Evelina and the Reef Hag (16 page)

Evelina scurried in her wake, anxious to see what it was all about.

“Let me see.” Udora rummaged in an old white cupboard, crammed with bottles of all description—green, yellow, blue, fat, and squat. “Where is it?”

“I’m not sure how fresh that dew is.” Mrs. Segal hustled onto the porch after them. “I hope it’s not out of date.”

“My inventory is quite current, thank you.” Udora sucked in air between her teeth. “I keep scrupulous records, as you well know.”

Evelina picked up the azure bottle from the table. Yesterday’s date was scrawled under ‘morning dew’, on a small white label framed in gold. It was fresh all right. There had to be a couple of ounces. How long could it take to collect tiny drops of dew?

Udora produced a tall amber bottle next.

The label read,
stardust
.

Evelina gasped. “Where did you get that?”

“Falling stars, of course.” Mrs. Segal gave a loud twitter. “You just have to be there at the right time.”

“If you have time for such things, which I do not.” Udora reached up to pluck a sprig of dried dill hanging from the rafters above their heads, then sent Evelina a sidelong glance. “I purchased it at Mr.
Turtlemoon’s
apothecary. I’ll take you there for an outing.”

“Excellent.” Mrs. Segal clapped her hands. “We’ll do our errands and make an adventure of it.”

Udora made a sound in the back of her throat very much like a growl. “Stardust and morning dew—that’s all,” she instructed, mixing a bit of each on the glass top of the table. “Then scribe your message.”

With the sprig of dill she scratched in the palm of her hand,
McCrystal
, contact Udora Segal at once.
She stood up, walked to the edge of porch, lifted her hand, then blew.

Silver and blue sparkles flew up in the air.

They swirled higher and higher and higher, dancing on the wind, streaking like a jet stream across the black velvet sky.

Then, just as quickly disappeared.

Evelina breathed a hearty sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“Not at all.” Udora inclined her head regally. “It was wise of you to advise us.”

Evelina nodded. Well, one problem solved. Now, if only she could get her necklace back.

***

Evelina squinted against the sun at the empty spot on the wharf where the Six Doubloons had been.

Disappointment engulfed her.

It was nowhere to be seen.

Even the ticket booth was gone.

Her pulse drummed in her ears.

How would she ever get her necklace back?

She shielded her eyes with her hand, peering up and down the bay, but there were no sails in sight.

She needed that necklace. It was one of the few things she had left of her parents—a tangible reminder of their love, despite all opposition.

But the ship was gone.

Who was she kidding?

Having the necklace wouldn’t change things. Whatever her parents had defied the odds. It was a special love that rarely happened—according to Udora. Most Time Keepers were content to accept their fate of an arranged marriage. Or, most witches were smart enough to stay away from them—guard their hearts against them.

Too bad someone hadn’t warned her before she’d laid eyes on Frankie Holler. Her life would have been a whole lot easier without wondering where he was or what he was doing at every moment. Clearly, she was obsessed.

It wasn’t love. Love was something people shared—like her parents. They couldn’t do without each other.

Well, it had to stop.

She had to cut her losses and move on.

It was hard enough figuring this witch thing out without being distracted by a golden freakin’ Time Keeper with a fiancé in tow.

They
oughta
’ ear tag them or something—let a girl know before she speaks to one—before she gets involved.

Why hadn’t he told her?

As if by magic Frankie appeared, as though her very thoughts had conjured him up.

She gasped.

In truth, his magic, not hers had popped him there.

He smiled. “I heard you were here.”

She managed to defrost her tongue to croak, “Yes.”

“I thought you might need some help.”

So much for avoiding him. Luckily, he was a Time Keeper and not a Soul Sifter, reading all of her crazy thoughts—feeling her sweat. He’d know exactly what kind of a hot mess she was in. There was no help for that.

 
“Nope.” She veered to the right of him down the sandy path to the
Old
City
. “I’m good.”

“Look, I know you’re upset.”

“What would make you think that?” She kept walking.

“I thought maybe we could talk.”

She shrugged. The situation was pretty self explanatory as far as she was concerned, but she was dying to know what he had to say. “About what?”

He put a hand on her arm to stall her progress. “Her name is
Eydis
Turtlemoon
.”

“From the apothecary?”

“Yes.” Frankie expelled air as though he’d been holding his breath. “Her grandfather runs the apothecary. She’s very nice, but I hardly know her.”

“She’s just your fiancé.” Evelina strode away. “I get it.”

Not.

He stepped in front of her, forcing her to a halt. “Look,” he spread his hands wide, “if I could break it off I would. But I can’t.”

She shrugged. “I understand.” She made to go around him.

He cut her off. “Only she can dissolve the match. If I do it, it ruins her reputation. It’s a huge insult to her family.”

“Look, you’ve got to do what you have to. We all have our obligations. You don’t have to explain it to me. I understand.” Family expectations messed with everyone’s head. She of all people knew that. Even though her parents were dead she felt the need to honor their memory by becoming the best witch she could be. Still, she’d never give up her dream of becoming an artist. Somehow she’d find a way to make both work. “I’ve got to go.” She had to find Psycho Sally.

“I’ll come with you.”

Evelina didn’t argue. He wouldn’t have heard her if she did. Chatter and laughter engulfed them as soon as they hit the crowded main street.

Tourists spilled into every nook and cranny.

Evelina wove her way down the brick-lined street toward the tattoo parlor.

Closed, the sign read in the window when they arrived.

“Damn!” Evelina gnashed her teeth, swallowing down her disappointment. “She’s the only lead to my necklace.”

“Don’t worry.” Frankie took her by the hand, giving it a firm squeeze. “We’ll find it.”

She gazed up at him, losing herself in the amber depths of his eyes.

The screech of a child snapped her out of it.

A toddler in a stroller had lost his helium balloon.

Evelina raced down the bustling street after it.

Frankie snagged it at the same time as her.

Their fingers collided like two live wires, sending sparks skipping over Evelina’s skin.

She snatched her hand away, allowing him to return the balloon to the grinning toddler’s mother, who was hot on the chase, apparently anxious to stifle his screeching.

It seemed the morning had had a happy ending, after all, despite the tattoo parlor being closed.

But Frankie was right. If Psycho Sally was in cahoots with
Thoosa
Barnes, best to keep her distance. Evelina sucked in a fortifying breath. And she certainly would—as soon as she found her necklace.

Chapter Thirteen

“You did well to inform your aunts right way.” Grammy Crimm floated above the dunes like a holographic mist.

Warmth spread through Evelina at the praise. “Let’s hope they catch her.”

Grammy
Crimm’s
tone turned serious. “She cannot be caught, only destroyed.”

 
Great. “How do you do that?”

“You must pierce her heart—let the blackness escape.”

“At least we know who’s form she’s taken.” Evelina shivered, wondering what it must be like to have your body invaded by a Reef Hag. She remembered how the Reef Hag had transformed, leaving Psycho Sally half crazed, writhing in pain. “It’s a start.”

“She’ll strike again, and very soon, if I’m not mistaken.” Grammy Crimm nodded her white head, making her double chin wobble. “You must be on your guard.”

“I will.” Evelina attempted to infuse as much confidence as she could into her voice.

“Now.” Grammy
Crimm’s
blue eyes twinkled. “Have you been drawing and painting—keeping up your art?”

“I’ll never give up my art.” Evelina jumped at the chance to make her views clear. “That’s what I am—an artist.”

“We are many things,” Grammy said brightly. “You’re also a witch. You must pursue your art, of course. But, responsibilities come first.” Grammy flashed a knowing smile. “I have no doubt you’ll find a way to make it all work.”

Evelina drew herself up to her full height. She wanted to say that she was an artist first and a witch second. But no sense quibbling. “I will.”

“Tell me about this young Time Keeper of yours.”

“He isn’t mine.” Evelina bristled. “He’s betrothed.”

“I’m sorry, my dear.” Grammy Crimm blinked. “I would have warned you if I could.”

Evelina forced a smile. “It’s alright.”

“Oh dear! But our time is up.” Grammy Crimm started to fade. “It goes so quickly.” She blew a kiss. “Take care, my love. Keep up the good work.”

Poof!

She disappeared.

Evelina barely had time to raise her hand to wave.

A faint loneliness washed over her as she turned to head back down the beach.

But it didn’t linger long.

There would be more Cosmic Calls. Knowing that had a cathartic effect, lifting her up—making all things possible again. Grammy Crimm had a way about her—a sparkle in her eye, a warmth in her sweet smile, or some special magic deep within.

It was difficult to tell whether it was because she was her grandmother, or something more mysterious—the great power other witches whispered about. To Evelina it was simply love. There need be no other explanation.

Kamaria buzzed up to her ear, breathing heavy and flapping hard.

Evelina gave a jump at her sudden appearance.

“Come on, Toots! I haven’t got all night.”

“Since when were you in a hurry to get to work?”

“Since I overheard something particularly valuable to your case.”

“What case?”

Karmaria
pointed a red nailed finger at her. “You’re after the Reef Hag, aren’t ya?”

“Yes.”

“Well, if you aren’t a gumshoe, I’m not a Moon Fairy.” Her voice turned surly. “You’ve been sticking your nose in everyone’s business since the moment I laid eyes on you—mostly dangerous business.”

Evelina’s cheeks went hot. “Someone’s got to do it!”

Kararia
folded her arms under her heaving bosom. “And that someone’s got to be you, right?”

Evelina sucked in air between her teeth. “Yes.”

“Maybe I was wrong.” Kamaria shrugged. “Maybe it’s not that important.” She zoomed ahead down the beach.

Evelina sprinted after her. “What did you hear?” She panted catching up with her. “Tell me!”

“Well…” Kamaria did a loop in the air, circling Evelina’s head. “Apparently...” She hovered inches from Evelina’s nose. “Things are about to heat up.”

“How?”

“Something big is blowing in.”

“Like what?”

Kamaria blinked her big sapphire eyes. “Like
Stymphes
.”

“What’s that?”

“You don’t know anything, do ya’, kid?” Kamaria sliced her a look of disgust. “Something nasty! That’s what.”

“Who told you that?”

“They did.” Kamaria pointed out into the foaming surf.

Little twinkling lights danced above the moonlit waves.

As Evelina drew closer she realized they were tiny people, albeit unusual ones. Their white hair stood up on their head like dandelions gone to seed, glowing like light bulbs. Pointed ears stood up on their heads as pink as their skin, barely covered by skimpy grass skirts and loin cloths. At least a dozen leaped and hopped in some wild dance, undulating to the beat of a tiny bongo, one pounded strapped to his hip.

Another one broke the circle, flew toward them like a stinging bee, then buzzed back just as fast.

Evelina gasped, jumping back.

High sparkles of laughter erupted from the group.

Kamaria flicked a lock of silvery blond hair over her shoulder. “Haven’t you seen Dune Pixies before?”

“No.” Evelina continued to stare. “I haven’t.” Not that anything should surprise her now. “But, I’ll have what they’re having.”

“You don’t get out much, do ya’, Toots?”

“They told you these
Stymphes
were coming?” Hard to believe. They seemed to be lost in some wild delirium. Maybe it was a hallucination from whatever they were smokin’.

“That’s right, sweetie.” Kamaria morphed from the size of a bee to a hummingbird. “They’ve got ears everywhere—on every beach. Word is, the Reef Hag sent for reinforcements.”

“And you believe them?” Everyone had their thing about them, but these Dune Pixies seemed a bit unbalanced, writhing like crazed hula dancers in the surf. “I mean, I thought all pixies were pranksters.”

“Ha! Nobody jokes about
Stymphes
!” Kamaria lost the lilt in her voice. “It’s not a surprise. Wherever the Reef Hag goes, they’re not far behind.”

Everything grew dark.

A shadow eclipsed the silvery moon hanging over the waves.

It resembled a pair of giant wings.

The bongos stopped, replaced by cries and screams.

The Dune Pixies scattered like peeping chicks.

“
Stymphes
!”

“Run!”

“Hold on!!” Kamaria screeched.

Evelina grabbed the back of
Kamaria’s
red satin swim suit with both hands.

Kamaria shot up into the air.

Evelina hung on, sailing behind like an over-sized tail.

A piercing call echoed over the water.

Evelina looked behind.

A silver bird, as large as a pterodactyl, and uglier than a cormorant, emerged from the clouds, gaining on them fast.

Evelina went cold. “Here it comes!”

Whoosh!

A long silver blade shot past them so fast Evelina felt the heat of friction against her cheek.

Another blade sliced by on the other side.

They were coming from the
Stymphe
.

Its feathers were knives.

Terror gripped her.

Kamaria made a sharp dive, avoiding another blade by inches.

The island materialized below.

They sailed toward the ground like a downed plane.

Kamaria took the first visible hole in the trees.

Evelina clutched
Kamaria’s
red suit tighter.

Branches slapped Evelina in the face as they crashed through the leafy canopy.

A bigger hole would have been nice, but there was no time to be picky with a homicidal, freak of nature, killer bird on their tail.

They plummeted to earth, landing with a thud in the sand, in the middle of a small clearing.

Then,

Whoosh!

They slid headlong into a flock of seagulls pecking a dead flounder.

Evelina struggled to her feet, shaking from head to toe. They were lucky to be alive. For once,
Kamaria’s
recklessness had paid off. “Thanks.” Another inch and they’d have been shish kabobs. “Nice flying.”

“Don’t mention it,” Kamaria panted. “No man left behind.” She dusted off her derriere. “That’s how we operate.”

The conch shell sounded.

“Come on!” Evelina raced toward the sound. Not only did she not want to be late, but curiosity about
Eydis
Turtlemoon
was burning a hole in her brain. Now that she knew who Frankie’s betrothed was, she was dying to clamp eyes on her.

By the time they reached the clearing Kamaria had shrunken by half.

Udora stood waiting, bottle in hand, ready to collect her.

“Hurry, my dear!” Mrs. Segal shooed Evelina toward the gathering of witches by the waterfall.

Abby and Tally rushed toward her.

Tally gave a great sigh. “You made it.”

Evelina scanned the crowd. “What did I miss?”

“Lily was looking for you,” Abby said. “Something about that prickle you gave her.”

“The lab results.” Though Proteus had already clued her in. “A barb from the tail of a Ghost Ray. It’s the Reef Hag’s secret weapon. That’s how she does it. I’m sure of it. It creates doubt and misery in the mind of the victim. If it isn’t pulled out they eventually give up—their heart gives out.”

“Speaking of hearts.” Abby wiggled her eyebrows up and down. “Cliff finally told me her name.”

Evelina held up a hand. “I already know.”

Tally gazed from one of them to the other. “Who’s name?”

“Frankie’s betrothed,” Abby said out of the side of her mouth to Tally, then turned back to Evelina. “He finally told you? It’s about time. Everyone else knows. She’s right over there.”

Evelina’s gaze followed the direction of Abby’s hand.

“
Eydis
Turtlemoon
.” Abby pointed through the crowd. “The tall, skinny blonde.”

Evelina’s gaze roved over the slender girl in the white tunic.
Eydis
of White Water—the same tribe as Lily. Maybe Lily knew something about her.

Eydis
Turtlemoon
turned her head.