Revenge of the Witch

by K E O'Connor

  We arrived at Axel’s house. Two angels stood outside the front door. We walked in, and Dazielle nodded at an angel inside who was taking pictures and bagging evidence.

  “You see, overturned chairs and things pushed out of the way.” Dazielle gestured around the lounge.

  I nodded as I walked slowly around the room and into the kitchen.

  Dazielle followed me. “Any idea who’d want to get even with Axel?”

  I shook my head. “There are two coffee mugs here. Why would Axel make coffee for his attacker?”

  “He must know them,” Dazielle said.

  “Were there signs of a break-in?”

  “No, the windows are secure, and there’s no sign of tampering on the door locks.”

  “Which means Axel let the person in, made them coffee, and they jumped him. He fought back in the lounge but wasn’t strong enough to stop whoever it was from taking him.”

  “Axel must be connected to Serath and Dewey if this is the same person,” Dazielle said. “Do they know each other?”

  “He recognized Dewey in Cloven Hoof the first night he arrived, but he doesn’t know him well.” My gaze settled on a small brown paper bag, and I frowned. As I suspected when I looked inside, there were dried mushrooms in there. Mushrooms that came from Cloven Hoof. Axel had lied to me. He was still using mushrooms. How had he gotten his hands on supplies from my bar? Everyone knew not to serve him.

  “The coffee in these mugs is tepid,” Dazielle said. “Whatever happened here, it wasn’t long ago. I’d say less than an hour.”

  “Which means Axel is still alive,” I said.

  Dazielle nodded. “The curse takes time to work. We think our killer curses his victims, so they can’t move but are conscious and aware of what’s going on. They then bury them and leave them to die. It’s a horrible way to kill a person. They’d know everything that was going on but can do nothing to stop it from happening.”

  I shuddered. This person had to be stopped. “When I was... chatting to Bart, he revealed that he saw Dewey heading into the forest with a woman. He didn’t have much of a description, but I think we’re looking for a female magic user.”

  “And a strong one,” Dazielle said. “There are plenty of those in Willow Tree Falls. You’re one.”

  I scowled at her. “Check my alibis if you like. This has nothing to do with me.”

  “Maybe it’s a man hater,” Dazielle said. “She could target guys she’s taken a disliking to.”

  I tapped my finger against my lips. “You might be on to something. It could have to do with the way these guys treat women. I saw Dewey and Serath in action at Cloven Hoof. They were hassling my bar staff and being disrespectful. Bart’s admitted they’ve all used seduction magic to get women they want.”

  Dazielle’s nose wrinkled. “I’ll be having words with Bart. Some time in a cell will convince him to learn new manners.”

  “Frank and I have already spoken to him, but it’s worth shaking him down before he leaves.”

  Dazielle nodded. “Where are you going with this theory of our curse killer targeting arrogant guys?”

  “Axel is known for flirting with anyone even mildly attractive. Most of us are used to him, but if he met someone new and offended her, he could have gone on her hit list. She’s targeting guys who don’t treat women well.”

  “It’s possible. Whoever it is, we don’t have much time to find her and stop her from killing Axel.”

  My head pounded. “How long have we got?”

  “Forty-eight hours, if that. From our tests of the magic used that’s how long it takes before the curse fades.”

  “Let’s go find Axel.” I headed to the door, Wiggles by my side.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Into the forest, near the swamp. That’s where Serath and Dewey were found.”

  “We’ll catch up with you,” Dazielle called. “We need to finish with this crime scene.”

  I waved a hand to let her know I’d heard. Angels moved a lot faster than I did. The wings were a bonus if you discounted all the shedding.

  “I’m not keen on Axel, but even I don’t want to see him cursed and buried alive,” Wiggles said as he munched on something he’d most likely stolen from Axel’s trash.

  “Same here. We need to start in the forest. Maybe the killer takes them there and spends a few hours terrifying them before shoving them in the ground.”

  “I don’t want to worry you,” Wiggles said as he ran alongside me, “but Rhett is still missing. And he’s been gone longer than Axel.”

  “I haven’t forgotten,” I said. “The problem is, is Rhett missing because he’s involved in these killings or because he’s also been taken by the curse killer?”

  “If Rhett is involved in killing Dewey and Serath, would he use somebody to get to them?”

  “Like a honey trap? You think he’s got a witch on his books helping take these guys out?” That didn’t sound like Rhett. If he had business to deal with, he did it himself and didn’t hide behind others.

  Five minutes later, two angels shot over my head, heading in the direction of the forest.

  “We’ll meet you there,” Dazielle yelled from above me.

  I nodded as I continued to run. What I wouldn’t do for a pair of giant wings right about now. Or just a decent pair of running sneakers.

  We got to the edge of the forest, and I slowed, taking in a few deep breaths. Although the forest wasn’t huge, it was dense and difficult to navigate.

  “Let’s start at the swamp,” I said to Wiggles.

  Wiggles bounded ahead, his nose to the ground.

  I spotted Dazielle and Sablo up ahead and ran to join them.

  Dazielle nodded at me. “We’ll move the search out from the edges of the swamp. We can flush our killer out if she’s in hiding. We must be careful. If she becomes aware we’re onto her, she could panic and abandon Axel. We need to find out where she’s stashed him.”

  “If she does panic, she might kill him to get the job done quickly,” I muttered.

  Four more angels joined us, and we spread in a long line as we reached the swamp.

  I tried to keep my focus, but inside I was panicking. This was too close to home. Whoever this killer was, they were targeting people I cared about, and I couldn’t let that happen.

  We’d been searching for half an hour when I heard breaking twigs underfoot and muttered conversation. I stopped walking and stared through the trees. Was the killer walking toward me?

  Slowly, one by one, members of Rhett’s gang appeared. None of them looked happy to see me or the angels.

  “Hey, guys.” I did not like the angry glint in their eyes. “Is there a problem?”

  Ian Blaine stepped forward, his top lip curled. “You’re the problem. You and the angels need to get out of our forest.”

  “We’re not looking for trouble,” I said.

  “Then what are you doing here?” Ian drew closer, his fists clenched by his sides.

  “Probably the same as you,” I said cautiously.

  His eyes narrowed. “You’ve no business being here.”

  “You don’t own this forest,” Dazielle said. “We’re on official Angel Force business.”

  “You can stick your official business.”

  Dazielle’s wings fluttered. “I won’t hesitate to have you arrested if you stand in our way.”

  I pressed my lips together. Dazielle made us sound like nosy, irritating officials. “We’re looking for someone. They could be hurt.”

  “So are we.” Ian took a step closer. “Who are you looking for?”

  “Axel Shadowsoul. We think the curse killer has taken him.”

  Ian snorted. “We don’t care about some jumped-up trust fund half-demon. We’re looking for Rhett. You need to get out of our way. Rhett doesn’t like snooty angels or stuck up witches involved with his business.”

  “That’s not going to happen,” Dazielle said.

  The gang moved forward in a
single wave of menace. The angels didn’t back down. Instead, they spread their wings, tension radiating off them.

  As entertaining as it would be to see the angels and the gang go toe to toe, I did not have time to watch a fight.

  “Stop!” I stood between the angels and the biker gang. “This magic user doesn’t mess around. They killed Serath and Dewey and could be about to do the same to Axel. And, since Rhett is missing, it’s possible that the curse killer has him, as well.”

  Ian licked his lips, his gaze darting to the side. “What makes you say that?”

  “Tempest, do not share confidential information with a bunch of criminals,” Dazielle muttered.

  I ignored her. “There’s evidence at Axel’s house of a struggle before he vanished.”

  The gang exchanged glances.

  Ian looked around the group before nodding. “We found the same thing at Rhett’s place. There was blood on the floor and things kicked over.”

  My heart thudded in my chest. “Who has Rhett annoyed recently?”

  “I’ll give you a long list.” Ian’s lips thinned.

  “The killer can’t have Axel and Rhett at the same time,” Dazielle said. “The magic would be too difficult to contain. They’d lose control.”

  “She must be a strong magic user,” I said. “She could have incapacitated one of them while she kills the other.”

  “She?” Ian said. “You know who this is?”

  I waved a hand at him. “No, no details. But the killer was seen with Dewey just before he died.”

  “Rhett’s not stupid. He wouldn’t go off in the forest with some strange chick, even if she is cute.”

  “We also believe Axel knew her, so maybe Rhett also recognized her. He wouldn’t be suspicious of a friendly face.”

  “How long has Rhett been missing?” Dazielle asked.

  “Two days,” Ian said.

  “What’s the connection?” Dazielle asked. “How does Rhett know Dewey and Serath?”

  Ian scrubbed his chin. “He wouldn’t waste time on those losers.”

  I shook my head. “We don’t have time to figure out the connection. Axel and Rhett are out here somewhere. We have to find them before it’s too late.”

  The gang and the angels glowered at each other for a moment, no one willing to concede.

  “Come on! This is a matter of life and death. With more of us, we can cover a bigger area of the forest more quickly.”

  Dazielle nodded. “We can work together, but I’m in charge.”

  “You can think that if you like, Feathers,” Ian said. “You don’t call the shots when it comes to what we do.”

  I gritted my teeth. “I don’t care who’s in charge, but we have to find them. Now!”

  “Conducting a search is my area of expertise,” Dazielle said. “If nobody takes the lead, it will be a mess. We will miss vital information.”

  I listened to the gang and the angels bicker about who should be in charge, my frustration growing. This was a nightmare. They seemed more concerned with pulling rank than finding Rhett and Axel.

  I needed help from someone who didn’t have a stake in this. Someone who had enough power to take on a dangerous curse killer and survive. I hated to admit it, but I needed Frank.

  I stepped away from the bickering group and snuck behind a tree.

  “That look on your face is giving me the chills,” Wiggles said.

  “I bet it is. We need an extra hand.”

  Wiggles cocked his head. “You’re going to bring Frank in on this?”

  “He’ll sense the dark magic. Frank might even know who’s behind this. Anyone who’s using magic this dark has to have some demon in them.”

  Wiggles backed up a step. “Can you control him once he’s out?”

  “Probably not, but it’s our only option.” I gestured to the bickering group. “They’re intent on attacking each other rather than focusing on the real problem. By the time they figure out who’s the boss and how to conduct a search, it will be too late. We don’t know how long Axel and Rhett have been cursed or the strength of the magic used on them. We could already be too late to save Rhett.” I swallowed against the tightness in my throat. We could be standing here arguing and they could already be gone.

  I couldn’t think about that now. I had to believe there was still time for Rhett and Axel.

  I took a deep breath and looked down at Wiggles. “You might want to get out of here.”

  “No way. I’m sticking by your side, even when Frank’s got control of you. If he gets too much, I’ll bite his leg.”

  “That will only anger Frank and hurt me.”

  “I’m still staying,” Wiggles said.

  I was glad to have his company, even though it was a risk him remaining here when Frank was in charge.

  “Frank, any chance you want to come out and play?” His warm energy curled over me as if he was stretching from a deep sleep.

  “A rare invitation to get free in Willow Tree Falls. What do I owe the pleasure?”

  “We have to stop someone using curses to kill people,” I said. “If I let you out, can you get a fix on the magic being used?”

  “Of course. The real question you need to ask me is if I want to come out and help.”

  “I’ve no time for games. Do you want to get free or don’t you?”

  Frank chuckled as his energy wove up my spine, tickling the back of my neck but going no further. “How about we make a deal?”

  I gritted my teeth. “I’m not making any deals with you.”

  “If I agree to help, I want a weekend away with me in charge. You won’t get an opportunity to surface for two whole days and nights. I choose the venue. I choose what we do.”

  I scowled, hating the idea of not being in control for forty-eight hours. “No killing.”

  “When have I ever killed?”

  “Plenty of times.”

  “Never when I’ve been with you. I may partake in a little gentle maiming, and a few limbs have been lost, but my playthings always survive.”

  “No killing and no maiming. And I do not want to wake up in some stranger’s bed because you took a fancy to them.”

  “A demon has to have some fun. Not even a little debauchery?”

  “No debauchery.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good enough deal. It’s almost as if you don’t want your friends to survive.”

  I knew Frank had been listening the whole time. “You’ll get your weekend away, and right now, you get the chance to get loose in Willow Tree Falls.” That was a carrot he could never resist.

  He purred in my head. “I can pay your sister a visit. I’ve been meaning to have a one-on-one chat with that boyfriend of hers. I do not like that goatee.”

  “You and me both, but we can’t worry about Toby’s facial hair. We’ve got a killer to locate. Do we have a deal?”

  “We do. I’ll ensure we find this killer and destroy him.”

  “No destruction. And our killer is a woman.”

  “Even better. Some of the darkest magic users are women. It’s to do with how bitter they get following a betrayal. Their magic becomes twisted and sly. Curse-using females are a delight to be around. I’m surprised there aren’t more female demons in the world.”

  “Let’s discuss the male to female demon ratio another time.” I dropped my barriers. “Over to you, Frank. Do your worst.”

  “I always do.” His hot energy flooded over my head.

  I blinked as the world turned red. I stretched, yawning loudly as I stepped around the tree and saw the angels and biker gang still feuding.

  I shook my head and left them to it. Those petty idiots could fight all they wanted. They’d only slow me down.

  Although Frank was in control, I wasn’t fighting him this time, so it was easier for us to talk.

  “Can you sense anything? The bodies of Serath and Dewey were found by the swamp. It’s likely Axel and Rhett are also here.”

  “I am sensing da
rk magic.” Frank propelled me through the forest, Wiggles close to my side.

  “How is my little hellhound? Have you missed me?” Frank asked.

  “Can’t say I have. Although you do have a great gift for hunting out the best food when you’re in charge of Tempest.”

  “We have that in common.” Frank paused and sniffed the air. “This way.” We turned and headed deeper into the forest.

  The sounds of the arguing angels and bikers disappeared as the trees closed in around us.

  “There’s an unpleasant, sticky residue in the air,” Frank said. “It’s like a spider web. You track one thread, and it will lead you to the center of the magic.” He changed direction several times, stopping, sniffing and then moving on.

  “What are you doing? Don’t mess me around. My friends’ lives are at stake.”

  “I’m not messing around,” Frank muttered. “There’s a lot of dark magic here. It’s muddled with the energy of the forest.”

  “There’s more than one person using curses?”

  “No. There are two different locations where a curse has recently been used. The energy emanates from both of them. I’m being pulled in opposite directions.”

  “You must be picking up on the curses placed on Axel and Rhett.”

  “Then you have a problem,” Frank said. “The locations are on opposite sides of the swamp.”

  “Can you get an exact location?”

  “I can. The magic was placed at different times but is reacting at different speeds.”

  “Rhett would have been cursed first.”

  “I feel a curse that is well-established on one person.”

  “Then we go get him first,” I said.

  “As you wish, but the other individual’s curse is almost complete, as well.”

  The worry throbbing through me pushed against Frank’s power. “How is that possible if the curse was placed on them at different times?”

  “We must have disturbed the killer. They altered their magic to ensure Rhett and Axel perish before they are found. The activation of a curse can be adjusted.”

  “How long have we got?”

  “Within the next ten minutes, they will both be dead.”

  I struggled to breathe as my emotions overwhelmed Frank, leaving me free for a moment. My mind whirled with horror.