The Fifth Curse_A Cozy Mystery by Cindy Stark

Author:Cindy Stark [Stark, Cindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-07-08T23:00:00+00:00

Eleven

A weird sensation crested over Hazel as she pulled her car into the driveway of Clarabelle’s house.

No, her house.

She’d always parked her car along the road closer to the grove of trees. If she’d ridden her bike, she’d park it alongside the house or in back.

But this time, she pulled square into the drive like she owned it. Because she did.

She released another tiny squeal of excitement as she removed the keys from the ignition and opened the car door.

Outside, she stared up at the house, seeing it with new eyes. It was no longer a place to sneak inside. She would fall asleep here every night and wake up in the morning with the multitude of trees shading her house and providing homes to the many singing birds. The gardens out back belonged to her now, a gift from the Blessed Mother passed to her through her grandmother.

The rental where she’d been living was small, but quaint, located only a few blocks from Main Street. She’d loved it there.

But this house was completely different. The two-story First Period home with adorable pitched gables had survived hundreds of years despite the curses her grandmother had put on the town including violent storms and extreme temperatures. Set amongst the trees and not far from a stream, it retained a wildness that called to Hazel like nothing she’d ever known.

Maybe that yearning was another of Clarabelle’s curses. She couldn’t know. Regardless, the feeling gripped her deep in the heart, and she knew it would never let go.

She’d finally come home.

Movement to the left of her stole her attention, and she looked just in time to catch a flash of ginger-colored fur dashing through the thick trees, along with something black if her eyes didn’t deceive her.

The idea of Mr. Kitty having friends seemed odd, but of course, he’d want companionship, too.

She climbed the front steps with happiness resonating throughout her. The key slid easily into the lock. Even though she didn’t really need it, she loved the idea of what the object represented.

Hazel stepped inside, and a rush of warmth and love immediately surrounded her.

I’ve been waiting.

She glanced about the room as though she might catch a glimpse of Clarabelle like some had. “Sorry. I should have come back sooner.”

But, you’re here now. To stay.

Hazel wanted to ask how she knew, but some things were better left alone.

“Yes. I’ve come home, Clarabelle.”

A ringing of happy laughter echoed through the house. Finally.

Her grandmother’s overwhelming exuberance left her guarded. “You’ve had other relatives in this house throughout the years, haven’t you?”

She didn’t receive an answer.

She waited a few moments but got the distinct impression Clarabelle had drifted off to somewhere else. Not gone, but not in her immediate presence. Perhaps she was off celebrating with her fellow witchy friends, if they still inhabited the earth somewhere in some way.

Whatever. She had her own things to do.

Hazel placed the candles on the mantle and lit them. “Bless and protect this home where I’ve come to be.

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