the Witches’ Council has reinstated my contract with Spellcrackers.com. I get to keep my job, and my home—the compromise being that the witches will no longer offer me their protection, as Detective Inspector Helen Crane was entirely too happy to inform me.
Finn was taken to HOPE and then transferred to sanctuary, where he underwent the treatment to purge the
He held my hand and told me he would keep my secrets.
I don’t know what that means, or how I feel about that for now, so I’ve tucked him away in that box in my mind, along with all the other things I’m not yet ready to think about.
Like Rosa.
And Malik.
I’ve heard he is still in London, but I haven’t seen him.
I sip my orange juice and look at the headline in today’s newspaper.
WITCH TO BE BURNT AT THE STAKE.
Toni has been quickly convicted of Melissa’s murder—the motive being blackmail over the witch’s secret relationship with a vampire—and as Toni can’t object and Rio is dead, it’s a nice neat ending for all concerned.
I push my sandwich away, no longer hungry, and watch the rain.
Acknowledgements
My heartfelt thanks go to those who have helped this book on its way.
The Thursday Writers—an uninspiring name for a truly inspiring group of people—Alison Aquilina, Malcolm Angel, Judy Monkton, Doreen Cory, and our erstwhile mentor, Della Galton. And last but not least, Fiona Knight, whose constant encouragement and willingness to splash red and purple paint over my words can never be appreciated enough. Without you all, the reality would still be a dream.
To John Jarrold, my agent, a big thank-you for your belief and support. To the crew at Gollancz, for welcoming me so enthusiastically into the fold. And to Jo Fletcher, editor extraordinaire, thank you for all your wonderful work in making my book so much better.
