by Lauren Quick
After a moment, he stood and left the room, the sound of his feet on the stairs trailed downstairs and out of the office. The air trembled with magic. Willow Cashing appeared as if out of nowhere. Her uncle knew that she could turn invisible, but she felt sure he hadn’t shared that with the police. He didn’t want to hurt her by letting them know what her persuasion was for the same reason her parents kept it a secret for so long. They didn’t want her to be hounded by the Witch Council and watched like a potential criminal.
Willow sat on the bed and stroked the cat. “Hey kitty. You’re new. Did Uncle Edward get you to keep him company?” Probably, she thought. She was glad he found someone. At least he wasn’t alone.
How had everything gone so wrong? What was she thinking? She’d turned into a common thief. Well, maybe not a common thief, but still a thief. She didn’t even like jewelry. She didn’t want the money. She wanted to be free to live her life and not have to hide her magic anymore and now she was in deep.
“What am I supposed to do?” she asked the cat. Maybe Clover could help her. Maybe she’d been right. Her life of crime was unsustainable. “I’m trapped. I can never really come home ever again.” Willow glanced around her room. Her heart ached for everything she’d left behind, including her uncle. The Lady Raider can’t live in the real world. She was still in hiding, just in a different way. She practically laughed at the irony.
The cat’s fur warmed under her fingers. It shuddered and glowed and within seconds a young witch was standing in front of her.
“No way.” Willow stared and jumped back, bumping into the dresser.
The young witch stretched and shook out her black curls. “Hi, I’m Harley Evans and I’m here to talk to you on behalf of the police department.”
Instantly Willow turned invisible. It was a trap, a betrayal.
“Don’t bother leaving this room. The entire building is enveloped in a crime containment bubble and there’s no getting out. The sheriff of Willow Realm is outside with members of the police department of Stargazer City. It’s over Willow or should I call you Lady Raider?”
It was no use. Maybe she was even a little relieved to stop running and hiding. Willow materialized. “How did you know it was me?”
“I didn’t. Clover and Vivi Mayhem figured it out. Clover figured out your identity from something you said to her and Vivi knew you were returning here when Edward insisted you were still here.”
“So who are you and why are you here and not them?” Willow’s hands shot to her hips.
“I’m here because I was like you once. I have a powerful, rare, and often misunderstood persuasion and I was once lost and alone a lot like you are now.” Harley sat on the edge of the bed, boots crossed at her ankles.
“Nice trick with the cat form. I totally didn’t see that coming.” Willow softened her stance but didn’t budge. “I guess this means I’m going to jail. I won’t fight it. They know it’s me and I won’t deny what I did.”
“There is one other option.”
“What’s that?” Willow’s interest piqued.
“You can take a plea deal. Return all of the jewelry you stole and for your sentence you work for us, the police, on our side for a change.” Harley cocked her eyebrow.
“I’d be under the council’s thumb.”
“You really don’t have many options, unless you want to do your time behind bars where they can hold you, but it wouldn’t be pretty. They’d keep you in a tightly monitored box.”
Willow shook her head. “They’re not going to just let me work for them. I don’t buy that.”
“You’d have to be monitored and tracked, of course. It’s not ideal, but you did commit numerous crimes and the alternative is a lot worse. It’s the best deal you’re going to get.”
Really, it was a lifeline. Harley was right. She was a criminal, a thief who should get jail time. Her magic was her only leverage, her gift. Maybe she needed to stop feeling sorry for herself and do some good for others. “Sounds like a deal I can’t refuse.”
“You always have a choice. Plus, if you agree, you’re going to be working with me. We’re going to be partners.” Harley smiled. “And I’m a blast to work with.”
“Partners.” Willow’s face brightened. Now that sounded fun.
“They want to keep the most talented witches together. Or is it the freaks? I’m not sure, but it’s a good gig.”
“For how long?” Willow asked, wanting to know more details.
“Your sentence is ten years.”
Willow nodded. “Will I get to see my uncle?” Her stomach twisted. She had so much to say to him. She’d handled her disappearance badly.
“Supervised visits only.”
“Will he get into trouble for hiding my persuasion?”
“No. They’re going to let it slide. He did go to the police and report you missing. That bloody scarf really worried him.” Harley cocked her brow at Willow.
She sighed. “I know it was cruel to leave it, but I needed him to think I was taken. I wanted a clean break. I thought if he reported it, and the police didn’t find anything, then he wouldn’t come looking for me. I was angry for having to hide my persuasion and I wanted him to worry about me.” She shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just had to get out.”
“You can tell him that, if you agree to the arrangement.”
Relief flooded Willow’s system, knowing her uncle wouldn’t get into any trouble due to her. “It’s a deal.”
“Great. Let’s get you processed. And don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time.”
For the first time Willow had direction in her life, one that didn’t involve hiding, one that encouraged her to use her magic. “Can I speak to Clover?” she asked. “I want to thank her.”
“Sure. She’s outside with her sisters. Can’t keep the Mayhems away.”
24
Detective Corder had been good with his word and Honora was completely exonerated in the press with a two-page story written by Crystal Crown. Honora had to endure an exclusive interview with the ambitious witch to settle a debt for Clover, who was mum on the details of how she’d come to owe Crystal. Honora’s picture had made the front page of Witch World Daily. She even received a commendation from the police department, which she had mounted on her wall at work. Jenny and Sawyer were glad to have her back and they’d made a pact to limit their involvement in police work to none. There was just one loose thread Honora had to tie up.
Corder had been wrong about one thing—none of the Witches of a Feather knew who killed Constance. They all tried to turn on each other, but none of them knew about the condition of Constance’s body or could identify the magic used in the circle. Honora wasn’t surprised, really. She knew that Alana was the one behind the murder. She’d practically admitted as much to her in the Banishment, and Honora suspected that Alana had help from someone in Stargazer City.
Honora flew through the city, feeling back to normal. The fear charm that Ophelia had cast on her had finally worn off after three days of her being unable to fly and having to stay at Clover’s house and sleep on the sofa since even walking up a flight of stairs gave her hives. Her days in the Meadowlands gave her time to think. Currently, she reached her destination and touched down to the ground, ringing the bell outside of the bounty office. Butter’s face magically appeared, bulging from the wooden surface. “You again. What’s it this time?”
“I want to talk. I’ve missed you,” she said, unable to repress a smile.
“Well, in that case, scram.” His face disappeared.
“I brought maple-glazed donuts with bacon sprinkled on top.” She held up a bakery box.
His face reappeared, gaze trained on the donuts. “You know how to play hardball, Mayhem.” The door clicked open.
Honora sau
ntered into the office and set the box on the window shelf into Butter’s cubby. His meaty fingers grabbed the box and pulled it inside. Honora averted her eyes as munching and lip-smacking sounds filled the room.
“De-licious,” Butter said, licking glaze off his lips.
“Save one of those for me,” the moose said.
“You don’t eat anymore, remember?” Butter said.
The moose snorted. “Honora, grab one of those donuts and wave it under my snout. I can still smell it,” the moose said and wiggled his nose.
Technically he couldn’t smell either, but she didn’t want to break his heart. But Honora hadn’t come to chat or catch up or eat donuts.
“Hello, Anderson. How’s it going?” she asked the wizard sitting in the corner.
The wizard shifted in his seat, he was holding a copy of Witch World Daily in front of his face. “Oh, hello.” He peeked around the parchment. “Good to see you again.”
Honora walked over and propped her boot up on the chair’s arm. “Is it? Is it really good to see me?” She smiled, wryly, taking the parchment.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Of course. It’s always good to see a friend of Butter’s.” He tried to smile, but the smile withered on his lips.
“I’ve been thinking about you lately.”
“You have? Aren’t I the lucky one?” He winked at the moose. But the moose ignored him.
“I’ve been thinking about your persuasion. What’s his magical talent, Butter?”
“He’s a magical linguist. Studies ancient text. Real smart. Knows about all that old stuff no one cares about anymore.”
“That’s right. I recently had a nasty run-in with a witch who had an ancient spell translated onto an old cloth. The wizard did a great job.”
“Lovely,” he said as he eyed the door. “If I can be of service, I’m always available for a small price, of course.”
“See, this witch had connections. She had her brother translate it for her. Isn’t that nice? And that got me thinking. There really aren’t that many wizards who could translate the spell. So I did a little digging. I’ve got a thing for digging. And do you know what I found?”
He stood. “Not a clue. I’ve got to go. I’ve got an important appointment.”
“Sit down.” Honora shoved him into the chair and blocked his path. She’d been waiting for this moment. “Anderson Keep isn’t your real name. It’s Anderson Burr. You’re Alana’s brother. You translated the ancient portal spell, and you were her connection on the outside. And, worst of all, you killed Constance.”
The moose gasped. “No!”
Anderson’s expression changed. “Yes. I’m Alana’s brother. So what? Even criminals have family who care about them. There’s no crime in translating a spell.”
“Technically there is a crime if she uses it to escape prison. Except I kept her from doing that, but still, it got me thinking about who on the outside would help her. I thought it was a member of Witches of a Feather, but that turned out to be false. It had to be someone she could trust and she didn’t trust them. Not after what they did to her.”
“How could you do that to Connie? She didn’t deserve that,” Butter said, waving a half-eaten donut at him.
“You have no proof that I was involved. You’ve got nothing on me.” His face reddened; his eyes narrowed into tiny slits.
“Actually, your sister gave you up in five minutes for a better cell. Looks like loyalty doesn’t go very far in the Burr household.” Honora crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a self-satisfied smirk.
He jerked toward the door and shoved Honora aside, but it was too late. Detective Corder and his team stormed the office and had him detained within seconds.
“Busted, you dirt bag!” Butter leapt out of his window and raced over to Honora’s side. “Take him away, boys. Lock this murdering scumbag up. No bail!”
“Never mess with a Mayhem,” the moose said. “Justice for Connie!”
“Yeah, justice for Connie!” Butter yelled and his eyes welled up, but he turned away before anyone could see his emotions.
Honora put her hand on his shoulder. “Justice for Connie,” she said and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Hey, where’s my smooch. Moose need love too.” The moose smacked its lips and Honora and Butter laughed. Corder shook his head and led Anderson out of the office and the officers took him into custody.
Honora leaned against the hover van as Anderson was locked inside. Corder joined her and banged on the metal side, signaling for them to go. Honora stepped aside and let out a contented sigh. Her case was over, job done.
Corder stared at her, his gaze locking onto her. His eyes were clear, no longer bloodshot with weariness. He was back to looking gorgeous in a pressed suit and tie.
“Is there something you want to say?” she smirked.
He casually slipped his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. Still smiling. “I thought that since the case is over, we could go out to dinner.”
“But we’re colleagues.” Honora couldn’t repress her smile. “How would that look? I try to remain professional at all times.” She loved giving him a hard time, but inside her stomach erupted with butterflies.
“You’re fired. Does that work now?” he asked.
She laughed. “You’re firing me and you think that’s going to get you a date? It is a date you’re asking me out on, right?”
“Yes, it is. And you aren’t making it easy for me.” He blushed.
“I’d love to have dinner with you,” she said before she could think about it. He was irresistible after all, and she could use a little irresistible right now.
“Good. And no more undercover work for you for a while.”
“Oh, that’s what you think.” Honora winked at him and sauntered off.
The night sky was a deep dark blue, scattered with stars. Honora stood on the ledge of her apartment. Barnaby perched on the corner of the building, watching the skies. Her life was getting back to normal. The case was solved, her name was cleared, and thanks to the article in Witch World Daily, business was booming. There was only one area of her life that still needed to mend.
Slader was the first to arrive, soaring through the air, coming to a stop in front of her, floating like a giant leather-clad feather. He smiled, showing off his cracked front tooth. “You’re looking brave standing on that ledge. Not scared you might plummet to your death anymore?”
“I’m only scared of hurting your feelings when I out fly you tonight.” Honora lifted off the ledge and hovered in the air.
Slader threw his head back and laughed. “That’s my girl, delusional as ever.”
“Where’s Lexy? I thought she was coming tonight.”
“I asked her for a rain check. Tonight is just for us. We need to do a little bonding. Speaking of bonding.” He pulled the crystal ball from his pocket and tossed it to her. It contained the bottle caps from when the club first got together. He hadn’t broken it in the scene in the bar after all.
“You’re such a softy. I knew you wouldn’t break it.” Honora polished the glass on her jacket.
“That shows what you know. I did break it. I wanted to be convincing, but I also wanted to prove that whatever breaks can also be put back together. Of course you need a little magic and some hot glass, but it’s good as new.”
Honora smiled. “You never cease to amaze me.” She tossed the crystal ball back to him. “Don’t break it again. My heart can’t take it.”
Harper and Jonas flew up to meet them and the gang spent the better part of the night soaring around the city. It felt great to be with her own club again, not having to pretend. She’d decided that undercover work wasn’t for her. She liked who she was and whom she hung out with. Honora took h
er friends down to the docks and showed them the old wooden ship with the witch mounted on the bow where she first met the Nix sisters. Witches of a Feather were all doing time in the Banishment for illegal use and selling of black magic and dark charms. Rex and Rachel turned on the group first and were given lighter sentences. The fact that they had no loyalty to the others turned her stomach; even though they were doing bad things, it was their choice.
After they had worn themselves out flying around the docks, Honora took them to the Halo district and went inside of Diabolical. The shop had a change in management after the bust and the place was deserted. Slader, Harper, and Jonas wandered around the shop, checking out the merchandise.
“Don’t touch anything,” Slader said to Harper. “I don’t want your hands getting dirty, if you know what I mean.”
“Yes, Dad.” Harper rolled her eyes, but stuffed her hands into her pockets.
“I’ll touch extra stuff for you, Harper.” Jonas grinned widely and Slader shook his head.
“Play nice, kids,” Honora said. “And really, don’t touch anything.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,” the sales wizard said. He was leaning against the counter. “Business is down as you can see. It’s going to take weeks before the customers feel safe enough to return.”
“Safe from the police.” Honora arched her brow. “You do realize how that sounds.”
“Hey, I just work here. I try not to judge the clientele. They aren’t all bad, but they aren’t all good either. What can I do for you?”
Honora walked over to the table with the skull on it. She picked up the skull and held it in her hands. She didn’t want to know whose skull this once was, but she had a soft spot for any witch trapped in a bad situation. “I’ll take it.”
