The Pink Pumpkin Party

by Vella Day

  “I’m sure he has.”

  This conversation wasn’t getting me anywhere. “I need to check on my aunt.”

  “Good idea, and remember, this is our case.”

  Even though I wanted to salute him, I didn’t. “I know. How much longer are you going to be?”

  Steve looked around. “Maybe another half hour. Why?”

  “I need to lock up.” The band had already packed up their gear and were about to head out. “Can you text me when you’re about to leave?”

  “Sure thing.”

  Since Rihanna’s boyfriend was busy with the body, Jaxson was keeping her company, for which I was glad. The three of us should stick together in this time of need. I headed over to them. “Hi.”

  “Did you learn anything?” Jaxson asked.

  “Other than all one-hundred people were accounted for? No.”

  Rihanna shivered. “That means the killer was still here when the lights came on.”

  “It appears so.”

  I debated bringing up my theory that Peter Upton might not have been the target but now wasn’t the time. “Did you have the chance to talk to Levy?”

  She smiled briefly. “I did.”

  “Before or after the tragedy?”

  “Both.”

  Something was going on. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  She reached out and ran a hand down my arm. “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself if I was the intended target. We know Levy probably can’t be caught. I mean, he can cloak himself and become invisible.”

  I was glad about that. “Did Levy think Peter Upton might not have been the intended target either?” That would confirm my hypothesis.

  “Yes, but he said there are always disgruntled people in his coven. Since he is their leader, someone always tries to take him down. Thankfully, no one has succeeded.”

  If the killer had been after Levy, he’d be the hardest of the four to kill. “We’ll have to get Steve to show him the list of names of the people who were in attendance to see if he recognizes any of them.”

  She shrugged. “I guess.”

  I wish I could read her mind, but her body posture implied she was worried, for which I was thankful. She might take more care. At least when she was in school, she’d be safe. As much as I’d like to suggest that Jaxson or I drive her each way, Rihanna wouldn’t stand for it. She was of legal age and a witch. Then again, Peter Upton was an adult, and he was dead.

  “Glinda, how about we see to your aunt?” Jaxson said.

  “Yes, of course. My parents are with her, but I’m sure she’d appreciate our company. First, though, I need to find Iggy.”

  “I saw him go upstairs a while ago,” Rihanna said.

  “That’s good to know.” I hope he wasn’t too traumatized by all of this.

  The three of us went up to my aunt’s apartment. I knocked lightly and then entered. My aunt was sitting on the sofa with Iggy and Aimee perched on her lap. Dad was next to her, and my mom was sitting on the chair across from them.

  My mom looked up. “Any news?”

  “No.”

  My aunt had stopped crying, but she was far from okay. I rushed over to the sofa and knelt in front of her. “Hey.”

  “Oh, Glinda.” She grabbed my hand.

  “Don’t worry, Steve is working hard to find out who did this.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure he is.”

  “I need to get the door keys and lock up once everyone leaves.”

  “I hadn’t even thought of that, but yes. The keys are on the table in the kitchen.”

  I rushed over there and snatched them. Both Jaxson and Rihanna took a seat across from her. Asking Aunt Fern questions at a time like this wasn’t ideal, but the quicker we could learn why Peter was dead, the better chance we had at finding the killer—or rather of Steve finding who did this. “Did Peter ever say he might be in danger?”

  My aunt looked up at me, and swiped a finger under her eyes. “No.”

  “Can you think of any reason why someone would kill him, assuming he was the target?”

  “Everyone loved him. He gave start-up businesses money to expand.”

  I hadn’t been aware he was a venture capitalist. That implied he was rather wealthy, which meant someone in his family might have wanted him dead. “Did he have any children?”

  “Yes. Two grown sons, but they live in New York.”

  They could have flown down to Florida in order to attend the party. However, their own father would have recognized them unless they had worn an outfit that covered their faces. Steve would have their names though. Even if they used fake ones, I bet Jaxson could locate a family picture and compare it to those who had attended our soiree.

  “Does Peter have an office in town?”

  “Glinda,” my mother said. “Can the interrogation wait until later?”

  She was right. I told myself I wanted to be supportive of my aunt in her time of need, and what was I doing? Acting like I was a real detective. “Of course. I’m sorry. I’m just trying to help.”

  My aunt looked up at me. “I know you are.” She squeezed her brother-in-law’s hand. “If you all don’t mind, I’d like to lie down.”

  That was our cue to leave. “I’ll lock up and then drop the keys through the cat door.”

  “Thank you, Glinda.”

  We all left—including Iggy. Because it was only about ten, I was hoping I could convince Jaxson to brainstorm what might have happened here tonight.

  “After I close up, I want to stop back at the office. Jaxson, will you come with us?”

  “Of course.”

  “I’m coming too,” Iggy said.

  “Okay. Let me grab my purse.” I stepped into my apartment and retrieved it. “Hop in, buddy.”

  The four of us headed downstairs. Gavin and his mom were gone, and the corpse was no longer in the coffin. Only the police tape remained as a cruel reminder of what happened here.

  I wasn’t sure when the Tiki Hut Grill would be allowed to open for business. It could take a long time to dust the place for prints—assuming that was what Steve planned to do.

  “There you are,” Steve said. “I was just about to text you. We’re heading out.”

  “Tell me what I can and can’t touch.”

  “I’d like to keep the restaurant closed tomorrow, but I won’t force the issue if your aunt wants to open up. As for putting away the decorations, if you could keep away from the coffin area, that would be great.”

  “I can do that. The plan had been to wait until lunchtime to open anyway since we need to clean up and then return the tables and chairs, which will take time.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Steve said.

  After I locked up, Rihanna, Jaxson, and I walked back to the office. I wanted to escort Rihanna back there anyway, because I had the sick feeling that she might be the next target. If we had any family back in Jacksonville, I would have suggested she return there.

  Once inside, Iggy climbed out of my purse. “I saw something,” he announced.

  “Why didn’t you say anything before?”

  “I didn’t think it was important at the time.”

  “Hold that thought, bud. I need some coffee. Anyone else want a cup?” Jaxson asked.

  “Sure.” I doubted I was going to get much sleep tonight anyway.

  “I’ll help,” Rihanna said.

  Both of them headed toward the kitchen area. I looked down at Iggy. “Sit next to me so I can take off your costume. It can’t be all that comfortable.”

  “It’s not.”

  I removed his camouflaged outfit but decided to leave on the green face paint until tomorrow. Washing his face, hands, and legs took too much time.

  A few minutes later, Jaxson and Rihanna returned with a tray of coffee and some cookies. My mouth watered. “You guys are the best.”

  Jaxson smiled. “We try.”

  They both sat down. “We’re ready, bud. What do you want to tell us?”
r />   Chapter Four

  “I saw three guys sneak out of the party after the lights went out. I have good eyesight, you know.” Iggy puffed out his chest.

  How was that possible if all one-hundred people were accounted for? “Where were you when you saw this?”

  “I was behind the counter where Aunt Fern usually stands. It was about the only safe place where I wouldn’t get trampled.”

  I gained no satisfaction knowing I’d been right in warning him how dangerous it could be. “How do you know they’d been at the party?” I asked.

  “They were carrying costumes.”

  Carrying them? “That makes no sense. No one goes to a party and then puts on a costume.”

  “Maybe they were at the party, left, and changed in the alley. Strange for sure, but it’s possible,” Jaxson said. “They then returned to their car and took off. They could have had another engagement that didn’t require costumes.”

  “No,” Iggy said.

  “What do you mean, bud?” Jaxson asked.

  “I saw them toss Spiderman costumes into their car and then head back in the direction of the side alley. I thought it odd that three friends would dress alike in the first place.”

  My mind spun at what that might mean. “Do you think they returned after the lights went out. I heard a door slam.”

  “I don’t know,” he said. “I’m just reporting to you what I saw.”

  I changed focus. “Okay, if they were headed back toward the water, it’s possible they just went for a walk on the beach.” Farfetched, I know.

  “I didn’t pay attention once Aunt Fern started screaming.”

  I wasn’t sure what to make of it. “Were they wearing white wristbands?”

  “I don’t know,” Iggy said.

  I wasn’t sure his account helped, but I’d have to remember to tell Steve when I saw him next. “That’s okay. We’ll figure it out.”

  Three men in street clothes would stand out. Considering Steve took a photo of everyone, these men would be easy to spot.

  “Does this mean we’re investigating the murder?” Rihanna asked.

  “No,” Jaxson and I answered simultaneously.

  “Why not?”

  Unless I worked at blocking my thoughts, Rihanna had the ability to read my mind—or at least, bits and pieces of it. Right now, my thoughts were rather jumbled, which probably prevented her from catching more than a few random words. “We can’t be certain that whoever killed Peter Upton is finished.”

  She shook her head. “You’re still hung up on the idea this guy may come after me or Levy?”

  “Well, you two did disrupt the plans of some of those coven members. Both criminals are in jail, but who is to say that other coven members aren’t out for revenge?”

  “Maybe, but shouldn’t we see whether Aunt Fern’s boyfriend was who he claimed to be? He might have been the target all along.”

  My cousin had a point. I didn’t know much about him. “I suppose we could look into him, but the biggest hurdle is that no one other than Aunt Fern seems to know him very well.”

  “I thought his office was in town,” Rihanna said.

  “It might be, but I don’t know where.” I looked over at Jaxson. “Can you do a quick search?”

  “For a company with the name Upton in it?”

  “That’s a reasonable start. If you can’t find anything, I’ll ask Aunt Fern tomorrow. I imagine Steve or Nash will go there and ask questions, and we can’t afford to have either of them see us, especially after Steve specifically asked me not to investigate.”

  “Steve always tells you not to interfere, and yet you—or rather, we—always do.”

  “True.” That was because my magic was needed in the previous cases.

  Jaxson stood and headed over to his computer. It took only a minute for him to find something. “Got it. There’s a listing for Upton Capital in Witch’s Cove. It says here that he is a venture capitalist who provides money for start-ups.”

  “That matches what Aunt Fern said. I bet Steve could get a warrant to search the Upton Capital records. But even if we find out the company names of those he invested in, where does that leave us?”

  “It’s Steve’s job to speak to each of Peter’s clients. No one will admit they were in such a bad way that they had to resort to killing him, so that would be a waste of our time,” Jaxson said.

  “I agree. And only Steve can look at their bank accounts.”

  “Maybe Aunt Fern will help,” Rihanna said.

  “How?”

  “I would think she’d know her boyfriend’s assistant at least. He or she might have an idea as to who wanted to harm the boss. Someone could have threatened him.”

  “I agree, but what if his ex-wife lives in town, and she doesn’t want anyone snooping?”

  “She passed away a few years back,” Rihanna said. We looked back at her. “What? I talk to Aunt Fern.”

  “I’m glad. I’m sure she enjoys your company.”

  Rihanna sipped her drink. “Do you think Steve would be willing to send us the photos of the attendees?”

  I glanced over at Jaxson, but he just shrugged. “Why would he? Steve doesn’t want me to investigate unless this case involves magic. Only then he might ask for our help.”

  “It does involve magic if we go with the idea Peter Upton wasn’t the target,” Rihanna said. “That Levy or I was.”

  “Are you saying we should let Steve do the straight-forward investigation of Peter Upton, while we look into the coven?”

  She shrugged. “I’m pretty sure Levy would be willing to help.”

  “You both know me. I want to investigate, but going against people who can cloak themselves and move locks with their minds is way out of my league.”

  “It’s not for me,” Rihanna stated.

  I didn’t like where this was headed. “Oh, no, you don’t. You are going to finish high school before you entertain any thoughts of being an investigator.”

  “Seriously?”

  Sure, she’d helped solve our last two cases, but I didn’t want her to be in harm’s way again. “Yes, seriously.”

  “Ladies.” Jaxson held up his hands. “How about we get together with Penny and Hunter, and maybe even Levy? Together, we should be able to figure out who they were really after and who might have worn a Spiderman costume—assuming Dolly is right.”

  “Dolly is always right—or at least between her and the gossip queens, she is. Someone must have paid attention to who was dressed as what.”

  “When you and I were taking the money, one guy showed up as Spiderman,” Jaxson said.

  “You’re right. I think he was in line with two other guys, just in front of Rihanna and Gavin.”

  Rihanna nodded. “I only saw them go into the party. I was behind Raggedy Ann and Andy.”

  “I must have gotten confused.”

  “Next year,” Jaxson said, “we should outlaw wearing masks—at least upon entering the party.”

  Like that would ever happen. “We’ll talk about it then.”

  “I have an idea,” Rihanna said.

  “Yes?”

  She grabbed a cookie and took a bite. “What if we talk to Gertrude?”

  Rihanna had been training with the powerful witch for the last month. Because of Rihanna’s natural proclivity to read minds, Gertrude suggested that her grandson, Levy, help hone her skills. Other than trying to contact the dead though, I wasn’t sure what Gertrude was teaching her. Rihanna had been rather tight-lipped about it. “About what?”

  She huffed. “About our future.”

  I must be dense, because I wasn’t following. “I don’t think that is what Gertrude does. She’s a psychic, not a fortuneteller. Even if she were one, do you think she’ll tell us that the killer meant to murder Mr. Upton, and that you and Gavin will live happily ever after?”

  “I don’t know, but she might know if I’m in danger or not.”

  As much as I believed in Gertrude Poole’s abiliti
es, even she would admit that her ability to analyze what she saw in her mind wasn’t always accurate. What if Rihanna let down her guard because Gertrude didn’t interpret a sign correctly and then was killed? I’d never forgive myself.

  “Let’s contact Levy tomorrow and see what he has to say. Since he can read minds, maybe he was standing close to the killer right before he did the deed. Something would have gone through the guy’s head.”

  “It’s a long shot,” my cousin said. “Levy only hears bits and pieces. He might not put the pieces together in the right order.”

  “But you can?”

  “Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no.”

  The last thing I wanted was to get into an argument with my cousin. I yawned, even though I wasn’t all that sleepy. We were all distraught over what had happened and probably not in the best frame of mind to make any important decisions. “I’m going to head back.”

  Jaxson stood. “I’ll walk you there, but then I’m sleeping here tonight.” He held up a hand. “It’s just a precaution.”

  “I’m staying, too,” Iggy announced.

  “Rihanna will be safe with Jaxson here. Besides, I don’t want to be alone tonight.” I grabbed my purse and opened it up. “Hop in.”

  Iggy came over and crawled in, albeit rather reluctantly. “Jaxson won’t be long. Lock the door, please.” Rihanna was smart enough to do that, but I couldn’t stop myself from reminding her.

  “Sure, but take your time. I need to shower.”

  I could understand the need. With Iggy in tow, we left. Once we reached the bottom of the steps, Jaxson stopped and studied the area.

  I grabbed his arm. “Are you thinking these men might still be here?”

  “One can’t be too careful,” he said.

  “I’m no mind reader, but I can tell you’re worried about Rihanna.”

  “Of course, I’m worried. She’s eighteen. I know how crazy I was at that age. No telling if she’ll decide to look around and check things out for herself.”

  My stomach churned. “Tonight?”

  “Tonight, tomorrow. Who knows? It’s why I want to spend the night at the office. Maybe tomorrow morning, you can stop over at my place and pick up a few things for me. It’s not that I can’t leave her alone, but I’d like the option of not having to.”