The Witches of BlackBrook by Tish Thawer

‘magic salves’ she was gushing about in exchange for her payment, then gathered her things, ready to make her departure.
    The rain had settled in, forcing Karina to pull the hood of her woolen cloak around her auburn hair as she stepped back onto the path. Turning to again bid farewell to Sarah and Ann, Karina felt a chill as she looked into Mrs. Putnam’s face. The evil Karina glimpsed behind her smiling eyes had her racing for home.
    “Jeremiah! Jeremiah! You were right, and I think I’ve ruined us all.”

Chapter Nine

    “Trin. If you don’t want to talk about it, it’s okay,” Jason offered.
    “No, no. It’s all right. I’m just trying to recall as many details as possible. It all happened so fast.” Trin recovered. “I was relaxed and daydreaming too, and suddenly, I heard a noise and opened my eyes and saw you slipping in. I fell to my knees next to the hole and slammed my hands on either side of the ice, screaming your name. Then, once I saw your hair below me, I reached in and grabbed you by the shirt and pulled as hard as I could,” Trin shrugged. “That’s really all I remember.”
    Jason looked from Trin to Caris and took a deep breath. “Okay, well, I guess that means I’m going crazy.” He shrugged. “Thanks for having us over, now let’s enjoy this fine spread, shall we?” he suggested with a half-smile.
    Trin dished potatoes and biscuits and gravy onto their plates, then tried to fill the space with generic conversation as they all enjoyed their food.
    “When do you two have another day off?” Trin asked.
    “Jason works the entire week, but I still have tomorrow off,” Caris replied. “It’s scheduled as teacher work day, but I took care of everything I had to do on Saturday so I could have some extra time to myself.”
    “Good plan. What are you gonna do with the extra time?” Trin asked, trying to remain engaged.
    “Actually, I was thinking of making a run to Ipswich to get some supplies. Would you like to come with?”
    Trin’s smile lit up the room. “Caris, that sounds fantastic. Let me make sure I can move any appointments I have for tomorrow, but yes, I would love to join you.”
    “Well, that sounds like a party. Wish I could come,” Jason added.
    “I wish you could too,” Trin replied shyly.
    “How about this? I’ll let my cousin steal you away tomorrow, but come Friday night, you’re all mine.”
    Caris laughed and began clearing the plates as Jason reached for Trin’s hand. Blue sparks erupted as their fingers met, knocking them apart.
    “What the hell?” Caris gasped.
    “Wow. That one was a doozy.” Jason shook out his fingers.
    “You mean it’s happened before?” Caris asked.
    Jason looked at Trin and she nodded. “Yes. Practically every time we touch,” he stated flatly.
    “I wasn’t sure you noticed,” Trin replied.
    “Oh trust me, I noticed. I told you, Trin. It’s like I’ve known you all my life, and when we touch, not only is there an actual spark, but there’s also a spark I feel inside. I can’t explain it.”
    Trin stared at the two cousins and felt her heart sink. This couldn’t be anything more than magical energies recognizing and reacting to each other. Kit had warned her that she would get hurt again if she kept thinking there was more to it than that. So, resolved to spare herself any more pain, Trin accepted that this man was a fellow witch that she had a true connection with and nothing more. And right now, that worked for her.
    “I feel a spark too, Jason.” Trin reached for his hand again. “Actually, with both of you. I feel like our energies recognize each other, and I couldn’t be happier to have found two more witches whose company I enjoy.”
    “Two more witches?” Caris prompted.
    “Yes. My roommate and friend, Kit, is also a witch. You’ll get to meet her this weekend.” Trin nodded to Jason.
    “That’s awesome. Honestly, I thought Jason and I were going to be the only Wiccans in town. So cheers to