Casters

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

New Jersey

 “Who and what are we looking for here?” Robert asked whilst filling my new shiny car up with gas.

“Luna, she lives in Hammonton. It’s another ten miles from here. Monica said it’s a really small town so it will be easy to find her.” I answered from the passenger seat.

“Tell me again why we have to go to all these witches.”

“Robert, Casters on the other side aka the dead are telling the Casters about the dark Casters moving against us. Gybon and Corwin are working with them and they need to know if it’s the truth, so by me speaking to them directly they’ll be able to tell if they can trust us.” I said to him, it was frustrating how many times I’d told him this. “Now hurry up, I want to be there before nightfall.”

“Okay.” Robert sighed before paying for the gas and climbing back into the Mercedes. We then made our way into Hammonton.

Hammonton was a small, but they cute town. It was the perfect place for a movie about a small town girl moving to the city with all the friendly folk and quiet streets. After asking one pedestrian he told us exactly where Luna lived as there was only one woman he knew with the name.

Luna lived in a quant, white bungalow. The house was surrounded by countless types of flowers that made the neighbouring garden plants look like weeds.

“Stay in the car.” I smiled to Robert before pressing my lips against his momentarily and heading up the path to the red door. I knocked twice and waited for an answer.

“Hello?” A woman in her late fifties answered the door. Her blonde hair fell to her shoulders and the laughing lines were visible on her small face.

“Hello, I’m looking for Luna.” I smiled.

“Carmen Shaw?” She asked returning the smile.

“That’s me.” I said. Luna seemed like a lovely woman, she was obviously friendly and had a comforting smile plastered on her face.

“Maybe you should tell your vampire partner if he is welcome to join us for lemonade.” She grinned opening the door wide and waiting for me to step inside. I turned in the direction of the car and Robert was already getting out and walking up the path. I waited for him to be at my side before I entered her home and followed Luna through to the back yard.

We sat and waited on a wooden picnic bench in her garden as Luna fetched us some lemonade. Luna’s garden was magnificent, the plants were even better than the ones at the front of her home. The bird bath in the centre of the garden caught my eye. A small magpie was washing in the water directly under the sun.

“So, I hear you need mine and my Casters help.” Luna said pouring the yellow liquid into our glasses.

“Yes, I do.” I mumbled whilst taking a sip of the refreshing drink.

“Carmen there’s nothing to be ashamed of. I have known this was coming for a long time now. My sister was claimed for the dark many years ago. I could feel it in my blood. Those two bloodsuckers have just set it alit. No offence dear,” Luna smiled at Robert patting his hand. Robert smiled in return and Luna continued; “Now Carmen my witches aren’t as young as we used to be but we can put up a fight. I know I can trust you now and you give me a call and we will be there ready to stand with you.”  I smiled in return and drank some more of the icy drink.

“Well we better get going Carmen. New Orleans is a nineteen hour drive away. Thank you Luna for your hospitality.” Robert said whilst cleaning up our glasses and placing them back on the tray.

“Yes, thank you Luna.”  I smiled before hugging her.

“Before you go I have two questions for you.” I nodded in return to Luna. “Amelia is with you isn’t she Carmen?” I nodded once again. “I knew it! And my other question is how long have you and that fine young man been together?” She winked.

“For five or six months.” I blushed.

“Love is a strange thing. It doesn’t take long to capture your whole heart.” Luna explained, walking us to her door.  “Now you two get going and call me when it is time Carmen.”

Within two minutes we were both in the car waving goodbye to Luna. I felt a twinge in my heart as we drove away from Luna and across the town border. It was as if I knew something was wrong but I shrugged it off.