by K E O'Connor
“It could be fun,” I said. “You might like a holiday there when I go demon hunting outside of Willow Tree Falls.”
“I’d rather sleep in the gutter in the middle of winter, without having had a hot meal, than spend a night in that mad house.”
I laughed. “Fair enough. I won’t suggest you stay with Cleo and her fluffy gang the next time I’m away.”
“What do you make of her story about the ghosts?” Wiggles turned, trying to get a look at his new pink stripe.
“Not much,” I said. “And Cleo’s alibi isn’t great. She was alone in the museum at the time the murder happened. If she’s as protective of the museum as she claims to be, she might have taken offense to Gretel poking around and being unkind to everyone.”
“Cleo was trying to squeeze the life out of me, so I’m happy to point the paw at her as a suspect.”
“I didn’t get the murdering vibe off her. She’s more kooky than criminal. What about the conversation she overheard with Seth? He sounds unhappy with Gretel. They could have locked horns if she threatened legal action against him or the museum.”
“Or Isadora’s new book,” Wiggles said. “That’s what Seth’s interested in, getting money out of this publicity tour.”
I nodded as we walked out of the bar and headed up to the apartment. Mannie, Cleo, and Seth all had plausible motives for wanting Gretel dead.
“As much as I hate to admit it, I need a bath,” Wiggles said. “And you need to sort the pink stripe on my back. No self-respecting hellhound goes out with pink fur.”
I smiled down at him. “I’ll get the bath running and look through my spells to see if I’ve got anything to reverse what Cleo’s done.”
As I dwelled on what Cleo had told me, my interest in Seth grew. What would he do to protect the money he’d sunk into this publicity campaign? Might it stretch to murder?
I needed to talk to him again and find out what our smooth-talking half-vampire might be hiding.
Chapter 9
After our late-night adventure in the museum, Wiggles and I were late getting up the next morning. After a leisurely breakfast, I showered, dressed, and headed to the Ancient Imp.
There was a scent of wood smoke and dried hops in the air as I opened the door. The pub hadn’t long been open, but some early lunchtime drinkers had already taken up residence at the bar.
I slowed as I passed one table and heard the words ghost and museum.
“They’re talking about a murderous ghost.”
“It’s no surprise. Everyone knows what that place is like.”
“It’s a wonder a ghost hasn’t crept out and caused trouble in the rest of the village. That place should be burned to the ground. It might need to be if the ghosts keep causing problems.”
I shook my head as I walked to the bar with Wiggles. Rumors spread fast in this place. “Hi, Petra.”
Petra Duke, the owner of the Ancient Imp, smiled. “How’s it going, Tempest?” She looked at Wiggles and nodded. “I heard you’ve gotten tangled in this ghost murder.”
“If you mean the murder at the museum, then I am. But don’t believe the rumors about a ghost being involved.”
“That’s all everyone’s talking about,” Petra said. “It’s hard to know what to believe. Can I get you both a drink?”
“A sparkling lemon water will be great. Water for Wiggles. What else are your customers talking about?”
Petra pursed her red lips and flipped her dark, silver-streaked hair over one shoulder. “I don’t like to gossip, but I heard the woman who was killed wasn’t popular. I even saw her bending Mannie’s ear the other day with some complaint. The poor guy looked defeated, his shoulders slumped and head down as she berated him. If she treated everybody like that, it’s no surprise she ended up in the ducking stool.”
I accepted my lemon water and took a sip then placed the bowl of water on the floor for Wiggles, which he ignored as he snuffled for dropped potato chips. “That’s the reason I’m here. One of the suspects in the investigation claims he was here the night of the murder.”
Petra arched an eyebrow. “Who would that be?”
“A half-vampire called Seth Fellows. Tall, sort of handsome in an overly confident way. Nice cheekbones. Pale skin.”
Petra smirked. “I’d hardly forget a handsome guy like that. He was here, flashing his money around and bragging about what a big shot he is. I’ve never heard of him. He kept talking about what a success this book he’s promoting will be. I asked if I could have a free copy, and he said I’d have to buy one.”
“Seth was here all evening, until closing time?”
Petra tilted her head. “Yes, until last orders. He ordered a whiskey for his final drink. As for being here all night, I can’t confirm that. I wasn’t watching him all the time, even though he sure is cute.”
“Cute with a big order of arrogance thrown into the mix.”
“You know me. I like my men with a bit of sass.”
I shrugged. So did I. “Could Seth have disappeared for say half an hour without you noticing?”
“It’s possible. It was busy that night, and it was just me behind the bar. I have to pay all my customers the right level of attention.”
“Did you leave the bar unattended?”
“Sure. A lady has to powder her nose.” She winked at me. “I also had to change a barrel. That took about ten minutes. My regulars don’t mind waiting for a refill if I need to duck into the cellar. You don’t think our cute half-vampire is involved in this murder, do you?”
“Seth knew Gretel. They weren’t all that friendly, but there are other people I need to speak to.”
“He was smooth. I can imagine somebody like that would pay to have the dirty work done. And he wears those lovely designer suits. If this witch drowned, as everyone says she did, he wouldn’t want to get his designer clothes ruined with pond slime.”
That was a good point. I could hunt around and see if anyone had discarded a fancy suit. I imagined Seth had his suits tailored, so it would be one of a kind and easy to match to him.
Seth’s alibi wasn’t cast iron, and with his great motive for wanting Gretel gone, my attention remained on him. He’d also mentioned nothing about her trying to torpedo this book launch and lose him money when we’d spoken.
“Anything else I can help you with?” Petra asked.
I shook my head as my attention went to the window. Aurora strode past, her blonde hair flying out behind her as she hurried along.
“Thanks, Petra.” Leaving money on the bar, I hurried out with Wiggles. Mom was right; Aurora looked skinny. Her clothes hung off her, and her usual cheerful smile was gone.
I kept a little way behind her as she continued to walk. I didn’t know what to say. I’d never felt awkward around Aurora before, but there was a growing divide between us, and I wasn’t sure how to repair it.
“Aurora, wait up.” Wiggles bounded away before I could stop him.
Aurora turned, glancing over her shoulder at me. Her expression hardened, but she smiled when Wiggles reached her and gave him a belly rub.
The rumble of a bike engine had me turning. Rhett rolled to a stop beside me, looking windswept and gorgeous. “I’ve been looking for you. I’ve heard interesting rumors about what happened at the museum.”
“I thought you were coming to the grand opening?” I kissed his cheek before glancing back at Aurora. She still petted Wiggles, who rolled on the ground, exposing his belly.
“I got caught up in a bit of business. I’d just arrived when I saw the crowd pouring out. People were saying all sorts of weird things.”
“The whole thing is weird. The historian Mannie used to help with the museum was murdered. The killer used the ducking stool in an exhibit to drown her.”
Rhett’s eyes widened. “What a way to go. Any suspects?”
“Several. And Mannie’s got me figuring out what happened until Dazielle returns.” I looked over my shoulder to see Aurora striding away, Wiggles
watching her go. I sighed and shook my head, feeling guilty that a part of me was glad I hadn’t had to speak to her.
“Still not having luck with getting through to your sister?” Rhett squeezed my hand.
“Honestly, I’ve been avoiding the issue. I don’t know how to get her to open her eyes about Toby.”
Rhett scrubbed his chin. “I’ve been digging into Toby Matlock’s past. The more I find, the less I like.”
“What have you found out?”
“He’s a suspect in a fraud investigation. Not just one case, five separate incidents of fraud.”
“You’re kidding? What did he do?”
“He conned five million out of several women.”
“Why? Toby’s already rich. What does he need other people’s money for?”
“No idea. But your sister needs to be careful. When Toby Matlock wants something, he goes after it and keeps fighting until he gets it.”
“If it’s money he’s after, then he’s chasing the wrong person. Aurora has her store and the apartment above it, but that’s it. And the family isn’t rich. All we have is the demon prison.” I sucked in a breath. “You don’t think...” I shook my head, not believing what had just crossed my mind.
“He wants the demon prison?” Rhett raised his eyebrows and nodded. “I’ve been thinking along those lines too. Toby’s not after money from Aurora. But those demons your family looks after would pay a lot to be free. And they have friends in low places who would pay to get them out.”
I took a step back, and my heart pounded. “Toby wouldn’t dare. If the prison becomes compromised, it would destroy Willow Tree Falls.”
“And your family’s reputation.”
“You think Toby wants to ruin the Crypts?”
Rhett stroked a hand down my arm. “Toby could be using Aurora to divide your family and weaken you all. It could be an old grudge he’s chasing, or he’s after something you have.”
I wished that Rhett hadn’t agreed with me about this possibility. It would be easier to accept Aurora simply had lousy taste in men and not that the creep she was involved with was far sneakier and deadlier than I’d realized.
“If the prison is badly damaged, the demons could get out and find a way through the barrier. Thousands of people would be harmed.”
“We all know Toby’s shady. He’s old and well-connected, and he has a lot of power.” Rhett frowned. “Power hungry people often don’t know when to stop. They always want more.”
My fingers went to the ends of the hair that Toby had trimmed off. I needed to be careful, or he might focus that power on me.
“I won’t mention this to Aurora,” I said. “Not yet. She didn’t believe me when I told her about Toby’s underhanded behavior the last time we tangled. She’s never going to believe this. Even if we had solid proof that Toby was going after the demon prison and using her to get it, she’d ignore it. He’s got a hold over her, and I don’t like it.”
“I’ll keep looking into his past. Maybe we can find a chink in his armor, a way to convince him to leave your sister alone.”
“Toby seems so sure of himself,” I said. “I bet he’s covered up his dark past. That’s why the angels have had no luck with their investigation of him.”
“I’m not the angels,” Rhett said. “Well, I’m a fallen angel, but that means I don’t operate under their constraints. I’ll keep digging and let you know if I find anything that can help.”
“Thanks.” I kissed his cheek again. “I need to sort things out with Aurora. We can’t go on avoiding each other. Ever since the announcement that they’re getting married, things have changed. Aurora’s distanced herself from all of us, and it has to do with Toby.”
Rhett caught hold of my hands. “Be careful around him. He’s up to no good. I don’t want you getting hurt because he realizes you’re looking into him.”
“Right back at you. But if he tries to hurt me, I’ll hurt him right back.”
Rhett brushed a finger down my cheek. His gaze shifted over my shoulder, and his eyes widened. “What is that?”
I turned and looked down at Wiggles as he trotted toward us. Sticking out of his mouth was a charred human hand.
Chapter 10
My mouth fell open as I looked at the gruesome discovery Wiggles had hold of. “Where did you get that?”
Wiggles tilted his head before spitting out the hand. “The trash in the alleyway behind Sprinkles. I thought I’d have a look to see if there were any cakes that needed eating. I was digging around, and I found this.”
I peered at the hand. “Wait! It’s not real.” I knelt and gingerly picked up the hand. It was plastic. “This must be from the museum dummy that was on the ducking stool.”
Rhett studied the hand. “Is that all there is?”
“No, there are loads more body parts,” Wiggles said. “No cake, though.”
“Let’s take a look.”
Rhett climbed off his bike, and we followed Wiggles to the alleyway. Buried beneath several trash bags was the rest of the burned museum dummy. She wore the remains of a black linen dress. Her head had been taken clean off and sat on its own in the corner of the alley. She was also missing a foot, and the hand Wiggles had been chewing on.
“The killer must have dumped the dummy here,” I said. “They hoped the trash would be collected before it was found.”
“And burned the dummy to conceal evidence by the looks of it,” Rhett said.
“It wouldn’t have been difficult to sneak here and dispose of the dummy, but I’m surprised no one saw the flames when the plastic burned.” I poked the remains around but saw nothing helpful. Whoever had burned the dummy had done a good job. “I need to update the angels about this.”
“Are you in charge of all of Angel Force?” Rhett grinned.
“Not a chance. And Mannie’s interfering whenever he can, so I might throw in the towel if he gets too annoying. I’m just a placeholder.” I pursed my lips. “I don’t like to say this, but I miss Dazielle. She needs to get back to Willow Tree Falls and take over this investigation. Maybe she’ll be in the office when I get there, and I can hand this charred mess to her and forget about it.”
Rhett scuffed a foot on the ground. “If you don’t mind, I’ll duck out of coming with you.”
I smiled at him. “Are you sure you don’t want to spend an afternoon with the angels? They’re such fun.”
He returned my smile as he shook his head. “They’re anything but fun.” He kissed me lightly on the lips. “Keep me informed and stay out of danger.”
“The same goes for you,” I said. “As soon as you learn anything about Toby, let me know.”
He nodded as he waved goodbye and strode back to his bike.
“Wiggles, look after this hand. We can take it to Angel Force. It might be useful.” I held it out to him.
He wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “It tastes funny.”
“I can see your teeth marks in this, and it’s covered in drool. You’ve been chewing on the evidence. It can’t taste that bad.”
“You look after the hand. You’re used to a bit of dog drool.” Wiggles hurried out of the alleyway before I got a chance to shove the hand in his mouth.
I pinched a finger of the hand and held it at arm’s length as we made the short walk to Angel Force’s headquarters and headed into the reception. There was nobody there. That was unusual. There was usually someone looking after the reception desk.
I waited a few moments before walking around the desk and knocking on the door at the back that led into the interview rooms and main office.
After a minute, a surprised looking Jophiel poked her head out. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Is Dazielle back from her training course?”
She shook her head. “No word from her. It’s strange. She should have checked in by now. You must be here about the museum murder.”
“Yes. Has Gretel been collected from the museum yet?”
&nbs
p; “No, we’ve had no bodies brought in today.”
I shook my head and sighed. That meant Sablo and Dominic were still at the museum. I felt a bit sorry for them. Without Dazielle barking orders, the angels had no direction and no drive to do anything.
I held out the dummy hand. “I doubt there’s any evidence on this, but you might like to bag it. It’s probably from the dummy that was removed when Gretel was murdered. You’ll find the rest in the trash behind Sprinkles.”
Jophiel stared at the hand, a look of disgust on her pretty face. “Is this pertinent to the investigation? It looks like it’s been chewed by a wild animal.”
“It might be, but then I’m not the expert. You are.” I dumped the hand on the reception desk.
“Oh, well, of course we are. I’ll see if the others can deal with the dummy.” She tilted her head. “Anything else I can do for you?”
“No, all’s good here.” I turned and walked out. No one seemed to want to take the lead on Gretel’s murder, which left me concerned. I couldn’t do this on my own.
I hurried to the museum with Wiggles and banged on the door.
A few minutes later, Sablo opened it, looking bleary-eyed.
“You’ve been forgotten about by the other angels,” I said.
Dominic appeared behind Sablo and pushed the door open wider. “We’re so glad you’re here. I’m starving.”
“I’m not here to feed you.” I walked into the museum with Wiggles.
“Hey, you haven’t been forgiven for last night.” Sablo glared at him. “Tempest, did you know this greedy hellhound stole four doughnuts? He said he was making a special delivery. We were happy to share a single doughnut with him, but he ate one and grabbed three at once. No one can get three doughnuts in their mouth.”
Wiggles puffed his chest out. “I can. At a push, I could probably get in four.”
I composed my face into what I hoped looked like an angry expression. “You naughty dog. Stealing from the hardworking angels.”
“We had to chase him out,” Dominic said. “He’s fast for a tubby little guy.”
