“I know we don’t have very many options to turn to here,” Levi said as he and Frankie walked along Arlington Road, “but don’t you think it’s a little risky to take refuge at your pregnant grandmother’s house?”
Frankie shook his head as they turned down the sidewalk leading up to Anna’s house from the street. “I don’t like it, either, but like you said, we don’t have a lot of options. And we need another witch to help us figure this out. I’m not at full strength and you don’t have any magic, so if we’re going to find Evelyn and stop Hecate, then we need to take some risks.”
Levi shrugged. “If you say so.”
At the door, Frankie knocked and waited for Anna to answer.
Only, when the door swung open it was a young man standing on the other side. He appeared to be about the same age as Levi, only a few years older than Frankie’s own daughters. He had sandy blond hair and he wore a blue collared shirt and jeans.
It took a measured level of effort for Frankie not to blurt out his grandfather’s name.
“Can I help you?” William asked.
Frankie stared. His mind was too caught up in seeing his grandfather as a young man that he couldn’t bring himself to say anything.
Beside him, Levi cleared his throat and asked, “We—uh—we were hoping to talk to Anna. Is she home?”
William kept his eyes on Frankie. “I’m sorry, but have we met? You look familiar.”
Frankie stared into his grandfather’s eyes as visions of the past floated to his memory: driving around town in William’s worn pickup truck, likely on the way to get a tool or a part from the hardware store to work on something in the house; William holding both of Frankie’s daughters the day each of them were born; the funeral, where Frankie mourned the life of the man who now stood before him in his youth.
“No, you haven’t,” Levi cut in. “This is Frankie and I’m Levi. We’re—”
“They’re witches,” Anna’s voice said from behind William. She appeared in the doorway next to him. “At least, Frankie is. They’re friends of mine.”
William looked down and studied his wife. She smiled and nodded. “It’s okay, dear.”
With that, William stepped aside to allow them to enter.
Frankie and Levi walked into the house, suddenly feeling like strangers.
“Why doesn’t everyone sit down?” William suggested. “Would you like something to drink? Tea? I’d love to get to know some of my wife’s friends. Especially if there’s another witch in town.”
Frankie offered a tight smile. “That would be nice, thanks.”
When Anna turned to the kitchen, William grabbed her arm. “I’ll get it all together, honey. You shouldn’t be on your feet.”
Anna rolled her eyes, but smiled at her husband. She led Frankie and Levi into the living room while William disappeared into the kitchen.
“Sorry,” Frankie murmured quietly when they were alone. “I didn’t know he’d be home.”
Anna adjusted her position in her seat, unable to find a comfortable spot. “It’s all right. It was bound to happen sooner than later anyway. I would just like to keep your identity a secret. He’s to never know that you’re our…grandson?”
Frankie nodded.
She raised her eyebrows and shook her head. “That’s still something I just can’t get used to. Anyway, it’s better if fewer people know about who you are. Normally, William would’ve been working, but since the doctor told me I should take it easy, he’s been home more often than usual in order to take care of me.” She glanced back toward the kitchen. “It’s sweet, the way he dotes on me, but I’ll be glad when he goes back to work too.”
Frankie laughed. He knew exactly what she was talking about. As much as he loved Marie, he remembered the days when he just needed time to himself. Now, of course, he craved any opportunity to see his wife. Even when the visions he had of her weren’t really her at all.
“Well,” Anna said, “I assume there’s a reason for your late visit?”
“We’re in a bit of a bind,” Levi started, but stopped short when William came in with a tray of tea and teacups.
He set it down on the coffee table, closest to Anna.
“Oh, why thank you, dear,” Anna said. “This looks great.”
William began to sit in the chair beside his wife, but waved her hand in his direction.
“Uh, honey. Shouldn’t you be working on that piece for the Marbles’ new house?” Anna leaned forward and began fixing her tea. “And did you ever finish the baby’s crib and rocker?”
Her husband nodded. “No, I haven’t. Excuse me, gentlemen. I have a lot of work to do. I suppose we’ll have to get to know each other another time.” He leaned in close to Anna and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”
She patted her husband’s cheek. “I’ll be fine, dear. Thank you.”
They waited until the back door closed before they resumed talking.
Anna brought her cup to her lips and took a small sip. “So, you’re in a bind?”
With that, Frankie and Levi recounted their story.