by Lynn Cahoon
Mia tapped her pen on her clipboard. She’d really thought the killer had been Pricilla. Even though there was evidence of the love spell, she couldn’t mention it without admitting she’d taken the satchel. Way to think it through. “Pricilla sold a woman a love charm that backfired. Maybe the woman she sold it to got back at Pricilla for losing her guy?”
“You really have fallen down the rabbit hole, haven’t you? One, there aren’t really any love charms, although if someone thought that, they might be stupid enough to react that way.” He pondered the thought. “Do you know the woman’s name?”
“I do, but honestly, I can’t remember. Julie maybe? Christina and I overheard the conversation, well, fight between her and Pricilla when we were dropping off flyers for tomorrow’s chili contest. Then you showed up.”
He studied her for a long minute. “I’ll ask Pricilla about this. I’m going to feel like a fool, but it’s a lead. And I don’t have any other ones.”
He moved toward the door, then stopped and turned back. “I have one more question.”
Mia froze. What else did he want to know? “Grans didn’t do this. She was in love with the guy.”
“Good to know, but that wasn’t my question.” He smiled and looked around the warehouse again. “The station is bringing in Tessie’s Famous Chili for the contest. What time do we set up?”
After she’d given him a contestant sheet with all the rules and explanation, Baldwin left. Mia sat at one of the tables and reviewed her list. Well, she was trying to review her list, but Dorian’s murder kept running through her mind. Baldwin didn’t even believe the coven was actually practicing witchcraft. Which was excellent for the coven, since they could exist in plain sight, even if the local authorities thought they were kooks. Mia knew the path to Dorian’s killer went through the coven somehow. She just didn’t know why.
Tasha strolled into the warehouse around ten. “Oh, good morning. I didn’t think anyone would be here today. You all did such a great job yesterday, I figured you’d take today off since tomorrow’s going to be so busy.”
“I’m a detail person. I’ve got to make sure everything’s right.” She glanced at her notebook. “I wanted to go over the inventory system I set up for you.”
Tasha shook her head. “Sorry, not today. I’m on my way to a meeting on funding for the food bank. I’m surprised your grandmother didn’t mention it since she set it up.”
“Well, I’ll have to write out the instructions for you. Do you mind if I use your computer for a while this afternoon? I’ll keep it in a file on your desktop and print you out a manual. I’ll leave my card with the binder. That way, if you have questions, you can call me.”
“Perfect. I wanted to thank you for all your hard work this week. I wouldn’t have been able to get everything done for the grand opening by myself.” Tasha moved to the office. “I’ll leave my password on the desk so you can access what you need.”
“Have you thought about hiring an assistant? I think the board might approve someone to come help at least part time.” Mia followed her into the office.
“I don’t know. I hate to have someone here not having anything to do.” Tasha glanced around the office. “A lot of time I just sit here, knitting.”
“If you had help you or she could write grants when she wasn’t busy or she could make up the baskets while you did marketing and promotion. There’s a lot of things you could do with the food bank to get the word out in the community. Like make visits to the teachers and the classes. Talk about hunger in America. Get everyone involved.”
“These are all great ideas. Are you sure you have to go back to Boise? You’d make the perfect assistant.” Tasha wrote down some numbers on a Post-It and stuck it on the computer.
“I’m afraid you probably couldn’t afford me.” Mia glanced at the clipboard. “I’ll get the last few items on my list done, write you a manual explaining the rotation system, and then I’ll be out of here. I’m ready to put my feet up and veg in front of the television. I’m not even sure what’s on at this time anymore.”
“Jeopardy.” Tasha grinned. “You have to remember, I was home after the surgery for a long time. I can give you the whole TV Guide rundown.”
Mia slipped into the chair as Tasha picked up a few things to put them into her bag. “Hey, one more question. Do you know why Dorian was here on Tuesday? I can’t believe he came to help out.”
Tasha chuckled. “I believe he was here looking for your grandmother. They’d had a spat the day he’d left for his business trip and he wanted to make up. I kidded him that Mary Alice was going to see his true self and walk away from him. But you didn’t hear that from me. I’m sure she didn’t want anyone to know that part.”
Great, Mia thought, as she set up the system for Tasha. One more reason Grans could have been mad at Dorian—at least in Mark Baldwin’s eyes.
Chapter 8
Saturday was bright and warm, bringing to Magic Springs the best of fall and the promise for more mild temperatures ahead. At least until the snow fell. A sense of anticipation filled the warehouse as Christina and Mia unloaded tray after tray of cornbread and sat them on the tables for the contestants. Then they went back for the apple pies they’d made for dessert and put them on the voting table.
Tasha had sprinkled back to school decorations all around the warehouse and a flyer describing the food bank and its services was set up on another table, with a bucket overflowing with small snack-size candy. Tasha’s table was at the front and would take the entrance fees from the visitors and give them their voting sheet. Mia had also set up a bucket for additional donations.
There were fifteen different organizations and groups going for the title of Magic Spring’s Best Chili, including the Lodge from neighboring Sun Valley. Mia waved at James. She’d known the head chef for many years, and had even considered coming to work for him, well, before she’d hooked up with Isaac. She pulled out her phone to take pictures and checked to see if she’d missed any calls. None. She’d called last night when she’d thought he’d be home, but he must have been at the restaurant still. After taking the pictures, she made a decision to call him after the event and let him know what time to expect her on Monday. She typed out a quick text—Missing you, ready to be home—and put her phone away.
Magic Springs Society for Magical Realism were serving their chili in a cauldron. Their table looked more like a Halloween set up than a back-to-school theme. But fall was fall. She stepped over to talk to Kev who was dumping containers of chili into the large pot. “Hey Kev, thanks for coming today. The food bank is going to ready to open on Monday and stay open for a while after this fundraiser.”
“We’re all about helping in the community.” He grinned at her. “And Cal kind of insisted. He’s trying to prove to Daddy he should be in line to advance to a leadership position, but I don’t think Silas is ready to give up any power any time soon. He seems to like telling people what to do.”
“Cal is Silas’s son? I didn’t know that.” Mia thought about the conversation she’d had with the young man.
“He has his mom’s name, but the old man has acknowledged him. Bethanie was ticked off. She’s the only real Miller in the bunch since Silas actually married her mom.” He glanced over to the door. “Speaking of the princess, here she is. I’m surprised she even came. This kind of work is more up Cal’s alley. Keep watch. You might see some fur fly between the two if Cal gets tired of her crap.”
Mia turned and saw Bethanie come into the warehouse dressed in all white. White silk shirt, white, too-tight jeans, and white platform shoes. Hopefully none of the chili would get near her. “I’ve got to go greet the rest of the contestants. Have fun today.”
“Chicken.” Kev called after her. “You could at least try to save me.”
If Kev had been stupid enough to date the woman, he needed to save himself. Mia stopped at the next table wh
ere the local volunteer firefighters had a set up a sign declaring their four-alarm chili, too hot to handle.
By the time she’d talked to all of the groups, the contest had started and she was needed at the voting table. They were logging in all the votes as soon as they came in, using Mia’s laptop to keep score. When the contest closed to vote at two p.m., they’d be ready to announce a winner no later than fifteen to thirty minutes later. Mia was hoping for fifteen. Then they could break down the tables, clean up, and get the warehouse ready for Monday’s opening.
Grans and Christina sat at the voting table. They had coffee and donuts. When Mia sat down, Grans pulled another travel mug out of her bag and set it in front of Mia. “Blueberry cake or glazed?”
“Blueberry cake.” Mia pointed to the line at the door. “We’re going to bring in some money for the food bank.”
“Thanks to you. Putting your life on hold for a week and coming up here has been a godsend. Thank you both.” Grans patted Christina’s hand.
“I didn’t have much of a life to put on hold.” Christina admitted. She met Mia’s gaze. “I guess I’m going back to school next week.”
“School isn’t a bad place to find yourself.” She took a voting ballot from a young girl that had arrived at the table. “That was fast.”
“I don’t really like chili, but Mom said coming here helps other kids eat. Now we get to go to the library.” She glanced at her mother who was still eating at a table. “At least we will when she gets done. I have a book to read until then.”
“Thanks for spending your last Saturday of summer with us.” Grans added.
“School starts Monday and I’m going to be in fourth grade. I’m so excited.” The girl pulled out a chapter book Mia had loved as a kid. She started to walk away, but then stopped. “Thanks for caring about hungry kids.”
The three of them watched as the girl went back to the table and sat with her mother. In just a few seconds, she was lost in the book.
“She reminds me of you at that age.” Grans wiped a tear from her eye. “You loved your books.”
Two hours later, Mia stood to take a break. The crowd had ebbed and flowed, and this was a slow spot for them in taking votes, but she saw new people standing at the door coming inside. “I’m going to grab us some water and walk around a bit. Do you need anything?”
“I’m good.” Grans had pulled out a scarf she was knitting in a deep purple. Christina was fascinated, so Grans had set her up with needles and a ball of yarn. So far, Christina was doing more ripping out than actually making progress on her project.
“Christina?”
“What?” She snapped, not looking up from the needles. “I’m doing it right, I think.”
Mia chuckled. “Do you want anything besides water? Some chili or something?”
“No. I ate earlier when I walked through.” She glanced at the apple pie at the table behind them. “Can I have a piece of pie though?”
“Of course. Finish that row and then go get a slice.” Grans patted Christina’s arm. “You’re learning really fast.”
Mia left them talking about knitting and purling, and was glad Grans had another victim to torture. Mia had tried knitting and crocheting but had never caught the joy of making her own fabric. Now, cooking, that had always been her love.
She went to the staff kitchen and grabbed the last three water bottles from the fridge. “No one refills this thing. It’s just like being at home.”
She went out to the back to get a case of water bottles and heard loud voices in the alley.
Pausing at the door, she glanced over and saw Cal and Bethanie standing by the trash bin. She stepped back inside the doorway, wondering if she should interrupt or just let the next person refill the fridge.
“You won’t be Daddy’s choice, no matter how many of these volunteer projects you sponsor. You might as well go back under that rock you crawled out of.” Bethanie poked Cal in the chest. “I’m a Miller. That goes a long way in this town. I’m the one who will take over the coven and Daddy’s business.”
“You can’t run a business.” He growled at her. “You’re too busy buying clothes and showing up as a fashion model. You got a spot on your shirt.”
Bethanie glanced down then swatted her half-brother. “I do not. And that’s not funny. Do you know how much I paid for this outfit?”
“I’m sure Dad knows. He’s just waiting for you to screw up and then he’ll disown you. What will you do without the unlimited credit card I wonder? Do you have any skills besides being a fashion plate?” Cal taunted her.
“I’m not talking to you about my skills. I’m stronger than you. I can survive without Daddy’s money. I just don’t want to.” She squared her shoulders. “I don’t know why I even waste my breath talking to you. You’re nothing. You don’t even have any power.”
“Really? Then why does Dad no longer have a rival to his coven leadership position? Do you think he’ll really cast me aside when I’m so helpful?”
“You’re about as helpful as a—” Bethanie started towards the doorway but paused and turned toward Cal. “What are you talking about? You can’t mean what happened to Dorian.”
“I can’t?”
Mia heard the cool cruelty in his voice and she shivered. Cal had killed Dorian? For his father? She turned and ran into Silas Miller. He shook his head.
“I’m sorry you had to hear that. I’m afraid my son doesn’t know when to shut his mouth.” Silas grabbed her shoulder and pushed her outside. “Cal, you really need to learn when to stop talking.”
“Daddy, Cal’s telling stories. He said…” Bethanie ran to her father but came up short when she saw Mia standing in front of him. “What are you doing to her?”
“Sorry dear, but we need to take care of loose ends. Why don’t you go inside and work the chili station? You’ll need an alibi.” He nodded to Cal. “Cal and I have to make a run to the store to grab more water. Everyone knows you don’t do chores.”
“An alibi. For what?” Bethanie wasn’t moving, but her face had gone to stone.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.” Cal came up behind her. “I told you, you aren’t made for business. Just go do what Dad said. And tell Kev that we ran to Hodges for water.”
Mia shook her head. “Don’t leave me. They’re going to kill me like they did Dorian.”
“Don’t be silly.” Bethanie started, but glanced at her father and half-brother. “You aren’t going to kill her, right?”
“Just go inside, Bethanie. You need to listen to me.” Silas waved his hand and Mia felt the duct tape go over her mouth.
Mia watched in horror as Bethanie followed her father’s instructions. Then after the door shut, she felt herself being moved over to the dumpster. Her gaze went to Cal and Silas, but all she saw was grim determination on the men’s faces. Not a drop of humanity. She closed her eyes and called to her grandmother. Help me. I’m in the alley.
“Sorry, I’ve blocked any transmissions you might want to make.” Cal said, poking her with the edge of something sharp.
She gasped and opened her eyes. A drop of blood ran down her arm.
“My powers aren’t as visible as other coven members, but I have a strong ability to stop mind-to-mind transmissions. It’s not always useful, but it seems to be now.” He grinned at her. “I am going to have some fun with you, then dump you in the trash where you belong. I can’t believe you walked away from your powers for a man. No one’s taking this from me.”
“Now, Cal, don’t linger. I don’t want you to be missed from the event. Poor Mia was attacked by some random homeless guy who was attracted to the food bank. Just like Dorian. It’s a valid story. You know these places bring in all kinds of bad influences.” Silas straighten his jacket “I’m going inside now. Don’t be long.”
“Actually, you’re not.” Office
r Baldwin stood at the end of the alleyway. Other police officers came through the back doorway. “I was leaning toward a random killing with Dorian. I’m so glad you debunked my narrative.”
* * * *
After Cal and his father had been handcuffed and loaded into a police cruiser to be transported to the jail, Baldwin came over to talk to Mia. A female officer had removed the tape and brought her one of the bottles of water that had been on the table.
Mia shivered as she watched the handcuffed men being led away. “I can’t believe Cal was that cold. Silas, I could see his reasoning, now that I know about the coven power play, but Cal?”
“I guess he’s his father’s son.” Baldwin sat down next to her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Shaken but fine. What made you come find me?”
He waited for the police cruiser to leave the area. “Bethanie and Kev came to get me. She told me everything. I guess her father didn’t have the hold on her that he thought.”
“She saved me?” Mia laughed. “I never would have thought she had it in her.”
“You and me both.” He stood. “You sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”
“I’m fine. And we have a chili contest to finish up.” Mia stood but felt her legs shake a little. She pressed her lips together. No one was going to scare her. Not now, not ever. She held her hand out to Baldwin. “Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome.” He took her hand and slid his arm around her shoulders. They walked toward the door. “I like being the knight in shining armor. It’s why I got into police work in the first place.”
Chapter 9
On Monday, Mia, Christina, and Mr. Darcy were on their way back to Boise. And so was Dorian. Grans hadn’t been able to send Dorian into the light yet and out of her cat, but she’d promised to keep looking for a spell. She really didn’t want to leave him with Grans. Who knew what her cat would look like when she got back? For now, Mr. Darcy would just have a hitchhiker. Mia didn’t even want to think about how he might change. She was just looking forward to getting home. She had a bathroom to remodel in the house starting next week and it was menu change time at the restaurant. And she really needed to talk to Isaac. She needed him to at least see Christina’s side when she told her folks what she wanted to do for a living. Going back to school was her first step, but they wouldn’t like her major. Isaac was her big brother—time he acted like it.
