Free Fire Water by Jaye Wells

the full brunt of the BPD and the media had descended on the river. After giving our initial statements, Cap’n and I had both been rushed off to the hospital. I hadn’t seen him since.
    On my way to the front door, I paused to watch Danny climb the tree in the side yard. With a determined look on his face, he scrambled his feet against the bark. A wave of some strong emotion rose in my chest. Pride mixed with hope and a lot of love.
    This house was a dream realized. After years of struggling, I’d finally gotten us far away from the place where all our old nightmares lived. We could finally start building some semblance of a normal life.
    A few days earlier I’d been officially sworn in as a full-time patrol officer with Danny and Pen looking on. I’d start walking my new beat on Monday night. That morning, Danny and I had a date at Meadowlake for a tour.
    â€œHey, Kate!” he called. “Look at me!” He’d finally reached the tree’s lowest branch and was hanging from it like a monkey.
    I smiled. “I see you, buddy. Great job!”
    I continued into the house and set the box filled with plates and cups on the kitchen counter. Pen was at the sink, looking out the front window with a smile. She’d been watching Danny, too. “I think he approves of the new digs.”
    I laughed. “I might never get him out of that tree.”
    She adjusted the rubber gloves and got back to scrubbing the sink with cleaner. “We should make the beds first. Where’s the bedding?”
    I ran my hand through my hair and nodded. “They’re in one of these boxes somewhere.”
    She paused and stared at me for a moment. I tilted my head. “What?”
    â€œI’m so happy for you, Katie. This place is perfect for you guys.”
    Warmth spread through my midsection. But before I could answer, a knock sounded at the door.
    I walked over to open the screen and found Baba standing on the porch. “Hi, neighbor. I brought you a housewarming gift.” She held out a platter of cookies.
    I took the offering and held the door open with my hip so she could shuffle in. “You didn’t have to do that.” If anything, I owed her a gift for convincing the landlord to rent to us.
    â€œAh, it’s nothing.”
    Pen came forward and introduced herself. The old woman shook her hand, but her gaze moved back and forth between us. “You didn’t say you had a partner, Kate.”
    I frowned but then her meaning hit home. “Oh, no.” A laugh escaped my lips. “Pen’s my friend , Baba. We’re not together.”
    She looked unconvinced. “Wouldn’t be a problem if ya were. I’m hip.”
    Pen bit her bottom lip. “I’m just here to help Katie unpack.”
    â€œHmph.”
    The awkward moment was interrupted by the sound of running feet a moment before Danny burst through he door. “Did someone say cookies?”
    Baba smiled down at him. “You must be Danny.”
    He paused and looked up at the old woman. There was a streak of dirt on his cheek, and the starchy scent of boy sweat emanated from his skin. “Yes, ma’am,” he said solemnly.
    Baba’s lips twitched, but she schooled her features. “My name is Baba. I’m your neighbor.”
    Danny looked her over, taking in the broomstick skirt, peasant blouse, and long gray hair. “You kinda look like a witch.”
    â€œDanny!” I called, mortified.
    Baba threw back her head and cackled. “It’s okay,” she said to me. To Danny, she said, “As it happens, I am a witch.”
    His eyes widened. “What coven do you belong to?”
    Baba shot me a curious look. “I’m a solitary witch. I grow herbs in my garden and use them to make homemade remedies and special teas.”
    When Danny still looked confused, I explained. “It’s a different type of magic than what wizes use, kiddo.” I