by Teri Barnett
Morgan entered the psychic fair and found the readers divided into factions. The locals and tourists who were waiting for readings standing behind them and Beau Cornet was directing ‘traffic.’ “What’s going on?” Morgan asked. “And what are you doing?”
“I was getting a palm reading from Janine over there,” Beau said. “Someone said Edna’s spirit was walking through the fair and another shouted out Rocky’s name and said he was here, too. The next thing I knew, they were drawing up sides and arguing with each other.” Beau glanced at his hand. “I didn’t know I had that kind of power in my palm.”
“And you thought you should do something about it?”
“Well, I am a volunteer deputy, so I exercised my deputy rights and tried to create order, which, honestly, I thought you’d appreciate.” He grinned broadly. “It’s why they’re in lines now. Team Edna and Team Rocky. At least that’s what they’re calling themselves.”
Jimmy the Groupie waved at Morgan from Team Rocky. She noticed he was wearing a glittery shawl, similar to the one Rocky wore.
“What’s with the third group over there?”
“Oh, we’re Team Animal.” Janine said. “We believe the prophecies this week that an animal-human hybrid is the killer and Messie is somehow involved, possibly passing along secret messages telepathically to the murderer. Maybe even controlling the animal. We’re cheering for them.”
“You’re cheering for a killer…?” Morgan rubbed her eyes and groaned. “Okay then. Who started all this?” No one replied, but Starman and Jack refused to meet her gaze. “You two again?”
“Edna is having a hard time being dead,” Jack said. “And Rocky has no empathy for her whatsoever.”
“Because Rocky is dead too!” Starman said. “Geez.”
“Why do I keep finding you guys in the center of these disturbances? C’mon, let’s go inside and talk. As for the rest of you—there are only a few more hours until this event is finished. Please try to keep the peace, okay?”
“You heard Morgan. Go on, back to your tables,” Beau ordered. He flashed Morgan another grin. When she didn’t return the gesture, he heaved a deep sigh and wandered back to Janine’s table. “The way she acts, it’s like she barely knows me,” he complained. “And yet, we were in love once.”
“It’s been twenty years. It was high school. Let it go,” Morgan shot over her shoulder as she led the two men into the Raven’s Nest.
The room where Rocky’s body had been found was still secured, so Morgan directed them to the back of the bookstore where a long table was set up for reading and research. She gestured to the library-style wooden chairs and sat opposite them. “I have the feeling you two know more than you’re sharing. Start talking.”
“There’s a rumor—” Jack began.
“That psychics are being killed to cull their power,” Starman finished.
“What the hell?” Morgan said. “That is not a thing…” She thought for a moment. Suppose I’ve heard stranger theories. “Is it?”
“It’s been known to happen, but it’s not something that ever makes the news. ‘They’ do a good job of keeping such things quiet, under the radar so to speak.” Jack said the word they with air quotes.
“Who are ‘they?’”
Starman’s gaze scanned the room. Then he leaned forward and said in a whisper. “Dude. The Priesthood. They run everything.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I can’t talk about it. I’ve already said too much.”
Jack looked down his long nose at Starman. “You’ve always been overly paranoid. Besides, the Priesthood are not in Bijoux.”
“You can’t know that. All these psychics gathered in one spot? All this energy? We’re just sitting ducks for them to pluck. Pluck, pluck, pluck.”
As much as she hated the idea of conspiracy theories and under the radar groups, Morgan knew she had to follow every possible line of investigation. Humans were known to do horrendous things to each other, this much she did believe, had seen with her own eyes. “Back to the beginning, please,” Morgan instructed. “What do you mean by culling power?”
“Well, yeah,” Starman said. “There are people on the fringe who believe if you kill a psychic – a real one, mind you—their powers will enter you. The more you kill, the more powerful you become.” He leaned forward and said sotto voce, “The Priesthood knows this, and they cover up the killing sprees to protect their own.”
Morgan closed her eyes and breathed in and out. Okay, that was just plain crazy, and crazy she did not need.
“Did I hear mention of the Priesthood?” Cal asked as he pulled out a chair and sat next to Morgan. “Do you think they’re somehow involved?”
“Tell me you don’t believe in this shadow order, too?” Morgan said. “Seriously, Cal, I’m beginning to wonder about your brain.”
He tapped his forehead “Lots of good information in here, just waiting to be accessed. I’m like a computer.” He looked at the two men. “Now, back to the Priesthood.”
Starman shoved at Jack. “Why do you have to talk so loud, man?”
Jack shoved back. “Why do you have to be such a pain in the ass?”
“Stop it or I’m locking you both up,” Morgan ordered.
“On what charge?” Jack asked.
“Annoying the police captain.”
“That’s not a real thing,” Starman countered. “I know my rights. I’ll get my son to represent me.”
“Yeah, you’ve been arrested multiple times, haven’t you? And your son never helped. Let’s talk about that.” She pulled up an earlier text from JJ. “Public nuisance, disturbing the peace, drug possession. Are you moving up in the world? Looking to gain more power, as you call it?”
“It was pot, which is legal in a lot of states now. Besides, those old charges don’t make me a murderer.” He huffed. “Besides, I have enough power of my own, thank you very much.”
“Right.” Jack chuckled, then grew serious. “Are you looking into Davey Rocket and Daisy?”
“Premonition?” Morgan didn’t need any more of those, either.
“Observation. They’ve been vocal about their campground issue with Edna. Still fussing about it today even, how Edna was trying to take over their host duties. Daisy seemed more miffed about it than Davey, though.” Jack shrugged and stopped talking when Zoe and Rennie walked up.
“Morgan,” they said in unison.
“Zoe, Rennie,” Morgan greeted.
“Again?” Zoe asked and sighed, looking at the two men.
She stood and looked at the older women. “Yes. And I’ll keep talking to them as long as I feel the need to.”
“Oh, Morgan, it’s not these two,” Rennie said. “I mean, they’re old fools to be sure, but not killers.”
“Who are you calling old?’ Starman asked.
“And fools?” Jack added.
Zoe frowned at the pair. “Both of you and you know it’s true.” She linked her arm with Rennie’s. “We’re beyond sick and tired of your ancient spat. We don’t care that it’s gone on for lifetimes. Finish it now or we’re finished with the two of you.”
Starman’ eyes pleaded with Rennie. “My lady—.
She held up a hand and cut him off.
“What do you want us to do? Fight it out?” Starman frowned. “Dude has a good foot on me, you know.”
Rennie sighed. “We want you to forgive each other and move on. Life is too short, especially as these last few days have taught us. But you both know that. Just admit it and be done with it.”
Jack and Starman looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes. Jack, sighing, made the first move and held his hand out. Starman accepted it and they shook, then did a quick hug with a couple of hearty back slaps.
“Finally,” Zoe said beaming. She turned to Morgan. “You have to understand they are incapable of doing such a vile thing as killing Edna and Rocky.”
Morgan shrugged. “I appreciate these are your friends, but everyone’s a suspect in
a case like this.”
“Until they’re not,” Cal added.
Morgan shot him a narrow-eyed look and continued, “Having said that, gentleman, you are free to go on about your day. I need some time to digest our conversation. We’ll talk later if we need to.” She watched them walk away, then turned to Cal, who dropped into the seat across the table from her. “Now, let’s talk about real things, not werewolves or werecats or sea monsters or deep state conspiracies,” she said. “Have you heard any buzz out there that could actually be useful?
“We can agree to disagree on the reality of Messie and the Priesthood. Beyond that, and the team formations going on, the most vocal have been Davey and Daisy, like Jack said. I still don’t see them as killers, though.” He stood and strolled to the store window looking out on the courtyard.
Morgan followed. The tables of the psychics had been rearranged, no doubt reflecting the newly formed alliances. The Rockets were set up next to each other and firmly planted in Janine’s territory. Team Animal. “It makes sense they’ve aligned with the animal team since they had an issue with Edna. One that likely trickled over to Rocky. Guilt by association, you know?” She noticed Cal watching her intently. “What?”
“I have an idea. It’s out there, but it might work.”
“Please, after what I’ve heard about werewolves and sea creatures, how farfetched can your idea be?”
“We have a séance before the dinner tonight. We spread the word that Edna and Rocky will reveal who the killer is.”
“Since we can’t possibly guarantee that will happen, how is that supposed to help exactly?”
“I think the killer might likely show up to make sure no one actually identified them.”
“This sounds a lot like your previous scheme at the writers retreat when you roped me into pretending I was an aspiring romance writer and convinced me to read the pages of that awful romance novel left by the killer to ‘draw them out,’” she emphasized using air quotes. She crossed her arms and shook her head. “A dark room with a potential killer stalking the attending psychics? It’s not just a bad idea, it’s a terrible idea.”
“Huh. I suppose there might be a wee similarity to last time. But I’m sure it’ll work this time, though. You and JJ and the volunteer deputies can monitor the B&B and the perimeter of the room. Keep your eyes peeled for anything or anyone suspicious-looking.”
“I suppose you had a ‘premonition’ about it?” Morgan scoffed. “No, Cal. Just no.”
“We’ll start at six. I’ll tell the psychics to spread the word. Wear something black.”
Damn Caleb Joseph. He completely ignored her and immediately went out to talk to the psychics. She should arrest him for interfering in police business. Just the idea of closing the cell door after stuffing him inside made her smile. Her stomach growled and she patted it. “You’re right. We do need something chocolate and covered in buttercream.”
“Hannah, thank you for making the best cupcakes ever. You are a Bijoux treasure,” Morgan said as Hannah filled a box of mixed sweets for her.
“You’re kind to say so.” Hannah smiled. “How are you doing, anyway? Lots of chatter around town and on the local news.”
“You can ignore the local news. What have you heard from actual people and not Connie Graham? Because I’m pretty sure she’s an alien sent to Earth with the explicit job of tormenting me.”
Hannah laughed, then her blue eyes turned serious. “Depends on the visitor. Locals think they’re safe since only psychics are dying. Tourists are mostly oblivious. The psychics, on the other hand, think there’s going to be another murder.” She shrugged. “At least that’s what I’ve heard from the ones in here buzzing about.” Hannah closed the pink box and tied it with a pretty yellow ribbon. “That won’t happen, will it?”
“Not if I can prevent it.” I have to keep anything else bad from happening.
“Morgan, we knew you’d be here,” Zoe said as she and Rennie entered the bakery. “I wanted to show you my dress.” She lifted the bag she was carrying and pointed with it to the table in the corner. “Join us for a moment?”
Morgan sat down at the table with the older women. “I wasn’t sure you’d both still be talking to me after our earlier conversation.”
“Nonsense,” Rennie said patting her hand. “You’re just doing your job. Besides, it’s helped bring Jack and Starman together, given them a common enemy so to speak.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow. “Really. How is it I keep getting made into the bad guy around here?”
“Well, you know what I mean.” Rennie cleared her throat. “Zoe, why don’t you show Morgan the dress.”
Zoe stood and pulled a lavender charmeuse shift out of the bag. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she whispered, running a hand over the silk fabric.
“It really is.” Tears threatened and Morgan pushed them down. “I love it.” She reached across the table and touched Zoe’s hand. “You make my dad happy. Thank you for that.”
Zoe started tearing up. Rennie poked at her. “Put the dress away or you’ll stain it. Save the tears for tomorrow.”
Zoe laughed and sat down, putting the dress back into the bag. “My sister, the hopeless romantic.”
“I am forever hopeful, not hopeless, thank you very much.” Rennie gave a firm nod. “Particularly so for you, dear sister. I love that you’ve found love again.” She turned to Morgan and abruptly changed the subject. “I hear there’s going to be a séance tonight.”
“Yeah, but it’s not real.” Morgan opened the box and offered Zoe and Rennie each a cupcake. Both women declined. Morgan shrugged then plucked a double chocolate one and took a bite. She closed her eyes for a moment in delight.
“Of course it’s not, it’s designed to flush out the murderer, if I’m not mistaken,” Rennie said. “Pretty good idea Cal has there. Of course, he only told us two about that angle.” Rennie exchanged a smiled with Zoe. “If the spirits do show up — which is highly likely given the concentration of energies here — who are we to argue with them?”
Morgan swallowed another bite of cupcake and shook her head. “You believe Edna and Rocky might actually show up and reveal who the killer is?”
“Well, it could happen. It depends on how well a psychic interprets what the dead are trying to communicate,” Zoe said. “A common misconception is when someone dies, they become all knowing. It’s just not how it works, especially if they’re still tied to the earth plane. That’s why psychics are important. A good psychic can filter out the nonsense and see the light of truth.”
“Look, I’m a cop. You get to the truth through investigation and gathering evidence. Factual evidence—not talking to dead people. Besides, seances aren’t real,” Morgan said, licking icing off her finger.
Rennie patted Morgan’s shoulder, a twinkle in her eye. “If you say so, dear. If you say so.”
Chapter Twenty
Morgan left Hannah’s, her head spinning from a combination of sugar and random information about ghosts and seances. She grabbed her phone and called her deputy. “Hey, JJ. I’m going to need your help tonight.”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Looks like there’s going to be a séance at the Firefly, right before the closing banquet. Cal got a crazy idea he knows how to flush out the killer.”
“I don’t like it, doesn’t seem smart to put all those people in potential danger.” He was quiet for a breath. “But I’m guessing once he had the thought, you couldn’t stop him.”
“Short of locking him up and shutting down the event, which honestly I don’t think would stop any of them. I decided to let it go and see if anything happens. Our leads are short, and you know how he is.”
“That I do. Our professor has a stubborn streak, for sure. What time do you need me there?”
“It starts at six, so maybe thirty minutes ahead of that, so we can have a look around. And, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but what do you think about having the volunteer deputies on the
bed and breakfast grounds?” Morgan asked.
“No concerns they might scare off our murderer? Assuming Cal’s theory actually pans out.”
“You’ve seen our volunteers, right?” Morgan laughed. “I don’t think they could actually scare off anything.” Except potential dates, she added silently.
“Okay, fine by me.”
“Good because you’re still officially in charge of them. I can’t even with those three.” She checked her watch. Just enough time to get home and change, before we meet up at the Firefly. “Gotta go. See you in a bit. Oh, and wear black. Apparently, that’s a thing you do when attending a séance.”
Morgan heard Griselda howling as she walked up to her cottage. She unlocked the door and went in search of her houseguest. She found the cat in the back corner of the laundry room, staring at a blank corner, still howling like the devil was chasing her. Morgan scooped Gris up, gently flipped her on her back, and scratched the cat’s stomach. “What’s going on with you?” She scanned the small laundry room. “Did you see a mouse?” Gris angled her head and continued to stare at the wall. Creepy cats and their creepy ways. She lowered Gris to the floor. “Stop being spooky. Come on and I’ll feed you. Give you something else to stare at.”
With Griselda fed, Morgan caught her own self staring. Except it wasn’t at a random corner, it was at her bedroom closet. She had a lot of black, but what was appropriate for a séance? Wait, did I just think that? She shook her head. All this psychic nonsense was obviously getting to her. She grabbed a pair of skinny black jeans, a black t-shirt, a thin black leather jacket and tossed them on, along with her black combat boots. She double checked the safety on her side arm and inserted it into the back holster she’d clipped on her pants. Morgan ran a hand through her dark hair, finger combing the choppy bob. Satisfied, she headed to the Firefly.
The parking lot was almost full, and Beau and Pete were attempting to direct cars away from the grass and onto a small gravel lot off to the street side. Morgan didn’t see Mr. Dominic anywhere. He must be inside. She stopped and rolled down her window. “Has it been this busy since you guys got here? This is crazy.”
