Murder by the Cup

by Abigail Thornton

  Plus, none of that took into account that she felt all those same things for Rascal.

  Roderick’s chuckle sounded anything but amused and he started to stand from his chair. “I suppose that answers that question.”

  Wynona jumped to her feet. “Please understand,” she begged. “It’s not that...I mean, I’m...” Each time she tried to confess her thoughts and feelings, the words failed her. What could she say? She just wasn’t ready, yet at the same time, she didn’t want to lose him completely.

  Tilting his head, Roderick gave her a considering look. When he moved, it was with the sleekness of a lion. He exuded power and strength, a man who knew exactly what he wanted and planned to take it.

  His touch, however, was much gentler than his aura as he stopped just shy of her and cradled her cheek in his hand. Slowly, as if asking permission, he leaned forward and left the lightest of kisses at the edge of her mouth.

  Wynona’s heart fluttered so wildly, she was sure it would leave her chest completely. How could such a small touch elicit such strong emotions? Wynona locked her knees to keep them from giving out and wished for yet the millionth time that she had the power to control the temperature in the room. Apparently her thermostat was in severe need of work.

  “I can be patient,” he said, staying so close to her mouth that the breath of his words washed over her skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

  She had no words for him. All she could do at the moment was feel.

  Several seconds later, she fluttered open her eyes, only to discover he was gone. The sound of the door clicking shut let her know he had left the building, leaving Wynona a mess of tingles and anticipation.

  Slowly, she sank to her seat and put a trembling hand to her throat.

  Violet caught Wynona’s attention when the tiny creature huffed and chittered angrily.

  “What am I going to do, Vi?” Wynona asked, her eyes stuck on the room entrance. “How do I choose?”

  Violet grumbled and smoothed down her fur.

  Wynona had no idea what the mouse was saying, but she was definitely upset. “No ideas?”

  Violet snorted.

  Wynona shrugged. “I suppose that makes two of us.” She shook her head. “But again, I can’t do this now. The case needs to come first.” She glanced at the clock. “Oh my gosh! Ms. Kimoko is going to be here in just a few minutes. I have to hurry.”

  Gathering up the tea set, Wynona began to haul everything back to the kitchen area. She nearly ran over Lusgu as she went through the swinging door.

  “Run me over,” Lusgu grumbled, waving his hand at a sink of sudsy dishes. “Snake in the grass.”

  Wynona paused and frowned. “Is something wrong, Lusgu?”

  The brownie shook his head. “Can’t see it. Can’t see it at all. Dirty, dirty, dirty.”

  Wynona glanced at the tray of dishes. “I’m sorry to keep making such a mess. I can wash these if you want.”

  The tray lifted from her hands and floated smoothly to the sink area.

  Sighing, Wynona went to the cupboard in order to prepare another pot for her coming guest. Lusgu was always muttering about one thing or another, though his favorite line seemed to be about wolves. Most of the time, Wynona had no idea what he was talking about. Perhaps when things settled down, she would be able to take the time to really get to know her employee.

  If she even had need of an employee after this.

  CHAPTER 27

  “Welcome, Ms. Kimoko,” Wynona said with a broad smile. “Please, come in.”

  The star wore a headwrap and large sunglasses, as if that could hide her glamorous looks and the svelt way she walked. The limo that pulled away from the curb was another dead giveaway that this was no ordinary client.

  The cat shifter walked in and took off her glasses. “It’s so quaint in here,” she purred. “Just right for curling up with a hot tea and a good book.”

  “That’s exactly what I was going for,” Wynona responded, clasping her hands in front of her. “Please. Come to the dining area and we’ll discuss your upcoming tea party.”

  Wynona tried to ignore the bodyguard that followed them through the shop, but it was difficult. Trolls weren’t known for being small and Wynona was positive that he could snap her in half without breaking a sweat.

  She settled Ms. Kimoko at the table closest to the back window where the sunlight could filter in. “I have several teas for you to try,” Wynona said, settling the mugs in front of her guest. “Or, if you wish, I can customize something for you and each of your guests.”

  “How long does it take for a custom brew?” Ms. Kimoko said in the alto tone she was known for, her eyes flitting across the mugs.

  “It takes me just a few seconds for each person,” Wynona said, sitting down across from the star. “I then have to mix the herbs and brew it, so depending on the amount of guests, it can take up to a half hour.”

  Ms. Kimoko pursed her bright red lips. “That might be acceptable if we had other things to occupy our time. Such as appetizers or finger foods?”

  Wynona nodded. “Yes. We have a variety of pastries and sandwiches that can be ready for any number of guests.” Oh, how she lamented the loss of Chef Droxon in that moment. Being able to add his name to the mix would have been so helpful and certainly clench the deal, but Wynona would have to settle for another baker.

  Truth be told, she wasn’t quite sure who that would be yet, since she’d been too busy running around after killers and thieves. But she was confident she could find someone quickly. She would have to begin by doing it herself, then hire a baker as soon as she could find the time.

  “Excellent,” Ms. Kimono said silkily. She reached for the first cup and took a deep sniff. Her eyes flared. “Is that cat thyme?”

  Wynona nodded, pleased her concoction had worked. “Yes. Each tea in front of you has an herb that should appeal to your feline side. It all just depends on what type of stimulant you are looking for.” She hoped her idea would pay off. Each of the herbs had been difficult to come by and the cat thyme in particular smelled like rancid gym socks. Working with the leaves of it nearly had Wynona passing out, so she crossed her fingers under the table that Ms. Kimoko didn’t feel the same.

  After taking a tentative sip, the shifter purred. “Oooh...what is that other flavor?”

  “Mint,” Wynona supplied. “I tempered each stimulant with something soothing so you didn’t come away feeling drugged at the end of our meeting.”

  “Puurrrrfect.” The actress quickly tested all the other teas, her pleased rumbling growing with each sip. After the last one, which was laced with cat mint and chamomile, she closed her eyes and hung her head back in apparent euphoria. “Ms. Le Doux...” Yellow eyes met Wynona. “I do believe you and I have a contract.”

  Wynona held in the sigh of relief. “I’m thrilled to hear that, Ms Kimoko.”

  “Please, call me Akina.” Small, delicate fingers came across the table to tap Wynona’s hand. “I feel that you and I will be seeing much of each other as long as you offer teas such as these.”

  Wynona could only smile. After so much trouble with the case and the subsequent cancellations, she was finally seeing a glimmer of hope. She pulled the binder with her calendar in it in front of her and opened it up. “I still have the questionnaire you filled out,” Wynona said. “Is there anything on here that you would like to change?”

  She turned the paperwork to face her guest and Akina looked it over. A gentle blush came over the woman’s cheeks and Wynona grew jealous. Why did she get to have such a beautiful blush when Wynona felt like she looked sunburnt at every turn?

  “All of it is correct,” Akina said, leaning in and dropping her voice. “But I need to speak to you about my... allergy.”

  “Ah, yes.” Wynona leaned in as well. “You mentioned in the comments section that you wished for this to be a secret. I promise anything you tell me is strictly confidential. How can I set this up so you can feel safe and comfortable?”


  Akina preened slightly and pushed her satiny hair behind her shoulder. “I assume your tea service includes the usual add-ins, such as sugar and cream?”

  Wynona nodded. “Of course. Just as with anything, I can also do a customization, if necessary.”

  “I am...lactose intolerant,” Akina said carefully. “As a cat shifter, and someone who spends much of their life in the public eye, I assume you can see why I would wish to keep such a thing quiet.”

  Wynona nodded again. As one of the paranormal world’s most famous actresses, Akina would need to appear perfect, especially since she was sponsored by companies who sold products that she would be allergic to. If word got out, it would put a big dent in the star’s career. “How about this?” Wynona scribbled on the page, her mind churning quickly. “I can have a separate tea caddy for you with your own miniature pitcher of milk.” She raised her eyebrows. “Do you prefer almond or coconut milk?”

  “Mmm...coconut,” Akina cooed. “I believe it would go well with the cat mint.”

  Wynona grinned. “I think you’re correct. So, we keep your set separate, but I can have multiple other small sets around that look similar, but contain the normal cream. As the hostess, we’ll set it all up so you don’t have to share and I doubt anyone will even notice. Your secret will stay safe.”

  Akina leaned back casually in her chair. “You do your family credit, Ms. Le Doux. Your sister Celia and I don’t always see eye to eye, so I’m pleased to see that we understand each other.”

  Wynona wanted to cringe. In other words, Celia wasn’t willing to cater to the actress’s wants. Both women were in the headlines enough to be famous in their own right, which meant they more than likely clashed when together. Since Wynona didn’t want to be in the limelight, she was definitely not a threat.

  “Despite all that,” Akina waved her perfectly manicured hand through the air, “I knew with the president’s daughter opening a tea shop, I needed to be a part of it. Your name can only bring publicity, Ms. Le Doux.” Her smile was purely calculated. “And I do love publicity.”

  Wynona acknowledged her guest’s words without giving into the desire to walk out of the room. She couldn’t admit it right now. She needed Akina more than Akina needed her. This contract just might be Wynona’s saving grace.

  “I’m glad we got this all figured out.” Wynona made a few notes on the contract, then turned it around for her guest to sign. “I’ll send you a list of the menu as soon as I have your guest list and you can tweak it as necessary.”

  “Good.” Akina snapped her finger at the troll bodyguard, who rushed over to pull out her chair, allowing her to rise like a selkie emerging from the sea.

  “Allow me to walk you out,” Wynona said, forcing her eyes away from the spectacle. Her jealousy was growing stronger and stronger with each moment she spent with the woman. Maybe one of these days, Wynona would learn to be as feminine and in touch with her witchy side, the way this shifter was with her cat side. One could only hope.

  “Thank you so much for coming,” Wynona said as she opened the door. Flashes practically blinded her and Wynona stepped back, knowing she was not the person they were there for.

  The ghost media were back, only this time they wanted a peek at Ms. Kimoko. The shifter clung to her bodyguard’s arm as she walked, looking as delicate and soft as a cream puff. But after her little speech about using Wynona for her own gain, Wynona knew behind the soft smile lay a mind as sharp as a werewolf’s claws.

  It took several minutes for Ms. Kimoko to walk out the door enough that Wynona could shut and lock it. She rested her forehead against the wood and let out a long breath. “I hope I don’t have to do that very often,” she muttered.

  A squeak caught her attention and Wynona straightened, then turned around to find Violet in the doorway. “Hey,” she said softly. She walked over and squatted down carefully in her heels before holding out her hand. Violet ran over and climbed on.

  Standing, Wynona put the creature on her shoulder as she headed back to the table. “Let’s hope all our clients aren’t so unique, hm?”

  Violet chittered in agreement.

  Wynona began to gather the cups from the table when her eyes were caught on the binder. She frowned. “I had forgotten about the allergy,” she murmured. But there it was, plain as day in her binder. “Next time I need to be sure to look through a client’s information before the meeting.” She shook her head and glanced at Violet. “Being unprepared was definitely not professional. Good thing this one was an easy fix.”

  Violet chittered and began to skitter down Wynona’s arm.

  “Whoa,” Wynona gasped, moving her hand so the mouse landed on the table. “Warn me next time and I’ll set you down.” She smiled. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Are you hungry?”

  Violet raced to the binder and sat on the open page.

  Wynona frowned. “What are you doing?”

  The purple mouse ran circles, squeaking the whole time.

  Wynona set down the cups she’d been collecting and watched. “I don’t understand. You want me to look at the paper?”

  Violet stood on her hind legs, finally stopping her frantic race.

  Wynona stepped over so she could better read over the questionnaire. She studied it thoroughly, but nothing looked out of place, other than the allergy note she had forgotten.

  Wait.

  Wynona gasped. “It can’t be,” she whispered hoarsely.

  Violet laid down and covered her face with her hands.

  Shaking knees caused Wynona to fall into the chair and she grasped the table for support. “It can’t. Can it?”

  Sounding apologetic, Violet cautiously worked her way up Wynona’s arm and nuzzled her neck.

  A sharp pain hit Wynona in the sternum and she put her hand over the spot, tears springing to her eyes. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair.

  One by one, all the pieces were starting to come together and now, after all this time, Wynona didn’t want the answer. The responsibility of her revelation felt like more than she could bear.

  Her eyes went to her cell phone. Should she call Rascal? Chief Ligurio?

  “No,” Wynona said firmly. She straightened in her seat. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” she said to Violet. “I’m sure there’s a perfectly natural explanation for all of this.” She stood and hurriedly gathered the cups. Even in her hurry, she didn’t want to leave Lusgu with a mess. The brownie would complain about it for weeks.

  “I’m going out,” she told her janitor after setting the cups in the sink. “Do you want any help before I go?”

  “Can’t leave well enough alone,” Lusgu grumbled, shooing her away. With a sweep of his hands, the sink turned on and began to fill with suds, tea cups dancing through the water.

  “Thank you,” Wynona sang out, doing her best not to let Lusgu know of her distress. The more she walked, the more determined she became. She had to be wrong. She just had to be.

  Wynona stopped by the bookcase and tried to drop off Violet, but the mouse refused. Instead, she tucked herself in under Wynona’s hair and hung on.

  “Are you sure you want to come?” Wynona asked softly. “I don’t know what I’m going to find.”

  Violet’s response was decisive.

  “Okay.” Wynona took a deep breath. “Then we’ll do this together.”

  CHAPTER 28

  Wynona shivered as the temperature continued to decline for the day. She had been in such a hurry to leave her shop that she had forgotten a jacket and now was regretting it.

  Violet poked her head out of Wynona’s hair and chittered.

  “As soon as I see him leave, we’ll go in,” Wynona reminded her.

  Violet ducked away again. Apparently she had found a way to stay warm just fine. Too bad it included stealing some of Wynona’s precious body heat.

  She rubbed her upper arms, trying to use friction to get rid of her goosebumps, cursing her own cursed state when a man in a power suit cau
ght her attention.

  Immediately, Wynona’s heart began to hurt. Betrayal was sharper than any vampire bite and it cut deep. “It can’t be him,” she whispered for the thousandth time. “I have to be remembering it wrong.”

  Violet shifted, but didn’t speak.

  Roderick stood at the edge of the sidewalk until a limo pulled up and parked. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door for his employer. Before ducking inside, Roderick glanced casually around the street and Wynona ducked back into the shadows, hoping he wouldn’t notice her or use any magic that told him of her whereabouts. He had never used magic around her before and at first Wynona had thought the gesture sweet. That he was thinking of her feelings and didn’t want to show off.

  Now, however, she was beginning to wonder if he had simply been hiding his abilities. She had no idea what level of power he held. His wealth and powerful aura were all she had to go on.

  The limo pulled away from the curb and Wynona stepped away from the alley wall. “Here we go,” she told Violet.

  A soft squeak was her only response.

  Taking a deep breath for courage, Wynona walked out of her hiding place and made her way to the office building. It seemed far more intimidating in the disappearing light than it had the other day when she’d stopped by. But there was no time for her to stand around gawking.

  The front door was still unlocked and Wynona let out a sigh of relief when she got inside without effort. Roderick’s office wouldn’t be so easy, but at least she wasn’t going to have to break in twice.

  Walking to the corner, she began to climb the utility stairs, a feeling of deja vu overcoming her as her thighs began to burn with the effort.

  “If we make it out of this alive,” Wynona whispered to Violet, “I’m going to start doing cardio. You with me?”

  Violet just snuggled against Wynona’s neck a little more firmly.