Free Fire Water by Jaye Wells Page B

shifted on his good foot, as if to alleviate pain. “I’m leaving tomorrow for Montana.”
    My eyes widened. “So soon? I can’t believe you’re ready to walk away so fast.”
    â€œAnd never look back. This place has been home to every tragedy in my life, Kate. It’s time for a fresh start.”
    â€œFresh starts are good.” I found it ironic that my own new beginning was leading me down the same path Cap’n was so eager to abandon.
    â€œDon’t look so sad, Prospero. A lot of good things happened here for me, too. And I wouldn’t trade a single heartbreak or happiness. It’s just time for me to close this chapter.”
    I nodded because emotion was clogging my throat. He limped forward.
    â€œYou got big things ahead of you. And I have no doubt you’ll make your mark on this city.” His lips twisted into a wry smile. “I mean, besides setting the river on fire.”
    A shocked laugh escaped my lips but I quickly sobered. “Keep in touch, okay?”
    â€œI will as long as you promise not to step foot on a river patrol boat again.”
    Lips twitching, I saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
    Before I could brace myself, he pulled me into a gruff hug. When he pulled back, his eyes were red-rimmed and shiny with tears. “Take care of yourself, kid.”
    With that, Captain Smiley turned and limped away with his head held high. I watched him go with mixed emotions. On one hand, I was sad I’d probably never see him again. But on the other, I felt hopeful for both of us. He was about to embark on a new adventure that would allow him to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. And I was starting on a journey that would be neither relaxing nor restful, but would damned sure be an adventure.
    â€œKate?” Pen called from the door to Danny’s bedroom. “You okay?”
    I turned to look at my best friend. I couldn’t blame her for her question, considering I had tears leaking from my eyes.
    Just then the door banged open and Danny ran into the room. Baba followed him at a more leisurely pace, an indulgent grin on her lips. “Kate! I got these for you!” He had a clump of wilted daisies in his grimy fist.
    I accepted the offering as he barreled into me for a hug. I wrapped my arms around the kid, inhaling the earthy aroma of dirt and the starchy sweat from his skin. And I knew that from that moment on I’d associate that scent with happiness.
    â€œYou know what?” I said, looking at Pen over his head. “I think we’re gonna be way more than okay.”
    Pen crossed her arms and leaned against the doorjamb. “In that case, I think this calls for a celebration.”
    Danny pulled back. “Pizza!”
    With that, my best friend, my little brother, my new neighbor, and I gathered in the kitchen to debate the merits of toppings. Looking around at all of them, I couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest chick in the world. Even though Baba was a new addition to the group, she already felt like family. Granted, ours wasn’t a traditional family, but considering I was an Adept who’d grown up in a dirty magic coven who had just been sworn in as a cop, I’d never done anything the normal way.
    Yeah, I decided, our fortunes had definitely taken a turn for the better. From now on, I would leave the past where it belonged and focus on the future, which was looking brighter every day.

Meet the Author
    Photo Credit: Emily Tirado
    Raised in Texas,
USA Today
bestseller Jaye Wells grew up reading everything she could get her hands on. Her penchant for daydreaming was often noted by frustrated teachers. She embarked on a series of random career paths, including stints working for a motivational speaker and at an art museum. Jaye eventually realized that while she loved writing, she found facts boring. So she left all that behind to indulge her overactive imagination and make stuff up for a living.