WDM Presents: Short Fiction from 2021

WDM Presents: Short Fiction from 2021

Deb Logan

Debbie Mumford

Contents

Introduction

Five Stories

by Deb Logan

I. Paladin Shield

II. Siren Surf

III. The Case of the Vanishing Puppy

IV. The Twelve Days of Tricksters

V. Rush!

Ten Stories

by Debbie Mumford

I. Seventh: First Fruits

II. Death of an Alchemist

III. Miss Bainbridge’s Summer Adventure

IV. The White Dragon and the Red

V. The Cat Lady of Yellowstone

VI. The Wedding Cake

VII. Treasures

VIII. Delia’s Decision

IX. Fool’s Puzzle

X. Wildfire!

Also by Deb Logan

Also by Debbie Mumford

About Deb Logan

About Debbie Mumford

Introduction

Welcome to WDM’s Short Fiction of 2021.

In this volume you’ll find five short tales written by Deb Logan, and ten stories by Debbie Mumford.

Deb Logan typically writes contemporary and urban fantasy for kids and teens, and four of these five tales fit that description. The fifth is a cross between science fiction and mystery - a tale of a little girl growing up on a space station who dreams of becoming a detective… just like her dad!

Debbie Mumford enjoys writing lots of different genres, and the stories in this book illustrate this beautifully. They run the gamut from urban fantasy to historical to cozy mystery.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stories WDM published in 2021!

Five Stories

by Deb Logan

Part I

Paladin Shield

1

My name is Artemis Lucia Woodward-Kendrick. My husband, Jedidiah Amos Woodward-Kendrick, and I recently purchased our first home.

I stared at the words I’d just written in the journal that Jed and I had decided would hold the record of our lives together in this house, our first home.

Our home.

Not my parents’ home, or my in-laws, or even Grannie O’Toole’s quaint cottage in Dublin. No, this sweet little house on the outskirts of McIntosh, Colorado was our home. Jed’s and mine. Since we were newly married and as yet unemployed, we’d been able to afford this investment in our future thanks to the generosity of our friend and benefactor, Laird Angus O’Connor.

Life had been a whirlwind since I’d rescued Jed from enthrallment to the fairy queen in Ireland last Halloween. But that horrendous ordeal was behind us now. We were safely married, had enjoyed a fabulous honeymoon in Hawaii— again, thanks to Laird Angus— and had celebrated Christmas with friends and family here in Colorado.

We’d been home from our honeymoon for a scant three months, but already the new year had brought even more change. My parents had decided to downsize, moving from the home I’d grown up in to an upscale condominium on the shore of Lake McIntosh. Of course Jed and I helped with packing and their move, but since we’d been staying with Mom and Dad, that event had also necessitated a search for a home of our own. Jed’s parents had offered us a room in their home, but we’d decided it was time to find our own place in the world.

And now, thanks to Laird Angus, we’re the proud owners of this lovely little cottage situated on the very edge of national forest land. The cottage sits on an acre and a half of land, shaded by old growth pines and firs. Though it was only mid-March, crocuses and daffodils were already shooting up in the front garden and buds were showing on the apple tree in the backyard.

Inside, the cottage was snug and cozy, reminding me of Jed’s grandmother’s home in Dublin. The main floor boasted a comfortable living room which Jed and I had furnished with second-hand items, including a few pieces my parents didn’t have room for in their new condominium. Like the well-worn brown leather sofa that used to live in the great room of my childhood home and the antique mahogany secretary Jed and I discovered when we were cleaning out the attic.

I smiled, well pleased with the look of the room. From the hardwood floors with their braided rag rugs to the mismatched sofa and overstuffed chairs to the secretary, lovingly cleaned and polished, the room spoke of comfort and contentment. Which was exactly what I wanted.

Opening my sight, I studied the room again, this time nodding with satisfaction at the warding runes glimmering on the walls and surrounding the windows and doors. Jed and I would be safe within these walls. No wandering Fae would break through those wards.

Moving into the kitchen, I sighed with happiness. From the cheery yellow walls and white pine cabinets to the farmer’s sink, brushed steel appliances, and terra cotta floor tiles, the room suited me perfectly. I glanced across the half-wall with its serving counter to the dining area. Jed and I had found a wonderful pine trestle table and six matching chairs at an estate sale. We intended to share many meals at that table, enjoying the view from the wide windows that overlooked the tame carpet of our back lawn as well as the wild beauty of the old growth forest beyond.

Finally, I turned my attention to the bedroom… and shivered as a tingle of delight ran down my spine. The room was dominated by a king-size rustic aspen log bed topped with an heirloom log cabin quilt done in blues and reds and golds. The quilt was a gift from Jed’s parents, but the bed itself was our gift to each other. We’d seen an example of the craftsman’s work on a trip to Estes Park and had known instantly we had to have one. The bed was our one splurge. Everything else in our new home might be second-hand, but our bed would be our own. We’d special ordered it that very day, and now here it stood, in our own bedroom, in our own home.

Anticipating the night to come, my heart raced. I was almost as excited as I’d been on our honeymoon! Forcing my thoughts back to the here and now, I continued my examination of the house, moving to the narrow staircase.

Much like Grannie O’Toole’s home, our cottage also included a second story—two small bedrooms tucked beneath the eaves with a shared bath. At the moment they both served as storage for the crates and boxes we’d yet to unpack, but we intended to set at least one up as an office.

Of course, an office suggested we had a clue about our future careers. Which neither of us did… at least not yet.

Sighing, I returned to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, I removed a pitcher of orange juice, grabbed a tumbler from the cabinet beside the sink, and poured myself a glass. Carrying the orange juice to the trestle table, I sat and sipped the tart liquid while staring at the huge trees beyond the yard and pondering our future. Life had finally settled down. Mom and Dad were happy in their condominium. Jed and I had a place to call our own. It was time to establish a routine, and that meant finding a way to support ourselves. We were adults now. Time to make our own way in the world. No more dependence on either set of parents, or even Laird Angus, the head of Clan O’Connor, and my friend and mentor during those dark days in Ireland.

We needed jobs, but what kind?

Sure, we had skills. Unique skills that had been passed through our bloodlines for generations, but those skills weren’t exactly marketable.

Jed and I were hereditary Sidhe Seers. We could see what other mortals could not. We saw the Fae— in all their beauty and horror. And more than that, now that we’d found the journal left by my Seer ancestress, we were learning that we had the ability to banish the Fae from the mortal world.

But since regular folks had no idea the Fae existed, except in children’s tales, our skills weren’t exactly a hot commodity. Sure, we’d gone to college. Jed had decent IT skills and I was an excellent researcher, but information technology and library science were unlikely to support us; not when we might have to drop everything on a moment’s notice in order to fight an incursion of Fae!

I had no idea how we were going to solve this puzzle, but knew we’d figure it out. I shook my head, remembering what was important: Jed and I were together. When he’d been enthralled by the fairy queen in Ireland, I’d been terrified that he was lost to me forever, that I’d never find a way to rescue him. Yet here we were, married with our own home in Colorado. Finding jobs would be a snap compared to breaking the fairy queen’s hold on my best friend… and the love of my life!

Before I could do more than take another sip of orange juice, I heard the front door open and footsteps pound across the hardwood floor.

Artie! Jed’s voice called. Where are you? I’ve got news!

2

I ’m in the kitchen, I called, placing my glass on the table and standing to meet the man I loved.

Jed burst into the room, strode to my side and swept me into his arms, hugging me tightly. You’ll never guess, he said, twirling in a circle before setting me on my feet and holding me at arms’ length.

What? I cried, laughing and working to find my balance after his enthusiastic greeting. What are you so excited about?

Angus! he said, his grin so wide it was a wonder he could speak. Laird Angus is coming. I just got off the phone with him. He’s at the airport now.

In Dublin? When will his flight land in Denver?

No, he said, his eyes alight with merriment. He called from Denver! He’s renting a car and will be here within the hour.

My happy surprise turned to horror. Here? Now? Jed! We don’t have a spare bedroom set up yet. Not that we’d really planned to have a guest bedroom. We intended for those small bedrooms upstairs to be storage and an office. At the moment, both were disaster areas! I glanced toward our bedroom with its beautiful king-size bed and sighed. Our first night in our new bed would have to wait. The laird would have our room and we’d make do with sleeping bags among the boxes upstairs.

Jed laughed and pulled me into his arms. Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Angus can afford a suite at the Hilton, though I expect he’ll make do with a less fancy hotel here in McIntosh.

I sighed, more relieved than I wanted to admit, and nodded. Okay. Did he say why he was here? I asked, and then hurried to add, Not that I’m not delighted, of course, but Colorado is a long way from Ireland.

Jed released me and moved to the cabinet beside the sink. Grabbing a tumbler, he poured himself a glass of orange juice and we settled at the table.

Not really, he said after chugging half of his juice. He just said he needed to talk to us and he’d be on his way as soon as he had keys to a car.

I nodded and sipped my juice. I wasn’t worried about him getting lost on the way; he’d made the drive from Denver to McIntosh last fall when he’d accompanied Grannie O’Toole to our wedding. But why was he here at all? What could the clan chief of the O’Connors need to talk to us about? I suspected there was more to the man than most people knew— when I first met Laird Angus my sight had hinted he was far more powerful, and far older, than he seemed— but I’d kept my suspicions to myself.

Perhaps we were about to discover more about our benefactor.

A little over an hour later, Jed and I stood on our front porch as Laird Angus O’Connor parked a dark blue Subaru Outback in our driveway. I reached for Jed’s hand as Angus stepped from the car and made his way to us.

Mr. and Mrs. Woodward-Kendrick, he said with a gallant bow. It’s pleased I am to see ye in your new home.

Welcome, Laird Angus, Jed said, letting go of my hand and stepping forward to shake the Laird’s. We’re always glad to see you.

Laird Angus turned to me, mischief sparkling in his eyes. And ye, Artie? Are ye glad to see me? He cocked his head and raised an eyebrow.

I laughed and threw myself at him, startling him so that I nearly knocked him to the ground, but he caught me in his arms and we hugged each other tightly. I owe you my life and my happiness, Angus, I whispered, tears gathering in my eyes. "You will always be welcome in my home."

Jed cleared his throat and I stepped away from the Laird, wiping my eyes and smiling. Well, don’t just stand there, Jed said. Come in and see the place you helped us buy!

Jed and I proudly escorted Laird Angus through our home, even leading him through the mess of the upstairs bedrooms and detailing our plans for them once we’d finished unpacking and could find the floor. We finished by standing on the back deck, pointing out where our land ended and the national forest land began.

Ah, ‘tis a bonny place ye’ve chosen, he said as Jed opened the patio door and led us into the dining area. I’m sure ye will be verra happy here. He glanced above the door, his eyes losing their focus, and I knew he was examining our wards. When satisfied, he nodded and smiled at me. Ye’ve done verra well. ‘Tis proud I am to have ye in my clan.

I grinned. About that…

Aye, yer Grannie Maeve told me. The mystery of yer lineage has been solved, he said, his eyes twinkling. I’d like to have a peek at that wee journal while I’m here.

Of course, said Jed, but before we start talking business, why don’t we sit down? Maybe have a cup of coffee or tea? He cocked his head and continued, Here or the living room? Your choice, Angus.

The Laird clapped, rubbed his hands together, and nodded. A cuppa wouldna go amiss, he said with a smile. Tea, if it’s no trouble, and let’s settle in that pretty living room.

No trouble at all, I said, moving around the counter to put the kettle on. Jed, why don’t you show Angus the journal while I make the tea.

Jed nodded and the men left the kitchen.

A few minutes later I carried a tray into the living room to find Angus standing by the window studying the journal Jed and I had discovered in the antique secretary in the attic of the home where I’d grown up; the same secretary that now stood in the corner of this room in all its newly refurbished glory.

Well, I said, setting the tray laden with mugs of tea and a plate of oatmeal cookies on the oak coffee table, I’m glad to see you haven’t been wasting time.

Angus looked up and grinned. Closing the book he strode across the room and settled in one of the overstuffed chairs. Jed joined me on the sofa and handed out napkins and cookies while I arranged the mugs of tea within everyone’s easy reach.

I took a sip of my tea before gazing directly at Angus and asking, So, Laird Angus, what brings you to Colorado?

He held up the small book he’d been studying. This journal for one thing, he said solemnly, and then gestured to me, and to welcome a long-lost daughter into the clan.

I frowned. That can’t be all. Regardless of that journal, I became part of your clan when I married Jed.

True enough, he agreed, but this journal clears up your bloodline. ‘Tis good to know which line of my descendants you belong to. He laid the journal on his knee and patted it. I lost track of this lassie when she came to America. I’m glad to know her line continued and her blood ran true.

Whether he’d intended to or not, Angus had just confirmed my long-held belief that he was far older than he looked. I glanced at Jed and saw with amusement that he’d had no idea. His eyes were fairly popping out of his head and his jaw hung slack.

I took the mug from Jed’s hand and placed it on the coffee table, nudging him with my elbow as I did so. Close your mouth, my love, I said quietly. You look like he hit you with a two-by-four.

Angus laughed as Jed composed himself. You’re not surprised, Artie? Angus asked in an amused rumble.

My insight suggested as much when I first met you in the O’Connor archives, I said.

But you never said anything! Jed protested.

I shrugged. I didn’t know for sure. Besides, it wasn’t my secret to tell.

Ye are wise beyond yer years, lass, the Laird said. Turning to Jed, he continued, "I am not only the laird of the O’Connor clan, Jedidiah Amos Kendrick. I am THE O’Connor. The first and original Sidhe Seer. My longevity is due to the fact that I am half sidhe. My father is a sidhe prince; my mother was a mortal woman. He shrugged and took a swallow of tea. And I? I am as you see me… and have been so since before the Romans invaded the British Isles."

B…but…but, Jed stammered. "But the sidhe are FAE!"

Angus nodded. "Indeed they are. Sidhe is the old name, the Gaelic name. They’ve been known as the fair folk, which devolved into fairy, for centuries now. I prefer to name them Fae, myself."

Jed shook his head. "But if you’re part Fae, aren’t you, aren’t we hunting your own family?"

Angus nodded. "I despised the way the Fae treated mortals, my mother included, and vowed to protect humans from the sidhe. He cocked his head and gazed intently at Jed. I heard about your interactions with the selkies and that part-siren girl in Hawaii. You didn’t banish them. In fact, you helped them."

They weren’t hurting anyone, I said quickly, my cheeks heating and my pulse quickening at the implied criticism.

He held up his hand. "Peace, Artie. I wasn’t questioning your decision, merely making a point. If the sidhe, the Fae, leave mortals in peace, I’m content to instruct my clan to leave them be. ‘Tis only when the Fae prey on mortals that me and mine intervene."

We were all quiet for a few moments, each considering the ramifications of the Laird’s remarks. I bit into an oatmeal cookie, savoring the rich flavors of creamed butter and sugar, oats and raisins as I considered the man’s long life. Not to mention the fact that I wouldn’t exist if he hadn’t married in the far distant past and sired children. I wondered exactly how many people alive today could trace their lineage back to Angus O’Connor? Certainly both Jed and I could.

My eyes widened and I inhaled so sharply I almost choked on a bit of cookie. Didn’t that mean that Jed and I were related? Should we have married? Would the Laird’s revelations end my relationship to the man I loved more than life itself?

My thoughts must have shown on my face, for Angus reached across the coffee table and patted my knee. Relax, Artie. I checked. Yer line and Jed’s parted company before America was even discovered. Ye are nowhere near being closely related, despite the fact that ye both descend from me.

My cheeks heated and I lowered my head, allowing my hair to fall forward, shielding me from his gaze. Before more than a heartbeat or two had passed, Jed touched my arm.

Don’t, Artie, he said quietly. You’re safe with me, and Angus means us no harm. You don’t need to hide.

I straightened, pushed my hair behind my ears, and leaned into Jed’s arm. Thanks, I told him. Turning to Angus, I said, Forgive me, laird. It’s an old instinct.

Angus studied me. "Yer defense is formidable, Artie. I almost lost sight o’ ye, and I’m