Free Red Witch: Book Two of the Wizard Born Series by Geof Johnson Page A

hands, face turning deep red. Fred leaned over him and pointed one finger. “You’d better hold ’em, ’cause if you ever touch me again, I’ll kick ’em all the way up to your throat.”
    Then she turned and strode away; Melanie walked with her, wide eyed. “Wow,” Melanie said. “That was awesome!”
    “Sorry about that,” Fred said without looking at her. “I lost control. I just don’t feel like being messed with today.”
    “No, that was perfect. I don’t think we have to worry about him bothering us anymore. I couldn’t have done that.”
    “Yeah, well just so you know, my nickname used to be Fred the Firecracker.”
    “I can see why.”
    Fred scowled. “And to make matters worse, I have to ride the bus home today.”
    “How do you usually get home?”
    “I get a ride with Donna Fitzpatrick, but she’s got a doctor’s appointment, and Jamie has cross country practice.”
    “I can give you a ride. I don’t have cheerleading practice today.”
    “You don’t have to do that.”
    “It’s no trouble. As long as you don’t mind being seen in my old clunker of a car.”
    Red fingered her chin for a moment while she regarded her new friend. “Okay. Thanks. I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
    * * *
    “That’s Jamie’s house.” Fred pointed to her right as Melanie drove down the road. “Rollie’s is right across the street. Mine is two houses down from his.” She pointed to her left. “The orange brick one with the white trim.”
    Melanie pulled her old car into Fred’s driveway and stopped. “I can see why you guys are such good friends. How long have you lived here?”
    “I moved here when I was five. Rollie moved here when he was four, but Jamie’s been here since he was born. Rollie and Jamie were already best friends when I showed up.”
    “Do you remember the first time you met Jamie?”
    “Uh huh. I tried to kick him.”
    Melanie laughed. “You don’t still do that, I hope.”
    “No, but I give him a pinch every now and then to keep him in line.”
    Melanie looked at her and shook her head. “You are the funniest person.” She put her hand on the gear shift. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Wanna go inside for a minute and get something to drink?”
    Melanie seemed to ponder it for a second, then shrugged. “Why not?” She switched the car off, and she and Fred got out and walked up the steps.
    Fred unlocked the door and opened it. “You want a soda or tea or something?” They walked into the living room.
    “Whatever you’re having.”
    Melanie sat on the sofa while Fred went into the kitchen. Melanie said, “Do you have any brothers and sisters?”
    “No, just me.” She grabbed two soda cans from the refrigerator and went back into the living room. “How about you?”
    “I have an older brother in college. He’s out in California so we don’t see him much.” Fred handed her a soda and Melanie said, “I like your house. What does your room look like?”
    “Girlie.” She laughed. “That’s how Jamie describes it.”
    “He’s been in your room?”
    “Not since we were younger. My dad would have a fit if he went in there now.” Fred stood. “Come on up and I’ll show you.”
    Melanie followed Fred, and as they walked up the stairs Fred said, “My dad has gotten super-duper over-protective since Jamie and I started dating, but when we were little, we spent tons of time together. I practically grew up at Jamie’s house.” She put her hand on the door knob to her bedroom. “I even spent the night over there once.”
    Melanie arched her eyebrows. “Really?”
    Fred pushed open her door. “We camped out in Jamie’s clubhouse while his dad slept in the bottom part. Jamie has a really cool clubhouse and backyard. You should see it sometime. I spent an awful lot of time there.” She paused for a moment and thought, and that may be why I’m a witch now, if I really am one. That’s where the old wizard died.
    “It’s funny,” Fred