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“Methinks you’re projecting,” I said.
Ray picked up the knife and resumed his task.
Gun shaded his eyes against the autumn light. “Perfect timing. Here’s Cam now.”
The petite blue-haired mage hurried up the walkway carrying an orange and black gift bag.
“No shamans?” I said, as she approached the porch.
“Your house has been cleansed,” she replied. “Anyway, I don’t intend to go inside. I’m only dropping off your emergency candy.” She thrust the gift bag into my hand. “You’re welcome.”
I looked inside to see dozens of boxes of Nerds candy. “This is your personal stash, isn’t it?”
She shrugged. “It’s what I give out every year. The kids go nuts.”
“That’s from all the sugar,” Nana Pratt said.
I dropped the gift bag to my side. “Thanks. I owe you.”
Camryn’s gaze darted to Gun. “Did you ask her?”
He nodded. “She said she’ll do it.”
Cam broke into a bright smile. “I told him you would.”
“You seem to know me better than I know myself,” I said. “I never would’ve imagined saying yes to a request like this.”
“That’s because you’re in Fairhaven now,” Camryn said. “We look out for each other.”
“They need to go,” Ray interrupted. “I can’t concentrate on the knife with all the chatter, and I’m running out of time.”
I looked at the bag of candy in my hand. Now that I was equipped with treats, it seemed unfair to deny Ray a fair chance to complete the pumpkin.
“Let me know when and where you need me,” I said, escorting my guests across the bridge.
Gun blew me a kiss from the front gate. “Thanks, doll. You’re the best.”
The swan whooped in agreement.
As much as I hated to admit it, it felt good to be appreciated.
CHAPTER2
Itilted my head as I observed the incoming group from the safety of my front porch. “I think they’re zombies.”
“They’re not zombies,” Nana Pratt replied with a derisive snort. “One of them is wearing a petticoat.”
“So, it’s a Victorian zombie.”
“I think they’re just tired,” Ray said. “That one boy is dragging his bag on the ground, and it doesn’t even look full.”
Nana Pratt clucked her tongue. “They work these children far too hard in school anymore. It’s all about tests and rote learning.”
I took a step backward. “We shouldn’t have left the pumpkin by the gate. It’s basically a Bat signal to every child in Fairhaven, encouraging them to come here.” It had been a colossal mistake. I should’ve said no. When did I become so soft? Pops would be rolling in his grave.
Ray squinted. “I recognize that construction worker. It’s Alicia.”
Ray’s granddaughter had a spring in her step, unlike her zombielike companions. She spotted me hiding behind a post and waved. She was either unaware of social cues or didn’t care. My money was on the latter.
