“Okay, here’s the situation: We don’t know how he died.” Boone was pleasingly blunt. “He had marks on his neck, but he wasn’t down any blood. Er, well, he was down some blood but not enough to make us think a predator drank him.”
Hannah frowned. “Wait ... are we talking about vampires here?” She was incredulous as she looked at Cooper. “You didn’t say vampires were real, too. I thought you were joking when you alluded to vampires the first time.”
“I believe I mentioned we had all manner of paranormal creatures here.”
“Yeah, but ... vampires?” Hannah blankly shook her head. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Vampires can’t be real.”
“Well, they are,” Boone countered. “We don’t get a lot of them here. When they show up, they tend to be in packs, though.”
Hannah continued making clucking sounds with her tongue as she tapped her chin. “Are we talking Interview with a Vampire here or 30 Days of Night? Ugh. Please tell me we don’t have a Twilight situation on our hands. The vampires don’t sparkle, do they?”
Cooper was amused despite himself. “The vampires don’t sparkle,” he promised. “That’s a movie thing.”
“Can they go outside during the day?”
“Yes, as long as they avoid direct sunlight. That’s not that hard up here since we have a lot of clouds. Plus, whoever built the city installed tunnels under all the buildings. I don’t know if it was a vampire, but I’ve often wondered.”
That was a whole other level of information Hannah wasn’t expecting. “Seriously?” She thought through the words. “There are tunnels under the town? Can just anybody wander around in them?”
“Well, you have to know where they are,” Cooper hedged. “Very few people are aware of the access points.”
Hannah made an exasperated face. “What about Astra? Do you think she knows where the tunnels are?”
Cooper was taken aback. “I don’t know. Why does it matter?”
“Because you guys have been lamenting the fact that Abigail’s spell seems to have weakened. I’ve seen the other witches — Jackie, Becky, and Danielle, that is — walking around and chanting. I assume that means they’re trying to strengthen the protection things.”
“Wards,” Cooper corrected absently.
“Well, excuse me for not being up on the lingo,” Hannah muttered.
“You two aren’t acting like you had a good night,” Boone noted. “How come? Did you have performance issues, Coop? If so, there’s no shame in it. Oh, who am I kidding? That’s totally shameful.”
Hannah scorched him with a withering look as Cooper made a strangled sound in the back of his throat.
“Don’t change the subject,” Hannah ordered.
“I slept on the couch,” Cooper added. “Nothing romantic happened. Besides, how did you even know about that?”
“How do you think?”
Cooper slanted his eyes and glanced around Boone, his gaze falling on the paddock where Tyler patiently worked with Desperado. “I’m going to make him pay for this later.”
“Yes, I’m sure he’s quaking in his boots,” Boone drawled. “He didn’t say anything bad.”
“What did he say?”
“Who cares about that?” Hannah’s annoyance was on full display. “I don’t care about the town gossip. That’s going to happen regardless because people can’t help themselves. I want to talk about Jordan Flynn. You said his body was down some blood, but he wasn’t drained. As far as I could tell, he only had the two marks on his neck. Were there any other wounds beneath his clothes or anything?”
“No. That’s why we’re stumped. His heart stopped, although we have no idea why. We have to wait for toxicology results and those could take weeks. No matter what you believe, it’s not like television. We might not have the answers right away.”
“I already told you that I know how this works,” Hannah reminded him. She was thoughtful as she turned and paced a small spot in the middle of the street. “I had a point earlier when I was talking about Astra and the tunnels.”
“I’m sure you did,” Cooper said. “What was the point?”
“I heard Jackie and the others talking. They said they couldn’t figure out how Astra was crossing the border of the town because the wards seemed to be holding. What if she’s going under the wards?”
Cooper opened his mouth to explain why that wasn’t possible and then he snapped it shut. In truth, it was possible. He simply hadn’t considered it before. “Well ... huh.” He looked to Boone. “She’s right. The wards might not penetrate the ground.”
“And Astra must’ve at least heard stories about the tunnels over the years,” Boone added. “Even if she didn’t know where they were, she could’ve eventually found them. There is one that leads off the property that I know of. She could be using it to cross the border. That would explain how no one sees her do it.”
“It also helps her build her mystical brand,” Cooper added. “She likes to dazzle people with theatrics. If she convinces a bunch of workers that she can access this place at any time, they’re more likely to share information with her.”
“Which means we need to shut off access to that tunnel.”
“And find out how Jordan Flynn died,” Hannah added. “We can’t move on Astra until we’re sure she’s the one who committed the murder.”
“Even if we confirm that, she’s not going to be easy to move on,” Cooper argued. “She could very well disappear and there’s nothing we could do to stop her.”
“First things first,” Boone countered. “We need to ward those tunnels.”
“The town is shut down today, but Jackie and Danielle are around. I’m not sure if Becky bothered to come out, but I can call her.” Cooper was thoughtful as he turned to Hannah. “That was some really good thinking. I mean ... really good. I don’t know how long it would’ve taken me to realize what was right in front of me.”
“You’re too close to the problem,” Hannah replied. “I could see it because everything is still new to me and it’s impossible to gloss over it.”
“Well, I still feel like an idiot.”
“You shouldn’t. You’re doing your best.”
Cooper shot her a small smile. “Thanks. I need to feel like an idiot for a bit longer, though. I’ll try not to drag it out.”
“Oh, see, now this is much cuter,” Boone enthused. “This is how I expected you to be acting.”
Cooper swiveled quickly. “Just let it go. Why can’t you be an adult for five minutes of your life? I mean ... really. I’m doing my job.”
“Yeah. You keep telling yourself that.”
HANNAH WASN’T BIG ON TUNNELS. She didn’t think of herself as claustrophobic, but the second they entered the one that led to a spot outside the town, she immediately regretted her insistence on accompanying the party that would be strengthening the wards.
“Is the air down here really stale, or is it just me?” She glanced around and cringed when Cooper lifted his flashlight to study some cobwebs in the corner. “You don’t have poisonous spiders here, do you? I really hate spiders.”
“We have a few,” Cooper answered. He seemed distracted by whatever he was looking at. “You’re okay, though. If you get bit, tell us right away. We’ll get you to the hospital in plenty of time for the antidote.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
“It’s fine. The spider bites are better than the snake bites.”
Hannah had almost forgotten about the snakes and she immediately swept her flashlight beam to the ground so she could make sure she wasn’t about to step on a nasty serpent. “They won’t be down here, will they?” A bolt of panic laced through her. “I mean ... they can’t get down here, can they?”
For the first time since descending, Cooper recognized the signs of panic. “They can get down here, but they’re more likely to run from us than attack. They’re afraid of us, just like we’re afraid of them.”
That didn�
��t make Hannah feel better. “I think I need to sit down.” She fanned her hand in front of her face. “There’s no place to sit down, though, other than the cold ground where the snakes live.”
Becky snickered as she looked back to where Cooper crowded Hannah. “I think she’s going to melt down.”
“She’s going to be fine,” he reassured the persnickety dry goods clerk. “Go ahead and find the ward line. Start extending it. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“What are you going to do?” Becky asked, making a face. “I thought you were going to guard us.”
“I am. I’m just going to talk to Hannah for a few minutes first. I’ll be right behind you.”
“We’ll be fine,” Jackie added. “We’ve done this stuff ten times over. We won’t even be down here five minutes.”
“I know.” Becky’s tone was petulant. “I just think it’s weird that he insisted on coming with us because it’s part of his job description and now all he cares about is her.”
“Well, they did spend the night together,” Danielle offered. “Maybe they want to kiss in private or something.”
“They spent the night together?” Becky sounded like a strangled mouse, her voice went so high. “How come nobody told me about this?”
“You should’ve been here this morning,” Jackie replied. “Everyone was talking about it. Apparently Tyler saw them in nothing but their skivvies and it was a sight to behold.”
“I’m going to kill Tyler,” Cooper complained as he shook his head and forced a smile for Hannah’s benefit. He made sure his flashlight was pointed in such a way that his face was illuminated. He was starting to get an understanding of what was going on. “So, you didn’t mention you were claustrophobic last night.”
“I’m not claustrophobic.” Hannah barked back the words. “I mean ... I’m not. I’ve never been claustrophobic in my life.”
“Have you ever been underground before?”
“Loads of times.”
He cocked a dubious eyebrow. “Other than in a basement.”
She turned sheepish and held up her wrist. “No. Will you feel my pulse? I think I’m having a heart attack.”
“You’re not having a heart attack.” His tone was soothing as he moved his hand to her shoulder. “You’re having a panic attack. You’re definitely claustrophobic. I think that means you need to head back up.”
“No way. I said I was going to help. I want to see them perform magic so I can learn ... or at least get a gander at something I don’t want to learn. I’m not claustrophobic. I’m just ... not a fan of being closed in.”
Cooper had news for her. She was most definitely claustrophobic. She obviously didn’t want to admit it, though. That meant he didn’t want to be the one to tell her. “Okay. How about this?” He held out his hand. “You’re going to stick close to me and we’ll watch the ward work and then get out of here as fast as possible. How does that sound?”
Hannah gripped his hand so tightly she almost cut off his circulation. “It sounds great. I’m totally fine.”
“Right. You’re totally fine.” He turned his attention back to the puzzle. “We’re going to have to work on this for future trips. There’s got to be another way around this.”
“I said I was fine!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I totally believe you.”
17
Seventeen
Hannah managed to stay on her feet for the duration of the spell work. It was by sheer force of will, of course. She honestly wanted to turn on her tail and leave, run screaming through the tunnel to escape. She held it together, though, if only for form’s sake.
Cooper kept a firm eye on her even as he marveled at the way Jackie, Becky, and Danielle worked together. They were a seamless unit. He’d watched them grow under Abigail’s tutelage, but it seemed they were almost stronger now because they were allowed to use their instincts.
The moment they were finished, they started back. Hannah was in the lead. She no longer cared about spiders or snakes. She just needed to get out.
“She seems shaky,” Jackie noted as she fell into step with Cooper. “How come? I would’ve thought after last night that life for her would be all puppies and rainbows. Did you do it wrong or something?”
Cooper scowled. “We didn’t do anything. I slept on her couch because I was afraid Astra would come back. She was attacked the night before and I wanted to ensure it didn’t happen again.”
“Likely story.”
Becky cleared her throat to draw his attention. “So ... you’re saying that you don’t like her, right? You were just doing your job.”
Cooper understood exactly what she was asking. He’d been aware of Becky’s crush on him for a long time. In the aftermath of his breakup with Astra, it had been easy enough to brush her off. He no longer knew if that was a possibility given Hannah’s arrival.
“I like her,” he hedged. “She’s a nice woman who has been thrust into a situation not of her making. This isn’t fair to her.”
“Life isn’t fair,” Danielle pointed out.
“It’s not,” he agreed. “The thing is, she reminds me of Abigail in some ways. I know it’s weird to say because they never knew one another, but she has a few of Abigail’s mannerisms.”
“Like what?” Jackie queried.
“Like ... she chews on her bottom lip when she’s thinking. She also talks to her dog like he’s a real person. It’s not that she expects an answer, but she believes he understands her. Abigail was that way with the horses ... and the goats ... and the pigs.”
“Don’t forget the chickens,” Danielle volunteered dryly. “She had some choice curses for those chickens.”
Cooper smiled at the memory. “She hated that rooster because he woke her up all the time. You know what’s funny? He hasn’t made a sound since she died. Maybe he realizes and is in mourning.”
“Maybe. Or maybe he just liked being a jerk to her. That’s a typical man for you.”
Cooper rolled his eyes. “Oh, you’re such a fun person to hang around with.” He grinned as he turned the final corner and found Hannah already on the ladder that led to the surface. Given the light filtering down, he could see her more clearly. She had grime on her cheek and her hair looked muted, as if it was covered in dust.
“Come on,” she barked as she started climbing. “Get away from the snakes and spiders. Run for your lives.”
He chuckled under his breath, genuinely amused.
“She’s kind of cute, huh?” Jackie said knowingly.
He couldn’t hold back his sigh. “Yeah. She really is.” He missed the forlorn look on Becky’s face as he hurried to hit the ladder after Hannah. “It’s going to be a free day here because of the police presence. Everyone knows how to keep themselves busy so I expect you to find something to do.”
“I could help you,” Becky offered hopefully.
Cooper didn’t respond. He was already up the ladder.
“You need to let it go,” Jackie tsked. She wasn’t trying to be mean as much as honest. Becky had to realize she had no chance with Cooper. That was written in the stars long before and Hannah’s arrival only cemented it. Anyone with eyes knew where her relationship with Cooper was going. “He’s never going to give you what you want.”
Becky was petulant. “You don’t know. He’s been getting over Astra for a while now. He could come to his senses. Maybe Hannah will be his rebound chick.”
“I don’t think Cooper is the type to have rebound chicks,” Danielle offered, her eyes on the shadows behind them. There had been no movement during their entire visit but that didn’t stop her from looking. “It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.”
“No?” Becky’s voice took on an edge. “What does it mean?”
“That he’s attracted to Hannah.” She was matter-of-fact. “There’s no rhyme or reason to chemistry. Those two clearly have it.”
Becky was feeling stubborn. “I think we could have it.”
“Maybe on your end. Not on his, though. I’m not trying to upset you, but he’s just not that into you.”
Becky’s scowl became more pronounced. “He could be.”
“If you believe that, then you’re in for a world of hurt. I can’t help you if you won’t see what’s right in front of you.”
“I still think I have a shot.”
“Then you’re on your own. I wish you well.”
“Thanks. I’m going to be fine.” Becky sounded more sure than she felt. She’d seen the way Cooper looked at Hannah. He could barely drag his eyes away from her. That didn’t mean he had genuine feelings, though. It was more likely just a crush. She could deal with a crush. She was certain of it. “You’ll see. This will burn out quickly. I have faith.”
“You have ... something.”
COOPER SPENT THE AFTERNOON SHOWING Hannah how to use the accounting program on Abigail’s computer and tally the monthly books. When he first suggested it, she thought he was crazy. It turns out, he was deadly serious.
“It’s easy,” he reassured her as he grabbed a stack of paper from behind the bar. “Basically you input all of these — they’re daily tallies — and the program will do the rest. You also have to keep track of the things you order, but it’s not all that difficult.”
Hannah furrowed her brow. She’d taken a second shower after emerging from the tunnel and instead of blow drying her hair straight, she opted to let it air dry. That meant there was some wave to it and Cooper found her even more appealing, which was something he internally cursed about nonstop.
“I hate numbers,” she admitted. “I’m not much of a numbers person. Can’t I hire an accountant?”
“Abigail has an accountant, but the monthly bills are something you should be able to handle. You’re basically throwing money out the door if you hire it out. I’ll help you until you get the hang of it. Heck, I used to help Abigail because she was busy doing other stuff.”
Hannah was dubious, but she agreed. “Okay. Tell me again, from the beginning.”
The Dirty Coven Page 16
