Sweet Tooth and Claw

by K A Miltimore

  Thana and Mel continued downstairs, leaving Hedy on the second floor landing. Director Haugrsson was standing in his doorway, watching the scene.

  "Is everything alright? I heard some noises," he said, keeping his gaze on Hedy's face.

  "Yes, I think so. Mel, my shop assistant, seems to have fainted. Her friend is helping her downstairs. Hopefully, you had a chance to rest a bit from your flight." Hedy watched as the Director came out of the room, closing the door behind him.

  "I was reviewing my file notes and collecting my thoughts. If it is convenient, we can discuss things further now, or perhaps you would rather see to your associate." The Director gestured toward the stairway. It surprised Hedy that he was willing to wait.

  "I appreciate the offer, Director Haugrsson. Truthfully, it would probably be best if we can discuss things later. Right now, we have several people in the house and I would like to check on Mel. I would hope you would join us downstairs for a bit of conversation. Bren Aldebrand is here if you'd like to speak with him." Hedy took a step down onto the stairs and the Director moved silently behind her.

  "It's been a long day. I don't mind delaying the purpose of my journey for a bit. I have never met a Salamander, so this provides me with an opportunity to meet an unknown traveler. I don’t get out of the office as much as I should." The pair made their way downstairs to the sound of raised voices.

  Coming into the bakery, she saw Louis tugging on his jacket. Delphine, Michael and Bren were still seated around the table but Thana and Mel were nowhere to be seen.

  "I am going for a walk. I need to put some space between us, Delphie, before I say something I will regret. Excuse me." Before Hedy could say a word, he was gone out the front door.

  "What was that about?" Hedy said, forgetting for a moment the Director standing at her elbow.

  "Family squabble. Sorry for the hullabaloo." Delphine replied, keeping her eyes on her teacup. Bren rose from the table and strode toward the Director.

  "I am Bren Aldebrand. I presume you are the Concierge Director, yes?" Hedy gave Bren a grateful look for changing the subject.

  "Yes, I am Director Haugrsson. It is my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aldebrand. You and I will need to have a chat before I go, I think. I have questions. About New York." The Director's voice sounded light but Hedy detected an edge to his words. Bren hadn't spoken more than ten words about his journey to New York and the decision to come back to her waystation.

  "I am at your disposal, sir." Bren said crisply, releasing the Director's hand. Michael then stood and took his turn to greet the Director.

  "Sir, thank you for coming to discuss the situation with Miss Leckermaul. My name is Michael Syon and I hope you will consider reversing your decision." Michael too shook the Director's hand. Hedy watched as the Director smiled slightly at his touch.

  "Mr. Syon, also a pleasure to meet you. I didn't know you had moved to this town. Last I heard, you were living in Dublin. I believe there may have been a bit of trouble there for you." The Director released his hand but the corners of his mouth still smiled.

  "Oh, not nearly as interesting as gossips like to say. In any event, I am here and in full support of Miss Leckermaul." Michael replied, placing a hand of Hedy's shoulder.

  "Not to be rude, Mr. Syon, but do you think an Imp is the best character reference for the situation?" The Director said, still smiling. It was clearly his attempt at humor. Michael, however, seemed to take no offense.

  "Ordinarily, you'd be right, but I have left the past behind me and I am finding a new way, here in my new town, with my new girl." Michael said.

  "Ah. Well, I will take that under advisement." The Director said simply.

  "Did Mel come in here?" Hedy looked toward Delphine as she spoke. Perhaps she and Delphine could slip away and go looking for her; Hedy just wanted to get out of the room.

  "The two girls came downstairs but went straight outside, if that is who you are looking for." Delphine stood, seeming to read Hedy's mind. "Let's go look for them."

  The two women grabbed coats from the rack and walked out into the darkness and the wet wind, which felt marvelous to Hedy after the awkward exchange in the bakery. The front porch was empty.

  "What was that all about?" Delphine asked, as they slowly walked down the front steps and toward the sidewalk. Neither seemed to care about the slushy walkway or the misty rain.

  "Which part? The Director who is deciding my fate as a host or Michael's well-meaning attempts to help?" Hedy gave a clump of wet snow a kick with her boot.

  "Let's back things up, Hedy. You have three men in there and you are out here, avoiding them. Spill it. What is happening?" Delphine stopped and turned toward her old friend. Even in the dark, Hedy could see Delphine's concern. She gave her the short version of events.

  "Okay, I'm up to speed. You have Supernatural trouble and on top of that, you have Love trouble. Got it. No wonder you seem worn down." Delphine chuckled and Hedy didn't know whether to be angry or laugh that Delphine could boil things down to one sentence. She chuckled along with her.

  “Oh, and don’t forget my assistant just mysteriously fainted and received a dire warning from my ghost, before disappearing into the night.”

  “Check, got it.”

  "Now it's your turn, what was the fight about with Louis?"

  "He didn't appreciate that I came two thousand miles to check on his lying ass. I called bull on the whole 'it's Mardi Gras' excuse for why he left town. He didn't like it." Delphine replied, brushing away some rain from her eyes. Hedy turned back toward the porch and they sought shelter under the eaves. She did not want to go inside just yet.

  "He'll come clean. Eventually. He always does. I mean, how much trouble could he really be in?" Hedy asked and the words were hardly out her mouth before Delphine replied.

  "With Louis, you have to ask?"

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hedy, Mel called. She's fine. She said to tell you not to worry, she is home resting." Bren poked his head out the front door, interrupting the two women sitting in the dark. Delphine's cigarillo tip glowed.

  "Thank you, Bren. I am glad to hear that. Everything alright in there?" Hedy replied, stirring from her wicker chair. Even wrapped up in wool, she was getting chilled in the cold night air.

  "Yes, everything is fine. The Director and Michael are chatting. You two should come in, it is freezing out here. Not everyone has a built in heater like me." His breath puffed around him in the frozen air.

  "You are right, it is getting colder. I think I need to warm up with a sip of something. Delphine?" Hedy rose stiffly and turned toward the warmth of the house where Bren was waiting.

  "I'll finish up my cigarillo and be in soon. Pour me one of whatever you are having." Delphine said.

  Hedy left her on the porch and passed back into the warmth of the entry. Her toes felt frozen in her thin boots. She briefly thought about asking Bren to warm her up in the way he quickly dried the dishes, from the Salamander heat in his hands, but then she realized how personal that would seem. She would have to make do with a warm wrap and a stiff drink. Michael met them in the entry.

  "I'm on my way, Hedy. I'll be back around tomorrow to see how things go with the Director but now, I better head home. You and your gal friend no doubt have some reminiscing to do." Michael said, retrieving his coat from the coat rack. With a quick nod to Bren, he gave Hedy a kiss on the cheek and headed out into the dark. From the corner of the porch, Delphine smoked her cigarillo and watched the retreating form of the Imp head out into the darkness.

  ✽✽✽

  Michael entered The Red Bat, not really sure why he hadn't just gone home. Everything was put away and there wasn't anything pressing that couldn't wait. He hovered for a few moments near the front door, debating whether he should stay or go. This night had not gone the way he had hoped. The Director had arrived but so had far too many people. On top of that, it had finally dawned on him that the Salamander had hopes of being more than just a friend wi
th Hedy. Why had he never seen it before? It was so obvious. The man was hanging around, week after week, hoping for some sign that Hedy would look his way. Now, Michael had to sort that out as well.

  "What troubles you, Michael?" The voice from the mirror called out.

  "Nothing. Everything is fine." He replied, lying easily. He knew it wouldn't fool her though.

  "You seem bothered, my dear. Is your little plan not coming off without a hitch?" Mary said, her voice soothing and sweet. He walked over toward the mirror, watching her face appear from the darkness.

  "Oh, I wouldn't say that, but so far, my calls to New Orleans do not seem to have done any good - other than perhaps bringing a meddlesome cousin for a visit. Whoever is after Louis doesn't seem to have taken the bait." Michael watched as Mary smiled coyly.

  "Perhaps you need to help things along," she said softly.

  "What do you mean, Mary? I already helped things by making my phone calls. What else did you have in mind?" Michael replied, realizing that talking with Mary had been his sole purpose in coming to the shop.

  "It's two days until the full moon, Michael. The Rougarou will be most vulnerable then. If there needs to be danger created to convince the Director to reinstate the waystation, then perhaps we'll need to help it along. Nothing serious, of course, just enough to prove your point. We can brew up a little elixir for the Rougarou to nudge him along. No harm in that, surely." Mary said smoothly, still smiling.

  Michael said nothing but his thoughts were churning. He couldn't rely on someone coming to further his plan. If he wanted to ensure that Hedy kept her waystation, he would have to do it himself. Even at the risk of treading the dark path. Mary was right; there was no harm in doing something for the right reasons, something small and measured. Something he could control.

  "Mary, what do we need to do?"

  ✽✽✽

  Hedy could not get her feet warm. Even after a healthy pour of bourbon, her feet still felt like slabs of ice. She could blame it on staying out on the porch, chatting with Delphine in the chilly air, but she'd been feeling cold all day. Cold that settled in your bones, driving comfort away. Cold that fire couldn't chase away.

  The Director and Bren had moved their conversation out of the shop; she could hear their voices in the parlor, behind the pocket doors. She suspected the Director was making his inquiry, asking Bren if Hedy was to be trusted. She didn't doubt Bren's support but she hated the idea of the two men chatting about her future behind closed doors.

  "You look like I feel." Maurice said, poking his head out of the pile of blankets. It was just the two of them in the shop. Delphine had already made her way upstairs for the night.

  "I take it that is not a good thing, Maurice? Still feeling under the weather?" Hedy settled in to the chair nearest the chinchilla.

  "Yes, I can't seem to shake whatever malaise seems to have come over me. I am beginning to suspect it may be a bit more serious. We shall see." He replied, turning slightly to better look at her. Hedy could plainly see the dull look in those eyes that always sparkled.

  "That's nonsense. You need a bit more rest and some restorative soup. I will make up another batch of chicken broth for you tomorrow." Hedy said, smiling at him, hoping it would bolster his mood. His whiskers twitched in response.

  "I think I may be beyond the curative powers of soup, Hedy, but it is kind of you to say so. I must speak with you on another matter," he said, shifting again as if he couldn't get comfortable on his cushion. Hedy waited for him to resume.

  "It is about Louis. You need to ask him to leave." Maurice said, flatly.

  "What are you talking about? What has he done?"

  "He's a danger to you, to all of us. He's cursed, Hedy. A strong one is on him, I can tell." Maurice replied, lowering his voice a fraction. Louis still hadn't come back from storming out earlier, at least as far as Hedy knew.

  "Tell me what you know, Maurice. Please." Hedy leaned in a bit in order to clearly hear his words.

  "I have lived a while, and some of that time I spent with Dr. Zee. Once you spend time with a necromancer, you can spot the signs of a curse. Louis has been cursed by someone very powerful. Whatever he has done to provoke this, you do not want to be around when the curse comes due." Maurice finished, coughing lightly.

  Hedy didn't know what to say. She had no reason to doubt Maurice and she herself was sure that Louis was hiding something, something important. But a curse from a necromancer? Wouldn't Louis have told her or told Delphine about something that dangerous? She should have confronted him by now.

  "I'll talk with him in the morning and try to get more information out of him. I will need your help, though. You are the only one in the house who would know how to break a necromancer's curse. What can we do, Maurice?"

  It was Maurice's turn to say nothing for a moment. Hedy started to worry that maybe he hadn't heard her, when he finally spoke.

  "There is nothing you can do to break the curse. It will follow him until he dies."

  Chapter Fourteen

  Hedy waited up for Louis but by one o'clock he still hadn't returned and she couldn't keep her eyes open. Even buried under a thick throw, with only her hands poking out, holding her book, she still felt frozen. She tucked Maurice deeper into his blanket and turned down the lights, leaving only the entry chandelier on for the wayward Rougarou. She hurried up the stairs to her attic bedroom, hoping she wouldn't disturb Delphine when she slipped in.

  "About time, Hedy." Delphine said as soon as she opened the bedroom door. The bedside lamp was on and Delphine was sitting in the bed, holding a thick book on her lap. Hedy didn't recognize the scarred leather cover.

  "I was waiting up for Louis, but he hasn't come back yet. Did you try his cellphone?" Hedy closed the door behind her, before sitting heavily on an ottoman to take off her boots.

  "It goes straight to voicemail. He has it turned off. Don't worry about him, he will be fine. How much trouble could he find in this little town?" Delphine said.

  "You'd be surprised. But it isn't the town that I am thinking about. Something is after Louis, Delphine. Surely, you've sensed that something is wrong." Hedy gave both boots a light toss toward her wardrobe so no one would trip on them. She could barely feel her feet inside her wool knee-highs. Her nightgown hung on a hook by the door and she grabbed it to take into the bathroom.

  "Yes, I know he is hiding something but I don't know what. What makes you say something is after him?" Delphine called back to Hedy, who had slipped into the bathroom. Hedy popped her head out to share Maurice’s warning before she hurried to her side of the large bed, drawing the heavy quilt on top of her. She was grateful that the bed wasn't ice cold.

  "A necromancer? I can't believe that Louis would be mixed up with a necromancer, and especially that he wouldn't say something about it. That's too much to believe, really." Delphine said, turning so she could look at Hedy, who only had her head poking out of the blanket.

  "I know, it seems crazy, but we need to find out from Louis exactly what is going on. If he is in danger, everyone could be in danger. We have to find out the truth."

  Delphine paused, staring off at some spot on the wall for several minutes. Her mind was clearly far away, back in Louisiana.

  "I might know what this is about. Let's talk with Louis in the morning."

  ✽✽✽

  Hedy slept fitfully. She wasn't used to having someone next to her and she worried she would disturb Delphine as she shifted to get comfortable. Her mind wouldn't shut off either - she kept replaying conversations with the Director, with Bren, and with Michael, like some film on a loop. Morning came and Hedy felt as tired as when she went to bed. She tried to slip quietly out of the covers but Delphine opened her eyes at the movement.

  "Up with the sun, I see. Same old Hedy. I won't ask how you slept because I know. Same as me." Delphine murmured, still somewhat buried under the edge of the quilt.

  "It wasn't the most restful night, certainly. I couldn't get my mind to
wind down. Sorry if I disturbed you." Hedy replied, hurrying across the cold wooden floor toward the bathroom.

  "No, you were fine. It was my own mind I couldn't stop from reeling. I hope you have some strong coffee." Delphine said to the shut door.

  Delphine must have snoozed for a few moments because when she opened her eyes again, Hedy was standing near the bed, fully dressed in a corduroy romper dress. Her hair was ratted up into its usual beehive. Other than the dark smudges under her eyes, Hedy looked as chipper as ever.

  "I'll start the coffee and then we should check in with Louis. Hopefully, he came home last night." Hedy left Delphine still wrapped in her quilt, blinking in the watery winter dawn streaking through the window.

  ✽✽✽

  The house was quiet and cold. Hedy stoked up the potbelly stove and poured cold water into the percolator. None of the menagerie had surfaced yet and she didn't blame them. She wondered if Adelaide could experienced the cold as well. Maybe she could ask Zelda to pose the question to the spirit. The cat seemed like the only one who could reliably get information.

  She had to call Mel this morning to check in on her. Mel's fainting spell was certainly strange and she'd have to make heads or tails out of that today as well. On top of that, she still needed to convince the Director to leave the waystation alone. The thought of all she had to do today bore down on her, pressing like a stone on her chest.

  "One thing at a time," she murmured. "Coffee, first."

  The percolator finally worked its magic and delivered Hedy her first cup of determination. She'd start with Louis, then call Mel, then find the Director. If she went one by one, she might just be able to handle it all. Maybe.

  "Penny for your thoughts," the familiar voice said, causing her to start. She turned to see Bren in the doorway, still a bit disheveled from sleep. His brown wavy hair looked a bit more tousled than usual and his eyes were puffy.