Page 113 of Wild Scottish Beauty

“You can see them too?” Orla burst out and then closed her eyes, realizing what she’d revealed.

“Yes, we both have. I think Loren Brae has a lot of unusual activity. It’s not so uncommon, particularly if you’re someone who’s sensitive to that. Which it seems you are, am I right?” I asked, gently, not wanting to scare her off, but my mind was whirling.

Agnes had told me about how she’d been working to uncover the next potential members in the Order of Caledonia. Traditionally, the Order was made of people who held various roles that would help run or protect a village. We had the Knight, the kitchen witch, the garden witch, and the weaver. We’d run through some of the other possible scenarios, and a builder or carpenter had been oneof them. A house witch, we’d thought. Now, as I stared at Orla, I realized that I might have inadvertently stumbled on our next member.

“Yes, I might have a bit of a proclivity for the paranormal. But I promise it doesn’t affect my work. I can help clear some of the energy of a space is all.”

“A useful talent in your line of work, I’m sure,” Ramsay said smoothly, while I calculated how weird it would be to pounce on Orla and parade her to Agnes.

“Do you live in Loren Brae?” I asked.

“Grew up the next village over,” Orla said, relaxing as we shifted the conversation. “Been here or around these parts most of my life.”

“Well, well, well, isn’t that interesting?” I beamed at Ramsay who was looking at me like I’d lost my mind, and Calvin began to wail from the car. “I’m just going to take Calvin over to Bonnie Books while you two finish up. Orla, lovely to meet you. I look forward to working with you.”

“Same to you. We’ll shine the shop up in no time,” Orla promised.

“Don’t you want to see her estimate first, lass?” Ramsay asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

“Nah, I’ve seen your books. You can afford it.”

Ramsay chuckled as I walked back to the car and scooped Calvin up, my heart hammering as I walked toward Bonnie Books.

Maybe, just maybe, we’d be able to banish these dangerous Kelpies sooner than everyone hoped.