Chapter Forty-Two

Back at the carnival, Craig stopped to talk with Janie. She would talk his ear off, so I had some time. I got out my notebook with the instructions for the anti-fairy family charm that Aunt Lila had given me. I lit a candle and gathered the herbs I needed. A glass evil eye charm formed the base. Glass is neither completely liquid nor solid—a unique property that helps with magic. The spell wasn’t that complicated, but it required a lot of personal energy. I reached for the ley-line nearby and fed it into the spell. It was a stretch, but it was still better than lowering my personal energy. I wanted to be ready, considering how my week was going. The tinkle of a tiny glass bell ended the conjuring. I was as safe from the casual ministrations of my Fae family as I could make myself.

I realized that I had better make Craig a charm so that he wouldn’t get zapped entering my place without me. Ten minutes later, I had him fixed up. I supposed I was going to have to tell him more about me, being a witch and all. It wasn’t a conversation I was looking forward to.

My common sense told me he and I had no real future. We were too different. It was just that he was the first man I had met who felt like he fit. I’d never had that before. I wanted to enjoy it as long as possible. I knew it would change once I started talking about the woo woo witch stuff.

I quickly chopped some veggies, chunked some potatoes and chicken to throw in the Crock-Pot for dinner. I was feeling domestic, making a meal for my man. I could take some to Myra, too. I’d plug the pot in when I left, so the element wouldn’t burn out. I had been through three Crock-Pots since this spring. I’d tried putting them in a circle, but the flow of electricity wouldn’t allow the circle to stay intact. I’d had the best luck when I started the pot when I was going to be gone.

I got into my work costume. The bandages on my legs wouldn’t need to be changed until tomorrow. I checked that they didn’t show under my long skirt. I couldn’t wear my scooped back blouse, because the bandage on my back showed. I found another less revealing blouse and headed out. I needed to get busy and make some money. Tear down was in two days. We only had two more weeks work before we shut down for the winter.

Craig came over. I handed him the charm to get into my place. When I explained why he needed to keep it with him, he tilted his head and gave me a patronizing grin.

“I’m serious. You could get hurt,” I said.

“Yes, dear.”

I punched him on the arm. “Don’t just humor me. Okay, smart guy. The door is open. Just reach your hand inside.” I folded my arms and gave him my cockiest smile.

Obviously humoring me, he walked over and waved his hand into the doorway. There was an electric snap, and his hand flew back and hit him in the chest. “Oww,” he said, rubbing his fingers.

“Now, put your charm on.” I was being a bit smug, but I had a headache and needed to get to work.

He gingerly repeated the hand in the doorway, and nothing happened. “I know, I know. I should listen to you. You’re a psychic.”

I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “Actually, I’m a better witch than a psychic. Another reason you should listen to me.”