Cloaks and Daggers

by Annabel Chase

  “Emma has a newborn,” Darcy said. “Sleep is a luxury right now.”

  “Ha!” Octavia bellowed. “I didn’t sleep for decades once Phoebe was born. Then Marisol. Then the rest of you entered this world, screaming and begging for attention.” She shook her head. “Wimps.”

  “I suffered from night terrors,” Calliope said indignantly. “I was only young. I couldn’t help it.”

  “I’ll show you night terrors,” Octavia said.

  “I’m a grown harpy now,” Calliope said. “Those threats don’t work on me anymore.” She squared her shoulders.

  “Boo!” Octavia said, and Calliope instinctively ducked under the table. The matriarch’s booming laughter filled the sunroom.

  Jackie flipped up the layer of lace on her hat to scrutinize the harpy. “Tavi, what did we say about intimidating your own family members?” she asked gently.

  I longed to kick her into silence. She had no idea what she was saying. It was the equivalent of waving a red flag in front of a rabid bull. To my complete and utter shock, Octavia bowed her head.

  “No, you’re right, Jackie. I’m sorry, Callie. You were only a little girl. It wasn’t your fault you inherited your father’s yellow spine.”

  “Mother!” Marisol said. “Please don’t speak ill of their father.”

  Jackie placed her cards on the table. “I think we have a winner.”

  “What kind of wizardry is this?” Phoebe asked. “That’s three in a row.”

  “I play a lot of cards,” Jackie said. “I travel for my job and we have to pass the time somehow.”

  “Have you considered drugs?” Octavia asked, completely serious.

  Jackie laughed. “A few have over the years, but they don’t tend to keep their jobs very long. I happen to like my position.”

  “I liked my position last night,” Phoebe said. “Too bad he’s not interested in a repeat performance.” She heaved a deep sigh.

  “Who’s this?” I asked.

  “A lady never tells,” Phoebe said. “It was Carmen. The one that fills in for Alaric sometimes at Wands-A-Plenty.”

  Octavia gave her daughter a look of disgust. “Why would you bother with him? He walks around like he’s perpetually constipated.”

  “He was willing and available,” Phoebe said.

  “You should have standards,” Octavia grumbled.

  “I do. A pulse and a penis. He met both requirements.”

  Marisol raised a finger. “I don’t actually think a pulse is a requirement. Remember that vampire…”

  Phoebe moaned. “I try not to.”

  Octavia motioned for us to join them at the table. “There are plenty of cards. You can throw money in the pot.”

  “There’s no pot,” Callie said.

  Her grandmother shushed her.

  “We’re not here to play cards,” Sheriff Astrid said.

  “Well, it’s not a social call,” Phoebe said. “Emma’s wearing her official face.”

  I touched my cheek. “I have an official face?”

  “It’s when you look like you’re barely breathing and you haven’t slept in a week.”

  “That’s called motherhood,” I said.

  Marisol clasped her hands together. “I just loved being a young mother. The gentle rhythm of the day. The parade of hugs and kisses. The endless diapers.”

  “Sounds like my last few dates,” Phoebe said.

  Darcy’s cheeks were tinged with pink. “You didn’t have any trouble getting pregnant, did you?”

  “Are you kidding?” Octavia interrupted. “The only way to keep her from not getting pregnant was to put her in a separate room. I’m still convinced that Freya was conceived through a wall.”

  “That’s not true, Mother,” Marisol said. She looked at Darcy. “I didn’t have any trouble though. I was fortunate.”

  Octavia wagged a finger at the blond harpy. “Don’t you dare think about getting knocked up by that mangy dog.”

  Darcy bristled. “Alex is not a mangy dog. He’s a highly respected werewolf.”

  “Maybe he’s highly respected among his pack, but they’ll never accept you as one of their own.” Octavia gathered the cards and began to shuffle them with more force than seemed necessary.

  “That doesn’t seem very nice,” Jackie said. “I was under the impression that Spellbound was an inclusive town.”

  “I don’t know where you got that impression,” Phoebe said. “I know Emma likes to believe that this world is one rainbow short of perfection, but paranormals here can be insular as…”

  “Thank you for your perspective, Phoebe,” I interjected.

  “I might start trying to get pregnant now,” Darcy said. “In case it takes longer than we’d like.”

  “Practice makes perfect,” Phoebe said. “Get as much loving as you can, I say.”

  The sheriff took a step forward. “Jackie, we’d like to see your phone.”

  Jackie glanced up from her new hand of cards. “Why?”

  The sheriff looked down her nose at the nymph. “All of the messages on Andrea’s phone were deleted, but we were able to partially recover the last message and it seems to be to you.”

  Jackie’s eyes rounded. “I was her last ever message?” Her cards drifted to the table in a haphazard pile. “Wow. That’s heavy.”

  Sheriff Astrid held out her hand. “Your phone, please.”

  Jackie didn’t hesitate. She produced her phone and gave it to the sheriff. “Look at anything you’d like. Fair warning, though, I have a lot of photos of my dogs. I mean a lot.”

  “Oh, what kind of dogs do you have?” Callie asked.

  “A French bulldog and a Brussels Griffon—Eliza and Fitz. My brother watches them when I’m traveling for work, but he sends me a daily bulletin with what they did and a photo. I save all of them.”

  “That’s so sweet,” I said. I watched over the sheriff’s shoulder as she tapped on each app and scanned the messages. “There it is.” I pointed to the message from Andrea.” It matched the time stamp on Andrea’s phone.

  “We need to discuss Natalya,” Sheriff Astrid read aloud. She focused on Jackie. “Discuss what?”

  “I don’t know. We never managed to have the conversation.” Jackie pushed back her chair and angled her body to face us. “I assumed it was because Natalya was interviewing for another job and Andrea found out about it.”

  “She was?” I asked.

  Jackie nodded. “A rival television show. I figured Andrea would be pissed. I didn’t want to get involved, to be honest. When Andrea lost her temper…Let’s just say it was best to duck for cover until the storm blew over.”

  Octavia grunted her approval. “Sounds like my kind of woman,” she said.

  “I really liked Andrea,” Jackie said. “I know she could be abrasive at times, but she was good at her job. Honestly, I’m worried about the future of the show now. I don’t think it’ll be half as good with someone else in her position.”

  “Do you think the rest of the group shares your view?” I asked.

  Jackie tugged on one of her black lace gloves. “You’d have to ask them.”

  I eyed her closely. “What aren’t you telling us?”

  “It’s nothing to do with her job,” Jackie said. “I overheard Andrea talking to someone about a personal matter the day we arrived in Spellbound.”

  “How personal?” I asked.

  Jackie dropped her gaze. “She said she might be pregnant.”

  “Do you know who she was talking to?” I asked.

  “I couldn’t see them and I only heard Andrea,” Jackie said. “As soon as I heard the word ‘pregnant,’ I was too shocked to hear the rest.”

  “According to the report, she wasn’t pregnant,” Sheriff Astrid said.

  “That’s a shame.” Jackie paused. “Well, I guess it isn’t under the circumstances. Pregnancy would make it worse, wouldn’t it?”

  “Any idea who the father could’ve been if she had been pregnant?” I asked.


  “Depends on who you ask. Some would say Adam. Others would say the flavor of the week. Andrea dated a lot.”

  “Did you know she kept a journal?” I asked.

  Jackie looked blank. “Andrea? Seems out of character.”

  “The two of you weren’t close, I take it,” the sheriff said.

  “We got along. For the most part, I try to mind my business so I don’t get dragged into drama.”

  “A sensible approach,” Marisol said.

  “If you had to pick one paranormal to question about the murder, who would it be?” I asked. Jackie seemed like someone who paid attention and didn’t get emotionally involved. Her insight could prove invaluable.

  Jackie’s took a renewed interest in her cards. “Like I said, Natalya was interviewing for a new job and I should probably mention that it paid the same. I’ll leave it at that.”

  I faced the sheriff. “Did Natalya mention that when you spoke to her at my house?”

  Sheriff Astrid’s cloudy expression made it plain that she hadn’t.

  Phoebe cackled. “Sounds to me like someone’s trying to pull the pointy hat over your eyes.”

  “Where can we find Natalya?” I asked.

  “At the nearest nightclub,” Jackie said. “That one would dance twenty-four hours a day if left to her own devices.”

  “Do you remember where she’s staying?” I asked the sheriff.

  “Here,” Jackie answered for her. “But she’s barely been around.”

  “You’re sure she hasn’t left town?” I asked.

  “I saw her come in around six this morning,” Darcy said. “I’d just made a pot of tea and was about to go for my morning flight.”

  “How did she look?” Sheriff Astrid asked.

  “Like she’d been dancing for the past twenty-four hours,” Darcy said with the hint of a smile. “Her hair was tangled and she was holding her shoes in her hand.”

  “Why did I not know this?” Phoebe demanded. “I would’ve made friends with her instead of the card player here. I’d much rather go out than stay in.”

  “Do you happen to know the name of the nightclub?” I asked.

  Jackie shook her head. “Afraid not. I’m not much of a dancer so I didn’t ask. I prefer cards.” She stuck out her tongue at Phoebe.

  “It’s that newer nightclub called Weeds,” Darcy said. “I recognized her wristband.”

  Phoebe turned to look at her niece. “How would you know?”

  “Alex and I went a couple weeks ago,” Darcy said.

  “You went to a nightclub?” Freya asked in disbelief.

  I kept my mouth shut because I had the same reaction. In her pencil skirts and severe buns, Darcy Minor wasn’t exactly the kind of paranormal know to let her hair down on the dance floor.

  “Alex loves to dance,” Darcy said. “I think it’s nice to partake in activities that the other enjoys.”

  “And what does he do that you enjoy?” Octavia asked.

  Darcy lifted her chin a fraction. “He counted the coins with me for the school fundraiser last week.”

  “She said activities that you enjoy,” Jackie said.

  Octavia snorted. “Counting coins is what she enjoys.”

  Jackie gave Phoebe a pointed look. “And you’re sorry you’re here playing cards? It could be worse.”

  “How about it, Sheriff?” I asked.

  The Valkyrie smiled. “Dust off your dancing shoes, Hart. Looks like we’re going for a night on the town.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  I made plans to meet Sheriff Astrid outside the nightclub, so I hurried home to feed Diana and change my outfit. Once the baby was fed and happy, Daniel sat with her in the glider and observed me as I changed into a red dress that I hoped still fit me as I hadn’t worn it since well before the pregnancy.

  “Uh oh. Do we have a date night and I forgot?” Daniel asked. I tried not to laugh at the state of his white wings smooshed against the glider.

  “No, I’m going out dancing with Astrid. Sort of.”

  “Oh.” Daniel glided back and forth. “Wait. You’re going where?”

  “To Weeds with Astrid to interview a suspect,” I said. I smiled as I watched Diana’s tiny fingers curl around Daniel’s thumb.

  “And that requires dancing?”

  “It might. It’ll be good for me to get a little exercise anyway,” I said.

  “Emma, you never stand still as it is. You hardly need to hit the dance floor to burn calories.”

  “I know,” I said. “Truth be told, I’m more interested in talking to Natalya. She wasn’t very forthcoming with the sheriff when they spoke. Maybe she’s hiding something.”

  “Maybe I should come with you. We could get a babysitter…”

  The thought of dancing in his angelic arms was extremely tempting. “If you’re worried about my safety, I told you I’m going with Astrid.”

  “I’m worried about the attention you’ll get in that dress.” He grinned. “I want to be the one ogling you on the dance floor.”

  “I don’t know that we should leave Diana with someone else yet, not with a killer on the loose.” I stared at my two loves and felt a surge of affection. “Maybe I just should stay here and snuggle with the two of you.”

  “Emma, stop,” he said firmly.

  My brow creased. “Stop what?”

  “I can see the guilt all over your face. Go interview your suspect. I know you won’t be happy until the killer is caught. We’ll be fine.”

  I crossed the room and bent over to kiss him. “Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am?” I tousled his hair.

  He ran a hand down my hip. “Have I mentioned how lucky I am? Look at you. It’s like your body snapped right back.”

  “That’s called rose-tinted glasses, but I’ll take it.” I patted his cheek. Truth be told, the dress was tighter than it had been, but not so tight that I’d embarrass myself to wear it.

  “Take Sedgwick with you in case you need to send a message,” he said.

  “He’s already out in the woods,” I said, “but I’ll whistle for him when I get outside and see if he responds.”

  “Good luck with the interview,” Daniel said. “The sooner this is over, the better we’ll sleep.”

  Between Calix’s arrival and Lady Weatherby’s impending release, I wasn’t convinced, but I put on a brave face. “Absolutely,” I said.

  He squinted. “What is it, Emma? There’s something you’re not telling me.”

  I hadn’t told him about Lady Weatherby yet. I’d decided to wait until it was a done deal, in case the judge ruled against her, but I couldn’t lie to him. The truth about the hearing came tumbling out in a rush.

  He was quiet for a moment until finally he said, “That’s concerning.”

  “Do you think she’s more or less concerning than Mayor Knightsbridge?”

  Daniel contemplated the question. “Less…I think. I don’t know.” He stroked Diana’s cheek with his index finger. “Actually, I don’t think Lady Weatherby would seek revenge. If she’s petitioning for her release, then I bet she decides to move far away from here. She’s a proud witch. She’d hate the scrutiny if she stayed in Spellbound.”

  “And she’d have no place in the coven now with the new High Priestess. She’d hate not being in charge.”

  “True. What about Agnes though?”

  “What about her? Lady Weatherby didn’t pay her any attention before. Why start now?”

  Daniel shrugged. “She’s had a lot of time to reflect in prison. Maybe she’ll make an effort this time around. After all, Agnes won’t live forever.”

  I glanced in the mirror. “Oh no. Is this how I’m going to wear my hair?” I ran a brush through the tangled mess and noticed Daniel staring at me. “What? Gareth isn’t here to say it, so someone had to.”

  “Be careful,” Daniel said. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” I kissed him one more time and headed downstairs to grab my purse.

  Onc
e outside, I whistled for Sedgwick. If you’re within range, I’m heading to Weeds and Daniel wants you to accompany me.

  Incoming. Sedgwick appeared on the roof of my car. The eagle has landed.

  “You’re an owl.”

  I’m a metaphorical eagle.

  I opened the car door. “Just follow overhead and don’t poop on Sigmund. Daniel just washed him.”

  No promises.

  I backed out of the driveway and drove across town to the club. Had you already eaten or did I interrupt your dinner?

  The owl sighed. I’ll survive.

  You ate, didn’t you?

  Don’t worry about me. It’s all about you, Highness. I’m here to serve.

  You’re more like a grandmother than a familiar, you know that? I pretended to mimic him. Emma, dear, you don’t call. You don’t write. What does it take to get a little attention?

  I do not sound like that, Sedgwick sniffed.

  That’s true. You’re more nasal. I laughed to myself as I parked the car. Sure enough, Sheriff Astrid was waiting in front of the door to the club.

  Now what should I do? Sedgwick asked.

  See if you can find treats around the building. I’m sure you can rustle up a snack.

  Since when did I get relegated to bodyguard anyway?

  You haven’t been. You’re here in case I need to send a message to Daniel.

  The owl hovered over my head. Because of your father?

  My head snapped back. What’s that supposed to mean? Why would I need a bodyguard because of Calix?

  Sedgwick averted his owl eyes. No reason.

  I fastened my hands to my hips. Sedgwick Familiar III, do you know something?

  That’s not even my name.

  I know, but it helps me sound firm.

  My familiar swooped in front of me and landed on the hood of another car. I don’t know anything. I’m just not certain how I feel about him yet and I can tell you’re conflicted too.

  My hands slid to my sides. “Are you really concerned?”

  Sedgwick fixed his yellow eyes on me. It’s not that I have a bad feeling—I don’t. I simply would prefer that he earn your trust rather than waltzing in and insisting that he be labeled family.

  I nodded. “Fair enough, Sedgwick. Consider yourself heard.” He flew off and I greeted Sheriff Astrid. “You’re not wearing your badge.”