Page 40 of Cursed By Fate

“I can see through it,” Harriet clarified.

“We aren’t trying to hide from you,” Meemaw said. “We needed to disguise ourselves to sneak off the island.”

“And we appreciate you taking the risk to help us,” Vale said.

Meemaw cackled. “What risk? This’ll be the most fun I’ve had in years.”

The finger sandwiches were mere crumbs within minutes. I managed to snag egg salad on pumpernickel and pimento cheese. My stomach considered me a hero.

“Would y’all mind helping me clear the table and we can get started?” Harriet asked.

Everybody pitched in, even Meemaw. Once we were all seated again, Harriet set a small pot on one side of the table and spread a map of Savannah across the other.

“I’ve been working on a spell,” the witch said, “but water seems to interfere with the signal. Makes it hard to get an accurate reading. All I got so far is the vicinity of Whitemarsh Island, which we already know.”

“Which ingredients are you using?” Meemaw asked.

“See for yourself.” Harriet gestured to the pot.

“I gave her a few patches of skin the monster left behind at the scene of the crime,” Vale replied.

Catherine cringed. “We don’t have to touch it, do we?”

“You don’t,” Harriet said, offering a gap-toothed smile. “I don’t mind it.”

Meemaw poked through the ingredients in the pot. “Interesting. I wouldn’t have thought to add local soil to the spell.”

“One of my gran’s many brilliant ideas.”

“It isn’t water that’s the problem,” Meemaw said. “I’d bet my favorite cauldron it’s the marsh. They’re murky at the best of times.”

“Any thoughts on how to cut through the sludge? I’m open to suggestions.”

Meemaw contemplated the ingredients. “I don’t see any crystals. I’ve always found them useful when I’m seeking clarity.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.”

“And if you have any moon water, that can help us amplify it,” Meemaw added.

“I sure do. Be right back.” Harriet hurried from the room.

I smiled at Meemaw. “How about that? When you’re not busy spouting off inappropriate thoughts, you’re capable of a decent idea.”

She stuck out her tongue, and I noticed the stud she’d added as part of her disguise. Nice touch.

“Have there been any more reports since the barbecue?” I asked Vale. “No people or pets missing?”

“Nothing,” Vale said. “The monster’s either sleeping it off or has gone back into hiding.”

“Which means it’s smart,” Cowboy added. “It knows it almost got caught, so it’s laying low.”

“Hopefully not too low,” Meemaw said. “My knees aren’t what they used to be.”

Harriet returned with a clear quartz and a jar labeled moon water. She added them to the pot and sprinkled remnants of the monster’s skin into the mixture.

“Sounds like potato chips,” Margie observed.

“Bet it doesn’t taste like them,” Meemaw quipped.