Looking for Mr. Good Witch by Joyce and Jim Lavene Page A

being a ghost. No wonder witches usually move on right away.”
    â€œOlivia, take heart,” Portia counselled. “Things will change. They always do. At some point, ghost witches may even be able to use their magic again. Don’t give up. Remember—you’re here for your daughter. I can’t think of a worthier cause.”
    Elsie came in while Portia was still there. She stowed her large purple bag behind the counter. “I’m sorry, Molly. I was just so upset seeing Aleese that way. I overreacted. I guess I owe Brian an apology too. I don’t even know how long it’s been since I got that hot—literally. I didn’t even know it was possible anymore.”
    â€œIt’s not a big deal,” I told her. “I know how you felt. We tried all our lives to protect our families from magic. It’s hard when it comes right into our homes. I think Brian was embarrassed by the whole situation with his parents and then with Aleese. He isn’t used to dealing with those kinds of issues.”
    â€œHe’d probably be better off if he was more interactive with his family—although they seemed like twits to me. The emotion would have been good for him. He’s all brain and knowledge, but there’s very little heart in his magic.”
    â€œI know.” I told her about seeing the Bone Man again in the supply closet. “I don’t know what to think about it. He’s not exactly the person you want to have visions of.”
    She knit her red brows together. “Maybe he’s trying to contact you. Maybe he needs help.”
    I gazed at her with complete disbelief. “First of all, why would the Bone Man need help? He’s an entity unto himself. And second, why would he contact
me
? It’s not like we’re friends or something. I’m as terrified of him as you are.”
    She shrugged as two more witches came up to pay for their purchases. “I don’t know. Olivia had some kind of relationship with him that I’d rather not think about. Maybe she could pop out there and talk to him. You should ask her when things get quiet.”
    But the shop was even busier after Portia got there. We made tea for her, and she sat at our table drinking it and talking with friends. It was always a pleasure having her there. We all wished she’d become a member of the council.
    Dorothy was getting familiar with the merchandise, but was still unsure of many things, which meant that Elsie and I had to talk her through dozens of purchases. I thought she did an exceptional job for her first big day there. I couldn’t have asked for more.
    Around five P.M., people slowly stopped coming in. We helped those who were already there and got ready to close for the day. I’d convinced one woman who believed she was being visited by a demon that it probably wasn’t so. She wasn’t a witch but had created what she considered a perfect lover from her fantasies. I assured her that demons didn’t really make good lovers, despite present day fiction, and sent her home with some Valerian root so she could get a good night’s sleep.
    â€œGirls, I think this may be the busiest I have ever seen our shop.” Olivia was smiling, although sometimes her ghostly facial expressions were difficult to decipher. “I’m so glad I was here to be part of it.”
    â€œI’m glad you were here too, Mom,” Dorothy added.
    â€œI wish I could join in tomorrow at the full moon celebration, but I’m afraid some of the others might be mean to me. I hate to miss it.”
    â€œLet’s think about it.” I had no real goal in mind. I knew how most witches felt about ghosts, even ghosts of witches. “Maybe we can think of some way to hide you.”
    Portia had gone, and Dorothy saw the last customer out of the shop before she locked the door and put out the closed sign. We were intent on closing up, giving Barnabas food and