Page 83 of Magic Touch
As the warmth of magic subsides, I check Donald from head to toe.
He regards me with half-lidded eyes. "CA?"
With a smile, I sit on the floor, and Simon avails himself of the brutal petting from a one-year-old.
As exhaustion takes its toll on Donald, Simon lays across his chubby little legs and purrs.
"Yes, I think he's going to be fine." I scratch Simon's chin and behind his ears.
The ladies return with a cup of tea that's been put in a jar to be heated later.
Mrs. Bates scoops Donald up. "Thank you both for your help and being so kind. I was at my wit’s end."
Esme walks her to the door and says goodbye. When she turns back, fear shows in her eyes. "What was that?"
"I cannot be sure, but I think it was a test. One that I had no choice but to pass, and in doing so, gave our enemies information." I tell her what I felt in the boy, and how it came from the same source as whatever was inside Trina.
She wraps her arms around me. "You had no choice. We can't let whatever that is harm that baby even if it did give him something to use against us."
"I know. I think I should go to the coven house and tell Sara Beth what has happened. The timing is suspect as well. Just as we enter your home, poor Mrs. Bates and Donald arrive." I kiss the top of her head.
"I'll close the shop and go with you."
Part of me wants to argue and say she should take care of herself, and let me deal with the coven, but I can't help wanting her with me. I nod. "If you don't mind closing the shop, I won't argue with staying together."
She opens a window in the kitchen for Simon to get in and out as he pleases. "Behave yourself. We'll come back for you if we're going to be too long."
Simon blinks and trots up the steps to the apartment above.
"I'm ready." Esme takes my hand, and we lock up the front of the shop before climbing into the carriage.
When I tell Samuel to take us to the coven house, he asks, "Is something amiss, sir?"
I wish I could give him good news. "I'm afraid so. Once you drop us off, if you'll bring my mother back around three this afternoon, that would be very helpful, Samuel."
"Of course, sir."
Esme sits very close in the carriage and tucks her head against my chest. "I'm afraid, William."
"I know." While I love having her so close, I hate hearing the worry in her voice.
"They would kill that innocent baby to get to us." Her voice trembles, and she tightens against me.
I wrap her more snugly in my arms. "I learned long ago that I can't control the evil of others, be they men or countries. I can only do what is right. I'm willing to risk everything to be a man you will love, and my mother will be proud of. Let's hope that was the last of these tests."
If I could keep my shiver from reaching her, I would, but I know she feels it.
"Will you close your mind off from me at the coven house, Esme?"
"It's safer to block telepathy, but even closed, I feel you. You know that, don't you?"
"Yes, but I like having you in my head knowing what I know. Trusting me." I say the last mind to mind.
As the carriage slows in the narrow streets near the coven house, Esme faces me. "I trust you, William. Never doubt that. I shall always trust that your decisions are in good conscience. When you took Trina's head in your hands, many of the witches feared for her and themselves. I knew you would not and could not do harm."
Interesting. "You could feel the emotions of the other witches?"
She nods. "They were broadcasting their fears at that moment."
