Page 12 of Witch
“Oh,” said Suzette with a rounded mouth.
“Don’t be selfish,” said Matthew. “This gift could be taken if you’re not careful.”
That brought everyone to attention, nodding at the newest spirits.
“We’re going to retire for the night to our island, and we’ll see you all at breakfast in the morning,” said Matthew. “But listen to me. Marcus Hopkins has not given up on this vendetta of his. He wants to prove that your mother was a witch.”
“Why? To what end?” asked Alexandra.
“If he proves that she is a witch, he can then pursue her daughters.”
“Wait. What do you mean?” asked Claudette.
“Witches passed their skills to their daughters, or so everyone believed. We know that’s not true, but he believes it. If he can prove that your mother has done witch-like things, he can try to come for Marie, Claudette, Camille, Adele, Rachelle, and Suzette.”
“Over my dead body,” said Clay.
“Same,” said Mac. Dex, Cruz, Sly, and Jake all nodded.
“I know that you will protect them,” said Matthew, “all of you. But know that he will stop at nothing to prove that he is right and that he has a special skill in finding witches.”
“What do we do, Pops?” asked Antoine.
“Be diligent. Watchful. Do what you always do and ensure that the women are never alone. This man is not above kidnapping women and torturing them to get them to admit that they are witches. He’s done it in other states, other countries.”
“Then we end this now,” said Alec.
“No,” said Matthew. “I cannot explain it all to you, but this must play out. Legally.”
Nine stared at Matthew, taking a step toward him.
“Even you,” said Matthew, smirking at the man. “You are as much my son as anyone here. Even you must play by the rules.”
“How is that fun?” asked Max. Matthew chuckled beneath his breath, taking Irene’s hand and literally disappearing into the night.
“That will take a minute to get used to,” whispered Zeke. The others all smiled, nodding. Ruby, Sven, and Teddy were already gone.
“Bodhi, Cade, Milo, and Carsen. How are y’all doing with all of this?” asked Ghost. “It affects all of you as much as the Robicheauxs.”
“Honestly,” smiled Carsen, “I sort of knew all along this is how it would be with Grandma. Remember, I’ve known since I was a child that she was voodoo.”
“And you, boys?” asked Ghost, turning to the others.
“Ghost, I had my grandfather for more time than I ever thought possible,” smiled Milo. “Now, I get him for eternity, I suppose. I can’t bitch about that.”
“Same,” said Bodhi. “Dad’s with Ruby, and that’s where he’d want to be. We’re happy for him.” Cade nodded, smiling at the others.
“You know,” said Rory, “it occurs to me that if this man would come after the sisters, he might also go after the kids. We need to keep an eye on the schools and make sure the kids are always being watched.”
“You’re right,” nodded Miller. “Kari, baby, is there anything we can do about this man?”
“I can file a restraining order against him. You saw how the NOPD reacted. They’re tired of his nonsense as well. He won’t find us out here, but even if he did, that wouldn’t end well for him.”
“Alright,” nodded Gaspar. “Give it a few days, allowing time for the family to grieve, and we’ll see what this asshole does. If he attempts to make one move toward any of us, we’ll file the restraining order. If not…”
“If not,” said Trak, “Alvin is very hungry.”
CHAPTER NINE
