Page 38 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

I stared straight ahead turning that over in my mind. “I don’t know what we’re dealing with here. Does she remember everything that’s happened since she was turned, or is she just the same as she was, um, three thousand years ago?”

“Tell you what. While you’re getting ready, I’ll step across the lane and ask some follow-up questions. How does that sound?”

“Perfect. Get as much detail as you can and brief me over breakfast. I mean, if Lochlan can’t come. To breakfast.”

“Done.”

Forty-five minutes later, I was seated in the kitchen chair I thought of as mine. The one in the corner by the fire where I had a view of the entire kitchen. To my right was the fire, then the hallway threshold that led to the mudroom, Keir’s lair, and our bedroom. The AGA sat on the other side of the doorway in the best place to provide warmth for the room, and convenience for the cook. I loved that AGA. It could’ve come in any color, but I chose a fanciful pale, milky green that looked marvelous with white cabinets, dark stone countertops, and the stainedwood of the island, table, and chairs. Olivia left a daily feature of baked goodness for a warm snack with tea. Or coffee if Evie was in the house. To my left was Romeo. Straight in front of me was the sink and countertops just beneath tall arched windows with framed panes. Days were getting shorter, but during sunup hours, they brightened the room and helped Olivia see every detail in the process of masterpiece creation. Even on overcast or rainy days. In the middle of the room was a long natural wood island with pot rack chandelier.

That had been one of those great ideas that was scrapped because I didn’t like pots and pans interfering with my view. They were put away in island drawers that faced the sink and moved in and out on easy rollers. Olivia was so strong she didn’t need anything easy, but occasionally I had a craving for grilled cheese at midnight.

It was clear I wasn’t the only one who recognized that “my” chair was the best chair in the house. I’d never once sat in it for Legendary Lunch because first person to the kitchen snagged it. I think it had become a secret competition among lunch goers because, over time, they’d started coming earlier and earlier.

I’d lapsed into a muse about how much I loved being in that space when I realized Olivia was talking to me.

“Oh. Sorry. What did you say?”

“Should I set a place for the enforcer?”

“Yes. Please. What are we having?”

“Ham and cheese croissants and your favorite chocolate yogurt with sprinkles.”

“I. Can’t. Wait.”

She smiled. “Shall I serve you now?”

I thought about it. “I’d say yes, but I did tell him I was having breakfastwithhim.”

“Perhaps you’d like an almond square to have as an appetizer with your tea?”

Managing to be the reserved, dignified middle-aged woman that I aspired to be, I stopped myself from jumping up and down in my chair and simply said, “That would be perfect.”

It was easy to see why English Breakfast tea was popular. If Americanos and Earl Grey didn’t exist, I’d be the number one fan. But I’d set out to try something different and I’d finish at least one cup.

“This tea is good,” I said.

Liv was facing the sink and spoke without turning around. “But you’d rather have Earl Grey.”

“Gosh. I don’t know what to think about you knowing methatwell.”

“It’s part of my job to anticipate your needs, magistrate. In order to do that, I must know you to the extent you allow.”

“You called me magistrate.”

“Oh. Sorry, Rita.”

“No apologies necessary.”

I didn’t hear the front door open, but did hear it close. One good thing about the absolute security of my house was the relaxed feeling of knowing no one uninvited or unauthorized was coming in without my approval.

“Must be Keir.”

“I’d say so,” Olivia replied without turning around.

He stepped into the room and sat next to me.

“I take it, since you’re alone, that Lochlan isn’t joining us for breakfast. By the way, you were right about the ham.”

---