Mathilda, SuperWitch (Mathilda's Book of Shadows #1)(52)

The Honeycutt women are going on fact-finding tours.

I want Darling and I want her coven and I want the men who have joined her.

And I want to find out where Douglas Addison fits in with all of this.

Surprisingly, Mom has (eagerly?) volunteered to track and research Addison. Hmm. What’s up with that?

Mavis’s Magic Room is a hive of activity, witches going in, witches going out.

The phones are ringing off the hook.

Barely an hour goes by (day and night) when one of them isn’t sweeping in or out wearing their cloaks and (if night) carrying their broomsticks.

Nothing is coming of it, apparently the witch world is folding in on itself, waiting, watching and keeping their mouths shut.

Probably also deciding which side they’re on.

Offense commenced.

* * * * *

Me:

I went to the library, grabbed the Wiccan White Pages and called everyone in the Edward’s coven – Agatha’s girls.

No one answered their freakin’ phones.

Except one old bitty who said, “Magic? I’m done with that. I see where it’s going and I don’t want any part of it!”

Then she hung up.

Went to Mathilda’s Register and tried Eleanora.

“Elly, you there?”

Nothing.

“Elly, Rory was kidnapped and I was struck by lightning.”

Still nothing.

“She used a manmade wand with an electrical cord. Can you believe that?”

Silence.

“The witch world is changing. Elly, I need some answers.”

Zip.

“The W.C. has suspended my magic.”

Nada.

“Elly, girl, I need you to help me.”

“Don’t call me Elly.” The words scripted themselves on the blank page and then vanished.

Finally!

“Elly, honey, do you know what happens next? Do you know where I can find Agatha Darling? What’s her connection with Douglas Addison? Who are her henchman? Where do they live?”

“I’m sorry, Mathilda. I can’t help.”

“Listen, Elly, I know you aren’t supposed to but I’m in a spot. I don’t have magic and the match just got dirty.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Can’t you give me anything?”

“Yes, use this time to study, to meditate, to glory in nature.”

“That’s not help.”

“It is, Mathilda… you have time, use it wisely.”

“I thought I was!”

She ignored me. “And the next time you come to me, ask the right questions.”

Ack!

* * * * *

Ash:

Went to The Dungeon doors and knocked (all right, pounded).

He opened them and stood there, staring down at me, arms crossed on his chest.

Still nothing further after the Big O. He hasn’t asked me out on a date, come in and sat by me while I was watching television, given me a good morning kiss when I struggle into the kitchen for coffee. Nothing. Everything is back to normal with stalwart Ash – distant as ever.

Fuck him.

I don’t have time for that shit.

“You wanted me?” he said.

He wished.

(Well, I kinda did, to be honest, but only because I always pick the wrong guys.)

“We’re going up to Worcestershire, you and me. There’s a witch, used to be in Darling’s coven. I want to talk to her.”

“Who is she?”

“Althea Appleton.”

He shook his head. “Not a good idea.”

So bossy.

“Why?” I asked.

“One, you don’t have your magic. Two, Appleton is a member of a coven which we must consider hostile.”

“Was a member of a coven.”

“So she says.”

Such a know-it-all.

“And three, Althea Appleton is an oracle.”

Hunh?

“A what?”

“Look it up,” he advised and then he went back to The Dungeons.

I couldn’t help myself, I stamped my foot.

I’m never marrying you. I thought towards the door.

And, get this – this is what popped into my head.

Yes you are.

Damn Ash.

* * * * *

Martini Night:

Josie, Lucy, Viv, Su and me and a bunch of fat, green olives, vodka fresh from the freezer, fab stemmed glasses and a stainless steel shaker (we had vermouth but it was on the kitchen counter, too far away to bother).

The Subject of Martini Night: Sebastian Quincy Wilding and the Big O.

Su’s Take: “Why are you worried? An orgasm is an orgasm is an orgasm. Take them as they come – no pun intended, be happy that they come, okay, pun intended, and don’t ask too many questions or they’ll quit coming.”

Josie’s Take: “I don’t know. Sebastian kind of scares me. I think you’re better off with Aidan.”

Lucy’s Take: “Just go to his door, get his ass up here and ask him what he’s up to. Seems to me, if Rory’s sneaking into your room at night to make sure you’re okay, it might be cramping his style. Could be as simple as that.”

My favorite:

Viv’s Take, after everyone else had gone off on new topic of “Where is the craziest place you’ve done it?” Su, of course, won by doing it in a tree, don’t ask me how she managed that feat but undoubtedly some love spell was involved: