by CC Dragon
She sighed. “I suppose I should. I just always felt I needed to keep my practice separate from my business. Ethics.”
Esme nodded. “We respect that. Ethics is very important in our coven. But putting your cards in Claudia’s café or a flyer handed out at a coven meeting wouldn’t be out of line.”
“Right, you don’t have to push it. We can just list the shop opening in our monthly email blast. We’d do that for any shop like yours in town, coven member or not, because it might interest our group,” I said.
“Do you have a real estate agent?” Esme asked.
“I do, thanks. I’m sure I’ll find the right place. I don’t ever commit to opening a shop until I find that right location. I have an online store, so I’m fine with that business. A lot of people have no shops nearby.” She smiled.
“May I ask...why did you move here?” I was being nosy, but what else was I going to ask?
“I’d rather not discuss it. Sometimes, bad things happen, and you can’t cleanse them away. You have to walk away. I felt drawn here, and so far, it’s been very nice. The ball was lovely.”
“You didn’t bring anyone. Single?” Esme asked.
“Yes. No kids. You?” she asked.
“Same. Dating. Do you prefer magical or unmagical men?” I asked.
“Are you a matchmaker, too?” She deftly turned the question around on me.
Esme laughed. “No, but if you like magical people, then you’ll need to make a bit of an effort. Like the ball. They run in a very tight circle.”
“They always do. I’m not strong enough to impress them. True love will find me when it’s right. I won’t dictate the details of the man—magically, anyway.” She sat back. “I think you’re right about networking. I’ll see about coming to a meeting. But I won’t push any products. I’ll bring some cards. Online or home delivery, for now.”
“Sounds wonderful. If nothing else, you can make friends and get the word out,” I said.
“Do you know Amelia? She seemed very reluctant to even talk to us,” Esme said.
Trela shook her head. “I met her last night. She seems very private. Like she’s paranoid. I tried to be friendly and talk to her. Amelia hung around me a lot but said little. Like she was safe in my orbit. Odd.”
“Very odd.” I nodded.
Esme shrugged. “Some people are very shy. Introverts might prefer an online coven or solo. That’s fine. We don’t want to be rude.”
“I don’t think she’ll think you’re rude if you don’t pay her a visit. But that’s up to you,” Trela said.
“Thanks so much. We’ll let you get back to the shop hunt.” I stood.
Esme followed me to the door.
In the car, we sat in silence for a bit.
“Amelia?” Esme asked.
“Should we both go? It might be intimidating,” I said.
“We’re going to magically conjure her address. She’ll be annoyed with us,” Esme said.
“But we’re doing it,” I said.
“Absolutely. I’ll conjure. You drive. We don’t ignore newbies. We’ll be extra nice.” Esme pointed to the steering wheel.
I felt better about Trela. Amelia could just be shy. Not a crime, but we needed to talk to her more to be sure she wasn’t keeping people at a distance for a different reason.
Chapter Five
Not sure if it was fate or not, but we found Amelia walking her miniature poodle out in front of her building. She frowned when she saw us, but she didn’t rush into the building or anything.
“What luck,” Esme said when she got out of the car.
I shut off the SUV and got out. I followed Esme’s lead. We pretended it was dumb luck that we ran into Amelia. We’d conjured her address, but fortunately, we didn’t have to explain how we got it.
“Luck?” Amelia asked.
“We were just visiting Brenda, then Trela, and thinking we should try and pay you a welcome visit. I was driving back to the café, and here you are.” I slipped the keys in my purse.
“Coincidence? Fate?” She nodded. “I suppose I should invite you in.”
“You don’t have to. I know unpacking can be hectic,” Esme said.
“What’s your dog’s name?” I asked.
“Maleficent. It fits her,” Amelia replied.
When I tried to pet the dog, I found out why. It growled at me.
“Animals usually love me,” I mused.
“She’s a rescue from a puppy mill. It took me months to get her to trust me. That’s why I only have one rescue animal.” Amelia picked up the shaking dog.
“Sorry. Poor thing. I have two cats.” Mutual animal lovers would be a good place to connect with her.
“I’m allergic to cats. So, I probably can’t repay the visit.” She shrugged.
“And the cats live where our coven meets. So, that’s a problem. How allergic are you?” Esme asked.
“I have an epi pen. Sorry. It was nice to see you.” She backed toward the building.
“Why did you come to the ball?” I asked.
Amelia paused. “I wanted to feel out the others around here. New place. New people. Good or bad. You’re good, I know. I’m not afraid of you. But I don’t want to get sucked into coven politics or magical tests. Magical powers aren’t something to strive for. Some people have it; some don’t. That’s fine. Everyone has the talents they need, and I’m content with mine. I’m a nurse, because I can feel what’s wrong with someone. I have some healing gifts, but I’m better at diagnosing.”
“Why did you move here?” I asked.
“I got into a program to become a nurse practitioner. That job will let me use my gifts better without trying to convince a doctor about my hunch. The quickest program is here. I need to get inside and register for my classes. It opens online this afternoon. Bye.” She abruptly turned and went inside.
“Wow, she had a logical answer. She could’ve been nicer,” I said.
Esme sighed. “She’s hiding something. But I don’t think she’s dangerous. Probably had a bad coven experience and has chosen a solo path. You can try, again, later. She’s more your age. Just be friends. No coven talk. Maybe you’ll need a checkup?”
“We’ll see if she stays. If she’s so into her studies and career, she might not run in our circles, at all. But, if she’s going to avoid everyone, why bother with the ball?” Something didn’t add up.
“Exactly. Give her time to settle in, then circle back and revisit her. We’ll at least do it individually, so it doubles our chances.” She opened the car door and slid into the passenger’s seat.
I got into the car and started it up. “At least that’s over. I usually like welcoming new witches, but these are wonky. The coven one, Brenda, gives me the creeps.”
“You don’t like that she was hiding her powers,” Esme said.
“No, I don’t like that. And she seemed snobby. Like she’s shopping for a country club. Covens aren’t that plentiful,” I said.
“Maybe she’ll practice solo?” Esme suggested.
“Please, she wants an audience. She wants to be the big witch,” I predicted.
“Well, I’ll send the invitations, and we’ll see who turns up. Don’t dwell on them. Back to normal. Café to run.”
“Secret to uncover,” I added.
Esme sighed. “It’s getting old.”
“If someone would just tell me, we could all get beyond it. When I get back to the café, I’ll call Bran see if he wants to have dinner tonight. Bug him for a while.”
“You just saw him last night,” she said.
“This will be the complete opposite of last night.” I smiled.
Our relationship called for an opposite date. I could wear a gown and heels with the best prom and bridesmaid survivors, but it wasn’t my day-to-day. I parked my SUV in front of the Killean mansion and hopped out dressed in my usual. Jeans, T-shirt, boots, and a funky cardigan.
I rang the doorbell, and the butler answered.
“Bra
n ready?” I asked as I walked in.
Bran was standing in the foyer, looking a bit uncomfortable. “You’re sure this is appropriate?”
“It’s burgers and a movie, and you still look like it’s casual Friday at the office. They iron your jeans?” I asked.
“You said casual,” he replied.
I shook my head. He looked hot, but the dress shirt and loafers were still too stuffy. I grabbed his hand and headed up the grand staircase. “Where’s your room?”
“End of the hall. What’s so important?”
“You have to have T-shirts and sneakers.” I opened the door.
The bedding was navy stripes. There were landscapes on the wall and cherry wood furniture. I opened his walk-in closet and found gym shoes. “Here.”
“Those are for the gym here,” he said.
“Put them on,” I said.
I went to the tall dresser and searched for T-shirts. One drawer had his boxer briefs, and I closed it promptly, but at least some were red and black checkered. He wasn’t all boring, all the time.
“Am I interrupting?” Aunt Trezel asked from the doorway.
“No, I’m just taking him on a date. Show him how the other half lives for a change.” I found the drawer with T-shirts, and they were all plain gray, black, and white.
“Shaking things up. In a good way, I hope.” She smiled at me. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Really? Why?” I closed the drawer.
“You made a very nice impression at the ball. People were pleased. You didn’t try too hard, but you circulated. New people often fall all over themselves to see everyone. You knew just enough people and met some new ones. Plenty of those girls are mad that Bran is taken, and you didn’t pander to them.” She grinned at me.
“Thanks, I guess. You didn’t happen to find out anything about my family secret?” I asked.
“Claudia,” Bran said.
“No, it’s fine. I’m happy to help. I’ve got some feelers out, but I wasn’t here at that time. I was in Europe the year that happened. But I know everyone, so the secret will come out. It’s not something you want to discuss at a ball where rumors spread like wildfire. I promise I’ll be discreet, and that might take a tiny bit longer. Have a nice time.” She nodded then strolled on down the hall.
“The first time I’m in your bedroom, and we’re found out? Your house is full of too many people.” I laughed and grabbed my oversized purse. “At least I planned for this.”
“For what? We can have privacy whenever you like,” he said.
“Not yet. But that’s good to know. You don’t have any T-shirts that aren’t boring or even broken in. So, you’re wearing this. I think I got the size right.” I tossed him a black T-shirt that said Witch’s Brew Coffee Shop. The big graphic on the front was colorful.
His eyebrow arched.
“If you have a shirt for your favorite bar or Ireland or something, go for it. I like how you look in suits, but I need to know you can be casual. That you can lounge on a couch and eat ice cream and be messy and relaxed.” I shrugged.
“You got it.” He stood and took off his shirt. Then, the undershirt went. Nice abs and muscle with the right amount of chest hair.
I wanted to take a picture, but it was gone fast under my T-shirt.
He let the shirt hang out, untucked. His sneakers were lived-in.
“You’ll do. Let’s go. Burgers, fries and milkshakes. Then slushies and popcorn at the movies.”
“All junk. Got it.” He leaned down and kissed me. “What movie do you want to see?”
“Who cares? We’re making out through it, anyway,” I said.
He laughed. “I like this opposite date.”
“I like the fancy ones, too, but I don’t need things to be expensive to enjoy time with you.” I grabbed my purse and led the way back downstairs. “Nice underwear, by the way.”
“Thanks. When do I get to see yours?” he asked.
“You’re getting closer,” I said.
About midnight, I walked into the café. It was quiet, but we stayed open twenty-four hours for the vampires and weres. This was a safe place to deal with their unique issues. But, when I walked in full of junk after a very teenage-style date, Brad shot me a look that told me he knew what I’d been up to.
“He didn’t come in for a nightcap?” Brad teased.
I rolled my eyes. “I drove. It was an opposite date. He handled it better than I thought for a rich guy always wearing suits.”
“Good for you. Tea?” he suggested.
“No, I’m beat. I’m going to bed. I need to do the ordering tomorrow,” I said.
“Night,” he said.
“Goodnight,” I said.
I climbed to the second floor, and the cats didn’t rush to greet me, expecting treats. They weren’t to be found.
Then, I saw that the door to the secret room was slightly ajar.
“What the hell? Who was up here?” I shouted down to Brad.
He rushed up the stairs. “No one, I didn’t see anyone. Esme was in here earlier, but I don’t think she came upstairs. What’s wrong?”
“Check the cash drawer,” I said.
“We weren’t robbed,” he said.
“Go check.” I opened the door fully, and the cats darted out. “It wasn’t broken into.”
Brad left and returned in a flash. “Cash accounted for. I’ll check your apartment.” He disappeared up the stairs with blinding vampire speed.
I pulled out the stack of books and journals. Most everything was there until I got to the section of my mother’s old ones. They were gone.
This was a targeted robbery. Not the café...my magic stuff.
Brad returned. “The door was locked. Do you want to check?”
I shook my head. “Whoever it was did it magically, and they got my mom’s spell books. What the hell?”
“Security tapes,” he suggested.
“I’ll go check them. Didn’t you sense anything? I thought vamps were supposed to sense these kinds of things,” I asked.
“Only Esme came in. Other than that, no witch tingles. I’ll call the police,” he said.
“No. You go get the tapes ready, and I’ll check my apartment. I’ll meet you downstairs in five,” I said.
“Okay.” He headed downstairs. “I’ll tell Michael to cover the front solo. He’s new but good.”
I ran upstairs and unlocked my apartment. I checked my jewelry, not that I had a ton. I checked my little safe in the closet with a stash of cash and change just in case we ran out downstairs, plus spare sets of keys and my important documents. No one had been here.
I ran downstairs, all the way to the basement, and checked the big safe that was bolted into the brick wall left there by the previous owner. We used it for cash, change, and our backup credit card machine. It was secure.
Back up to the café level, I went into the office and found Brad on the computer, loading the security site.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
I nodded. “Why would someone steal them?”
“Spell books? Someone wants big magic,” he said.
“Dark magic. But why my mother’s?” I found myself on the tape and hit reverse. I saw the door open and the cats scatter, but no one was visible.
“Invisibility spell? Potion?” Brad asked.
“Someone is good. Their magic is strong, so why steal my mother’s spells?” I asked. “Is this part of trying to keep me from the secret?”
“I haven’t heard anything. No clue what it is,” Brad said.
“I know.” I patted his strong arm. “Esme? Ladies in the coven?” I asked out loud to no one in particular.
“A friend of Bran’s, maybe. He had you out late tonight,” Brad said.
“No, I dragged him out. But, if they’re powerful enough do this, they’d get past most anyone unnoticed.” I shook my head.
“You need better wards and magic protection. Get other magical people to do it with you. Makes it harde
r to break,” Brad said.
I nodded. “I just hate that I have to do that. It was locked up.”
“You’re thinking like a human. You’re not playing just with humans and friendly witches who love you, anymore. The world of magic and paranormal is bigger and badder than you know. Your mother was, by all reports, a very powerful witch. Her spells, even old stuff, could probably do some damage.”
I nodded. “More protection. Multiple magical protection. Got it. Damn. I’m so dumb.”
“No, growth hurts. You helped me when I got turned. I’m here for you.” He hugged me from behind.
“Thanks. Are you seeing anyone?” I asked.
“Claudia, I’m gay, and Bran is good for you,” Brad said.
I laughed. “I know. But I might know a nice guy. He is human, though,” I said.
“You’re sweet. Get some sleep. We’ll talk in the morning once you’ve secured your place. I’ll call in a spare vampire to cover my shift and stay on the second floor to stand guard,” he said.
“Thanks. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep.” I glared at the computer screen. A perfectly good night had turned miserable fast.
“Good date?” Brad asked.
I rolled my eyes. The memory of Bran’s abs was soothing, but part of me still wanted to punch something.
“Take the cats up to bed with you. You’ll solve it in the morning, but no one will get anything more tonight.”
I sighed.
“Don’t make me carry you up to your bedroom,” Brad threatened.
I laughed. “Okay, fine. Damn. Why can’t things go right?” I asked.
“Take a sleeping pill if you have to. You’ll need your rest,” he said.
“Bossy vampires,” I grumbled as I headed out of the office.
First, I needed to make a list of suspects, then maybe a Benadryl to help me sleep.
Chapter Six
Sleep hadn’t worked out exactly. I got maybe three hours, but mostly, I fumed as the cats tried to purr and paw me into relaxation. At six a.m., I gave up and took a quick but scalding shower.
I dressed with purpose. Black jeans, black flowing shirt, and knee-high black boots. I did my makeup and even added jewelry.
I ate a granola bar to have something on my stomach. Finally, I stalked downstairs and found Brad standing guard, as promised.