“Touché.” Kaden’s mouth twitched, “So, a ghost is trying to talk to you?”
“I think so and I might know who it is. Star is doing some research for me. In the meantime, I want to try something. I want to try to contact Sylvia with her Ouija board.”
“No!”
“What do you mean, no?” Mallory asked through clenched teeth.
“Mal, I’ve never interfered with your gifts because they’re part of you, and I embrace all of you. But this frightens me—considering how you reacted last night.” Kaden hugged her tighter before continuing. “Do you have any idea what it was like getting those phone calls from Nana and then you? Knowing something was wrong, trying to reach you? I don’t want to go through anything like that again.”
“Kaden, I can sympathize, I really can. But you’re a cop, and I don’t demand you avoid dangerous criminals. If you want to assist me, then you’re welcome to, but I’m not asking permission.”
“Fine.”
“Fine, what?” Mallory, asked.
“Fine. I’ll assist you. Lead the way.”
Stony silence accompanied them as they walked down the stairs to Sylvia’s suite on the second-floor, both had their arms folded across their chests. At last, they came to the taped off room and Mallory sat on Sylvia’s bed, still marveling at the mess. She hoped she was doing the right thing but she was nervous. Well, enough procrastinating.
“Okay, how did you do it the last time,” Kaden asked.
“I touched the planchette.”
“The what?”
“The Planchette. You know, the triangular wooden piece with a little window in it. Here, I’ll show you.”
Kaden sat across from her as she opened the box. Mallory pulled the board out first, it smelled slightly musty. As she unfolded it, a stronger scent wafted in the air.
“It smells like an old house. You know how everything in them gets that odor of… Eau d’age?” Kaden commented.
Mallory chuckled as she laid the board between them on the bed, grateful for the release. She was feeling uber tense. Was she crazy to do this after last night? Just thinking about the pain sent a stab of fear down her spine.
She pointed to the planchette. “You’re supposed to lightly place your fingertips on it and, if you make contact, the spirits will answer your questions by moving it around the board to spell out their responses.”
“Aren’t these things dangerous? Like don’t they bring poltergeists that can get trapped in your house.”
“Well, it’s not a toy if that’s what you mean. A protection prayer should always be said before trying to use it and a closing prayer when you’re finished.”
“Did you do that last night?” Kaden asked.
“No, I wasn’t trying to use it. I just opened the box and touched the planchette. That’s when the violins started screaming in my head. I ran in an attempt to escape the crushing noise and it led me outside.”
“Hmm, well, at least I’m here this time. I can physically break the connection if you experience that again.”
Mallory smiled sadly. “I let go of the planchette before and it didn’t stop until I found her.”
“Well, then maybe we’d better reevaluate…”
“No time. I’m thinking the reason that happened is because she wanted to be found—or maybe demanded to be. It’s possible it was so intense because we’re both finders. Now that she has been found, I’m confident… okay maybe, I’m hoping the same thing won’t happen. Regardless, I’m going to be more careful this time. Which is why I need you to get the planchette out for me.”
“Me?”
“Yes, please, and put it on the board.”
He let his hand hover over it, momentarily as if he were debating the consequences.
“Don’t worry. It’s not going to give you the bubonic plague or anything—at least, I hope not. I’d hate to lose another boyfriend that way.” Mallory teased, much to Kaden’s grim look. “What? I’m joking. Will you relax.”
Kaden looked away nervously. “Considering what it did to you, I don’t think being prudent is unwise.”
“Fair enough.”
He waited a few more seconds and then heaved it out of the box, and dropped it onto the board like it scalded him. Mallory smirked but said nothing. Time to test this little theory out. She reached out with trembling fingers. Kaden grabbed her wrist just as she touched the planchette. Nothing happened for a moment, then images started flowing through her mind. Rotating, repeating. No music. No pain. That was odd, it was almost as if Kaden muted the harmful effects. She had been with him at least two of the times she heard the voice speaking to her. Was it possible that Kaden was an anchor of some kind that could also amplify her gifts?
Mallory opened her eyes to see Kaden staring at her.
“What?” Mal asked.
“A knife, a book, a note, water.”
“You saw that?” Mal cried.
Kaden just nodded, clearly stunned. Finally, he found his voice. “How do you feel? Did you hear music or anything?”
“I’m fine. No music. The music seems to happen when I’m finding certain things and we aren’t really doing that this time. Have you seen things before, Kaden? Why didn’t you tell me you have gifts of your own?”
“Because I don’t! At least not before last night.”
The trill of Mallory’s phone made them jump. She answered it, but before she could say hello, Danior’s voice demanded, “Mal, is Kaden with you?”
“Yes.”
“I think he better get down here. Now!”
Mallory and Kaden took the main staircase. Halfway down, they heard a commotion.
“I need to see Detective Bones, right now. It’s regarding Mr. Poe.”
“I told you he was upstairs. Give him a minute, would ya?” Danior stood nose to nose with the self-important Officer Fleur.
“What’s going on here, Officer?” Kaden asked.
“Oh, Detective Bones!” Like magic her voice changed from belligerent to sugar sweet. Danior frowned. “I was instructed to bring this person of interest to you personally.”
“Were you instructed to create a commotion? And why is he handcuffed?”
“Wh-what? No. I just…” Officer Fleur’s eyes flicked to Mallory as she stepped out from behind Kaden, then narrowed.
“I asked you a question, Officer. Mr. Poe, please come here.” Kaden unlocked the handcuffs from behind Edwin’s back. “Sorry about that. We appreciate your continued cooperation. You’re free to go to your room, or perhaps you’re hungry? Dan? Mal?”
Danior looked at Mal with big eyes and took off toward the kitchen.
“Officer Fleur, a word. Outside,” Kaden demanded.
Mallory shook her head and walked with Edwin up the main staircase.
“Edwin? I have to tell you something.”
He turned, “I was behind the glass during your interview and I could see your aura the whole time.”
He blanched, but said nothing.
“You’re hiding something. I can see that you liked Sylvia but I can also see how conflicted you are. Maybe if you tell me the truth. Tell me what you’re hiding, we can clear your name.”
Edwin glanced around and lowered his voice, “I will tell you, Miss Vianu.”
“Please call me Mallory.”
Edwin nodded; his eyes skirted the corridor to where Lizzy was helping Willa with a room service cart.
“Later.” He whispered.
Mallory nodded and trotted back the way she’d come, allowing Edwin to enter his room alone.
Back downstairs, everything looked set for dinner. It was very odd to have been so hands off with this group. Thank goodness for the BFC crew or it could have been a disaster.
Eve strolled up with a martini in her hand. “What’s up, Buttercup?”
“Are you feeling better, Eve?”
“I’m not feeling much of anything, thank you very much. I could get used to working here. And by that, I mean free boo
ze, now that’s what I call a fringe benefit.” Eve drawled. “Who was that strumpet in the foyer?”
That shocked a laugh out of Mallory. “She’s a temporary police officer from the city.”
“You need to watch out for vipers like that, they’ll use any means to get what they want.”
“I’m not worried about Kaden, but I did mark my territory at the station in front of everyone.”
“Do tell.” Eve leaned closer.
“I just planted the most passionate kiss of my life on him. I don’t know what came over me.”
Eve laughed as she wandered off, “I do, young Jedi, I do.”
Someone tapped Mallory’s shoulder, making her jump. “Cody! What’re you doing here?”
“You’ve been very jumpy lately.”
“Can you blame me?” Mal asked.
“Not really,” Cody sighed. “I finally spoke to a clerk in vital records at the California Department of Public Health and I need to question Star St. James.”
“Star? Why? I mean, they were friends, but they haven’t seen each other in months.”
“Actually, Mal. They were more than just friends,” Cody said.
“What do you mean?” Mallory asked.
“I mean, they were married,” Cody explained.
“What? She never said anything.”
“Which makes her look guilty,” Cody said with a grimace.
“Maybe it was too painful—maybe they were planning to get a divorce,” Mallory said. “I mean looking back, there was this chemistry between them, and Star was so sad after she moved here from California. I wonder why she never told me.”
“Relationships can be complicated,” Cody said. “Regardless, I need to speak with her. Is she still here?”
“The day’s seminars should be finishing up,” Mallory said. “I’ll ask—Oh, Lizzy, I didn’t see you there. Will you hand a note to Star to meet us in the kitchen?”
“Sure, I guess it would be a shock to find out the person you loved was cheating on you,” Lizzy said.
Mallory frowned, but didn’t say anything, refusing to add to the local grapevine. There were bound to be rumors and speculation about everything that had gone on during Hexfest. However, it looked like she would have to speak to Lizzy again. How did Lizzy know about Edwin and Sylvia, anyway?
SIXTEEN
“Mal?” Star questioned as she entered the kitchen. “Captain Lumos! Is there news about Sylvia? May I see her?”
“Ms. St. James, or is it ‘Mrs.?’”
Star started shaking, face pale. Mallory reached out to steady her and led her to a chair, scowling at Cody. “Was that necessary?”
“This is a murder inquiry,” Cody said, brows raised.
There was a clatter in the butler’s pantry. Mal stayed by Star in solidarity, knowing they would see who exited the pantry.
“Why did you hide your marriage?”
“I just didn’t see the point of telling anyone. I was new in town and you never know how people will react to a same-sex marriage. Besides, we were over, even though I still cared about her. We talked about her moving here and maybe trying things again at first, but I think she loved her notoriety in California too much to ever leave. I don’t know what it was about her—I just couldn’t let her go —but she was just never happy.”
“Did you know about Edwin?” Cody asked.
“I did. We told each other everything. As I said before, she was my best friend. That didn’t change.”
“It’s one thing to hear about another person in her life, but quite another to see them together,” Cody continued. “Jealousy is unfortunately a motivation for murder.”
Willa, the new cook, stormed out of the pantry.
“Star wasn’t jealous!” Willa exclaimed. “She has me.”
Star dropped her chin and closed her eyes.
“That’s why you looked familiar to me.” Mal smacked her forehead. “You were always in Peace and Light when Nana and I were giving readings.”
Cody looked from Star to Willa and back. “So, you two …?”
“Are dating,” Willa smiled.
“Are friends,” Star said.
Willa looked at Star, hurt plainly visible in her amber eyes.
Mal cleared her throat. “Willa, why don’t you take a break while we finish up.”
Star mouthed, “Thank you” to Mallory.
“She means well, but she is definitely moving faster than I am. I didn’t want to just rebound and hurt her, so I’m taking it slow. I still love Sylvia and Willa doesn’t seem to understand. Why is Edwin still here, anyway? I heard about the commotion when he was returned to the manor. Sylvia told me repeatedly that she didn’t trust him. She caught him going through her things on numerous occasions and she thought that he was stealing spells from her, or trying to. That was the only reason he stayed. So, why haven’t you arrested him? Envy is motive for murder, is it not?” Star demanded.
“I have no more reason to arrest him than I do you right now. I need more information and I hope the autopsy will provide it,” Cody said.
“Me?” She paled, making her look like a ghost, with her platinum hair, white pantsuit and her pretty face leached of all color.
“Yes, even if you didn’t want to tell everyone of your marriage, why didn’t you at least speak up when you were told of your wife’s death? It’s clear you were hiding it and I have to ask myself why.”
Star started to cry, so Mallory wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I don’t know why? I was so shocked, and I just didn’t think. Oh, what she must think of me! Mal, maybe that’s why I couldn’t contact her. I hurt her.” Star was sobbing now. Mal looked pointedly at Cody and waved her fingers at her throat, in a cut motion trying to end the interview.
“That’s enough for now. I know you wanted to see Sylvia’s body and we really need an official identification, so…”
“Captain Lumos, do I meet you at the morgue?” Star was gulping air. “I have to come back here, so it would be easier if I have my car.”
Cody nodded.
Mallory had an idea. “Star, I’ll take you. You shouldn’t be driving while you’re this upset.”
SEVENTEEN
M allory and Star arrived at the Bohemian Lake hospital. It was a squat, oblong building made of stone, only two stories tall. Luckily, their hospital was never full even though they only had about fifty beds. That, of course, didn’t include their destination in the basement. There truly was nothing creepier than the basement of a hospital even without a morgue. On second thought, with a morgue, was worse.
Star gripped Mallory’s hand so tight, Mallory thought her bones would crack. They entered the elevator and Mallory reached out to push ‘B’. Such a short ride, but Star was breathing faster when they reached the lower level. The doors opened upon a small foyer with five chairs and an aide sitting at a desk.
“May I help you?” the aide asked.
“Yes, thank you. Ms. St. James is here to formally identify Madam Sylvia Broome’s body,” Mal answered as she steered Star to a chair, not trusting that Star could continue standing.
Mallory shook her hand out, trying to get her blood flowing again. Star was breathing a bit better, but silent tears flowed down her face.
“Please take a seat, it’ll be a minute or two. Captain Lumos called ahead, so we are already preparing her.” The aide carried a box of Kleenex to Star. “I’m so sorry for your loss, ma’am.”
“Th-thank you.” Star sat and began shredding the tissue.
Mal felt terrible for her friend, but she couldn’t do more than be there for her. She put her arm around Star once she sat next to her.
“Ms. St. James and Ms. Vianu?” A large man in scrubs lumbered up to them. He had a balding, age-spotted head, and Mallory wondered if all his hair had just relocated to his eyebrows and ears. “I’m Dr. Howell, the medical examiner. I’m going to take you for the identification personally. We have moved Ms. Broome into an ante-chamber because we have started
a couple of autopsies and I want to spare you from that visual. This building is so old there are, unfortunately, no viewing windows.”
“You don’t have video cameras and closed-circuit televisions?” Mal asked.
“No, I’m afraid our budget is very small, and you have to worry about being hacked, especially with cameras. I wouldn’t know what to do if a decedent’s photo ended up on the internet, so we’re keeping it old school.”
Mal nodded. She pushed Star, who was quietly crying, in front of her as they followed Dr. Howell down hallways making several turns. Mallory heard heavy breathing again, but Star seemed to be inside herself, almost unaware or zombie-like. That’s when Mal realized she was practically hyper-ventilating. She turned to restorative deep breathing—inhale count to four, release slowly counting to eight—to calm herself down. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen dead bodies before. It seemed to be the setting. Mal always had a thing about doctor’s offices and hospitals. The antiseptic smell brought about a fear response; add that to the low buzz of flickering fluorescent lights and the slight odor of decay, and it was a recipe for anxiety.
Dr. Howell slowed as they approached a door. “You can grab a mask there in that basket to help a little with the odor.”
“Isn’t there some mentholated ointment that we can dab under our noses like they do on TV?” Mallory asked.
Dr. Howell shook his head, “That’s the last thing you want to do! It’ll open your sinuses, so the odor will be more pronounced. Hmph, damn screenwriters.”
Mallory shuddered.
They both hooked the masks over their ears and nodded. Dr. Howell opened the door and went to the head of the table. As they followed him, the pneumatic door shut on its own.
“Now, I must warn you. Ms. Broome’s face will be bloated, and cyanotic or a very dark blue,” Dr. Howell said.
This time, Mal grabbed Star’s hand in a fierce hold, trying to anchor them both. He carefully pulled the sheet back just barely clearing Silvia’s chin to hide the bruising, Mallory assumed. Star started sobbing immediately and brushed her free hand through Sylvia’s soft silver hair. Mallory tried to school her features, but tears ran down her face. Inside her a storm was brewing, too much death and not enough answers. She wanted to touch Sylvia to see what she could learn about her death. It might be the quickest way to unmask her killer. Mal reached out to touch her hair when what felt like a fierce wind bumped her arm. “Don’t!” A man’s disembodied voice. The door opened behind them, making them all jump.
Ouija, Death & Wicked Witchery Page 8
