by Kelly Ethan
“She might've created me, but that dame’s two mini corns short of a herd.”
Xandie ambled towards the red cloud hiding her grandmother. But the spry old girl disappeared by the time she got there. Xandie took a lap around the tents to spot her delinquent family member, but instead ran across Davros and the judge, Wallace Moonshadow, arguing. Well, the judge was, Davros just rolled his eyes and tapped his clipboard.
“No more, Davros. First was that piece of work LaRue getting stoned. Then that traumatic vomiting event. I lost pounds, pounds. And now that weird old woman disappearing in a cloud of red smoke.” Wallace crossed his arms. “SPAFS is not paying me for this level of drama. In fact, they aren’t paying me enough at all.”
“Now, now, Wallace, take a breath and remember we have a contract.” Davros patted the man’s shoulder.
“I’m positive murder breaks the contract.” Moonshadow shook off the producer’s hand. “I’ll be in the judge’s tent packing.”
Davros waited for Moonshadow to leave and then pitched his clipboard at the side of the grooming tent, ducking as it rebounded back. “Prima donna! Money hungry, egotistical, talentless hack!” He squeaked the last word.
Xandie picked up the abused clipboard. “Here.”
Squealing in fright, the large man spun around and placed a trembling hand on his chest. “You have a talent for sneaking, Ms. Meyers.”
Xandie handed the producer his precious clipboard. “Sorry, it’s my devious Harrow genes.”
Davros shuddered. “My Nanna, was a poker crony of Elspeth’s before she passed on. If you’re half as effective as her at scaring people, you’ll be set in the sleuthing business.”
“What about the blackmail one?” Xandie arched an eyebrow.
“My. My. We are direct, aren’t we, sweetie?” Davros smirked at Xandie for a moment before sobering. “Yes, LaRue loved her blackmail. And no, she didn’t tap me. I’m an open book, can’t keep a secret to save me. She would have struggled to find anything to pin me down on that wasn’t common knowledge. But I was aware of her predilections and as long as the show went on, I didn’t care.”
“And now?”
“Now we have a killer on the loose, competitors are dropping out like flies for fear they’ll be next and nothing is running to schedule. This place is a nightmare.” He tugged at his curly brown hair with one hand and shook his clipboard with the other.
“Not happy in Point Muse?” Murder and mayhem was an acquired taste for most people, even supernatural ones.
He sniffed. “It’s not Point Muse. My father grew up here, I don’t have an issue with the town itself. It’s this place and those Medes driving me crazy.”
“You have problems with the resort?” Davros was definitely an open book. Information poured out of him.
“Power outages, missing props, people falling, employees and competitors quitting without warning. Plus, those Medes are trying to micromanage everything. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear they were trying to make us pack and leave.”
“And would you?”
“I’d be out of here in a flash if it was up to me. But I’m a producer of this circus. The SPAFS Corporation are notorious penny pinchers. They’d never cancel.”
“Thanks, Davros. I appreciate your honesty.”
“Eh,” he shrugged. “My Nanna owed Elspeth a poker marker before she died. Consider this the family’s repayment. Ciao, sweetie.” He waggled his fingers and left, yelling out for his minions as he went.
Xandie tapped her chin, deep in thought. That talk with Davros had been very interesting. Why would the Medes want to force SPAFS to cancel the pet show?
What did they get out of it?
Eleven
The red underneath her fingernails itched. Xandie scraped at the residue left over from her grandmother's smoke distraction.
“Good luck. Last time I put my hand in one of Elspeth spells, the skin was zombie green for two weeks.” Lila threw a piece of the crust from her blueberry pie at Xandie.
Xandie snatched it out of the air and chomped it. “I don't get how an old woman is so fast on her feet. The shifters should have had her. Instead, she disappears.”
“I'd say clean living, but this is Elspeth. Harvesting the death energy of her enemies? Who knows, but at least she’s at home under lock and key for now.”
Xandie glanced around Lila's quiet bakery. The late afternoon rush meant you had to line up if you wanted Lila's baked delights.
Lila followed Xandie's glance. “Been like this since the vomiting episode at the catering tent.” She shrugged. “As soon as Luna and that damn show leave all will be back to normal.”
“That show will be the death of me. Between searching for a killer and dealing with Colin and Elspeth, I'm exhausted.” Xandie slumped her head down on the table.
“One more stage to go. But with Colin down two to one, the best it will be is a draw. Mom told me it will go to a final stacking pose for a final decision.”
Xandie raised her head. “Your mom talked about the show?”
“I know, scared me too. But she seems okay, other than worried about who's marked for death next.”
“I'm more concerned about keeping her out of jail and working out what Lorelei LaRue did to get herself murdered.”
“I may be able to help with some of that.” A dapper gentleman in an evening coat with a burgundy cravat stared down at Xandie.
Lila cleared her throat. “I'll leave you to it, cuz.”
Xandie stared at the very well-dressed man. Skinny and tall with a shock of white blonde hair, something familiar about him niggled at her. She snapped her fingers. “You're a judge for the show.”
He bowed. “Myrddin. Noble Myrddin, at your service Librarian Meyers.” Myrddin's plummy English tones filled the air.
“Xandie is fine. How can I help you?” She waved to Lila's vacated chair. “You're welcome to sit.”
“Thank you.” He settled himself and then twitched his coattails back into place. “Since you're investigating the SPAFS murders. I did you the courtesy of approaching you first for my interview.”
Courtesy? The English gentleman image clashed with Point Muse’s air of teetering-on-the-edge-of-chaos atmosphere. “Why would I interview you Mr. Myrddin?”
“Because that detestable LaRue tried to blackmail me.” He made a face like he’d sucked a lemon.
What could this prim and proper man have done that was worth blackmailing? It was always the quiet ones... Xandie made an encouraging murmur.
“LaRue approached me the day before the show started. All bright-eyed and happy the entire time she was trying to blackmail me.” He sniffed, disgusted.
“If you don't mind me asking, what was she blackmailing you about?”
“Trying dear. Trying to blackmail me. One must be precise when dealing with this type of subterfuge. In my experience.” Myrddin’s smile twitched into something a little more devious.
“Okay, she was trying to blackmail you. Care to share why?”
Myrddin leaned on the table and smiled thinly at Xandie. “She found out about some of my most recent acquisitions from the Witchweb. I sometimes deal in…darker themed antiquities, shall we say?”
“You buy and sell black witch stuff and she wanted to blackmail you so your family or the SPAFS admin wouldn't find out?”
A rusty laugh broke out from the man. “That's the problem. She didn't do her research. My name descends not only from Merlin, but Morgan Le Fay as well.” He paused and waited for Xandie's reaction. “That's right. You grew up human, didn’t you?”
Said like an insult with a heavy dose of pity. Xandie forced herself to play nice. Pasting a saccharine sweet smile on, she agreed. “I was, but don't worry the Harrows and the library dealt with that ignorance.”
“Most of the Harrows are unremarkable, but Elspeth is impressive enough to carry them all. And what supernatural hasn't consulted the Great Library of Alexandria.”
Xandie prodded
the human-hating bigot. “The blackmail?”
“She’d imagined I’d want to keep my dark magic predilections quiet. But my family and I couldn't care less. In fact, I'm the most easy-going of my family line. As for SPAFS, while I'm doing a favor for the organizers, my predilections are irrelevant. I told that LaRue creature the same thing. One must have subtlety when conducting the art of blackmail and do one’s research. She didn't take it well.” He snickered for a moment. “She was quite desperate for money. Something to do with gambling. I saw her that last day, positively gloating over some big scheme coming to fruition. Then she died.”
“A blackmail plot came through?”
“Quite. I thought I'd make myself useful and impart some of my knowledge to you.”
“Nice of you.” If this creepy, uptight guy was the most easy-going of his family…? Xandie shuddered mentally, where the predator couldn't pick up a weakness.
“Not really. Now, the library itself owes me a favor. Or at least a consideration.” Myrddin stood and tipped an imaginary hat.
“Hang on a second. Did you see Lorelei talking to anyone the day she died?”
“Oh, she talked to quite a few people that day. But her secret meeting with the Kitsune man looked to be the most interesting.”
“One other thing, this favor you were doing SPAFS?”
“One of their usual judges was sick. I know one of the backers and offered to step in. There’re a few good suppliers around here that only work face-to-face. Our needs dovetailed.”
Xandie groaned. “Let me guess, Elspeth Harrow?”
“Your grandmother works only by referral and was one of my stops. It was well-planned, although all the squabbling beforehand made me almost reconsider my position.”
“Squabbling?”
“Contract negotiation between SPAFS and Malachi Mede. He had advice from someone about adding a special clause in and wouldn't sign until it was added.”
Clause. That spelled clue to Xandie. “Any idea what it was?”
Myrddin shrugged. “No clue. But it would be on his copy of the contract. All I know is that he spoke to a resort property consultant who advised him to add it. Caused SPAFS no end of grief, but they agreed to it in the end. They had very little choice at the last minute.”
“More blackmailers?”
“I heard on the grapevine there has been ASP sightings in the Point Muse surroundings. The news might interest you and the library, considering your connection to them. Now, good day, Ms. Meyers.” Myrddin retreated from the bakery as Lila poked her head out of the kitchen.
“Freak show gone?”
Xandie ignored Lila and pondered the said freaky man's words. Kitsune could only mean one person. Shan. And Lorelei had met with him on the day she died. Interesting. What was the bet that Shan had been the property consultant who wanted the clause added? Shot him right to the top of the suspect list. At least for now. Then his last warning about ASP. Maybe that prickling on her nape, and the feeling of being watched wasn’t Harrow paranoia. As Elspeth would say, it wasn’t paranoia if they were out to get you. Elspeth still refused to talk about her eldest daughter but when it came down to it. None of the Harrows would let ASP hurt Xandie or her missing mom.
“Earth to Xandie. Come in? You with me?”
“Working the puzzle pieces out. See what fits in my mind.”
“And?”
“And that polite Mr. Shan, Japanese Kitsune, and resort developer extraordinaire, is in it up to his furry little ears.”
Lila clapped her hands. “Woot. We have a suspect.”
Xandie agreed with a nod. “We have a suspect.”
Lila high-fived her. “About damn time. Normally you’re quicker than that.”
“It's not like I'm an expert! I’m still learning the murder investigation ropes.” Xandie stood and stretched. “Got anything planned tonight? Fancy a little breaking and entering?”
“I wish.” Lila made a face. “Aggie trapped me into providing refreshments for the citizen watch group she runs tonight. No chance of felonies when the police dispatcher has eyes on you.”
“Your loss.” Xandie stuck her tongue out and headed for the door.
“Need a ride?”
“In your bakery deathtrap van? No thanks. I'll have a leisurely stroll home. Hey, Lila?”
“Yes, dearest cousin who hasn’t annoyed me yet today?”
“Watch yourself and the rest of the family, okay?”
“What’s Elspeth done now?”
“That man, Myrddin? Told me ASP has been seen in town.”
Lila gathered a few plates off an empty table. “Don’t worry your geeky little head about it. We Harrows take care of each other. ASP won’t dare come near Elspeth, who knows how many of them she’s already buried out the back of Harrow House. You focus on solving the murders or you’ll deal with Elspeth instead, and she’s far worse.”
Relieved at passing her message on, even if it was ignored, Xandie poked her tongue out at her cousin again and then stepped out onto Main Street. The town had been busy since SPAFS had come. A little tourist dollar in the coffers was a wonderful thing. Even if it did bring murder to Point Muse. Xandie ambled past a couple of stores with opening soon signs. The last few months had seen new people settle into town. A gypsy being one of them. Zelda was planning to open a fortune telling and occult shop in the next few months. At least some Harrows were excited about it. But Elspeth pooh-poohed the idea. Nothing visible on a shelf was worth buying.
“Well, well. Look who we have here?” A short, older man with a yellowed beard stepped in front of Xandie, barring her way.
This is the same guy who'd scared Amity. The bookie. Xandie smiled sweetly. When in doubt, go on the charm offensive. “Hi. Nice to see the SPAFS crowd patronizing Point Muse.” Xandie placed a hand on his arm and continued. “It’s people like you that keep Point Muse afloat. Thank you from the bottom of Point Muse’s heart.”
The older man took a step back, out of range of Xandie's hand. “Yeah. I'm not part of that animal loving crowd.”
Xandie pretended to be confused. “But I saw you there with Amity? I assumed, I guess.”
“Well, you know what they say about assuming things.” He nodded at Xandie.
She blinked her eyes rapidly. “Why, no I don't? What does it mean?”
Yellow beard deflated and muttered. “Never mind. I’m here to give
you a warning.”
Xandie gasped, hand to her mouth. She fought off a snorting laugh. “Did I forget to pay the parking fine? I swear I meant to.”
“What? No. I mean...” He stumbled to a halt before taking a deep breath and plowing on. “Stay out of the LaRue investigation. Or you'll regret it.” He eyed Xandie. “You understand me?”
Xandie trilled a fake laugh. “You must have me confused with someone else. I'm not involved in any police work. Just a meek librarian here.” Xandie wiggled her fingers in a hello to the yellow bearded man.
He rubbed his sweating forehead and grimaced. “I’m passing a message along, then I'm leaving town. Too hot here right now and it's more profitable to stay away.”
“Oh, you poor man. Hot weather is a trial for those who are delicate.” Xandie pointed to his head. “Keep an eye on that headache. It could be an aneurysm.”
“It's not an aneurysm.” He shouted the last word and then visibly calmed himself. “For your own good. Stay out of it. You don't want to end up like LaRue.”
“You mean dead because she blackmailed the wrong person?”
Yellow beard looked surprised. “You know about that? There must be more to you than the ditzy librarian. Yeah, she had a few schemes going. She needed the money to pay off her gambling debts.” He shook his head. “The lady loved the racing corns, but had terrible taste. She was always broke, but good at threatening people. I figured that's what killed her. But around here, I guess gambling is a popular affliction.”
Xandie cocked her head. “Because other people in Point Muse owe yo
u money?”
The man nodded, but then froze.
“Is this gentleman bothering you, Ms. Meyers?” The Kitsune, Shan, loomed behind Xandie.
Suppressing the urge to curse his timing, Xandie shook her head. “Not at all. His face was red and sweaty. So, I thought the heat had affected him.”
Shan perused the graying sky. “Seems the heat has gone out of the sun for a while. I'm sure the gentleman will be fine and needs to get along?” Shan posed the question to yellow beard with a lift of an eyebrow.
The bookie nodded vigorously. “Yes sir, Mr. Shan. I do. Thanks for your concern.” He stared at Xandie for a few seconds. “Remember what I said, Miss. Look after yourself.” He nodded and scuttled across the street and disappeared around the corner.
“You need to be more careful, Ms. Meyers. Accosting strange dwarfs in the street isn't the best strategy for a long-term life.”
Dwarf? Explained his short stature and love of gold. “Is that a threat, Mr. Shan?”
“No threat.”
“Well then, if that's the case, I have places to be.” Xandie sashayed off, feeling smug as she gave Shan the cut direct.
“It’s an observation, but maybe you should listen to the little bookie.” Shan called out behind Xandie's back.
The things one learned when warned off by bookie dwarf. She’d lay bets herself that Shan had paid the bookie to get out of town by the way the little man had frozen when the Kitsune had spoken. Not to mention he’d known the dwarf was a bookie. Things were getting interesting, Xandie continued on home to the relative safety of the library.
So many things to do. Hopefully none of which included finding another body.
Twelve
“Are you sure we won't get caught? Because I don't need to add breaking and entering to my growing list of felonies, niece.” Amelia passed Xandie a small colorful mechanical bug.
“I asked for a flashlight, Aunt Amelia?”
“Tap the bug once to turn on, twice to turn off. It’s one of Elspeth’s monstrous experiments with science and magic.” Amelia frowned. “It's unnatural, but works well.”