A Southern Charms Cozy Potluck Box Set

by Bella Falls

  “This misuse of the fairy path. It is a problem in your town, no?” she asked.

  I shrugged. “It’s not like that’s how we all move around. For the most part, the fairies don’t use it.” I didn’t want to have to admit how many times I had taken the shortcut or who had provided it for me the most. Gossamer had enough on her plate to deal with.

  “Still, perhaps you might want to discuss it with your local fairy folk. It is not a typical privilege given to others, and it can have effects on those who abuse it that are more dangerous than you think,” she added.

  “Hey, how did you find me that night?” I asked Mason, avoiding the accusatory glance from the fairy agent.

  “Spell phone,” he replied with a slight grin.

  “How?” My own device had fried before then.

  “I slipped mine in your back pocket when you were talking to Raif and Horatio.” He lifted his left eyebrow at me, and I recalled the light pat of my behind with an audible gasp. Sneaky detective.

  Deputy Inspector Pine took a bigger phone with a screen on it out of his pocket. “How are cell phones working here? Mine won’t even power up.”

  I shook my head. “We have spell phones. One of my friends here spellworked old flip phones to work off of our power rather than having a system that tries to combine magic with human electricity like you have out there.”

  “A magic-only device for communicating. That’s pretty ingenious. I’d like to know who provided this for you before we leave,” he said in awe. “We might be able to make him a deal.”

  Nana replaced my empty glass with the rest of her iced tea. “Ladies and gents, if we could finish, my granddaughter needs to rest and recover.”

  When I told the part about Damien’s possession of my adoption papers, I couldn’t look at my grandmother, afraid that she might think my desire to know about my past meant I was rejecting our family. The fact that I burned the paper voluntarily impressed all of the magical authority sitting in the room.

  Nana kissed the top of my head. “Sweet bird, you have no idea how proud I am of you. If there’s something you want to find out there, I will do everything I can to help you. And no piece of paper determines whether or not you’re my granddaughter. There’s no way you’re gettin’ rid of me.”

  “Also, Damien Mallory was a con artist,” filled in Agent Dryope. “There is a good chance that what he had was nothing. Maybe even blank.”

  “Was? Did I…did I kill him?” The pit in my stomach expanded into a canyon.

  “No,” Mason replied before the others. “He’s being detained down at the station.”

  “He’s annoying everyone there, always askin’ us where he is, what his name is, what time it is,” added Big Willie. “The poor fool seems to have a problem in his noggin’.”

  “Yes,” sniffed Agent Dryope. “The power you wielded that night affected both of you, it seems. You managed to wipe out his entire memory, which is a great inconvenience to us as he could have been an important lynchpin in taking down other organizations. In addition,” she turned to my grandmother, “I still advise that your granddaughter accompany us back to one of our facilities. An uncontrolled amount of magic like that should not go unchecked.”

  Anxiety gathered in my chest. “I feel fine,” I protested.

  “She is being cared for quite thoroughly, I’ll have you know,” Nana huffed.

  “No offense, ma’am, but the agent is right,” chimed in Deputy Pine. “There are better facilities which could handle her right now.”

  My heart raced, and a tingling sensation crawled over my skin. “I’m not leaving Honeysuckle.”

  “Charli,” Mason said, approaching my chair.

  “No. There’s nothing wrong with me,” I insisted. “They can’t take me away from here. They can’t!” I shouted. All of the glasses shattered at the same time, splashing brown liquid everywhere.

  Sweet honeysuckle iced tea, what was happening to me? I stared at my body, scared down to my bones. Because I had done that.

  “That right there.” Agent Dryope stood, wiping her hands down her moistened clothes. “That is precisely why she should not stay in your town. She could be a danger to you all if she channeled as much magic as you suggest that she did from your tree.”

  Nana faced off with the agent. “It’ll probably take some time. She’s like a light bulb that’s had a little too much juice sent to her wires. She’ll burn bright for a while, but eventually, she’ll calm down.”

  “Or she’ll burst, and no telling how big that explosion might get.” The agent’s green leaves rustled with her irritation.

  “Now, now, everybody needs to calm down. Nobody’s takin’ anybody anywhere.” Big Willie held up his hairy arms. “In my personal opinion, it’ll take fillin’ her belly with some good ol’ down home cookin’ to work things out. Y’all should stay and try out some of our real good food here. I’m tellin’ you, it’s the best medicine in all the world. In the meantime, how ‘bout we promise that if things start goin’ wonky with Miss Charli that we’ll contact you?” He ushered the four magical authorities toward the door.

  Chief Inspector Marsden slipped a business card to me. “If you ever want to consider taking a job with our department, let me know. Tracker abilities are very desirable. Thank you for your time.”

  Agent Giacinta hovered on the porch, waiting for the rest to head to their vehicles. “Signorina Charli, if I may call you that.”

  “Sure.” Something about the fairy put me at immediate ease.

  “I do not want you to think that we are all as serious as my fellow agent. There are many of us who enjoy visiting new places and meeting new people despite the reasons why we go. You did well, dealing with Damien, and although Agent Dryope sees the outcome as…how you say…inconvenient to her, I believe that having his memory wiped may be beneficial to you, your town, and any others he would have hurt in the future.”

  “I appreciate you saying that.” I shook her tiny hand.

  She tilted her head. “Do not let fear dictate your life. Sì, your magic may have value to others, but you hold your destiny in your own hands. If I had the choice to stay in such a place as this, I am not sure I would want to leave either, no?” she finished in her attractive accent.

  I nodded, happy to have someone who understood me so quickly. “Agent Giacinta, before you leave, make sure you have the fried chicken plate at the Harvest Moon Cafe and a slice of red velvet cake at Sweet Tooths. Tell them to put it all on my tab.”

  The fairy flitted to me and kissed me on both cheeks. “Grazie, Charli. May our paths cross again, but hopefully not for the same reason.”

  “And not on the fairy path,” I joked.

  She tittered, a little purple dust floating off her. “Ciao.” With a wave, she flew off.

  Nana walked back up the steps of the porch, watching the outsiders leave. “They’re going to the station to pick up Damien and take him away. Now that everything’s solved, I guess someone’s gonna have to plan Eugenia’s parting party. Just because she doesn’t have any children doesn’t mean she’s not one of us.”

  I put my arm around my grandmother. “Mrs. K had lots of kids. Leave it to me. I’ll put out the word, and by the time I’m done, she’ll have a parting party like no other. I’m thinkin’ a huge pig pickin’. That woman loved her barbecue.”

  “Sounds good to me, Birdy,” chuckled Nana. “Now, how ‘bout I cut you the biggest slice of some chess pie. I think you’ve earned it.”

  Epilogue

  Nana had almost called off the entire election due to the murder, the planted evidence, the almost-arrests, and the coverage in the newspaper. Since Linsey was responsible for most of the scandal that disrupted things, my grandmother convinced her to stick to the facts and stop stirring the pot or else. Having been on the other side of Nana’s or else’s before, I’d bet Linsey would stay on the straight and narrow for a while.

  Mrs. Eugenia Kettlefields had a parting party like no other. Many of he
r former students who had left Honeysuckle returned home to pay their respects and eat some good barbecue with all the fixings. Thanks to Lee and a few others who dug around in her past, they found out a lot more about her and shared her life with others so that we could appreciate the woman who considered all of us her kids. Although we were too late in life to express our thanks in person, we made sure to send them to her wherever she rested now.

  Tonight, Jordy and the Jack-O’-Lanterns played on stage while the whole town ate good food. Several people had hot grills going, and the smell of sizzling meat filled the air. Plates and dishes stuffed with casseroles and homemade goods covered table upon table, and the sweet tea flowed like a river. A large banner congratulating the election winner floated in the air above the gazebo stage. Nearby, Goss hovered close, decorating everything she could in pink to celebrate her husband’s victory. Pride swelled in my chest for my friends.

  “Where can I put this?” Mason called out to me.

  I turned and spotted a foil container with something slightly brown and off-putting in it. “First, identify what it is.”

  “It’s lasagna,” he said, frowning at the contents. “I made it.”

  “Oh.” I pursed my lips to keep from laughing. “I suggest that you put it over there, then.”

  “You’re pointing at that trash can.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Brat.” Mason glanced down at his creation and over to where my finger directed him. “But you’re right. This is most likely inedible.” Walking over, he tossed it in the bin.

  “Still, I’m impressed with your efforts, Detective,” I teased.

  “I’m trying. Seems that food is an important part of living in this town. I can’t keep mooching off others. I’ll have to eventually pick a good dish to bring to these things and learn how to actually make it.” He smiled with a sheepish grin. “I’m good at a lot of things, but cooking doesn’t seem to be one of them.”

  I slipped my arm through his and led him in the direction of the real food. “It just takes practice. I’ll help.”

  “I look forward to the lessons, Miss Goodwin.” He put his hand over mine that held onto his arm, squeezing it.

  I spotted Dash heading our way, balancing two large dishes of what looked like his fried chicken on them. Letting Mason go, I went to help, clearing off a large area on one of the tables. “You fried up all this?”

  He shrugged. “It’s nothing. The least I can do to contribute since I’m tryin’ to be a good town citizen and participate.”

  My cheeks heated under his intense gaze, my heart beating harder than the drummer on the stage. “I think that’s a good start.”

  “Although I’ll be leavin’ Honeysuckle for a while,” he added, watching me carefully.

  My stomach dropped. “What? When?” I hadn’t spoken to Dash since he’d shown up at my side in his wolf form, not even taking the chance to give him my thanks for standing by me or telling him how glad I was that he was a much better man than Trey or Butch.

  “In the morning. I’ve got my bike’s saddlebags already packed and ready to go.” He touched my arm. “But I wanted to come here tonight.”

  “To celebrate with Flint. I think we’re all happy he was the only one left after everyone else refused to get back in the race. Honestly, I think he would have had the majority’s vote anyway.” If I kept the wolf shifter talking, would I be able to convince him not to go?

  “I’m happy for the gnome. But I came here tonight to talk to you.” Weaving his fingers through mine, he walked me away from the crowd. I glanced back and caught Mason watching us find some privacy.

  Dash took me to a bench and offered to let me sit. I shook my head, needing to stand as close as face to face as possible. He kept my hand in his. “I feel like I’m always screwing things up. And then I have to apologize to you.”

  Remembering our motorcycle ride together, I smiled. “But sometimes your apologies are fun.”

  He grunted, but his lip twitched a little. “I’d love to take you on rides every single day if I could. Having your body wrapped tight around mine,” he whistled. “That’s a fantasy I never thought would come true.” The heat in his eyes hinted at his double meaning.

  “Then stay,” I whispered.

  His expression filled with a dark shadow. “I can’t. I meant it when I said I was no good.”

  “Dash, don’t start—”

  “Shh.” He held a finger to my lips. “Let me finish. I don’t talk about my past because there are some bad things there. Awful, horrific things that should never touch you. You only got a glimpse of them that night you watched Trey and me in the alley.”

  “I hope you kicked his rotten behind into the ground,” I gritted through my teeth, wishing the other shifter as much ill will as possible.

  “I could have killed him for threatening your life.”

  “But you didn’t,” I said, hoping that the words were true.

  “No. Mason made sure to transfer him to the jail up near where my old pack is. I don’t know where Butch was sent.” He looked away into the sky at a dark bird circling in the late afternoon sun. “I have to go back to Red Ridge.”

  Concern for the man in front of me possessed every atom of my being. “But from what Trey said, it’s horrible there.”

  “And that’s my doin’. I left there, thinking things would be better. It’s my brother that’s makin’ things worse. I’m the oldest, so it’s my job to fix things. And who knows, maybe Trey was lying.”

  We both knew the other shifter spoke the truth. He had too much venom in him. “If you leave, how long will you be gone?”

  Dash sighed. “I don’t know. If I can get some help from a few others up there, it might not be that hard to oust Cash.”

  My lower lip trembled, and I looked down, not wanting him to see the tears pooling in my eyes. “What if they want you to stay and be their alpha?” I held back the real question I wanted to ask him. What if you don’t come back?

  He furrowed his brow. “I can’t think that far ahead. I have to focus on the first step.” Glancing at me, he softened and cupped my cheek. “Besides, I’ve promised to fix Old Joe. And that’s one thing I’m not gonna screw up.”

  His thumb caressed my cheek, and he leaned in, his hot breath warming the sensitive skin of my mouth. I closed my eyes, anticipating one of my late night dreams coming true, my heart threatening to leap out of my chest.

  With a slight groan, Dash tilted my head down and planted his warm lips on my forehead. “Oh, Charli.”

  I threw my arms around him, wanting to hold him here, protect him, and make him see himself through my eyes rather than through his all at the same time.

  Dash buried his face in my hair, drawing in long breaths. He ran his nose down my jawline and across my cheek until he found my nose, rubbing his against mine in a sensual greeting. Taking his time to inhale, he pulled back my hair to expose my neck and dragged his face up and down my neck, sending hot chills down to my belly.

  “Are you scenting me?” I tried my best to stay upright despite the tremble in my legs.

  He nodded, his beard tickling my skin.

  “So that you’ll remember me if you don’t come back?” I feared.

  Dash pulled away, placing both his hands on my cheeks. “No. So that the essence of you will call me back home.” He gave me one last chaste peck on my forehead. “Maybe I should go now before I get caught up in the one reason I want to stay.”

  He didn’t say anything more, and I let him release me and walk away. I couldn’t watch him go, and I didn’t want anybody to see me cry over his decision. Collapsing on the nearby bench, I gave in to my confused emotions.

  Biddy announced her presence with a caw and landed next to me. She hopped up on my lap and flapped her way onto my shoulder. I loved how she always knew, and took comfort in her presence, sitting for a moment together on the bench in silent support.

  “Hey, girl, would you mind following him out of town?” I di
dn’t know why I wanted her to or what peace of mind it would give me. But if I couldn’t watch his departure, somebody I cared about could.

  She nodded her dark head and cocked it to regard me. With another caw, the crow took off into the sky. I wiped my eyes of any evidence of tears and headed back to join my friends.

  All my girls, including Blythe, met me at the edge. I nodded at my friend who still acted more fragile than I’d ever seen her.

  Lavender stared at the air around me, no doubt interpreting my aura. Her cousin Lily touched my arm. “Everything okay?”

  I nodded, marveling at their undying support. “Yeah. How did y’all know?”

  “Mason sent us to find you,” Blythe replied, holding out a cup no doubt filled with iced tea. “Said you might need us.”

  “And at least one slice of chess pie.” Alison Kate held out a plate and fork to me.

  I accepted the pie, the tea, and their love, appreciating the detective’s ability to make sure I had things I didn’t even know I needed. He stayed on the other side of the crowd, deep in conversation with Lee. But his protective glances never wavered for the rest of the night, and I was glad that the wall of ice that he’d erected between us was finally melted and gone. What would the future hold for the two of us if nothing stood in the way? More emotions whirled inside me, and I gulped down sweet tea to help.

  Horatio approached with Juniper close at hand. The betrayal of Moss and her death weighed on the tiny fairy who seemed more reserved than ever except in the troll’s presence.

  “My dear Charli. Allow me to extend my congratulations for following the clues to the end and solving the mystery. Well done, Holmes.” Horatio clapped me on the back, knocking the breath out of me.

  “I don’t think I deserve that name, but thanks.”

  He handed me a small rectangular card, and I turned it over in my hand. In precise handwritten calligraphy, it read:

  Charli Goodwin

  Lost & Found Services