Page 62 of Cursed By Fate

“Set up the game first while I run a quick errand, then we’ll eat.”

I gave her the list of names and numbers, then hustled to return Penny’s golf cart in exchange for my own.

A plate of chicken and rice awaited me upon my return to Meemaw’s. A home-cooked meal that I didn’t have to make myself always tasted better.

To my relief, everyone was available for cards, including Keith. The upside of a retirement community was that nobody was too tired from a long day at work to socialize.

After dinner, I hid in the bedroom for the duration of the game, keeping my ear pinned to the door in case anything went awry. Aside from the occasional cackle, I didn’t hear much.

I finally heard footsteps headed in my direction and moved back from the door. It swung open, revealing a weary Meemaw.

“You can come out now. They’ve all gone.” She leaned against the doorjamb. “That Yasmin is the chattiest vampire I’ve ever met. I practically had to shove her out the door to end the conversation.”

“I’m sorry.”

She sat on the edge of her bed. “You owe me, Maya. That was painful. I can’t remember the last time I played with mixed company and no witches.”

“I guess you wouldn’t be willing to do it again.”

“Not with that group. I’d choose a new one.” She paused. “Except Francesca. She seemed like a hoot under the right circumstances.”

“And Keith?”

She unzipped the jacket of her tracksuit and flung it on the bed. “Nothing. I tried multiple spells during the game, but nothing seemed to work.”

“Did he manipulate anyone?”

“He compelled Yasmin to give up cards. Sorrel, too. He didn’t try to compel me. Maybe he considered it bad manners because I was the host.” Meemaw pursed her lips, thinking. “I don’t like him.”

“Same. Do you think he felt your spells?”

“Unlikely.”

“What do we do?”

“You’re the director of security. You tell me.”

“I can’t identify him as an official threat just because the vibes are off. I need more.”

Meemaw blew a raspberry. “Rules are for the weak.”

“Says the woman who follows rules every time she casts a spell.”

“Those are more like instructions than rules. We’ll have to keep an eye on him,” Meemaw said. “The coven can help with that.”

“I don’t want to spread the word that he’s a problem in case we’re wrong.”

Meemaw gave me a pointed look. “Are we ever?”

“Good point. Keep me updated.” The witches liked to stay active—who was I to stand in their way?

“Hyaku monogatari is this week,” Meemaw said. “Are you going?”

Hyaku monogatari was a monthly event where the Neighbors gathered on lawn chairs after sunset and shared scary stories. At the end of each tale, they extinguished a candle until they were ensconced in total darkness.

“No, but I’ll let Penny know. It’ll be a good opportunity for her to get to know more Neighbors. She seems to enjoy the mingling.”

“And a good opportunity to scare the shit out of her.” Meemaw’s cackle was low and menacing.