“If my mother was a witch that means I’m going to be a fire witch.”
“I’m sorry dear, it doesn’t work like that. If it did every child every witch ever birthed would be gifted, magic is much rarer than that. I’ve read about cases where the gift jumped three or four generations. Before the purges, in the Middle Ages, the ability to control power could go dormant never to resurface in a family line. We’re not exactly sure what sparks the ability or if it ever will spark. Most research has shown that young adulthood is when the first manifestations of control show themselves. Once that starts, there is a huge amount of work that goes into learning control and finesse,” Ophelia glanced and leaned over before continuing like a co-conspirator, “You haven’t turned eighteen, yet?”
“I hadn’t thought about it much since my stepfathers been gone, my family never really celebrated birthdays. What’s the date? I forgot what the date is.”
“Today is Sunday, June eighteenth.”
Helena did some quick addition in her head. “My birthday is Friday. This Friday that is June twenty-third, right?”
“You are blessed child, you’re going to turn eighteen on the first night of the summer solstice full moon. It is one of our most sacred nights. Many cultures believe that is when the veil between this world and the others are the thinnest. It’s a night of celebration around the world. It is also a potent night for people to practice the dark arts.”
“Then for my birthday, I wish that I can find Missy.”
“Careful with what you wish for, the universe can find a twisted way of answering prayers or wishes. Especially when you are close to places of great magical power, all magic comes with a price.”
“Brother Murphy said something that made me think just before we left his winery. He said that ‘evil is always looking for a way to enter men’s hearts.’ Did he mean that men are more susceptible to evil than women?”
“No, I think Brother Murphy would find there are just as many evil women as there are men. The question you should be asking, what did he mean by evil? Different doesn’t automatically mean evil. I’m sure the most villainous, black-hearted, reprobate believes his motives are pure.”
“Then how do we judge good and evil?”
“By someone’s actions. What is good for the community versus what is good for the individual is how I judge.”
Ophelia finished her sentence the same time Helena observed three women walking towards them one the bunny that ran off with her cork and locket followed by two women, their hair cropped short. For a fleeting moment, she prayed that one of them was Missy, but the closer they got she could tell that was impossible, one obviously Asian the other looked Mexican.
“Lady Ophelia, I found these two women that recognized the picture in the locket.”
“Well tell your story girls, do you recognize this woman?”
“She helped both of us escape The Nymphia, we would still be working there if she didn’t help us catch a ferry out of the city. Once you start that line of work, it’s impossible to escape, your little more than slaves.”
“I saw that sign, I asked my escort what it was, but he wouldn’t tell me,” Helena realized after the woman began speaking she wasn’t Mexican she spoke perfect English.
Ophelia said, “Dear, you can learn that most men find it difficult expressing themselves clearly if it involves sex. The blood rushes from their brain, and they lose all common sense. The Nymphia is a brothel. A place where men go and pay women for sex, generally against the women’s will.”
The three women standing in front of Helena all nodded agreement, “When my husband threw me out, I got scooped up off the streets and forced to work there. I would’ve never escaped had it not been for Miss Whitaker’s help,” Helena was shocked that such a seemingly refined white woman could end up working in such a place.
“I was sold from one of the houses in Chinatown to the Nymphia, I had no say. Miss Whitaker saved my life,” the Chinese woman spoke softly embarrassed of her predicament.
“Thank you, both for helping this young lady out. She’s trying to find Miss Whitaker, I hope the goddess keeps her safe until all is resolved,” Ophelia said dismissing the three women. Bunny handed Helena back her two clues before joining the others.
“I had no idea life was so unfair,” Helena tried hard to fight back the tears. “It sounds like Missy was a wonderful woman, but I’m no closer to finding her.”
“Life just is. People in power do whatever they can to whoever they think they can.”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I have no leads to follow. This was my last hope to find Missy.”
“Never assume just because one door closes another one isn’t about open. Lately one of my acquaintances from back east has moved into the area. She is a powerful Seer. She can tap into the life force better than anyone I’ve ever met. Now, she is working for a woman in Santa Clara who is being haunted at every turn. If you go to Lady Chesterfield’s home in Santa Clara, speak with Madame Griselda, tell her Mistress Jinx sent you. She might be able to give you an idea where to look.”
Helena couldn’t believe it Santa Clara lay on the complete opposite end of the bay, and they were just there Friday evening. She grew tired of this Consulting Detective business. She was happy and surprised that while searching for Missy, she had found out so much about her family’s past. Now she just needed to find the woman that helped so many.
She stood, thanked Mistress Jinx for all her help before heading back to
