“I’m so glad I have you,” I said. “Just being near you makes everything seem better.”
“That’s my job,” Daniel replied. “I’m your husband.”
“My angel.”
He kissed me. “Yes, yours.”
Boyd called my name and we followed him back to the exam room. I hopped onto the table without being asked and filled the length of it.
“You seem to know the drill already,” Boyd said with a chuckle.
“I’ve done it more times than I care to remember,” I said.
Boyd rubbed his hands and held his open palms over my midsection.
“What happens when you do this?” I asked. “Do you get a mental image of the baby? Like an ultrasound?”
“I don’t know what an ultrasound is, but I get a sense of all your internal organs,” he said. “Uterus, too.”
“If something was wrong with my body, you’d sense it?” I queried.
“Usually,” Boyd replied. “Why? Do you think there’s an issue?”
“If there is, can you heal me?” I asked. Maybe a druid’s powers were exactly what I needed.
“Depends on the problem,” Boyd said. “I have to be careful if there isn’t an issue. In that case, I can do more harm than good.”
“You said that before,” I said. “What do you mean? If we think there’s a problem with my liver and you use your druid mojo on it, but it turns out I was mistaken, then my liver might be fried? I’d create a self-fulfilling prophecy?”
“Sort of,” Boyd replied. “Druid healing powers are strong and potentially dangerous. If I overdo it, I could hurt you.”
“Okay, forget it then,” I said. “I’ll keep looking for another way out.”
“Way out?” Boyd queried. “That sounds serious.” He examined me. “The baby seems fine if that’s what you’re worried about, Emma. Are you sure you’re okay?”
I sat up. “Strong heartbeat?”
“Yes, very.”
“Perfect, thanks.” I swung my legs over the side of the table and slid to the floor. “Time to go.”
“Emma….” Daniel began.
“I’ve got a day to finish,” I said. “I’m not sure if I’ll see you at the office later. If I don’t show up, please don’t ask Jordyn any inappropriate questions. Stick to her qualifications.”
Daniel blinked. “How did you…? Forget it.”
I slid my arms around his waist. “No matter what happens today, Daniel Starr, remember that I love you.”
Daniel pressed his forehead against mine. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Better yet,” I said. “I’ll see you when I wake up tomorrow.”
I walked straight into Marjory’s office and bypassed an attempt at polite conversation. If she was somehow connected to a smuggling ring, I needed to know now. There was no point in feigning ignorance.
“I’d like to see your pocket grimoire,” I said in my best authoritative tone.
Marjory met my intense gaze, completely baffled by my demand. “I beg your pardon.”
“Sorry. I didn’t phrase that correctly. I’d like to see your pocket grimoire, High Priestess.”
Marjory frowned. “How do you know about my book?”
“Because I’m psychic. Comes with the sorceress territory.” I held my palm flat. “Let’s have it, Limpet.” I figured I had nothing to lose. She probably wouldn’t remember this moment tomorrow anyway.
Marjory slid her hand into her cloak pocket and produced the small book. “Why do you want to see it?”
“Because I’m trapped in a spell that sounds eerily similar to the Merry-Go-Round spell that you have marked in here.”
Marjory’s eyes sparkled with interest. “You’re trapped in a spell?”
“Yes, I’m reliving the same day over and over,” I replied. “When I asked you about the spell yesterday, you didn’t really say why it’s highlighted.”
“I’m excellent with reversing spells,” Marjory said.
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, yes. You pretended to do a counterspell yesterday, only it didn’t work because I’m back here again. So you probably pretended to do the spell to throw me off your trail.”
“My trail?” she echoed. Her expression was pure confusion.
I held open the book and tapped the entry. “Why would you use this on me? To keep me out of the way and make your transition easier?”
Marjory cocked her head. “And why would I need you out of the way for that?”
“Because I’m a rebel rouser, like you said. I have a negative history with authority figures like Lady Weatherby, Sheriff Hugo, and Mayor Knightsbridge. I make life difficult for the leaders in this town.”
Marjory steepled her fingers. “Yes, I’ve read your file again this morning, in fact. I’m aware of your role in these various events. Why do you think I want you on my committee?”
“To keep an eye on me,” I said. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right?”
Marjory laughed softly. “I suppose there’s a ring of truth to it, but, to be honest, I’m interested in your contributions. You’ve blazed a trail in Spellbound, Emma. I’d be a fool to disregard you.”
I sat in the chair across from her and leaned forward. “ Do you swear on the portrait of Arabella St. Simon that you didn’t curse me?”
“No, I most certainly did not. I do not make a habit of hexing anyone. For one thing, it violates my code of conduct.”
“Then why are you carrying around that book?” I asked.
Marjory pressed her lips together. “If I share this with you, I request a solemn vow that you won’t reveal this personal information with anyone.” She jerked her chin toward the portrait behind her. “Swear on your beloved founder.”
I held up a hand. “I swear on ASS.”
Marjory’s mouth formed a thin line. “I look forward to changing the name of this academy.” Lola trotted over and put her paws on Marjory’s thigh. The witch lifted the small dog onto her lap and gave her an affectionate pat. “If you must know, the pocket grimoire belonged to my son when he was younger.”
“A son,” I repeated. Yes, she’d mentioned being a mother in one of our previous meetings.
“Yes, Brady. He used to carry it around and conjure spells to play tricks on others, usually me. He was a mischievous boy. Very naughty.”
I started to smile, but her expression was so pained that I stopped. “How old was he?”
Lola barked and Marjory shushed her. “Oh, I don’t know exactly. Probably between the ages of eleven and fourteen.”
“The whole time?”
“It went on for quite some time, I’ll say that much.” Her gaze drifted down to the desk. “To put it mildly, he was a handful.”
“Did you take the book from him as punishment?” I asked. “Is that why you have it?”
“Oh, no,” she replied. “Brady’s a grown wizard now. He hasn’t used this book for years. I kept it as a memento when he left home.”
“Why do you carry it around?” I asked.
“Why do you think?” she replied. “A mother never stops missing her children, no matter how long it’s been since they left the nest. Keeping the book in my pocket is like keeping him close to hand. Silly, I know.”
“Do you see him often?”
Marjory smiled sadly. “No, we don’t have an ideal relationship. He felt I was too strict with him and I felt he was immensely challenging. Not the best combination.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “That must be hard.”
“Someday, I’d like to work toward a closer relationship,” Marjory said. “But right now my job in Spellbound takes precedence. There’s far too much work to be done.”
“So did he use the Merry-Go-Round spell on you?” I asked. “Is that why it’s highlighted?”
“Probably,” she replied. “He enjoyed his hexes. Why do you think I’m an expert on counterspells? I’ve had heaps of practice.”
“It must not be the Merry-Go-Round spell
then,” I said. “You reversed it yesterday, or would have, if it had been the right one.” I believed her. Marjory Limpet was a challenging High Priestess, but there was no way she was involved in a smuggling ring.
Marjory stroked the dog. “I wish I could recall any similar spells, but I don’t off the top of my head.”
“No worries,” I said. “I appreciate your help. I’ll take the Blue Ribbon curriculum packet another time, okay? I have to focus on breaking this curse.”
Marjory set the dog on the floor. “You really are hexed, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I even broke my toilet with a sledgehammer yesterday to prove it.”
Marjory grimaced. “You broke your toilet?”
I waved a hand in the air. “There was a reason. It’s fixed now. Or, I guess it was never broken.”
Marjory squinted. “You’re very odd.”
“And it only took you a day to figure that out,” I said. “Congratulations.”
Chapter Eighteen
I strode into Paws and Claws, my confidence mounting. I was dead set on getting through this day and on to the next one, even if it killed me. Okay, that last part might make it counterproductive, but I was determined.
“Hey, Chip,” I said.
The owner glanced up from the ginger kitten in his hand and smiled. “Good morning, Emma. Don’t tell me you’re in the market for a new addition.”
“Not today,” I said. “I need to ask you a few questions about Percy Atkins. Specifically, the items you think he stole from the supply closet.”
Chip's expression grew sour. “How do you know about that?”
“That’s confidential,” I said vaguely.
“I should’ve realized you’d be defending him in the angel dust case,” Chip said. “A despicable act. How does your husband feel about you defending someone with such a complete disrespect for angels?”
“Daniel is horrified that angel dust is back on the black market,” I said, “but he knows I think Percy is innocent and he trusts my judgment.”
Chip tickled behind the kitten’s ear. “You do normally have a nose for these things, don’t you?”
I splayed my hands on the counter. “Can you tell me about the missing items? It would be really helpful.”
Chip finished feeding the kitten and set him on the counter, careful to keep a protective hand on him. “Gryphon heart, eye of a basilisk, and the scales of a longma. I didn’t even know what a longma was. I had to look it up. We must’ve had it in storage for ages.”
“Are any of the items illegal?” I asked.
“They’re not on the prohibited list, but they are rare,” Chip replied.
“There’s an actual list of illegal items?” I asked. That made sense, of course, but it hadn’t occurred to me.
“We accessed it after the curse was broken,” Chip explained. “We didn’t want to have fallen behind the times and unknowingly be in violation of the law. Mix-n-Match and Cure-iosity Shop should have a copy of the list, too. Basically, anywhere that uses or sells magical ingredients.”
“How did you even get your hands on a gryphon heart and the eye of a basilisk?”
Chip shrugged. “No idea. Some of those items have been in there a long time. We save them for emergencies, but they’re part of the official inventory, which is why we noticed they were missing this month.”
“Percy didn’t steal those items,” I said. “A smuggler did. That supply closet is never locked. Anyone could have wandered in off the street and taken them.”
“But they’d have to know they were there.”
“This smuggler is smart,” I said. “They listen and take notes. That’s why they know which lesser-used wooded areas to travel through at night. They’ve been quietly setting up shop here, and gathering information in the process. Anything they could use, they stole as part of their operation.”
Chip eyed the wingless kitten on the counter. “That might explain the rash of abandonments, too. All the creatures were rare, but without their unique characteristics.”
I nodded. “That kitten’s lack of wings saved his life.”
Chip lifted the kitten and kissed his nose. “I think I finally have a name for you. Lucky.” His face hardened. “And you’re sure the smuggler isn’t Percy?”
“I’d bet my life on it,” I replied. In fact, I kind of was. My baby’s, too. At the thought of the baby, a wave of nausea nearly swept me off my feet.
“Are you okay?” Chip asked. “You look a little green.”
I forced a smile. “That’s pregnancy for you.”
A smile exploded from him. “Emma, that’s wonderful news,” he said, “except for the green part, of course.” He seemed surprised, but, of course, he didn’t know I was pregnant. As far as he knew, I hadn’t told him three previous times. I hadn’t ogled the adorable wingless kitten three times. Or helped the druid from the healer’s clinic find a new companion to replace his beloved Pinky. Well, that had only happened once, like Darcy and Alex’s midnight sweep.
“Boyd says it should pass soon enough,” I said.
“I might have something to settle your stomach, if you’re interested. I keep some home remedies in the supply closet. To my knowledge, they’re still in there.” He offered a rueful smile.
I leaned against the wall and placed my hands on my knees, trying to steady my breathing. “I’ll be fine in a second, thanks.” Well, I’d be fine if I could break this curse and continue on with my life.
“It’s still early days, isn’t it? If you want me to keep your condition quiet, I will,” Chip said.
“Thanks, I tried to keep a lid on it until today,” I said. “I’d mentioned it to a few close friends out of necessity, but that’s it.”
“Close friends like half the coven and all the vampires?” he teased.
I began ticking off names on my fingers. “Daniel’s a given, obviously. Gareth, not that he can blab to anyone. I had to tell Astrid and Britta in the woods the other day. Agnes knew because she’s insane. Okay, that might not be the actual reason, but that’s what I’m going with. Boyd, of course.” I laughed. “And the druid in the waiting room because why not?”
Chip smiled. “You shared the news with a random patient in the clinic? I guess that’s to be expected from first-time parents. All that excitement bubbling over.”
I paused, trying to remember. It hadn’t been excitement that day. It had been distress over the hex. In fact, Daniel and I hadn’t managed to discuss the pregnancy yet during that particular visit because I’d been too upset, though I clearly remembered Phil Saxby’s comment. I met Chip's gaze. “The druid said that babies can make a woman emotional.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Chip said. “You’re swimming in hormones.”
I glanced around the shop, the panic beginning to rise. “Spell’s bells. He was here.”
Chip's brow creased. “Who?”
“One of my visits,” I said. “Phil Saxby was here, but only the one time. I’ve been here the same time every day since then. Why isn’t he here?”
Chip stared at me as though he was ready to call for a straightjacket. “I don’t know, Emma. I’m not sure whom you mean. I don’t know that name.”
“He’s a druid,” I began, and my heart seized. A druid. With the power to heal—and the power to destroy. With a wildlife magazine that probably included articles on rare creatures. “Here. I’ll conjure an image of him.” It would be more accurate than a sketch. I produced my wand and said, “Stones are hard and water is fluid/show us Phil Saxby the druid.”
An image of the friendly druid shimmered in front of us. “Oh, yes. I recognize him,” Chip said. “He’s been in a few times recently.”
“Do you know why?” I asked. Chip wouldn’t remember the time I was here with Phil because that slate got wiped clean—for Chip.
“No, he never said. I got the sense he was looking for something specific.”
Ha! I bet. “Like your supply closet?”
Chip�
�s eyes rounded. “I’ll alert Sheriff Astrid.”
“Good thinking. Tell her to start with any recently leased warehouses on the outskirts of town, near Whispering Woods.” I turned and rushed toward the door.
“Where are you going?” he called.
“I have to wake up, Chip,” I said. It was time to track down the real culprit and see the dawn of a new day. My baby’s life depended on it.
I decided to retrace my steps from last night and see if I could find Phil’s secret headquarters. Hopefully, I’d find the spell he used and would be able to reverse it before midnight. I’d been knocked out in the woods where all the activity seemed to take place. The druid had to be operating out of that area.
I drove Sigmund to the same spot as the night before and traveled on foot over fallen trees and stumps. Although it was still daylight, the trees grew thicker, blocking most of the sunlight. The deeper I went, the fewer sounds I heard. Birdsong faded and I caught sight of a path ahead. Not just a path—one with fresh footprints in the dirt. I followed along until I reached an abandoned building. The window on the side was broken and the door looked as though it was partially unhinged. Phil couldn’t possibly be securing animals in there. It would be too easy for them to escape.
As I crossed the clearing to reach the building, I felt a jolt of electricity.
“A ward.” I cursed under my breath. Of course, he’d warded the perimeter. That way he’d be notified of trespassers and could maintain the illusion of a dilapidated building. A heavy, bolted door and security windows would be a dead giveaway.
I took too long debating my next move. Phil emerged from the building, not bothering to continue the masquerade. “I almost made it, but nooo,” he said, waving his hands dramatically. “Here you are, darkening my doorstep.”
“Made it where?” I asked.
“To my new headquarters,” Phil said. “I can’t stay in Spellbound now. Too much risk.”
“I don’t understand,” I said. “How could you operate outside the constricts of the curse?”
“Easy, ” Phil said. “I made the curse so that I’m not bound by it. That way I could get the goods ready for shipment without your interference and then skip town. I figured if I could hold you and your friends off until then, I’d be home free.”
Wands Upon A Time (Spellbound Ever After Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 3) Page 17
