Midsummer Night's Mayhem: A Sister Witches Mystery

by Lauren Quick

  “You aren’t invisible,” Vivi said.

  “Well, I know that and you know that, but Derek’s right, the rest of the witching world views me as the simple sister. Not the potion-making business witch or the hot private investigator living in the big city. I’m just puttering Clover.” She shrugged. “And I’d like to keep it that way for as long as I can.”

  “I can live with that,” Derek said, accepting her reasoning.

  Clover noticed a figure drifting across the front yard, prompting her to dart to the window and peek through the curtains.

  “Who is it?” Derek nosed in to get a better view. “Felicity,” he said, answering his own question. “What’s she doing here?”

  Vivi bumped into them from behind and stared over Clover’s shoulder. “Your nosy neighbor is on the prowl,” she said. “I’m surprised it’s taken someone this long to make a snooping run. She’ll probably report any gossip back to the rest of the locals.”

  Clover groaned. Her shoulders slumped. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to the curious witch, who lived in a small house down the road.

  Felicity Claire strolled up the front walkway and waved, spotting them peering at her through the drapes. Pretty, if not a little pinched around her lips and eyes, she was thin as a reed with dark hair and made quick bird-like movements. To Clover it always looked as if the witch had just gulped a glass of prune juice.

  “Want me to tell her to go away?” Derek asked.

  “No, I can handle this. If not her, then it will be someone else,” Clover said and took a deep breath. “No use avoiding it any longer.” She swung the door wide and faced her neighbor. “Hello, Felicity. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “Good morning.” A stiff smile barely registered on her face. She wore a short-sleeved blouse and cropped pants. Her eyes were bloodshot and all the concealer in Everland couldn’t hide the dark circles. Clover remembered seeing her at the party, but hadn’t noticed when she left.

  “I came by to check if you were all right. The beacon.” Felicity pointed her finger at the sky. “I was worried there might have been an accident.”

  “That’s kind of you. But I’m fine. No need to worry. Thanks for stopping by to check.” Her voice was clipped and overly cheery. Clover tried to close the door, but Felicity elbowed her way inside.

  “This isn’t a good time, really,” Clover said, but the witch ignored her.

  “Did something happen last night? Is everyone okay?” She darted around the hall and living room, scanning the room like a mad hen. Faced with Vivi Mayhem, she jerked back. “Oh, hello, Vivi. Nice to see you again.”

  “No, everything isn’t okay,” Clover said in hot pursuit of the intruding witch. “There’s been trouble. That’s all I can say right now. The sheriff’s department will make an announcement when they’re ready. I’m sorry to be short with you, but I really can’t say much else.” Her hands shot to her hips. It was time for Felicity to go.

  Felicity wrapped her bony arms around her chest and pursed her lips. “I’m sorry to intrude. It’s just that I’m worried about Oliver. I dropped by his house on my way over here and he wasn’t home. He’s always home. So, naturally, I grew concerned and then with the emergency beacon, I came right over.”

  Clover’s shoulder blades tensed and she tried to guide Felicity back the way she’d come. She was running out of patience. “Like I said, the sheriff’s department will make an announcement when they’re ready.” The words felt empty in her mouth, but what was she supposed to say? She couldn’t start telling every witch who dropped by.

  Felicity’s eyes narrowed, her lips tightened into a thin line. “Something’s happened to Oliver. Hasn’t it?” She didn’t wait for a response, but made her way through the house and out the back door.

  Felicity was up the path and to the oak in seconds. By the time Clover, Vivi, and Derek made it to the crime scene, Officer Finch had Felicity by the waist and was dragging her away. A light sweat beaded on his forehead as he struggled to keep the witch in check. Luckily Oliver’s body had already been taken away.

  “Where is he? Where’s Oliver? Tell me what you’ve done to him!” Felicity wiggled like a slippery eel out of the officer’s grasp and ran smack into the magical sphere surrounding the old oak where the body had been. Unfortunately for her, the sphere held and she bounced right off the surface and staggered backward with stars in her eyes. Vivi went to her aid and helped Felicity regain her footing.

  “I didn’t know Felicity and Oliver were close,” Derek whispered to Clover. “She seems really concerned about finding him.”

  “Neither did I. I think she might have tutored Oliver’s son when he was in school, but that was years ago. I didn’t even know they were still in contact.”

  “Soon everyone is going to know about Oliver’s death,” Derek said, his shoulders tensing. “This place is going to be crawling with witches and wizards wanting to get the details firsthand.”

  “That’s why I stopped by personally,” a deep voice said from behind them, drawing the group’s attention.

  Sheriff Lance Gardener stood on the back porch. Tall and broad-shouldered with tousled golden blond hair, Lance had the reputation as a dependable and kind sheriff, amiable and straightforward. He also had a stubborn streak, according to Vivi. Clover hoped she could trust him and his ability to conduct the investigation by finding out who killed Oliver Yearling while keeping her secret safe. Hopefully without ever knowing what the secret actually was. No problem.

  Clover noticed the sheriff had brought Juniper and two additional officers, who were currently walking around her yard, wands raised, casting spells. A small glowing orb made a sweep of the house. Clover’s stomach tightened as she realized they’d expanded the investigation from her yard and were currently focusing on her house, searching for additional clues.

  “When did you arrive?” Clover asked, tracking the orb with her gaze as it made another pass. She swallowed hard.

  “Not long. A few minutes. Juniper and Finch have done a great job securing the scene and conducting an initial investigation.”

  “What investigation?” Felicity said as she hurried up to the sheriff.

  Lance delicately took Felicity’s trembling hand in his. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but until the family of the deceased is notified I can’t comment on the crime. My officer will escort you off the property.” The sheriff nodded to Finch, who had stopped Felicity earlier when she had approached the crime scene.

  Clover flinched. Talk about being indelicate. Little did the sheriff realize, he had actually told the poor witch everything.

  “Deceased. Crime,” Felicity choked out the words. Her spine stiffened, and she headed around the side of the house in a stunned trance, guided by Finch.

  “Let’s talk inside,” Lance said, cheeks reddening. “Juniper you can continue with your investigation.”

  She nodded and returned to her work. The rest of the group made their way up the back steps and into the kitchen.

  Clover settled by the stove and started a kettle warming. “How about some tea or would you prefer coffee, Lance?”

  “Have a seat.” Vivi pulled the chair out for the sheriff and Derek leaned against the wall, wearing a frown.

  “Tea is fine,” Lance said and took a seat at the big farm table in Clover’s country kitchen.

  “I’m sorry this has happened, Clover. And I know it’s a shock, but your help is appreciated. The faster we can solve the crime, the better for everyone.”

  “Of course.” Clover set a cup down in front of the sheriff. “News will spread quickly. Does Austin know?” she pried.

  Lance shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “We’ve been friends a long time and since you’re involved in the case I’ll tell you that I stopped by to check the scene before we informed the fa
mily. We’re headed there next.”

  Clover lifted the kettle off the stove and poured steaming water into his cup. “Can you share any more details of the investigation so far?” she pressed. Subtlety would get her nowhere. She was hoping their friendship would give her some pull into the proceedings.

  “Funny you asked.” He eyed her closely. “We’ve done a preliminary sweep of your house and the grounds, and I have a few questions I wanted to ask you, if that’s all right.” As formal as he tried to act, Lance Gardener reminded her of a golden retriever—friendly, kind, and harmless. Now, she waited to see how friendly this visit would be.

  “I’ll do my best to help.” Clover tried to relax her shoulders. A kink was forming in her neck.

  “Why don’t you sit down?” Vivi pulled out a chair for Clover and took the kettle. “I’ll get you some tea.”

  “No thanks. I’ll stand. I’m little over tea right now.”

  Lance took a sip. “First, let’s start with what’s in the closet upstairs? There’s a concealment spell radiating from the third floor, blocking a large area.”

  Not wanting to be rude, Clover mentally rolled her eyes. The net. The concealment spell she’d cast on her closet probably showed up like a suspicious beacon. Clover had been naïve to think the spell wouldn’t come into question. She just hadn’t thought it would come up so quickly. As disarming and agreeable as the sheriff looked, he hadn’t gotten to his position on chance. He and his team were sharp.

  “I didn’t kill Oliver and then hide the murder weapon in my closet, if that’s what you’re suggesting,” she said.

  “I’m not suggesting anything. Just interested.”

  “It’s a closet filled with my valuables. Nothing to worry about, just a lot of personal mementos and family heirlooms that I didn’t want my guests to rummage through. You know how parties can be. A couple of drinks and witches are snooping through your drawers.” Clover gave him an unassuming smile, hoping the answer would satisfy him.

  “I’m sure it’s nothing. But I’ll still need to see inside.” He raised his brow and stared her in the eyes. “If you wouldn’t mind taking down the spell, I can take a quick look and move on.”

  She didn’t believe that for a second. Police records were public records that always came to light, no matter how hard they tried to keep them secret. “Honestly, Lance, you have a reputation for being a by-the-book sheriff. I suspect it won’t be a quick peek in my closet. I’m sure you’ll make a record of everything you find and place that list in the case file for everyone to read.”

  “Is that a problem?” His eyes narrowed as if trying to read her response.

  “Clover is a very private person. She doesn’t want her business being part of the public record,” Vivi countered.

  “I don’t see why you need to look through the house since the crime took place outside. There’s nothing here that links to the crime or to Oliver Yearling,” Derek said, but the sheriff wasn’t budging.

  “I’ll be the judge of that. As you said, guests were mingling around the house and the grounds, so I have to look everywhere. This is a serious matter that deserves a thorough investigation. And your spelled closet is in my path.”

  Clover’s throat went dry, and she went to get a drink of cold water from the tap, scrambling for an idea. “Maybe we can compromise. You could investigate the grounds or maybe some suspects and wait until the case takes shape before looking in the closet. I assure you, it contains my personal property and has nothing to do with Oliver Yearling or his death.” Maybe she could buy a little time.

  “I can back her up. Clover isn’t hiding anything,” Vivi said. “She’d never interfere with your investigation. She values her privacy. You can understand that.”

  “No, actually I can’t. A wizard has been murdered on her property during her party. Privacy just went out the window. Now, I’d like to do this as painlessly as possible.”

  “I can testify to the fact the spell had been activated prior to the party starting. There’s nothing unusual about it. It was put in place for personal security, nothing more,” Derek chimed in, fists clenching at his side. “Clover is an upstanding citizen, great boss, and a witch of good character. What justification do you have to go through her private things? You have no right.” Impatience flared in his voice.

  Lance shot Derek a stern glance. “It doesn’t matter what I think about Ms. Mayhem and her character. This is an investigation, and I have to treat her like I would any other suspect in any case.”

  “Suspect?” Vivi barked. “You can’t be serious!”

  “She’s using a powerful concealment spell. She could be hiding evidence. So, yes, she’s a suspect. I can’t take Derek’s word alone.”

  “I still can’t tell you. It’s my personal property.” Clover stood her ground. There was no way the sheriff, his officers, and magical crime scene spells were going anywhere near her secret stash.

  “We’ve known each other a long time. Why don’t you just tell me? What’s so important?” Lance pushed back his chair and stood.

  “Please, Lance. Give me some time, a few days at least. Just to think things through.”

  “Don’t make this harder than it has to be. If I have to get a warrant, I will. I’d hoped we were on good enough terms that you would cooperate with the investigation.”

  Clover felt the situation spinning out of control. Lance wasn’t going to budge and she couldn’t blame him. He was just doing his job and was caught in the middle. “You’ll need a warrant to get into that closet because I won’t let you in without one.” Clover crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. She was being stubborn, but that too was the Mayhem sister way. There had to be a way around this. She just hadn’t figured it out yet. “I understand you can’t take my word for it and have to look, but I need to wrap my head around everything that’s happened. Please understand that. It’s been a rough morning.” She needed time to think about her next move.

  “I’ll see what I can do. But I assure you the investigation will be moving forward, swiftly.” The sheriff nodded to Vivi before slipping out the back door.

  “What are you going to do now?” Vivi asked.

  “There is only one thing I can do,” Clover said. “I’m going to find out who murdered Oliver Yearling and quickly. I don’t know if it will work, but the only way I can keep my secret safe is to find the real killer. Then Lance won’t have a reason to snoop around in my closet.”

  Vivi’s eyes widened, skepticism written all over her face. “That sounds like a tough task. But I see the reasoning. Whatever I can do to help, just name it.”

  “I’m in. But I hope you know what you’re doing,” Derek said.

  “Not really. But it doesn’t mean I’m not going to try. It’s the Mayhem sister way.”

  “Actually, drama is the Mayhem way. I can attest to that,” Vivi said.

  5

  Clover woke early and slipped out of bed. Her sleep had been restless. She’d dreamed she was spinning around her garden, tangled in a macabre dance with Oliver Yearling. He kept trying to tell her something, pulling her close, whispering something into her ear, but the second she was close enough to hear him, she would get swept up in a wave of mischief makers and spun away from him. A knot twisted in the pit of her stomach as she realized yesterday hadn’t been a bad dream.

  The wooden steps up to the attic were cold beneath her bare feet. She should have hidden her stuff up here and been done with it, but there wasn’t time for regrets now. She navigated stacks of boxes and an old steamer trunk, finally locating a dust-coated hatbox. Inside was a small velvet box. The fabric smooth under her fingers, the box had belonged to her great-great- grandmother Rosemary, the contents passed down for generations. Since Clover had the space, she had been entrusted with most of the family heirlooms.

  C
lover cracked open the box, revealing a stunning silver amulet with a blue gem the size of robin’s egg inside. She fingered the necklace, deciding that now was the time to use it. Never again would she be blindsided by a terrible event, at least not if the amulet still worked. Rosemary had infused it with a powerful spell—a trouble teller. The stone was rumored to glow blue whenever dire trouble was close at hand. Of all the Mayhem witches, Rosemary had endured the worst of it, so it was no wonder she had created a magical device to warn her.

  Clover slipped the necklace around her neck, the gemstone resting on her chest. Within seconds, she felt the amulet warm and pulse, activating. The image of beautiful young Rosemary appeared before her. Her long auburn hair fell to her shoulders. Her skin was clear, her chin strong. She held her head high, shoulders back. Clover needed to tap into Rosemary’s strength right about now. The image spoke, giving Clover a jolt.

  If you are seeing me now, then times have turned bad for you, dear sister. I created the amulet to give the wearer a warning of trouble close at hand. It is nothing more than that. The rest is up to you, brave witch, to respond, to protect yourself and others, and to fight against the lurking darkness that always comes with a curse. I discovered long ago that hiding never works, but a little preparation never hurts. All my best, sister.

  Seeing her great-great-grandmother caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over her. She was glad she found the amulet, reminding her of her family’s strength. The trouble teller gave her a little peace of mind. She put the empty box back and made her way downstairs. Clover showered and stared at her long tangled hair in the mirror. After speaking a quick drying spell, her hair went from soggy tendrils to warm curls in mere minutes. She pulled on a long cotton skirt and layered on two tank tops. She felt a hot day coming on.