Curses and Corpses (Witch Haven Mystery - a fun cozy witch paranormal mystery Book 3)

by K E O'Connor

  Curses and Corpses

  Witch Haven cozy witch paranormal mystery series, Volume 3

  K.E. O'Connor

  Published by K.E. O'Connor, 2020.

  While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

  CURSES AND CORPSES

  First edition. December 17, 2020.

  Copyright © 2020 K.E. O'Connor.

  Written by K.E. O'Connor.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 1

  I paced the wood paneled corridor in the Magic Council office for what felt like the hundredth time. Whenever an employee walked past, I tensed, worried they’d see through my magic disguise and have me arrested.

  “Will you stop that?” Olympus Duke muttered. He was lounging in a chair by a set of large sturdy double doors, his eyes half-closed.

  I frowned at him. He looked like he didn’t have a care in the world and wasn’t about to go in front of high up Magic Council employees with me by his side.

  Olympus pointed to the chair next to him. I shook my head. He may be able to play it cool, but I was a wanted witch, wearing a complicated magic disguise. And if that disguise broke, I’d be in a whole heap of trouble.

  “Indigo, come sit next to me,” Olympus snapped. “You’re only drawing attention to yourself.”

  I wiped my sweating palms on the back of my leather pants and perched on the seat next to him. I jumped up a second later. “There’s serious power behind those doors. What if someone sees through this magic? They could see who I really am.”

  “Then we’ll both be in trouble if that happens. But it won’t. You talk as if you doubt my ability to hold your disguise in place.”

  I glanced at Olympus. He was tall, dark, and handsome in an uptight way. He was also the Head of the Magic Council, and until recently, had been gunning for me. Now, we were on the same side, but I had no clue how long that would last.

  He arched an eyebrow as he caught me studying him. “You doubt me?”

  “I doubt everyone, myself most of all.” I stared down at my clothing, still not comfortable in my disguise. But this was the only way I could freely move around Witch Haven, without the villagers or the Magic Council pointing the finger and hunting me down.

  “We won’t be in there for long. They have a fifty point agenda to get through today, so won’t have much time to spend on you.”

  How anyone would willingly work for the Magic Council was beyond me. All those meetings and official rules they needed to abide by would drive me crazy.

  “I’ll do the talking,” Olympus said. “You simply nod and say yes or no at the appropriate time. This is a rubberstamp exercise. They just need to make sure you’re fit for duty.”

  I nodded as I chewed on my bottom lip. I’d give a heck of a lot to have my familiars with me. Nugget would be hanging around my neck and smart talking Olympus, Hilda would be reassuring me as she tap danced on my shoulder with her spidery legs, and Russell would be flying around and making people duck as he dive bombed them.

  But I was on my own. In this disguise, no one would figure out I was really Indigo Ash, a failed witch with a murky past. I needed to remain in this disguise until I figured out a way to get my best friend, Luna Brimstone back, then clean up my dubious reputation and that of my stepmom, Magda.

  I turned on my heel and almost walked straight into Olympus.

  He caught hold of my shoulders. “Take a deep breath and relax. A sweating top lip is attractive on no one, not even you.”

  I scowled at him and dabbed my top lip. My fingers came away damp. “You’d be anxious too if you were in my position.”

  He pointed at my mouth. “Keep that shut, nod and smile, and we’ll be out of here in no time. Then we can get back to focusing on what’s important.”

  Olympus was right. There were a ton of important things to get done. I had to find Luna, but there was also the not insignificant issue of a dark witch coven infiltrating my wonderful home of Witch Haven. That was also on my list of problems to sort out.

  I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, hoping it would send me to a calmer place.

  “That’s it. You’re doing great.”

  I nodded and stepped back from Olympus. My opinion of him had changed dramatically over the last week. Initially, I’d hated him. He represented everything I despised. But there was more to him than being an uptight employee of the Magic Council. He had depth, and a tragic past that haunted him. He was also an amazing pancake maker and had a sense of humor, which I was only just discovering.

  The more I learned about him, the more I liked. And that was also something to worry about. With so many complicated things to tackle, a tricky romance with the enemy didn’t need to go on my list.

  The double doors we waited beside were pushed open. “Olympus Duke and Indy Archer.” A small, stout elf wearing a stiff collared shirt and green pants looked at us.

  “That’s us,” Olympus said.

  “Please, follow me.”

  “Just remember, play it cool,” Olympus muttered as he followed the elf into the chamber.

  I cleared my throat and shook out my arms. I could do this. So long as I didn’t make any smart comments, we’d be fine. This was going to be a challenge.

  I’d been in front of the Magic Council recently, but for a different reason. They’d planned to try me for magic crimes and strip me of my power. But it would be different this time, I hoped. I really hoped it would. I couldn’t afford to mess up anymore.

  The chamber was full of various members of the Magic Council. They all looked thoroughly bored, and several were asleep.

  Presiding over the meeting was a judge I’d met before. Judge Zimmerman was an elderly warlock who radiated power.

  He gestured us to a table in the center of the chamber. “Olympus, it’s good to see you again. I hear you’ve been successful in your recruitment of our new ghost hunter.”

  Olympus inclined his head at me when I lagged behind, so I sped up and plastered a smile on my face.

  “That’s right. Let me introduce Indy Archer. She came highly recommended and has a knack for communicating with the dead. Given the situation in Witch Haven, she’s well-placed to make inroads into the troubles in the village.”

  Judge Zimmerman peered at me for several long, uncomfortable seconds. “That sounds excellent. And I hear you’ve already been dealing with a perplexing matter already.”

  I glanced at Olympus, and he gave me a nod. “You mean Ursa Wyrm?”

  “I do. I was speaking to her uncle yesterday. Apparently, Ursa hasn’t made a complaint to him in two days. You’ve done the impossible. You’ve made her happy.”

  There were several chuckles from around the chamber.

  “I’m glad she was satisfied with my w
ork,” I said.

  “We are all very satisfied. We’re happy to have you join us. May I ask how you dealt with the problems Ursa was having?” Judge Zimmerman said.

  I hesitated. Ursa’s creepy manor house was far from cleansed of the dark energies and misbehaving spirits that swirled around it. It was hardly a surprise that Gravesend Manor was so troubled, given the place was built on an old graveyard. But I’d found a compromise. A way to keep the troubles and spirits occupied. And that compromise involved the gnomes who lived in Ursa’s yard.

  Olympus nudged me.

  “I communicated with the appropriate energies, and learned of their concerns,” I said swiftly. “We came to an arrangement. There may be one or two bumps in the road to iron out, but Ursa shouldn’t have any new complaints to bring your way.”

  “I wish I could believe that. But for now, we’re all grateful she’s no longer a problem. Long may it last.”

  There were several muted cheers from around the chamber.

  “Indy’s work with Ursa was a test of her abilities,” Olympus said. “And with your permission, I’d like to make her trial with us permanent.”

  “I should think so too,” Judge Zimmerman said. “With everything that’s been going on in Witch Haven, we need all hands on deck. Get right to work, Miss Archer. Welcome to the Magic Council. Olympus will deal with the required paperwork and your salary.”

  I grinned at him. “Thanks. I look forward to getting my next assignment.”

  “Very good. You may both leave. Now, let’s see what’s next on the agenda.” Judge Zimmerman leaned over his paperwork.

  Olympus gestured me away from the table, and I was happy to hurry out and have the doors shut behind me. It felt like I’d escaped something dangerous.

  I breathed out a sigh as we dashed down the stairs and smiled at Olympus. “We did it. We deceived the entire chamber. All those magic users and none of them saw through the disguise.”

  “You’re a genius.” He arched an eyebrow. “Anyone would think you have a powerful magic user on your side who created that disguise you wear so well.”

  I laughed, partly in relief, as we walked along the corridor. I was no longer tense now I’d survived trial by a bunch of bored magic users. “It makes me think the Magic Council isn’t that powerful.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, no one saw through your magic. None of them are that strong. It’s all a front to keep other magic users from misbehaving.”

  Olympus glanced around and then leaned closer. “Don’t get too cocky. My magic transformed you, that’s why no one saw through the disguise.” He wriggled his fingers and magic sparkled in the air. “They wouldn’t have just anyone heading up this place. I have serious skills.”

  “You’re very sure of yourself,” I said. “No one makes perfect magic.”

  “I’ve always been sure of my magic. If you doubt your ability, it’ll go wrong.” Olympus gave me a meaningful look.

  I glanced away. I knew what he was getting at. When I’d arrived back in Witch Haven, I’d had zero belief in myself or my ability to use magic safely. Therefore, what I believed in came true, and every spell I cast had malfunctioned.

  I brushed my fingers over the powerful amethyst necklace I wore. Things were changing. And my magic was changing too. So was my belief in myself.

  “I have to ask, how did you deal with Ursa’s problem?” Olympus said.

  We reached the main doors of the building, and a security guard let us out.

  “It was easy. I used honey mead.”

  “You got Ursa drunk?”

  I chuckled. “No, but I did a deal with those gnomes who wanted you as their sacrifice. In exchange for a regular supply of honey mead, they’re happy to go dark energy hunting. And they love chasing down those evil dolls Ursa insists on keeping. So I arranged for a bunch of merry gnomes to maraud through the place every night and take out the worst of the energies. And it’s working. I dropped by to see Ursa just this morning, and she was almost nice to me.”

  “Wonders will never cease. Ursa Wyrm being a decent witch.” Olympus smiled and shook his head. “I’m glad you figured something out.”

  I stopped walking and turned to face him. “So, now my disguise and my employment as a ghost hunter is official, how about we focus on finding Luna?”

  “I have no problem with you doing that. But you also have to look like you’re working for the Magic Council.”

  “And I agreed to do that. I have my disguise on and my magic is primed. I’m just waiting for my next assignment. What will we be doing?”

  Olympus worked his jaw from side to side. “We’re not doing anything. You’ll be working solo.”

  “Oh, okay. What will you be doing?” It wasn’t like I cared. I was used to working alone.

  He narrowed his eyes a fraction. “I have business to attend to outside of Witch Haven.”

  I looked away and frowned. I shouldn’t mind that Olympus wouldn’t be around. We were still working out what kind of friendship we had. Or even if it was a friendship. Maybe it should be described as more of a twisted business arrangement with a high likelihood of failure and death.

  “I won’t be gone long,” he said. “And as you’ve pointed out, your magic is firing on all cylinders, so you’ll have no concerns about handling a case on your own.”

  I shook away any thoughts that I’d miss him while he was gone. “You can count on me, boss. But I need to make time to find Luna. It’s one of the reasons I agreed to keep this disguise, so I can move around freely and figure out who took her.”

  “I haven’t forgotten. You can work on locating Luna in your free time. But I’ve already got a new assignment for you, and that needs to be your priority until I get back.”

  I clasped my hands together. “Please let it be a cute missing magical creature, something fluffy that likes snuggles and doesn’t put up a fight when I hunt it. Something that won’t blast me to pieces and then eat my bones.”

  He snorted a laugh. “I doubt these particular creatures will want to eat your bones, but there are no guarantees. I haven’t seen them in action.”

  This didn’t sound promising. “What evil critter have you got for me to deal with?”

  “I’ve had a complaint from our Cemetery Guardian, Silvaria Digby. Apparently, the dead are rising.”

  “Rising as in coming back as ghosts?”

  “No, it’s more basic than that. Corpses are rising from their coffins and wandering around the cemetery.”

  “That’s... disturbing.”

  “It is. So far, Silvaria has kept them contained in the cemetery, but the numbers are literally rising. She’s unhappy and needs a solution. Your job is to investigate what’s making them reanimate and then get them safely back in the ground.”

  “They’re not angry, zombielike corpses, intent on eating my brain, are they?”

  “Silvaria made no mention of any attempts at eating brains.” Olympus checked his watch. “Go up to the third floor to get the details. There’s a file waiting for you.”

  I glanced back at the building we’d just come out of. “You want me to go back in there alone?”

  His smile was sly. “You’re a bad, bold witch. I thought you could handle anything.”

  I grumbled under my breath. “Of course I can.”

  “Then what are you waiting for?” Olympus said.

  “Nothing. I’m just...” secretly afraid of the Magic Council? Wanting to go anywhere but back inside that creepy building on my own? Nervous Olympus will drop my disguise when I’m in a room full of Magic Council employees and leave me to fend for myself because I’ve annoyed him too many times?

  He gave my arm a brief squeeze. “Off you go. I’ll be back soon. You can tell me all about the fun you had with the corpses. And keep an eye on Silvaria. She’s been working as a cemetery guardian for a long time.”

  “That’s a bad thing?” I’d never met Silvaria Digby.

  “Being around dead bodie
s all the time changes a person.”

  “Is she dangerous?”

  “Anyone with power over the dead is dangerous. Don’t expect her to be friendly. She prefers the company of the dead to the living.”

  “Duly noted. Don’t annoy the Cemetery Guardian or she’ll set an undead horde on me.”

  “That’s about the size of it. I’ll see you soon.” He stared at me for a second, then turned and walked away.

  I watched Olympus go. He was a strange one, and I had yet to figure him out. He had a foot in two camps. Olympus was committed to the Magic Council, but I sensed an unhappiness in him when it came to his work. He’d also suffered loss and blamed himself for that. There was more to him than just a stuffed shirt Magic Council official. But I needed to make sure I didn’t get distracted by poking about in his complex life. I had to focus on finding Luna and clearing my family name. And neither of those things would be easy.

  I turned back to the building and reluctantly went inside. I slowed at the end of the corridor by the main staircase as two familiar voices drifted toward me. My eyes widened as Storm Winter and Odessa Grimsbane march past and up the stairs.

  I looked around to see if anyone was paying me attention and then followed them. From the angry looks on their faces, they weren’t here to make friends.

  This day had just gotten a lot more interesting.

  Chapter 2

  I hurried up the stairs behind Storm and Odessa, drawing close enough so I could hear their conversation.

  “We’ll make him see us,” Odessa said, her usually cheerful face set in a frown. “We’ve tried being sweet and we’ve been ignored. And no one ignores my gift hampers. How can anyone be so cold-hearted as to turn down my special pumpkin spiced muffins with the triple chocolate frosting? The man’s a monster, and he needs to be stopped.”

  “We’ll stop him. I’m happy to slam my fist in his face until he tells us what happened to Indigo.” Storm handled everything bluntly. She was quick with the violence, and her magic always felt sharp and icy.