Page 51 of Witch Bound and Down

"Big Scorcher and Little Sparky of the Scorcher Dragon Clan," a voice announced over a police megaphone, "you're under arrest for conspiracy to import illegal magical substances across international borders."

"Perfect timing," Hazel said with satisfaction.

"How did you coordinate all this?" Snowman asked, impressed.

"Turns out the Canadian magical authorities have been tracking the Scorcher clan for months," Hazel explained. "They just needed someone to lure them across the border with evidence. Amazing how cooperative international law enforcement can be when you explain the situation properly."

"This isn't over!" Big Scorcher shouted as he was loaded into the back of a police SUV. "The Scorcher Clan doesn't forget!"

"Good luck with that from prison," Snowman called back cheerfully.

As the convoy of police vehicles drove away with their prisoners and the confiscated Bond Buster, the three partners stood together watching the lights disappear into the distance.

"Think they'll actually serve any time?" Hazel asked.

"In Canada? For magical terrorism charges with a trunk full of evidence?" Snowman chuckled. "They'll be lucky if they see freedom again this decade."

"What about the money?" Bullseye asked. "We never got paid."

"Who needs dragon gold?" Hazel said, leaning against his side. "We've got each other, we stopped a magical weapons shipment, and we saved thousands of witch-familiar bonds."

"Plus," Snowman added with a grin, "I may have helped myself to a small finder's fee from their truck before the Mounties showed up. Consider it compensation for services rendered."

"How small?" Bullseye asked suspiciously.

"Small enough not to be missed. Large enough to keep us comfortable while we figure out what to do next."

As they walked back toward their vehicles, Hazel's phone buzzed with a text message. She read it and started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Bullseye asked.

"It's from Sage. Apparently Sheriff Lawman just called off the manhunt for us."

"Why?"

"Because Smokie just had his wedding ceremony. He married Mr. Snuggles at the chapel an hour ago, with Sheriff Lawman officiating. The pictures are already going viral on the supernatural social networks."

Bullseye stared at her. "He actually married his teddy bear?"

"Complete with rings, vows, and a first dance," Hazel confirmed, showing him the photos on her phone. "Sheriff Lawman is apparently too embarrassed to continue the pursuit. Something about 'maintaining family dignity in these trying times.'"

"That's..." Snowman struggled for words. "That's actually kind of touching, in a deeply weird way."

"Smokie's happy, Mr. Snuggles is happy, and we're free to start our new life together," Hazel said, tucking her phone away. "I'd call that a perfect ending."

"So what now?" Bullseye asked, wrapping his arms around her.

"Now we disappear into the sunset like proper outlaws," Hazel said with a grin. "Find somewhere to build a life together, maybe get legally married to go with the magical bonding."

"Any ideas about where?"

"I hear the Pacific Northwest is nice. Lots of supernatural-friendly communities, good climate for magical gardens, and probably far enough from any remaining Lawman family drama."

"Sounds perfect," Bullseye said, kissing her forehead. "As long as we're together, I can handle anything."

"Good," Hazel said, standing on her toes to kiss him properly. "Because I have a feeling our life together is going to be one adventure after another."

As the stars began to appear over Niagara Falls, three vehicles pulled out of the parking lot and headed in different directions—Snowman's white 18-wheeler rumbling north toward new adventures, and a black Trans Am heading west toward the Pacific coast.

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