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“Must be their driver,” Hugo said. “I don’t recognize him.”

Alice remained silent. Her eyes focused on his every move. The driver opened an umbrella and strolled up the sidewalk to the Savinos’ house.

“This is it,” Alice said.

Alice handed the cup to Hugo before standing. She seized the strap and flung the bag over her head and shoulder.

“Everything just like we talked about. Nothing more.”

“Deal.” Alice headed for the back door.

In one swift motion, Hugo clasped her hand, instantly halting their progress. Alice turned back to face him, her eyebrows shooting upward in surprise at his unexpected grasp. He rushed in and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her to him. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. The passionate embrace was like two lovers familiarizing themselves as if it was the first time. She wrapped her arms around his back, pulling herself even closer. She wanted it to last forever, but she needed to hurry. They pulled back.

Hugo’s eyes glistened as his icy blues gazed once more at hers. “I love you. Now go get them.”

She winked at him, tracing her fingers along his back and across his chest as she pulled away.

“Gwennie!” Alice shouted and then whistled. “Time to go.”

The grayish-white broomstick floated into the dining area from the living room. Alice turned and left through the kitchen and out the back door with the broomstick following behind.

Alice snapped her fingers and darkened the area in the backyard. The air was cold and damp. The rain was pouring harder than she’d like. The drips of water splattered on her hat and coat. She swung her legs over the broomstick and settled into the worn, leather brown seat.

Her fingers wrapped around the gnarled grooves of the handle. With a push off from her feet and a gentle pull of the handle, theyrose to the top of the house. Alice peered over the gabled points of her folk Victorian home, as she waited in the shadows for the emergence of the Savinos.

Sylvia proceeded down the walkway side by side with Sebastian as he held an umbrella over both of them. The driver followed behind. Sebastian held the car door open and closed it once Sylvia entered. He proceeded to the other side, while the driver climbed into the driver’s seat. After a moment, the SUV drove off.

Alice’s eyes traced every step and every move. Her breath quickened. Her heart raced. Her mind was ready. She pulled back on the handle, giving a slight jump, and the broomstick took off into the rainy night sky.

Alice followed the vehicle as it made its way through the town center, out past Wildgrove Park and onto US-42. It picked up speed. Alice matched it.

A vast number of barren farmer fields, once dense with corn, streaked by as Alice continued her pursuit. The combination of wind and rain splashed against her face. Water dripped into her eyes. It burned as it forced the sweat into her eyes.

She wiped her face against her arm sleeve, but only briefly. She didn’t want to lose sight of the black SUV below her. She tilted her head forward, using the brim of her hat to help shield herself. She dug the heels of her boots into the foot pedal for support. She rose higher into the night sky. The low-hanging clouds shrouded her movement.

The SUV turned onto the highway and headed for Columbus. Alice knew exactly where the SUV was going, where she had hoped it was going. She leaned in lower to the broomstick.

“You’re doing great, Gwennie,” Alice said. “Keep it up.”

Darkness faded, replaced with an eerie orange glow as if a great fire rose up to combat the rain. The lights of the city came into view. Houses gradually replaced the farmers’ fields and then office buildings. The SUV picked up speed. Alice and Guinevere fell behind.

“Come on, girl. A little more.” Alice leaned in closer, her chin nearly touching the rain-soaked handle. “Give me just a little more.”

The broomstick shook. It pushed itself as hard as it could. The broomstick fish-tailed back and forth as it struggled to match the speed.

Alice pulled up on the broom handle, slowing their speed. The SUV sped away. Alice leaned back, giving Guinevere a reprieve.

She patted the handle. “You did good. Don’t worry; you did good,” Alice said. “We know where they’re going. We’ll have to meet them there. Ready?”

The broomstick bobbed up and down as if to answeryes.

“Let’s go,” Alice said as she leaned forward.

They took off.

Alice journeyed across the city, hiding in the clouds and away from prying eyes. Cars and other vehicles populated the freeways below. The streets were quieter, but still had far more activity than she was used to in Newbury Grove. She rose as high as she could, without getting completely enveloped. She had a maximum height she liked to fly, and this was pushing her limits.

Alice recognized landmarks as she worked her way to her destination. Familiar streets led to freeways. The buildings of The Ohio State campus appeared. She knew she was close. She cut across campus to High Street. Even the rain drenched night couldn’t stop the bustle of High Street as college students and other adults worked their way from bar to bar.