Page 117 of Christmas Magic

Chapter Twenty

Tim squirmed on Molly’s shoulder. “I see Wucian!”

“So do I.” She fought gut-wrenching anxiety, because judging by his threatening demeanor and angry voice, he was determined to have a fight. Poor Fred.

“Molly.” Glancing over her shoulder, she spied Julius, weaving through the parents and children standing nearby. He drew her to one side, under the awning of a boutique. The five cats followed.

“I delayed the police officers and the sheriff who were on the way,” Julius said. “That will give us time to resolve the situation with Lucian.”

Molly gestured to the two Santas. “Lucian wants to fight with swords like a medieval knight. Fred’s no match for him.”

“We still don’t know how to break the spell.” Julius frowned as his gaze skimmed the crowded street. “We must be careful when using our powers. I could incapacitate Lucian, but there are risks—”

“Let me try to reach him. Please.”

“That didn’t work before.”

She swallowed hard. “I don’t want him to be hurt.”

“We do need to think what’s best for the majority of the people here, not just him.”

Her heart ached so much. Resentment burned inside her, because the whole situation was so unfair. “Lucian’s being controlled by the spell. It’s not his fault he’s acting the way he is.”

“True, but Fred also mustn’t come to harm. My colleagues would not look kindly upon Lucian wounding an elderly Reg—indeed, any Reg. There are, as you know, rules to be followed.”

“Yes, but magic caused this problem. That means we’ll have to use magic to resolve it.” A tremor ran through her, for she’d failed to stop Lucian at the store, but she had to stop him now. She must draw upon all that Lucian had taught her; fully rely on and trust her supernatural powers.

No other choice. She loved him, and for him, she’d do whatever she had to.

“The parade’s going to start soon,” she said.

Julius nodded. “That will help provide a distraction.”

“Lucian was supposed to be on the historical society float.”

“Leave that to us.” Galahad eyed the other cats. “All of us, that is, except Tiny Tim.”

“Aww. I want to go wiff you. I’m the Nabigaydor.”

“I might need your help,” Molly said to the kitten. “It’s best if you stay with me.”

Tim grumbled. “Okay.”

“What’s your plan, Galahad?” Rose meowed.

“I’ll explain on the way. Come on, damsels. Follow me.”

The cats disappeared into the crowd.

More shouting and cheering.

Molly clenched her hands. “We can’t wait any longer.”

“I’ll handle the spectators,” Julius said. “You go to Lucian.”

“All right.”

The Expert crossed to a nearby lamp post. He casually leaned against it.