishes.” His mouth twisted upward into a smile.
I chuckled, but my heart really wasn’t in the mood for humor. “I’ll miss you.”
He stepped closer and my heart rate increased. The last time Tom left, he had asked Rory for permission to give me a kiss, but Rory wasn’t around this time. And Tom didn’t ask before he kissed me. He pulled me toward him and placed his lips firmly against mine. Either the room was spinning, or I was. Tom cupped my face with his hands. He leaned forward, then gently placed his mouth against mine. His warm lips whispered across my mouth for several seconds, then they moved against mine with a sense of urgency that I’d never felt before. He smelled of spice and fresh soap. My stomach tumbled unlike it ever had. When
I thought I’d never catch my breath again, he stepped back releasing me from his embrace.
“I don’t suppose I can convince you to come with me?” He brushed my hair behind my ear.
Wow. I hadn’t seen that question coming.
After a long pause, and no answer from me, he said, “I didn’t think so, but I had to ask.”
I grabbed his hand. “It’s just that I have Mystic Café now. You understand? I can’t leave it, or…”
He nodded. “I understand. You have unfinished business.”
“Where are you headed from here?” I hoped it wasn’t far away.
“Georgia.” He let out a deep breath.
“Just make sure the next time you come to visit isn’t because something bad has happened.”
He smiled. “I can’t make any guarantees.”
I groaned. Not exactly what I’d wanted to hear.
“I have a case in Savannah.”
“I love Savannah,” I said softly.
“Even more reason for you to come with me,” he said with a lopsided grin.
He wasn’t making this any easier. For a second, I envisioned hopping into his car and taking off with him. In my daydream, we were enjoying a breakfast on a balcony overlooking the water. What happened before that breakfast… well, I wouldn’t even get into that right now.
When I looked down, he placed his finger under my chin and lifted my gaze to his. Tom smiled, then turned and walked down the steps toward his car. When he reached the door, he said, “I’ll be back when you’ve had a chance to straighten out your thoughts. I’ll always be here for you. Call me if you need anything… anything at all.” A sincere smile curved his lips.
Why did I feel as if I should stop him from going? Magic had created more problems than I ever thought possible. And just like that, he was gone. Would I ever see him again? I hoped the answer to that question was yes.
I turned around to close the door when Tom pulled off, but before I shut the door completely the sound of gravel crunching under car wheels caught my attention. Thinking that Tom had returned, I opened the door again. Rory’s truck pulled to a stop. His golden retriever, Beau, sat quietly in the passenger seat.
He hopped out. “Am I glad to see you.” He bounded up the front steps and grabbed me up in a hug, spinning me around.
“So Tom left?” Rory had been studying his boots, but he looked up and met my gaze.
I nodded. “Yes, he’s back with the Organization now.”
Rory looked as if he’d won the lottery.
“I guess you’re happy about that?” I asked with a teasing tone.
“Shouldn’t I be? I don’t blame him for liking you, Elly. What’s not to like? If I’ve fallen head over heels for you, then I can’t expect that another guy wouldn’t, too.”
“ Rory, you don’t have to worry about Tom.”
He placed his finger against my lips. “You don’t have to say anything else about it. He’s gone and I’m with you. That’s all I need to know.” Rory pulled me into a kiss. With one hand, he stroked the back of my hair and caressed my cheek with the other. With my fingers threaded through his hair, I pressed my chest next to his, feeling his hard muscles against me. His kiss was slow and sensual. His lips were warm and soft and he sent a tingle down my body—a feeling that left me wanting more. When he kissed me, the world stood still.
Things were back to normal at Mystic Café. Well, as normal as they would ever be, but for how long?