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I drove with Henry to the Peyton's house, located on the water. I had driven through this neighborhood once or twice before but never been inside any of the houses. We traveled along a winding brick driveway that circled to the front. Bright lights lit a fountain with water arching at the edges. Two undines, water faeries, splashed and played as they sat on the rim of the basin, kicking the water, beautiful females, one with long golden hair flowing down her back and the other with orange-red. They wore dresses made of water flowing over their shoulders, running into the fountain. They pointed at our car, whispered something, giggled, confident they were invisible to us mere humans.
I focused on the house. A massive white structure with four pillars greeted us. Broad stairs led us to the front door.
"You never told me they were wealthy."
"What's it matter?"
I squeezed the plastic container the corsage rested in, and it crackled as I shifted from one foot to the other. Mom bought our dates white roses, saying white went with any dress they wore. "Maybe they'll be expecting us to take them to the dance in a limo, not your car."
"Don't be an idiot. My car is better than a limo." The sad part was Henry believed that.
Henry rang the doorbell. It chimed a soothing melody. I expected a butler to answer the door. Instead, Mr. Peyton opened it. Again, he wasn't anything what I had expected. Dressed in black sweat pants and wearing white socks and a gray tee shirt, he greeted us with a smile. "Come on in." He stepped aside. "I think the girls are still getting ready."
His dark brown hair was clipped short and face clean-shaven. He had a relaxed manner, yet he made me uncomfortable. Maybe it was his intense dark brown eyes that seemed to miss nothing. "So the two Finkleman boys are taking the two Peyton girls to the dance." He chuckled and extended his hand. "Paul Peyton."
I shook his hand.
"I know Henry. He's been over a few times. You must be David. Kayla mentioned you." His eyes roamed over me, and he frowned. "You’re different from your brother."
"Yeah, well, he might have gotten the looks, but I got the brains in the family." I grinned.
To my relief, Paul laughed. "Come this way." He led us into a contemporary and elegant living room with white couches, black tables, and tall vases of gold, red and black, filled with real green leafy plants, not plastic ones we had at home.
"Sit down."
We parked on the couch, our legs slightly parted, hands resting in our lap, holding the corsages. We wore similar black suits, white shirts, and blue ties.
"Can I get either one of you something to drink?" Paul asked.
"No, thank you," we said simultaneously. I held back a laugh at how ridiculous we sounded and probably looked.
Paul took a seat in a white padded chair opposite us and sipped from a glass of something golden brown. He exhaled. "You played one heck of a game last night, Henry."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Call me Paul. I've told you before. We're not formal here."
"Yes, Sir. I mean Paul."
I grinned. I hadn’t seen Henry this nervous, except before a big game. Sure, he and Mandy were strictly friends. Get real.
Their mother, a lovely dark-haired woman, brown eyes, wearing jeans and sweater strolled into the room. "I'm sorry the girls aren’t ready. The beautician we hired arrived late." She smiled at us. "Don't you boys look handsome, dressed in your suits?"
Kayla came into the room first, and my mouth nearly dropped to the floor. I stood, not realizing I'd shot to my feet. She wore her hair in a stylish bun. Her full-length, black dress with white slits on either side framed her petite body. She warmed my insides.
Before Kayla smiled and said hello, Mandy pranced in, dressed in a burgundy floor-length dress, her hair in a bun and her lips pink and shiny, drawing everyone's attention. She smiled at her admiring fans. Henry stood, squared his shoulders and handed her the corsage.
I sidled over to Kayla, opened my box, and helped slip it on her wrist. "You’re beautiful."
A slight smile curved her pink lips.
"Do you have a coat?"
She turned to her mom and took a silky black shawl from her.
"Let me get pictures." Paul brought out a digital camera and had us pose separately, and as a group. Once we headed out the door, I sighed, relieved to be out from under their parents’ watchful eyes. I opened the door for Kayla and folded the front seat forward letting her climb into the back. I placed the front seat upright and let Henry help in Mandy. We crossed town and arrived at Waterfalls, an upscale restaurant and minutes from our high school.
Dad made our reservations and got us window seats. The restaurant was perched on a hill. A river flowed over the falls, a beautiful sight with a walking bridge crossing in front. Kayla and I sat in the window seats at our table while Henry and Mandy chose the aisle chatting with their friends at neighboring tables. While they socialized with fellow cheerleaders, football players, and other athletes, I talked with Kayla.
"So are you in any clubs at school?" I asked.
"The Japanese club. And you?"
"The Magic Club."
"Oh, now I get it." Kayla's brows lifted and she smiled. She had a beautiful smile. "That's why your brother calls you a wizard because you're into magic."
I grinned. "Yeah." I pointed toward the window and at the falls. "Have you ever walked the path along the falls?"
“Yes. Have you?”
“A few times.”
Eddie and Frankie slouched against the railing, staring out. They ignored the people passing by at the end of the bridge. Both creatures had red hair, one curly and one straight. Eddie had a short, broad nose compared to Frankie's long, thin one. What kind of moth insect was he? Eddie puffed on a cigarette.
What were they doing here? Had they followed me? Or, did they know something was going on at the dance tonight? As I kept my eyes on them, a huge snake slithered under the beams of the bridge, its tongue jetting in and out. The snake glowed with magic, and I sensed it had shapeshifted, but from what I had no idea. Had Hoss sent the snake to keep an eye on Eddie and Frankie? It slid closer to the railing, now inches from their back. The snake opened its mouth wide. Right before the snake chomped down, Eddie and Frankie finished their smoke, tossed the butt behind them right into the mouth of the snake and moseyed away.
Darn it! The snake choked on the hot butt and coiled under the bridge gagging.
"Excuse me, Kayla. I'll be right back." I scooted by Henry's chair and strolled toward the front door. Outside, I dial Gramps.
"David, did something happen already?"
"Gramps. Eddie and Frankie are here at Waterfalls. Are they following me?"
"Don't know." He exhaled into the phone. "I'll check it out. Don't worry. Keep to the plan."
"Okay." I barely hung up when footfalls came up behind me.
"Oh, goodie, my favorite snack is here." Eddie licked his lips.
I rolled my eyes and sighed. Pivoting, I faced the annoying bug. "What Eddie? No ugly insect faces this time? Too bad I forgot my can of Raid."
"Are you scared, Finkleman?" Eddie grinned.
I rubbed my chin and studied him. "I'm not afraid. I'm trying to figure out whether to turn you into a rat or materialize a bird to swoop out of the sky and eat you."
Frankie flinched, glancing at the sky.
Just for a moment, fear flickered in Eddie’s eyes. His mouth wavered from a frown into a smile. "You don't have the powers."
I formed a lopsided grin. "Are you sure?" Pushing through the door, I chuckled. Eddie's contorted face was priceless. Now that, I should have taken a photo of with my phone.
When I sat back in my chair, Henry leaned over. "Everything okay?"
"Fine." I gazed passed my brother and locked eyes with Eddie, who followed the matre'de by our table. Frankie curled his lip at me, before ambling along. I gave him a cocky smile. Returning my attention to my date, I asked, "What should we have for dinner?"
The rest of the meal went by without another incident. We arrived at the dance to find many people already there. Loud music blared from the Commons. Henry handed a parent volunteer all four tickets, and I guided Kayla inside. Balloons and streamers decorated the area. The cafeteria was blocked off, and the hallways on either side of the athletic office had solid metal doors across them. A live band performed near the cafeteria. An arched bridge blocked the locked athletic office with huge pieces of paper painted as water under the bridge.
With many people crowding the room, I had a hard time finding Jerry and his group. Then Hadler laughed. Did their dates have a clue what might happen to them tonight? I doubted it. Once these girls changed permanently, their families wouldn't know why they had disappeared. The pain and anguish the families would go through thinking they were dead. These beautiful, intelligent ladies would be robbed of life as we knew it. I fisted my hands into tight balls, my magic stirring inside me.
I escorted Kayla onto the dance floor and held her in my arms. She smelled good, a light flowery scent. A slow song started up, and we swayed back and forth to the music. I was a clod when I danced the fast dances, and I wanted to be sophisticated, 007 tonight in front of Kayla.
"Did I tell you how pretty you are?" I beamed at her.
Her smile lit up her face. "Yes."
Not knowing what to say, I changed the subject to something she might like. "You know, Kayla, I'd be interested in going to one of your Wiccan ceremonies."
She halted and gauged me.
With a serious face, I said, "I’m interested in it." And I meant it. Anything to do with witches, wizards, and magic, I wanted and needed to learn. We went back to dancing. "Isn’t there a ceremony on Halloween?"
"Yes. It's a big celebration for us."
"Can I come?"
"Are you thinking of joining?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. I'd have to learn more first."
She nodded. "I'll let you know the details of where and when."
"Great." The song ended, and we moved to the sidelines as a faster song played.
Sam sauntered over with Sabrina. She was gorgeous, dressed in a soft charcoal, floor-length dress, her hair left long in soft curls. A strand of pearls decorated her neck, matching her earrings, and her usually pale cheeks were dusted with pink powder. Glancing at Kayla, she squeezed her lips together.
"Hey, guys. What's going on?" Sam asked.
"Not much. Just dancing." I rushed on. "Kayla, this is Sabrina. Sabrina, Kayla. Do you know Sam?"
Kayla shook her head.
"Sam this is Kayla. Kayla, Sam."
"David and I have been best friends since kindergarten," Sam said.
"Are you a sophomore too?" Kayla asked Sabrina.
"I don't go to this school. I'm home schooled. But no, I'd be a freshman."
A lull hung between us, so I did what I do best, talked. "How's your father doing?"
"Better."
"Good."
"Yeah, great news." Sam smiled.
"What happened to your father?" Kayla asked.
"He was in an accident."
"Hey, have you guys gotten your pictures taken?" I wanted to change the subject.
"No." Sam shook his head.
"We haven't either. You want to go?" Three heads bobbed in agreement. We sauntered toward the gym. As I reached for the door, Henry and Mandy pushed through.
"You're going to have a long wait," Henry said.
"There's four lines. Pick the background you want and get in line." Mandy pointed, talking to her sister.
I followed Kayla in. The four backdrops came from the drama room. I had seen them in plays at the school. We selected a forest backdrop and waited behind ten couples. Sam and Sabrina picked the line next to us. Their backdrop had red and gold curtains and short, thick white pillars on either side, Roman style. While we waited, Sabrina glanced our way many times. Did she need to talk to me? Maybe her father remembered who was behind the pills.
We finished with our photos at the same time. Before we returned to the dance floor, Kayla and Sabrina excused themselves to use the bathroom. Sam and I stood outside with many other guys waiting for their dates. I searched the area and landed on Jerry and his gang across the room, talking, Jerry’s arm draped around his partner's shoulders. I used the opportunity to study them.
Jerry acted his usual arrogant, cocky, and loud self. He loved being the center of attention, and when he wasn’t, he made more noise. The guy reminded me of a man-child. I didn't want to help him either, but I had no choice. Helping the girls meant aiding Jerry. I suspected none of them had a clue what might happen to them tonight.
I gazed over their dates, cheerleaders, and athletes, in top physical condition, making them excellent breeding mates. A lump formed in my gut. The more I dwelled on it, the angrier I got. I curled my fingers into the palms of my hands, trying to suppress the magic stirring inside.
"Are you having fun with Sabrina?" I asked Sam, wanting to get my mind on other things.
Sam smiled; his cheeks were rounded and rosy. "Yeah, but she talks about you a lot."
"Me?" My brows shot up.
"How long have you known her?"
I wasn’t sure whether to tell him the truth or not. "Not long, but her father has worked with my grandfather for years."
"Maybe that's it," Sam said, bobbing his head.
I spotted my brother, standing on the sidelines with one of his buddies. "Hey. Sam. Tell Kayla I'll be right back." He nodded.
I rounded the sea of couples dancing in the center of the room and found Henry. Jerking my head to the side, I sauntered away from the noise and crowd.
Henry paced a few steps away from the huddle he was in with Mandy and their friends. “What?” he snapped.
"I need you to find out where Jerry and his friends are going after the dance."
Henry curled his upper lip on one side. "We're barely talking. He's still mad at me."
"Come on, Henry. He’s a freaking star in the games because of you. He's got to tell you something. I’d asked him myself, but he’d be more likely to pound me than to tell me anything."
Henry sighed. "I'll see what I can find out." Henry returned to Mandy’s side and joined in the laughter with them.
"Thanks for nothing," I muttered and returned to Sam. The girls had returned. A semi-slow song began. I led Kayla on the floor and held her close to me. She stiffened and was quieter than before. "Is everything okay?"
A long moment had passed before she spoke. "Sabrina told me she wanted you to ask her to this dance."
I frowned. If she had wanted me to ask her, why had she accepted Sam’s offer? I sure didn’t understand girls, especially Sabrina. I pulled Kayla closer and moved my mouth next to her ear. "You’re the person I want to be with tonight." Her muscles eased. I did something I rarely do; shut my mouth and danced.
Jerry swayed with his date near us, his rhythm a little off the beat of the music.
I maneuvered Kayla and myself slightly closer.
“It’s going to be amazing after the dance.” Jerry’s voice always boomed even when he wasn’t trying to talk quietly.
His date, a cute blond, blue-eyed cheerleader and Mandy’s best friend was a gymnast, who had taken second at State last year in the all-around competition. I knew her name was Sally but didn’t know her last name.
I moved closer.
“I don’t do drugs.” Sally shook her head.
“No, it’s not like that.” Jerry curled his nose.
The liar! I wanted to scream it at the top of my lungs.
“What are you looking at Finklefart?” Jerry spat.
I had been staring at them. Without answering him, I turned my back but remained in the same spot. Jerry released a loud sigh.
“Who’s that?” Kayla asked.
“Jerry Hadler. He’s in my chemistry class and a real jerk.”
“He talks loud.” Kayla pulled the sides of her mouth back. “Like he wants to be the center of attention.”
I nodded, and briefly closed my eyes. A second later, someone punched my shoulder. Jerking my head to the side, I stopped dancing.
Jerry stood there glowering at me. “How’d you get such a hot date?” He glanced over Kayla.
I stepped in front of Kayla, blocking his view of her. “None of your business.”
“Who is she?”
“Jerry, stop it,” Sally said. “You’re making a scene. Besides, I know who she is. It’s Mandy’s younger sister, Kayla. Sorry, Kayla.”
Kayla waved.
Jerry sneered at me, and back to his date.
When he did, I took the opportunity to guide Kayla away from Jerry, far away and placed many people between us. Was Jerry thinking of selecting Kayla for his pack? I held onto Kayla’s hand, squeezing at the thought.
“Ouch.”
I loosened my hold. “Sorry.”
She rubbed her hand and tilted her head, her brows furrowing.
“Stay away from him.”
“I know. He creeps me out. Mandy can’t stand him, and she keeps telling Sally to dump him.”
A couple of girlfriends of Kayla’s came over with their dates, all freshman. I didn’t know the guys but had seen them at school, many of them playing on the freshman football squad. Kayla didn’t bother introducing me to any of them. I wasn’t sure if it meant she was embarrassed by me or not. But I used the opportunity to excuse myself and investigate. I found Chad and Kyle, who had returned to school and feigning ignorance as to who hit Officer Maguire, talking to Ben over by the showcase. Staring at the trophies, I pretended to read them. Hiding behind one of the football trophies, stood a gnome goggling between the square base and the curve of the bottom of the ball. He crouched. I suspected he was sent here by the Sekhmet's, and now I knew why I had seen a Sekhmet meet with the gnomes under the gazebo in the town park. When the little guy saw me, I winked at him. He gave me a shy smile. I stiffened my spine and turned my head slightly to hear better.
“Come with us, Ben. You’ve been MIA this entire time. What’s wrong with you?” Chad asked. “Why aren’t you with us on this?”
“I told you before I don’t do drugs. And this one is crazy. It turns you into—”
Ben’s face paled, and nostrils flare. He shook his head and threw his hands up. “Sorry, man. Count me out.” He walked off, slid his hand to the waist of his date, a blond with curly hair and dark blue eyes, and hurried off.
I darted my head back to the case and dipped it, now staring at the ground as Chad and Kyle moved behind me and paused.
“Just forget him. He’s a chicken.” A snarl formed on Kyle’s ugly mug.
“We should have slipped one of the pills in his food. After tasting what it was like he would have joined us.” Chad flared his already broad nose.
“Do you think we’re dreaming or hallucinating or do you believe we’re experiencing those things?” Kyle asked.
“I guess we’ll know after tonight. It’s what the boss man said.”
“But Mr.—”
“Shhh!” Chad shook his head. “We’re not supposed to say his name, remember? We swore an oath.”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry. But I feel kind of guilty dragging Pam into this. I mean, I love her, and she doesn’t have a clue what this drug will do to her. Shouldn’t we tell them?”
“The boss said not to. It’s better this way.”
“But—”
“But nothing,” Chad snapped. “You’ll be with her forever now.”
“So where are we going?” Kyle asked.
Finally, what I needed to know! I drowned out the loud music and conversations humming in the room and focused on them.
“Don’t worry, man. I’ll drive us after the dance. It’s at a house, not too far from here, and you don’t need to know more.”
My hopes plummeted. Crap! I was right back to where I had started. I sure hope Henry had had more luck. After Kyle and Chad had moved on I searched for my brother. Of course, I found him in a dark corner kissing Mandy. I cleared my throat. I cleared it louder. When it didn’t work, I cried, “Henry!”
He ripped his lips away and snapped, “What?”
“Did you talk to—” I paused, noticing Mandy’s listening. “—you know who?”
“Yes,” Henry said, irritated.
“And?”
“Nothing. He won’t tell me anything.”
I rubbed my chin, not a hair on it. “Thanks a lot!” I strolled outside and dialed Gramps. “Something’s going on after the dance, but I can’t find out where.”
“Keep trying, David. I’ve got feelers out on my end. Don’t worry too much if you come up empty. One of our sources said it might not happen tonight, but tomorrow instead.”
“Really, Gramps? Because it’s not what, I’m hearing.”
“Well, keep your eyes and ears open.”
Just as I clicked off and turned, I came face to face with Sabrina.
“It’s happening tonight.” She tilted her head, the corners of her mouth turned down. “Something big. I heard Jerry telling his friends. I want to help.”
“I wish you could. I have no clue where or when it’s happening. Did you overhear Jerry say when and where?”
“No. Just that they were meeting after the dance in the parking lot and driving over together. Was that your grandfather on the phone?”
“Yes.”
“My dad came out of the coma. It’s the reason I’m here.” She lifted a shoulder. “Unfortunately, he can’t remember anything, and the doctor’s said it might take weeks before his memory returns.” She met me in the eyes. “I don’t suppose you or your grandfather have a spell for memory, do you?”
“I know I don’t. But even if my grandfather did, we don’t have time.”
She nodded.
“Sabrina, I wanted to ask—”
“There you guys are.” Sam burst out the doors. “I’ve been looking for you, Sabrina. One minute you’re beside me and the next you’re gone.”
“I needed fresh air. It was getting stuffy in there. Sorry, I didn’t tell you. I’m not used to crowds, being home schooled and all.” She bit her lower lip.
Sam smiled. “It’s okay. I get it.” He scanned the area. “Hey, where’s Kayla?”
“With her friends inside. She didn’t notice I was gone.”
“Sorry.” Sam scrunched his face.
Henry strutted out the door; his arm draped on Mandy’s shoulders. “Hey, David. Where’s Kayla?”
“Inside.”
“Get her. We’re taking the ladies home.”
“It’s early.” I wanted, no needed to stay until the end of the dance. I had to follow Jerry to the location where the change would take place.
“Mandy and I want some alone time.” Henry raised his brows several times, grinning.
Unbelievable. Once again, my brother wasn’t thinking with the head on his shoulders! “But Henry, what about
“Get your date,” Henry snapped. “Or you’re walking home.”
I clenched my teeth. This was why I didn’t want to ride with him. “Fine.” I turned to Sam and Sabrina and expelled a sharp breath. “I’ll see you guys later.”
“Yeah, see yeah, David.” Sam raised his hand in a wave.
“Bye, David. Let me know how things go,” Sabrina said.
I nodded and hurried back inside to seek out Kayla. I found her right where I had left her, chatting with her girlfriends and their dates. “Kayla. Henry and Mandy want to go.”
She acted used to having to leave at a moment’s notice. She waved to her friends and fell into step with me. We stopped to retrieve her shawl and exited into the parking lot.
Henry had the Mustang engine and heater running when we reached it, and his engine running on full blast!
