Funk-N-Fiction

Our second story of day one for the 2026 Halloween Flash Fiction is another exerpt, and this one comes with a book title and cover reveal!
Here’s your sneak peek of, TAROT, Witchbane Book 9 by Morgan Brice

An excerpt from TAROT, Witchbane Book 9
By Morgan Brice

They whiled away some time enjoying coffee on a riverside bench watching the boats go by. For dinner, Seth got fried chicken while Evan felt adventurous and tried a Lowcountry boil, a mix of fresh seafood. They were seated at a bistro table with a view of the river and a grouping of candles flickering in red globes, simple yet romantic.

The restaurant also featured a local Tarot reader and medium who offered table-side readings for an extra fee. Evan saw her stop to talk with a number of the patrons who clearly took her up on the offer, but he and Seth didn’t even need to discuss the possibility. They just shook their heads when she approached.

The medium didn’t press the issue, but Evan noticed her looking at them several times before they finished eating, and he wondered what had attracted her attention.

At their waiter’s recommendation, they both ordered a boozy Chatham Artillery Punch, the city’s signature cocktail before they paid the bill, and Evan hoped it would take the edge off his nerves. He glanced around for the medium as they left, but she wasn’t in sight.

“I can’t believe they let us just walk around with alcohol,” Evan noted when the waiter encouraged them to take their drinks with them instead of hurrying to finish.

“There’s a lot to like here,” Seth agreed. In the distance, they could hear a band playing upbeat contemporary favorites. The clip-clop of horses added rhythm as the tour trolleys passed, along with the low buzz of conversation from other sightseers and nearby walking tours.

Although it was just past sunset, Evan swore he could feel a shift in the city’s mood. Not necessarily dangerous, but as if the place’s haunted feeling was rising from the shadows where the bright sun had driven it into hiding during the day.

“I have a message for you.”

Seth and Evan turned to find the medium from the restaurant behind them. Evan hadn’t heard her approach, and his hand fell to a silver switchblade in his pocket. He saw Seth shift slightly to reach for his own hidden knife.

“I mean you no harm.” She didn’t move closer. “The spirits you avenged here give you their thanks and a warning. The man you seek next is even more dangerous. You will need your allies more than ever. Rely on them.”

“Who are you? Did someone send you?” Seth demanded. Evan stayed quiet, rattled by what the medium said.

“The ghosts sent me, no one else. I have no idea what that message means. This kind of thing never happened to me before. But the spirits insisted I come. Take that as you will.” Despite Seth’s hostility, she didn’t seem ruffled.

“It’s okay,” Evan told Seth, hoping to defuse the situation. “Let’s go.”

“I wish you well on your quest.” The medium turned and walked back to the restaurant. Seth stared after her.

“What the hell?” Seth started.

“How would she know that we avenged anyone? Or that there’s someone else we’re looking for? Sterling Vernon killed a lot of people,” Evan added, naming the Savannah witch disciple. “Maybe the ghosts of his victims just wanted to help.”

“Maybe,” Seth allowed grudgingly, waiting until the medium was out of sight before he turned and muttered a protective cantrip under his breath.

Evan felt spooked by the encounter, but couldn’t dismiss the feeling that the warning had been genuine. Never turn down help, whether it’s alive or dead.

***********

Watch for TAROT, coming soon in ebook and print!

The Witchbane series is a supernatural, second chance at love thrill ride packed with hurt/comfort, deadly magic, immortal witches, determined hunters, spells and curses, true love, impressive explosions, spooky chills and sexy thrills!