Justin had nearly finished his omelet when Sylvie finally slid the roast into the oven. She bustled off, promising to be right back. When he was done, he washed and rinsed his plate and fork, and got himself a glass of orange juice from the fridge. He was almost done with that before Sylvie returned, accompanied by an attractive older woman, her short hair steel gray, her eyes pale blue, her skin tanned and lined with age, but it still looked soft and supple, like well cared for leather.

“Justin, this is Vanessa,” Sylvie said. “So? Can you do something for him?”

Vanessa the witch frowned and settled a pair of reading glasses on her nose as she moved closer, reaching out to run a lock of his hair between her fingers. “My, my, the damage is extensive. I’ve never seen so many split-ends, and it’s as brittle as old straw.” She gave him a hard look over her glasses. “Young man, are you on drugs?”

“Uh, no, ma’am,” Justin said, taken aback. “I just haven’t eaten real well for a couple of years.”

“Hmm,” she said, a thoughtful noise. “I can’t do anything with this mess,” she said finally and Justin’s heart sank.

“Well, thanks anyway,” he said. “I appreciate you taking a look.”

“Oh, we’re not giving up that easily,” she said, unshouldering the strap of a large bag Justin hadn’t noticed hanging at her hip. She carried it to the table and set it down, then motioned to the chair beside her. “Sit. I have a lot of work to do.”

Confused, Justin sat in the chair. “But, you said—”

“I said your hair is a lost cause,” she said, pulling a pair of shiny copper shears out of her bag, like the kind used to shear sheep in the olden days. “Once it’s gone, I can start with a clean slate. Now hold still.” Strong, bony fingers dug into his hair, tilting his head to one side.

“I’m not sure I like this,” Justin said, his heart pattering inside his chest as the shears made an ominous snick snick snick sound next to his ear.

“Relax, she knows what she’s doing,” Sylvie said, watching from across the room. Justin closed his eyes, barely daring to breathe until it was all over. With one last loud snick, Vanessa lifted the wad of hair free and tossed …