Page 17 of How Not to Hex a Gentleman (Witches of Edinburgh)

Chapter Seventeen

KENNEDY

W e spend the next two hours reading over all kinds of lore. I know Parker said that he was already studying Scottish history with this major, but I'm still surprised. In all my studies, I would never choose witch lore as my focus. It seems too dangerous to be so close to it, but Bennett has so much information that it's a little astonishing.

We've been looking to see if there are any mentions of The Ross Fountain in any of the witch lore, but so far, there's nothing. I found a lot of information about the four female figures representing science, arts, poetry, and industry, but nothing that suggests magic.

"You said there was a glow," Bennett says, his head in another book.

"There was. It started at the top and made its way down until it was close enough to touch."

"And you touched it."

"I don't like your accusatory tone." I raise an eyebrow and he looks up at that, grinning.

"I would've done the same." He shrugs before looking back down again.

I glare at the top of his head, but I can't stop the tiny smile that blossoms on my lips. He may be annoying, but in the last few hours, we have come to a comfortable partnership. Or something along those lines.

He also fully would've touched the glowy orb without a second thought. I can totally see it. He seems like the adventurous type.

"But there's no mention of the fountain in any of this lore. It came to the city much later in its history, past the witch trials or hunts," he continues, his head once again buried in a book. "So, there has to be a reason it plays such a big part in what happened to you, but I can't see us finding it in any of these books. There is some mention of objects carrying power or memory, but I'm not sure what to make of that. Maybe we should ask?—"

"No!" I snap out of my staring at his head as his words register. He looks up at me, giving me his full attention as I try to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest. Telling people is completely out of the question. I can barely reconcile myself with the fact that Bennett knows. So far, he's been very normal about everything, but the warnings are still in my head, louder than ever. I have to protect myself. And I have to protect the girls. "I—I don't think it's a good idea to ask anyone," I try again, keeping my voice more controlled.

"Okay, we don't have to." Bennett's voice is calming, careful, and I feel better instantly. "But what do you say about going to the fountain itself and seeing if we can find anything?"

I think about that before I nod. We haven't been back to the fountain since it happened, but maybe going with someone who knows more about history than I do would be helpful.

"When—" I start when Bennett's phone rings. He gives me an apologetic look while I nod towards it.

"MacKay," he answers, throwing an easy smile my way, but as soon as whoever is on the other line talks, the smile diminishes. I watch the change, a more serious look coming into Bennett's eyes. "Sure, I can come by." He hangs up, staring at the phone for a moment before looking up at me.

"I'm sorry, Kennedy. My academic supervisor has a question regarding my project and asked if I can stop by."

"Don't worry. I'll head back to the apartment and we can do the fountain later."

"Thank you so much for understanding," he says, standing up and reaching for his jacket. "I'll make it up to you."

"No worries."

We're suddenly so cordial it hurts. I watch as he gives me another quick grin and heads for the door.

"It'll lock from inside when you leave, so just pull it all the way closed."

"Okay, thanks."

And then with a wave, he was gone. I sit in the chair staring at my laptop, wondering if I was actually going to ask him to go grab some food and head to the fountain. Did my brain simply forget that we didn't like him or trust him? It must've. I shake my head and glance back at my laptop. I'll finish this bout of notes and then head back to the flat. The walk home will help me clear my mind of any foolish notions, I'm sure.

BENNETT

This call couldn't have come at a worse time. I think Kennedy and I have finally reached a level of comradeship where she wasn't glaring at me every five minutes. The fountain was such a good idea, and I was going to take it a step further and ask if she wanted to get dinner beforehand. Neither one of us ate lunch. There's a slight chance she might've actually agreed.

But no, Professor Stewart had to call.

When I step into his office after knocking, I find him behind his desk, reading over some papers. "Good evening," I call out and he looks up.

"Bennett, good, you're here. Take a seat."

I do, settling in front of the desk in one of the leather chairs, a bit confused as to why it is that I'm here. We typically have a check-in once every month to see how my project is going—and I just saw him.

"I was looking over your notes," Professor Stewart dives directly in, as usual. "I think it would be a good idea to do a bit more research regarding some of the ancient relics. I know you wanted to start with the Stone of Destiny, but I believe there are better options."

"Relics?"

"Yes, there are a few that are spoken of directly in literature, those that hold power of their own. Or it is believed to do so. There are also areas around Edinburgh that are believed to be more powerful than others. If you are going to make your concentration on the magical aspects of Scottish history, it would be good to keep your options open to something that hasn't been as researched as the standard, well-known objects."

I think over his words, my mind spinning with thoughts. He was unenthusiastic about me studying the witches lore of Scotland before and now he's offering options. I'm not sure why that is.

"What caused this change?" I ask, leaning forward. "I thought you didn't feel strongly enough about this idea."

"Nothing is new under the sun, Mr. MacKay. You have asked for feedback on the notes that you submitted, and I am providing such."

This is, of course, the whole point of an academic supervisor. He can guide me in what areas of study are the most impressive for doctorate degrees if that is what I choose to pursue after my master's.

"When you mention tangible aspects, is there a specific object you're thinking of?"

"I know Mr. Wellington is doing an article on the Stone of Destiny." Of course he would know what Nicholas is working on; I'm not sure why I thought he wouldn't be aware. "But that's too easy. There are other pieces of history that speak of holding power. Like the crown jewels or the Witches Stone."

"The Witches Stone? I've never heard of such a thing."

"Then it would be the perfect area of the lore to study."

He nods as if the conversation is over before he leans over to hand me my notes. I take them automatically, my mind on his words. I've read a lot about Scottish lore, but the Witches Stone has never come up in my studies. Maybe it's been called something else?

I leave the office behind, my mind already mulling over the information. During the 16th century, many areas of Scotland suffered unrest because of civil upheaval, and women were often persecuted for being witches. There are places around the country—small villages—that hold untold histories of such an unjust time. I can't even imagine what these people suffered because they dared to be themselves.

My mind goes immediately to Kennedy and the fear she so clearly carries for having magical powers. I know I've been very calm about it in front of her, but a part of me is completely amazed and slightly freaked out by the fact that magic exists. What I told her stands true though—I do think she's part of the good in this world. Maybe this new direction will help me help her—and the girls. Some of the lesser-known villages might have historical knowledge that has never made it to the books. It's definitely something to look into.

I walk back through The Meadows, the chill high in the air. Despite that, there are people playing football and rugby in the green space. Since the park is bordered by one of the University of Edinburgh's campuses, as well as the main university library and a high school, there are always students here. The space used to house a loch, but it was drained in the 1700s to create the park. Before it was drained and piped water supply was introduced, it actually provided most of the drinking water in town.

Sometimes when I walk through areas of Edinburgh, I picture what it looked like all those years ago. The park used to house many more mature elm trees until an elm disease took a good number of them out. If I squint long enough, I can almost see the old Meadows underneath the present park. It's something that I love about Edinburgh. If you look hard enough, you can look into the past. Which is exactly what I'm doing for my thesis…and now for Kennedy and the girls.

If nothing else, I am good at this part, and I will use my powers for good.