Corruption (Grumpy Old Wizards Book 2) Read Free Page A

coffee?”
    “Coffee.”
    “How do you drink your tea?” Josephine asked.
    “Same as I do my coffee.”
    “Do you like dogs and if so what’s your favorite kind?”
    “I like dogs but I don’t really want a pet right now. I prefer small dogs, I guess,” Mark said.
    Jake’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he observed his grandmother interrogating Mark. Jake already knew all about Josephine’s test for selecting a suitable match and that Mark had passed with flying colors. Josephine had told Jake on several occasions that no matter how unlikely the prospect, she would give a guy a chance if he answered her questions correctly. Josephine exchanged a meaningful look with Jake before turning back to level a forced smile at Mark.
    “I think it would be nice to meet for coffee sometime,” Josephine said.
    “That’s great! Let’s exchange phone numbers.” Mark whipped out his cell phone.
    Josephine dug out her own cell which was a recent acquisition and swapped numbers with Mark. Josephine enjoyed herself as they continued to converse over their dinner. She didn’t return to her condo until late in the evening but had trouble going to sleep as doubts about leaving retirement plagued her mind. Josephine looked over the application and résumé that her friends had completed for her before turning it in the next morning. Josephine’s body tensed with nervousness as she drove home. She planned on changing out of her professional attire and into shorts and a blouse so she could go jogging at the beach but as soon as she reached her condo, Alice and Helen came over to visit. Obviously, Alice had been keeping a vigilant watch from her guest bedroom window which offered a perfect view of Josephine’s parking spot.
    “How did it go?” Alice asked.
    “A clerk took my application and told me they’d call me for an interview if my qualifications were a good fit,” Josephine said.
    “The government runs very slowly. I heard it can take weeks or even months before they contact any applicants,” Helen said.
    “I don’t know if my nerves can take that,” Josephine said.
    “You just need to do something to fully occupy your mind,” Helen suggested. “I would go running with you but I’m afraid I’m out of shape.”
    “I think we should work on some jinxes to use on Dale. We’ll break into his condo and set up some surprises for him.” Alice’s eyes gleamed with mischief.
    “I think you should try to extend an apple branch to him. See if you can mend fences,” Helen said.
    “Extend an olive branch,” Alice corrected.
    Helen’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “That’s exactly what I think!”
    “I think Helen’s right. I’m going to prepare some enchantments as a goodwill gesture. Or maybe I can just use something I’ve already made,” Josephine said. “What do men like and dislike?”
    “They’re a bunch of pigs,” Alice said with a moody frown.
    “They tend to be lazy,” Helen supplied with a helpful smile.
    Josephine snapped her fingers and pointed at Helen with elation. “That’s exactly it! I’ll give him a couple of my cleaning enchantments. They’re advanced and do a thorough job.”
    “That’s perfect,” Alice agreed.
    Josephine grabbed two of her small, thin wands programmed for cleaning with a small label wrapped around the handle to indicate their use. She placed them in a shiny, gold decorative box and went over to see Dale. As soon as Dale opened the door and realized who was paying him a visit, he slammed it shut in her face. Josephine scowled with irritation as her instincts screamed at her to shell out some payback.
    “Dale, I just want to talk,” Josephine called out.
    “What’s stopping you?” Dale’s sarcastic voice was muffled through the door.
    “We can’t carry on a meaningful conversation like this,” Josephine said.
    “I’m not going to invite a slut into my home.”
    Josephine’s face flushed as righteous indignation swept through her. “I’m not a