Murder by the Cup

by Abigail Thornton

  It took some effort, but Wynona held her ground. She clasped her hands in front of her waist to keep them from giving away her nerves. “Let’s just say I’m working with the police to put a killer behind bars.”

  “No...let’s not,” Kayne said. He came out from the corner, his walk almost leonine in style. If he had chosen to wear a bow and arrow and said he was hunting for prey, Wynona wouldn’t have batted an eye. The fact that she was his intended target at the moment, however, made it harder to appreciate his fluidity. “Let’s try answering the question again.” He stopped only a few feet away, the hostility in him pulsing forth like a living entity. “Why are you here?”

  “Dear,” Mrs. Droxon started.

  Kayne held up his hand. “No, Mother. I don’t care that she’s related to our president. She’s in our house, at a time when only close friends and family should be. And unless I’m mistaken, she’s here to ask more questions, similar to what she did before.” Even as he spoke to his mother, Kayne kept his eyes on Wynona, like he was studying an insect under a microscope. “Please answer my question.”

  Wynona calmed herself with a deep breath. What she wouldn’t give for a cup of chamomile right now. “Since the first murder happened in my tea shop, I have a personal stake in seeing the killer brought to justice,” she said honestly. “My grand opening is in just a couple of days and the police still have it marked off as a crime scene.” She held back an eye roll. “Not to mention, the chief has put me at the top of his suspect list.” Shrugging, Wynona walked as calmly as she could to the nearest couch, pretending Kayne’s presence didn’t bother her. “I’ve bet my entire future on this shop and if I can’t open, I’ll be in serious trouble.”

  “With your family?” Kayne pressed.

  Wynona shook her head. “No. My family would like nothing better than to see me fail.” She hoped that by showing she also had a difficult relationship with her relatives, she could appeal to the fact that Kayne held no true love for his father.

  It worked.

  Grinning in a way that Wynona was sure melted unsuspecting ladies into gooey puddles, Kayne walked around the chair he’d been standing by and draped himself into it. “So your shop is your rebellion? No intention of going into the family business?”

  “I suppose you could call it that,” Wynona responded. “And definitely not.”

  Kayne looked over his shoulder at his mother. “I can see why you like her.”

  Maeve made an amused noise, then dabbed at her nose. “How can we help you, Wynona?”

  Wynona smiled, but there was no joy in it. “I’m sorry to start this way, but first I need to know where you were when Chef Droxon was killed. Ms. Caseis mentioned you both came to see the chef during his lunch.”

  Kayne’s eyes flared at the mention of the secretary, but his body stayed still.

  Wynona made a mental note of the reaction. She would have to test it again and figure out exactly what emotion it was stemming from.

  “Like you or not,” Kayne leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, “you don’t have the right to ask us that.”

  “You’re right,” Wynona said coolly. “But I’m asking anyway.”

  Kayne grinned again and leaned back once more. “Mother dragged me to the office, trying to invite Father to lunch.” He raised a slim eyebrow. “You see, she had the notion stuck in her head that if she could get us talking again, Father would take me back into his will.”

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “Did it work?” Wynona clarified.

  “No,” Kayne snapped. He schooled his features from the short outburst. “But after that, we left.” He grinned. “And ate lunch together.” His hands splayed to the side. “He was quite alive when we left, so there was no way we could have killed him. Since he walked, or rather stormed us to the door, the entire office can attest that we left him completely intact.”

  “And Ms. Caseis?”

  “What about her?” Kayne’s features tightened.

  “She saw you all leave as well?” Wynona said carefully, watching his every move.

  “She did. I have no doubt she will corroborate our story.” Kayne looked away as if he’d suddenly lost interest in the conversation.

  Wynona knew that was her cue to leave. Other questions could wait. She had some ideas churning in her head and needed to think on them. She arose from the sofa. “Thank you so much for your time, and again...I’m very sorry for your loss.”

  Kayne snorted, but Maeve managed a wave goodbye as Wynona headed out of the salon and house. Jumping on her scooter, she pressed the gas pedal as fast as it would go. She wouldn’t have very much time to prepare for her friends coming over. It was a good thing Prim had offered to grab takeout. There would barely be enough time to put the tea on to steep before they arrived at the shop.

  Half an hour later, Prim slowly shook her head. “I just...can’t believe he was killed.”

  Wynona nodded, wiping her mouth with a napkin before grabbing her teacup. She took a sip of the soothing chamomile. It was exactly what she’d been craving ever since her run-in with Kayne Droxon. “I know. I was completely shocked.”

  Roderick huffed and set down his sandwich. “So where does this put us in regards to the first murder? Do they suspect it’s the same person?”

  A sarcastic snort broke free and Wynona had to stop herself from following it up with a sharp retort. “Yes,” she said. “In fact, Chief Ligurio is still convinced I’m his number one suspect.”

  “What!” Prim sat up taller. “You were with us yesterday,” she argued. “You have witnesses.”

  “And according to him, he’ll be calling to check up on those witnesses,” Wynona said with a sigh. She shook her head. “I don’t know what his problem is, but he’s completely convinced this is all my fault.”

  Roderick reached over and patted her hand. “Don’t let it worry you. We all know you’re innocent. He can look all he wants, but he’s not going to be able to pin anything on you.”

  Wynona gave him a grateful smile. He had been so supportive of her from the beginning. Even when it had come out that she didn’t have powers, his belief in her innocence had never faltered. It was extremely flattering and helpful. “Thanks,” she said. “It’s annoying, but I know it’ll turn out okay.” She frowned and looked down at her lunch. “The biggest problem I see, though, is if he’s got his gaze turned on me, then the real killer is probably going to go free.”

  Prim huffed in annoyance. “Vampires are supposed to be good at details. I can’t believe that jerk doesn’t believe the evidence that’s right in front of his eyes.”

  Wynona broke off a piece of bread and set it down next to Violet. The tiny creature squeaked and dug right in, not paying any attention to the solemn mood of the group.

  “Cops,” Lusgu grunted as he walked past. “Werewolves. Nothing but trouble.”

  Roderick smirked. “Can’t say he’s wrong.”

  Wynona tsked her tongue. “They’re all doing the best they can and Rascal, uh...Deputy Chief Officer Strongclaw has been extremely helpful during the entire investigation.”

  “So what exactly did you learn from your visit with Kayne and Mrs. Droxon?” Prim asked over her teacup rim.

  “Enough to have me putting him at the top of my list,” Wynona said. “What throws me off, however, is the recipes.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “If he’s not interested in taking over the family business, then why bother taking the recipes? All he had to do was follow his dad around, learn the art and it would have all gone to him.”

  Prim tapped her long, butter-yellow fingernail on the white tablecloth. “That’s true. What would he gain from killing his father that he couldn’t have if his father were alive?”

  “His inheritance, of course,” Roderick said. “He had been cut out of the will.”

  “Yes, but since the killer stole the recipe book, we have to assume that’s what they were after in the first place,” Wynona po
inted out. “The man who was killed first, Joksac Skinflayer, tried to steal the book, remember? That’s more than likely how he ended up dead.”

  “That would imply Chef Droxon killed him,” Roderick said. “But then, who would have killed Atherton?”

  “Oooh.” Wynona rubbed at her temples. “Every time I think I’ve got some kind of breakthrough, the facts end up muddled again. I’m still missing something.”

  Prim patted Wynona’s head. “Don’t worry,” she encouraged. “It’ll all get figured out soon, I’m sure.”

  “Meanwhile, I’m still a suspect and my shop is under quarantine,” Wynona moaned, covering her face with her hands. She needed to snap out of it. This kind of behavior wasn’t going to fix anything, but it was hard to stay positive when she felt like she was constantly chasing her tail. She decided then and there that if she ever made a career change, it would not include becoming a police officer.

  Long, cool fingers gently took one of her hands and brought it down so he could cradle it between his own. “Chin up, Wynona,” he said softly. His silver eyes should have looked cold, but somehow there was enough heat in them to warm her from the inside out. “Truth always wins,” he said. “You are a remarkable woman and you haven’t come this far only to come this far.” He tilted his chin down a little and gave her that dazzling smile she was growing fond of. “Your ability to see and take care of the people around you attracts even the most cynical creatures to your side.” He nodded toward Lusgu as he stomped by once more, the dustpan trailing in his wake.

  Wynona had no idea how there was any dust left in the entire building, but the brownie obviously felt differently, since he never stopped cleaning. Ever. She gave Roderick a tremulous smile. “Thank you,” she said. “That’s very kind.”

  “It’s the truth,” he pressed. “From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special.”

  Her blush was starting to become a permanent accessory.

  “I’ve seen you handle police accusations with aplomb and cranky suspects with elegance. You have a knack for seeing to the heart of a person, and no matter what day this shop opens, I have no doubt that every customer who enters these doors will leave feeling satisfied.” He made a point of looking around at her shop. “The fact that you create custom teas tells us that you have a keen eye for detail, and I’m sure that will extend to each patron. Whether it’s taking care of a patron with severe allergies or other unique issues, your care will keep them happy, but your kindness will have them coming back for more.”

  Prim’s hand fluttered against her chest. “I do believe that’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” she gushed.

  Wynona’s blush flamed hotter than ever. “Thank you, Roderick,” she whispered. “That means a lot to me. I mean it.”

  Roderick’s smile could melt butter. “Anytime.” He caressed her fingers, keeping eye contact until Wynona slowly pulled away, wanting yet not wanting to give the wrong impression.

  She was thoroughly enjoying Roderick’s attention and apparent admiration, but once again, the case stopped her from pursuing anything more. She needed it gone. Then, and only then, could she entertain the idea of a social life. With the way Roderick was looking at her, she just hoped it didn’t take too long.

  CHAPTER 18

  “So what’s the plan now?” Prim asked, settling back in her seat. Since she was among friends, she was in her fairy form and her head barely reached the top of the table, but Wynona didn’t need to see her friend’s face to hear the concern in her voice.

  A loud grunt came from behind them and Wynona looked back to see Lusgu directing a duster along the top of the bookshelves. She couldn’t tell if his grunt had to do with their conversation or his work. “Lusgu,” she began, “would you like to come have a cup of tea?”

  The brownie’s shoulders hunched and he glared over his shoulder.

  “I’m so grateful for how hard you work,” Wynona said, trying to ease his obvious tension. “Perhaps you could take a break?”

  “Take a break?” He snorted again and went back to directing the duster. “How can a body take a break when everything’s so dirty?”

  Wynona sighed and turned back to the table. “I tried,” she said softly, shrugging.

  Roderick was chuckling. “I think I can understand why the agency had a bit of trouble placing him.”

  Wynona couldn’t help but crack a smile as well. “I suppose so, but everyone deserves a chance, don’t they? Even if they’re a little different than the norm.” Those words were second only to her vow to be the opposite of her family’s reputation.

  Prim stood up and placed her elbows on the table, then cradled her chin in her hands. “Other than Mr. Handsome over here,” she tilted her head to Roderick, “we’re all sore thumbs.” Her pink eyes gleamed. “I suppose that’s why we all stick together so well.”

  Wynona laughed softly. “I suppose so,” she responded. Her eyes darted to Roderick, who was studiously drinking tea and ignoring the fact that Prim had called him attractive.

  “But that doesn’t help us in this case,” Prim continued, standing up straight. She whacked a child-sized fist on the table. “What are we going to do?”

  Wynona pinched her lips together and shook her head. “I’m not sure. I feel like I need a new...plan of attack, as it were. I’ve run around asking questions and have only come out with more questions.”

  Roderick set down his teacup. “It’s a possibility that we should let the police handle it,” he said gently. His brows were slightly furrowed as if he worried about how Wynona would react to his words.

  Despite his concerns, she wasn’t upset at the suggestion. It had run through her own mind so many times it was ridiculous. She really had no idea what she was doing and part of her worried that if she kept going, she was going to get hurt or ruin something in the investigation.

  But during those dark moments, she’d walk through her greenhouse or her shop and look at everything she had accomplished. Granny got her started, but it was Wynona who had grown all the plants at her little cottage home. It was Wynona who had stored dozens upon dozens of tea mixtures for her customers. It was Wynona who had renovated this shop into a cozy, welcoming place where acquaintances could become friends and friends could become family.

  The thought of letting that all fall to the side, possibly to never rise again, made her ill. No...she’d come too far and fought too hard. This had to happen. Saffron’s Tea House was going to be a hit, Wynona just knew it. She just needed to be able to open her doors in three days.

  She gave Roderick an understanding smile. “I’m grateful for your concern,” she said, “but I need to do this. I need this shop to open. Even though we’ve had some cancellations, I still have a lot of people counting on me to provide a unique experience they can’t find anywhere else.” She straightened in her seat. “I don’t have any magic powers, but I do have good old fashioned ingenuity and a determination to succeed.” She playfully stuck her chin in the air. “That’ll have to be enough.”

  Prim buffed her fingernails on her sundress. “Plus, you have friends.”

  Wynona smiled. “Yes. I also have good friends. No one makes it far without that.”

  Preening, Prim drained her cup, then poofed into her human form. Dusting off the glitter that always accompanied her change, she stepped over to give Wynona a kiss on the cheek. “I can hear the daffodils crying for me,” she said. “But don’t forget to call if you need help.”

  Wynona waved her off. “I’ll be fine. I just need to find that little detail I’m missing. I know it’s there somewhere, lost in all the useless information I’ve gathered over the last couple of days.”

  Prim nodded, sent a wink to Roderick, then flounced out of the shop.

  Both Wynona and Roderick watched her go, not moving until the door slammed shut behind her.

  “Well...” Roderick slapped his knees and stood, adjusting his cufflinks. “I suppose that’s my cue to go as well.” He followed Prim’s examp
le and left a light kiss on Wynona’s cheek.

  A severe chattering came from where Violet was hiding under Wynona’s chair. She spun, grateful for the chance to hide her blush. “I wonder what’s wrong with Violet,” she mused.

  “Likely wanted to offer her support as well,” Roderick said easily. He sauntered to the door. “Remember, I’m just a call away,” he said, then pinned her with a hard look. “And please...be careful.”

  “I will,” Wynona reassured him.

  With a final nod, he too disappeared, leaving Wynona to her own thoughts. Violet had quieted down again, so she didn’t bother to call out the creature. If there was trouble, Violet would let Wynona know.

  Now that her friends had left, Wynona began to clean up from lunch. Her heart was still pounding from Roderick’s kiss and declaration of his admiration, and she wasn’t quite sure how to handle it. This had never been an issue when she lived with her family.

  His interest was flattering, but the timing was terrible. “Why couldn’t he have shown up when I wasn’t being accused of murder?” Wynona grumbled. She carefully set the teacups in the sink, then headed back into the other room.

  Violet stood on the edge of the table, her nose twitching rapidly.

  Wynona smiled. “Feeling better?” She put her hand out and let the rodent climb on. Carefully, Wynona walked over to the bookcase and set Violet down on the ground. “Now that we’re both full, I think we should take a nap, don’t you?”

  Violet stood on her hind legs and squeaked.

  Wynona nodded as if she understood. “Yes...I don’t have time for one either.” She stood up and brushed off her pants. “I’ll see you soon,” she offered as the purple mouse disappeared under the shelves.

  Back at the table, Wynona began to gather the tablecloth. It would need to be laundered before opening day. She paused. “If there is an opening day.”