by Lisa Olsen
Her jaw dropped and it took several moments for that to sink in. “You’re kidding. He kept insisting he was cleared back in Los Angeles. Jax is going to be furious for everything she put him through!”
“Maybe don’t tell him that part.”
“That might be for the best,” she agreed with a soft laugh. If she spun it right, he’d just be relieved he was exonerated for good. “I’ll be sure to tell Veronica about Natalie when she gets home from school.”
“Are you still at my place?”
“Yep, still in your bed as a matter of fact. Is that alright?” She hadn’t considered asking at the time.
His voice dropped to a more intimate tone. “I kind of like the idea of you in my bed. I don’t suppose you’ll still be there when I get home?”
“Do you know when you’ll be home?”
“Ah, no, not exactly.”
“Then I can’t guarantee I will be. But give me a call later. Maybe we can try and meet up. At the very least I can give you back your car.”
“Alright, I’ll see you later then. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Annaliese smiled to herself at how easy it had become to say how much they cared about each other. What had she been so worried about before? She should’ve trusted how Nick felt about her and told him months ago. Then again, love was always a risk, and not everyone liked to take that leap.
Feeling more awake, she dialed Rose’s number, taken aback when her friend answered with a single, annoyed word.
“What?”
“Hey, you don’t have to bite my head off, we can always talk later,” Anna frowned.
“What time is it?” Rose’s voice was raspy with disuse, and she could practically picture the bleary look on her face.
“It’s a few after noon. Are you just waking up?” After staying up more than half the night, Annaliese understood the reason why she’d crashed all morning, but she hadn’t expected Rose to do the same.
“Apparently,” came the cracked response. There was a fumbling sound and then the gulp of water or some other drink. “God, my head is killing me.”
“Maybe you should’ve taken it easy last night.”
“Don’t judge me,” Rose sighed. “We were celebrating after the cops arrested that creep outside Ruby’s room. Remind me never to mix schnapps and champagne.”
Annaliese grimaced over that thought. “Hey, so listen, I have some interesting news. You’ll never, ever, ever guess who they think the killer is now.”
“Yeah, that cop guy stopped by earlier to ask me some questions. I was so out of it, I’m not even sure what I told him. Shit, they don’t think it’s me, do they?” she gave a weak laugh.
“No, they think it’s that friend of Nick’s from the FBI. Natalie Fox.”
“No way.”
“Yep. Apparently she was lying this whole time about working on the case, and they definitely think the killer is a woman now.”
“Wow. I knew she was a psycho bitch, you know? I just didn’t know she was a psycho bitch.”
“I know.” It still bothered Annaliese that she hadn’t done more to find out about the FBI agent once she’d first sensed that cloud of negative energy swirling around her. If she had taken a deeper look, could she have prevented any of the crimes? “Anyway, I wanted to let you guys know not to talk to her or let her in if she should stop by claiming to be working on the case. And tell Ruby she doesn’t have to worry about Jax anymore, he’s a hundred percent cleared of any suspicion.”
“Oh good, she’ll be glad to hear about that.” Rose yawned and the sound made Anna stifle one of her own.
“I should let you go. Let me know if you want to stop over later for some of my special tea to help with that hangover.”
“I think I’m just going back to bed with a bottle of Advil. Ruby’s still passed out asleep.”
“Way to embrace that rock star lifestyle. Party all night, sleep all day,” Anna teased.
“Hey, I have to spend all the time with her while I can. I imagine with Jax cleared they’ll be moving on to another city soon.”
Annaliese hadn’t thought of that. “Are you going to go with them?”
“The jury’s still out on that one. I think before I make that decision we’ll have to have a serious talk about some things. And I’m way too hung-over to even think about that right now.”
That was her cue to go. “Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
There might not have been anything she could’ve done to prevent the last two murders, but there was something she could do to protect the man she loved until Natalie was apprehended.
By the time she’d checked in on the store, showered, eaten a light lunch and assembled all of the components needed for the spell she had in mind, Veronica arrived home from school, watching her with undisguised interest.
“What are you doing? Can I watch?” she asked with keen attention.
“Of course you can, it’s no mystery,” Annaliese smiled in invitation. There was nothing secret about her preparations. “I thought I’d put together a protection spell for your father.”
“Protection from what?”
“Oh, negative energies.” Even though she kept her voice light, Veronica’s brow still puckered with worry.
“Is he in danger?”
“No, not specifically. But you know he’s after this killer, and I’d like to keep him safe.”
“Can I help?”
“I don’t see why not,” Anna agreed with a faint smile. What she wouldn’t have given to have someone guide her through such things when she was Veronica’s age. Then again, she hadn’t known anything about witchcraft at the time; it wasn’t until college that she’d expanded her horizons and learned about spellwork and her own abilities with fire.
Together they finished assembling the necessary components for the spell. Without access to her store, Anna kept things simple, choosing ingredients that could be found in any home. Rosemary, bay leaves, cloves, some anise and the petals of one red rose. Veronica helped her find an old white shirt of Nick’s that could be cut up to provide a small square of cloth and a length of purple yarn to bind it all up with.
“If you’d like, I can show you how to do the spell and you can try it yourself,” Annaliese suggested.
“Oh, I don’t know,” the girl hedged. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that. Maybe you should be the one to do it?”
“I’ll do it if you’re uncomfortable with it, but I thought you wanted to learn.”
“I do, but… What if I mess it up or say the wrong words or something?”
Annaliese gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about that. In fact, one of the most important things to learn about witchcraft is that the words don’t mean anything without the will. You have to believe in yourself and put a part of yourself into it, otherwise it’s worthless mumbo jumbo.”
“How am I supposed to believe in myself if I’ve never done it before?”
“If it helps, I believe in you. I know you can do it, if you put your mind into it.”
“But you have so much more power than I do.”
“There’s nothing more powerful than the love you feel for your father. Draw from that and you’ll keep him safe.”
“Do you love him too?”
Surprised by the question, nevertheless, Annaliese had a ready answer. “I do.”
“He loves you too.”
“Yes, I know.”
“You do?” Veronica’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank God. I was afraid he’d screwed it up.”
Anna couldn’t help but laugh at that. “There have been a lot of high tempers lately, but we’re good. Hey, listen, I almost forgot to tell you something important. The police are searching for your dad’s friend, Natalie Fox in connection to this murder case.”
“No shit. Sorry,” she winced over the swearing. “Do they think she’s the killer?”
“Maybe.” Annaliese didn’t want to go throwing accusa
tions around since technically Fox was innocent until proven guilty, but she did want to impress upon her the possible danger the woman might pose. “But he asked us not to talk to her or let her in. If you see her anywhere, call him right away, okay?”
“I knew she was bad news.” Veronica’s eyes narrowed to angry slits.
Anna tried not to feed into that other than saying, “See, you’re more sensitive than you thought.”
“You know they never um… did it, right?”
She’d hoped not, but it was still nice to have it confirmed. “Yes, I know.”
“Good. ’Cause I’m really glad he found you.”
A swell of emotion filled Annaliese over the acceptance she found in Veronica’s eyes and she pulled the girl into a hug. “I’m glad I found the two of you too.” Veronica seemed to need the hug as much as she did, and they laughed over the shine of sentiment in each other’s eyes when they pulled apart. “How about we do the spell together?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Veronica agreed with a smile.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Okay, so we’ve got it all put together. Is that it?” The herb filled sachet rested on the kitchen counter between them, tied up with the purple cord.
“No, that’s just the mechanics of it,” Annaliese explained. “The herbs themselves won’t do much until we charge them.”
“Charge them?”
“Yes, that’s what it means when you put your personal energy into an object. For this part, why don’t we go out into the backyard?”
“Outside?” The idea clearly surprised her.
“Yes, I prefer to do my spellwork outside whenever possible. It helps me feel closer to the Goddess. I think this should do nicely,” Annaliese approved as they stepped out the sliding door to the back yard. The buzz of insects wasn’t too annoying as they sat on the deck, the sun warm and inviting on their shoulders.
Once they were situated with the sachet on the deck between them, Annaliese closed her eyes and took care of erecting a protective barrier by projecting her energy in a clockwise circle around them. Placing the sachet in Veronica’s outstretched hands and covering them with her own, she closed her eyes, instructing her to do the same.
“Now imagine yourself feeling safe and protected, blanketed in a soft, warm light.”
“Like the sun?”
“Yes, you can take the energy from the sun and channel it for this purpose. See yourself sitting surrounded by this protective, white light. Can you feel it?”
“I feel it,” Veronica murmured.
“Good, and now I want you to push that light from every part of your body into your hands. Feel it charging the sachet, holding the power there. Once the light flows into your hands, it is immediately replaced by more light from everything around you, until it’s a constant flow, replenishing your energy as you focus it.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes, until Veronica spoke. “I can feel it, my hands are all tingly and warm.”
Even with her eyes closed, Anna could hear the excitement in Veronica’s voice and gave her a few words of subdued praise to keep her from losing focus. “You’re doing wonderfully. Now, holding that safe, warm light in your hands, I want you to picture your father. Picture him safe and loved, free from harm. Picture a protective white glow around his body until it shines so brightly, all you can see is the light. Can you see it?” Annaliese held the image in her mind even as she guided her through it.
“Yes.”
“Good, now repeat after me – I surround you with light and love, protecting you from all harm. As I will it, so mote it be.”
Veronica repeated the words in a breathy voice, and Annaliese felt the surge of energy pass between them as the spell was completed.
“Right, now it’s time to ground yourself from all the excess energy flying around. Let the extra light drain from your body and into the Earth, all the while feeling the warmth of the sun on top of your head. Let it flow through you from top to bottom in a gentle cycle until you feel pleasantly warmed, but not overly charged. When you’re ready, open your eyes.”
Annaliese practiced what she preached, sending the extra energy into the ground until she felt the throb of power fade to a light hum. The air around them felt tingly and alive, and Veronica’s face held a look of wonder as she opened her eyes.
“Is that it?”
“Yes, did you feel it?”
“I felt something…” Veronica let out a long breath, looking all around them as though expecting to see something different than her own back yard. “That was amazing. I’ve never felt so connected to everything before.”
“That’s the gift you get when tapping into an energy greater than your own. You become a part of it and it becomes a part of you. You just have to be careful how you manifest that energy. Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put out there comes back to you in the end. Some even say it comes back to you threefold, but I believe in balance.”
Her gaze dropped to the sachet in her hands. “And this will keep my dad safe?”
“It’ll help. That’s all we can ask for.”
* * *
By the time she got back to the store it was late afternoon. Annaliese came in through the front, bringing in a huge package sitting on the porch with her feet. Forsaken blared from the speakers, one of their earlier hits, Jackson’s vocals rough and scratchy as though he’d been gargling with glass.
To her surprise, Feather wasn’t at all eager to take off, promising to help her get the new inventory into the system. Anna didn’t question the gift, going upstairs to change into fresh clothes.
The reason for Feather’s offer became evident when Annaliese walked in on Jax carrying the box behind the counter, muscles bulging as he held it steady for the girl while she unpacked it. Apparently, he wasn’t laying quite so low anymore.
“You don’t have to hold that there, I can make some space on the counter,” Annaliese offered, but he shook his head, shooting her an easy grin.
“It’s fine, it’s not all that heavy. Besides, I figured I should earn my keep.”
“Oh, you did, did you?” Anna gave a pointed look to Feather, who had the good grace to blush.
“He’s been helping out around the store today. We finally got the stacks rearranged by pantheon.”
“Well then, I thank you, but you’re both relieved of duty.” Annaliese took the heavy box from his hands and set it on the glass counter. “I can take over here.”
“I don’t mind helping out,” Jax insisted, but she waved him away.
“It’s fine. Go take a load off, have a beer, enjoy the rest of the day.”
Feather gave him a hopeful look, but Jax didn’t extend any invitations. Finally, the girl seemed to realize she was the only one about to leave. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Jax gave her a brief wave. “Thanks for the tea.”
“Since when do you drink tea?” Annaliese snorted after she was gone. Was he picking up her employee?
“Since it’s offered to me by a nice girl who went through the trouble of making it for me. And don’t look at me like that. I was just helping her out, I wasn’t helping myself to her.”
“Good. That girl is barely legal.”
“But she is legal… Kidding! I’m kidding,” he chuckled when she smacked him across the abs. “What happened at the police station after I left? I got the feeling there was some serious shit about to go down.”
“You’re not wrong there.” Anna filled him in on all the happenings while she finished unpacking the box, updating her inventory as she went. Jax was even more relieved than Rose to hear he was no longer under suspicion for once and for all.
“I think I’ll have that beer now,” he said with a long sigh. “How about you?”
“No, I’d better not. I’ll be working until closing tonight.”
Jax returned a few minutes later with a beer for himself and an iced tea for her. “I can’t believe they think that bitch is the
killer, after all the bullshit she threw at me,” he muttered, taking a long pull on the bottle. “I should sue.”
“You could,” Annaliese allowed. “But it’s not really the Bureau’s fault she misled everybody up here. They did remove her from the case after you complained about her.”
“Yeah, still. I bet my lawyer could sue the crap out of her personally. Not that I need the money, but it’s nice to think about making her suffer for what she put me through.”
“I’d settle for putting her behind bars and making her pay for what she did to those girls,” Annaliese replied. “Hopefully, it’s only a matter of time before they catch her.”
“I’d be glad to personally send her picture to all of my media contacts. Give me twenty-four hours and I’ll make it so she can’t cross the street without being recognized. The tabloids will eat this shit up.”
“Hmm, you’d better hold off before you do anything like that. You don’t want to do anything that could interfere with the investigation. We don’t even know if it’s her for sure, we just know they’re trying to put a case together. It’d suck if they found her your way but her lawyer got her off because we didn’t approach it right.”
“I guess.” Jax picked at the label on the bottle, lost in thought while she continued to work on the shipment. “I’m betting Gideon’s going to want me to talk about it to the media fairly soon though. He said something about being approached for a book dealing with the murders too.”
Her brows came up at that. It seemed like a crass exploitation of their deaths, but it wasn’t for her to tell him what projects to accept. “Well, maybe talk to your attorney about what is or isn’t safe to say. If it turns out she’s not the killer, you don’t want her to end up suing you.”
Jax wagged his finger at her. “See, you’re a good person to talk to about things, Anna. I know you’ve got my back, no matter what.”
“No matter what,” she agreed, giving him a brief smile as he settled into one of the reading chairs with his beer.
He flipped through the pages of a worn copy of Scott Cunningham’s The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews from the small table there, setting it down without much interest. Instead, he went back for another beer. “I guess the gig is back on for tomorrow night,” he called out from the kitchen.