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“So, basically he’s just annoying?” I said as I set my glass down and took a cookie.
Lucy and Sarah exchanged looks.
“There’s more?” I asked.
Sarah stared down at her hands then looked at me. “Interest in witchcraft is the main source of tourism in Salem, and a lot of city leaders know that. Just look at the large number of tourists who come to the town. And we have over five thousand residents who identify as practicing witches.”
“You don’t have to tell me, Sarah,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I ran a business in Salem, so I know what’s driving the economy here.”
“We haven’t had anyone protest magick in years. Some believe in it while some think of it as pure fun,” Lucy stated, “but no one outright dismisses it.”
I nodded, not really sure where the two of them were going.
“Matt was in the store and picked up one of Sarah’s spell kits,” Lucy said. “He laughed and told her she was a joke and asked who in their right mind would believe any of this. He called her a con artist.”
Gasping, I looked at Sarah. My sister had the sweetest of souls and would do anything for anyone. You didn’t even have to believe in magick; she’d help anyone. And her kits truly did help many people, both residents and visitors.
“What made him come back to Salem if he hates it here so much?” I asked.
Mom cleared her throat. “His mother was sick, but she’s better now. He was born here and is a direct descendant of Mary Dyer. She was hanged in Boston in 1660, years before the trials. His father has pooh-poohed about witchcraft in the past, but nothing like what his son Matt is doing. Matt’s mother, though, seems to be a believer.”
“Basically, he’s a stick in the mud?” I replied.
All three women laughed, and then my mother replied, “He seems like a nice young man. From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t believe in magick but he knows it’s good for Salem’s economy.”
“So why make waves with Sarah and Lucy?”
Lucy shrugged. “That’s what we don’t understand. He seems to have more of a problem with Sarah than with me.”
I frowned. “Does he have an issue with his mother buying your products?”
“Yes, apparently he does,” Sarah replied.
“He hasn’t made waves at any of the other stores?” I asked.
Sarah sighed. “Not that I know of.”
I stood and started to pace. “Something feels off.”
“Told you once she got back she’d pick up on it,” Lucy stated.
“What do you mean?” my mother asked.
Turning back to face them, I smiled. “I need to reacquaint myself with Mr. Matt Merlin.”
Lucy and Sarah looked at each other then back at me.
“How?” Sarah asked.
“You said he works for the city?” I looked at my mother.
Mom nodded. “Yes.”
“Well, it just so happens I’m meeting my husband downtown for lunch today. I think I’ll snoop around a bit. Maybe stumble into Mr. Merlin.”
“The moment he finds out who you are, he’s not going to like you,” Sarah stated as she crossed her arms over her chest.
With a smile, I replied, “Only one way to find out.”
