It shouldn’t be a big deal. All Billy's friends have visited the widow's house and each seemed to come away better for the experience. Visiting her has been a rite of passage for boys in town for as long as anyone can remember.

Billy knows he should want this. The whispers about him have been growing and even his friends are starting to ask questions. Tonight is the night if he's going to end the rumors. Should it matter if it’s Halloween and there’s a full moon in the sky?

---

Chapter 23 - Eddie

October 13, 1918

The scent of fresh-baked baguettes mingled with the smell of blooming lavender filling the chateau. A look out the window, showed the same cobblestone streets where he’d recently strolled.wearing a long silk dress.

"Bonjour, Ed-die!" Marie’s thick accented voice called out. “You got ‘em.”

He’d taken a few sojourns into the wider world. Today’s visit was to the bakery. Eddie froze when he saw the American MPs out the window.

“Shit.”

A heavy knock landed on the door’s frame. Marie rushed to answer it.

“We’ve gotten a report there’s a deserter living in this house.”

“A deser-tare???” Marie replied. “We ‘ave no deser-tare.”

The leader pushed his way inside. “I’m sure you won’t mind us taking a look.”

Eddie hid in the closet but they found him.

“Merci...” Eddie's mind went blank. "I... I'm sorry, my English isn't very good.”

One of the younger men wore a disgusted look. Your French is worse.”

Eddie nodded. He didn’t want to get the girls in trouble. “I'll go peacefully."

The leader grinned. “Of course. Ma’dam.” The other men stared at each other, the smiles clear on their faces.

October 17, 1918

The hours passed in a haze. When the door to his room finally creaked open again, Eddie looked up to see a stern-faced doctor flanked by two orderlies.

"I'm Dr. Hargrove. I’m here to help you, son."

One of the orderlies approached with a syringe. Eddie's eyes widened. "No, please. Not another." he begged. "I don't need—"

But his protests were cut short as the needle pierced his skin. Almost immediately, the world began to blur at the edges. Eddie felt himself being lifted onto a stretcher, the ceiling spinning above him.

"There, there," Dr. Hargrove's voice came from somewhere far away. "You'll feel better soon. We'll make you right again."

Eddie's thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind as he tried to hold onto memories of the chateau.

October 21, 1918

White sterile walls drifted in and out of focus

A nurse approached, syringe in hand. "Time for your medication."

“Please, no.” Eddie mustered all his strength to shake his head. "I don't want it."

The nurse's expression softened. "It's for your own good, dear. Doctor's orders."

The days drifted in and out in a dreamlike haze. The nights punctuated moments of terror.

October 25, 1918

"What in God's name have you done to him?" a familiar voice demanded.

Eddie didn’t move. He’d gotten used to the hallucinations.

The nurse shouted. "Sir, you can't go in there…"

Someone with a strong grip grabbed Eddie by the hand. "I'm here, son. I’m getting you out of this."

The words did little to bring Eddie relief. The combination of the war, his temporary respite, and the drugs had taken him to a faraway place.

October 28, 1918

“I want him out of here right now.”

“I can’t do that, sir.” The doctor stiffened. "This is a military matter. I'm afraid there’s a process we must follow. It doesn’t matter how much money you offer."

Eddie looked up from his bed to see his father and Dr. Hargrove standing in his room.

Mr. McClary shouted, "You will release my son this instant. Do you have any idea who I am? I know people who can have you demoted to stretcher bearer in a week.”

“I know who you are and I’m telling you it doesn’t matter..” Dr. Hargrove shouted back. The man adjusted his coat and lowered his tone. “If your son were anyone else, he’d be handcuffed and sitting in a brig. I promise your son is getting the best care the army has to offer.

McClary looked at Eddie. Eddie looked back. Tears filled both of their eyes.

“Your presence is upsetting your son. “Let’s go to the next room. I’m sure we can come to an arrangement that works for us both.”

Eddie watched through blurry eyes as his father took a last look then walked out of the room. The minutes crawled by like hours, the hours like days.

October 30, 1918

Eddie's father strode in, followed by a grim-faced man.

His father turned. “Can you give us a moment, alone?”

“Of course, sir.”

Eddie tried to get up but his body wouldn’t move. He saw his Dad staring, crying unashamed tears until Mr. McClary cleared his throat. “The man who came into the room with me is Colonel Stevens. You were reassigned to his unit with an effective date of October 1st, 1918. ”

“October 1st?” The memories fluttered in Eddie’s mind. He tried to do the math but his brain wouldn’t work. “What’s today’s date?”

“October 30th.”

Eddie nodded. “Tomorrow is Halloween.”

Mr. McClary said, “They say the fighting should stop soon. I’m hearing rumors of peace negotiations. Either way, you’ll be far from the fighting. I’ve hired specialists to make sure you get the best care until your unit is mustered out.”

“Halloween was Adam’s favorite holiday.”

“Yeah?”

Eddie found he was able to sit up. “Did they tell you where the MPs found me?”

Mr. McClary didn’t respond.

“I wish I died with the others.”

“Don’t say that, Eddie.”

Eddie said, “You’ve always known I’m not you, Dad. I’ll never be you. I’m a freak.”

Mr. McClary put his hand on Eddie’s forehead, “You’re my son and I love you. I must say you’ve made quite a catch with that wife of yours. I’ve been quite impressed with Tamysn. Given another year, I bet she’d be able to run the business better than me. Can’t let her know that, of course.” Mr. McClary chuckled.

Eddie felt for his breast pocket. “Where’s my picture tin?”

Mr. McClary shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“I need it. And my letters too.”

“I’ll ask the doctor.”

Eddie nodded. “Thanks.”

June, 1920

The rat-tat-tat of gunfire jolted Eddie from slumber, waking to find himself drenched in sweat. For a moment, he thought he was in France. The soft sheets and warm bed told otherwise.

The realization did little to stop the horror playing out in his brain. Memories of the last scene replayed again and again. "No, no, no," he gasped, as his eyes darted wildly around the darkened bedroom. Familiar shapes allowed him to focus but his beating heart refused to slow.

Every night was a thousand forgotten memories finding their way back into his mind. Tonight’s revelation was a simple patrol. An artillery barrage forced them to find cover when they jumped into a shell crater occupied by an enemy soldier. Everyone shot the German soldier only to find him staring with lifeless eyes. Daniel took the pictures of the man’s girlfriend. Eddie took the Hun’s pouch and found a biscuit inside. A single bite told the thing half full of sawdust.

“Are you okay? Eddie saw Tamsyn standing in the doorway, her eyes full of concern. Eddie pressed his hands against his own eyes, trying to force the memories to fade.

Eddie nodded as he spoke under his breath. "It's not real … it’s not real … it’s not real.”

Tamsyn lit a cigarette and passed Eddie the pack. “Do you want me to make coffee?”

It was taking longer to get back to sleep.

Eddie swung his legs over the side of the bed, his toes pressing down on the cold hardwood floor. He brushed his fingers against the rough scar along his hairline, a gift from an unseen German who granted him relief from the front lines for a week.

"Not tonight," he growled, pushing himself to his feet.

Eddie made his way to the bathroom, barely recognizing the face staring back. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, a stark contrast to the color of his skin. He splashed water on his face in hopes it might help.

As Eddie patted his face dry with a towel, he caught sight of the bottle of Luminal sitting on the edge of the sink. His therapist said they’d bring relief. All they did was put him in a stupor that lasted most of the next day.

Eddie pushed the temptation of temporary relief from his mind, ensuring another long night.

Tamsyn asked, “Do you want me to join you in bed?”

Eddie shook his head. “I’ve told you. I’m worried I might hurt you.”

Tamsyn nodded, the disappointment clear on her face.

Eddie sank onto the bed, a place where sleep had become a luxury. When the coast was clear he pulled an item from the depths under the blankets. The silk scarf still smelled of his wife as he wrapped it around his neck.

September 1920

The clatter of pots and pans echoed as Eddie made his way downstairs. The contractors had made good progress with the house, each day it looked more like a home.

As he entered the kitchen, Eddie was met by the smell of coffee and bacon.

"Morning, sunshine," Tamsyn said, her voice sounding forced. "You're up early."

"Couldn't sleep," Eddie replied, grabbing a cup. “Where’s the cook?”

“The chef has the day off. I’m cooking today.”

Eddie looked at his wife. He knew he didn’t deserve her. “What’s the special occasion?”

Tamsyn shrugged, a slight smile forming on her lips. "Does there need to be one?"

Eddie chuckled, the sound hollow even to his own ears. "I suppose not."

As he reached for a mug, Eddie caught his reflection in the window, then turned away from the sight.

May 1921

The floorboard creaked when Eddie heard Tamsyn approach. She opened the door to find Eddie in the middle of her closet, draped in one of her favorite silk dresses.

"I can…" Eddie's voice cracked, his face flushing crimson. "...I can explain."

Tamsyn's hand flew to her mouth, “What are you doing?"

Eddie ran, not stopping until he found the refuge in his bedroom.

Her soft knock came to Eddie's door a minute later.

“Eddie?” The door creaked open.

Eddie sat up in bed, as a cascade of sobs wracked his body. “I wish you’d hadn’t seen that.”

“I’m glad I did. It explains so much. I was starting to think it was my fault.”

Eddie looked up. “What do you mean?”

"I love you Eddie." Tamsyn shut the door and sat beside her husband. “I loved you the minute I saw you but you never want to touch me and we've never had sex. Meanwhile, some of my girl friends have three kids.”

“I know.”

“Do you find me attractive?”

“You’re the most beautiful girl in the county.”

Tamsyn asked, “Then why won’t you…”

Eddie interrupted, “I loved Adam ... in a different way than I love you.”

“Oh. I think I understand.”

Tamsyn pulled on Eddie's dress. “Is that why you wear this?”

Eddie shook his head. “I started wearing dresses long before I met Adam.” Eddie's shoulders slumped, "I've always felt... different." he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m more myself in clothes like this."

Tamsyn nodded. She put a hand on Eddie’s arm. "You've been carrying this burden your whole life?"

Eddie nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "I never meant to hurt you, Tamsyn. I understand if you want to leave…"

"No," Tamsyn interrupted, her voice firm but gentle. "Don't apologize. Not for this." She cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her gaze. "I love you, Eddie. All of you. Even the parts you've been afraid to share with me."

Eddie found it hard to breathe.. "You're not... disgusted by me?"

Tamsyn shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "How could I be disgusted by the man I love?" She ran her fingers through Eddie’s long hair. "Would you like to … dress up with me?"

Eddie looked at Tamsyn, clutching the fabric of the dress. "You'd do that?"

"More than okay," Tamsyn assured him. "I want to know all of you, Eddie. Or... should I call you something else when you’re dressed like this?"

A look of wonder crossed Eddie's face. "The girls in France called me Edelle," Eddie nodded.

Tamsyn's smile widened. "Then Edelle it is."

June 1921

“You think this hocus pocus will work?”

Tamsyn said, “It can’t hurt, can it?”

Eddie stood before the mirror, adjusting his wig and smoothing down his dress. His hands trembled slightly as he applied a final touch of lipstick.

"You look breathtaking, dear," Tamsyn said, appearing behind him in the reflection. She squeezed his shoulders reassuringly. "Are you ready?"

Eddie took a deep breath, steeling himself. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, his voice quivering.

Tamsyn pulled a small notebook from out of her dress. Then raised a hand in front of her body. Her words started the incantation slow and kept at a deliberate pace.

Under veil of illusion, dark and deep
and the mask of Venus, whose secrets we keep.
To the person inside, wild and free.
Transform the body by moon’s decree,

Eddie looked at Tamsyn. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Did it work?”

“I don’t notice anything but maybe it doesn’t work on me since I cast the spell.”

Tamsyn looked outside, yelling down the hall. The large man appeared almost at once.

Gunther looked in the room, looking cross when he saw Eddie, “Where did you come from”

Tamsyn pointed at Eddie and back to Gunther, “Gunther, this is Edelle. She’s visiting from Nashville. Edelle, this is Gunther, my rude butler.”

“My apologies, Miss Edelle.” Gunther gave a broad bow. “No one informed me the missus had a guest.”

Eddie felt a profound sense of peace as the large butler stared at him. For the first time in his life, Eddie felt seen.

January 1922

The solarium's walls gleamed in the moonlight, his sanctuary turned to prison. Eddie’s fingers absently traced the photograph of a simpler time. Memories of laughter and camaraderie mixed with the acrid smell explosions.

Sounds of his wife and Gunther’s carnal indulgences filled the house. They no longer bothered to hide their amorous encounters after his Mom died.

‘What would my father do?’

March 1922

The workers in the factory stopped as soon as Eddie stepped in the building. For the past five months he’d repeated the same routine, driving to work, climbing the stairs, and shutting the door behind him. The familiar scent of his father’s cigar clung to every surface of the office.

Mrs. Hawkins poked her head in the door. "The foreman needs to speak with you about the new production line."

“Of course.” Eddie took a deep breath. “Give me two minutes then send him in.”

Eddie caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The man in the suit looked like a stranger. He looked to the heavens looking for guidance. “Is this what you wanted for me, Dad?"

Memories of the ghosts haunted every step.

Chapter 24

Gunther had never been much of a conversationalist. His vocabulary consisted mostly of ‘yes ma’am’ and 'no ma’am before the change. Despite their ‘bound’, after the change the man said even less, not that there was much to say. Tamsyn’s body knew what he wanted.

Their routine settled like a stale marriage. She convinced him of keeping a pattern so she'd go out on Saturday nights then she and Gunther made the transfer as soon as she returned. After he’d gotten what he wanted, Gunther disappeared for a few days, returning on Wednesday or Thursday, to start badgering her for more.

Tamysn stared at the books piled high on the library’s desk, hoping for an answer. She’d read them cover to cover and the words, once gibberish, now reading like a 1st grade primer. An understanding that had come at the cost of her soul.

It was in these books where she learned the name of her affliction. Or more clearly, the affliction she’d brought upon herself. She found the description in a book called, Malleus Maleficarum, an ominous sounding Latin name which translated into English meant, ‘Hammer of Witches’.

A man wrote it in 15th century Europe hoping to rid the world of witchcraft. Ironically, Tamsyn found it a useful guide as a newly minted 20th century witch.

Witches are almost always female – the fairer sex are well known to be more easily corrupted, this truism going back to the days of Adam and Eve. Their ‘temperament toward flux’, ‘loose tongues’ and ‘lustfulness’ makes them an obvious target for Lucifer’s designs.

Despite the book’s inherent misogyny, Tamsyn couldn’t help but see the shades of herself in its description. A book called, ‘Powers of the Succuba’ helped even more.

The word ‘succuba’ comes from the Latin word -sub- meaning ‘under’ and -cubare- meaning ‘to lie’. Succubare - ‘to lie under’.

A succubus is a ‘manipulative demon’, and uses psychic abilities to seduce its prey. A succubus feeds on the semen of men, and can feed again and again, an act if continued will lead to the death of their prey.

The sections on succubi powers enlightened her as well:

The succubus has many powers including SuperSpeed, SuperStrength, and SuperStamina. Their Supernatural Beauty makes them irresistible to a man. The men who catch their gaze are entranced by desire. Skin to skin contact increases this desire a hundredfold, an act which will overcome the willpower of the most hardy of men and make them helpless pawns in the act of sexual intercourse. A succubus can instinctively shift their shape to match their target’s idea of beauty. They also have the ability to invade the dreams of men to seduce them.

Succubi use a power called the ‘Kiss of Death’ to steal life force from their victims to recharge their abilities and also to heal. Novice succubus often kill their victims using this spell as they learn the ways of their kind but this rarely happens with experienced succubi, as the goal of these demons is to incapacitate and copulate.

Each carnal encounter with a succubus increases the helpless binding of their victims. When encountering a succubus it is not uncommon to be forced to fight dozens of these hapless men before entering their lair.

Succubus can be hurt, but as they are demons, they cannot die through natural means. They are fast healers and sex will heal them completely. They are manipulative creatures, but most of their attacks focus on one target at a time. The exception is their siren song. Bind your ears tight before seeking one out as the sound of a succubus’ voice has been known to bewitch entire groups of men. Hunt them in groups and only with a priest who is proficient in exorcism. The primary target for your spears and crossbolts should be their wings. As these creatures are women, a gender without the necessary constitution for battle, a succubus always takes flight at the first sign of danger.. Once you pin their wings, a stake into their cold heart is the preferred method of killing. Decapitation works as well.

Tamsyn spent most of her days reading and re-reading the tomes. The part describing ‘Kiss of Death’ was a particularly difficult reminder.

Tamsyn rechecked her long leather gloves before entering the room. “How are you doing?”

Eddie sat in his usual reading spot on the couch in the Solarium.

Their conversations had become performative since the senior McClarys had fallen to ‘accidental deaths’. Eddie threw himself into his work during the day. The screams had returned at night.

“Good.”

Tamsyn wished she could touch him and consume his thoughts. It might help heal her husband’s grief. “I miss Edelle.”

Eddie nodded, “Me too.”

Edelle never strayed beyond the third floor of the house these days.

Tamsyn didn’t need her abilities to feel the sadness in Eddie’s eyes. They’d spent most of their marriage without touching the other, so it wasn’t a big change for Tamsyn to keep him at bay now. It was like their entire marriage was in preparation for her affliction.

Tamsyn stood by his side, “What are you reading?”

“Wuthering Heights.”

Tamsyn smiled. “We read it in school. Do you like it?”

Eddie nodded.

Tamsyn said, “I love the Bronte sisters.” She knew her words might sound empty, but it was true. She’d read the book dozens of times, “You don’t find it depressing?”

Eddie shrugged.

Tamsyn held up a pair of driving gloves, “The car is ready. Wanna go for a drive?”

Eddie shrugged. “Sure. Sounds fun.”

“Wanna drive?” Tamsyn held up the keys.

“OK.”

Tamsyn looked at Eddie, seeing a little of his old fire. “Really?”

Eddie nodded somberly, “I miss driving.”

Tamsyn stared at her husband. “I miss your driving too.”

The car descended the hill at slow speed, no unreasonable caution considering the recent tragedy which had befell their family. Tamsyn didn’t mind. She enjoyed the view as they slowly passed the library, the town hall, and the factory. She didn’t say a word when they drove past the school. She already guessed where Eddie was taking her.

Eddie asked, “Do you remember this place?”

“Of course.” Tamsyn nodded. Postwar houses lined the intersection, but the street looked the same. “This is the spot you asked me to be your girlfriend.”

Eddie’s face grew somber. “Do you regret it?”

Tamsyn laughed, “I have lots of regrets but marrying you is not one of them.”

“You keep saying that, but I find it hard to believe.”

Tamsyn pointed at the road, “Do you know how fast we’ve been driving?”

Eddie shrugged, “I don’t know. Twenty miles per hour?”

Tamsyn said, “Did you know racehorses can go double that speed?”

A smile crept on Eddie’s face. “So I’ve been told.” He fixed the goggles to his face, “Are you up for it?”

“You know I am.” Tamsyn affixed her goggles. “Does my hair look a mess?”

Eddie said, “You always look amazing Tamsyn.” Eddie shook his head and seemed lost for a moment.

Tamsyn sat, patiently waiting for her husband’s mind to return to the present.

Eddie asked, “Are you ready?”

“Whenever you are.”

Eddie screamed as the old Raceabout took a turn going sixty. The company that made these cars had gone out of business a few years earlier, but Tamsyn bought enough spare parts to keep it running. There were nicer cars on the road, but none had the same style.

Tamsyn smiled at her husband. It was nice to see color return to her husband’s face as they defied death together. Super strength bound her to the seat while the durability of her kind meant she’d survive the worst of crashes but Eddie didn’t know that.

Eddie stopped the car by the tree where they had their first date. “That was fun.”

“It was.” Tamsyn nodded. It was good to see her husband smile.

Eddie lifted the picnic basket from the back. “Do you remember the day I brought you to this place?”

Tamsyn said, “How could I forget? The girls at school seemed to think you’d taken my virginity when we returned to school.”

Eddie smiled. “They were bitches. A simple misunderstanding.”

“As I recall, you didn’t bother to correct the misunderstanding.”

“I should have…” Eddie said, his eyes turning down, “…those rumors staved off rumors … about me and Andy.”

“I forgive you.” Tamsyn smiled, “Did you know Jenny was the one who started those rumors? She didn’t tell me until last year.”

“Sounds like Jenny.” Eddie asked. “Do you talk to the old gang much anymore?”

“No.” Tamsyn shook her head. “So much has changed. High school feels like a lifetime ago.”

Eddie nodded but didn’t say a word.

Tamsyn spread out the blanket and opened the picnic basket to see the goodies inside. “Mmmm … We’ve got wine and cheese. Some salami and hard boiled eggs.” Tamsyn scrambled through the other items inside but didn’t see the thing she wanted. “Dammit. I was hoping for some pastries. Our new chef is supposed to be great with desserts.” She held up a piece of bread in a gloved hand for her husband to try.

Eddie took a piece and chewed, his eyes clearing from the hell where his mind had drifted.

“The new staff is good.” Eddie said, “I notice they’re all women, except Gunther. Did he do the hiring?”

“Yeah…” Tamsyn breathed deep. “There’s a lot of widows in town who need jobs.”

“You know he’s fucking them?”

Tamsyn gave a helpless look and shrugged. “I’m not sure what you want me to say.”

Eddie’s eyes looked lost for a moment before he sat on the blanket next to Tamsyn. “I’ve never thanked you for fixing up the house. You’ve done an amazing job.”

“You helped too.”

“We both know that’s not true.” Eddie looked at his wife. “Didn’t we promise to stop lying to each other?”

Tamsyn said, “I know. Our relationship … is complicated.”

“You think?” Eddie laughed so hard his eyes began to water.

“I miss Edelle.”

Eddie nodded. “Me too.”

“She could come downstairs. I’d love to have dinner with her. We could even take in a show in Nashville if you feel up to it.”

“I can’t … She can’t…” Eddie shook his head, “I’m running Dad’s company now.”

Tamsyn knew the answer before she asked. “Of course.”

Eddie’s face grew grim, “Do you love him?”

“Who?”

“Don’t play coy.” Eddie said, “You and Gunther aren’t exactly discrete.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s ok.” Eddie smiled. “You’ve become quite a screamer.”

“I’m really sorry, Eddie.”

“It’s ok.” Eddie shook his head. “I don’t blame you.”

“I wish you would.”

Eddie shook his head. “I keep thinking about Dad. I wonder what he’d do if he were in my shoes.”

“You’re not your Dad, Eddie.”

“Don’t remind me.” Eddie’s face turned grim as he went to his dark place.

Tamsyn waited until her husband’s mind returned before speaking. “I’m a whore. Your mother was right.”

“Stop it.” Eddie shook his head. “I know you have needs. I wish I could fill them.” He sighed. “You could sleep with a half dozen men in a single night and I wouldn’t care as long as you came home to me.” He stared at Tamsyn with an intense stare on his face. “I need you. I know it doesn’t make sense.”

Tamsyn tried not to smile. She’d recently bedded ten men in a single night, and returned home wanting an eleventh.

“I’d be a fool to leave you, Tamsyn.” Eddie said, “I know you’ve been working behind my back to keep the plant running. It’s the only reason the business hasn’t fallen apart.” Eddie started to cry. “It’s you and I now. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you too.” Eddie reached out with his hand to touch her face.

Tamsyn slapped Eddie’s hand away in horror. “Please don’t touch me.”

“Of course.” Her husband’s eyes turned fierce. He stared at her for several seconds before turning away. “You’re right. I have no right to ask anything of you.”

“It’s not what you think.” She wasn’t sure if her powers would affect a man like Eddie, but the skin-to-skin contact wasn’t worth the risk.
Tamsyn said, “I made a breakthrough in my studies the other day.”

“I can’t believe how much time you spend reading those smelly old books.”

“I’m thinking of getting rid of Gunther.” Tamsyn said. She gave Eddie a dead-eyed stare.

“Are you sure?”

“If I don’t do it now, I don’t think I’ll have the strength to do it later.”

Eddie said, “I’ll fire him.”

Tamsyn shouted. “You can’t.” She tried to compose herself as the tears came to eyes. She hadn’t been able to cry in months. Every day she felt she lost a little more of herself. She knew the only thing keeping her tethered to the mortal plane lay on the blanket next to her. “Gunther is my responsibility. I brought him into our house. It’s my job to make him leave.”

“Okay.”

“I do need one thing from you.”

“Anything.”

“I need you to sleep with me.”

“I can’t.” She felt Eddie turning away. “My thing hasn’t worked since the war.”

“I only ask that you try.” Tamsyn reached out with her feelings and pressed a slight stirring to her husband’s loins.

A smile came to Eddie’s face. “I’ll try.”

“Not today. Not tomorrow. But soon. Come to my bed when I call.”

“I will.” Tamsyn saw Eddie’s hand on his crotch. “What are we going to do with the rest of today?”

“Today?” Tamsyn wiped away a tear as she leaned back on the blanket and stared up at the clouds. “Today, I’m going to spend today with the love of my life.”

“What are you reading?”

Tamsyn didn’t look up. “A book.”

“I know it’s a book. Duh.” Jenny looked over Tamsyn’s shoulder. “The writing looks like chicken scratching.”

Tamsyn said, “It’s Sanskrit. Ancient Sanskrit to be precise.”

Jenny laughed. “You read ancient Sanskrit?”

Tamsyn asked, “Are you going to talk all lunch?”

She’d asked Jenny to lunch to get some privacy. They met at an out-of-the-way diner where Tamsyn hoped no one would know them, though in a town this size it was unlikely. .

Jenny asked, “How’s Eddie?”

“Grrrrr…” Tamsyn looked exasperated, “Please Jenny. Fifteen minutes. That’s all I ask. Eat your lunch and afterward, I promise, we can gossip.”

Jenny shrugged her shoulders and took a bite of her salad, mumbling under her breath, “This is pretty good.”

Tamsyn ignored her, taking several concentrated minutes trying to decipher the words. She’d found interpreting the spellbook wasn’t just reading the words. You needed to see between them. Gunther was growing suspicious. He’d begun to forbid her entry to the library. The staff he’d hired, now watched her every move.

Each page in the book started as guesswork. Tamsyn began keeping a notebook with the hope she might find something useful in a week or two. She’d worked for months with little progress until she found this book.

“What are you writing?”

Tamsyn gave Jenny an angry stare. “Do you mind?”

Jenny looked at her plate. Tamsyn saw she’d finished her salad.

“Sorry.” A look at the wall clock showed it’d been twenty minutes since Jenny last spoke.

“It’s ok.” Jenny said, “You look so cute when you concentrate. Your nose crinkles up like a bunny.”

Tamsyn touched her face, “Does it really?”

Jenny smiled. “How’s Eddie?”

Tamsyn shook her head. “Sometimes good. Sometimes bad.”

Jenny said, “It’s gotta be tough losing both parents at the same time.”

“Yeah.” Tamsyn nodded. “The board of directors of the company has voted to do a mental evaluation. They’re trying to remove him as CEO.”

Jenny said, “Can they do that? Isn’t his name on the building?”

“It won’t matter if they have the votes. I wouldn’t take an investigation long to find out about what happened in the war, and then…” Tamsyn sighed. “… I can’t save Eddie if he loses control of his Dad’s company.”

“Shit.” Jenny looked disgusted. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”
Tamsyn tried to smile. She wished she had more time. She took a deep breath. As much as it pained her, there was no other way. “Can you go to the church for me?”

Jenny laughed. “The church? Me?. Those people don’t exactly approve of my lifestyle.”

Tamsyn smiled. These days she broke out in a rash whenever she got within a block of the church. She’d probably burst into flames if she went inside. “I need to talk to Preacher Stevens. Do you think you could get him to join us at next week’s luncheon?”

Jenny nodded, “Probably. That man is always looking for a free lunch.”

Tamsyn held up her glass, “Tell him I’ll buy him the most expensive bottle of wine in the house.”

“Heh heh.” Jenny laughed, “I’ll remind him.”

Eddie sat on the floor, staring into darkness, oblivious to her entrance whether due to Tamsyn’s innate stealth ability or Eddie’s distracted mind. Edelle wore her favorite French import, and had painted her face to look like a French whore.

“Edelle?”

“Yeah?”

Tamsyn nodded, “Everyone missed you at work today.”

Her husband looked up with tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.”

Eddie said, “I don’t know what came over me.”

Tamsyn wasn’t sure what to do, “It’s not your fault.” She felt Eddie jump when she placed a gloved hand on his shoulder.

“Yes, it is.”

Gunther had put the angry thoughts into Eddie’s mind. Every time she mated with her master, she knew he could sense her rebellion. The beatings by Eddie were the latest torment the demon inflicted upon her.

“I like your outfit.”

“I hate it.”

“It looks good on you.”

Tamsyn placed a gloved hand on Eddie’s shoulder. She’d gotten good at controlling men’s passions. With each touch came a knowledge of accompanying emotions and it made sense if Gunther could do the same. The demon knew this man was the source of her resistance. His latest ploy was an attempt to snuff it out.

Eddie pulled at the cloth. “These clothes … it’s silly thinking Edelle is a real person..”

“It’s not silly. Edelle is you.” She didn’t need powers to know this to be true. “I cried for years when you left for war leaving me to sleep in an unconsummated bed but everything made sense when I met Edelle. You never wanted to be with me. You want to be me.”

Eddie looked up, “I’m so sorry. I had no right.”

“It’s ok. I have a plan that’s going to make everything right.”

“A plan?”

“Come to my bedroom on Saturday night. I’d like it if you wore my wedding dress.”

Tamsyn saw a spark of hope in Eddie’s eyes. ”I’ll be there.”

Chapter 25

Billy stared at Tyler, who sat on Tamsyn’s bed with a dreamlike look on his face. “Do you remember me, Tyler?”

“Of course, I remember you.” Tyler gave a nervous laugh.

The laugh caused a surge of warth to course into Billy’s body all at once. He touched his boobs. He felt the growing desire in his loins. A look in the mirror showed a beautiful woman standing in the room next to his best friend.

Tyler asked, “I know we’re only supposed to visit once.”

“You didn’t come here to check on Billy?” Billy wasn’t sure if he should be mad.

Tyler nodded, a temporary fog lifting from his brain. “Where is Billy?”

A part of Billy wanted to run. A bigger part wanted to tear into Tyler and suck out the juices. He slid a hand down to find he was already slick with anticipation.

Billy asked, “Tell me about your friend.”

Tyler stared as if confused for a second. Tyler closed his eyes. “We’ve been best buds since third grade. We do everything together.”

“Do you find him weird?”

Tyler said, “He’s uhhh … quirky.”

“Quirky?” Billy felt his emotion stir. “What does that mean?”

“He’s different from most guys.” Tyler said.

“So he’s weird.”

Tyler stated, “Billy is my best friend. It’s been true since the moment we met.”

“What would you say if I told you your friend Billy is a girl on the inside?” A tear streamed down Billy’s face. It was the first time he’d said the words out loud.

“Billy? A girl?”

Billy stared in the mirror. Anyone looking at him right now would think of him as a girl. Tamsyn’s help consisted of handing him a spandex bodysuit.

He looked exactly like the Silver Fox in the initial run of her comic book, #42 - The Fox Rises. A classic issue. It was the one where readers learn her secret identity. Billy knew it was Tyler’s favorite.

“Is everything ok?”

Billy nodded, “Yeah.” He’d wanted this for so long but it felt wrong.

Tamsyn’s voice called out. ‘Go to him, Billy. You know you want him.’

Billy looked around. He could hear Tamsyn’s voice but couldn’t see her.

“How do you like my costume?”

Tyler’s eyes brightened. “I like it. The same as last time.”

“Issue #42 of the original Silver Fox run is a classic.”

Tyler stared in surprise. “You read comic books?”

Billy stammered, “Uhhh … yeah. I … uhh … I guess I have a lot of time on my hands. I’m sure I’ve read issue #42 more times than you.” Probably true and for a completely different reason.

“I doubt that is possible.”

“This was my first attempt at cosplay.” Billy turned, mimicking Silver Fox’s famous pose. “What do you think?”

“You’re a natural.”

A surge of energy from Tyler flowed into Billy causing him to fall to the floor.

“Are you ok?”

Tamsyn said, ‘Go to him Billy. The longer you fight it, the worse the result. You need to feed.’

Billy stood, feeling the animalistic snarl on his lips.

“Do you want to sleep with me?”

“Do I want to sleep with you?” An incredulous grin crept on Tyler’s lips.

Billy said, “I’m serious. I need to hear it.”

“Hell yes I want to sleep with you.”

Tyler pulled down his pants, revealing a generously sized cock. Billy had seen it many times in gym class but never in this state. Billy’s feet had a mind of their own, his lips on his friend before his mind had a chance to object. Billy took his friend’s full length into his mouth, his carnal lust an unstoppable force.

A voice rose from the woods. Four boys sat around a cooler. Someone stacked a dozen empty beer bottles in a pile. “Do you think he’ll do it?”

The cutest boy said, “He’ll do it.”
The boy with the glasses answered, “I’m not so sure.”
The biggest boy said, “I’m starting to think he’s a faggot.”
The cutest boy said, “He’s not a faggot.”
The biggest boy said, “We’ve all seen the way he looks at you.”
The cutest boy answered, “Fuck off.”
The biggest boy said, “I bet he’d suck your dick if you asked.”
The cutest boy answered, “He’s up with the widow, isn’t he? That should prove something.”
The skinniest boy said, “It doesn’t mean they are fucking. Maybe she’s giving him advice on how to give a blow job.”
The biggest boy said, “You would know.”
The skinny boy standing up. “What are you trying to say?”
The boy with the glasses jumped into between them, “Don’t fight.”
The biggest boy stepped back, the crisis avoided. “Anyone want a beer?”

Wake up Billy.

Billy opened his eyes. Tyler lay on the bed next to him. He had a big smile on his face.

“Did we?”

Tyler smiled. “... best blow job of my life.”

Billy bit his lip, tasting the remnants of cum and swallowing it with the rest.

That’s not enough. You have to fuck him Billy.

“Noooo…” Something felt off.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

‘You can’t fight it.’

Billy said, “Your friend Billy. He’s not gay.”

Tyler droned, “I know.”

“He’s not straight either.”

Tyler said, “I know that too.”

Billy looked at Tyler, “You do?”

Tyler shrugged, “He’s my best friend. I know him better than anyone in the world.”

“Do you know he loves you?” Billy took Tyler’s hand, a new surge of energy

Tyler nodded. “... yeah… I love him too…”

Billy’s hand searched under the sheets. He found Tyler at half mast, soon growing to full length. No words were exchanged as Tyler straggled his friend’s body.

‘I love the power of youth.’

Only desire remained. A part of Billy’s brain screamed in defiance but it was no match for the hunger. Primal urges flamed inside, animal instincts reaching out as Billy’s voice became more demonic, “Take me, Tyler.”

Tyler nodded, pressing his penis against Billy’s body, causing him to almost pass out.

Their lips met, tongues touching like so many dreams. Years of desire surged through Billy as lightning coursed through his veins.”

“I need you, Tyler.” This time Tyler didn’t respond.

A look at Tyler showed his eyes had gone back into his head.

Billy flipped his friend over with one hand, then wrapped his arms around Tyler, straddling him in a cowgirl position. But losing his virginity for the second time this night flew from Billy’s mind as a pair of wings sprang out behind him.

‘Welcome to the sisterhood, Billy.’

Chapter 26

April 1922

“You can do it, Eddie.” Tamsyn pulled off her gloves. She’d taken more from Eddie than she could ever repay.

“I can’t. It’s never worked around girls.”

“We’re going to switch places.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Lay back.”

Fear was etched on Eddie’s face. “I can’t …”

Energy flowed into her from Eddie. It tasted different from the others, sweeter. Tamsyn pulled up the dress to reveal her husband’s nakedness.
The flesh in-between wasn’t impressive. It could hardly be after the years of no use.

“Relax. Let me show you.”

The wedding dress lay flayed behind Eddie’s head as Tamsyn leaned forward. She used her energy to do what her kind did best. Eddie felt the blood pump into his loins. “Oh my god… I think it’s working.”

“Shhhh…” She placed a finger on Eddie’s forehead. “Repeat these words. ‘I am you. You are me.’”

The changes to her own body happened without thought.

Eddie’s eyes went wide. “What??? How???”

“Don’t question it. Fall into the dream.”

Eddie’s eyes grew dim. Tamsyn whispered to Eddie’s ear, “I am entering you now.”

She pressed forward, her sex shrinking to accommodate Eddie’s small size. She grabbed Eddie’s hand and pressed them to her breasts.

“Feel yourself Eddie. This is your body.”

Eddie screamed when she knelt down to kiss him. Long strands of her hair covered both of their faces.

“The hair, these lips, my face. All of it yours.”

Eddie shouted, “Yes … yes… mine…”

Tamsyn knew it wouldn’t take long. She’d been in enough beds to know the feeling when a man was about to cum. She moved her hips in rhythm with her husband until she felt the sudden twitch. The entire encounter from beginning to end took less than forty-five seconds. Five years and forty-five seconds.

Light from Eddie’s essence twinkled in the air as the sun went down. It wasn’t like the others and there was no way she was letting Gunther get a taste.

“What happened?”

“Happy anniversary dear.”

“I feel different.”

“You lost your virginity.”

Tamsyn felt the warmth in her belly. The power of her husband’s virginity filled her with a power she’d never known. The books taught a virgin’s sperm much more powerful than normal sperm and she’d tested this premise many times in the past. Now it seemed virgin sperm given with love… a seeming exponential increase. Now for the hard part…

Eddie asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been lying to you, Eddie.”

“Lying?”

Tamsyn put a hand to her belly allowing the light to grow until a bright wisp of light emerged.

“What the hell?”

“I’ve pulled similar essences from hundreds of men over the past year. Of course, you aren’t like other men.”

Eddie stared at the light. Transfixed by what he saw. “I don’t understand.”

Tamsyn said, “I’m a witch, Eddie.

Eddie turning, his face falling away from the hypnotic light, “A witch?”

“Of a sort.” Tamsyn nodded at the light in her hand, “I can turn you into a girl but I need you to trust me.”

“Stop teasing.” Eddie’s eyes brightened.

“Do you trust me?”

Eddie nodded. “Of course?”

She held Eddie’s combat knife in her right hand. “I’m going to need a little blood.”

Jenny and Tamsyn sat on the balcony, both holding a cigarette. “I watched with my own eyes and I’m still having trouble believing that’s Eddie.”
Tamsyn said, “You don’t see the resemblance in the face?”

“Of course, I see the resemblance. He looks like a young Mrs. McClary.” Jenny looked through the window towards Eddie who was sprawled out on his back and as naked as the day he was born.

“Don’t ruin this for me.

“I can’t believe he’s got tits. How did you do it?”

“I told you. It’s magic but the spell only lasts until midnight.”

“Does Eddie know that?”

“I haven’t got the heart to tell him.”

Jenny peeked through the window to get a better look at the action until Eddie’s screams shook the window.. “He’s taken to it well.”

Tamsyn nodded, “Yes he has.”

“Wow.” Jenny laughed, “He’s starting again. He might be a bigger slut than me.”

Tamsyn shook her head. “Is Preacher Stevens ready?”

Jenny nodded. “He’ll be waiting at the bottom of the hill with Stewy at 11PM.”

“Good. Are you ready?”

Jenny smiled. “I’m always ready.”

Gunther stared impatiently as Tamsyn ate her dinner. “Stop staring. You know I can’t go out until dusk.”

“You better come back with quality seed or next week’s beating will be worse.”

Tamsyn waited from the vantage point of her bedroom until darkness covered the town. Long strands of black hair swirled behind as her wings took flight. She flew for hours. Floating through the clouds with the wind in your face, and world far below – she’d found nothing better with the exception of sex. If everything went right tonight, she’d never have another opportunity to fly.

She landed behind the group, making no sound as her feet touched, giving her ample opportunity to change into the form that wouldn’t scare the shit out of her ‘team’.

Tamsyn said, “Thanks for coming.”

Preacher Stevens jumped when he saw her, “Anything to save a lost soul.”

Tamsyn nodded, “I appreciate it.” She smiled. “Did you bring the holy water?”

Preacher Stevens held up a milk bottle full of clear liquid. Tamsyn reared back when he waved it around.

“Careful.”

Preacher Stevens said, “Sorry.”

Jenny said, “I’m struggling with the idea that demons are real.”

Tamsyn touched a spot on her arm. It had been three days since she’d met with Jenny and Preacher Stevens and told them. Preacher Stevens looked skeptical until a drop of holy water burnt a hole into Tamsyn’s skin.

“If things go bad, run. If he overpowers me, I won’t be able to control myself.”

Preacher Stevens gave a grim nod.

Tamsyn looked at the third member of their group, “You doing ok, Stewy?”

“Yes, Tamsyn.” Stewy’s eyes always looked glazed in her presence. He’d been a frequent target in her early days and she’d turned him into her thrall. If all went well tonight, perhaps she’d be able to fix Stewy too.

Preacher Stevens asked, “Do we need him?”

“Yes and trust me. You don’t want to know the reason.” Tamsyn said, hoping the preacher didn’t press further.

Tamsyn looked at Jenny who returned a grim nod.

Preacher Stevens said, “I wish you would have allowed me to bring more people.”

Tamsyn answered, “Gunther would sense a mob long before you crossed the door. Trust me. This will work.”

The taxi stopped in the driveway. Tamsyn exited the cab holding a bottle of champagne, with Jenny and Stewy close behind. Gunther’s eyes morphed into lizard-like slits when he saw the visitors. “What are you doing here?”

Tamsyn gave Gunther a kiss on the cheek. “You remember Jenny and Stewy.” She handed Gunther a bottle of champagne.

“Of course.”

Gunther set the bottle down. “We have an agreement and it doesn’t include bringing your slutty friends to the house on a Saturday.”

Tamsyn said, “It was Jenny’s idea. She didn’t believe me when I told her you had a twelve-inch cock. I told her you’d be glad to show it to her.”

Gunther sneered at the compliment. “Don’t we have more pressing business tonight?”

Tamsyn nodded, “That’s why I brought Stewy. You take Jenny as an appetizer. I take Stewy. We’ll meet in my bedroom for the main course.”

Gunther frowned when he looked at Stewy, “I thought you were done with this one. He’s barely worth the effort.”

“Come on, Gunther.” Tamsyn said, “Think of it as a double date.”

“You should have cleared it with me.” Gunther said, grabbing Jenny by the wrist as he passed. “Come with me.”

“Ewww. I like boys who play rough.”

The brute pulled her up the stairs and towards his room. Tamsyn closed her eyes. She didn’t deserve such a loyal friend. She turned to Stewy who stood silent.

“Let’s go.”

Tamsyn grabbed his arm and pulled him up the stairs. “We need to be quick.” I doubt Jenny can hold his attention for more than twenty minutes.” The comment was a reminder to herself more than information for Stewy. She read every thought in Stewy’s brain, and didn’t find much.

They found Edelle in the solarium, waiting naked on the bed.

“You know what to do, Stewy.” Tamsyn sent mental instructions to reinforce the command. Stewy began undressing at once.

Edelle said, “Something doesn’t feel right, Tamsyn.”

Tamsyn used a minor coercion spell as she spoke, “Trust me, Edelle. This is the only way if you want to remain a girl after midnight.”

Stewy dutifully joined Edelle on the bed as Tamsyn raised her hands. A second later the wisps of light she’d gathered from virgins all over the county grew bright, escaping their prisons of glass and flying into the air.

Gunther had grown lazy. While the seven deadly sins might put a priest on a path to become a demon, these failings don’t automatically become blessings when you join the other side.

He assumed her visits to the solarium were to visit her husband. A more attentive person would have felt the power she was gathering in the attic. Tamsyn had put a dampening spell on the entire floor to dissuade his interest but it was there just the same.

Light surrounded Edelle as Stewy continued to pump and Tamsyn spread her wings wide in hopes of undoing all her harm.

“Oh my god.” Tamsyn said, staring into the mirror. “It’s worse than I could have imagined. I’ve turned into your mother.”

Tamsyn could see Edelle wasn’t listening. The spell had switched their bodies. Edelle now wore Tamsyn’s skin. Tamsyn wore Edelle’s.
“I’m a woman.”Edelle choked out, her tears falling fast.

Tamsyn put her arms around Edelle, “You’ve always been a woman, my love. Now you’ve got the body to go with it.”

Edelle didn’t answer, the trauma of the experience clearly too much.

Tamsyn reviewed her plans and the spells she planned to cast until she heard the clocks sound midnight. The body she wore shifted into a masculine form.

A tall man in a black overcoat blushed at Tamsyn’s state of undress, “You’re Tamsyn?”

Tamsyn nodded. “Yes.”

He pointed at Tamsyn’s body. “And that’s Eddie?”

“Yes.”

Tamsyn fidgeted as she stared at the priest. It felt weird to stand in a man’s body. If she’d been born this way, the world might have been her oyster. Of course, there were downsides to being born a man. She traced a finger along the scar on Eddie’s forehead, safe in the knowledge the raised bump wouldn’t fill her with the same emotions without the memories of the event.

Tamsyn nodded. “Did you sanctify the house?”

Preacher Stevens said, “I spread holy water around the entire perimeter and blessed the house. The demon is trapped.

“Good. You should get out of here before Gunther comes downstairs.” Tamsyn looked up at the window for Gunther’s room. “I doubt Jenny will be able to hold him much longer.”

“You don’t think I’d leave you alone in the face of evil do you?.” Preacher Stevens pulled a Bible from inside his coat. “The church has gotten reports of demonic possession in the area for longer than you’ve been alive. I couldn’t live with myself if I allowed him to escape.”

Tamsyn shrugged. “It’s your funeral.”

Preacher Steven smiled as he adjusted his sacraments. “On your knees. Both of you.”

Tamsyn watched as the preacher’s lips began to move, “Are you seriously going to pray for us? For me?”

“Yes, Tamsyn.” Preacher Stevens placed a hand on Tamsyn’s forehead.

Tamsyn said, “We don’t have time for this. I’m a lost soul, remember?”

“How many times do I have to tell you? You’re part of my flock. And it’s in forgiveness where we find salvation.” Preacher Stevens motioned the sign of the cross, “And there’s always time for prayer.”

Tamsyn took a deep breath. Everything in her life had led to this moment. She’d made a lot of mistakes, but she’d always meant to do good. Even when she hadn’t. A look at her arm showed the burn mark had disappeared.

“I’ve got a full wine cellar in the basement.” Tamsyn stood, feeling like a burden had lifted from her. “If you make it through this, take your pick.”

“It’s a deal.”

Jenny shouted from the bedroom, appearing in the hallway holding a bedspread over her shoulders, “Don’t leave, Gunther. I was getting warmed up.”

Gunther didn’t look happy as he sniffed at the air. “I smell something foul.” He moved down the hallway with a purpose, stopping when he saw the small gathering at the bottom of the stairs.

“You brought a priest to face me?” Gunther jumped off the balcony, shifting into his true form before he hit the ground. “Pathetic.”

Preacher Stevens’ face turned to horror as he raised the large cross in front of his body. In his other hand he held the remnants of the holy water. “Stay back, foul beast.”

Gunther gave an amused grin. “I’m disappointed. Is this the best you can assemble? Your weak-willed husband, a sex starved whore, and an alcoholic priest?”

Tamsyn did her best not to react. Gunther looked at Edelle whose mind remained in a stupor.

“No pithy response? Curious.” He sniffed at Edelle then Tamsyn. He laughed. “Trickery. I see you’ve been practicing the craft.”

Tamsyn held the knife in front of her body.

Gunther laughed harder. “If you’ve been studying, you should know a steel blade can’t penetrate my skin.”

Tamsyn stared at the beast, “People have underestimated me all my life. Most have seen a pretty face or something worse. It used to bother me but I eventually realized these people name their own inadequacy when they placed a label on me.” She looked towards Edelle. “My husband was the first person who saw me. My life changed the day we met and he’s given me a life beyond my wildest dreams. The only thing I ever wanted was for us to settle down so we could live out our days in peace.”

Gunther said, “You belong to me, Tamsyn. I demand you take your place by my side.”

Tamsyn felt the pull of Gunther’s call but the power of Eddie’s virginal essence gave her a temporary boon.

“I belong to no one.”

She plunged the knife deep into her husband’s heart, and the pain forced her to her knees.

Chapter 27

Billy woke in darkness, seeing the outfit at the bottom of the bed. The panties went on easy, as did the bra. He put the nightgown over both then put on the slippers.

A look around showed no one in the room. He called out anyway. “Tamsyn? Tyler? Is anyone here?” The unmistakable sound of whispers stopped as soon as he spoke.

Billy exited the bedroom to find the candles in the house extinguished and the ballroom furniture rearranged. In place of the couch sat a large table with chairs on all sides.

Every candle in the place lit at the same time.

“SURPRISE!!!”

The sudden light blinded Billy for a moment. When his vision cleared he saw a dozen women staring at him.

“I’m sure you’re confused.” A gray haired woman spoke. Billy blinked several times to make sure his eyes weren’t tricking him.

“Mrs. Skelton?”

“It’s good to see you again.”

Mrs. Skelton taught 2nd grade at the town's elementary school. “What are you doing here?”

“Welcome to the sisterhood.”

“Huh?”

"You're part of our coven." A lady strode forward, holding out her hand. “You have powers. We will help you learn to control them.”

Billy stared at the familiar woman’s face. “Do I know you?”

Several women laughed. “Madame mayor, I think you’re going to need to spend more money targeting the high school before your next election.”

The woman held out her hand, “I’m Nicole Lambert.”

“Uhh …” Billy said, “I remember seeing signs with your face on them.”

You must see something.

Flashes of memory appeared. Terror filled Billy’s bones. He doubled over and knelt to the floor.

“You're having a vision. The first of many in the coming days. Try to slow your breathing and close your eyes.” Nicole moved her hand back and forth across Billy's back. “Tell me … what do you see?”

Darkness swirled a shouts and screams echoed through the black as an indistinct form began to take shape.

“I see Gunther.” Billy turned to stare at the tall man. “He’s yelling… at me…” Billy opened his eyes and looked towards the second floor balcony. “I se him. He jumped from the balcony wearing red eyes… and large horns.”

“Anything else?”

Billy closed his eyes. “I see a man dressed in black … And there’s a woman on the balcony … I see … Tamsyn … no wait … that’s me … oh god … there’s a knife.”

Pain exploded in Billy’s chest driving him to the floor as the searing pain spread from head to toe.

Mrs. Skelton asked, “Are you ok?”

“No.” Billy lay prone on the floor unable to move, the slightest movement making the pain worse.

That is my last memory.

Billy grabbed at his chest. He didn’t think the pain would ever stop. When he looked up he saw several of the women standing over him. Mrs. Skelton said, “The painful memories are the strongest.”

She held up a book. The leatherbound cover read – the Personal Diary of Mrs. Edelle Baldwin.

“If you want to know more. The relevant part of the story starts on page 58.”

I don’t have much to say about the next part. Even after all the years the memory makes me want to cry.

I watched as Tamsyn plunged my knife deep into her heart. Of course the truth was the knife entered my heart but it’s semantics at this point.

It’s impossible to describe the feeling when you watch your own body fall to the floor with a knife handIe sticking out of your chest. I’m sure I screamed. I suspect the others in the room reacted in a similar fashion.

I tried to run to her but something froze me in my tracks. I watched helplessly as Jenny ran down the stairs to administer first aid but it was too late.

Edward McClary, Jr. - Born: June 19, 1898 - Died: April 21, 1922.

The local papers said nice things. Most mentioned my war service and omitted the bad parts. Edward McClary, Jr. had a well-lived but short life with a second chapter only a special few ever knew.

It would have been a short chapter if not for Tamsyn. I felt her spirit enter my body and watched as my hands drew intricate patterns in the air and my mouth spoke in a language I did not understand. Preacher Stevens hit the demon with holy water while Tamsyn cast the binding spell. When the smoke cleared, Gunther lay helpless on the floor.

They say pride goeth before the fall. That was true here.

Gunther assumed Tamsyn couldn’t fight back after he stole her soul. The man didn’t understand Tamsyn’s strength. When the final battle came, she had more than enough power to stand up to him. I provided the soul.

He also forgot he had bound himself to Tamsyn long before the reverse was true. An employment contract is a weak bind as far as these things go but it was still in force on the day of the battle. Tamsyn bound herself to the house and then bound Gunther to her ensuring the demon could never leave. I must say, he’s not much of a butler, but he’s better than nothing.

Billy asked. “Can I go home now?”

The hall had started to clear. Most of the witches had left.

Mrs. Skelton replied. “I’m sure you have questions.”

Billy said, “I’m really tired.”

Nicole looked at Mrs. Skelton and back to Billy. “I’ve assigned Mrs. Skelton to stay in the house with you for the next few days.”

“Stay … in this house?” Billy looked from one end to the other. “No way. My parents would freak. And then there’s school … and my friends.” Oh shit. “Where’s Tyler?”

“Your friends are quite safe.”

Billy reached out with his mind, and sensed his friends growing distant. He jumped to his feet, covering the distance to the door in a matter of seconds.

Mrs Skelton called after him, “Don’t go outside…”

As Billy jumped off the porch, a shockwave pressed back, leaving him writing in pain on the wooden floorboards.

This is our limit. We can go no further.

The pain subsided the closer Billy drew to the front door. ““What’s going on?”

“Tamsyn is bound to this house and so are you.”

Billy picked herself up. “I don’t understand.”

Mrs. Skelton nodded, “Remember when you said you'd give anything to become a girl? There is always a cost when magic is involved.”

“No … no … no… .” Billy searched the hill, finding his friends growing more distant. Rocky carried a bag full of empty beer bottles. Symon and Quincy raced down the hill. At the back, Tyler spoke to a girl.

“Who’s with Tyler?”

“You don’t recognize her?” Mrs. Skelton said, “That’s Willa.”

“She looks like Tamsyn.”

“No … Billy.” Mrs. Skelton said, “You look like Tamsyn.”

Welcome Billy. I have a lot to teach you. We’re going to have a lot of fun together.

Chapter 28

“I brought tea.”

“I’m good, thanks.”

Books and papers lay spread out over the table.

“Have you decided?”

“Not yet.”

A thousand memories flooded in each one making it difficult to know where the old Billy ended and Tamsyn began. “She’s trying to erase me.”

“You’re learning my story. There’s a difference.”

The memories danced from good to bad to awful … the memory of dancing with Stewy at the dance club … the thought of killing Mr. McClary … the joy of feeding on a victim. The first few days were full of tears. The last few more downs than ups.

“I can’t do this.”

“Yes, you can.”
“Yes, you can.”

Mrs. Skelton asked, “Have you decided on a name?”

“Can I use Billie?”

Mrs. Skelton asked, “A clean break with the past would be a better path forward.”

“I agree.”

“Will you shut up?”

Mrs. Skelton gave a cross look.

“Sorry. I wasn’t speaking to you, Mrs. Skelton.”

“Of course.” Mrs. Skelton laughed. “I remember my time with Tamysn. She can be a handful at times. Perhaps it would be good if we took a break upstairs?”

“That sounds good.”

The house was far bigger than the outside perimeter suggested and underground tunnels added by the witches for their comings and goings added even more space. Every woman in the coven had started out like Eddie. A girl born in a boy’s body. They ended up like Tamsyn with one major difference. They all kept their souls during their time in the house.

The town looked the same as it had before, the only difference being the ability to see the coming and goings of the citizens without the need of a telescope.

He’d spent days watching his friends and staring at his old bedroom, now occupied by Willa. Tamsyn had lied, changing the records was the easy part, made easier when most of the town’s men are enthralled by the Sisterhood.

Mrs. Skelton smiled when she saw the ashtray on the balcony contained a few more empty crushed butts than the last time the pair had taken a break.

“The cravings get you?”

She shrugged.

Mrs Skelton nodded. “Willa’s purse was full of nicotine patches when she went down the hill. Learning to quit smoking is part of the process.”

“What do you think happened to Tamsyn?”

Mrs. Skelton answered a question with a question. “What do you think happened?”

“I don't know, my memories of Tamsyn aren’t what I’d expect. Everything happened over a century ago.“

“I am Tamsyn.”

Mrs. Skelton asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Tamsyn’s memories stop the night she died. It’s like the demon inside of me is a broken fragment.”

“You’re a broken fragment.”

Mrs. Skelton asked, “Do you have a theory?”

“I like to think she went to the next place … the good place. I mean ... Preacher Stevens gave her a blessing her right before the battle.”

“True.” Mrs. Skelton smiled. “That’s one way to think of it. Then again, suicide is a mortal sin.”

“She killed herself for a good cause. She and Gunther did terrible things. I mean, if a live grenade is tossed into a room full of people and one person jumps on it to save the others, is that a mortal sin?”

Mrs. Skelton nodded, “That’s a question for a theologist.”

“Replaying the story makes me feel sad.”

"Of course. There is a lot of sadness in Tamsyn's tale but I think it has a happy ending."

"You do?"

Mrs. Skelton looked down at the town. “I remember the day I climbed up the hill. I didn’t have any friends. I’d never been on a date. Thoughts of ending it crossed my mind more than once. Something called me up the hill. I’m old enough to have known Edelle when she was leader of the coven. She stood on this same balcony when I asked her a similar question you asked me today.”

“What did she say?”

Mrs. Skelton said, “She didn't have any answers either.”

“Oh.”

Mrs. Skelton wiped at her eyes. “Edelle told me the happiest time of her life was the decade she and Tamsyn spent together but as the 1920s turned to the 1930s, they realized they needed more. They had plenty of money, but they they weren't immortal and something had to be done. They ultimately decided to create a coven with a primary purpose of keeping the demon bound but it had a secondary goal as well -- helping those born like Eddie. Tamsyn never had any children in life. She's had many in death.”

“We are the daughters of Tamsyn.”

Mrs. Skelton nodded, “Edelle told me each of us come to this house, bringing with us fears and doubts, and those of us lucky enough to be brought into the coven are assisted into womanhood by Tamsyn. She helps each of us achieve our dreams, and in return we help her achieve her own. We are her legacy.”

“That’s a nice thought.”

“I thought so too.”

Chapter 29

“Have you picked one yet?”

Two dozen pictures sat on the desk. Behind the pictures were details about each candidate. She didn’t need to read the dossiers. She’d gone to school with all of them. She’d had classes with some but none of it mattered. Even staring at the pictures made her wet.

“Not yet.”

Gunther growled. “You can’t wait until the last minute. These guys will be starting up the hill soon. If we don’t discourage some of them, there’ll be fights.”

None of it felt real and others too real. At some point, their minds came together, fitting like a glove.

A long thin cigarette hung from painted lips as she took a long drag.

Gunther asked, “Do you want me to pick?”

“You know Gunther, there are times I preferred it when you didn’t speak.”

The man’s crotch showed a large bulge pressing against his pants. None of the boys in the picture would have anything close but she’d denied him the past week in a fit of pique. They both knew she wouldn’t make it much longer.

She shook her head, “I can choose.”

“Of course, ma’am.” Gunther took a step back.

The silence in the room felt heavy as the reality of her situation pressed down. She’d checked the math several times. The best math showed it’d be at least three years to learn all the spells and gather all the reagents, more likely four.

Her finger tapped on the geekiest of the bunch. Maybe he’d be a surprise. “After he’s gone I’d like you to come to my room.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Is that all, ma’am?”

“Call me, Tamsyn.”

“Of course.”

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