Witchdependence Day: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short (Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts Book 8) by Amanda M. Lee Read Free Book Online Page A

Tillie’s field is the worst kept secret in Hemlock Cove.”
    “No one can find it, though.”
    “You can,” Thistle pointed out. “She must’ve rigged the spell so you can see it. The only other people who can readily see it share Winchester blood … and, well, Annie. She’s a kid, though. She has no idea what she’s looking at.”
    “I never asked why I’m able to see it,” I said. “What do you have on your schedule today?”
    “We’re running a booth at the festival.”
    “Well, I’ll run out to the inn and see what she’s all worked up about and then meet you at the festival for lunch. How does that sound?”
    “That sounds perfect,” Thistle said, rolling over to rest her chin on my chest. “I’ll make it worth your while if you stand that old lady up.”
    It was a tempting offer, but the idea of Thistle smelling like rotten potatoes for a week didn’t exactly fill me with delight. “I’ll take a rain check,” I said, kissing the tip of Thistle’s nose. “She’ll take it out on you if I’m late.”
    “Good point,” Thistle said. “Hit her over the head with a shovel while you’re out there. I’ll take care of the rest.”
    “You’re a funny girl, Thistle Winchester.”
    “I should have my own comedy show,” she agreed. “I’m not joking about this, though. Aunt Tillie is up to something. I can feel it.”
    Sadly, I could feel it, too.

    I PARKED in front of The Overlook and skirted the inn instead of entering through the front door. I didn’t want to explain my presence – or Thistle’s absence – so I thought it better to avoid probing questions from Winnie, Marnie and Twila, and head straight to the source of my morning wake-up call.
    I knew the Winchester property as well as my own by this point, and I was lost in thought as I walked the path that led to the pot field. I didn’t pay much attention to my surroundings, and I was almost to my destination when Landon appeared in front of me.
    I pulled up short, surprised by his sudden appearance. “Hey.”
    “Hey.”
    “Um … good morning?”
    “It is a lovely morning,” Landon agreed, his hair freshly washed and still wet as it brushed against his shoulders. “How are you this lovely morning?”
    Uh-oh. Something was off here. “I’m great,” I replied, tilting my head to the side as I considered Landon’s stance. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest as he blocked my way to the pot field. That had to be on purpose. “How are you?”
    “I slept great,” Landon replied, feigning brightness. “The guesthouse was quiet because Thistle wasn’t there to get Bay going about that stupid craft room. The storm was loud and it knocked us right out.”
    “It was pretty much the same for us,” I said. “Although … we did have a slight incident.”
    Landon arched an eyebrow and remained silent.
    “I woke up in the middle of the night because someone was screaming and Thistle was gone,” I supplied, racking my brain for ways to get Landon out of my path without explaining where I was heading. I was fairly certain he would never arrest me, but I didn’t want to give him a reason to try. “I ran outside, but it was two teenagers playing chase games.”
    “Where was Thistle?”
    “In the bathroom.”
    “So that’s really a non-story, isn’t it?” Landon narrowed his eyes as he looked me up and down. “Where are you going?”
    “Where are you going?” Crud. You’re never supposed to answer a question with a question. Bay taught me that. It was too late now. “I mean, why aren’t you up at the inn having breakfast?”
    “Bay is still getting ready and had to handle something on her computer for the newspaper,” Landon replied. “I came out to check out the storm damage and I saw the funniest thing.”
    Double crud. “What did you see?”
    “I saw Aunt Tillie,” Landon said. “She was wearing pajama bottoms and a sleeping cap. I didn’t even know they still made sleeping caps. She had one on,