Free RoadBlock by Amelia Bishop

though.”
    Dagger started the car and headed for Wade’s mother’s. “Do you think Barbara will corroborate Adelaide’s story?” Dagger asked.
    Wade answered, looking out the window, “I think she’ll tell us whatever she remembers. She’s got no one to protect in the coven. And I felt like Adelaide was honest with us, so we’ll probably get the same story.”
    “She might have a detail Adelaide left out.” Calderon was hoping she would, anyway. He couldn’t see how this was going to play out, and the uncertainty was making him nervous.
    Betony watched Wade, who sat next to her in the back seat and stared out the window, lost in his own thoughts. The corners of his mouth were turned down and his forehead was creased. Was he nervous? Sad? Betony didn’t know him well enough to tell. Over the last day she’d warmed to him, he’d been kind and funny and easy to talk to. Then, after the bond they had shared in the circle, she somehow felt as if she’d known him for years. The secrets they had all revealed, the feelings they had shared, made her look at him with new eyes. When they had all been connected, all their souls laid bare, Wade’s pain had been the sharpest.
    Betony spent some time looking over his body. Again . He was extremely handsome, she had never denied that. His body was strong, and his face was just perfect. Square chin, soft brown eyes, and dimples that showed up when he smirked. And now, something was bothering him. She reached her hand out and laid it atop his, startling him. He snapped his head around and looked at her questioningly.
    “Are you okay?” She asked quietly.
    “Yeah. I am now.” Wade answered, turning his hand into hers and twining their fingers together. Betony smiled, a little thrill going through her as his thumb stroked her wrist. He was facing her now, watching her reaction to his touch. When her smile didn’t fade he relaxed, his mouth going soft and his brow smoothing.

12.
     
    They pulled into the crushed-shell driveway and Wade stepped ahead, walking up the three wooden steps to open the door of his mother’s little ranch house. Before he reached the handle, though, the door opened inwards and his mother clasped him to her in a tight hug. “Wade, baby. I’ve missed you.”
    “I missed you, too, Ma.”
    She released him and held him at arm’s length, looking him over. “You’ve been taking care of yourself? Heard you’d spent some days down at the bar. You’re under control?”
    “Yeah, Ma, I’m fine. I got fired, again. Just let off a little steam this week. It’s all good, now.”
    “Hmm. It better be.” She gave him a rough pat on the cheek and then turned her attention to Dagger.
    “Dagger! Oh, sweetie , come in! I haven’t seen you in…well, in too long!” She hugged him as well, but it was obvious her embrace with Dagger was more gentle, her eyes softer, her voice sweeter than with her son. Dagger smiled warmly and returned her hug. “Hi, Barbara, I’ve missed you.”
    “Ma, this is Betony, and Calderon, our friends. This is my mother, Barbara.”
    “Nice to meet you both. Come on in and sit. Shut the door, Wade, I’ve got the air on.”
    Barbara turned to walk into the living room, still clasping Dagger’s hand. Betony noticed, and saw Wade’s eyes on his mother’s hand as well. They all sat, and Barbara offered them iced tea. Betony knew Calderon was eager to ask questions, but probably too shy to begin. She usually opened conversations for him, and did so now as well. “Barbara, it is so nice to meet you. Wade told you why we’re here?”
    “Yes. I wish I’d never have to think about that gods damned prophecy again. But yes, I know what’s going on. You want the story, I assume?”
    Betony exhaled, relieved. “Yes, that would be so helpful.” At least they didn’t have to pry the information out of her.
    “Well, It was Diana’s vision,” She began, with a little wave towards Dagger, “and she was rightly nervous because