Third Crime's a Charm (A Farmer's Market Witch Mystery Series Book 2)

by Constance Barker

  Tabitha walked out the front door. I followed, still holding my not-so-trusty weapons.

  “Make sure to tell that deputy man of yours that I did not kill Betty. In a port-a-potty? How unimaginative and well, stinky. No, Elle, I would never stoop so low. Now, be a good girl and go back to bed.”

  Tabitha stepped inside a witch’s portal and vanished. That explained how she reached my house, but it didn't tell me how she got inside. My house was protected. At least, I thought it was. If Tabitha had smashed my charms, she was dangerous, even in the dead of night. I went back inside and locked my door.

  “Gus, do you know how she got inside?”

  “I'll look about.”

  I put down my weapons and grabbed the phone. Jason answered on the third ring.

  “Elle, do you know what time it is?”

  “I do. And I think you should come over. I was just visited by Tabitha.”

  “The Tabitha that is wanted for the murder of Larson Hall?”

  “The same.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  I killed the connection, as Gus trotted into the room.

  “She came through the basement window,” Gus said. “It’s broken.”

  “Shoot. I thought I had protected everything. I didn’t think of the basement windows.”

  “Want me to guard it tonight?”

  “That won’t be necessary. I’ll slap on a spell so tight, not even a mosquito will get through.”

  When the doorbell rang, I opened the door immediately.

  “Are you all right?” Percy asked.

  “Percy, what are you doing here?”

  “I heard your scream,” he said. “And I knew something was wrong.”

  “Come in, come in.”

  Percy passed me, and I turned to him. “I’m guessing you also tuned in to the conversation I had with Tabitha.”

  “I did, but only because I thought you were in trouble. I swear it.”

  “Percy Moreno, if I catch you listening in to my conversations, I will cast a spell that will scramble the words, so you’ll never get a scoop again.”

  “Trust me, Elle, I won’t eavesdrop on you.”

  Someone knocked, and I opened the door. Jason, looking a bit sleepy, stood on the porch.

  “Come in,” I said.

  Jason eyed Percy suspiciously.

  “I was out for a walk. Insomnia, you know,” Percy said. “When I heard Elle scream.”

  “Right,” Jason said. “So, tell me what happened.”

  “Have a seat,” I said.

  “Not until you put down the baseball bat,” Jason said.

  I noticed that Jason’s usually serious look had softened a bit. His dark brown eyes seemed subdued. I put down the bat and told them exactly what had happened. Percy paid attention, even though he had listened to the exchange. I supposed that was for Jason’s sake. At the end, both men stood.

  “I don’t think there’s anything I can do tonight,” Jason said. “You discovered how she slipped past your spells?”

  “Basement window,” I replied. “I’ll remedy that situation.”

  “Good. In the daylight, I’ll look for clues, but I doubt Tabitha was careless enough to leave much.”

  “She wouldn’t care if she did. She’s not frightened of the police.”

  “I suppose not.”

  “I have to go too,” Percy said. “But before I go, I think we should ask the obvious question. What did Betty have that Tabitha wants so badly? We need to answer that.”

  “I agree,” Jason said. “So, Elle, do a bit of thinking and see if there was anything that Betty Hassens possessed that Tabitha needed. A magical connection, I would suppose.”

  “I’ll give it some thought,” I said. “But, off the top of my head, I can’t think of a single item.”

  “That’s not encouraging. At least, Larson Hall had the amulet.”

  I escorted them out the door. They didn’t linger. I hoped they would be able to go back to sleep. After I locked the door, I went to the basement to add a protection charm to the broken window. That would be another possible use of my universal repair spell—if I could fashion such a thing.

  “She's not a good person,” Gus said.

  “Who?”

  “Tabitha. I don’t like her one little bit.”

  “Not many people do, Gus. She’s a prickly pear, if you know what I mean.”

  “I do, but I think she might be telling the truth tonight.”

  “Oh, what makes you say that?”

  “Why go to all this trouble to lie? It’s not as if she’s liable to be arrested.”

  “Preemptive strike. She wanted to plant a denial before some facts arrived and pointed to her guilt.”

  Sleep didn’t immediately arrive when I returned to my bed. That was disappointing but perhaps expected. Restless, I decided to take a walk when the sun rose. I didn’t expect company, but I found it.

  CHAPTER 4

  The dawn sun was spectacular, making me wish the Farmer’s Market would be open. I knew it was closed for the next day or two. It was an active crime scene, and while George White, the market’s manager wanted it open, he bowed to the authorities. They promised to work as fast as possible, but they were the government. The government didn’t much care about who they inconvenienced. They didn’t have to turn a profit.

  Then, I thought of Betty and Betty’s booth. No doubt, it was full of dead and wilting flowers. The beauty and scent would be gone, and it would be nothing but death. That thought battled the rising sun, and I decided I would choose the rising sun.

  The sidewalk ran beneath a canopy of oak trees, their leaves providing shade. Without a breeze, the leaves didn’t speak, which was fine. It was going to be a fine day. No rain. The world was green, and green was the color of life. All people welcomed the greening of spring and summer. For a moment, I thought of skipping, as I did when I was a young girl. There was little better than skipping along the sidewalk, humming a tune and feeling full of life. Where had those years gone? I resisted the urge to skip and was glad I did. Because, coming toward me was a pretty young woman in a green dress.

  The young woman wasn’t dressed for a morning walk. The dress was too fancy for that, as were her green pumps. I couldn’t help but think she was on her way to some party, a morning party, if there was such a thing. Then, I noticed that she didn’t carry a purse, or more important in this day and age, a phone. Who went walking without a phone? When she spotted me, the woman stopped. That was when I knew. The woman was a ghost.

  “Hello,” I said. “I’m Elle.”

  “You can see me?” the woman asked.

  “Certainly. And, I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m a witch, and I can, almost always, spot a ghost.”

  “Oh, yes, I suppose that’s true. But you wouldn’t believe how many people pass me and neither see nor hear. It’s a bit maddening, if you know what I mean.”

  “Everyone likes to be recognized,” I said. “Even ghosts.”

  “I haven’t been a ghost long, not long at all. Oh, I should introduce myself. I’m Emmy, and I live...lived two blocks over. My family is still here, and well, I’m not ready to move on. I want to look after them somehow. I’ve tried talking to them, but they can’t hear me. So, I guess I’m a bit lonely. You don’t mind me running on and on, do you? I don’t want to chase you off with my blather.”

  “You’re doing fine,” I said. “I’m more than happy to listen. Will you walk with me? I’m on my way downtown, to my shop. You’re more than welcome to come with me.”

  “Won’t you feel funny talking to the air? Most people can’t see me, so you’ll look like you’re bonkers.”

  I laughed. “I tell you what. I’ll take out my phone, and people will think I’m chatting with some caller. I won’t look odd at all.”

  “That’s very smart. I should have met you before...before the bad things happened.”

  “What do you think, Gus?” I asked.

  “She has
a good soul,” Gus answered. “She needs someone to talk to.”

  Emmy looked at Gus, and the beagle smiled, as much as a dog could.

  “A talking dog,” Emmy said. “I’ve never seen that before.”

  “He used to be a talking cat,” I said. “But things change, as you well know.”

  Emmy bent down and rubbed Gus’s head. “Aren’t you a smart one.”

  “I am,” Gus said. “And please remind Elle once in a while.”

  Emmy laughed. “Cheeky too. I bet you’re always fun.”

  “Don’t compliment him too much,” I said. “It will go to his head.”

  “I doubt that,” Emmy said.

  Emmy’s smile was wide and bright. Her blue eyes augmented her blonde hair. She was a pretty woman, who, no doubt, had had many friends when she was alive. Now, she was looking for friends in death.

  “Tell me about you,” I said.

  “Well, like I said, I lived a couple blocks from you. My parents and siblings, Audra and Brooks, are still there. It is a wonderful family. I was the oldest, which isn’t all that old. I was getting ready to go to college, when the disease struck.”

  “Bad disease?”

  “Leukemia. As bad as it gets, I guess. My doctor, David Tetrick, did all he could to save me. You know how it goes. You learn the worst, and then, they start treatments. The treatments are often terrible, and you wonder which will kill you first—the leukemia or the treatments. I tried very hard to stay alive, but it wasn’t to be. I came to accept that. Some things just aren’t meant to be.”

  We came to the square and started around, the courthouse standing proudly in the middle.

  “I love the square,” Emmy said. “We used to walk here and get ice cream at McShane’s. They have the best ice cream. You know, one of the things I miss most is food. I loved good food and especially ice cream. I wish I could still enjoy it.”

  We reached my shop, and I unlocked the door for her. Not that she couldn’t have passed through, had she so desired.

  “Oh, I love your charms,” Emmy said. “You don’t know how many times I walked past and wanted to stop. But I was always in a hurry. I always had a place to be. I wish now, that I had taken the time to visit. Do you mind if I stop by now and again?”

  “She won’t mind,” Gus said. “Elle loves company.”

  “Gus is right. I do love company, so stop by any time you want. If I’m busy, you can just hang around for a while.”

  “I would really enjoy that. And since you’re gracious enough to invite me in, I’ll leave you to your work for now. Thank you for chatting.”

  “You’re more than welcome.”

  Emmy left, passing right through the door. I felt a bit sorry for her. She was lost in the nether world. She was neither fully here nor there. I knew that, in time, she would move on. In the meantime, I would help all I could.

  It was mid-morning when my phone chirped.

  “Hello, Jason,” I said. “Get back to sleep all right?”

  “Yes and no. You know how it is. Sometimes, your mind simply won’t shut down.”

  “That's true.”

  “I called to tell you that I checked Betty Hassens house this morning. It’s been ransacked. I called in David Hassens to take a look.”

  “To see what might be missing?” I asked.

  “Exactly. After last night, I think it only prudent to inform you. According to David, the only item missing is a young girl’s jewelry box. You know, one of those with the ballerina on top? According to David, the jewelry box originally belonged to Bett’s mother. David didn't attach any particular significance to the jewelry box, and it certainly didn’t hold any valuable jewelry. So, I’m at a loss, as to why it was taken. If you have any good guesses, let me know.”

  “I can’t think of anything off the top of my head,” I said. “But I’ll look into it.”

  “Great. And let me know if you hear from Tabitha. I have a feeling she hasn’t left town.”

  “You’ll be the first,” I said.

  After the phone call, I took a minute to wonder about the jewelry box. I knew that magic could be associated with almost anything. Jewelry boxes were no exception. Was Tabitha looking for something hidden in the box? Something that could be found with the proper spell? After a few minutes, I gave up my speculation. I knew it would probably lead to nothing. I went back to work on my charms. They were my reality.

  Until Delilah Simmons came into the shop, looking as frazzled as a lamb after a perm.

  “I need something that will ward off evil,” Delilah said. “And I need it fast.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Delilah was young, younger than me, with long, blonde hair and light-blue eyes. Her eyes reminded me of ice, of a frozen lake under a winter moon. She was attractive but not beautiful. She worked for Betty Hassens, so Delilah’s job was not assured. Not that it mattered. I knew Delilah didn't enjoy Betty’s ability to arrange flowers, probably because Delilah never displayed a knack for adding just the right bloom. Yet, Delilah was competent enough.

  “Why do you need to ward off evil?” I asked.

  “You do have them, right?” Delilah asked.

  “I think I can find something, but you didn’t answer my question.”

  “My boss, Betty, was murdered. And, by all accounts, it looks like a witch killed her. I want something that will protect me from witches.”

  I wondered how Delilah knew about the witch’s portal, but then, I remembered Percy. A detail like that would be in his blog and on his lips. Rumors flew around Abbot Rise like pigeons, landing here and there and enlightening everyone.

  “Well, I have several bracelets that will provide some protection,” I said. “At least, that is the common belief. There is a blue-eyed owl that is supposed to deter the evil eye. And there is a yellow agate that people believe will keep evil spirits at bay. Or you might like a lion’s head charm that scares off anything bad.”

  I showed Delilah half a dozen charms and bracelets that most people would recognize as protection from evil. She examined them all and settled on an ankle bracelet, with a lion’s head and a blue-eyed owl. The bracelet was attractive, but I wasn’t sure about wearing it on the ankle. But then, I didn’t have to wear it.

  “Elle, you are a wonder,” Delilah said. “I feel better already.”

  “I do the best I can, but the best way to ward off evil is to avoid it.”

  “How do you avoid a witch?” she asked.

  “Are there really witches about?” I asked.

  She laughed. “No, no, witches are imaginary...I hope.”

  I watched Delilah slip on the ankle bracelet and traipse out the door. I had the idea that she was headed some place, where the bracelet was sure to be seen and admired. Delilah was mostly show.

  “I don’t like her.”

  I turned to the side, where Emmy stood, looking out the window at the retreating Delilah.

  “Oh,” I said. “Why is that?”

  “She’s a phony. She doesn’t give a hoot about the charms or any protection. It’s all for show. She’ll show it off to every man she meets, just so they can see her leg and ankle. It’s just part of her costume.”

  “I agree,” Gus said. “That woman is not genuine.”

  “I like your dog,” Emmy said. “He makes perfect sense.”

  I laughed. “Don’t tell him that. He's already too sure of himself. He keeps traipsing off into the woods where I know he'll be bringing back fleas.”

  “The woods are always far more interesting than the streets,” Gus said. “And animals don’t lie. Well, not often.”

  Emmy laughed. “I think I’ve found a friend. Would you like to take a walk in the woods sometime, Gus?”

  “Of course. And your company would be appreciated, seeing as Elle doesn’t always have time.”

  “Hey,” I said. “I’m a working girl. I don’t have time for lollygagging in the trees.”

  “We have a date,” Emmy said.

  I could
see that Gus had found a new friend, someone he could chat with, without raising a lot of questions. Talking dogs were rare. In fact, almost no one believed animals could talk, since most couldn’t. I was lucky. Emmy was too, and she looked decidedly happier than she had before.

  An hour later, the bell over the door rang again. I came out of the workshop and found David Hassens rubbing his hands as he stood by the counter.

  “Hello, David,” I said. “What brings you?”

  A tear escaped his eye, and he wiped it away. I had no idea if the tear was real, or just meant for me. Some people craved sympathy. Was David one of those?

  “I...I wanted to ask you,” he began. “I wanted to ask if you’ve heard anything about Betty’s murder.”

  “Why would I hear anything?” I asked. “I don’t work for the police.”

  “Well, it’s common knowledge that you helped that deputy, Hart, I think, you helped him with the last murder, right?”

  “I might have helped a little,” I said. “But not in any official capacity. I’m not a detective.”

  “I know, but you’re close to him. You date? Is that it? I would think you would discuss Betty’s...murder. That’s like shop talk, isn’t it?”

  “We’re not a ‘thing’,” I said. “Although we do go out on occasion. And we talk about a lot of different things, not just murder.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply anything bad,” he said. “I’m just trying to understand. I want to know why anyone would kill Betty. It seems totally insane to me.”

  While David said the words, I had the feeling he didn’t really mean them. He was going through the motions, acting. He wasn’t real.

  “You should talk to Deputy Hart yourself,” I said. “He will know all the particulars. I have nothing more than what’s common knowledge. In fact, he’d probably love to talk to you. After all, you are her husband.”

  “Ex-husband,” he said. “Well, technically, the divorce hadn’t gone through, so I guess I’m still her husband. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is justice for Betty. That’s what we all need...justice. Thank you, Elle. I think I will give Deputy Hart a call.”