Chapter Fourteen

Parker watched as Renee pushed out of Wayne’s arms. This was the guy she’d been dating in her back east city? He looked too soft, too urban, and too self-absorbed. He’d bet the light brown color in Wayne’s hair had been created in a salon, not by being outside in the sunshine. It looked like the only work this man did was on a computer, and that he went to the gym when he felt like it. Wayne could never do his groundskeeper job, with all the hard work he put in day after day.

“Wayne, why the heck are you here?” Renee said. “I told you we were done, over, through.”

“And I know you don’t mean it.” Wayne tried to take her hands, and Parker smiled when she evaded his grasp. “Since I couldn’t convince you over the phone to come home, I decided to try in person. I’m not sure what hold this one-horse town has over you, but I know you can’t live without the city.”

Renee backed away and grabbed Parker’s arm. “This man is why I want to stay. He understands me. He doesn’t look at other women or talk to them when we’re together. I don’t play second banana to his job. I’m sick of the city, Wayne. I’m tired of being pushed to the background by you every time we’re in public. Parker is the man for me. You need to find a woman who understands you and has the same goals as you.”

“You used to have the same goals as me. All you talked about was making your store more successful.”

“I’ve realized there’s more to life than making a ton of money. I like this town and the people are friendly. Being here has opened my eyes to how cold and impersonal city life has become. Our goals these days are vastly different. You need the city and I no longer do. I need the warmth and neighborliness of a small town.”

Parker frowned when Wayne eyed him. “Maybe you should go home, Wayne. Renee has decided to move here.”

Wayne scowled, then turned to Renee. “Can we go someplace and talk in private?”

“Fine.”

Parker grinned as she led him away from the house and down the driveway. He glanced at the sea captain floating off to his left. “I didn’t think she’d want him in the gazebo out back. Keep an eye on them for me.”

The captain dissipated, and Parker knew he’d stop any shenanigans Wayne might have in mind.

****

Renee lifted a hand to her mouth to hide her smile when the sea captain shoved Wayne and made him stumble. “We have nothing to discuss, Wayne. I don’t know why you bothered to come all the way out here. I’ve made up my mind to move to this town. There’s nothing you can say or do to change it. I like Garland Falls. I like the people. For the first time in a long time, I found a place where I’m comfortable and the people are interested in me.”

Wayne paced and didn’t look at her until he stopped. “You asked me before you left why I didn’t want you coming here. Well, here’s the real reason. My parents used to live in Garland Falls. People in this town didn’t like my father. The people blamed him for every bad situation that happened. It was never his fault, but it didn’t seem to matter to them. They said he had a bad temper, but I never saw it. I do know he’d never hurt anyone, especially me or my mother.”

Renee’s stomach churned as Wayne talked, and bile rose in her throat. Could he be Lily McGee’s missing child? “Spit it out. What are you trying to tell me?”

“This town is wrong. I mean really wrong. My father told me my mother died here under strange circumstances. Everyone in town blamed him and didn’t believe a strange figure was after him. He took me and we fled to the city where I grew up. Dad passed away my last year of college. His mind began to wander, and he talked about being hunted. He had nightmares that his spirit was in danger. He warned me to never come back here, but I had to.” He shook her shoulders. “This is what I want to save you from.”

“Are you serious?” She threw his hands off and stepped back. “Dementia is a terrible thing, but it happens to people. It’s not caused by an association with a certain town. I don’t want to leave here, but if you want to, then go. On second thought, why don’t you stay for a few days? It’s almost Halloween. I have to go back to close my store and pack my stuff. You’re welcome to go back with me.” She walked by him, then turned. “And no one is hunting me, except maybe you.”

Wayne turned on his heel and stomped away, heading back to the B and B. She walked slowly behind him, and the sea captain appeared next to her. “The young man has said some very troubling things, lass. Don’t be so quick to brush off his concerns.”

“I don’t understand, captain. What’s wrong?”

He faded as he whispered, “Ask Parker about The Hunt.”

Renee plodded up the driveway, pondering what the captain had told her. What was The Hunt? Wayne had looked shaken when he mentioned his father’s nightmares. Who would want to hunt an old man? When she made it back to the house, Parker still stood by his truck. She walked over and leaned against the fender.

After several long, quiet minutes, she turned to him. “Tell me about The Hunt.”

“How did you hear about The Hunt?”

She nodded toward the B and B. “Wayne said his father feared someone had been hunting him and it gave him nightmares. The captain told me to ask you about The Hunt. So, spill. What is it?”

“Let’s go to the gazebo.”

When he had her settled, he sat next to her. “The Hunt comes around every few decades. The Huntsman is always after prey he can never catch or has his hounds help capture spirits who eluded him before. Garland Falls is supposed to be protected from The Huntsman and his hounds, but they’ve broken through in the past. The town elders have tried to add better protection spells around the Garland Falls, but he always seems to find the one weak spot and get through.”

“Could The Huntsman be the one who killed Lily McGee?”

He shrugged. “It’s possible, but the evidence pointed to her husband. Why do you ask?”

“Because there’s a strong possibility Wayne is Lily’s missing child.”

****

Parker didn’t expect her to say that, not by a long shot. As he listened to what Renee said about her conversation with Wayne, he had to admit the possibility of her conclusions. Of course, Garland Falls had a tendency to make the impossible possible. His cell phone buzzed in his pocket, and he took it out.

“Hi, Mrs. Hall. What do you need me to do?” He nodded and agreed with whatever she said. He snapped the phone shut and glanced at Renee. “Mrs. Hall said she sensed a new guest. I think she means Wayne. She wants us to bring him to the Halloween festival.”

Renee stared at him. “How did she know he arrived here?”

He shrugged. “There’s a lot more to Mrs. Hall than anyone knows. If she says she wants to meet him, we take him.”

“Halloween is tomorrow.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “Will you be able to perform your ritual with Wayne here? He won’t upset the balance, will he? I mean if he really is Lily’s child, could it pose a problem?”

He held her tight. “His presence doesn’t change anything. All we need to do is find your grandmother’s tree, and then I can perform the ritual to cross over the ghosts. It will all work out fine. Go on inside. I have to talk to Lucas.”

As soon as she went in, Parker jumped in his truck and sped back to Lucas’ shop. He screeched to a stop in front, barely getting the engine shut off before he jumped out. He wasn’t surprised to see his mother’s car and Mrs. Hall’s car there, too. He hurried inside and joined the loose circle they stood in with Mrs. Hall at the center. They all turned to stare at him.

“The Huntsman is close,” Mrs. Hall said. “I’ve clearly heard his hounds. They’re much closer than they should be. The elders believe he’s right outside the barrier around the town. I believe he’ll arrive on Halloween night. If the past is any indication, I don’t think our protections can stop him. He has the uncanny ability to find any weak spot in the barrier.”

“I think you’re right.” He nodded. “I’ve felt it in the air. Lucas has, too. What do we do? We can’t let him terrorize us like he’s done before. And the ghosts are depending on me to help them cross over. I can’t let him pull any more of them into his service.”

“You won’t.” Sara draped her arm around his shoulders. “Your father is out with the mayor and the town elders to erect stronger barricades and wards. We’re hoping those will help keep The Huntsman out. We’ve all sensed a different element involved this year.”

Mrs. Hall stared at him. “What’s going on at Dee’s place? I’ve felt a shift in magic from there. I know there’s a new arrival and told you I want him at the festival. Tell about him.”

Parker looked at each one of them. “Renee’s ex-boyfriend is here and from what he’s said, we believe he might be Lily McGee’s missing child.”

“Then he’s the catalyst drawing The Huntsman here. He didn’t take him or his father when he came before. He destroyed Lily and left her in torment, longing for her family,” Sara said. “Looks like I may need to update the history a little.”

“I plan to speak with the young man tomorrow,” Mrs. Hall said. “Lucas, you make sure all those plants of yours are beyond healthy. Feed them all the magic they can handle. We may need them sooner rather than later. Parker, you need to stay with Renee and keep an eye on her ex. The Huntsman could show up at any time. He’s close, closer than he’s been in the past thirty-five years. We all have jobs to do. I suggest we get to them.”

****

“I don’t want to go to any festival.” Wayne threw his clothes in his suitcase. “You told me to leave, and that’s what I plan to do.”

“You are so stubborn, aren’t you?” Renee glared at him. “Your presence has been requested at the Halloween festival. You’ll go. End of story. I don’t want to hear any more arguments.”

He stopped packing and stared at her. “Why? Because you want me to see how happy you are with your new man? Thanks, but no thanks.”

“Oh, good grief. That’s not it at all.” She forced herself not to shout and softened her voice. Now wasn’t the time to lose her temper. “I want you to stay because you might be able to find out what your dad feared and what happened to your mom.”

She could tell he mulled over what she’d told him. Wayne might be a lot of things, but stupid wasn’t one of them. She needed to appeal to his logical side. He sat on the bed, a shirt dangling from his hands. Not only did she want to bring peace to Lily, but Wayne needed his own answers, even if he didn’t know it yet.

“Will you go tomorrow?” she said. “Will you help me give peace to Lily McGee?”

His head snapped up, and he stared at her. “How did you know my mother’s name?” He threw his shirt on the bed. “Fine. I’ll attend the festival if there’s any chance I can get answers.”

He stomped out of his room and down the stairs. Renee blew out a breath as she followed him down to the foyer. Miss Dee came up behind her and patted her shoulder.

Renee glanced at her and then at Wayne, who sat, sulking, in one of the wingback chairs. “Well, that went about as well as could be expected. He’s not happy with me or Garland Falls right now.”

“Very true, dear. Very true. However, I believe this Halloween will see closure on many stories.” Dee squeezed her shoulder. “Maybe I can help get him out of his bad mood. Leave him to me and my freshly baked cinnamon rolls. I had a feeling I might need extra today.”

The door opened and Parker walked in. Renee’s stomach clenched as the two men stared each other down. Parker turned to her. “Did you tell him to come to the festival tomorrow?”

“Yes. He’s agreed to come.” Renee frowned when Wayne snorted. “I think we need to take him to the north woods. Maybe Lily will come out when she sees him.”

“It’s possible. I think we should wait until tomorrow night when the new moon rises. I’ll be at the top of my game and my power will strongest then. I’ll be better able to protect him and the spirits who want to cross over.”

“Wayne, I need you to wait here,” Renee said. “Parker and I have to check an area out in the woods. We’ll be back soon. Whatever you do, don’t go outside. Have Miss Dee give you something to eat. I highly recommend the cinnamon rolls.”

Wayne stormed into the dining area where Dee had already placed a plate with two rolls on it in front of him. Renee grabbed her coat and followed Parker out to the porch.

“Do you think he’ll want to come with us tomorrow?” Parker glanced back at the front door when they stood on the porch. “We really need him to be at the festival. Will he be okay?”

Renee glanced at the B and B, then smiled at him. “He’s mad right now because he doesn’t like all the changes happening to him. But yes, he’ll be fine. I’m sure Miss Dee will get him to calm down. No one who eats her food can stay upset for very long.” She sighed. “Especially when someone is given those awesome cinnamon rolls.”

“I think you’ve developed an addiction to those,” he said. “Let’s get going. We have to get the area checked out. I hope The Huntsman hasn’t been there yet.”

“Same here.”

They hurried toward the woods. Renee instinctively knew he would take her back to the fairy ring’s clearing. There would be no stroll this time. Now, their steps were quick and their path sure as they rushed to where they needed to be. The whole time, Renee hoped the clearing would be free of The Huntsman’s influence.

They burst into the clearing, and Renee stopped in front of the largest oak tree she’d ever seen in her life. It would take at least five people to circle the trunk. Thick branches loomed overhead, blocking out the sun and sky. The branches were full of colorful autumn leaves and not one lay on the ground at its base. Birds sang from its leafy depths, giving the illusion the tree itself was singing.

“Wow. This is the hugest tree I’ve ever seen,” she whispered.

Her grandmother floated behind her. “This is it, Renee. This is my tree. The fairy ring and the clearing look exactly like they did when your grandfather proposed to me here. Of course, the tree has grown quite a bit since that day.”

Renee looked at Parker. “Gran says this is it. This is her tree.”

“I heard her.” Parker nodded. “I thought it would be. This is where I need to hold my ritual for the crossing.”

“Do the fairies help you?”

“No. They don’t like it when I the open gateway to the afterlife. That type of magic makes them skittish.”

She smiled at him. “Well, lucky for you, I’m not a fairy. I’ll help you in any way I can.”

He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “Glad to hear it. I think you’re the exact person I need to cross Lily over.”

She crossed her fingers. “I hope I am. This whole family needs peace.”