CHAPTER THIRTEEN: EPILOGUE

 

Lloyd Bacon decided against pursuing a reacquisition of The Grand Hotel. He had chafed at Franklin Churchill’s dodgy influence over the institution Bacon had worked so hard to build. But under the watchful guidance of Artur Frost, Caitlin’s baby would one day be a proud and honorable hotelier. And even in his retirement, Lloyd was happy to be contracted as a design consultant for special events at the hotel. He certainly had a way with flowers.

*****

Justine had, of course, accepted Susan’s job offer of assistant. It was just the kind of break that ex-cons rarely get. A job! In LA! With Boris in her future! She was over the moon. And when the occasion arose for her to travel with Susan, Justine didn’t mind staying in four- and five-star hotels. Didn’t mind it one bit.

Of course, the best kind of traveling for Susan’s crowd were the frequent trips back to Oyster Cove. They were always overjoyed to see Ajax again, and Zoey and Camille quickly became treasured by all. Justine and Zoey were especially happy at every opportunity for a reunion.

*****

Zoey’s social life was further enriched by her fellow Lilith Hazelwood transplant heirs. They would often gather in her kitchen, watching in envy as a sumptuous dinner telekinetically put itself together. They often commented that if they had to exchange their powers with any other witch, it would have to be her. No more housework!

But Zoey, in turn, was dazzled by their wide range of impressive talents. It was a strangely familiar sensation for her. When had she last been surrounded by such awesomely formidable women before? Oh, yeah. Prison.

*****

Speaking of prison, Dalton’s cumulative sentences for arson, two counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, attempt to flee house arrest, and possession with intent to sell, for the stash of drugs found in his car, added up to a thirty-year prison sentence. Dalton got exactly one visit from Zoey, which she considered a necessary closure to the end of their relationship.

“I suppose you’re going to be really vengeful and petty about this. Or are you going to let Camille visit me?”

“Am I going to let her visit, is she going to want to visit, and can you deny that you actually tried to set us on fire to secure your own escape from the law? Same answer to all three questions, I suppose.”

“She’s still my daughter. Camille Spitz is still my daughter.”

“Camille Proctor. I’ve already put in the papers for a name change. Her name is Camille Proctor. And she’s my daughter.”

*****

Ajax was able to plan his part-time management career around spending time with his new family. He did take a lot of pride in kickstarting the careers of some talented local bands, and he was always able to line Zoey up with several weekly magician engagements, all comfortably small affairs where she could enjoy strutting her stuff. Camille loved to be recruited as her assistant.

*****

Snorkeling had never been on Zoey’s list of dream activities while she had been in prison. What a huge surprise that it turned out to be one of her absolute favorite things. It wasn’t only that it involved her two absolute favorite people. It also thrilled her to see Camille lit up with curiosity and courage when exploring the fascinating world below the waves. It was also thrilling to watch Ajax step into the father role with tenderness and gusto.

And there was just something about being cocooned in that water world, just floating and watching the colorful and unusual marine life float by. It made her feel free. Zoey’s whole life now made her feel free. And very, very lucky.

*****

“Lilith, I’m afraid you’re right that Esmeralda would not knowingly provide you with assistance. Did you really have to burn her house down? But that is done, and her opinion of you is unlikely to change. I hope, though, that you can see it is only to your benefit for Zoey, and also Wanda, to befriend her. She dislikes Fiona and Zelda and is likely to keep a watchful eye on them. Which may one day bring you the evidence that you need.”

“I suppose. How is it that all other murders in this town are so quickly solved? And the trail for mine grows cold.”

“To kill Lilith Hazelwood is quite a triumph. Forgive me. I’m simply trying to see things from the vantage point of the killer. We can only hope that the desire to brag about her conquest will be her undoing.”

“Justice unfolds too slowly. Each of these girls has been somewhat useful. They gather information from one suspect at a time. But I need to interrogate the entire witch population of this town. I need someone who can read minds and uncover secrets.”

“Well, we haven’t found a mind reader yet.”

“I was able to read minds very well. It was a great talent of mine. I don’t see why one of the young ladies shouldn’t be able to use it to her advantage.”

“But . . . in which part of your body did those powers lie?”

“The doctor is running out of organs. I think we shall soon find out,” Lilith said with grim certainty.