by CC Dragon
She sat on the sofa and nodded. Esme and I took the chairs opposite her. “I hope so. I’ve had people not want me to treat their child because I was a witch. That’s another reason I moved. I didn’t want that label to follow me, but it has.”
“We weren’t trying to label anyone. Just offer support,” Esme said.
“No, I know. I wanted a bit of that. It’s why I came. I’m part of an online coven. Trela was, too. They mentioned the death on their site earlier today.” Amelia sighed.
“Did you know Trela?” I asked.
“Only online. I didn’t know it was her that I’d chatted with. We use screen names, so it protects us. They shared her screen name and said she died and gave the city. It was too easy to put together. Suicide?”
Esme and I shrugged. “The police are looking into it. It was staged like one.”
Amelia shook her head. “Trela was a move-on, life-is-great type. She cheered me up when I needed it online. She never stayed in one place very long so it probably someone from her past, but she was so nice. She said she charmed people into giving her money or forgiving her things. Like that was her magic.”
“Well, someone didn’t fall for it or had a big problem with her. I’m sorry for your loss. Did you know anyone else online that she knew? Or that was local? We want to be sure we reach out to anyone who might need it,” I said.
“No, the screen names are usually nonsense or fantasy names. I never really paid attention. I’d been on a lot less when I was moving, so I didn’t realize Trela moved to the same place. The urgent email they sent about the death of a member made me go catch up. You’re sure no one is targeting witches?” she asked.
Esme leaned forward. “There’s no reason to think anyone is, but you can check with the police. Let them know you knew her.”
“No. No way. I don’t want the police to know I’m part of a coven. Once it’s out in the public, it’s out. Right now, I’m just in school, but when I try to get a job, a lot of places don’t want anyone who practices an alternative religion,” she said.
“I understand. If you need anything, let us know,” I said.
Esme and I stood and headed for the door. Once we were in my car, she shot me a look.
“What?” I asked.
“Why offer to help her? She wants nothing to do with us.” Esme fumed.
“She’s afraid for her job. People get weird.”
Esme shook her head. “She’s not a kindergarten teacher. She’s a nurse. She should treat everyone the same.”
“And they should treat her the same, but people always find little ways of discriminating when they want to. A lot of hospitals have a religious affiliation. I can see her point. But she’s still part of the online coven, and she came to our meeting. That means she really cares about being part of something.”
“You’re right. I just hate drama and issues. We don’t need more murder.” Esme folded her arms.
“No one wants drama, trouble, or murder,” I agreed.
I parked in front of Brenda’s apartment building. “Out of the frying pan,” I said.
“Into hell,” she finished.
Part of me hoped Brenda wasn’t at home, but she was.
Brenda almost sneered when she answered the door. It was a smile/sneer combo that was creepy.
“Ladies. I thought I made my position clear,” she said.
She didn’t invite us in. No problem here.
“You did. We’re very clear. But we wanted to let you know that Trela was killed. We don’t think it’s anyone targeting witches, but just in case it is, we thought you should be aware. Coven member or not,” I said.
She didn’t look at all surprised. Was I the last one to know?
“You ladies really need to network online more. It was announced on an online coven earlier. I don’t interact much, but belonging to things that give me information and don’t bother me is helpful. You might want to think about it. Trela played the game. I don’t.” Brenda tried to close the door.
I waved my hand, and the door opened wide and pushed her backward. “What game?”
“You have to show off? Look, I know you’ve got stronger magic, but I had to make myself sound better,” she said.
“Better?” I asked.
“Never mind. The game. She ran a new age shop and sold stuff. Either you’re honest and you make crap and get pushed out of spot after spot because no one wants a witch around or you’re connected to the mob or the gypsies, and then, everyone wants a cut. I don’t do any of that. Trela got herself mixed up owing people money. She probably moved to try and run from it. I’m sure it wasn’t suicide, but I don’t know who it was. But we have nothing to worry about,” she said. “You are smart to have a legit business with just a theme.”
“Thanks,” I said uneasily.
“If the police ask, we might have to give them your name. We’re not interested in legal trouble,” Esme said.
Brenda rolled her eyes. “Do what you have to do. I had nothing to do with it. I have bigger things to do than kill someone or steal some books. All these accusations.”
“What accusations? I never accused you of taking the books,” I said.
“No, but some goons came around and did. Tried to scare me. You didn’t send them?” she asked.
“No. Maybe Bran did. If he did, I’m sorry. He’s a bit overprotective. We haven’t been dating that long. I didn’t ask anyone to do anything. I got my stuff back, and I’m not going to drag out the drama. Sorry,” I said.
“No problem. I’m not a follower or a joiner, but that doesn’t mean I’m a thief. I think I’m going to be a leader, but you won’t be interested. Have a good day,” she said.
I held the door with my magic. “Leader of what?” I asked.
“My own coven. I prefer a certain focus and style. Your coven is sweet and friendly and human-centered. I just can’t enjoy that. So, I’m going to start an alternative. I might not get many members, but it is invite only. No website. No public presence. Exclusive. Like the ball. Now, if you don’t mind, I have other things to do.” She went to slam the door hard, and I released my hold on it.
The door slammed, and the momentum caused Brenda to fall against it with a thud.
“That wasn’t nice,” Esme said.
“I don’t like her.” I stomped down the stairs. “Her own coven?”
My phone beeped. I checked the text.
Brad: Reminder, the werewolf will be here tonight. And the LARPers.
“Damn it. I was going to try to avoid the café with those kids,” I said.
“But?” Esme asked.
“Werewolf in the basement. Want to order Chinese and babysit a new wolf who is testing the potion and being locked up?” I asked.
“No. I’m going out with Vern. The vampires will handle the werewolf. Hang out with Derrick. The kids loved him,” she said.
“I supposed one night won’t kill me.” I nearly bit my tongue. “Poor Trela.”
Chapter Thirteen
I made my way through a game they were LARPing and almost got hit by a golden snitch. Derrick had the back table saved for us, thankfully. I waved to him.
“I’m going to run down and check on things quick in the basement. Can’t run out. They’re using cake pops as wands,” I said.
“No worries, I’ve got a list of clients once the game is over.” He smiled.
I slipped downstairs and closed the door behind me. The lights were already on.
“Ken. Doing okay?” I asked as I turned the corner for the cells tucked away amongst our inventory shelves. They weren’t big and nice like Bran’s dungeon which held people a lot longer. These were just for a few nights to contain werewolves that needed it.
“Fine. The potion seems to be working. I don’t feel agitated like I did when I came here,” he said.
“That’s a good sign. There’s a lot of activity upstairs, so I’ll keep the door closed. If you need something, text me or Brad. You’ve got your phone and bedding
. It won’t be fun, but if the potion works, you don’t have to do it, again.”
“No worries. Brad gave me a sandwich. I’ve got my tablet. Wi-Fi works down here, too. But, hopefully, I don’t have to do this monthly. Just take the potion.” He smiled weakly.
“Yes, that is a must. You have to set reminders. Mark it on your calendar. If you miss it once and go off attacking people or run wild—hunters will come after you. I can’t guarantee your safety if they do,” I said.
He stared at me calmly, but there was shock behind his eyes. “Harry told me but...they’d really kill me?”
“They’d kill a wolf if it was attacking people. If it was running loose in a populated area. You’re one of the paranormal creatures, now. If you don’t control yourself, the human hunters will take you out. It’s not just for human safety but for all weres. There are some groups who use the potion and only shift far out in the woods where they are safe from humans and humans are safe from them. Harry would know more about that. I’m sorry you got bitten,” I said.
He nodded. “Thanks. If I get mad, it’s just being locked up. No one likes it, but I want to be safe. I was bitten several times up in Alaska on a trip.”
“Multiple bites? Same wolf?” I asked.
He shook his head. “A pack.”
“Weres don’t travel in packs. Unless there’s a were family living together. I guess Alaska would be the place to hide.”
“We were camping in the middle of nowhere. Magic would get us out of there when we were ready. It was gorgeous. We had a guide with us. But the wolves were too fast. They didn’t even look like regular wolves. They were fast and savage but small. Someone said wolverines. It doesn’t matter. If I turn, who cares what I turn into? I just want it to stop,” he said.
I nodded. “Try to relax. We have portable camera set up to record so you’ll be able to see what happened, if anything. Odds are it’ll be a long boring night. Binge watch something on your tablet or read a book. Distract yourself from any agitation. Text if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” He sat on the cot.
I went back upstairs, grabbing a box of cake pops as an excuse. I took them to the counter and poured myself a big coffee.
Back at the table with Derrick, I saw that he was ready to receive customers. Apparently, the game went into overtime. I grabbed my laptop from the office and set up next to Derrick. I began researching. Wolverines weren’t native to the lower forty-eight. If Ken turned into one of those, it’d be weird.
“What are you doing?” Derrick asked.
“The gypsy sisters sent me the information on Trela. I’m doing what added research I can. The shop she used to own. Her website store. Her ex. Who she owed money to.” I made a list in a little notebook.
“That’s the police’s job,” Derrick said.
“I know. I just want to be prepared if they start picking apart the coven. We didn’t do anything, so we might need to put them back on the right track.” I shrugged.
“You’ve got the bug,” he said.
“Bug?” I asked.
“To know the truth. I just thought you’d be researching your father or his family. That secret won’t go away. You’re a dog with a bone,” he said.
“I know. but it felt like whining after a while. Some people know but won’t say. I don’t know who else to ask. My father lost his family to a werewolf attack. That’s why he became a hunter. That’s all I know,” I said.
“All his family? Every aunt and sibling?” Derrick frowned.
It was a bit extreme to think. But not everyone had siblings. I didn’t. I plugged names into the search to see what I got. It was there. Birth records, death records, and names of family. Most of whom were deceased. They didn’t give details of his work, but they wouldn’t put that out there. Magical and paranormal people knew how to leave out the info that led to too many questions.
I looked up, and Derrick was adding green extensions to a girl in a robe with a snake on it.
“Nothing?” he asked.
“Nothing. Whatever the secret it, it’s obviously well-hidden and buried,” I said.
“We could find it for you. A quest,” the girl with the extensions said.
“Honey, this isn’t part of the game,” I said.
She frowned and finished up with Derrick.
The pizza arrived, so there was another break in the action.
“They eat pizza a lot,” Derrick said.
“College kids. Sounds right.” I shrugged. Pizza actually sounded good tonight. I grabbed a few slices and got a lemonade from the counter.
Derrick gave in and ate, as well. As we enjoyed the greasy indulgence, Detective Grant walked in.
“Great,” I mumbled.
“What?” Derrick asked.
“Cop,” I whispered.
“Hot cop,” he replied.
“Ms. Crestwood. An interesting event,” Grant said.
“Thank you. It’s going well. First time experiment,” I said.
Grant looked at Derrick. “You are?” he asked.
“Derrick. I own the salon a few blocks over.” He held out a hand.
The detective shook his hand with a bit of a smirk. “You’re the Derrick I’m looking for, I think.”
“I hope so,” Derrick flirted.
Should I excuse myself? That might be too obvious.
“This woman was a client?” Grant flashed Trela’s picture.
“I think so. She came in once, at most. Not a regular,” he said.
“That’s Trela from the coven. You never said she came into the salon,” I said.
Derrick threw his hands up. “I didn’t remember her name. I get tons of people in and out of my salon. I think I did her hair.”
“Mind if I ask you a few questions? Privately, if you don’t mind.” Grant nodded to me.
“You can use my office. If you need anything, let me know. Coffee?” I offered.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks,” Grant said.
Derrick wiped his hands and mouth with a napkin then led the way to my office.
Ellen walked over. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Why?” I asked.
“Cops. A guy in the basement. A dead witch,” she said softly.
“It is a quest!” The blonde girl with green extensions clapped her hands excitedly. “A man in the basement. Did he kill the witch?”
“No, it’s not part of the LARPing. The police are here, so you don’t want to get involved,” I said.
She frowned at me. I didn’t want them afraid of the events here. “It’s just that the girl who died, Derrick did her hair. So, they just want to talk to him. Routine. They just tracked him down here.”
She looked a little relieved. “The guy locked in the basement?”
“He’s not really locked down there. He’s doing inventory. But we don’t want you guys getting down there and interrupting him. Or mixing things up. He’s locked the door, so you can’t get down there unless you have a key, like me. No big deal. It’s all fun, but we have to keep the business going,” I said.
“Right. Sorry. I get excited.” She wandered off.
“Sorry,” Ellen said.
“Just be careful. These LARPers are nosy. It ends tonight, right?” I asked.
“Yep. Three-day weekend. Back to the college campus with them,” she said.
“Good.” I kept an eye on the office door. Derrick would charm the detective.
“Need anything?” Ellen asked.
“Just the secret about my family. Thanks,” I said.
Ellen shrugged. “You’ll get it, eventually.”
“I hope so.” I pulled up the reports of wolf attacks for year my parents were killed. Maybe there was some random tidbit in there.
Chapter Fourteen
A week went by with no developments in the murder case. Ken made it through the full moon without changing. Derrick got a date with the hot detective. My café went back to normal, but I got nowhere on the secret. I did get invit
ed to Sunday brunch by Bran’s Aunt Trezel at the mansion. I took it as a good sign.
I wore a green sundress and brought a bottle of wine. The invitation said Ladies Brunch, so I didn’t expect to see Bran or the usual guy I knew in the family.
The butler showed me in, and I spotted Bran in the front sitting room. He came over.
“What’s this about?” I asked.
He kissed my cheek. “I’m not totally sure. Checking you out? Pulling you into her circle? It’s not a bad sign, I don’t think.”
“If this is your aunt, I’m terrified to meet your mother,” I said.
He smiled. “She’s actually nicer. Aunt Trezel is harder to impress. Parents know kids make mistakes, and they love us unconditionally, even in this sort of family. But Aunt Trezel just moved on if she found a place unpleasant or disagreed with people. She gets her way or she goes.”
“Not sure if that’s good or bad,” I said.
“It’ll be fine. Just enjoy,” he said.
I nodded and followed the butler to the fancy dining room. The table and chairs were ornately carved, and the dishes looked priceless. About a dozen women chatted as they sipped mimosas. Aunt Trezel noticed me.
“Claudia, don’t you look nice. It’s so kind of you to join us. I do a little brunch when I drop into town. I hope you enjoy it.”
“Thank you for inviting me.” I handed her the bottle.
“So nice. Everyone is here, now. Grab a drink and fill up a plate. Ladies, we’re eating,” she said.
I felt like the guest of honor or the subject of their study, since all eyes seemed to be on me. I filled my plate and went for coffee and OJ without alcohol to stay on my toes. I took an odd seat in the middle.
“Claudia is devoted to humans and helping them. Most of her magical family is gone, so naturally, she wants to protect the human ones. She and Bran met through Esme,” Aunt Trezel said.
“Bran always did have eccentric taste,” said another older woman. “Sorry, I’m Irene.”
“Would Esme normally be here?” I asked.
“She is always invited, but you can defend yourself. This isn’t a witch hunt.” Aunt Trezel laughed at her own joke.
The others laughed. I smiled and ate. If I was going to be criticized, might as well enjoy the food.