Free Fire Water by Jaye Wells Page A

didn’t mention that Mundane magic was way weaker than the kinds Adepts created. No sense offending the woman after she’d done so much to help us.
    â€œActually,” Baba said, “that’s the other reason I came by. If you want, I could do a simple clearing ceremony to invite positive energy into the house.”
    â€œUm.” I hesitated. “That’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t allow magic in my home.”
    The old woman froze. “But you’re an Adept.” She sounded suspicious, as if she thought I was pulling one over on her.
    I crossed my arms. “When I left the covens, I swore off magic of all forms.”
    Baba’s eyes narrowed and her mouth pursed to the right. “You’re serious?”
    When I nodded, she made a sound I couldn’t interpret. “All right,” she said slowly. “But I’m not talking about cooking any of them dirty potions or whatever. Just smudging the house with sage.”
    I shook my head. “It’s still ceremonial magic. Like I said, I appreciate it, though.”
    â€œSuit yourself.” She shrugged. She didn’t sound offended so much as amused and a little patronizing. She turned to Danny. “Hey, kiddo, you want to come see my witch garden?”
    He nodded eagerly.
    The old woman looked to me. “That okay?”
    I paused. I knew she was asking if hanging out in her garden broke my no-magic rule. It felt like a test. If I refused, she’d declare me one of those neurotic parents who kept their kids in a metaphorical bubble. “Go ahead,” I said finally. Having the kiddo out of my hair for an hour or so would allow me to make some headway on unpacking. Plus, a garden full of herbs wasn’t exactly the same as feeding him a magic potion. “Just be back by supper.” I looked at Baba. “We’re ordering pizza to celebrate. You want to join us?”
    The woman’s face cleared and she smiled. I passed the test. “Absolutely.”
    I wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but she seemed relieved. Could it be that my witch neighbor had been feeling a little too solitary?
    After the pair left hand in hand, Pen came to join me at the door to watch them go. “She’s quite a character.”
    I blew out a breath. “Leave it to me to end up next to a witch.”
    Pen laughed. “There are worse sorts of neighbors.”
    Recalling the potion freaks who’d lived next door to us in the apartment building, I nodded. “No shit.”
    For the next hour or so Pen and I worked together to get the basics of unpacking handled. We were just finishing making Danny’s bed in the upstairs guest bedroom when a male voice echoed through the house. Pen shot me a curious look as I turned to go check out the new arrival.
    When I walked into the living room, I found Cap’n limping through my new kitchen. He saw me and paused beside the table.
    He leaned heavily on a cane, and his right arm was in a sling. “Looks like you’re moving up in the world.”
    I laughed. “And you look like you got your ass kicked.”
    He shrugged. “Just a little run-in with some potion cooks.”
    I smiled at him. “How ya doing, Cap’n?”
    â€œDidn’t you hear? I’m officially a free man.”
    â€œGood for you.”
    He nodded. “All things considered, Chief gave me credit for the final day of my service.” A dimple appeared in his cheek.
    â€œHow do you feel about that?” I asked carefully.
    The corner of his mouth lifted. “Pretty damned good, actually. In addition to the pension, I’m looking at a nice little settlement for my injuries.”
    I nodded because I’d been contacted by my union rep about my own settlement. It would be enough to cover my medical bills, as well as help with the down payment on Meadowlake for Danny.
    â€œWow, Cap’n. It’s like the end of an era.”
    He