“We’ve taken blood samples, and I’ve put a rush on the results. Once people find out the Grand Witch has been murdered, it’s hard to tell how the other witches will react.” Dr. Baldwin coughed. “They might just string your aunt up before a trial.”
“They’d hang her before a trial?”
“That’s the idea. I knew when I met you, Petunia, that you were a bright one. I only hope you’re smart enough to exonerate your aunt.”
Petunia clenched her hands into fists. She recognized sarcasm when she heard it. She stared down at the much shorter Dr. Baldwin and his stained lab coat. “Are you an official doctor, or is that your witch status?”
“I’m a warlock, and yes, I’m a real doctor. I graduated from the University of Michigan and took my residency in pathology at the U of M hospital. I assure you that I’ll analyze the tissue and fluid samples carefully. I have a lab assistant who will assist me, but I know how important this case is to all of us. It’s not every day that the Grand Witch is murdered.”
Noah lifted the sheet further, examining the body. “Could you help me turn the body?’ he asked the doctor.”
“Of course, but I had no idea you were a coroner.”
“No. I’m only an investigator.”
“He used to be … .”
“An auto mechanic if you can believe that,” Noah cut Petunia off. “Thanks for your help, doctor. I look forward to your full report.”
Noah led Petunia from the room and they headed up the hallway, taking the elevator to the office of the Grand Witch.
“Why didn’t you want me to tell him what you used to do for a living?”
“I have an idea that we should keep that under wraps for now,” Noah said. “I think your aunt is being railroaded.”
“Of course she is. She came here to meet with the Grand Witch, not murder her.”
“To get out of the Witches Affairs.”
“Exactly.”
“We should be careful what we say to anyone. We’ll simply question the people who work in the office, but not share information -- like how the puncture mark on Marta’s chest isn’t consistent with being stabbed through her heart.”
“So the doctor lied?”
“Yes. I expect that they’ve made up their mind about your aunt before she arrived.”
“Which would mean whoever did this wants to frame Aunt Maxine.”
“So the bigger question is, who wanted Marta dead and why is your aunt a convenient suspect?”
“This is my fault. If I hadn’t decided to not join Witches Affairs, Aunt Maxine would never have come here.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Petunia. All we can do now is deal with the situation at hand.”
The elevator doors parted and Petunia and Noah proceeded through them. They walked up the burgundy-carpeted corridor that had lights at knee level that Petunia figured would light the way during the night.
Noah approached the desk that had two identical blondes wearing sunglasses standing behind it.
“Can I help you,” one of them said.
“She means can we help you,” said the other.
The blondes looked at one another and laughed at their joke.
“We’re here to question you about the Grand Witch’s death,” Petunia said. “We’re the investigators on the case.”
“You must mean you’re representing Maxine Patterson.”
“Could I have your names?” Noah asked. “For the record, you understand.”
“I’m Billie Wallace and this is my twin, Charlie.”
“How may we help you, handsome?” Charlie asked, peering over the top of her sunglasses.
Pansy hopped on the desk and hissed.
“We were wondering how many people have been scheduled to meet with the Grand Witch today?” Petunia asked.
“We’re only the receptionists,” Billie said. “Her secretary will be able to offer you more help.”
“Are you telling me that neither of you know how many people passed through the doors behind you?” Petunia fired back angrily.
“What Petunia means is, I’m sure both of you know more about what’s going on here,” Noah interjected. “I imagine you’re the ones who allow the witches to pass through to the secretary for appointments.”
Billie took off her glasses, revealing her bright blue eyes. It was then that Petunia realized they were albino. “There have been many people passing through here today, but only some of them had appointments.”
Petunia pulled out a photograph of her aunt. “Was this one of the witches you saw today?”
“Yes, and I believe she’s the suspect -- or so Barbara told us.”
“Barbara’s the secretary,” Charlie added.
“So, since you can’t tell us who was here today, what can you tell us?” Petunia asked. “I love my aunt dearly, and I know she’d never kill anything, not even a bug.”
“I don’t know names, but perhaps if Barbara gives you a list, we’ll be able to help you better.”
“That will be enough, ladies,” a woman said from an opened door. “I’m the secretary, please come in.”
Petunia and Noah followed the dark-haired secretary into the room, where her desk was along one wall. There were six chairs in the room, comfortable ones. The walls were covered with photos of witches wearing blue robes in some sort of ceremony.
“What are these photos of?” Petunia asked.
“Those are witches being inducted into the Witches Affairs. You could have been here yourself, Petunia.”
“How do you know my name?”
“I’m quite aware of why your aunt was here to see the Grand Witch, and it pertained to you. And when our leader was murdered like that, well it makes us all wonder why your aunt would do such a thing.”
“Aunt Maxine didn’t do this, which comes to my question. We’d like to see the appointment schedule for the last few days.”
When the woman only glanced at them coolly, Noah added, “We’d both like a copy. I’m Petunia’s investigating partner, Noah Becker. And it was my understanding that you would be required to give us any information you have to assist us. And we’ll need your last name for the report we’re compiling”
Barbara pursed her lips. “Of course. Anything to help you clear Maxine’s name, but I hardly think the list will be of much help. The only witches to show up early came for disciplinary reasons. I think that sums up your aunt’s visit. Other than murder, I mean. And my name is Barbara Mills.”
“Oh, and are your privy to that kind of information?”
“Not specific reasons, but it’s hard to ignore the talk that goes on around here.”
“What kind of talk did you hear about my aunt?”
“Only that she wanted to withdraw from the Witches Affairs. I believe that has something to do with you, Petunia, but I don’t know the specifics.”
“Perhaps it would be better to not assume to things from random gossip. If it’s your business to know what goes on in the Grand Witch’s office, I’m sure you’d be the first to know,” Petunia shot back.
Barbara sighed as she looked through her appointment book and frowned. “It appears I’m mistaken. There were no appointments this week.” She turned the book for Noah’s review.
“Has anything suspicious happened today?” Petunia asked.
“There are witches coming and going. I can’t imagine what you’d believe I think suspicious.” She laughed.
“I thought you just said the Grand Witch didn’t have any appointments this week.”
“Appointments, no, but witches do visit her.”
She frowned. “Who specifically?”
“I can’t recall. I’ve been busy working on the guest list for the Grand Witch’s banquet – which has now been cancelled.”
“Were you here when Maxine Patterson came for her appointment?” Petunia asked.
“She didn’t have one, but she did manage to force her way into this room and then the Grand Witch’s office.”
“I see. Well, how long was she in to see the Grand Witch?”
“About ten minutes before she came out here yelling that the Grand Witch was dead.”
“And you were here when Maxine went into the office?” Noah asked.
“Yes, I just told you that.”
“When was the last time you actually saw the Grand Witch alive?”
“Before your aunt showed up.”
Noah pressed his hands on the desk, leaning toward Barbara. “Did you happen to see your boss when Maxine went into her office?”
“Uhm, I-I can’t remember. But I was sure I heard her voice.”
“It was my understanding that you were positive she was alive before Maxine went into her office, but now you’re not sure?” Petunia pressed.
“Not entirely.”
“It doesn’t sound as though you can be certain of anything if you can’t be clear about important details concerning your boss’s death.”
Noah glanced to the ceiling. “Where would we be able to get the security tapes from the camera in her office?”
“There are no security cameras in her office. The Grand Witch valued her privacy. If you don’t believe me, visit security in the basement. But I imagine you’ve already been down there to visit the examination room.”
“And how do you know that?”
“I’m sure it was a good assumption,” Noah said.
“I hardly think it’s brain surgery to be an investigator. The job involves reasonable thought. It would be a likely place to start,” Barbara sneered.
“What else sounds reasonable to you?” Noah asked.
“Well, you already mentioned security camera tapes, so I suspect you’ll want to go into the office that is the scene of the crime.”
“Are you a big crime buff?”
“I must admit that I am. It’s helped me with my job immensely. You’d be shocked how many people think a lie can’t catch up to them.”
“I agree with that, but look, Petunia, here, really would like to check out the Grand Witch’s office for clues. I’m sure you could kindly show her in.”
Barbara stood and sashayed her way to Marta’s office and unlocked the door, allowing them inside. “Take your time.” She locked eyes with Noah and blushed.
Once the door was closed Pansy licked a paw. “I’d be worried about Noah’s loyalty if I were you.”
“I don’t think I have to worry about that. He’s only trying to get the information. And I have a feeling that me being related to the suspect won’t make it easy for me to question the other witches.”
Petunia walked where the shape of a body had been outlined in white tape on the carpeting. “I don’t see any blood. Shouldn’t there be some, Noah?”
“I’d expect to see some if she was stabbed through the heart as the doctor claimed.”
“So you don’t think we were given accurate information?”
“Let them finish their tests before we jump to too many conclusions.” He frowned. “I know this is a hard case for you because your aunt’s the chief suspect, but control your emotions. You know it’s better to question people without anger or emotion. We shouldn’t assume the secretary was intentionally leading us astray. It’s actually good news that she’s uncertain whether Marta was alive before your aunt came into the office.”
“You’re right. But we’ll certainly need to question my aunt about why she forced her way in here.”
Petunia scanned the office. The cherry wood desk had papers scattered across it. “So if they blame my aunt for murder, who exactly is investigating on their end?”
“That’s a good question, but let’s examine the office before we ask around about that.”
“Shouldn’t we wear gloves?”
“Probably, but I don’t have any, do you?”
“No, but I think we need to have some on hand for our next investigation.”
“I’m happy that we’re able to gather information. If we were back in Lake Forest or anywhere but here, we’d never be allowed to investigate at this level.”
“I know, but I can’t say for certain this will help us yet.”
Noah used a tissue to pick up a pen from under a table. “It appears there’s more than one pen that might be used in the murder if what the doctor claims is true.”
Petunia stared at the circular pink and blue pattern on the pen. “This is my Aunt Maxine’s pen. At least, she sells pens that look like this.”
“Well, it doesn’t have blood on it,” Noah said, peering closer at the pen.
Pansy led Petunia to the far side of the office. “It looks like a glass on the floor in the corner.” He then looked up. “Look at that loose ceiling tile up there.”
Petunia repeated Pansy’s words to Noah.
Noah picked up the glass. “It looks intact.”
“Yes, with pink lipstick on it.”
“Go ahead and write that down.”
“I don’t have a paper or pen.”
“Put it in your notes on your cell phone.” He laughed. “It works better than paper, and you can’t lose your notes unless you misplace your phone.” Petunia put in the note he suggested while Noah moved a chair to stand on so he could check the loose ceiling tile. He pulled it down easily and said, “There’s an air duct up here, but it’s not big enough for anyone to crawl though unless they’re quite small.”
“Is there anything stashed up there?”
Noah felt around and replied, “I think I found something.” He pulled down a small book and Petunia promptly put it into her purse as the doorknob rattled. Noah put the tile back in place and sat down in the chair.
Chapter Six
“Hello there,” a tall man said. “I’m the detective from Witches Affairs. It looks like you arrived before me.”
“Really?” Petunia asked. “That seems ordinarily odd. I’d expect you to arrive before us.”
“Normally yes, but I arrived only ten minutes ago. It’s not as though Witches Affairs need a detective on sight in Witchataw.”
“They certainly handle things differently here.”
“You have that right, miss.”
“Please call me Petunia, and this is Noah.”
“Nice to meet you, but who is that gorgeous feline over there? Is he yours?”
“That’s Pansy, and he’s his own person, or cat.” She laughed.
“Detective Winslow at you service, Petunia.”
Petunia shook his hand. “I think you should know Maxine Patterson is my aunt.” When he looked rather puzzled, she added, “The suspect.”
“Oh, but of course. I so hate coming in late on an investigation. But I’ll get up to speed soon. Have you found anything of interest here?”
“I’m afraid not, unless you call an empty glass in the corner evidence.” Petunia showed him the glass and he collected it with a white handkerchief. “I hope you don’t plan to check for fingerprints. I’m afraid ours will be all over here. We assumed a detective had already been here when the body was removed.”
“It couldn’t be helped, I suppose, but I’ll be happy to speak with the doctor after I finish with the scene. After you leave, that is.”
“Are you asking us to leave?”
“Not at all, but how long do you plan to be?”
“How about you give us ten more minutes,” Noah said. “It shouldn’t take us much more than that to finish up.”
“I’ll wait outside, but I’d appreciate it if you don’t remove anything. You can take photos if you’d like.”
Detective Winslow went into the outer room and only then did Petunia let out her breath. “That was close.”
“This entire place must be run by monkeys. We should have never been allowed in here before the detective.”
Petunia walked behind the desk and tried the drawers. They were locked. “Drats, no luck here.”
“I don’t have any luminol with me and there’s no way we could make this room dark with those sheer curtains anyway.”
&nbs
p; Petunia walked over to the window and peered out. They were on the fifth floor, and the building formed a U shape with a courtyard below where white tents were being set up. “There’s not a direct view from any of the other windows,” Petunia observed.
Noah joined her at the window. “No, but if someone had binoculars they’d be able to see whoever was in here, if they were standing in the right place.”
“Did you find anything?”
“No, but perhaps we should check the bookcase. You’d be surprised what one might find in the middle of a book.”
“Well, we had better hurry. We only have five minutes left before the detective returns.”
“I’ll listen at the door and alert you if I hear anyone,” Pansy said.
Pansy pranced across the room to his station and Noah and Petunia went through the books, pulling each one out and checking between the pages. Petunia went back over to the desk and began inspecting the books on the shelf there. She hadn’t gone through more than a few when she gasped at what she found in the center of one of them ... a silver handgun.
“I-I found something, Noah.”
He crossed the room and took a look and frowned. “Now that’s curious.”
“Hurry up, someone is coming,” Pansy shrieked.
Petunia put the book back and helped Noah replace the other books on the shelf as the door opened and Detective Winslow entered. Two very familiar witches followed him, Estelle, and her daughter Maria.
“Why are you here, Petunia?” Estelle asked.
“I’m investigating the murder of the Grand Witch. We’re going to make sure the real culprit is brought to justice.”
Estelle scratched her head, loosening the black wig she wore slightly, but it was enough for Petunia to know that her hair tonic had indeed done its magic.
“Let me at her,” Maria hissed. “After what you did to us, you’re lucky I didn’t come back to Lake Forest and exact my revenge.”
“That’s old business. I’m here to vindicate my Aunt Maxine.”
“But you’re not even a member of Witches Affairs,” Maria exclaimed. “Tell her, mother, that she can’t be here.”
“According to our bylaws, she has a right to investigate on behalf of her aunt.” Estelle cleared her throat. “But after our detective takes a look.”
Meows, Magic & Missing (Lake Forest Witches Book 3) Page 5
