Page 35 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Sayer’s stomach dropped. He turned to look at Reed and Arden, who seemed equally shocked.

“I... we didn’t call CPS,” Reed stammered.

The next few hours were a blur of questions, explanations, and mounting tension. Sandra insisted on inspecting every inch of the house, her skepticism growing with each passing minute as she found nothing amiss.

Just as she was preparing to leave, visibly frustrated, another knock came at the door. This time, it was an elderly neighbor, her face pale with worry.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re here, Sheriff!” she exclaimed. “I just saw that poor baby crawling along the roof! How on earth did she get up there?”

Sayer and Fia exchanged horrified glances. Vienna, oblivious to the chaos, giggled from her spot on Fia’s hip.

Reed stepped forward, his expression a mix of confusion and determination. “Ma’am, I can assure you, Vienna has been here the entire time. We’ve all been right here with her.”

The neighbor blinked, bewildered. “But I saw her. Clear as day.”

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the living room, Sayer felt the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. Reed and Arden had finally managed to calm the neighbor and send Sandra on her way, but the tension in the air remained thick and oppressive.

“I don’t understand,” Fia murmured, cradling a now-sleeping Vienna close to her chest. “How can so many people be seeing things that aren’t happening?”

Reed stood, his expression resolute. “All right. Here’s what we’re going to do. Arden and I will increase patrols around your property. We’ll also reach out to some of the local witches, see if they can detect any unusual magical activity in the area.”

He turned to Sayer and Fia, his voice softening. “In the meantime, I need you two to document everything. Every false sighting, every welfare check, every unexplained incident. If this does end up going to court, we want to be prepared.”

The implication hung heavy in the air. If Fia’s family decided to challenge their custody...

“This is them, isn’t it?” Sayer growled, anger bubbling up inside him. “Fia’s parents, or that sister of hers. They’re behind this somehow.”

Fia paled, her grip on Sayer’s hand tightening. “But how? They’re not even in town, are they?”

Reed held up his hands. “We don’t know anything for certain. But given the circumstances, we thought you should be aware of what’s happening.”

After the officers left, Sayer and Fia sat at the kitchen table, the forgotten pancakes growing cold. Vienna babbled happily in her high chair, blissfully unaware of the tension surrounding her.

“We need to figure out what’s going on,” Sayer said, his jaw clenched. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body.

Fia reached out, her fingers tracing the furrow between his brows. “Hey,” she said softly. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”

Sayer caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “You’re right. I just... the thought of anyone trying to take Vienna from us, to hurt you...”

“I know,” Fia nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “But we’re stronger than they are. We have to be.”

Sayer pulled her into his arms, holding her close. They stayed like that for a long moment, drawing strength from each other. When they finally pulled apart, Fia’s expression was determined.

“Jasper,” she said suddenly. “If anyone would know about strange occurrences in town, it’d be him.”

An hour later, they stood in the musty confines of the Whispering Pines library. Jasper Moon, the spectral librarian, floated before them, his translucent form flickering with agitation.

“I’m terribly sorry,” he said, adjusting his ghostly spectacles. “I’ve combed through every record we have, and there’s nothing quite like what you’re describing. Though there was an interesting case in 1843 involving a poltergeist and a particularly mischievous garden gnome...”

Sayer pinched the bridge of his nose. “Jasper, focus. Is there anyone else who might have insight into this?”

The ghost’s face brightened. “Oh! Of course. You should speak to Luna. If anyone can unravel a magical mystery, it’s her.”

As they left the library, Sayer noticed Fia shivering slightly. Without a word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

“Thanks,” she said, snuggling into the warmth. “You know, for a big, tough lion shifter, you’re pretty sweet.”

Sayer grinned, pulling her close as they walked. “Don’t go spreading that around. I have a reputation to maintain.”

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