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“I knew I recognized you,” Millie says. “From the missing persons poster. You’re Lucy Finch. From Salem.”
“I am,” Lucy says. “And I’m naked.”
“And surprisingly calm,” Daphne points out.
We hear footsteps below, and Cash turns to us.
“The cavalry is here. I’m going to be here for a while. Lucy, I need you to stay so I can ask some questions.”
“I know,” she says. “Can I cover up?”
“I have a blanket in the car,” I offer and run down past the cops to my vehicle, retrieving the throw and hurrying back up with it.
Then the five of us are ushered out while the police take over.
“At least Cash is in there,” Millie says. “So we know what’s happening.”
“Who is Lucy Finch?” Daphne asks her sister. “And why did she miraculously come back from the dead, scaring the shit out of us before our very eyes?”
“She’s a witch—a powerful one from what I’ve heard. I’ve never met her. She’s related to some of the witches in Baton Rouge. They must have invited her to come join us for the eclipse. I have no idea why she’s here-here, or how she didn’t die.”
“Maybe she did somehow die and then came back to life,” Brielle adds. “Because she’s the one who was blinking in and out.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of it,” Lucien says. “Also, I found Andy.”
“Where?” I demand as I turn to him.
“He’s in the bathroom upstairs. Dead. Missing his eyes. I told Cash on our way out.”
“Why didn’t you say something before?” Brielle demands.
“Because you three don’t need to see that,” Lucien says softly. “There’s no need. You already have enough terror in your minds.”
“He’s right,” Millie says. “I don’t want to see it.”
“Me, either.”
Cash comes outside, escorting Lucy, who’s wrapped in the blanket. She doesn’t look freaked out. She looks…pissed.
“I don’t need a hospital,” she insists.
“Your throat was slashed,” Cash says.
“It’s not now. Look.” She points to her neck. “Not even a scar. I want to talk to you all. I can help you.”
“You need a shower,” Millie says. “And some fresh clothes.”
“Damn right, I do,” Lucy agrees.
Cash doesn’t look convinced.
“I promise you. I don’t need a hospital. I also promise that I have no intention of hurting any of you. I came here to help. I wanted a fun trip to New Orleans and to help you all at the same time. We can see how that worked out for me.”
“Did he know?” I demand. “Did he know what you are?”
“No. I never let on. I promise I can tell you everything. But I’m sure you can understand why I’m anxious to get the hell out of here.”
“Let’s take her back,” Millie says. “Get her cleaned up—physically and spiritually.”
“If you’re fucking with them,” Cash says quietly, “this will end very badly for you.”
Lucy’s face softens. “You love them. Of course, you do. You’re the six. I wish you no harm.”
Cash takes a deep breath and then nods. “Okay. I have to stay here for a bit longer, but I’ll meet you at the house. I’ll catch a ride with one of the guys.”
Lucy rides with Daphne and me. She’s quiet, curled up in the back seat the whole way.
When we pull up to Millie’s house, she smiles.
“How lovely.”
Before we leave the car, Daphne turns to Lucy.
“How do I know that you’re not him? That you’re not Horace, worming his way into this house to hurt us?”
“Horace can’t get inside of that house,” Lucy says calmly. “I understand your concern. I’d be wary, as well. When you found me, I was pretty much dead.”
“Are you immortal?” I ask her.
“No.” She smiles again. “I’m just a woman with magic. I promise you, I’m not your enemy. I will not hurt you.”
I look at Daphne, and she nods. We escort Lucy into the house where Miss Sophia, Ruth, Oliver, and Miss Annabelle are all waiting.
When they see Lucy, there’s a frenzy.
“Oh, you poor child,” Ruth says as she reaches for Lucy. When she touches Lucy’s shoulder, Lucy jerks.
“What is it?” Millie asks her.
“Oh, ma’am,” Lucy says as tears fill her eyes. “I’m so sorry for what was done to you. I’m so, so sorry.”
“This is Lucy Finch,” Lucien explains. “She was being held by Horace. Managed to live through it and came all the way from Salem to help us.”
“Well, you come on in,” Miss Annabelle says. “We’ll get you cleaned up and comfortable before anyone starts asking questions.”
“I’ll fix some soup,” Millie announces and heads for the kitchen.
“I have some clothes that should fit you,” Daphne says, eyeing the other woman. “He took you because you look like me.”
Lucy nods. “I know.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” Lucy assures Daphne. “It’s not your fault at all. I could use that shower.”
“I’ll take you up,” Daphne says and takes Lucy’s hand before stopping cold, her wide eyes meeting Lucy’s. “Oh, Lucy.”
