Page 93 of Boss Witch

“Wholeheartedly. It’s not even a penalty. This is better than I deserve.”

“You’re the product of a corrupt system,” a new voice said. “And we believe in education, not punishment. Witches often served as teachers in the old days, before the world decided we were evil and dangerous and we had to hide.”

“Are all council members agreed on this judgment?” the council leader asked.

A chorus of “aye” came across the laptop, then he asked, “Any opposed?” and they were quiet.

The leader smiled at Gavin. “Your Ducati will arrive in the next day or two. You’re free to explore the area, as you’re not a prisoner. Classes will begin in a couple of weeks, and you can stay in the short-­term apartments nearby. To external observers, you’ll appear to be a nontraditional student taking courses. I’m not giving you my name, as you may wind up in one of my classes down the line, and you’re not supposed to know any of the council members. It prevents lobbying and keeps our judgments honest.”

“I understand,” Gavin said, unable to believe how much kindness he was receiving.

This incredible generosity only underscored how wretched his old man was in comparison. He’d lived to rob others of magic and resources, and Gavin wished he could drain that blood from his damned veins. If only it were possible.

Another council member spoke. “Don’t mistake our leniency for weakness. There are spells in effect to monitor your behavior, just as we read the sincerity of your remorse. If you attempt to run or try to renege, you’ll find our retaliatory measures—­”

“Yes, he gets the point,” the councilor who sounded like Gladys cut in. “Go on now. We truly do welcome you to the witch community, Gavin. It’s been a long road, and I’m sorry you had to pass through such a shadowy vale to get here, but…welcome home.”

Inexplicably, tears prickled in his eyes. “Thanks. Can’t express how it feels to hear that.” But before he could sink fully into this feeling of relief, he had to know. “What happened to Da? They said—­”

“We caught him at the airport,” B said. “We will attempt to educate him, but—­”

“We don’t have high hopes,” A finished.

It wouldn’t surprise Gavin if Da turned up as a mundane, always feeling like he’d lost something but with no words to explain that unshakable certainty. “Thank you for telling me. My grandad, he’d want to be part of this. I have his email. Can I get in touch with him and ask him to come? He stopped hunting twenty years ago, but I think he’d want to make reparations as well, if that’s still possible.”

“We should offer an amnesty program,” one of the council members suggested.

“Email him,” the council leader said. “If he wants a home in our community, he’ll have one, if he’s willing to do the work.”

Hearing that, Gavin’s tears finally overflowed.

Chapter 29

Never had an email broken Clem’s heart.

It was absurd, and she understood that, but her eyes still welled up reading the message. On impulse, she tried his old number, and it delivered an out-­of-­service message.

He’s really gone.

Clem considered responding, but what would be the point? She breathed through the pain, the worst she’d ever experienced over ending a relationship. Not that she was even sure what they’d had deserved the term since she was deceiving him for most of that time. Yet her heart didn’t care, not about the obstacles or all the reasons why it could never work between them.Sadness pumped through her body along with her blood, leaving her uncharacteristically glum. Clem let herself cry quietly in the privacy of her room, then she got a damp cloth and put it on her eyes to mitigate the evidence she had actual emotions.

Can’t have that getting out.

Squaring her shoulders, she unblocked Barnabas and created a family chat that included everyone except Danica’s dad, Pansy, and D-­Pop. Mundanes couldn’t be part of this discussion, but everyone else had to talk. Gladys had warned them Gram knew everything about her affair with Gavin, and honestly, she was surprised at the long silence from her grandmother. It couldn’t herald anything good, so it was better to head that conversation off by creating her own agenda. Without preamble, she sent:

Family meeting. My place. Tomorrow night, 6:30 PM. This is not optional if you want me to consider you part of my family going forward.

That should get everyone good and pissed.

Gram replied at once.I’ll be there, dear.

Just bet you will.

Auntie Min had questions, but she did say,I can make it. I’m looking forward to it.

Next, Barnabas weighed in.What’s this about, Clementine? I have theatre tickets.

Tell Pansy to take a friend to the show instead,she sent back.

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