The Coven's Grove Chronicles, Tome 4: Paige

Chapter One

“This is stupid!” the blond-haired, blue-eyed boy whined at his parents.

Great, Paige thought. Another spoiled brat.

“I wanna go back to the hotel!” Blond Boy demanded.

“Now Billy, we told you we’d go back once the tour finished,” his mother said in a calming tone. Her gaze darted around at the crowd of people. The herd moved past them as they continued their way through the tour. A few disapproving glares touched the pair, but no one said anything.

“It’ll be just a bit longer, then we’ll go,” Billy’s mother continued. The boy’s father moved away with the rest of the crowd, completely uninterested in the little tantrum his son had started.

What a dick!

As the group’s tour guide, Paige couldn’t leave anyone behind. It was against policy because of the potential liability issues and all that other crap. Times like this she really didn’t like her job, which sucked, because most of the time, she really liked her job. Especially this time of year. October brought out all the weirdos and fun people that she loved to meet; from vampire worshipers to Cthulhu enthusiasts, these folks embodied freak sauce by the truckload. She felt as if she actually fit in.

Every now and then one person spoiled the fun for the rest. This time, it happened to be little Billy. He couldn’t help it. He was like six years old or something; definitely too young to be left alone and not old enough to appreciate the historical spookiness around him. Unfortunately, that fact didn’t make the situation any less annoying.

Billy stomped his feet. “I wanna go, now!”

Paige rolled her eyes. Oh, hell.

This promised to turn into a full-on whine-fest she didn’t have time for. The rest of the group continued trekking down the block toward the cemetery without them.

She scanned the cobblestone streets. People from all over the country littered the sidewalks in their Halloween costumes. Salem became a popular place this time of year, so there was no lack of variety or number. The shop owners decked their storefronts to the nines in fear-gear and creepy decorations. Life-sized witches greeted customers at every storefront with screeching cackles, while black cats arched their backs in wide-eyed stances of fright. Classical creepy songs blared from every shop, adding to the dark atmosphere. October belonged to Salem, and shop owners did their best to capitalize on the short window of opportunity and popularity.

Halloween ambiance wasn’t what Paige searched for. She needed to find incentive for little Billy to get a move on. Thankfully, she found it across the worn cobbled street next to Faust and Fun.

An old spirit by the name of Maggie Narwee hopped in place next one of the streetlights. Giddy with excitement, she watched the flocks of children waddle by. Pink rollers hung askew around her shoulders, tangled within her disheveled gray hair. The hairstyle matched her patchworked sweater and faded black skirt, as well as the old, wingtip pumps on her feet. She’d always been a pleasant and cheerful ghost; a kind grandmotherly type that reminded Paige of her own.

Her grandmother had helped her through some rough times, and taken care of her when her parents wouldn’t. Her heart still ached, knowing that her caretaker was gone, and she knew it always would.

Billy, job, potential lawsuit. Remember?