by Amy Boyles
“Rule number one, don’t cross you,” Axel said.
“Right. So anyway, I didn’t understand what the big deal was. I say I called off a hit, I called it off. There’s no arguing. It’s not like I wouldn’t have paid the guy.” Johnny leaned in, waved his butter knife as he spoke. “But there was something weird about it, like Carl had it out for Donovan. Beats me if he did. I don’t know why he would.”
Axel drummed his fingers on the table. “Carl’s family may have vampire blood.”
Johnny’s eyes widened in a way that told me he was as shocked to hear the news as I had been. “You don’t say. Now that there is surprising. I had no idea. Between you and me, Carl’s worked other jobs. He’s good, efficient, but lately he’s been slacking up. I don’t know what it is.”
Axel crumpled his napkin. “Do you know anyone who knows more about Carl? Why he might’ve wanted to get rid of Donovan?”
Johnny shrugged. “In this business the less you know about a person, the better. I don’t know offhand, but if I think of something, I tell you what, I’ll let you know.”
He leaned forward. “Better to tell you than to let the cops in on what we find out.” Johnny patted the air. “I know they’re witch cops, but still, I don’t like the stink of ’em.”
Axel slid a business card across the table. “That’s my number. Call anytime.”
Johnny handed Axel one of his own cards. It was white with gold trim. When I glanced at it, there was a three-dimensional hologram of a wolf etched onto the front.
“And if you change your mind and want a new employer, you let me know. I could use a guy like you.”
We said our goodbyes and left the restaurant. When I slid into the Mustang, I glanced at Axel.
“That really didn’t help us much.”
Axel shrugged. “I don’t know. We found out that Johnny called off the hit on Donovan because of his girlfriend.”
“Why would Johnny’s girlfriend have saved Donovan?”
“I don’t know, but I plan to find out.”
I gave him a confused look. “How’re you going to do that? She’s back in Witch Vegas.”
“That was a lie. Did you see the pink smear of lipstick on his shirt collar?”
My eyebrows shot to peaks. “No, I did not.”
“I did, and unless Johnny found a temporary girlfriend, my guess is Eva is here in Magnolia Cove and we need to find her.”
EIGHT
“How do you plan on finding Eva?” I said.
Axel shot me a glance that said seriously? “Your cousin works at the inn.”
“Oh, right. You want me to use my hookup.”
“If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to.”
I fished my phone from my purse. “I don’t mind. The worst thing she can say is ‘no.’”
So I called Cordelia.
“No,” she said.
“We’re not going to barge in. I just want to know if you’ve seen her and what she looks like.”
Cordelia sighed. “I haven’t seen her.”
Axel’s hand clamped around my arm. “Hang up.”
“Why?”
He pointed to a figure walking down the street. A woman who looked like a carbon copy of Marilyn Monroe clicked down Bubbling Cauldron in candy-apple-red heels. She paused for a moment to look at the shops. Then she headed straight toward Familiar Place.
“You think that’s her?”
“Does a toad have warts?” he said.
“Not technically.”
“The ones witches use in spells do.” Axel reached over and unbuckled my seat belt. The smell of his aftershave trickled up my nose and made my mouth water.
“Get in there. Talk to her. See what’s going on.”
I slapped my hands to my face. “Oh dear Lord, Betty’s doing some cleaning in the store for me. She’ll either run her off or try to sell Eva a pet snail.”
I opened the door, slid out and sprinted across the street, barely avoiding being run down by an old lady in an emerald-green boat-sized sedan.
She threw her head out the window. “Watch where you’re going!”
“Sorry.” I waved apologetically and smiled so brightly I would swear my teeth sparkled if they could.
The old bat still flipped me off.
“Nice,” I said.
I opened the door to Familiar Place and found Betty with the woman who we thought was Eva standing by the fish.
“We just got these guppies in last week,” Betty said. “From what I hear fish brains are the smartest of all brains. They might be small, but if you’re a water witch, a fish might be your best choice of familiar.”
Eva tapped her toe. “But I’m more of an earth witch. Do you think I could use a water animal as grounding and then make lightning crack from my fingertips?”
“Sure,” Betty said, “let me show you.”
Not wanting an explosion in my store, I sidled up beside my wild-card grandmother, extended my hand and said, “How do you do? I’m Pepper Dunn, owner of Familiar Place.”
“I’m Eva,” she said in a light, airy baby voice. Really baby voice. Like I couldn’t believe the sound that was coming out of her mouth, it was so quiet and, well, babyish.
“Hi Eva, how do you do?”
Eva shifted so that her ankle bent, turning her foot. She repeated the gesture, which made me think it was more nervous habit than anything else.
“I’m fine, just fine. Stopping through and thought I’d come in the store.” She peered around me and looked back to the hall.
I clasped my hands. “Are you looking for something in particular? Can I help you find a certain animal?”
Her hand fluttered to her heart. “Oh no, I’m not looking for anything in particular,” she said, her gaze flicking into the hall once more.
I had the sense she wasn’t scanning for a creature but a person. “Are you looking for someone?”
Eva tugged her hair. “Years ago there used to be a man who ran this store. I think his name was Donovan.”
My heart leaped. “Yes, Donovan owned it before me. I’m his great-niece, Pepper. Do you know him?”
She looked away uncomfortably.
I needed to reel Eva in, figure out why she’d saved Donovan’s life from Johnny Utah.
“Donovan may be here another day. I’m not certain. Is there a message I can give him for you?”
Eva’s gaze slid to the right. “No, I’ll just stop back by.”
Panic needled me. Should I let her go or act like I knew what was going on? Well, being a wilting flower had never gotten me anywhere in life, and I had to admit that gumption had gotten me pretty far.
As she reached the front door, I said, “You saved his life, you know. Johnny Utah told me.”
Eva’s back straightened. She pivoted on one foot and stared at me. “He—he told you?” Her eyes glassed up, and I decided I needed to put her at ease.
“Johnny said that you asked him not to hurt Donovan. That’s all I know. If my uncle was aware of what you had done, he’d be eternally grateful.”
Eva pulled a tissue from her white clutch and dabbed her eyes. “Your uncle doesn’t know it, but he once saved my life. I was only returning the favor.”
Bingo! I grinned so hard I thought my face might crack. “Why don’t you tell us all about it?”
Betty magicked up a pitcher of sweet tea, I locked the door and we pulled up a couple of chairs. The tears had flowed for a minute or two, but Eva had settled down to only a few sniffles.
“Thank you for the tea,” she said. “Nobody makes tea like folks in the South. That’s what Mama always used to say.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Betty said.
“And nobody brews it like Betty Craple,” I said.
Eva nodded. “I agree. Anyway, I had a rough childhood. You’d never know it now, but my pa, he was abusive. Not a nice man. A mean drunk is what he was. He was so cruel there were times when I was young that I didn’t know if I’d make it another
day.”
I patted her hand. “I’m so sorry.”
Eva’s gaze sharpened. She blinked at me and smiled. “It’s okay. Now. Thanks to your uncle.”
I cocked my head. “How?”
She shook her head. “The one thing my pa liked was for us to look like we had things, so he brought me here to get my first familiar. If it had been anybody else giving me something nice, it wouldn’t have lasted. He would’ve snatched it up, unable to deal with his own jealously. But Pa brought me here, told me to pick out whatever I wanted.”
She smiled now, her eyes taking on a wistful expression. “Your uncle was here. I think he could sense that I really needed it, that somehow whatever animal I picked would mean the world to me.”
Eva sipped from her tea. “My throat’s dry. I don’t usually do too much talking with Johnny. I mostly look pretty. It’s a good life, so I’m not complaining. Johnny’s not much of a talker. But anyway, your uncle took his time with me. Walked me all around the store. I found a puppy—a sweet little terrier that I almost thought would be a perfect match, and my father was pushing for it since it wouldn’t have been competition for him. You know, a small dog’s not going to fight back like a big old German shepherd.”
“Gem of a man,” Betty muttered.
Eva nodded. “But Donovan told me to wait in the store for a moment, that he’d be right back.”
She cleared her throat. “So your uncle went to his office, I guess, I don’t know where, but he returned with a cage and in that cage—you’ll never guess what it was.”
I leaned forward. “What?”
Eva bit her bottom lip. “A falcon.”
“What?” I said.
“Hawk to us Southerners,” Betty said.
I scowled. “I know what a falcon is, but it’s different from a hawk. Anyway, I’m confused. What was Donovan doing with one?”
Betty snorted. “What was he doing ordering a dragon for you?”
I clicked my tongue. “Good point. So what about this falcon?”
Eva’s fingers flared. “The moment I saw it, I knew that was my familiar. The magic brewing between us was instant. It was a connection I’d never known in my entire life and wasn’t sure if I’d ever experience it again. So I nabbed it. My pa didn’t like it, but Donovan pushed, saying that the two of us were linked. That bird was meant to be mine, and I was meant to be its witch.”
I nodded encouragingly. “And it saved your life? By being your familiar?”
Eva shook her head. “No, by attacking my father one night when he raised a hand against me. The bird literally saved me. From that moment on, things were different between me and Pa. He left me and Mom alone, instead taking his rage out at the bar. I can’t tell you how grateful I was. If it hadn’t been for your uncle, I would be dead now, I just know it—either from my pa or because I would’ve wound up on the streets doing drugs and Lord knows what else. But instead I got my witch degree and worked hard. That was before I ever met Johnny.”
She giggled like a little girl. “I know he’s a hard guy and maybe doesn’t always do what’s right, but I love him and he loves me. Isn’t that all most of us want in life, to love and be loved?”
Tears stung my eyes. No, I hadn’t expected it, but Eva was something else—a breath of fresh air in a pet store.
She dabbed her nose again and rose. “I’ve been gone for a while. Johnny’ll be looking for me.” She laid the glass on the counter. “If you see your uncle, tell him I said thanks, okay?”
I smiled widely. “I’ll gladly tell him.”
She gave me a stiff yet warm hug and exited the store. I leaned against the counter and glanced at Betty.
“I didn’t expect that,” I said.
She smirked. “I’ve learned not to expect anything. That way I’m always ready for whatever life throws at me.”
“That doesn’t make sense in this case.”
Betty shrugged.
I guess she didn’t care.
“It was a nice story,” she finally said. “I’m glad that girl found her way in life.”
I raised my hands. “Wow. Was that so hard to admit? That you liked something?”
“It wasn’t hard. I just didn’t feel like it.”
The door swung open, and Axel walked in.
“I almost forgot about you,” I said. Seeing the look of hurt in his eyes, I quickly added, “I didn’t mean it like that. What I meant was, we got carried away with the conversation. Eva had a lot to say.”
He crossed his arms. “Tell me everything.”
“How about I sum up—Donovan saved her life as a child by matching her with a falcon.”
He quirked a brow. “Intriguing.”
“Not really,” Betty said.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re such a party pooper. Anyway, that was why she saved Donovan. Because once he saved her, and she returned the favor.”
He frowned. “Why doesn’t Johnny know that Eva had met Donovan before?”
I raked my fingers through my hair. “My guess is she’s ashamed of her past and doesn’t want it to hamper her future.”
“Not an uncommon thing,” he murmured.
“So who are you questioning next?” I said.
“The von Trapp Family Singers,” Betty said.
My gaze washed from her to Axel. “Is that true?”
He nodded. “Yep. They’re giving a small benefit concert tonight.”
“To benefit what?”
“Themselves,” Betty said.
I barked a laugh. “Are you kidding?”
She shook her head. “Wish I was. That’s what the signs say.”
I crossed to Axel and elbowed his ribs. “You taking a date?”
He curled a hand around my shoulders. “As long as you’re saying yes.”
Betty snickered. “If any kissing starts, I’m out of here.”
“Okay,” I said.
So she left. So did Axel. I finished up cleaning and went home, where I found Donovan on the back porch reading the paper.
I leaned on the doorframe. “Garrick Young call you today?”
He shook his head. “No, I think they’re still investigating. I’m surprised he hasn’t shown up to arrest me, though. Out of all the folks in that circle, I had the most reason to want to be rid of Carl.”
I shook my head so emphatically I’m surprised it didn’t fall off. “Garrick’s not going to arrest you. You didn’t do it.
Anyone can see that. But that’s not why I’m bothering you.”
He folded the paper and set it down. “You’re not disturbing me. Sit. We haven’t had any time to chat. You’re my successor, for what it’s worth.”
“It’s worth a lot,” I said. Then realizing that sentence made no sense, I added, “It means a lot to me. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
He smiled. “I get it, and I appreciate you taking to the job so quickly.”
I laughed. “It wasn’t so quickly. I wasn’t fond of animals at first.”
“Well, there are worse things you could detest. Like what if you hated being stuck inside all day?”
I balked. “You don’t think disliking animals is worse?”
“Not really. After a while most animals grow on people. I had faith in you, and I’m glad I did.”
I watched as he pulled that silver coin from his pocket and pressed it between his fingers. “A woman came in today and said that you saved her life when she was a girl.”
He scratched his head in that absentminded way. “Oh? What did I match her with?”
“A falcon.”
“I remember her. She needed a familiar that would protect her.”
I twisted a strand of hair. “You could tell that?”
“Oh yes, you watch, you listen, you figure out a whole bunch about the witches you’re matching.”
“I don’t feel like I would know anything like that about a person who walked into the store.”
“You’d be surprised,” he said, tossing the coin
in the air and catching it.
No, I wouldn’t be surprised because I wasn’t kidding. I felt like I could match people, but to really go deep into what was going on internally in a witch, I didn’t feel like I had the talent to work that sort of magic.
He palmed the coin. “I can tell by the look on your face you don’t believe me.”
“Is it that obvious?” I said.
“Like I said, I can figure out a lot about people. Sometimes it extends past when I’m matching them. I tell you what. Tonight I’ll teach you how to do it.”
I leaned back. “You will?”
“Sure. We’ll find a mark and work some magic. What plans do you have?”
I clicked my tongue. “Funny you should ask because the Sensational Singers are giving a benefit concert in honor of themselves.”
He rubbed his chin. “Sounds intriguing. I’ll come along, and we can do work afterward. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to go deep into people and animal minds.”
I rubbed my thighs and rose. “I look forward to it. Thanks for teaching me.”
“No problem.”
I opened my mouth to say something and stopped.
“What is it?” he said.
“That coin. I was wondering about it,” I lied.
“This?” he said, flashing it. “It just a token that I have. A bit of magic. It keeps me grounded. Ever since I rented my house out and can’t stay there, this little thing keeps me company.”
“You rented your house? You’re supposed to be dead.”
“Yeah,” he said, hanging his head in that embarrassed way of his. “The money goes to a trust that I have access to. That’s why I’m staying here. But anyway, touch the coin.”
He dropped it in my palm. It hummed with energy. “Magic.”
He nodded. “It’s very magical. For a time I lost it. Actually it was stolen from me, but I got it back and I’ve kept tight control of it ever since.”
I handed it back. “I’ve never seen a coin like it.”
“It’s one of a kind.”
I smiled. “Well then, I’ll see you tonight.”
I left the room, annoyed with myself for not asking the question that was really needling me—did Donovan plan on staying when all this was over? Would he want the store back? It was his, after all, and only mine by default.
