Page 15 of Emeric

“You might think differently of us.”

“Oleander, I work for a mafia boss on the side. You think whatever you’re going to tell me will make me judge you? I know what you do and how bloody you get. Give me some credit.”

“I’m sorry. This isn’t like that though. My mom isn’t a criminal. Hell, I even changed my last name so my parents wouldn’t get dragged into stuff involving me. I know eventually they could be traced to me, but if shit goes down and I’m targeted, there’s time to get them to a safe place.”

“What’s the last name you chose?”

“Avery.”

“It’s your daughter’s name, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” I swallowed thickly. I’d think after years of using it as my name, I’d get used to it.

I felt his hand on my forearm, giving me that gentle squeeze of his. It sent shivers through my body, even as it brought a warming comfort to me. How did he do that?

“You’re a sweet man,” he said, followed by, “Tell me about your mom.” I was grateful not to have to talk about my daughter. My emotions were too close to the surface. Pulling the vehicle over so I could wipe my tears wasn’t something I wanted to do.

“My mom is a witch who can speak to spirits.” Sometimes it was easier to lay it out there quickly and concisely.

There was a silent pause then… “I’m sorry, what?”

“There’s no way to ease into that. It’s better when I just say it.”

“A witch? Like a real live, doing spells, hexing people, kind of witch?”

“I’m not sure she’s hexing anyone, but yes, she does spells. They’re usually to help my dad, Sheldon, or me. She does them with our permission. She also does spells of protection on their house and on items she gives Shel and me.”

“That’s wild. Does it work?”

“Do you ever follow your gut when you’re making a decision?” It was easier to explain it this way.

“Of course.”

“Did you ever wonder if your intuition wasn’t coming from only your moral compass but also from spirit guides? Those who are with you and help steer you through life?”

“I didn’t before, but now I will.”

I laughed. It felt good, lighter. This wouldn’t be the last time we spoke of this. People usually took in what I said and sat with it a bit before asking more questions. Emeric was the kind of person who needed all the details.

6

SYLVAN

I’d never needed people around me. It was nice in my old apartment to look out the window and see others walk by, going about their day. It made me feel connected to a community, even though I didn’t have the courage to speak to those in it.

Moving into this house gave me more than I could have ever imagined. So why was I suddenly yearning for people? For interaction? I knew, but it didn’t help me.

It had been a week since Emeric and Oleander were here. Emeric had called to tell me the situation was taken care of and Mr. Webb wouldn’t bother me again. He said it was very civil, no threats were made, but it was understood that his harassment of me and things out of my control were unacceptable. That if he persisted or brought up new incidents that had nothing to do with me, legal action would be taken. It didn’t hurt that Emeric’s name, as well as his sister’s, were online for the world to see, along with their connection to Jordan. I’d searched and found photos of Emeric with Jordan at fundraisers and other events. Of course, Mr. Webb would want nothing to do with that.

There was no need to worry about my connection to Jordan. I didn’t doubt Mr. Webb had seen plenty of vehicles come and go from this home. Given that he was on the other side of my property from the driveway and the tall trees that separated us, plus the distance from my house to his, I wasn’t concerned about Jordan being brought up. And if he was, so what? I was allowed to have friends.

As I paced the bottom level of the house from the library—where I couldn’t get settled at my desk or on one of the couches—to the kitchen, to the main living area, I let my mind drift. I wanted people back at the house so I wouldn’t be here alone. Scratch that. I wanted Emeric and Oleander. If others came, it most likely meant something had gone very wrong, and they needed the safety the home could provide. I didn’t wish anyone ill.

My phone dinged in my pocket, letting me know someone was at the gate. I reached in to grab it and pulled up the security app that gave me access to the cameras and the sensors that were everywhere, so I’d know what was triggered. This was easy though. It was only Irene, Jordan’s housekeeper. She entered the code and let herself in. I forgot she was scheduled to come by today.

I glanced around the room, then the others, before heading upstairs to my bedroom. I wasn’t a messy person, but I also didn’t want Irene to have to do extra work because I couldn’t pick up after myself.

It had taken me a bit to get used to having someone here to clean. Once I met her and struck up a friendship, she brought the comfort I was missing. Irene was a motherly figure. No one could replace my mom, but having Irene around was good for me.