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After finishing up a document for an upcoming closing, Jon went to the back of the house to check on his mother. Not wanting to disturb her, he slowly opened her door and stayed in the doorway. To his surprise, she was fast asleep, curled up on the bed. It was strange for her to rest during the day. In her hand, she clutched an old, crinkled photo of his late father. His heart ached for her, and determination stirred in his gut as ferocious as a hurricane.
By the end of the day, it was difficult to concentrate on the pile of papers on his desk. Freya Meyer, a member of the Bartlett Coven, had agreed to meet with him. He tossed the papers to the side, stood, paced around the office, and watched the clock.
His friend arrived on time. Mindy announced his guest, and he loosened his tie, anticipating her response to his request for assistance with the quest to free his mother’s curse. Freya entered Jon’s office, and his head spun; it all seemed somewhat surreal. She must have answers. The daily nightmare had to end.
“Thank you for coming over, Freya.”
“I could tell by the desperation in your tone that it was an emergency.” The beautiful, dark-haired woman moved across the room like she walked on air. Her long skirt flowed as if it belonged on a runway.
Hopefully, a woman with such experience in witchcraft had come across a ritual for an evil curse. He led Freya to a seating area in the corner of his office. They sat in adjacent chairs.
“I’m desperate. Do you think you can lift my mother’s curse?” He took a deep breath, waiting eagerly for her reply.
“I may be able to help.”
Jon fidgeted. His hands shook and his insides rattled. He placed his hands on his thighs. “I’m sorry to come across so frazzled.”
“I lost my mother a few years ago, and believe me, I understand. Being stuck in between life and death is a horrible place.” She paused. “The witch who placed the ancient curse on your mother should be punished for her crime.”
“Can we start right away?” Jon asked. It concerned him when her brow furrowed and she didn’t reply right away. “Is there a problem?”
“I’m so sorry. I’ll be out of town for a few days, and it will have to wait until I get back.” She sat forward. “I’m getting married, and I have to travel to New York to meet my fiancé to go over some of the details.”
“I had no idea. Congratulations.” Jon smiled despite his disappointment. He sighed. Any other time, he’d be happy to hear such wonderful news, however, the desire to end the nightmare was a top priority. “Honestly, I’m thrilled for you.” He tried to shift the focus to Freya’s happy news.
“Paul is the man I’ve been waiting for. He’s a beautiful person,” she said.
“You’re fortunate to have found each other.” He found special meaning in her words. Since the romantic encounter with Krista, he was reminded of how much he missed having a woman in his life. The last committed relationship he’d had was five years ago and it ended due to his work schedule.
“I realize we’re soul mates. Paul is an actor. He’s sensitive, kind, loving, and the most generous man I’ve ever met.” Her smile brightened and her eyes gleamed when she spoke of her fiancé.
Jon tried to hide his envy. He forced a positive tone. “I understand completely. Is there someone you would recommend who has experience in spells?”
“Monique Tallon is our senior member, but she’s taken ill. I don’t think she’s fully recovered yet.” She reached into her bag, took out a small address book, and flipped through the pages. After she copied the number on the back of a business card, she handed it to him. “I don’t think she’d mind if you gave her a call. She may have a suggestion. I can ask some of the other members if you’d like.”
“It’s not necessary. Take care of your wedding plans. I’ll reach out to your friend. Maybe she’ll be able to guide me in the right direction.” His chest tightened with a burning sensation that traveled up to his throat. He stood, went over to the bar, and opened a bottle of sparkling water. “Can I offer you a glass of Perrier?”
“Yes, I’d like one. Thanks.”
He grabbed a glass from a cabinet beneath the sink, opened a bottle, and filled it. “Here you go.”
She reached for it. “Thank you.”
Jon poured himself a glass and took a couple of sips. He turned and placed his glass on a side table, his thoughts racing as he went back to his chair and sat.
“Can other people see your mother, or is it only you who carries the burden of the living dead?”
“They can, but she stays inside. What would I tell people?” Hiding his secret took a toll on him. Sometimes he’d push it out of his mind and make believe it was merely a bad dream, not a reality.
Years of waiting, following leads that led nowhere, and the heartache embedded in his soul was tearing him apart. The man he once was stood in the shadows, and the time had come to return to a normal existence. Would Krista agree to date him if she knew his secret? A nauseous feeling came over him at the very thought of losing an opportunity to be with the woman who’d stolen his heart.
“I’m so sorry to let you down, but I have to rush. There’s a list I haven’t even put a dent in.” Freya stood.
“I’m extremely happy for you. Can I ask you one more question?”
“Of course.”
