by Kelly Ethan
Xandie had inhaled her third donut when her aunt sighed and sat back.
“Well, Mom? Did you find anything suspicious?”
“Sadly, yes. But remember I’m a vet, not a human doctor, but certain aspects of both autopsies are a concern.”
Xandie choked her mouthful of donut down. “Worrying how?”
“I’ll start with Louise Maker. We know the family and they’re gray witches.”
Lila explained to an ignorant Xandie. “Gray witches do middle-of-the-road stuff, not pure earth witch, but not dark magic. They’re in between.”
“Lack of commitment I call it. Can’t be white or dark so have a little of each. Put up or shut up I say.”
“Mother.” Lila tried to divert her mom from a well-worn argument.
“Fine. Louise died late the night before last. After ten p.m.”
“After I talked to her that night.”
“Possibly. The wires were stripped from the coffee pot cord and the faucet has a leak. The coroner thinks she plugged the pot in with one hand and turned the metal faucet off with the other. Normally not an issue, but the landlord is remodeling, and the safety switch wasn’t working.”
“She fried?”
“Goodness, daughter of mine. There’s no reason for crude comments. But yes. She hit her head but was dead before impact.”
“An accident?” Poor woman. Whatever the woman’s plans, she didn’t deserve to die.
“On the face of it, yes, but I know she only brought that machine a few days ago. I was eyeing it off myself and she beat me to it. No way those wires and cords were stripped when she bought it.”
“Murder. What else does it say, Mom?”
“Full rigor set in by the time police arrived. There was a purple-blue tint to the right side of the body, because of how she fell. Gash on temple and lack of blood show she was dead when it occurred. Burns on fingers of both hands. Consistent with death by electrocution. The landlord told her not to touch any switches as the building was being rewired that day. She ignored the warning.”
“And the murderer guessed Maker would ignore the warnings,” Lila muttered. “She was a massive caffeine addict. In here multiple times throughout the day getting double caffeine shots.”
“Murder?”
Aunt Amelia nodded at Xandie’s question. “That’s what the coroner’s concluded. Chief Braun will investigate this as a murder.”
She groaned. Chief Braun hated her as it was. Xandie Meyers, suspect number one. Plus, she had a meeting scheduled with the victim that morning.
“And Sera?”
Thank God for Lila asking. Xandie didn’t know if she wanted the death confirmed a murder.
“Sera was a friend, but I warned her not to be complacent. I told her to train you earlier rather than later. But she was stubborn. Thought she had years.”
“Mom,” Lila growled at her mother. “I’ll cut you off from your mocha latte.”
Amelia drew back, offended. “No need for nastiness, child of my loins.”
She threw her hands in the air. “Yes, yes, we’ve established I’m a horrible daughter. Now get on with it.”
“On the surface, Sera drowned while swimming.”
“On the surface?” Xandie stared at the desk, unable to meet her aunt’s gaze in case she turned into a blubbering mess.
“Typical findings in relation to accidental drowning and a cardiac arrest. Water found in lungs. Lungs over-inflated and heavy with fluid. Shows subject submerged in water at time of death. Full autopsy performed including toxicology screening and histologic analysis of organs, including lungs, kidney, et cetera. Small amount of alcohol found.”
Lila smiled. “She liked the odd tipple. Her favorite drink was gin and bitter.”
Amelia frowned at her daughter. “For the breakdown of cardiac muscle fiber, the coroner suspects cardiac arrest may have happened while swimming because of her age.”
Xandie frowned. “I thought she drowned. And you mentioned everything looks normal. What makes you suspect murder?”
“First, if she had a cardiac arrest while swimming, she’d have lapsed into unconsciousness and drowned, anyway. Second, the chief requested a gas chromatography on Sera.”
“And?” Lila prodded her mother.
“The only reason to do the chromatography is if he suspected another cause was at play. And he’s right. She had aconitum alkaloids present. You can see it with a chromatography test.”
“What does that mean?” Xandie couldn’t stand the pressure any longer and paced.
“Aconite, or more commonly Wolfsbane, poisoned her. Levels were higher in her liver and kidneys.”
“Wouldn’t she have known she was poisoned, Mom?”
“Not necessarily. Her food or drink could’ve been dosed. Wolfsbane is bitter so something had to mask the taste. Witches use it in spells; Hecate herself created it. The root’s soaked in a liquid and that becomes the poison.”
Lila snapped her fingers. “On the day she died, they held the council session on the at Mayweather Inn. A lunch meeting to discuss the development neighboring Sera’s land.”
“Poisoned at the Inn? How?” Xandie collapsed on the chair.
Amelia considered the report. “The taste of the drink would’ve masked the poison and copious amounts of alcohol were flowing. When she arrived home, Sera would’ve felt queasy. But she loved her afternoon swim, and nothing would have kept her from it. Around two hours after lunch, dizziness would have set in, followed by headaches, confusion, and then ventricular arrhythmia and paralysis of the heart. She’d have lost consciousness and drowned.” She reached out a hand to her niece, squeezing tight. “I’m sorry, sweetie, but she was poisoned. Probably at the meeting.”
“The same people who will be at the ceremony. At your house. Tonight.” Lila nibbled on a lip, worried. “What do we do?”
“Well, it's obvious, darlings.” Amelia stood and grasped her handbag. “You investigate. But don’t worry. The Harrows will be there in force to support you. Right now, my anorexic Siamese needs me. Be good.” She waved goodbye as she left.
“And that’s what I have to live with daily.” Lila flung herself onto the couch in a dramatic pose.
Stifling a chuckle at her new cousin’s histrionics, Xandie mulled the mystery of Sera and Louisa’s deaths over in her mind. “Someone murdered them. But why? Was it for the land or the library?”
“Yeah, and what’s the tie between the two murders?” Lila tapped her chin. “Louise died at the office by supposed electrocution. Sera died swimming at a beach, but ingested poison at the council session. Where’s the tie between the two women?”
“And who owns the building where the agent died? I was her first client of the day and she wanted to discuss something, but never got a chance.”
Lila’s eyes grew wide. “Mayor Cummings and his sister own the building and he attended the discussion. Maybe he’s our guy?”
“Rose Mayweather at the Inn said the mayor stalked Sera. Is it possible he killed them both?”
“But why?”
“The land. He said the by-law was common knowledge, same with the property reverting to the town. But he told me himself no one knew about the will and me being named the heir.”
“Makes sense. It’s prime land because of the development.”
“And he’ll be at there tonight.”
“But so too will the Harrows be. God help him, because the rest of the family won’t.”
Sometimes it was nice to have family.
Six
“Oh God. Shoot me.” Xandie rolled her eyes as another fully clothed octogenarian stalked past and threw her the evil eye.
“Wow, they’re hating on you for kicking them off your property last night.” Lila chortled and snagged free champagne.
“Please don’t embarrass us, Lila dear. Remember the last time you drank champagne.” Amelia grimaced at her daughter.
“Mom, I was 21, and it was my birthday.”
A
Harrow cousin Xandie had just met chimed in. “Plus, we spiked the punch with morning glory.” Lila and the new cousin, Holly, high-fived.
“I didn’t hear an admission of previous misdoings, did I?” Chief Braun slid in close.
Both girls turned wide eyes on the law enforcement officer resplendent in a pressed black uniform. “Nope,” they chorused.
Amelia let rip an elegant snort. “You were in as bad a condition as those two troublemakers, so I wouldn’t mention past misdeeds.”
Zach leveled a twinkling gaze on Xandie.
“Don’t look at me for a confession.” She winced when she realized what she’d said, and judging by the awkward silence, so did everybody else. “Nerves. Meeting everyone en masse is overwhelming.”
Aunt Winifred, the youngest of her mom’s sisters, patted Xandie on the back. “Harrows are scary by themselves. You add in the rest of town and it’s a horror show. We understand.”
Braun nodded to the Harrows and focused on Xandie. “Please try not to commit any more felonies tonight.”
She fought the urge to poke her tongue out. “Why thanks, Zachy bear. I’ll take that under advisement.”
He sighed. “Let me guess. You went to my mother for the autopsy reports. She’s the only one who calls me Zachy bear.”
What to say without getting his mother in trouble? “What makes you say that?”
“My mom loves Lila like a daughter and she’s thick as thieves with Amelia. She probably had the reports waiting.”
“I refuse to either deny or confirm any wrongdoing which may or may not implicate me or anyone else.” Ha, take her lawyer speak and shove it…
“Sorry to interrupt. Quick word?” Mr. Essam wiped his baldhead with a bright yellow handkerchief.
Poor man always looks nervous. She nodded and allowed him to tow her to a quiet spot. “How can I help you, Mr. Essam?”
“Well, it’s about your estate.”
“And?”
“You might be unaware, but a corporation has bought the lot next to your great-aunt’s house.”
Xandie held up a palm to stop him. “You’re interested in my land.”
He cleared his throat. “I have a client who is interested, and I have a contract ready. The price is generous.”
“You and my father are preaching from the same hymnbook.”
“Excuse me?”
“No, you’re not excused. As my lawyer, you know I can’t sell for three months.”
“Everything’s negotiable. And my client wants to set up their new resort right here. A moneymaking opportunity that will generate tourist dollars. Obviously, your land is in a better position than their second choice near the entrance to town.”
She cut him off with a slice of her hand. “Over my body will this house sell.”
“That’s why I’m trying to help you. Before someone finds your dead body.” Essam shook his fist, losing his mild, nervous demeanor in the face of opposition. “My family line comes from Egypt. The women in the family are all seers. The males get nothing…normally. But I receive feelings and dreams. And I’ve a feeling about you dying and this place is the cause. You need to sell it before it happens to you. You should be worried.”
She shook her head. “If I were you, I’d worry more about what I’ll do if you keep threatening me.” She pushed past her lawyer and leaned against a statue. “Jerk.”
Professor Amoru paused. “Is this a general commentary on the state of mankind or someone more specific?”
“Everyone wants this place and people are resorting to threats to get what they want.”
“Ah, the nervous Mr. Essam, I presume.” He lifted a white-tufted eyebrow in query.
“I die if I don’t sell.”
Amoru shrugged. “Humans die, that’s the whole point of their life.”
“Humans? Their? Surely that means you too?” A strange way to put it. Almost implying he wasn’t human himself.
“Of course. Don’t worry about the others. Stick to your purpose. Sera was stubborn to a fault, but she never wavered. I think you might have that in common with her.”
“Strong will is a family trait, but from what I hear, quite a few people wanted her estate. Did you argue with her?” How do you answer that, Professor?
He nodded with a sad smile. “We argued non-stop. She refused me entrance, but never told me why.”
“But you still kept asking, pushing?”
“I did. She was a fiery woman. We both enjoyed our encounters.” He stared off into the waters of the bay. “I have done things in my long life for which others would condemn me. But arguing with Sera became the highlight of my stay. I didn’t hurt her and wish no ill will upon her great-niece either. But I offer a piece of advice.”
“Even if I say no, you’ll still give the advice?”
Amoru let out a bark of laughter. “You are correct. But my advice is this. Keep your mind and your heart open. There are people who can help. Ask them.” He bowed. “I need to pick my viewing spot. Can’t miss the fireworks.” The professor retreated and blended into the crowd.
A strange man. One she found equal parts creepy and interesting.
“Charming the locals with your sparkling wit? Or planning a heist?” Braun sauntered up with a smirk on his face at the disappearing professor.
“I’ll have you know people love me.” Xandie scowled at Chief Braun. “Isn’t there a law about stalking me on my property?”
“I’m an invited guest.”
“I have to talk to the invitation committee about their standards.”
“Alexandra Meyers?” An older, skinny lady with hair scraped back into a bun stood nearby tapping her foot.
Thank God, distraction was what she needed. “That’s me. How can I help you?” Xandie smiled triumphantly at Zachary pain-in-the-neck Braun.
He whispered in her ear. “Stay out of my investigation or I’ll arrest you.”
Whoever the human distraction, it was a sign from above to run. “Local law enforcement is sometimes a tad overbearing.”
The older lady gripped Xandie by the elbow and dragged her over to the spot where the anniversary ceremony would take place. “There. Can you do anything?” The woman waved at a small pond in the center of the Grecian statue garden.
“About the statues?” She scratched her head, confused.
“Specifically, the surrounding plant life.” The older woman huffed and ripped out a weed.
“To be honest, I’m not much of a gardener. They could be weeds or plants for all I know.”
“They ruin the formal nature of the ceremony. They need removing.”
“You mean the ceremony I only approved yesterday?” Xandie would be damned if she’d allow a demented stranger to give her orders. “Who are you again?”
The woman tilted her chin. “Irene Cummings. The mayor’s personal assistant and the coordinator of this year’s anniversary ceremony of the settlement of Point Muse.”
“Oh, the mayor’s sister.” Now the officious woman made sense.
“I’m the coordinator of this event and the site is a disgrace. It was like Sera to let the gardens go to spite me.”
“Sure, my great-aunt could’ve cared less about spiting you. Odds are these plants are just decoration.”
“You refuse to remove them?” The woman glared poison daggers at Xandie.
“The ceremony’s due to start soon. Maybe there are other things to occupy your time.”
Irene grabbed two plants, trying to yank them out. She gave up and kicked them. “If anything goes wrong, it’s on your head, Ms. Meyers.” She gave her a similar evil eye to the ones the now-dressed octogenarians had cast at her and stomped off.
“Making friends with my sister?” Nigel Cummings stood close, wavering on his feet with a glass of champagne in hand.
She winced. Politicians made the worst drunks. She pasted on a fake smile. “Sorry. The plants upset her.”
“Irene’s intense. She’s my older sister and always looks
after me. Been that way since before our father passed.”
Not a mummy’s boy, but a sister’s boy. “I’m sorry about your father.”
He shrugged. “It was a long time ago. He was barely home, and when he was, he focused on Irene. Daddy’s little Princess, I guess.” He toasted her. “I’m sure your daddy’s princess too.”
And there was the awkward. “I upset her. I guess she wanted everything right for the ceremony today.”
“Organization’s Irene’s thing. She’ll calm afterward.”
God help her if she didn’t.
“Ms. Meyers. Your attention please.”
Great. Grumpy Irene back for a second round. Xandie grimaced. The mayor winked and drained his wine, waving as he wandered away.
“Ms. Meyers?”
Irene’s strident tones pricked at her self-control. Aiming for courteous, Xandie spun to face Irene.
“Ms. Cummings, anything else?”
“You refused to help with the weeds, but you’re still the owner of this property,” Irene muttered under her breath. “Such as it is.”
“I’m sorry?” Xandie arched an imperious eyebrow, copying her father’s patented student intimidation look.
“We need more seating and extra lighting pointed at the assembly area. This would be beneficial for the ceremony.” The mayor’s sister stood with hands on hip, daring her to refuse.
Gritting her teeth, Xandie complied. “I’ll see what I can do, Ms. Cummings.”
She ignored Xandie and swung away, marshaling her troops.
And that was her dismissal. Xandie trudged toward the house. Sera had chairs stacked in the garage and there were extra switches near the library for more external lights.
She breathed a sigh of relief as she entered the house and gained peace and quiet. Plaintive yowls from the pantry had her crossing the floor in a hurry. She opened the door and Theo shot out spitting and hissing. “How did you get caught in there? I shut you in upstairs.” Theo stared at her like she was an idiot. “A talking feline would be useful right now.” She straightened. She might as well check on the library. Make sure no one had gotten in. Outside the welcoming room, she fell over a broken chair.
“What the heck?” She kneeled and clutched a chair leg. “How did this break?” Gripping the piece of timber, she eased the door open and felt for the light switch. “I locked this earlier, I’m sure.” An electrical current fizzed, but the light remained off. “This is every horror movie I’ve ever seen.” Taking a deep breath, she slipped inside. Shadows covered the bulk of the interior, but small puddles of light illuminated a disturbed room. Table knocked over; decorative vase smashed and phone in pieces. She tiptoed around the mess and tried the internal door.