Page 18 of Dead Sure
Ronan heard her wrangling the stool in order to reach the cabinet where Everly kept her dried plants. He’d gotten her a book last year that taught them how to dry and preserve kitchen witch plants. Everly had taken to it like a duck to water. With a little help from Madam Aurora she’d even grown and bundled her own sage.
“Okay, I’m ready.” Everly came back into the kitchen looking eager to start.
“Before we do this, I want to thank you. Your Dad and I both hate to involve you in adult problems.”
“I know. You want to keep me safe, but my gift gives me information I can use to keep you safe too.” Everly smiled. “Tonight we’ll sage the house and tomorrow, I’ll go back to being a regular kid, okay?”
“Okay.” Ronan got the fire starter out of the drawer and handed it to Everly. “Keep this part to yourself. We don’t want Dad knowing I let you play with fire.”
Everly grinned before taking a seat at the table. She took several deep breaths.
Ronan watched as his daughter prepared to cleanse their house. It shouldn’t be a seven year old’s job to do this, or to give critical information on police investigations, but if it was Everly who helped Tennyson out of the jam he was in, who was Ronan to complain?
10
Tennyson
The night in jail was the longest of Ten’s life. He’d caught a few catnaps, but that was it. He wondered how the hell people who were incarcerated long-term were able to get a full night’s sleep in this place. In addition to his anxiety over the case, his entire face throbbed from it being slammed against the wall at West Side Magick. He’d checked his face in the little metal mirror in his cell and saw both eyes were blackened.
Ten kept his mind on the arraignment and getting the hell out of the jail. When his name was called, he was brought back to the intake department, where he was searched again. Thankfully, he was allowed to dress in his own clothes, which smelled like home, even if they were a little wrinkled and torn. He boarded a transport bus that would take him from Middleton to Salem, where his hearing would be held.
He’d left his phone and wallet in his office back at West Side Magick. He hoped Carson had been able to get them for him. Aside from the brief five minute call with Reagan Pryce, Ten hadn’t spoken to anyone in the outside world in nearly twenty-four hours.
When he got to the courthouse, familiar faces were waiting for him. Cisco Jackson stood with Eli Dixon. The correction’s officer got Ten off the bus, frisked him again, and pushed him toward the courthouse.
“We’ve got it from here,officer,” Cisco said, flashing his badge.
“It’s my job to get this dickhead into the court, not to turn him over to you, whoever the hellyouare.”
“I’m Salem Police Chief, Cisco Jackson, and I’m taking possession of this prisoner.” Cisco’s tone brooked no argument.
The officer’s eyes widened. He thrust a clipboard at Cisco. “Sign for the prisoner’s release.”
Raising an eyebrow, Cisco did as he was asked. “In future, I suggest you adjust your attitude. I would hate for your promising career to be derailed because you were insubordinate to a senior officer.” Without looking back, he took Ten’s arm and led him into the courthouse.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes, Cisco.” Ten couldn’t help thinking he was glad Cisco was on his side. He wouldn’t have wanted to go up against the man he’d witnessed outside.
“Jesus, Ten, what the hell did they do to you? Can you even see?” Cisco pointed to Ten’s bruised face, as he led Ten into the courthouse.
“Vance shoved me into a wall when I was arrested. My nose bled like hell, but I’m fine.” Ten could see the concern in Cisco’s eyes and knew Ronan was going to go nuclear when he got a look at Ten’s face.
“I did everything I could to get you out of jail last night. Meeting you outside was the best I could do.” Cisco led Ten to a closed door on the second floor of the courthouse. “I have to put you on unpaid administrative leave until this situation is sorted out. The second these bullshit charges are dropped, you’re getting reinstated. This is policy and I can’t go against it for you. For any of my officers.”
“I understand,” Ten said. “To be honest, I’m surprised I still have a job.”
“Listen to me very carefully, Ten,” Cisco began, “everyone in this town loves you. We all know what you contribute to our community, to our schools, and to our tourism. I think you’re going to be surprised when you walk into that courtroom.” Cisco knocked on the closed door and opened it, motioning Ten inside. “I’ll see you soon.”
“There you are!” Ronan rushed to the door and pulled Ten inside before wrapping his arms around him. “I’m gonna make that son-of-a-bitch pay for hurting you.” Ronan kissed Ten’s cheek. “I missed you.”
“Me too,” Ten said, holding on for dear life.
“As wonderful as this little reunion is, we’ve got work to do before the hearing starts.” Reagan pointed Ten to a seat at the table.
Getting a good look around the room, Ten saw Jude, Fitz, Cope, and Carson on one side. His mother, Madam Aurora, Principal Max Preston, and Cole were on the other. “Hey, everyone.” Ten’s eyes moved to Kaye, who was dabbing her eye with a tissue. “I’m so sorry, Mom.”
“I haven’t been this angry in years!” Kaye said, sounding as upset as Ten had ever heard. “Don’t you dare be sorry, Tennyson. You go in there and you fight these bullshit charges. We’re all behind you.”
“Bullshit?” Ten asked. This was the first time in his life he’d ever heard his mother say that word.
