Page 113 of Cursed By Fate

“You’re in pain,” I said.

“You would be too if a raging asshole kicked you in the kidneys.” She offered her hand to help me to my feet. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to corral him for the ritual.”

“The fault is entirely mine.”

She scanned the area behind me. “What happened to Vale and Cowboy? I thought they were with you.”

“Crowd control with Gage and the Chrises.”

“Who knew a bunch of elderly people would require so much manpower?” Harriet mused. “I heard a lot of gunfire. Was anyone hurt?”

“Not as far as I could tell. I think Keith overestimated the hand-eye coordination of his posse.” He overestimated all his minions, it seemed, as well as himself.

Harriet cast a glance over her shoulder at the dark waters. “Will the Aspidochelone be back for her babies?”

“She’ll retrieve the two from the water and return them to their nest.”

She observed the dunes. “How big do you think they’ll get before they join their mama in the ocean?”

“Good question. We’ll have to do a bit of research.” I had no doubt Penny would jump at the chance to earn extra credit.

Harriet and I locked arms and helped each other across the dunes, where the Neighbors had shaken off Keith’s influence.

Gerry’s brow furrowed as he looked around the beach. “What am I doing out here? I hate sand.” He stalked off, struggling to stomp his feet in the sand.

A petite figure cut through the dissipating crowd and made a beeline for me.

Penny.

The fury rushed toward me. “Are you okay, boss? Did anyone hurt you?”

“Beaufort, what are you doing here? I told you to stay⁠—”

“I know, but someone sent a Code Red to my phone. I couldn’t ignore it. I got here as fast as I could.”

Of course she couldn’t ignore it. I would’ve done exactly the same.

“The witches helped me round up all the weapons, and Clement LaRue is currently handcuffed to Meemaw’s golf cart.”

I opened my mouth to respond but no words came out.

Harriet smiled. “I think what Maya means to say is ‘thank you.’”

“Yes. Thank you, Penny.”

Penny radiated eagerness. “Is there anything else I can do?”

“If you could help anyone who seems disoriented, that would be great. I’m sure some of the Neighbors will be confused. We’ll schedule a debriefing for tomorrow. The HOA will have to issue an official statement.”

I did not look forward to that conversation.

Penny regarded me. “Are you all right to walk, boss? You look pale.”

“I’m drained, that’s all.”

“Would you like me to drive you back to your cottage?”

“I can manage. Take Clement to a holding cell. Do you remember where they are?”