Page 32 of Seven Secret Spellcasters
“Doesn’t she have a cousin?” Abigail sat and started eating a roll.
“I thought that was an excuse to get out of the house without us feeling sorry for her?” Mia glanced at Abigail. “Have you seen this cousin?”
“A man came to get her a few nights ago in a nicer car. I figured it was her cousin.” Abigail sighed and put down her fork. “I messed up by mentioning the Goddess last night, didn’t I?”
“It’s fine. I’m sure she just thinks you’re an emotional drunk.” Mia smiled and waited for the reaction.
“I had two glasses of wine last night.” Abigail snorted. “But her thinking that may be what’s best. Anyway, I need to get baking. What do you want for dinner? It’s your special day.”
“I feel like I’m five, but I’d love your shrimp pasta. Do I get the red plate?” At home, Mia’s mom had a red plate that declared the person eating off it was special. Funny, she hadn’t thought about that plate for years.
“Oh, good idea. I’ll ask Thomas to bring ours when he comes over for dinner. Do you want him and Steve at your ceremony?” Abigail asked, her tone casual.
Mia knew the question was less than casual. The Majors family was going to be her family if she and Trent got married. Or when they got married. She might not like Steve so far, but maybe he had a softer side that he showed when he wasn’t trying to keep his brother out of jail. “Sure. That would be great.”
“If you added a bit more enthusiasm, I might believe you. Think of it as practicing for all the family dinners we’ll have together. And don’t worry, all my kids fight at one time or another. Not liking Steve isn’t uncommon at the table.”
“I didn’t say”—Mia stopped herself before she lied to Abigail. Not saying something was different from completely fibbing to save her feelings. “I still need one more for my circle.”
“We can use Thomas or Steve if it comes to that. Don’t worry, you’ll have your seven. The Goddess will provide.” She glanced at her watch. “I need to get Christina up and going. We’re going to have a busy day ahead. Finish your roll. Did you write your speech yet?”
“What? No one told me I’d have to give a speech. What am I supposed to say?” Mia asked to Abigail’s back as she left to wake Christina.
“Nothing earth-shattering, believe me. You need to thank the Goddess for your gifts and pledge to always work toward the light. Think of it as an answer for a beauty queen contest. Working for world peace is always the right answer,” Grans answered Mia’s question as she walked in the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. “I want you to come into the library with me today. Something’s been off with the connection, and I need to see if I can fix it. I need you to watch my back.”
“The ghosts giving you a bad time?” Mia asked.
“Maybe. They’re messing with my notes.” Grans waved her away as Mia’s phone rang. “Go answer that, but you can’t leave the house again until tomorrow morning. No excuses.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Mia stared at her grandmother as she answered the phone. “Good morning, Mark. What’s going on?”
“Why do you sound stressed? Oh, never mind, it’s that thing we’re coming to tonight, right? Your launch? Or is it more of a debutante thing? Do you get to wear a poufy dress?” Mark teased.
“You’re in a good mood.” Mia stepped out of the kitchen so her grandmother could blend her shake. Somehow she was ignoring Abigail’s cinnamon rolls.
“I have a lead.” Mark was almost jubilant. “Do you want to go to the outdoor sports store with me in Sun Valley today? We found a receipt for a bunch of swimwear and hiking clothes in his room. None of it was there, of course. And a backpack was on the receipt, and it’s not in his room or rental car. Trent didn’t find one in the woods, did he?”
“Not that I know of, but I can ask. Can we go tomorrow?” Mia wasn’t going to break Grans’s trust. Not today.
“The guy who sold Howard the stuff is leaving for a rafting trip tomorrow. It’s fine, I can go by myself. I just thought you might have more insight.”
Mia translated Mark’s words. “You wanted me to see if this guy was a witch so I could ask more pointed questions.”
“Now, that sounds stupid, but yes.” Mark chuckled. “Look at that, we’re communicating.”
“Sorry, I’m stuck at home today. Grans has forbidden me to leave the house. Something about the ceremony tonight. I’m vulnerable. And no, I don’t think even the Magic Springs police chief could protect me if something went awry. Besides, I hate it when Grans says ‘I told you so’.”
“No worries. I’ll call on my way back if I have cell service. Do you know a Harper Johns?”
“The name doesn’t ring a bell, but I’ll look him up and see if he’s part of the coven. Did Sarah know him?”
“No. So, maybe he’s just a normal guy who sold a half leprechaun a bunch of vacation gear.” He chuckled. “I’m sure it happens all the time.”
“Be safe, Mark.” Mia ended the call, then grabbed her laptop and looked up Harper Johns. There was one link that showed he’d been featured as a local whitewater specialist. It was his passion, according to the article. She texted Mark.
Be sure to ask who Howard was going rafting with. Had he hired a guide? Most newbies don’t go down the River of No Return without a guide. Thomas had a no-show client that Friday, so we’re thinking it’s him, but that’s a guess. And where did he rent his raft? Maybe this will lead us to the friend he was supposed to meet.
The answer came quickly.Leaving now. All good questions. You have a knack for this if you ever want to leave the culinary field.
