The Good Witches New Life

Secrets and Family

All Cassie could see of Collinwood was a bit of the roof. Dense fog hugged the mansion and the drifting snow obscured her normally clear view. She hung the ornament on the small pine tree, smiling at the red headed woman who had stopped to admire the display. A startled look crossed her potential shopper's face and the other turned away, disappearing into the falling white.

With a shrug and hoping the woman would return another day, Cassie stepped back to admire her handiwork. Lights sparkled along the edges of her store window and the mini scene reflected the many holiday joys.

"Looks great," Peter complimented her.

"Didn't hear you come in." She accepted the offered mug and inhaled the rich scent of chocolate with a hint of vanilla.

"Keep telling you to get that back door lock fixed."

"Talked with the landlord. Told me he's working on it." She took a sip, enjoying the sweet flavor.

"May be a small town, but you need to be careful." Peter glanced out the window. "There have been a number of attacks recently."

Cassie knew all about the attacks. No one had been killed and none of the victims remembered anything. "Miss police work?"

"Yeah, sometimes." Her husband gave her a smile. "Like working with my father better."

"From what you've told me, he used to help with your police work in Sloanville."

"His insights were invaluable. Helped put a lot of bad guys away."

She kissed his cheek. "Business is a little slow today. Think I'll close up early."

"I'll wait and take you home."

"You don't need to."

"Yes. I do."

"Peter, I'll be perfectly safe."

"Cassie-" He shook his head. His dark hair needed to be cut. "I'll wait."

"Have it your way." Secretly Cassie was thrilled. She liked the protective side of her husband. Putting her cup on the counter, she counted out the register, locked the front door and turned off the lights, making certain to grab her drink before she left. "Ready."

They went out the back into the tiny alley lit only by a flickering bulb.

Peter scowled at light. "Need to get that replaced."

"I've mentioned it to the landlord."

"I want you to be safe, Cassie."

"Peter," she leaned against him, taking in his scent. "I am."

"Not enough," he murmured under his breath as he opened the passenger side door. She slid in taking in the faint jasmine smell. It was her husband's favorite scent and he had a few petals hanging from the rear view mirror.

Peter had bought the used Stealth a couple weeks ago. The interior was leather and the outside a subdued blue.

Rolling down the narrow main street, Cassie noticed most of the shops had already closed. The establishment that never did was the Blue Whale. It was the local bar and hang out. It sat at an odd angle making it accessible to both visitors and the local cannery, which was run by the Collins family.