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Two women walk on a dark city sidewalk at night; one in a Harvard sweatshirt, the other in a black dress with gothic makeup.

Two women walk on a dark city sidewalk at night; one in a Harvard sweatshirt, the other in a black dress with gothic makeup.

Chapter 1 – The Witch Audra Pennywell trudged down the sidewalk, clutching her résumé folder like a life raft. Harvard sweatshirt over a white turtleneck, jeans, beat-up sneakers, hair in a tight bun, thick glasses sliding down her nose—she looked like she’d sprinted straight out of the library into a storm of bad luck. She had graduated top of her Harvard class, yet tonight she was jobless, broke, and bitter. Under a sputtering streetlamp, a pale woman in a sleek black dress watched her pass. Silver jewelry winked. Eyes like pins. “You look… wasted potential,” the woman murmured. Audra stopped, tired, frustrated, and on edge. “Yeah? Well, maybe I don’t need career advice from some stranger hanging around in the dark.” The woman’s smile curled, amused rather than offended. “Perhaps we’ll meet again.” A shiver skated up Audra’s spine. She turned away with a muttered “Whatever,” and hurried on. Chapter 2 – The Call Audra had barely dropped her bag on her kitchen table when her cell phone buzzed. “Hello?” “Miss Pennywell? Mr. Doyle from Westbrook Academy.” Warm, professional voice. “I’d like to talk about a teaching position—very casual. I’m often at a place called The Crazy Canary. Could you meet me there tonight? Quick chat.” Audra glanced at her clothes—Harvard tee over turtleneck, jeans, sneakers. Not exactly interview attire, but rent didn’t care. “Yes. I can come now.” “Great,” he said. “I may be a bit late. Order a soda. I’ll find you.” She grabbed her bag and headed See more