Page 48 of Shifting Years
But magic never gives without taking.
Henry couldn't touch me anymore. But he didn't have to.
The green U.S. Army jeep rolling up the road wasn't just an omen.
It was the price.
There's a spell to make people forget about Whispering Hills, but it's not invisible. People stop for gas and snacks before moving on to other destinations. While they're here, it's like any other town.
A familiar broad-faced sheriff with thick glasses whispered to a stern-looking, older Army man I assumed had a high military rank. The general—maybe—barked orders at two muscled military police. With a mechanical, yet angry walk, theyapproached us and shoved a letter in Todd's hands before it floated to the ground.
Soon, my mate was in a behind-the-back arm lock and handcuffed. He offered no resistance as they walked him away.
Going over would bring a world of trouble, especially with my small but discoverable baby bump. I'd help him later. The letter's title appeared below.
Selective Service System.
Order to Appear For Induction.
Far beyond human sight, but well within a shifter's, stood Henry, leaning casually against a brick wall. He smiled and stood straight with a mock salute under his upswept black hair.
Henry had largely disappeared before, and we had assumed the bayou witches would protect us both and not just me. My former Alpha looked for anything he could use against Todd and found it. Todd's number was called, and he became the thing he hated: a draft dodger.
People like Todd's father considered them the lowest of the low but one slithered under them all. Henry wouldn't serve, but he called the military, just to hurt an ex.
My man was right. Henry was nothing but a worm.
***
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Kim.
"Thanks, kid," said Todd.
"So, they really arrested draft dodgers? Wow."
They did in Todd's case. The threat of jail was enough to send others to the nearest recruitment center. Others stayed in legal limbo until President Carter pardoned them, but a few like Todd were jailed and then fast-tracked into serving. Sometimes, I wonder if it wasn't to send him to war, but to kill him off.
"What happened after?" asked Kim, taking me out of my thoughts.
Todd looked out into the distance. "I made wishes." He chuckled. "I'll never know if it was those ladies, or… me."
"I wish you'd stop blaming yourself. It has to be a coincidence."
Todd nodded, but the haunted stare said he didn't believe it. "Tina and Dawn told us there's power in words and we should have listened."
"Everything was okay, right?" said Kim. "I mean you'rehere."
"It took me a long time to get back to 'here' kid, and I was dead for years."
***
Chapter Eighteen
January 16th, 1972
Todd
My father spat between my boots, the thick glob of spit pooling on the cell floor. His icy blue eyes—eyes I'd never forget—burned with more than hate. "Bad enough you're that other thing, but a draft dodger too? You couldn't even be man enough to serve?"
