The Wizard Returns: Book Three of the Wizard Born Series

By Geof Johnson

When a demon suddenly appears on the Appalachian Trail near Jamie's home, killing and mutilating hikers, Jamie and his friends are forced to take drastic measures to deal with it. Jamie's magic is useless against it, and their search for a solution to the monster takes them to the last place they ever would've imagined going, a dangerous world of wizards and witches.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543973891

Book preview

40

Chapter 1

The demon slowed as he lumbered down the hot, vaporous tunnel. Up ahead, there was a sliver of light where one shouldn’t be, a thin vertical gash in the curved, rocky wall. He approached it curiously.

Daylight poured through the long crack, and when he sniffed it with his broad, flat nose, he smelled fresh air beyond. He placed one red eye up to the opening, but the brilliant blues and greens beyond were too dazzling for him to make out any detail.

He stuck his clawed hands into the fissure, one on either edge, set his wide, clawed feet firmly beneath him, and heaved with all his strength, the muscles on his broad chest and shoulders bulging terribly.

The gash held.

He stepped back, panting from the exertion, and studied the opening with increased determination. He placed his hands back into the fissure, reset his feet on the dusty, rocky floor, and gathered his will. He took a deep breath and heaved, pulling with supernatural strength and calling up all the magical resources he could bring to bear.

The gash held for a moment, and then, with a violent grinding groan, it gave way and widened. He only hesitated a moment before turning his body sideways and slipping through. As his trailing foot cleared the gap, its edges slammed together, leaving only a smooth rock face where the crack had been.

He placed one leathery hand on the now-flawless wall of stone behind him and grunted, then turned to survey his new surroundings. He stood on a winding trail that followed the same general direction as the tunnel he’d just exited. The narrow ridge that supported him overlooked a wooded valley that was framed by mountains.

Mountains, as far as he could see, fading to a pale blue in the distance.

He heard a shrieking cry. A bird of prey circled overhead. The raptor cried again as if issuing a challenge and the demon threw back his head and roared a response. The feathered creature flapped its wings and retreated hastily.

The demon dropped to all fours and loped away down the path.

Ugh! Jamie Sikes felt the wrenching twinge deep inside his gut. Something just happened. A hand nudged his left shoulder and he looked up to see Fred standing beside him.

Get up, Jamie, she said, clapping and smiling. Everybody’s cheering for the team. The gymnasium at North Henderson High was warm and loud, packed for the Friday night basketball game against East Henderson, and Jamie was the only one not on his feet. She eyed him with concern and her smile vanished. Are you okay?

I just felt something.

Are you gonna be sick?

He motioned for her to come closer and she sat down, worry lining her face.

"I felt some magic," he said in a guarded voice.

You always feel that when you come to the basketball games with me.

Not the tingle, something else. Something…. He shook his head. I don’t know…like somebody just did a major spell.

That can’t be good. They locked eyes while the kids around them remained on their feet, cheering. You haven’t felt anything like that in a long time.

Not since Renn died. An image of the psychotic, purple-cloaked sorcerer popped into his mind — Renn in Jamie’s family room, threatening to kill him and his parents.

Was it strong?

It was serious magic.

The fans around them took their seats and Bryce, who was sitting on Fred’s left, pointed at the North Henderson bench. Rollie’s going in. He’s pulling off his sweats. He seemed to notice the concern on Fred and Jamie’s faces. Is something wrong?

Don’t worry about it, Jamie said. We’ll tell you later.

Bryce regarded him for a moment, an uneasy look in his brown eyes, then he shrugged. Okay, but Rollie’s getting ready to play. There are two minutes left, and we’re up by fifteen.

Fred cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted at their caramel-skinned friend, Go, Rollie!

He said he might get to play if we had a big enough lead. Bryce cupped his hands and shouted, too, Get ’em, Rollie!

Rollie glanced up at them and grinned, then stepped onto the court and their starting guard, A.J. Wells, headed for the bench.

The other team inbounded the ball, their guard dribbling to half court before Rollie applied pressure. The other player tried to blow past Rollie down the side line, but Rollie was too quick for him, and he was forced to pick up his dribble and look for an open man. Rollie’s teammates stepped up their pressure, too, and the East Henderson guard panicked as the shot clock ran down, throwing a desperation pass that went out of bounds.

Attaboy, Rollie. Bryce cheered as North Henderson inbounded the ball. Bryce said to Jamie, "He’s so quick. Too bad he doesn’t get to play more."

If A.J. wasn’t six-two, maybe Rollie would.

Well, Rollie may be only five-seven, but he’s wicked fast.

Rollie dribbled to the top of the key and fired a pass to his center in the low post. Unfortunately, the other team’s guard anticipated that and made a break on the ball, tipping it toward his own goal and sprinting down court for what looked like an easy breakaway score.

Darn it! Jamie smacked his hands together.

Look! Bryce said, and Rollie took off after the runaway player. Rollie was a speeding blur, making up the distance in spectacular, jaw-dropping fashion. Rollie caught up with him at the other foul line, zipped around him and knocked the ball away. It bounced toward the back wall, seemingly headed out of bounds. Rollie accelerated, caught up to it at the last moment, and planted one foot just inside the back line. He jumped and spun in the air, flinging the ball toward his own goal.

One of Rollie’s teammates, Terrence, who was trailing on the play, caught it and looked down court. He spotted his center standing alone near their goal, and Terrence fired the ball to him. The center took two strides to the hoop and slammed it home, turned, and wagged a finger appreciatively at Rollie.

The crowd loved it.

Rol-lie, Rol-lie, Rol-lie, Bryce and Fred chanted together. Fred elbowed Jamie. Come on, say it with us.

Jamie clapped but didn’t chant. Bryce reached across Fred and poked Jamie on the shoulder. I told you he was quick!

"I don’t remember him being that quick."

You’re just jealous ’cause he’s faster than you.

"He’s always been faster than me, except at distance running, but that last play, that was really fast. Jamie realized that he felt the magic tingle again and he leaned close enough to Fred so that their shoulders touched. Do you feel that?"

Magic?

He nodded.

No. Should I?

I’m not sure.

Fred turned back toward the gym floor and yelled, We’re the Crew, we can’t be beat — Bryce chimed in for the finish, Everybody smell our feet!

Jamie didn’t join them. He was too busy studying Rollie.

Lanny’s Pizza was packed full of rowdy North Henderson High fans after the game, and the air hummed with the sound of teenagers at full throttle. Jamie, Fred, Bryce, and Melanie waited in the big corner booth for Rollie and Tanisha, and when they finally arrived, Jamie and his friends cheered for Rollie. Rollie’s famous grin was broad as the horizon.

Bryce pointed at Rollie as he slid into the booth with Tanisha. You were awesome, dude!

I was, wasn’t I? Rollie blew on the fingernails of his right hand and polished them on his purple North Henderson Knights sweat shirt.

Melanie and Tanisha still wore their cheerleader uniforms. Melanie reached over and patted Rollie’s arm. That was very exciting. You always liven up the game when you play.

Coach said he might let me play more in the next couple of games, ’cause we’re playing weak teams. He thinks I still have a shot at a scholarship. Probably not at a Division One school, but maybe Division Two.

D-One schools probably already have all their commitments, Bryce said.

But not all the D-Two schools. Coach said he’ll make some calls and see if he can help me out. He’s gonna help me put together a highlight video to send to some coaches.

That’s great, Jamie said. Maybe you won’t have to go to the community college after all.

He’s my superstar. Tanisha squeezed Rollie’s arm and stood. Now, if you’ll excuse me for a sec, I’m gonna say hello to the other girls before the pizza gets here.

But you just spent the whole game cheering with them, Fred said.

Tanisha shrugged and walked toward a booth on the far side of the restaurant, jammed full of cheerleaders and friends.

When she was out of earshot Bryce said, Jamie, what was going on with you at the game?

Jamie glanced around the room before leaning over the table and saying in a low voice, I felt something. A magical event.

"A what?"

Somebody did some magic, Fred said quietly. That’s what he means.

Rollie leaned closer, too. What kind of magic?

I’m not sure, Jamie said. But it was significant.

Melanie wrinkled her brow. Is it something to worry about?

Yes, so now I’ll be looking over my shoulder every five seconds, expecting another psycho wizard to materialize out of nowhere to try to kill me.

Have you felt anything else since then?

Just the tingle that I always feel with Fred.

Maybe it was a just a freak thing, then.

I hope so.

Speaking of magic, Fred said, who’s coming with me tomorrow to Rita and Cassandra’s old house?

Not me, Rollie said. Gotta work at the vet. Are you workin’, Jamie?

I already worked three days after school. Besides, Fred will kill me if I don’t go with her.

That’s right. Fred tapped Jamie on top of his curly blond head. "Somebody’s gotta make the magic doorway to Thibodaux. Louisiana’s far away."

Bryce and I are going, Melanie said. I want to see the house where those two witches held you captive. What time are we leaving?

As soon as I finish teaching my dance class.

What exactly are we gonna do, Fred? Bryce said.

We’re taking all of their spell books and any herbs and stuff that we can find lying around. Rita and Cassandra won’t be using them anymore.

Jamie, Bryce said, do you ever feel bad about banishing those witches to that other world?

Nope. They deserved it. They deserved worse, actually.

I wanted him to blast them into little piles of slag, Fred said.

Rollie pushed his mouth to one side as he regarded Fred. How did you finally talk your parents into letting you get the spell books? It’s been almost six weeks since you got rescued.

Persistence, persistence. And every time either of them gets a little cut or something, I put my special healing jelly on it and they realize how helpful my magic can be.

I keep the tube you gave me in my purse all the time, Melanie said. It’s amazing!

Bryce frowned. I have to hide mine. I can’t let my parents know about it. Then he grunted a laugh. And my dad wouldn’t be too happy about it. Might put him out of business.

I thought he was a heart specialist, Jamie said.

Fred elbowed Jamie. Tanisha’s coming back. We need to change the subject.

Tanisha slid into the booth and said, Melanie, I was just talking to one of the waitresses a minute ago. She said they’re always looking for new servers. Do you still want a job?

I can’t get one right now, because my parents won’t let me. They want me to keep my grades up. I’m still in the running for valedictorian, and that will help me get more scholarship money. But as soon as cheerleading is over, I will.

Then we can get free pizza? Rollie forged a hopeful smile. Fred glared at him and his smile vanished. Guess not.

* * *

Rachel Sikes did a quick head count of everyone in her crowded family room. Okay, there’s me, Carl, Jamie, Lisa, Larry, Fred, Bryce, and Melanie. Is everybody here now?

Is Gramma coming? Jamie asked.

She’s volunteering today at the food bank with Grannie Darla.

Are we going to tell Grannie Darla and Granddaddy Pete tonight about the magic?

I think it’s time we did. Carl pulled out his cell phone. Is everybody ready? I’m going to text John Paul.

Is he meeting us there?

Carl nodded while he tapped out the message. Okay, Jamie. Make the doorway.

Everybody grab a box or a bag, Fred said.

Jamie went to the middle of the room and made the now-familiar outlines of a glowing doorway. He pushed it open, then stepped aside and gestured at it. Who wants to be first?

I’ll go. Carl picked up an empty cardboard box from the floor and walked to the open portal, followed by Jamie and the others.

Rachel waited until last to go with Lisa. They stepped through to find themselves in a weedy yard before a squat wooden house with a small porch. Sitting on the front steps was John Paul Lambeau, the police officer who helped rescue Fred from the two witches.

Welcome to Thibodaux. John Paul rose to greet them. His serious face was tanned and his eyes were dark brown. He was not as broad in the shoulders as Carl, but he was wiry and tough-looking. He wore his blue uniform, his gun belted at his waist. His police car was parked off to the side in the high grass beside the witches’ old Ford LTD. He and Carl shook hands and grinned at each other.

Glad you could make it, John Paul, Carl said. You remember Lisa and Larry, don’t you?

Of course. That was a nice dinner you fixed for me last week, Mrs. Callahan.

Please, for the umpteenth time, call me Lisa. You should have dinner with us again, soon.

I will. Sure beats bachelor cooking. Just get Jamie to make a doorway for me, and I’ll be there.

Carl introduced Bryce and Melanie while Larry stood with his hands on his hips and viewed the shabby house. So this is it? Larry said. Not much to look at, is it, Fred?

"I don’t think Rita and Cassandra were too interested in making the cover of Southern Living."

Carl started up the steps. Let’s go inside. Is it still locked?

Yes, John Paul said. I tried it when I got here.

What’s going to happen to this place now that no one’s living in it?

I did some checking. The house is in Isabella’s name. She was the witch who got killed, remember? It’s paid for, so it’ll just sit here until the property taxes get too far in arrears. Then the county will auction it off. Could take a long time, though, knowing how things work around here. This is Louisiana, after all.

Jamie walked up the steps to the front door. I wonder if Rita’s wards are still in place. Fred, can she feel them on the other world? Will she know we’re here, trying to get in?

Good question. I really don’t know. Doesn’t matter, though.

We should do an experiment sometime. You could make a ward at your house, and I could —

Jamie, unlock the door!

Hmph. Jamie touched the lock and it clicked, then he turned the knob and opened it. He walked inside and everyone followed, carrying boxes or bags.

Rachel stepped into the dark front room and wrinkled her nose. What’s that smell?

Cigarettes and beer, and probably kitchen garbage that never got taken out, John Paul said. Smells like that bar they used to go to, the Rusty Screw. He flicked the wall switch and the lamp by the door came on. Power hasn’t been turned off yet.

Rachel surveyed the room. It had red-painted walls and dark, heavy furniture, the largest of which was a vinyl couch, marked with cigarette burns. The shelves were covered with books, bric-a-brac, and stubby candles. Every surface seemed to be cluttered with junk. I guess they weren’t neat freaks, were they?

Melanie picked up an empty Jack Daniels bottle from the coffee table. No.

Lisa’s her eyes were flinty. I want to see where they held you prisoner, Fred.

It’s back here. Fred led them down the hall to an open doorway. They all filed in and examined the sparsely furnished room that served as Fred’s prison for two awful weeks during December. The walls were bare, and the only furniture was a rusty, iron-framed bed, a dresser, a washstand, and a bedside table. A single window was near one corner, and on the floor was a dented white chamber pot.

Is that the pot you hit the guy in the head with? Bryce asked.

Fred nodded. As hard as I could.

Melanie scowled. You should’ve hit him some more.

I was too busy getting him off of me before I suffocated. He was as big as a whale.

Rachel eyed the chain on the floor that was fastened to the bedpost. Fred, is that what they put on your leg? It’s awful!

Fred nodded again, her face grim.

Larry poked it with one foot and his face grew hard. It’s a good thing I didn’t come with you to rescue her, Carl. I don’t know what I would’ve done. I might’ve killed them.

No you wouldn’t. If anybody would’ve, it would’ve been Fred.

We still can, Fred said. Jamie, why don’t you make a doorway to that world where you banished them and —

Some other time, Carl said forcefully. Right now, we need to get the books and stuff and head back home.

Fred stood with her arms crossed, jaw thrust out. Okay. Fred sniffed and turned away and rubbed her nose with the back of her hand. But don’t expect me to forgive them anytime soon. It’s hard to forget about being chained up, tortured and starved for two weeks.

We don’t want you to forgive them, Carl said. Let’s just get what we came for and get out of this dump.

What are we looking for, Fred? Bryce said.

All of the books and anything that might be usable in a potion or powder. Those will probably be in little bags or jars.

How will we know if it’s a spell book? Melanie said.

It’s the only kind of books they had. I don’t think they were much into novels. Fashion magazines, maybe, but not much else.

They split up, and Rachel and Lisa went into one of the witches’ bedrooms. Lisa’s face was pinched as she looked at the mess. I wish we’d brought rubber gloves.

Clothes were strewn everywhere — over the bed, a chair, the two dressers, and in deep piles on the floor like snow drifts. Lisa gingerly picked up a black leather bra from a heap near her foot, holding it as if it were toxic.

I think hazmat suits would be more appropriate, Rachel said. Let’s get this over with quickly. She lifted a pile of clothes from the nearest dresser and searched for anything useful.

Lisa opened the drawer of the nightstand. Nothing but an empty cigarette pack and a lighter and…eww! A condom. She made a face of pure disgust. A used one.

We may find worse in here before we’re done. Rachel toed a pile of blouses and underwear, reluctant to touch it with her hands after Lisa’s discovery.

How about this? Lisa held up a plastic zip-topped bag with a small amount of a dark green substance lining the bottom.

That looks like pot. Rachel called, Carl?

He stepped into the room and Lisa showed him the bag. He opened it, took one sniff and said, I’ll flush it.

Rachel pulled open a dresser drawer. Let’s hurry and get out of here.

Bryce was the last to step back through the magic doorway back into Rachel’s family room, his arms laden with heavy, leather-bound books.

Jamie counted everyone, and apparently satisfied, gestured at the portal and it winked out.

"That was disgusting, Melanie said, flapping her hands and grimacing. Fred, you were held prisoner by the worst lowlifes ever!"

I know. How many spell books did we get?

Seventeen, I think, Bryce said, setting his load on the floor.

Larry, Lisa said, where are we going to keep them?

Fred answered for him. I thought we could keep a couple on the coffee table with the travel books. They’d make good conversation starters.

Carl laughed and Larry said, We’re going to hide them somewhere in the basement, of course. He turned to Fred and shook one finger at her. No one outside of our little group is to know about these. No one! Do you understand?

Of course, Dad. Fred rolled her eyes. I’m not stupid, you know. Besides, the oath should apply here.

I’ll get a couple of footlockers with padlocks. That should do the trick.

How about the herbs and stuff? Melanie held up a small green jar, half-filled with grey powder.

We can keep those in the kitchen, Fred said. That’s the best place to make potions and stuff.

Melanie pulled out another jar from the box at her feet and read the label. Dried salamander tongue? Do you really want to keep that in your pantry?

I’ve heard that’s good in chili, Jamie said with a straight face.

Lisa gave Jamie a narrow-eyed look. We’ll keep that stuff in the basement, too. Then she shot a parentally stern glare at Fred. You are not to make anything without adult supervision, young lady. No spells, potions or powders. Do I make myself clear?

How about amulets?

Nothing! No magic without me or Larry around.

Mom, what difference would that make? You have no idea what I’m doing, so you don’t know if I’m doing something dangerous or not.

Lisa closed her eyes and rubbed her temples with her fingertips. Fred…just do as I say, all right? We only want you to be safe.

And the rest of us to be safe, too, Larry said.

I agree with them, Rachel said. That way you can still do your magic, but your parents won’t worry about you so much.

Fine. Whatever.

Okay, Rachel said. Carl and Jamie, we need to go home and finish cleaning up before Granddaddy Pete’s party.

Are you going someplace special? Melanie asked.

I thought we’d go back to Waikiki, Jamie said.

Waikiki? Her lower lip poked out. I’m jealous.

I’m sorry you can’t go with us, but we’re trying to keep it small tonight. Dad thinks Granddaddy will take the news about the magic better if we don’t overwhelm him with a crowd.

Melanie’s lip pushed out farther, and Jamie added, We can go some other time. Maybe we can double date. You, Bryce, Fred, and me.

I’m all for that, Bryce said and clapped Jamie on the shoulder. Still going running with me tomorrow?

Jamie groaned and said, Oh man, I’m so out of shape.

Have you been running this week?

Just once. It’s hard when I’m working afternoons at the vet.

"You’d better be running. Track practice starts soon."

Chapter 2

Carl led his gray-haired father and mother from the front door to the family room, where everyone waited.

Jamie jumped up from the couch and greeted them warmly. Carl’s mother-in-law Evelyn was there, along with her twin sister Connie and Connie’s husband, Ray.

I see the Callahans are here, too, Pete said with a nod toward Larry and Lisa, sitting at the table. Fred stood in the kitchen doorway, chatting with Rachel, who had one hand on the refrigerator door handle.

We’re going someplace special tonight, Dad, Carl said. I don’t think you’ve been there before.

Jamie held up a Bible. But first, you have to swear an oath.

To go out to dinner? Pete’s brow furrowed. Are you pulling my leg? Then he grinned. Oh, I get it. It’s a birthday joke, like edible underwear.

Nope. Jamie set the Bible on the coffee table. You really have to swear an oath. Both of you do, Grannie Darla, ’cause we’re going to show you something special, and you can’t tell anybody about it.

Ray sat up on the edge of the couch and held out one finger toward Pete. I’ll be right there with you, in case you have as hard a time with it as I did. A grin split his narrow face. But dang, once you get used to it, it’s beyond amazing.

Pete, his mouth partly open, looked at Ray suspiciously, then turned to Carl. Okay, son, the joke’s gone far enough.

I’m telling you, it’s not a joke. Carl pulled a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and unfolded it. This is the oath Rachel and I had to say when Jamie showed this special thing to us, back in September.

I’ve been wondering about something, Jamie, Fred said. Remember when we said this oath for the first time, back when we were little, in your clubhouse?

How could I forget that? You made me and Rollie wear dress-up clothes.

I thought we made you swear not to tell anybody, especially our parents. Now we’re telling your whole family. How can that be? Do you think the oath is still working?

I’ve been wondering about that, too, and here’s what I think is going on. When Renn showed up here and tried to kill me, my parents found out about the magic anyway, so that part of the oath didn’t apply like it used to.

Pete and Darla stared at Jamie with stunned expressions. Darla said, Somebody tried to kill you? And you didn’t tell us?

I couldn’t. But now we can tell you everything, soon as you take the oath.

Larry patted Pete on the shoulder. I did it. Ray did it. He gestured at the others. We all did it. It’s not hard at all.

Darla’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows drew down. Is it going to be painful?

Larry laughed. It feels pretty good, actually.

Fred knelt beside the coffee table and put her hand on the Bible. Come on, don’t be so chicken. Let’s get this over with, ’cause I’m getting hungry.

Pete and Darla exchanged worried glances, but when Jamie joined Fred, they did, too.

Carl set the piece of paper in front of them so that they both could read it. Jamie smiled at his grandparents reassuringly. It’s fine. You’ll see.

Okay, Darla said with a little shrug toward Pete. What can it hurt? Pete and Darla put their hands on the Bible with Jamie and Fred, studied the paper before them and read aloud, I solemnly swear in the eyes of God and my friends to never tell or reveal to anyone what I am about to see and hear tonight. Their hands began to glow, then flared a brilliant white before fading.

Pete sprang to his feet and stared at his hand. What in the hell was that?

Evelyn frowned. Watch your language, Pete.

He looked from Carl to Jamie, then at his hand again, as if it were something dangerous. What was it? Was that one of your magic tricks, Jamie?

It was real magic, not a trick.

Don’t pull my leg. I’m too old for this.

Show ’em, Jamie, Carl said. Make the doorway.

Why aren’t we going to the three moon world? Ray said. That’ll convince ’em.

It’s too cold, Jamie said. I checked earlier. Besides, there’s no restaurant. He outlined the glowing shape of a magic doorway, and he pushed it open, revealing a lush, tropical landscape beyond.

Pete and Darla stared at it with their mouths wide open. Ray grabbed Pete by the elbow. I’ll help you, Pete. I know exactly what it’s like.

Who wants to be first? Jamie said.

I do. Fred slipped on a pair of sunglasses and strode through the doorway to Waikiki Beach as if she owned it.

Carl sat next to his father at the table, underneath a pair of thatched umbrellas. Graceful palm trees lined the perimeter of the outdoor restaurant, and a singer with a ukulele sat in one shady corner, his music drifting over the warm, salty air. Are you okay, Dad?

Pete rubbed his forehead with the fingertips of one hand and stared at the table top. Oof. I guess. Then he looked up. "It’s just…it’s…it’s crazy."

Darla cradled her face in her hands. She was pale as the ghost of the Queen Victoria. Jamie, you…you’ve been hiding this since you were eight?

Yes ma’am.

Evelyn? She looked at Jamie’s other grandmother, sitting near the end of the long table. You didn’t know either? You practically raised the boy.

I didn’t know until this past September, though I had my suspicions. We had some strange things happen at the house from time to time.

Pete regarded Jamie for a long moment and said, And you have all the memories and power of some old wizard? What all can you do?

Well, I can fly, and I can —

Fly? Pete’s face registered a new round of shock, his defenses overwhelmed again.

You should see it, Pete, Larry said. That’s why I wish we were on the three moon world. Then he could fly around and blast stuff. It’s better than fireworks!

Lisa tsked. Larry loves the blasting.

It’s fun, Jamie said.

I’m sure it must be.

And that wizard you killed…Ron…Renn? Darla said. He’d been hunting you for a long time?

My whole life, pretty much.

How awful.

Pete turned to Carl. Did the older wizard really leave you all the money from the house after he sold it to you?

Yep. It had been accruing interest for almost eighteen years. It was a fair chunk of change, even after taxes. That’s how I bought my new truck and Rachel got her Honda. There’s still enough left for Jamie’s college and a little bit for our retirement.

Can’t believe you paid taxes on that money. Pete’s mouth pinched tightly. Should’ve talked to me, first. I could’ve helped you find a shelter for it. I’ve got friends who know all about—

Never mind, Dad. Carl looked toward the entrance. The hostess was walking in their direction, carrying a stack of menus and leading a group of hungry-looking tourists. Fred began twirling the pendant she wore on a chain around her neck and the new-arrivers paused, uncomfortable looks clouding their faces, and they veered and headed to the far side of the patio, where the hostess seated them.

What’s that do, Fred? Darla eyed Fred’s necklace.

"It’s a repulsion spell. When they got close to us, they suddenly decided that they really didn’t want to sit here. That way we can talk and not be overheard."

And you’re a witch. Darla shook her head slowly and sighed. So strange. So very strange.

Why didn’t that pendant affect us? Pete said.

Fred pointed at the woven bracelet she wore on her wrist. Because of this. It’s a counter charm. It protects us from the spell. That’s why I made everybody wear one.

Darla examined hers more carefully. I wondered why you wanted us to wear these tacky plastic things. I thought it was some kind of birthday gag, like party hats or something. It’s doesn’t exactly go with my other jewelry.

I wear mine all the time, Jamie said.

Fred pulled hers off and twirled it between her fingers. I could put the charm in fancier bracelets, but they would cost more. I got these at the Dollar Store. Maybe if I got a raise in my allowance, I could make nicer ones. She gazed squarely at her father.

Larry grunted and said, These are nice enough.

Pete turned back to Jamie. So these doorway things, uh…you can make them anywhere? Other worlds, even?

Yes sir. Maybe when we get back to the house, I’ll make one to the three moon world so you can see what it’s like.

How about the world where that old sorcerer was from? Do you ever go there?

I’m afraid to. A magic doorway sends off a pretty powerful signal to other sorcerers, and I don’t want to attract the attention of any more psychos.

What’s that world like?

Nice, I guess.

Was it like Earth?

Pretty much, I think. At least, like North Carolina. It wasn’t like Waikiki.

Lisa raised her glass, a frozen drink with two orange slices on the rim, and giggled. Well, what is?

* * *

Fred found Jamie in a dream that night. She conjured one of his favorite settings, the dream-meadow, where she sat on the soft grass. She made the sunlight gauzy and warm, but not hot. Wildflowers were everywhere, and a few colorful butterflies flitted from blossom to blossom, like friendly neighbors stopping by to say hello.

Jamie materialized with his head in her lap. Hey. He smiled at her and reached one hand up, tangling his fingers in her red curls.

Hey, yourself. She smiled back at him and rested her hand on his forehead. Wild night, hunh?

Yeah. He laughed softly. But I thought Granddaddy Pete took it okay. So did Grannie Darla. Neither of them had a heart attack, at least.

"So everybody who matters knows about the magic now, except for Rollie’s parents.

I feel bad about that. They would’ve enjoyed dinner at Waikiki. I feel like we’re leaving them out more and more from our family gatherings. They should’ve been there, too.

Do you think we’ll ever be able to tell them?

I don’t see how. Rollie’s dad is so convinced that magic and Satan go hand-in-hand, he’d probably pack up and move away if we told him the truth.

I don’t think Rollie’s mom is that bad. I heard her talking to my mom once about wanting to see the Harry Potter movies, but she was worried that her husband would freak out.

He would.

I know. They wordlessly looked into each other’s faces, and Fred’s mouth grew tight. Jamie, today, at Rita and Cassandra’s house. She sucked in her breath and held it briefly. I was having a hard time. A really really hard time. I was remembering how bad it was when I was a prisoner there, all of the pain and stuff. It was nearly overwhelming.

It didn’t show. I couldn’t tell.

That’s because you were mostly in the other bedroom, sifting through Rita’s mess.

Yuck. Don’t remind me. Are you okay now?

Now that we’re alone, I am. She touched her fingertip to her lips and kissed it, then placed it on his. It’s like…it’s like I know the bad feelings are still there, but they’re one step removed, like they’re something rancid that I put in a zippered plastic bag. I can see them, and I know they still stink, but I can’t smell them right now.

I know what’ll make you forget about that. He sat up, put his arms around her neck, and pulled her face to his, kissing her gently. How’s that?

She looked at him slyly. I’m pretty troubled right now. I think I need much more therapy.

I can take care of that. He kissed her again and again, until she woke up in her bed and sighed happily.

* * *

The demon slowed and stood erect when