All Hallows Eve: A Krewe of Hunters Novella (1001 Dark Nights) Read Online Free PDF Page B

artifacts.”
    “It’s owned by one of the silly Southerners who moved north to shovel snow,” Susan said. “Pass the garlic bread, will you please?”
    “And there’s a restaurant and shop that opened near there,” Matt told them. “Indian, from across the ocean. Great food. Beautiful saris and shirts.”
    “Too much curry, that’s the way I see the food,” Susan said.
    “What about the old places?”
    “Most of them are still around. And, of course, there are a number of covens. I think we also have people practicing Santeria or voodoo or something like that.” Susan shook her head. “Evil spells.” And her hand with the fork shivered halfway to her mouth.
    “Most people,” Uncle Jamie said, “whether they’re practicing Santeria or voodoo or if they’re Baptists or Catholics or Episcopalians, are good people. Today’s Wiccans tend to be lovely, not wanting to hurt anyone.”
    “You really do see the good in everyone,” Susan said.
    “Most religions are good. What men and women do with that sometimes is the problem. I just don’t go assuming they’re out to do evil.”
    “I hope not,” Matt said. “Halloween seems to bring out all of the kooks. Especially in Salem. And we did have that terrible incident with those murders just a year or two back.”
    “We know about that,” Sam said. “We had colleagues involved with the investigation.”
    “We’re going to hope that everyone behaves for Halloween,” Susan said sternly. “And plan on all good things, right, Elyssa?”
     The young girl nodded. “I’m going to the school dance, then a party at Nate’s house. I’m going to be an angel. Not costume-wise. I’m going as Poison Ivy. But I’ll be an angel.”
    When it was time for the Adair family to leave, Elyssa caught Jenna by the door and gave her a tight hug once again. “Thank you so much for coming. You’ve made me feel sane again.”
    Jenna smiled and watched the family go.
    As the car drove down the street, Sam turned to Uncle Jamie. “Okay, so what’s really going on around here?”
    Jamie stared at him. “What do you mean?”
    “I know you’re in on everything happening. Santeria, voodoo. What else is there that we need to know about?”
    The older man sighed and shrugged. “We do have two voodoo priestesses in town. They read tarot cards and do palm reading. But that’s not new for Salem, as you know. A few neighbors have complained about chickens. I assume they’re being used in their services.”
    “And the Wiccans? Have you heard of anything troubling there?”
    “They’re like any group, squabbling now and then.”
    “Were any of the groups upset about the things going on at the mortuary?” Sam asked.
    “Now that I think of it, there was a town meeting. Quite honestly, it was all the usual. A woman complaining that having the mortuary be a theme park attraction for Halloween made fun of witchcraft. She objected to the image of everyone who practiced the Wiccan religion being portrayed as a broom-riding, warty old woman. Someone else was complaining that the haunted house took away from the historic value of the town. Another guy gave a great oratory about the freedom of being in America. Be Wiccan, a Buddhist, whatever, and accept all else. Some clapped for him, some said freedom came with responsibility and respect. But cooler heads prevailed. It’s Halloween and every self-respecting town has to have a great haunted attraction. Besides, Salem makes a lot of money at Halloween.”
    “Think you can make us a list of names of people who seemed to be heading toward the fanatical stage on their speeches?” Sam asked.
    “Absolutely.”
    “You talked to Jackson?” Jenna asked Sam.
    He nodded. “Devin Lyle and Craig Rockwell are going to come straight here from a situation in San Diego. They’ll be here by tomorrow night, or the next morning at the latest.”
    “That’s Halloween,” Jenna said.
    “I’m off,” Sam said, smiling at the other two.