“Please don’t! I’m the one who asked her to run. I hate being the acting president. I’m only doing it because Pike’s got her hands full with the new baby and hardly needs the stress.” Mallory said it in a joking manner–but she was partly serious.
“Well, I think you’re doing a great job,” Kaden said. “Anyway, how did the séance go?”
“No news from the other side,” Star said. “But we saw a ghost light. You don’t see those every day.”
“I’m not sure what that is,” Kaden remarked. “But I’m sorry you didn’t get answers, Mal.
“Me, too. What’s worse is we experienced a hate crime while we were doing it.”
“What? A hate crime?”
“Yep. Against witches. Someone flung a brick right through Star’s front glass window.”
“Did you see who did it?”
“No, we thought it was the weather at first but it had a note wrapped around it.”
“Why didn’t you call me? What did it say?”
“All witches must die and then it said something about the hunt being on.”
“Mallory! Why didn’t you call me? Did you not consider the danger? You have a manor full of witches this weekend.”
Mallory blanched at the thought.
“Don’t be mad at her, Kaden.” Star said. “It was my fault. I told her not to call. I’ve dealt with this all my life. It’s just some kids vandalizing. They probably thought the store was empty due to the storm. Honestly, I’m not worried.”
Mallory could tell by the look on Kaden’s face that he was still upset but Emilion was almost finished setting up the microphone and podium across the room, and it was time for her to focus on her duties. So, she excused herself–good thing, too, since Eve was headed their way with buttons.
Emilion looked up and Mallory waved to let him know she was on her way just as a loud clap of thunder managed to get everyone’s attention. Several bolts of lightning tore through the sky outside the large windows.
The crystal chandeliers above them flickered and swung a little from side to side, the large teardrops tinkling loudly. The power stayed on–but a sense of uneasiness crept into the big room.
Mallory managed to avoid Eve and get through the crowd to reach the podium. Despite the storm’s furious pounding, Mallory knew no real warnings had gone up across the Bohemian Lake region.
“I thought that last one was going to do us in,” Emilion said as Mallory reached him.
“Just be ready to start up the generator if necessary—outside this time.” She said with a smile, given their last little accident.
“I know that. Are you ready ‘cause I could grab Eve if you’re not? She’s chomping at the bit.” Emilion smirked and adjusted the microphone for her.
“Thanks for the reminder.”
Mallory waited for him to step back, then addressed the group. People stopped talking and everyone looked up at her.
The thunder and lightning continued to pummel the outside while Mallory started into her speech–the guests laughed and applauded at just the right spots. She could see Eve out of the corner of her eye mimicking the words as she said them. She made a great understudy.
As Mallory spoke, she could see the trees were blowing, pushed around by the harsh winds. Emilion and the maintenance team would have their work cut out for them later.
Mallory finally finished her welcome speech–it seemed to take forever. Despite her words of assurance to everyone else, she still felt the storm raging outside. Maybe it didn’t look so bad, but she was beginning to feel something more coming toward them.
She looked out at the faces of people she knew and those she’d never met before. They all seemed calm and relaxed, enjoying the party’s appetizers. Many of them sipped the signature cocktail—a fun, shimmery purple liqueur topped with fruit and dry ice to make it smoke and swirl like a potion. Not to mention, the champagne flowed freely–that definitely helped.
So maybe Mallory was the only one ill at ease.
She couldn’t seem to shake that feeling that had come prior to the séance—the feeling of dread. She kept smiling anyway–that was part of her job as president of the BFC, not to mention manager of Caravan Manor. She forced herself to relax and grabbed a mummy wrapped meatball off the server’s tray. She really needed a vacation after this. She chatted and sipped some excellent wine from one of the local vineyards—conveniently owned by Kaden’s aunt and uncle—and secretly wished the costume ball was over and she was in bed.
Which wasn’t exactly unusual for her. Mallory loved managing the Manor, but she was a fiercely private person, and tonight she wanted to cuddle up with Kaden and listen to the storm rumble by in the night. She’d feel safe there with him–not just from the storm, but from the strange uneasiness lurking at the edge of her skull.
“Miss Vianu!”
Mallory turned at the sound of the raspy, seductive voice and found a woman in her mid-forties, tall, with signature red lips and blue eyes, waving at her. It was the keynote speaker, Madam Sylvia Broome, the silver haired friend of Star St. James. She’d seen plenty of photos, as High Priestess of the group she was pretty much a celebrity, especially in California where she was from.
She’d come with Star to Bohemian Lake eight months ago to help her find the perfect location for her shop, which turned out to be on Main Street. Mallory had liked her right from the get-go—it was too bad she hadn’t been back to visit.
“Great speech!” Sylvia said when she reached her. She gave her an air kiss and her fabulous celebrity smile. She was dressed in an over the top black Elvira costume. “Love this place! The Caravan Manor is perfection and the people here—well, you do grow them gorgeous, now, don’t you. Like him over there, for example. Hello, handsome! Is he spoken for? I’m between lovers right now, as you can tell.”
“Thanks. Yeah, Caravan Manor is home, and Kaden is a fine specimen of a man although he’s not a native Bohemian. His family is from the area though.” Mallory didn’t necessarily see her as a threat for Kaden’s attention, but she didn’t want to share her love life with just anyone.
“So, what made you decide to host Hexfest this year? It’s a big job organizing all those classes.”
Mallory smiled. “It’s what we do.”
Sylvia frowned. “Now, Mallory, why would you lie to someone who can read auras.”
Mallory laughed. “Well, I’m not lying. It is what we do, but you’re right I hosted it because I really wanted to meet you.”
“Now, that’s more like it. You want my help?” Sylvia asked, pursing her lips seductively.
“Yes, I share your gifts but I’m afraid I’m a bit of a new born foal attempting to walk.”
“Can you read auras?”
“I can see them. I don’t know how to decipher them. I mean, I’ve read all about them but it seems like every color goes either way, negative and positive, so how do you know what they mean.”
“Ah. Well. That is true but the shades are different my dear, and I’m afraid everyone’s tuner is unique so you may just have to be patient. Pay attention and learn what the shades mean to you.” Sylvia laughed. “I can see your disappointed. I wish I had a better answer for you, but how about an exercise.”
Mallory felt uncertain but nodded.
“Close your eyes.”
Mallory did as she was told.
“What color is my dress? Don’t think logically. Just picture me right now and tell me what color my dress is.”
“Pink. Dark pink.” Mallory answered, although she couldn’t explain why. She figured the High Priestess’ aura would be purple for sure.
Sylvia laughed and Mallory opened her eyes. “Why are you laughing. What does pink mean?”
“I’m sorry, dear. I don’t mean to laugh. I was looking at that handsome man across the room and got distracted. I think you picked up on it. Pink is a very soft and tender energy. It is sensitive, sensual, artistic and also very affectionate. Dark pink, on the other hand can signi
fy a seductive, playful and erotic nature and one that is very sensual and sexually creative.” Sylvia gave her a wink. “I’m afraid you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Of course, it can also mean vindictive, spoiled, immature, dishonest and egotistical, but that’s hardly me.”
Mallory saw something in her aura flicker and wondered if maybe some of those traits were in fact her.
“Ladies.” Kaden joined them, smiling. He slipped his arm around Mallory’s waist. “I don’t think I’ve met your friend, Mal.”
Sylvia sipped from her flute and gave a wicked smile. “So that’s the way it is, huh? Lucky witch.”
Mallory laughed. “Kaden, this is Star’s friend, Madam Sylvia Broome of Malibu. Sylvia, this is Kaden Bones of the Bohemian Lake Police Department.”
He nodded to her. “Nice to meet you, Madam Broome.”
“Please, call me Sylvia. You know, you look a little familiar to me. Have you spent much time in Malibu?”
“I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure. So, how are you enjoying the costume ball?”
“I was enjoying it more when I thought you were single.” She laughed, “No, it’s lovely but a wee bit dry.” She finished her glass of wine. “Or maybe I just need another cocktail. Excuse me while I go look for something and someone to share it with.”
“She’s… umm… nice,” Kaden said when she’d disappeared back into the crowd. “Have you known her long?”
“No. I only met her the once, but Star refers to her as her best friend. She’s a character, though.”
“That’s plain to see,” he agreed.
Mallory hugged him a little tighter and kissed his chin. “As much fun as you are, I have to mingle, or else Eve will trash me in her next campaign speech.”
He held her to him a moment longer. “I think she will, anyway. But seriously, are you okay? You seem a little worried. Is it the storm?”
“I’m not worried.”
“Yes, you are. You get a wrinkle right here on your forehead when you’re worried. Don’t try to lie to me. I’m a trained pro, you know.”
“I’m fine. Stop telling me I’m wrinkly and stop treating me like a suspect, Detective, unless you brought your handcuffs.”
“It just so happens; I did bring my handcuffs.”
“Good. You can interrogate me later.”
Mallory wandered away with a wink and actually began to relax and enjoy herself as she made the rounds of the room and introduced herself to the other witches and their families. She was telling herself the whole feeling of dread was just her imagination working overtime when she noticed Kaden and Captain Cody Lumos reach for their cells. The devices didn’t make a sound, but Mallory knew there was a problem. A loud rumble of thunder cracked over them, followed immediately by the power flickering and dying.
FOUR
“N ot again!” Eve shrieked.
The voices in the room reached a cacophonous level.
“Great, Eve, just great,” Mallory muttered, then made a beeline for Kaden using the light of her cellphone screen.
“Kaden! Can you get everyone’s attention for me please?”
An ear-splitting whistle rent the air and immediately all noise and conversation stopped. Mallory smiled at Kaden, then addressed the crowd.
“Everyone, please don’t worry! We have a box of flashlights that we’ll distribute momentarily and Emilion will start the generator, so power will be restored in approximately thirty minutes. I apologize for the inconvenience and that our largest prop, the storm, got a little out of hand. Atmosphere is everything when planning events such as Hexfest.” A chuckle rippled throughout the crowd, dropping the tension level. “Now, once you receive a flashlight, please make your way to the dining room where our food is set-up buffet style. At the doorway, give your name to Danior, so we can make sure everyone is in one place. Once your name is checked off, please feel free to enjoy dinner by candlelight and flashlight.”
Mallory called Nataliya, Danior and Lizzy over. “Dan, you know what to do. Grab Eve for crowd control. She can use this as another campaign strategy.”
“Aye, Captain!”
“Nataliya?” Mallory turned to address the chef next.
“Candles?” Nataliya questioned.
“Yes, thank you.” Mallory realized what great family and employees she had. She wasn’t completely sure about the new one yet, so better start small. “Lizzy, would you start handing out the flashlights, please? They’re in a box in the podium.”
“Yes, Ma’am!”
Mallory turned back to Kaden, “Okay, what’s going on?”
“I knew you were worried. I’m sorry, Mal, I have to go.”
“I know, I saw you and Cody both answer your phones.”
“There’s a great deal of storm damage, so it is all-hands-on deck.” Kaden smiled.
Mallory stared at him to see if she could make him crack but knew Kaden could play poker with the best of them. “Okay, I’ve just had this feeling of dread all week and it keeps getting stronger.”
“Will you be alright here?”
Mallory wrapped her arms around his waist laying her ear near his heart, comforted by the thumping sound. “Of course, Detective. You go take care of the town.”
Kaden lifted her chin up with his finger. “I’ll be back to check on you and the crew when I’m finished.” He gave her a kiss on the nose and was gone.
FIVE
M allory headed to the dining room to check on everyone, wondering what else would happen. She couldn’t ignore the constant tingling sensation in her spine, and they were already starting to get a name for themselves here. Caravan Murder Manor, due to all the deaths that had taken place here over the last year —and people didn’t even know about the ghosts that seemed to check-in and out as often as the live guests.
She decided to cut through the kitchen on the way to the dining room. Mallory genuinely loved the manor but didn’t like the way her flashlight bounced light off the copper pots hanging above the sleek granite countertop. Between the flickering shadows and the rain pelting the window like someone was throwing pebbles to get her attention, she never realized how creepy it was walking through the kitchen with limited light. It had to be the storm. Mal took another step, suddenly she heard whispering off in the corner. As she crept in that direction, the whispering stopped. That’s weird. She turned into the pantry and saw a white face.
Muttered cursing ensued.
Mallory leapt back as she realized she was blinding someone. She set her flashlight on the butler’s pantry counter, pointed toward the ceiling creating a halo of light and only then saw it was the new sous chef, Willa Osgood.
“I’m so sorry, are you alright?”
“Ms. Vianu! I apologize for cursing. It’s just that…”
“I surprised and blinded you?”
“Well, yes.” Willa looked at the floor.
“Don’t worry about the cursing, I would have done the same. What are you doing in here? I thought everyone was helping in the dining room,” Mallory inquired.
“I just brought a tub of dirty dishes, so once the power is restored it won’t take long to finish up after the party. I was just about to return.”
A young man, probably in his twenties, tall, handsome, and allergic to sunlight if his skin was anything to go by stepped out from behind her and hurried away before Mallory could stop him.
“Who was that?” Mallory asked.
“Someone named Mr. Poe.” She shrugged. “He insisted on helping me carry the dishes.”
“Well, that was very kind of him. Odd that he scurried away like that. Anyway, let’s go back, shall we? Check on the guests.”
Willa nodded.
“So, tell me, Willa,” Mallory chatted, as they walked, “How are you liking it here? Nataliya’s not being too hard on you, is she?” Willa had been recommended to them by Mallory’s good friend and local café owner, Pike Hart. It didn’t hurt that she was a kitchen witch, which was a fancy way of saying her magic
was home based. Nana had called her an enchantress of the hearth and home. “Not at all, Ms. Vianu. Nataliya can be a bit bristly but I think we’re getting on just fine.”
“Good. I’d hate for her too scare you away. Although, I’m sure Pike would snap you up in a heartbeat. She had a lot of nice things to say about you.”
“Pike’s the best, and that little one of hers is a doll.”
“How do you know her anyway?”
“Actually, I know all of you. I grew up in Bohemian Lake. Pike even used to babysit me.”
“Really?” Mallory said, feeling awful. “So, you went to high school here?”
“Yeah, but I went to the Catholic school so we didn’t exactly run in the same circles, not to mention I went by my mother’s last name, Hawke for half my life. But then she remarried and he adopted me.”
“Wow. What a small world.”
“I know,” Willa said, stopping to clear some plates, “I moved away to go to culinary school and just got back not that long ago. Anyway, I better run these plates back to the kitchen.”
Mallory nodded and continued on her way.
“Mal, dear,” One of the manor’s tea room regulars, Bonita shouted, as she passed the first table. “Isn’t this weather divine? The atmosphere it’s creating… well, oh my, it’s simply perfect!” She patted her closely cropped mop of yellow hair as she spoke. Eve called her hairstyle “the ramen noodle look.” The ladies were clearly dressed in the theme of Hocus Pocus and Bonita had used her blonde curls to her advantage to claim position as the sexy Sarah Sanderson—despite being the least seductive of the Victorian Ladies posse.
“It’s something alright.” Mallory smiled and took a step closer. “The power outage is a little inconvenient but what a way to top off the evening, am I right?”
“So, fitting for a witch party though. By the way, have you heard about the Witch House?” Bernice Blether asked. By the way and have you heard were typical talking points with Mrs. Blether. She was the biggest gossip in Bohemian Lake; as a matter of fact, she was rumored to be one of the Mabel’s, Eve’s network of spies though Eve denied it. “You know the spooky old Colonial Mansion out in the middle of nowhere.” She went on.
Ouija, Death & Wicked Witchery Page 2
