Spirit of Revenge: Spirits of Secrets Included

By S. J. Smale

Revenge

Well, it seems the cleaning fairys been here, he whispered in her ear.

Stella nodded and moved slowly toward the door, itching to get to her bedroom, where she left her gun. She didnt like feeling at a disadvantage. George stayed close by her side as they made their way to her bedroom. He kept his shield around her as she cautiously walked over to the chair by her closet and watched her quickly pull on her shoulder harness that cradled her gun.

Feeling more secure now that she was armed, Stella turned, narrowing her eyes, searching the room. At first glance, nothing seemed to be disturbed. But when she looked at the mirror over the vanity, her eyes widened. Words were written on the mirror with her favorite lipstick.

How does it feel knowing I can take from you like you took from me? I will have my revenge.

Secrets

Over the last year, Stella was forced to face the fact that indeed she was different. One blow after another continually hit her from her heritage, almost destroying her mental health.

If it werent for George Smale coming into her life at that time, she knew she might have been stuck in a psychiatric ward somewhere for the insane. Of course, he would say it was her own inner strength that kept her balanced precariously on the thin line of sanity. Whatever the reason for her keeping her sanity intact, she was tremendously grateful for it. She accepted not only her heritage now but also the fact that she was a direct descendant of Queen Ravena and Prince Gareg. She now considered this fact a gift.

Even though she had royal blood flowing through her and was considered the most powerful being in the human world, Stella insisted on dealing with problems the normal, human way. As a private investigator, she relied on facts and procedures, the same way she relied on them when she was a lieutenant on the police force.

Now the most important thing was to keep what they were a secret from the rest of the world. Magic must always be kept a secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Feb 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781490787428

S. J. Smale

I grew up in a small town. My nose was always buried in a book. I developed a love of reading and writing. Writing has filled my life ever since and has brought me so much joy.

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Copyright 2018 S.J. Smale.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8741-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8742-8 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Trafford rev. 02/19/2018

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CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty – One

Chapter Twenty – Two

Chapter Twenty – Three

Chapter Twenty – Four

Chapter Twenty – Five

Chapter Twenty – Six

Chapter Twenty – Seven

Chapter Twenty – Eight

Chapter Twenty – Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty – One

Chapter Thirty – Two

Chapter Thirty – Three

Spirit Of Secrets

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty – One

Chapter Twenty – Two

Chapter Twenty – Three

Chapter Twenty – Four

Chapter Twenty – Five

Chapter Twenty – Six

Chapter Twent – Seven

Chapter Twenty – Eight

Spirit of

REVENGE

By

S.J. SMALE

Magic lives everywhere.

It lives in our very surroundings.

Every snowflake, every grain of sand are unique and one of a kind, and that’s magic.

The sound of a child’s laughter is the best magic in the world.

And

All things are possible in the world of dreams and magic. They have no limits.

I want to give thanks to my wonderful brother.

He stood by my side in good times and bad and accepts me for my whacky

imagination. I also want to thank him for his encouragement in my writing.

I love you Walter

And as always I thank my late husband for all the wonderful magic he brought into my life.

My love for you will never die

CHAPTER ONE

S tella opened her eyes feeling the warmth of the summer sun streaming in on her face through her bedroom window. She heard the steady breathing beside her that told her George was still asleep. A smile played on her lips as she lay there remembering their love-making and afterwards falling asleep safe and warm nestled close to him.

She turned her head taking a few lazy moments to study her personal miracle. His face was relaxed in sleep, long dark eyelashes fanning the top of his rugged chiseled cheeks, covering a pair of deep blue eyes. His thick rich glossy mass of black hair mussed up from sleep framing a wonderfully sculptured face. Her fingers itched to dive into all that black silkiness. Her heart picked up its beating as she glanced down to his hands remembering what those talented strong fingers were capable of doing to her, how they sent her soaring.

It was a night for celebration for her family, friends and the police department. George’s squad got to close their cold cases and some of the Sambini Family was finally charged with criminal charges.

Brad Simon a convicted killer that was accidently released from prison was captured and once again behind bars where he belonged with more charges laid against him to insure he’d remain there for a long, long time.

Stella had closed her embezzling case.

All in all, she thought as she gently climbed out of bed so as not to wake him, a pretty good night for everyone.

As she made her way silently to the shower, George peered at her through his lashes. A smile played on his lips. Of course he wasn’t asleep. He woke the moment she did and lay still sensing her watching him. Now he was watching her as she slipped into the bathroom.

His personal miracle.

George slipped out of bed, his body and mind completely relaxed knowing Brad Simon was back where he belonged and Stella was safe. Well, his mind was in a relaxed state. He pulled on his rumpled suit pants and headed for the kitchen to make the coffee, hoping that will relax his body.

The aroma was heavenly and had Stella rushing through her shower. She didn’t take time to dress but threw on her battered robe and floppy slippers before drifting towards the aroma of liquid life.

Her heart stopped when she entered the kitchen and saw George standing at the counter half naked with his back to her, pouring the coffee. Her mouth pooled at the sight of those muscles rippling with each movement. His long thick black hair carelessly, kissing the top of his shoulders. Her fingers itched to dive right in. Even with his back to her, she envisioned his face. A face carved by the gods. Heat began to build in her as her breathing quickened.

George turned, sensing her. His eyes sparkled with heat as they looked at her. Her long flaming red hair turned auburn from the shower, still wet hung straight down, clinging to her, framing her creamy face. Her sea-green eyes glazed with passion. God he wanted her now.

It would have taken only a slight movement from either one and they would have found themselves on the floor filling each other if it hadn’t been for a knock on the door acting like a splash of cold water on their fevered passions.

George recovered first smiled and turned to finish pouring the coffee. He needed time for his passion to lower. Stella was a half a second behind him. A scowl replaced the passion on her face as she made her way down the stairs to the back door.

I swear I’m going to sell this place, move and not give out the address, she tossed over her shoulder.

She heard George chuckle as she opened the door.

Ready to blast whoever interrupted what would have been a very good morning, she yanked the door open. Her mouth opened to spew out some very inventive expletives on the unsuspecting intruder. She stood mouth open eyes narrowed and stared at nothing. There was no one on the other side of the door.

‘Well, for God’s sake,’ she thought, ‘I heard the knock, so did George.’ She took a step out and glanced around but there was no one in sight.

Stella walked back in closing the door behind her. She walked up the stairs and back into the kitchen. George just raised his eyebrows in question and she answered with a shrug of her shoulders.

Must be kids in the neighbourhood playing tricks, she mused.

George passed her a cup on her way to the table. He kissed her bangs skirting her forehead and took his cup to the shower with him.

When George came back into the kitchen he was dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt. He smiled at the perplexed look on her face.

It’s Saturday, what would you like to do?

Saturday? she asked.

Yes it usually follows Friday, he chuckled.

I know it follows Friday, don’t be such a smart ass. She scowled covering up the embarrassing fact she hadn’t realized what day it was.

Ignoring her remark and hiding his smirk, Since it is the weekend, what would you like to do? He ran his finger down her cheek and watched the blush bloom in her face.

We can do that, he grinned, watching her eyes glaze over.

Stella found it hard to breathe when he touched her like that. She felt her arms lifting her hands fisting in his hair pulling his face down to hers. His lips brushed hers just when the phone rang. She spewed out a few colourful and uncomplimentary remarks against his lips.

The moment was ruined. Again.

Stella stood up pushing George out of her way and stomped over to the phone. His needs would just have to wait a little longer.

Stella yanked the phone off its hook, this better be important, she yelled into the receiver, or I’m coming over there and ripping the cord out of the wall and strangling you with it. There was no answer. The only sound she heard was the dial tone. She held the phone away from her frowning at it.

Baffled, she hung up the phone and looked back at George standing at the table. Her spidey sense, as she liked to call her heightened instinct, started giving her tingles.

I think what we need to do first is to get out of here, she frowned.

How about a walk on the beach to start with, he suggested.

Stella thought about it and decided fresh air and beach sand was just what they needed. Watching waves gently lapping at the shore and feeling the warm white sand under her feet sounded so relaxing. After the last couple of months of mayhem and murder, they deserved a little R & R.

She left him to get dressed, and then together they put together a small picnic basket and headed out to enjoy a peaceful morning of soaking in some sun and lazing on warm white sand. It struck her that since the day they met they only spent bits and pieces of time together and most of that time was spent in bed or on the floor or at a murder scene. This was giving them a chance to spend quality time without work forming the bulk of their conversations.

The sand glistened in the morning sun. The beach was almost deserted. Only a few people scattered along it, a couple of morning joggers getting their early exercise in before the start of their day. Further down a woman sat on a large rock formation her knees up arms wrapped around them gazing out over the water.

After laying out a blanket and taking off their shoes and socks and rolling up their pant legs, George and Stella strolled along the water’s edge hand in hand. They stopped now and then to reach down and pick up an empty shell or sparkling stone to exam the beauty of them.

George heard Stella’s sigh of contentment. This is exactly what they both needed and he wanted to drag it out for as long as possible. Since the day they met, Stella began a roller coaster ride that rocked her world and set her on a path of doubting herself. He wrapped his arm around her holding her close as they slowly made their way back to the blanket. This was the first time he’d truly seen her relax.

When they sat down George opened the basket taking out the croissants they bought from a bakery on their way to the beach. Stella took out a plate of cubed cheese a bowl of sliced fruit, plates, and glasses and arranged them all on the blanket. George busied himself opening the bottle of wine.

It felt good to feel the warm sun on their skin as they sat eating and talking. They talked about everything and nothing. Work was the furthest thing on their minds, almost like a mini vacation. Stella found herself giggling like a school girl as she wiggled her toes in the warm sand.

After eating they put everything back in the basket, Stella stretched out on the blanket eyes closed soaking up the rays.

George had never seen her look so peaceful. He traced his finger softly along her face and watched her smile. Contentment suited her and he wished he could keep her like this forever. She sighed at the touch of his finger against her skin.

Neither of them noticed the girl sitting on the rocks turning her head to watch them as they made their way back from the shore line to the blanket. They were too far away from her to see her eyes burn with rage.

CHAPTER TWO

T he relaxed mood continued on the way back to Stella’s. George was in no hurry as he drove. They kept up an easy flow of conversation each one telling the other little stories of their childhood and laughing at some of their anecdotes.

Stella couldn’t remember ever being so comfortable and easy with anyone else before. She’d always been on her guard with people and kept her distance. Deep down she’d always felt different from everyone, not quite fitting in and never knew why.

It didn’t help being teased all through school because of her flaming red hair and the fact that all the kids knew her mom was a freak show with her visions.

She kept to herself during her time in the Police Academy too, studying constantly to achieve her goal. She took personal pride in graduating top of her class. When she got the appointment she wanted, she worked twice as hard and flew up through the ranks only to have all her hard work destroyed by a few careless words from her mother at one of her briefings.

Sharing the same secret, Stella opened up more and more to George. Because they shared the same secret she was able to laugh for the first time about the strange things that seemed to gravitate towards her, knowing he would not tease her about them or look at her like she had sprouted horns or grown another head.

Stella was still laughing as they walked up to the back door of her house. A tingle ran down her spine. Stella’s natural reflex had her reaching for her gun only to remember she wasn’t wearing it.

Her actions triggered one of George’s. He waved his hand murmuring low creating a shield around them.

What is it Stella, he turned his head looking in all directions.

I’m sorry George, I didn’t mean to startle you, grabbing the door handle, turning it discovering it was still locked gave her a small measure of reassurance.

Stella, I trust your instincts, he put his hands on her shoulders to move her back away from the door. Maybe I should go in first, you’re not armed but I am, George wiggled his fingers to prove his point.

Stella frowned not used to being in the position of being protected. Up until now her career put her in charge protecting others. Finding the door still locked had her wondering what triggered the tingle. And up until now it never let her down. So to side with caution she knew he had a valid point, she wasn’t wearing her weapon whereas he was never without his. She took a step back.

George didn’t need a key to unlock the door. Being a warlock had its advantages. Stella followed him into the house. They made their way slowly up the stairs into the kitchen.

Everything looked the same as they had left it or almost. Stella noticed the cups they left on the table were missing. They hadn’t gotten around to washing up before they left for the beach. George stood frowning down at the table. He too remembered leaving their cups there.

Well it seems the cleaning fairy’s been here, he whispered in her ear.

Stella nodded and moved slowly towards the door itching to get to her bedroom, where she left her gun. She didn’t like feeling at a disadvantage. George stayed close by her side as they made their way to her bedroom. He kept his shield around her as she cautiously walked over to the chair by her closet and watched her quickly pull on her shoulder harness that cradled her gun.

Feeling more secure now that she was armed, Stella turned narrowing her eyes searching the room. At first glance, nothing seemed to be disturbed. But when she looked at the mirror over the vanity her eyes widened. Words were written on the mirror with her favourite lipstick.

How does it feel knowing I can take from you like you took from me.

I will have my revenge.

Stella walked over and picked up her mangled tube of lipstick. ‘Well hell, now I have to buy another one,’ she thought. For some reason the note and the fact that someone got in her home didn’t bother her as much as having someone touching her personal property.

George wasn’t in as generous a mood. His eyes turned to steel and he started vibrating with rage that anyone could get this close to Stella to threaten her. Sparks began to fly out from him. The air whirled around him sending his thick black hair billowing around his face.

Stella knew she couldn’t go to him to calm him down. Not when he was in this burning rage. She stood back and began shouting hoping to get his attention. George, you’re going to burn down my house! I’m okay, I’m right here, please George calm down!

It took a few minutes for her words to penetrate his rage. Finally the air stopped swirling around and his eyes went from steel to a cold metallic blue. As soon as the sparks stopped spewing out Stella went over to him and wrapped her arms around him. Her touch worked like magic as he crushed her to him burying his face in her hair. Feeling her next to him, realizing she was unharmed he started to relax.

Never in his life had he ever felt so frightened. He took a few more minutes just holding her to steady himself. Just feeling the touch of her hand’s steadily patting him on his back soothed him.

When Stella felt George was calmed down enough, she took a step back and looked up into his face. She was relieved to find the terror was gone as well as the rage. She found looking at his clenched jaw an underlining anger still lingering and she could deal with that.

Okay, she took a breath. The first thing I think we should do is check the rest of the house for any sign of a break-in. Find out where they got in. And then we need to repair the scorch marks to my room.

This had George glancing around and made him feel embarrassed. Instead of waiting he cast out a spell to repair the damage first hoping to lessen her distress.

Then George agreed and followed her out of the room. They checked every window and door and came up empty. All windows were shut and locked as well as the doors other than the one they entered. George had unlocked it before they came in.

On her way back through her office to her private quarters her cell phone rang. Stella took it out of her pocket and flipped it open and saw it was her mother calling.

Hi mom, sorry I’m a little busy here, she answered.

Well of course you’re busy, but so am I. I’m sorry dear I just can’t meet you right now, I’m kind of in the middle of something. Wanda apologized.

What do you mean meet me, mom. What are you talking about?

You told the police to call me and ask me to meet you in the park, she huffed out her impatience.

First, the only cop I’ve been talking to today is George and he’s right here with me, second, why would I want you to meet me in the park? Stella frowned.

Well how would I know Stella? All I know is that the officer told me you wanted to meet me there, but like I told him I can’t right now dear.

Mom I never asked anyone to call you. Stella felt a trickle of fear.

Hmm, well isn’t that strange. That nice officer must have gotten me mixed up with someone else. Wanda sighed.

Mom I want you to stay in the house, I’ll be right over. She hung up before her mother could argue with her.

Stella knew her mother called because she couldn’t see her when she was this close to George. She also knew as long as her mother remained in the house she was safe. She started pacing back and forth going over everything that happened so far today.

First the mysterious knock on the door, then the phone ringing and no one on the other end, the mystery intruder and finally a message for her mother to meet her. Someone was very busy going to a lot of trouble to get their message across.

‘Well so much for a relaxing weekend,’ Stella thought as they raced to the car. George put in a quick call to the precinct to ascertain if there was a call put through to Ms. Blake. Moments later as he was driving, his phone rang. According to dispatch there had been no calls put through from there to a Ms. Blake.

George pulled up in front of the Blake’s estate home. The ancient law did not permit him to enter without an implicit invitation from Wanda. He hesitated for only a minute getting out of the car, while Stella jumped out and dashed toward the front door.

In her hurry to make sure her mother was safe, Stella didn’t realize George was not with her when she reached the door. She stopped and looked back finding him leaning against the car door looking very anxious.

George, c’mon, she shouted back to him.

Stella, he called back to her. I can’t go in with you without being invited in.

I’m inviting you, so get your ass moving, frustration spewing out from every pore, she desperately wanted to get in and make sure her mother was safe.

Sorry Stella but it’s your mother that has to invite me. She’s the owner and head of the family. He desperately wanted to be by her side.

Stella was about to argue with him when the door opened and Maria stood there looking at the both of them. She wondered why they weren’t together.

Maria, would you please ask mom to come out here? Stella pleaded.

Maria raised her eyebrows at the question but did as Stella asked. A few moments later, Wanda appeared at the door not pleased at the interruption.

Stella, I told you this was not a convenient time for me, she huffed.

I’m sorry mom but would you please invite George in so we can talk?

Wanda stared wide-eyed at her daughter then swept her gaze over to where George was leaning against his car. It took a second to size up the situation. He could not enter without her specific invitation now that they all knew what they were. A slow smirk formed at her lips.

Stella watched her mother and knew she was getting a lot of pleasure out of this.

Mom, please, it’s important. Stella snapped.

Very well, she spoke to George. "You may enter wizard.

Warlock, he said as he reached the door. Wizards, witches and elves are inferior beings. George cocked an eyebrow at her.

Maybe it was the fear he saw for himself of the danger Stella was in that put his back up to the constant insult from her mother that had him lashing back at her. But as soon as he uttered the insult he was instantly sorry for it.

Why you insufferable monster, just for that you can stay out there, Wanda puffed herself up fuming at his insults.

I apologize for that outburst, but as you and I both know, it’s too late Ms. Blake, once the invitation is offered it cannot be rescinded. It’s the law. George walked past her into the house.

Stella could only stand and stare at the both of them. Not having a clue what the laws were she understood her mother had the look of someone who had just lost a bet.

Apparently warlocks were not allowed in the home of a fairy unless invited and once the invitation was offered it could not be withdrawn. ‘Silly law,’ she shook her head and walked past them heading towards the kitchen.

Stella pushed the door open as her mother grabbed her arm to stop her. Too late, Stella saw the tarot cards and cups of tea set on the table. She realized at once she’d interrupted one of her mother’s psychic readings. Her shoulders drooped.

A woman sitting at the table looked up startled to find Stella standing in the doorway. Her cheeks bloomed under the embarrassment.

Wanda pushed past Stella apologizing to the woman as she shoved her daughter none too gently out of the room.

Stella what are you doing? I told you I was busy and now that poor woman is upset with you barging in like that. Her angry green eyes sent razor blades shooting up at her daughter.

I’m sorry mom, but this is important, she apologized.

And what I can do for that poor woman isn’t? Wanda snapped back. I know you don’t think much of our gifts, Stella, but that woman in there, needs my help. My gift helps people and that’s what I’m going to do. Hands fisted on her hips she shook her head as she spoke.

Whoa, whoa, Stella’s hands went up in a protective manner as she backed away from her. I said I was sorry.

Sometimes sorry just doesn’t cut it my dear and I’m sick and tired of your attitude about us. Wanda whirled around eyes sparkling with tears of temper.

George would have stepped in if it wasn’t for the altercation at the front door. He didn’t think Wanda would listen to him at the moment and he was sorry his temper placed a wall between them.

Wanda took a few calming breaths turned to look at her daughter, the tears were gone.

I’m going to go back in there and do what I can for that poor woman. You two can wait in the parlor or leave. It’s up to you. With that said Wanda lifted her chin and walked back into the kitchen.

Well I guess all we succeeded in doing was both of us pissing off your mother. George sent Stella a sympathetic smile.

Yeah well for me that’s no big surprise there, she frowned. I’ve always been a disappointment to her.

CHAPTER THREE

T hey waited in the parlor. Maria brought in a tray of coffee for them. She was itching to know what the problem was that brought them here. They both carried the look of worry when they showed up at the house, but she knew better than to ask any questions until Wanda joined them.

It took a long time. Stella used it to pace back and forth mentally going over all the events trying to make sense of them. A half an hour later they heard Wanda escorting the woman to the front door then her footsteps bringing her back to the parlor.

Stella could see at once by the look on her mother’s face that whatever that woman wanted from her mother has upset her. She went over to her put her arm around her. She didn’t like the fact that her mother took on the worries of strangers.

Mom, Stella said gently, whatever that woman’s problem is, can’t she solve it herself? I don’t like to see you worry like this over some stranger’s business.

Wanda reached up to pat her daughter’s hand that rested on her shoulder. Stella, it’s what I do, she sighed at her daughter’s reluctance. I’m her last hope, her shoulders sagged. I’m just sorry that I wasn’t much help for her, poor thing. I just couldn’t see.

Stella really didn’t want to get into what the woman was here for. She had bigger worries than a stranger wanting to see what was in her future. She guided her mother to the sofa and sat down beside her.

I’m sure you did your very best, mom. She’ll just have to find another way to get her answers. Stella took her mother’s hand rubbing her thumb over the back of it. Right now mom, I think we have a bigger problem.

What, the two of you can’t decide on a wedding date? she scowled. That poor woman is looking for her husband and child that went missing yesterday. What could be more important than that?

The police are equipped to handle situations like that Ms. Blake, George offered.

She went to them and they told her they weren’t missing long enough to put in the missing persons report. Wanda snapped back at him.

Unruffled by her anger he took out his phone. Give me the names and I’ll see to it that the police get started on it right away.

Thank you …, George. That’s very kind of you and I know Mrs. Moyse will feel so much better knowing the police will help since I was unable to see for her.

Stella sent a thank you smile over to George. It seemed the rift between her mother and George was over for the moment. A thought struck her just as she gave her mother a little squeeze.

Why were you unable to see mom?

I don’t know dear, Wanda frowned. Mrs. Moyse brought items they had touched but it didn’t help.

Does that happen a lot?

No, once in a while it happens, like when George is near you I can’t see you or when I’m upset like I was today. Maybe it was just because I was upset.

I’m sorry mom. Stella leaned down and laid her head against her mother’s, hating the fact that she interfered with her mother’s gift.

Let’s just hope the police have better luck, Wanda attempted a smile. Now, she straightened up, why don’t you tell me what was so important for you to come barging in here.

That brought the morning’s events front and center in Stella’s mind. She asked her mom to call Maria into the parlor. When Maria was settled beside Wanda on the sofa the two of them told the women what had taken place that morning.

Warlock, wizard or witch? Maria looked to George to answer.

I didn’t sense it being any of them, George answered her. Maria nodded thoughtfully.

Do you think it could be a spirit Stella? Wanda creased her forehead at her daughter.

I would have said no, but that was before Rita showed me that spirits can move solid objects. Stella frowned. I remember she told me she was learning all kinds of things. But I thought we were done with her.

Remember Stella, George spoke softly. She wasn’t pleased that she made a promise to leave Jeffery Bellanger’s justice up to you.

Yeah, I know and I thought about that too. Stella rubbed her hands over her face. Rita is more of an ‘in your face,’ kind of spirit. If she wanted to tell me something she would have just popped in and told me face to face. I don’t think it’s her.

Rita Cassidy worked for Manning Financial when she was alive and helped her lover, Jeffery Bellanger, to embezzle funds from her employer. But when her part of the theft was discovered by an audit, he killed her. Her spirit stayed earth-bound to seek him out and wreak her vengeance on him.

Rita had no idea that once she agreed to a promise, she was bound to it. She was angry about it at first but then her attention was captured by realizing there were others like her. She was learning from them and having the time of her ‘after-life’.

I guess we’re right back where we started, Stella looked at George, pursing her lips.

What nonsense, dear, Wanda piped up. We’ve narrowed it down to a human, since it’s not one of our kind.

Yeah, that really narrows it down, Stella sneered.

Maria jumped in before an argument broke out between mother and daughter. Why don’t I pop over there and take a look, she glanced over at George. A witch can pick up the aura of a witch or wizard faster than a warlock. She looked at him for confirmation.

George nodded his head. He may have missed it due to the worry he felt at the time. Wizards and witches stem from Gobrath’s side and were more in tuned to each other.

I think that’s a very good idea, Maria, thank you. He lifted one corner of his mouth in a half smile. Witches were a product of Gobrath’s side of the warlocks. As a rule they were not to be trusted by Gareg’s side, but Maria has proven to be the exception to that rule.

Maria stepped out of the room to perform the incantation knowing how Stella felt about displays of magic.

While Maria was gone, Stella suggested to her mother that she would talk to Sam Gilbert and ask if he could look into the disappearance of the husband and child. Sam is a Private Investigator and had been her mentor and a good friend since she left the police force. She saw the relief on her mother’s face.

Maria popped back in with a worried look on her face just as George’s cell phone rang. Maria waited for him to answer the phone.

Hey, Dave, Stella’s right here, you want to talk to her? What?

The walls shook as he jumped out of his chair. Even though his face was white as a sheet, flames shot out around him, his hair billowing in the wind he caused. Maria quickly sent a shield around them, holding her wand pointing it at him.

Stella ran to him only to be knocked back by the barrier Maria erected. She screamed at him pounding her fists on the barrier. Sweat was beading on Maria’s face with the effort to keep it up against the heat.

She kept screaming at George then turned to Maria demanding that she let her through. Maria never stopped chanting as she shook her head, fighting with all her might to keep the flames away from them.

She stared at George through the barrier and her heart stopped. He stood frozen, flames licking around him, air shimmering with the heat. His eyes glazed over, mouth not moving. He stood before her paralyzed. Everything in her told her if she didn’t get to him she would lose him forever.

There are no words to describe the depth of fear that ran through her. Something inside her snapped, she could physically feel it, like shedding her skin and her body emerging wrapped in some other form, like a butterfly wrapped in its new wings.

One minute she was inside the protective shield, the next moment she was inside the inferno, her arms wrapped around him. Her hair, deeper in colour than the flames around them, billowed out and flying around their faces. She laid her lips on his, her breath gently kissing them. She felt him tremble beneath her hands and heard the gush of air rush in. Slowly his eyes lost the glazed look and she found herself in a violent embrace almost cutting off her air.

It was over; whatever caused him to act that way was over. He was okay, she was okay, but his phone didn’t make it. It was a melted mass in his hands.

It took them all a few minutes to recover from the episode. George and Stella clung to each other, Maria lowered the shield. Anger replaced the fear in Wanda. She stood up hands fisted on her hips ready to do battle.

How dare you try to burn down my home Warlock! You should have no powers within these walls.

I am so sorry Ms. Blake, George’s body still trembled.

George, Stella cupped his face in her hands. What happened? What did Dave say to you? Stella ignored her mother’s rants.

Louise, he whispered, barely able to control himself.

What about Louise? she stared into his eyes.

Dave says she’s missing. George felt his legs could no longer hold him, he slumped into the chair, buried his face in his hands.

Stella whipped out her phone and called Dave. He told her the same thing he told George and sounded just as frightened. But at least with Dave there was no fear of fires starting up around him.

Stella paced back and forth her brow creased, eyebrows drawn together as she pulled all the pieces of the puzzle to the front of her mind. When she got to the point where Maria returned from her house she stopped pacing and turned to her.

Maria, what did you find out?

It was a witch. Not a very strong one. Maria hovered close to Wanda, not trusting George’s mood.

‘Well, hell, here we go again,’ Stella thought. You and your God damned weird shit, she spewed out at her mother.

It’s not weird, it’s who and what we are, Wanda cried.

It may be what you think you are, but don’t drag me into your weird fantasies. Stella shouted back.

Oh God Stella, when are you going to accept this? Wanda cried more now.

I’m normal and I have a normal life. She quite forgot that George is a Warlock and has proved that fact to her. Her mind still did not want to take her there.

CHAPTER FOUR

T he first thing Stella and George felt they had to do was visit Louise’s parents. George knew they would be out of their minds with worry.

Mrs. Davenport fell into George’s arms weeping before they even had a chance to step through the door. He cradled her telling her over and over that they would find Louise.

Who would want to do this to my baby? Diana sobbed.

That’s what we’re going to find out Mrs. Davenport, Stella assured her.

Diana, please. Call me Diana, she hiccupped into George’s shoulder. George had always called them by their first names always hoping that his own mother and father would come back for him. They never did.

John Davenport didn’t say a word. He sat in the living room staring into space. His daughter was everything to him. His mind shut down with the fact that he might not ever see her again. He sat very still filling his mind with memories of her, playing out like a movie film. As long as he could see her in his mind she was not lost to him. Right now he depended on those memories to keep him alive like a diver depends on his oxygen tanks to survive.

George couldn’t do anything for his foster father. He was too shaken up himself to be able to offer any comfort to him. He’d called in to HQ to start the search, but suspecting magic was involved, he really didn’t expect the police to be of much help.

While George was busy setting things up with the police department, Stella called Dave and had him arrange for security on the Davenport’s.

Dave told her he already made the arrangements and a man should be at the Davenport’s any minute. He was heading over to Louise’s house to see if there was anything there that would lead him to where Louise was. She heard the fear in his voice.

As soon as she hung up she turned to Diana. When did you find out Louise was missing Diana?

George still holding onto his foster mother glowered at Stella, hearing the coolness in her voice. He was in pure protective mode and thought the coolness stemmed from not caring about the devastation his foster mother and father were feeling. His arm tightened around Diana.

My sister is missing, Diana and John need some time to deal with that Stella, or don’t you care, he snapped.

On the outside, Stella remained calm, but inside she flinched from his harsh words. It didn’t matter that she knew he was just as frightened as the Davenports’, his words cut her to the bone. She knew she would have to be strong for both of them