“Thanks,” I said. “I’d love the mushroom Alfredo with chicken.”
“That sounds great, make that two,” Noah said. He sampled the wine, slicing the bread and handing a slice to Petunia. “So, besides Aunt Petunia, do you have any other family members who live in Lake Forest?”
Petunia swallowed hard, taking a drink with a shaky hand. “I did, but she’s all I have now in town. My grandfather lives in a nursing home in Bear Paw.” When Noah gave her a strange look, she went on to explain. “My parents died when I was twelve. Aunt Maxine basically raised me since that time.”
“Oh, wow. I’m sorry.”
Petunia frowned. “Thanks. They died in a car accident near Detroit. I was going to go with them, but at the last minute Aunt Maxine insisted that I stay home. She also told them not to go, too, even going so far to tell them she had a terrible dream that something dreadful would happen to them. My dad insisted that they go anyway, although he did relent and let me stay with Aunt Maxine. My dad didn’t believe in the same things that Aunt Maxine does, but he never lived with a witch, either.”
“So we’re talking Anastasia Cuza, here?”
“Yes, my aunt’s parents also died in a car accident. Aunt Maxine believes our family is cursed.”
“Either that or your family was just touched with an unfortunate chain of events that just happened to lead to their deaths.”
“Car accidents, to be exact. That’s why I don’t own a car.”
“If you don’t have a car, how do you get around town?”
“I have a bicycle that I use, but since I live in town, most businesses are within walking distance.”
“You took a ride on my motorcycle, though.”
“Yes, because motorcycles don’t scare me, just driving a car does. I about had an anxiety attack when Aunt Maxine insisted that I drive her home earlier.”
“I can’t even image not owning a car, or driving. For me, it relaxes me. What’s the worst that could happen in a town such as this? It only has one traffic light.”
“You should never say something like that. Something bad can always happen.”
“Okay, so besides being superstitious about driving a car, what other fears do you have?”
“I won’t walk under a ladder, I throw spilled salt over my right shoulder, and I always put on my right sock first.” When Noah’s eyes widened slightly, she asked, “Why are you looking at me like that. Don’t you have any superstitions?”
“Black cats creep me out, which is why Melvin wasn’t the only one at my house freaked out when your cat, Pansy, got inside.”
“Technically, Pansy has a white spot and isn’t officially an all-black cat.”
“I also don’t care for spiders, and if I ever see one again I’ll call you over to kill it for me,” Noah winked.
“You can’t be serious. What a big baby. Spiders are harmless, or most of them in Michigan are. I’ll admit they are creepy looking, but so useful for catching bugs.”
“I was kidding about the spider thing, but I loved to see how big your eyes became when I said it. But snakes are another matter.”
“I guess things that slither never bugged me much since most of the men I’ve dated closely resembled snakes anyway.”
Noah laughed. “I’m so glad I invited you to dinner. This is one of the best conversations I think I’ve ever had with a woman.”
“Now, you don’t need to make fun of me, Noah. I’m quite sure you’ve had plenty of interesting conversations, way better than this. Men that look like you don’t usually have problems finding women to talk to, either.”
Noah leaned back in his chair. “Is that right?”
He wasn’t able to say anything further since their food was brought, and Petunia began to dig in since she was beyond starved. She didn’t know what had come over her. She’d actually begun to sound like she was flirting with Noah, and that’s the last thing she needed to be doing since she had a case to investigate.
When they had finished eating, Petunia frowned when she spotted Olivia making her way to the bathroom. She glanced at her wine glass and hoped that she’d just pass by quietly on her way to the bathroom, but no such luck.
“Petunia, is that you? Did you beg them in the kitchen to give you a table again?”
She tried her best not to let the woman goad her, but instead, Noah said, “Actually I did, since it was my fault I didn’t make a reservation.”
“Why would a good-looking man like you want to be hanging around the likes of her?” Olivia asked with a sneer on her face.
“Because I have better taste than Henry has, obviously. Petunia is both intelligent and beautiful, whereas you happen to be just meh. I could find ten women as shallow as you quite easily.”
Olivia opened then closed her mouth, strutting to the bathroom without another word. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her not have some kind of comeback before.” It felt great to hear Noah say that she was beautiful, but she was quite sure he didn’t really mean it. Petunia didn’t think herself beautiful at all. She hated her auburn hair, for one, and suffered being called Red by her now-cat Pansy, once-man Jeremy.
Since she was becoming uncomfortable with Noah’s small talk, she decided to change the subject back to the mystery at hand. Plus, she wanted him to know that she wasn’t guilty of the crime. She’d have to come up with some kind of story concerning Jeremy since she just couldn’t tell Noah that she had turned him into a cat. He might just call the men in white coats to take her to the nearest mental institution, which she really thought she needed at times since Pansy had begun to communicate with her telepathically.
Olivia passed by on her way back to her table, and Petunia had to stop herself from sticking her foot out to trip her up. So intent was she on thinking about it that a crash was heard as Olivia fell face forward on the floor, tripping over a wrinkle in the rug.
Petunia tried not to laugh, but a snort came out anyway.
Olivia was helped up and she glared over at Petunia. “You did that, you little witch. I know you did.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I didn’t do anything. You’re just clumsy.”
“Everyone in town knows what you and your Aunt Maxine are. You’re the witches of Lake Forest.”
Petunia straightened her back. “You’re mistaken, Olivia. I’m sorry if I laughed when you fell, but I kinda felt like karma paid you a visit.”
Olivia didn’t stick around. She didn’t walk, but ran back to her table.
Jeremy raised a brow. “This sure is some town. I had no clue that dinner would wind up like this.” He frowned. “Of course, I hope that I also don’t continue to find bodies in my yard.”
Petunia’s smile faded. Here he goes, digging deeper into what happened today.
“That was awful and I sure hope the sheriff doesn’t single me out in his investigation since he still has me on his radar for Jeremy’s disappearance.”
“Who was this Jeremy, anyway?”
“He was a man I dated once. Helen Patterson was also seeing him, but it has been a few months since Jeremy disappeared. I’m not quite sure how the sheriff plans to connect those two cases. I wasn’t mad that Jeremy was seeing Helen and I’d certainly not wait two months if I was some kind of sick killer and I did it in a jealous fit.”
“I see. Well, I can understand as a former cop why you’d be a suspect, but since I’ve gotten to know you a little better, I’d say you don’t seem like you could harm a flea. Anyone who has four cats can’t be all bad. When Pansy got into my house, you came right over to get him back. Of course, that’s how we ended up finding that body, too.”
“So what do you think I should do here? Pay the sheriff a visit?”
“If you’re really innocent, I’d make him come to you. I’d be happy to help you clear your name if and when you’re arrested, but a murderer would be awfully addle-brained to kill someone so close to home, and leave the body out in the open like that.”
�
��Cora, Helen’s neighbor, told me that a 1970 black Camaro with racing stripes was over at Helen’s the night before she died. If we find that car, we might be one step closer to finding the killer. But since you’ll be running for sheriff soon, it might not be the best of ideas to start poking around in an ongoing investigation.”
“Let me worry about that.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Petunia hopped off Noah’s motorcycle and wobbled home since she’d had way too much wine on an empty stomach. She rattled her key in the lock, and when she swung the door open, a light was turned on. Petunia clutched a hand over her heart. “Aunt Maxine, what on earth?”
“What on earth, indeed. You left that beast in my shop and he made quite the mess. My shop smells like a potpourri shop now, with all the tea and herbs on the floor.”
“I’m sorry, but I didn’t know Pansy had stowed away in my purse. I had no idea he’d cause any damage, I swear. I’ll come to the shop tomorrow morning and clean up the mess.”
“That won’t be necessary, and that’s why I’m here besides bringing the cat back. Lucy Winters dropped by and just wouldn’t quit yapping about how you gave her salve for her aching legs, and then she single-handedly cleaned my entire shop, like from top to bottom. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her move so fast, or anyone else that I know of.”
Petunia sank into a chair, and wanted to give Pansy a real talking to, except that he was fast asleep. “Well, so the salve works. I’m shocked, really, but she might have used too much. When I dropped it off, I told her to cool it and that it was too strong to be using the way she was globbing it on.”
Aunt Maxine sighed. “Wasn’t that the salve you were supposed to be making for me and my aching knees?”
“Yes, why?”
“It’s just that I could really use it right about now, but I don’t think I had better the way Lucy was moving. I don’t think my ticker could take it. In the future, you might want to think twice before you try out one of your salves or potions on just anyone.”
“I know, but Lucy was hurting so bad that I just wanted to help.”
“I think you’d better go over there tomorrow and get the rest of it back before something dreadful happens like the woman has a heart attack.” She then grinned. “So, how was your date with your handsome neighbor?”
“It wasn’t a date, but I have to admit that I really had a great time getting to know him. I think he might even prove to be handy in case I get arrested.”
“Arrested for what? Trying out an herbal remedy on Lucy?”
“No, I meant for murder since the sheriff thinks I’m a suspect in Helen’s death, and, of course, Jeremy’s disappearance.”
Aunt Maxine waved her hand. “Nonsense. That sheriff Pinkerton is just a bag of wind, always has been. And Jeremy hasn’t really disappeared, he’s in plain sight,” she chuckled. “Although, you might not want to tell the sheriff or anyone else that you turned Jeremy into a cat. Someone might just think you’re off your rocker.”
Petunia frowned. “We bumped into Olivia and Henry at Mario’s.”
“That’s to be expected. I had thought that you had gotten him out of your system by now. Honey, he’s lost to you.”
“Oh, I know, but it nauseates me every time I see them together, and I looked like a complete fool in front of them, too.”
“How so?”
“Because Noah never made a reservation. He didn’t know, but anyway the busboy gave me that table by the bathrooms again. I’m afraid Olivia saw me there and you know how that woman is, she just can’t shut up her yap.” Petunia rubbed her brow. “I’m afraid I did something dreadful, or at least I think I did.”
Aunt Maxine leaned forward, giving Petunia her full attention now. “Do tell?”
“Well, I can’t remember what she said, but I was so angry and I was thinking about how much I wanted to trip her up, and the next thing I knew, she tripped and fell on her face. I think there was a wrinkle in the carpet.”
Aunt Maxine clapped in excitement. “Or you’re coming into you own.”
“I’m not a witch, Auntie, but Olivia sure called me one. And you, too. Right there in Mario’s.” She covered her face with her hands. “I have never felt so mortified before. When Olivia tripped, I firmly believe it was karma. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Do you think that makes me a bad person?”
“Not at all. That woman needs to learn to leave you alone. She might, now that she thinks you have real powers. And I wonder if you might just have abilities that you’re not even aware of.”
“But ... I’m not a witch, and neither are you.”
“No, but you did make a salve that actually works, a little too well, possibly. But this might just be a good turn of events. The way I look at it, we’ve been using recipes for potions from Anastasia’s book, and she really was a witch.”
“I don’t want to be a witch, though. If I were, I wouldn’t be a very good one, anyway, since I made hair tonic that makes a man totally bald. And don’t forget I turned a man into a cat from a love potion. If only I’d known then what I know now. Jeremy as a cat has really shown his true colors. He would be the worst boyfriend ever.”
“I’d have to agree with you there, but perhaps when you’re ready, you might just try and change him back to human form. That way you’d be off the hook for his disappearance, at least.”
“True, but I’m just not sure I’m ready to botch up another potion. Who knows what else might happen?”
Aunt Maxine yawned, stretching her arms toward the ceiling. “I think I’ll stay here tonight, Petunia. I’m too bushed to drive home. Plus, with the curse and all, I don’t want to take my chances.”
Petunia led the way up the stairs. “I didn’t think you believed in the curse?”
“It’s not that I don’t believe in it as much as I’m too old to worry about it too much. I figure I’m plenty old enough to meet my maker.”
Aunt Maxine made way into a bedroom and Petunia said, “Just be careful, Auntie. I’d truly be lost without you. I’m not ready to be alone.”
“If you play your cards right, you might never have to worry about it. I’ve seen how Noah looks at you. Don’t give up all hope that you’ll find a man that’s right for you. I have a good feeling about him.”
Instead of responding, Petunia closed the door and went to her own room. She had to admit that she was beginning to like Noah just a little, but it wasn’t the time to be thinking about that since she had to find out who killed three women in her town by way of knitting needles.
* * *
“Well, Melvin, what you do think about the neighborhood?”
Melvin put his head down with that usual “I just got into trouble” look that his pit bull could pull off that bordered on laughable.
“Besides the neighbor’s cat.”
So far, Noah was beginning to like Petunia. It would be a real bummer if she actually turned out to be a killer, though. She had a past not much different than his, too, which was discouraging with the way she looked at Henry at the restaurant. He wasn’t sure if she hadn’t gotten over him just yet, or if it was the shock of seeing him with his wife. Olivia sure had it out for Petunia and if Noah had anything to say about it, he would do anything in his power to protect her, even from a murder charge, if need be.
Noah thought about checking out Petunia on a law enforcement website, but he had no ability to since he currently wasn’t a member of any police department. He was sure shocked that a body had turned up on his lawn and he hoped this case would be cleared up, and soon. That sure wouldn’t look good when he ran for sheriff. Sheriff Pinkerton seemed a little too quick to pin it on Petunia, and Noah’s gut just told him that they’d have to look more into just who Helen Patterson really was when she was alive. Experience told him that would be the best place to start.
* * *
In the morning, Petunia took her shower and donned comfortable shoes, her not-so-comfortable jeans around the waist, and a pink, baby-dol
l style shirt. When she made it to the first floor, the fragrance of coffee wafted over to her. Obviously, Aunt Maxine had made it up much earlier and had started a pot.
Petunia smiled as Aunt Maxine stood at the stove, cooking bacon. “Morning, Petunia. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to wake you up. If we don’t get over to Lucy’s early, I don’t know if we’ll be able to catch her at home, if yesterday at my shop was an indication.”
She nodded and poured a cup of coffee, just as Pansy came whirling into the room, crashing into a chair leg.
“What on earth, Pansy?”
“Don’t blame me. That Merlin has been chasing me all morning.”
Petunia snickered. “Oh, and why is he doing that?”
“How should I know, but a guy can only get his butt sniffed so much before the fun wears off.”
Petunia smiled as her American Bobtail strutted into the room. Pansy jumped on the table. “Please, tell him to stop.”
She just shook her head. She didn’t have the heart to remind Pansy that in the big scheme of things, his transition from man to feline had some other drawbacks, like learning to deal with other cats, some of whom displayed more dog-like qualities, like sniffing butts. That was Merlin to a tee. He was a rescue cat that lived on the edge of Lake Forest with a pet hoarder, until animal control got involved. From the get-go, it was obvious that Merlin wasn’t an ordinary cat, with habits you’d expect to see a cat do—not that any cat was like the others, because they all have their own unique personalities. That itty bitty cat from the pet hoarder’s house was no longer small, but the largest of all her cats and quite the bully, at times.
Petunia clapped her hands. “Merlin, leave Pansy alone.” She proceeded to go to the refrigerator and pull out a can of cat food. Merlin wasn’t the only one that raced to the food dish before she even filled the bowl. Sassy, the white Persian, and Gem, her Himalayan, also clamored over to the bowl, standing at attention. She moved away and the cats fought over the dish, nearly scattering all of the moist food all over the kitchen.
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