Page 27 of Witch (Gray Wolf Security #24)

“The boys will be inside the cottage once y’all arrive,” said Gaspar. “You’re probably going to see Hopkins following you but just ignore it. He’s not all that bright and obviously doesn’t think we are either. Let him follow.”

“We’ll be okay, Gaspar,” smiled Marie. She stood on her toes, kissing her brother’s cheek. When she tried to pull back, he gripped her arms, pulling her in for a hug. She could feel his emotions bubbling to the surface.

“Do everything we tell you,” he whispered.

“We’ll be okay, Gaspar. All of us. You know how I know that? Because you, all the others, Mama, and Pops are all watching out for us. I trust you. I trust Dex and all the other men here. This is one man. He won’t get away with six women. We can fight as well.”

“I know. I know you can. It’s just that losing Mama and Pops…” he stopped, choked up.

“Yeah, I know,” she said, smiling at him with tears. “They’re here, but they’re not. But the good news is, we’re all here. I think it’s why they had fifteen damn children. So that we’d be here for one another.” Gaspar laughed.

“They didn’t need fifteen of us to ensure that, but I’m damn glad there are—fifteen that is. I’m glad for everyone here.”

“We’ll be okay,” she said, smiling up at him. Marie took the driver’s seat, her sisters in the SUV with her. They all waved at their brothers, husbands, and friends as they pulled out of the property, driving toward the General Store.

“Couvillion’s just called,” said Baptiste. “He came in and got a sandwich and some other things, but he’s back in his cabin now. Beau said he’s been sitting at the damn window watching all morning.”

“Okay. Let them know the girls are on their way. The rest of us will get to the cottage.” As Gaspar headed toward the boats, Trak gripped his arm, holding him firm.

“On my life, your sisters will be fine.”

“You know, Trak, I absolutely believe you, brother.” He hugged the man, loading into the boat. As they wound their way around the river’s edge, through the bayous toward their destination, Gaspar noticed the group of gators swimming beside them.

“Are they friends of yours?” he asked Trak.

“Not of mine. Of yours,” he said, nodding toward them.

Gaspar stared at the gators, only recognizing Alvin. But he heard clearly the voices of the creatures assuring him that they were there to protect him and his family.

Gabriel lifted his face to the warm sunshine, the hint of fall hitting his skin, sending blissful joy and happiness through his body. As they passed one of the small fishing settlements, they waved at the people, and Gabe realized something.

“Hey, do you guys know what day it is?” he smiled.

“Friday,” said Tailor.

“Yep, Friday the what?” he prompted.

“I don’t know,” frowned Alec. “I lose track of time sometimes.”

“It’s Friday, the 31st of October. Today is Halloween, brothers. We are about to scare the shit out of a man, literally, with a dozen ghosts on Halloween. Tell me that’s not fate.”

“I’ll be damned,” smirked Ghost. “It’s fucking Halloween.”

“Let’s get this shit done. I want to see our kids in their costumes,” said Nine. “With any luck, by Christmas, we’ll be handing over everything to Luke and the other boys.”

Miller laughed, shaking his head at his old friend.

“What’s so funny?” asked Nine.

“You said turning it over to the boys. They’re all late fifties, early sixties, brother. They’re not boys.”

“They are to me. They always will be.”

“Now you know how I feel,” said Matthew, seated on the bow of the boat. “You will always be my children, my sons and daughters, my boys and girls. Always.”

“We get it now, Pops. I think we all finally understand most, if not all, of what you and Mama have been preaching,” said Jean.

“I should hope so,” smirked Matthew. “It’s only been decades of pounding it into your heads.”

The six women stepped out of the SUV, laughing and joking as they always did.

In spite of their age differences, they looked identical to one another.

All still possessed the auburn hair of the Robicheaux family, albeit laced with some silver and white, the whiskey-colored eyes glowing with laughter and wisdom.

They were all around five-feet-six or -seven; beautiful figures belying their age.

They could feel the eyes of their tormentor on them, but ignored it, stepping onto the porch of the General Store and entering.

“Good morning, Beau,” said Camille.

“Morning, Miss Camille. Y’all damn sure get prettier and prettier. Ain’t there more of you at home that me and the brothers could marry?”

“Aww, you’re so sweet,” said Claudette. “I’m afraid it’s just the six of us. And our daughters, and granddaughters, and great-granddaughters.” They all laughed as the women just walked around the store, not really intending to buy anything.

“Did your mama make these pickles, Bridge?” asked Marie.

“Yes, ma’am. Finest in the parish, if you ask me.”

“I want five jars,” she said, handing them to the younger man.

“This must be Shay’s new design of jewelry,” said Adele. “Look how beautiful this is! She’s using oyster shells, natural stones, and cypress wood for these. They’re remarkable!”

Bridge and Beau stared at one another, thinking that the women were laying it on thick, but they were actually genuine in their admiration of Shay’s work. None of them had been in the store in ages, so this was a special treat on many levels.

“I want those pink oyster shells,” said Rachelle.

“I’ll take the cypress necklace,” said Claudette.

By the time they were finished walking around, Beau had seen their peeping Tom looking through the windows at least a dozen times. He and Bridge just ignored him, packing up the things for the women.

When Camille stood at the counter to pay for everything, she couldn’t resist her urge.

“Beau? Can you give me a sack of toadstools, a pound of snake powder, a bag of eye of newt, and six new crystals? Mine are all worn out.” Beau wanted to burst into laughter, but stared at her, giving his head a little shake.

“Yes, ma’am. Whatever you want,” he grinned. Below the counter, he filled a bag with candy and jerky, sealed it, and handed it back to her. “There you are.”

“You’re the best, honey. I hope that little ointment is helping you,” she winked.

When they got into the car, the other women just laughed at their sister. But now it was time to get serious.

“Okay. Now, we head to the cottage,” said Marie. “Camille? Hand me some of that candy and don’t pretend that’s not what Beau gave you. I know that boy.”

“I was going to share,” she laughed.

As the car pulled away, Hopkins got into his rental car and followed the women.

“Laugh all you want, witches, but you’ll be dead by sunset.”