“Kristoff is good looking.” Bryony grinned at her sister.
“But arrogant with it,” said Ivy.
“He’s in your store a lot,” said Agatha. “I see him walk past the bakery on his way here sometimes.”
“That’s because he’s in love with Ivy,” said Bryony.
“Is he?” Agatha turned a wide eyed look towards Ivy.
“No, he isn’t.” Ivy shot a dark look at her sister. “We’re wasting time. We have a curse giver to hunt down.” She grabbed her purse and shoved her keys into it.
“He likes you. Admit it,” said Bryony.
“I’m not admitting to anything,” said Ivy. “Maybe he comes here so often because he likes you; like most of the men in Old Sarum.”
“Kristoff barely looks at me when he’s in the store,” said Bryony. “And he only talks to me because you ignore him.”
“The last time he was here, he kissed you,” said Ivy.
“He kissed the back of my hand to make you jealous,” said Bryony.
“Wow, a half demon is interested in you,” said Agatha. “Would you ever date him?”
“No, because I’m not interested in him, and he’s not interested in me.” Ivy flung the store door open and gestured to the others. “Shall we go?”
Bryony exchanged a smile with Agatha, before shrugging on her fitted red jacket and heading out into the cool evening air with Ivy and Agatha.
“Where to first?” asked Ivy. “Sounds like we’ve got a lot of ground to cover this evening.”
“I started in Bubbling Brews,” said Agatha. “Let’s begin there and see if anyone remembers what I did and who I spoke to.”
Bubbling Brews was already filling with customers who came in after work for a relaxing drink and a gossip with friends. The girls ordered their drinks, bramble beer for Ivy and Agatha and sparkling water for Bryony, and remained by the bar, doing a slow survey of the clientele.
“See anyone who looks familiar?” Ivy asked Agatha.
“As I said before, the whole evening is a bit of a blur,” said Agatha.
“Let’s see if Wilbert knows anything.” Bryony beckoned Wilbert Giggles over with a finger.
He strolled towards them, a half smile on his pale green face. “What can I do for you lovely ladies?”
“Can you help with some information about a customer who was in here a few weekends ago?” asked Bryony.
“Weekends are my busiest time. Get a lot of people in from out of the village.” Wilbert puffed up his narrow chest. “My brews are the best in the county.”
“Can you describe him to Wilbert?” Bryony asked Agatha.
“Not really,” said Agatha. “He’s taller than me, and I think he had dark hair. I do remember he has a lovely voice, deep and soothing. It sounded like he was singing to me when he spoke in my ear. And he was a great kisser. His lips were lovely and smooth. I like a man with a full mouth.”
“Does that help at all?” Bryony asked Wilbert.
“A tall dark haired man who sings to women and is a good kisser?” Wilbert gave a deep laugh and scratched his head. “I can’t help you there, don’t make a habit of kissing the male patrons. But I remember you in here a few weekends ago, Agatha. You were certainly enjoying yourself.”
“I didn’t do anything too embarrassing, did I?” asked Agatha. “Did I kiss anyone?”
“Your secrets are safe with me, my dear,” said Wilbert with a wink. “But if it helps, I didn’t see you speak to any dark haired men and there was no kissing. You had a couple of drinks, flirted with me, if you can believe that, and then left. Said you were looking for something special.”
“So no mystery man from here.” Ivy downed the rest of her bramble beer.
“Why are you looking for this man anyway?” asked Wilbert. “He’s not done anything wrong has he?”
“Nothing that a few harsh words won’t sort out,” said Ivy.
“Save your harsh words for another venue, Ivy Thornheart.” Wilbert’s brows lowered. “I don’t want my lovely bar smashed up by you.”
“As if I would,” said Ivy.
“As if you wouldn’t,” said Wilbert, leaning his muscled forearms on the bar.
“Let’s drink up and try Maggie’s tavern next,” said Bryony. “Maybe we’ll have better luck there.”
Ivy glowered at Wilbert as they left. “He’s still not forgotten my encounter with that toothless crone a few months ago.”
“That toothless crone is Wilbert’s wife!” said Bryony quietly. “He’s not likely to forget.”
“What happened?” asked Agatha.
“Ivy complained about the beer being warm and Wilbert’s wife, Harriet, tried to throw her out,” said Bryony.
“I didn’t want to leave,” said Ivy. “I was still enjoying the beer, even though it was warm.”
“So Ivy threw Harriet out of her own bar and then stole a barrel of beer,” said Bryony.
“I didn’t steal it,” said Ivy. “It was by the side of the building and I simply rolled it home. It looked lonely outside all on its own. That fool, Wilbert, would only have let it get warm and then it would be ruined just like the stuff his crone of a wife served me.”
“But you did throw Harriet outside?” asked Agatha.
“She may have decided to get some fresh air,” said Ivy. “And there may have been magic involved in that decision.”
“Wilbert only lifted the ban on Ivy a couple of weeks ago,” said Bryony.
“He had no choice; I’m an excellent customer,” said Ivy.
The girls walked the short distance down the road and around the corner to Maggie’s tavern. They ordered their drinks and sat in one corner studying the growing crowd.
“Any tall dark and dangerous men catch your eye?” asked Bryony.
Agatha squinted as she surveyed the men in the bar. “It could be one of half a dozen men in here. But none of them seem to recognize me. I keep catching their eye and smiling, but I’m not getting any vibe from them.”
“What sort of vibe are you expecting?” asked Ivy. “If you had kissed them, they’d be repelled by you.”
“Oh, that’s a good point,” said Agatha. “I should be looking out for men who seem disgusted by me.”
Ivy’s sighed and sloshed her drink from side to side in its glass. “What about the creep watching us from the corner of the bar?”
“Who do you mean?” asked Bryony.
“Dark hair, green suit jacket that’s too big, and a glass of red wine in front of him. Be discreet. He’s had his leery gaze on us ever since we walked in.” Ivy’s sighed again as the other two gaped at the man. She watched his smile broaden as he saw them staring at him. He raised his glass of wine in their direction.
“Could that be him?” Bryony looked over at Agatha.
Agatha stared at the man for another few seconds. “It might be him, but I’m not certain.”
“Why don’t you go and kiss him?” suggested Ivy. “If he flees in terror then he’s not of interest to us. But if he thinks kissing you is a good idea then he has no clue about the curse.”
“I don’t want another man to be put off me,” said Agatha. “Soon they’ll be none left.”
“That will teach you to go around kissing anyone you like the look of,” said Ivy.
Maggie dashed over from the bar, a tray in her hands with a bottle of wine and three glasses on it. “Compliments of the creep at the bar.” She dumped the tray onto their table.
“The guy in the green suit jacket?” asked Ivy. “I don’t recognize him.”
“He’s from out of town,” said Maggie. “Doing some business with Kristoff. No doubt something underhand. He’s been in every evening this week for a few drinks. He’s a good tipper, but too hands-on with the women for my liking. I had to warn him off a couple of the local witches because they wanted to hex him.”
“Maggie, I’m dying of thirst over here,” called a gremlin from the other side of the tavern.
“Can’t stop,
annoying customers to serve.” Maggie strode away towards the gremlin.
“It can’t be him then,” said Ivy. “If he’s only been here a week, he wasn’t around when the curse was cast.”
“We can ask him ourselves,” said Bryony. “He’s coming over.”
Ivy groaned as she poured out the wine. “Just because he buys us a few drinks doesn’t give him the right to talk to us.”
“Be nice to him,” said Bryony. “We may have encouraged his attention by looking at him.”
“We can just as easily encourage his desire to leave,” said Ivy.
“Good evening, ladies,” said the man, his voice gravelly. “I couldn’t let the three prettiest women in here think they were not appreciated.” He gestured at the wine.
“We appreciate ourselves well enough,” said Ivy.
“Thank you for the wine,” said Bryony. “That’s very thoughtful of you.”
The man extended his manicured hand to Bryony. “I’m Dominic Churchland.”
“I’m Bryony Thornheart. This is my sister, Ivy, and our friend, Agatha Graytooth.” Bryony made the introductions as she shook his hand.
Dominic dropped his hold on Bryony’s hand and turned his brilliant green gaze to Ivy. “Ivy Thornheart. That’s a name I’ve heard a few times since I’ve been in Old Sarum.”
“All good things I’m sure,” said Ivy.
Dominic grinned as he settled in a chair on the other side of the table. “Whenever Kristoff speaks of you, it’s always positive.”
“What’s Kristoff Dash got to say about me?” Ivy’s dark eyes narrowed. “He doesn’t know me.”
“He said you are beautiful and brilliant, which seems accurate to me.”
Ivy snorted. “He’s so shallow.”
“He also said you are one of the most powerful magic users he’s ever met,” said Dominic.
“Ivy’s talents are extraordinary,” said Bryony.
“Kristoff is a moron,” said Ivy.
Dominic’s grin widened. “He did also say you could be a touch on the prickly side. He warned me to be careful if I ever encountered you in case you decide to hex me.”
“Ivy doesn’t hex people,” said Bryony. “We only use our magic for good.”
“Maybe you do,” muttered Ivy.
“I heard about your work at the Love Cauldron,” said Dominic. “I must stop by and see what spells I can purchase.”
“We’re refurbishing at the moment so we’re not open for business,” said Ivy.
“That’s not true,” said Bryony. “Stop by whenever you’d like, Dominic. You’d be very welcome. We do all kinds of different spells, charms, and ready-made dried concoctions so you can make your own spells at home. We also do a range of enchanted essential oils, and much more.”
“I’m sold,” said Dominic. “Perhaps I’ll stop by tomorrow.”
“Don’t trouble yourself.” Ivy looked at Bryony as she drained her wine glass. “We should go. Looks like there’s nothing here of interest.”
The smile on Dominic’s face faded. “I know when I’ve outstayed my welcome.”
“Good for you,” said Ivy. “What business are you doing with Kristoff?”
“Business? I’m honored you know so much about me when we’ve only just met,” said Dominic.
“It’s a small place,” said Ivy. “Word gets around.”
Dominic glanced towards the bar. “I imagine it does. But it’s just a little matter at the club that needs dealing with.”
“How do you know Kristoff?”
A feral smile crossed Dominic's face. “We go way back. I’ve known Kristoff since we were teenagers.”
“That’s not reassuring,” said Ivy.
“Kristoff likes it that way,” said Dominic. “He likes to keep people off balance. Gives him more of an upper hand. From the way he describes you, I get the impression you do the same. Keep people at arm’s-length until you trust them.”
“I’m planning on keeping you at a very long arm’s-length,” said Ivy. “In fact, I might make it several broomstick lengths.”
Dominic stood up. “Then you’re a good judge of character, Ivy Thornheart. Enjoy the rest of your evening, ladies.” He turned and walked to the bar.
“That wasn’t polite,” said Bryony. “He was being nice to us.”
“Anyone who does business with Kristoff isn’t a nice person,” said Ivy. “Besides, he gives off a strange vibe.”
“Yes, there is something strange about him,” said Agatha. “It’s as if he’s got some glamor on him. While you were talking to him, I kept trying to see through it, but it’s strong magic and I couldn’t get anywhere. It gave me a headache to keep staring at him.”
“See, even Agatha can spot there’s something not right,” said Ivy.
“There’s nothing wrong with giving people a chance,” said Bryony. “The wine he brought us wasn’t cheap. And he was polite and interested in us.”
“It tasted corked to me.” Ivy grabbed her jacket. “Let’s go to the Demon’s Den and see if we can find Agatha’s mystery man hanging out with the posers and sleazebags of Old Sarum.”
Chapter 20
“There’s already a queue to get in,” said Bryony, as they approached the dark wooden building that housed the Demon’s Den. Two pillars of flames shot up in irregular bursts at the front door. “But it’s so early.”
“Tonight is one of Kristoff’s stupid theme nights,” said Ivy. “They always attract crowds who want to get a look at his latest weird show.”
“I heard rumors Kristoff holds supernatural fight nights in the basement of the club.” Agatha pulled on the hem of her fitted top.
“So have I,” said Ivy. “But if he does they’re very secret. I’ve tried to get in several times and never been able to.”
“I can’t believe he does that,” said Bryony. “If he got caught, the Charm Police would shut him down. Fight clubs are illegal.”
“Doesn’t mean Kristoff doesn’t do them.” Ivy marched to the front of the queue, stopping in front of a burly brown troll. “I’m here to see Kristoff Dash.”
The troll looked Ivy up and down slowly. “Are you on his guest list?”
Ivy flicked an irritated glance at her sister. “Yes. Ivy Thornheart and two guests.”
The troll immediately stood to attention. “Of course, Miss Thornheart. I should have recognized you. Go straight in.” He moved out of Ivy’s way. “Enjoy your evening.”
“Thanks,” muttered Ivy and walked straight past the troll, Bryony and Agatha close on her heels.
“I didn’t know you were on the guest list,” said Bryony. “When did that happen?”
“Kristoff has always said I’d be welcome in the club.” Ivy navigated the dark purple corridor, turning towards the sound of heavy drum music. “I never take him up on the offer. Don’t know why he wastes his time.”
“Because he likes you.” Bryony swatted her sister’s arm. “And you kept it a secret from me.”
“I wouldn’t have if I knew you liked to come here,” said Ivy. “Which I know you don’t.”
“Still, it’s exciting a man wants you on his VIP list on the off chance you might stop by for a drink,” said Agatha. “Especially when that someone is Kristoff.”
“We’re not here for the alcohol, we’re trying to find this loser curse giver of yours,” said Ivy. “Let’s not hang around, though. Word will get back to Kristoff that we’re here and he might come and see what we’re doing.”
“I bet you’d hate that,” said Bryony.
Ivy glowered at her sister. “Let’s get this over with.” She stalked ahead, pushing through a set of double doors, the music leaking out and enveloping the girls with its invigorating rhythm.
Bryony linked her arm through Agatha’s elbow. “Let’s find your mystery man.” They followed Ivy through the door and into a vast open plan dance area. The DJ booth sat above the dance floor, and a chrome bar covered most of the walls, behind which were a dozen servers d
ashing around keeping up with customers’ orders.
“This amount of people won’t make it easy to find the guy who cursed me,” said Agatha.
“Especially since you have no clue what he actually looks like.” Ivy appeared in front of them, three bright green drinks clasped in her hands.
Bryony took two of the drinks from her sister and passed one to Agatha. “Let’s do a circuit of the club and mingle with the crowd. We might get lucky. He could be in here working his evil charms on someone else.”
“Let’s hope Agatha doesn’t get lucky tonight,” said Ivy. “Otherwise we’ll have more guys repulsed by her.”
Agatha frowned at Ivy. “I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
“It’s your lips you need to be careful of.” Ivy led the way through the crowd of swaying dancers, occasionally giving them a gentle shove when they wouldn’t get out of her way. They stopped several times to study handsome looking dark haired men, but Agatha decided none of them were her guy.
“How about him?” Bryony pointed to a man in dark fitted jeans with slicked back black hair and purple eyes.
“I don’t remember him having bright purple eyes,” said Agatha. “That’s not the sort of thing I’d forget. It’s my favorite color.”
“We’ll keep looking,” said Bryony.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” said Agatha, as she turned away. “Need to powder my nose.”
“We’ll wait here,” said Bryony to Agatha’s retreating form.
“Hello, beautiful.” A short, plump well-dressed hobgoblin swept Bryony from her feet and spun her in a circle. “Have you finally succumbed to my flowers?”
Bryony squirmed in the hobgoblin’s tight grip. “You sent me flowers? How sweet of you.”
“I sent you ten bunches of flowers in the last month,” said the hobgoblin. “My name’s Hoklim. You must have received them. I always put several large kisses at the bottom of the card. Which is what I’d like to do to you. Lots of large kisses all over you, my goddess.”
Bryony pulled a disgusted face at Ivy. “We do get a lot of deliveries at the store. I may have missed them.”
“We also get a lot of flowers from other love struck idiots,” said Ivy. “You’re nothing special.”
“Bryony is to be my wife,” said Hoklim. “I fell in love with her the first day we met, and I know she likes me too. She’s always so kind to me.”
Witch Kissed (Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #1) Page 14
