C is for Crow: The A B C's of Witchery (Moonbeam Chronicles Book 3)

by Carolina Mac

  “That’s what I want to do too.” I headed to the back of the house to lock the patio doors and Pete was there pawing at the glass. I let him in, then locked it.

  “You didn’t feed me, Gilly,” he growled.

  “I was just about to do that, Pete. Let me fill up your bowl.”

  While he waited, Pete apologized for trying to rip my hand off earlier. “I’m sorry I was pissy before, Gilly. Don’t get all crazy and send me to the dog pound. Okay?”

  “If you try in any way to ruin my life with Farrell, that’s exactly what will happen.”

  “You know I wouldn’t survive in the gen pop at the shelter, babe. You’d be sentencing me to death.”

  You should be on death row anyway.

  I shrugged and put his bowl of kibbles on the floor.

  While I watched him, Pete dug in and gobbled up his kibbles like he was starving.

  “You’ve been warned.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Monday, November 9th.

  Nine Hemlock Way. Elgin.

  Right after breakfast, I dove into the stack of boxes in the living room and began unpacking and putting the rest of my possessions away. Coming from a small one bedroom apartment, I didn’t have a lot.

  Moon finished cleaning up the kitchen and headed out to the market. It was going to be a great day and I planned on accomplishing a ton of things that had been hanging over my head since the day I moved in.

  I broke down the first two boxes and piled them neatly by the front door ready for a trip to the garage. The doorbell rang and I jumped. “No company. Not today.”

  I peeked through the front drapes that came with the house. I wanted to change them, but when had I had a minute to decorate? I couldn’t see a person at the door. Maybe it was Jody, but he always came around the back.

  Inhaling a gulp of oxygen, I opened the door a little and my heart sank seeing skinny, frizzy Cynthia standing there with something in her hands.

  “Hi.” I figured the lack of enthusiasm in my voice might drive her back where she came from.

  “I want to apologize for yesterday. I was rude and I insulted you and your pet... bird. We got off on the wrong foot and I want to start over.” She shoved something wrapped in a dish towel at me and I had no choice but to take it. “I’m sorry I was a bitch.”

  Yeah, you were.

  Moonbeam wasn’t home to give me moral support and I wished she was. “I’m finishing some unpacking that didn’t get done when I moved in.”

  “Oh, are you new to the neighborhood too?”

  “September,” I said. “Thank you for this. It smells delish.”

  “Coffee cake. My own recipe. I was hoping we could share a bite and make peace over a coffee.”

  If that’s what I have to do to get rid of you.

  Against my better judgement, I opened the door wide enough to allow Cynthia to squeeze her skinny ass in.

  “If we’re lucky, there might be coffee left from breakfast.” I led her to the kitchen, gratified for the way Moonbeam left everything spotless.

  “Do you live here alone?” Cynthia sank into a chair at the end of the table and I kissed my morning goodbye. I took two clean mugs from the cabinet and filled them with coffee that appeared to be strong.

  “No, my boyfriend lives here, my brother and my mother-in-law.”

  She smiled. “A houseful of people. A boyfriend and a mother-in-law, but no husband. How does that work out?”

  “Fine.” I cut two pieces of the coffee cake, put them on plates and got us each a fork from the cutlery drawer. “Here we go. I’m looking forward to trying your baking.”

  “I love to bake, but I don’t eat a lot of my own cakes and pies. I make them mostly for my daughter and my husband. I’m on a diet.”

  Jeeze. You shouldn’t be.

  “Does your husband work in the city?”

  “Yes. He’s a big shot at Sony. I hardly ever see him.”

  Wonder why.

  “Do you work?” asked Cynthia giving me her fake sweet voice. “I’m sorry, you didn’t tell me your name.”

  “Gillette Hart. I’m a cop. Texas Ranger.”

  Cynthia’s amber eyes widened. She reminded me of a cat. A sneaky predator. “You look so young to be in law enforcement.”

  “I’m nineteen.”

  “Amazing.”

  “Uh huh.” I took a bite of the coffee cake and it was good. Lots of cinnamon and yummy glaze on the top. A million calories. “This is tasty. You excel at baking.”

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  “What does your boyfriend do for a living? Am I being too nosy?”

  “He’s a cop too.”

  “Oh, my. A two cop family.”

  Pete scratched at the patio door and I hopped up to let him in.

  “You don’t let that big dog into the house, do you?”

  “Uh huh. I do. He won’t hurt you unless you try to hurt me.” I smiled. “And then he’ll rip you apart.”

  Cynthia drew back a little. “I presume you’re kidding.”

  “Pete won’t hurt you.” He rested his head on my knee and I stroked his big head. “But he’s not friendly if there’s nobody home but me. He’s a guard dog.”

  “Believe me. I won’t challenge him.”

  Pete growled and made a quick move towards the patio doors. “Jody,” I said out loud. I was so glad to see him at that moment. One thing I was not good at was small talk with strangers. Jody could save me.

  I hopped up and hugged him as he stepped into the kitchen. “Good morning, Jody. This is our new neighbor renting Carter’s house on the other side of me.”

  “Hey,” said Jody. He sat down and gave her the dimpled grin while I poured him a coffee.

  “Cynthia baked a coffee cake.”

  “I haven’t had breakfast.” Jody winked at me and I cut him a gigantor slab.

  “Enjoy.”

  “I’m getting to know two of my neighbors at the same time,” said Cynthia. “This is my lucky day.”

  “Mine too,” said Jody. “I usually don’t score anything this good for breakfast.”

  “Do you live alone, Jody?”

  “I do. I enjoy the bachelor life. Wild and rowdy. Women in and out all the time. Just like on TV.”

  Cynthia laughed. “You and Gillette both like to kid around. I like that.” She sipped her coffee and then asked another question. “Is this your day off, Jody? Are you a cop like Gillette?”

  “Uh huh. We’re on the same shift. I’m her partner.”

  I nodded. This was getting good.

  “And you live next door to each other. How convenient is that?”

  “It’s handy,” I said. “When I want Jody, I know right where he is. He’s waiting for me when we get the call to go to Austin and bust some heads.”

  “Oh, cop speak. How darling is that?”

  Jody chuckled and I saw his dimple again. But no time to dwell on Jody’s charms, Pete scrambled out from under the table and ran to the front door to greet Moonbeam, back from the market.

  “Excuse me for a moment, I have to help Moon with the groceries.” I left the kitchen and Jody followed me.

  “I’ll get the bags,” said Jody. “I’ll earn myself another piece of coffee cake.”

  Moonbeam’s trunk was full of bags. It would take a couple more trips. “She bought a lot,” I said. “We were away for a couple of weeks and had nothing in the fridge or pantry.”

  “Why is that woman in the kitchen?” Jody asked in a whisper.

  “She’s a new nosy neighbor. She needs to go home and do more baking.”

  Jody hefted four bags and grinned at me. “Got it.”

  I grabbed two heavy bags and followed Jody into the house. Cynthia was grilling Moonbeam when we got to the kitchen.

  “Gillette tells me you’re her mother-in-law.”

  “That’s true. My son died shortly after their wedding.”

  “How tragic. I’m so sorry.”

  “I don’t car
e to talk about it,” said Moon, “and neither does Gillette.”

  “Of course, you wouldn’t. I won’t mention it again.”

  Jody plopped all of his bags on the floor next to Moonbeam and went back to the car for the rest. “I can get the rest, Gilly.”

  “Thanks, sugar pop.”

  “You and Jody seem to be on friendly terms,” said Cynthia. “I guess you’d need to be if you work together as partners.”

  “Uh huh. That’s right.”

  Moonbeam rolled her big, black eyes at me. “I bought some treats for Zing. I hope she likes them.”

  “We’ll try one as soon as we get a minute.”

  “Are you talking about your pet crow?” asked Cynthia. “I’m sorry I screamed when she landed on your arm. I’m so frightened of crows. Birds of any description. Raptors especially. I’ve had dreams of a red-tailed hawk pecking my eyes out. I think that’s where my fear stems from.”

  “Uh huh. You have a bird phobia. It’s common.”

  “Do you know a lot about psychology?” asked Cynthia.

  “I took a couple courses at U of Texas for my police work. Nothing too deep.”

  “Interesting. You seem accomplished for nineteen.”

  “I try my best.”

  Jody winked at me and I cut him another slab of coffee cake. “Here’s your reward for slugging the groceries, Jody.” I emptied the carafe into his mug and started a fresh pot. Cynthia seemed to be in for the long haul.

  My cell rang and I welcomed the call. I hoped it was Farrell, but it was not. “Chief Calhoun, good morning.” I walked down the hall to my bedroom and closed the door so Cynthia couldn’t hear any of the conversation.

  “Farrell sent me a text and asked me to give you a call. He thinks we need to talk about your status.”

  “I’d love to do that if you’re open to talking to me. Not working is killing me, Chief. Can barely stand to get up in the morning.”

  “I know the feeling, Gillette. Come see me…around…how’s two o’clock this afternoon?”

  “Fantastic for me. Can’t wait to see you, Chief.” I hoofed it down the hallway back to the kitchen with a huge smile pasted on my face. “I have to go to headquarters for a two o’clock meeting.”

  “You seem happy about it,” said Cynthia. “I was never that happy about work.”

  “What did you work at?” Moonbeam looked her in the eye.

  “I’m an interior decorator. I could give Gillette a few suggestions on her décor.”

  “Maybe later. I do have a few drapery questions. Right now, I have to finish the unpacking and get ready to go to the city. I think my coffee break is over.”

  “I guess that’s my cue to go back to my lonely house.” Cynthia stood up and picked up her dish towel.

  “Thank you for the coffee cake,” I said as I walked her to the front door. “I’ll save a piece for Farrell when he comes home. He’s a big dessert eater.”

  “He is? I’ll bake him a pie. What kind does he like?”

  “Any kind. Pecan, lemon, cherry.”

  “Perhaps he and Kevin will hit it off and we can do dinner in the city some night.”

  Yikes. That’s the last thing Farrell would want.

  “Farrell works steady nights.” I opened the door a little wider, hoping Cyn would drag her skinny ass back home.

  “Lovely to meet your family, Gillette. I’m sure we’ll become great neighbors and fast friends.” She was almost out when she turned and waved. “Bye Jody, goodbye, Moonbeam. What a lovely name.”

  I closed the door and blew out a long breath when she finally crossed the threshold and disappeared. “Okay, that was Cynthia. I need a beer.”

  After Moon and I shared a sandwich and ate some of the new coleslaw she bought at the market, I had to get ready for my appointment with the Chief.

  A quick shower, and a trip to my closet to see what the hell I should wear. Trying to appear as close to normal as possible, I chose my only pair of black designer slacks and topped them with a blue silk blouse.

  My hair had gone crazy—all black and pink mixed together and it was getting so long I needed a trip to a salon. There might be one in Elgin I’d like. Have to look around and get to know my new home town.

  Ranger Headquarters. Austin.

  I parked my Gladiator in the employees’ lot where I always parked behind the DPS building. “I’m not sure if I’m still classified as an employee or if I’m a visitor, but I’m opting for employee status. I’m a hopeful employee.”

  I flipped down the visor to check my look in the little mirror before I went inside. “Hope I don’t fuckin cry if the Chief doesn’t want me back.”

  Since the minute Sonny died, my life had been out of control and I was still on the edge. I could feel how close I was to losing it every minute of the day.

  I need to gain control. I had it before and I have to get it back.

  Being back with Farrell had already helped tremendously, but I wasn’t in total control and I didn’t like the feeling. Not one bit.

  I tapped on the Chief’s door and smiled as he hollered for me to come into his office. “Hi, Chief, it’s good to see you again.”

  “You too, Gillette. Have a seat. We should have talked before this but Farrell said you were out of state?”

  “After everything that happened, I took some time and went home to see my parents in West Virginia. I hadn’t seen them in five years.”

  The Chief raised an eyebrow. “They must have been happy to see you after all that time.”

  “Uh huh. They were. Mama cried when she saw me. I left home when I was fourteen, and I guess I grew up a lot since then.”

  “Let’s talk about where you are work-wise, young lady.”

  “Nowhere, I guess. I was waiting for my life to settle down before I came to speak to you. A lot of stuff happened to me.”

  “I’m aware of most of it,” said Calhoun, “and not your fault. You were doing your job tracking a serial killer when things went sideways. A tragedy, dear. I don’t know how you’ve handled it so well. You’re made of good stuff.”

  “Thanks, Chief.”

  “Farrell talked to me about you working for him in an unofficial capacity. How do you feel about that?”

  “I want to work, Chief. If I can’t be reinstated because of Charlie’s report, then if I’m allowed to work with Farrell, I’ll take the job.”

  “I’ve given your situation a lot of thought and I think you’d be better suited working on serial killer cases. You have face to face experience and with the Night Vipers to back you up, I think that job would make better use of your time and talents.”

  “Okay. I’m open to that. I do know something about serials and about being an almost victim. I was with Sonny when he did some horrendous things and I learned by studying him. The whole time we were together I watched him as his mind went back and forth between normal and the killing compulsion he couldn’t control.”

  “Did you think at times he might kill you?” asked the Chief.

  “Yes, and I asked him that question a couple of times when he was angry and agitated and I was tied up. He said he loved me and he didn’t want to kill me, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t get rid of me if he had to make a choice and it came down to it.”

  “You weren’t in his age range,” said the Chief, “if I remember correctly.”

  “He told me he’d never killed a teenager and then he asked, ‘Why would I?’”

  “That’s so strange,” said Calhoun, “but because of Sonny Hart you have excellent insight into how his brain was working during his last few days.”

  “He worked a strict routine at the carnivals and only certain girls qualified. Seemed to be the sweet home-town types in their early twenties. When anything pushed Sonny off his normal routine, that’s when he lost it.”

  “We have several serial cases in the state that were never solved and I’m suggesting you start with those. I’ll give you the files one at a time and you can work
on them at your own pace. Send me a report once a week updating your progress. How does that sound?”

  “I like it, Chief. I’ll be working on my own until I have something solid and then Farrell can provide back up if I’m ready for an arrest?”

  “Yes. That’s how I see it.”

  “Do you have one for me to start on?”

  The Chief tapped a thick folder in front of him. Start with this guy. Vince Agostino was the prime suspect in the murder of four girls in different towns in Texas, but there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest him. Then about two years ago the murders stopped and there were no more murders attributed to him.”

  “Do you think he stopped killing or moved on? Sonny moved all across the country with the carnival and found his victims that way. Ted Bundy focused on university students. He moved from state to state, campus to campus, searching for victims. But he was also an opportunist. If a girl crossed his path he didn’t seem to care if she was a student or not. And Bundy’s age range varied more than Sonny’s.”

  “You’ve been researching?”

  “Trying to understand Sonny. I did love him, Chief. He wasn’t all bad.”

  “You’ve suffered, dear. I can read the pain in your eyes.”

  “I’m doing better now. Much better. I’m happy to take this job, Chief. I think I’ll be able to get some answers for you.”

  “It would be wonderful if you could. The families of the dead girls in these folders deserve some kind of closure and the way things sit right now—I’m sure they believe the justice system has forgotten about their daughters.”

  I picked up the folder with renewed energy. “I’ll start right away, Chief. And thank you for having faith in me and giving me this chance.”

  “You are too good a resource to waste, Gillette. I have every faith in your abilities.”

  With the folder tucked under my arm, I left the Chief’s office smiling. An investigator working on my own was more than I had hoped for.

  Nine Hemlock Way. Elgin.

  Farrell called as I was parking the truck in my driveway. “Hey, babe. I’m up and I’m packing some stuff to bring over. Are you home now?”

  “Just got back from a meeting with the Chief. He took me back, Farrell. I have a new job and I’ll tell you all about it when you get here.”