A few people straggled into the dining room. I heard their conversation and then realized Annie and Dilly had guided them past the cupcake display case and into the gift shop. I smiled at their attempt to waylay the visitors for my benefit, and quickly cleaned the floor with degreaser.
After the customers had returned and placed their refreshment order, I wasted no time in refilling the honey jars. While we’d lost cakes we might need for other customers, I was more worried about the fact I’d pushed the women too hard.
Greeting visitors and chatting them up was part of my usual routine. I found delight in their stories and where they were headed once they left the Junction. I’d moved from one table to another when a sudden chill skittered along my arms. With a quick glance around the shop, I saw nothing to cause the goose bumps that formed on my skin. People talked, ate, and seemed to enjoy themselves. With a light sigh, I moved on and wondered if I imagined things, or if I too, was just plain tired.
The gift shop was my solace. I entered the room, gazed at the merchandise displayed, and relaxed. Faeries of all shapes and sizes filled the shelves. Books on folklore lay stacked on tables, and leaded-glass window hangings glistened in the sunlight. Soothed by the unique beauty and magical appearance of the faeries, I rounded the room, letting my nerves calm.
It had been a busier than usual day. I glanced out the window, stopped, and watched as a minibus filled with customers unloaded. Customers jostled one another while trying to get to the door. We were about to bombarded once again. Several cars pulled into the lot and parked alongside the minibus. With a start, I headed toward the dining room. I fluffed the flowers in each centerpiece that adorned the tables, while awaiting the group of women due to come inside.
This year, the brilliant hues of fall’s foliage had been the most vibrant I’d seen in a few years, which ultimately meant droves of leaf-peepers and other customers for my shop. I’d worked out a deal with the local Chamber of Commerce to add the Junction to the list of places to visit, and now I worried if I’d been overconfident in our ability to offer the quality service I’d always demanded from my staff.
Red crowns adorned the ladies’ heads and coordinated with their bold-colored outfits. I remembered the local Red Crowns Association members, who made their way along the Maine coast from Kittery onward every fall. With a wide smile, I offered them a huge welcome as I met them at the door.
Coriander Stewart, the woman in charge, swept forward with a high-spirited expression and asked if they could have their pick of tables. I nodded and motioned them forward.
“You’re more than welcome to sit wherever you please, ladies,” I said. My glance went toward Dilly and Annie, who manned the glass cases filled with cupcakes. I gave them a wink and hurried off to join them.
Annie tipped her head toward me and murmured, “Do you think they’ll be as much of a pain in the butt as they were last time around?”
I snickered, and replied, “Hard to say. They appear docile at the moment, but who knows what they’ll get up to. Last time around, they paid a price for their rash actions. We’ll see what happens.”
Dilly snorted and grumbled, “You’d have thought they were ten-year-olds the way they carried on. It took forever to clean the floors once they were done mashing cakes and crumbs into them. But then, we weren’t ready for the food fight that ensued because one member was miffed at another. Good grief.”
The memory of the shambles they’d made of my dining room lay clearly etched in my brain, and would remain there forever. I picked up the phone, dialed Stephanie Jones, a part-time police dispatcher who worked the afternoon shift, and asked if she’d like to pop by and pick up cupcakes for the officers at the station. Delighted by my offer, she said she’d be right over. I smiled, cradled the phone in its charger, and mentioned she’d be by any minute. Stephanie lived a quarter mile up the road and drove by daily on her way to work. Her shift would start within a half hour. My timing was perfect.
Moments later, Stephanie sauntered into the room, her uniform crisp and clearly marked with a police badge and sleeve patches. The ladies noted her arrival and glanced at one another without a sound. I figured they’d gotten the message that this trip, there’d be no shenanigans allowed at Faerie Cake Junction.
“I have time for a snack,” Stephanie said. She took stock of the cupcakes laid out in rows, and selected a carrot cupcake along with a cup of Lady Grey. Annie put the order together while I filled a box with cakes for her co-workers. When she was seated, I set the box on Stephanie’s table and settled opposite her.
With a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips, Stephanie asked, “What prompted your generous invitation, Luna?”
Astute as usual, there was no fooling this woman. I chuckled, admitted that she’d caught me out and then explaining my reason for asking her to stop in. By the time I finished the story, Stephanie had eaten her cupcake and drank her tea between bursts of laughter.
“I guess they’re on good behavior today, then. Not a cupcake tossed this time.” Stephanie’s laughter contagious and her good was nature a treat. I pushed the box forward, said she should come by more often, and then asked if she knew of anyone looking for part time afternoon hours.
“I’ll keep my ear to the ground. If anyone comes to mind, I’ll give you a call, Luna.” Stephanie slid her chair back, tucking the box of cakes into the crook of her elbow so they wouldn’t fall sideways.
“You haven’t had any other incidences since the other morning, have you?” she asked.
Shaking my head, I knew she referred to the theft and whispered, “Nobody has returned, so I guess it was a one-time thing. It’s bothersome, costly, and I fear the artisans will be reluctant to supply me with their crafts if it happens again.”
With a nod, assured me the police were on the lookout for merchandise that matched my description of the stolen fairie ware. Her stride purposeful, she walked alongside the Red Crowns troop as they filtered out the door.
The faerie clock clicked over to three and began its rhythmic tune depicting the hour. The room was nearly empty, and all was under control for the moment. Annie cleared crumbs from tables, Dilly sold goods in the gift shop, and I grabbed my jacket with a word to Annie that I’d return soon. Her surprised expression held a question as she nodded and waited on a customer.
I scrambled along the path, and made it to Arianna’s in no time. Crossing the distance between the edge of the woods and her front door, I watched Ari leave the workshop and head in my direction.
We met mid-way and she said with a worried frown, “I’m so glad you could come over. I know how busy you are.”
Concerned, I asked, “What’s troubling you?”
“Come inside, I’ll show you.”
Her kitchen was as snug and warm as it had been previously. I spread my hands toward the fireplace and listened to the wood crackle as flames licked the bark. The cool days had become a bit colder with each passing day. I figured an early winter was in store.
Arianna held a pan covered with sparkling dust. Instead of the usual iridescence in faerie dust, the edges of the light sprinkling had a faded appearance. I studied it and then stared at Ari. “This wouldn’t be real faerie dust, would it?”
“It would. I found it near the stump at the curve in the path. I think someone stole it from a faerie. You know what that means don’t you?”
Unsure what answer she expected, I shrugged and said, “A faerie has cast a spell using dust and lost her aim?”
With a smack of her lips and a derisive look, Ari said sharply, “No, it means the faerie will surely die if all her dust has been taken from her.”
Stunned, I couldn’t think of a word to say until I exploded with, “What the heck are you saying? That there’s someone lurking about trying to gather faerie dust so they become powerful? So the fairies disappear? What would their purpose be?”
Ari raised her brows and nodded. “Now you’ve got the idea. Faerie dust isn’t easily obtained, but when th
ere’s enough of it, the holder of that dust has enough power to create havoc in both the faerie realm and in our own. Right now, we co-exist, but if there’s a shift in power, we’re all in trouble.”
Though I was loathe believing her, what she said made a kind of strange sense. I figured I’d definitely better read my father’s entire works to see if he had offered any facts that matched Ari’s suspicions on the subject of power, faerie dust, and what the act of gathering it could mean. I sighed, reached out to the dust and then stopped just before I touched it. I looked into Ari’s eyes and said, “Sorry, I won’t touch it. It’s fascinating, and calls you doesn’t it? What would happen if I dipped my finger into it?”
“You’d become giddy and foolish, like you’d had too much to drink. Larger doses have dire consequences though. Illness, mindlessness, and madness, are the first three that come to mind. Surely you knew that?” Arianna asked.
“I’m not as well-versed in faerie lore as you are, but I plan to rectify that as quickly as I can. My father studied faeries and whatever goes bump in the night. I inherited a slew of illustrations and journals and hardbound books that I’ll read. Then we can compare notes.
Her smile brightened the room. Arianna set the pan aside and said she thought that was a great idea. “When I saw this dust glittering on the ground and splashed over the stump, I ran back to the studio, gathered a pan and brush and swept up as much as I could. It was a challenge, since faerie dust is like any other dust when it’s disturbed. I had to tie a bandana over my mouth and nose while I swept up what I could. It wasn’t easy.” Ari chuckled and walked me to the door.
With a grin, I pictured her amidst the faerie dust as it wafted in the air while she swept.
“Let me know what you find in those notes, Luna. It’s important we get an idea of what we’re doing and how to avoid danger.”
At the bend in the path, I turned and gave Ari a wave. She stood at the gate watching me. In a matter of minutes, I made it back to the Junction. I’d quickly learned how to avoid that which would have impeded my progress when I raced through the forest. I climbed the steps of the bungalow and found my helpers hard at work.
A lone man sat at a corner table on the far side of the room. His position allowed him to see all those coming and going. Two women with school-aged children devoured cakes. The youngsters drank lemon water while their mothers sipped tea. I smiled and chatted with them for a moment before I addressed the solitary man who picked at his cupcake.
“Good afternoon,” I said. “I’m––”
“Luna Devere. Yes, I know who you are,” he interrupted.
“Do I know you?” I asked.
He motioned to the seat across from him and pushed the cupcake and plate away. “I’m here on behalf of the faeries. You’re in grave danger and so are they,” he told me.
This black-haired stranger, with rich blue-eyes, sent a chill like I’d never known, over my body. I was cold to the bone. I plopped into the seat he offered and stared at him.
“Is this a joke?” I asked. How could he know the faeries were in jeopardy? And was he their problem or its solution?
“Do I look like I’m joking?” he demanded with a flare of his nicely-shaped nostrils.
“N-no, I’m afraid not. You look, uh, well, never mind…” I trailed off for fear I’d dug the hole I was in even deeper. What was his purpose, and how did he think I could be of assistance?
“It would seem you don’t take my words seriously, Ms. Devere. I assure you, this matter is of utmost importance to you and fae alike.” He rose from the table, flipped his napkin in my direction and said he’d return after I closed the place, with a promise that we’d talk.
Astonished, dumbfounded, and nervous, I watched him walk out the door. Mom’s and their kiddies left not long afterward. I sat there, alone at the table, numb and petrified all at once. What the hell was about to happen in my life? I hadn’t a clue and wasn’t sure I wanted one, either.
After a while, I sent Dilly on her way home. Once she’d driven from the parking lot, I filled Annie’s ears with the stranger’s warnings that might sound as fantastic to her as they did to me.
She listened, shook her head and said, “Luna, he’s a psycho, don’t let him get to you. Devin will be home soon and he’ll make this guy wish he hadn’t bothered you. Whatever you do, keep your distance from this nutter and steer clear of Arianna, too.”
I nodded, knowing full well that I’d listen to what he said, and if it made sense, I’d take it to heart and, if necessary, try to save the faeries. How that would work out was anybody’s guess.
Chapter 5
By five-thirty, I’d caught up on the usual chores, and took stock of the gift shop. I’d run low on some items and made a list of what needed to be replaced. A knock sounded on the side door. The stranger stood outside and his impatience was evident, even from my vantage point. Call me stupid, but I took a leap of faith and let him in. He strode across the threshold and looked around.
“Your staff is definitely gone?” he asked.
“They left about thirty minutes ago. I’m sure you already know that.”
His arched brow let me know I was on the mark. “What’s your name, and where are you from?” Was he a resident of the local funny farm, or did he hail from a place much more dangerous, like a maximum security prison?
“Names aren’t important, but you may call me Calis,” he said with a flick of his hand. “Where I’m from is no matter to you.”
“If you want my cooperation, I’d like to know who I’m dealing with,” I insisted. His manner annoyed me, but wasn’t frightening. Maybe he wasn’t a bad guy, after all. The shadowy figure popped into head, and I gave him a keen look.
His expression cool, and his eyes dark as a stormy Atlantic ocean, he stepped close.
“There are things we all must take on faith. I’m one of them, Ms. Devere,” he said. “We have much to do, and I don’t have time to waste on your insecurity over who I am, and what I’m about. Annie was mistaken when she said to keep your distance. If I were you, I’d stay as close to me as possible. I’ll protect and guide you through what needs doing. It’s important that I have your help.”
With a roll of my eyes, I muttered, “This just keeps getting better and better.” I leaned against the closed door, watched him measure me with his eyes, and asked, “You’re talking about faerie dust, right?”
His lips curved slightly. Calis was handsome in a dark, dramatic, sort of way. Like a bad boy, he exuded sexual magnetism. Unable to look away from his deep blue stare, I thanked my stars Devin was the one constant in my life, rather than this man. A few years ago, I might have found Calis irresistible, but not now.
Holding my breath, I waited for him to change my perspective on the elfin world. Though I’d never had difficulties with them, I’d quickly come to realize that faeries, as with humans, had a dangerous side. The difference being, faeries could use magic.
“The fae are being trapped and drained of their dust. They die without it. The dust is not just a protection device, it is a life stream that keeps them functioning. As blood is to you, dust is to them.” He’d not taken his gaze from mine for a second, and I found the depth of his eyes somewhat mesmerizing.
“Who’d do such a thing? The faeries lived here long before I moved in. We get along well. I’ve never witnessed this sort of disruption in their lives before,” I remarked.
“I’m not sure why it’s happening, I just know it is. My purpose is to figure all that out, and put an end to it. Arianna Gentile works with faerie dust, does she not?” Calis asked.
“I can’t say,” I answered with a shrug. I’d made a promise to keep her deal with the faeries a secret, and I refused to go back on my word.
“If she isn’t, then why would she be upset after she’d gathered dust from the forest?” he chided softly with a hint of a smile.
“I wouldn’t know, the dust may have drawn her to it. It’s quite magically alluring.”
&n
bsp; Impatient with my evasion, he angrily leaned forward and said, “Be careful how you play this game. You know Arianna works with dust, and that she may be the key in finding who’s responsible for stealing from the faeries.”
His anger chilled me. I stood still with my arms folded, while I regarded Calis. “Did I hear a threat? If you’re trying to intimidate me, think again.” Wary, I left his close proximity and headed for the cases where the last cakes awaited removal. “If you want my assistance, you’ll have to do better than that, Calis,” I tossed over my shoulder.
In an instant, he was by my side, his fingers locked in a tight grip around my arm. With a yank, Calis pulled me to a halt. Okay, now he had my full attention, and my suspicion of him hiked a couple notches.
“Back off,” I snapped and struggled against his hold. When I was free, I gave him a shove.
His brows arched as humor replaced his anger. “You don’t fear me, do you?”
“Not in the least. Should I?” I asked. Was I cautious? Yes. Scared? No. Angry? Maybe.
“Mm, you’re braver than I’d initially thought. Come, let’s take a walk.” He ushered me through the corridor toward the rear door. I grabbed my jacket from a hook and said I’d be back in a second. Surprise filtered over his face when I ran up the stairs.
“I have to let Riddles out,” I called to him and opened the apartment door.
Riddles reached the third step from the bottom and reacted to Calis in a way I’d never seen him behave. In a crouch, Riddles tensed, hissed, and spit, while he flattened his ears against his skull. Every hair on his body stood at attention and his tail puffed to twice its usual size. Sharp claws protruded from the edges of his furry, double paws. Riddles appeared ready to launch.
I reached down, smoothed his coat, and whispered in his ear. I gave Calis a sharp glance and said, “It’s safe to say he’s not a fan of yours. Open the door and let him out before he shreds you,” I said.
His eyes on the cat, Calis opened the door and held it wide. In full fluff, and looking all bad-ass mean, Riddles edged past the door casing. Once on the porch, he leaped toward the flower beds and disappeared. I smirked and, though I might be foolish, I followed Calis along the wooded path. We headed in the direction of Arianna’s house. It would be interesting to see how she reacted to Calis.
Faerie Dust Dead (The Luna Devere Series Book 2) Page 4
