Molly smiled. “They’re pretty simple. You don’t bring this fight to Everwood. Not ever. There’s a lot of vulnerable people in that town, and it must remain a protected space. Also, like every other coven member, you would tithe ten percent of your energy and finances to the coven while you’re there. Then you would get to enjoy the community resources along with everybody else. Exceptions are made for those who can’t afford to tithe. While you can discuss whatever you like, wherever you like, you don’t actively practice your coven’s mission in Everwood’s space, and at the end of the year you either need to leave or you need to join Everwood for real.” She made an apologetic face at Josiah. “You’d be under a year’s probation too.”

“Fair enough. Every coven has something similar in their bylaws.” He raised her hand to kiss her fingers. “I accept.”

As the others talked over the opportunity, Molly tugged Josiah’s hand. He rose with her and walked outside to a warm, sunny summer afternoon. Breathing deep, he lifted his face to the sunshine. When he looked at her, she was waiting patiently for his attention, her expression sober.

His simple enjoyment of the summer day faded. Eyes narrowing, he asked, “What is it?”

Her jaw tightened. “I have to go back. I was only waiting for you to wake up so we could talk before I left.”

“Why do you have to leave now?” he demanded, pulling her against him. “You were so insistent about getting here.”

“Well, for one thing, you’re alive,” she pointed out as she nestled against him. “That’s the most important thing. Also, I’ve been busy while you’ve been down. Steven and Henry helped me transfer the contents of my checking account to an offshore one that Steven swears is secure. And the dynamic shifted when the police discovered the magical sabotage in the toiletries. After talking with Frank and Rubio for some time on the phone, I’ve developed a… shall we say… cautious rapport with them. I created an email account dedicated to keeping in touch, and I’ve promised to return if they need me to testify.”

“I see,” he said grimly.

She looked baffled and frustrated. “You don’t sound very happy. I thought that was what you wanted.”

“It was, before I realized how much I love you and need you to be safe.” He rested his nose in her clean, lavender-scented hair. “But go on.”

“I also reestablished my connection with my real estate agent. She swears she can sell my house within a few weeks. If that’s the case, I can sign everything electronically and the money can be wired to that secure account Steven set up for me. I still haven’t figured out how to safely get rid of the Jeep I bought—I assume it’s impounded?”

“Correct.”