by K E O'Connor
Curse of the Witch
Crypt Witch Cozy Mystery Series, Volume 4
K.E. O'Connor
Published by K.E. O'Connor, 2018.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
CURSE OF THE WITCH
First edition. December 13, 2018.
Copyright © 2018 K.E. O'Connor.
Written by K.E. O'Connor.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Investigate more cozy mysteries by K.E. O’Connor:
Chapter 1
I stretched my legs under the oak kitchen table and leaned back in my seat. I yawned loudly and gave a grateful nod as Mom placed a large mug of black coffee in front of me.
She sighed and shook her head, a mournful look on her face. “I just cleaned this kitchen floor.” My dusty, gooey footprints led in from the hallway.
I took a long sip of coffee. “Sorry, I needed some downtime after finishing work and knew the perfect place to come.” I patted the demon catching bag hanging from my black belt loop. It carried a particularly pesky demon I’d been tracking outside Willow Tree Falls for three long, stressful days. He’d not come quietly, but they rarely did. This spiteful demon had also showered me in bright green slime as he’d fought to stay out of my bag.
“You can also blame me for the visit,” Wiggles said from his seated position by my knee. “I heard you were baking some peach cobblers. That’s my favorite. Cora, you make the best cobbler.”
I grinned at him. So long as it was sweet, it was Wiggles’ favorite food. My hellhound had such a sweet tooth.
“You’re right. I am making cobbler,” Mom said. “There’s none for you. It’s for the party.”
I tilted my head, hoping I’d not forgotten anyone’s birthday. “Whose party?”
“Don’t tell me it’s not on your calendar.” Mom smiled. “It’s the highlight of your auntie’s year.”
I straightened in my seat. “It’s not her birthday, is it?”
Mom flapped a dishcloth at me. “Of course it isn’t. It’s the thirtieth reunion of your auntie’s biker gang. They’re all arriving. In fact, she’s out right now collecting two of them.”
I sipped more coffee, slowly relaxing now I was home and safe, and no demon was trying to gouge my favorite body parts. I had forgotten about the reunion party. Auntie Queenie used to run with the Dead Tree Witch biker gang. The gang was a force to be reckoned with in Willow Tree Falls, but that was a long time ago. They had a reunion every year and made a special effort every ten years to celebrate the trouble they’d gotten into over the decades.
“She’s been looking forward to this for months.”
“Auntie Queenie will have a great time. It’s the rest of us who’ll suffer,” I said.
Mom chuckled as she checked the contents of the oven. “It’s only right your auntie gets to blow off steam now and again.”
“It’s how much steam she blows off that’s the problem. Do you remember their twentieth anniversary reunion? They destroyed the fountain outside the mayor’s house.”
Mom twisted her mouth to the side. “It wasn’t so much destroyed as permanently altered.”
“Fountains aren’t supposed to spurt flames!”
Mom laughed. “I do remember the mayor’s face when he woke the next morning to find rivulets of fire dripping from his mermaid’s urn.”
“They never confessed to it, but it had to be them.”
“She’s promised they’ll all be on their best behavior. And they’re getting on a bit, so I can’t imagine they’ll be too much trouble.”
Auntie Queenie was Mom’s older sister, but she wasn’t that old. She was in her late fifties but acted like a woman half her age.
“I hope I’m like the gang when I’m that age.” They still acted like excited teenagers most of the time.
“I’m sure you will be. Although, the last time they met, Bastille complained of a lingering throat infection, and Samantha mentioned a sore hip. We can all be young at heart even when the body starts to misbehave.”
Dodgy hips or not, these witches were a handful. But their parties were always great, and they were fun to hang out with, always telling incredible stories about what they got up to when they were in the gang.
“We’re back!” Auntie Queenie called from the hallway. She bustled into the kitchen, a big smile on her face. Behind her were Esmeralda DuPont and Lila Beaumont.
Esmeralda was tall, thin, and pale with a sharp face and jet-black hair that I was certain she dyed.
Lila was a few years older and had a shock of ice-white hair that sat around her head in a fluffy cloud. She always had a smile on her plump face and a twinkle in her blue eyes.
Mom hurried over and hugged them both. “I hope you had pleasant journeys.”
“Mine was fine.” Esmeralda kissed her cheek and smiled at me.
“I can’t understand why you don’t remain in Willow Tree Falls all the time,” Auntie Queenie said. She passed by my seat and ruffled the top of my hair.
“I love my commune too much,” Lila said. “Us single witches need to stick together. The commune is a peaceful place, where we hone our skills and aren’t bothered by others.” Lila specialized in healing and water magic and had an affinity with the sea. Her commune was a short walk to a beautiful beach with long stretches of pristine sand and warm salt water pools you could bath in.
Auntie Queenie huffed as she took a bottle of brandy from the shelf and waved it in the air. “Is it too soon?”
“Not for me,” Lila said.
“Lovely! I’ll have some in my coffee,” Esmeralda said as she took a seat at the table. “The old place hasn’t changed. Queenie walked us around before we came here.”
“It’s the same as always.” Auntie Queenie passed around large brandies and coffee. “You’re still in that drafty old cottage on the moors?”
Esmeralda nodded. “It’s not drafty. It’s cozy. I get no interference from other people.”
“It must get lonely out there on your own.” Mom settled at the table with everybody and placed a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies in the center.
“I’m actually thinking about downsizing,” Esmeralda said as she took a cookie.
“There’s always a place for you in Willow Tree Falls,” Auntie Queenie said. “It could be like old times if you come back.”
“My knees won’t take kindly to riding on a bike,” Esmeralda said. “I have trouble getting my leg over these days.”
Lila snorted coffee across the table. “So do I!”
The three women cackled with laughter.
“You can ride pillion with me,” Auntie Queenie said as she topped up the glasses.
Lila chuckled. “That would be a sight. Two aging biker chicks raising hell in Willow Tree Falls.”
“Less of the aging,” Auntie Queenie said. “I’ve got plenty of good years in me.”
I sat back and listened to their good-natured banter. It was always the same when
the gang got back together. It seemed like no time had passed. They were quick to catch up with recent news and then spent the rest of the time reminiscing about the good old days when their gang ruled Willow Tree Falls.
“You need to watch what you say.” Auntie Queenie lifted her chin in my direction. “Tempest is in with the enemy these days.”
I frowned at her. “What do you mean?”
“She’s dating Rhett Blackthorn.” Auntie Queenie’s voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
“That gang is still around.” Esmeralda sniffed in disapproval. “Maybe we should re-form and run them out of the village once and for all.”
“It’s a different crew these days,” Auntie Queenie said. “Tempest’s dating the leader.”
I waved a hand in front of my face. “It’s early days with Rhett. You can say whatever you like in front of me. It won’t get back to him.” It had been three months since I’d helped rescue Rhett from a curse. A curse that almost killed him. After his brush with death, I realized I had strong feelings for him and wanted to see where our relationship went. So far, it had gone well. We’d been on numerous dates, and I enjoyed his company. The kissing wasn’t bad either.
But we were taking it slowly. I wasn’t letting the fact my heart beat fast whenever I was around him affect my judgment. And I had history with Rhett and a pesky demon living inside me who stirred up trouble at inappropriate times. Dating was difficult when you came with a dark shadow, but Rhett was understanding.
“We’ll make sure not to talk about our revenge plots against Rhett and his gang.” Lila winked at me.
“Talk away. That gang can be trouble, but they’re mainly harmless.”
“It used to be a much rougher crowd,” Auntie Queenie said.
“So bad they ran us out of the village,” Esmeralda said.
There were disapproving mutters from Auntie Queenie and Lila about that unfortunate truth.
“I’m sure they used underhanded tactics,” Auntie Queenie said. “And they caught us at a weak moment. Only cowards do that.”
Mom tactfully cleared her throat. She’d seen many times how angry Auntie Queenie and her former gang members got when they discussed losing their place in Willow Tree Falls. “What plans have you got to celebrate this year?”
“We’re having a party in the forest,” Auntie Queenie said. “I’ve cleared it with Suki and Fallon. They’re fine with it so long as we don’t cause any damage and put out the fire.”
Suki and Fallon were the wood nymphs who looked after our forest. It wasn’t any old forest. It was full of magic and used to store powerful magical items that were best kept out of people’s way because of their destructive qualities.
“I’ve ordered plenty of food from Bite Me,” Auntie Queenie said.
“I’m glad we’re going sophisticated this time,” Esmeralda said. “I’m not a fan of pizzas and hotdogs like you provided last time.”
“I always say you can do the catering if you don’t like it,” Auntie Queenie said. “I thought we’d have something with a bit of pizzazz, given it’s been thirty years since we got together.”
The three women all looked at each other and grinned like excited school kids.
“It doesn’t seem like more than a few years since we were all here,” Lila said. “How can time go so fast?”
Esmeralda leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve still got my bike in storage. I can’t part with the old girl, even though I don’t ride anymore.”
“You should have brought her with you,” Auntie Queenie said. “It would have been great to take her for a spin for old times’ sake.”
“You’re not allowed to ride,” Mom said. “Our magic barrier can only sustain so many hits.”
Auntie Queenie clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “That was an accident. I don’t know why people bring that up. I can still ride if I have to.”
“What’s that you’ve got in your bag?” Lila pointed to the demon bag that hung from my belt.
“Tempest is still doing freelance demon hunting work for the angels,” Auntie Queenie said. She nodded at my bag. “Have we got company?”
“We have but not for long,” I said. “I only got back a few hours ago. I needed to recharge my batteries before facing the angels.”
“Have you got anyone interesting in there?” Lila leaned closer, her eyes glistening with interest.
“No one you’d like to meet,” I said. “He’s a sneaky one. He had me on the run for three days before I tracked him to a back alley behind an exotic dance bar.”
Auntie Queenie shook her head. “What is it with these demons? They’re either obsessed with girls dancing in sparkly thongs or lurking around takeout places. You’d think they’d have better things to do, like try to take over the world. But no, all they’re interested in is fast food and fast women.”
“Which is handy for me,” I said. “I know where to look, and I can grab some food after I’ve captured them.”
“Let me take a peek,” Lila said. “I haven’t had a rumble with a demon for years.” Her hand inched toward the bag.
“Best if we don’t let a demon loose in Mom’s kitchen.” I kept a tight hold on the bag.
“I’ll smack him down if he makes a scene.” Lila’s hand moved closer.
Mom jumped up and hurried to my chair, placing a barrier between me and Lila. “Tempest, it’s time you left. You’ve got that demon to deal with, and you must get cleaned up before you meet Caprice, Samantha, and Bastille.”
I slid her a sideways glance. I was grateful for the rescue from Lila’s inquisitive hand but hadn’t realized I was getting lumbered with collection duties for the rest of Auntie Queenie’s gang. “Can’t they find their own way here?”
Mom pulled my chair back and shooed me toward the door. “No, that’s not polite. You meet them at the barrier and show them to the hotel.”
“Someone needs to keep an eye on them,” Auntie Queenie said. “Those three are trouble when they get together.”
“We’ll see you at the party.” Mom ushered me into the hallway.
I stopped when we were by the door and out of earshot of the others. “What gives? Why are you so keen to get me out of here?”
Mom glanced over her shoulder. “Lila loves demons.”
“She does?”
“The last time they were here, I caught her snooping around the cemetery, looking for a crack. She wanted to meet a demon, test her skills, and make sure they hadn’t gotten rusty. I was worried she’d let out that demon you’re carrying. I can’t have that. He might destroy my peach cobblers.”
I arched an eyebrow. “That would be a crime.”
“It absolutely would.” Wiggles wandered out of the kitchen, his mouth full of something that looked suspiciously like peach cobbler.
Mom tilted her head and tutted. “Go on. Get out of here you two. And wipe some of that goo off your clothes, or they’ll think I raised a wildling.”
I looked down and shrugged as I saw the stains on my outfit. “It’s a part of the job.”
“Your auntie’s friends will think I don’t look after you properly.”
I kissed her cheek. “Mom, I can take care of myself. What time do I need to meet the rest of auntie’s party?”
Mom checked the time and gasped. “Five minutes! They’re arriving by the Green Man.”
“Then I’d better get a move on.” I hurried out of the house with Wiggles. There was no time for a change of clothes or clean-up of any kind. They’d have to take me as they found me. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d seen me smeared in some kind of gross demon residue.
Wiggles trotted along beside me as I broke into a jog. “I love Queenie’s reunions. They always know how to party.”
“You only love them because they give unlimited belly rubs,” I said.
“They have their priorities right,” Wiggles said. “Party hard, treat a hellhound right, and have fun.”
“Let’s make a
quick detour. I need to dump this demon before we meet the others just in case they get interested in trying to set him free, as well.”
We changed direction and jogged to Angel Force’s headquarters. It was a huge, white building in the center of the village.
I pushed through the door to find Dazielle at the desk, talking to Cassiel.
“One demon, all yours.” I unclipped the bag from my belt and handed it to Dazielle.
“Good work.” She passed the bag to Cassiel, who vanished out the back to decant him into a safe container. “I hear your auntie’s having a party tonight.”
“Good news spreads fast. Don’t be offended if your invitation got lost in the post.” Dazielle had a habit of accusing Auntie Queenie of things she hadn’t done, and there was no love lost between them.
Dazielle smirked. “Tell her to be careful. I know what she’s like.”
“She knows how to have fun. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Even so, keep an eye on her and her misbehaving friends. I don’t need a bunch of overexcited, middle-aged witches causing havoc in Willow Tree Falls.”
“There might be a little havoc, but I’ll see if I can keep a lid on things.”
Cassiel returned and handed me my now empty bag.
“Make sure you do,” Dazielle said. “I’ll arrest them for disorderly conduct if things get out of hand.”
“That’ll look good in the local paper: Police Chief Harasses Overexcited Middle-Aged Witches Reunion Shocker!!!”
Dazielle sniffed. “I’ll treat them the same as anyone else if they break the law.”
“You should come to the party,” Wiggles said, “so long as you promise not to be a party pooper. I’ll see if I can get you in.”
“I have better things to do than hang out with a bunch of eccentric witches,” Dazielle said.
“Washing your hair?” I asked.
Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe. But I might drop by to make sure they aren’t causing problems.”
“We look forward to it. If you’re bringing nibbles, we’re low on salty snacks.” I shook my head as we headed out of the building. Auntie Queenie would not want any angels at her party ruining the vibe.
