Page 33 of Black and White, Twice the Might (Cadenbury Town #8)

O nce the last wardrobe has been loaded up, we close the lockups and start our convoy drive back to Cadenbury.

I turn and look at my brothers, especially Enoch.

“I promise you’re both safe,” I tell them, but especially Enoch.

Enoch sighs. “I know. I honestly know we’re both safe. I’m still messed up by that dream. Give me a few more days and I’ll be fine again.”

“I’ll make sure turd face is alright,” Xander tells me.

Enoch hits his arm. “Oi!”

Xander just laughs.

I smile at him. “Thanks, Xander.”

He nods and I turn back round.

“I like the way they made us family,” Enoch says. “But it's strange that they have, don’t you think?”

“For me, yes, being a true dark witch and all, but not for you three. I kind of like that they have, if I’m honest.”

“Me too,” I add.

“And me,” Xander puts in. “Plus, we have a Grandpops and Grammie.”

“Yeah, they are both super amazing,” Enoch agrees.

“And just think tomorrow night we’ll be in our own home, our permanent home, hopefully sleeping in our own beds,” Sly says.

“We can’t wait,” Enoch says. “Me and Xand have our secret den to decorate.”

“I can’t believe you two get a secret room and we don’t,” I grump out.

“But on the plus side, you have your own proper workshop,” Sly points out.

“That’s true. I can’t wait to get creating again. I might make everyone chocolates for Christmas.”

“Pretty sure they will all love them, especially Alfred,” Sly says.

I laugh. “That’s true.”

We reach our house and park in our drive. I am surprised by how long the drive is to the garage. If parked carefully, we can fit six cars on it, plus there is space to park on the road.

“I’ll go and open the front door. We can leave my chocolate equipment in the kitchen for now,” I say, opening the car door and getting out.

I smile as I open the front door and walk in. “Hello house,” I say. Okay, so it may sound silly talking to a house, but what can it hurt? I open the door as wide as it will go.

Xander walks in after me, carrying some papers and Blu-tack . I look at him. “What’s that?”

“I wrote room names that can be stuck to the doors so everyone knows what goes where.”

“That’s really good thinking, thanks, Xand. Off you trot and get sticking.”

Xander laughs and starts naming the rooms.

Jude and Adhan walk in carrying a wardrobe.

“Where do you want this?” Jude asks.

“I’ll show you,” Xander says, leading the way upstairs.

Everyone starts bringing boxes in and depositing them in the relevant rooms. I really should look at going to the baker’s and buying a late lunch for everyone. I’m just about to say something when Emily and Nora come walking in, carrying a couple of picnic baskets and bags.

“Hi, Emily, Nora.”

“Hello, Ebby. We brought lunch for everyone,” Emily says.

“Thanks. I was about to get everyone’s order and go to the bakers.”

“Kean texted and asked for food, as did Jude. They said the food you provided was lovely, but as they worked hard, they needed more sustenance,” she says with a laugh.

“And I stand by what I say,” Kean says, walking in carrying a couple of boxes. Titus is carrying a couple more.

“Then you can tell everyone food is in the kitchen,” Emily tells him, as she and Nora head that way.

“FAMILY, MUM brOUGHT FOOD!”

“Wow, I never knew someone could yell that loudly,” Titus comments.

Kean grins. “I can yell louder, wanna hear?”

“No thanks. We could hear you outside,” Sal replies, walking in with Temp carrying a coffee table.

“In that room, please,” I say, pointing to one of the front rooms. “Then come into the kitchen for food.”

Bless Emily, she made enough food to feed an army. She even brought drinks with her. We stand around eating and drinking coffee, and just generally chatting.

“Is there much more left to bring in from the cars or the lockups?” she asks.

“The lockups are just over half empty, so they should be cleared out tomorrow,” Sly says.

“And there is just Titus’ and Sal’s cars left to empty,” Temp adds.

“We have a few more bits in the van. Just the beds and then the van is empty,” Adhan says.

“If you want, I can put together anything that needs building tomorrow and then come and join you when I’m done,” Jude offers.

“Thanks, Jude,” I say. “It should just be the beds and some bookcases.”

“But don’t join us at the lockups, there will be enough of us there,” Sly replies.

“Jude, can I help you build?” Nora asks.

Nora still has a broken arm, so one arm building should be interesting.

“Sure, sweet pea,” Jude replies, smiling at her.

“We could help as well,” Xander says as Enoch nods.

“Sorted then. Thank you, Nora, boys.”

“Before we leave tonight, we’ll add protection around your house and grounds. Ernest and Justice can come by later and add theirs,” Titus says.

“Thanks,” Sly and I both say together.

With so many of us, it doesn’t take long to unpack the rest of our things. Boxes are just dumped in the relevant rooms. We’ll unpack once all the furniture is in place and ready for use.

While the last of the boxes were brought in, Sly, Titus, Nix, Temp, Sal, and I went outside and put protection around the house and grounds. Sly added his separately. I pity anyone who tries to break in, especially our father.

If it wasn’t for my brothers, I’d almost wish he would try, but I don’t even want him in the vicinity of Cadenbury, never mind our house.