The walk to Elderwood Hollow is comfortable.
October afternoon bright and clear, leaves crunching underfoot in amber and gold. The town appears ahead. Small, charming, autumn decorations hanging from lamp posts. Hearth and Honey sits on the main street, warm light glowing through windows, the smell of fresh bread drifting out when someone opens the door.
We sit by the window. Afternoon sun streaming in, the table just big enough for all of us without feeling cramped.
We order without consulting menus. Calder gets soup and homemade sour dough. Tyler requests the roasted vegetable sandwich. Julian asks for autumn salad. I choose quiche and chamomile tea.
The food arrives quickly, steam rising from hot dishes, bread still warm from the oven.
Then the sharing starts.
Tyler immediately steals a piece of Calder's sour dough. Gets a mock glare in return, completely unrepentant.
Calder slides his soup bowl toward me. "Try this." I do. Rich, savory, perfect for October weather.
Julian adds honey to my tea without asking; he knows exactly how I take it.
"So," Tyler says between bites. "What are you going to do with this information? About Asha?"
"Research her methods more thoroughly. See what else I can learn."
Julian's already thinking ahead. "The academy has research grants now. For innovative herbal methodology. You should apply."
"Build on what she started," Calder adds quietly. "Here. Where they'll actually support it."
“Maybe she won’t be the only Rowan to make a lasting impression.” Tyler finds my hand and squeezes.
I peer out of the window, half-expecting to see Gideon Stockwell skulking about looking for omegas from Elderwood to interview. He isn’t there, but his presence is. Or maybe it’s simply because I haven’t spoken to him since my conversationwith Olivia. I don’t want to crush his hopes of proving his sister’s death was hushed up, but I’m aware I have nothing concrete for him.
“I gave Grandma’s chamomile blend to Olivia,” I announce to the table. They all stare at me. “When she got sick, I was scared. It was Lila’s idea, and I wanted to help.”
Calder is first to speak. “You believe there’s some truth in Gideon Stockwell’s claims.”
Deep breath. “I don’t know.” Something is niggling away at me about Olivia’s situation, but I can’t put my finger on what it is. Something she isn’t telling me. “I spoke to him.”
That gets a reaction. They all sit forward, Calder’s fists clenched on the table.
“When?” Tyler asks.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Calder.
“He obviously told you something that resonated,” Julian says.
“My heat was imminent, and I was panicking. A little.” I shrug. “And… I want to help him too. If I can.”
They’re all quiet. Finally, Julian says, “Whatever you need, we’re here for you.”
“As long as you keep us in the loop.” Calder is firm.
“We’re coming with you next time.” Tyler steals the last piece of Calder’s sour dough.
18
CALDER
November arrives quieter than October.
I find Elowen in the greenhouse, Juniper curled up on the workbench, sleeping but aware of the company. I watch them for a couple of beats, enjoying having the moment all to myself.
