The Witches of BlackBrook (14 page)

“Shadows lurk within and without, lies are afoot and searching’s about. Continue to twist and break their minds, for all will be mine in a matter of time.” Once again he slit his wrist, dripping blood into the cauldron. “I will not falter, I will not fail, bless this charm by the crimson veil,” he chanted the familiar words. Desperate times called for desperate measures. He leered at the jar sitting on his altar. The witch in Ipswich had a loose tongue, but he’d dealt with that. He roared with maniacal laughter as the blackened organ twitched within the glass.

“It took me a couple days to schedule the dogs, and they’re good, but not much use against magic,” Jason explained. “I think the three of us should go back out together and try to find the trail ourselves.”

“I’m up for that,” Caris offered.

“Okay. Me too. When do you want to go? I have an appointment with Trin tomorrow, so maybe when I get home after that?” Kennedy suggested.

“Yeah. That sounds good. Let her know what we’re up to and then hopefully by the next time either of you see her, we’ll have something to share,” Jason stated.

The siblings broke, moving to separate areas of the house as they each prepared for the next day in their mundane lives.

“Do you have to be back in Washington anytime soon?” Jason asked Kennedy as he packed his lunch.

“No. My position with the FBI is extremely flexible,” Kennedy winked and touched a finger to her temple. “Especially when I still have
some
magical abilities at my disposal.”

Jason smirked. “Well, I’m sure glad you’re on our side.”

“Me too,” Caris piped in. “But that begs the question. Why can’t you just use the skill on Kit and force her to reveal where the cave is?”

Kennedy shrugged. “I may be able to manipulate human minds, but a demon’s? I’m not sure I would have the same affect, and it’s not a risk we can take without exposing what we know.”

“True, true. All right, I guess that means we’ll be needing our hiking gear,” Caris replied.

“That, and some ingredients for the spell we’ll most likely have to cast.” Jason added.

“Okay, why don’t you get the hiking stuff while I gather the supplies,” Caris suggested.

“Why? What’s wrong cuz, don’t want to go digging around that dirty garage of ours?” Jason teased, knowing his cousin hated that cobweb infested outbuilding.

“You got that right!”

“I’ll go with,” Kennedy offered, joining Jason as he headed out the back door.

“You’re a couple of brave souls, the both of ya!” Caris called.

Caris moved to the breakfast nook and began assembling her ingredients at the makeshift workspace they’d set up. She’d chosen lemon grass to provide clarity of mind in addition to its bonus ability of repelling snakes, grabbed some sulfur to ward off any demonic presence, and tossed in some angelica root for protection and also to boost her and Kennedy’s female power. Caris gathered salt, candles and rope, and lastly the box containing the demon’s tooth before she took a seat. She’d completed the ritual of filling her basket, just as she’d done so many centuries ago.

IPSWITCH, MASSACHUESETTS

1690

“Kara, have you packed everything we’ll need?” Karina asked.

“Yes, sister. It’s all prepared. Thank you for letting me come to the celebration this year. It’s my first official Beltane as a matured woman.” Kara spun around. “Do you think I’ll find my soul mate at the bonfire, or perhaps at the maypole dance?” Kara beamed.

“Perhaps, sister. Anything is possible when the God and Goddess join under the stars.”

“Do you want to see the wreath I made for my hair? I can make you one too, if you’d like.” Kara excitedly pulled the flower ring from her basket, displaying roses, daisies, and sprigs of baby’s breath.

“It’s lovely, Kara. But we need to be on our way, so gather your cloak and let’s prepare to depart.”

Kara watched her older sister as she tasked Kenna with specific chores while they were gone. Kenna, of course, was not pleased she’d be left behind, but with her healing touch, Karina smoothed her dismay and set extra protections in place as she kissed her farewell.

Karina and Kara left Kenna and the hound safely in place and ventured onto the path that would lead to the Epps estate on Castle Hill. Daniel Epps was too old for Kara, but his son, Lionel, had taken a shine to her when they last met in town. Kara smiled at the potential union the magic of this night may bring.

“Caris. What in the world? You’re flush and have a lovelorn look about you?” Kennedy said as she fanned her face.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry. I was lost in a memory.”

“Looks like a fine memory to me,” Jason teased.

Caris jumped from her chair and smoothed her t-shirt. “Let’s just say, I’ll be damn happy when all this is over and we can
all
move on with our lives. We’ve sacrificed enough.”

Caris felt two sets of arms encircle her and could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears streaked her cheeks for the lost potential her previous lives had held. So many lost loved ones, missed opportunities to have children, passing of the ones she tried to start a family with...every single time their destiny had gotten in the way.

“You’re right, Car. It’s time we put a stop to this and with Trin’s help, you can damn sure bet we’re gonna kick some ass,” Kennedy stated, boosting their spirits.

Trin closed her eyes and concentrated on the feel of Kennedy’s hand in hers. The witches ladder wrapped around both their wrists, snaking up their arm as they increased the amount of power between them. Blue sparks flared when they reached the peak of their meditation.

“Dang it.” Trin sighed. “I can feel our bond strong and true, but it lies just beneath the fog of Kit’s barrier.”

Kennedy smiled. “We’ll break through soon, I’m sure of it. Besides, if we’re successful tonight, this could all be over.”

“Very true. But promise me you’ll all be careful.” Trin hugged her little sister and waved goodbye as she left the massage room.

They’d spent the first part of their hour-and-a-half together simply talking and reminiscing. It hadn’t taken long for the two of them to become reacquainted, and Trin’s pride at how strong and capable her little sister turned out to be grew exponentially. They had a few more visits lined up, as Trin had made sure she was booked solid this week. The less time she spent at home, the better. Kit hadn’t pushed her any further about her impromptu getaway or the Hardy’s intrusion into their lives, which was great. But it also felt as though Kit was just biding her time.

“Have a great night, Mia. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Trin waved to the receptionist and pushed out the door.

The setting sun cast the perfect hue against the evening sky. Dusk was Trin’s favorite time of day, except for lately when it meant she’d have to face her “
sister.”
Trin climbed into her car and took a moment to reinforce her mental blocks before turning the key. She had to stay strong so that Caris, Jason, and Kennedy could move forward with their plan tonight.

She’d devised multiple scenarios as to how she could join them tonight for their trip to the woods, but in the end, she knew it wasn’t possible since she was meant to serve as the distraction.

Kennedy had expressed concern that Kit might be able to sense someone nearing her power source, so Jason had suggested a sister’s night out, hoping dinner and a movie would keep Kit occupied for at least a few hours during their search.

Trin reached for her cell phone and typed out a message.

Trin:
All done. See you at Milano’s in a few.

Kit:
Sounds great. I’ll be there.

Trin took every side street she could, creeping at a snail’s pace while heading towards the restaurant. Kit had suggested the pizza place closer to the spa, but since she needed to waste all the time she could, Trin opted for Italian food, knowing it would take at least an hour to get through dinner.

“Hey,” Trin greeted Kit as she slid into the booth.

“Hi. How was your day?” Kit asked with a smile on her face.

“It was good. Busy.”

The waitress arrived with their menus within a split second of Trin taking a seat.
Dammit, slow down
, Trin thought. Why the one time she needed to
waste
time, everyone was the picture of proficiency?

“Thanks,” Kit offered, placing her order without even looking at the menu. “I’ll have the chicken parmesan with a Caesar salad, dressing on the side, please.”

Kit looked up and smiled, causing Trin to have a severe deer-in-the-headlights moment.

“Um...actually, can I have a few minutes?” Trin asked the waitress.

“Of course. Can I get you both started with something to drink?”

“I’ll have a water,” Kit answered.

Trin swallowed hard. “I’ll take a glass of your pinot noir, please.”

“Pinot noir? That’s not your usual poison,” Kit teased.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to try some new things tonight.” Trin forced a smile that she was sure didn’t reach her eyes. Hearing Kit throw around words like
‘poison’
had a different effect on her now, making it clear that this was going to be more difficult than Trin thought.

Trin buried her head in the menu, trying to think of something to eat that wasn’t her usual fare, but would still be good and hopefully take a long time to prepare. She ordered as soon as the waitress returned with their drinks. “I’ll start with an order of risotto, then have the pork lasagna and a side salad. Oil and vinegar on the side please.” Trin handed back the menu and looked up to find Kit staring at her with opened-mouth suspicion.

“What?”

Kit shook her head, “I’ve never seen you order that much food. Are you feeling okay?”

Trin faked a laugh. “I told you I wanted to try new things, and after the busy schedule I’ve had lately, I’m running low on energy.” Trin patted her stomach. “Bring on some good food.”

Kit cocked a brow. “And about ten extra pounds.”

“Well, it’s not like I’m seeing anyone, so that shouldn’t matter.” Trin couldn’t help herself. She knew her snide comment would bring Jason’s name into the mix, but maybe if they talked about her lost chance at love, that would help prove to Kit that she’d truly cast him aside.

“Just because you’ve been deceived by a local Wiccan hottie, doesn’t mean you won’t find someone else,” Kit snapped.

Trin’s nostrils flared as she clenched her jaw. She took a deep breath and reinforced her mental blocks. “You’re right, I guess, and honestly, I’m not looking to start a relationship with anyone right now. I’m not ready. Besides, it’s not like I want kids anytime soon.” Trin shrugged and prayed her lie was convincing.

Kit’s head jerked to the crying baby across the restaurant and Trin witnessed something she’d never seen before. Pure anger radiated from Kit’s entire body. If Trin opened her third eye right now, she had no doubt she’d see a bright red haze surrounding their table.

“Kit. What’s wrong?” Trin asked, nervous to know the real answer.

“Nothing.” Kit shook her head, visibly forcing herself to relax. “I just don’t understand why parents bring infant children to public places. It’s like they have no respect for others.”

Trin frowned and took a sip of her wine, trying to process the odd comment. Thinking back, though, she couldn’t remember a time in this life or the past where Kit had shown any interest in children.
Weird
.

Trin spent the rest of the meal trying to lighten the mood and searched for anything that would keep Kit engaged. Wiping the corners of her mouth she leaned back in the booth and checked her watch. “So, what movie do you want to see?”

“Are you still able to move with all that food in you?” Kit joked.

Stuffed to the gills, Trin stretched, miserable inside but convincing none the less. “You betcha.”

Kit chuckled and slid out of her seat. “Maybe we should go dancing instead. Burn some of this off.”

“Nope. I’ll exercise tomorrow. Tonight, we’re relaxing.” Trin waddled all the way to her car.

“Do you want to drive separate or just ride with me?” Kit asked.

Knowing she’d need to check in with the Hardys, Trin quickly opted for the first. “I’ll drive. I don’t want to have to come back for my car later.”

“Okay. Meet you there.”

Kit was the first to leave the parking lot, giving Trin a moment to send a message.

Trin:
Leaving the restaurant. Heading to the movie. You’ve got 2 hours.

Jason:
Thanks. About to cast spell. Be careful.

Trin:
You too.

Trin erased the messages and put her car in drive, making a beeline for the theatre. They’d be watching some Jane Austen-ish romance Kit had suggested which was fine by her, since the play time was one hour and fifty-eight minutes.

Pulling into a parking space at the far end of the lot, Trin searched for Kit’s car, which was nowhere to be seen.

Recalling Jason’s last words, Trin cussed. “Oh shit!”