The Wolf's Daughter (The Tala Chronicles)

by Patricia La Barbera

  The phone stopped ringing when she reached the threshold of her mother’s room. She walked in anyway and sat on the bed, hands folded, waiting to see what would develop. The phone rang, again jangling her nerves.

  “H-hello.”

  “Tala, is dinner on for tonight?”

  His voice made all her excuses, fears, and hesitations melt away. “Yes, I’d like that.”

  “Great! I’ll pick you up at seven. Is Dante’s okay?”

  “My favorite restaurant.”

  “See you then.”

  Still feeling light-headed, Tala hung up. What was it about him that made her feel that way? Debbie had sensed it right away. She must have known something she hadn’t revealed.

  The doorbell rang, and Tala opened the door. An elderly man with a slight stoop and a battered red leather suitcase waited on the porch. He wore a turquoise beaded necklace with a large fang in the front.

  The swarthy skin on his face creased into a smile. “Ma’am.” He nodded. “I’m the locksmith, Edgar Owl.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Edgar. I’m Tala. Come in.”

  He had a long gray braid down his back. The fragrance of cedar and sage wafted around him.

  “My, my. I haven’t been in this house in years.” He scanned the hallway. “It’s exactly the same as I remember it.”

  “You’re right. I thought the same thing.”

  “As long as you’re changing the locks, you may as well get ones that are a lot more secure than this.” He touched the front door lock. “Such an out-of-the way place. You never know who might be lurking around for mischief in the graveyard.”

  Tala nodded. “Please use the strongest ones you have.”

  “Funny,” Edgar said, “but after all these years, I still get a good feeling about helping people be safer. I guess it all started when I was in the Korean War. I was a tracker and used skills I had learned as a youth, skills most Native Americans learned when I was growing up.”

  “Well, I certainly appreciate your help.” Tala’s shoulders relaxed and her breathing calmed. She almost told him about the person who had let himself into the house. But her normal reticence returned, and she said nothing more, except to ask if he had a flashlight and if she could borrow it to look for something in the basement.

  “Sure.” He fished around in the suitcase, and handed her a heavy black flashlight.

  “Okay, I’ll get started and then be out of your way in no time.” Edgar crouched on the floor and opened his case.

  ***

  After Edgar left, Tala called Debbie.

  “Tala, how nice to hear from you. What’s going on?”

  First, Tala told her about the man who had surprised her. And that she’d searched the basement and didn’t find him.

  “That must be Willis Sharp. He’s an antique dealer of sorts. Not such a good reputation, either. What are you going to do?”

  “I’m waiting for him to make the first move. He said his lawyer would be in touch with me. I can’t believe my mother would sell everything in the house to him, but then again, yes, I can.”

  “Your mother was a strange bird, Tala. I’ve lived next door for five years, but she never said a word to me, even though I’d wave every time I saw her.”

  “Debbie, I can’t help but think you know more about my situation with Matt than you’re letting on.”

  “Just that the book also stated the strain operates in a way similar to how pheromones work.”

  Tala shook her head. Regardless of everything that had gone on with Matt and her mother, she just didn’t want to believe it. “It’s hard to accept.”

  “I understand. Give it a while.”

  “Thanks, Debbie. I’d better go. I have to get ready for my dinner out with Matt.”

  “I can’t believe that wasn’t the first thing you told me. I want to know all about it tomorrow.”

  “Okay, I’ll fill you in on the adventure.”

  As Tala hung up the phone, she looked down at her heavy boot. Could it have possibly gotten bigger? And wasn’t it attractive? Well, at least she didn’t have to use the crutches anymore. She took the chair elevator upstairs and scrutinized her clothes. Tala decided on a long black dress to hide the boot.

  Sprawled out on the bed, her black fur gleaming, Maeve stretched, her long claws catching on the white chenille bedspread.

  Tala held the dress up in front of her. “What do you think? Maeve. Is this okay?”

  Maeve just licked her paw and closed her eyes again.

  “Well, it’ll have to do.”

  ***

  When Matt opened Dante’s heavy carved oak door for Tala, an explosion of conversation and dinnerware clatter greeted them. They snagged the last table for two. The heavy, pleasing aroma of garlic and oregano swirled around the room.

  Matt slid his hand across the red damask tablecloth and covered hers. “I’m so happy to be with you again.”

  “I’m happy to see you again, too, Matt.” His hand, so strong and warm. But she looked away.

  Creases appeared in his forehead. “What’s the matter?”

  “I-I don’t want to ruin tonight.” She eased her hand away. “It’s just that seeing you again... I’m so confused about what went on—not just about us, but also with my parents.”

  “It must have been awful for you, Tala.” He shook his head. To find your father like that. I still don’t understand how your mother was acquitted.”

  A deafening crash of shattering glass rang out over the din of the restaurant. Several waiters rushed to clean up the pile of broken wine glasses.

  She squirmed in the black leather seat. “I don’t think I’m ready to talk about that now.”

  “You’re right.” He smiled with his lips and his eyes. “Let’s enjoy this evening. Tell me about your painting. Have you kept up with it? I was so proud of you when you won first place in the high school contest.”

  Tala smiled at the memory. “Yes, painting usually relaxes me.” She swallowed hard. “But I’ve noticed my style has gotten darker.”

  “Have you sold a lot of paintings?”

  She nodded. “But what I’d really like to do is move to a tropical island, maybe somewhere in the Caribbean, and sell my artwork to tourists.”

  “Sounds great to me.” He flashed his winning grin. “And they need detectives everywhere.” He put his elbow on the table and held his chin.

  Tala pursed her lips. “Let’s not go too fast, Matt.”

  “Okay, you’re right, as usual.”

  The waiter arrived with a flourish of red menus with gilt writing and gold tassels. And no prices. “Welcome to Dante’s. I’m Vinnie. Do you need a minute to look at the menu?”

  He had the dark good looks that spelled trouble in several categories, the type of male her friends always got into trouble with. And then looked to her for sympathy.

  “I know I want the eggplant Parmesan. What about you, Tala?”

  “I’d love some lasagna.”

  The waiter put his head to one side. “You look familiar to me. Did you used to babysit for us, the Millers?”

  Tala laughed. “Oh my gosh. That seems so long ago. You kids were awful. The job didn’t last very long.”

  Vinnie nodded. “Yeah, we always tortured you.” He gave her a sheepish look. “Sorry about that.” Then he grinned. “And we haven’t changed much, either,” he said as he walked away.

  When her meal arrived, Tala ate with gusto. “This melted mozzarella cheese is so thick and delicious. I can’t believe how hungry I am, but I just remembered I didn’t eat lunch.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying the meal.” Matt smiled, but then his face contorted. “Oh no.”

  Ice water ran in her veins, and Tala put down her fork. “What?” she asked, afraid of the answer.

  “It’s happening. Your eyes…” He got up and ran out of the restaurant.

  Tala called after him, “Matt, what’s wrong?”

  She couldn’t believe it. As afraid as she
was for Matt, she was more afraid that if she followed him, she’d just make everything worse.

  Tala took out her cell phone and punched in the numbers.

  Vanessa answered and Tala said, “Are you in the mood for Italian food?”

  “What!” Vanessa said after Tala had told her what happened. “I’ll be right over.”

  They had a quiet meal together. Tala just picked on the lasagna she’d started out enjoying so much. Finally, she put her elbows on the table and held her head in her hands. The heck with etiquette.

  Vanessa broke the silence. “Now what? Tala. Why don’t you stay at my place tonight?”

  “Maeve would never forgive me.”

  “She can stay, too.”

  “Okay, maybe it’s a good idea.” Tala didn’t relish being alone that night, regardless of her strong new locks.

  ***

  “That was fun, Vanessa. Sort of like our old sleepovers. With all those snacks I made up for the dinner I didn’t finish.”

  Vanessa nodded. “I loved looking at the yearbook together.”

  When the car turned the corner of Blackthorn Road, Debbie’s house, surrounded by police tape, came into view. Officers milled around.

  “Oh no. What could have happened? And there’s Matt. Thank God, he seems all right. Keep driving, though.” Tala wrung her hands. She called Debbie, but got the voicemail recording. “I hope she’s all right. How can we find out what happened?” She held Maeve close to her. “The way Matt was acting last night…I’m so worried he may have—”

  “Don’t jump to conclusions.” Vanessa stared hard at her. “Hmm, I’ll call my hairdresser friend. That’s a good start. Better still, let’s just go to her shop.”

  They pulled up outside of Lucy’s Leopard Hair Salon and went inside. Red walls, black chairs, and leopard-print carpet. No one in sight.

  “Lucy,” Vanessa called out.

  “I’m in the back. I’ll be right out.”

  Lucy, wearing a purple shift, her hair in pink spikes, came running up to the front. “You’re not going to believe what happened. Debbie Austen was killed last night.”

  Tala put her hand to her mouth to stifle the scream rising deep within her.

  “I can’t believe it,” Vanessa said.

  “And from what I understand, it was messy business.” Lucy lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply.

  “Do they know who did it?”

  “From what my sources tell me, not a clue.”

  “Why would anyone want to kill Debbie? She seemed so harmless. How did it happen?”

  “Evidently, she’d been walking her dog, a little dust ball. He…or she, I guess…got him, too. A knife was involved, but bite marks covered her body.”

  Light-headed, Tala sat on one of the black-and-white checkered Formica chairs. “I can’t believe this. It’s like a bad dream.”

  “There hasn’t been anything this spectacular since—” Lucy glanced at Tala. “I’m sorry.”

  Tala shook her head. “No, it’s-it’s okay. I’m sure it’s true.”

  “My first appointment will be here any minute. Gotta straighten things out.” She turned around and headed toward the back.

  “Thanks for the info,” Vanessa called after her.

  Lucy gave her a wave without turning around.

  “What now?” Vanessa sat down in the chair next to Tala’s.

  She shrugged. “I have to go back to the house. Maybe I should just let Willis Sharp take everything, but I want to go through the things first.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Vanessa frowned, her eyes full of worry.

  “That’s seems funny coming from you. Weren’t you the one who had to convince me to come back here?”

  “Yes, but that was before there was a corpse next door in the equation.”

  “I have to go through the rest of the things in the attic. I’m sure they have answers for me.”

  “Well, I may not like the idea.” She shrugged. “But you’re a big girl now.”

  They got back in the Mercedes. Maeve complained with raucous yowling.

  “Vanessa, what Lucy said is true. And the last time there was a murder, I was in town then, too. Doesn’t it sound suspicious?”

  “Fortunately, you have an airtight alibi.”

  “I didn’t even think they’d accuse me, but you’re right.” She pressed her lips together. “I have to figure out what I’m going to do about Matt.”

  “What you’re going to do? Seems like the ball’s in his court, doesn’t it? After all, he’s the one who ran out without an explanation.”

  ***

  “Ms. Martin?”

  “Yes.” Tala’s stomach tightened. The phone had rung as she’d walked into the house. Vanessa had continued on to show real estate.

  “I’m Attorney Morris, and my client Willis Sharp tells me your mother and he had made some arrangements about the contents of the house. He’d like to come over tomorrow and move everything out. Would that be convenient for you?” he asked in a cold and professional voice.

  “No, it wouldn’t be convenient.” She rubbed the gouges on the top of the mahogany table the phone sat on.

  He sighed. “When would it be convenient?” the lawyer asked with carefully measured words.

  “Why are you assuming it would ever be convenient?” Tala fisted her hand. “I haven’t even found my mother’s copy of the receipt. I’m not even sure there was ever any arrangement.”

  “I want you to know he is willing to take court action against you. I would suggest you cooperate.”

  “I don’t want to discuss this now!” Tala slammed the receiver down. She immediately regretted it, feeling childish. But she didn’t have the money for a lawyer, and this was just another problem she’d have to deal with.

  Tala peeked out the dining room window. The police tape still surrounded Debbie’s house. Only one police car. She had the crazy urge to run over to the house and see if Matt were in there, but she talked herself out of it.

  The attic beckoned to her again, and she answered its call. Tala went back to the smelly box of mildewed folders she’d been searching through. She found more clippings depicting mutilated bodies. Questions still loomed.

  A chest, mostly hidden by a torn Asian screen depicting white cranes and blue-scaled fish with a few foam-topped waves thrown in, grabbed her attention. When she looked behind the screen, a pirate’s chest greeted her. It seemed promising. The latch opened easily, but she hesitated a moment before lifting the top more than a crack. How many more pictures of mutilated bodies could she stand? Finally, she opened it all the way. To her surprise, it was empty. Another dead end.

  Tala caught sight of a small table with one drawer. A breading of dust couldn’t hide the beauty of the intricate parquetry in rich browns and mother of pearl. She tried the drawer—locked. Strangely, though, she couldn’t see any locking mechanism. Tala ran her hands under the table and along the legs. Then she pushed at various points under the table, and finally, a section of wood gave in to her fingertips. When she tried the drawer again, it opened.

  Inside was another amulet like the one she wore and something looking like a diary. However, they both sat in a small metal cage with a lock. The lock had the same likeness on it the pendant did—a violent-looking beast with fangs. With no key, though, how would she open it?

  She dialed Vanessa’s phone. If anyone could pick this lock, she could. No diary her sister ever had written in was immune to her prying.

  Tala’s call ended in disappointment when Vanessa’s chirpy recording came on. She left a message for her to come over.

  What next? It seemed impossible to go through all the boxes and trunks. She hobbled over to a stack of chintz-covered hatboxes. She reached for one and the doorbell rang. That couldn’t be Vanessa already.

  Looking out the window yielded the view of someone walking away from the house. It could have been Matt. She forgot all her misgivings about seeing him again and maneuvered the stairs as
quickly as she could. She hobbled down the foyer and stepped outside. A cruiser turned around the corner. Dejected, she hung her head. On the ground lay an envelope with her name on it.

  Chapter Five

  Tala, shaking, bent and picked up the envelope and unfolded the piece of paper inside.

  Dear Tala,

  I’m sorry about last night. I’ve decided it’s best for both of us if we never see each other again. To say we’re not good for each other is an understatement. I hope you’ll understand, even though there are so many things I don’t.

  This may sound harsh, but I also think it’s in the best interest of the town if you left as soon as possible.

  Sincerely,

  Matt

  Tala, tears running down her cheeks, closed the door. No matter what happened, she couldn’t believe he was willing to give up so easily. He must have thought she was responsible in some way for Debbie’s murder. What else could it be? And maybe even he—

  The doorbell rang, and when Tala opened it, Vanessa stood there with a pizza box.

  “Lunchtime. So what’s up with the crying? Your face is all stained, and your eyes are red and puffy.”

  “I’ll tell you over pizza, however much I can eat.”

  ***

  “I just can’t believe all this craziness.” Vanessa took a bite out of her third piece of pizza. She chewed fast and swallowed. “And I can’t wait to get my hands on that diary. I stopped at the drug store and bought some hairpins. You know, they’re best for the job.”

  “Actually, I don’t, but I’ll take your word for it.”

  “Okay, I can’t wait any longer. Where is it?”

  “It’s in the pantry. I didn’t want to leave it out in the open.”

  “Good thinking.” Vanessa took a sip of water.

  Tala rose and got the caged book. She brought it to the table and handed it over to Vanessa.“Oh, this is so strange.” Vanessa turned the cage over a few times. “I’m not promising anything, Tala. This might be out of my league.”