Page 57 of Magical Melee

“Let’s go,” one of his friends said, already halfway out the door.

They filed out quickly, the bell jingling behind them. The tension in the room eased, but my heart still pounded.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice softer now.

I nodded, letting out a shaky breath. “Yeah. Thanks for stepping in.”

He gave a small shrug as if it were nothing. “Seemed like they needed a reminder to mind their manners.”

Frank, now fully relaxed, waddled over to sniff at Keegan’s boots before giving an approving little grunt.

“Frank seems to think you did alright,” I said, managing a weak smile.

Keegan crouched down, scratching behind Frank’s ears. “High praise coming from him.”

We stood there in silence for a moment. The thrum of the machines filled the air. I couldn’t help but wonder how long Keegan had been watching and why he’d decided to step in when he did. Was it coincidence, or was he always this close, keeping an eye on things?

“Do you always patrol the streets of Stonewick or was this a special occasion?” I asked, crossing my arms.

Keegan chuckled, standing again. “Let’s just say I keep an eye out for trouble.”

“Is that part of your mysterious job description?” I pressed, trying to lighten the mood. “Hotel owner by day and security guard by night?”

He gave me that same infuriatingly cryptic smile. “Something like that.”

I shook my head and opened the washing machine.

Keegan’s smile faded slightly, but his eyes lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary.

“Stay safe, Maeve.”

My lips parted. I wanted to tell him about the goblin, but I knew better because I was certain he already knew.

With that, he turned and left, disappearing into the cold night.

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever had just happened was only the beginning, but I didn’t know why I was suddenly a target.

Chapter Fifteen

The drive to the cottage felt like the logical choice.

Fresh laundry, a warm fire, and Frank snoring peacefully by my side seemed like the perfect way to shake off the unsettling events of the day.

Not to mention, I wanted to give myself a little pep talk that went a little something like this.

I will keep what remaining marbles I have intact and ready for use.

I will not succumb to witches, goblins, and ghouls.

I went through a divorce.

I didn’t lose my mind.

But as I reached the town’s main square, a different instinct took hold. My hands tightened on the wheel, and before I could second-guess myself, I turned in the opposite direction—toward Nova’s tarot shop.

Frank, who was perched in the passenger seat, gave me a questioning look. His wrinkled face pressed against his window, and I reached over and scratched behind his ears. “Just one more stop, buddy.”

The laundromat encounter had left me rattled. Stonewick was a quaint little village. Why would three guys barge in with no laundry and want to pick on someone like me?