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    Witch Guy: Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #3
    Witch Guy: Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #3
    Witch Guy: Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #3
    Ebook237 pages3 hours

    Witch Guy: Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #3

    By K.E. O'Connor

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    About this ebook

    A tainted charm stone, an angry dragon, and some dangerous warlocks. It's just another day in the lives of Ivy and Bryony Thornheart.

    Residents of Old Sarum are getting ready to celebrate the darkness that comes with All Hallows Eve, and that means The Love Cauldron is busier than usual.

    When Janice Willow comes in for help to deal with two biker warlocks, a simple charm stone seems to be the answer. But when the magic goes wrong, tempers flare, and lives are put at risk.

    Who's been tampering with the Thornhearts' magic, and what's wrong with Rupert, the defective owl familiar who keep attacking them?

    Ivy and Bryony must find out in order to keep Janice safe, protect the reputation of the store, and ensure everyone can have a happy All Hallows Eve.

    Join the witch sisters in this new mystery, which is full of fun, adventure, and lots of magic.

    Witch Guy is the third book in the Old Sarum cozy mystery series.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherK.E. O'Connor
    Release dateApr 10, 2017
    ISBN9781386743460
    Witch Guy: Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #3
    Author

    K.E. O'Connor

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      Book preview

      Witch Guy - K.E. O'Connor

      Chapter 1

      You know you can stay here as long as you like. Adeline Thornheart placed a bowl of pasta on the wooden table. The kitchen was full of the smells of rich tomato sauce and fresh basil as final dinner preparations were made.

      We know that. Ivy Thornheart pushed her dark hair back from her face. But the apartment is almost ready to move back into.

      We’ve loved staying here, though, said Bryony, Ivy’s younger sister. It still feels like home to me.

      And it is your home. Adeline adjusted the red head scarf she always wore when cooking. You’ll always be welcome here. Even though you’re all grown up now, you can come back whenever you like.

      It’s not as if we’ve moved to the Castlerigg Stone Circle in Cumbria, said Ivy. We’re down the road in the apartment over the store. You know exactly where we are.

      Still, it’s not the same as having you here, said Adeline.

      The girls need their independence. Aunt Lilith walked into the kitchen, her long hair ink black in color and her clothes matching, and sat at the table. You wanted nothing more than a place of your own at their age.

      But it’s different now. The world is a more dangerous place. Adeline handed around plates and cutlery.

      I don’t see it as any more dangerous, said Aunt Lilith. If anything, it’s less dangerous. We have all grown into our powers now, and are unstoppable.

      Don’t get above yourself, sister. Bryony and Ivy’s Aunt Odessa walked through the back doorway of the kitchen, clutching an armful of pumpkins. There will always be a magic user willing to test that theory.

      I welcome them trying, said Aunt Lilith.

      Let’s not go there. Adeline touched Lilith’s shoulder. I don’t want Old Sarum destroyed in a magical fight between you and some stubborn dark magic user who wants to see if they can beat you.

      And I want my sisters and my nieces safe from any unnecessary magical battles, said Aunt Odessa.

      We can look after ourselves, said Ivy. And I wouldn’t mind seeing Aunt Lilith in a fight.

      You’ve seen that enough times to know what happens, said Adeline.

      She always wins, said Ivy.

      So there’s no point in doing it anymore, said Adeline.

      It is important my skills continue to be recognized, said Aunt Lilith.

      Aunt Odessa snorted a laugh. Maybe I should take you on. We’re evenly matched.

      That would be great. Ivy’s dark eyes sparkled with interest. Seeing her aunts displaying their true powers was always spectacular.

      No fighting. Adeline banged a plate of freshly baked ciabatta rolls onto the table.

      Bryony jumped up and helped set the rest of the food on the table, sensing a distraction was in order. Our apartment is going to look amazing once it’s been redecorated.

      Why couldn’t we just use magic? asked Ivy. It would be so much faster than getting people in to do it.

      Because when our focus fades so does the magic, said Bryony. And I don’t want faded wallpaper.

      My focus is never an issue, said Ivy. But I know you get distracted easily. Especially when there’s a cute angel on your path.

      Bryony blushed and hurried around the table with water glasses for everyone, before sitting down. I don’t know who you’re talking about.

      How is Gabriel? Adeline asked Bryony, giving her daughter an indulgent smile. Have you had any news from him since his move to the Dorset Flagstones?

      Nothing, said Bryony. Now he’s out of Old Sarum, he’s forgotten all about me.

      I’m sure that’s not true, said Adeline. But his new job must keep him busy.

      It’s only temporary, said Bryony. Gabriel will be back soon.

      Not that you should care about that, said Ivy. He left for a good reason. Time for you to move on and start dating losers like I do.

      Neither of my daughters date losers, said Adeline.

      Aunt Isadore appeared from the hallway, her long floral dress flowing behind her, and her black cat familiar, Fluffy, tucked snugly under her arm. Sorry I’m late. I was making some preparations for Halloween.

      That overly promoted red blood nonsense, said Ivy. I don’t know why we bother with Halloween anymore.

      It is still a powerful time, said Aunt Lilith. I find it remarkably easy to pull back the veil from the dark side when Halloween is here. I know the red bloods have taken over our festival with their cheap costumes and sugar filled nonsense, but it is our time as well. Don’t be so quick to dismiss Halloween.

      Ivy shrugged as she took a large bite of pasta and shot a glare at Bryony. I’m not dressing up in a dumb costume.

      What are your plans for Halloween, Aunt Isadore? asked Bryony, choosing to ignore Ivy’s death stare.

      I thought we could do something with our pumpkins. Aunt Isadore sat at the table, Fluffy on her lap, and helped herself to some pasta.

      That’s a great idea, said Aunt Odessa. I have a glut of them in the garden. And they don’t eat themselves.

      How about a village pumpkin carving competition? asked Adeline. We could get everyone in Old Sarum together and host a competition for the most elaborate carving.

      I favor a scariest carving competition, said Ivy. Something that will give children nightmares for months.

      You would, said Bryony. How about the prettiest pumpkin carving contest?

      Trust you to think about fairies and princesses, said Ivy.

      We can have all of those. Aunt Isadore’s cheeks glowed as she warmed to the idea. It will be nice to bring the whole village together. Especially because our solstice celebrations had to be altered at the last minute.

      That wasn’t my fault, said Ivy. I didn’t ask for you to change things.

      No one’s saying it is. Adeline patted her daughter’s pale hand. But I wanted to make sure you were fully recovered from your injury, and having a huge celebration would have been too much for you.

      It was never a problem for me, said Ivy. I could have carried on as normal. No one would have known I’d been injured.

      We know that’s not true, said Aunt Lilith. And looking at you now, I sense your magic is still off. Why aren’t you fully recovered? With powers like yours, you should have shrugged that injury off without any problem.

      Ivy exchanged a glance with Bryony. Their abilities had been reduced since they’d given Kristoff Dash, a smooth talking half demon, a considerable amount of their power in exchange for his help with a difficult curse.

      There’s nothing wrong with my abilities, said Ivy.

      Would you like to put that to the test? Aunt Lilith raised an eyebrow at Ivy. I have some new spells I’m interested in testing out, and am looking for a willing subject. You’re usually happy to try out my spells with me.

      Another time, said Bryony, not wanting Ivy to get into a stand-off with Aunt Lilith. It never ended well. This pasta is lovely, Mom.

      Thank you, said Adeline. I made the pesto myself.

      And I opened the packet of pasta, said Aunt Lilith, her sharp gaze still on Ivy.

      We should go, said Ivy, before stuffing more pasta in her mouth. Lots to do at the store tonight. Ivy and Bryony jointly owned the Love Cauldron, the most popular magic shop in Old Sarum. They’d inherited it from their mom and Aunt Odessa, who both decided to retire from the life of storekeepers, and spend more time in their garden at the family home.

      And we haven’t put any Halloween decorations up yet, said Bryony. The store needs livening up.

      You haven’t decorated! said Aunt Odessa. We can’t have that. Let me come and do it. I love to decorate.

      We’ve got it in hand, said Bryony. Everything has been ordered. We just haven’t had a chance to unpack it yet.

      You modern girls are always so busy, said Aunt Isadore. No wonder neither of you have boyfriends yet.

      Ivy sighed as she pushed her seat back from the table. Neither of us have boyfriends, because neither of us are stupid enough to risk falling in love.

      You don’t have to love someone to date them, said Aunt Odessa. I’m going out with Wilbert Giggles this week. And I can’t ever see myself falling in love with him. But he’s a great dancer, and always gives me a discount in Bubbling Brews when I drop by. That makes going on a date with him more than worthwhile. His damson wine is the best in the village.

      I’m not dating a man so I can get cheap drinks. Ivy shook her head as she pulled on her coat. I pay my own bar bills.

      I’m just saying, that there are perks to dating, said Aunt Odessa. And I’m not just dating Wilbert because of his damson wine. He’s very light on his feet. And he has lovely warm hands.

      That’s more than enough information. Ivy grabbed hold of Bryony’s arm and yanked her to her feet. Let’s go.

      We do have inventory to do this evening. Bryony dabbed a napkin on her lips and then grabbed another ciabatta roll. Thanks for dinner, mom. We’ll be back later.

      The paint fumes might not be so bad by now, said Ivy. We could stay at the apartment overnight and see what it’s like.

      You know I get terrible headaches from gloss paint fumes, said Bryony. And I’m a mess if I don’t get my eight hours of sleep.

      Sleep is for wimps, said Ivy. We should try it.

      You can try it if you like, said Bryony. But I’m coming back here to my comfortable bed and hot chocolate later on.

      And I have marshmallows this evening, said Adeline. Surely you’ll be tempted back by that.

      That wouldn’t be terrible, said Ivy. We might make it back here.

      They waved goodbye to their mom and aunts before leaving the house and heading out into the crisp evening air. The nights were drawing in as Halloween approached, and there was a faint hint of bonfire smoke as they walked along the cobblestoned street towards the Love Cauldron.

      I can’t wait to see what our apartment looks like once it’s finished, said Bryony. I was getting bored of all the floral in there.

      That was your choice, said Ivy. I prefer darker colors myself.

      But they make the place so dreary, said Bryony. A bit of color never hurt anyone.

      Ivy looked at her sister’s brilliant blonde hair, a beacon to the male population of Old Sarum, before running a strand of her own dark locks through her fingers. I’m not a fan myself.

      You didn’t even like your hair when Kristoff changed it to red for you?

      Kristoff Dash is an idiot, said Ivy. And no, I didn’t appreciate him messing with my hair color.

      Have you seen him recently? asked Bryony. I know how busy he gets with his businesses. He’s not been by the store for a few days.

      Which is only a good thing, said Ivy. Whenever he turns up, he gets in our way.

      I like him, said Bryony. He showed a kinder side when he helped Gabriel after the incident with the poisoned rose.

      Kristoff got a great deal, said Ivy. As Aunt Lilith rightly pointed out, we’re still both working on reduced powers. And it’s because of him. Ivy and Bryony had given Kristoff some of their witch abilities in exchange for his help in removing a deadly poison from Gabriel Galbraith. The agreement was, he got to keep the extra powers for six months, before returning them. Ivy missed her enhanced abilities.

      He’s not abusing what he’s taken from us, said Bryony. I’ve not heard any news of Kristoff going on a magical rampage with our abilities.

      He knows better than to do that, said Ivy. I warned him enough times not to abuse the powers we gave him.

      You do know he only did all of that because of you, said Bryony. Kristoff has the hots for you.

      Well, it’s a good job I don’t have the hots for him, or you’d be in trouble. Ivy gave her sister a gentle shove. Let’s get to the store and sort out the tedious inventory.

      The girls walked into the Love Cauldron. It was a compact store, with every available space taken up with jars of ready-made magical lotions, pre-prepared spell ingredients, a range of spell books for customers, and a small consulting area, where the girls sat with clients and assisted them with their magical problems.

      They were greeted by the growling rumble of Spike, Ivy’s immortal demon dog. He stalked out from behind the counter, drool dripping from his teeth and his red eyes rolling in his head.

      Ivy patted him on the back, and then ducked as Sweetie, Bryony’s hawk familiar, swooped down from her perch and settled on Bryony’s outstretched arm.

      Where should we start? asked Bryony. I’ve already had a look through the accounts and invoice records, and everything is in order there.

      Magical potions? suggested Ivy. For some reason, some of them go missing every month. I’m sure it’s that light fingered dwarf who comes in here complaining about our products. He rarely buys anything, but his pockets are bulging when he leaves.

      I thought you’d had a word with him about that, said Bryony.

      I’ve had several words with him, said Ivy. They’re falling on his deaf pointy ears. I shall have to use something stronger the next time I see him. A fireball right between the eyes should convince him to stop stealing from us.

      It’s not such a loss, said Bryony. It’s only a few potions. Maybe he doesn’t have enough money to buy them.

      If everyone did that, we’d be out of business. Ivy ruffled the fur on top of Spike’s head. Don’t suppose there are any brownies left in the tin to make this task more bearable?

      You know there are always brownies, said Bryony. I’ve made some triple chocolate blondies this time, though.

      Sounds good, said Ivy. You get the blondies and I’ll start on the first shelf.

      Bryony had just turned towards the back room when a pounding started on the store door.

      We’re closed, shouted Ivy. Come back in the morning.

      I don’t have time for that, called a shrill female voice from outside the store.

      Sounds like Janice Willow. Bryony moved towards the door.

      Don’t let her in, said Ivy. You’ll never get rid of her. She’s more talkative than the Chatty Tree at the edge of the Magical Forest.

      But she sounds like she needs our help. Bryony had already unlocked the door. Janice, I thought that was you.

      You have to help me. Janice stood in front of Bryony, wringing her hands together, a look of fear in her bulging grey eyes, which were emphasized by the thick glasses she wore.

      What’s happened? Bryony ushered Janice into the store. It’s not your mother is it? Is she sick?

      It’s got nothing to do with my family, said Janice. But I have two men in love with me.

      And that’s a problem? asked Ivy.

      Janice nodded. They want to fight to the death to prove which one I’m supposed to be with.

      Chapter 2

      Ivy dropped the book she was holding and stared at Janice. Janice was a low skilled witch who worked part time in the Old Sarum library and bred familiars on the side. She had bottle blonde hair curled into pig tail tight corkscrews, wore a plain calf length green dress, and her ample stomach stuck out like she’d just enjoyed a meal fit for a dragon.

      Who are the men fighting over you? asked Ivy.

      Dylan Hornblower and Bobby Blackthroat, said Janice.

      They’re in the local warlock biker gang, said Ivy. What are you doing hanging around with them?

      I never intended to hang around with either of them, said Janice. Oh dear, this is all such a mess. What am I going to do?

      Take a seat. Bryony placed Sweetie on her perch, before guiding Janice to the sofa. I was about to make some tea. Would you like some? It always makes me feel better.

      Tea would be nice, said Janice. But I need your help to figure out how I’ve managed to attract these men to me.

      Ivy cast her critical gaze over Janice. Maybe they like the geek chic look.

      Ivy, don’t be rude, said Bryony.

      I’m not, said Ivy. Some people are into this look. She gestured to Janice.

      Bryony frowned at her sister. I’ll make the tea. Be right back.

      "I

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