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Meemaw seemed to sense my apprehension because she added, “Listen, I’m not a fool. I know there are things you haven’t told me. Believe me, you don’t know everything there is to know about me either, but we’ve built a certain level of trust that never would’ve happened without spending time with each other in person.”
“It’s like writing your notes by hand instead of typing them,” I suggested. “You engage a different part of your brain.”
She frowned. “I have no idea what you mean, but sure.” The microwave timer sounded. “That’s my cue.” She dampened a washcloth and began to wipe the slime from her face over the kitchen sink. “Is Penny the reason you came to see me?”
“No. What do you know about blood rituals?”
“They’re messier than this”—She held up the washcloth covered in green slime— “and generally require a sacrifice. Why? What’s going on?”
“In other words, you don’t have any experience with them.”
“Not one of my areas of expertise, no. I don’t suppose the internet is much use.”
“Not for this. It isn’t the kind of information that’s readily available.”
“Probably a good thing considering the turn humanity has taken,” Meemaw said. “Have you tried the library?”
“Not yet.” Evermore’s library wasn’t as comprehensive as Vale’s personal one, but it was worth a look.
Meemaw cupped water in her hands and gave her face a final splash. “What do you think?” Straightening, she pivoted toward me.
“You’re glowing. Makes me want to ask for the date of your last period.”
The crone scowled. “Not remotely funny.”
“While I’m researching this ritual, I need you and the other witches to stay away from Keith Irwin.”
“The new werewolf? Why?”
“He’s a menace.”
“Can’t spell men without menace. Why should Keith be any different?” Her eyes glinted with mischief. “Your paramour excepted, of course.”
“Vale isn’t my paramour.”
“Maybe he should be. Maybe you should quit this job and move into his place. Try to live a normal life before it’s time to be put out to pasture like the rest of us.”
“Evermore isn’t a pasture. It’s a retirement sanctuary for supernaturals.”
“It’s a small island that we’re not allowed to leave. It’s hardly much of a life, unless you like to golf in the nude, in which case, it’s heaven on earth.”
“I didn’t realize you were unhappy here.”
She shrugged. “There’s no point complaining, right? We have to make hay while the sun still shines, even as the clouds are closing in.”
Her words hit me like a gut punch. “Meemaw, you have blue skies ahead. Look at you. You keep active. You’re launching a skincare line, apparently. You socialize. You still have many years left.”
“Bless your ugly shoes. Penny’s doe eyes seem to be rubbing off on you.”
I hated that she felt this way. The Neighborhood was supposed to solve a problem, not create another one.
“Is there anything you can think of that would make your life on the island more enjoyable? I’d be happy to give feedback to Justine.”
Meemaw tossed the washcloth into the washing machine. “What I’d find more enjoyable would be against the rules and regulations.”
“Maybe you should talk to Dr. Adam.”
“He’s a healer. What’s he gonna do? Put a bandage on my middle finger and kiss it better?”
