by CC Dragon
“Did she tell you anything that might help us? Enemies? Exes? Why she moved?”
“I’m trying to remember. She was a solo practicing witch. Her shop wasn’t doing as well as her online sales. I don’t know why she moved exactly. Maybe there was too much competition for the shop wherever she came from. She mentioned she was looking for a location for a shop here but wasn’t into covens. I was surprised she turned up to that one meeting, at all,” I said.
“I see. So, you were in her apartment? Did you touch anything?” he asked.
“Doorknobs. A glass. I don’t know. I don’t know anyone who’d want to hurt her. We could use a shop like that around.”
“But not everyone would like it. Some people always protest that stuff,” he said.
“Sure, but we also have a rich history of witch trials that bring in some tourists. Besides, those people protest. Murder is a bit extreme,” I said.
“You were involved in a case not too long ago. The death of a customer,” he said.
“Well, she’d been here earlier the day she passed, but it was natural causes. Mrs. O’Conner was a brittle diabetic.”
“Yes. Just odd, another body connected to you,” he said darkly.
“Really? Was Mrs. O’Conner’s body ‘connected’ with everyone else who’d seen her that day?” The detective raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply. “But was this one murder or you don’t know?” I asked.
“There will be an autopsy. A hose was found from the tailpipe to the driver’s side window open just a crack. It looked like a suicide,” he said.
“Looked like. Why do you think it wasn’t?” I asked.
“I’m asking the questions. Did Trela seem depressed or down about anything?” he asked.
“No, she seemed happy. Unsure if she wanted to join a coven. I got the feeling she liked her privacy and solitude.” I shrugged.
“She didn’t have a problem going to a party or coming here to a public place?” he asked.
“She didn’t seem afraid or looking over her shoulder. Do you think someone was after her from where she used to live?” I asked.
“We’re not ruling anything out, right now. Did you receive any communications from her after the coven meeting? Phone or text?” he asked.
“Nope. I didn’t expect to hear from her.” I sat back and sipped my coffee. She wouldn’t kill herself. I tried to get my mind to stop spinning. It made no sense.
“Did you report some books from your private collection missing to your coven?” he asked.
“I mentioned that my private room here had been broken into. My mother’s old journals were taken. The items were returned,” I said.
“Who took them?” he asked.
“I don’t know. They were returned anonymously this morning. They really have no value, except to me. My mother died when I was five. It might’ve been a prank or someone testing my security. We have a system, but we’re a twenty-four-hours-a-day business. I don’t think her death and the break-in are related,” I said.
“You didn’t report the theft to the police,” he said.
“No, I didn’t. They were just sentimental. No value. I’ll get a better lock.”
“And your cameras here?” he asked.
“They avoided the cameras. We’re looking into changing the angles, too. But it had nothing to do with Trela. She didn’t seem interested in power or learning from others. Besides, they disappeared before she was in the café. She’d never know where I kept things.” I smiled.
“I see. We’re just trying to cover all the angles. It’s odd for someone to move, go through all of that and then kill themselves,” he said.
“I understand. It doesn’t sound like the woman I met, at all. But, with only a few brief meetings, I don’t really have much to go on. I think she may have mentioned an ex-boyfriend. Maybe he didn’t want to be an ex?” I suggested.
He nodded. “We’re looking into that, as well as previously competition, friends, and neighbors.”
“Anything else I can do?” I offered. I silently hoped he didn’t want me to come down and identify the body. That sounded creepy.
“No, we’re good. The neighbor is coming back in to talk today. She was distraught after finding the body. I guess she tapped on the window to say good evening and realized something was wrong. Hopefully, she’s calmed down, now. Neighbors notice things, like who comes and goes, patterns and such that might help.”
“If a crazy ex was ever pounding on her door,” I added.
“Precisely. If I need anything else, I’ll call.” He grabbed one of my business cards off the desk.
“I’ll help if I can.” I took the card he offered in return.
“Thank you.” He picked up his coffee and left my office.
I exited the office and nearly ran into Bran.
“Hey, what’s going on?” he asked.
I watched the detective leave and pulled Bran upstairs.
“One of the new witches was murdered,” I said.
“What?” he asked.
I sat on the couch. “I guess someone tried to make it look like a suicide, but I don’t think the cops believed it.”
“Why was he questioning you?” Bran asked.
“I guess she doesn’t know many people. Odds are he’ll bug you, too, because she went to the ball,” I said.
“I suggest you stay out of it,” he said.
I frowned. “I’m not in it. They came to me with questions and I answered. That’s all. Just so odd. Three new witches, and one is dead.” I shook it off. “But my stuff was returned. I just wish we knew who did it.”
“We’ll reinstate the protection spells on your room. I’d say someone was harassing witches, but a murder staged like a suicide has nothing in common with some stolen books. Let the police handle Trela,” he said.
“Of course. I’m not looking for murderers,” I said.
“Good.” He nodded.
“But, if it’s something magical or with the paranormal stuff, the police won’t solve it,” I began.
“Stay out of it,” he warned, again.
“I am.” I shrugged.
Chapter Eleven
I needed to get away from the LARPing kids with lightning bolts on their foreheads. I wished that bad guys looked like that dark lord. He’d be easier to root out.
I met the gypsy sisters next door at the sandwich and soup place. The dreary weather demanded soup. Viv and Belle were waiting. We ordered and took over the back booth.
“So, your stuff is back. That’s great,” Viv said.
“Yep. No clue who took it, but it was back.” I rubbed my forehead.
“There’s something else,” Belle said.
I looked around. “The police showed up asking about Trela—one of the new witches. She was found dead in her car,” I said quietly.
“Dead? Murdered?” Viv asked.
I nodded. A staff member brought our food, and I was relieved the owner wasn’t around. He was a flirt and would never let me and the girls chat without trying to join in.
“It was made to look like a suicide, but why move and then kill yourself? It makes no sense. She had to be running from something or someone. She was looking for a location for a shop. Other than that, she was working from home. Who could she have upset?” I asked.
The sisters exchanged a look.
“What?” I asked.
“Trela. We heard about her,” Viv began.
“What about her?” I asked.
“She was reading Tarot at that shop she wanted to set up,” Belle said.
“Oh. Don’t tell me she crossed the gypsies,” I said.
“She never set up a shop, but she was looking in the wrong areas. But they would’ve sent her a warning first. They don’t just go to murder. That’s not our way.” Viv blew on her soup to cool it down.
“Good,” I replied “It’s probably an ex-boyfriend or something. I’d be happy if I knew who stole my books. I feel like I’m still vulnerable.”
/> “Rumor is that it was someone from your fancy ball. While you were there, they wanted to prove you weren’t as powerful as you thought you were,” Belle piped up.
“Nice. Just a smug lesson. Could be anyone.” I had the feeling it was either Bran’s Aunt Trezel or Brenda. Someone who wanted to put me in my place.
“Yeah, I’d forget it, unless you want to create some sort of rivalry or piss off someone. Probably a member of Bran’s family just trying to test you out,” Viv said.
“And I asked that aunt for a favor. She probably thinks I’m clueless and helpless.” I focused on my soup.
“Don’t get down. The new witches all rubbed the people at the ball wrong. Brenda was full of herself and hid her powers like she was better than them. The other two seemed antisocial. Anti-establishment. I couldn’t find much on Amelia, but we researched Trela,” Belle said.
“Why?” I asked.
“She was going to open a shop. The gypsies who run the local shops were doing it, anyway. We just acted interested,” Viv said.
“Well, I know Brenda moved from NYC and thought she was a big shot in her old coven. We’re small potatoes. I’m stronger than she is. She’s threatened by me. Trela wasn’t very strong, so I don’t know why she’d care,” This whole scenario was getting more confusing by the minute.
“She cares because you are accepted by the big magical people and by the witches without powers. Everyone likes you. But she had bigger problems. Debt from her last shop. An ex-boyfriend who dumped her. Apparently, there was a business partner she owed money to on top of the credit card debt. Her karma probably caught up with her,” Belle said.
“Or the people she owed money to. Was she really gifted or is she faking her readings?” I asked.
“They couldn’t figure that out. So, she probably has some sensitivity. But a disgruntled Tarot customer is another possibility,” Viv mused.
“Would you really track your old fortune teller across two states because they got it wrong? Would you kill them?” I asked.
The sisters shared a look.
“What?” I demanded.
“Some people ask things that are highly personal. Life or death stuff. Where to invest money. What treatment to pursue for a family member’s illness. Maybe someone died because of a decision based on that advice. That’s why the gypsies are careful who they put in those shops, and there is always muscle in the back.” Belle nodded.
“Oh, we did find that Trela belonged to an online coven that catered to solo practitioners and those who move around. She already had a group that followed her and advertised her. We just checked her affiliations and stuff, so if she didn’t join your coven, it wasn’t like she was really out there on her own.” Viv shook her head.
“That’s good, I guess. Can you see who she was friends with in that coven? Search its members or post a message?” I asked.
“Sure. I joined to have the info. I’ll post and see who knew her. Let people know she died,” Viv said.
“No, don’t let them know she’s gone. Just say she’s new around here and want to know what she’s like from her friends. Then, look up and see if Brenda or Amelia is part of that online coven.”
Viv made a note in her phone. “Will do. Why would it matter if they’re all in it?”
“I don’t know.” I shook my head. “I just feel like it was odd to have three new witches come in right at the time of the party, and none are interested in my coven. If we get one new witch every few months, that’s average, and they always seem to be glad to find out we’re here. These three felt odd.”
“You’re not going to try and solve this, are you?” Belle asked.
“No, I just want to be sure my coven is safe. It’s probably someone from her past life, and that’s why she moved.” I shrugged.
The door chimed as I added crackers to my soup.
“Claudia, your little event is going to make me a fortune in extensions and manicures.” Derrick headed for our booth. “But that place is crazy. Hi, ladies.”
The sisters smiled and greeted him in return.
“Sorry about the setup last night. I’m glad you’re making money at least. This event was a test,” I said.
“She got her books back,” Viv said.
“That’s great. And don’t worry about the boy. Nerdy guys who are into vampires are not my game. But how about that dead witch?” he asked.
“The police were at my place this morning. Where did you hear about it?” I asked.
“Ellen texted me. There are no secrets in your café.” Derrick smiled. “You’re okay, right?”
“Fine. She wasn’t in the coven or interested in joining. I’m sure it’s someone from her past. The cops are just doing their jobs,” I replied.
“But it could be bad publicity for your coven. Member or not, a dead witch is not going to help. Are people targeting witches? Have you checked on the other two newbies?” Derrick asked.
“No, they weren’t interested in joining us either. I could try to check on Amelia.” I hated being the leader, sometimes.
“You don’t like Brenda,” Viv stated more than asked.
“No one did. She made a terrible impression on the coven. Derrick’s mom was there,” I said.
“Mom hated her. Snobby racist witch,” he said.
“Let her bug another coven or go solo. We don’t need that,” I said.
“You should take care of your coven,” Belle suggested. “Hold a special meeting to make sure people are aware of what’s happened.”
“That’s true.” I texted Esme to send and invite all the members to a meeting. Then, I texted Bran the info and that his family was welcome, as well.
“So, can I crash and work on the LARPing kids, again, tonight?” Derrick asked.
“I half-expected to find you there today, still. Sure, as long as I get my cut.” I smiled.
“Salon slow?” Viv asked.
“No. But you have to take opportunity where you find it. I should do home parties for extensions. Some white girls want to pretend they don’t want them, need them, or use them.” He smiled.
“I don’t want them. I’m okay with my thin hair. When it gets thinner—if it does as I age—then you can glue in extra hair.” I shuddered. “I don’t like fake nails either. Just paint the ones I have.”
“Your nails are strong and shape nicely.” He nodded. “Okay, I’m going to get my stuff and set up at a table in the back of the café. See you later.”
“Bye,” I said.
“If you want a gypsy fortune teller, we can get you one,” Viv offered.
“No, thanks. He’s enough. I don’t need more people running around there, now. Especially if weird stuff is happening,” I said.
“Weird is good. Your books are back. The other stuff has nothing to do with you,” Belle said with a reassuring smile.
“I hope so, but you’re right. I need to inform the coven, just so they’re aware and careful. Just in case.” I pushed my lunch away. “I really don’t want to go back with the LARPers.”
“Go to Bran’s,” Belle suggested.
“I might,” I admitted.
Chapter Twelve
The special coven meeting turned out only about half of our normal members. The notice was short, but Esme had also left out the reason for the meeting.
“I didn’t want to worry people. The police detective had just talked to me when you texted. I can’t believe Trela is gone. She’s the one I thought had her stuff together. Brenda would rub people wrong more than anyone.” Esme glared at me.
“Yeah, Amelia was so on her own and in the medical world that I didn’t expect her to show for the coven. But Brenda and Amelia were odd. Trela seemed to have a plan and didn’t mind us.” I felt terrible for trying to put her death out of my mind.
“We should start,” Esme said. I nodded and approached the tables were the members were congregated.
“Yes. I’m sorry to call another meeting, but Trela—one of the new witches who wa
s our guest last meeting—she was killed. It might have been a suicide, but the police are investigating like it may have been a murder. I wanted you all to know, because they may ask me for a list of members since she came to one meeting. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. We’ve received no threats,” I said.
“But someone stole your books,” a member pointed out.
“Right, thank you. Those have been returned. It was anonymous, but everything is there. I’m not sure who did it, but at least, that’s one problem solved.” I shrugged.
“You don’t think it’s related?” Ellen asked.
“No. Trela didn’t have much magic, and I didn’t get the sense she was out to hurt me or anyone else.” I shook my head.
“Maybe someone is targeting witches?” Genie asked.
“Theft to murder is a big jump. Trela and I had nothing in common. Odds are they’re not related,” I said.
“Trela had a lot of debts and a boyfriend she left behind. Her troubles probably followed her,” Esme added.
There were a few more questions, but people seemed to accept that it was an odd occurrence and not to worry too much but to be careful.
After the meeting, Esme and I sat.
“Should we go see Brenda and Amelia?” she asked.
I frowned. “We’re not going to visit every member who didn’t show up for the meeting. Why do they get special treatment?”
“Come on. The theft of the books was someone at that ball. You met a lot of people, but those three new witches were the weird thing. Everyone else knew about you and your mother. I think one of them felt upstaged,” she said.
“And stole my mother’s books? Okay. Now, I have them back. Should I have them arrested?” I asked.
“You should know who your enemy is,” Esme said.
“Fine. Let’s start with Amelia. Brenda will make me mad,” I said.
We turned up on Amelia’s door, and she let us in without argument. That was odd.
“I heard about Trela,” Amelia said.
“We wanted to make sure you’re okay when you didn’t come to the meeting. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the rest of us, but we have to be careful,” I said.