Page 25 of A Keeper of Time

“And ye ken Evanore?” Angus asked. Worry for his friends and what this witch had in store for all of them was at the forefront of his thoughts.

“I do. We are no’ friends.”

This was news that Angus wasn’t expecting. He was happy to know Edna was safe and that she would not be harmed, but he wondered just what Evanore’s plans were for the rest of them. Obviously it would be something that would hurt Edna as well, but what?

Chapter 8

Once again Edna found herself on the outside looking in with little she could do to stop what was about to happen. Hamish and Donal had ventured into San Francisco where they met with Zeke. They were all making plans to head to the Marina Green to the spot where they would travel back in time. Zeke carried his phone so he could let Maggie know when they had arrived and were ready.

“Where are your wives?” Zeke asked.

“They wanted to come, but we felt it best that they stay behind. We have a new baby and Donal’s wife is expecting,” Hamish said. “Elle’s been helping her sister run the tea shop. We’ll be heading back out on tour after the baby comes, so they’re looking forward to having something they call sister-time while they decorate the nursery.”

Donal beamed, “Aye, little Elena loves to help with her cousin. ’Tis good practice for when the new bairn arrives.”

“Oh… I’m so happy for both of you,” Sara said.

“Thank ye,” Hamish replied.

They crossed the busy street that led to the spot they were all familiar with. It was a Saturday, so the area was filled with people out with their dogs, exercising and just enjoying the crisp fall day.

“Okay, is everyone ready?” Zeke asked.

“Yes,” the women all said in unison.

Hamish and Donal nodded.

Zeke made the call to Maggie. “Hello.”

“Hi, Zeke. Is everyone there?”

“We’re all here and ready to go,” he assured her as he glanced around at the group surrounding him.

“Doona anyone move. Stay close together. I have no’ moved this many people at one time before but everything is going to be just fine.”

Edna could hear the confidence in Maggie’s voice. She was so proud of her. Proud of the way she was handling all of this.

The group gathered together and in a few moments the whirlwind descended on them. Ashley, Jenna and Sara found it difficult to stay on their feet. The wind was stronger than any of them remembered it being. Zeke, too, was pushed aside as the wind swirled around and around and around. When it stopped. Zeke looked around. His wife was gone and so were Hamish and Donal.

Tears stung Edna’s eyes. Evanore had done it again.

She stood behind Edna and a maniacal laugh emerged as she clapped her hands.

Edna spun around, surprised by the unexpected arrival of Evanore. “The least ye could do is announce yerself when ye arrive.” Anger filled Edna’s voice and eyes.

“Whatever for? I’m enjoying yer reactions to me work.”

Edna’s hands were balled into fists. Her loathing for Evanore was overwhelming.

“I can see ye’re upset, but doona worry, I’ll be done soon enough, Edna. Let’s see. Who else is left?”

Edna didn’t say a word. She wasn’t about to help Evanore and her evil plans ruin anyone else’s life.

“The doctor is already back in Glendaloch, where he will stay. Hmmm…” she tapped her lips with a well-manicured fingertip as she looked skyward, obviously thinking. “Oh, aye. That English knight, Sir Richard. His wife Angelina must go back to San Francisco as well. And that maid, Sophia. She didn’t even want to time travel. I’m sure she’ll be relieved to go back home. And I can no’ forget yer daughter, Lena!”

Edna lunged towards Evanore, but an invisible wall stopped her in her tracks. “Ye’ve got to stop this. It’s me yer angry with. Destroy me. Destroy me life, but leave them alone!”

“Doona ye see, Edna? I am destroying ye.” Evanore walked to the doorway and glanced back over her shoulder. “Doona worry. ‘Twill all be over soon.”