Midlife Blues - Victoria Danann Page 0,40
She either couldn’t, or wasn’t willing to adapt to interaction with a more skeptical population of humans. With the help of Max’s suggestion, I agreed that she should be relocated beyond reach of the human world.
By the third day, I felt like I’d been the sitting magistrate for a very long time. I wanted to go home, take a hot bath, pull on pajamas, pour wine, and possibly eat peanut butter and crackers in front of the bedroom TV. But Keir had other plans.
“I know that’s what you’d like, love,” he said. “But your friends are dying for you to make an appearance at the pub.”
“Isn’t it crowded? Like everything in the village during Court Meet?”
“Private party. Just for you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “No. I have no interest in being the center of attention at a party attended by that bunch, ever again.”
Keit chuckled and held up two fingers, boy-scout style. “Swear on the Powers That Be, nothing awkward, uncomfortable, or illicit is planned.” I sighed, wondering if I could really trust that. “You have to eat dinner. Just go long enough to say hello to everyone, then you can slide into the flannels.”
“Alright. But just for dinner. I really am tired.” Pause. “And if you’re lying, I will never trust you again.”
“I’m not lying. As far as being tires, I can ask for a little something with pep.”
“Ask who?”
“You know. The apothecary.”
“I don’t know about any apothecary. But drugs? Seriously?”
“No side effects. Guaranteed.”
It was very, very tempting. “I think I’ll just plow through the old-fashioned way.” Keir laughed. “What’s funny?”
“You mean the old-fashioned human way.”
“Well, yeah.”
“Okay.” He shrugged. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
“So, you’re applying to be my dealer now?”
He laughed again. “Only if it doesn’t interfere with being your one and only lover.”
“Take me to Molly’s.”
Keir called Romeo to drive up and meet us at the north entrance to the building where there was very little activity, if not absolute privacy. It was cool to have a car that would come when you call.
“There she be,” shouted Maggie. She hurried over to give me a hug looking as limber as a thirty year old.
“Hey there,” I said. “How’s the shop?”
“Got pieces in that we’re savin’ for you.”
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the normal stuff.”
“The normal stuff is no’ goin’ anywhere, Magistrate.” A small, eager crowd had gathered around us just a little way inside the door. “We’ve been gettin’ bits and pieces of what’s goin’ on over there. Makin’ a stir, ye are.”
“Well, I…”
Ivy flew over and lit on my shoulder as Braden said, “We heard you’re not going easy on the royals, that you’re treating them like they were anybody else.”
“Isn’t that what I was supposed to do?” I asked, but before he could form a reply, Lochlan came in behind me.
“What’s this?” he said. “The magistrate deserves dinner. Let her have a chair.”
Good old Lochlan.
The little crowd parted and I followed Keir to my favorite table by the fire, talking to Ivy as I went.
“What do you do for fun when your garden is dormant, Ivy?”
“There is always something to do. I cultivate and hang herbs to dry in the cellar.”
“You do? What do you use the herbs for?”
She giggled. “I sell them to Esmerelda. I’d better go say good e’en to Lochlan.”
Jeff arrived just as Ivy flitted away.
“Molly made that seven-onion soup you like,” he offered.
I was nodding before he finished the sentence. It was a complicated recipe with lots of steps and she didn’t make it often because, apparently, not all her customers appreciated it as much as I did.
“Sounds like nirvana. Do you have some…?”
“Three white cheese mac?” He grinned.
“Um, yes. That’s… just uncanny.”
“Not really. Esmerelda told us what you were gonna want tonight. How did Sprigley do?”
“She’s there. She’s recording everything.” (I hope. I haven’t actually asked for proof.) “And she has a very infectious smile.”
There was no question that he was pleased with that answer.
When he left I looked at Keir and said, “Are you ever going to tell me what he is?”
Keir gave me a closed-mouthed laugh as he chewed a hunk of fresh baked dark rye. “Ask him yourself.”
Fie pulled a chair up to the table. “Congratulations on a very fine beginning, Magistrate.”
“Thank you, Fie.”
“My cousin says you are a most exceptional judge.”
Keir said nothing, but looked put out by Fie’s proximity as he always did when the unelected mayor was close by.
“Your cousin?”
“The ombudsman sent by the bureau? My fifth cousin on my