CHAPTER EIGHT

There was a chill in the air when Alex stepped outside. With Salem being on the water, this wasn't especially odd, but something didn't feel right.

He cautiously began walking toward Pickering Wharf. Whatever he was sensing was coming from the Waterfront Witchery, the shop owned by Annabella Liggman.

Annabella came from a long line of powerful, respected witches. Her older sister, Ambrosia, was the coven's High Priestess, and her twin sister Augustina was also a powerful practitioner. Alex liked the Liggman sisters, and it bothered him that something seemed to be wrong inside of the shop.

It wasn't open for business yet, but Alex pulled on the door handle anyway. He was surprised to find it unlocked. Cautiously, he stepped inside.

Annabella was nowhere to be seen. Alex noticed the mess inside of the shop and was immediately concerned. One of the glass display cases had shattered. It didn't look like anything was missing, but there were shards of glass all over the floor and the inside of the case.

"Don't worry," a voice said from behind him. "He didn't get what he was after."

Alex spun around and spotted Annabella standing in the doorway. Her long, dark hair was loose and messy. She held a metal tin in her hands. She looked exhausted, but mostly uninjured. Alex frowned at the large bruise on her left arm.

"What happened here, Annabella?" He asked.

"Alvin happened," she replied calmly.

"Alvin Cortez?" Alex asked in surprise. "He attacked you?"

"Yes, after I cast a spell to keep him from stealing an athame."

"I thought Alvin was a trusted member of the coven."

"You're right... He was. Apparently, the warlocks made him an offer he couldn't refuse." Annabella sighed. "He'll answer to the Goddess," she stated stoically. Her lips curved into a small smile as she asked, "Would you like a brownie, Alex?" She opened the tin she was holding to reveal fresh baked goods.

Alex accepted her offering. "Thanks," he said as he bit into the divine snack. Annabella ate one herself, which seemed to bring her energy up significantly. "Are you hurt, Annabella?" He asked.

"Only emotionally," she replied with a humorless laugh. "I believed Alvin was devoted to us. Ambrosia and Luigi were shocked when I told them what happened."

"Where is Alvin now?" Alex asked.

"Shooter and Tammy arrested him about an hour ago. He shouldn't be a problem anymore."

"Why was he trying to steal an athame?"

Annabella pulled an onyx athame out of the shattered case. "He wanted this one. It's quite powerful. Whatever Alvin got himself into, it's serious. You know, if he'd just asked for help, the coven would have protected him..." She sighed.

"Did he say anything?"

"Other than calling me a bunch of nasty things I won't repeat and cursing his head off, he only mentioned one thing... Something about needing the protection against tormented innocents who were going to be released soon. When I tried to question him, he got physical with me. He apparently forgot how strong my magick is."

"Do you need anything? I can pay to replace the case," Alex offered.

Annabella smiled at him. "That's kind of you, Alex, but I can afford to do that myself."

"You shouldn't have to." He knew Annabella was a young widow with three kids to support. He hated the idea of her having to spend money on something like this.

"The shop is insured. It's covered, Alex. Don't worry about me so much." She patted his shoulder affectionately.

"You're a really good person, Annabella," Alex replied. "Good people deserve help every once in a while."

"I appreciate the thought." She smiled at him warmly. "Go home, Alex. Your young ward is mildly distressed."

"What's wrong with Jesse?" Alex asked, immediately mentally preparing for a battle.

"Relax, Alex," Annabella said gently. "I did say mildly. He's perfectly safe. I just sense something is bothering him. His wolf is a bit worked up."

Alex knew that never led to anything good. "Thanks, Annabella," he said. "Call me if you need anything."

Alex hurried out of the shop and raced back toward his house. He found Jesse sitting on the steps outside and looking pretty upset.

"What's wrong, Jess?" Alex asked.

Jesse frowned. "Did the scroll tattle on me or something?" He asked.

"No... Annabella Liggman sensed you were upset."

"It's Trent," Jesse admitted.

"Your dog?" Alex asked in confusion. "What happened?"

"I woke up this morning and he was just gone... I mean, I guess strays are gonna stray or whatever, but... It's fine. I don't care."

Alex softened, understanding now why Jesse was so upset and seeing past his couldn't-care-less exterior. "Jesse, it's okay to be upset," Alex told him. "He's your dog. You're attached."

"He was only mine for, like, three weeks, Alex. It's not a big deal."

"He was important to you. Stop acting like you don't care." He put an arm around Jesse's shoulder. "We can look for him together if you want to."

Jesse sighed. "I don't think he's coming back, Alex," he admitted. "I can't feel him anywhere... It's weird, but I was able to sense him before. Now, there's nothing there. Maybe he doesn't want to be found."

Alex didn't voice what they were probably both thinking. There was a possibility that Trent was dead, but he could tell that Jesse couldn't handle that thought.

"We could go to the shelter and adopt a dog if you want to," Alex offered gently.

"No," Jesse replied. "I'm good."

That was a lie and they both knew it, but Alex let it go. Jesse struggled with depression and anxiety. Alex didn't want to risk making his mental health worse.

"What do you need, Jess?" Alex asked.

"Breakfast," Jesse replied. "I've been running around for a few hours. I'm starving."

Alex nodded. "Let's go inside," he said. It was a simple request and Alex knew it was the only thing Jesse would let him do to help. "I'll make your favorite."

~*~

Benny arrived in California a few hours later.  A smiling woman met him at the airport. He studied her in surprise.

"Benny!" She exclaimed. "You haven't changed a bit!"

"Margo? It can't be!" Benny said. The last time he had seen Margo Porter, she had been twenty-four and in law school. At the time, she was the brand new wife of Gregory Porter, a kind, perky girl who made Benny's friend smile easily. Margo still had the same curly blonde hair, and she now wore stylish glasses that framed her sparkling blue eyes. She was older, but had the same enthusiastic smile. "Gregory's a lucky man. You've gotten even better looking with time."

"You liar," Margo replied with a laugh. She hugged him. "It's been so long, Benny. Gregory was thrilled to hear from you."

"Where is he? Not that it's not nice to see you, Margo, but I was expecting him today."

"He insisted on staying home because he was very close to translating a prophecy he's been working on for months. He's excited you're here, but you know what a work-a-holic he is. He gets tunnel vision, especially when he's close to finishing."

"Oh yeah, I remember," Benny replied with a laugh. "Danny, Johnny, Mitch, and I used to have to physically drag Gregory out of the dorm to go drinking."

Margo laughed. "How are Danny and Johnny?" She asked. "We hear from Mitch all the time, but I haven't talked to the other two in forever."

"They're partners at a law firm now."

"I still can't believe Danny Eckerd is a lawyer!"

"Who knows the law better than a criminal?" Benny joked. He adored Danny Eckerd and Johnny Winston like they were his brothers, but of the two, Danny was definitely the one prone to getting into trouble.

"How's Clarissa?" Margo asked.

"She's great. Still beautiful and way too good for me," Benny replied with a smile. "The twins will be sixteen on Halloween."

"My God, where does the time go?" Margo smiled brighter before asking,  "Would you like to get something to eat before we head back to the house?"

"Yes, that actually sounds fantastic right now. I'm starving," Benny admitted.

"Great. Follow me. I know a place that will satisfy every craving your stomach ever dreamed of."

As his stomach growled, Benny could hardly refuse such an offer. He eagerly followed Margo, savoring the moment of relaxation before he'd have to focus on the reason for his trip.

~*~

Gregory Porter was studying the last line of the prophecy with horror in his eyes. "No," he whispered. "It can't be..." He stood up and began pacing around his study. Had he translated it correctly? Was it possible that the key was so much closer than he had thought? He and Margo had plans to head back to Salem as soon as they could to help Benny with the mystery, but it now appeared that this was unnecessary. In one sentence, Gregory had solved it.

"Hello, Gregory," a short, round man with a balding head said.

"Mitchell," Gregory replied, stunned to see his long-time friend standing before him. "How did you get in here?"

"I have my ways." Mitchell paused thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, my dear old friend, I'm not here for a social call. I'm sorry to say that this is where it ends."

Suddenly, Gregory understood what was happening. "E tu, Mitchell?" He asked.

"I'm afraid so, Gregory," he replied.

"This goes deeper than I thought, then... I never suspected you would become a warlock, Mitchell."

"It's much more lucrative to work for the warlocks than to spend my life serving the Greater Good," Mitchell replied casually. "Will you make this easy, Gregory, or will you fight?"

"You know I'm not one to go down without a fight, Mitch," Gregory replied.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Mitchell grinned and pulled out a knife.

"Not a sword in the back, then?" Gregory asked dryly.

"No, Gregory... Never in the back. There is no honor in that." Mitchell charged at Gregory, who moved out of the way just in time.

Gregory ran toward the door of his study, determined to escape, but Mitchell was quicker than he looked, and he jumped onto Gregory's back and tackled him to the floor. Gregory screamed in pain as Mitchell rolled him onto his back, slammed his head against the floor, and pinned him down. Mitchell stabbed him twice before Gregory managed to free his legs enough to fight back.

"There is no honor in killing me, regardless of your method," Gregory said, sweeping Mitchell's legs out from beneath him and knocking him to the floor. "I once considered you my friend. I trusted you... I suppose that makes me naïve, but it doesn't make me willing to just lie on the ground awaiting my death at your hands!"

"You stubborn fool! You won't escape me," Mitchell said as Gregory moved toward the door. Once again, he charged at Gregory. This time, he stabbed him through his chest.

Gregory clutched the knife in his heart and looked into Mitchell's eyes, searching for some sign of the person that had been his best friend since they were toddlers. There was no remorse, sorrow, or pity in those cold grey eyes. There was no emotion that resembled anything even remotely human.

"What have you become, Mitch?" Gregory asked sadly. "How did you turn into this?"

"I chose power, my old friend," Mitchell said. "And I have no regrets."

"Then stab me again, for pity's sake," Gregory begged. He knew he was going to die, but he also knew Margo would arrive soon with Benny. If Mitchell was still there, he might kill them, too. He had to get this traitor out of his house.

"Kill me!" He shouted. "Or will you leave me here to bleed to death?"

"It does seem a bit cruel," Mitchell admitted.

"You've already won, Michell," Gregory said weakly. "Now free me from this hell."

"Anything for an old friend," Mitchell replied. He pulled the knife from Gregory's chest and stabbed him again. This time, his attack was much more deliberate.

"Goodbye, Gregory," Mitchell said with a sinister smirk. He left the room, and moments later, Gregory heard the front door open and close. He was certain he was alone.

Gregory took a few pained final breaths and closed his eyes. He never opened them again.

~*~

Margo and Benny arrived at the house an hour and a half after they had met at the airport. "Gregory, we're home," Margo called. No response came. "Greg?" She hesitated before waving off her own concern. "Oh, he must have just gotten lost in his work again. Come on, Benny. Let's go check the study and coax him back to reality." She smiled as she led Benny toward the study.

"Margo, wait," Benny said suddenly. Dread filled his heart as he registered what he was sensing. He could smell a significant amount of blood, and he felt death in the air. "Something's wrong," he said.

"Nonsense," Margo replied. "I'm sure everything's fine." She reached for the doorknob, but Benny grabbed her hand.

"Let me," he said. He opened the door slowly. He lowered his head in disgust at the sight of his friend's corpse in a pool of blood.

Benny turned around to warn Margo not to look, but he was a split second too late. It seemed to take her a minute to register what she was seeing.

"Gregory!" She finally shouted. "Greg, no... No!" She shook her head. After a moment, Margo's delicate flesh paled and she fainted into Benny's arms.