Midsummer Night's Mayhem by Lauren Quick Read Free Book Online Page A

to snoop around in my closet.”
    Vivi’s eyes widened, skepticism written all over her face. “That sounds like a tough task. But I see the reasoning. Whatever I can do to help, just name it.”
    “I’m in. But I hope you know what you’re doing,” Derek said.
    “Not really. But it doesn’t mean I’m not going to try. It’s the Mayhem sister way.”
    “Actually, drama is the Mayhem way. I can attest to that,” Vivi said.

5
    C lover woke early and slipped out of bed. Her sleep had been restless. She’d dreamed she was spinning around her garden, tangled in a macabre dance with Oliver Yearling. He kept trying to tell her something, pulling her close, whispering something into her ear, but the second she was close enough to hear him, she would get swept up in a wave of mischief makers and spun away from him. A knot twisted in the pit of her stomach as she realized yesterday hadn’t been a bad dream.
    The wooden steps up to the attic were cold beneath her bare feet. She should have hidden her stuff up here and been done with it, but there wasn’t time for regrets now. She navigated stacks of boxes and an old steamer trunk, finally locating a dust-coated hatbox. Inside was a small velvet box. The fabric smooth under her fingers, the box had belonged to her great-great- grandmother Rosemary, the contents passed down for generations. Since Clover had the space, she had been entrusted with most of the family heirlooms.
    Clover cracked open the box, revealing a stunning silver amulet with a blue gem the size of robin’s egg inside. She fingered the necklace, deciding that now was the time to use it. Never again would she be blindsided by a terrible event, at least not if the amulet still worked. Rosemary had infused it with a powerful spell—a trouble teller. The stone was rumored to glow blue whenever dire trouble was close at hand. Of all the Mayhem witches, Rosemary had endured the worst of it, so it was no wonder she had created a magical device to warn her.
    Clover slipped the necklace around her neck, the gemstone resting on her chest. Within seconds, she felt the amulet warm and pulse, activating. The image of beautiful young Rosemary appeared before her. Her long auburn hair fell to her shoulders. Her skin was clear, her chin strong. She held her head high, shoulders back. Clover needed to tap into Rosemary’s strength right about now. The image spoke, giving Clover a jolt.
    If you are seeing me now, then times have turned bad for you, dear sister. I created the amulet to give the wearer a warning of trouble close at hand. It is nothing more than that. The rest is up to you, brave witch, to respond, to protect yourself and others, and to fight against the lurking darkness that always comes with a curse. I discovered long ago that hiding never works, but a little preparation never hurts. All my best, sister.
    Seeing her great-great-grandmother caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over her. She was glad she found the amulet, reminding her of her family’s strength. The trouble teller gave her a little peace of mind. She put the empty box back and made her way downstairs. Clover showered and stared at her long tangled hair in the mirror. After speaking a quick drying spell, her hair went from soggy tendrils to warm curls in mere minutes. She pulled on a long cotton skirt and layered on two tank tops. She felt a hot day coming on.
    Derek had brewed up a pot of coffee and left her a note, saying he’d be back later, so she had the place to herself, or so she thought. With a coffee mug clutched tightly in hand, Clover walked out onto the back porch and wasn’t a bit surprised to find Juniper already on the job for the day. What else could she possibly be looking for? A small army of witches and wizards had probed her yard all day yesterday, the air still buzzing with magical residue from all the specialized spells they’d cast.
    “Good morning,” Clover called and the assistant deputy walked over to her.