Episode 8
“No it can’t be.”
“Yes, that is my name: Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.
“But you can’t be…”
“I can’t be what?”
“Theresa, you’re scaring both of them.” Cautioned Jessica.
“You know what kids?” Said Simone “There’s a fresh batch of cookies in back; straight out of the oven. Would you like to help me sample them?”
“That would be cool, right Sarah?” Asked Marty.
“I Guess so.”
“Great, and I bet we can find some milk to go along with them.” Said Simone.
Marty took Sarah’s hand and they followed Simone to the kitchen.
“She’s just the right age isn’t she? But how…?”
“Well, we’ve seen some weird things happen here in Harmony.” Said Jessica. “Did you notice how none of us even blinked when Marty was talking about walking through walls with that woman?”
“And that’s another thing; she said that woman was her mother. Did she say her name was Heckuba? But if that’s Sarah’s name, she’s Gwen and Ethan’s daughter, the child Gwen has always blamed me for losing.”
“Would you like me to call my dad? Maybe he can help you sort this out.”
“I don’t see how but yeah that would probably be a good idea. No wait…I mean, yes, call Chief Bennett but I’m supposed to be at the church helping Whitney”
“Then by all means go, get out of here. I’ll call my dad and we’ll figure this all out.”
“Alright, hey are you coming to the wedding?”
“Nope, gotta be here all day.”
“Then I guess I’ll see you later. Have your dad give me a call.”
“I will. Now go!” Said Jessica playfully.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed this Mother-Son chat” Adam rubbed his chin again. “I need to get to work.
“You already have a job?”
“Actually I’ve had it for several months, relatively speaking. Its how I got to know Vincent and befriend him: I’m working as a photographer for The Intruder.”
Tabby started to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“Its just the idea of my goodie-goodie son working as a tabloid journalist.”
“It was the best way I could think of to get close to Vincent. Besides it helps me keep tabs on what’s going on in town.
“My son: The next Clark Kent or is it Peter Parker?”
“I think I’d look pretty good in a pair of spectacles. Like I said I have to go. We’re covering the Harris-Russell wedding and reception.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry I’m going to miss that one.”
“I’ll just bet you are.”
“Yes well, thanks to your meddling, I’ve no doubt true love will win the day Uhg.”
“See you later Mother.” Adam gave Tabby a kiss on the cheek and disappeared. She rubbed her cheek and in spite of herself found a smile curling her lips.
Back in the kitchen, Tabitha found Essme, Edna and Norma just finishing their breakfast. Endora was sitting on the floor playing with one of her dolls.
“I want to go to the wedding too Mommie.” Announced Endora’s thought bubble.
“She must have overheard Kay and Miguel talking about it.” Said Norma. “They’re upstairs right now getting ready to go.”
“I’m afraid that’s out of the question Sweet Pea, we witches can’t go anywhere near the church.”
“Of course you could go Tabs. You saved the entire town from Vickie and Vincent’s poison mushrooms at the church.” Said Essme.
“You remember that?”
“Sure, I’m the one who talked you into it in the first place, remember?”
“Of course I remember, but how do you? Never mind I know it’s the same reason you remember I’m a witch. Speaking of which, that knowledge must stay in this house if I find out that any of you three ever reveal my secret, I’ll make your lives a living hell. And you know I can do it.” Tabby sat down at the table. “And how about you two, what do you remember? As I recall Endora and I sent you to hell because you were trying to kill me.”
“That’s all water under the bridge now Tabby.” Snorted Edna. “Everything’s copasetic with us now.”
“What do you think Endora, should we let these two stay with us again?”
“Kay and Maria are witches and they’re going to the wedding.”
“You certainly have a one track mind my little witchlet. Tell you what if its alright with Kay and Miguel, you can go with them but Mommie’s going to stay here.”
“I can take her upstairs if you’d like.” Said Essme.
“That would be fine Dear.”
“Come on Endora; let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into. Just kidding Tabs.”
“And Edna and I have a lot to catch up on upstairs too. If you know what I mean.” Said Norma
“Unfortunately I do.”
Tabby found herself alone in the kitchen. Across the room, she caught sight of a sheet of paper wafting down from the ceiling. It came to rest on the floor and a single feather fell on top of it. She knew at once that it was a message from Timmy. She quickly picked it up and unfolded it
Princess,
This is message for Adam. I can’t tell you or him anything specific, but he has made a miscalculation about an event that takes place next week. Neither party was responsible. I’m sorry that I have to be so vague but that is all I can say. Give him the marble you will find in your pocket. It has the power to stop time but only for thirty seconds. When he figures out what he has to do, that should be just the right amount of time. There is something else that I wish I could tell you but again I am not allowed to interfere.
Love
Always
Timmy
Tabby re-read the note several times and then set it down on the table.
“‘Neither party is responsible’ Now what the blazes can that mean?”
She found the marble in her pocket just as she knew she would.
“Well Timmy lad, I certainly hope you know what you’re getting us into.”
Spike re-emerged from the tunnels just a block from his apartment near the wharf. He didn’t think his meeting with Theresa had been a total failure even though he had had to play the Antonio card which was probably the last one in his deck. At least it gave Theresa a reason to remain in contact with him. On the other hand, if she was looking for him at all at this point, it was because Marty had ratted him out. Still, he hoped her desire to see her brother would tip the scale in his favor. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his door key.
“Ah Mr. Spikeiros, just the man I’ve been waiting to see.”
Spike whirled on his doorstep and came face to face with an immaculately dressed man who had apparently been staking out his apartment.
“How do you know my family name? Nobody calls me that anymore.”
“We know many things about you Mr. Spikeiros.”
“We?”
“Forgive me, my name is Jackson Marr and I represent Neppos Industries. Here, let me give you my card.”
“Look, I don’t know how you found out about my real name and I’ve never heard of you or your company.”
“We’re new…to the area but I can assure you…”
“Listen pal I’m just not…”
“I am correct in stating that you are at a crossroads in your employment with Crane am I not?
“I’ve just come from…re-negotiating my contract.”
“Come, come Mr. Spikeiros we both know that Ms. Crane is unlikely to have any use for you now that Mr. Crane is out of the picture.”
“How do you know all this?”
“It doesn’t matter, I am prepared to offer you a position at N.I. . We only ask one thing: That you not reveal Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald’s whereabouts to Ms. Crane and that you transfer his custody to us.
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End of Episode 8
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