Page 17 of Witch
“Oh, shit,” said Cam, staring at the others. “We’re the seniors.”
“Yes, dumb ass. Did you not get that memo?” smirked Hex.
“I mean, yeah. I guess I did. It just sounds so strange coming from her.”
“What does that mean, young man?” said Claudette, hands on her hips, smirking.
“Oh, uh, nothing,” he laughed. She just laughed with him, kissing his cheek.
“Listen to me, I’m going to show you some things others don’t know about. There are secret doors, passages, underground tunnels, hidden closets, and so much more.”
“Tunnels? But, the water, the bayou surrounds us,” said Luke.
“Don’t question so much,” said Jake. “You’ll live longer if you just accept certain things.”
“Yes, sir,” smirked Luke.
“Many of the herbs, plants, and other things will be kept in the tunnels to keep them cool even in the heat of the summer. They need to be protected and cared for, but Trevon will handle that. Come with me to the attic.”
“The attic? Attics are so dark and creepy,” said Gwen.
“Not this one,” said Claudette.
They hit the third floor and opened the door to the attic. A few steps up, and they were in a massive space encompassing the entire length of the mansion. It was filled with historical objects, antiques, paintings, furniture, books, photo albums, and much more.
The space had been curated to allow for objects to easily be found.
“Is all this insured?” asked Eric.
“Yes,” laughed Claudette. “Listen to me. It’s important. As new couples find their love, find their place here, and select a cottage, you will pick one item from this attic that they will have in their home. It’s important.”
“Why?” asked Luke.
“Luke, don’t question everything. Just do it. Every couple must start with an object from this attic to ensure long-lasting love and devotion.”
“Okay,” he nodded. “How will I know what to choose?”
“You’ll know,” said Claudette. “You’ll walk into this attic, think of the couple, and the object will suddenly make sense to you. Now, the artwork is something you will need to make note of.”
“Aunt Claudette, I know nothing of artwork,” said Cam.
“You will,” she said, nodding in his direction. “The artists will be known to you and to the world, but they were gifts to Belle Fleur. It’s important that they stay here.”
“Claudette, are you saying that the paintings have some magic with the house and the property?” asked Hex.
“I said no such thing, young man. Listen to me,” she said. Jake just gave a knowing grin, winking at the group. “The artists are Audubon, Degas, Hunter, Hudson, Odums, and more that I can’t remember right now. Get to know them and their work. It’s important.”
“I should have brought a notebook,” said Luke under his breath.
“You were given a brain for a reason,” said Claudette. “Use it!” Luke stared at his aunt and gave a soft laugh.
“Aunt Claudette, don’t look now, but you sounded just like Grandma when you said that.” She glared at him a moment, then her gaze softened, and she had a small curve to her lip.
“I’ll take that as the highest compliment. Alright now. We’ll head to the tunnels, and I’ll show you where they go. Places you’ve never seen before.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Nine! Nine!” yelled Hiro. “There’s a man up at the diner demanding to know where the Robicheaux property is located. I think it’s our witch-hunter.”
