“Let us know if you need us,” Begonia said. “Send Sedgwick or even Gareth.”
“I will,” I promised. I tucked the letters into my cloak pocket. “Millie, would you mind flying me home?”
Millie’s eyes bulged. “On my broomstick?”
I nodded. “I’d like to get there as quickly as possible.”
Millie hesitated. “Are you sure that’s wise? This is a new blouse.” She smoothed the front of her white top.
“I took my anti-anxiety potion this morning,” I said. “I should be okay.” Although I felt queasy, it wasn’t due to heights. I was anxious to be in the comfort of my own home with my mother’s letters.
“Let’s go then.” Millie held out a hand and pulled me up from the sofa.
“Good luck, Emma,” Sophie said. “We hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“Thanks, everyone,” I said. So did I.
“How’s my case coming along?” Tomlin asked. He sauntered into my office, appearing far more relaxed today than he had during previous conversations.
“I’m still hoping the Akers decide to talk Rochester into dropping the charges,” I replied.
He scratched his cheek. “That’s your strategy? Hope the Akers behave like decent paranormals? They’re wereferrets. It isn’t likely.”
I wagged a finger at him. “Now that sounds like the Akers talking about a werelynx. Try to be the bigger paranormal.”
Tomlin puffed out his chest. “Good point. So if they won’t agree, then what?”
“Then I’ll try to persuade Rochester. Sometimes he sees sense. Failing that, I’ll prepare your case to go before the judge.”
“A judge makes it all seem real,” Tomlin said, a nervous edge creeping back into his voice.
“Don’t worry, Tomlin,” I said, adopting my most reassuring tone. “If we end up in court, I’ll present a good defense.”
“What will that be?” he asked.
“That you weren’t aware you were on private property. There were no signs. No wards. No markings. The owners never spoke to you.”
Tomlin arched an eyebrow. “And that will be enough?”
I shrugged. “I can’t say for certain. I’ll head out to the property once I know for certain we’re trying the case and see if I can find any more supporting evidence. The more we have, the stronger your defense.”
Tomlin nodded solemnly as Althea bustled into the room with a latte. She set the cup on my desk with a flourish.
“Your usual, Boss Lady,” the Gorgon said.
“Thank you,” I said and took a grateful sip. “You have no idea how badly I needed this.”
From beneath her polka dot headscarf, the snakes hissed.
“Is that a new wrap?” I asked, inclining my head.
Althea touched the fabric. “It’s one of Amanda’s. The girls aren’t sure how they feel about polka dots.”
“It looks good,” I said, and the snakes quieted. “Better than a napkin.”
“I should hope so. I’ll let you get back to business,” Althea said. She sashayed back to her adjoining office.
“It must be nice to have someone wait on you like that,” Tomlin said.
I laughed. “Wait on me? Althea?”
“Sure. She brings you lattes. Gets your paperwork ready. Schedules your appointments.”
“That’s her job,” I said. “She gets paid, you know.”
Tomlin looked wistfully at the door. “I miss Geena.”
“You miss your relationship or you miss someone doing things for you?” I queried.
He offered a rueful smile. “Is it wrong to want both?”
It seemed to me that was part of the problem with his relationship. He was more than willing to take without offering something in return. The werelynx didn’t seem to realize that relationships were a two-way street. Geena wanted him to bring something to the table. When he didn’t, she bailed. If he didn’t figure that out soon, he was doomed to repeat the same mistake in his next relationship.
“I don’t mean to overstep,” I began, “but have you ever considered therapy? I find it helpful to work through relationship issues with a professional, so that I don’t repeat bad patterns.”
“A professional what?” he scoffed. “Listener? I don’t think anyone is more qualified to listen to me because of a few classes.”
I cringed. “That’s up to you, Tomlin. I happen to find it helpful, but therapy isn’t for everyone.” I would have loved to put him in a room with Dr. Hall and repeat his end of the conversation. She’d bust out her university degree and then give him a sharp kick in the solar plexus…if he was lucky.
“I heard you spoke to Sean,” he said.
“That’s right. How did you know?” I asked.
“He was at the house yesterday going through his brother’s belongings.”
“I guess he needs to pack everything up so his family can move in,” I said. “I imagine they want to be settled before the baby’s born.”
Tomlin appeared blank. “He didn’t have boxes. He was looking through Seamus’s papers. I think he felt guilty about writing that letter and wanted to get rid of it.”
Now it was my turn to look blank. “What letter?”
“He wrote Seamus a letter a while back, threatening to sue him for the house,” Tomlin said. “He got his wish, but at his brother’s expense. That can’t feel very good.”
I gaped at Tomlin. “Did you see the letter?”
“Not this time around, but Seamus read it to me back when he got it,” Tomlin said. “He was bummed. Sean wanted the house or half the value. Seamus knew he couldn’t give him half. He didn’t have that kind of money, but he also didn’t want to fight with his brother about it. His mom hated when they fought.”
Well, that certainly put Sean in a new light. He’d lied to me about intending to honor his mother’s wishes.
“Did Sean find the letter?” I asked.
“I didn’t stick around to find out,” Tomlin said. “It seemed kinda personal. I only stopped by to see who was in the house. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a…”
“Trespasser?” I offered with a wry smile.
“Burglar,” Tomlin finished.
“Thanks for coming in, Tomlin,” I said. “This has been a very productive meeting.” More than he realized.
I stood in front of the Grey sisters’ cave, a heavy bag slung over my shoulder. It contained the usual treats for the trio—a headless chicken, a jug of Goddess Bounty, and a bar of chocolate.
“Come in, you will,” Lyra said. She motioned for me to enter the mouth of the cave.
“I come bearing gifts,” I said, and handed over the headless chicken at the first opportunity. Even in a bag, I didn’t want to carry it any longer than necessary. Eating a nice grilled chicken and toting around a dead one were two very different activities.
“Something looks different,” I said, as I followed her into the main living area of the cave.
“Tried to paint, we did,” Petra said. “To brighten a dreary space.”
I followed her gaze to the cave wall where smears of dark red paint were evident. “What happened?”
“Not enough lizard blood,” Lyra replied. “But this chicken will do, it will.” She shook the bag I’d given her.
My stomach turned over. “You used lizard blood as paint? Why not buy paint in town?”
Lyra exchanged glances with Petra, the sister currently sporting the eye. Even though Lyra now had a full set of eyes and teeth thanks to an agreement with me, Petra and Effie still shared an eye and a tooth between them.
“Shop we do not,” Petra replied.
I could see how that would be difficult for Petra and Effie.
“You know what?” I said. “I bet I can conjure up paint with a spell. Would you like me to try?”
The sisters nodded.
A garden-variety coven spell was probably best for a job like this one. I produced my wand and focused my will. “Fix these walls before I fain
t/cover them all in bright red paint.”
A collective gasp escaped the sisters, but I felt like I needed to vomit. In hindsight, red was not a good choice. Their cave was intimidating enough on a normal day. Now it looked like the well-used home of a serial killer…or a trio of serial killers.
“I don’t know how I feel about the murder chic ambience,” I said. “Let’s try a different shade.” I extended my wand and said, “I thank the Greys for being so mellow/change these walls to the color yellow.”
The red walls shimmered and faded, replaced by a cheerful shade of yellow.
“Like it very much, we do,” Effie said.
I tucked away my wand and wiped my brow. “Well, that’s a relief. I have to admit, it really brightens up the place.” Usually the cave was dark and depressing. Now that Lyra had improved vision, it seemed only fair to spruce up their home. Next time I’d bring a plant instead of a chicken. Althea would approve.
Effie tried to take the eye from Petra, but the shorter sister refused to hand it over. Effie focused her blank face on me, an image that was always unsettling.
“Dreams, you have had,” she said. “They cling to you like pixie dust.”
“I have had an active dream life recently,” I admitted. “Mostly strange and sometimes scary.”
“Changes are afoot,” Effie said. She gripped my arm and squeezed. “Changes within you.”
I shook her off. “That’s sort of the reason I’m here.” I sat on a nearby boulder and tried to make myself comfortable. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard the news, but Daniel and I are getting married.”
Excited chatter erupted as the sisters began to circle me.
“How lucky he is,” Effie said.
“A catch,” Petra said.
“The dream girl, you are,” Lyra added.
I clutched my chest. “Stop it. You don’t need to flatter me. I know I’m the lucky one.”
The sisters’ chatter halted abruptly.
“Know your worth,” Lyra snapped, deviating from her usual singsong voice. “The angel has much and more to be grateful for, he does.”
I straightened on the boulder. “I know my worth. I don’t think he’s better than me or anything like that.”
The sisters’ silence suggested otherwise.
“I mean, he is an angel and I’m just a…a sorceress learning the ropes…”
“Just a sorceress?” Petra echoed. Her one eye blinked at her sisters.
“Your worth has been proven,” Effie said. “His remains uncertain.”
I waved my hands emphatically. “No, no. You’ve got him all wrong. Daniel is a changed angel. He’s worked hard to atone and make amends for past wrongs.”
“Deserve you, does he?” Lyra asked.
“Yes,” I said firmly. “One hundred percent. Not a shred of doubt in my mind.” I paused. “But I thank you all for thinking so highly of me. It means a lot.”
“Work with Gareth, I will,” Lyra said. “He must attend all events.”
I smiled. “Please do. My special day wouldn’t be the same without him.” I inhaled deeply. “While we’re on the subject of my special day, I’d like to ask a favor. That’s the reason I’m here.”
The trio stopped circling me, which was helpful because I’d started to feel dizzy.
“Bridesmaids?” Petra asked hopefully.
I gulped. “Um, no. I’m sorry. I wish I had room for more. Actually, I was hoping you would…”
“Take pictures?” Effie interjected. “Use the eye, I shall, and promise to capture images in the magical box.”
Oh boy. “No. I’m sorry. Miranda’s going to take the wedding pictures,” I said. The older Gorgon was a talented photographer. “That’s Althea’s gift to us.”
The sisters crossed their arms and huffed in unison.
“I need ushers,” I said.
“Ushers?” Effie repeated.
“To show guests to their seats for the ceremony,” I said. “You’ll get to wear special matching outfits and corsages. Daniel and I will pay for everything.”
It had taken Daniel and I ages to come up with a reasonable task for the Grey sisters. The simple fact remained that many in Spellbound were terrified of the trio. If we used them to direct guests to their seats, no one would risk getting out of hand during the ceremony. They’d be bouncers in disguise.
The Grey sisters made encouraging sounds. Lyra placed her hands on my shoulders and kissed my cheek. The move was so unexpected and, quite frankly, a little gross from a woman who voluntarily smeared lizard blood on her wall, that I hopped in my seat.
“Honor us all, you do,” she said.
“You’re my friends,” I said. “I want you to be a part of our day.”
“What of Agnes?” Petra asked.
“Daniel and I are still discussing her role,” I said, mainly because Daniel was reluctant to give Agnes any role at all. He was afraid she’d perform an itching curse on the guests or worse. “I’d like her to give a speech, but only if she promises to keep it clean.”
“Then keep her away from alcohol, you will,” Lyra grumbled.
“Ha! I’m not risking life and limb on my wedding day,” I said. “I’ll leave Lady Weatherby in charge of restraining her mother.” And even that was a risk.
“Many thanks to you,” Petra said. “We look forward to it, we do.”
“Me, too,” I said, beaming. “More than I’ve ever looked forward to anything in my life.”
Chapter 13
The front lawn of the high school was teeming with students. No one seemed eager to head straight home after school. A group of paranormals tossed a ball back and forth until a vampire sank his fangs into the ball and deflated it.
“Not again, Kevin,” a fairy yelled in a voice typically reserved for put-upon mothers.
Kevin laughed and held up the ball so that the fairy could mend it with magic. They carried on playing as though nothing had happened.
I strode into the school and bypassed the receptionist. Thankfully, she was busy discussing recipes with a few other women and didn’t register my presence. I spotted the pixie I wanted up ahead and raced to catch up to him.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the letter, Sean?” I hustled to fall in step beside him as he sauntered down the corridor toward the teachers’ lounge. Despite his pixie wings, he seemed perfectly content to walk instead of fly.
He kept his gaze locked on the corridor. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“The letter you sent to your brother, demanding the house or half the value. Sound familiar?”
He shushed me before coming to a dead stop in the middle of the corridor. Marching band students flooded us as he turned his attention to me. “The letter was a mistake, okay? I regretted it the moment I sent it.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me about it?” I demanded. “You said you intended to honor your mother’s wishes. That was a lie.”
“No, it wasn’t.” He pulled me into a nearby empty classroom and closed the door. “I knew how it would look if I told you the truth. I didn’t even want to send the letter. It was my wife’s idea. Pomona hated that Seamus got the house. She thought it was unfair.” He raked an agitated hand through his hair. “And it was unfair, but I had no interest in fighting over the house.”
“Then why pick one? You could have refused.”
“I never intended to follow through with it,” Sean said. “I only did the initial letter to satisfy Pomona.”
“She never asked what the outcome was?” I queried.
“Oh, she asked,” Sean said. “But I was always able to delay a real answer.”
I folded my arms and fixed him with my hard stare. “Well, I guess she’s happy now.”
He seemed genuinely upset. “Of course not. No one is. Seamus was a decent pixie and Pomona feels guilty about the letter.”
“Is that why you went to retrieve it from the house?” I asked.
Sean nodded. “We knew it would make me look bad a
nd we didn’t want anything to distract the sheriff from the real culprit.”
“The better move would have been to tell us about the letter rather than hide it,” I said. “Now you seem like you have something to hide. I bet one of your students could get you access to hemlock if you wanted it.”
Sean shuddered at the mention of hemlock. “He didn’t deserve to die like that. Hemlock is a terrible way to go.”
“If it’s any consolation,” I said, “it sounds like he went pretty quickly according to Tomlin. And at least he wasn’t alone when he died. I know it isn’t much.” But it was something.
Sean nodded, his lips twitching. He was close to tears. “Seamus was my little brother. I feel like I failed him. I spend time with these students every day, trying to make a difference in each of their lives. But how can I be successful at my job when I couldn’t even save my own brother?” He broke down and began to cry.
“Your brother was murdered, Sean,” I said, giving his arm a sympathetic squeeze. “How could you have saved him?”
“If I could have persuaded him to be more proactive,” Sean blubbered. “More focused. I’ve never had any issues with staying the course. I was his older brother, for Nature’s sake. I should have offered more guidance.”
“That comes down to personality a lot of times,” I said. “Even if you had done those things, Seamus was still Seamus. You can’t blame yourself.”
The classroom door flew open and a pregnant pixie fluttered there, looking ready to spit nails at the sight of another woman’s hand on her husband’s arm. “Sean, what exactly are you doing? You were supposed to meet me out front five minutes ago.”
He took a step back from me. “Pomona, this is Emma Hart. She’s investigating Seamus’s death.”
Pomona’s anger faded. “Oh. I’m sorry I came charging in here. That’s pregnancy hormones for you.”
“That’s okay,” I said. “I understand.”
Her gaze settled on my ring finger. “That’s a beautiful ring.”
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