MIDNIGHT MAGIC - ch 21

MIDNIGHT MAGIC – ch 21

Julie

(*)(*)(*)

As with Cormac, Finola walked to the door, opened it, then beckoned to Monty. “Monty, I am releasing you from the binding and silence spells only. You will go, live your life as I’ve commanded. Yet, keep in mind, that you will never again have the ability to hurt any woman.” She snapped her fingers and watched as his eyes awakened. “Monty, leave my house. Leave now, before I change my mind.”

He rose from his chair, looked at Tony who still sat wondering what was happening, walked towards the door, then turned giving the men in the room a back glance. Finola placed her right hand on his shoulder and whispered, “Run.” Without a second’s hesitation, he bolted from the house and ran down the road to where his car was parked. They heard the engine roar and gravel fly as he sped away.

After Finola closed the door, she turned to her family and confirmed what they’d been thinking. “I placed the deaf spell on Tony so we could hear his version of things. I didn’t want him to be influenced by anything Monty said. I’m sure there are things Monty didn’t know that Tony does. How about if we just allow him to sit and fret for a bit? Should I put the kettle to boil or keep out the bottle of Hennessey?”

“Finola, “ Morena spoke, “I think Liz and I would enjoy a cup of tea and one of your delicious scones.” Liz agreed, “That would be wonderful, Finola.”

As she walked to her stove, she suggested. “You know, Liz, Morena. You’ve been in the family quite a while now. You’ve known me for going on nine years. I think it’s time you called me Aintin, like Mia does. I’m sure you know, by now that “Aintin” mean “Aunt” in Gaelic.”

Without thinking, both women stood, and simultaneously hugged Finola. “Aintin, it is, then,” Liz said as Morean turned towards the cupboard and retrieved two cups.

Mia noticed her cat rigidly sitting in front of Tony. She was hardly moving. Her stare was deliberate and frightening. She didn’t hiss but emitted a low, threatening growl. While Tony often scanned the faces in the room, his eyes always wandered back to Midnight, ever watching, ever waiting for her to pounce.

Mickey asked Julie, “Jules, honey, you never touched your iced tea. Can I pour you another with ice? Or would you prefer tea like my mom and Aunt Morena?”

She smiled sweetly and answered, “You know, hot tea sounds better right now. Thank you.”

Finola poured three cups of tea and Morena placed a plate of walnut-cranberry scones on the table. “I think we can enjoy these as we enjoy whatever Aunt Finola has in mind.”

The white witch smiled. “Thank you, Morena. Now that we’re all pleasantly rested, I’ll begin, if no one has any objections.”

Tony, in one swift movement, whipped his eyes in her direction. Although he never heard the spell she’d placed on Monty, he’d seen the welt, and he worried what might happen to him.

Finola placed her left palm on his shoulder.

“Tony, for us who want the truth revealed

Your tongue will be loosened for secrets unsealed.

You’ll answer only our questions with lips now set free.

So, I desire it; so, mote it be.”

“What is your name?” she asked.

“Anthony Moretti.” He tried to say something more, but his lips clamped shut tightly.

“Ah, see, Tony? You will not utter anything but answers to what we ask, and they must be truthful. Now, Can I assume that you know someone in this room?”

His eyes landed on Julie. “Yeah, Julie. She’s my fi….” The last word caught in the back of his throat.

“Ah, remember, truth only.”

“How did you meet Julie?”

“My brother new some of her friends and arranged a party so I could meet her.”

“What happened at that party?”

“I introduced myself, we danced, I flirted, she left, but not before I got her phone number.”

“Did you call her?”

“Of course, I did.”

“And you dated her?”

“It only took one date.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I took her out to dinner and when she went to the ladies room, I spiked her drink. Once she got woozy, I took her home.”

“Hmm,” Finola felt her blood begin to boil, “and I guess we know the answer to my next question, but I’ll ask so we can hear you say it. Did you force yourself on her?”

“I didn’t have to. She was so out of it, she thought she instigated everything. Stupid girl thought she was in love with me and agreed to whatever I suggested.”

Julie jumped up and ran outside; Mia followed. “Jules, are you okay?” Julie vomited. Mia raced in for a glass of cool water and asked Mickey to wait before approaching her.

“Thanks, Mia. You know, in a way, what he said makes sense. I was never one to just throw myself at a guy but with Tony? I honestly thought I did. Boy was I wrong! To think that he, he, oh Mia!” Julie slumped against the house and began to cry.

Mia wrapped her arms around her friend then said, “Wait here.” She quietly walked inside and motioned to Mickey. She whispered, “She more embarrassed and ashamed, than hurt. I think she needs you more than she needs me.”

“Thank you, Mia. I’ll take care of her,” he said to his cousin and walked out the door.

As Mia walked back into the house, Finola quickly placed the deaf spell on Tony and asked, “Is she okay? Should we stop?”

“Aintin, she’ll be fine. All this time, she thought she’d been so entranced with him that everything they did was her idea. She had no notion that he’d drugged her and probably kept her that way to keep her compliant. She’s embarrassed and ashamed. Mickey’s taking care of her.”

Ian stood and said angrily, “That’ll make two of us.”