I crept up to the foot of the porch and climbed the creaky steps, hoping they wouldn’t cave beneath my feet. I then reached for the handle on the front door and gave it a turn.

Locked.

No surprise there.

I had spent the later part of the afternoon with Gideon, going over what to do in this particular scenario. While I wanted to believe all my magic issues had been sorted after the events of the previous night, I couldn’t be sure. So, Gideon and I had practiced an unlocking finger charm. We practiced it over and over as though I were a witchling again. I had been hoping Gideon might come with me tonight, but I think he was overwhelmed by everything I had already put him through. On the bright side, he hadn’t had any more dire visions. At least not any he was willing to share. So that was something.

I put my flashlight between my knees and rubbed my hands together to warm my fingers.

I could do this. Just a few quick movements with my hands and the lock should click open. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

Snap with one hand. Snap with the other. Double tap the left fist with the right and flip both palms open to the sky.

I had not heard a click.

I opened my eyes and tried the door handle anyway. Still locked.

It was probably just the pressure of the moment. Another try should do the trick.

Snap. Snap. Double tap. Flip.

Nothing.

Okay, they do say the third time’s a charm.

Snap. Snap. Double tap. Flip.

Still nothing.

“Oh, come on,” I muttered. Yes, I had neglected my powers, but I had learned my lesson! At least I thought I had. My magic, apparently, was still a little miffed.

I took another breath before trying again. This time I muttered the words as I performed the actions, “Snap. Snap. Double tap. Fl—”

“What are you doing?”

Chapter 37

I spun around and pressed my back against the door.

I may have also screamed a little.

Once I was certain I had not in fact had a heart attack, I was able to stammer, “It’s you.” Oh yes, I knew the girl in front of me. There was no mistaking that bright pink hair. The earrings were different though. Tonight, they were in the shape of cats with their backs arched. I couldn’t remember her name though. The fright must have startled it right out of me. “Hi, you.”

“Nixie,” she said, an amused smile. “And hi.”

“I was just . . .” I threw a look back at the door. “What are you doing here?”

“I live down the street. I’m staying with my aunt and uncle while I go to school. I thought I saw you speeding by, so I decided to check it out.”

“Right. Right.”

She looked me up and down. “And you were just?”

“I was just . . .” I was just a terrible liar is what I was.