Third Crime's a Charm (A Farmer's Market Witch Mystery Series Book 2)

by Constance Barker

  While the outside of the house was bright and clean, the inside was dim and dark. Little sunlight filtered past the drapes. I stood by the door, letting my eyes adjust. Something about the house didn’t feel right, but I couldn’t place my finger on it. Then, it hit me. The house smelled of lavender. Not a huge scent, but it was definitely there. I was immediately encouraged, since the lace smelled of lavender also. If I could find a dress missing a bit of lace, well, I would be on my way to solving Betty’s murder.

  One glance told me where Tabitha’s bedroom was. I moved across the living room and down a short hall. I gripped the doorknob and took a deep breath. If Tabitha was on the other side of the door... I didn’t finish the thought but threw the door.

  And the lavender attacked.

  That was the only way to describe the onslaught of lavender scent, a scent so powerful that it forced me back a step. That was when my mind suddenly blanked. I looked about, wondering why I was in this strange house. Even as I looked, a wave of drowsiness swept over me. I had the sudden urge to simply lie down on the floor and sleep. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Wouldn’t that be exactly what I needed?

  Trap.

  The word stood out in red inside my brain.

  Trap.

  Trap.

  Trap.

  Trap.

  It like a blinking, neon sign. While I wanted to sleep, I understood that sleep was exactly what I couldn’t do. I needed to move, to get away, before the odor reduced me to a corpse. I was certain that if I fell asleep, I wouldn’t wake up.

  I spun and ran down the hall and across the living room. While I thought I was moving quickly, I knew I wasn’t. I slowed with every step. Even the neon sign in my head slowed and dimmed. I grabbed the doorknob and twisted, but it didn’t want to turn. There was a spell on it, a reverse spell that didn’t permit people to leave.

  Trap.

  I closed my eyes and stopped breathing. I needed to find the right spell, because I would have only one chance to escape Tabitha’s elaborate trap. Using the last of my air, I whispered the spell.

  In darkest day, in deepest night,

  Escape I must, and see the light.

  Unloose this lock.

  Open this door.

  So, I might live forever more.

  The knob twisted and I shoved the door hard. I lunged out. Stumbling, head down, I coughed out the lavender in my lungs, the stuff that was meant to kill. Not watching, I lurched along and run right into the arms of...

  Jason.

  CHAPTER 9

  “Whoa,” Jason said. “What’s the matter?”

  “Lavender,” I said and coughed. “Inside.”

  “Take it easy,” Jason said. “Slow down. Deep breaths. Clear your lungs.”

  I nodded. “I...I was at the market, and I...I looked into the port-a-potty.”

  “It was sealed with crime tape, wasn’t it?”

  “Was it? I don’t remember. I mean, I was there, and I thought I’d just give it a quick look. You know, because of the witch’s circle.”

  “I get you. Just walking along and decided to take a look, right?”

  “Something like that.” The lavender still filled my lungs. I coughed a bit more, feeling better.

  “So, you took a look and what did you find?”

  I pulled the baggy from my pocket and handed it to Jason. “This was stuck in a filter.”

  “The forensic team missed it?”

  “It would appear so, but in their defense, this little bit was hidden. If I hadn’t bent over to look at the circle, I would have missed it too.”

  “Tell me about the circle.”

  “Well, it was almost right.”

  “Almost?”

  “Some of the symbols weren’t quite right. Now, a witch as well-versed as Tabitha wouldn’t make those mistakes—unless she wanted to.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  “To throw off suspicion. She might want you to think some inexperienced witch, or even a non-witch had drawn the circle.”

  “What do you think?”

  “I don’t know. I want to think that Tabitha was involved, but I’m not convinced. It’s not entirely clear.”

  “All right, so, you found the lace, and it smelled of lavender. That led you here, right? To confront Tabitha?”

  “Yes, I wanted to see if the patch of lace came from her dress.”

  “And did you?”

  “No, I didn’t get the chance. The lavender scent was a trap. I was lucky to make it out. But a trap like that works only once. I can go back in now.”

  “No, you can’t. Right now, you’re going to stay out of the house. I have a team of detectives who will search the house.”

  “But I know about witches.”

  “You’re not going in.”

  I knew Jason wasn’t going to change his mind. So, I spoke to Gus, who was sitting on the lawn.

  Gus, can you and Emmy watch the detectives?

  Of course, Elle. No problemo.

  Since Emmy was a ghost, she could get inside without a problem. Gus had the ability to transport himself for short distances. He didn’t need a witch’s circle, but then, he wasn’t able to go more than twenty yards. I stood outside with Jason, while the detectives worked. They didn’t take long, not really. When they emerged, they shook their heads. They hadn’t found anything.

  “There you go,” Jason said. “No torn lace from some dress. Nothing to indicate any involvement in the murder. We were looking for florist tape.”

  “I see. But I’m pretty sure Tabitha is far too smart to leave the tape lying around.”

  “Well, I have to get going,” Jason said. “Want a lift?”

  I shook my head. “I’m giving Gus a walk.”

  “Good enough.”

  I watched Jason drive away before I started chatting with Emmy and Gus.

  “Anything?”

  “Nothing,” Gus answered. “We watched, and they were thorough. But there was nothing to find.”

  “Gus is correct,” Emmy said. “They looked all over, but there was nothing to find.”

  “I doubt that they knew where to look,” I said. “Tabitha isn’t one to leave incriminating evidence lying about.”

  “I didn’t feel any spells or charms,” Gus said. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”

  “You’ll have to go in yourself,” Emmy said. “You might find something.”

  “I’ll think about it,” I said. “I’ll want to have some special charms with me when I do.”

  “Good idea.”

  At home, I wondered if the lavender lace was connected to the lavender trap. Had the lace been left by Tabitha? That would show some forethought on Tabitha’s part. Although, it made sense. Whoever found the lace might try to match it with a dress from Tabitha. That would set off the trap, wouldn’t it?

  I went to bed, still wondering about Tabitha’s house and the trap. I reminded myself that I needed to be careful with her. She was a real witch. She wouldn’t hesitate to use dark magic.

  The smell of lavender woke me. Not the smothering scent of Tabitha’s house, just a light smell that drew me from my sleep. As soon as I woke, I knew Tabitha was there.

  “You really do need to upgrade your locks and spells,” Tabitha said. “It wasn’t as easy as the other night, but it was still doable. I could teach you some spells that would keep out everyone. Of course, I could also teach you something about traps. You seem to need some help in that area.”

  “I managed all right.”

  She laughed. “Oh, my, you escaped, and that is not the same thing.”

  “You can leave, Tabitha.”

  “That’s not very hospitable,” she said. “I’ll give you advice, anyway. Be more careful when you break into someone else’s house. By the way, what were you looking for?”

  “The same thing you’re looking for. A ballerina jewelry box.”

  “Oh, yes, the jewelry box. Do you know about it?”

  “I know yo
u have it.”

  “No, my dear, I don’t have it. Although, I wish I did. And I know you don’t have it either. Pity. Because, if you did, you would be far more formidable.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I’ll tell you because I’m going to find the jewelry box before you do. Unknown to most people, the box is filled with dark magic. Oodles and oodles. The rumor is that if you wind up the box complete and let the ballerina dance her full dance, all you need are a few, special words to let loose the dark powers of the box. I know those words, Elle. When I get the box, I will have the powers of a dozen witches. So, don’t try to keep me from getting the box. I’m committed. You would be wise to sit back and let it happen.”

  “I’ve never been wise,” I answered. “Not like you.”

  Tabitha laughed. “Oh, my dear, you’ll never be wise like me.”

  With that, Tabitha disappeared.

  “Ugh! I’m glad she’s gone,” Gus said.

  “You’re not much of a guard dog,” I answered.

  “She used a sleep spell. How was I to know?”

  “Next time, bark or something.”

  “While I’m sleeping?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  I settled down to sleep. I knew I would need it, if I was going to find the jewelry box before Tabitha did. The question would then be whether or not I could destroy the box before it gave up its powers.

  But did I need the special words?

  If I did, where would I find them?

  CHAPTER 10

  Tabitha was still on my mind when I opened my shop the next morning. I was extra careful, making sure there weren’t any lavender traps waiting for me. Gus wasn’t gung-ho about going in first, but since he could transport himself out of the shop in an instant, he made a good leader.

  “You know, you’re not scoring any points for bravery,” Gus said, when I followed him into the shop.

  “True, but I am scoring points for prudence.”

  “You get points for being a prude?”

  “Very funny. You know talking dogs fetch a pretty penny on the open market.”

  “Sell me, and what would you do for company?”

  “I don’t know, but I might like to try.”

  Gus knew I was kidding, just like him. He settled into his favorite spot, and I fixed myself a cup of tea, something to help start the day. While business was not exactly brisk, I did sell a few items by mid-morning. The teenager who wanted an ankh for her bracelet had just left, when Percy rang the bell over the door.

  “So, how goes it?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure, but I did want to run something by you. I was roaming this morning, as I generally do, when I’m looking for something to reveal to my avid readers.”

  “You have avid readers?”

  “Now, Elle, don’t you start on me. It’s bad enough that I have to take grief from Gus. I don’t need it from you.’

  “I know you have a loyal band of followers,” I said. “So, what did you accidentally overhear?”

  “I was at the café, minding my business, when David and Thomas arrived. They came separately, which would make sense. And as soon as they were served, they launched into a rather heated exchange.”

  “About what?”

  “What else, money. They both needed money, and David wanted to know if Thomas had stolen any from Betty’s house. David was of the opinion that Betty had stashed money everywhere inside the house. He said she liked to squirrel away cash, so he couldn’t get his hands on it. It seems David would raid the bank accounts on occasion. Although David had searched high and low, he had found nothing. It was driving him crazy.”

  “Thomas denied taking the money?” I asked.

  “Over and over. Thomas was the original know-nothing. In fact, he accused his stepfather of taking the money. Their little argument was meant to throw off suspicion.”

  “I doubt that sat well with David.”

  “He was livid. David seems to have a quick trigger, when money is involved. But, the discussion turned from money to a jewelry box. A missing jewelry box.”

  “A ballerina box?”

  “I think so. David accused Thomas of taking the box, and Thomas absolutely denied it. But then, what would you expect Thomas to say?”

  “And David kept asking.”

  “Over and over, until Thomas became agitated and accused David of taking the box, in order to make it look as if Thomas had killed Betty. Thomas said he knew David had murdered Betty, although David denied that vehemently. They were practically yelling at each other. Each accused the other, and neither had the good grace to be quiet.”

  “Then, what?”

  “Then, nothing. I think they spotted me, and although they didn’t think I was close enough to overhear them, they still went silent. In a few minutes, they were gone.”

  “So, you have something to write about,” I said.

  “I do, but I must be careful. That’s what Deputy Hart said.”

  “You talked to Jason?”

  Percy nodded. “I thought he should know. Just as I think you should know. David and Thomas are prime suspects. That they accused each other puts a little twist on the case.”

  “Unless, it was all staged,” I said. “They might have fed you the argument, just to see what comes up in your blog. You’re known for discovering diamonds lying about on the sidewalk.”

  Percy chuckled. “Hardly, but it didn’t sound like a fake argument. They seemed to believe that the other had committed murder. Oh, by the way, the market is opening.”

  “Today? Are you sure?”

  “When have I ever been wrong about what I manage to hear?”

  “I wonder why I wasn’t notified. I’ll have to hurry, if I’m going to open my booth.”

  “I can help.”

  “No, Gus and I can manage. But tell me, you were there with David and Thomas. What is your take on their innocence?”

  “If I thought they were clever, I’d say one of both are guilty and trying to hide it. But I don’t think they’re clever. I think they both had monetary motives, and money turns a lamb into a wolf. So, I’m not willing to stake my reputation on anything.”

  “Exactly. And now, I have to get to the market.”

  I WAS A MITE LATE OPENING my booth, but it didn’t matter. The morning crowd wasn’t that thick. I had my displays ready in time to entice the growing throng.

  I loved the market. I loved that it was out in the air and sunshine. I loved that it drew all manner of people, from the rich to the poor. And almost every one of them found something they needed. There was something natural about the market, something earthy. The farmer’s market was as old as the farm itself. I could imagine medieval farmers hauling their goods to the city square and selling everything they didn’t need. I supposed those markets had jesters and clowns, jugglers and troubadours, maybe even a puppet show. That got me to thinking. What if I added a puppet show to my booth? It would draw children, and children drew parents. Would it pay for itself? Because I was no puppeteer. I thought I might run the idea past Gus, when he returned. At the market, Gus was not obliged to sit by my side.

  I was wondering what kind of puppets would be best, when Percy arrived. Right behind Percy, came David.

  What did he want?

  CHAPTER 11

  “What can I do for you?” I asked David.

  “I’m looking for something small, a bracelet with some kind of protection charm.”

  “Protection?” Percy asked. “Who needs protection?”

  Percy had moved to a side table, where he sat and opened his tablet computer. I knew Percy liked to work on his blog from the tablet. He had used my table several times in the past. He could type and listen in on market conversations at the same time.

  “My wife was murdered,” David said. “I think anyone associated with me should have some kind of protective charm.”

  “Betty had filed for divorce, hadn’t she?” Percy asked. “And moved out?”
<
br />   David ignored the question and pointed to a silver bracelet with a guardian angel attached. “What about that one?”

  “It’s a guardian angel,” I said. “Everyone needs one of those.”

  “What else do you have?”

  I showed David magic eye charms, and Saint Florian charms, and some pentacle star charms, all meant to provide some degree of protection. He asked about specifics, what the charms were designed to ward off. I explained that each charm had a purpose. Harm came in many sizes and shapes. Charms did also.

  David took a few minutes, working through the various charms, before he returned to the guardian angel. A guardian angel was an all-purpose charm. Angels could help in many capacities. I boxed the bracelet for him, and I expected him to walk away. But he didn’t.

  “You know,” David said. “You might look into protection charms for yourself.”

  “Me?” I asked. “Why would I need a protection charm?”

  “Because you don’t know how to mind your own business. People who jam themselves into places they don’t belong end up with troubles. Know what I mean?”

  “No,” I said. “Are you threatening me?”

  David ignored me and turned to Percy. “And you, Mr. Reporter, I think you should think twice about what you write.”

  “You’re not making any sense,” Percy said. “I write what I write because it’s entertaining. That it happens to be true makes it doubly so.”

  “You heard me. I know you were listening when I was talking to Thomas. You seem to listen too much, if you know what I mean. If any of that conversation appears in your little column, you might find yourself looking over your shoulder.”

  “You can do better than that,” Percy said. “That’s hardly a threat at all.”

  “You know what I mean. You think you’re so damn smooth. Well, what would you do if you couldn’t listen anymore? What would happen if you went deaf? Ever think about that?”