Page 85 of Hex You

Xena, who was wrapped in Abigail’s bathrobe and perched on Jax’s lap, patted the top of his head as if he really was a kitten. “Do not worry, Jax. We shall all look after Mercy.”

“Well, I’m not staying home, so let’s go. Call it a last request if you have to,” said Mercy.

Emily rounded on her. “Don’t say that! You’re going to befine.” Then she leaned forward. “H, maybe when you take out Amphitrite you could snag some of her goddess magic and use it to cure Mercy!”

Hunter’s turquoise-blue eyes went to Mercy. The twins shared a look that only the two of them could translate. It was them against the world again—as it should always be—and they would protect their friends from sorrow as long as possible. Hunter nodded quickly before she turned her gaze to Emily.

“That’s a great idea, Em! I’ll definitely keep it in mind.” Hunter put the Camry into gear and headed toward the heart of Goodeville.

“Kitten, where exactly are we going?” Xena asked.

“To the park. That’s where I buried the Amphitrite poppet at the palms. I’m digging it up and then we’re going to take it to the Greek tree where I’ll summon that sea hag and be rid of her once and for all.”

“Good thing it’s late,” said Emily. “There shouldn’t be anyone at the park to see you dig up that creepy thing.”

Hunter turned onto the narrow street that wound through the neighborhood surrounding the park as she said, “Yeah, well, I don’t really give a shit about who sees me doing—” Her words broke off as the park came into view.

“That does not look like a deserted park,” said Khenti.

“What the bloody hell is going on out there?” Mercy leaned into Khenti as she stared at the park.

“Oh, shit! That’s my mom and her Bible study group!” Jax said.

“And Kirk with some of his football buddies. They’re with your mom, Jax,” said Hunter. “This looks bad.”

“Kitten, turn around. We can retrieve your poppet another time. I do not like how this feels,” said Xena.

“Yeah, I agree. I’ll get us out of here.” Hunter pulled into the parking lot, and put the Camry into reverse to back out onto the street.

“Hunter, wait!” Mercy grabbed her sister’s shoulder. “She’s here! Amphitrite! She’s at the park!”

“What? Where?” Hunter looked frantically at the artificially lit park.

“There. The goddess is hovering over Jax’s mother and their group at those picnic tables,” said Xena solemnly.

Hunter put the car into park. “Then I’m not going anywhere.” She turned and looked at her sister. “Stay here.” Her eyes swept the car. “All of you. I’m going to get the poppet and end her. Now.”

“In front of all these people?” Mercy shook her head. “No, H. You can’t.”

“Mag, what I can’t do is continue to allow that sea hag to poisonour town. She’s already poisoned you! How many more people have to die because she is completely batshit and vindictive and in need of more couples therapy than money can buy? No. Stay here. I’m the Chosen One. I’m doing this.” Shovel in hand, Hunter opened the door. She didn’t so much as glance at the group of people, but walked quickly and purposefully toward the cluster of doum palms.

“The goddess sees her.” Khenti’s voice was steel.

Mercy’s gaze went to Amphitrite. Khenti was right. The goddess’s bloated, dripping head had swiveled as if she was a demented sea owl and she stared at Hunter. Then her insubstantial body drifted down, closer to the group of people at the picnic tables. Mercy could see her mouth move and didn’t need to hear what she said to understand what the goddess was doing.

The people stirred restlessly. They lifted cardboard signs from the tables and as one they turned to look at Hunter.

It was then that Mercy saw what was written on the signs, and her stomach felt sick.

“Open the door. Let me out!” she said.

Khenti quickly did so, helping her to stagger from the car.

“Come back, kitten! You must not overexert yourself!” Xena had crawled from Jax’s lap and her face was pale with worry as she spoke through the open window.

“Look at the people. They’re going after Hunter. Amphitrite is influencing them. We have to help Hunter!” As Mercy spoke she stumbled from the parking lot to the grass and fell to her knees.

Khenti was beside her in an instant. “How can I help you?”