Some Practical Magic by Laurie C. Kuna

Author:Laurie C. Kuna
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BelleBooks, Inc.
Published: 2019-08-21T00:00:00+00:00

Nine

BEING WINTER, MCGURK’S patio was out of the question, which suited Robert Jamison just fine. An intimate interior venue made his agents’ job of securing a perimeter far easier. That, combined with dark wooden paneling, equally dark wooden furniture, and low lighting allowed four of his agents to blend with the patrons.

The musicians were already on stage in the front room and starting a set when the group entered, so Steven Jones led them to several tall tables up front. As they settled onto the proportionally tall bar stools, diners entered from the back dining room and took up the remaining tables. Steven beckoned a server who sported Irish bar maid attire circa 1870.

“We’ve some serious drinkin’ ta do, lass,” he stated in an excellent Irish brogue. “Would ye be so kind as ta enlighten us on yer fare?”

Louise elbowed him in the ribs, but the server smiled and rattled off the list in an excellent brogue of her own. Orders were placed, and the group settled in to enjoy the music and the company.

Cassie took in the room. “This place looks like it was transported straight from the Emerald Isle. Great atmosphere.”

Steven lifted his glass. “And great ale.” He took a hearty drink.

“Slainte,” children’s author Janice Welton toasted, and followed Steven’s lead. She sighed. “That tastes like a little bit of heaven.”

When the music started, everyone’s attention was instantly riveted on the small stage. Talk hushed to whispers as expert musicians wove the spell of a long-ago time and place. Pure enchantment. The crowd clapped in rhythm to the upbeat tunes, and sat in appreciative quiet during poignant ballads of love and loss.

And sitting in the darkened pub enjoying himself despite the situation that had brought him there, Mick watched Cassie immerse herself in the experience. Even in the dim light, her eyes sparkled with pleasure, and her alluring laugh carried easily to where he sat across the small table from her. Her incredible voice quietly singing harmony brought pure enchantment, and that clear contralto actually made the hair on his nape rise on several occasions. This completely new experience gave him pause. Then his heart lurched into a funny little beat he’d also never experienced, and he realized he was dangerously close to losing that particular organ to a certain syndicated columnist.

TWO DAYS PASSED in a pleasant blur for Mick, as the tour concluded in St. Louis and moved on to Memphis. He’d spent practically every waking minute with Cassie—next to her at signings, beside her on the bus, sharing every meal with her and Endora. He couldn’t get enough of being near her, and his lack of a publicist made his association with The Kitchen Witch a natural collaboration that played into his growing attraction. He really did plan to pay Endora for her efforts on his behalf, as she’d proven just as efficient and far more amusing than Jennifer. Not that he’d mentioned that to either her or Cassie. Yet. When the tour ended, he hoped to speak to Endora about a business arrangement.

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