Page 57 of Thunder Road

Simon felt the loss like a knife.It’s my fault she came with us. She deserved to live out her life in peace.

“She knew it was dangerous when she insisted on coming,” Vic said quietly, guessing Simon’s thoughts.

“I could have refused to bring her.”

“That wasn’t your choice to make,” Vic pointed out. “She lived a life of service. This was important enough to her to make a hard choice. She died a hero. You’re not to blame.”

Simon appreciated his words but knew it would take a long time to accept that.

“Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor—or a witch doctor?” Vic gave Simon a no-bullshit stare.

Simon ran a quick internal inventory and shook his head. “I think I’m okay. Not bleeding. The pain went away when the troll burned. I’m just spent from doing the spell. We all are.”

Dan and the ghosts remained on guard in case the troll reappeared. Vic went to the cooler the boat captain left for themand returned with juice and candy bars for all the spellcasters to help them replenish their energy.

From the look on Vic’s face and the grim set of his mouth, Simon felt certain his husband would be adding some vodka to his orange juice as soon as they got home.

“Is that it? Will the troll stay away now?” Dan asked.

Simon sipped the drink and shook his head. “Not forever—not without keeping the wardings replenished. The creature is immortal. We’re just putting up a magical barbed wire fence around this area. There’s nothing to stop the troll from causing problems with livestock or wild animals, but the binding should stop him from killing people.”

“The St. Expeditus Society will work with Hardin’s folks to maintain the wardings,” Father Anne confirmed, and Hardin nodded.

“We’re here to help any time you need us,” Gabriella added, and Miss Eppie agreed.

Simon called the store. Pete answered on the first ring.

“Is it done? Because everyone here looks tuckered out,” Pete blurted before Simon could even ask.

“Yes. The protections have been re-established, and we have new guardians in place to keep the spells strong,” Simon told him. “Is everyone there okay?”

“A couple of people nearly fainted, and we’ve got folks with bad headaches, but there’s no blood, and no one seems badly hurt,” Pete said. “I’ve been passing out ibuprofen like candy and making sure everyone got plenty of carbs and sugar to help recover.”

“Great. That’s exactly what they need. Try not to let anyone leave until they’re steady on their feet.”

“I can’t promise that the witches will listen to me, but I’ll do my best,” Pete promised. “Are you okay?”

Simon gave a grim chuckle. “The last time I felt like this was after a weekend bender in college, but I’ll survive.”

“Don’t worry about the shop. Stay home and get better. I’ll keep the lights on,” Pete replied.

“Thanks. Call if anything strange happens.”

“Strange for us?” Pete laughed. “That would have to be pretty weird.”

“Finish your drink,” Vic ordered when Simon ended the call. Simon downed the rest and handed back the can.

“It’s going to take a moment to hit my system, but I don’t think there’s any damage. Although I might sleep for three days straight.” Simon turned his attention to the ghosts, who now included Sister Cecilia among them.

“I’m so sorry.” He lent the ghosts what energy he could spare so the others could see and hear.

“Don’t be,” she replied. “I’ve lived a long, full life. By binding the troll once more, many more people will be saved. It was a worthy trade. We can help the spirits of the troll’s victims move on if they haven’t already. And I will be honored to take my place among the guardians emeritus.”

Simon planned to return the anchor items that enabled travel for the ghosts that didn’t remain on the island. He looked at Sister Cecilia and hesitated.

“I can be anchored at the college and here with the lighthouse,” she told him. “I feel a connection to both places. I think the other spirits will help me figure it out.”

“We will make sure her memory and sacrifice are honored,” Father Anne said. “I’ll talk to the folks at Saint Cyprian. Be at peace,” she told the ghost.

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