She closed her eyes and wil
led herself to end the broadcast. Her message had been sent and there was nothing left to do. But ending the show felt like severing the last link she had to Billy. Without it, they were officially done. It hurt more than she could explain.
“Billy,” she opened her eyes to stare into the camera, “I don’t want you to feel like you owe me anything for tonight’s broadcast. I did this because I wanted to make up for a mistake almost two decades in the making. You loved me and I stomped on that love with my distrust and anger. I should’ve known better. Should’ve opened my eyes to what I had in front of me. I’m so sorry.”
Silence filled the room. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest. With one last inhale, she managed a small smile and nodded at the camera.
“And to the citizens of Monstrana, this is my last broadcast at Lochness. I loved filling your living rooms with the supernatural kind of entertainment, but I’m dedicating myself now to the running of the country. You deserve a leader who will give herself to you fully. I know that, now. I couldn’t ask for a better calling in life. As such, I will be leaving tonight for my very first royal mission outside of Monstrana. A werewolf village in the country of Ghana awaits my arrival. Just remember that I love you all.”
Mr. Treckle motioned at the cameras and the blinking red lights shut off. The spotlights on Stasia dimmed and the whole room shuffled about in awkward silence. Nothing seemed to disturb Thea from her nap, though. Stasia grabbed a blanket from the set and placed it softly over the old woman’s lap.
“Very good, very good,” Mr. Treckle exclaimed, his exuberant smile causing a double chin to form on his neck. “I’ll bet Myra’s bleeding mad right about this moment. I can’t wait to see her face.”
“I think I’ll go clean out my desk and get out of here, Mr. Treckle, if that’s alright with you.” Stasia rolled her sore shoulders and watched the cameras being torn down. “I’d prefer not to be here when she shows up.”
“That’s probably for the best,” he said, rubbing his chest. She turned to leave and was two steps away before he called out again. “Oh, and Ms. Pavlosky?”
She cringed, wondering what kind of last-minute insult he’d hurl her way.
“That was a fantastic interview.” He chuckled softly. “The best idea you’ve come up with yet. If you ever decide to come back to broadcasting, give me a call. There’ll be a place here for you.”
A small smile played on her lips. She nodded her head and continued toward the exit. What a change of events. The range of emotions from this day had left her exhausted and weak.
She might never get to see Billy again, but at least she’d done her best to mend his shattered soul. And hopefully, wherever in the world he ended up, he’d have a clear conscience.
And maybe, one day she’d get over this heartbreak.
Chapter Eighteen
Billy stared at the television screen, not really sure what he’d just witnessed. Esther, from beyond the grave, talking about how happy she was now and absolving him of all wrong-doing. And Stasia. Beautiful, wonderful, lovely Stasia confessing that she loved him on live TV. His heart seemed to swell with the knowledge.
Puncturing the introspective moment was the sound of a witch cackling in the background. Billy turned to see Madge shoving the last handful of popcorn into her mouth and then making the bowl disappear with a snap of her fingers.
“I told you, didn’t I?” she asked, her cheeks pink. “Good old Althea always comes through on a promise.”
“You knew.” He stared at her, unblinking.
“Of course, boy. Now, don’t make old Madge kick you in the rear. Go get your girl.”
He sprung from the couch, adrenaline coursing through his body. She was right. He needed to go to Stasia. Take her into his arms and show her just how much he still loved her. But how would he get there? His beater truck would take hours to get there. That was much too slow and Stasia could be leaving the country any minute now. He needed a better way.
“Any chance those handy powers of yours include transportation?” he asked.
“No can do,” she said with a shake of her head. “Not unless you want to risk reappearing with your skin inside out. I’d suggest you try less supernatural modes of transportation.”
He shuddered and turned toward the door. The truck was it. His only option. He’d better get a move on.
“Thanks, Madge!” he yelled over his shoulder. “You’re a doll.”
“Don’t mention it,” she said, slapping her thigh with a grin. “Just another love match in the books.”
He ran through the screen door and stopped short when he spotted a familiar 88’ red Toyota pickup parked in his drive. Two people were getting out and walking his way. He recognized the hulking form of his friend Garret and the petite shape of his sister in the fading evening light.
“Billy, did you catch Stasia’s interview?” Ashley asked. She looked at him with big green eyes, her lower lip trembling.
“Yes, I’m on my way to her now.”
He didn’t really have time to talk. The seconds were ticking away. Stasia could be back at the castle by now. Or, she could be on her way to the airport for all he knew. He needed to be on the road.