A Fresh Brew

by Verena DeLuca

  "Hailey, you should be ashamed of yourself," Sam stepped in front of Tanner. "It's none of your business, I will teach you a lesson Tona should have years ago. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

  He stormed off as fast as his legs would carry him, leaving his cart behind with Tanner.

  "Great, now you hurt the old man's feelings," Tanner said, grabbing the cart. "He's right. You should be ashamed of yourself."

  "Only ashamed that I haven't been clear with everyone else about how toxic your family truly is!"

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Thursday, February 20th

  The cafe was locked, and the last customer had left nearly an hour ago. They scheduled the meetings for 7:00 PM, but of course some ladies showed up early, and some late.

  One benefit of having a cafe for the meeting meant everyone could have a drink, and there was plenty of room to spread out. The dragons were having their own private meeting in the back of the cafe, near the bathrooms, and they expected us dragon protectors to stay up front behind the roaster.

  "We thought about skipping the meeting tonight, but decided against it," Tori explained once everyone settled in. "Tona was a wonderful woman and we all miss her dearly, but we're also thrilled to have you as our newest member."

  "Thank you." I did not know what else to say, so I glanced at my feet. There was no need to be anxious, but my stomach was uneasy with anticipation for the night.

  "She would have wanted us to celebrate her life, and yours. So instead of our usual meeting, let's get you acquainted with the group and celebrate you becoming a dragon tribe member."

  I looked to the back and saw that Azure sat in the middle of the other dragons. Each one looked up at him. He had placed himself atop a table. He really took the whole leader thing a bit far.

  "I know you have a ton of questions, we've all been there. We will do our best to fill in where we can. We are Tribe Rune and cover the Texas hill country. As Azure has hopefully already begun your lessons, the dragon's natural habitat is the cave systems around the world."

  I already knew this, but what I did not know was when Azure and I were to confront Tori and Butter.

  "Once the humans started exploring the caves, the dragons realized they had to protect their home, so they sent liaisons to keep tabs on the human world. In exchange for us guarding their wellbeing, they lend us a hand in running a successful business."

  "Azure just told me about how he helped Aunt Tona make the coffee."

  Tori smiled, "Exactly. It's the same for all of us. I'll let everyone introduce themselves, and their area of expertise. Then we can answer questions."

  I fought down a laugh. My brain flashed the scene of an AA meeting in my mind. Hi, I'm Hailey—Hi Hailey—and I protect a dragon.

  "I'm Sofia, I live in Burnet and run Mahogany Chic. It's a handmade furniture store. I'm a founding protector, so this year will be fifty years."

  Sofia was an older woman. Probably even older than my great aunt had been. Just like Tona, Sofia had an excellent fashion sense. It made sense that she would run a furniture store.

  "My daughter is taking over most of the day to day work. I'm sure you'll meet her soon. I'm the guardian of Ash Rune. He creates intricate patterns in the grains of our wood and helps with creating unique forms for our furniture," she took a sip of her cappuccino.

  "Hey Hailey! I'm Beth," she cleared her throat and took a drink of her blended caramel latte, it came with a dash of salt, a cup lined with actual caramel, "I own a biker hot spot in Buchanan Dam called Flamed."

  While she had to have been in her late forties, her appearance screamed biker through and through. Leathers, long dark gray wavy hair, and a gruff, captivating voice. Her love for life flowed through her every word.

  "It sounds like a rough crowd, but they're teddy bears. Embers flame broiled burgers keep them satisfied anyway. You'll have to come out and try it out for yourself. Best burger in the state, I swear it! We've been in the tribe for oh, seventeen years probably?"

  I did my best to keep track of each of the ladies. I felt like I was back in school and there would be a test at the end of the meeting.

  "I'm Elizabeth, but just call me Liz."

  She reminded me a lot of my own mother—chestnut shoulder length straight hair, tall, and probably shopped at stores like the GAP exclusively. Though I had always viewed Aunt Tona as my "chosen" mother.

  "Josiah and I live in Llano. We create jewelry and other touristy wares out of clay at Fire 'n Clay Studio. We've been bonded for eleven years."

  "It's great to finally meet you Hailey, I'm Vera. Garth is my companion in the garden. We own Little Sprouts in Granite Shoals."

  On the knees of her overalls were two mud stains that looked fresh, and her gray hair was in long pigtails. She had ordered an iced tea, but settled for iced coffee when I explained we didn't serve tea. Guess she thought I might have changed the tea rule.

  "Plants from our nursery grow perfectly no matter your skill," Vera continued. "My granddaughter just moved in with us to help me around the nursery, she's about your age so I'm excited for the future of this tribe. Oh! Almost forgot, fifty years for us too, guess we're the last two Sofia!"

  "I've got that bet in the bag." Sofia said with a chuckle. The room filled with giggles, then quickly silenced into a somber remembrance of the loss of a founding member.

  The next lady cleared her throat, "My name is Betty; I live in Horseshoe Bay and own Stitch Therapy."

  She looked a little out of place for the area wearing a yoga outfit, with white hair in a tight bun atop her head. It had shocked me a bit since she brought a fast food joint lemonade in with her.

  "You'd think Patchwork would have me out of a business, with as good of a job as he does creating quilts that last, but people keep coming back for our beautiful creations. We've been sewing together for twenty-nine years."

  "Hey Hailey, I'm so glad you're going to be a part of this tribe. I know we had a few classes together in high school, but for posterity's sake, I'm Skylar. I inherited Shadow just three years ago, so you can lean on me for support while you adjust.

  "We own Brimstone Beauties, creating lawn ornaments, and home wall decor. You're going to love this tribe; they are the family I've always wanted."

  Skylar was the only other woman my age, and she took my recommendation of a Hemlock Americano—an Americano blended with vanilla almond milk, cinnamon & nutmeg. It would be a great help to have someone to talk to about the adjustment.

  I adored her natural red hair, though I remember her not being that fond of it or the freckles that came with it. The green and white dress she wore complimented her complexion perfectly.

  "You already know all about me, but Butter has been in my care for six years." Tori said. "I know it's a lot to take in at once. Do you have questions we can answer for you?"

  I had hundreds of questions. Number one being, when was Azure going to make his announcement.

  It was fascinating how Tori had taken control of the meeting without hesitation. The more I learned about her, the more it seemed that Azure had been right. He would never let me live that down, but at least the murder would be solved.

  "What are the dragons talking about?"

  "We don't know," Vera said. "They don't share their meetings with us."

  "They might be in the same room," Betty said, "but their meetings are always private. I can't recall the last time Patchwork shared a tidbit from a meeting."

  "Rightly so," Sofia said. "Azure will tell you anything you have to know. Otherwise it's best to leave them to their business and us to ours."

  I felt as if I had just been caught with my hand in a cookie jar. Was this how the meetings would be? The more experienced ladies talking down to me?

  I looked to Skylar, and her eyes said she knew how I felt. I bet she would get along with Aubrey. We could have a proper girl's night out. At least until 10:00 PM when Ziti the Great closed. There was always Wish You Were Beer, but that was very
much a guy's sports bar. Not the ideal location for a girl's night.

  "So, what are our meetings usually like then," I asked.

  "Oh," Tori said. "The weekly meetings are really for the dragons. We just get together to discuss any news that comes up and make sure they get home safe."

  "And the meetings have always been here at Aconite Cafe?"

  "Yes," Betty said.

  "Though it would be nice to change up the location sometimes," Tori said.

  "I like the cafe," Skylar said. "It's roomy."

  "Tori." Sofia's stern face made me shudder and make a mental note not to cross her, "Since you need to be reminded yet again, the meetings are held in the business that holds the tribe leader, who would never be decided by us."

  At that moment the dragons walked over in a single file line. Butter sat alone where the circle had been.

  "Butter and Victoria are hereby banished from the weekly meetings for one month," Azure transmitted, and from the faces of the other women, I realized he had spoken to everyone at once.

  "WHY?" Tori screamed and caught herself. "What did he do?"

  "If you continue this childish act of playing dumb, it will be for longer. You know exactly why as we've already addressed the matter with you," Azure transmitted. "But for the sake of the tribe's knowledge, Tori and Butter conspired to poison me with rosemary."

  The ladies all gasped in unison.

  "You didn't," Skylar turned to her left to face Tori. "How could you? You know full well—"

  "We don't believe she acted with malice," Shadow transmitted.

  His thoughts sounded twice as deep as Azure's. The words echoed inside my skull.

  Josiah transmitted, "We found that Butter internally deceived Tori into adding the rosemary to the treats she served him."

  "He was so sick," I said. "There was puke everywhere."

  "I didn't realize," Tori said. "You have to believe—"

  "Regardless," Azure cut her off. "Your hand made the treat and served it. You are the protector of Butter. I realize it has been some time since I punished a tribe member, so everyone take note, dragons and their protectors are held to the same accountability. I banish you and Butter for a month. At which time we will discuss if you any further actions. This means none of you are to conduct business with them, and their bakery will be on a one-month hiatus to the public as well. Sorry, Hailey."

  At least he apologized, but a little heads up would have been nice. How in the world was I going to replace her baking? The entire town expected me to carry those fresh treats for their morning coffees.

  "You're dismissed," Azure continued. "We need to speak with Victoria and Butter. Alone."

  The ladies left their drinks and quickly filed out of the front door.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Thursday, February 20th

  We need to address the sloth in the room," I started, knowing full well Azure would be unamused at my antics.

  "I'm so sorry," Tori said. "I never meant to poison you," she turned to Azure. "I swear I didn't know. It was—"

  "We're not here to discuss your actions," Azure transmitted. "That matter is closed for now."

  "Where were you last Friday Night?"

  I watched Tori closely, looking for any sign of guilt or deception if she tried to lie.

  "You mean Valentines?" She looked at her feet, "If you must know I was at home with Butter."

  "It's true," Butter transmitted, "On my honor." He straightened up and flared his wings out as if to pose for a moment.

  "We know that's worth its weight in tea leaves," Azure transmitted. "Is there any way to corroborate this?"

  "I live alone," Tori fought down tears. "Why are you interrogating me?"

  I leaned back in my chair. I had moved in close to her, and Azure sat right at her feet.

  "We suspect you may have had a hand in Tona's death," I said.

  "What!?" her face dropped, and her cheeks burned red. "Tona's death was an accident of her own doing."

  "We don't think so," Azure transmitted. "She was a graceful woman, and there's no way she would have tripped and fell on her own. Someone killed her, and we intend to find out who!"

  "It wasn't me," she said, "and Butter was at home with me all night. So, there's no way he could have done it."

  "What are you trying to say?" Butter transmitted.

  "That we suspect foul play, and you two had the most motive," I said. "You two were always trying to undermine her and Azure, and you've just poisoned him. You could have killed him."

  "Never," Butter transmitted. "Azure may be full of himself, and need to be taken down a peg, but killing him is a bit far. I ate one of the treats myself. It made me sick, but it wasn't nearly enough to kill a dragon. I would never—"

  "It is no secret that you two fought constantly." Azure transmitted, bumping his head against Tori's leg. "I saw your order of beans missing from the counter when I got back to the cafe that night. I know you were here within the hour of her death. Explain yourself."

  "She thought she was so special, having a Valentine's date. When I came to drop off her pastries order, she was fluttering about on cloud nine about the dinner she had earlier," Tori spat. "And she always held the meetings. It was like she thought she was better than the rest of us."

  "She was certainly better than you," Azure transmitted. "Was there anyone else in the cafe, while you were here that night?"

  "It was just the two of us," Tori said, hardly trying to control her anger, "Tona was working on filling bags from the roaster, and locked the door behind me when I left."

  Silence fell between us, and we eyed each other with suspicion as we contemplated what they had said. A loud crash broke the tension in the back of the cafe.

  Azure and I ran to the back door.

  The trash cans were in disarray and knelt down at the dryer vent was Tanner with what looked to be a small crate of rats.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Thursday, February 20th

  Tanner Wilcox, what in the tea are you doing at my cafe!?" I yelled at the top of my lungs. "You have some nerve showing up here like this."

  Tanner kicked the vent as he stood up. Azure meowed beside me. He was ready to jump on him if Tanner tried anything.

  "You're one to tal. . ."

  "It looks like you were just about to put rats in my vent!"

  He looked me in the eye with his trademark smirk, "Things aren't always as they appear, my family seems to teach you more values than your own lately."

  Without a second thought, I slapped him across the face. He stumbled back a few steps, and to my relief the smirk melted off.

  "Let's try again, shall we?" I said with a new drive in confidence, "What are you doing behind my cafe?"

  "How about I say sorry and we forget the entire thing?" He refused to meet my eyes, but also hadn't fully shaken off the shock of being slapped.

  "Sorry for trying, or getting caught?"

  "All of it."

  "Right, makes sense," I gave him a blank look and crossed my arms, "Chastise me for making accusations this morning, then add weight to them and ask that I forget it all? I'm going to need a better explanation than that."

  "It's no secret that you might sell the cafe," Tanner said. "I was only trying to make your decision easier."

  "Selling? Don't tell me you're running with the gossip mill these days."

  "I've spoken to Brett myself, getting information from the source is hardly considered gossip." he said, clearly starting to get his pompous air back.

  I laughed out loud, "Unless the source is being a bit over hubris in his conquests."

  "Only time will tell Hailey," he said, smirking again.

  "Well then, consider me time, as I am here to tell you I'm not selling. The cafe has never been up for sale, it will never be up for sale, and Brett Townsend is full of tea if he thinks for a second he will get his hands on this property."

  "Tea isn't a cuss word you know, maybe you should try it before y
ou knock it."

  "It is a vile, disgusting, leech of a drink, just like your entire family. You are as dead as tea leaves to me, Tanner Wilcox. Get out of my sight before I call William and press charges."

  He looked like he was going to get smart with me, but then gave up and ran off. I suspected he knew William would not think twice about putting him in a cell. Or maybe losing to a girl again was too much for him to bear?

  "Well done," Azure transmitted. "I'm proud of you. That's the first actual sign of spunk I've seen in you since the bonding. Your aunt would be proud."

  I picked him up and ran my finger between his eyes, along the ridge of his nose, in the cutesiest tone I could managed I said, "You're such a cute kitty when you get mad."

  "Dragon!" Azure transmitted.

  "Cutest kitty in the world."

  I kept rubbing his nose the whole way back to where Tori and Butter sat waiting on us. If they thought it odd that I was petting Azure and calling him a kitty, they kept that opinion to themselves.

  "Now, where were we?" I asked.

  It seemed less likely that they had killed off Aunt Tona, not that I had ever really believed it. Tough, Azure sure could be convincing when he wanted to be.

  I took my seat, all the while petting Azure. He did not protest the petting. In fact, his purrs grew stronger. He may look like a dragon, but he was all kitty.

  "We had nothing to do with your aunt's death," Butter transmitted.

  "We believe you," Azure transmitted between purrs. "Though your month-long banishment stands."

  "Tori, I will find another vendor. At least for the month."

  "I understand."

  "You may leave," Azure transmitted.

  Tori leaned over and gathered up Butter. Together they left in a hurry, and I swear I heard Tori crying as she shut the door behind her.

  I put Azure down and locked the front door.

  "That's enough excitement for one night," I said as I shut off the lights.