Hannah was officially in love with the woman on a platonic level. “I really hope you don’t turn out to be evil,” Hannah muttered to herself as she watched Lindy wipe off a table.
“Did you say something?” Lindy asked blankly, glancing over. They were in the middle of a lull between tour groups.
“Just that I’m going to run down to the post office really quick,” Hannah lied. “I want to make sure that everything is going smoothly. We were closed for a few weeks and our reopening was soft before today.”
“Oh, sure.” Lindy let loose a haphazard wave. “I’ve got everything under control here.”
Because she did, Hannah offered up a friendly smile before slipping through the swinging doors. Main Street was littered with stragglers — there was no set amount of time to visit Casper Creek once you bought a daily ticket — and Hannah grinned at each face in turn as she passed. Once she hit the post office and glanced inside, she was puzzled when she realized Cooper was nowhere to be found.
“Hey, Bob,” she called out to one of her workers. “Do you know where Cooper went?”
The man behind the counter, who wore an ornate uniform, glanced up. “Cooper?” Bob was in his forties but hard of hearing from years spent in a factory. “I think he said something about heading to the animal paddock. I wasn’t really listening, though.” His smile was sheepish. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s no need to apologize,” Hannah reassured him quickly. “I’m just checking in. I’ll find him.”
“How is the new bartender doing?” Bob queried. “Do we think this one is going to stick?”
“I certainly hope so.” Hannah exited the post office and headed in the opposite direction. She kept her smile in place, hoping she looked friendly and welcoming rather than distracted, and hopped over the space that separated two buildings. She was almost back to the saloon when an arm shot out from the side of the building and dragged her into the narrow alley.
Hannah’s first assumption was that Cooper had seen her walking down Main Street and decided to play a flirty game in a spot where they were likely to go undiscovered. She quickly shoved that notion out of her mind when she got a gander at the man who gripped her shoulders in his hands.
“Excuse me.” Hannah shoved back at him, frowning. “Guests aren’t allowed between the buildings.” The admonishment was out of her mouth before she realized she recognized the individual in front of her. “Carl Morse.” The name escaped on a wispy breath as she struggled to keep herself from screaming. Causing a panic would help no one.
“Not exactly,” the demon masquerading as a man replied, his eyes flashing with annoyance. His voice was low, throaty, and most definitely demonic. “I’m not who you think I am.”
“No,” Hannah agreed, slapping hard at his hand to get him to release her. “I know exactly what you are.”
“And I know what you are,” he said on a hiss. “Witch.”
Was that supposed to be an insult? Hannah couldn’t be certain. “Um ... you’re a demon. I’m pretty sure that’s worse than being a witch.”
Rather than be offended, Carl looked taken aback. Then, out of nowhere, he chuckled. “From your perspective, that’s likely true. From my perspective, though, you’re awful.”
“Well, I don’t really care about your perspective.” Hannah raised her free hand, watching with grim fascination as her fingers erupted with green fire. “Back up or I’ll burn you from the inside out.”
Carl rolled his eyes. “We both know you’re not going to do that.”
“Um ... I’ll totally do it. In fact, I’ve done it before and I actually like it.” That was a gross exaggeration. Hannah wasn’t a fan of killing — even if the demon in question deserved it — but there was no way this monstrous fiend could believe that he had power over her if she expected to maintain control of the situation.
“You’ll only do it if you think you have no other choice,” the demon shot back. “You’re the sort of person who wants to protect the flesh suits, even if they don’t deserve it.”
Hannah made a horrified face. “Did you just refer to that man you took over as a flesh suit?”
“Yes.”
“Well, that is just rude.” For some reason — and Hannah would have to think hard on it later to figure out exactly why she felt the way that she did — there was no fear coursing through her as she regarded the demon in the bright light of day. The fear she’d felt in the darkness, in the wake of the dream, was somehow different from what she was feeling now. She couldn’t explain it.
“That’s how it works,” the demon insisted. “I’m the higher being. This is a flesh suit.” His gestures were exaggerated. “Before you get worked up, though. You should know this guy is a horrible human being. That’s why I sought him out.”
Hannah cocked her head, considering. “I don’t think that’s right. The family told the sheriff he was acting out of sorts.”
“Of course they said that. They’re embarrassed about what he does, how he terrorizes them. Do you know he drinks until he soils himself some nights? He then blames his wife and children for his weakness. Even now, deep inside of me, he blames them for me taking him over. He’s a horrible little rodent.”
Hannah moved her jaw, debating, and then held out her hands. “He sounds awful. You’re a demon, though. You lie. I think you should give the body back.”
He snorted. “That’s not going to happen, at least not right now.”
“Well, I would like you better if you gave the body back.”
“I don’t like you at all ... so I don’t really care.” The demon’s eyes flashed red. “I’m not here to make friends.”
“Then why are you here? If it’s to kill me, be forewarned, I’m going to kill you first.”
“I’m not here to kill you either.”
“You were going to kill Boone.”
“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was looking for a quick snack.”
Hannah made a face, disgusted. “You’re so gross.”
“I didn’t know who he was. Actually, I didn’t care. Then you showed up and a few things slipped into place. You’re the one Amelia is so fearful of.”
Hannah was taken aback. “I ... don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t bother lying. You’re terrible at it. I don’t really care anyway. I’m here to warn you that Amelia is gunning for you, though. You need to watch yourself. She thinks you’re the key to her sister’s victory, and she wants you gone.”
Hannah stared at him for a long beat and then held out her hands. “Let’s say I understand what you’re talking about,” she started.
“You understand.”
She pretended she hadn’t heard him speak. “Let’s say I understand, why are you telling me this? We’re on opposite sides.”
“Only if you believe I want Amelia to win, which I don’t. That doesn’t mean I’m on your side, mind you, but I’m not on her side either.”
“Then what do you want?”
“To make sure you’re aware she’s coming for you. I don’t care what happens to you. I simply don’t want Amelia to win. It will be bad for us all.”
“How so?”
“It just will be. Watch yourself.” He started to move away from her, down the alley, and then slowed. “She’ll hit you hard if she can, kill what you love and crush your spirit. Don’t let her get you.”
“Are you working with her?”
“I work for myself. However, she can be persuasive when she wants to be.”
“That wasn’t really an answer.”
“I know. Keep your eyes on the shadows. They could be your undoing.”
That’s the last thing he said before disappearing, leaving Hannah with nothing but questions ... and remnants of fear that would haunt her for a long time to come.
6
Six
The day went by fast, to the point where Hannah never managed to track down Cooper and tell him what happened with the demon.
By the time the conversation was over, another rush of visitors had landed in Casper Creek. Because she was worried about leaving Lindy alone to deal with them, Hannah hurried back to the saloon ... and proceeded to fret.
They were so busy that she couldn’t pout for very long and soon found herself immersed in her work. By the time she realized that the entire afternoon had slipped away from her, she was in the middle of cleanup with Lindy.
“What do you think?” she asked the new bartender, mildly nervous Lindy would declare the entire thing a disaster and walk away from the gig.
“I like it.” Lindy’s eyes sparkled. “It’s not what I’m used to. It’s so much more relaxed.”
Hannah frowned. “You consider that relaxed? We probably had two hundred people come through the saloon today.”
Lindy chortled. “Yeah, but they came in three distinct waves. Sure, we were busy for an hour at three different times, but it slowed enough for us to catch up and stock. We never truly fell behind. I mean ... have you ever worked at a college bar?”
Hannah shook her head. “No. Something tells me I wouldn’t like it, though.”
“Probably not if you think today was bad,” Lindy agreed. “College bars are like the three waves ... except nonstop. Then, when you finally close down, you still have to clean and stock. That adds at least an hour, sometimes more, to your shift.”
“Huh.” Hannah absently scratched her cheek. “So, basically you’re saying that I’m a complainer.”
“Oh, no.” Lindy looked mildly terrified as she shook her head. “I would never say that.”
Hannah choked on her laughter. “You don’t have to worry. You’re in no danger of hurting my feelings. Before I moved here, I never worked as a bartender. I assumed this was a hard gig.”
“Um ... it is,” Lindy said. “I mean ... it’s really hard. I’m exhausted and I’ll sleep well tonight.”
She was pouring it on a bit thick for Hannah’s comfort level. “You’re going to go out and party tonight, aren’t you?”
“I’m not really a partier.”
Hannah waited.
“I might hang out with a few friends around a bonfire,” Lindy conceded. “I can see why you would think this was tiresome if you’re not used to it, though.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Hannah shook her head, rueful. “You don’t have to protect my feelings. I’m a big, fat whiner. I’ve got it.”
Cooper strolled into the saloon in time to hear the last statement. He had a huge bag of takeout in his hand and seemed surprised by the words. “Who is a big, fat whiner?”
“Me,” Hannah replied, not missing a beat. “Why didn’t you tell me that I was being a baby about the amount of people I serve here in a day?”
Confusion etched across Cooper’s handsome features. “Um ... because I didn’t know.” He flicked his eyes to Lindy and offered her a smile. “Obviously I’m missing something.”
“The only thing you missed was me putting my foot in my mouth,” Lindy replied. “It’s a habit of mine.”
Cooper was dubious. “What’s really going on?”
“I was just saying how tired I was because of all the customers and Lindy explained to me exactly why I’ve had it easy here,” Hannah replied. “I feel like a bit of a boob. Not these boobs.” She grabbed her cleavage. “Just ... a boob in general.”
Despite his continued confusion, Cooper grinned. “Well, I would never say that you’re a complainer. I happen to think you’re pretty easygoing.”
“Me, too.” Lindy bobbed her head in agreement. “She’s the best boss I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, don’t turn into a suck-up now,” Hannah chided. “I prefer it when people are honest with me. Clearly I’ve been feeling sorry for myself for no good reason.”
“I don’t believe that.” Cooper dropped the food on the table and sidled over to her, tapping her chin to get her to raise it so he could give her a kiss. “I think you complain just enough.”
Hannah wrinkled her nose. “And I think you believe that because you’re desperately in love with me.”
“Tragically,” he agreed, giving her another kiss. “It’s a hard lot to bear in life, but somehow I think I’ll muddle through.”
The sigh Lindy let loose was wistful. “You guys are really cute together. Has anybody ever told you that?”
Cooper slung his arm around Hannah’s shoulders and fixed his full attention on the new bartender. “A few people. Most of the people we surround ourselves with mime gagging when they’re with us.”
Lindy let loose a dismissive wave. “That’s a dude thing. Don’t listen to them. Women the world over would drop their panties in a heartbeat for a man like you. You’re basically every woman’s dream.”
Cooper cocked an eyebrow. “Did you hear that, baby? I’m every woman’s dream.”
“Oh, geez.” Hannah pulled away from him and moved to the bag on the table to take a gander. “Mexican.”
“I got plenty,” Cooper said to Lindy. “If you want to stay ... .”
“Oh, that’s okay.” Lindy flashed a genuine smile. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Tyler is coming, too. It’s not intruding.”
“I still should be getting home.” She started for the door, stilling directly in front of it. “By the way, I really do like it out here. I wasn’t lying when I said you were a great boss. You pitched in and helped — even when it came to menial tasks — and most bosses wouldn’t do that.
“You did the dishes, swept the floors ... and you picked up after that gross kid who licked three tables for no good reason,” she continued. “You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. This is new to you. That doesn’t mean you’re a whiner.”
“See.” Cooper grinned at his girlfriend. “I believe I’ve been telling you you’re too hard on yourself ever since you got here.”
“And I think you’re blinded by the outfit,” Hannah shot back. “As for you, Lindy, you’re a great worker. I look forward to another shift with you.”
“Me, too.” Lindy offered up a salute before disappearing through the swinging doors.
Cooper waited until he was certain the newcomer was out of earshot to speak. “That sounds like it went well.”
“It did,” Hannah agreed as Tyler swung into the saloon with an excited Jinx, who barreled straight toward his mistress. “It went so well that I’m going to be really sad if she turns out to be a homicidal maniac.”
Cooper chuckled as Tyler made a face. “I think we’re all going to be disappointed if she turns out to be a murderer.”
“It’s not just that,” Hannah countered. “She’s an amazing worker and has already caught on to absolutely everything. She’ll be able to take over as head bartender in like a week.”
Cooper rapidly caught up to what she was saying. “Which means you will be able to hire someone else to work under her and get out from behind the bar quicker than you thought would be possible.”
Hannah hesitated and then nodded. “I just want to try something new. I know that makes me sound like a baby but ... I do.”
“It doesn’t make you sound like a baby,” Cooper reassured her. “I’m glad your day went so well.”
“Other than the demon showing up, it went great,” Hannah agreed.
Cooper froze, his hand halfway to the bag of food. “Is that a euphemism for something?” he asked finally.
Hannah shook her head. “Nope. I meant to tell you sooner — so don’t have some sort of freakout or anything — but the demon in Carl Morse’s body made an appearance when I was out looking for you during a break this afternoon. We had a very interesting conversation.”
Cooper was completely flabbergasted. “You had an interesting conversation?”
“Yup.”
“Oh, geez.” Tyler, sensing trouble, pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead. “It would be great if you guys didn’t get into a fight right before dinner. I’m not saying I don’t like it when the feral hormones kick in, but it’s been a lo
ng day for me, too, and I would like some quiet.”
Cooper ignored him and kept his focus on Hannah. “I don’t understand,” he hedged. “Are you honestly saying a demon was here and you didn’t do anything?”
“What do you expect me to do?” Hannah refused to crumble under Cooper’s accusatory stare. “He didn’t attack. He didn’t threaten me. Well, not really. He just dropped some information and took off.”
“What do you mean by ‘not really’? And be specific.”
“I mean that he warned me off. It wasn’t a threat.” She launched into the tale, keeping her gaze on Cooper the entire time. When she was finished, she watched him for signs of a meltdown.
For his part, Cooper didn’t know if he should be furious or terrified. He maintained a cool exterior while inside he was fighting for control of his emotions. “Is that it?” he asked after several seconds of silence.
Hannah nodded. “That’s it. Are you going to give me grief?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
“Well, I’m going to have some dinner while you decide.” She slipped into her normal chair, automatically stroking Jinx’s soft head as the dog rested his chin on her knee. “What do we have to choose from?” She made a big show of searching through the food containers even though she was hyper-aware of Cooper’s body language. She only let out a pent-up breath when he finally sat in the chair to her left and grabbed the container Tyler handed him.
“I think you broke him,” Tyler said after a few minutes. “I’ve never seen him stew that cold before. It’s as if ice is coming out of his ears instead of steam.”
The description earned a grin from Hannah as she dug into her burrito dinner. “I don’t want him to be upset.” She knew that talking about Cooper as if he wasn’t in the room wasn’t the politest of responses, but she was determined not to give in and feed his bad mood. “I was surprised when it happened. Then the guy took off before I could stop him.”
All the Pretty Witches (A Hannah Hickok Witchy Mystery Book 6) Page 6
