The Doctor Witch (The Ward Witches) (18 page)

“
I understand.”

“
Good. Then I'll see you tomorrow evening at the meeting.”

That evening, she brought up Timothy's concerns with Leo and Dymphna.

“
He has a good point on the shielding,” Dymphna responded. “If they're right about the sacrifices, it'll be safer if you don't stand out as a good candidate to steal power from.”

“
I like his idea of trying to get information out of me if it happens again,” Leo added. “I'll try to remember anything I can, but the last time, I remembered very little. But perhaps, I would be able to tell you something while it's going on that would help Justin's investigation.”

“
If he's right about a Dark Order sympathizer within the Coven, you need to be even more careful about who you're alone with tomorrow,” Dymphna observed. “You need to stay safe.”

“
I've got it. So if there's a rebellion against Seb, who are the key players?”

“
A woman named Stephanie believes she should be Duchess. But since the Duchess has to be married to the Duke, that would mean Seb would need to step aside for her husband Dustin. They say that he's not progressive enough. The contention is that witches should be treated as different and better than other humans. Seb wants to keep mostly obscure, keeping the eye of the public away from the witch community. He thinks that if we don't make a splash, people won't be as active in prejudice and suspicion against us. Many of Stephanie's supporters won't publicly proclaim their sympathies. It feels like a lot of the Coven is just waiting and watching to see what will happen.”

“
That can't be good.”

“
It doesn't help that Stephanie's a powerful air witch. I can tell that she's using her magic to unfairly influence minds, but I can't prove it to the others,” Leo added. “She's implanting seeds of doubt where there were none.”

“
Can you counter her spell?”

“
It's my policy, as with many other air witches, to not interfere with people's thoughts. So we, by which I mean Seb and I, are loath to fall into her tricks to win what shouldn't be an issue in the first place.”

“
I see.”

“
It's like how I don't read minds unless I need to or have permission to.”

“
Funny how morals can be so inconvenient,” Dymphna quipped.

“
Do you think it'll work out?” Skylar asked.

“
I just have to believe that Seb will stay Duke. He has the Coven's best interest at heart. Stephanie's motivated by her ambition. Besides, if we start behaving as though we're better than non-witches, it'll just stir up trouble. There's more of them than there are us, and we don't want to have a popular uprising against witches. It's best if we can all live in relative harmony,” Leo said.

“
What's Seb doing about the situation?”

“
He's trying to prove that his way is better. He isn't going to take an active stance on it until Stephanie and Dustin actively challenge him. Until then, he'll keep doing what needs to be done as if there's no problem,” Leo explained.

“
But don't think Justin's not working on it,” Dymphna added. “He keeps track of Stephanie and everyone he sees talking to her. He and the others in Coven Protection are worried about both an insurrection and a direct attack on Seb. They're worried that Stephanie or one of her followers will try to take Seb out of the situation in a more permanent manner.”

“
Do you think it'll happen?”

“
I think Justin will do everything he can to stop it. And I know that Justin believes that if something happens to Seb, it will be his responsibility to step up and be Duke. He doesn't want to be Duke, which gives him extra reason to keep Seb alive.”

“
Justin would rather mess around with any woman he comes across than have to lead a Coven.” Dymphna laughed. “But let's discuss something more pleasant. How are your lessons coming?”

A few hours later, Leo watched Dymphna as she headed off to bed. Some case she was working on was really troubling her, and he worried. He was her closest friend and lifeline, and she wasn't even talking to him about what was really bothering her. He'd have to address that later. But for now, he had important things to talk about with Skylar.

“
Do you want to watch another?” She asked, watching the credits roll from the last movie.

“
In a minute. First, I've got a question for you.” His tone was serious, and she looked slightly worried. “It's nothing to be anxious about, my sweet.” He grabbed her hand, running his finger over her wedding ring. “But I know you don't have a job right now beyond training. Timothy has told me that your formal training won't last six months. He says that it's getting close to the point where you'll have to experiment on your own because you're getting close to the end of his ability to teach you.”

Her eyes widened. “He didn't say as much to me.”

“
He wouldn't have. He's very proud of your progress, though. My question is about what you want to do when your training is over.” She opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her. “Frankly, I make enough money, and I have enough stowed away, that you don't need to work. If you want to stay at home and be a housewife or something, I'm fine with that. Or if you want to go be a chef again, I'd be fine with that. I want you to be happy, though, in whatever you do.”

“
I appreciate that,” Skylar said, smiling. “I've never really had a time when I didn't have to work to make sure I could make rent. But to be honest, I do have a project I've been thinking of.”

“
Go on,” he said as she stopped for a moment.

“
I've always wanted to write a cookbook. Since I've been working on my magic, I can't help wondering if magic use would make a difference in cooking. Basically, I want to experiment with cooking with magic, and then write a cookbook on how to do it.”

Leo grinned. “That sounds like a great idea. There's nothing like that that I know of, for sure. It would help develop your powers as well while you do your experiments. If there's anything I can do to help you, make sure you ask.”

“
Thank you. I'm glad you like the idea.”

“
I do indeed. Plus, that will give you some flexibility in your schedule. I haven't brought it up to Seb directly, but he could really use a hostess for Coven events. I was hoping to suggest you as a hostess until he meets his bond-mate and she can take over.”

“
I'd like that. Plus I could feel like I'm contributing to the family that's been so good to me.”

“
You shouldn't think like that. I believe that if you asked any member of my family, they would agree with what I'm about to tell you. You've made me happier in the last few weeks than I can ever remember being. That alone is a major contribution, and priceless to me and my family.”

“
Really?” Skylar asked, hopeful.

“
Really. I love you, and I'm glad to have you in my life.”

She squealed happily and launched herself into his arms, kissing him passionately. “Thank you. I've always hoped to matter like that to someone. I thought I mattered like that to Jeremy, and I thought I mattered like that to Selby, but you make me believe it like no one ever has before. I love you too, Leo.”

“
Then write that cookbook, and write it well. I'll make sure that every witch I can find reads it too.”

She laughed merrily, and it did Leo's heart good. “I've got surgery tomorrow, and it's starting early. You don't need to wake up to see me off.”

“
But I'd like to. I'll make you breakfast.”

“
No. I don't like eating too early in the morning. But if you'd like, I'll wake you up for a good morning kiss before I leave.”

“
That'll do.”

Leo knew that all day tomorrow he'd have Skylar's radiant smile to get him through a long day of surgery and hospital rounds.

209

Chapter ten

The next morning, after waking up for the second time, Skylar fired up her computer to write out ideas for the cookbook. In between bouts at the computer, she worked on degrees of shields until she felt that her power was well obscured from the casual probe.

Next she headed out to the grocery store and bought a bunch of raw meat. She figured that the best way to start would be on some of her favorite recipes. She wanted to try to recreate them without using traditional cooking appliances.

When Leo got home later, much later, he saw piles of cooked meat filling the refrigerator.

“
I guess you started on your recipes?”

“
I did!” Skylar was glad to show him what she had been doing. “I've managed to find a way to cook a steak in less than a minute. Rare, medium well, well done, you name it, I've got it, and fast.”

210

THE DOCTOR WITCH

“
Excellent. Congratulations.”

“
Thanks.”

“
So what here can I eat?”

She laughed. “Any of it's good to eat. Tell me what you want and I'll reheat it really fast and we'll get it going for you.”

“
I'll take one of those medium well steaks, if you don't mind.”

“
Coming right up. But let's get you a salad first. Got to keep the good doctor healthy, right?”

“
Right.” He grinned. “But let's get the salad out of the way so I can eat steak.”

Dymphna came in as he was finishing up and asked for one medium rare.

“
Watch out there, D,” Leo said, “What you're about to eat is an awfully tasty magic experiment.”

“
What do you mean?”

“
Leo asked me what I wanted to do when my training was over, and I decided that I want to write a cookbook on how to cook with magic. Today's experiment was steaks, to any level of doneness, in less than a minute with no traditional cooking appliances,” Skylar explained.

“
And they're awfully good too.”

“
Why thank you.”

Dymphna ate in silence. When Leo asked how her day was, she only shrugged. Skylar could see how concerned he was for his twin, but neither of them knew what to do for her.

When Dymphna finished up, she looked up at Leo. “Would you mind if I had a word with Skylar in private?”

Leo looked worried, but he nodded. “Sure. I'm going to go prepare for the Coven meeting. Make sure you two aren't late.”

“
Thank you. We won't be.” Dymphna waited until Leo was out of earshot, then turned to Skylar. “I hope you don't mind, but I needed someone to talk to.”

“
Sure. I'll help in any way I can. I know Leo's been really concerned about you.”

“
I know that too. I hate keeping him in the dark, but he worries enough already. It's like he forgets that I'm a grown woman.”

“
I think that's just his way of showing you that he loves you.”

“
Yeah, well it can be rough at times.”

“
What's on your mind?”

“
I've got a case right now that's really getting to me. I can't give you any details, but basically it's about workplace sexual harassment. The boss has been going way over the line, and she's let him get away with it for years. Then, when I thought she finally had gotten up the courage to call him out on it, she's been starting to withdraw her arguments. She's been saying things like 'Maybe it wasn't as bad as all that,' and so forth. And it's not that I haven't seen women do that before as well. Just something about her made me care.”

“
That shows that you're human. You didn't get into the kind of law you do because you're in it for the money. You care, and that's good in most situations. You're a good person, Dymphna.”

“
But I can't make the world better. As soon as I get one person some recompense, another one pops up. I'm not making any progress.”

“
You do more than you think. Think about it: every time you win a case, you win a victory for a victim. You may only help one person, but you made a difference to them. People like you hopefully make predators think twice before preying on someone. They may do it anyway, but you've made them think. You should be proud of what you do.” Skylar paused. “If you'll remember where I was before I came here, I was working at a diner where the boss didn't know the line of sexual harassment, or didn't care. I endured because I thought I had to if I wanted to make my rent and my bills. I thought I needed to put up with him to have a job.”

“
I don't think I fully realized that.”

“
I know some of what your clients are facing. She's probably worried that she won't be able to do what she needs to do, and pay what she needs to pay, if she goes forward with this. You may not be able to convince this woman that she'll be better off without that asshole as a boss, but you'll convince others. You'll make other women stronger for being able to get out of being victimized.” By the end of her monologue, Skylar was feeling passionate and agitated.

“
You really think so?”

“
I do. Now you need to remember that you're Dymphna Ward, a kick-ass lawyer, and that you are one of the good guys. Believe in yourself. And when you're feeling vulnerable, you've got a support network. I'll always have an ear to listen, and your brothers love you. So keep making a difference, and don't let it get to you.”

“
Thanks, Skylar; you're right. I had a feeling I could talk to you.”

“
Like I said, any time.”

“
Can we keep this between us?”

“
Sure. I'll just tell Leo that we're dealing with the problem and he can stop worrying so much.”

“
You're a good person, Skylar, and a good sister-in-law.”

“
Thanks. Now let's get ready for the Coven meeting.”

“
We're already running late.”

“
Ah, Seb's used to me and Leo being late. It'll be fine.”

“
We've got a problem!” Leo yelled, running downstairs. “It's happening again!”

Dymphna and Skylar ran to the stairs, where Leo fell down the last few, holding his head. She knew exactly what he was talking about. Now it was time to try to help Timothy's investigation and help Leo as well.

“
Dymphna, call the Coven House. I'll take care of Leo,” Skylar shouted, and Dymphna ran to her cell phone.

Skylar ran to Leo, and gathered him into her lap. “Hey now, I need your help.” Leo stilled, which she took to be a good sign. “I know you're in pain, but I need you to look around. What can you see?”

Leo's voice was in her head rather than out loud. “There's a pentagram. It's for a sacrifice, I think. There's people. They've got knives. They're going to bleed us before they kill us.”

“
Concentrate,” Skylar commanded as Leo started to squirm. “Do you know where you are?”

Leo stilled again, and again spoke in her mind. “Skylar, I can almost feel you there. I know how to get to them. To the victims. Get us in the car, I'll give directions as I go. We have to hurry. Maybe we can save them.”

“
Dymphna!” Skylar shouted. “Help me get Leo to the car. He thinks we may be able to save some of the victims!”

Skylar heard Dymphna end her conversation on the phone, and she arrived in the hallway. “Let's go.”

Together, they got Leo to the car pretty quickly. Skylar turned the ignition, and the three were off. “Leo's getting information,” Skylar told Dymphna. “He knows where they are, and he's going to give me directions. Hang on, we're in for something big.”

Skylar could tell that Dymphna was gathering her magic in the backseat while Leo gave directions through Skylar's mind. Finally he indicated an abandoned warehouse. “They're in there.”

Skylar repeated the message for Dymphna.

“
That's awfully close to Coven ground. Let's get in there and find out what's going on.” Dymphna called Justin and quickly told him where to find them. But until help arrived, the three were on their own, and with little time to spare.

Skylar grabbed Leo's shoulder hard enough for it to hurt him a little. “Wake up, Leo. We're going to need your help.” He shook, and shook some more. Then he woke up. “We need to be careful. We don't know what we're going to find in there.”

Dymphna crept towards the entrance and stopped at the door. She indicated for the other two to follow quietly. “I'm sensing ten. Four are injured, though. Those must be our victims.”

“
They're still alive?” Leo asked, hopeful.

“
Yes, they're still alive, but only barely. We've got to move.”

“
Are we able to do a full-on frontal attack?” Skylar asked.

“
We've got the element of surprise and not enough time to find a second entrance. We've got to go and we've got to go now.”

“
Dymphna, if possible, save your power for healing,” Leo ordered. “Skylar. I know this is your first time out, but you need to remember that it's them or us. Take them alive if possible, but if not, don't hesitate. Do your best.”

“
I will.”

The three of them looked at each other, grim faces all around.

“
Let's do this,” Skylar said, and shoved the door open. Whoever was inside hadn't even bothered to lock it.

The warehouse interior had seen better days. But in the exact center was a pentagram drawn in blood and the interior painted in white. An unconscious person was on each of four of the corners, and the last point held someone who must have been the ceremony master. He was draped in a black robe that covered them from head to toe with a large hood to hide their features. He was in the process of raising a knife over one of the victims, who were all in white robes.

As soon as the door was busted in, the five others watching the ceremony instantly popped to attention. They were all wearing similar robes, but of red. Dymphna hung back as Skylar and Leo rushed forward. Two of the robed figures drew a pistol from within their robes, and they aimed right at Leo, perceiving him to be the bigger threat.

They were wrong. Skylar knew Leo's magic was depleted and Dymphna had to conserve hers. Skylar used a heating spell to burn the guns into molten metal, which the two assailants dropped on the ground with a hiss of pain.

She threw a low-power fireball at both of them, knocking them off their feet and against the wall. Their robes caught on fire, and they tried to extinguish them. One of the others pulled a fireball and lobbed it at Skylar. Skylar's fireball met it in midair, and they exploded, doing no damage to either of them. The other two looked poised to fire a spell of their own. Skylar threw three successive fireballs, hitting each square in the middle of the chest.

Then she realized that she had forgotten the ceremony master. While the others were trying to extinguish themselves, she was pulling a lot of power to make an immense fireball. Skylar hadn't even made one that big in training because it would have been too big for the gym, even with her shields.

Shields! That was the answer! Skylar quickly erected a shield in front of her party. When the black-robed figure threw the fireball, it hit Skylar's shield. Skylar concentrated hard on reinforcing the shield. She kept it though, if only just. But the distraction had multiple consequences.

At once, Leo was able to cast some kind of smothering spell on the ceremony master at the same time as the five onlookers put their robes' fires out and started to resume the attack. The two who had tried guns now had knives. Skylar melted those as well. But she could feel her energy fading. But when she saw one of the hooded figures chanting a spell to hit Dymphna, Skylar found new reserves of magic.

In a rage, she moved down the figure who was trying to hurt Dymphna. He flew back from the force of Skylar's larger fireball and thumped into the wall, falling unconscious on the ground. Skylar took only enough consideration of him to put out the fire before returning to the fight at hand. After all, Leo had wanted them alive.

She noted that Leo was still struggling with the ceremony master, and so Skylar turned her attention to the others so that she could help him soon.

Dymphna must have done something to the figure who had tried to attack her because all of a sudden he was choking and coughing up water. He fell unconscious. That left three.

One of the assailants who hadn't tried magic rushed Skylar. She used a move from her self-defense class to kick him in the breastbone and send him reeling. Three more large fireballs, and three more times extinguishing the fires she created, and the five onlookers were all unconscious. Then Skylar turned back to Leo.

He was gasping for air, but he also had his foot squarely on the ceremony master's breastbone. He was squirming, but seemed unable to do any more than that, as if tied by invisible bonds.

Then Dymphna ran to the closest victim, examining her wounds with her magic. Skylar paid attention to her attackers, making sure none of them moved, and Leo concentrated his attention on his own attacker. He bent down and removed the hood from his head.

They found it wasn't a he at all. The woman under the hood had light brown hair and a pretty face. Or at least, it would have been pretty if it hadn't been taken up by a vicious snarl and hateful eyes.

“
Stephanie?” Leo gasped. “It was you?”

She tried to talk, but Leo's spell held her.

Keeping an eye on the unconscious people still, Skylar dialed Justin.

“
I'm almost there!” He yelled in her ear. “Don't do anything stupid!”

Sure enough, Justin arrived minutes later. He was winded, and ready for a fight. Seven other witches rushed in after him. When Justin saw the scene before him, he sighed resignedly. “What did I tell you about doing something stupid?”