Page 3 of Cursed
Heroes in movies never need naps,Seth thought. The pace was grueling, and he knew that they needed to slow down so they would be at their best.
Groggy monster hunters don’t last long.
Now that they knew about the witch-disciples and their sacrifices, taking time off seemed selfish and indulgent unless they were healing, because lives were on the line. It hadn’t helped that some of the witches had moved their sacrifices ahead of schedule to power up in case they were the next to be targeted.
“Hey, where’d you go?” Evan joked to bring him back to the moment.
“Just thinking that we need a vacation,” Seth admitted.
“Well, how about a mini vacay? We can take an extra day or so, and Charleston is a top destination,” Evan said. “Besides, if it makes your conscience feel better, we’ll be researching, so we won’t be ignoring the job. There’s a lot I’ve always wanted to see—and photograph—in this town.” Evan loved taking photos.
“Oh yeah? Like what?” Seth felt his mood lift at Evan’s suggestion.
“For starters, there’s Magnolia Plantation—big old house and fantastic garden,” Evan rattled off, and Seth had the feeling Evan had already researched the city. “There are some other cool mansions and an art museum. Plus the Charleston City Market, it’s got all kinds of interesting shops and awesome food.
Evan’s enthusiasm made Seth smile. So much of their time together so far had been steeped in danger and blood. Throughit all Evan had been brave and loyal, always having Seth’s back. It warmed his heart to hear Evan sound happy and excited about normal things like tourist attractions.
“I’m always up for good food,” Seth agreed. “Anything else?”
“History museums and an aquarium, and probably more sites than you could see in a year,” Evan replied. “King Street has lots of fun stores, but we’re already heading there to see Cassidy and Teag.”
They stopped for lunch at a restaurant that specialized in biscuits and gravy, washed down with house-made sweet tea. Charleston leaned into a relaxed pace, perfect for vacationers. Seth suspected the less frantic rhythm was good for the people who lived there as well.
Sipping on iced tea to go when they finished their meal, Seth and Evan made their way slowly down King Street. The historic stretch included trendy shops and restaurants housed in pastel-colored buildings that reinforced the city’s oceanfront vibe.
They took their time, window-shopping and remarking on the handmade and luxury items on display, and checking out the menus posted in the windows. Seth loved seeing Evan happy and relaxed, and made a mental note for them to come back to truly enjoy a vacation once saving the world was done.
Evan had his camera, and everywhere they looked, Charleston was picture-perfect. “This city is a photographer’s dream,” Evan said as he snapped shot after shot.
“Maybe you and your camera need a little ‘alone time’?” Seth teased.
Evan rolled his eyes. “Don’t let him bother you,” he said to the camera. “He’s just jealous.”
“Well, here we are,” Seth said when they reached Trifles and Folly, the store that belonged to their friend and collaborator, Cassidy Kincaide.
“If we lived here, I’d love to be a tour guide,” Evan said.
Seth felt a pang. Their quest to stop the witch-disciples was so dangerous, he rarely let himself daydream about what came afterward since they had to survive first.
“You’d be fantastic at it,” he encouraged.
“How about you? Got any ideas for what you’d do?”
“We’ve been so busy I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about it.” Seth dodged the more negative aspect.
Evan gave him a look that said he wasn’t fooled. “It never hurts to have something to look forward to. Vacations and time off are good, but having an endgame is even better.”
“I know I want to be with you, whatever I’m doing,” Seth replied with a certainty that went down to his bones.
“The people who are hunting always need researchers. That might be a way to help while staying out of the line of fire.”
They were both far too young to actually retire, but the same caution that had led Seth to leave the military after his stint was over pushed him to consider a less dangerous long-term role hunting monsters.
“We’ve got time to think about it,” Seth said. “Got a few more disciples yet to go.”
A bell on the door jangled when they walked into the shop. Seth sensed that it was protective as well as welcoming.
Trifles and Folly had been in Cassidy’s family for generations. Each new owner took on the responsibility for serving as a nexus of supernatural protection as well as managing a well-regarded shop for antiques and collectibles.
