A Witch's Tale by Maralee Lowder Read Free Book Online Page B

reassure her.
    Common sense told him to be straight with her, to remind her that the worst was most likely yet to come, but he couldn’t do it, n ot yet. Why destroy her chance at a good night’s sleep with his doomsday predictions?
    He remained silent. No glib lies came quickly to mind. Rats! Just when he could use a good lie, the devious side of his brain let him down.
    Cassie’s hand shook as she set her tea cup in its saucer. Why wouldn’t he answer her? Was he hiding something from her? She glanced at her mother, and returned her gaze to Mac. He could see the fear rising in her eyes.
    “It will be okay now, won’t it, Mac? Don’t you think the ju dge would have refused bail al together if they really had a case against Mom?”
    “The one lesson I’ve learned over the years, Cassie, is to never try to read a judge’s mind. But then, I’ve never had the option, have I? I don’t have the ‘gift’ like you,” he said, hoping to lighten the mood a little. “Why don’t you give it a try? Or Myra, maybe you should deal yourself a future with your Tarot cards.”
    Myra gave him a look that said, I know you mean well, but you don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. “I don’t think that would be such a good idea, at least not at the moment.”
    “It wouldn’t work, not for either of us,” Cassie tried to explain. Although he had made the suggestion in jest, Cassie had taken it quite seriously. “We both need to be able to reach into our inner peace to be able to tap into the truths of life. Too many disturbing things have been happening for us to reach that core of peace.”
    “Actually, neither one of us have ever been inclined to look into our own futures,” Myra interrupted. “I’m not sure it’s even possible. But whatever the case, I think I’d rather not look too closely. I may not like what I see.”
    Myra’s words made a lot of sense to Mac. If it were possible, it would be one thing to look into someone else’s life and quite another to look into your own. If you actually believed you had the ability to see the future, would you dare look into your own life? Mightn’t the reality of what you saw be too terrifying to face?
    This was getting to be way too metaphysical for his cynical mind. Besides, it was getting late. They had all had enough excitement for one day. It was time he got a little distance between himself and these women.
    “Can I walk you two ladies home?” he asked as he stood to leave. “Although you may usually feel safe on these streets at night, I wouldn’t advise your going out alone right now.”
    Myra rose and took both of his hands in hers. “I live upstairs, so I won’t be needing a body guard, but thank you anyway. Thank you for the advice and for so much else. Cassie told me what you two have worked out, about your exclusive story of what we really are, not what people assume we are. I feel safe in your hands, Mac.”
    Could anyone feel more like a snake? He doubted it. But then , why should he? He had every intention of telling the truth. He hadn’t lied to Cassie about that. He just hadn’t bothered to mention which publication his story would appear in.
    “Although Mom doesn’t need anyone to walk her home, I would very much appreciate your company. I’ve never worried about walking home from here at night before, but, under the circumstances ...” S he folded her napkin neatly and stood to leave. Mac reached for her sweater and held it out for her to slip her arms through the sleeves. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay here with you tonight, Mom?” Cassie asked, a slight frown creasing her brow.
    “Absolutely. If you stayed, we’d end up talking all night, and what I need more than talking is a hot bath and a good night’s sleep in my own bed. No, you go on home.”
    “Okay, if you’re sure. Stop by the shop for some coffee when you get up tomorrow, okay?” Cassie leaned over and kissed her mother, turning away before Myra was