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

by Constance Barker

  “I would think,” I said, “that if you wanted your conversation to be private, you wouldn’t choose a public place. Who knows how many people overheard you and Thomas.”

  “You’re skating on thin ice too,” David said to me. “I think you’re the one spreading rumors about me having affairs with other women. Well, if that shows up in the paper, I’ll know where to find the source, won’t I?”

  “You should think a bit before you accuse anyone of anything,” I said. “And Percy is free to write whatever he happens to verify. If I were you, I’d stop making threats and become a better man.”

  David glared, his eyes narrow and dangerous. I felt he had half a mind to come after me, but I was more than ready for the likes of him.

  “You heard me,” he growled. “Don’t think I won’t do what it takes to protect myself.”

  With that, David spun and stormed away. I didn’t envy his mistress, as he was in a foul, foul mood.

  “Well, that went well, didn’t it,” Percy scoffed. “For a moment, I thought he might try something.”

  “He wouldn’t dare. He’s a talker. He’s like a barking dog. It’s all bluff. The dogs you have to worry about are the ones that don’t bark. They’ll come at you and just bite.”

  “Well, he pretty much guaranteed that his conversation with Thomas, and any information I find about his affairs, will make the paper. I’m not about to give in to a blowhard.”

  I wasn’t about to acquiesce to David either, especially since I had Gus to protect my back. Well, when he was around. Yet, I was pretty sure Gus would arrive when needed. He was good about that.

  I was still processing David’s behavior, when Jason and his partner, Detective Ventura stopped by. Jason was all business. I had the idea he wanted to make it look as if our relationship was platonic—which it kind of was. Much to my dismay. Why are panther shifters so darn sexy.

  “How is everything going?” Jason asked. “We wanted to make sure there were no big problems after the murder.”

  “We’re doing fine,” I said.

  “Except for the threats,” Percy added.

  “What threats?” Jason asked.

  “The ones David made just minutes ago,” Percy said. “Tell him, Elle.”

  I gave Percy the evil eye, and he laughed.

  “Come on, Elle, tell me,” Jason said.

  “It was more like a snit, than a threat,” I said. “David came here to buy a protection charm for a woman, I presume. And, while he was here, he warned the both of us not to spread any rumors about him and Betty and their divorce.”

  “He was specific,” Percy said. “He wanted to make sure I didn’t publish anything that I had overheard with Thomas. And he didn’t want one word about his affairs.”

  Percy went on, in great detail, telling Jason how angry David had become, and how he had made his intentions abundantly clear. We were not to talk about anything that would put him in bad light.

  “That’s interesting,” Jason said. “We happen to think that David might well have had a hand in Betty’s murder. In that case, his threats are utterly real. He might come after you two, as he came after his wife. He might see you as people who will find out his secrets and make them known. If there’s a smoking gun somewhere, you might find it.”

  “Elle might,” Percy said. “She’s a detective. I’m a scribe. And not a very brave one.”

  “Just keep your eyes open,” Jason said. “Desperate people do desperate things.”

  “We’ll be careful,” I said.

  Jason and Ventura left, and I turned to Percy. “Mind running the booth for a few minutes. I want to check out Betty’s booth. I forgot about it, and by now, its flowers need tossing.”

  “Take your time,” Percy said. “I like creating here in the market. It’s fun—even with the threats.”

  I set off for Betty’s booth, feeling guilty all the way. I had meant to take care of it earlier. To my surprise, the booth was open. Delilah had stocked the shelves with flowers. I might have turned around and gone back to my booth, if Thomas hadn’t stomped up to Delilah and waved a fist in her face.

  CHAPTER 12

  “What did you do my mother’s cash?” Thomas demanded.

  If Delilah was scared, it didn’t show. Her icy eyes looked up and down at Thomas, and I could tell that she didn't consider him any sort of threat.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Delilah said.

  “Don’t lie! Mom left cash lying about all the time. And you’re the only one who was around. So, you took it. I know it. And I want it. Do you hear me? I want my mother’s money!”

  “You don’t know anything,” Delilah said. “Betty was not some sort of mental case. She didn’t leave cash around. She put it in the bank where it belonged.”

  “You’re lying!” Thomas insisted. “You lie about everything. Mom thought you were a good worker, so cute with the customers. But I know better. I know you were some sort of evil weed that would poison the whole store.”

  “You’re insane. Are you on drugs again? Is that it? You’re strung out and need money to feed your habit?”

  “Don’t make this about me. I’m fine. This is about stealing, and you’re the only person who could have done it. Now give me my mother’s MONEY!”

  Thomas’ face had turned red, his anger palpable. His hands balled into fists, and I knew he was seconds from exploding, from turning the verbal battle into something physical. I was no peacemaker. Yet, I knew I would have to use some sort of charm or spell, if he attacked. Delilah was no match, no matter how high Thomas might be. I edged closer. Delilah’s eyes had narrowed, as it appeared she recognized the signs. I watched as her fingers closed around some very sharp pruning scissors. She wasn’t about to take a beating.

  The argument had drawn several people who simply stared, not knowing what to do. Through the line of people pushed Jason and Ventura.

  “What’s going on here?” Jason asked.

  Thomas’ hands unballed. Delilah put down the scissors. They were both still angry, but they knew better than to battle in front of the authorities.

  “Nothing,” Thomas said.

  “He was going to hit me,” Delilah said. “He’s strung out or something, and he came here to steal money.”

  “She’s lying,” Thomas said. “She’s the thief. She stole my mother’s cash. Question her. Make her tell the truth.”

  “I am telling the truth,” Delilah said. “There wasn’t any cash to steal. It’s all inside his head. The drugs he’s been using have turned his brain to mush.”

  “I should...” Thomas took a step closer before Jason grabbed Thomas’ arm.

  “Hold on there,” Jason said. “You need to cool down. In fact, you need to leave.”

  Jason turned Thomas toward the exit.

  “Don’t come back,” Jason said. “You're banned from the market, do you understand?”

  “It’s public space,” Thomas said. “You can’t keep me out.”

  “I can, and I will,” Jason said, escorting Thomas away. “If I see you in here, I’ll arrest you, and we both know what will happen then. We’ll find those needle marks on your arms, and we’ll have ample evidence to hold you. Want that? Want to dry out in jail?”

  Thomas didn’t answer, and I could tell that Jason’s words had accomplished what he had set out to do. Thomas, whether he was using or not, did not want to go to jail, where he would have no access to drugs. The last thing a junkie wanted was to be cut off from his drugs.

  Jason watched Thomas march off, before he turned and came back to Delilah.

  “Are you alright?” Jason asked.

  “No, I’m scared,” she answered. “That man is dangerous.”

  “I don’t think he’ll bother you anymore.”

  “Not here. But, what if he comes to my home? What do I do then? You’ll be far away. He’ll do whatever he wants.”

  “No, no, he won’t. I’ll make sure of that.”

  “Well, if he
comes for me, I’m not going to just roll over,” Delilah said. “I’ll fight.”

  “He’s a druggie, not a killer,” Ventura said. “I know the type. He might snatch something if he can, but he’s not going to hurt anyone.”

  I listened for a bit longer, wondering just how Delilah might protect herself. I had to believe that she would be good to her word. If Thomas came after her, she would put up a fight. That was a reason I agreed with Jason. Thomas wasn’t about to battle someone—unless he was absolutely certain he could win. With Delilah, he could never be sure.

  Jason wandered over to me. “Elle, did you see or hear much?”

  “Only, what everyone heard. Thomas thinks Delilah stole some money, and he wants it back. I’m not sure there was ever any money about. Betty was a good businesswoman. She wouldn’t toss around cash.”

  “I think you’re right. I’m inclined to believe that he’s nothing more than an addict who needs a fix. That makes him a nuisance, not a threat.”

  With that, Jason and Ventura moved on. I returned to my booth, where Percy was finishing his blog.

  “Back for good?” Percy asked. “If so, I have to run down to the paper and put this little blog into the hopper.”

  “I’m back. Have at it. And watch your back. David might just mean what he says.”

  “He’s all talk,” Percy said. “And remember, I have excellent hearing. He won’t sneak up on me.”

  With that Percy left. I noticed that Gus and Emmy had returned and were at the back of the booth. The two had become best buddies, or so, it seemed. I used telepathy to communicate with them, as there were still people about.

  Gus, did you happen to hear about Thomas?

  I did. And I agree with the police. He’s all talk.

  I think so too, but there is something wrong in Abbot Rise. I need to find out what that is. Thomas might be a good place to start.

  Don’t do it, Elle. Thomas doesn’t have what it takes.

  But he might know something. I think I can get close enough to him to find out what it is.

  You should let the police do it, Emmy said. That’s their job.

  I would, if I could. But if I let go, and something bad happens, I’ll blame myself.

  As the last of the shoppers moved toward the gate, I closed up my booth. I was about to head for Betty’s house, where I supposed Thomas was staying, when I heard David’s voice.

  David?

  What was he doing in the market?

  What was he doing next door in Brad Price’s jerky shop?

  CHAPTER 13

  It took seconds to move from my booth to Brad’s. I stood on the outside of the canvas wall and listened. While I knew I wasn’t entitled to hear what David was saying, I felt a need to know. I was involved in Betty’s murder. If I had expected the talk to be about jerky, which was Brad’s specialty, I was mistaken. David was all in about Betty, which struck me as disingenuous. David was merely trying to convince people that he hadn’t been such a rotten husband.

  “I miss her, Brad, I really do. You know, there was a time that I thought I could get along without Betty. I thought maybe I would be better off by myself. You know, footloose and carefree. But, now that she’s gone, I find myself wondering about what I should do. I can’t seem to get any traction or find my way. I keep thinking she’ll pop up around the next corner and tell me it was all some elaborate joke.”

  “Death is always hard to accept,” Brad said. Brad wasn’t known for long-winded speeches. If David thought he was going to get more, he was mistaken. I knew the gap in the conversation was David hoping for more.

  “Did I ever tell you that Betty always kept fresh flowers in the house. I guess that shouldn’t be a surprise, as she owned a flower shop. It got so I never really noticed the fresh scents of the flowers. I mean, it’s like anything. When something is always there, you don’t notice. But when it’s gone...well, I miss those flowers. I miss them in a way I didn’t anticipate. Is that crazy or what?”

  “Can’t you go down to the shop and get some flowers?”

  “No, no, Delilah says she needs them to sell. And the will hasn’t been probated, or whatever is needed to be done. So, I don’t own the shop yet.”

  “That’s rough,” Brad said.

  “That’s only the half of it. I can’t inherit, and I can’t collect on her insurance.”

  “Insurance?”

  “Yeah, there was a million-dollar policy on Betty. I contacted the insurance company, but they told me the claim was under investigation. They couldn’t issue a check until I was cleared of any involvement. That’s crazy. Because I would never hurt Betty. I loved her, and she loved me.”

  “She filed for divorce, right?”

  “Oh, yeah, but that was a mistake. That’s plain to see. She wasn’t going to go through with it. She simply wanted to get my attention. You know, for some people, it takes a slap up the side of the head. That’s me. I don’t read between the lines all that well. I need direct action.”

  There was an awkward pause. I waited for more, but David seemed to have run out of words. Brad wasn’t one to carry a conversation.

  “I have to go,” David said. “Thanks for listening.”

  “Sure,” Brad said.

  I slipped away from the booth, thinking I would follow David for a little bit. I wanted to know who else might hear his confession and his need for Betty. I had only gone one booth over, before Alice Osborne stepped out of her booth and grabbed my arm.

  “Did you hear him?” Alice asked.

  “Who? David?”

  She nodded. “Wasn’t that simply wicked? The man was blubbering about loving his wife, which was a lie. Everyone knows he cheated on her all the time. What kind of swamp creature lies like that?”

  “A crocodile,” I said. “He didn’t sound genuine to you?”

  “Genuine? If he was Pinocchio, his nose would be a foot long. The only thing that sounded true was his lament about not collecting the insurance. I believe he was really upset by that.”

  “A million dollars is a huge sum of money.”

  “It is. If he got it, he would disappear. I’m certain about that. He’d just leave town and never look back. I don’t think he would even take his floosy with him.”

  “He’s not exactly reliable, is he?”

  “He’s a snake. That act of his wouldn’t fool a four year old. I have half a mind to call Percy and tell him all about it. Do you think that’s wise?”

  I knew that Alice, while an artist when it came to making wreaths, also had a crush on Percy. She felt they were kindred spirits. He worked with words to create something people wanted. She worked with flowers and limbs and leaves and all manner of things to create beauty. Percy knew about the crush, and he did nothing about it. He was always polite and attentive.

  “I think Percy would love to hear about the insurance money,” I said. “It’s just the sort of thing that spices up his blog.”

  Alice beamed. “You’re so right, Elle. He does have a nose for whatever is needed. I’m sure he’ll be able to use this new information. I’m going to call him right now.”

  Alice turned back to her booth. I looked up, but David was gone. My plan to follow him had gone up in smoke. I turned back to my booth and finished closing. Gus and Emmy were there, and they seemed more chummy than ever.

  “What do you think, Gus? Did David kill his wife for the money?”

  Since no one was about, Gus could answer without using telepathy. “I think money is a prime mover for some people. Since, he didn’t seem to care all that much for his wife, the money might have been too much to resist.”

  “Before I died,” Emmy said. “I didn’t think money was all that important to people. But I’ve had my eyes opened. It seems that money is all some people think about. In a way, I’m glad I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

  “Someone once said that the love of money is the root of all evil,” I said. “I wouldn’t go that far, but I agree that it’s a
great motivator. Greed runs deep in many of us.”

  I packed up my vehicle and made ready to go home. Yet, something nagged at me. It was like a pebble in my shoe. It bothered me a little but not enough to stop and remove it. As I ticked off the people and places I had already seen, I came to the conclusion that I needed to see Betty’s house again. Something told me that I had missed something important.

  What?

  I knew I wouldn’t find out until I had searched the place again.

  What I didn’t know was what was waiting for me.

  CHAPTER 14

  When you’re a witch, you don’t have a problem getting past simple locks. Even alarm systems are pretty simple. So, after dark, I managed to slip into Betty’s old house without an issue. Of course, getting in was but half the problem. The other half was performing a search without being noticed. Turning on the lights was out of the question. So, I pulled out a small flashlight that wouldn’t draw attention and looked about the entrance.

  It was a mess.

  I wondered if David had stepped foot in the house. Nothing had been cleaned or set in order. I knew witches who lived with chaos, but I was not one of them. A modicum of mess was more than enough for me. Of course, the bigger the mess, the harder it would be to search. It wasn’t as if I could look through the “M” files, find “MURDER”, and read. I would have to sift through all the trash floating about the house. The question became how to go about the search. Where was I most likely to find something useful? I supposed the answer was Betty’s bedroom.

  A person’s bedroom is like a mirror. It reflects the person’s personality and preferences. Betty’s bedroom was the flower shop in a way. It was arranged according to the eye. While I might have preferred different colors and combinations, I couldn’t argue with the bouquet effect Betty had achieved. Was it utilitarian? I didn’t think so. But then, I didn’t have to live and sleep there. In the light of day, I was certain it would have a different effect on me. If I hadn’t been looking for clues to a murder, it might have proved positively brilliant...if. I started with the closet.