The Whimsy Witch Who Wasn't - Donna Augustine Page 0,33

a few steps backward, making my way to the door and brushing shoulders in the tight squeeze.

“Is that the new pop-up?” someone in the crowd asked in a hushed tone.

“I’m not sure, but I think so,” another nearby witch replied.

I hurried my steps.

“Tell us who you are,” a dark-haired warlock said.

“I’m no one.” I turned, pushing through the crowd as they stared. “I’ve got to go now.” I took off in a sprint at the last moment, scared someone would block the door before I got out.

12

I didn’t stop running until I was a building down from the broker house. Resting a hand on the stone of the neighboring building, I caught my breath and then straightened. No need to broadcast the issues to a roomful of people. With the bag of newsflash papers in my hand, I walked back in with the only item I’d managed to get off the list.

Belinda’s eagle eyes narrowed on my measly bag as I made my way through the office.

“Why are you back here? Where are the things from my list?”

She was not going to make this easy, not that I thought she would. That wasn’t who Belinda was. Even in the crazy world of Xest, I’d know her type anywhere. Still, it was better to play nice, or she’d have me mopping the floors for hours.

“I had a small problem. I’m going back to get the rest of the things tomorrow.” Or most of the stuff. I couldn’t go back to Al’s. I definitely wasn’t going into the stationery store again. There were so many other things on her stupid list she wouldn’t even notice. Most important part was it would all be done tomorrow, when hopefully people wouldn’t be looking for me. And I’d go to the factory first this time.

Belinda’s face started winding up, like she was about to get into it with me. She could rant all she wanted. Wasn’t happening. She could have a fit, but I couldn’t be out there, at least until I found less conspicuous clothes and a little time had passed.

“That’s not…”

The door swung open and Hawk walked into the office with enough purpose in his step that it was obvious something was afoot. He stopped in the middle of the room. “Everyone out but employees. Come back in a half an hour to conclude your business.”

No one made a peep as they gathered their belongings and skedaddled out the door. He waited until the last person was gone before he nailed me with a look that made me afraid to move.

“Were you at Al’s Chemist Shop a few minutes ago?”

Oh no. This wasn’t going to go well from the look on his face.

“Yes. Belinda sent me out with a list of supplies.” I wasn’t taking heat for what I’d been directed to do. I had enough issues of my own making.

Belinda sat, and then slid a bit farther into her chair. Didn’t matter, as Hawk’s attention was still fully on me.

“How many people did you talk to?”

I’d lost count. “I don’t know. A couple?”

“Did you go anywhere else?”

“The Stationery and Sundries.”

He glanced at my neck before moving his eyes back to my face. My hand automatically went to the barren spot. He couldn’t see, but he knew.

“It was an accident.”

He looked skyward for a moment before taking a deep breath. A moment later, his veins about to burst, he said, “Don’t forget it again.”

Hawk walked over to Belinda. “I need a word with you.”

“Sure,” she said, standing and walking over to the stair door with him. Was he bringing her up the other stairs? What was up there? Today wasn’t the day I’d find out, though.

Musso shook his head and returned to work. Zab shrugged and did the same.

I took off my jacket and went to put it in the back room, coming face to face with an odd stone sitting on the shelf. I’d never noticed it before, but now it was there, in my face, calling my attention to it.

Don’t do it. Don’t.

Was it truly eavesdropping if he wanted me to practice my magic? Plus, it was about me. How did I not listen? This conversation practically begged to be eavesdropped on.

I glanced about the room, making sure Zab or Musso hadn’t followed me in, before grabbing the odd stone. I didn’t know what type of rock it was, but it looked like a natural material. It should do.

I held it to my ear while I whispered, “With the magic within,