Page 17 of Black and White, Twice the Might (Cadenbury Town #8)

W e walk into the bookshop and see Alfred stood, laughing, watching whatever is happening in the tearoom.

We walk in and see everyone surrounding Sal, asking what’s wrong. Is Sal sick? He doesn’t look it.

Adhan looks at everyone. “What’s wrong?”

“Sal’s sick,” Jude says, just as Cal, Justice and Ernest say, “Sal’s gone mad,” and Sal says, “Nothing’s wrong.”

“I’m confused,” Adhan says, looking around.

He’s not the only one.

“It’s easy to explain, Adhan,” John says, walking closer. “Being friends with Ernest has sent Sal mad.”

I snort out a laugh.

“I’m taking my cottage back,” Ernest says to his father while we all laugh.

Did Ernest live in John and Jodie’s cottage first?

“Course you are,” John replies, pretty sure he knows Ernest doesn’t mean it.

“Don’t you have books to shelve?” Ernest says to him.

“Nope, I’ve done my pile, the rest is for you,” John replies, before walking back into the bookshop, Alfred at his side.

“So, what’s really going on?” Adhan asks.

“Gah,” Sal says. “Ernest asked what was new, and I said nothing, that our lives were boring.”

“Have you gone mad?” Titus asks, walking into the tearoom and joining us.

“That’s what we said,” Justice tells him.

“Wait, you think life is boring? Do you not like working with me?” Nix asks.

Am I the only one who thinks Nix is trying not to laugh?

“Oh no, I really do. Honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a job,” Sal replies, sounding and looking panicked. He pauses. “I hate you so much right now, as well.”

Nix bursts out laughing. “The look on your face.”

“You guy’s suck,” Sal gripes out.

We all laugh at that, and Adhan looks at us. “So, a normal day, then. Let’s grab a table and bring it over.”

In the end, we needed an extra two tables and we’re all sat laughing, joking and eating yummy cakes.

“Do you boys have something planned today?” Nix asks Xander and Enoch.

They look at me.

I shake my head. “No, the only plan we had was to meet Adhan and then tonight help protect the fair.”

“Xander, Enoch, would you like to come and spend the afternoon with Sal and me? We can show you how to blow and mould glass,” Nix offers.

“Really?” Xander asks, smiling.

“Yep. If your brothers say it’s okay, Sal and I will be there the whole time and protect you if needed,” Nix reassures them.

Enoch looks at us, his eyes shining with happiness. “Can we, please?”

I smile and nod before looking at Nix. “I think that’s a yes from the boys. If you’re sure,” I look back at my younger brothers. “Sly and I will be around town if you need us.”

“Yep, I’m sure, and it will be fun,” Nix says, downing the last of his drink. “Just come into the shop when you’re done here, and then we can show you how to work with glass.”

“We will. Thank you, Nix,” Xander says happily. He looks at us. “I’m glad we're staying here.”

Sly touches his shoulder. “Us too.”

“Did you get everything sorted out?” Ernest asks us.

“Yep. Adhan had all the paperwork, surveyors' reports, etc., ready. We’ve had a quick look through it, but we’ll read it properly later. We’re doing the process via private sale, so we need to pop to the bank on Monday and transfer the money over, and then we can start moving in,” I tell him.

“If you need a hand moving your things in, let us know and we can all help you,” Justice offers, finishing his drink.

“I’ve got to run, or I’ll be late. See you all later.

” He stands up and picks up his bag, then looks at Cal.

“Your scone was amazing. Put everything on my tab,” and with that, he’s gone.

“Do you have much in storage?” Ernest asks.

Sly laughs, and the boys and I groan.

“Yeah, we have two large storage units filled with furniture and our personal stuff,” Sly says.

“Plus, all the things we fell in love with along the way. There shouldn’t be too much that we’ll have to buy,” I add.

“We have a large van we can use for the bigger items, and we can all bring our cars to help,” Adhan offers.

Oh wow, I wasn’t expecting that. I nod. “Thank you. Your help will be much appreciated.”

Sal finishes his drinks. “Are you ready to go and play with glass?”

“Let me just finish my drink, and I'm with you,” I say.

“That’s okay, Sal is with us. We’ll be fine walking to the shop with him,” Xander says.

My mouth falls open in surprise.

“Excellent,” Sly says to them. “Go forth and have fun.”

The boys jump up as John strolls back into the tearoom.

“When you’ve created your glass masterpieces, you’ll have to show me,” he says to the boys.

Their faces light up even more.

“Really?” Enoch asks, giving his signature grin.

“Yes, really,” he assures them, putting his hand on both of their shoulders.

“Thanks, John,” Xander says, with a final smile. We watch the boys and Sal walk out of the shop smiling happily.

John nods to us and walks back into the bookshop.

“You looked surprised just then, Ebby,” Titus comments.

I nod. “Surprised and happy that the boys feel safe enough to go off with Sal without us.”

“They know Sal and Nix won’t hurt them, and if needed, will do everything they can to protect them,” Jude adds.

I nod. “That certainly helps.”

While I finish my drink, the others start leaving, going back to work. We finally finish and walk back into the bookshop.

“Thank you, John,” I say to him.

“No thanks needed. You’re family and the boys need a grandpa figure in their lives. I have no magic in me, so they know they’re safe with me.”

“We’re not really family,” Sly pointed out.

“Too late, we’ve all claimed you,” Alfred tells us. “We can welcome you to the family at tomorrow’s BBQ.”

“I can lick you two if you want?” Ernest offers, grinning.

Alfred and Sly burst out laughing. I make a yuck face, and John just shakes his head.

“I blame your Ma. I’m sure she dropped you on your head when you were a baby,” John says to his son.

“I think we’re both fine without you licking us. Pretty sure you wouldn’t lick me as well as my Ebby does. He does this thing ...,”

I quickly put my hand over Sly’s mouth. I bet I’m blushing.

“We’re fine with you not licking us and just say thank you for claiming us as family.

” I take my hand away from Sly’s mouth and hold it close, in case I need to stop Sly from talking again.

Honestly, no one wants to hear about our love life.

Sly laughs and grabs my hand, and kisses it. “Seriously, though, thank you,” Sly says. “Not many witches want anything to do with me.”

Ernest gives a rude snort. “We liked Sal before he was grey, the same with Justice and Cal. We don’t care what someone’s magical colour is, as long as they’re not trying to kill us or harm the town.”

“Yeah, and you’ve all been helpful. Don’t forget to come to dinner tonight. Nana found out Enoch’s favourite food and promised she’d cook it tonight,” Alfred tells us.

“Are you sure? We’ve eaten dinner at yours for the past few evenings.” I ask. I don’t want to impose on them too much, but it is nice having large family meals with them.

“Yep, it’s all good. Plus, it saves you having to find somewhere else to eat,” Alfred says.

“Thank you. Once we’ve moved in, you must all come to dinner at ours,” Sly offers.

“We’ll do that, thanks,” Ernest says.

“And with that, we’re off as we have a few free hours without the boys,” I say, grinning. I can’t remember the last time that happened.

“Enjoy your afternoon. By the way, I know for a fact that Larry and Janice are at the Haunted Farm all afternoon,” Ernest tells us.

Sly grins. “Good to know, see you at dinner,” and with that, Sly rushes me out of the shop with me shouting a hurried bye, their laughter following us out.

We make it back to the B apart from being worried, he looks sad and tired.

“Are you sleeping, Cass?” Ernest asks him gently.

“Not very much. I spend a few hours asleep here and there in the chair, as I don’t want to leave Sion in case he needs something,” he replies, as food dishes are handed to him.

“We can take turns sitting with him. You need sleep as well, Cass,” Titus says.

Cassie sighs. “I might take you up on that at some point. I know we’re all needed at the fair tonight, but I don’t want to leave Sion alone.”

“I can sit with him if you want,” Jodie offers, “or John can, if you want to go out tonight.”

“No one will mind if you want to stay home, though,” Adhan tells him.

Cass nods. “Thanks, I’ll check on Sion after we’ve finished dinner, and if he’s still asleep, I’ll come with you. If you’re sure, Jodie, John.”

“I’ll sit with him. John is on babysitting duty tonight,” Jodie replies.

Nora smiles at John. “Really, Grandpa?”

John nods. “Yep, really.”

She looks at Cam and Nix. “You can both go to the fair tonight if you want.”

“If you’re sure, Doobs, John,” Nix says, looking at him.

“Yep, we’ll be fine,” he says, looking at the boys. “Is that alright with you two, or would you prefer someone else stays?”

“Nope, we’re good with you, John,” Xander says.

I look at Enoch.

“Yep, we’re good with John.”