A bowl of top cream was less smooth than Mia’s voice. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering with the law of the land.”

“Excuse me.” Nell hesitated, cleared her throat. “Sandwiches. I need to make them up.”

“Go right ahead.” Mia gestured. “I imagine Deputy Fife and I are nearly done.”

“Just save the smart-ass comments.”

“I do. I store them up just for you.”

“I don’t want you doing anything, and I want you to tell Carl you didn’t do anything.”

“Too late.” Enjoying herself, Mia smiled brilliantly. “It’s already done. A very simple spell—even someone with your fumbling abilities could have managed it.”

“Cancel it.”

“No. Why does it concern you? You claim not to believe in the Craft.”

“I don’t. But I know how rumors work around here. If anything happens to those boys—”

“Don’t insult me.” All humor fled from Mia’s voice. “You know very well I’d do nothing to harm them, or anyone. You know, that’s the heart of it. That’s what you’re afraid of. Afraid that if you opened yourself to what’s inside you again, you wouldn’t be able to control it.”

“I’m not afraid of anything. And you’re not pulling me in that way.” She pointed at Nell, who was struggling to keep very busy with sandwiches. “You’ve got no right pulling her in, either.”

“I don’t make the pattern, Ripley. I just recognize it. And so do you.”

“It’s a waste of time talking to you.” Ripley stormed out of the kitchen.

Mia let out a little sigh, her only sign of distress. “Conversations with Ripley never seem particularly productive. You mustn’t let it worry you, Nell.”

“It has nothing to do with me.”

“I can feel your anxiety all the way over here. People argue, often bitterly. They don’t all solve the conflict with fists. Here, now.” She moved behind Nell and rubbed her shoulders. “Let the worry go. Tension’s bad for the digestion.”

At the touch Nell felt a trickle of warmth melt away the ice that had balled in her belly. “I guess I like both of you. I hate to see you dislike each other.”

“I don’t dislike Ripley. She annoys me, frustrates me, but I don’t dislike her. You wonder what we were talking about, but you won’t ask, will you, little sister?”

“No. I don’t like questions.”

“I’m fascinated by them. We need to talk, you and I.” Mia stepped back, waited for Nell to pick up the completed order and turn. “I have things to do this evening. Tomorrow, then. I’ll buy you a drink. Let’s make it early. Five at the Magick Inn. The lounge. It’s called the Coven. You can leave your questions at home if you like,” Mia said as she started out. “I’ll bring the answers anyway.”

Five