SCARBOROUGH, MAINE
Present Day
Caris gasped, earning a look from her sisters and Jason.
“Car, what’s wrong?” Kennedy reached for her hand.
Lifting her chin, Caris gestured toward the table only a few feet away.
They all looked up, following her line of sight, and collectively sucked in a shocked breath. Lionel Epps stared back at them through his green-flecked eyes. He’d retained his broad shoulders and dusty brown hair from his youth, making him easily recognizable to the entire family.
“My God, is that really Lionel Epps?” Jason whispered.
“It’s him,” Caris confirmed, her eyes still locked with his. “His energy is unmistakable.”
Trin turned to Caris, thinking back to their recent conversation and what a coincidence that now seemed to be …
“With all this talk about genealogy and family studies, I was wondering if you could help me look up information on Lionel Epps,” Caris asked.
“Of course!” Trin smiled, remembering the spark between her sister and the junior Mr. Epps. The last Beltane celebration they’d all attended had been exactly what Karina envisioned it to be; the magical moment her little sister had met the man who could potentially be the love of her life. “I’d be happy to. I’m sure there’s some records regarding the Castle Hill estate that could help. After that, if we need to do some spell work to locate him, I’m completely okay with that, too.” Trin squeezed her sister’s hand, then dug her phone from her purse to start the search with Siri’s help.
“Thanks, Trin. I know Lillian said some of the witches who’d been pulled through time didn’t retain their memories of the past, but if there’s any chance he remembers me, it would make me really happy.” Caris shrugged, blushing like an embarrassed school girl.
At the time, Trin’s search hadn’t produced much information, but now, seeing him here, she wondered if the Goddess had a hand in things as usual. Perhaps their meeting here today was no coincidence at all.
With their composure regained, they all continued on with dinner, exchanging glances as if trying to gauge each other’s interest and purpose here tonight.
IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS
1690
Mud slung from the wooden wagon wheel, splattering the front of Kara’s dress. “Goodness gracious.” She wiped at the sticky mess.
“Whoa, whoa,” a deep voice commanded from above her, bringing the team of horses and the offending carriage to a stop. Heavy leather boots slapped down onto the sloppy road. “Please forgive me.”
Kara looked up from her soiled dress, her brows scrunched tightly as she stared directly into the pleading eyes of Lionel Epps.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Kara. The team has been eager to get home all day, so when we rounded the corner, I gave them their heads a bit, and they took off.”
Kara’s cheeks flushed. “It’s okay, Lionel. It’ll wash out.”
“May I at least offer you a ride home?” He bent at the waist and extended his hand.
Thinking of the trek back from town to her modest country home, Kara smiled and placed her hand in his. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
Lionel beamed as he helped her up onto the wagon’s bench, climbing onto the seat next to her. After riding a few miles in silence, he cleared his throat. “I haven’t seen you for a bit, Miss Kara … since Beltane. How have you been?”
Kara thought back to the celebration they’d attended at the Epps’ family estate. The moments the two shared under the full moon had been some of the fondest memories of her life. Dancing around the maypole, talking into the wee hours of May Day morning … She’d felt the beginnings of something stirring between them and thought Lionel had felt it, too. But then, with everything happening at home, they hadn’t had a chance to socialize since. “I’ve been good. Working at home to help Mama fulfill her orders.”
“That sounds … productive.” He winked. “Would you happen to have more of that pain-relieving cream Karina sold my father? I have to admit, after a long ride on these bumpy roads my back and knees could use some relief, too.”
Kara smiled, her blush deepening as she thought about how much she’d like to be the one offering Lionel relief.
“I’m sure I can find a batch at home. I’d be happy to bring it by in a few days, if you’ll be available.”
Lionel grinned, his smirk mischievous and playful. “Oh, I’m available.”
SCARBOROUGH, MAINE
Present Day
Shook from the memory, Caris looked up from her plate and again caught Lionel’s eye.
“Are you going to talk to him?” Trin asked.
Lionel rose from his seat, bid goodnight to his dinner guests, and started toward their table.
“I guess so.” Caris shifted in the booth, smoothing her hands down the legs of her jeans.
“Good evening, ladies … sir.” He dipped his head in Jason’s direction. “I have to admit. I’m having the oddest sense of déjà vu. You very much remind me of—”
“Lionel. It’s so good to see you again,” Caris interrupted, saving him the awkward exchange.
“So, it is you.” His eyes softened as he took in Caris’s appearance; the one that only a true witch could see.
“It’s good to see you as well.” She gestured for him to pull up a chair. “Please join us.”
The junior Mr. Epps joined the family, instinctively scooting closer to Caris. They quickly and joyfully shared a trip down memory lane, but at the mention of Trin’s original spell, things turned somber.
“I had no idea my spell would pull you from your home and life as well,” Trin apologized in a low whisper, as if she owed him—and every other witch from that time—an explanation, even after all these centuries.
“We all would have done the same in that situation,” he paused, “if any of us had your level of power, that is.” He smiled at Trin.
“Speaking of power …” Caris began, “we’re in the middle of something that involves the Putnam family. Would you happen to remember if Thomas Putnam or any of his girls had powers back then?” Caris leaned in close, eager for his response.
“Caris,” Trin interrupted, “I don’t think—”
“What?” Caris cut her off. “We need to know, and Lionel is part of our past, so maybe he can help.”
“But—” Trin continued to protest.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind answering.” Lionel smiled. “No, I don’t believe the Putnams had any true magic. Not that I recall, anyway.” He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table as his thoughtful gaze returned to Caris. “Then again, the Putnams weren’t exactly the family I was interested in.”
Caris’s cheeks flushed as she stared into his eyes.
Kennedy cleared her throat and dropped her head, joining Trin and Jason as they all quickly returned to their meals. Small-talk was made between bites, but it was apparent their presence was more of a distraction than a welcome addition to the conversation at this point.
“Well, this has been a lovely surprise. It was great to see you again, Lionel.” Kennedy scooted from the table, excusing herself with Trin and Jason joining her as they, too, slid from the booth.
Trin whispered into Caris’s ear as she placed a kiss on her sister’s cheek. “Take your time. We’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
Caris smiled, grateful for her family’s understanding. They still needed to have whatever conversation she’d been brought here for, but first she needed to get a read on why Lionel had suddenly reappeared in their lives. Not to mention, decipher the feelings his presence had awoken in her after all this time.
***
Caris cringed at the loud bing her keycard made as she tip-toed into her hotel room. Eyeing the digital clock on the nightstand she noted the time as she crawled into bed. 2:45am.
“Should I consider this your walk of shame?” Kennedy whispered.
“Haha. Not at all. We spent the entire time talking in the hotel lobby. Now let me get some sleep before you start bombarding me with questions.”
“Okay, but at breakfast, you’re gonna spill. We’ve still got a lot to talk about, ya know?”
“Yes. I’m aware,” she deadpanned.