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"You know who I am, then?" Surprised, I wondered why she hadn't introduced herself the night before if she'd recognized me.
"Of course, but you were so tired last night, I didn't want to push you into a long talk. Now then, what can I get you all?" She held up her order pad.
I handed the menu back to her. "Chicken soup, and grilled cheese. Plain--make sure nothing with fish comes near either, please."
Leo and Rhiannon asked for hamburgers and fries, and Anadey ran the order over to Peyton, who glanced out from the kitchen and waved.
"She's had a hard life, that girl," Rhiannon said.
"Why? Her mother seems nice enough."
"Marta's daughter is nice, Cicely," Jim said. "But Peyton's father was a werepuma. And some of the Weres--lycanthropes especially--don't see magical Weres as true to their nature. Peyton was teased unmercifully as a child by the werewolves, especially the Lupa Clan."
"So you're Marta's lawyer? You seem kind of young." I'd expected some elderly family retainer.
"Marta transferred her business to me ten years ago, when I first took up practice. She never would say why, and I learned not to question. Anadey is Marta's oldest child. She also had a younger son, who died a few years ago. The mother left town, but Marta's grandson--Tyne--is a member of the Thirteen Moons Society."
"That much, I know."
"Jim's right," Anadey said, overhearing our conversation as she returned to pour more coffee, and bring Leo and Rhiannon their Cokes. "Unfortunately, Tyne and Mother never saw eye to eye, and she left him out of the family inheritance. He's stubborn, and he butted heads with every woman in the coterie."
"But he's still part of the Society?"
"Yes, and he always ended up deferring to Mother, as is proper, but only after an argument. Mother used to say they wasted more time bickering than they did actually getting the work done."
It occurred to me that if he didn't like women in the Society, then maybe he saw his chance to ascend to power after his grandmother died, and might somehow be tied to the disappearance of my aunt, but I discreetly kept that thought to myself. I'd talk to Rhiannon about it later.
"I asked Jim to meet you here because I wanted to reassure you ahead of time that I'm fine with you taking over Mother's business." Anadey held up her hand. "Just a second." She called back to the other waitress, "Jenny, fill in for me, and have Rob man the grill. Peyton and I will be taking a couple hours off this afternoon."
I stared at Anadey. Nothing but sincerity seemed to flow from her. "Are you sure? I don't want to horn in on something you wanted from your mother. Hell, I never even really knew her, more than just a passing hello on one of my few visits back to New Forest."
Anadey laughed. "Don't worry. I get the house, and gods only know, Peyton and I need it, but honestly, I have no interest in running Mother's business. You may come get her supplies any time you like. Besides, she was adamant about you being the one to carry on for her. I trust her. I always did, even if we didn't see eye to eye. And so now, on her word, I'll trust you to do right by her. You know, of course, that means you are automatically a member of the Society, though not much remains of the local membership. I suggest you begin building it back up from scratch. You'll need every scrap of what she left to you, I'm afraid. What with the way things are going in this town." Her expression told me she knew more about it than I did.
"How much do you know?"
"I know your aunt has vanished. I know the Society is being systematically eradicated." Anadey frowned. "The energy of the town has changed, people are disappearing, and I have a really bad feeling about what the wind's blowing our way. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll just run some last-minute instructions by my staff and then Peyton and I will be right back."
She excused herself. As soon as she was out of ear-shot, I said, "I'm confused. Why didn't Marta leave her daughter the business? Or her grandson? They're both magic-born. It doesn't make sense."
Jim spoke up. "Oh, yes it does, Cicely. Marta knew something. We're not sure what, but she changed her will about two months ago. Anadey was with her and agreed to all the changes. Tyne was pissy about it, but since he's not her closest of kin, he can't very well challenge what Marta's daughter won't."
He pulled out a sheath of documents. "Here are all the legalities. Marta left enough money for me to change the ownership and file new papers for you. All you have to do is take possession of the assets and supplies. I'll put in for a business license for you as soon as you give me your information."
Pulling out a checkbook from the briefcase, he handed it to me. "Here's the business checkbook--I've made all the necessary changes to move it to your name. I just need you to sign this form for the name change and proof of signature, and I'll turn it in to the bank today. Then you can take over the business account." He placed a sheath of papers in front of me and handed me a pen.
As Anadey returned with our meals, I glanced over the documents and was shocked to see a balance of four thousand dollars in the checkbook. Hell, Marta did pretty good for being the town witch. I still felt odd accepting the gift, but everything seemed in order. At least as far as I could tell.
"What next?"
"You sign those papers, give them to me, then get your things from Marta's house. I'll file all the pertinent documents."
Anadey paused. "Jim, I'm going to run over to the house with them and start sorting out things." She looked at me. "There's a lot of stuff, it may take you a little while to go through it, but you can get an idea of how much there is today, and take a load home with you."
She wiped a strand of hair out of her eyes and at that moment, I saw the exhaustion and sorrow hiding behind her smile. It occurred to me that since her mother had recently died, I should say something comforting, but I honestly had no idea what would be right. I didn't have much practice at cushioning the blows of life for others. Or for myself, either, for that matter.
Anadey seemed to sense my hesitation. "It's okay, truly. Mother wanted you to have these things. I'm a powerful witch in my own right, but I never had any desire to work with the Society, or to hire myself out. I've always been the solitary type when it comes to magic. But if you ever need me, I'm here to help."
"I don't know what to say." I bit my lip. "I'm just sorry . . ."
