The Witch and The Hunters

CHAPTER NINETY-ONE

Page count: 12

Ellen looked up mid-conversation when Jo emerged from behind the bar.

Jacket on. Keys in hand. Small bag slung over her shoulder.

Ellen narrowed her eyes. Sam did the same.

"Where are you going?" Ellen asked.

"Store," Jo said easily. "We're out of milk and bread. Thought I'd grab some cookies and ice cream while I'm at it."

Ellen glanced up at the clock. "It's still early."

"Jefferson's closing early tonight," Jo replied without missing a beat. "Something about his grandson's soccer game."

Ellen's gaze sharpened. "What were you going for again?"

"Milk, bread, eggs, cereal."

"You said cookies and ice cream."

Jo shrugged. "Those too. We need eggs and cereal anyway." She reached for the door. "Won't be long."

And then she was gone.

The bell over the door jingled softly.

Sam stared at the space she'd left behind, that familiar weight settling in his gut.

"She's lying," he said.

Ellen didn't look away from the door. "Yes."

Sam exhaled slowly. "Alright. Then I should probably head back. Hermione's been without food for at least an hour by now, which means Dean's already gone out to fix that."

Ellen snorted.

"He wasn't exaggerating," Sam added. "She eats more than both of us combined. And you've seen what Dean can put away." He shook his head. "I've watched her demolish two double bacon cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, wings, more fries—and then finish with pie. All in one sitting. Then have snacks in the car."

Ellen barked a laugh. "Hell of a woman."

"You have no idea."

Sam stood, slinging his jacket on. "We'll stop by again tomorrow before we head out."

Ellen nodded absently.

Her attention was still fixed on the door.

Sam slipped his hands into his pockets, reaching for the car keys.

Nothing.

He frowned and checked again. Then his jean pockets. Then his gaze dropped to the table. The floor. Beneath his chair.

Nothing there either.

"What are you doing?" Ellen asked.

"Keys," Sam said, already uneasy. "I can't find my keys."

"Where did you last have them?"

"I'm sure I put them in my pocket." He looked up slowly. "They're gone."

Ellen's eyes narrowed. The two of them stared at each other as the realisation hit at the same time.

"I went to the bathroom," Sam said.

"And I answered the phone," Ellen finished.

Sam swallowed. "Jo was alone with my jacket."

His stomach dropped.

"She's not getting groceries," he said quietly.

Ellen was already moving. She disappeared into the back room and returned seconds later with a jacket and a set of keys, tossing them to Sam.