CHAPTER FOUR

Jade could hardly believe what had happened the day before. To her own surprise, however, it did not make her pack up and leave Salem. She had taken Beth home, and then found a place to spend the night again. If this one was haunted, it was quiet about it. She'd fallen asleep with Bastet curled up on her stomach.

Currently, she was standing outside of Beth's house. Jade had decided to make sure that Beth made it to school without any problems.

"Morning," Beth greeted her. She did not seem at all surprised to see Jade standing before her. "Did you eat?"

"Yeah," Jade lied.

"You did not. Here, take this," Beth said before handing her a plain bagel with cream cheese.

"How did you know I didn't eat?"

"I can feel how hungry you are. Eat. We have time."

Jade gratefully consumed the bagel before she and Beth began walking toward Bishop High School. "Thanks," she said.

"It's the least I can do for my bodyguard. I never thought I'd need one, but it's kind of nice to have one. Do you want to come over tonight? My mom's making meatloaf."

"I can't. I don't want to intrude."

"My parents wouldn't mind."

"Look, Beth, parents don't like me," Jade said bluntly.

"Well, I like you, so they'll deal," Beth replied firmly.

"You don't strike me as being especially rebellious."

"I'm not, but I don't let my parents tell me who I may and may not be friends with."

"I still don't understand why you're so determined to be my friend."

"You seem lonely, and you saved my butt more than once already."

"I don't get lonely."

"Sell that to someone who can't feel your emotions. You feel all alone in the world, but you're not, Jade. You have me now."

Jade sighed. "I guess it couldn't hurt to have a friend," she said. Bastet meowed loudly. "Another friend, I mean. Sorry, Bastet."

"Aw, don't be jealous, Bastet. I know you're Jade's best friend and I'll have to settle for second place," Beth said with a grin. She scratched Bastet behind her ears and the kitten purred contently.

"I'll pick you up after school. If there's a problem before then... I'll know. I can feel it," Jade said.

"Okay, cool. Thanks, Jade. It makes me feel a lot safer to have you around."

"No problem. I might as well do something while I'm here."

Jade left Beth at Bishop High before setting off on her own. This time, her peaceful mood was short-lived. A police car pulled up next to her after a couple of minutes.

"Jade Collins?" One of the officers asked.

Jade didn't stop to think. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She didn't know where she was going, but that didn't matter. She ran until her legs felt as if her legs would fall off and she could no longer breathe. She didn't stop running until she bumped into a tall man with short brown hair and large brown eyes who gently touched her shoulder. He was wearing casual clothing, but Jade knew immediately that he was a cop.

"Don't be scared, Jade," the man said. "You're not in trouble. We just want to ask you a couple of questions concerning a double homicide that took place a few days ago."

"Where did you come from?" Jade demanded.

"A reliable source told me you'd be here right about now. It seemed stupid to chase you all over Salem when I had a location and an approximate time to find you."

Jade stared at him, unsure of what to say. There was something usual about his energy. It was almost soothing, at least until she shoved a shield up around herself.

He's trying to get you to let your guard down, she told herself. Don't give in.

The man continued speaking calmly. "I know how your parents really died," he said. "What I don't know is why you did it. We want to give you the opportunity to explain it to us. Please come with me?"

Jade sighed. Salem was turning out to be one unusual city. "Fine," she said. "I mean if I don't, you'll just arrest me anyway, right?"

"We would have to take you into temporary custody, yes." He motioned for her to follow him. They walked for several minutes in silence before reaching what appeared to be an office building.

"This doesn't look like a police station," Jade protested.

"It's a special headquarters. Welcome to the Unit," he replied.

"What Unit?" Jade recalled the mysterious Unit Dylan and Jesse had mentioned the day before. The insignia on the door featured a witch on a broom, just like the police cruisers in Salem did. Printed above the witch were the letters S.P.I.U.

The man led her inside without answering her. Jade reluctantly followed him. Once they reached what appeared to be an interrogation room, the man explained. "This is the headquarters of Salem's Supernatural Phenomenon Investigational Unit, or S.P.I.U. I realize that's a mouthful, which is why most people just call us the Unit. We're a special division of the police department, Jade. We investigate supernatural crimes."

Jade was stunned. "So you really do know how my parents died," she said.

"Yes," he replied. "Our New York branch called and asked us to keep an eye out for you."

"They had it coming," Jade explained defensively.

"But why did they have it coming, Jade? What did they do?"

"Look, you know about supernatural stuff, right? My parents were devil worshippers. I was a cult kid. I got fed up. End of story."

He paused to consider this. "Then I'd say that you did the right thing," he said.

This surprised Jade. She stared at him, searching for any hint that he was messing with her, but found none. "You would?" She asked.

"Cult kids go through hell. Not many have the courage or the ability to end it. You should be proud of yourself, Jade."

"Um... Thank you?" She was thoroughly confused.

"You're still a minor, right?"

"Yes," she admitted.

"We can get you legally emancipated if you prove that you're stable enough. You'd need a job first. Jade, how would you like to come to work for the Unit?"

"Are you serious? I'm a murderer, and you want me to become some sort of supernatural cop?"

"More like a supernatural assistant consulting investigator. You're still too young to be ranked as a cop. We reviewed your case history, Jade, and you've definitely got what it takes. The leader of our Unit wants you to work for us."

"Can I think about it?" She asked, still reluctant to trust any of this.

"Of course. Take as much time as you need." He motioned for her to follow him and led her back outside.

Jade wanted to join the Unit. More than anything, it sounded like something she was meant to do. Still, she was hesitant to do so because it sounded too good to be true. Things were working out too well, and they never did that for her. Years of experience had taught her not to get her hopes up.

"What's your name?" Jade asked the man.

"Oh, didn't I introduce myself? I'm sorry about that. Officially, my name is Detective Oscar Berkely, which is a terrible name really, so everyone calls me Shooter," the detective said with a grin. Jade quickly realized that his grin took ten years off of his face and was one of those that made other people want to smile, too.

"Shooter?" Jade repeated, raising an eyebrow and resisting any urge she had to smile back at him.

"Not for the reason you might think. I excel at shooting energy at people."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that I'm an energy sensitive and manipulator. In other words, I can mold energy in any way I need to." He rubbed his hands together, raising energy to demonstrate, and then shot it toward a store that hadn't opened yet. All of the lights turned on.

"Impressive," Jade said, and she meant it.

"It took me years to learn how to control it. I took out a few buildings before then. Not to mention a couple of bad guys. I didn't mean to, but they attacked me and I lost control. You're a witch, right?"

"Yes," Jade replied, seeing no point in lying to him.

"And a necromancer and medium. You're skilled with the darker aspects of magick."

Jade shrugged. "There can be no light without darkness, Shooter."

"I don't mean to come off as disrespectful at all, Jade. I know that dark magick can be used for good. Dark doesn't mean evil. We have one young woman in Salem who is extremely talented with dark magick, but she only uses it for good... Except when she's angry, and then, everyone better watch out. She's been known to smite people for moving when she's in a blind rage."

"Aideen," Jade said suddenly.

Shooter was surprised by that. "Yes," he replied. "You know her?"

"I met her briefly, and when you said that, I saw an image of her face in my mind. She didn't seem like a loose cannon to me, though."

"She's not; it's just when she gets really upset. She has a bad temper at times, although she tries to give people a fair warning when she's ready to snap. She's actually very skilled with her magick, much more advanced than most people her age would be."

"That's cool." Jade didn't want to be reminded of the members of the Silver Society. Something in her gut was telling her that she was supposed to be a part of their group, but she was reluctant to allow herself to be associated with any group, especially one that seemed to know so much about her.

"Shooter, get a load of this!" An attractive brunette with green eyes said as she stuck her head into the interrogation room. She looked at Jade. "Oh, you're with a suspect?"

"No, she's not a suspect," Shooter said quickly. "She's a potential."

"Does Skip know about her?"

"Yeah, he's the one who told me to bring her here."

"You know what? I'm being rude." The woman fully entered the room and extended her hand to Jade. "Tammy Meadows." She said.

"Jade Collins," Jade replied.

"So, Jade, what brings you to the Unit? Precognition? Empathy? Energy? Slayer? What are you?"

"Necromancer, medium, telepath, and witch," Jade said. Although she didn't usually like to tell people about her abilities, it was clear that she was surrounded by people who wouldn't go away until she did.

"Oh, you've definitely got the mojo going on then!" Tammy said. "I'm a channeler. Well, actually, I'm not."

"Wait a minute," Shooter said. "Who the hell am I talking to?"

The entity that had previously identified herself as Tammy grinned sheepishly. "Susan Burke," she said, shaking Jade's hand again. "I'm the boss man Skip's younger sister."

"Susie, you're not even dead," Shooter said. "You know Skip hates it when you switch bodies with the channelers. It scares the hell out of the newbies and it confuses people."

"Oh, don't you lecture me, Shooter," Susie said, rolling her eyes. "I'm not the only one who does it, and you break the rules every chance you get."

"You're the only one who does it while on the clock."

"Whatever. Anyway, Tammy's a channeler, Jade, but I'm an energy sensitive."

"So why are you possessing Tammy?" Jade asked.

"I got bored," Susie replied with a shrug.

"Tammy's much calmer than Susie is," Shooter said. "She's also my partner, and she's really good at what she does. You'd like her."

"Oh! I almost forgot what I came in here to tell you, Shooter. They caught the warlock who slaughtered those tourists five weeks ago," Susie said.

"It's about time," Shooter said. "Who was it?"

"Leo Hill!"

"The accountant? But he wasn't a warlock the last time I checked..."

"He's been a double agent for a while now. Apparently, he used the tourists to summon a demon, who is currently being contained in our facilities."

"Did he tell them it was Leo?"

"No, Traci got possessed by one of the victims and described him to Parker, who sketched it perfectly."

"Fantastic! So Leo's in custody?"

"Yeah, he's in lock up as we speak."

"I'm glad to hear it, although I really am surprised that he did this. I always thought he was trustworthy. A bit anal retentive and dull at times, but definitely not evil. Could he have been possessed?"

"Well, they'll be looking into that, but I can't say for sure." Susie suddenly squeaked. "Skip just realized Tammy's in my body. Gotta go!" Tammy's body seemed to have a mild muscle spasm. Suddenly, the person looking back at them was no longer hyper or bouncing over gossip.

"She did it again," Tammy said to Shooter with a sigh. "Sorry. I hope you noticed?"

"Of course I did," Shooter replied. "Susie's not exactly subtle. You need a new mantra to keep her out, Tammy."

"Nothing works. She's too strong. She manipulates any defensive mantra I try to use. I love Susie, but I wish Skip would do something about this hobby of hers." She paused, finally noticing Jade. "Hi," she said. "I'm Tammy, no matter what Susie tells you."

"Tammy, this is Jade. She may or may not be joining the Unit," Shooter explained.

"Well then, it's nice to meet you, Jade."

"Nice to meet you, too," Jade replied. She had seen people body switch before, but the difference between Susie and Tammy was drastic. She decided that she liked Tammy's calm demeanor much more than Susie's hyperactive one.

"What's your ability?" Tammy asked.

Jade was saved from explaining her abilities again when a woman with the build of a runway model walked into the room. She was tall, confident, and unbelievably gorgeous. Her dark features stood out against her perfectly tanned skin. Whoever she was, she certainly didn't look like a cop. She smiled warmly at Jade, Tammy, and Shooter.

"Hello, Jade," she said. "It's good to see you here."

"How did you know my name?" Jade asked.

"I'm Joanna Levy," the woman replied, shaking Jade's hand. It was a firm handshake, which was not what Jade had expected upon first seeing her. "I'm a precog, and I'm Skip's partner, so I knew you'd be coming." She ran her fingers through her long auburn hair briefly before continuing. "I don't mean to interrupt, but there's something urgent I need to speak with Tammy and Shooter about. It's official Unit business, but you're welcome to stay. After all, you'll be one of us soon."

"I haven't agreed to that," Jade said quickly.

"I know," Joanna said. "But you will." She winked at Shooter and Tammy.

"Jo's the best precog we have," Shooter said.

"Indeed," an attractive man in his early forties said, joining them. He had dirty blonde hair that was just barely thinning and light brown eyes. He was shorter than Shooter, but taller than Tammy.

"Jade, meet Skip Burke, also known as the boss," Shooter said.

"Hi," Jade said nervously as Skip shook her hand.

"Don't be so nervous," Skip said. "I don't bite."

"I'm not nervous," Jade lied.

"Don't waste your time, Jade," Joanna advised. "Skip's extremely empathic. Lying to an empath gets you nowhere."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Skip said. "I've heard a lot about you from Jo here. She's known you'd be coming to us for weeks now. She's not only the strongest precog we have on the payroll, but she's also been my partner for the last twenty years."

"Twenty years? You don't look a day over twenty-five," Jade said to Joanna.

"You're sweet. I'm thirty-five, actually. I came to work for the Unit when I was fifteen," Joanna explained. "They made me Skip's partner on one case and we worked so well together that they decided it should be permanent."

"She's the only one who can put up with me," Skip added with a grin.

"He's not so bad," Joanna said. "I know it sounds cliché, but having worked with each other for so long, Skip and I know each other better than we know ourselves."

"So, Jade, have you decided to join us?" Skip asked.

"I don't know yet," Jade replied. "I'm not big on working with groups."

"You'd do well here. We've rescued more than one outcast."

"I'm not an outcast..." She shrugged. "Okay, fine, yes I am... But I don't need to be rescued."

"I'm sure you don't, but I think you'd like it here, Jade. You'd fit in well."

"I don't fit in anywhere."

"You'd be surprised."

"Look, you guys seem to be the real deal, but I don't trust it."

"I didn't either, when the Unit recruited me twenty-three years ago. I was eighteen. The Unit saved my life."

"You don't understand..."

"I understand better than you know, Jade."

"Why? Because you're empathic?"

"Not only that. I'm also a cult kid, all grown up."

Jade stared into Skip's eyes, trying to find a lie in them, but he appeared to be telling the truth. "You are?" She asked.

"Yes. I survived eighteen years in hell before the Unit found me, and I've been a lot better off ever since. Not only did they help keep me safe, but they helped me break a lot of the programming and turn into an almost normal person." He laughed. "A psychic can never be fully normal, and neither can a cult kid, but they got me pretty close to it."

"I'm still not sure that I can trust this."

"I understand. It's normal to be skeptical, especially when chances are every time you've trusted someone they've betrayed you. Am I right?" Jade stared at her feet in response. "We can help you, Jade, but you have to let us."

"So, you were a cult kid. Does that mean that Susan was, too?" Jade asked.

"Oh, so you met Susie? Yes, she was one, too."

"That explains a lot." Jade suddenly liked Susie a bit more. She knew that being raised in a cult had unusual effects on most children, and Susie's hyperactivity was likely the result of it. Everyone reacted differently, but inside, all cult children shared a bond no one else could ever understand.

"This is my card, Jade," Skip said. He handed her a white business card. "If you decide you want to work with us, call me."

"Okay," Jade agreed.

"You can go now. I can tell you're eager to leave."

"Thanks..." She hesitated. "Wait... What about my parents?"

"No charges will be brought against you, regardless of your decision. It was clearly a case of self-defense."

"Thank you." Jade gathered her belongings and left the office. She headed toward Bishop High School, not wanting to be too far away from Beth. She did not have the energy to wander aimlessly around the town anymore.

When Beth emerged from the school, she gave Jade a concerned looked. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"The police questioned me," Jade replied.

Beth's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my gosh, Jade! Are you in trouble?"

There she goes using "gosh" again, Jade thought. Aloud, she said, "They're not arresting me. They deemed it self defense."

"Thank goodness! So you're free... What will you do now?"

"I don't know. I was actually thinking of sticking around here for a little bit longer. I kind of like Salem."

Beth beamed at Jade. "I hope you do stay, Jade. I like you."

"Thanks. Oddly, I like you, too," she admitted.

"Oddly? I guess you don't have many friends who wear pink and listen to pop music, huh?"

"None. Although, honestly, I don't have many friends period. The few that I had were... Well, they're not around anymore."

"May I ask what happened to them?"

Jade sighed. "Honestly? Kimberly overdosed on drugs, Scott killed himself, Kelsey was sacrificed last Halloween, and Paul died in a car crash. Mind you, he wasn't old enough to be driving, but Paul was like that."

"Sacrificed?" Beth repeated in horror.

"Beth, there's a lot I haven't told you about myself," Jade said a little nervously.

"Well, now's as good a time as any, Jade... Tell me your story."

"Some other time. There's just way too much to get into right now and you're too..." She hesitated.

"Too what?" Beth asked.

"Too normal to have to hear it. People like you shouldn't have to know about this sort of thing. If you've got the ability to be happy and to look at the world and think 'this is an okay place to live,' I don't want to be the one to tarnish that."

"I'm not as naïve as I look, Jade."

"I believe that, but I also don't want you to see all of the skeletons in my closet, okay? Maybe one day, but not yet."

Beth considered this before nodding. "Okay, I understand," she said. "So, are you ready to meet my parents?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess," Jade replied.

"Yay!" Beth cheered with a grin.

I'm probably going to regret this, Jade thought.

When they arrived at Beth's house, Beth's mother greeted them warmly.

"Hello," she said with a smile. "You must be Jade! I'm Dr. Ashford. You may call me Maggie. It's so nice to meet you!" She frowned as she eyed Jade's pentagram nervously for a moment, but the smile returned to her face almost instantly.

"Nice to meet you, too," Jade said. She followed Maggie into the house.

"Mom's a cardiologist," Beth said. "My father's a lawyer. He should be coming home soon."

"Bethie, dinner will be ready in about an hour, okay?" Maggie asked.

"Thanks, Mom. We'll be in my room until then," Beth replied.

"Okay, sweetie."

Beth led Jade to her bedroom. Jade was not at all surprised to discover that the color scheme consisted of pale pinks and blues. It suited Beth well. Posters of pop stars covered the baby blue walls, and a canopy bed with pink sheets sat in the center of the room. Several stuffed animals and pillows were laid out neatly on the bed, which had been perfectly made. Her window had a nice view, and there was a window seat that Jade had to admit she liked. She'd always loved window seats. A couple of stuffed animals sat on the window seat as well. A desk stood to the right of the window. Textbooks and papers sat in meticulously organized stacks next to a laptop computer and a portable printer on the desk. A wooden crucifix was nailed to the wall above the desk, and a couple of pictures hung on either side of it. One was of Beth and her parents. Another was of a handsome young man with his arms around Beth.

"Is that your boyfriend?" Jade asked.

"Oh, ew, no way! That's my older brother," Beth said with a giggle. "His name's Kevin. He's away at college on a football scholarship."

"He's cute."

"Yeah, I guess. He's really popular. He's an awesome guy, actually, but I can't see my brother as cute." She laughed.

"Yeah, I guess that would be weird. So, what's your dad like?"

"He's a really good guy."

"You're lucky."

"I guess I am."

"Trust me, having good parents is a blessing, and not every kid gets to experience it."

"Yeah, my parents are good people, although they're kind of... Never mind."

"Kind of what?"

"It's nothing. Your parents were obviously awful, and my issues are so petty compared to something that could make you kill yours."

"Tell me anyway," Jade said patiently.

"My parents are really closed-minded," Beth explained.

"You're Christian. What's the big deal if your parents are closed-minded? You're like the picture perfect daughter, Beth. You are every parent's dream."

"I'm not closed-minded, Jade. I have abilities I can't explain, but I hide them and try to ignore them. My parents would freak out if they knew what I could do."

"That's got to suck," Jade admitted.

"Yeah. I mean, I love my parents, but..."

"But you feel like, if you were yourself, they'd never accept you?"

"Basically."

"That's not petty, Beth. I mean, they may not be creeps, but it still sucks to feel like you might disappoint your parents because of who you are."

"Ah, the dreaded 'D' word."

"Yeah, a parent's secret weapon. With one word, they can completely shatter their kid."

"Those people we met yesterday... They're the first people I've ever met who seemed to understand what I can do," Beth said sadly.

"I understand it," Jade said. "Empathy's a pretty common psychic gift."

"I can't control it. Sometimes, I get pulled to something, and I don't come out of it until I'm bleeding. It really makes it hard to hide this from my parents."

"I knew a few empaths like that. Maybe I can help you."

"It scares me," Beth admitted. The fear was clear in her eyes, and even her thoughts were projecting loud enough for Jade to hear them.

"You just need to develop some blocks and you'll be fine," Jade said soothingly.

"Blocks?" Beth asked.

"You know, blocks and shields."

"Oh." Beth nodded, and then paused. "No, not really. What are they?"

Jade laughed. "Basically, blocks and shields keep stuff out and keep you safe. They help you control your abilities so you don't get into trouble. They're not always enough, but they usually help a lot."

"Can you teach me how to use them?"

"I can try."

"Thanks. I need all of the help I can get with that! It's hard to explain some of the injuries I've gotten to my parents."

"What's the worst that's ever happened?" Jade asked curiously.

"I went to see my mother at work, and someone died from a gunshot wound in the waiting room. I almost died, too. To this day, my mom thinks I somehow got shot."

Jade was startled. "Wow, Beth... That's pretty bad."

"They never found a bullet, of course, or the mysterious shooter, because no one actually shot me. My mom was so confused."

"You definitely need blocks," Jade decided. "Empathy can be a dangerous ability if you can't control it. I'll do what I can, but since I'm not empathic, there's only so much I know how to do."

"Anything would be an improvement."

"I think you're right about that."

There was a knock at the door. A handsome man in a black business suit stood on the other side of it. Beth flung her arms around him. "Hi, Daddy!" She said. "Jade, this is my dad."

"Hi, Jade," the man said. He had a very charming smile that somehow put Jade at ease. "It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too, Mr. Ashford," Jade replied politely.

"Please, call me Lewis."

"Alright, Lewis," she agreed.

"It's always nice when Bethie brings a new friend over. She's very popular. I take it you attend Bishop?"

"No, actually, I'm..." Jade wasn't sure what to tell Lewis about her academic situation.

"Jade's new in town," Beth said, saving Jade from the question. "She's not enrolled in school yet."

"Oh, I see. Where are you from, Jade?" Lewis asked pleasantly.

"New York," Jade replied.

"Well, that's exciting!" Maggie said, appearing in the doorway. "Bethie didn't tell us that."

"What made your family decide to move, Jade?" Lewis asked.

"They didn't," Jade replied awkwardly. "My parents recently passed away."

"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry! I had no idea!" Maggie said, taking Jade's hands in her own. They were warm and strangely comforting. "That must have been so hard for you. If it's not too personal, how did they die?"

Jade decided to go with the truth. "They were murdered," she replied.

Maggie gasped. It was Lewis who spoke, saying, "In New York, that's no shock. High crime rates and all of that. Did they catch the person who did it?"

"Yes," Jade replied.

"I hope they got the death penalty. Terrible crime, murder."

Beth nervously looked at Jade for any sign that she'd been offended or upset by the comment, but Jade kept a steady, calm expression on her face. "The killer got what she deserved," Jade said.

"She?" Lewis repeated. "That's interesting."

"Oh, Lewis, stop this," Maggie said. "It's such an unpleasant thing to discuss. I hope we haven't upset you, Jade."

"No, it's okay," Jade said. "I'm fine."

"Who are you staying with, sweetheart?"

"I'm on my own."

"But you're Bethie's age, aren't you? Just fourteen or so?"

"I'm fifteen, actually."

"It's still not legal for someone that young to be all alone," Lewis said.

"I'm working on getting legally emancipated." The words were out of Jade's mouth before she even realized what she was saying. Without knowing it, she had already made her decision. She was going to join the Unit.

"Oh, my, that's very ambitious! You're still just a child, sweetheart. How will you take care of yourself?" Maggie asked in obvious horror at the very thought.

"Plenty of children have survived on their own, Maggie," Lewis said. "And Jade seems to be an intelligent young woman. I'm sure she'll manage." To Jade, he added, "Maggie worries. She's a very maternal person."

"I'll be alright," Jade said.

"Don't you have anyone you can stay with, sweetheart?" Maggie asked.

"No, I don't," Jade replied.

"Do you even have a place to live?"

Jade wanted to lie, but something told her she'd do better to be honest with the Ashfords about her situation. "I've been staying in abandoned buildings," she admitted.

"Oh, no, no, no! That won't do at all! You're to stay with us, Jade, at least until you can get settled somewhere else," Maggie said firmly.

"That's very kind, Maggie, but-"

"Don't argue, Jade. You won't win this one," Lewis advised. "When Maggie makes up her mind to do something, no one can change it. I'm a lawyer and even I can't talk her out of things." He laughed before smiling at his wife.

"You just met me," Jade protested. "You can't honestly want a stranger staying in your home."

"Well, why on earth not?" Maggie asked. "You and Bethie clearly get along well, and you need someone to take care of you. You can't live on the street. It's our duty as good Christians- Oh, I don't mean to offend you, of course. We won't try to save your soul or anything, I promise, dear."

"I'm not easily offended," Jade assured her, but she had to admit she was relieved at the promise that her soul would not have to be saved for her to stay with the Ashfords. For the most part, Jade thought that she liked them, and she didn't want to keep sleeping in abandoned buildings. Besides, she'd be able to keep a closer eye on Beth that way.

"Say you'll stay with us?" Maggie asked again.

"Alright," Jade replied. "For now."

"Good! Oh, and dear? Are you planning to stay in Salem once you're emancipated?"

"Yes, I think so... Why?"

"If you're staying, I'm enrolling you in the high school."

Jade wanted to argue, but something told her not to. She felt in her gut that she was meant to attend Bishop High School. "Okay," Jade agreed.

"Really?" Beth asked, unable to hide her excitement. "You'll like it, Jade. It's a really good school."

"Judging from your pentagram, I take it you're a Pagan?" Lewis asked.

"Yes," Jade admitted.

"Are you interested in Salem's history, then?"

"I am, actually. I always have been."

"Bishop was named after the first person found guilty of Witchcraft and hanged during the trials, Bridget Bishop."

"That makes sense." Jade paused. "Are you guys sure you're okay with my staying here? I mean, you're clearly religious, and I'm not a Christian. I don't even come close."

"You need help, Jade. You found us for a reason," Lewis said. "Be it our God or yours, someone sent you here because you were meant to meet us. We can't turn someone away when they clearly need a hand. It wouldn't be right. As long as you don't try to convert our daughter to witchcraft or try to hex us in the middle of the night, I see no reason why you can't be allowed to stay here until you're able to be on your own." He smiled to show he was kidding. He had no idea that Jade could actually hex them all if she felt like it.

"Thank you. I'm not really used to people being so willing to help me."

"This is Salem, not New York, sweetheart," he said kindly. "It's different here."

"The more I'm here, the more I am starting to realize that."

"Dinner should be ready soon," Maggie said. "I'm going to go put the finishing touches on it." She hurried off.

"I'll see you two downstairs in a few minutes," Lewis said, following Maggie and closing the door behind himself.

"Did that really just happen?" Jade wondered aloud.

"My parents have a habit of taking in people who need them," Beth said. "Even people that kind of scare them. They're not big on witches and the occult, but they are big on keeping children safe, which means that anyone under eighteen who needs their help will get it."

"So, are you okay with me staying here?"

"Okay with it? I'm thrilled! You're doing a lot for me, and now, my family is doing something for you. Plus, like I said, I like you, and it will be cool having you around all the time." Bastet meowed. "And Bastet, too. My family loves animals," Beth added.

"This is only until I have enough cash to live on my own and I'm emancipated," Jade clarified.

"I know, but until then, it'll be like we're sisters. I love my brother, but I always wanted a sister," Beth said cheerfully.

"Well, I guess you have one now. One who doesn't quite fit in with your picture perfect family, but you still have one." Jade generally tried to avoid interacting with people, especially "normal" people, but there was something about the Ashfords she trusted, and even though they were nothing if not annoyingly normal, she didn't mind being around them. Maybe Lewis was right, and she had been meant to meet them.

"This will be fun. You'll really like Bishop. Lots of Pagans go there, and everyone's pretty open minded."

"That's good to know."

"You'll be a year ahead of me, though. I'm a freshman. We might still have some classes together. I'm in a couple of advanced classes, like English and history." She smiled at Jade and added, "I think this is the beginning of something fantastic."

To her surprise, Jade agreed.